mercurynews--2020-11-15--Man targeted elderly woman for abuse, tried to sell her home, police say

SAN CARLOS — A man who went missing during the summer just as investigators began looking into him as someone who may have targeted an elderly woman , stole her property , moved into her home and was trying to sell it , has been arrested , the San Mateo Sheriff ’ s Office has announced .
Paul Jason Kendrick , 42 , was arrested Friday on Pyrola Lane in San Carlos , where a neighbor reported noticing him back at the woman ’ s residence , the office said in a release .
Kendrick was arrested without incident and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to investigators .
He faces charges of grand theft of personal property and identity theft totaling more $ 950 by a caretaker from an elder or a dependent adult .
Kendrick is scheduled to appear in court Nov. 17 , sheriff ’ s office online records show .
Deputies and detectives began investigating Kendrick in August after they learned he had befriended the San Carlos woman , moved into her residence , and over the next several months , stole her jewelry , vehicles , drained bank accounts and attempted to sell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office said in a release .
Other details about the case , such as the woman ’ s age and the circumstances regarding how Kendrick allegedly met her , were not immediately available .
The investigation is on-going and additional charges are anticipated , including due to possible additional victims , the sheriff ’ s office said .
Investigators ask anyone with information to call 650-599-1536 .
People also can call the San Mateo County Sheriff ’ s Office Anonymous Tip Line at 1-800-547-2700 .

SAN CARLOS — A man suspected of befriending an elderly woman, moving into her home, stealing her property, and disappearing just as investigators turned their focus to him was spotted at the woman’s home again and arrested on suspicion of grand theft, authorities said.
The suspect, a 42-year-old man, was arrested Friday on Pyrola Lane in San Carlos, according to a statement from the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies and detectives began investigating the suspect in August after they learned he had befriended the San Carlos woman and moved into her residence. Over the next several months, authorities said, he stole her jewelry, vehicles, drained bank accounts and attempted to sell the victim’s house.
Investigators did not say how the suspect and the woman originally met. The sheriff’s office said in the release that the suspect had disappeared around the time its investigation was getting underway.
On Friday, a concerned neighbor spotted the suspect at the victim’s home and contacted police,the sheriff’s office said. He was arrested without incident and booked into the Maguire Correctional Facility on suspicion of grand theft of personal property and identity theft totaling more $950 by a caretaker from an elder or a dependent adult.
He is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday, sheriff’s office online records show. The sheriff’s office said it was continuing to investigate the case, including the possibility of additional victimes.
Investigators ask anyone with information to call 650-599-1536. People also can call the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office Anonymous Tip Line at 1-800-547-2700.


mercurynews--2020-11-15--Judge: DHS head didn’t have authority to suspend DACA

NEW YORK ( AP ) — A federal judge in New York ruled Saturday that Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf assumed his position unlawfully , a determination that invalidated Wolf ’ s suspension of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program , which shields young people from deportation .
“ DHS failed to follow the order of succession as it was lawfully designated , ” U.S. District Judge Nicholas Garaufis wrote .
“ Therefore , the actions taken by purported Acting Secretaries , who were not properly in their roles according to the lawful order of succession @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Karen Tumlin , an attorney who represented a plaintiff in one of two lawsuits that challenged Wolf ’ s authority , called the ruling “ another win for DACA recipients and those who have been waiting years to apply for the program for the first time.
” Wolf issued a memorandum in July effectively suspending DACA , pending review by DHS .
A month earlier , the U.S. Supreme Court had ruled that President Donald Trump failed to follow rule-making procedures when he tried to end the program , but the justices kept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again .
In August , the Government Accountability Office , a bipartisan congressional watchdog , said Wolf and his acting deputy , Ken Cuccinelli , were improperly serving and ineligible to run the agency under the Vacancies Reform Act .
The two have been at the forefront of administration initiatives on immigration and law enforcement .
• UN : At least 74 migrants die in capsizing off Libya coast • US deports migrant women who alleged abuse by gynecologist at detention center • What will a Biden presidency mean for California ?
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Garaufis ’ ruling Saturday , the judge wrote that DHS didn ’ t follow an order of succession established when then-Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen resigned in April 2019 .
DHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the ruling .

NEW YORK (AP) — A federal judge in New York ruled Saturday that Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf assumed his position unlawfully, a determination that invalidated Wolf’s suspension of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which shields young people from deportation.
“DHS failed to follow the order of succession as it was lawfully designated,” U.S. District Judge Nicholas Garaufis wrote. “Therefore, the actions taken by purported Acting Secretaries, who were not properly in their roles according to the lawful order of succession, were taken without legal authority.”
Karen Tumlin, an attorney who represented a plaintiff in one of two lawsuits that challenged Wolf’s authority, called the ruling “another win for DACA recipients and those who have been waiting years to apply for the program for the first time.”
Wolf issued a memorandum in July effectively suspending DACA, pending review by DHS. A month earlier, the U.S. Supreme Court had ruled that President Donald Trump failed to follow rule-making procedures when he tried to end the program, but the justices kept a window open for him to try again.
In August, the Government Accountability Office, a bipartisan congressional watchdog, said Wolf and his acting deputy, Ken Cuccinelli, were improperly serving and ineligible to run the agency under the Vacancies Reform Act. The two have been at the forefront of administration initiatives on immigration and law enforcement.
Related Articles National News | 3-year-old on Texas migrant bus dies on way to Chicago
3-year-old on Texas migrant bus dies on way to Chicago National News | Dozens dead as migrant ship overturns off Tunisia
Dozens dead as migrant ship overturns off Tunisia National News | Asylum-seekers start populating barge off southern England
Asylum-seekers start populating barge off southern England National News | Record number of people braving Darien Gap this year
Record number of people braving Darien Gap this year National News | 60 smuggled people found working in ‘horrible’ conditions at illegal Central Valley marijuana plant In Garaufis’ ruling Saturday, the judge wrote that DHS didn’t follow an order of succession established when then-Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen resigned in April 2019.
DHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the ruling.


mercurynews--2020-11-15--Drone helps lead to capture of armed robber in East Bay, police say

FREMONT — A drone and community camera footage helped investigators identify and arrest a man suspected of carrying out two robberies of motorists at gunpoint , police said .
A 26-year-old Hwyward man was taken into custody Friday and faces two counts of armed robbery , as well as charges stemming from outstanding warrants , including assault with a deadly weapon , illegal possession of a firearm and possession of a stolen vehicle , police said .
The first happened at 12:20 p.m. at Kato Road and Warm Springs Boulevard .
A stranded motorist was waiting for assistance when a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and then threatened the victim with a handgun .
The robber stole jewelry and the victim ’ s personal property before fleeing the scene .
About an hour later , another armed robbery occurred in the 44000 block of Old Warm Springs Blvd .
The victim was parked in his vehicle when a man walked up to his window and pointed a handgun at him .
The suspect made off with cash and the victim ’ s personal property .
Detectives reviewed community camera network footage in the neighborhood and discovered an older @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the robberies , which in turn led them to identify Garcia as a suspect on Friday and secure an arrest warrant for him , according to police .
Undercover detectives located Garcia in the 42000 block of Philadelphia Place .
Officers deployed a drone overhead as they attempted to conduct the arrest .
Garcia ran but the drone followed him and he was apprehended , police said .
An unloaded firearm and a separate loaded magazine were found in the area .
The suspect is currently on parole for assault with a deadly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stolen vehicle , police said .
He has also multiple prior arrests for robbery , illegal possession of a firearm , parole violations , transportation of narcotics for sales and felony evading , police said .
He was booked at the Fremont City Jail and is set to be arraigned Nov. 17 .
The robberies remain under investigation .
Police said anyone with information can contact Detective Troy Roberts at 510-790-6900 or troberts @ fremont.gov .

FREMONT — A drone and community camera footage helped investigators identify and arrest a man suspected of carrying out two robberies of motorists at gunpoint, police said.
A 26-year-old Hayward man was taken into custody Friday and faces two counts of armed robbery, as well as charges stemming from outstanding warrants, including assault with a deadly weapon, illegal possession of a firearm and possession of a stolen vehicle, police said.
Both robberies occurred on Thursday afternoon.
The first happened at 12:20 p.m. at Kato Road and Warm Springs Boulevard. A stranded motorist was waiting for assistance when a vehicle stopped nearby and a man emerged and then threatened the victim with a handgun.
The robber stole jewelry and the victim’s personal property before fleeing the scene, police said.
About an hour later, another armed robbery occurred in the 44000 block of Old Warm Springs Blvd. The victim was parked in his vehicle when a man walked up to his window and pointed a handgun at him, police said. The suspect made off with cash and the victim’s personal property.
Detectives reviewed community camera network footage in the neighborhood and discovered an older white Chevrolet Tahoe was allegedly linked to the robberies, which in turn led them to identify a suspect on Friday and secure an arrest warrant for him, according to police.
Undercover detectives located the suspect in the 42000 block of Philadelphia Place.
Officers deployed a drone overhead as they attempted to conduct the arrest. The suspect ran but the drone followed him and he was apprehended, police said.
An unloaded firearm and a separate loaded magazine were found in the area.
Related Articles Crime and Public Safety | Oakland nonfatal shooting suspect hit with federal gun possession charges
Oakland nonfatal shooting suspect hit with federal gun possession charges Crime and Public Safety | Recall effort aimed at unseating Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price moves closer to gathering signatures
Recall effort aimed at unseating Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price moves closer to gathering signatures Crime and Public Safety | FBI-led task force targeting major Bay Area fentanyl operation underway
FBI-led task force targeting major Bay Area fentanyl operation underway Crime and Public Safety | East Bay man gets 35 years to life for murdering his uncle before police shot him
East Bay man gets 35 years to life for murdering his uncle before police shot him Crime and Public Safety | Teen shot at Oakland outdoor memorial dies from wounds The suspect is currently on parole for assault with a deadly weapon, robbery and possession of a stolen vehicle, police said. He has also multiple prior arrests for robbery, illegal possession of a firearm, parole violations, transportation of narcotics for sales and felony evading, police said.
He was booked at the Fremont City Jail and is set to be arraigned Nov. 17.
The robberies remain under investigation. Police said anyone with information can contact Detective Troy Roberts at 510-790-6900 or troberts@fremont.gov.


