mercurynews--2020-12-05--New Bay Area COVID-19 restrictions: What can — and can’t — you do this time?

Five Bay Area counties and the city of Berkeley on Friday announced that they are rapidly adopting new , tougher COVID-19 activity restrictions rather than wait for the middle of the month when the region ’ s ICU bed capacities are anticipated to trigger the state ’ s new , stricter stay-at-home rules .
Alameda , Contra Costa , Marin , San Francisco and Santa Clara County are admonishing all non-essential gatherings among people in different households and curtailing outdoor activity to levels ordered by health officials near the start of the pandemic in March .
Among other things , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down and retail businesses will have to shrink capacity further .
To sum it up , health officials are urging us to stay home as much as possible .
Here is a closer look at the new directives : When it goes into effect In Contra Costa , San Francisco and Santa Clara counties , the rules take effect at 10 p.m. Sunday .
Alameda County and Berkeley will start a couple of hours later , at 12:01 a.m. Monday .
In Marin County , the new rules start at noon Tuesday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Solano , Sonoma and Napa counties are not joining the early-adoption of the state rules , which means they will automatically kick in when the region ’ s availability of ICU beds falls below 15 % .
Santa Cruz and Monterey counties , which the state included in its Bay Area section , are also not participating .
Bay Area residents have until now been allowed to gather outdoors with people from no more than three households , with mask wearing and social distancing .
Under the new rules , health officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr. Lisa Hernandez , health officer for the city of Berkeley put it Friday , “ If you have a social bubble , it is now popped.
” However , religious worship and protests and demonstrations , which are constitutionally protected , are allowed but have to be outdoors .
People who are unhoused are also exempt .
Also in-school learning that is already underway is exempted , provided that established safety protocols are obeyed .
The new restrictions prohibit outdoor dining again , with officials advising restaurants and other eateries to switch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food service .
Indoor dining is prohibited .
Wineries , bars , breweries and distilleries must close .
Retailers are allowed indoor business at no more than 20 % capacity with mask and distancing protocols and must closely count how many people are inside .
In-store consumption of food and beverages is prohibited .
Grocery stores are required to maintain no higher than 50 % capacity in all but Marin County , which is in a less restrictive reopening tier and can run at full capacity .
As mentioned above , child care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for in-person learning may remain open with masking and social distancing protocols .
Outdoor recreation facilities — such as parks and swimming pools — are generally allowed to remain open but are prohibited from operating food or drink service .
Gyms and fitness classes are also allowed to be held outdoors .
The new restrictions require closure of indoor and outdoor playgrounds .
At campgrounds , overnight stays are suspended .
Barbershops , hair salons and other personal care services are barred from staying open , along with museums , zoos and aquariums @ @ @ @ @ @ @ card rooms , live sporting events and amusement parks .
Cal Athletics and the Golden State Warriors are allowed to continue their practice and other activities locally provided they submit a safety plan to health officials in their respective jurisdictions .
Santa Clara County has instituted a ban on contact sports , which has prompted the San Francisco 49ers , and the Stanford and San Jose State football teams , to travel out of state to play their upcoming games .
Tighter rules mandated by Santa Clara County last weekend remain in effect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travelers coming from greater than 150 miles from the county ’ s borders .
The county will change its 10 % retail capacity limit for stores and malls to 20 % to align with the state .
As with the original stay-home order , violations are misdemeanors punishable by up to six months in jail and a $ 1,000 fine .
But health officials and law-enforcement agencies have acknowledged aggressive enforcement is not feasible and are relying on warnings and education to achieve compliance .
Still , businesses and some places of worship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety protocols .

Five Bay Area counties and the city of Berkeley on Friday announced that they are rapidly adopting new, tougher COVID-19 activity restrictions rather than wait for the middle of the month when the region’s ICU bed capacities are anticipated to trigger the state’s new, stricter stay-at-home rules.
Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco and Santa Clara County are admonishing all non-essential gatherings among people in different households and curtailing outdoor activity to levels ordered by health officials near the start of the pandemic in March. Among other things, that means outdoor dining will be shut down and retail businesses will have to shrink capacity further.
To sum it up, health officials are urging us to stay home as much as possible. Here is a closer look at the new directives:
When it goes into effect
In Contra Costa, San Francisco and Santa Clara counties, the rules take effect at 10 p.m. Sunday. Alameda County and Berkeley will start a couple of hours later, at 12:01 a.m. Monday. In Marin County, the new rules start at noon Tuesday.
Who isn’t participating
In the Bay Area, San Mateo, Solano, Sonoma and Napa counties are not joining the early-adoption of the state rules, which means they will automatically kick in when the region’s availability of ICU beds falls below 15%. Santa Cruz and Monterey counties, which the state included in its Bay Area section, are also not participating.
Gatherings
Bay Area residents have until now been allowed to gather outdoors with people from no more than three households, with mask wearing and social distancing. Under the new rules, health officials are forbidding any out-of-household gatherings. As Dr. Lisa Hernandez, health officer for the city of Berkeley put it Friday, “If you have a social bubble, it is now popped.”
However, religious worship and protests and demonstrations, which are constitutionally protected, are allowed but have to be outdoors. People who are unhoused are also exempt.
Also in-school learning that is already underway is exempted, provided that established safety protocols are obeyed.
Dining
The new restrictions prohibit outdoor dining again, with officials advising restaurants and other eateries to switch or move solely to delivery and takeout food service. Indoor dining is prohibited. Wineries, bars, breweries and distilleries must close.
Retail
Retailers are allowed indoor business at no more than 20% capacity with mask and distancing protocols and must closely count how many people are inside. In-store consumption of food and beverages is prohibited.
Grocery stores are required to maintain no higher than 50% capacity in all but Marin County, which is in a less restrictive reopening tier and can run at full capacity.
Schools
As mentioned above, child care, pre-kindergarten and K-12 schools already open for in-person learning may remain open with masking and social distancing protocols.
Outdoor activity
Outdoor recreation facilities — such as parks and swimming pools — are generally allowed to remain open but are prohibited from operating food or drink service. Gyms and fitness classes are also allowed to be held outdoors.
The new restrictions require closure of indoor and outdoor playgrounds. At campgrounds, overnight stays are suspended.
Other services and activities
Barbershops, hair salons and other personal care services are barred from staying open, along with museums, zoos and aquariums, theaters, family entertainment centers, card rooms, live sporting events and amusement parks.
Sporting events
Cal Athletics and the Golden State Warriors are allowed to continue their practice and other activities locally provided they submit a safety plan to health officials in their respective jurisdictions.
Santa Clara County has instituted a ban on contact sports, which has prompted the San Francisco 49ers, and the Stanford and San Jose State football teams, to travel out of state to play their upcoming games.
Additional restrictions
Tighter rules mandated by Santa Clara County last weekend remain in effect, including a mandatory 14-day quarantine for travelers coming from greater than 150 miles from the county’s borders. The county will change its 10% retail capacity limit for stores and malls to 20% to align with the state.
Enforcement
As with the original stay-home order, violations are misdemeanors punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. But health officials and law-enforcement agencies have acknowledged aggressive enforcement is not feasible and are relying on warnings and education to achieve compliance. Still, businesses and some places of worship have been fined for not adhering to safety protocols.


mercurynews--2020-12-05--Contra Costa Courts suspend all jury trials in ‘limited court closure’ over COVID-19

MARTINEZ — The Contra Costa County Superior Court system has enacted a partial shutdown in response to rising rates of COVID-19 , officials announced Friday afternoon .
The partial shutdown is effective Monday and will last “ until further notice , ” according to a news release issued by the county .
It includes an indefinite suspension of all jury trials , and the courthouses will be shut down to the public , except for attorneys , parties to cases , and court employees .
This means that anyone who was called for jury service between now and January 11 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summonsed to report on or before January 11 , 2021 : Your service has been completed , ” the news release says .
“ You do not need to call or report for jury duty.
” Though trials are suspended , criminal cases will continue in a limited capacity .
This includes arraignments , preliminary hearings , and other pretrial court dates where only a judge and the relevant parties are required .
Earlier this year , a state appeals court ruled that criminal defendants still have a right to a speedy preliminary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is enacted .
Records offices will also be shut down , but court records can be filed in drop boxes available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. outside the count ’ s various courthouses .

