mercurynews--2020-06-09--Data show Bay Area residents challenged the limits of shelter-in-place orders

Bay Area residents went into a self-imposed lockdown about two weeks before being ordered to stay home , then started venturing out from their homes just days after “ shelter-in-place ” mandates went into effect , according to a Bay Area News Group analysis of cellphone data from Apple and Google .
The data show a steep decline in Bay Area residents ’ mobility after the pandemic prompted Gov .
Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency on March 4 , as news reports of the coronavirus spreading worldwide reached a fever pitch .
But after most Bay Area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 17 , residents began leaving home more and gradually increased their travel by car and on foot as the stay-at-home orders wore on , the data shows .
The big exception as far as transportation options has been the use of public transit .
As Bay Area residents continue to avoid entering enclosed spaces with strangers , their use of buses , trolleys and trains remains stuck at historically low levels .
As Bay Area counties gradually ease shelter-in-place rules , residents recounted in recent interviews how their behaviors began “ loosening ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Some described going on long “ therapy drives ” and finding creative ways to “ escape , ” yet remain safe .
Others selected small groups of friends to interact with , often without wearing masks or staying 6 feet apart .
Milpitas resident Khadijah Ahmad ’ s journey through the pandemic reflected the data gathered by the two tech giants .
Until a few months ago , the 25-year-old recruiting specialist filled her day with work , exercise and UC Santa Cruz Extension courses .
But all of that was upended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Bay Area ’ s lockdown , Ahmad jumped at the chance to work at home when her employer , Nelson Staffing in Pleasanton , encouraged the practice .
“ I started to feel really uneasy , ” she said .
“ At first , I would just walk around the neighborhood .
But I wasn ’ t getting the kind of fulfillment that I would get when I would go and have a really good workout at the gym.
” She even found herself missing her morning commute .
“ It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you kind of grieve it , ” she said .
Ahmad said she quickly realized she needed to develop a new routine .
So she took up walking and running at Fremont ’ s Lake Elizabeth and other scenic spots and began working out with weights at home .
She started going on leisurely drives on Skyline Boulevard in the Santa Cruz Mountains .
In early May , a group of friends invited Ahmad over to their house for the first time in a month and a half .
She said they now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing , but they ’ ve agreed to immediately warn each other if they feel ill and might be infectious .
Ahmad said she feels safe around her friends .
“ We ’ re very transparent with each other , ” she said .
“ I think that helps ease people ’ s minds when it comes to opening up our social circles just a little bit.
” Jeff Hancock , a professor of communication at Stanford , said the behavior Ahmad describes is becoming more common as people push the boundaries recommended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have routinely bent shelter-in-place rules and social-distancing protocols — which include limiting close contact to household members , staying at least 6 feet apart from others and traveling by car only to run essential errands and go to important appointments — based on their own perceptions of risk .
Those perceptions are shaped by those in their circles in a process known in psychology as “ norm-setting.
” “ Now everything ’ s been thrown upside down and twisted around and we don ’ t know what the norm is anymore , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figuring out what social behaviors are OK. And as you do that , you rationalize them .
We think about them , talk about them with our peers .
We kind of figure out our new normal.
” Experts say that people in lockdown are often taking their mental and emotional well-being into consideration when they decide to push boundaries meant to keep them isolated .
Elissa Epel , a professor in UC San Francisco ’ s Department of Psychiatry , said there ’ s little doubt that social distancing is causing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” across the country .
A survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Census Bureau released on May 26 showed that a third of Americans reported feeling anxiety or depression during the pandemic — triple the percentage measured around this time last year .
“ The statistics on mental health are partly due to loneliness and the lack of social connection , ” Epel said .
“ And I believe that people are finding a lot of relief in starting to connect with others socially.
” The data from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applications is available online , but the companies say it ’ s aggregated in a way that makes all the personal data private .
While Apple ’ s data details how people are traveling , Google data focuses more on where people are spending their time .
In recent weeks , Google ’ s data showed a spike in the amount of time Bay Area residents spent at parks compared with a five-week period in January and February , before most Californians were aware that COVID-19 was spreading in their communities .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visits to parks jumped 80 percent .
May ’ s mostly warm and sunny weather also drove people to parks , which many Bay Area residents now see as places where they can get some fresh air while keeping their distances from other park visitors .
“ We ’ ve been stuck in homes or apartments with very few ” other people , Hancock said .
“ And we have a fundamental need to extend beyond that.
” San Mateo residents Larry and Cheryl Blair know the feeling .
They ’ ve been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ girls , both of whom have autism .
“ It ’ s been stressful , ” Larry said .
“ The lack of structure with no school has been really tough.
” Two weeks ago , they became so desperate to get out of the house that they conscripted Cheryl ’ s father , who lives with them , as a babysitter for a night .
They found a room at a Marriott hotel only five minutes from their house for under a hundred dollars , less than half of what it cost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation .
The Blairs ordered pastrami sandwiches from the Refuge restaurant in San Carlos through DoorDash — “ a cheap way to do room service , ” Larry said with a laugh .
“ It was wonderful , ” Cheryl said .
“ It felt clean .
It felt very safe to me.
” The Blairs were so thrilled with the experience that they later decided to spend another night at the Marriott to celebrate Cheryl ’ s recent birthday .
Experts like Hancock say that spending a night in a hotel and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ examples of behaviors that felt more dangerous in the early days of the pandemic , but have become more socially acceptable .
People have a tendency to break the rules in ways they believe are safe , he said .
• WHO warns that the pandemic is ‘ far from over ’ On the flip side , just because local government says it ’ s OK doesn ’ t mean residents are going to quickly return to their old ways of living .
Ahmad , for example , said that when her gym @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t be rushing back until she feels she faces little danger of getting infected with the coronavirus when she works out there .
Eventually , though , she plans to ease back into her old routine — with a few new additions , such as her new love of running .
“ I see myself kind of hanging onto some of these new things that I ’ ve started to incorporate into my life , ” she said .
“ I ’ m stronger now than I was at the beginning of this @ @

