mercurynews--2020-06-15--Horoscopes June 15, 2020: Neil Patrick Harris, take a closer look at your options.

Happy Birthday : Take a closer look at your options and what you can do to ensure that things unfold to your liking as the year progresses .
Take responsibility for your happiness , health and reputation .
Stick to the truth , and demand the same from others .
A change of heart regarding someone you looked up to will lead to personal freedom and better days ahead .
Your numbers are 9 , 15 , 22 , 27 , 33 , 42 , 48 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Reflect on the past before you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consequences attached .
Self-discipline will be necessary to remain on course and not lose sight of your main goal .
Self-improvement projects will boost your ego and improve your health .
3 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Backing down isn ’ t a sign of weakness ; it ’ s a sign of strength .
Don ’ t let anyone bully or pressure you .
Use common sense and intelligence to get your way .
You ’ ll feel passionate about life , love and achieving happiness .
3 stars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Put greater emphasis on how you feel , the way you look and living a life geared toward proper diet , exercise and longevity .
Say no to anyone trying to persuade you to try something illegal or not in your best interest .
4 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Don ’ t let emotions dictate change .
Think before you act ; you ’ ll end up with what you want .
Rely on fond memories to help you see clearly during situations that are challenging .
Experience will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Spice things up a bit .
Look around you , and you ’ ll discover a way to maximize your space to fit your current needs and lifestyle .
Adding discipline , structure and a healthier routine to your life will boost your vigor and enthusiasm .
5 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : It ’ s easy to miss an important detail or signal when your daily routine faces challenges .
Look at what you have to work with , and make adjustments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fact-checking and online chats will lead to better decisions .
3 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Make personal growth and improvements your priorities .
Refuse to let your emotions mess with reason .
If you overreact or take on too much , you will have difficulty retracing your steps and living up to the promises you make .
3 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Learn from your mistakes , and move forward carefully .
Money matters will not be clear-cut or go your way if you let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your head , and make changes that encourage your success .
3 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : A positive change at home will bring you closer to someone you love .
A little charm will go a long way when trying to convince a loved one to see things your way .
A new fitness routine will boost your morale .
5 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Take a moment to evaluate what ’ s going on around you .
Consider the best way to keep everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those close to you will make your life easier .
A heart-to-heart talk will lead to positive change .
2 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Put some muscle behind your ideas , and turn a dream into a reality .
Make a change because you want to , not because someone is pressuring you .
Personal growth will come from making hard decisions .
Do what ’ s right and best for you .
4 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : A creative outlet will ease stress and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something workable .
Don ’ t drown your sorrows doing something destructive .
Shoot for the stars , and do something constructive and meaningful .
Do your best to help those in need .
3 stars Birthday Baby : You are charismatic , influential and persuasive .
You are intuitive and disciplined .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Neil Patrick Harris, 47; Ice Cube, 51; Courteney Cox, 56; Helen Hunt, 57.
Happy Birthday: Take a closer look at your options and what you can do to ensure that things unfold to your liking as the year progresses. Take responsibility for your happiness, health and reputation. Stick to the truth, and demand the same from others. A change of heart regarding someone you looked up to will lead to personal freedom and better days ahead. Your numbers are 9, 15, 22, 27, 33, 42, 48.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Reflect on the past before you make a promise that will have emotional consequences attached. Self-discipline will be necessary to remain on course and not lose sight of your main goal. Self-improvement projects will boost your ego and improve your health. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Backing down isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength. Don’t let anyone bully or pressure you. Use common sense and intelligence to get your way. You’ll feel passionate about life, love and achieving happiness. 3 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Put greater emphasis on how you feel, the way you look and living a life geared toward proper diet, exercise and longevity. Say no to anyone trying to persuade you to try something illegal or not in your best interest. 4 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Don’t let emotions dictate change. Think before you act; you’ll end up with what you want. Rely on fond memories to help you see clearly during situations that are challenging. Experience will lead to better choices. 2 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Spice things up a bit. Look around you, and you’ll discover a way to maximize your space to fit your current needs and lifestyle. Adding discipline, structure and a healthier routine to your life will boost your vigor and enthusiasm. 5 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): It’s easy to miss an important detail or signal when your daily routine faces challenges. Look at what you have to work with, and make adjustments that give you a clearer vision. Fact-checking and online chats will lead to better decisions. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Make personal growth and improvements your priorities. Refuse to let your emotions mess with reason. If you overreact or take on too much, you will have difficulty retracing your steps and living up to the promises you make. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Learn from your mistakes, and move forward carefully. Money matters will not be clear-cut or go your way if you let someone interfere or take control. Use your head, and make changes that encourage your success. 3 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): A positive change at home will bring you closer to someone you love. A little charm will go a long way when trying to convince a loved one to see things your way. A new fitness routine will boost your morale. 5 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Take a moment to evaluate what’s going on around you. Consider the best way to keep everyone you live with happy. Working alongside those close to you will make your life easier. A heart-to-heart talk will lead to positive change. 2 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Put some muscle behind your ideas, and turn a dream into a reality. Make a change because you want to, not because someone is pressuring you. Personal growth will come from making hard decisions. Do what’s right and best for you. 4 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): A creative outlet will ease stress and help you turn a difficult situation into something workable. Don’t drown your sorrows doing something destructive. Shoot for the stars, and do something constructive and meaningful. Do your best to help those in need. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are charismatic, influential and persuasive. You are intuitive and disciplined.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-06-15--Word Game: June 15, 2020

Word Game: June 15, 2020

Can you find 18 or more words in DEMURRED ?
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 — DEMURRED (DEMURRED: dih-MURD: Voiced opposition; objected.)
Average mark 14 words
Time limit 25 minutes
Can you find 18 or more words in DEMURRED? The list will be published tomorrow.
SATURDAY’S WORD — CRIMINALS cairn calm cilia claim clam clan cram criminal racism
rail rain raisin rani iris mail main manic marc marl marlin mica mini minicar nail naris alms
amir arms laic laicism lain lair liar limn lira sail sari scam scan scar scram scrim silica simian
similar slain slam slim snail snarl
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--2020-06-16--US airlines may ban passengers who refuse face masks

U.S. airline passengers who refuse to wear facial coverings during the novel coronavirus pandemic could have their flying privileges revoked , the industry ’ s main lobby group said on Monday .
Major U.S. airlines may prevent anyone not wearing a mask from boarding and provide the coverings to passengers who have none .
Once on board , however , flight attendants have little power to enforce the policy if passengers remove their masks .
Carriers with the policy include Alaska Airlines , American Airlines , Delta Air Lines , Hawaiian Airlines , JetBlue Airways , Southwest Airlines and United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement .
The airlines will clearly inform passengers about their individual policies on face coverings before flying , followed by an announcement with specific details onboard , it said .
Each carrier will determine the appropriate consequences for passengers who fail to comply , up to and including being put on that airline ’ s no-fly list .
Airlines offer certain exemptions , including when people are eating or drinking .
United , which last week said passengers would have to agree to wearing a face covering on a pre-flight checklist , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the policy onboard beginning June 18 will be placed on an internal travel restriction list that would prevent them from flying with the airline “ for a duration of time to be determined pending a comprehensive incident review.
” Delta said it was doubling efforts to ensure customers are aware of , acknowledge and comply with its mask requirement , which it said is one of the most important ways to “ stay safe while flying.
” The measures are expected to remain in place throughout the coronavirus crisis .
On Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been vocal along with about a dozen other Democratic senators on airline issues during the pandemic , praised the tougher enforcement policies , adding “ But we still need federal action immediately.
” The U.S. government has not mandated any airline safety requirements since the pandemic hit global aviation , despite calls from unions and industry .
• Outbreak : Idaho will pay people $ 1500 to return to work • Academy Awards have been delayed until April 2021 • Pac-12 football teams begin voluntary on-campus workouts : It ’ s the safest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government has completely abdicated its responsibility to keep the flying public and aviation workers safe during COVID-19 , ” said Sara Nelson , president of the Association of Flight Attendant-CWA said , adding “ the industry alone can not fix this.
” The administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration , Stephen Dickson , is expected to be questioned about masks at a Senate hearing on Wednesday .

