mercurynews--2020-02-05--Sister schools, twin shortfalls: Cal, UCLA athletic departments run massive deficits in FY19

Cal and UCLA , the intercollegiate athletic crown jewels of the University of California system and owners of a combined 156 NCAA team championships , are having trouble with their books .
Their athletic departments reported shortfalls for the 2019 fiscal year that combined to total $ 42.9 million .
That figure is based on the Bruins ’ deficit of $ 18.9 million , as reported by the Hotline , and Cal ’ s $ 24 million deficit that was reported by USA Today on Wednesday .
The Bruins , as we also reported , are staring at more of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with Hotline projections showing a $ 17 million shortfall .
USA Today did not cite projections for the Bears for FY20 .
But if past is precedent , they ’ re destined for another year in the red .
According to the report , Cal athletics has run shortfalls totaling $ 89 million over the past five years .
All of it has been covered by central campus .
Meanwhile , UCLA ’ s deficit in FY19 marked the first time the Bruins have been in the red since 2004 .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ongoing in Berkeley , the Bruins must pay for their assistance — in the form of an interest-bearing loan from campus .
The terms of the loan were not available .
Neither school has given any indication that it would eliminate sports programs to bring expenses in line with revenues .
UCLA ’ s shortfall stems from a combination of events that surfaced in triple-whammy fashion over two fiscal years : — A calculated decision to increase resources for the football program and Olympic sports , adding more than $ 10 million to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UCLA supports 25 intercollegiate sports . )
— The coaching turnover in football and men ’ s basketball , where the combination of severance packages for Jim Mora and Steve Alford and the signing bonus for Mick Cronin totaled $ 18.4 million .
— An unexpected drop in football ticket revenue during Chip Kelly ’ s tenure : All those empty seats at the Rose Bowl created a two-season shortfall of — depending on baseline estimates — approximately $ 5 million .
“ We have been actively working with campus to find long-term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told the Hotline , “ and to address the financial challenges impacting college athletic programs across the country.
” The Bears have felt the impact of financial challenges for years , and the vise tightened at the turn of the decade with the $ 440 million ( approximate ) renovation of Memorial Stadium and construction of the high-performance training center .
Initially , the $ 18 million in annual debt service fell entirely on the athletic department .
But in the fall of 2017 , chancellor Carol Christ announced the university would take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ portion related to seismic improvements .
Even with about $ 9 million in debt service removed from their budget , the Bears , who support 30 intercollegiate sports , aren ’ t close to balanced .
USA Today reported annual shortfalls of $ 8.5 million , $ 22 million , $ 16 million , $ 19.3 million and $ 24 million for the past five years .
The website added : “ Christ and ( athletic director Jim ) Knowlton now say those deficits weren ’ t treated as accumulated debt , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some point .
They were simply covered by the university.
” The Bruins and Bears are hardly the only Pac-12 athletic departments reporting shortfalls for the 2019 fiscal year .
Washington State reported a $ 4.6 million operational deficit on its FY19 financial report submitted to the NCAA .
Colorado ’ s operating deficit was $ 3.5 million , per its NCAA financial reports .
Oregon was in the red by $ 1.4 million , a figure which does not include $ 15.7 million in depreciation expenses .
Financial information for Oregon State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not immediately available on the athletic department websites .
Stanford and USC are not required to make their financial data public .
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*** Send suggestions , comments and tips ( confidentiality guaranteed ) to pac12hotline @ bayareanewsgroup.com or call 408-920-5716 *** Pac-12 Hotline is not endorsed or sponsored by the Pac-12 Conference , and the views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the Conference .

Cal and UCLA, the intercollegiate athletic crown jewels of the University of California system and owners of a combined 156 NCAA team championships, are having trouble with their books.
Their athletic departments reported shortfalls for the 2019 fiscal year that combined to total $42.9 million.
That figure is based on the Bruins’ deficit of $18.9 million, as reported by the Hotline, and Cal’s $24 million deficit that was reported by USA Today on Wednesday.
The Bruins, as we also reported, are staring at more of the same in the current fiscal year, with Hotline projections showing a $17 million shortfall.
USA Today did not cite projections for the Bears for FY20. But if past is precedent, they’re destined for another year in the red. According to the report, Cal athletics has run shortfalls totaling $89 million over the past five years.
All of it has been covered by central campus.
Meanwhile, UCLA’s deficit in FY19 marked the first time the Bruins have been in the red since 2004.
And in contrast to the no-charge relief operation ongoing in Berkeley, the Bruins must pay for their assistance — in the form of an interest-bearing loan from campus.
The terms of the loan were not available.
Neither school has given any indication that it would eliminate sports programs to bring expenses in line with revenues.
UCLA’s shortfall stems from a combination of events that surfaced in triple-whammy fashion over two fiscal years:
— A calculated decision to increase resources for the football program and Olympic sports, adding more than $10 million to operational expenses over two years. (UCLA supports 25 intercollegiate sports.)
— The coaching turnover in football and men’s basketball, where the combination of severance packages for Jim Mora and Steve Alford and the signing bonus for Mick Cronin totaled $18.4 million.
— An unexpected drop in football ticket revenue during Chip Kelly’s tenure: All those empty seats at the Rose Bowl created a two-season shortfall of — depending on baseline estimates — approximately $5 million.
“We have been actively working with campus to find long-term solutions,” athletic director Dan Guerrero told the Hotline, “and to address the financial challenges impacting college athletic programs across the country.”
The Bears have felt the impact of financial challenges for years, and the vise tightened at the turn of the decade with the $440 million (approximate) renovation of Memorial Stadium and construction of the high-performance training center.
Initially, the $18 million in annual debt service fell entirely on the athletic department. But in the fall of 2017, chancellor Carol Christ announced the university would take on approximately half the debt — the portion related to seismic improvements.
Even with about $9 million in debt service removed from their budget, the Bears, who support 30 intercollegiate sports, aren’t close to balanced.
USA Today reported annual shortfalls of $8.5 million, $22 million, $16 million, $19.3 million and $24 million for the past five years.
The website added: “Christ and (athletic director Jim) Knowlton now say those deficits weren’t treated as accumulated debt, to be repaid by the athletics department at some point. They were simply covered by the university.”
The Bruins and Bears are hardly the only Pac-12 athletic departments reporting shortfalls for the 2019 fiscal year.
Washington State reported a $4.6 million operational deficit on its FY19 financial report submitted to the NCAA.
(The Cougars are carrying tens of millions in accumulated debt, as well.)
Colorado’s operating deficit was $3.5 million, per its NCAA financial reports.
Oregon was in the red by $1.4 million, a figure which does not include $15.7 million in depreciation expenses.
Meanwhile, Utah reported a $3.5 million surplus.
Financial information for Oregon State, Washington and the Arizona schools was not immediately available on the athletic department websites.
Stanford and USC are not required to make their financial data public.
Support the Hotline: Several Hotline articles will remain free each month (as will the newsletter), but for access to all content, you’ll need to subscribe. I’ve secured a rate of $1 per week for a full year or — introductory offer alert! — just 99 cents for the first month, with the option to cancel anytime. Click here. And thanks for your loyalty.
*** Send suggestions, comments and tips (confidentiality guaranteed) to pac12hotline@bayareanewsgroup.com or call 408-920-5716
*** Follow me on Twitter: @WilnerHotline
*** Pac-12 Hotline is not endorsed or sponsored by the Pac-12 Conference, and the views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the Conference.


mercurynews--2020-02-06--Letter: Alameda County candidate Haubert helped vets get housing

I rarely get involved in politics or political campaigns , but this is different .
There ’ s an election @ @ @ @ @ and our current Alameda County supervisor is retiring .
It ’ s important we select @ @ @ @ @ replace him .
As a veteran , I appreciate a leader who knows and cares @ @ @ @ @ who served our country .
As mayor , David Haubert helped to provide affordable housing @ @ @ @ @ for our veterans .
He is also endorsed by every mayor in the Tri-Valley .
@ @ @ @ @ player , something I really like .
• Letter : Be wary about the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ the flu too • Letter : We can have empathy for humans and animals I @ @ @ @ @ and elect an independent thinker .
I ’ m voting for David Haubert for Alameda @ @ @ @ @ .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the @

Haubert helped veterans
get affordable housing
I rarely get involved in politics or political campaigns, but this is different. There’s an election coming up on March 3 and our current Alameda County supervisor is retiring.
It’s important we select the best possible person to replace him. As a veteran, I appreciate a leader who knows and cares about the men and women who served our country. As mayor, David Haubert helped to provide affordable housing and much needed social services for our veterans.
He is also endorsed by every mayor in the Tri-Valley. He is a real team player, something I really like.
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Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps I want to end political bickering and elect an independent thinker. I’m voting for David Haubert for Alameda County supervisor, District 1.
Laurie Hubbard
Dublin
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mercurynews--2020-02-06--Magid: Google Super Bowl commercial was poignant but also disturbing