MARTINEZ — The Contra Costa County Superior Court system has enacted a partial shutdown in response to rising rates of COVID-19, officials announced Friday afternoon.
The partial shutdown is effective Monday and will last “until further notice,” according to a news release issued by the county. It includes an indefinite suspension of all jury trials, and the courthouses will be shut down to the public, except for attorneys, parties to cases, and court employees.
This means that anyone who was called for jury service between now and January 11 is off the hook.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms California News | California COVID cases are rising. Here’s why and where health experts are masking “Jurors summonsed to report on or before January 11, 2021: Your service has been completed,” the news release says. “You do not need to call or report for jury duty.”
Though trials are suspended, criminal cases will continue in a limited capacity. This includes arraignments, preliminary hearings, and other pretrial court dates where only a judge and the relevant parties are required. Earlier this year, a state appeals court ruled that criminal defendants still have a right to a speedy preliminary hearing even when a partial court shutdown is enacted.
Records offices will also be shut down, but court records can be filed in drop boxes available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. outside the count’s various courthouses.


mercurynews--2020-12-05--Shutting down again: New COVID orders pose a major threat to Bay Area businesses

When a new COVID shelter-in-place order hits most of the Bay Area over the next few days , it will be yet another blow to restaurants , hair salons and other local businesses struggling to hold on after more than eight months of constantly shifting restrictions .
Restaurants that have invested thousands of dollars building parklets , setting up tents and buying heaters to accommodate outdoor diners will have to close all tables and go back to takeout and delivery only .
Barbershops and hair and nail salons , which had only recently reopened after a long and excruciating shutdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zoos and museums .
Sending shock waves through those industries , health officers from Alameda , Contra Costa , San Francisco , Santa Clara and Marin counties , and the city of Berkeley , on Friday announced they ’ ll shut down over the next few days .
That was a nasty surprise to some business owners who , after hearing Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s plans to shut the Bay Area down later this month , thought they ’ d have more time .
Now , some aren ’ t sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eliminating sit-down service likely will force some restaurants into temporary “ hibernation , ” while others close permanently , according to Laurie Thomas , executive director of San Francisco ’ s Golden Gate Restaurant Association , which represents hundreds of restaurants in the city .
“ The majority of restaurants simply can not make it financially on takeout alone , ” she said in a statement .
“ With the uncertainty around further federal support , San Francisco restaurants , their employees , and their families will suffer greatly by having no choice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time.
” But even as some establishments were reeling , others were breathing a sigh of relief .
Pete Mulvihill , co-owner of Green Apple Books in San Francisco , had worried the new orders would force him to return to the days when he could sell books online only , or outside on the curb .
Instead , the new orders allow retail shops to continue indoor operations at 20 % capacity .
Bay Area stores in most counties currently can operate at 25 % capacity — so the new rules won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ burden .
“ The biggest relief is that they ’ ve decided our operations are relatively safe , ” said Mulvihill , who is gearing up for critical holiday sales .
“ It ’ s a relief to know that public health officials don ’ t suspect that retail is a spreader with all the modifications — with masks and the distancing and the ventilation.
” To help establishments struggling with the latest round of COVID restrictions , Newsom on Monday unveiled a new relief package that allows businesses to apply for tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And after a long stalemate , there ’ s been some movement in Congress this week around another federal stimulus package that could include money for small business loans , unemployment benefits and renter protections .
Helen Nguyen only recently received approval from the city of Cupertino — after a month of bureaucratic tussles — to put up a tent to seat 12 diners outside her Pho Ha Noi restaurant .
She estimates she ’ s spent more than $ 45,000 on tents , heaters and permits to make her outdoor spaces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winter diners .
Now , Nguyen ’ s bracing as Santa Clara County shuts down outdoor dining Sunday night .
The first time the pandemic closed her restaurant , Nguyen sold her jewelry to survive .
This time , at least , she has some money left over from her federal Paycheck Protection Program loan .
Elia Torres , on the other hand , said when she closes her downtown Menlo Park hair salon again , it likely will be for the last time .
“ We were six or seven of us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four , ” Torres said of hairdressers at Textures Hair Design .
“ This is a busy time , so when we close it ’ s going to be very bad for us.
” San Mateo County is not locking down now with the rest of the Bay Area but likely will be forced to later this month under Newsom ’ s statewide order .
In Mountain View , Yen Zo of Noble Nails already is struggling .
Another shutdown will be “ terrible for the business , ” she said .
Many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and with the salon operating at about 40 % of normal business , Zo doesn ’ t have enough money for rent .
She ’ s been trying to work out a deal with her landlord but so far has had no luck .
“ If we close , we lose money and we don ’ t have enough to pay the rent or the utilities , ” Zo said .
“ And we may lose customers permanently in the future .
It ’ s terrible.
” The Oakland Zoo is worried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a month during the earlier shutdown and facing potential permanent closure , the zoo reopened in July .
Things were going well , said Erin Harrison , the zoo ’ s vice president of marketing .
They ’ d nearly sold out of tickets for their evening Glowfari event , which was set to run through Jan. 17 and features illuminated lanterns shaped like zoo animals .
Adhering to strict capacity limits , the zoo had yet to report any COVID outbreaks .
• New Bay Area COVID-19 restrictions : What can — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this time ?
• Coronavirus : San Mateo County sits out other Bay Area counties ’ new stay-home order • Bay Area stay-at-home order : Warriors ’ season is safe , for now Even so , they ’ ll have to close Monday and remain closed until at least Jan. 4 .
Now the Zoo is working on extending Glowfari after the shutdown ends , so everyone who purchased tickets will have a chance to attend the event .
“ We were recovering .
And we were pleased with where we were , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will obviously be another hit.
” Rodney Baca of The Shop by Chef Baca said another lockdown would be the latest in a series of blows to his eatery at the San Pedro Square Market in downtown San Jose , where most customers take their food outside to the large courtyard .
Business is slow .
Lunchtime traffic has dried up with most people working from home , and he ’ s lost months of business at SAP Center , where he had a stand , with that facility shut down since March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ means the world to us.
” he said .
“ The little amount of business we are doing is all based on customers being able to sit on the patio .
”