By Jerimiah Oetting, Correspondent
Bay Area residents went into a self-imposed lockdown about two weeks before being ordered to stay home, then started venturing out from their homes just days after “shelter-in-place” mandates went into effect, according to a Bay Area News Group analysis of cellphone data from Apple and Google.
The data show a steep decline in Bay Area residents’ mobility after the pandemic prompted Gov. Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency on March 4, as news reports of the coronavirus spreading worldwide reached a fever pitch. But after most Bay Area counties ordered a lockdown to begin March 17, residents began leaving home more and gradually increased their travel by car and on foot as the stay-at-home orders wore on, the data show.
The big exception as far as transportation options has been the use of public transit. As Bay Area residents continue to avoid entering enclosed spaces with strangers, their use of buses, trolleys and trains remains stuck at historically low levels.
As Bay Area counties gradually ease shelter-in-place rules, residents recounted in recent interviews how their behaviors began “loosening” shortly after the lockdown orders took effect. Some described going on long “therapy drives” and finding creative ways to “escape,” yet remain safe. Others selected small groups of friends to interact with, often without wearing masks or staying 6 feet apart.
Milpitas resident Khadijah Ahmad’s journey through the pandemic reflected the data gathered by the two tech giants.
Until a few months ago, the 25-year-old recruiting specialist filled her day with work, exercise and UC Santa Cruz Extension courses. But all of that was upended by the coronavirus. A week before the Bay Area’s lockdown, Ahmad jumped at the chance to work at home when her employer, Nelson Staffing in Pleasanton, encouraged the practice.
“I started to feel really uneasy,” she said. “At first, I would just walk around the neighborhood. But I wasn’t getting the kind of fulfillment that I would get when I would go and have a really good workout at the gym.” She even found herself missing her morning commute.
“It’s a sense of loss, so you kind of grieve it,” she said.
Ahmad said she quickly realized she needed to develop a new routine. So she took up walking and running at Fremont’s Lake Elizabeth and other scenic spots and began working out with weights at home. She started going on leisurely drives on Skyline Boulevard in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
In early May, a group of friends invited Ahmad over to their house for the first time in a month and a half. She said they now regularly interact without face masks and social distancing, but they’ve agreed to immediately warn each other if they feel ill and might be infectious.
Ahmad said she feels safe around her friends. “We’re very transparent with each other,” she said. “I think that helps ease people’s minds when it comes to opening up our social circles just a little bit.”
Jeff Hancock, a professor of communication at Stanford, said the behavior Ahmad describes is becoming more common as people push the boundaries recommended by public health officials. He said people have routinely bent shelter-in-place rules and social-distancing protocols — which include limiting close contact to household members, staying at least 6 feet apart from others and traveling by car only to run essential errands and go to important appointments — based on their own perceptions of risk. Those perceptions are shaped by those in their circles in a process known in psychology as “norm-setting.”
“Now everything’s been thrown upside down and twisted around and we don’t know what the norm is anymore,” he said. “People are figuring out what social behaviors are OK. And as you do that, you rationalize them. We think about them, talk about them with our peers. We kind of figure out our new normal.”
Experts say that people in lockdown are often taking their mental and emotional well-being into consideration when they decide to push boundaries meant to keep them isolated.
Elissa Epel, a professor in UC San Francisco’s Department of Psychiatry, said there’s little doubt that social distancing is causing a “dramatic elevation in depression and anxiety” across the country.
A survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Census Bureau released on May 26 showed that a third of Americans reported feeling anxiety or depression during the pandemic — triple the percentage measured around this time last year.
“The statistics on mental health are partly due to loneliness and the lack of social connection,” Epel said. “And I believe that people are finding a lot of relief in starting to connect with others socially.”
The data from Apple Maps, Google Maps and other applications is available online, but the companies say it’s aggregated in a way that makes all the personal data private.
While Apple’s data details how people are traveling, Google data focuses more on where people are spending their time.
In recent weeks, Google’s data showed a spike in the amount of time Bay Area residents spent at parks compared with a five-week period in January and February, before most Californians were aware that COVID-19 was spreading in their communities. In Santa Cruz County, the number of visits to parks jumped 80 percent.
May’s mostly warm and sunny weather also drove people to parks, which many Bay Area residents now see as places where they can get some fresh air while keeping their distances from other park visitors.
“We’ve been stuck in homes or apartments with very few” other people, Hancock said. “And we have a fundamental need to extend beyond that.”
San Mateo residents Larry and Cheryl Blair know the feeling. They’ve been sheltering at home with their two teenage girls, both of whom have autism.
“It’s been stressful,” Larry said. “The lack of structure with no school has been really tough.”
Two weeks ago, they became so desperate to get out of the house that they conscripted Cheryl’s father, who lives with them, as a babysitter for a night. They found a room at a Marriott hotel only five minutes from their house for under a hundred dollars, less than half of what it cost before the pandemic emptied hotels across the nation. The Blairs ordered pastrami sandwiches from the Refuge restaurant in San Carlos through DoorDash — “a cheap way to do room service,” Larry said with a laugh.
“It was wonderful,” Cheryl said. “It felt clean. It felt very safe to me.”
The Blairs were so thrilled with the experience that they later decided to spend another night at the Marriott to celebrate Cheryl’s recent birthday.
Experts like Hancock say that spending a night in a hotel and socializing with small groups of friends are examples of behaviors that felt more dangerous in the early days of the pandemic, but have become more socially acceptable. People have a tendency to break the rules in ways they believe are safe, he said.
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Ahmad, for example, said that when her gym opens back up, she won’t be rushing back until she feels she faces little danger of getting infected with the coronavirus when she works out there. Eventually, though, she plans to ease back into her old routine — with a few new additions, such as her new love of running.
“I see myself kind of hanging onto some of these new things that I’ve started to incorporate into my life,” she said. “I’m stronger now than I was at the beginning of this.”