By Tracy Rucinski and David Shepardson | Reuters
U.S. airline passengers who refuse to wear facial coverings during the novel coronavirus pandemic could have their flying privileges revoked, the industry’s main lobby group said on Monday.
Major U.S. airlines may prevent anyone not wearing a mask from boarding and provide the coverings to passengers who have none. Once on board, however, flight attendants have little power to enforce the policy if passengers remove their masks.
Carriers with the policy include Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines, Airlines for America said in a statement.
The airlines will clearly inform passengers about their individual policies on face coverings before flying, followed by an announcement with specific details onboard, it said.
Each carrier will determine the appropriate consequences for passengers who fail to comply, up to and including being put on that airline’s no-fly list.
Airlines offer certain exemptions, including when people are eating or drinking.
United, which last week said passengers would have to agree to wearing a face covering on a pre-flight checklist, said any passenger that does not comply with the policy onboard beginning June 18 will be placed on an internal travel restriction list that would prevent them from flying with the airline “for a duration of time to be determined pending a comprehensive incident review.”
Delta said it was doubling efforts to ensure customers are aware of, acknowledge and comply with its mask requirement, which it said is one of the most important ways to “stay safe while flying.”
The measures are expected to remain in place throughout the coronavirus crisis.
On Twitter, Senator Ed Markey, who has been vocal along with about a dozen other Democratic senators on airline issues during the pandemic, praised the tougher enforcement policies, adding “But we still need federal action immediately.”
The U.S. government has not mandated any airline safety requirements since the pandemic hit global aviation, despite calls from unions and industry.
Related Articles National News | Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms
Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms National News | California COVID cases are rising. Here’s why and where health experts are masking “The federal government has completely abdicated its responsibility to keep the flying public and aviation workers safe during COVID-19,” said Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendant-CWA said, adding “the industry alone cannot fix this.”
The administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, Stephen Dickson, is expected to be questioned about masks at a Senate hearing on Wednesday.


mercurynews--2020-06-16--Ohio moves to send all voters absentee ballot applications

Ohio has taken the first step toward sending every registered voter in the state an application for an absentee ballot for November ’ s presidential and gubernatorial election , Republican Secretary of State Frank LaRose said Monday .
The decision by a budgetary board to use federal funds to send the applications comes as mail-in voting has drawn criticism from incumbent Republican President Donald Trump , who has said universal vote by mail will lead to fraud .
The state ’ s April primary election was delayed and moved to mostly absentee voting amid concerns about the raging coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1.9 million – requested the absentee ballots that some were delayed in arriving , leading to frustration and forcing some voters to cast their ballots in person despite potential health risks .
For the general election in November , the applications will be sent to all 7.8 million registered Ohio voters around Labor Day , LaRose said , pending approval by the Republican controlled legislature .
Those who wish to vote by mail will be able to do so if they return the application .
The cost , about $ 1.5 million , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he said .
“ Sending the request – not the ballot – helps voters participate in the election and means each registered voter in Ohio can continue to choose one of three options available to them – early voting , absentee voting by mail , or voting in person on Election Day , ” LaRose said .
Ohio has sent absentee ballot applications to all voters in presidential and gubernatorial elections for the past decade , he said .

By Sharon Bernstein | Reuters
Ohio has taken the first step toward sending every registered voter in the state an application for an absentee ballot for November’s presidential and gubernatorial election, Republican Secretary of State Frank LaRose said Monday.
The decision by a budgetary board to use federal funds to send the applications comes as mail-in voting has drawn criticism from incumbent Republican President Donald Trump, who has said universal vote by mail will lead to fraud.
The state’s April primary election was delayed and moved to mostly absentee voting amid concerns about the raging coronavirus pandemic. But so many Ohioans – about 1.9 million – requested the absentee ballots that some were delayed in arriving, leading to frustration and forcing some voters to cast their ballots in person despite potential health risks.
For the general election in November, the applications will be sent to all 7.8 million registered Ohio voters around Labor Day, LaRose said, pending approval by the Republican controlled legislature.
Those who wish to vote by mail will be able to do so if they return the application.
The cost, about $1.5 million, will be paid for with federal funds, he said.
“Sending the request – not the ballot – helps voters participate in the election and means each registered voter in Ohio can continue to choose one of three options available to them – early voting, absentee voting by mail, or voting in person on Election Day,” LaRose said.
Ohio has sent absentee ballot applications to all voters in presidential and gubernatorial elections for the past decade, he said.


mercurynews--2020-06-15--Investigation: NOAA violated policies with Sharpie defense

Top officials at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association violated its ethical standards and scientific integrity policy when it issued a statement contradicting a local National Weather Service office during Hurricane Dorian in 2019 , a scientific misconduct investigation determined .
During Dorian ’ s approach to the United States last year , President Donald Trump showed members of the media an image of the storm ’ s potential path , which included a marker drawing in an area of Alabama .
Responding to calls of concern , the National Weather Service ’ s Birmingham , Alabama , office tweeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any impacts from # Dorian .
We repeat , no impacts from Hurricane # Dorian will be felt across Alabama .
The system will remain too far east.
” But on September 6 , NOAA released a statement saying , “ The information provided by NOAA and the National Hurricane Center to President Trump and the wider public demonstrated that tropical-storm-force winds from Hurricane Dorian could impact Alabama .
… The Birmingham National Weather Service ’ s Sunday morning tweet spoke in absolute terms that were inconsistent with probabilities from the best forecast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a new memo laying out the final decision on three allegations of misconduct says that an independent panel investigating NOAA leadership ’ s actions during the storm ’ s approach violated the agency ’ s ethical and scientific standards .
Specifically , the panel determined that acting Administrator of NOAA Neil Jacobs and NOAA Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Communications Julie Roberts violated NOAA ’ s Code of Ethics for Science Supervision and Management and the agency ’ s Scientific Integrity Policy in writing and releasing the September 6 statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the development of the statement , Jacobs and Roberts “ engaged in the misconduct intentionally , knowingly , or in reckless disregard of the Code of Scientific Conduct or Code of Ethics for Science Supervision and Management in NOAA ’ s Scientific Integrity Policy , ” the panel wrote .
In addition , the panel addresses the allegation that “ the drafting of the September 6 Statement was driven by external political pressure from Department of Commerce … senior leaders and inappropriately criticized the September 1 Birmingham Tweet and underlying scientific activity.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ did not believe it was a good idea to release a statement , but felt significant external pressure to do so.
” “ They recommended , at two different points , that the reference to the Birmingham WFO be removed — an edit that , if accepted , may have avoided the policy violation .
However , when the edit was not incorporated , they chose to release the statement as a NOAA document , ” the panel said .
Both Jacobs and Roberts argued that they did not violate NOAA ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claims Bolton is violating law with his book • American convicted of spying in Russia , gets 16 years • ‘ The Virus : What Went Wrong ?
’ — TV special examines missteps in early weeks of pandemic • FDA revokes emergency use of malaria drugs for COVID-19 In his four-page response , Jacobs argued that the National Academy of Public Administration , the panel presiding over the investigation , never questioned or refuted “ the scientific veracity of the actual statement ” from September 6 .
He also wrote that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the application of the policy , arguing that the statement does not fall under the scientific activity to which the policy is intended to apply .
“ Using NAPA ’ s interpretation , all social media posts , including tweets , that referenced any NOAA employee ’ s work would have to be reviewed by the scientist who completed the initial or previous work , ” Jacob said .