mercurynews--2020-11-15--Stanford football: Cardinal’s late rally falls short against Colorado

The return of quarterback Davis Mills wasn ’ t enough for Stanford to get its first win of the season as the Cardinal fell to Colorado 35-32 Saturday at Stanford Stadium .
Mills rejoined the team on Friday after he was held out of the season-opening loss at Oregon and put in isolation because of an inconclusive COVID-19 test .
He was 31 of 56 passing for 327 yards and a touchdown , plus two 2-point conversions as Stanford tried to complete a massive comeback .
The Cardinal ( 0-2 , 0-2 ) scored 16 straight points in the final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ punt and got the ball back on its 8-yard line with 10 seconds left , but a series of laterals couldn ’ t move the ball forward on the final play .
CLICK HERE if you are having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device Cardinal receiver Connor Wedington , who also missed the opener because of contract tracing protocols , had a game-high eight catches for 77 yards and a 2-point conversion .
But Stanford couldn ’ t recover after Colorado ( 2-0 , 2-0 ) scored touchdowns on three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , taking a 35-16 lead on the first play of the fourth quarter .
Jarek Broussard , who ran for 187 yards in the opener , had 121 yards on 27 carries for the Buffaloes , who went 2-0 for the fifth straight season .
After running for 193 yards against the Ducks , Stanford running backs Austin Jones and Nathaniel Peat were held to 30 yards on 14 carries on Saturday .
Jet Toner , who missed all four of his field goal attempts last week , connected from 48 , 33 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those were the only points for the Cardinal in the first half .
After scoring just 14 points in seven trips inside the Oregon 35 last week , Stanford again stalled in the red zone against the Buffaloes and trailed 14-9 at halftime .
The Cardinal lost a home opener for the first time since 2007 , though it was far from a typical home game .
Instead of fans , Stanford played in front of nearly 300 cardboard cutouts , and 470 trees that were placed around the field and will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season .
There were also nearly 300 cardboard cutouts features famous Stanford alumni , former players and coaches , and family members of current players .

The return of quarterback Davis Mills wasn’t enough for Stanford to get its first win of the season as the Cardinal fell to Colorado 35-32 Saturday at Stanford Stadium.
Mills rejoined the team on Friday after he was held out of the season-opening loss at Oregon and put in isolation because of an inconclusive COVID-19 test. He was 31 of 56 passing for 327 yards and a touchdown, plus two 2-point conversions as Stanford tried to complete a massive comeback.
The Cardinal (0-2, 0-2) scored 16 straight points in the final nine minutes. It forced a Colorado punt and got the ball back on its 8-yard line with 10 seconds left, but a series of laterals couldn’t move the ball forward on the final play.
STANFORD, CA - NOVEMBER 14: A pass intended for Stanford's Austin Jones (20) is broken up by Colorado's Joshua Gustav (33), in the fourth quarter, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, at Stanford Stadium in Stanford, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
STANFORD, CA - NOVEMBER 14: Stanford quarterback Davis Mills (15) celebrates his third quarter rushing touchdown against Colorado, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, at Stanford Stadium in Stanford, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
STANFORD, CA - NOVEMBER 14: Stanford quarterback Davis Mills (15) looks for a receiver during the team's home opener against Colorado in an empty Stanford Stadium, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in Stanford, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
STANFORD, CA - NOVEMBER 14: Stanford's Bryce Tremayne (81) holds off Colorado's Isaiah Lewis (23), Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, during the Cardinal's fourth quarter rally at Stanford Stadium in Stanford, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
STANFORD, CA - NOVEMBER 14: Stanford's Michael Wilson (4) is tackled by Colorado's Akil Jones (36), Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, during the Cardinal's fourth quarter rally at Stanford Stadium in Stanford, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
STANFORD, CA - NOVEMBER 14: Stanford quarterback Davis Mills (15) throws a touchdown pass to Scooter Harrington (80) during the fourth quarter against Colorado, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, at Stanford Stadium in Stanford, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
STANFORD, CA - NOVEMBER 14: Stanford's Scooter Harrington (80) is mobbed by teammates after scoring a fourth quarter touchdown against Colorado, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, at Stanford Stadium in Stanford, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
STANFORD, CA - NOVEMBER 14: Stanford's Tucker Fisk (88) celebrates a two-point conversion late in the fourth quarter that shrinks Colorado's lead to 35-32, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, at Stanford Stadium in Stanford, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
STANFORD, CA - NOVEMBER 14: Stanford's Tucker Fisk (88) celebrates a two-point conversion late in the fourth quarter that shrinks Colorado's lead to 35-32, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, at Stanford Stadium in Stanford, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
STANFORD, CA - NOVEMBER 14: Stanford's Tucker Fisk (88) celebrates a two-point conversion late in the fourth quarter that shrinks Colorado's lead to 35-32, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, at Stanford Stadium in Stanford, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
STANFORD, CA - NOVEMBER 14: Stanford quarterback Davis Mills (15) hands off to Austin Jones (20) for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against Colorado, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, at Stanford Stadium in Stanford, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
STANFORD, CA - NOVEMBER 14: Stanford's Michael Wilson (4) catches a pass deep against Colorado's Nate Landman (53), Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, during the Cardinal's fourth quarter rally at Stanford Stadium in Stanford, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
STANFORD, CA - NOVEMBER 14: Colorado's Jaren Mangham (1) is hoisted by teammate William Sherman (78) after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against Stanford, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in Stanford, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
STANFORD, CA - NOVEMBER 14: Colorado quarterback Sam Noyer (4) throws a touchdown pass to Brendan Rice in the third quarter against Stanford, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in Stanford, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
STANFORD, CA - NOVEMBER 14: Stanford quarterback Davis Mills (15) passes in the second quarter against Colorado, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, at Stanford Stadium in Stanford, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
STANFORD, CA - NOVEMBER 14: Stanford wide receiver Scooter Harrington (80) makes a first down reception on the first scrimmage play of the game against Colorado, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, at Stanford Stadium in Stanford, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
STANFORD, CA - NOVEMBER 14: Stanford wide receiver Scooter Harrington (80) gets a first down on the first scrimmage play of the game against Colorado's Nate Landman (53) and Derrion Rakestraw (3), Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, at Stanford Stadium in Stanford, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
STANFORD, CA - NOVEMBER 14: Colorado quarterback Sam Noyer (4) rushes for a 7-yard touchdown against Stanford's Treyjohn Butler (8) and Malike Antoine (3) in the second quarter, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in Stanford, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
STANFORD, CA - NOVEMBER 14: Colorado's Dimitri Stanley (14) scores on a 55-yard pass against Stanford's Malike Antoine (3) and Noah Williams (9) in the first quarter, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in Stanford, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
STANFORD, CA - NOVEMBER 14: Colorado's Dimitri Stanley (14) celebrates his 55-yard touchdown with Jarek Brousard (23) in the first quarter against Stanford, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in Stanford, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
STANFORD, CA - NOVEMBER 14: Stanford's Malike Antoine (3) intercepts a Colorado pass in the first quarter, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in Stanford, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
STANFORD, CA - NOVEMBER 14: Stanford quarterback Davis Mills (15) rushes for a first down in the second quarter of the team's home opener against Colorado in an empty Stanford Stadium, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in Stanford, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
STANFORD, CA - NOVEMBER 14: Stanford takes the field in an empty Stanford Stadium for their delayed Pac-12 home opener against Colorado, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in Stanford, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
STANFORD, CA - NOVEMBER 14: With more trees than people in the stands, Stanford finishes warming up before their Pac-12 home opener against Colorado, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, at Stanford Stadium in Stanford, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
STANFORD, CA - NOVEMBER 14: Stanford quarterback Davis Mills (15) throws looks for Austin Jones (20) in the fourth quarter against Colorado, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, at Stanford Stadium in Stanford, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
CLICK HERE if you are having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device
Cardinal receiver Connor Wedington, who also missed the opener because of contract tracing protocols, had a game-high eight catches for 77 yards and a 2-point conversion.
But Stanford couldn’t recover after Colorado (2-0, 2-0) scored touchdowns on three straight possessions to start the second half, taking a 35-16 lead on the first play of the fourth quarter. Jarek Broussard, who ran for 187 yards in the opener, had 121 yards on 27 carries for the Buffaloes, who went 2-0 for the fifth straight season.
After running for 193 yards against the Ducks, Stanford running backs Austin Jones and Nathaniel Peat were held to 30 yards on 14 carries on Saturday.
Jet Toner, who missed all four of his field goal attempts last week, connected from 48, 33, and 28 yards Saturday, but those were the only points for the Cardinal in the first half.
After scoring just 14 points in seven trips inside the Oregon 35 last week, Stanford again stalled in the red zone against the Buffaloes and trailed 14-9 at halftime.
The Cardinal lost a home opener for the first time since 2007, though it was far from a typical home game. Instead of fans, Stanford played in front of nearly 300 cardboard cutouts, and 470 trees that were placed around the field and will be replanted throughout the Bay Area after the season.
There were also nearly 300 cardboard cutouts features famous Stanford alumni, former players and coaches, and family members of current players.