Like nearly everyone in the Bay Area , I watched the Super Bowl , hoping in vain for a 49ers victory .
Sigh .
But , in addition to the competition on the field and the halftime entertainment , I was glued to the other competition of the day – the Super Bowl commercials .
Taking a point of personal privilege , one reason is because my son – Will Magid – wrote , produced and played trumpet for the music behind Porsche ’ s commercial for its first electric car , the Taycan .
As an electric car enthusiast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commercials for the Audi E-Tron Sportback , the Ford Mustang Mach-E and even a Hummer that ’ s not a gas guzzler .
The Electrek blog has videos of all the Super Bowl electric car commercials at tinyurl.com/ecarcom .
But the commercial that really caught my eyes and ears , and nearly brought me to tears , was the one from Google , which you can view at larrysworld.com/loretta/ .
“ Loretta , ” features an elderly widower reminiscing about his deceased wife .
With a melancholy musical background , it starts out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forget ” into Google , and you then hear him saying “ hey Google , show me photos of me and Loretta.
” Up came some sweet photos of a younger him and his wife , including one with him wearing a mustache .
He then says , almost rhetorically , “ remember , Loretta hated my mustache , ” at which point the screen reads “ OK , I ’ ll remember that.
” It goes on with him talking about their trip to Alaska , which brought up a picture of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more “ remember ” comments and more poignant grainy color and black and white photographs and video clips from years gone by .
He even asked Google to “ play our favorite movie , ” which yielded a video clip of Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman staring into each other ’ s eyes , from the movie “ Casablanca.
” But as soon as I wiped my own eyes from this emotionally charged commercial , I got a weird feeling that this wasn ’ t just a commercial but an unwitting admission about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vast knowledge about its users .
Not only did the phrase “ OK , I ’ ll remember that ” come up repeatedly , but the commercial ended with a screen showing all the things the man asked Google to remember followed by him saying “ Remember , I ’ m the luckiest man in the world.
” He was lucky , not only to have had such a wonderful marriage but also a tool to help him remember those moments and unearth old photographs .
I get it .
That ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a tool I ’ ve used too .
A few months ago , I was missing my old friend and former Business Week tech columnist Steve Wildstrom , who died in 2015 .
I wanted to see a picture of him , but finding one would be a “ needle in a haystack ” problem .
Then I remembered that we were once together in Berlin , so I typed in that word in Google Photos and up came pictures from that 2008 trip .
I had an uneasy feeling about the Google @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put it into words until I read a blog post from tech strategic adviser Shelly Palmer ( shellypalmer.com/2020/02/googles-super-bowl-stunt ) .
Palmer , who makes his living advising tech companies , was rightfully offended by this commercial , which he called “ beautiful , poignant , thoughtful , sentimental , informative and evil , ” playing on Google ’ s former unofficial motto , “ don ’ t be evil.
” Palmer went on to say , “ What Google doesn ’ t tell you about the service is what it will do with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has given it : how much better it will be able to target him , who they will be able to “ sell ” him to , etc.
, all without any warning.
” I suppose it could be argued that the screen telling him what it remembers is a form of disclosure and Google does have an activity log ( myactivity.google.com/ ) that lets you view and delete all your searches and other Google activity .
But I suspect that most people – including this man — wouldn ’ t have known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any idea how much data Google has on him and what the company might do with it .
Palmer said that “ none of this would bother me if the ad had a disclaimer , or if the ad started with a younger relative adjusting the widower ’ s privacy settings in advance of his experience.
” I wasn ’ t quite as disturbed by this ad as Palmer , but I did see it as yet another indication of the conflicting emotions I have when it comes to what tech companies know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can use Google to bring up important moments in my life , but I hate that this information is being stored in servers and being used to serve me ads , even though I admit that – if I have to look at ads – I prefer those that are relevant to those that I ’ m completely uninterested in .
So , to borrow a word from this commercial , “ remember ” that free services like Google and Facebook aren ’ t completely free .
We pay with our information , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the information is used – our privacy .
Disclosure : Larry Magid is CEO of ConnectSafely.org , a non-profit internet safety organization that receives financial support from Google , Facebook and other tech companies .

Like nearly everyone in the Bay Area, I watched the Super Bowl, hoping in vain for a 49ers victory. Sigh. But, in addition to the competition on the field and the halftime entertainment, I was glued to the other competition of the day – the Super Bowl commercials.
Taking a point of personal privilege, one reason is because my son – Will Magid – wrote, produced and played trumpet for the music behind Porsche’s commercial for its first electric car, the Taycan. As an electric car enthusiast, I was also pleased to see commercials for the Audi E-Tron Sportback, the Ford Mustang Mach-E and even a Hummer that’s not a gas guzzler. The Electrek blog has videos of all the Super Bowl electric car commercials at tinyurl.com/ecarcom.
But the commercial that really caught my eyes and ears, and nearly brought me to tears, was the one from Google, which you can view at larrysworld.com/loretta/.
“Loretta,” features an elderly widower reminiscing about his deceased wife. With a melancholy musical background, it starts out with him typing “how not to forget” into Google, and you then hear him saying “hey Google, show me photos of me and Loretta.” Up came some sweet photos of a younger him and his wife, including one with him wearing a mustache. He then says, almost rhetorically, “remember, Loretta hated my mustache,” at which point the screen reads “OK, I’ll remember that.” It goes on with him talking about their trip to Alaska, which brought up a picture of the two of them fishing followed by more “remember” comments and more poignant grainy color and black and white photographs and video clips from years gone by. He even asked Google to “play our favorite movie,” which yielded a video clip of Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman staring into each other’s eyes, from the movie “Casablanca.”
But as soon as I wiped my own eyes from this emotionally charged commercial, I got a weird feeling that this wasn’t just a commercial but an unwitting admission about the privacy implications of Google’s vast knowledge about its users. Not only did the phrase “OK, I’ll remember that” come up repeatedly, but the commercial ended with a screen showing all the things the man asked Google to remember followed by him saying “Remember, I’m the luckiest man in the world.” He was lucky, not only to have had such a wonderful marriage but also a tool to help him remember those moments and unearth old photographs. I get it. That’s a good thing and it’s a tool I’ve used too. A few months ago, I was missing my old friend and former Business Week tech columnist Steve Wildstrom, who died in 2015. I wanted to see a picture of him, but finding one would be a “needle in a haystack” problem. Then I remembered that we were once together in Berlin, so I typed in that word in Google Photos and up came pictures from that 2008 trip.
I had an uneasy feeling about the Google commercial, but I couldn’t put it into words until I read a blog post from tech strategic adviser Shelly Palmer (shellypalmer.com/2020/02/googles-super-bowl-stunt). Palmer, who makes his living advising tech companies, was rightfully offended by this commercial, which he called “beautiful, poignant, thoughtful, sentimental, informative and evil,” playing on Google’s former unofficial motto, “don’t be evil.” Palmer went on to say, “What Google doesn’t tell you about the service is what it will do with all of the extra data this widower has given it: how much better it will be able to target him, who they will be able to “sell” him to, etc., all without any warning.”
I suppose it could be argued that the screen telling him what it remembers is a form of disclosure and Google does have an activity log (myactivity.google.com/) that lets you view and delete all your searches and other Google activity. But I suspect that most people – including this man — wouldn’t have known how to access this log or have any idea how much data Google has on him and what the company might do with it. Palmer said that “none of this would bother me if the ad had a disclaimer, or if the ad started with a younger relative adjusting the widower’s privacy settings in advance of his experience.”
I wasn’t quite as disturbed by this ad as Palmer, but I did see it as yet another indication of the conflicting emotions I have when it comes to what tech companies know about us. I love that I can use Google to bring up important moments in my life, but I hate that this information is being stored in servers and being used to serve me ads, even though I admit that – if I have to look at ads – I prefer those that are relevant to those that I’m completely uninterested in.
So, to borrow a word from this commercial, “remember” that free services like Google and Facebook aren’t completely free. We pay with our information, our attention and – depending on how the information is used – our privacy.
Disclosure: Larry Magid is CEO of ConnectSafely.org, a non-profit internet safety organization that receives financial support from Google, Facebook and other tech companies.


mercurynews--2020-02-06--TV tonight: ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ returns; ‘Katy Keene’ debuts

“ Brooklyn Nine-Nine ” ( 8 p.m. , NBC ) : Rejoice , all you fans of this great cop comedy .
Andy Samberg and the gang return with back-to-back episodes .
In the opener , Jake leads a manhunt after an assassination attempt on a city councilor .
“ Katy Keene ” ( 8 p.m. , The CW ) : This new series follows the lives and loves of four Archie Comics characters — fashion legend-to-be Katy Keene ( Lucy Hale ) , singer/songwriter Josie McCoy ( Ashleigh Murray ) , performer Jorge Lopez/Ginger ( Jonny Beauchamp ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Julia Chan ) — as they chase their dreams in New York City .
“ The Sinner ” ( 9 p.m. , USA ) : The third installment of this crime drama follows Detective Harry Ambrose ( Bill Pullman ) as he begins a routine investigation of a tragic car accident on the outskirts of Dorchester , in upstate New York .
Ambrose uncovers a hidden crime that pulls him into the most dangerous and disturbing case of his career .
“ Tommy ” ( 10 p.m. , CBS ) : Edie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new crime drama .
She plays a former high-ranking NYPD officer who becomes the first female chief of police for Los Angeles .
A true blue New Yorker , Abigail “ Tommy ” Thomas uses her unflinching honesty and hardball tactics to keep social , political and national security issues from hindering effective law enforcement in the Southland .
“ Briarpatch ” ( 10 p.m. , USA ) : This new crime anthology follows Allegra Dill ( Rosario Dawson ) , a dogged investigator returning to her border-town Texas home after her sister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ search for a killer turns into an all-consuming fight to bring her corrupt hometown to its knees .
The show was inspired by Ross Thomas ’ novel of the same name .