By Margan Vazquez | CNN
Top officials at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association violated its ethical standards and scientific integrity policy when it issued a statement contradicting a local National Weather Service office during Hurricane Dorian in 2019, a scientific misconduct investigation determined.
During Dorian’s approach to the United States last year, President Donald Trump showed members of the media an image of the storm’s potential path, which included a marker drawing in an area of Alabama.
Responding to calls of concern, the National Weather Service’s Birmingham, Alabama, office tweeted out, “Alabama will NOT see any impacts from #Dorian. We repeat, no impacts from Hurricane #Dorian will be felt across Alabama. The system will remain too far east.”
But on September 6, NOAA released a statement saying, “The information provided by NOAA and the National Hurricane Center to President Trump and the wider public demonstrated that tropical-storm-force winds from Hurricane Dorian could impact Alabama. … The Birmingham National Weather Service’s Sunday morning tweet spoke in absolute terms that were inconsistent with probabilities from the best forecast products available at the time.”
Now, a new memo laying out the final decision on three allegations of misconduct says that an independent panel investigating NOAA leadership’s actions during the storm’s approach violated the agency’s ethical and scientific standards.
Specifically, the panel determined that acting Administrator of NOAA Neil Jacobs and NOAA Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Communications Julie Roberts violated NOAA’s Code of Ethics for Science Supervision and Management and the agency’s Scientific Integrity Policy in writing and releasing the September 6 statement.
By excluding the Birmingham office from the development of the statement, Jacobs and Roberts “engaged in the misconduct intentionally, knowingly, or in reckless disregard of the Code of Scientific Conduct or Code of Ethics for Science Supervision and Management in NOAA’s Scientific Integrity Policy,” the panel wrote.
In addition, the panel addresses the allegation that “the drafting of the September 6 Statement was driven by external political pressure from Department of Commerce … senior leaders and inappropriately criticized the September 1 Birmingham Tweet and underlying scientific activity.”
The panel found that Jacobs and Roberts “did not believe it was a good idea to release a statement, but felt significant external pressure to do so.”
“They recommended, at two different points, that the reference to the Birmingham WFO be removed — an edit that, if accepted, may have avoided the policy violation. However, when the edit was not incorporated, they chose to release the statement as a NOAA document,” the panel said.
Both Jacobs and Roberts argued that they did not violate NOAA’s scientific integrity policy.
In his four-page response, Jacobs argued that the National Academy of Public Administration, the panel presiding over the investigation, never questioned or refuted “the scientific veracity of the actual statement” from September 6. He also wrote that the panel took “an overbroad approach” to the application of the policy, arguing that the statement does not fall under the scientific activity to which the policy is intended to apply.
“Using NAPA’s interpretation, all social media posts, including tweets, that referenced any NOAA employee’s work would have to be reviewed by the scientist who completed the initial or previous work,” Jacob said.


mercurynews--2020-06-15--New Jersey AG orders police to ID disciplined officers

Every state , county and local law enforcement agency in New Jersey will be required to publish a list of officers who were fired , demoted or suspended for more than five days due to a disciplinary violation , state Attorney General Gurbir Grewal said Monday .
Law enforcement agencies will be required to publish the list of those who commit serious violations annually , with the first to come no later than December 31 .
“ Today , we end the practice of protecting the few to the detriment of the many .
Today , we recommit ourselves to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in law enforcement , ” Grewal said in a statement .
Prior to this order , unless they have faced criminal charges , the disciplinary records of officers have generally not been revealed to the public , according to the attorney general ’ s office .
The directive comes as governments take on police reform following the death of George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis .
At a press conference , Gov .
Phil Murphy said he was “ proud ” of the directive , calling it “ a big step @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of information you assume the worst , with information you get a much clearer sense of the reality , ” said Murphy .
As of now , state police publish summary information with regard to major discipline of troopers , said State Police Col. Pat Callahan , who also spoke at the press conference .
Grewal ’ s directive will require including troopers ’ names within the summary information .
“ We talk about embracing the scrutiny , embracing transparency .
It ’ s also important to note that the acts of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the state or nation , and we ’ ll ultimately let the public decide for themselves on the nature of these allegations , ” said Callahan .
State police will publicize all troopers who have faced disciplinary actions over the past two decades by July 15 , Murphy said , adding it is around 400 cases .
In New Jersey , the attorney general has broad authority to issue policy documents known as “ law enforcement directives , ” which are binding on all law enforcement agencies .
Earlier this month , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use of force policy for the first time in two decades , which governs when the state ’ s 36,000 law enforcement officers may or may not use force against civilians .
Grewal said his office has launched an online portal for public comments and will be organizing community listening sessions in all 21 counties .

By Elizabeth Joseph, Kristina Sgueglia and Mirna Alsharif | CNN
Every state, county and local law enforcement agency in New Jersey will be required to publish a list of officers who were fired, demoted or suspended for more than five days due to a disciplinary violation, state Attorney General Gurbir Grewal said Monday.
Law enforcement agencies will be required to publish the list of those who commit serious violations annually, with the first to come no later than December 31.
“Today, we end the practice of protecting the few to the detriment of the many. Today, we recommit ourselves to building a culture of transparency and accountability in law enforcement,” Grewal said in a statement.
Prior to this order, unless they have faced criminal charges, the disciplinary records of officers have generally not been revealed to the public, according to the attorney general’s office.
The directive comes as governments take on police reform following the death of George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis.
At a press conference, Gov. Phil Murphy said he was “proud” of the directive, calling it “a big step for transparency.”
“In the absence of information you assume the worst, with information you get a much clearer sense of the reality,” said Murphy.
As of now, state police publish summary information with regard to major discipline of troopers, said State Police Col. Pat Callahan, who also spoke at the press conference. Grewal’s directive will require including troopers’ names within the summary information.
“We talk about embracing the scrutiny, embracing transparency. It’s also important to note that the acts of a few should not tarnish the entire profession across the state or nation, and we’ll ultimately let the public decide for themselves on the nature of these allegations,” said Callahan.
State police will publicize all troopers who have faced disciplinary actions over the past two decades by July 15, Murphy said, adding it is around 400 cases.
In New Jersey, the attorney general has broad authority to issue policy documents known as “law enforcement directives,” which are binding on all law enforcement agencies.
Earlier this month, Grewal announced his plan to revise the use of force policy for the first time in two decades, which governs when the state’s 36,000 law enforcement officers may or may not use force against civilians.
Grewal said his office has launched an online portal for public comments and will be organizing community listening sessions in all 21 counties.


mercurynews--2020-06-15--Dozens demonstrate outside Contra Costa Sheriff’s home

DANVILLE — Dozens of people gathered Monday outside the Danville home of Contra Costa County Sheriff David Livingston to call for changes in police practices and to criticize a recommended budget that calls for spending millions more dollars for the sheriff ’ s office .
The group convened at a Safeway parking lot in the afternoon and drove to the sheriff ’ s neighborhood , honking and displaying signs that read “ Black Lives Matter ” and “ No Justice , No Peace.
” Other signs included specific calls to action , such as to “ defund the sheriff ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , health care and other services instead .
Tamisha Walker , an Antioch resident who founded the nonprofit Safe Return Project and is a member of the Contra Costa County Racial Justice Coalition , said it was important to her that the community come to meet Livingston in his own neighborhood .
“ Historically , the sheriff has refused to come to the people , so the people are coming to him , ” she said just before the car caravan left for his house .
Video : Protesters drive past the home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Danville .
CLICK HERE if you ’ re having trouble viewing media on a mobile device .
No one came out of the house that , according to online record databases and activists , Livingston lives in .
There was also no marked sheriff or other police patrol cars on scene .
Walker said it didn ’ t really matter whether Livingston was home .
Residents just wanted to send a message after what they say has been years of being ignored .
The demonstration is among the latest wave of protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the police killing of George Floyd , a Black man who died after a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for almost nine minutes as he struggled to breathe and begged for his life .
Apparently addressing the sheriff and his supporters , she declared outside the house , “ if we don ’ t get to be comfortable , you don ’ t get to be comfortable.
” Jimmy Lee , a sheriff ’ s office spokesman , criticized the caravan , calling it “ inappropriate ” and “ offensive ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s home rather than his workplace .
But the Rev .
Leslie Takahashi , of the Mt .
Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church , said at the rally that racial justice advocates have been pleading with the sheriff for years at his workplace to enact reforms , without much success .
“ I can not count the number of times we ’ ve been in the sheriff ’ s workplace … at the table … and we have been ignored , ” Takahashi said .
Advocates are calling on the county to direct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to other services , such as health care , mental health , job training and social programs in an effort to prevent and reduce crime .
According to county documents , the recommended budget calls for a $ 7.2 million increase in sheriff ’ s office expenditures , or 2.9 % more than allocated in the current 2019-20 budget .
It estimates a $ 4.4 million increase in revenue , for a net hike of $ 2.8 million for the sheriff ’ s budget .
That increase is mostly due to salary and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deputies , according to county budget documents .
Lee said the call to “ defund police ” is “ something that law enforcement is listening to and wants to be part of that.
” Unlike the sheriff ’ s office , some county agencies are facing cuts .
The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday is scheduled to consider laying off some library workers because of reduced hours , as well as 16 employees in the Department of Child Support Services , for example .
Other demonstrators on Monday criticized the sheriff ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have died in custody the last two years , and pointing to a report by the California Attorney General that found detainees in the West County Detention Facility were kept confined for long periods of time and denied access to thorough medical care .
Melvin Willis , a Richmond City Council member , told the crowd he often hears people ask how the public will be safe if police are defunded .
“ But when police or the sheriff are the ones there committing the crime , who is there to keep us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Who do we call when law enforcement is the one hurting us ?
”