mercurynews--2020-11-15--Families of Oakland murder victims want cases solved, community to step up

OAKLAND — Dozens of relatives and friends of people murdered in Oakland spoke out at police headquarters Saturday afternoon , some expressing anger and frustration that the cases have not been solved by police and most agreeing the community has to step up to help stop the violence and bring killers to justice .
Two police commanders present said they are taking to heart what they heard and said the department would do better in solving cases and keeping family members more appraised of how investigations are progressing .
The emotional event was organized by Brenda Grisham , whose 17-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shot and his sister wounded outside their East Oakland home On Dec. 31 , 2010 .
Police have identified possible suspects but still don ’ t have enough evidence for prosecutors to charge anyone .
Grisham , who founded the Christopher LaVell Jones Foundation , and is the executive director of Their Lives Matter and also a member of the city ’ s Department of Violence Prevention , said she is frustrated that no one has been charged yet in her son ’ s killing or in thousands of others over the years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attorney ’ s office could do a better job of arresting and prosecuting suspects “ but they can ’ t do their job unless we step up as a community and help.
” She said too many families are being hurt by not only the killings of loved ones , but by the fact no one is being prosecuted in many of them .
Police and the district attorney and families , “ can ’ t do it alone , ” she said .
“ We need your help .
No one should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ayers , whose 35-year-old brother Kanem Ayers was killed Feb. 14 , 2014 at 24th and Market streets in West Oakland in a shooting where a 16-year-old boy was also killed , is upset with the lack of progress in the case and that she has not been kept updated , like many others in attendance said .
“ Of course we are angry .
Every family is angry .
If anyone out there has a heart , step up .
Please help our families.
” Kesse Taylor , whose son Anthony Terrel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and has who has lost other relatives to gun violence , said her heart “ still feels ripped out every day.
” She wants more communication from police and “ justice for my son .
We need these cases solved.
” Ramon Price , whose 17-year-old son Lamont Price was shot to death in February 2012 , said he understands why people want police held more accountable but said “ you can ’ t just blame police .
Police can only do so much .
We need the community to help .
Stand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Drennon Lindsey , Interim Deputy Chief of Police for the Bureau of Investigation , said she was “ so happy everyone has come together today to show support and unity for a common goal .
In my heart I fell the pain the families are going through .
I stand with them and support them .
We as a department will do everything to support you and bring closure for you and bring people to justice.
” Lt. Fred Shavies , commander of the 12-investigator homicide section , which has solved just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s 94 murders , which is slightly lower than previous years , said he appreciated “ everyone for being here ” and expressing their concerns .
He promised “ we will do better to solve cases and interface with families who have lost loved ones .
”

OAKLAND — Dozens of relatives and friends of people murdered in Oakland spoke out at police headquarters Saturday afternoon, some expressing anger and frustration that the cases have not been solved by police and most agreeing the community has to step up to help stop the violence and bring killers to justice.
Two police commanders present said they are taking to heart what they heard and said the department would do better in solving cases and keeping family members more appraised of how investigations are progressing.
The emotional event was organized by Brenda Grisham, whose 17-year-old son, Christopher LaVell Jones was fatally shot and his sister wounded outside their East Oakland home On Dec. 31, 2010. Police have identified possible suspects but still don’t have enough evidence for prosecutors to charge anyone.
Grisham, who founded the Christopher LaVell Jones Foundation, and is the executive director of Their Lives Matter and also a member of the city’s Department of Violence Prevention, said she is frustrated that no one has been charged yet in her son’s killing or in thousands of others over the years.
She said police and the district attorney’s office could do a better job of arresting and prosecuting suspects “but they can’t do their job unless we step up as a community and help.” She said too many families are being hurt by not only the killings of loved ones, but by the fact no one is being prosecuted in many of them. Police and the district attorney and families, “can’t do it alone,” she said. “We need your help. No one should have to go through this.”
Eva Ayers, whose 35-year-old brother Kanem Ayers was killed Feb. 14, 2014 at 24th and Market streets in West Oakland in a shooting where a 16-year-old boy was also killed, is upset with the lack of progress in the case and that she has not been kept updated, like many others in attendance said. “Of course we are angry. Every family is angry. If anyone out there has a heart, step up. Please help our families.”
Kesse Taylor, whose son Anthony Terrel Custer was killed in July 2015, and has who has lost other relatives to gun violence, said her heart “still feels ripped out every day.” She wants more communication from police and “justice for my son. We need these cases solved.”
Ramon Price, whose 17-year-old son Lamont Price was shot to death in February 2012, said he understands why people want police held more accountable but said “you can’t just blame police. Police can only do so much. We need the community to help. Stand up, step up, speak up.”
Related Articles Crime and Public Safety | Oakland nonfatal shooting suspect hit with federal gun possession charges
Oakland nonfatal shooting suspect hit with federal gun possession charges Crime and Public Safety | Recall effort aimed at unseating Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price moves closer to gathering signatures
Recall effort aimed at unseating Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price moves closer to gathering signatures Crime and Public Safety | FBI-led task force targeting major Bay Area fentanyl operation underway
FBI-led task force targeting major Bay Area fentanyl operation underway Crime and Public Safety | East Bay man gets 35 years to life for murdering his uncle before police shot him
East Bay man gets 35 years to life for murdering his uncle before police shot him Crime and Public Safety | Teen shot at Oakland outdoor memorial dies from wounds Drennon Lindsey, Interim Deputy Chief of Police for the Bureau of Investigation, said she was “so happy everyone has come together today to show support and unity for a common goal. In my heart I fell the pain the families are going through. I stand with them and support them. We as a department will do everything to support you and bring closure for you and bring people to justice.”
Lt. Fred Shavies, commander of the 12-investigator homicide section, which has solved just under 50 percent of this year’s 94 murders, which is slightly lower than previous years, said he appreciated “everyone for being here” and expressing their concerns. He promised “we will do better to solve cases and interface with families who have lost loved ones.”


mercurynews--2020-11-15--San Diego restaurants, gyms sue for right to operate indoors

SAN DIEGO ( AP ) — Four San Diego County restaurants and gyms that were forced to halt indoor operations beginning Saturday have filed a lawsuit seeking an emergency injunction to halt the shutdown .
The lawsuit filed on behalf of all restaurants and gyms came as 11 California counties , including San Diego , were forced to impose stricter limits on businesses after coronavirus cases rose above thresholds established by the state .
Under the purple level of the state ’ s COVID-19 reopening system , restaurants , bars that serve food , gyms , churches and movie theaters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The plaintiffs assert that the state and county orders interfere with their rights and violate the California Constitution , the San Diego Union-Tribune reported .
They are asking a judge to allow affected businesses to operate indoors under proper sanitation and social distancing protocols , a move they say will “ redress the harms suffered by them without undermining the government ’ s legitimate interest in public health.
” Businesses have pushed back on the idea that restaurants and gyms are to blame for virus transmission , and health officials have said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where family and friends are not wearing masks or socially distancing are to blame for the latest surge .
In Northern California , restaurant owners worry the tighter restrictions could end their business as cold , rainy weather deters people from dining outdoors .
“ What I ’ m mostly afraid of is that a lot of the restaurants that closed this time are not going to come back , ” Patrick Mulvaney , owner of Mulvaney ’ s B & L in Sacramento , told KOVR-TV .
• Pearl Harbor commemoration ceremony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate GOP memo warned of members ’ COVID infections , but it wasn ’ t sent to Democrats • Keep your hands clean , but avoid these dangerous hand sanitizers , FDA warns Still , officials in San Diego and Sacramento counties warned they will issue citations and possibly close businesses that violate the new restrictions .
California surpassed 1 million COVID-19 cases this week and recorded 9,875 cases on Friday .
A hearing in the lawsuit is scheduled for Tuesday before a San Diego Superior Court judge .