mercurynews--2020-06-09--San Jose mayor rejects calls to cut funds from police in wake of George Floyd killing

SAN JOSE — In clear contrast with San Francisco , Los Angeles and other big cities , San Jose doesn ’ t intend to cut funding from its police department as demanded by activists in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd , according to Mayor Sam Liccardo .
“ There ’ s a lot of work to be done , ” Liccardo acknowledged in an interview Monday .
“ But defunding the department doesn ’ t help the very communities that have been burdened by structural racism for decades in this nation .
The notion we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experiment .
I ’ d rather not be the guinea pig.
” Instead of diverting money from the police department to social or health care services as advocated by law enforcement critics , Liccardo is proposing a budget that will focus on shoring up police reform .
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has announced the city will redirect $ 250 million from police toward health care and jobs programs , and San Francisco Mayor London Breed has said the city will prioritize the redirection of funds toward that city ’ s African-American community.. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer touched off a national furor over police brutality when he pressed his knee against Floyd ’ s neck for almost nine minutes while ignoring his cry that he couldn ’ t breathe , a majority of council members is planning to dismantle the city ’ s police department .
But after calling on his own police department last week to reassess its use of force during protests — a sign to some activists that San Jose could be on a similar path — Liccardo sent out a press release Sunday saying he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police department ’ s funding in the 2020-21 fiscal year budget , which starts July 1 .
He told this news organization San Jose doesn ’ t have “ the luxury ” to take a chunk out of the police department ’ s budget to use for other city services , noting it has long been “ thinly staffed ” when compared to many large cities .
“ When I go to neighborhood meetings where Spanish is spoken , I am routinely and invariably asked , ‘ Can you provide more patrols ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Liccardo said .
“ The unfortunate reality of the economic apartheid that has persisted for too long in this country is that communities of color are victimized with higher crime than other Americans .
We have to be very conscious of what we ’ re doing in the name of reform.
” He also said police departments aren ’ t the only racist institutions in the country , though officers hold a monopoly of force when compared to other city services .
“ Systemic racism exists in institutions around our nation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at ourselves , ” he said .
Liccardo said he doesn ’ t want his city to become like Atlanta , where predominantly white neighborhoods have hired private security firms to provide public safety because of police department cuts .
“ That is not a safer world in which to live , nor is it a world in which civil liberties are respected , ” Liccardo said .
“ Those patrols don ’ t have to face public scrutiny .
I shudder to think about what the alternative is.
” Liccardo said San @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been working on reforms .
In the last week alone , Liccardo said , he has called for banning the use of rubber bullets in crowds , expanding the authority of San Jose ’ s civilian independent police auditor and a full review of the city ’ s use-of-force policies .
“ Defunding the police department is a reckless gamble that will endanger neighborhoods and create thousands of crime victims that will never see justice , ” said the association ’ s president , Paul Kelly .
“ Those advocating for this ill-advised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to improve outcomes between police officers and the communities we serve instead of fanning the flames of division .
Longer response times , investigations that are delayed or never happen , and cities where riots become the norm is what defunding the police department will bring , no thank you.
” But critics such as Raj Jayadev , of Silicon Valley De-Bug , are not impressed .
Jayadev said such “ tinkerings ” are “ completely inadequate and completely unresponsive to the overwhelming call for substantive and transformative change .
“ There have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Jayadev said .
“ But what they have resulted in are really very small bureaucratic solutions that mask really substantive change from happening .
Some of these the mayor is listing up as some sort of solution have all been tried and failed to stop the bodies from falling.
” Community organizer Derrick Sanderlin said unless the city takes a “ huge step ” to defund the police department , “ we ’ re going to keep seeing this over and over again.
” “ I think it ’ s time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police department , ” Sanderlin said , adding that the city should be “ divesting funds from police departments , ending contracts with schools , firing racist cops and reinvesting those funds back into the community through community-led violence intervention programs.
” Sanderlin was a leader with the faith-based coalition People Acting in Community Together , which provides implicit bias training for San Jose police officers .
He was shot by rubber bullets and injured during a protest in San Jose last week , a moment that left him “ heartbroken.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to waste on reform , ” Sanderlin said .
“ We need to focus on the bigger picture .
”