DANVILLE — Dozens of people gathered Monday outside the home of Contra Costa County Sheriff David Livingston to call for changes in police practices and to criticize a recommended budget that calls for spending millions more dollars on the sheriff’s office.
The group convened at a Safeway parking lot in the afternoon and drove to the sheriff’s neighborhood, honking and displaying signs that read “Black Lives Matter” and “No Justice, No Peace.” Other signs included specific calls to action, such as to “defund the sheriff” and redirect the money to mental health, health care and other services instead. Tamisha Walker, an Antioch resident who founded the nonprofit Safe Return Project and is a member of the Contra Costa County Racial Justice Coalition, said it was important to her that the community come to meet Livingston in his own neighborhood.
“Historically, the sheriff has refused to come to the people, so the people are coming to him,” she said just before the car caravan left for his house.
Video: Protesters drive past the home of Contra Costa County Sheriff David Livingston in Danville. CLICK HERE if you’re having trouble viewing media on a mobile device.
No one came out of the house that, according to online record databases and activists, Livingston lives in. There were also no marked sheriff or police patrol cars at the scene. Walker said it didn’t really matter whether Livingston was home. Residents just wanted to send a message after what they say has been years of being ignored.
The demonstration was among the latest wave of protests around the country in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd, a Black man who died after a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for almost nine minutes as he struggled to breathe and begged for his life. Apparently addressing the sheriff and his supporters, Walker declared outside the house, “if we don’t get to be comfortable, you don’t get to be comfortable.”
Jimmy Lee, a sheriff’s office spokesman, criticized the caravan, calling it “inappropriate” and “offensive” for people to demonstrate outside the sheriff’s home rather than his workplace. But the Rev. Leslie Takahashi with the Mount Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church said at the rally that racial justice advocates have pleaded with the sheriff for years at his workplace to enact reforms, without much success.
“I cannot count the number of times we’ve been in the sheriff’s workplace … at the table … and we have been ignored,” Takahashi said.
Advocates are calling on the county to direct funding from the sheriff’s office to other services, such as health care, mental health, job training and social programs in an effort to prevent and reduce crime. According to county documents, the recommended budget calls for a $7.2 million increase in sheriff’s office expenditures, or 2.9% more than allocated in the current 2019-20 budget. It estimates a $4.4 million increase in revenue, for a net spending hike of $2.8 million for the sheriff’s budget. That increase is mostly due to salary and benefit increases as well as adding 25 deputies, according to county budget documents.
Lee said the call to “defund police” is “something that law enforcement is listening to and wants to be part of that.” Unlike the sheriff’s office, some county agencies are facing cuts. The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday is scheduled to consider laying off some library workers because of reduced hours, as well as 16 employees in the Department of Child Support Services, for example.
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“But when police or the sheriff are the ones there committing the crime, who is there to keep us safe?” he asked. “Who do we call when law enforcement is the one hurting us?”


mercurynews--2020-06-15--49ers reward Kyle Shanahan with six-year extension

SANTA CLARA — The 49ers are determined to make sure Kyle Shanahan gets a Super Bowl ring .
With three years remaining on the contract Shanahan signed in 2017 , the 49ers signed to Shanahan to a “ multi-year ” extension , according to a club release .
The deal tacks on another six seasons to the original deal , according to ESPN ’ s Adam Schefter .
Shanahan was not available for comment .
Terms were not available , but the contract reportedly will make Shanahan one of the NFL ’ s five highest-paid coaches .
According to CBS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paid coaches in terms of average salary before Shanahan ’ s deal were the New England ’ s Bill Belichick ( $ 12 million ) , Seattle ’ s Pete Carroll ( $ 11 million ) , the Raiders ’ Jon Gruden ( $ 10 million ) , New Orleans ’ Sean Payton ( $ 9.8 million ) and Baltimore ’ s John Harbaugh ( $ 9 million ) .
The 49ers were the NFL ’ s top seeded team after a 13-3 regular season and followed with one-sided home playoff wins over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before being outscored 21-0 in the fourth quarter and falling 31-20 to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV in Miami .
Shanahan , 40 , becomes the first 49ers coach to get a contract extension since Steve Mariucci 20 years ago .
In the interim , the 49ers have been coached by Dennis Erickson , Mike Nolan , Mike Singletary , Jim Harbaugh , Jim Tomsula and Chip Kelly .
Following a 2-14 season under Kelly in 2016 , 49ers owner Jed York signed Shanahan and general manager John Lynch to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stability .
The 49ers went 6-10 in Shanahan ’ s first season in 2017 , rallying late in the season after acquiring Jimmy Garoppolo , and then were 4-12 in 2018 after Garoppolo was lost to a torn ACL early in the season .
Shanahan was hired after being the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons , who blew a 28-3 lead and lost 34-28 in overtime to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI .
With Shanahan regarded as one of the NFL ’ s top play designers , the 49ers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offense at 381.1 yards per game and were second in rushing at 144.1 yards per game .
They were also second in total defense and first in pass defense .
Shanahan ’ s extension is good news in an environment where the NFL is answering critics about diversity in hiring .
“ I try to hire people that I ’ ve worked with that are prepared for it , and fortunately , that ’ s worked out well for me , ” Shanahan said on June 4 .
“ I ’ ve got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got a black coordinator .
We have a lesbian on our staff .
We have everything and it ’ s not just to show people that we ’ re trying to be diverse .
It ’ s because I ’ ve been around these people and they ’ re really good at what they do.
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The latest on where COVID-19-affected events stand It ’ s been an eventful offseason for the 49ers , who traded standout defensive lineman DeForest Buckner to Indianapolis for a first-round draft choice then selected Javon Kinlaw from South Carolina to take his place .
The 49ers also lost left tackle Joe Staley to retirement , but acquired seven-time Pro Bowl tackle Trent Williams from Washington for third- and fifth-round draft picks .
The 49ers are trying to join the 1971 Dallas Cowboys , 1972 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who won Super Bowls after losing the previous year .
“ It ’ s not an easy thing to do , but I also think we have different people than a lot of teams have , Shanahan said following the season .