Associated Press
SAN DIEGO (AP) — Four San Diego County restaurants and gyms that were forced to halt indoor operations beginning Saturday have filed a lawsuit seeking an emergency injunction to halt the shutdown.
The lawsuit filed on behalf of all restaurants and gyms came as 11 California counties, including San Diego, were forced to impose stricter limits on businesses after coronavirus cases rose above thresholds established by the state. Under the purple level of the state’s COVID-19 reopening system, restaurants, bars that serve food, gyms, churches and movie theaters will be limited to only outdoor operations.
The plaintiffs assert that the state and county orders interfere with their rights and violate the California Constitution, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported. They are asking a judge to allow affected businesses to operate indoors under proper sanitation and social distancing protocols, a move they say will “redress the harms suffered by them without undermining the government’s legitimate interest in public health.”
Businesses have pushed back on the idea that restaurants and gyms are to blame for virus transmission, and health officials have said that small, casual gatherings at home where family and friends are not wearing masks or socially distancing are to blame for the latest surge.
In Northern California, restaurant owners worry the tighter restrictions could end their business as cold, rainy weather deters people from dining outdoors.
“What I’m mostly afraid of is that a lot of the restaurants that closed this time are not going to come back,” Patrick Mulvaney, owner of Mulvaney’s B&L in Sacramento, told KOVR-TV.
Related Articles Health | San Jose office building wobbles into default — again
San Jose office building wobbles into default — again Health | College students blocked from campus when COVID hit want money back. Some are getting refunds
College students blocked from campus when COVID hit want money back. Some are getting refunds Health | One controversial East Bay parklet reveals dilemmas of pandemic dining
One controversial East Bay parklet reveals dilemmas of pandemic dining Health | Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms
Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge Still, officials in San Diego and Sacramento counties warned they will issue citations and possibly close businesses that violate the new restrictions. California surpassed 1 million COVID-19 cases this week and recorded 9,875 cases on Friday.
A hearing in the lawsuit is scheduled for Tuesday before a San Diego Superior Court judge.


mercurynews--2020-11-14--Pearl Harbor commemoration ceremony to be closed to public

HONOLULU ( AP ) — The annual Remembrance Day ceremony to commemorate the attack on Pearl Harbor will be closed @ @ @ @ @ and streamed online as a result of the coronavirus pandemic .
The ceremony will begin @ @ @ @ @ 7 at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial ’ s Contemplation Circle in Hawaii .
A @ @ @ @ @ be in attendance on site , Hawaii News Now reported .
A moment of silence @ @ @ @ @ a.m. , the time when the Japanese attack on the American naval base began in @ @ @ @ @ s obligation to honor its veterans has been a sacrosanct pillar of our society , @ @ @ @ @ join us virtually for this important ceremony , ” said Scott Burch , acting superintendent @ @ @ @ @ .

HONOLULU (AP) — The annual Remembrance Day ceremony to commemorate the attack on Pearl Harbor will be closed to the public this year and streamed online as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The ceremony will begin at 7:50 a.m. on Dec. 7 at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial’s Contemplation Circle in Hawaii.
A small number of veterans will be in attendance on site, Hawaii News Now reported.
A moment of silence will be observed at 7:55 a.m., the time when the Japanese attack on the American naval base began in 1941.
“America’s obligation to honor its veterans has been a sacrosanct pillar of our society, and we encourage everyone to join us virtually for this important ceremony,” said Scott Burch, acting superintendent of Pearl Harbor National Memorial.


mercurynews--2020-11-14--The Latest: Both of Connecticut’s senators self-isolating

By The Associated Press HARTFORD , Conn. — Connecticut ’ s two U.S. senators were self-isolating Saturday after a member of Democratic Gov .
Ned Lamont ’ s staff tested positive for COVID-19 .
Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy each tweeted Saturday that they had not had close contact with the staffer but were taking the step out of an abundance of caution .
Lamont ’ s chief spokesperson , Max Reiss , identified himself as the senior staff member who had tested positive in a release posted to Twitter on Friday .
Reiss wrote he wasn ’ t sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus .
Murphy tweeted Saturday that he had “ attended an event yesterday with the Governor but was not in close contact with the staff member who tested positive .
Out of an abundance of caution , though , I am isolating until I get tested and consult with the Office of Attending Physician Monday morning.
” Blumenthal tweeted Saturday afternoon that he had “ just returned from being tested myself and am currently self-isolating.
” HERE ’ S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE VIRUS OUTBREAK : — Biden faces tough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — Officials monitor surge of cases in New Delhi as people socialize during India ’ s festival season — Experience in treating COVID-19 patients is proving invaluable at the hospital in Paris that recorded the epidemic ’ s first death in Europe .
Critical care doctors have learned not to put patients on ventilators if possible and to keep them awake and bathed in oxygen with face masks .
HERE ’ S WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING : CARSON CITY , Nev. — Nevada has reported a record number of new confirmed cases of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a row amid warnings from Gov .
Steve Sisolak that the state is at a “ critical juncture.
” Sisolak implored residents to stay home and do what they can to protect themselves a day after he announced he had tested positive for COVID-19 .
Sisolak told reporters on Friday that he wasn ’ t feeling any symptoms and would enter a quarantine .
Nevada reported 2,269 new cases and 15 additional deaths on Saturday , topping the record of 1,857 new cases set Friday .
Sisolak warned Nevadans earlier in the week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spread of the virus within two weeks , he will be forced to reimplement stricter measures .
NEW YORK — Students , parents and teachers are continuing to anxiously watch New York City ’ s coronavirus test results .
The latest figures Saturday fell under the city ’ s threshold for shutting down school buildings , but the mayor warned that the city was at a “ crucial ” point in fighting the virus ’ resurgence .
Mayor Bill de Blasio cautioned parents and teachers Friday to plan for a potential school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city could cross its deciding line — 3 % of coronavirus tests citywide coming back positive over a seven-day period — over the weekend .
The rate stayed short of that on Saturday , at 2.47 % , he said .
“ But that could change , ” the Democratic mayor tweeted , warning that the city was facing “ a critical weekend ” in combating the pandemic .
New York City has the United States ’ largest public school system , with more than 1 million students .
It became one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this fall after the pandemic forced schools online in the spring , though families had the option of continuing all-remote learning this fall .
About 280,000 students have attended in person , far fewer than the city originally expected .
ATHENS , Greece — Deaths from the coronavirus have topped 1,000 in Greece , and authorities say that over half occurred since Oct. 18 .
The Greek government has decided to shut down elementary schools , kindergartens and day care centers for two weeks starting Monday .
Children will be schooled at home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school and university students .
Authorities have stepped up controls and enforcement of a 9 p.m. – 5 a.m. curfew , including by making arrests .
Two foreign exchange students who hosted an after-hours party at their apartment in the northern city of Thessaloniki were arrested at 10.30 p.m. Friday and fined 3,000 euros ( $ 3,550 ) each on the spot .
The 24-year-old Palestinian man and 21-year-old woman from France received suspended prison sentences of 2 years and two months on Saturday .
Their 15 party guests , all university students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ euros ( $ 355 ) each but not arrested .
Greece reported 2,835 new confirmed virus along with 38 deaths on Saturday .
The country has reported 72,510 cases and 1,035 since the start of the pandemic .
PHOENIX —The coronavirus outbreak continues to surge in Arizona , with the U.S. state on Saturday reporting over 3,000 newly confirmed COVID-19 cases for the third day in a week and the highest single-day spike since July .
The state reported 3,476 additional cases and 45 deaths .
The state ’ s totals rose to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Friday , 1,470 people were hospitalized with the virus , the most since early August , but still far below the levels reached when Arizona was a national hotspot last summer .
The number of COVID-19 patients in intensive care beds reached 362 on Friday , the most since late August .
MILAN — The spread of the coronavirus in Italy is slowing , according to national health officials .
They said Saturday that the data might be an early sign that restrictions first adopted a month ago are starting to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reproduction rate for the virus dropped to 1.4 % from 1.7 % a week ago , although some regions have rates over 2 % .
The number of new infections starts to drop when the infection rate drops below 1 % .
Italian Health Minister Roberto Speranza said the lower transmission rate is not enough to show that the country has turned a corner .
He cited the increased number of hospitalizations .
Authorities said Saturday that nearly 500 more COVID-19 patients were admitted to hospitals since a day earlier , while 76 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added 37,255 new confirmed cases of coronavirus on Saturday , a slight drop from recent days that is consistent with weekend trends since fewer tests are performed .
The country ’ s death toll rose by 544 , for a pandemic total of 44,683 .
The regions containing the cities of Naples in the south and Florence in central Italy go on partial lockdown Sunday , a sign of the still perilous situation .
KYIV , Ukraine — Ukraine has introduced tight weekend restrictions as the number of new confirmed coronavirus cases hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the month , only grocery stores , pharmacies and public transportation are allowed to operate on Saturdays and Sundays .
Health Minister Maxim Stepanov said Saturday that Ukraine registered 12,524 new confirmed cases , about 800 more than the previous day .
The rapid rise in cases has severely strained Ukraine ’ s struggling medical system .
Stepanov said : “ The virus is spreading at the speed of a hurricane .
The country ’ s total number of confirmed cases in the pandemic is more than 525,000 , with 9,508 deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing positive for the coronavirus has soared to a new daily high in the United States .
Data from Johns Hopkins University indicates the number of confirmed cases reached 184,514 on Friday , as the number of people infected continues to surge .
The Johns Hopkins data shows the seven-day rolling average for virus-related deaths reported daily in the U.S. rose over the past two weeks from about 828 on Oct. 30 to 1,047 on Friday , an increase of about 26 % The seven-day rolling positivity rate also rose over the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an increase of about 50 % , even as the number of tests performed has grown .
WARSAW – Poland has reported 548 more COVID-19-related deaths , a record number since the start of the pandemic .
The country also reported more than 25,570 new confirmed cases infection cases on Saturday .
Most were in the southern industrial region of Silesia , in western province of Poznan and in Warsaw province .
The daily figures bring Poland ’ s totals to more than 691,100 confirmed cases and 10,045 deaths .
Virus expert Wlodzimierz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toll probably reflects last week ’ s peak in new infections .
He says the spread of the virus appears to be decelerating since the government introduced stricter anti-infection measures on Nov. 1 .
MOSCOW — Russia has reported a new one-day high in the number of confirmed coronavirus infections recorded .
The national virus task force reported 22,702 new cases and 391 more virus-related deaths on Saturday .
Russia ’ s highest daily death toll of the pandemic , 439 , was reported on Thursday .
Overall , Russia has reported 1,903.000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the start of the pandemic .
BEIRUT — Lebanese police are patrolling the streets of Beirut and ordering shops to close as the country begins a two-week lockdown to limit the spread of the coronavirus that has killed dozens over the past days in the small Mediterranean country .
The number of cases increased sharply in recent weeks around Lebanon , straining the country ’ s medical sector and almost filling hospital intensive care units .
A nighttime curfew has been extended during the lockdown lasting from sunset to sunrise while driving will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sundays .
Vehicles with odd and even number plates will be allowed to drive three days a week each to limit traffic .
The lockdown comes as Lebanon is passing through its worst economic and financial crisis in decades , leading to criticism of the closure by business owners who can not afford the loss of revenue .
Over the past year , the local currency shed 80 % of its value and tens of thousands lost their jobs in a population of some 5 million that has one of the highest debt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Doctors in Germany are calling for hospitals to postpone non-urgent surgeries in areas with high rates of coronavirus infections so medical personnel can concentrate on critically ill COVID patients .
Hospitals in Germany have resisted putting off plannable and elective procedures , arguing they would risk financial ruin doing so without further government support .
But a doctors union and four medical associations said in a joint statement Saturday that unless the strain on staff members can be eased , “ many intensive care units in particular will soon pass breaking point.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ clear signal ” to hospitals that any loss of income compared to the previous year will be compensated .
According to the intensive care medicine association DIVI , the number of ICU beds in Germany occupied by COVID-19 patients is higher than it was during the spring .
BERLIN — German Chancellor Angela Merkel says nursing home workers and the people they are caring for will be among the first to get access to coronavirus vaccines .
Merkel said Saturday in her weekly video address that staff and residents of nursing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soon as a vaccine is available .
Almost 1 million people in Germany live in nursing and care homes .
The country is seeking to buy 100 million doses of a vaccine being developed by German pharmaceutical company BioNTech and U.S. partner Pfizer .
Germany ’ s disease control agency reported a further 22,461 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to Saturday , as well as 178 additional deaths .
Since the start of the pandemic , Germany has recorded 773,556 confirmed cases and 12,378 deaths .
ISTANBUL — Turkish health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a day of COVID-19 amid a surge in infections , bringing the daily death toll to numbers last seen in April .
In figures released late Friday , the health ministry also reported 3,045 new patients , referring to the number of confirmed cases presenting symptoms .
Turkey has been criticized for only releasing the number of symptomatic cases in its figures since late July and the total number of confirmed infections is unclear .
The figures also show an upward trend in the number of critically ill patients .
The total death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ temporary weekend lockdowns in late May and reopened travel , restaurants and other businesses .
Officials have been urging people to stay at home but new restrictions so far have been limited to curtailing the movement of senior citizens in Istanbul and Ankara , closing businesses at 10 p.m. and banning smoking in crowded public places across the country .