Marisa Kendall, Linda Zavoral, Aldo Toledo

When a new COVID shelter-in-place order hits most of the Bay Area over the next few days, it will be yet another blow to restaurants, hair salons and other local businesses struggling to hold on after more than eight months of constantly shifting restrictions.
Restaurants that have invested thousands of dollars building parklets, setting up tents and buying heaters to accommodate outdoor diners will have to close all tables and go back to takeout and delivery only. Barbershops and hair and nail salons, which had only recently reopened after a long and excruciating shutdown, will close again. So will zoos and museums.
arl Mondon/Bay Area News Group CUPERTINO, CA - DEC. 4: Restaurant owner Helen Nyugen sorts through decorative lights being added to the outdoor dining tent at her Pho Ha Noi restaurant in Cupertino, Calif., Friday, Dec. 4, 2020. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
CUPERTINO, CA - DEC. 4: Bao Nguyen adds decorative lights to an outdoor dining tent at Pho Ha Noi restaurant in Cupertino, Calif., Friday, Dec. 4, 2020. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
CUPERTINO, CA - DEC. 4: Restaurant owner Helen Nyugen watches as Jacquelin Kieu adds decorative lights to the outdoor dining tent at Pho Ha Noi restaurant in Cupertino, Calif., Friday, Dec. 4, 2020. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 2: Jessica, no last names provided, and her kids Cruz P. Left, and Elliott P. 3, of Oakland, walk down the stairs after their visit to the Land of the Lost section which is part of the new exhibit Glowfari at Oakland Zoo in Oakland, Calif., on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2020. The new exhibit features hundreds of larger than life animal lanterns and interactive attractions, and a ride in the gondolas take visitors to the Land of the Lost section where the dinosaurs world and view of the bay awaits atop the Oakland hills. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 2: Visitors have fun with smoke bubbles at the Blue Planet section which is part of the new exhibit Glowfari at Oakland Zoo in Oakland, Calif., on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2020. The new exhibit features hundreds of larger than life animal lanterns and interactive attractions, and a ride in the gondolas take visitors to the Land of the Lost section where the dinosaurs world and view of the bay awaits atop the Oakland hills. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 2: Visitors have fun as they step on the colorful stars at the Blue Planet section which is part of the new exhibit Glowfari at Oakland Zoo in Oakland, Calif., on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2020. The new exhibit features hundreds of larger than life animal lanterns and interactive attractions, and a ride in the gondolas take visitors to the Land of the Lost section where the dinosaurs world and view of the bay awaits atop the Oakland hills. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 2: Visitors take photos at the Blue Planet which is part of the new exhibit Glowfari at Oakland Zoo in Oakland, Calif., on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2020. The new exhibit features hundreds of larger than life animal lanterns and interactive attractions, and a ride in the gondolas take visitors to the Land of the Lost section where the dinosaurs world and view of the bay awaits atop the Oakland hills. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
PLEASANTON, CA - Dec. 3: Samuel Dissels cleans a table at Oyo restaurant's newly built outdoor dining area in Pleasanton, Calif., on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020. Gavin Newsom announced a new, regional stay-at-home order, which will force additional restrictions in any of the five regions of the state where fewer than 15% of intensive care units remain available. (Doug Duran/Bay Area News Group)
PLEASANTON, CA - Dec. 3: Isabella Montufar and Alex Azila, both of Fremont, have a meal at Oyo restaurant's newly built outdoor dining area in Pleasanton, Calif., on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020. Gavin Newsom announced a new, regional stay-at-home order, which will force additional restrictions in any of the five regions of the state where fewer than 15% of intensive care units remain available. (Doug Duran/Bay Area News Group)
Sending shock waves through those industries, health officers from Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, Santa Clara and Marin counties, and the city of Berkeley, on Friday announced they’ll shut down over the next few days. That was a nasty surprise to some business owners who, after hearing Gov. Gavin Newsom’s plans to shut the Bay Area down later this month, thought they’d have more time. Now, some aren’t sure they’ll survive another closure.
Eliminating sit-down service likely will force some restaurants into temporary “hibernation,” while others close permanently, according to Laurie Thomas, executive director of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Restaurant Association, which represents hundreds of restaurants in the city.
“The majority of restaurants simply cannot make it financially on takeout alone,” she said in a statement. “With the uncertainty around further federal support, San Francisco restaurants, their employees, and their families will suffer greatly by having no choice but to close for a period of time.”
But even as some establishments were reeling, others were breathing a sigh of relief. Pete Mulvihill, co-owner of Green Apple Books in San Francisco, had worried the new orders would force him to return to the days when he could sell books online only, or outside on the curb. Instead, the new orders allow retail shops to continue indoor operations at 20% capacity. Bay Area stores in most counties currently can operate at 25% capacity — so the new rules won’t pose much of an additional burden.
“The biggest relief is that they’ve decided our operations are relatively safe,” said Mulvihill, who is gearing up for critical holiday sales. “It’s a relief to know that public health officials don’t suspect that retail is a spreader with all the modifications — with masks and the distancing and the ventilation.”
To help establishments struggling with the latest round of COVID restrictions, Newsom on Monday unveiled a new relief package that allows businesses to apply for tax credits and deferrals, loans and grants. And after a long stalemate, there’s been some movement in Congress this week around another federal stimulus package that could include money for small business loans, unemployment benefits and renter protections.
Helen Nguyen only recently received approval from the city of Cupertino — after a month of bureaucratic tussles — to put up a tent to seat 12 diners outside her Pho Ha Noi restaurant. She estimates she’s spent more than $45,000 on tents, heaters and permits to make her outdoor spaces in Cupertino and San Jose comfortable for winter diners. Now, Nguyen’s bracing as Santa Clara County shuts down outdoor dining Sunday night.
The first time the pandemic closed her restaurant, Nguyen sold her jewelry to survive. This time, at least, she has some money left over from her federal Paycheck Protection Program loan.
Elia Torres, on the other hand, said when she closes her downtown Menlo Park hair salon again, it likely will be for the last time.
“We were six or seven of us, and now we’re just four,” Torres said of hairdressers at Textures Hair Design. “This is a busy time, so when we close it’s going to be very bad for us.”
San Mateo County is not locking down now with the rest of the Bay Area but likely will be forced to later this month under Newsom’s statewide order.
In Mountain View, Yen Zo of Noble Nails already is struggling. Another shutdown will be “terrible for the business,” she said. Many of her employees are thinking of leaving, and with the salon operating at about 40% of normal business, Zo doesn’t have enough money for rent. She’s been trying to work out a deal with her landlord but so far has had no luck.
“If we close, we lose money and we don’t have enough to pay the rent or the utilities,” Zo said. “And we may lose customers permanently in the future. It’s terrible.”
The Oakland Zoo is worried too. After losing $2 million a month during the earlier shutdown and facing potential permanent closure, the zoo reopened in July. Things were going well, said Erin Harrison, the zoo’s vice president of marketing. They’d nearly sold out of tickets for their evening Glowfari event, which was set to run through Jan. 17 and features illuminated lanterns shaped like zoo animals.
Adhering to strict capacity limits, the zoo had yet to report any COVID outbreaks.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Economy | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge Even so, they’ll have to close Monday and remain closed until at least Jan. 4. Now the Zoo is working on extending Glowfari after the shutdown ends, so everyone who purchased tickets will have a chance to attend the event.
“We were recovering. And we were pleased with where we were,” Harrison said. “So this will obviously be another hit.”
Rodney Baca of The Shop by Chef Baca said another lockdown would be the latest in a series of blows to his eatery at the San Pedro Square Market in downtown San Jose, where most customers take their food outside to the large courtyard. Business is slow. Lunchtime traffic has dried up with most people working from home, and he’s lost months of business at SAP Center, where he had a stand, with that facility shut down since March.
Given those losses, outdoor dining “means the world to us.” he said. “The little amount of business we are doing is all based on customers being able to sit on the patio.”


mercurynews--2020-12-05--Trump orders the withdrawal of most US troops from Somalia

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon said Friday it is pulling most U.S. troops out of Somalia on President Donald Trump ’ s orders , continuing a post-election push by Trump to shrink U.S. involvement in counterterrorism missions abroad .
Without providing details , the Pentagon said in a short statement that “ a majority ” of U.S. troops and assets in Somalia will be withdrawn in early 2021 .
There are currently about 700 troops in that Horn of Africa nation , training and advising local forces in an extended fight against the extremist group al-Shabab , an affiliate of al-Qaida @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Afghanistan and Iraq , and he was expected to withdraw some or all troops from Somalia .
Gen. Mark Milley , chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , had said on Wednesday that the future structure of the U.S. military presence in Somalia was still in debate .
The adjusted U.S. presence , Milley said , would amount to “ a relatively small footprint , relatively low cost in terms of number of personnel and in terms of money.
” He provided no specifics but stressed that the U.S. remained concerned about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he called “ an extension of al-Qaida , ” the extremist group that planned the Sept. 11 , 2001 , attacks on the United States from Afghanistan .
“ They do have some reach and they could if left unattended conduct operations against not only U.S. interests in the region but also against the homeland , ” he said .
“ So they require attention.
” Noting that Somalia remains a dangerous place for Americans , he said that a CIA officer was killed there recently .
The acting secretary of defense , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Somalia last week and met with U.S. troops .
Depending on what remains of the U.S. presence in Somalia when he takes office Jan. 20 , President-elect Joe Biden could reverse Trump ’ s drawdown or make other adjustments to reflect his counterterrorism priorities .
The U.S. military also has a presence in neighboring Djibouti on the Bab al-Mandab Strait .
Army Gen. Stephen Townsend , head of U.S. Africa Command , said in a written statement that the U.S. contingent in Somalia will “ decrease significantly , ” but he offered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will remain in the region and our tasks and commitment to partners remain unchanged , ” he said .
“ This action is not a withdrawal and an end to our efforts but a reposition to continue our efforts in East Africa , ” he added .
Rep. Jim Langevin , a Rhode Island Democrat , criticized the Trump pullback in Somalia as a “ surrender to al-Qaida and a gift of China.
” Langevin is chairman of the House Armed Services Committee ’ s Intelligence and Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ response to today ’ s order , it becomes harder for diplomats and aid workers to help people resolve conflicts without violence and loss of life , ” Langevin said .
“ With upcoming elections in Somalia and conflict raging in neighboring Ethiopia , abandoning our partners could not come at a worse time.
” Langevin said China will use the opportunity to build its influence in the Horn of Africa .
The Pentagon said the drawdown in Somalia does not mark the end of U.S. counterterrorism efforts there .
“ As a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be reassigned outside of East Africa , ” it said .
“ However , the remaining forces will be repositioned from Somalia into neighboring countries in order to allow cross-border operations by both U.S. and partner forces to maintain pressure against violent extremist organizations operating in Somalia.
” It added : “ The U.S. will retain the capability to conduct targeted counterterrorism operations in Somalia , and collect early warnings and indicators regarding threats to the homeland.
” • Trump ’ s niece calls him ‘ traitorous , ’ says he should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on more Chinese citizens • Maduro seeks to tighten grip on Venezuela with election The nature of the threat posed by al-Shabab and the appropriate U.S. response has been a matter of increasing debate in the Pentagon , which has been looking for opportunities to shift its focus toward China as a greater long-term challenge .
A Defense Department watchdog report last week said U.S. Africa Command has seen a “ definitive shift ” this year in al-Shabab ’ s focus to attack U.S. interests in the region .
Africa Command says al-Shabab @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” and “ imminent ” threat .