SANTA CLARA — The 49ers are determined to make sure Kyle Shanahan gets a Super Bowl ring.
With three years remaining on the contract Shanahan signed in 2017, the 49ers signed to Shanahan to a “multi-year” extension, according to a club release. The deal tacks on another six seasons to the original deal, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Shanahan was not available for comment.
San Francisco is rewarding head coach Kyle Shanahan with a new six-year contract that replaces the three years he had remaining on his deal and ties him to the 49ers through the 2025 season, league sources tell ESPN. — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 15, 2020
Terms were not available, but the contract reportedly will make Shanahan one of the NFL’s five highest-paid coaches. According to CBS Sports, the NFL’s top paid coaches in terms of average salary before Shanahan’s deal were the New England’s Bill Belichick ($12 million), Seattle’s Pete Carroll ($11 million), the Raiders’ Jon Gruden ($10 million), New Orleans’ Sean Payton ($9.8 million) and Baltimore’s John Harbaugh ($9 million).
The 49ers were the NFL’s top seeded team after a 13-3 regular season and followed with one-sided home playoff wins over the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers before being outscored 21-0 in the fourth quarter and falling 31-20 to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV in Miami.
Shanahan, 40, becomes the first 49ers coach to get a contract extension since Steve Mariucci 20 years ago. In the interim, the 49ers have been coached by Dennis Erickson, Mike Nolan, Mike Singletary, Jim Harbaugh, Jim Tomsula and Chip Kelly.
Following a 2-14 season under Kelly in 2016, 49ers owner Jed York signed Shanahan and general manager John Lynch to six-year contracts and stressed the need for stability. The 49ers went 6-10 in Shanahan’s first season in 2017, rallying late in the season after acquiring Jimmy Garoppolo, and then were 4-12 in 2018 after Garoppolo was lost to a torn ACL early in the season.
Shanahan was hired after being the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons, who blew a 28-3 lead and lost 34-28 in overtime to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI.
With Shanahan regarded as one of the NFL’s top play designers, the 49ers ranked fourth in the NFL in total offense at 381.1 yards per game and were second in rushing at 144.1 yards per game. They were also second in total defense and first in pass defense.
Shanahan’s extension is good news in an environment where the NFL is answering critics about diversity in hiring.
“I try to hire people that I’ve worked with that are prepared for it, and fortunately, that’s worked out well for me,” Shanahan said on June 4. “I’ve got a Muslim coordinator, we’ve got a black coordinator. We have a lesbian on our staff. We have everything and it’s not just to show people that we’re trying to be diverse. It’s because I’ve been around these people and they’re really good at what they do.”
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The 49ers are trying to join the 1971 Dallas Cowboys, 1972 Miami Dolphins and 2018 Patriots as teams who won Super Bowls after losing the previous year.
“It’s not an easy thing to do, but I also think we have different people than a lot of teams have, Shanahan said following the season.


mercurynews--2020-06-15--Coronavirus: Workers at hotel project near Google HQ test positive

A boutique hotel project being built blocks from Google ’ s headquarters in Mountain View has been shut down since early June after 10 construction workers tested positive for coronavirus .
The five-story Shashi Hotel project on the 1600 block of N. Shoreline Blvd .
is the largest construction site in Santa Clara County to be shut down by public health and city officials .
Santa Clara County public health officials announced Friday that 13 construction sites had at least one worker testing positive for the virus .
The Mountain View project had the widest exposure , with 10 workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exposed , according to the health department .
Two sites in San Jose and one in Milpitas also had multiple workers test positive .
Public health officials said developers have voluntarily reported the infections and closed work sites .
The state eased coronavirus restrictions on construction projects in early May , allowing workers to return with enhanced safety precautions .
Workers are required to wear personal protective equipment , observe social distancing , and sanitize tools and construction spaces .
Developers must provide sinks and sanitizers , and appoint supervisors to monitor compliance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hotel , just a few blocks from the Googleplex headquarters , was nearing completion when work was shut down around June 5 , according to the city .
The city council approved the North Bayshore project in 2016 .
The four-star , boutique hotel adjacent to the Shoreline Amphitheatre will have 200 rooms , a restaurant , cafe and retail space , according to the Shashi website .
Mountain View chief building official Shellie Woodworth said two electricians tested positive at the site , and developer Davis Reed Construction reported the illnesses to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The San Diego-based developer did not return messages seeking comment .
A developer of a multifamily housing project in Mountain View also discovered a sick worker and immediately shut down , Woodworth said .
The project site was cleaned and work has resumed .
Mountain View inspectors are regularly visiting work sites , and Woodworth said developers have been vigilant about posting work rules and taking temperatures of employees on site .
Woodworth said developers must prove they have hired a certified hazardous materials clean-up company and completely sanitized a site before being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been sanitizing the hotel site , and workers could be allowed back as early as this week .
Mountain View has about two dozen major commercial and residential construction projects under way , according to the planning division website .
The total does include the home renovations and smaller projects .
Nine other projects in the Santa Clara County reported at least one worker testing positive for the virus .

A boutique hotel project being built blocks from Google’s headquarters in Mountain View has been shut down since early June after 10 construction workers tested positive for coronavirus.
The five-story Shashi Hotel project on the 1600 block of N. Shoreline Blvd. is the largest construction site in Santa Clara County to be shut down by public health and city officials.
Santa Clara County public health officials announced Friday that 13 construction sites had at least one worker testing positive for the virus. The Mountain View project had the widest exposure, with 10 workers testing positive and at least 30 potentially exposed, according to the health department.
Two sites in San Jose and one in Milpitas also had multiple workers test positive. Public health officials said developers have voluntarily reported the infections and closed work sites.
The state eased coronavirus restrictions on construction projects in early May, allowing workers to return with enhanced safety precautions. Workers are required to wear personal protective equipment, observe social distancing, and sanitize tools and construction spaces. Developers must provide sinks and sanitizers, and appoint supervisors to monitor compliance with the health orders.
The Shashi Hotel, just a few blocks from the Googleplex headquarters, was nearing completion when work was shut down around June 5, according to the city. The city council approved the North Bayshore project in 2016.
The four-star, boutique hotel adjacent to the Shoreline Amphitheatre will have 200 rooms, a restaurant, cafe and retail space, according to the Shashi website.
Mountain View chief building official Shellie Woodworth said two electricians tested positive at the site, and developer Davis Reed Construction reported the illnesses to the city and county health officials. The San Diego-based developer did not return messages seeking comment.
A developer of a multifamily housing project in Mountain View also discovered a sick worker and immediately shut down, Woodworth said. The project site was cleaned and work has resumed. Mountain View inspectors are regularly visiting work sites, and Woodworth said developers have been vigilant about posting work rules and taking temperatures of employees on site.
Woodworth said developers must prove they have hired a certified hazardous materials clean-up company and completely sanitized a site before being allowed to re-open. Cleaning crews have been sanitizing the hotel site, and workers could be allowed back as early as this week.
Mountain View has about two dozen major commercial and residential construction projects under way, according to the planning division website. The total does include the home renovations and smaller projects.
Nine other projects in the Santa Clara County reported at least one worker testing positive for the virus.


mercurynews--2020-06-15--Exclusive: Golden State Killer suspect DeAngelo could plead guilty June 29 under new deal