By The Associated Press
SEATTLE — Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has scheduled a news conference for Sunday morning as COVID-19 case numbers soar throughout the Pacific Northwest where he will reportedly detail new restrictions.
Inslee’s office said he would discuss actions to combat the crisis but offered no details. The Seattle Times reports that among Inslee’s announcements will be a ban on indoor service at restaurants and bars and significantly reduced capacity at grocery stores and retail shops.
The newspaper cited industry officials briefed by Inslee’s staff. The Democratic governor will also prohibit all indoor social gatherings. And Inslee will reportedly limit grocery stores and retailers to 25% occupancy.
___
HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE VIRUS OUTBREAK:
— Biden faces tough choice of whether to back virus lockdowns
— Officials monitor surge of cases in New Delhi as people socialize during India’s festival season
— German government ad hails couch potatoes as virus heroes
— Experience in treating COVID-19 patients is proving invaluable at the hospital in Paris that recorded the epidemic’s first death in Europe. Critical care doctors have learned not to put patients on ventilators if possible and to keep them awake and bathed in oxygen with face masks.
___
Follow AP’s coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak
___
HERE’S WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING:
HARTFORD, Conn. — Connecticut’s two U.S. senators were self-isolating Saturday after a member of Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont’s staff tested positive for COVID-19.
Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy each tweeted Saturday that they had not had close contact with the staffer but were taking the step out of an abundance of caution.
Lamont’s chief spokesperson, Max Reiss, identified himself as the senior staff member who had tested positive in a release posted to Twitter on Friday. Reiss wrote he wasn’t sure how or where he had contracted the virus.
Murphy tweeted Saturday that he had “attended an event yesterday with the Governor but was not in close contact with the staff member who tested positive. Out of an abundance of caution, though, I am isolating until I get tested and consult with the Office of Attending Physician Monday morning.”
Blumenthal tweeted Saturday afternoon that he had “just returned from being tested myself and am currently self-isolating.”
___
CARSON CITY, Nev. — Nevada has reported a record number of new confirmed cases of the coronavirus for the second day in a row amid warnings from Gov. Steve Sisolak that the state is at a “critical juncture.”
Sisolak implored residents to stay home and do what they can to protect themselves a day after he announced he had tested positive for COVID-19. Sisolak told reporters on Friday that he wasn’t feeling any symptoms and would enter a quarantine.
Nevada reported 2,269 new cases and 15 additional deaths on Saturday, topping the record of 1,857 new cases set Friday.
Sisolak warned Nevadans earlier in the week that if the state fails to slow the spread of the virus within two weeks, he will be forced to reimplement stricter measures.
___
NEW YORK — Students, parents and teachers are continuing to anxiously watch New York City’s coronavirus test results. The latest figures Saturday fell under the city’s threshold for shutting down school buildings, but the mayor warned that the city was at a “crucial” point in fighting the virus’ resurgence.
Mayor Bill de Blasio cautioned parents and teachers Friday to plan for a potential school shutdown as soon as Monday, saying the city could cross its deciding line — 3% of coronavirus tests citywide coming back positive over a seven-day period — over the weekend.
The rate stayed short of that on Saturday, at 2.47%, he said.
“But that could change,” the Democratic mayor tweeted, warning that the city was facing “a critical weekend” in combating the pandemic.
New York City has the United States’ largest public school system, with more than 1 million students. It became one of few big cities to reopen classrooms this fall after the pandemic forced schools online in the spring, though families had the option of continuing all-remote learning this fall.
About 280,000 students have attended in person, far fewer than the city originally expected.
___
ATHENS, Greece — Deaths from the coronavirus have topped 1,000 in Greece, and authorities say that over half occurred since Oct. 18.
The Greek government has decided to shut down elementary schools, kindergartens and day care centers for two weeks starting Monday. Children will be schooled at home, as is already happening with high school and university students.
Authorities have stepped up controls and enforcement of a 9 p.m. – 5 a.m. curfew, including by making arrests.
Two foreign exchange students who hosted an after-hours party at their apartment in the northern city of Thessaloniki were arrested at 10.30 p.m. Friday and fined 3,000 euros ($3,550) each on the spot. The 24-year-old Palestinian man and 21-year-old woman from France received suspended prison sentences of 2 years and two months on Saturday.
Their 15 party guests, all university students from western Europe, were fined 300 euros ($355) each but not arrested.
Greece reported 2,835 new confirmed virus along with 38 deaths on Saturday. The country has reported 72,510 cases and 1,035 since the start of the pandemic.
___
PHOENIX —The coronavirus outbreak continues to surge in Arizona, with the U.S. state on Saturday reporting over 3,000 newly confirmed COVID-19 cases for the third day in a week and the highest single-day spike since July.
The state reported 3,476 additional cases and 45 deaths. The state’s totals rose to 273,063 cases and 6,300 deaths.
As of Friday, 1,470 people were hospitalized with the virus, the most since early August, but still far below the levels reached when Arizona was a national hotspot last summer.
The number of COVID-19 patients in intensive care beds reached 362 on Friday, the most since late August.
___
MILAN — The spread of the coronavirus in Italy is slowing, according to national health officials. They said Saturday that the data might be an early sign that restrictions first adopted a month ago are starting to work.
Italian authorities reported that the national reproduction rate for the virus dropped to 1.4% from 1.7% a week ago, although some regions have rates over 2%. The number of new infections starts to drop when the infection rate drops below 1%.
Italian Health Minister Roberto Speranza said the lower transmission rate is not enough to show that the country has turned a corner. He cited the increased number of hospitalizations. Authorities said Saturday that nearly 500 more COVID-19 patients were admitted to hospitals since a day earlier, while 76 more patients entered intensive care.
Italy added 37,255 new confirmed cases of coronavirus on Saturday, a slight drop from recent days that is consistent with weekend trends since fewer tests are performed. The country’s death toll rose by 544, for a pandemic total of 44,683.
The regions containing the cities of Naples in the south and Florence in central Italy go on partial lockdown Sunday, a sign of the still perilous situation.
___
KYIV, Ukraine — Ukraine has introduced tight weekend restrictions as the number of new confirmed coronavirus cases hit a national record.
Through the end of the month, only grocery stores, pharmacies and public transportation are allowed to operate on Saturdays and Sundays.
Health Minister Maxim Stepanov said Saturday that Ukraine registered 12,524 new confirmed cases, about 800 more than the previous day. The rapid rise in cases has severely strained Ukraine’s struggling medical system.
Stepanov said: “The virus is spreading at the speed of a hurricane.
The country’s total number of confirmed cases in the pandemic is more than 525,000, with 9,508 deaths.
___
BALTIMORE — The number of people testing positive for the coronavirus has soared to a new daily high in the United States.
Data from Johns Hopkins University indicates the number of confirmed cases reached 184,514 on Friday, as the number of people infected continues to surge.
The Johns Hopkins data shows the seven-day rolling average for virus-related deaths reported daily in the U.S. rose over the past two weeks from about 828 on Oct. 30 to 1,047 on Friday, an increase of about 26%
The seven-day rolling positivity rate also rose over the past two weeks from 6.4 to 9.6, an increase of about 50%, even as the number of tests performed has grown.
___
WARSAW – Poland has reported 548 more COVID-19-related deaths, a record number since the start of the pandemic.
The country also reported more than 25,570 new confirmed cases infection cases on Saturday. Most were in the southern industrial region of Silesia, in western province of Poznan and in Warsaw province.
The daily figures bring Poland’s totals to more than 691,100 confirmed cases and 10,045 deaths. Virus expert Wlodzimierz Gut said the growth in the death toll probably reflects last week’s peak in new infections. He says the spread of the virus appears to be decelerating since the government introduced stricter anti-infection measures on Nov. 1.
___
MOSCOW — Russia has reported a new one-day high in the number of confirmed coronavirus infections recorded.
The national virus task force reported 22,702 new cases and 391 more virus-related deaths on Saturday. Russia’s highest daily death toll of the pandemic, 439, was reported on Thursday. Overall, Russia has reported 1,903.000 confirmed virus cases and 32,834 deaths since the start of the pandemic.
___
BEIRUT — Lebanese police are patrolling the streets of Beirut and ordering shops to close as the country begins a two-week lockdown to limit the spread of the coronavirus that has killed dozens over the past days in the small Mediterranean country.
The number of cases increased sharply in recent weeks around Lebanon, straining the country’s medical sector and almost filling hospital intensive care units.
A nighttime curfew has been extended during the lockdown lasting from sunset to sunrise while driving will be completely banned around the country on Sundays. Vehicles with odd and even number plates will be allowed to drive three days a week each to limit traffic.
The lockdown comes as Lebanon is passing through its worst economic and financial crisis in decades, leading to criticism of the closure by business owners who cannot afford the loss of revenue. Over the past year, the local currency shed 80% of its value and tens of thousands lost their jobs in a population of some 5 million that has one of the highest debt ratios in the world.
___
BERLIN — Doctors in Germany are calling for hospitals to postpone non-urgent surgeries in areas with high rates of coronavirus infections so medical personnel can concentrate on critically ill COVID patients.
Hospitals in Germany have resisted putting off plannable and elective procedures, arguing they would risk financial ruin doing so without further government support.
But a doctors union and four medical associations said in a joint statement Saturday that unless the strain on staff members can be eased, “many intensive care units in particular will soon pass breaking point.”
They called on the government to send a “clear signal” to hospitals that any loss of income compared to the previous year will be compensated.
According to the intensive care medicine association DIVI, the number of ICU beds in Germany occupied by COVID-19 patients is higher than it was during the spring.
___
BERLIN — German Chancellor Angela Merkel says nursing home workers and the people they are caring for will be among the first to get access to coronavirus vaccines.
Merkel said Saturday in her weekly video address that staff and residents of nursing homes will “receive priority” as soon as a vaccine is available.
Almost 1 million people in Germany live in nursing and care homes. The country is seeking to buy 100 million doses of a vaccine being developed by German pharmaceutical company BioNTech and U.S. partner Pfizer.
Germany’s disease control agency reported a further 22,461 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to Saturday, as well as 178 additional deaths. Since the start of the pandemic, Germany has recorded 773,556 confirmed cases and 12,378 deaths.
___
ISTANBUL — Turkish health ministry statistics show 93 people died in a day of COVID-19 amid a surge in infections, bringing the daily death toll to numbers last seen in April.
In figures released late Friday, the health ministry also reported 3,045 new patients, referring to the number of confirmed cases presenting symptoms. Turkey has been criticized for only releasing the number of symptomatic cases in its figures since late July and the total number of confirmed infections is unclear.
The figures also show an upward trend in the number of critically ill patients. The total death toll has reached 11,326.
Turkey lifted temporary weekend lockdowns in late May and reopened travel, restaurants and other businesses. Officials have been urging people to stay at home but new restrictions so far have been limited to curtailing the movement of senior citizens in Istanbul and Ankara, closing businesses at 10 p.m. and banning smoking in crowded public places across the country.