By Robert Burns | Associated Press
WASHINGTON — The Pentagon said Friday it is pulling most U.S. troops out of Somalia on President Donald Trump’s orders, continuing a post-election push by Trump to shrink U.S. involvement in counterterrorism missions abroad.
Without providing details, the Pentagon said in a short statement that “a majority” of U.S. troops and assets in Somalia will be withdrawn in early 2021. There are currently about 700 troops in that Horn of Africa nation, training and advising local forces in an extended fight against the extremist group al-Shabab, an affiliate of al-Qaida.
Trump recently ordered troop drawdowns in Afghanistan and Iraq, and he was expected to withdraw some or all troops from Somalia. Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, had said on Wednesday that the future structure of the U.S. military presence in Somalia was still in debate.
The adjusted U.S. presence, Milley said, would amount to “a relatively small footprint, relatively low cost in terms of number of personnel and in terms of money.” He provided no specifics but stressed that the U.S. remained concerned about the threat posed by al-Shabab, which he called “an extension of al-Qaida,” the extremist group that planned the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States from Afghanistan.
“They do have some reach and they could if left unattended conduct operations against not only U.S. interests in the region but also against the homeland,” he said. “So they require attention.” Noting that Somalia remains a dangerous place for Americans, he said that a CIA officer was killed there recently.
The acting secretary of defense, Christopher Miller, made a brief visit to Somalia last week and met with U.S. troops.
Depending on what remains of the U.S. presence in Somalia when he takes office Jan. 20, President-elect Joe Biden could reverse Trump’s drawdown or make other adjustments to reflect his counterterrorism priorities. The U.S. military also has a presence in neighboring Djibouti on the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, head of U.S. Africa Command, said in a written statement that the U.S. contingent in Somalia will “decrease significantly,” but he offered no specifics. “U.S. forces will remain in the region and our tasks and commitment to partners remain unchanged,” he said.
“This action is not a withdrawal and an end to our efforts but a reposition to continue our efforts in East Africa,” he added.
Rep. Jim Langevin, a Rhode Island Democrat, criticized the Trump pullback in Somalia as a “surrender to al-Qaida and a gift of China.” Langevin is chairman of the House Armed Services Committee’s Intelligence and Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee.
“When U.S. forces leave Somalia in response to today’s order, it becomes harder for diplomats and aid workers to help people resolve conflicts without violence and loss of life,” Langevin said. “With upcoming elections in Somalia and conflict raging in neighboring Ethiopia, abandoning our partners could not come at a worse time.”
Langevin said China will use the opportunity to build its influence in the Horn of Africa.
The Pentagon said the drawdown in Somalia does not mark the end of U.S. counterterrorism efforts there.
“As a result of this decision, some forces may be reassigned outside of East Africa,” it said. “However, the remaining forces will be repositioned from Somalia into neighboring countries in order to allow cross-border operations by both U.S. and partner forces to maintain pressure against violent extremist organizations operating in Somalia.”
It added: “The U.S. will retain the capability to conduct targeted counterterrorism operations in Somalia, and collect early warnings and indicators regarding threats to the homeland.”
The nature of the threat posed by al-Shabab and the appropriate U.S. response has been a matter of increasing debate in the Pentagon, which has been looking for opportunities to shift its focus toward China as a greater long-term challenge.
A Defense Department watchdog report last week said U.S. Africa Command has seen a “definitive shift” this year in al-Shabab’s focus to attack U.S. interests in the region. Africa Command says al-Shabab is Africa’s most “dangerous” and “imminent” threat.


mercurynews--2020-12-05--Elvis and Priscilla’s California ‘Honeymoon Hideaway’ drops its asking price to $2.5 million

The Palm Springs home where newlyweds Elvis and Priscilla Presley honeymooned in 1967 has dropped its asking price , again .
It ’ s now up for grabs at $ 2.5 million , down $ 400,000 from its last asking price in September .
“ With this price reduction , this property is certain to sell quickly , ” said Scott Histed of Bennion Deville Homes , the listing agent .
“ The house ’ s unique design and history that surrounds it makes this a truly unique property.
” Before it was known as their “ Honeymoon Hideaway , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ architect William Krisel for Robert Alexander of the iconic Alexander Construction Company in the early 1960s was dubbed the “ House of Tomorrow ” by Look Magazine .
And it ’ s still far-out .
The 5,000-square-foot home has five bedrooms and bathrooms , a floating fireplace in the living room and curved stone walls .
In the kitchen is a circular island .
Although there are updates , the house retains its original fixtures and appointments .
Architectural elements include terrazzo floors , clerestory windows and glass walls overlooking the pool terrace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pool .
A neighboring lot occupied only by a tennis court is also available for an additional $ 1.18 million .
According to the listing , “ this historic home is well poised as a renovation project ” and makes a “ great vacation rental too.
” Located in the sought-after Vista Las Palmas neighborhood , the house has spent six years on and off the market .
The initial asking price of $ 9.5 million plunged several times and even fluctuated before settling on just over $ 2.9 million in September .

The Palm Springs home where newlyweds Elvis and Priscilla Presley honeymooned in 1967 has dropped its asking price, again.
It’s now up for grabs at $2.5 million, down $400,000 from its last asking price in September.
“With this price reduction, this property is certain to sell quickly,” said Scott Histed of Bennion Deville Homes, the listing agent. “The house’s unique design and history that surrounds it makes this a truly unique property.”
Before it was known as their “Honeymoon Hideaway,” the futuristic abode designed by modernist architect William Krisel for Robert Alexander of the iconic Alexander Construction Company in the early 1960s was dubbed the “House of Tomorrow” by Look Magazine. And it’s still far-out.
The 5,000-square-foot home has five bedrooms and bathrooms, a floating fireplace in the living room and curved stone walls.
In the kitchen is a circular island.
Although there are updates, the house retains its original fixtures and appointments.
Architectural elements include terrazzo floors, clerestory windows and glass walls overlooking the pool terrace where there’s a large swimming pool.
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According to the listing, “this historic home is well poised as a renovation project” and makes a “great vacation rental too.”
Located in the sought-after Vista Las Palmas neighborhood, the house has spent six years on and off the market. The initial asking price of $9.5 million plunged several times and even fluctuated before settling on just over $2.9 million in September.


mercurynews--2020-12-05--A five-point plan to make sure Raiders aren’t upset by 0-11 Jets

The circumstances are less than ideal , but if there was ever a week to be missing two key players , it would be against New York Jets .
Running back Josh Jacobs and safety Johnathan Abram remained behind to watch on television as the Raiders ( 6-5 ) fight to remain in the wild card playoff chase on the road Sunday against an an 0-11 Jets team that is five games from the second 0-16 season in NFL history .
Given that New York ’ s final five opponents are the Raiders , Seattle , the Los Angeles Rams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve got to like their chances .
The Jets have the NFL ’ s 32nd ranked offense , are averaging 13.8 points per game and have the 28th-ranked defense .
They ’ ve been outscored by 170 points and are due a thorough housecleaning as soon as the season concludes .
“ They ’ re a handful , ” Gruden said .
“ This will be a fist fight , no doubt about it.
” Sounds over the top , but Gruden is wired that way .
He goes into every game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game as a fight to the death .
His team is another matter , but Gruden has two things going in his favor in terms of the Raiders taking the Jets seriously .
The first is last week ’ s 43-6 loss to the Atlanta Falcons , a pummeling which brings home the reality that any week is a potential loss with the requisite amount of turnovers ( five ) and penalties ( 11 for 141 yards ) .
Gruden wants to see some fire .
“ I don ’ t really worry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I worry about our mindset , ” Gruden said .
“ We have to have a starving-to-death mentality to get back in the postseason and the Jets are going to play hard.
” The second source of motivation is last year ’ s 34-3 loss to the Jets in Week 12 , the game that began the unraveling of a once-promising season that finished at 7-9 .
“ If we don ’ t bring it on Sunday , they ’ re going to get after us again , ” quarterback Derek Carr said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we bring it and we ’ re ready to fight come Sunday or else they could possibly get their first win and I know that they are hungry for it.
” Five ways the Raiders avoid a third straight loss and improve to 7-5 : The biggest reason Carr and the Raiders offense was such a disaster against Atlanta is the Falcons dominated at the point of attack .
Two of Carr ’ s three lost fumbles came on hits he never saw .
Jacobs ( 7 carries , 27 yards ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6 yards ) couldn ’ t get on track .
Keep in mind Jacobs had a 16-yard run , so the Raiders other 13 carries went for 24 yards .
Despite all the issues at left guard and right tackle , the Raiders were whipped up front in a way they hadn ’ t been since a 46-20 loss to Tampa Bay on Oct. 25 .
And in that game , there was a legitimate excuse — the entire line didn ’ t practice all week for purposes of contact tracing after Trent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Against the Falcons , it was was an old-fashioned thrashing , and it was stunning to watch because the Raiders line had played so well all year it was taken for granted .
Without Jacobs , the Raiders could go centipede with rotating backs Booker , Jalen Richard and Theo Riddick .
They ’ ve rushed for just 139 yards in the last two games against the Chiefs and Falcons .
The Jets happen to be pretty good against the run and are ranked 11th in the NFL at 111.0 yards per game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attempt .
The Raiders don ’ t have to run wild , just for enough forward progress to stay in reasonable down and distance and set up Carr to complete high percentage passes .
Get somewhere near the 50-50 run/pass split Gruden likes to see in his offense .
And if they ’ re having a good day on the ground , they can keep at it .
Persistence is a big factor in any running game .
“ I think there are still creases , there ’ s still room , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go three-and-out , or turn the ball over , that ’ s a lot of shortened possessions which equals a lot of yards and not a lot of touches.
” It ’ s not necessary to play like they did against the Chiefs ( either time ) on offense or as they did against Denver on defense .
The Raiders don ’ t have to look great .
Methodical and mistake-free will work just fine .
Avoid the mistakes that lead to upset losses .
The surest way to give the Jets life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The penalty problem has really gotten out of hand the past couple of weeks , giving the Chiefs and Falcons nine free first downs .
Pass interference , defensive holding , roughing the passer , unnecessary roughness .
.
.
the Raiders have had them all .
A solid blueprint would be the Raiders road win in Cleveland , which they won 17-7 in bad weather .
They avoided mistakes , played efficiently and won without bells and whistles .
The third overall pick of the draft in 2018 , quarterback Sam Darnold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is finally healthy and has all his receivers available for the first time .
Darnold is mobile , still only 23 , and can be dangerous in a rhythm .
He could be a coveted reclamation project for some team if the Jets blow everything up following the season .
Last season against the Raiders , Darnold had the best game of his career in a win , going 20 of 29 for 315 yards , two touchdowns and a 127.8 passer rating .
He also ran for a score .
The Raiders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the key to Darnold , who has been known to “ see ghosts ” when protection breaks down and pass rushers are coming in from all angles .
That ’ s problematic for the Raiders , who don ’ t have the sacks to show for it but have at least slightly upgraded their pass rush in recent weeks .
Abram , who won ’ t play , has been deployed often as a blitzer by Paul Guenther .
If Darnold has ample time , he can be dangerous .
Carr needs to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to be better than the Jets on third down .
Waller has 64 catches for only 542 yards .
That ’ s 8.5 yards per catch and four or five yards shy of where a player of his skill set should be .
He ’ s got five touchdowns and has proved adept at the tight throws in the end zone that Carr throws well .
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He ’ s almost impossible to match up with , with the agility of a wide receiver that linebackers can ’ t cover and the size of a tight end that should be a problem for defensive backs 6-foot and under .
Waller has just a single 100-yard game , with 105 yards against New Orleans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 receptions to get there .