TV picks for Thursday, Feb. 6
WATCH THIS:
“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (8 p.m., NBC): Rejoice, all you fans of this great cop comedy. Andy Samberg and the gang return with back-to-back episodes. In the opener, Jake leads a manhunt after an assassination attempt on a city councilor.
“Katy Keene” (8 p.m., The CW): This new series follows the lives and loves of four Archie Comics characters — fashion legend-to-be Katy Keene (Lucy Hale), singer/songwriter Josie McCoy (Ashleigh Murray), performer Jorge Lopez/Ginger (Jonny Beauchamp), and “It Girl” Pepper Smith (Julia Chan) — as they chase their dreams in New York City.
“The Sinner” (9 p.m., USA): The third installment of this crime drama follows Detective Harry Ambrose (Bill Pullman) as he begins a routine investigation of a tragic car accident on the outskirts of Dorchester, in upstate New York. Ambrose uncovers a hidden crime that pulls him into the most dangerous and disturbing case of his career.
“Tommy” (10 p.m., CBS): Edie Falco returns to series television in this new crime drama. She plays a former high-ranking NYPD officer who becomes the first female chief of police for Los Angeles. A true blue New Yorker, Abigail “Tommy” Thomas uses her unflinching honesty and hardball tactics to keep social, political and national security issues from hindering effective law enforcement in the Southland.
“Briarpatch” (10 p.m., USA): This new crime anthology follows Allegra Dill (Rosario Dawson), a dogged investigator returning to her border-town Texas home after her sister is murdered. What begins as a search for a killer turns into an all-consuming fight to bring her corrupt hometown to its knees. The show was inspired by Ross Thomas’ novel of the same name.
Also on Thursday:
“Young Sheldon” (8 p.m., CBS)
“Station 19” (8 p.m., ABC)
“Last Man Standing” (8 p.m., Fox)
“The Unicorn” (8:30 p.m., CBS)
“Will & Grace” (9 p.m., NBC)
“Mom” (9 p.m., CBS)
“Grey’s Anatomy” (9 p.m., ABC)
“Deputy” (9 p.m., Fox)
“Project Runway” (9 p.m., Bravo)
“Indebted” (9:30 p.m., NBC)
“A Million LittleThings” (10 p.m., ABC)
“Desus & Mero” (11 p.m., Showtime)


mercurynews--2020-02-06--Letter: Will groundhog Punxsutawney Phil finally persuade Trump?

Maybe now President Trump , the very stable genius who denies science and climate change , the same president with @ @ @ @ @ course of hurricanes with a Sharpie on a map , will start to believe .
@ @ @ @ @ authority on weather prediction , Punxsutawney Phil the groundhog , predicted an early spring .
@ @ @ @ @ in his 134-year history of predictions that he has called for an early spring in @ @ @ @ @ : Be wary about the coronavirus , but be wary of the flu too • @ @ @ @ @ empathy for humans and animals If hearing it from someone of his equal fame is @ @ @ @ @ to start believing in climate change , there is no hope .
Submit your letter @ @ @ @ @ form Read more Letters to the Editor

Will Punxsutawney Phil
finally persuade Trump?
Maybe now President Trump, the very stable genius who denies science and climate change, the same president with the power to change the course of hurricanes with a Sharpie on a map, will start to believe.
On Sunday, the foremost authority on weather prediction, Punxsutawney Phil the groundhog, predicted an early spring. This is the first time in his 134-year history of predictions that he has called for an early spring in consecutive years!
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David Amaral
San Mateo
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mercurynews--2020-02-06--Word Game: Feb. 6, 2020

Word Game: Feb. 6, 2020

Can you find 28 or more words in DIAPER ?
The list will be published tomorrow .
To purchase the @ @ @ @ @ WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 while supplies last !
1 .
@ @ @ @ @ or more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four letters by the addition of @ @ @ @ @ as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” are not allowed .
3 .
@ @ @ @ @ a “ d ” or an “ s ” may not be used .
For @ @ @ @ @ ” is used , “ baked ” or “ bakes ” are not allowed , @ @ @ @ @ “ baking ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper nouns , slang words , or @ @ @ @ @ are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — DIAPER (DIAPER: DYE-uh-per: A baby’s first garment.)
Average mark 23 words
Time limit 25 minutes
Can you find 28 or more words in DIAPER? The list will be published tomorrow.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — GLOSSARY gassy glary glass glassy glory
gloss glossy goal gorsy gory grass grassy gray gross grossly gyro lass
lasso logy loss oral orgy says slag slay slog soar solar sora soya also
argosy rosy royal Yoga
To purchase the Word Game book, visit WordGameBooks.com. Order it now for just $5 while supplies last!
RULES OF THE GAME:
1. Words must be of four or more letters.
2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.
3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” are not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible.
4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.
Contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe at kzsaxe@gmail.com.


mercurynews--2020-02-06--Horoscopes Feb. 6, 2020: Axl Rose and Tom Brokaw share advice.

Happy Birthday : The decisions you face this year will change your relationship with others as well as the path you take .
Reserving your energy for what ’ s most important will ensure that you are successful in your pursuits .
The less you rely on others for assistance , the easier it will be to reach your set destination .
Follow your creative dreams .
Your numbers are 4 , 12 , 23 , 28 , 32 , 36 , 41 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Refuse to let a family disagreement damage your relationship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take half the blame and move on to more enjoyable pastimes .
Keep the peace , and you will gain respect .
Make your space more comfortable and convenient .
2 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Get together with someone from your past .
Valuable information will change your life .
Travel , educational pursuits and reunions are favored .
A change you want to make will be approved .
Speak up and share your plans , and you ’ ll receive encouragement .
4 stars GEMINI ( May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and consider your options .
Put a long-term plan in place , and you will begin a journey that will lead to self-satisfaction .
Don ’ t feel the necessity to take care of someone ’ s personal affairs .
Don ’ t take on more stress .
3 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Take it easy .
Look at the humor in whatever situation comes your way .
Personal improvements , self-awareness and being true to yourself are encouraged .
Change may not be your choice , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
3 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Look at your options , and consider where to put your energy .
An opportunity to make extra cash will unfold if you invest in something familiar to you .
Using your home as a workplace will be to your advantage .
3 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : An unexpected change will take you by surprise .
Don ’ t hesitate to become a participant .
Love is in the stars .
Plan something special , and it will have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future .
Romance and commitment are favored .
4 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Take your time , think matters through and make decisions based on facts .
Do your own thing , and give others the same freedom you want .
Taking an unusual approach to whatever you do will provide you with the push you need to achieve your goal .
2 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : You ’ ll be on the move .
Traveling and dealing with people from different backgrounds will lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change of pace , and embrace the unexpected .
Let your intellect lead the way .
Romance will bring you close to someone special .
5 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Go over personal papers .
Changes should be considered , especially regarding domestic , financial or health matters .
You can gain ground , but it will require you to take care of issues first .
Refuse to let emotional situations interfere with making a stellar decision .
3 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Question your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not living up to his or her promises , you may want to have a heart-to-heart talk .
A meeting can change the way you move forward .
Listen carefully , and refrain from making demands .
3 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Keep the pace quick , be precise and head in a direction that shows promise ; you will double your productivity .
The more you do , the better you will feel and the higher the rewards .
Your versatility will lead to the success you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 19-March 20 ) : Give yourself a chance to flourish .
Romance will encourage you to pay more attention to the way you present who you are , what you do and how you look to the world .
Travel , entertainment and creativity are favored .
5 stars Birthday Baby : You are articulate , intelligent and serious-minded .
You are creative and productive .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Rick Astley, 54; Axl Rose, 58; Kathy Najimy, 63; Tom Brokaw, 80.
Happy Birthday: The decisions you face this year will change your relationship with others as well as the path you take. Reserving your energy for what’s most important will ensure that you are successful in your pursuits. The less you rely on others for assistance, the easier it will be to reach your set destination. Follow your creative dreams. Your numbers are 4, 12, 23, 28, 32, 36, 41.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Refuse to let a family disagreement damage your relationship with someone you love. Be willing to take half the blame and move on to more enjoyable pastimes. Keep the peace, and you will gain respect. Make your space more comfortable and convenient. 2 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Get together with someone from your past. Valuable information will change your life. Travel, educational pursuits and reunions are favored. A change you want to make will be approved. Speak up and share your plans, and you’ll receive encouragement. 4 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Question your direction, and consider your options. Put a long-term plan in place, and you will begin a journey that will lead to self-satisfaction. Don’t feel the necessity to take care of someone’s personal affairs. Don’t take on more stress. 3 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Take it easy. Look at the humor in whatever situation comes your way. Personal improvements, self-awareness and being true to yourself are encouraged. Change may not be your choice, but it will lead to a brighter future. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Look at your options, and consider where to put your energy. An opportunity to make extra cash will unfold if you invest in something familiar to you. Using your home as a workplace will be to your advantage. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): An unexpected change will take you by surprise. Don’t hesitate to become a participant. Love is in the stars. Plan something special, and it will have an impact on your relationship and your future. Romance and commitment are favored. 4 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Take your time, think matters through and make decisions based on facts. Do your own thing, and give others the same freedom you want. Taking an unusual approach to whatever you do will provide you with the push you need to achieve your goal. 2 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You’ll be on the move. Traveling and dealing with people from different backgrounds will lead you to new possibilities. Enjoy the change of pace, and embrace the unexpected. Let your intellect lead the way. Romance will bring you close to someone special. 5 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Go over personal papers. Changes should be considered, especially regarding domestic, financial or health matters. You can gain ground, but it will require you to take care of issues first. Refuse to let emotional situations interfere with making a stellar decision. 3 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Question your personal life. If someone you love is not living up to his or her promises, you may want to have a heart-to-heart talk. A meeting can change the way you move forward. Listen carefully, and refrain from making demands. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Keep the pace quick, be precise and head in a direction that shows promise; you will double your productivity. The more you do, the better you will feel and the higher the rewards. Your versatility will lead to the success you desire. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Give yourself a chance to flourish. Romance will encourage you to pay more attention to the way you present who you are, what you do and how you look to the world. Travel, entertainment and creativity are favored. 5 stars
Birthday Baby: You are articulate, intelligent and serious-minded. You are creative and productive.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


Bridge: Feb. 6, 2020

Cy the Cynic defines “ My fault !
” as an apology one tectonic plate may issue when it bumps into one nearby .
Look at today ’ s deal and decide whether anybody was due an apology .
South roared indelicately into four spades after East-West opened the bidding and responded .
West led the king of hearts : four , deuce , three .
East had bid diamonds , so West shifted to the jack .
South took his ace and led his last heart , and West won and led another diamond .
Declarer ruffed , drew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s ace won the defenders ’ last trick since South could pitch a club on a high heart in dummy .
Whom would you fault ?
West should have owned up .
Since East did not raise the clubs , West ’ s best chance to beat the contract is to get two club tricks .
But if he leads the ace at the second trick and then a club to the king , South can come to his ace of diamonds and ruff his last club in dummy .
To prevail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trick Two .
South is sure to fail .
You hold : S 9 8 7 5 H A K 7 D J 9 C A Q 6 3 .
You open one club , your partner responds one heart , you bid one spade and he tries 1NT .
The opponents pass .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : You must pass .
Your partner ’ s bidding shows at most nine points .
Game is impossible , but if you bid a third time , you would show interest in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Anyway , you have no reason to believe that a contract of two hearts would be better than 1NT .