mercurynews--2020-11-15--Marin DA files felony charges against 5 Bay Area residents accused of tearing down statue of Juniper

Marin DA files felony charges against 5 Bay Area residents accused of tearing down statue of Junipero Serra

Marin County prosecutors have filed felony vandalism charges against five people accused of tearing down a statue outside of a San Rafael church last month , but the suspects will not face hate crime charges recommended by police .
The five suspects caused at least $ 10,000 in damage in connection with the Oct. 12 incident at St. Raphael Catholic Church on Fifth Avenue , according to a complaint filed Thursday by the Marin County District Attorney ’ s Office .
Under state law , vandalism is considered a felony if the damage exceeds $ 400 .
The incident occurred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the church .
Police said a small group of protesters painted and destroyed the church ’ s statue of Junipero Serra , an 18th-century Catholic priest who founded nine of California ’ s missions .
Melissa Aguilar , Mayorgi Nadieska Delgadille , Victoria Eva Montano Pena , Moira Van de Walker and Andrew Lester Mendle each face one count of felony vandalism .
San Rafael police arrested Aguilar , Delgadille , Montano Pena and Van de Walker at the scene of the incident .
Ines Shiam Gardilcic , who was also arrested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Police recommended charges for all five people who were arrested , in addition to Mendle , who was later identified as a suspect .
Police Chief Diana Bishop said her department recommended a charge of vandalism to a place of worship for each of the six suspects .
She noted that such a charge is considered a hate crime .
In a letter to District Attorney Lori Frugoli last month , San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone urged prosecutors to follow the San Rafael Police Department ’ s recommendation to pursue hate crime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to press charges to the full extent of the law , ” Cordileone wrote .
In a statement on Friday , Cordileone said Frugoli ’ s decision to charge the suspects was “ a breakthrough moment for Catholics.
” “ While a hate crime was not charged in this case , let us hope that this prosecution will nonetheless contribute to putting an end to attacks on all houses of worship , ” Cordileone said .
Frugoli did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Friday .
Bishop said Frugoli told her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have evidence to pursue hate crime charges , which would require proof of intent .
“ Based on her explanation , I agreed with the decision , ” Bishop said .

Marin County prosecutors have filed felony vandalism charges against five people accused of tearing down a statue outside of a San Rafael church last month, but the suspects will not face hate crime charges recommended by police.
The five suspects caused at least $10,000 in damage in connection with the Oct. 12 incident at St. Raphael Catholic Church on Fifth Avenue, according to a complaint filed Thursday by the Marin County District Attorney’s Office. Under state law, vandalism is considered a felony if the damage exceeds $400.
The incident occurred during an Indigenous Peoples Day demonstration outside of the church. Police said a small group of protesters painted and destroyed the church’s statue of Junipero Serra, an 18th-century Catholic priest who founded nine of California’s missions.
Melissa Aguilar, Mayorgi Nadieska Delgadille, Victoria Eva Montano Pena, Moira Van de Walker and Andrew Lester Mendle each face one count of felony vandalism.
San Rafael police arrested Aguilar, Delgadille, Montano Pena and Van de Walker at the scene of the incident. Ines Shiam Gardilcic, who was also arrested, was not named in the complaint. Police recommended charges for all five people who were arrested, in addition to Mendle, who was later identified as a suspect.
Police Chief Diana Bishop said her department recommended a charge of vandalism to a place of worship for each of the six suspects. She noted that such a charge is considered a hate crime.
In a letter to District Attorney Lori Frugoli last month, San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone urged prosecutors to follow the San Rafael Police Department’s recommendation to pursue hate crime charges.
“I am asking you to press charges to the full extent of the law,” Cordileone wrote.
In a statement on Friday, Cordileone said Frugoli’s decision to charge the suspects was “a breakthrough moment for Catholics.”
“While a hate crime was not charged in this case, let us hope that this prosecution will nonetheless contribute to putting an end to attacks on all houses of worship,” Cordileone said.
Frugoli did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Friday.
Bishop said Frugoli told her last week that prosecutors didn’t have evidence to pursue hate crime charges, which would require proof of intent.
“Based on her explanation, I agreed with the decision,” Bishop said.


mercurynews--2020-11-15--Third Santa Cruz County skilled nursing facility reports coronavirus outbreak

SANTA CRUZ — Santa Cruz Post Acute , a skilled nursing facility , is experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak .
It is the third outbreak of its kind in Santa Cruz County , county spokesman Jason Hoppin confirmed Friday .
Hoppin said that the center made the county ’ s Health Services Agency aware of a COVID-19-positive staff member with symptoms on Nov. 7 .
As of the most recent update he received , 17 residents and four staff members have tested positive .
Santa Cruz Post Acute has a capacity of up to 149 residents , according to licensing paperwork @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Santa Cruz Post Acute and Watsonville Post Acute , the site of the first skilled nursing facility outbreak in Santa Cruz County , are not affiliated .
Hoppin said that the California Department of Public Health made a visit to the center a few days ago and the department has taken the lead on mitigation because it is a state-licensed facility .
A visit is not an indication that staff or management has done anything wrong , Hoppin said .
The visit is just a check in to try to help stabilize the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were no deaths .
But this is another example of how widely the virus is spreading through the county , Hoppin said .
This outbreak and the county ’ s first two recorded outbreaks at skilled nursing facilities — at Watsonville Post Acute in Watsonville and Maple House II in Live Oak — have started with a staff member contracting the virus .
At Santa Cruz Post Acute , this happened despite surveillance testing , or regular screening , that staff was subjected to .
“ Again , it ’ s a highly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Everyone should reinvest themselves in taking precautions to protect themselves and others .
Wearing a mask is huge .
Practice social distancing and avoid gatherings .
Gatherings are a major source of transmission ( here ) , along with household transmission of course.
” Santa Cruz Post Acute spokesman Dan Kramer said the center is continuing to follow the guidance provided by local and state authorities and is updating family members and residents when there are new positive cases .
In addition , the staff is offering a weekly status update .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Post Acute provided personal protective equipment to staff , restricted non-medically necessary visits to the facility , screened employees and residents for symptoms and high temperatures and avoided group activities when possible .
“ At Santa Cruz Post Acute our primary concern is , and has always been , the health and well-being of our residents and staff , ” Kramer said in an email .
“ We continue to closely monitor the health of all of our residents and staff , both for their well-being and for the well-being of others in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ husband is a resident at the center , said that she has been notified numerous times about the current outbreak since Nov. 6 , the day before Santa Cruz Post Acute reached out to local health experts .
On Thursday afternoon , Vance said she got a personal call from a staff member who needed to alert her that her husband had been exposed to the coronavirus but his test came back negative .
“ I imagine a lot of the patients were exposed , ” Vance said .