Lawyers in the Golden State Killer/East Area Rapist case believe they have reached a deal under which suspect Joseph James DeAngelo Jr. will plead guilty to 88 murder , rape and other charges at a June 29 hearing and avoid a death penalty trial with a life sentence imposed instead , four sources have told The Sacramento Bee .
Details of the agreement , which has not been formalized in court documents filed in the case , still are being worked out , as is the final decision on where the hearing will take place .
Hearings in the case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cramped courtroom on the first floor of the Sacramento County Main Jail that can accommodate only several dozen people .
But with hundreds of spectators expected — including numerous victims , their relatives and media from around the world — officials are looking for a setting large enough to allow for social distancing because of COVID-19 concerns .
The venue is not expected to be in any of the Sacramento Superior Court courtrooms because there are none large enough for such a hearing .
Instead , officials are focusing on large public buildings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert , whose office is leading the prosecution effort , did not respond to a phone message seeking comment Monday .
DeAngelo ’ s attorney , Sacramento County Supervising Assistant Public Defender Joseph Cress said the plea agreement will afford some finality for victims while avoiding a lengthy and expensive trial .
“ We feel this is a just resolution of this case and that the resolution provides some finality and closure for the victims , ” Cress told The Sacramento Bee just after noon Monday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial costs of a lengthy trial.
” The agreement , which sources said could be thrown off by DeAngelo ’ s unpredictable nature , is the result of months of negotiations as Sacramento public defenders have sought a way to convince prosecutors in Sacramento , Contra Costa , Orange , Santa Barbara , Tulare and Ventura counties to agree to a deal that scraps plans for a preliminary hearing that was set to begin in August .
Prosecutors had been pressing to get the hearing , which would have included 150 witnesses testifying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as soon as possible because many victims and witnesses are in their 80s or older .
The public defenders have made plain from nearly the start of the case that they wanted to find a way to resolve it without a death penalty trial , and the fact that DeAngelo is 74 and California ’ s death penalty is under a moratorium imposed by Gov .
Gavin Newsom made it easier for prosecutors to agree not to press the issue .
DeAngelo currently faces 26 counts in Sacramento Superior Court , including 13 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one in Tulare County , four in Orange County , four in Santa Barbara County and two in Ventura County .
He also faces 13 kidnap for robbery charges stemming from a series of rapes — nine in Sacramento County attributed to the “ East Area Rapist ” and four in Contra Costa County .
But the agreement being hammered out envisions DeAngelo also admitting guilt in another 62 crimes attributed over the years to assailants variously known in California as the Visalia Ransacker , Original Nightstalker and Diamond Knot Killer .
Jennifer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lyman and Charlene Smith , were bludgeoned to death in their Ventura home in March 1980 , said family members and victims were told of the plea agreement on June 1 and asked not to discuss it publicly .
“ I ’ m extremely disappointed we ’ re not going to a preliminary hearing , ” said Carole , who moved to Sacramento from Santa Cruz to attend hearings in the case .
“ I absolutely think we should have had an opportunity to sit in a courtroom with him and make him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know he wouldn ’ t have reacted , but it ’ s part of the process that I was really counting on.
” Carole , who has created a podcast about the case , said she understands the motive of prosecutors who did not want to subject elderly witnesses to having to travel during a pandemic to testify , and said she realizes the state ’ s taxpayers will be spared enormous legal costs from a trial .
But she said she can ’ t view the outcome as justice .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , no justice , no peace , ” she said .
“ At a time when Black Lives Matter has been happening we ’ re talking about a dirty cop , a man who used his skills , his acquired police skills , to commit those heinous crimes .
And so as I ’ ve listened to the culture rage I have felt it and I ’ ve had to be quiet .
“ But I feel the same as ‘ no justice , no peace.
’ I don ’ t feel like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t know there ’ s anything that could make me feel justice.
” DeAngelo , a former Auburn police officer , was arrested in April 2018 after a decades-long search for a suspect in the crimes that struck 10 California counties from 1974 through mid-1986 .
Schubert , the Sacramento district attorney , had made finding a suspect a priority and spearheaded the use of DNA evidence from old crime scenes to create a new investigative technique that plugged that evidence into genealogical websites looking for a match .
Eventually , investigators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called GEDmatch.com and began building out a family tree of that individual that led them to Citrus Heights , where DeAngelo had been living for years after being fired from the Auburn Police Department and becoming a truck mechanic .
The case has drawn worldwide attention , spawned a best selling book and is the subject of a six-part documentary series on HBO scheduled to debut June 28 , the day before DeAngelo ’ s next scheduled hearing .

BY SAM STANTON AND DARRELL SMITH, Sacramento Bee
Lawyers in the Golden State Killer/East Area Rapist case believe they have reached a deal under which suspect Joseph James DeAngelo Jr. will plead guilty to 88 murder, rape and other charges at a June 29 hearing and avoid a death penalty trial with a life sentence imposed instead, four sources have told The Sacramento Bee.
Details of the agreement, which has not been formalized in court documents filed in the case, still are being worked out, as is the final decision on where the hearing will take place.
Hearings in the case to date have been held in a cramped courtroom on the first floor of the Sacramento County Main Jail that can accommodate only several dozen people.
But with hundreds of spectators expected — including numerous victims, their relatives and media from around the world — officials are looking for a setting large enough to allow for social distancing because of COVID-19 concerns.
The venue is not expected to be in any of the Sacramento Superior Court courtrooms because there are none large enough for such a hearing.
Instead, officials are focusing on large public buildings in Sacramento that may be used.
Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert, whose office is leading the prosecution effort, did not respond to a phone message seeking comment Monday.
DeAngelo’s attorney, Sacramento County Supervising Assistant Public Defender Joseph Cress said the plea agreement will afford some finality for victims while avoiding a lengthy and expensive trial.
“We feel this is a just resolution of this case and that the resolution provides some finality and closure for the victims,” Cress told The Sacramento Bee just after noon Monday. “This also avoids the stress and financial costs of a lengthy trial.”
The agreement, which sources said could be thrown off by DeAngelo’s unpredictable nature, is the result of months of negotiations as Sacramento public defenders have sought a way to convince prosecutors in Sacramento, Contra Costa, Orange, Santa Barbara, Tulare and Ventura counties to agree to a deal that scraps plans for a preliminary hearing that was set to begin in August.
Prosecutors had been pressing to get the hearing, which would have included 150 witnesses testifying over eight to 10 weeks, underway as soon as possible because many victims and witnesses are in their 80s or older.
The public defenders have made plain from nearly the start of the case that they wanted to find a way to resolve it without a death penalty trial, and the fact that DeAngelo is 74 and California’s death penalty is under a moratorium imposed by Gov. Gavin Newsom made it easier for prosecutors to agree not to press the issue.
DeAngelo currently faces 26 counts in Sacramento Superior Court, including 13 murder counts: two in Sacramento, one in Tulare County, four in Orange County, four in Santa Barbara County and two in Ventura County.
He also faces 13 kidnap for robbery charges stemming from a series of rapes — nine in Sacramento County attributed to the “East Area Rapist” and four in Contra Costa County.
But the agreement being hammered out envisions DeAngelo also admitting guilt in another 62 crimes attributed over the years to assailants variously known in California as the Visalia Ransacker, Original Nightstalker and Diamond Knot Killer.
Jennifer Carole, whose father and stepmother, Lyman and Charlene Smith, were bludgeoned to death in their Ventura home in March 1980, said family members and victims were told of the plea agreement on June 1 and asked not to discuss it publicly.
“I’m extremely disappointed we’re not going to a preliminary hearing,” said Carole, who moved to Sacramento from Santa Cruz to attend hearings in the case. “I absolutely think we should have had an opportunity to sit in a courtroom with him and make him listen to the evidence.
“I know he wouldn’t have reacted, but it’s part of the process that I was really counting on.”
Carole, who has created a podcast about the case, said she understands the motive of prosecutors who did not want to subject elderly witnesses to having to travel during a pandemic to testify, and said she realizes the state’s taxpayers will be spared enormous legal costs from a trial.
But she said she can’t view the outcome as justice.
“I sit with this and I feel like, no justice, no peace,” she said. “At a time when Black Lives Matter has been happening we’re talking about a dirty cop, a man who used his skills, his acquired police skills, to commit those heinous crimes. And so as I’ve listened to the culture rage I have felt it and I’ve had to be quiet.
“But I feel the same as ‘no justice, no peace.’ I don’t feel like this is justice, but I don’t know there’s anything that could make me feel justice.”
DeAngelo, a former Auburn police officer, was arrested in April 2018 after a decades-long search for a suspect in the crimes that struck 10 California counties from 1974 through mid-1986.
Schubert, the Sacramento district attorney, had made finding a suspect a priority and spearheaded the use of DNA evidence from old crime scenes to create a new investigative technique that plugged that evidence into genealogical websites looking for a match.
Eventually, investigators found a potential relative on a website called GEDmatch.com and began building out a family tree of that individual that led them to Citrus Heights, where DeAngelo had been living for years after being fired from the Auburn Police Department and becoming a truck mechanic.
The case has drawn worldwide attention, spawned a best selling book and is the subject of a six-part documentary series on HBO scheduled to debut June 28, the day before DeAngelo’s next scheduled hearing.