Cy the Cynic defines “My fault!” as an apology one tectonic plate may issue when it bumps into one nearby. Look at today’s deal and decide whether anybody was due an apology.
South roared indelicately into four spades after East-West opened the bidding and responded. West led the king of hearts: four, deuce, three. East had bid diamonds, so West shifted to the jack. South took his ace and led his last heart, and West won and led another diamond. Declarer ruffed, drew trumps and led a club. West’s ace won the defenders’ last trick since South could pitch a club on a high heart in dummy.
Whom would you fault?
BEST CHANCE
West should have owned up. Since East did not raise the clubs, West’s best chance to beat the contract is to get two club tricks. But if he leads the ace at the second trick and then a club to the king, South can come to his ace of diamonds and ruff his last club in dummy.
To prevail, West leads a low club at Trick Two. South is sure to fail.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S 9 8 7 5 H A K 7 D J 9 C A Q 6 3. You open one club, your partner responds one heart, you bid one spade and he tries 1NT. The opponents pass. What do you say?
ANSWER: You must pass. Your partner’s bidding shows at most nine points. Game is impossible, but if you bid a third time, you would show interest in getting there despite partner’s weakness. Anyway, you have no reason to believe that a contract of two hearts would be better than 1NT.
West dealer
Both sides vulnerable
NORTH
S 6
H Q J 8 6 4
D 8 7 6 4 3
C K J
WEST
S 9 8 7 5
H A K 7
D J 9
C A Q 6 3
EAST
S J
H 9 5 2
D K Q 10 5 2
C 10 9 5 2
SOUTH
S A K Q 10 4 3 2
H 10 3
D A
C 8 7 4
West North East South
1 C Pass 1 D 4 S
All Pass
Opening lead — H K
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-02-06--Ask Amy: My mom went berserk at my wedding and refuses to apologize

DEAR AMY : My husband “ John ” and I were married recently .
We funded the wedding .
At our wedding , my mother behaved erratically .
She drank too much , gave an awful speech , yelled at John , hijacked the DJ for multiple “ surprise ” spotlight dances , groped John ’ s married uncle , and was taken home early .
I had nightmares for weeks .
We met with Mom and my stepfather .
John and I said we were worried and wanted Mom to visit her doctor and begin therapy , but also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then asked her to acknowledge this and apologize .
Mom began screaming and physically threatened him .
She said she had always disliked him and that she would rather kill herself than apologize .
We left .
My stepfather later told us that he will take care of Mom and understands if we distance ourselves .
Her only communication since then has been to send short , pleasant texts about how to avoid us .
I find it confusing , exhausting , and upsetting .
• Ask Amy : My son ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ask Amy : I don ’ t think my niece ’ s fiancé knows the whole story • Ask Amy : She eats like a finicky child , and I ’ m mortified • Ask Amy : She got what she wanted , and now all she does is complain • Ask Amy : Wife can ’ t seem to separate the twins I started therapy , read about “ emotional immaturity , ” and contacted a local family mediation center .
For the first time , I ’ m thinking about all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve been thinking about future milestones like moving , pregnancy and parenthood , and I don ’ t know what role Mom is capable of having or what role I want her to have .
Should I be doing something different ?
What happens when we have news to share ?
DEAR UNRESOLVED : You have responded to your mother ’ s behavior in a straightforward and honest way .
Working on a hunch , I suggest you ask your therapist to talk to you about Borderline Personality Disorder .
Some of what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BPD , who will have an exaggerated reaction to perceived abandonments .
If your mother does have these characteristics , don ’ t hold your breath for an apology ; it will never come .
As her daughter , you will have to find healthy ways to erect strong boundaries .
When/if your mother behaves well , you can open a door , but you should be prepared to close it again .
Do not let her control you .
Continue to be in touch with your stepfather .
Share any and all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and then take your future with her on a case-by-case basis .
A book that might help you explore this challenging dynamic is , “ Stop Walking on Eggshells : Taking Your Life Back When Someone You Care About Has Borderline Personality Disorder , ” by Paul T. Mason and Randi Kreger ( New Harbinger Publications ; Second edition ( January 1 , 2010 ) .
DEAR AMY : I have been dating my boyfriend for over three years .
Things with him are pretty good .
My family and friends love him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ex and I broke up .
I thought I was ready , but I have been having feelings toward my ex .
Recently , my ex and I began texting .
The conversation was something that I missed — we were good friends .
But then he told me that he still thinks of me , so I wished him well and stopped the conversation .
We broke up for a reason , and getting back together is out of the question , but still , I have lingering feelings .
I know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current boyfriend .
I feel selfish and ashamed .
I ’ d like the thoughts and feelings toward my ex to stop .
I want to feel like I have properly moved on .
Am I just selfish ?
DEAR WANDERING : Your current relationship is pretty good .
Your friends and family love him .
Do you ?
Is he your forever guy ?
At the three-year mark , you should have an idea .
This relationship might be a transitional one for you .
But if some element of friendship is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work on that .
Have you been self-protective ?
Are you being emotionally intimate and available to him ?
Your current guy could be wonderful , loving and kind , but he might not be a match for you .
If that is the case , you owe it to him to be honest .
There is no need to find fault with him ( or you ) .
It ’ s a question of chemistry , and the mysterious intricacy of attraction .
DEAR AMY : I ’ m another reader objecting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a bunch of scampering squirrels an “ infestation.
” Your reaction to these beautiful and harmless animals is too harsh .
DEAR LOVER : I once had two squirrels chew their way into my attic , and then chew their way out of the first floor of my house .
The damage was quite impressive .
Yes , squirrels are rodents and , yes , they can be very destructive .
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy , P.O .
Box 194 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can also follow her on Twitter @ askingamy or Facebook .

DEAR AMY: My husband “John” and I were married recently. We funded the wedding. At our wedding, my mother behaved erratically. She drank too much, gave an awful speech, yelled at John, hijacked the DJ for multiple “surprise” spotlight dances, groped John’s married uncle, and was taken home early. I had nightmares for weeks.
We met with Mom and my stepfather. John and I said we were worried and wanted Mom to visit her doctor and begin therapy, but also that she had hurt us. John then asked her to acknowledge this and apologize. Mom began screaming and physically threatened him. She said she had always disliked him and that she would rather kill herself than apologize. We left.
My stepfather later told us that he will take care of Mom and understands if we distance ourselves. Her only communication since then has been to send short, pleasant texts about how to avoid us. I find it confusing, exhausting, and upsetting.
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Ask Amy: I’ve told them they need therapy, and they refuse to do it. What now? Advice | Ask Amy: The man I love is my grandchild’s uncle, and things have gotten messy I started therapy, read about “emotional immaturity,” and contacted a local family mediation center. For the first time, I’m thinking about all of her terrible behavior.
I’ve been thinking about future milestones like moving, pregnancy and parenthood, and I don’t know what role Mom is capable of having or what role I want her to have.
Should I be doing something different? What happens when we have news to share?
Unresolved
DEAR UNRESOLVED: You have responded to your mother’s behavior in a straightforward and honest way. Working on a hunch, I suggest you ask your therapist to talk to you about Borderline Personality Disorder. Some of what you describe sounds typical of someone with BPD, who will have an exaggerated reaction to perceived abandonments. If your mother does have these characteristics, don’t hold your breath for an apology; it will never come.
As her daughter, you will have to find healthy ways to erect strong boundaries. When/if your mother behaves well, you can open a door, but you should be prepared to close it again. Do not let her control you. Continue to be in touch with your stepfather. Share any and all lifetime announcements with both of them, and then take your future with her on a case-by-case basis.
A book that might help you explore this challenging dynamic is, “Stop Walking on Eggshells: Taking Your Life Back When Someone You Care About Has Borderline Personality Disorder,” by Paul T. Mason and Randi Kreger (New Harbinger Publications; Second edition (January 1, 2010).
DEAR AMY: I have been dating my boyfriend for over three years. Things with him are pretty good. My family and friends love him.
We started dating shortly after my ex and I broke up. I thought I was ready, but I have been having feelings toward my ex. Recently, my ex and I began texting. The conversation was something that I missed — we were good friends. But then he told me that he still thinks of me, so I wished him well and stopped the conversation.
We broke up for a reason, and getting back together is out of the question, but still, I have lingering feelings.
I know none of this is fair to the current boyfriend. I feel selfish and ashamed.
I’d like the thoughts and feelings toward my ex to stop. I want to feel like I have properly moved on. Am I just selfish?
Wandering Eyes
DEAR WANDERING: Your current relationship is pretty good. Your friends and family love him. Do you? Is he your forever guy? At the three-year mark, you should have an idea.
This relationship might be a transitional one for you. But if some element of friendship is missing, you might be able to work on that. Have you been self-protective? Are you being emotionally intimate and available to him?
Your current guy could be wonderful, loving and kind, but he might not be a match for you. If that is the case, you owe it to him to be honest. There is no need to find fault with him (or you). It’s a question of chemistry, and the mysterious intricacy of attraction.
Want Ask Amy delivered to your inbox for free on weekdays?
DEAR AMY: I’m another reader objecting to you calling squirrels “rodents” and a bunch of scampering squirrels an “infestation.” Your reaction to these beautiful and harmless animals is too harsh.
Squirrel Lover
DEAR LOVER: I once had two squirrels chew their way into my attic, and then chew their way out of the first floor of my house. The damage was quite impressive.
Yes, squirrels are rodents and, yes, they can be very destructive.
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.