SANTA CRUZ — Santa Cruz Post Acute, a skilled nursing facility, is experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak. It is the third outbreak of its kind in Santa Cruz County, county spokesman Jason Hoppin confirmed Friday.
Hoppin said that the center made the county’s Health Services Agency aware of a COVID-19-positive staff member with symptoms on Nov. 7. As of the most recent update he received, 17 residents and four staff members have tested positive. Santa Cruz Post Acute has a capacity of up to 149 residents, according to licensing paperwork. Though the names are similar, Santa Cruz Post Acute and Watsonville Post Acute, the site of the first skilled nursing facility outbreak in Santa Cruz County, are not affiliated.
Hoppin said that the California Department of Public Health made a visit to the center a few days ago and the department has taken the lead on mitigation because it is a state-licensed facility. A visit is not an indication that staff or management has done anything wrong, Hoppin said. The visit is just a check in to try to help stabilize the outbreak,
As of Friday, there were no deaths. But this is another example of how widely the virus is spreading through the county, Hoppin said.
This outbreak and the county’s first two recorded outbreaks at skilled nursing facilities — at Watsonville Post Acute in Watsonville and Maple House II in Live Oak — have started with a staff member contracting the virus. At Santa Cruz Post Acute, this happened despite surveillance testing, or regular screening, that staff was subjected to.
“Again, it’s a highly vulnerable population,” Hoppin said. “Everyone should reinvest themselves in taking precautions to protect themselves and others. Wearing a mask is huge. Practice social distancing and avoid gatherings. Gatherings are a major source of transmission (here), along with household transmission of course.”
Santa Cruz Post Acute spokesman Dan Kramer said the center is continuing to follow the guidance provided by local and state authorities and is updating family members and residents when there are new positive cases. In addition, the staff is offering a weekly status update.
Before anyone tested positive, Santa Cruz Post Acute provided personal protective equipment to staff, restricted non-medically necessary visits to the facility, screened employees and residents for symptoms and high temperatures and avoided group activities when possible.
“At Santa Cruz Post Acute our primary concern is, and has always been, the health and well-being of our residents and staff,” Kramer said in an email. “We continue to closely monitor the health of all of our residents and staff, both for their well-being and for the well-being of others in our facility.”
Kathy Vance, whose husband is a resident at the center, said that she has been notified numerous times about the current outbreak since Nov. 6, the day before Santa Cruz Post Acute reached out to local health experts. On Thursday afternoon, Vance said she got a personal call from a staff member who needed to alert her that her husband had been exposed to the coronavirus but his test came back negative.
“I imagine a lot of the patients were exposed,” Vance said.
By the numbers
Total known cases: 3,356
Active known cases: 480
Recovered known cases: 2,850
Related deaths: 26
Related hospitalizations: 201
Negative lab results: 65,623


mercurynews--2020-11-15--Mother of California school shooter will not face charges

The mother of the Saugus High School teen who shot five students before fatally turning the gun on himself will not face any charges related to the weapon used in the shooting , officials said Friday .
Saturday marks one year since the shooting , which led to three deaths , including the shooter ’ s .
The tragedy rocked the Santa Clarita community and became national news .
Nathaniel Berhow , 16 , a junior at the Santa Clarita high school , pulled out a gun from his backpack before classes were about to start on Thursday morning , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , killing 15-year-old Gracie Muehlberger and 14-year-old Dominic Blackwell .
The three injured students have since returned to attending classes , said Dave Caldwell , a spokesman for the William S. Hart Union High School District .
Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said earlier that Berhow used an unregistered .45-caliber handgun in the shooting , which investigators believed belonged to his late father .
It was believed that the father – who was not allowed to own firearms – assembled the so-called “ ghost gun , ” which can be put together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mark Berhow , who died in 2017 , was thought to have built the handgun after deputies seized weapons from the family ’ s home after he was placed on a psychiatric hold in 2015 , Villanueva said in May .
He had been building guns in the family ’ s basement , which his wife Mami Matsuura-Berhow was unaware of , the sheriff said at the time .
A case proposing charges against Matsuura-Berhow for felony criminal storage of a firearm and misdemeanor delinquency of a minor was declined by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Office , spokesman Greg Risling said Friday .
The case was declined on Oct. 23 due to insufficient evidence , he said .
Shortly after last year ’ s shooting , thousands attended a vigil honoring the victims who were killed .
On Saturday , with the coronavirus pandemic ongoing , community members will instead hold a virtual day of remembrance for those impacted by the shooting .
“ That ’ s one of the things about Santa Clarita that is so great … the difficult moments people went through , there was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Caldwell said Friday .
“ People standing with the rest of us , who were challenged during that time , that has continued on in Santa Clarita.
” Anyone is welcome to attend the “ Unity of Community ” virtual event , which was produced by the Saugus High School video production class and will be livestreamed on YouTube at 6 p.m. Saturday , Nov. 14 .
The 90-minute event will have music , messages of inspiration and include the families of Muehlberger and Blackwell .
To tune into the event , @ @ @

The mother of the Saugus High School teen who shot five students before fatally turning the gun on himself will not face any charges related to the weapon used in the shooting, officials said Friday.
Saturday marks one year since the shooting, which led to three deaths, including the shooter’s. The tragedy rocked the Santa Clarita community and became national news.
Nathaniel Berhow, 16, a junior at the Santa Clarita high school, pulled out a gun from his backpack before classes were about to start on Thursday morning, Nov. 14. He shot five students, killing 15-year-old Gracie Muehlberger and 14-year-old Dominic Blackwell.
The three injured students have since returned to attending classes, said Dave Caldwell, a spokesman for the William S. Hart Union High School District.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said earlier that Berhow used an unregistered .45-caliber handgun in the shooting, which investigators believed belonged to his late father. It was believed that the father – who was not allowed to own firearms – assembled the so-called “ghost gun,” which can be put together using parts easily bought on the internet.
Mark Berhow, who died in 2017, was thought to have built the handgun after deputies seized weapons from the family’s home after he was placed on a psychiatric hold in 2015, Villanueva said in May. He had been building guns in the family’s basement, which his wife Mami Matsuura-Berhow was unaware of, the sheriff said at the time.
A case proposing charges against Matsuura-Berhow for felony criminal storage of a firearm and misdemeanor delinquency of a minor was declined by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, spokesman Greg Risling said Friday. The case was declined on Oct. 23 due to insufficient evidence, he said.
A Sheriff’s Department spokesman deferred comment to the District Attorney’s office.
Shortly after last year’s shooting, thousands attended a vigil honoring the victims who were killed. On Saturday, with the coronavirus pandemic ongoing, community members will instead hold a virtual day of remembrance for those impacted by the shooting.
“That’s one of the things about Santa Clarita that is so great … the difficult moments people went through, there was this outpouring of love and support,” Caldwell said Friday. “People standing with the rest of us, who were challenged during that time, that has continued on in Santa Clarita.”
Anyone is welcome to attend the “Unity of Community” virtual event, which was produced by the Saugus High School video production class and will be livestreamed on YouTube at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. The 90-minute event will have music, messages of inspiration and include the families of Muehlberger and Blackwell.
To tune into the event, click here.


mercurynews--2020-11-15--George Gascón plans to reopen 4 LA police shooting investigations for review upon taking over as dis

George Gascón plans to reopen 4 LA police shooting investigations for review upon taking over as district attorney