mercurynews--2020-06-15--BJ’s brewpubs see sales ‘improve’ to just a 30% drop

Progress in the restaurant business in 2020 is measured by an odd metric : how fast an eatery can cut its sales declines .
Take the BJ ’ s Restaurants and Brewhouse chain , whose rebound from coronavirus business limitations were tossed another curveball when police brutality protests brought curfews and more closings .
The Huntington Beach-based company with 62 locations in California says even as sales are picking up , its most-quick-to-recover locations are still off 30 % from a year ago .
BJ ’ s recent business update details financial challenges due to “ stay at home ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pandemic , plus 41 closings or business-hour limits tied to cities trying to limit violence amid demonstrations about social injustice .
Like many eateries , BJs has had to cut staff and retool its menus to stay afloat in challenging times .
It boosted its takeout and delivery business , both food and its popular brand of beer .
Its update noted that sales “ steadily improve with dining rooms reopening , and off-premise sales remaining elevated.
” As of June 9 , BJ ’ s said : • 178 re-opened dining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This coming week , 208 restaurants are expected to be operating with dining rooms open “ at more than 85 % ” of the locations .
• At all reopened stores , with or without open dining rooms , weekly comparable restaurant sales are off 42.6 % from a year ago to average $ 64,900 for the week “ including the impact of 41 restaurants that were operating on limited hours or closed due to the nationwide demonstrations.
” • The bast-case scenarios — locations with re-opened dining rooms and not suffering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only roughly 30 % vs. 2019 at $ 75,000 a week .
• All the negative numbers aside , early June ’ s declines are actually a noteworthy comeback .
For the current quarter that started April 1 , comparable sales are off 64 % .
At the year ’ s low point in March , BJ ’ s sales were off 84 % .
“ Early results from our re-opened dining rooms are encouraging , with double-digit weekly sequential sales increases over the last four weeks , ” said CEO Greg Trojan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are returning in increasing numbers to dine with us at BJ ’ s .
We are seeing a strong appreciation for the safety measures and precautions we have implemented for them and our team members , including our new touchless digital menus and mobile pay options .
As our dining rooms reopen , we continue to bring back furloughed team members and we look forward to bringing back even more as additional dining rooms open in the next several weeks.
” Investors seem encouraged .
BJ ’ s shares , which plunged to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early days of the pandemic crisis , traded at $ 23 on Monday .
In May , BJs announced Act III Holdings — a restaurant investment company headed by Ron Shaich , founder of the Panera Bread chain — and funds managed by T. Rowe Price Associates have bought a $ 70 million stake in the chain .
• With Oakridge Mall ’ s reopening comes new restaurant takeout , patio dining options • When Valley Fair reopens for shopping , all of these restaurants will too • Businesses on The Row reopen @ @ @ @ @ @

Progress in the restaurant business in 2020 is measured by an odd metric: how fast an eatery can cut its sales declines.
Take the BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse chain, whose rebound from coronavirus business limitations were tossed another curveball when police brutality protests brought curfews and more closings. The Huntington Beach-based company with 62 locations in California says even as sales are picking up, its most-quick-to-recover locations are still off 30% from a year ago.
BJ’s recent business update details financial challenges due to “stay at home” orders designed to slow the spread of a pandemic, plus 41 closings or business-hour limits tied to cities trying to limit violence amid demonstrations about social injustice.
Like many eateries, BJs has had to cut staff and retool its menus to stay afloat in challenging times. It boosted its takeout and delivery business, both food and its popular brand of beer. Its update noted that sales “steadily improve with dining rooms reopening, and off-premise sales remaining elevated.”
As of June 9, BJ’s said:
• 178 re-opened dining rooms of its restaurants in 24 states. This coming week, 208 restaurants are expected to be operating with dining rooms open “at more than 85%” of the locations.
• At all reopened stores, with or without open dining rooms, weekly comparable restaurant sales are off 42.6% from a year ago to average $64,900 for the week “including the impact of 41 restaurants that were operating on limited hours or closed due to the nationwide demonstrations.”
• The bast-case scenarios — locations with re-opened dining rooms and not suffering curfews or closures — had sales off only roughly 30% vs. 2019 at $75,000 a week.
• All the negative numbers aside, early June’s declines are actually a noteworthy comeback. For the current quarter that started April 1, comparable sales are off 64%. At the year’s low point in March, BJ’s sales were off 84%.
“Early results from our re-opened dining rooms are encouraging, with double-digit weekly sequential sales increases over the last four weeks,” said CEO Greg Trojan in a statement. “Our guests are returning in increasing numbers to dine with us at BJ’s. We are seeing a strong appreciation for the safety measures and precautions we have implemented for them and our team members, including our new touchless digital menus and mobile pay options. As our dining rooms reopen, we continue to bring back furloughed team members and we look forward to bringing back even more as additional dining rooms open in the next several weeks.”
Competitors in the mid-priced, sit-down market showed similar slow progress.
• Outback Steakhouse sales were off 25%, year over year, for the week ending June 6 vs. down 33% in the May 10 period.
• Red Robin said its sales, down “more than 70%” in late March were off only 40% for the week ended June 7.
• Dave & Buster’s, which was closed until late April, says its reopened food-and-gaming eateries in early June had sales off 63% vs. 2019 levels.
Investors seem encouraged. Look at BJ’s shares, which plunged to $6 from $46 in the early days of the pandemic crisis, traded at $23 on Monday.


mercurynews--2020-06-15--MLB Commissioner Manfred ‘not confident’ of a 2020 season