The circumstances are less than ideal, but if there was ever a week to be missing two key players, it would be against the New York Jets.
Running back Josh Jacobs and safety Johnathan Abram remained behind to watch on television as the Raiders (6-5) fight to remain in the wild card playoff chase on the road Sunday against an 0-11 Jets team that is five games from the second 0-16 season in NFL history.
Given that New York’s final five opponents are the Raiders, Seattle, the Los Angeles Rams, Cleveland and New England, you’ve got to like their chances.
The Jets have the NFL’s 32nd ranked offense, are averaging 13.8 points per game and have the 28th-ranked defense. They’ve been outscored by 170 points and are due a thorough housecleaning as soon as the season concludes.
Raiders coach Jon Gruden won’t hear of it.
“They’re a handful,” Gruden said. “This will be a fistfight, no doubt about it.”
Sounds over the top, but Gruden is wired that way. He goes into every game seeing losing as a possibility and every game as a fight to the death. His team is another matter, but Gruden has two things going in his favor in terms of the Raiders taking the Jets seriously. The first is last week’s 43-6 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, a pummeling that brings home the reality that any week is a potential loss with the requisite amount of turnovers (five) and penalties (11 for 141 yards).
Gruden wants to see some fire.
“I don’t really worry about anyone else’s mindset; I worry about our mindset,” Gruden said. “We have to have a starving-to-death mentality to get back in the postseason and the Jets are going to play hard.”
The second source of motivation is last year’s 34-3 loss to the Jets in Week 12, the game that began the unraveling of a once-promising season that finished at 7-9.
“If we don’t bring it on Sunday, they’re going to get after us again,” quarterback Derek Carr said. “We have to make sure that we bring it and we’re ready to fight come Sunday or else they could possibly get their first win and I know that they are hungry for it.”
Five ways the Raiders avoid a third straight loss and improve to 7-5:
1. Dominate up front
The biggest reason Carr and the Raiders offense was such a disaster against Atlanta is the Falcons dominated at the point of attack. Two of Carr’s three lost fumbles came on hits he never saw. Jacobs (7 carries, 27 yards) and Devontae Booker (5 carries, 6 yards) couldn’t get on track. Keep in mind Jacobs had a 16-yard run, so the Raiders’ other 13 carries went for 24 yards.
Despite all the issues at left guard and right tackle, the Raiders were whipped up front in a way they hadn’t been since a 46-20 loss to Tampa Bay on Oct. 25. And in that game, there was a legitimate excuse — the entire line didn’t practice all week for purposes of contact tracing after Trent Brown’s bout with COVID-19.
Against the Falcons, it was an old-fashioned thrashing, and it was stunning to watch because the Raiders line had played so well all year it was taken for granted.
2. Rediscover the run
Without Jacobs, the Raiders could go centipede with rotating backs Booker, Jalen Richard and Theo Riddick. They’ve rushed for just 139 yards in the last two games against the Chiefs and Falcons. The Jets happen to be pretty good against the run and are ranked 11th in the NFL at 111.0 yards per game and are giving up 3.8 yards per attempt.
The Raiders don’t have to run wild, just far enough forward progress to stay in reasonable down and distance and set up Carr to complete high percentage passes. Get somewhere near the 50-50 run/pass split Gruden likes to see in his offense. And if they’re having a good day on the ground, they can keep at it. Persistence is a big factor in any running game.
“I think there are still creases, there’s still room,” Carr said. “Any time we go three-and-out, or turn the ball over, that’s a lot of shortened possessions which equals a lot of yards and not a lot of touches.”
3. Play a clean game
It’s not necessary to play as they did against the Chiefs (either time) on offense or as they did against Denver on defense. The Raiders don’t have to look great. Methodical and mistake-free will work just fine. Avoid the mistakes that lead to upset losses.
The surest way to give the Jets life is through more turnovers and penalties. The penalty problem has really gotten out of hand the past couple of weeks, giving the Chiefs and Falcons nine free first downs.
Pass interference, defensive holding, roughing the passer, unnecessary roughness . . . the Raiders have had them all. A solid blueprint would be the Raiders’ road win in Cleveland, which they won 17-7 in bad weather. They avoided mistakes, played efficiently and won without bells and whistles.
4. Get after Sam Darnold
The third overall pick of the draft in 2018, quarterback Sam Darnold, according to coach Adam Gase, is finally healthy and has all his receivers available for the first time.
Darnold is mobile, still only 23, and can be dangerous in a rhythm. He could be a coveted reclamation project for some team if the Jets blow everything up following the season.
Last season against the Raiders, Darnold had the best game of his career in a win, going 20 of 29 for 315 yards, two touchdowns and a 127.8 passer rating. He also ran for a score. The Raiders sacked him only once.
Therein lies the key to Darnold, who has been known to “see ghosts” when protection breaks down and pass rushers are coming in from all angles. That’s problematic for the Raiders, who don’t have the sacks to show for it but have at least slightly upgraded their pass rush in recent weeks. Abram, who won’t play, has been deployed often as a blitzer by Paul Guenther.
If Darnold has ample time, he can be dangerous. Carr needs to be better than Darnold and the Raiders need to be better than the Jets on third down.
5. Find Darren Waller for big yards
Waller has 64 catches for only 542 yards. That’s 8.5 yards per catch and four or five yards shy of where a player of his skill set should be. He’s got five touchdowns and has proved adept at the tight throws in the end zone that Carr throws well.
Someone of Waller’s size and skill should be involved in more big plays. He’s almost impossible to match up with, with the agility of a wide receiver that linebackers can’t cover and the size of a tight end that should be a problem for defensive backs 6-foot and under.
Waller has just a single 100-yard game, with 105 yards against New Orleans in Week 2. And it took 12 receptions to get there.


mercurynews--2020-12-05--Search continues for Northern California man, one other missing after Alaska landslide