SAN JOSE — In clear contrast with San Francisco, Los Angeles and other big cities, San Jose doesn’t intend to cut funding from its police department as demanded by activists in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd, according to Mayor Sam Liccardo.
“There’s a lot of work to be done,” Liccardo acknowledged in an interview Monday. “But defunding the department doesn’t help the very communities that have been burdened by structural racism for decades in this nation. The notion we can do without the police is an interesting experiment. I’d rather not be the guinea pig.”
Instead of diverting money from the police department to social or health care services as advocated by law enforcement critics, Liccardo is proposing a budget that will focus on shoring up police reform.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has announced the city will redirect $250 million from police toward health care and jobs programs, and San Francisco Mayor London Breed has said the city will prioritize the redirection of funds toward that city’s African-American community..
And in Minneapolis, where a police officer touched off a national furor over police brutality when he pressed his knee against Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes while ignoring his cry that he couldn’t breathe, a majority of council members is planning to dismantle the city’s police department.
But after calling on his own police department last week to reassess its use of force during protests — a sign to some activists that San Jose could be on a similar path — Liccardo sent out a press release Sunday saying he doesn’t intend to reduce the police department’s funding in the 2020-21 fiscal year budget, which starts July 1.
He told this news organization San Jose doesn’t have “the luxury” to take a chunk out of the police department’s budget to use for other city services, noting it has long been “thinly staffed” when compared to many large cities.
“When I go to neighborhood meetings where Spanish is spoken, I am routinely and invariably asked, ‘Can you provide more patrols? Can we have more police?’ ” Liccardo said. “The unfortunate reality of the economic apartheid that has persisted for too long in this country is that communities of color are victimized with higher crime than other Americans. We have to be very conscious of what we’re doing in the name of reform.”
He also said police departments aren’t the only racist institutions in the country, though officers hold a monopoly of force when compared to other city services.
“Systemic racism exists in institutions around our nation. We need to take a deep look at ourselves,” he said.
Liccardo said he doesn’t want his city to become like Atlanta, where predominantly white neighborhoods have hired private security firms to provide public safety because of police department cuts.
“That is not a safer world in which to live, nor is it a world in which civil liberties are respected,” Liccardo said. “Those patrols don’t have to face public scrutiny. I shudder to think about what the alternative is.”
Liccardo said San Jose’s police department has already been working on reforms. In the last week alone, Liccardo said, he has called for banning the use of rubber bullets in crowds, expanding the authority of San Jose’s civilian independent police auditor and a full review of the city’s use-of-force policies.
The San Jose Police Officers Association released a statement supporting the mayor’s stance.
“Defunding the police department is a reckless gamble that will endanger neighborhoods and create thousands of crime victims that will never see justice,” said the association’s president, Paul Kelly. “Those advocating for this ill-advised idea should focus on bringing people together to improve outcomes between police officers and the communities we serve instead of fanning the flames of division. Longer response times, investigations that are delayed or never happen, and cities where riots become the norm is what defunding the police department will bring, no thank you.”
But critics such as Raj Jayadev, of Silicon Valley De-Bug, are not impressed. Jayadev said such “tinkerings” are “completely inadequate and completely unresponsive to the overwhelming call for substantive and transformative change.
“There have been calls before to make those changes,” Jayadev said. “But what they have resulted in are really very small bureaucratic solutions that mask really substantive change from happening. Some of these the mayor is listing up as some sort of solution have all been tried and failed to stop the bodies from falling.”
Community organizer Derrick Sanderlin said unless the city takes a “huge step” to defund the police department, “we’re going to keep seeing this over and over again.”
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Sanderlin was a leader with the faith-based coalition People Acting in Community Together, which provides implicit bias training for San Jose police officers. He was shot by rubber bullets and injured during a protest in San Jose last week, a moment that left him “heartbroken.”
“We don’t have more time to waste on reform,” Sanderlin said. “We need to focus on the bigger picture.”
Staff writer Robert Salonga contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-06-09--Letter: What don’t people get regarding ‘all men are created equal’?

The Declaration of Independence states “ all men are created equal.
” Why can ’ t this notion be respected ?
All people are made the same and yet black people aren ’ t treated with the same respect .
We ’ ve come to a certain point where racism is reaching the tip of dehumanization .
“ I can ’ t breathe , ” George Floyd says , gasping for air under the weight of police officer Derek Chauvin .
Floyd used his last breaths to cry for help , and yet it wasn ’ t enough .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump supporters to see the truth ?
• Letter : Abandon parallels with the military to change police culture • Letter : Concerned that easing of restrictions is too hasty Is this who we are as a country ?
Black people have dealt with racism , discrimination and disrespect for what seems eternity .
It ’ s time to take a stand and make a difference ; if we don ’ t deal with it now , we will never achieve racial equality .
Let ’ s stop wasting time and make a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peacefully protest , write !
Make a change , please .
Black Lives Matter .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