NEW YORK — Commissioner Rob Manfred says there might be no major league season after a breakdown in talks between teams and the union on how to split up money in a season delayed by the coronavirus pandemic .
The league also said several players have tested positive for COVID-19 .
Two days after union head Tony Clark declared additional negotiations futile , Deputy Commissioner Dan Halem sent a seven-page letter to players ’ association chief negotiator Bruce Meyer asking the union whether it will waive the threat of legal action and tell MLB to announce a spring training report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These were just the latest escalating volleys in a sport viewing disagreements over starting the season as a preliminary battle ahead of bargaining to replace the labor contract that expires on Dec. 1 , 2021 .
“ It ’ s just a disaster for our game , absolutely no question about it , ” Manfred said during an appearance on ESPN that included the heads of the other major U.S. professional leagues .
“ It shouldn ’ t be happening , and it ’ s important that we find a way to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the field for the benefit of our fans.
” Spring training was stopped because of the pandemic on March 12 , two weeks before opening day , and the sides reached an agreement on March 26 on how to revise their labor deal to account for the virus .
Since then , the hostility has escalated to 1990s levels as the sides exchanged offers .
MLB claims teams can ’ t afford to play without fans and pay the prorated salaries called for in the March deal , which included a provision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possibility of games in empty ballparks or neutral sites .
“ The proliferation of COVID-19 outbreaks around the country over the last week , and the fact that we already know of several 40-man roster players and staff who have tested positive , has increased the risks associated with commencing spring training in the next few weeks , ” Halem wrote in his letter to Meyer , which was obtained by the AP .
Halem sent Meyer a letter with a sarcastic tone Friday accompanying MLB ’ s latest offer , and Meyer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sides memorialized positions ahead of a possible grievance before the panel chaired by independent arbitrator Mark Irvings .
Halem ’ s letter Monday asked the union for many clarifications of its positions .
“ I note that both the NBA and NHL , two leagues which you repeatedly reference in your letter , do not intend to resume play until about Aug. 1 , and both intend to resume play at a limited number of sites with a quarantine approach , ” Halem wrote .
“ Please let us know the association @ @ @ @ @ @ @ league-approved hotels ( like the NBA ’ s Disney World model ) when they are not at the ballpark if conditions worsen over the next few weeks.
” Clark had issued a statement Saturday that told MLB : “ It ’ s time to get back to work .
Tell us when and where.
” The union then said it might file a grievance seeking additional economic documents and money damages that could total $ 1 billion or more .
“ Players are disgusted that after Rob Manfred unequivocally told players and fans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a 2020 season , he has decided to go back on his word and is now threatening to cancel the entire season , ” Clark said in a statement Monday .
“ This latest threat is just one more indication that Major League Baseball has been negotiating in bad faith since the beginning , ” Clark added .
“ This has always been about extracting additional pay cuts from players and this is just another day and another bad faith tactic in their ongoing campaign.
” Manfred said ahead of last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a season was “ 100 % .
” “ I ’ m not confident .
I think there ’ s real risk ; and as long as there ’ s no dialogue , that real risk is going to continue , ” Manfred said on ESPN .
“ The owners are 100 % committed to getting baseball back on the field .
Unfortunately , I can ’ t tell you that I ’ m 100 % certain that ’ s going to happen.
” Halem asked the union for permission to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made three economic offers , the last offering to guarantee players 70 % of their salaries as part a 72-game schedule beginning July 14 and increasing the total to 80 % if the postseason is completed .
Players previously offered two proposals , holding their position that no additional pay cuts were acceptable beyond the prorated salaries for 2020 that they had agreed to in March .
That deal called for $ 170 million in salary advances and a guarantee of service time credit if no games are played this year .
Manfred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of about 50 games .
The union could respond by filing a grievance , arguing players should be paid for the season of 119 games they initially proposed .
The union ’ s first plan would result in salaries of nearly $ 3 billion .
Players are angry following five years of flat salaries , a lost grievance claiming the Chicago Cubs manipulated the service time of star third baseman Kris Bryant in violation of the labor contract and allegations several teams did not properly use revenue sharing proceeds , which the union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see documents detailing regional sports networks ’ agreements with teams , financial interests of MLB owners in RSNs and real estate ventures adjacent to ballparks , plus MLB affiliated companies such as the MLB Network , MLB Advanced Media and BAM Tech .
During a grievance , they would ask Irvings to order document production .
In their March agreement , the sides vowed to “ work in good faith to as soon as is practicable commence , play , and complete the fullest 2020 championship season and post-season that is economically feasible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provisions .
Absent Manfred ’ s consent , the agreement said , the season would not begin unless there were no travel restrictions in the U.S. and Canada impacting play , no restrictions on mass gatherings at all 30 regular-season ballparks and no health or safety risks in playing in front of fans at the regular stadiums .
But it also provided that the sides “ will discuss in good faith the economic feasibility of playing games in the absence of spectators or at appropriate substitute neutral sites.
” MLB told the union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for each regular season game played with no gate revenue and does not want to extend the regular season past Sept. 27 because it fears a second wave of the coronavirus could endanger the postseason , when $ 787 million of broadcast revenue is earned .

NEW YORK — Commissioner Rob Manfred says there might be no major league season after a breakdown in talks between teams and the union on how to split up money in a season delayed by the coronavirus pandemic. The league also said several players have tested positive for COVID-19.
Two days after union head Tony Clark declared additional negotiations futile, Deputy Commissioner Dan Halem sent a seven-page letter to players’ association chief negotiator Bruce Meyer asking the union whether it will waive the threat of legal action and tell MLB to announce a spring training report date and a regular season schedule.
These were just the latest escalating volleys in a sport viewing disagreements over starting the season as a preliminary battle ahead of bargaining to replace the labor contract that expires on Dec. 1, 2021.
“It’s just a disaster for our game, absolutely no question about it,” Manfred said during an appearance on ESPN that included the heads of the other major U.S. professional leagues. “It shouldn’t be happening, and it’s important that we find a way to get past it and get the game back on the field for the benefit of our fans.”
Spring training was stopped because of the pandemic on March 12, two weeks before opening day, and the sides reached an agreement on March 26 on how to revise their labor deal to account for the virus.
Since then, the hostility has escalated to 1990s levels as the sides exchanged offers. MLB claims teams can’t afford to play without fans and pay the prorated salaries called for in the March deal, which included a provision for “good-faith” negotiations over the possibility of games in empty ballparks or neutral sites.
“The proliferation of COVID-19 outbreaks around the country over the last week, and the fact that we already know of several 40-man roster players and staff who have tested positive, has increased the risks associated with commencing spring training in the next few weeks,” Halem wrote in his letter to Meyer, which was obtained by the AP.
Halem sent Meyer a letter with a sarcastic tone Friday accompanying MLB’s latest offer, and Meyer responded with a hostile tone Saturday as the sides memorialized positions ahead of a possible grievance before the panel chaired by independent arbitrator Mark Irvings. Halem’s letter Monday asked the union for many clarifications of its positions.
“I note that both the NBA and NHL, two leagues which you repeatedly reference in your letter, do not intend to resume play until about Aug. 1, and both intend to resume play at a limited number of sites with a quarantine approach,” Halem wrote. “Please let us know the association’s views on quarantining players in league-approved hotels (like the NBA’s Disney World model) when they are not at the ballpark if conditions worsen over the next few weeks.”
Clark had issued a statement Saturday that told MLB: “It’s time to get back to work. Tell us when and where.” The union then said it might file a grievance seeking additional economic documents and money damages that could total $1 billion or more.
“Players are disgusted that after Rob Manfred unequivocally told players and fans that there would ‘100%’ be a 2020 season, he has decided to go back on his word and is now threatening to cancel the entire season,” Clark said in a statement Monday.
“This latest threat is just one more indication that Major League Baseball has been negotiating in bad faith since the beginning,” Clark added. “This has always been about extracting additional pay cuts from players and this is just another day and another bad faith tactic in their ongoing campaign.”
Manfred said ahead of last week’s amateur draft that the chance of a season was “100%.”
He reversed his position Monday.
“I’m not confident. I think there’s real risk; and as long as there’s no dialogue, that real risk is going to continue,” Manfred said on ESPN. “The owners are 100% committed to getting baseball back on the field. Unfortunately, I can’t tell you that I’m 100% certain that’s going to happen.”
Halem asked the union for permission to go ahead with the season.
MLB has made three economic offers, the last offering to guarantee players 70% of their salaries as part a 72-game schedule beginning July 14 and increasing the total to 80% if the postseason is completed.
Players previously offered two proposals, holding their position that no additional pay cuts were acceptable beyond the prorated salaries for 2020 that they had agreed to in March. That deal called for $170 million in salary advances and a guarantee of service time credit if no games are played this year.
Manfred had threatened a shorter schedule, perhaps of about 50 games. The union could respond by filing a grievance, arguing players should be paid for the season of 119 games they initially proposed. The union’s first plan would result in salaries of nearly $3 billion.
Players are angry following five years of flat salaries, a lost grievance claiming the Chicago Cubs manipulated the service time of star third baseman Kris Bryant in violation of the labor contract and allegations several teams did not properly use revenue sharing proceeds, which the union called “tanking.”
Players hope to see documents detailing regional sports networks’ agreements with teams, financial interests of MLB owners in RSNs and real estate ventures adjacent to ballparks, plus MLB affiliated companies such as the MLB Network, MLB Advanced Media and BAM Tech. During a grievance, they would ask Irvings to order document production.
In their March agreement, the sides vowed to “work in good faith to as soon as is practicable commence, play, and complete the fullest 2020 championship season and post-season that is economically feasible, consistent with” a series of provisions.
Absent Manfred’s consent, the agreement said, the season would not begin unless there were no travel restrictions in the U.S. and Canada impacting play, no restrictions on mass gatherings at all 30 regular-season ballparks and no health or safety risks in playing in front of fans at the regular stadiums. But it also provided that the sides “will discuss in good faith the economic feasibility of playing games in the absence of spectators or at appropriate substitute neutral sites.”
MLB told the union it would lose an additional $640,000 for each regular season game played with no gate revenue and does not want to extend the regular season past Sept. 27 because it fears a second wave of the coronavirus could endanger the postseason, when $787 million of broadcast revenue is earned.