By MARK THIESSEN | The Associated Press ANCHORAGE , Alaska — The search continued Friday for two people missing after a massive landslide crashed into a town in southeast Alaska , leaving a neighborhood mired in mud and felled trees stretching to the waterfront , the mayor said .
The debris field from Wednesday ’ s slide was too unstable to safely search by land , so officials were using boats with dogs on board to search the shoreline for David Simmons and Jenae Larson , Haines Borough Mayor Douglas Olerud said .
Rain and low visibility were hampering aerial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fallen trees on the beach also posed problems .
“ They need to get that moved to enhance their search efforts , ” Olerud said .
Haines , with a population of about 2,500 people , experienced several landslides as heavy rains inundated much of southeast Alaska .
The landslides followed a deluge of about 10 inches ( 25.4 centimeters ) of rain over two days .
Unstable ground prompted a mandatory evacuation order late Thursday for one area of town and a voluntary order for an adjacent area , Olerud said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ people were affected , but the city ’ s motels were full with residents who have had to leave their homes .
The largest slide Wednesday was estimated at about 600 feet wide ( 183 kilometers ) , and took out four homes as it pushed debris to the water line .
Authorities initially said six people were missing after the slide , but revised that Thursday when four people were found safe .
Simmons , newly hired to lead the city ’ s economic development corporation , lives in one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Larson , who recently graduated from the University of Idaho , is in her first year as a kindergarten teacher in her native Haines .
She rents an apartment above Simmons ’ garage and was only home the day of the slide because school had been canceled .
“ Jenae is strong , she ’ s tenacious , she ’ s kind and she ’ s good , ” Haines Borough School District Superintendent Roy Getchell said .
He called her a natural , experienced child advocate who student-taught at the school last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that she ’ s on our staff now , ” he said .
Simmons , 30 , a native of Chico , California , is a world traveler , visiting nearly 70 countries and documenting his experiences in YouTube videos , on a website and with a book .
He followed his cousin Cambria Goodwin , a contestant on the Food Network ’ s “ Cupcake Wars , ” to Haines after she opened restaurants .
He also decided to put down roots , opening a transportation service between Haines and Whitehorse , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Search continues for Bay Area man who ’ s been missing for two weeks Last August , he was hired to be the interim director of the Haines Economic Development Corp. and successfully helped businesses and individual fishermen apply for federal assistance , loans and grants during the COVID-19 crisis .
Simmons “ just worked tirelessly at that and got millions of dollars for a lot of different folks that otherwise wouldn ’ t have come into the hands of the community , ” said Greg Schlachter , president of the board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has a “ huge spark for life , ” “ Schlachter said .
“ He ’ s been a major asset to the community.
” Olerud said he ’ s known Larson since she was little .
He called her a “ very bright , energetic young lady ” and Simmons a “ phenomenal individual.
” “ Both of them are amazing people , ” he said .

By MARK THIESSEN | The Associated Press
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The search continued Friday for two people missing after a massive landslide crashed into a town in southeast Alaska, leaving a neighborhood mired in mud and felled trees stretching to the waterfront, the mayor said.
The debris field from Wednesday’s slide was too unstable to safely search by land, so officials were using boats with dogs on board to search the shoreline for David Simmons and Jenae Larson, Haines Borough Mayor Douglas Olerud said.
Rain and low visibility were hampering aerial efforts Friday, and a logjam of fallen trees on the beach also posed problems. “They need to get that moved to enhance their search efforts,” Olerud said.
Haines, with a population of about 2,500 people, experienced several landslides as heavy rains inundated much of southeast Alaska. The landslides followed a deluge of about 10 inches (25.4 centimeters) of rain over two days.
Unstable ground prompted a mandatory evacuation order late Thursday for one area of town and a voluntary order for an adjacent area, Olerud said.
He didn’t know how many people were affected, but the city’s motels were full with residents who have had to leave their homes.
The largest slide Wednesday was estimated at about 600 feet wide (183 kilometers), and took out four homes as it pushed debris to the water line. Authorities initially said six people were missing after the slide, but revised that Thursday when four people were found safe.
Simmons, newly hired to lead the city’s economic development corporation, lives in one of the four homes destroyed in the landslide.
Larson, who recently graduated from the University of Idaho, is in her first year as a kindergarten teacher in her native Haines. She rents an apartment above Simmons’ garage and was only home the day of the slide because school had been canceled.
“Jenae is strong, she’s tenacious, she’s kind and she’s good,” Haines Borough School District Superintendent Roy Getchell said.
He called her a natural, experienced child advocate who student-taught at the school last year.
“We’re privileged that she’s on our staff now,” he said.
Simmons, 30, a native of Chico, California, is a world traveler, visiting nearly 70 countries and documenting his experiences in YouTube videos, on a website and with a book.
He followed his cousin Cambria Goodwin, a contestant on the Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars,” to Haines after she opened restaurants. He also decided to put down roots, opening a transportation service between Haines and Whitehorse, Yukon, and buying a house.
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Simmons “just worked tirelessly at that and got millions of dollars for a lot of different folks that otherwise wouldn’t have come into the hands of the community,” said Greg Schlachter, president of the board of directors for the corporation.
Simmons has a “huge spark for life,” “Schlachter said. “He’s been a major asset to the community.”
Olerud said he’s known Larson since she was little. He called her a “very bright, energetic young lady” and Simmons a “phenomenal individual.”
“Both of them are amazing people,” he said.


mercurynews--2020-12-05--Google AI researcher’s exit sparks ethics, bias concerns

By MATT O ’ BRIEN | The Associated Press Prominent artificial intelligence scholar Timnit Gebru helped improve Google ’ s public image as a company that elevates Black computer scientists and questions harmful uses of AI technology .
But internally , Gebru , a leader in the field of AI ethics , was not shy about voicing doubts about those commitments — until she was pushed out of the company this week in a dispute over a research paper examining the societal dangers of an emerging branch of AI .
Gebru announced on Twitter she was fired .
Google told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Google employees have signed on to an open letter calling the incident “ unprecedented research censorship ” and faulting the company for racism and defensiveness .
The furor over Gebru ’ s abrupt departure is the latest incident raising questions about whether Google has strayed so far away from its original “ Don ’ t Be Evil ” motto that the company now routinely ousts employees who dare to challenge management .
The exit of Gebru , who is Black , also raised further doubts about diversity and inclusion at a company where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the workforce .
And it ’ s exposed concerns beyond Google about whether showy efforts at ethical AI — ranging from a White House executive order this week to ethics review teams set up throughout the tech industry — are of little use when their conclusions might threaten profits or national interests .
Gebru has been a star in the AI ethics world who spent her early tech career working on Apple products and got her doctorate studying computer vision at the Stanford Artificial Intelligence Laboratory .
She ’ s co-founder of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promotes Black employment and leadership in the field .
She ’ s known for a landmark 2018 study that found racial and gender bias in facial recognition software .
Gebru had recently been working on a paper examining the risks of developing computer systems that analyze huge databases of human language and use that to create their own human-like text .
The paper , a copy of which was shown to The Associated Press , mentions Google ’ s own new technology , used in its search business , as well as those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential dangers of bias , the paper also cited the environmental cost of chugging so much energy to run the models — an important issue at a company that brags about its commitment to being carbon neutral since 2007 as it strives to become even greener .
Google managers had concerns about omissions in the work and its timing , and wanted the names of Google employees taken off the study , but Gebru objected , according to an exchange of emails shared with the AP and first published by Platformer .
Jeff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AI research , reiterated Google ’ s position about the study in a statement Friday .
The paper raised valid points but “ had some important gaps that prevented us from being comfortable putting Google affiliation on it , ” Dean wrote .
“ For example , it didn ’ t include important findings on how models can be made more efficient and actually reduce overall environmental impact , and it didn ’ t take into account some recent work at Google and elsewhere on mitigating bias , ” Dean added .
Gebru @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process to an internal diversity-and-inclusion email group at Google , with the subject line : “ Silencing Marginalized Voices in Every Way Possible.
” Gebru said on Twitter that ’ s the email that got her fired .
Dean , in an email to employees , said the company accepted “ her decision to resign from Google ” because she told managers she ’ d leave if her demands about the study were not met .
“ Ousting Timnit for having the audacity to demand research integrity severely undermines Google ’ s credibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and algorithmic auditing , ” said Joy Buolamwini , a graduate researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology who co-authored the 2018 facial recognition study with Gebru .
“ She deserves more than Google knew how to give , and now she is an all-star free agent who will continue to transform the tech industry , ” Buolamwini said in an email Friday .
How Google will handle its AI ethics initiative and the internal dissent sparked by Gebru ’ s exit is one of a number of problems facing the company heading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Why Congress is woefully ill-equipped to regulate tech At the same time she was on her way out , the National Labor Relations Board on Wednesday cast another spotlight on Google ’ s workplace .
In a complaint , the NRLB accused the company of spying on employees during a 2019 effort to organize a union before the company fired two activist workers for engaging in activities allowed under U.S. law .
Google has denied the allegations in the case , which is scheduled for an April hearing .
Google has also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. Justice Department in an antitrust lawsuit alleging the company has been illegally abusing the power of its dominant search engine and other popular digital services to stifle competition .
The company also denies any wrongdoing in that legal battle , which may drag on for years .
AP Technology writer Michael Liedtke in San Ramon , California , contributed to this report .