The Declaration of Independence states “all men are created equal.” Why can’t this notion be respected?
All people are made the same and yet black people aren’t treated with the same respect.
We’ve come to a certain point where racism is reaching the tip of dehumanization. “I can’t breathe,” George Floyd says, gasping for air under the weight of police officer Derek Chauvin.
Floyd used his last breaths to cry for help, and yet it wasn’t enough.
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Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps Is this who we are as a country? Black people have dealt with racism, discrimination and disrespect for what seems eternity. It’s time to take a stand and make a difference; if we don’t deal with it now, we will never achieve racial equality. Let’s stop wasting time and make a difference. Educate yourself, donate, peacefully protest, write! Make a change, please. Black Lives Matter.
Maddie Sayer
Mountain View
Los Altos High School Student
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
Read more Letters to the Editor


mercurynews--2020-06-09--Barr contradicts Trump on the bunker ‘inspection’ story

Attorney General William Barr said Monday that the US Secret Service recommended moving President Donald Trump to the underground White House bunker during late May protests , contradicting the President ’ s earlier assertion that his visit to the bunker was for “ inspection.
” Barr told Fox News that the June 1 action to expand the perimeter around the White House and Lafayette Square was a reaction “ to three days of extremely violent demonstrations right across from the White House — a lot of injuries to police officers , arson.
” “ Things were so bad that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down to the bunker , ” Barr said , referencing protests on May 29 .
“ We can ’ t have that in our country .
And so the decision was made .
We had to move the perimeter one block .
And that was what we were doing ( on June 1 ) .
” Last week , Trump sought to explain his time in the bunker during clashes outside the residence on May 29 as an “ inspection , ” rather than a retreat for his own safety , telling Fox @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was only in the safe room for a “ tiny ” amount of time .
“ I went down during the day , and I was there for a tiny little short period of time , and it was much more for an inspection , there was no problem during the day , ” Trump said .
“ They said it would be a good time to go down and take a look because maybe sometime you ’ re going to need it , ” Trump added .
“ I looked at it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was not a problem … There was never a problem.
” Trump also told Kilmeade he ’ d been to the bunker before , what he said was “ two and a half times , ” also to get a sense of the space rather than to protect himself from harm .
But last week , multiple people familiar with the matter described a different scenario to CNN , saying Trump was rushed to the bunker for nearly an hour amid intense protests on the evening of May 29 .
A law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the matter tell CNN that first lady Melania Trump and their son , Barron , were also taken to the bunker .
The second source told CNN that “ if the condition at the White House is elevated to RED and the President is moved ” to the Emergency Operations Center , “ Melania Trump , Barron Trump and any other first family members would be moved as well .
”

[vemba-video id=”politics/2020/06/01/trump-bunker-washington-protests-george-floyd-vpx.cnn”]
By Maegan Vazquez | CNN
Attorney General William Barr said Monday that the US Secret Service recommended moving President Donald Trump to the underground White House bunker during late May protests, contradicting the President’s earlier assertion that his visit to the bunker was for “inspection.”
Barr told Fox News that the June 1 action to expand the perimeter around the White House and Lafayette Square was a reaction “to three days of extremely violent demonstrations right across from the White House — a lot of injuries to police officers, arson.”
“Things were so bad that the Secret Service recommended that the President go down to the bunker,” Barr said, referencing protests on May 29. “We can’t have that in our country. And so the decision was made. We had to move the perimeter one block. And that was what we were doing (on June 1).”
Last week, Trump sought to explain his time in the bunker during clashes outside the residence on May 29 as an “inspection,” rather than a retreat for his own safety, telling Fox News Radio’s Brian Kilmeade he was only in the safe room for a “tiny” amount of time.
“I went down during the day, and I was there for a tiny little short period of time, and it was much more for an inspection, there was no problem during the day,” Trump said.
“They said it would be a good time to go down and take a look because maybe sometime you’re going to need it,” Trump added. “I looked at it. It was during the day. It was not a problem … There was never a problem.”
Trump also told Kilmeade he’d been to the bunker before, what he said was “two and a half times,” also to get a sense of the space rather than to protect himself from harm.
But last week, multiple people familiar with the matter described a different scenario to CNN, saying Trump was rushed to the bunker for nearly an hour amid intense protests on the evening of May 29.
A law enforcement source and another source familiar with the matter tell CNN that first lady Melania Trump and their son, Barron, were also taken to the bunker.
The second source told CNN that “if the condition at the White House is elevated to RED and the President is moved” to the Emergency Operations Center, “Melania Trump, Barron Trump and any other first family members would be moved as well.”


mercurynews--2020-06-09--Contra Costa County, site of Bay Area’s fewest COVID-19 cases, reopens restaurants for outdoor dinin

Contra Costa County, site of Bay Area’s fewest COVID-19 cases, reopens restaurants for outdoor dining