mercurynews--2020-02-06--Letter: Be wary about the coronavirus, but be wary of the flu too

As cases of coronavirus appear in the Bay Area , many of us are taking protective precautions , and rightfully @ @ @ @ @ 4 , the coronavirus has infected 20,000 people across 26 countries and has caused 420 @ @ @ @ @ this time of speculation , it is important to be wary of another prevalent and @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the CDC , our current flu season has already led to 19 @ @ @ @ @ hospitalizations and 10,000 deaths as of the end of January .
• Letter : We @ @ @ @ @ and animals To protect Bay Area citizens against this other public health problem , it @ @ @ @ @ about the morbidity and mortality associated with the flu while continually encouraging patients of all @ @ @ @ @ flu vaccine .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters @ @ @

While taking coronavirus
precautions, remember flu
As cases of coronavirus appear in the Bay Area, many of us are taking protective precautions, and rightfully so.
As of Feb. 4, the coronavirus has infected 20,000 people across 26 countries and has caused 420 deaths.
However, during this time of speculation, it is important to be wary of another prevalent and deadly disease: the flu.
According to the CDC, our current flu season has already led to 19 million flu illnesses, 180,000 hospitalizations and 10,000 deaths as of the end of January.
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Hanna Yakubi
Fremont
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
Read more Letters to the Editor


mercurynews--2020-02-06--Harriette Cole: My husband is annoyed that I want a flu shot

DEAR HARRIETTE : I have a weak immune system .
Whenever my son gets a cold , I get sick .
Same for my husband .
I have always been like this .
In fact , my doctor recommended that I get the flu shot when my son got the flu earlier this year , because the chances were likely that I would get it .
When I told my husband about this , he was outraged .
He thinks doctors are just trying to pump people up with vaccinations .
He thinks it ’ s ridiculous that I would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not exaggerating .
I actually do get sick very easily .
I think I should follow my doctor ’ s advice .
How can I get my husband to understand ?
I worry that if I ever do get very ill , he won ’ t respond in the way that my doctor recommends .
DEAR HEALTH ADVOCATE : You must take care of yourself .
Following your doctor ’ s directions is smart .
You can also continue to educate your husband about your unique health concerns .
Meanwhile , you may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life who would be willing to serve as your advocate if you ever need someone to be by your side speaking for you in an emergency situation .
If your husband is not in alignment with you about your health challenges , he probably can not adequately support you if you ever do have a health crisis or emergency .
DEAR HARRIETTE : I swore off social media about a year ago because I found it to be a distraction , and I really needed to get some work done .
I gave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am there , I don ’ t know if I want to go back .
I like being disengaged from the chatter , much of which doesn ’ t seem real .
At the same time , I have a new project I ’ m working on , and social media can be very helpful in getting the word out .
Any recommendations for how to balance if I go back in ?
DEAR OFF SOCIAL MEDIA : You have the ability to choose how to use social media .
It makes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purposes .
Since you have not used social media for a year , your followers will be happy to hear from you , and you can set the parameters for engagement .
You can state that you intend to use social media infrequently .
You want to keep the peacefulness that you have established in your life , but you also want to keep in touch with them occasionally .
Let your people know that you will pop up from time to time to share news about things that you think they may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blessing for your new terms of engagement .
The reason you do this so graciously is that you want your people to support your upcoming project .
You can not come off as selfish , or you will lose people .
To use social media , you will need to interact a bit with your people , beyond simply announcing your efforts .
But you can limit it .
Decide how often per week or month you intend to engage , and stick to it .
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people access and activate their dreams .
You can send questions to askharriette @ harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have a weak immune system. Whenever my son gets a cold, I get sick. Same for my husband. I have always been like this. In fact, my doctor recommended that I get the flu shot when my son got the flu earlier this year, because the chances were likely that I would get it.
When I told my husband about this, he was outraged. He thinks doctors are just trying to pump people up with vaccinations. He thinks it’s ridiculous that I would take that approach.
I’m not exaggerating. I actually do get sick very easily. I think I should follow my doctor’s advice. How can I get my husband to understand? I worry that if I ever do get very ill, he won’t respond in the way that my doctor recommends.
Health Advocate
DEAR HEALTH ADVOCATE: You must take care of yourself. Following your doctor’s directions is smart. You can also continue to educate your husband about your unique health concerns.
Meanwhile, you may want to identify someone else in your life who would be willing to serve as your advocate if you ever need someone to be by your side speaking for you in an emergency situation. If your husband is not in alignment with you about your health challenges, he probably cannot adequately support you if you ever do have a health crisis or emergency.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I swore off social media about a year ago because I found it to be a distraction, and I really needed to get some work done. I gave myself a year, and now that I am there, I don’t know if I want to go back.
I like being disengaged from the chatter, much of which doesn’t seem real. At the same time, I have a new project I’m working on, and social media can be very helpful in getting the word out. Any recommendations for how to balance if I go back in?
Off Social Media
DEAR OFF SOCIAL MEDIA: You have the ability to choose how to use social media. It makes sense to engage your public for business purposes.
Since you have not used social media for a year, your followers will be happy to hear from you, and you can set the parameters for engagement. You can state that you intend to use social media infrequently. You want to keep the peacefulness that you have established in your life, but you also want to keep in touch with them occasionally.
Let your people know that you will pop up from time to time to share news about things that you think they may be interested in. Ask for their blessing for your new terms of engagement.
The reason you do this so graciously is that you want your people to support your upcoming project. You cannot come off as selfish, or you will lose people. To use social media, you will need to interact a bit with your people, beyond simply announcing your efforts. But you can limit it. Decide how often per week or month you intend to engage, and stick to it.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-02-07--With only 9 players, how do the Warriors fill out their roster from here?

NEW YORK — As the dust settles after Thursday ’ s active NBA trade deadline , the Warriors aren ’ t done making moves .
After deals that sent D ’ Angelo Russell to Minnesota and Alec Burks and Glenn Robinson III to Philadelphia , the Warriors have just nine players on their 15-man roster and will have to fill several spots in the coming days .
In all , the Warriors have traded six players over the last two weeks and have only received one ( Andrew Wiggins ) in return .
NBA teams are required to have at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but the league allows them to carry as few as 11 for up to two weeks at a time .
When the trades are official , the Warriors will immediately need to sign two players .
Then , on Saturday , two weeks since Golden State traded Willie Cauley-Stein to the Mavericks , they will need to add a 12th player .
The Warriors will then have until Feb. 20 to sign two more players , and are expected to leave the final 15th roster spot open .
Since Cauley-Stein was traded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ despite playing on a two-way contract .
He makes the most sense to convert to a prorated minimum contract .
Golden State ’ s other two-way contract player , Ky Bowman , could absorb minutes at the now-vacant point guard position .
However , signing Chriss and Bowman to rest-of-season contracts would relinquish Golden State ’ s ability to match any outside offers when they hit free agency this summer .
Like it did with former two-way player Damion Lee , it could instead sign both to multi-year contracts .
With Chriss trusted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like a reliable rotation player in his 37 NBA games , the Warriors may want to ensure they will be on the team next season .
If Chriss and Bowman fill the 10th and 11th spots , the Warriors would still need to sign three more players within the next two weeks , two of which would have to be filled with pro-rated minimum contracts .
Meanwhile , the 14th spot can be filled via a series of 10-day contracts .
The Warriors can sign a player to a 10-day contract and , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks and sign another .
This parade of 10-days could last until the end of the season and save the team money as they monitor the luxury tax apron they got under after their trade-deadline moves .
These open roster spots will also provide the Warriors the ability to evaluate new players .
If the Warriors are impressed with a player in their G League program in Santa Cruz , they could call him up for an NBA try out , of sorts .
With experienced players like Burks and Robinson gone — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there ’ s insight to be gained as Golden State looks to solidify its depth for the future .