By MATT O’BRIEN | The Associated Press
Prominent artificial intelligence scholar Timnit Gebru helped improve Google’s public image as a company that elevates Black computer scientists and questions harmful uses of AI technology.
But internally, Gebru, a leader in the field of AI ethics, was not shy about voicing doubts about those commitments — until she was pushed out of the company this week in a dispute over a research paper examining the societal dangers of an emerging branch of AI.
Gebru announced on Twitter she was fired. Google told employees she resigned. More than 1,200 Google employees have signed on to an open letter calling the incident “unprecedented research censorship” and faulting the company for racism and defensiveness.
The furor over Gebru’s abrupt departure is the latest incident raising questions about whether Google has strayed so far away from its original “Don’t Be Evil” motto that the company now routinely ousts employees who dare to challenge management. The exit of Gebru, who is Black, also raised further doubts about diversity and inclusion at a company where Black women account for just 1.6% of the workforce.
And it’s exposed concerns beyond Google about whether showy efforts at ethical AI — ranging from a White House executive order this week to ethics review teams set up throughout the tech industry — are of little use when their conclusions might threaten profits or national interests.
Gebru has been a star in the AI ethics world who spent her early tech career working on Apple products and got her doctorate studying computer vision at the Stanford Artificial Intelligence Laboratory.
She’s co-founder of the group Black in AI, which promotes Black employment and leadership in the field. She’s known for a landmark 2018 study that found racial and gender bias in facial recognition software.
Gebru had recently been working on a paper examining the risks of developing computer systems that analyze huge databases of human language and use that to create their own human-like text. The paper, a copy of which was shown to The Associated Press, mentions Google’s own new technology, used in its search business, as well as those developed by others.
Besides flagging the potential dangers of bias, the paper also cited the environmental cost of chugging so much energy to run the models — an important issue at a company that brags about its commitment to being carbon neutral since 2007 as it strives to become even greener.
Google managers had concerns about omissions in the work and its timing, and wanted the names of Google employees taken off the study, but Gebru objected, according to an exchange of emails shared with the AP and first published by Platformer.
Jeff Dean, Google’s chief of AI research, reiterated Google’s position about the study in a statement Friday.
The paper raised valid points but “had some important gaps that prevented us from being comfortable putting Google affiliation on it,” Dean wrote.
“For example, it didn’t include important findings on how models can be made more efficient and actually reduce overall environmental impact, and it didn’t take into account some recent work at Google and elsewhere on mitigating bias,” Dean added.
Gebru on Tuesday vented her frustrations about the process to an internal diversity-and-inclusion email group at Google, with the subject line: “Silencing Marginalized Voices in Every Way Possible.” Gebru said on Twitter that’s the email that got her fired.
Dean, in an email to employees, said the company accepted “her decision to resign from Google” because she told managers she’d leave if her demands about the study were not met.
“Ousting Timnit for having the audacity to demand research integrity severely undermines Google’s credibility for supporting rigorous research on AI ethics and algorithmic auditing,” said Joy Buolamwini, a graduate researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology who co-authored the 2018 facial recognition study with Gebru.
“She deserves more than Google knew how to give, and now she is an all-star free agent who will continue to transform the tech industry,” Buolamwini said in an email Friday.
How Google will handle its AI ethics initiative and the internal dissent sparked by Gebru’s exit is one of a number of problems facing the company heading into the new year.
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Magid: Google’s back in the game with its new Pixel Tablet Technology | UC Santa Cruz team makes final round of Google app challenge At the same time she was on her way out, the National Labor Relations Board on Wednesday cast another spotlight on Google’s workplace. In a complaint, the NRLB accused the company of spying on employees during a 2019 effort to organize a union before the company fired two activist workers for engaging in activities allowed under U.S. law. Google has denied the allegations in the case, which is scheduled for an April hearing.
Google has also been cast as a profit-mongering bully by the U.S. Justice Department in an antitrust lawsuit alleging the company has been illegally abusing the power of its dominant search engine and other popular digital services to stifle competition. The company also denies any wrongdoing in that legal battle, which may drag on for years.
—
AP Technology writer Michael Liedtke in San Ramon, California, contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-12-05--1st openly gay justice sworn in to California Supreme Court

SACRAMENTO — California ’ s Supreme Court has its first openly gay justice .
Martin Jenkins was sworn in on Friday by Gov .
Gavin Newsom in a virtual rather than in-person ceremony because of coronavirus safety restrictions .
“ In swearing in Justice Jenkins today , our state once again makes history , and we elevate an extraordinary Californian to the bench , ” Newsom said in a statement .
“ The people of our state could not ask for a finer jurist or better person to serve them in this capacity.
” Newsom nominated Jenkins to replace Justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 31 .
The Commission on Judicial Appointments unanimously confirmed Jenkins in November , praising him for his “ brilliant intellect , first-class temperament , and boundless humanity.
” During a news conference in October , Jenkins said his identity as a gay man has been “ perhaps the greatest challenge of my life.
” • ‘ Real Housewives of Orange County ’ star Braunwyn Windham-Burke comes out as lesbian • Nasdaq to Corporate America : Make your boards more diverse or get out • Return disabled California man to care of his husband @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the third Black justice to serve on the court .
He joins a diverse bench that includes another Black justice , Leondra Kruger ; Justice Mariano-Florentino Cuellar , who is Latino ; two Asian Americans , Chief Justice Tani Gorre Cantil-Sakauye and Justice Goodwin Liu ; and white justices Joshua Groban and Carol Corrigan.. Jenkins grew up in San Francisco .
His father was a clerk and janitor at the city ’ s iconic Coit Tower .
He was a prosecutor in Alameda County and a civil rights attorney for the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He was appointed as a federal judge in 1998 joined the state Courts of Appeal in 2008 .
He retired last year and joined Newsom ’ s administration as the judicial appointment secretary , helping Newsom vet potential appointments for judgeships .

SACRAMENTO — California’s Supreme Court has its first openly gay justice.
Martin Jenkins was sworn in on Friday by Gov. Gavin Newsom in a virtual rather than in-person ceremony because of coronavirus safety restrictions.
“In swearing in Justice Jenkins today, our state once again makes history, and we elevate an extraordinary Californian to the bench,” Newsom said in a statement. “The people of our state could not ask for a finer jurist or better person to serve them in this capacity.”
Newsom nominated Jenkins to replace Justice Ming Chin, who retired on Aug. 31. The Commission on Judicial Appointments unanimously confirmed Jenkins in November, praising him for his “brilliant intellect, first-class temperament, and boundless humanity.”
During a news conference in October, Jenkins said his identity as a gay man has been “perhaps the greatest challenge of my life.”
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Jenkins grew up in San Francisco. His father was a clerk and janitor at the city’s iconic Coit Tower. He was a prosecutor in Alameda County and a civil rights attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice in the Reagan administration.
He was appointed as a federal judge in 1998 joined the state Courts of Appeal in 2008. He retired last year and joined Newsom’s administration as the judicial appointment secretary, helping Newsom vet potential appointments for judgeships.


mercurynews--2020-12-05--Northern California man arrested in 1995 Santa Cruz County cold case slaying

WATSONVILLE — A 62-year-old man , suspected of involvement in a 25-year-old unsolved murder that shook the local community , was arrested without incident Thursday near his Turlock home .
Santa Cruz County Sheriff ’ s Office investigators believe John Laroche may have killed 41-year-old Gloria Hassemer , leaving her body in the brush along the Pajaro River levee near the Highway 1 overpass .
Hassemer was last seen alive at 4 a.m. June 10 , 1995 , walking near Water and Ocean streets in Santa Cruz after her release from Santa Cruz County Jail , according to Sentinel reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Watsonville woman , a single mother of two , may have hitched a ride from Santa Cruz back to Watsonville , where she was found seven hours later , dead with severe trauma to the head , by a farmworker .
Initially , Hassemer ’ s boyfriend was charged with murder in the case , but charges against him were thrown out soon after , according to court records .
The Sheriff ’ s Office highlighted the still-open cold case in a post on its social media account Nov. 18 .
One commenter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hassemer , wrote on Facebook that the family would not feel closure from the solving of the homicide , but would “ rest easy knowing this monster won ’ t hurt another good soul.
” • Legislative aid says Sacramento culture kept her quiet about rape accusation against Assemblyman Bill Brough • House on street where Southern California Bond fire started is part of criminal investigation • Former San Mateo County Sheriff ’ s Activities League director arrested on suspicion of embezzlement Another commenter posted at the time , “ This beautiful amazing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when she walked into a room it would light up .
Please if you have any information come forward.
” According to the Sheriff ’ s Office , Laroche has connections to Santa Clara County and the Central Valley .
Based on his criminal history , investigators said they believe Laroche may have left additional victims .
Those with information are asked to call detectives at 831-454-7635 .
On behalf of the family , we are incredibly thankful for the Santa Cruz Co. Sheriff ’ s Department .
• Former California death row @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prompting his release • Families of Oakland murder victims want cases solved , community to step up We greatly appreciate their hard work , dedication , and compassion they ’ ve shown to our family over the years .
There have been many detectives and others who ’ ve worked tirelessly and fought hard to help our family receive justice .
Over the past 25 years they ’ ve never given up ; some have even volunteered their time .
We are thankful for their commitment to see that our mother ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us closer to justice after the arrest made yesterday .
We hope this horrible person will spend the rest of his life in prison so that he will never be able to hurt another beautiful soul .
Our family has never given up hope for justice .
We ’ ve allowed our faith to be stronger than our pain .
We thank God that this arrest was made and for all the officers involved yesterday .
Again , we thank the Santa Cruz County Sheriff ’ s Office and everyone who played a @ @ @ @ @