Walnut Creek residents Paul and Kassey King are tucked into a socially-distanced corner bench at downtown ’ s Modern China Cafe on Monday , enjoying steamed vegetables , won ton soup and a bit of what everyone is calling “ getting back to normal.
” “ I ’ m elated to be outside enjoying a meal again , ” Kassey King said between nibbles of broccoli .
“ We ’ ve saved a lot of money being home .
It ’ s time to spend it.
” After nearly three months , this county , which has had the lowest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bay Area , loosened lockdown restrictions beginning at 5 p.m. June 5 to allow outside dining at restaurants that follow health , safety and social distancing guidelines .
Diners across the county shared King ’ s sentiment .
From San Ramon to El Cerrito , people eager to have a restaurant experience — and hang up their oven mitts for a change — trickled into patios where masked servers shared disposable menus and warm , smiling eyes .
Santa Clara County , site of the nation ’ s first COVID-19 death , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Friday , followed by Contra Costa County and San Mateo County , which lifted restrictions Saturday .
Alameda County officials have yet to remove that county ’ s ban on outdoor dining .
In San Francisco County , dining alfresco is scheduled to restart June 15 .
At Lokanta Grill & Bar , a Mediterranean restaurant in Walnut Creek , owner Fevzi Dinc was only able to fit four tables in his small patio and still maintain the required six feet of distance .
But he was thrilled to see those tables @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the limited seating I still had the most business I ’ ve had in months , ” said Dinc , referring to traffic on Sunday , the day he reopened .
“ People are enjoying it .
I bet it feels good for them .
It ’ s been a while.
” Too long , if you ask Kay Clark , a nurse anesthetist , and her daughter , Abbie .
The Walnut Creek residents sipped cocktails in the sunshine as Dinc delivered a flaming halloumi cheese appetizer to their table .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ feels so good to be served a meal again , ” said Clark , adding that she also wants to support local businesses at this time .
Farther west , in El Cerrito , Los Moles Beer Garden reopened its large patio on Monday .
Owner Lito Saldana would ’ ve opened sooner but he said restaurants weren ’ t given much notice of the change .
He needed to replenish his inventory after months of spotty takeout and delivery .
Now , the beer garden holds about 30 tables , mostly two-tops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Taco Tuesday — without the popular buffet , of course .
He is offering drinks specials , like $ 5 micheladas , to ensure “ everyone can come out and still save money ” and is finding solutions to shared dishes , like chips and guacamole .
“ We ’ re going to offer several spoons so people can serve their own on their plates , ” he said .
“ We may also give each person a tostada instead of chips.
” Over in Lafayette , friends and fellow kindergarten teachers Kelly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lafayette enjoyed lunch at Tutu ’ s , the organic restaurant and market .
“ I ’ m excited not to do dishes , ” Mulvaney said , smiling as she paid the bill .
When asked about her comfort level dining out for the first time , she said that the distanced tables and masked servers were in her comfort zone .
“ We ’ ve been in this [ pandemic ] for so long .
I also have to live my life.
” Claudio Cravero , director of operations for Tutu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the lifted ban four hours before it went into effect , and had trouble securing staff on such short notice .
So he opened for counter service over the weekend and at one point had a line of 15 wrapped around the builidng .
“ I think people are just anxious to get out , ” he said .
“ They kept calling us to see if we were open.
” Tutu ’ s is taking reservations and walk-ins for its reduced-capacity patio — 15 tables including the two his landlord allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the building — and offering a modified menu based on the ingredients Cravero could find .
Wonton skins , organic vanilla ice cream and organic pork chops have been hard to source , he said .
Based on business over the weekend , if there ’ s one thing Esin deClarion plans to keep well-stocked at her Costra Costa County restaurants , including the newest , Lafayette ’ s Social Bird Kitchen and Bar , it is booze .
The co-owner of Danville ’ s Esin Restaurant & Bar and Revel Kitchen & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and said they were “ packed ” — relatively speaking .
“ Unfortunately , it ’ s really limited seating by the time you space them six feet apart , but it is still exciting , ” said deClarion , who said guests were enjoying “ a lot of drinks ” or a glass of wine with their alfresco meals .
“ I think to get out feels really great for everyone .
People are ready.
” So is she .
“ After three months of not seeing a guest it was wonderful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Among the rules for outdoor dining : — All tables must be separated to allow six feet of social distancing .
— Only residents of a single household or living unit may be seated together .
— Each table is limited to six members of the same household or living unit .
— Alcohol may be sold only with a meal .
— Restaurants that open for outdoor dining must also offer takeout and delivery meals as an alternative .
— State and local protocols for restaurant and employee health and safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wear face coverings except when sitting at the dining table with other members of their household or living unit .
— Patrons dining at the facility must wear a mask to enter the restaurant to use the restroom or access an outdoor seating area .