NEW YORK — As the dust settles after Thursday’s active NBA trade deadline, the Warriors aren’t done making moves.
After deals that sent D’Angelo Russell to Minnesota and Alec Burks and Glenn Robinson III to Philadelphia, the Warriors have just nine players on their 15-man roster and will have to fill several spots in the coming days.
In all, the Warriors have traded six players over the last two weeks and have only received one (Andrew Wiggins) in return. NBA teams are required to have at least 14 players during the regular season, but the league allows them to carry as few as 11 for up to two weeks at a time.
When the trades are official, the Warriors will immediately need to sign two players. Then, on Saturday, two weeks since Golden State traded Willie Cauley-Stein to the Mavericks, they will need to add a 12th player.
The Warriors will then have until Feb. 20 to sign two more players, and are expected to leave the final 15th roster spot open.
Since Cauley-Stein was traded, Marquese Chriss has started at center despite playing on a two-way contract. He makes the most sense to convert to a prorated minimum contract. Golden State’s other two-way contract player, Ky Bowman, could absorb minutes at the now-vacant point guard position.
However, signing Chriss and Bowman to rest-of-season contracts would relinquish Golden State’s ability to match any outside offers when they hit free agency this summer. Like it did with former two-way player Damion Lee, it could instead sign both to multi-year contracts.
With Chriss trusted to start at center and Bowman looking like a reliable rotation player in his 37 NBA games, the Warriors may want to ensure they will be on the team next season.
If Chriss and Bowman fill the 10th and 11th spots, the Warriors would still need to sign three more players within the next two weeks, two of which would have to be filled with pro-rated minimum contracts.
Meanwhile, the 14th spot can be filled via a series of 10-day contracts. The Warriors can sign a player to a 10-day contract and, once that deal expires, wait two weeks and sign another.
This parade of 10-days could last until the end of the season and save the team money as they monitor the luxury tax apron they got under after their trade-deadline moves.
These open roster spots will also provide the Warriors the ability to evaluate new players. If the Warriors are impressed with a player in their G League program in Santa Cruz, they could call him up for an NBA try out, of sorts.
With experienced players like Burks and Robinson gone — sacrificed because of the luxury tax — there’s insight to be gained as Golden State looks to solidify its depth for the future.


mercurynews--2020-02-07--Oakland high school teaches lesson in helping the homeless

Instead of sitting behind desks Thursday afternoon , a class of McClymonds High School students took to the streets of West Oakland to learn first-hand about one of their neighborhood ’ s biggest struggles — homelessness .
As part of an experimental new lesson , engineering and design teacher Satoshi Suga led his students down rows of tents , lean-tos draped with ragged tarps , and piles of trash , straight into the heart of one of the many bleak encampments that line Oakland ’ s sidewalks .
There , just a few blocks from their school , the group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to connect with their less-fortunate neighbors .
They were tasked with asking one main question : How can we help ?
Suga hoped the afternoon would be an eye-opening way for his class to get some real-world experience and make a difference in other people ’ s lives .
“ They see it every day because they walk to school every day , and they take BART every day , ” he said .
“ They see that these people are sleeping in these tents under the bridge , but they don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Suga didn ’ t expect his students to fix the many societal problems that lead to homelessness .
Instead , he wanted them to ask the people they met about their day-to-day challenges , such as not being able to cook , lacking clean water , or fighting rat infestations .
The students will take what they learned back to the classroom and design a product that could help solve one of those problems .
Then they will return to the encampment to test it out .
Kimahla Zuberi , 18 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on wheels to hold clothes and other belongings .
“ It will be attachable to a bike , ” he explained , “ so if they need to move , they ’ ll have the opportunity to do that with all their belongings.
” Zuberi said he learned a lot from his conversations Thursday about what life is like in an encampment .
Now he ’ s eager to put that information to good use .
“ I ’ m just ready to help , ” he said , “ and do something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 17 , was struck by the lack of water at the encampments for washing and drinking .
“ I feel like there ’ s some way we could get water out there for them , ” she said .
Along with Suga , West Oakland resident Nathan Moon , who does volunteer work with the homeless in his neighborhood , acted as the students ’ guide Thursday , introducing them to encampment residents and showing them around .
He came into their classroom last week to share some of his experiences and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trip .
On 23rd Street , the students gathered around a green tent pitched at the side of the busy road .
They asked the woman inside , 45-year-old Catherine Fields , if she was getting enough to eat , whether she had problems with pests , and whether she had things to occupy her time every day .
Fields told them she needed more food and things to do , but pests weren ’ t a problem .
The students , wearing yellow safety vests , took careful notes on their clipboards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said she thought it was nice that high school kids were trying to help .
They might be more likely to follow through than adults , she said .
“ Kids , they have hearts still , ” Fields said .
“ They still have a lot of their morals and they have a lot of their values , and their innocence.
” But some of the conversations were difficult .
When the first person emerged from a tarp-covered lean-to , several students in the group hung back , looking at each other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ himself politely .
He asked what makes life on the streets hard .
When Zuberi asked if there were any resources Long wished he had more of , Long said “ housing.
” But the two eventually developed a rapport , bonding over football — Zuberi plays outside linebacker , and Long played inside linebacker .
Long is not homeless but was visiting his brother who lives in the encampment , and described some of the problems his brother faces — huge rats , freezing cold and garbage that piles up with nowhere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s hesitant to trust do-gooders because he ’ s seen promises to help the homeless broken .
But Thursday felt different .
• Caltrain board votes to require on-site affordable housing in new residential development • Letter : This Oakland ordinance is designed for votes , not renters “ Seeing the kids do it , that ’ s something new , ” he said .
“ It ’ s a beautiful thing.
” Suga chalked the day up as a success .
“ It ’ s a shot in the dark , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going out there and talking to them , and dispelling a lot of the stereotypes that they might have about the homeless population — was a big enough win for me , ” he said .
“ This is baby steps into a new curriculum .
”

CLICK HERE if you’re having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device.
Instead of sitting behind desks Thursday afternoon, a class of McClymonds High School students took to the streets of West Oakland to learn first-hand about one of their neighborhood’s biggest struggles — homelessness.
As part of an experimental new lesson, engineering and design teacher Satoshi Suga led his students down rows of tents, lean-tos draped with ragged tarps, and piles of trash, straight into the heart of one of the many bleak encampments that line Oakland’s sidewalks. There, just a few blocks from their school, the group of about 20 high school seniors tried to connect with their less-fortunate neighbors.
They were tasked with asking one main question: How can we help?
Suga hoped the afternoon would be an eye-opening way for his class to get some real-world experience and make a difference in other people’s lives.
“They see it every day because they walk to school every day, and they take BART every day,” he said. “They see that these people are sleeping in these tents under the bridge, but they don’t know how to deal with it.”
Suga didn’t expect his students to fix the many societal problems that lead to homelessness. Instead, he wanted them to ask the people they met about their day-to-day challenges, such as not being able to cook, lacking clean water, or fighting rat infestations. The students will take what they learned back to the classroom and design a product that could help solve one of those problems. Then they will return to the encampment to test it out.
Kimahla Zuberi, 18, decided to try and build an organizer on wheels to hold clothes and other belongings.
“It will be attachable to a bike,” he explained, “so if they need to move, they’ll have the opportunity to do that with all their belongings.”
Zuberi said he learned a lot from his conversations Thursday about what life is like in an encampment. Now he’s eager to put that information to good use.
“I’m just ready to help,” he said, “and do something to make them smile.”
Nikkia Boun, 17, was struck by the lack of water at the encampments for washing and drinking.
“I feel like there’s some way we could get water out there for them,” she said.
Along with Suga, West Oakland resident Nathan Moon, who does volunteer work with the homeless in his neighborhood, acted as the students’ guide Thursday, introducing them to encampment residents and showing them around. He came into their classroom last week to share some of his experiences and get them ready for Thursday’s trip.
On 23rd Street, the students gathered around a green tent pitched at the side of the busy road. They asked the woman inside, 45-year-old Catherine Fields, if she was getting enough to eat, whether she had problems with pests, and whether she had things to occupy her time every day. Fields told them she needed more food and things to do, but pests weren’t a problem. The students, wearing yellow safety vests, took careful notes on their clipboards.
After the students left, Fields said she thought it was nice that high school kids were trying to help. They might be more likely to follow through than adults, she said.
“Kids, they have hearts still,” Fields said. “They still have a lot of their morals and they have a lot of their values, and their innocence.”
But some of the conversations were difficult. When the first person emerged from a tarp-covered lean-to, several students in the group hung back, looking at each other nervously. Zuberi took charge and introduced himself politely. He asked what makes life on the streets hard.
“Everything’s pretty much hard,” said 42-year-old Arthur Long.
When Zuberi asked if there were any resources Long wished he had more of, Long said “housing.”
But the two eventually developed a rapport, bonding over football — Zuberi plays outside linebacker, and Long played inside linebacker.
Long is not homeless but was visiting his brother who lives in the encampment, and described some of the problems his brother faces — huge rats, freezing cold and garbage that piles up with nowhere to put it.
Long said he’s hesitant to trust do-gooders because he’s seen promises to help the homeless broken. But Thursday felt different.
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New San Jose law would ban homeless encampments and RVs near schools Education | Home sweet parking lot: Some hospitals welcome RV living for patients, families, and workers “Seeing the kids do it, that’s something new,” he said. “It’s a beautiful thing.”
Suga chalked the day up as a success.
“It’s a shot in the dark, but I think the experience itself — going out there and talking to them, and dispelling a lot of the stereotypes that they might have about the homeless population — was a big enough win for me,” he said. “This is baby steps into a new curriculum.”


mercurynews--2020-02-07--Recognize this view on the San Mateo County Coast? It was just bought for $13.5 million