WATSONVILLE — A 62-year-old man, suspected of involvement in a 25-year-old unsolved murder that shook the local community, was arrested without incident Thursday near his Turlock home.
Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office investigators believe John Laroche may have killed 41-year-old Gloria Hassemer, leaving her body in the brush along the Pajaro River levee near the Highway 1 overpass.
Hassemer was last seen alive at 4 a.m. June 10, 1995, walking near Water and Ocean streets in Santa Cruz after her release from Santa Cruz County Jail, according to Sentinel reports at the time. Investigators believe the Watsonville woman, a single mother of two, may have hitched a ride from Santa Cruz back to Watsonville, where she was found seven hours later, dead with severe trauma to the head, by a farmworker.
Initially, Hassemer’s boyfriend was charged with murder in the case, but charges against him were thrown out soon after, according to court records.
The Sheriff’s Office highlighted the still-open cold case in a post on its social media account Nov. 18. One commenter, identifying herself as a relative of Hassemer, wrote on Facebook that the family would not feel closure from the solving of the homicide, but would “rest easy knowing this monster won’t hurt another good soul.” Related Articles Crime and Public Safety | Man shot, killed by Colorado cop was holding a marker, not a weapon
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Another commenter posted at the time, “This beautiful amazing family member was everything to us, when she walked into a room it would light up. Please if you have any information come forward.”
Turlock Police Department assisted in Laroche’s arrest Thursday.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Laroche has connections to Santa Clara County and the Central Valley. Based on his criminal history, investigators said they believe Laroche may have left additional victims. Those with information are asked to call detectives at 831-454-7635.
Family statement
On behalf of the family, we are incredibly thankful for the Santa Cruz Co. Sheriff’s Department.
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Northern California man to face trial in 1995 Santa Cruz County slaying Crime and Public Safety | Suspect arrested in 2009 Monterey County rape case We greatly appreciate their hard work, dedication, and compassion they’ve shown to our family over the years. There have been many detectives and others who’ve worked tirelessly and fought hard to help our family receive justice. Over the past 25 years they’ve never given up; some have even volunteered their time. We are thankful for their commitment to see that our mother’s case was reopened and able to bring us closer to justice after the arrest made yesterday. We hope this horrible person will spend the rest of his life in prison so that he will never be able to hurt another beautiful soul. Our family has never given up hope for justice.
We’ve allowed our faith to be stronger than our pain. We thank God that this arrest was made and for all the officers involved yesterday. Again, we thank the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office and everyone who played a part in this investigation.
Source: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office.


mercurynews--2020-12-05--Ex-Raiders player and strength coach Marv Marinovich dies at 81

Former NFL lineman and strength coach Marv Marinovich — a Watsonville High alum who captained USC ’ s 1962 national championship team — died Thursday at 81 , USC reported .
A family member spoke with the Sentinel early Thursday said Marinovoch , who was battling Alzheimer ’ s , was in hospice in Southern California and wasn ’ t expected to survive the weekend .
He was surrounded by family at the time of his passing .
After shining at Watsonville , Marinovich helped Santa Monica College win the 1958 JC National Championship before transferring to USC .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ 61 and ’ 62 as a two-way lineman .
The ’ 62 USC team that he captained went 11-0 , including a 42-37 victory over Wisconsin in the ’ 63 Rose Bowl .
He was named USC ’ s Most Inspirational Player award and was chosen to play in the Hula Bowl as a senior .
“ He was a great player and a great ambassador for the sport , ” said Steve Cox , former Cabrillo College football coach .
“ He was part of the lore .
He was part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Whenever you talked about the greats from the area back in the day , his name always came up.
” After a brief career with the Raiders , Marinovich became the team ’ s strength and conditioning coach .
He also held similar roles with the St. Louis Cardinals and the World Football League ’ s Hawaii franchise .
Marinovich checked in at 6-foot-3 , 250 pounds in his playing days .
“ He carried himself like he knew what the hell he was doing , ” said Bob Bugalski , 90 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marinovich on golf courses and various functions .
“ He was well built .
At the time , he was very intimidating.
” Bugalski had a fun side and was friendly .
“ To me , the whole family was nice , ” he said .
“ We had a lot of fun together.
” He then opened his own sports performance , training and research centers .
His philosophy was based on Eastern Bloc training methods that focused on speed and flexibility .
Among the professional athletes he trained , in addition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lowery , Troy Polamalu and Jason Sehorn , NBAer Tyson Chandler , MLBer Steve Finley , and MMA fighter BJ Penn .
• NFL Week 13 picks : 49ers debut in ‘ NFC Southwest ’ with win over Bills ; Raiders keep Jets winless • Jets ’ Frank Gore doesn ’ t want to go out 0-16 — and Raiders are in the way • Penalty-prone Raiders seek to change error of their ways against Jets • Inside the Raiders : Newborn daughter arrives just as Derek Carr ’ s critics return Marinovich @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 51 , and Mikhail , 32 , followed their father into the college football ranks .
Todd was a quarterback at USC and Los Angeles Raiders , and Mikhail was a defensive end at Syracuse .
In addition to all his contributions to training , Marinovich will also be remembered for his strict and regimented raising of Todd .
Featured in Sports Illustrated , among other national publications , the Trojans ’ former signal caller was dubbed a “ test-tube QB.
” In addition to his two sons , he is survived by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his brother , Gary , and several grandchildren .

Former NFL lineman and strength coach Marv Marinovich — a Watsonville High alum who captained USC’s 1962 national championship team — died Thursday at 81, USC reported.
A family member spoke with the Sentinel early Thursday said Marinovoch, who was battling Alzheimer’s, was in hospice in Southern California and wasn’t expected to survive the weekend. He was surrounded by family at the time of his passing.
After shining at Watsonville, Marinovich helped Santa Monica College win the 1958 JC National Championship before transferring to USC.
He lettered for the Trojans in 1959, ’61 and ’62 as a two-way lineman. The ’62 USC team that he captained went 11-0, including a 42-37 victory over Wisconsin in the ’63 Rose Bowl. He was named USC’s Most Inspirational Player award and was chosen to play in the Hula Bowl as a senior.
“He was a great player and a great ambassador for the sport,” said Steve Cox, former Cabrillo College football coach. “He was part of the lore. He was part of the history of the valley. Whenever you talked about the greats from the area back in the day, his name always came up.”
After a brief career with the Raiders, Marinovich became the team’s strength and conditioning coach. He also held similar roles with the St. Louis Cardinals and the World Football League’s Hawaii franchise.
Marinovich checked in at 6-foot-3, 250 pounds in his playing days.
“He carried himself like he knew what the hell he was doing,” said Bob Bugalski, 90, a former teacher at Watsonville who saw Marinovich on golf courses and various functions. “He was well built. At the time, he was very intimidating.”
Bugalski had a fun side and was friendly. “To me, the whole family was nice,” he said. “We had a lot of fun together.”
He then opened his own sports performance, training and research centers. His philosophy was based on Eastern Bloc training methods that focused on speed and flexibility. Among the professional athletes he trained, in addition to son Todd, were NFLers Dwight Lowery, Troy Polamalu and Jason Sehorn, NBAer Tyson Chandler, MLBer Steve Finley, and MMA fighter BJ Penn.
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In addition to all his contributions to training, Marinovich will also be remembered for his strict and regimented raising of Todd. Featured in Sports Illustrated, among other national publications, the Trojans’ former signal caller was dubbed a “test-tube QB.”
In addition to his two sons, he is survived by his daughter, Traci Marinovich Grove, his brother, Gary, and several grandchildren.
USCTrojans.com contributed to this report.