Walnut Creek residents Paul and Kassey King were tucked into a socially-distanced corner bench at downtown’s Modern China Cafe on Monday, enjoying steamed vegetables, wonton soup and a bit of what everyone is calling “getting back to normal.”
“I’m elated to be outside enjoying a meal again,” Kassey King said between nibbles of broccoli. “We’ve saved a lot of money being home. It’s time to spend it.”
After nearly three months, Contra Costa, which has had the lowest number of COVID-19 cases in the five-county Bay Area, loosened lockdown restrictions beginning at 5 p.m. June 5 to allow outside dining at restaurants that follow health, safety and social distancing guidelines.
Diners across the county shared King’s sentiment. From San Ramon to El Cerrito, people eager to have a restaurant experience — and hang up their oven mitts for a change — trickled into patios where masked servers shared disposable menus and warm, smiling eyes.
Santa Clara County, site of the nation’s first COVID-19 death, was the first to reopen for outdoor dining on Friday, followed by Contra Costa County and San Mateo County, which lifted restrictions Saturday. Alameda County officials have yet to remove that county’s ban on outdoor dining. In San Francisco County, dining alfresco is scheduled to restart June 15.
At Lokanta Grill & Bar, a Mediterranean restaurant in Walnut Creek, owner Fevzi Dinc was only able to fit four tables in his small patio and still maintain the required six feet of distance. But he was thrilled to see those tables mostly filled on Monday.
“Even with the limited seating I still had the most business I’ve had in months,” said Dinc, referring to traffic on Sunday, the day he reopened. “People are enjoying it. I bet it feels good for them. It’s been a while.”
Too long, if you ask Kay Clark, a nurse anesthetist, and her daughter, Abbie. The Walnut Creek residents sipped cocktails in the sunshine as Dinc delivered a flaming halloumi cheese appetizer to their table. “The weather is beautiful and it feels so good to be served a meal again,” said Clark, adding that she also wants to support local businesses at this time.
Farther west, in El Cerrito, Los Moles Beer Garden reopened its large patio on Monday. Owner Lito Saldana would’ve opened sooner but he said restaurants weren’t given much notice of the change. He needed to replenish his inventory after months of spotty takeout and delivery.
Now, the beer garden holds about 30 tables, mostly two-tops, and Saldana is anticipating regulars for Taco Tuesday — without the popular buffet, of course. He is offering drink specials, like $5 micheladas, to ensure “everyone can come out and still save money” and is finding solutions to shared dishes, like chips and guacamole.
“We’re going to offer several spoons so people can serve their own on their plates,” he said. “We may also give each person a tostada instead of chips.”
Over in Lafayette, friends and fellow kindergarten teachers Kelly Power of Berkeley and Meg Mulvaney of Lafayette enjoyed lunch at Tutu’s, the organic restaurant and market.
“I’m excited not to do dishes,” Mulvaney said, smiling as she paid the bill. When asked about her comfort level dining out for the first time, she said she could handle the distanced tables and masked servers. “We’ve been in this (pandemic) for so long. I also have to live my life.”
Claudio Cravero, director of operations for Tutu’s, said he found out about the lifted ban four hours before it went into effect, and had trouble securing staff on such short notice. So he opened for counter service over the weekend and at one point had a line of 15 wrapped around the building.
“I think people are just anxious to get out,” he said. “They kept calling us to see if we were open.”
Tutu’s is taking reservations and walk-ins for its reduced-capacity patio — 15 tables including the two his landlord allowed him to put on the outskirts of the building — and offering a modified menu based on the ingredients Cravero could find. Wonton skins, organic vanilla ice cream and organic pork chops have been hard to source, he said.
Based on business over the weekend, if there’s one thing Esin deCarion plans to keep well-stocked at her Contra Costa County restaurants, including the newest, Lafayette’s Social Bird Kitchen and Bar, it is booze. The co-owner of Danville’s Esin Restaurant & Bar and Revel Kitchen & Bar opened all three patios on Friday and said they were “packed” — relatively speaking.
“Unfortunately, it’s really limited seating by the time you space the tables six feet apart, but it is still exciting,” said deCarion, who said guests were enjoying “a lot of drinks” or a glass of wine with their alfresco meals. “I think to get out feels really great for everyone. People are ready.” So is she.
“After three months of not seeing a guest it was wonderful to see people,” deCarion said.
Follow these rules
Among the requirements for outdoor dining:
All tables must be separated to allow six feet of social distancing.
Only residents of a single household or living unit may be seated together.
Each table is limited to six members of the same household or living unit.
Alcohol may be sold only with a meal.
Bar areas must remain closed.
Restaurants that open for outdoor dining must also offer takeout and delivery meals as an alternative.
State and local protocols for restaurant and employee health and safety must be followed.
Patrons must wear face coverings except when sitting at the dining table with other members of their household or living unit.
Patrons dining at the facility must wear a mask to enter the restaurant to use the restroom or access an outdoor seating area.
For more information, visit www.contracosta.ca.gov
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mercurynews--2020-06-08--‘You owe me ya life’: New details in rapper Serius Jones’ pimping, human trafficking case

MARTINEZ — A famous battle rapper was arrested earlier this year after a Bay Area woman accused him of beating her up and demanding $ 20,000 as payment when she decided she no longer wanted him as her pimp , according to police records obtained by this newspaper .
Saleem Bligen , 39 , who uses the stage name “ Serius Jones , ” is being held on a no-bail warrant in Contra Costa , facing eight felony counts that include human trafficking , pimping , robbery , criminal threats , assault , dissuading a witness , and possessing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by this news organization , the police investigation started last December with a stolen car report , before it snowballed into a sex trafficking case .
The charging records name a single alleged victim , a woman known publicly only as “ Jane Doe , ” to protect her identity .
According to court records made public in May , Doe identified Bligen as her onetime pimp , and alleged that he stomped her with “ Tims ” — slang for Timberland brand boots — after she tried to separate herself from him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her pimp , he would become angry and threaten her if she failed to earn at least $ 1,500 per day .
Bligen has addressed the allegations in a freestyle rap recorded over a Contra Costa County jail phone and posted to Instagram on June 4 .
In the a cappella song , Bligen implies the charges are based on falsehoods , rapping , “ OK now the cat ’ s out the bag , although it ’ s a lot more lying than a cat , ” and referencing “ ridiculous police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says he was not behind a GoFundMe page purportedly set up for him , which raised $ 110 .
Doe said she came to know Bligen through a friend , and that at the time she was working as a dancer at a San Francisco strip club , police say .
She alleged she was “ working ” for Bligen as a prostitute while he traveled between New Jersey , New York , and California , and that she had been a sex worker prior to meeting him .
The woman alleged that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her things like , “ If ( johns ) don ’ t offer you money in the first five minutes , move onto the next one.
” The woman said she occasionally walked “ the blade ” in San Francisco — slang term for an area known for prostitution — but mostly arranged for dates at hotels in the Bay Area and Hawaii , according to court records .
All of the proceeds went to Bligen , the woman alleged .
Last October , she decided she ’ d had enough and told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue , police say .
That ’ s when he showed up at her apartment , under extraordinary circumstances , police allege .
The woman said that on Oct. 14 , she was at home in her apartment , when a 4.5-magnitude earthquake struck the Bay Area .
She ran outside during the quake to look around .
When she returned , Bligen was inside .
She told police he demanded money , and when she refused , he knocked her to the ground and used his Timberland boots to step on her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re gon na die , b—- , ” police records show .
• ‘ You know how Oakland is ’ : Man with pimping conviction faces federal gun charges Doe told police Bligen left several hours later , taking her Lexus as “ a trophy fee ” and added that he wanted $ 20,000 before she could be free of him .
After she reported the car stolen , she reportedly received several text messages from Bligen , which were later obtained by authorities .
In one , he allegedly made a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ family.
” “ Let ’ s see how much you really don ’ t care about yours , cuz even if I was in jail muf—as love me , ” one text allegedly said .
Others reportedly said : “ You don ’ t have nobody in the world that would be willing to ride with you if I decide to let the wolves loose on you…You owe me ya life.
” Police later determined that the woman had used electronic money transfer apps to sent a total of $ 33,150 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to court records .
In January , Bligen was arrested in Las Vegas and brought to Contra Costa .
He remains in pretrial detention in the West Contra Costa Detention Facility in Richmond .
The charges are still pending , and he has pleaded not guilty .