There is sprawl happening lately on San Mateo County ’ s rural coast , but it ’ s not from subdivisions or trophy homes .
It ’ s from a growing landscape of protected farmland and open space .
In the latest major purchase to preserve scenic land , a Palo Alto environmental group announced Thursday it has spent $ 13.5 million to buy 578 acres of farm and ranch land near San Gregorio State Beach near the intersection of Highway 1 and Highway 84 .
The Peninsula Open Space Trust , known as POST , said it will keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , continuing to lease them to farmers , and ultimately will resell them to farmers with easements preventing development .
“ Local farmers are great partners and stewards of the land that are committed to caring for the land and community , ” said Ben Wright , director of land transactions for POST .
The deal preserves two properties : The first is a 540-acre ranch that is known for its stunning views from Highway 1 at the top of the ridge just north of the intersection with Highway 84 .
The other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crops are grown .
The sellers are two longtime San Mateo County families , the Bishops and the Careys .
The deal is the eighth such transaction that POST has closed in recent years as part of its campaign to keep agriculture viable on the San Mateo County coast by blocking tech moguls and others from developing farmland with trophy homes .
The announcement also comes a week after the Save the Redwoods League announced a $ 9 million deal nearby to buy an old-growth redwood forest near Highway 1 and Año Nuevo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Basin Redwoods State Park .
And in 2017 , POST bought 58 acres at Tunitas Creek Beach , one mile north of Thursday ’ s transaction , from singer Chris Isaak for $ 5 million .
San Mateo County officials are in the planning stages of turning that beach into a new county park .
The farm parcel purchased Thursday , which POST is calling Rising Acres , features a half-mile of frontage on San Gregorio Creek , an important corridor for endangered Coho salmon and steelhead trout .
The ranchland , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ along its northern boundary , is defined by rolling hills , views of the ocean and extensive wildlife habitat .
POST said it will continue to lease the land to a rancher to graze cattle as a way to reduce fire danger and limit invasive grasses .
The group also said it might build trails through the property to connect it with existing parks and open space preserves .
“ This is a rare opportunity to preserve many of the things that make our coast so special , ” Wright said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the most threatened landscapes in San Mateo County.
” Farm industry leaders in San Mateo County describe the purchases as a mixed bag .
“ It ’ s fine that they buy it and say they are going to keep it in agriculture .
I appreciate that , ” said B.J .
Burns , president of the San Mateo County Farm Bureau .
“ We won ’ t get the development that we get on the other side of the hill and in Half Moon Bay .
On the part about continuing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t always walk the walk.
” Burns said he ’ d like to see POST offer longer-term leases to farmers on properties it buys , and put them up for sale to farmers more quickly than it has , and take other steps , like clearing brush on properties to create more pasture land for cattle .
Since 1977 , POST , funded largely by Silicon Valley donors , has protected more than 78,000 acres of open space , farms and parkland in San Mateo , Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties .

There is sprawl happening lately on San Mateo County’s rural coast, but it’s not from subdivisions or trophy homes. It’s from a growing landscape of protected farmland and open space.
In the latest major purchase to preserve scenic land, a Palo Alto environmental group announced Thursday it has spent $13.5 million to buy 578 acres of farm and ranch land near San Gregorio State Beach near the intersection of Highway 1 and Highway 84.
The Peninsula Open Space Trust, known as POST, said it will keep the development rights to the scenic properties, continuing to lease them to farmers, and ultimately will resell them to farmers with easements preventing development.
“Local farmers are great partners and stewards of the land that are committed to caring for the land and community,” said Ben Wright, director of land transactions for POST.
The deal preserves two properties: The first is a 540-acre ranch that is known for its stunning views from Highway 1 at the top of the ridge just north of the intersection with Highway 84. The other is an adjacent 38-acre farm where row crops are grown. The sellers are two longtime San Mateo County families, the Bishops and the Careys.
The deal is the eighth such transaction that POST has closed in recent years as part of its campaign to keep agriculture viable on the San Mateo County coast by blocking tech moguls and others from developing farmland with trophy homes.
The announcement also comes a week after the Save the Redwoods League announced a $9 million deal nearby to buy an old-growth redwood forest near Highway 1 and Año Nuevo State Park, connecting it to Big Basin Redwoods State Park.
And in 2017, POST bought 58 acres at Tunitas Creek Beach, one mile north of Thursday’s transaction, from singer Chris Isaak for $5 million. San Mateo County officials are in the planning stages of turning that beach into a new county park.
The farm parcel purchased Thursday, which POST is calling Rising Acres, features a half-mile of frontage on San Gregorio Creek, an important corridor for endangered Coho salmon and steelhead trout.
The ranchland, which POST named Gordon Ridge after the ridgeline along its northern boundary, is defined by rolling hills, views of the ocean and extensive wildlife habitat. POST said it will continue to lease the land to a rancher to graze cattle as a way to reduce fire danger and limit invasive grasses.
The group also said it might build trails through the property to connect it with existing parks and open space preserves.
“This is a rare opportunity to preserve many of the things that make our coast so special,” Wright said. “Coastal grasslands and agricultural lands are some of the most threatened landscapes in San Mateo County.”
Farm industry leaders in San Mateo County describe the purchases as a mixed bag.
“It’s fine that they buy it and say they are going to keep it in agriculture. I appreciate that,” said B.J. Burns, president of the San Mateo County Farm Bureau. “We won’t get the development that we get on the other side of the hill and in Half Moon Bay. On the part about continuing farming, though, they don’t always walk the walk.”
Burns said he’d like to see POST offer longer-term leases to farmers on properties it buys, and put them up for sale to farmers more quickly than it has, and take other steps, like clearing brush on properties to create more pasture land for cattle.
Since 1977, POST, funded largely by Silicon Valley donors, has protected more than 78,000 acres of open space, farms and parkland in San Mateo, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties.


mercurynews--2020-02-06--Bruce Bochy has a new title with the San Francisco Giants

SAN FRANCISCO — Bruce Bochy is no longer the manager of the San Francisco Giants , but he hasn ’ t turned in his keys to Oracle Park .
The Giants made an official announcement Thursday that Bochy will be a special adviser for the team during the 2020 season .
Bochy made it clear during his final season with the club that he would remain with the organization once his tenure as manager finished .
Despite a number of manager jobs opening up this winter , Bochy hasn ’ t wavered on the idea of staying out of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s possible Bochy will follow in the footsteps of former Giants manager and special adviser Dusty Baker and pursue a managerial job with another team in the future , but for now he ’ s expected to assist the front office and his replacement , Gabe Kapler , in a variety of capacities .
• Report : Giants , versatile infielder agree to first multi-year contract given out by Zaidi • Giants bring back familiar face who pitched for Gabe Kapler last season • Giants have interest in former fan favorite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be back with San Francisco Giants in 2020 Bochy doesn ’ t have clearly-stated job responsibilities , but he will be around the team for portions of spring training in Scottsdale , Ariz .
In addition to his duties with the Giants , Bochy is also managing Team France in its quest to qualify for the 2021 World Baseball Classic .

SAN FRANCISCO — Bruce Bochy is no longer the manager of the San Francisco Giants, but he hasn’t turned in his keys to Oracle Park.
The Giants made an official announcement Thursday that Bochy will be a special adviser for the team during the 2020 season.
Bochy made it clear during his final season with the club that he would remain with the organization once his tenure as manager finished. Despite a number of manager jobs opening up this winter, Bochy hasn’t wavered on the idea of staying out of the dugout for at least a season.
It’s possible Bochy will follow in the footsteps of former Giants manager and special adviser Dusty Baker and pursue a managerial job with another team in the future, but for now he’s expected to assist the front office and his replacement, Gabe Kapler, in a variety of capacities.
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In addition to his duties with the Giants, Bochy is also managing Team France in its quest to qualify for the 2021 World Baseball Classic.


mercurynews--2020-02-06--Perfect landscaping with … fake flora?

Perfect landscaping with … fake flora?

I never knew so many of you cared .
After sharing the landscape plan for my backyard a few weeks ago , many armchair landscapers among you wrote to warn me about the woes of palm trees , bamboo and fig ivy .
And you didn ’ t even know about the fake grass yet .
The palm tree matter resolved handily .
Landscape designer Tony Evans had proposed a triangle of queen palms to create a shade canopy over the outdoor table .
Turns out , our Florida homeowners association doesn ’ t allow palm trees .
No problem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
( Yes , I know they drop . )
My initial reaction to the bamboo trees planned for the side wall matched that of Campbell reader Gene , who said , “ Bamboo ?
Ugh.
” What I ’ d remembered from my years in California was that bamboo was very invasive but , Tony assured me , the type he proposed stays put .
It clumps and doesn ’ t send runners to spread .
I have been in several Florida homes where bamboo trees create a welcome privacy screen , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our neighbors .
I ’ m sticking with the plan .
The thought of fig ivy really drove readers up the wall .
I ’ ve always liked ivy-covered buildings , their classic air of permanence and stability .
Don ’ t do it , wrote Marjorie , from Orlando : “ It will damage paint and wood .
It will become a monster .
… It creeps into everything.
” I forwarded her note to Tony .
To be fair , he had mentioned that the ivy would need maintenance and could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fake fig ivy was an option , which sounded , well , fake .
With the exception of Christmas trees , not a fan of fake botanicals .
( Meanwhile , all around me are handsome houses with beautifully maintained ivy walls .
So the jury is out . )
Now Pat , from Santa Clara , is in luck .
She is considering re-doing her front yard , she writes , and “ I would love a discussion of the pros and cons of artificial turf .
Probably too much to ask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Tony actually presented that option .
My antennae shot up like crabgrass : “ Fake grass ?
” I said , to make sure I ’ d heard right .
When I think of Astroturf , I think of the Putt-Putt golf course .
“ First , you have to stop calling it Astroturf , ” he said .
“ It ’ s artificial turf.
” “ Isn ’ t using Astro , er , artificial turf instead of real grass kind of like substituting Cheez Whiz for brie ?
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cheap , plastic-looking grass , ” he said .
“ The good stuff looks very real .
It even has some brown blades woven in.
” “ I love the idea , ” my husband , DC , chimed in .
“ No watering , no mowing , no maintaining , no mud , no lawn-service bills .
How much would it add to the project ?
” DC was sold .
But I wasn ’ t .
Tony and I took a walk to visit two houses that have artificial turf .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawns barefoot .
It looked good — but not real .
But I am capable of changing my mind .
I surveyed friends who told me that in desert climates , like Arizona , and places with a lot of mud , like Washington , artificial turf was gaining ground .
As my mind creaked open , I ran the idea past a member of our community ’ s ARC , who said the committee had never allowed artificial grass in front yards .
However , for a backyard they might be more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the request .
“ Nah , ” I replied .
This is not a rule I want to bend .
“ I ’ ll stick with the real thing.
” That said , artificial turf may be a great choice for other homes , including Pat ’ s .
As I looked into the pros and cons , here ’ s what I learned : Looks : Today ’ s synthetic grasses come in a range of blade lengths , colors , and textures ( including variegated strands ) , and are hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Artificial grass requires no weeding , mowing , watering or fertilizing .
Your house will stay cleaner , as you eliminate mud .
However , unlike natural grass , the synthetic variety needs to be cleaned periodically .
Environmental impact : Although easier on the environment in some respects because it saves water , eliminates pollution from mowers , edgers and blowers , and doesn ’ t require chemical pesticides or fertilizers , artificial turf is a petroleum-based product that creates pollution and waste when it ’ s made .
Because it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eventually end up in a landfill .
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Feel : Though many love the foot feel , turf fields heat up , and can get much hotter than real grass .
Cost : Artificial turf costs about four times more than regular grass , Tony said .
Some estimates say once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maintenance , you will recoup the cost in seven or eight years .