Four cases of fatal police shootings in Los Angeles County are on track to be reopened for review after George Gascón won election over incumbent Jackie Lacey to be the next District Attorney .
Gascón , who ran on a platform of justice reform , announced his intention to reopen the cases should he win election in November .
Lacey , who was L.A. County ’ s first female and first Black district attorney , conceded the race last week .
In Los Angeles County , any time a law enforcement officer uses force , an independent investigation is conducted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to determine if the officer acted within the law .
“ The community needs to know that police who commit harm will be brought to justice , ” Gascón said in a Friday statement .
“ We can not expect the community to trust us if we don ’ t hold ourselves to the same standards that we hold the community to.
” Gascón has served as district attorney in San Francisco after a 40-year law enforcement career that included working his way through the ranks of the Los Angeles Police Department to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rank of police chief in Mesa , Arizona and San Francisco .
He said his office plans to reopen the cases as soon as possible and that those involved will be held responsible if warranted .
Lacey ’ s office declined to comment Friday on Gascón ’ s intent to reopen the cases .
Gardena police shoot man for not complying with orders Ricardo Diaz-Zeferino , 35 , was shot by Gardena police after he failed to comply with their commands during a robbery call in June 2013 .
Dashcam video of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a federal court judge , made national news .
Diaz-Zeferino was not armed , but brought his hands down multiple times when police ordered him to keep them up .
He was shot eight times after he pulled his hands down , removing his baseball cap as he did so .
A second man with Diaz-Zeferino was also injured by gunfire .
Police mistakenly suspected Diaz-Zeferino and two others of stealing a bicycle .
It was later learned that the stolen bicycle belonged to Diaz-Zeferino ’ s brother and that he and two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The city paid out $ 4.7 million to settle a federal lawsuit .
“ Simply stated , the failure to comply with a command from an officer is not a justification for deadly force , ” Gascón said in the letter , adding that the officers never assessed whether Diaz-Zeferino failed to comply for other reasons .
A toxicology report noted Diaz-Zeferino was drunk and had methamphetamine in his system at the time of his death .
The case was reviewed independently by a former Los Angeles Police Department captain , who concluded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the call as a robbery , rather than petty theft , was the reason behind the officers ’ aggressive response .
Hector Morejon , 19 , was shot by a Long Beach police officer who peered into a window during a trespassing and vandalism call and saw a man extend his arm and appear to make a shooting stance , the officer would say .
Morejon , according to a statement from another man inside the apartment unit , was unarmed , but may have had a glove in his hand and was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the apartment when the officer fired , a DA ’ s report said .
The DA ’ s office declined to prosecute the officer , but called his decision-making “ troubling , ” partly because he did not announce his presence while looking through the window .
The officer shot once , hitting Morejon in the back .
He was pronounced dead at a hospital .
The city paid $ 1.5 million to settle a lawsuit brought on by Morejon ’ s family .
In a statement , the Long Beach Police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the case being reopened , but “ we are always open to an impartial and objective review , by the District Attorney ’ s Office , of the facts and evidence in cases involving our officers.
” Lacey ’ s office concluded that it felt it could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officer ’ s actions were unlawful .
Gascón criticized Lacey ’ s office for focusing almost exclusively on the lack of credibility of the witness and not the evidence .
“ Taking a firing stance required Morejon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that does not square with a bullet entering Morejon in the back , ” he wrote .
A pair of Torrance police officers were cleared of wrongdoing in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Christopher Deandre Mitchell in December 2018 , but Gascón noted one officer gave Mitchell conflicting commands before firing .
Officers found Mitchell in the driver ’ s seat of a suspected stolen car , which was parked at a grocery store parking lot .
Upon contacting Mitchell , one officer noticed the handle of a firearm between Mitchell ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ observation to his partner , Gascón wrote .
The officer ordered Mitchell not to move , then later ordered him out of the car and fired a second later when Mitchell lowered his hands .
His partner then fired two shots .
All three struck Mitchell , who died .
Gascón said it would have taken a substantial amount of time for Mitchell to remove the rifle and turn it toward the officers , therefore it was questionable as to whether Mitchell posed an immediate danger .
The shooting sparked several months of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which spilled into Torrance City Council meetings .
A federal lawsuit filed by the family remains open in court .
Despite a recommendation from then LAPD Chief Charlie Beck to file charges , Lacey ’ s office declined to prosecute an LAPD officer for shooting 29-year-old Brendon Glenn twice in the back during a struggle in front of a Venice bar in May 2015 .
Glenn was shot while struggling with two officers outside a bar where he had fought with a bouncer .
LAPD officials said Glenn was not attempting to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police were initially called to ask Glenn to leave the area because he was being loud and obnoxious at another nearby bar , according to the 911 caller .
Lacey ’ s office declined to pursue charges because it felt there was insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officer did not act in lawful defense , the DA ’ s report said .
The officer has since resigned from the Department and the city paid $ 4 million to settle a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Glenn ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not immediately available to provide a statement for this story .
The Gardena and Torrance Police Departments did not respond to requests for comment .

Four cases of fatal police shootings in Los Angeles County are on track to be reopened for review after George Gascón won election over incumbent Jackie Lacey to be the next District Attorney.
Gascón, who ran on a platform of justice reform, announced his intention to reopen the cases should he win election in November. Lacey, who was L.A. County’s first female and first Black district attorney, conceded the race last week.
In Los Angeles County, any time a law enforcement officer uses force, an independent investigation is conducted by the District Attorney’s office to determine if the officer acted within the law.
“The community needs to know that police who commit harm will be brought to justice,” Gascón said in a Friday statement. “We cannot expect the community to trust us if we don’t hold ourselves to the same standards that we hold the community to.”
Gascón has served as district attorney in San Francisco after a 40-year law enforcement career that included working his way through the ranks of the Los Angeles Police Department to become an assistant chief before earning the rank of police chief in Mesa, Arizona and San Francisco.
He said his office plans to reopen the cases as soon as possible and that those involved will be held responsible if warranted.
Lacey’s office declined to comment Friday on Gascón’s intent to reopen the cases.
Gardena police shoot man for not complying with orders
Ricardo Diaz-Zeferino, 35, was shot by Gardena police after he failed to comply with their commands during a robbery call in June 2013. Dashcam video of the incident, ordered to be released by a federal court judge, made national news.
Diaz-Zeferino was not armed, but brought his hands down multiple times when police ordered him to keep them up. He was shot eight times after he pulled his hands down, removing his baseball cap as he did so. A second man with Diaz-Zeferino was also injured by gunfire.
Police mistakenly suspected Diaz-Zeferino and two others of stealing a bicycle. It was later learned that the stolen bicycle belonged to Diaz-Zeferino’s brother and that he and two friends were helping in the search.
The city paid out $4.7 million to settle a federal lawsuit.
“Simply stated, the failure to comply with a command from an officer is not a justification for deadly force,” Gascón said in the letter, adding that the officers never assessed whether Diaz-Zeferino failed to comply for other reasons.
A toxicology report noted Diaz-Zeferino was drunk and had methamphetamine in his system at the time of his death.
The case was reviewed independently by a former Los Angeles Police Department captain, who concluded that an error by dispatchers in classifying the call as a robbery, rather than petty theft, was the reason behind the officers’ aggressive response.
Lacey’s office concluded the officers acted in lawful self-defense.
Long Beach officer shoots unarmed teenager
Hector Morejon, 19, was shot by a Long Beach police officer who peered into a window during a trespassing and vandalism call and saw a man extend his arm and appear to make a shooting stance, the officer would say.
Morejon, according to a statement from another man inside the apartment unit, was unarmed, but may have had a glove in his hand and was pointing at two others who were sleeping in the apartment when the officer fired, a DA’s report said.
The DA’s office declined to prosecute the officer, but called his decision-making “troubling,” partly because he did not announce his presence while looking through the window.
The officer shot once, hitting Morejon in the back. He was pronounced dead at a hospital.
The city paid $1.5 million to settle a lawsuit brought on by Morejon’s family.
In a statement, the Long Beach Police Department said it had not been contacted about the case being reopened, but “we are always open to an impartial and objective review, by the District Attorney’s Office, of the facts and evidence in cases involving our officers.”
Lacey’s office concluded that it felt it could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officer’s actions were unlawful.
Gascón criticized Lacey’s office for focusing almost exclusively on the lack of credibility of the witness and not the evidence.
“Taking a firing stance required Morejon to face (the officer), and that does not square with a bullet entering Morejon in the back,” he wrote.
Torrance officers shoot man in suspected stolen car
A pair of Torrance police officers were cleared of wrongdoing in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Christopher Deandre Mitchell in December 2018, but Gascón noted one officer gave Mitchell conflicting commands before firing.
Officers found Mitchell in the driver’s seat of a suspected stolen car, which was parked at a grocery store parking lot.
Upon contacting Mitchell, one officer noticed the handle of a firearm between Mitchell’s legs, but never relayed that observation to his partner, Gascón wrote. The officer ordered Mitchell not to move, then later ordered him out of the car and fired a second later when Mitchell lowered his hands. His partner then fired two shots.
All three struck Mitchell, who died.
Gascón said it would have taken a substantial amount of time for Mitchell to remove the rifle and turn it toward the officers, therefore it was questionable as to whether Mitchell posed an immediate danger.
Lacey’s office concluded the officers acted in lawful self-defense.
The shooting sparked several months of Black Lives Matter protests at City Hall, which spilled into Torrance City Council meetings.
A federal lawsuit filed by the family remains open in court.
Los Angeles officer shoots drunk homeless man during struggle
Despite a recommendation from then LAPD Chief Charlie Beck to file charges, Lacey’s office declined to prosecute an LAPD officer for shooting 29-year-old Brendon Glenn twice in the back during a struggle in front of a Venice bar in May 2015.
Glenn was shot while struggling with two officers outside a bar where he had fought with a bouncer. LAPD officials said Glenn was not attempting to take either officer’s weapons.
Police were initially called to ask Glenn to leave the area because he was being loud and obnoxious at another nearby bar, according to the 911 caller.
Lacey’s office declined to pursue charges because it felt there was insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officer did not act in lawful defense, the DA’s report said.
The officer has since resigned from the Department and the city paid $4 million to settle a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Glenn’s relatives.
The Los Angeles Police Department was not immediately available to provide a statement for this story. The Gardena and Torrance Police Departments did not respond to requests for comment.