I never knew so many of you cared. After sharing the landscape plan for my backyard a few weeks ago, many armchair landscapers among you wrote to warn me about the woes of palm trees, bamboo and fig ivy. And you didn’t even know about the fake grass yet.
The palm tree matter resolved handily. Landscape designer Tony Evans had proposed a triangle of queen palms to create a shade canopy over the outdoor table. Turns out, our Florida homeowners association doesn’t allow palm trees. No problem. We will plant crepe myrtles instead. (Yes, I know they drop.)
My initial reaction to the bamboo trees planned for the side wall matched that of Campbell reader Gene, who said, “Bamboo? Ugh.” What I’d remembered from my years in California was that bamboo was very invasive but, Tony assured me, the type he proposed stays put. It clumps and doesn’t send runners to spread. I have been in several Florida homes where bamboo trees create a welcome privacy screen, just what we want between us and our neighbors. I’m sticking with the plan.
The thought of fig ivy really drove readers up the wall. I’ve always liked ivy-covered buildings, their classic air of permanence and stability. Don’t do it, wrote Marjorie, from Orlando: “It will damage paint and wood. It will become a monster. … It creeps into everything.”
I forwarded her note to Tony. To be fair, he had mentioned that the ivy would need maintenance and could be hard on stucco. He said fake fig ivy was an option, which sounded, well, fake. With the exception of Christmas trees, not a fan of fake botanicals. (Meanwhile, all around me are handsome houses with beautifully maintained ivy walls. So the jury is out.)
Now Pat, from Santa Clara, is in luck. She is considering re-doing her front yard, she writes, and “I would love a discussion of the pros and cons of artificial turf. Probably too much to ask!”
Not at all, Pat. Tony actually presented that option. My antennae shot up like crabgrass: “Fake grass?” I said, to make sure I’d heard right. When I think of Astroturf, I think of the Putt-Putt golf course.
“First, you have to stop calling it Astroturf,” he said. “It’s artificial turf.”
“Isn’t using Astro, er, artificial turf instead of real grass kind of like substituting Cheez Whiz for brie?”
“I’m not talking about the cheap, plastic-looking grass,” he said. “The good stuff looks very real. It even has some brown blades woven in.”
“I love the idea,” my husband, DC, chimed in. “No watering, no mowing, no maintaining, no mud, no lawn-service bills. How much would it add to the project?”
DC was sold. But I wasn’t. Tony and I took a walk to visit two houses that have artificial turf. I looked. I walked on the lawns barefoot. It looked good — but not real. But I am capable of changing my mind. I surveyed friends who told me that in desert climates, like Arizona, and places with a lot of mud, like Washington, artificial turf was gaining ground.
As my mind creaked open, I ran the idea past a member of our community’s ARC, who said the committee had never allowed artificial grass in front yards. However, for a backyard they might be more lenient. I was welcome to submit the request.
“Nah,” I replied. This is not a rule I want to bend. “I’ll stick with the real thing.”
That said, artificial turf may be a great choice for other homes, including Pat’s. As I looked into the pros and cons, here’s what I learned:
Looks: Today’s synthetic grasses come in a range of blade lengths, colors, and textures (including variegated strands), and are hard to distinguish from natural grass.
Maintenance: Artificial grass requires no weeding, mowing, watering or fertilizing. Your house will stay cleaner, as you eliminate mud. However, unlike natural grass, the synthetic variety needs to be cleaned periodically.
Environmental impact: Although easier on the environment in some respects because it saves water, eliminates pollution from mowers, edgers and blowers, and doesn’t require chemical pesticides or fertilizers, artificial turf is a petroleum-based product that creates pollution and waste when it’s made. Because it’s not biodegradable, it will eventually end up in a landfill. Related Articles Home and Garden | Letters: Escape Bay Area | CASA program | Feinstein replacement | Faulty comparison | Not conservatives
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Feel: Though many love the foot feel, turf fields heat up, and can get much hotter than real grass.
Cost: Artificial turf costs about four times more than regular grass, Tony said. Some estimates say once you factor in the savings of no maintenance, you will recoup the cost in seven or eight years.


mercurynews--2020-02-06--Bay Area’s college-bound high school athletes

CLICK HERE if you are having a problem viewing the photos or video on a mobile device .
On Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ staff spent national signing day focusing on football .
Twenty-four hours later , it ’ @ @ @ @ @ to the rest of the college-bound student-athletes within our coverage area .
Berk Aksoy ( @ @ @ @ @ ) • High school baseball , softball seasons expanding in 2021 ; is it a @ @ @

CLICK HERE if you are having a problem viewing the photos or video on a mobile device.
On Wednesday, Bay Area Preps HQ staff spent national signing day focusing on football. Twenty-four hours later, it’s time to pay homage to the rest of the college-bound student-athletes within our coverage area.
(Please submit additional names to this list along with photos for our slideshow to highschools@bayareanewsgroup.com.)
Archbishop Mitty
Julia Cabri (Princeton, volleyball)
Ashley Hiraki (Cal State Northridge; basketball)
Timothy Rast (Santa Clara, soccer)
Arthur Soto (Cal State-Monterey Bay, baseball)
Bishop O’Dowd
Justice Gardner (Chicago, soccer)
Kayla Hankins (Pomona, basketball)
Julian Jensen (Humboldt State, track)
Sonia McCollum (Mount Holyoke, soccer)
Abigail Pagila (Whittier, basketball)
Grace Porter (Princeton, soccer)
El Cerrito
Tea Bishop (UC-Merced, volleyball)
Raniyah Burton (Portland State, soccer)
Alyssa (Ally) Chin (Azusa Pacific, softball)
Karl Collins (Fresno State, tennis)
Nia Correal (UC-Santa Barbara, volleyball)
Menlo-Atherton
Jake Albro (Pomona College, baseball)
Antony Commissaris (Oberlin College, soccer)
Wilson Eisner (Cornell, soccer)
Natalie Grover (Dartmouth, volleyball)
Ava Honerkamp (Brown, crew)
Jacqueline Kelly (Cal, crew)
Aubrey Koren (Oberlin College, lacrosse)
Marit Hoyem (Williams College, volleyball)
Lena Kalotihos (Sarah Lawrence, cross country/track)
Nikola Marakovic (Williams College, swimming)
Charlie McKay (University of San Francisco, soccer)
Ethan Mimeles (Elon, cross country/track)
Miguel Tostado (UC Santa Barbara, soccer)
Uate Uhila (Cal, rugby)
Menlo School
Brandon Aprill (Carnegie Mellon, tennis)
Samson Axe (Trinity College-Connecticut, football & lacrosse)
Annie Bisconti (Harvard, water polo)
Quentin Chisholm (Dartmouth, soccer)
Max Chou (Chicago, baseball)
Connor Enright (Brown, water polo)
Sophie Golub (Brown, water polo)
Talia Grossman (USC, soccer)
Julien Hernandez (Whitman, baseball)
Noah Housenbold (Johns Hopkins, water polo)
Gianna Inguagiato (Washington-St. Louis, golf)
Cole Kastner (Virginia, lacrosse)
Jack King (MIT, water polo)
Finn Leschly (Harvard, lacrosse)
Kiefer Lord (Carleton, baseball)
Michelle Louie (Middlebury, track)
Brendan Murphy (Franklin & Marshall, lacrosse)
Trevor Perez (Washington-St. Louis, soccer)
Kyra Pretre (Yale, cross country/track)
Carly Retterer (Dartmouth, soccer)
Charlotte Tomkinson (Duke, cross country/track)
Page Wolfenden (Davidson, lacrosse)
Ryan Young (Lafayette, lacrosse)
Serra
Alec Desuasido (Chapman, track and field)
Drew Dowd (Stanford, baseball)
Shane Ivich (Pudget Sound, soccer)
Mitchell Nabeta (Pudget Sound, baseball)
Tyler Shaw (Claremont McKenna, baseball)
Mike Smoot (Whittier, water polo)
St. Francis
Berk Aksoy (UC-San Diego, water polo)