MARTINEZ — A famous battle rapper was arrested earlier this year after a Bay Area woman accused him of beating her up and demanding $20,000 as payment when she decided she no longer wanted him as her pimp, according to police records obtained by this newspaper.
Saleem Bligen, 39, who uses the stage name “Serius Jones,” is being held on a no-bail warrant in Contra Costa, facing eight felony counts that include human trafficking, pimping, robbery, criminal threats, assault, dissuading a witness, and possessing a stolen Lexus. According to records obtained by this news organization, the police investigation started last December with a stolen car report, before it snowballed into a sex trafficking case.
The charging records name a single alleged victim, a woman known publicly only as “Jane Doe,” to protect her identity. According to court records made public in May, Doe identified Bligen as her onetime pimp, and alleged that he stomped her with “Tims” — slang for Timberland brand boots — after she tried to separate herself from him. She said that when he was her pimp, he would become angry and threaten her if she failed to earn at least $1,500 per day.
Bligen has addressed the allegations in a freestyle rap recorded over a Contra Costa County jail phone and posted to Instagram on June 4. In the a cappella song, Bligen implies the charges are based on falsehoods, rapping, “OK now the cat’s out the bag, although it’s a lot more lying than a cat,” and referencing “ridiculous police statements” without elaboration. He also says he was not behind a GoFundMe page purportedly set up for him, which raised $110.
Doe said she came to know Bligen through a friend, and that at the time she was working as a dancer at a San Francisco strip club, police say. She alleged she was “working” for Bligen as a prostitute while he traveled between New Jersey, New York, and California, and that she had been a sex worker prior to meeting him.
The woman alleged that Bligen coached her on prostitution, telling her things like, “If (johns) don’t offer you money in the first five minutes, move onto the next one.” The woman said she occasionally walked “the blade” in San Francisco — slang term for an area known for prostitution — but mostly arranged for dates at hotels in the Bay Area and Hawaii, according to court records.
All of the proceeds went to Bligen, the woman alleged. Last October, she decided she’d had enough and told him she wasn’t willing to continue, police say. That’s when he showed up at her apartment, under extraordinary circumstances, police allege.
The woman said that on Oct. 14, she was at home in her apartment, when a 4.5-magnitude earthquake struck the Bay Area. She ran outside during the quake to look around. When she returned, Bligen was inside. She told police he demanded money, and when she refused, he knocked her to the ground and used his Timberland boots to step on her face, telling her, “You’re gonna die, b—-,” police records show.
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“Let’s see how much you really don’t care about yours, cuz even if I was in jail muf—as love me,” one text allegedly said. Others reportedly said: “You don’t have nobody in the world that would be willing to ride with you if I decide to let the wolves loose on you…You owe me ya life.”
Police later determined that the woman had used electronic money transfer apps to sent a total of $33,150 to Bligen, from July-October 2019, according to court records.
In January, Bligen was arrested in Las Vegas and brought to Contra Costa. He remains in pretrial detention in the West Contra Costa Detention Facility in Richmond. The charges are still pending, and he has pleaded not guilty.


mercurynews--2020-06-08--Coronavirus: California Department of Education releases guidance for reopening schools

The California Department of Education released a 62-page guidebook Monday that offers local educational agencies detailed instructions for how to safely reopen schools this fall .
The guidebook , titled “ Stronger Together , ” includes health and safety protocols , instructional schedule models and details on how school buses and school meals services will be advised to operate when schools reopen their doors .
State superintendent of public instruction Tony Thurmond spoke about the guidance during a press briefing Monday and explained that local educational agencies and county health officers , not state officials , will determine when schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ School reopening is a matter that is decided locally , ” Thurmond said .
“ With 1,000 school districts in our state , all of our school ( districts ) will make their own decisions about when they reopen according to their own calendar.
” New protocols call for teachers and students to wear face coverings at all times , for all people entering campus to have their temperature checked and for portable handwashing stations to be placed outside of classrooms .
Thurmond and deputy superintendent Dr. Stephanie Gregson previewed four different models @ @ @ @ @ @ @ analyze in preparation for safe reopenings that provide for physical distancing in the classroom .
The first is a “ two-day rotation blended ” learning model in which students report to school on two designated days each week based on their grade level for in-person instruction .
In this model , a school could have students from kindergarten through third grade learn at school on Mondays and Wednesdays while students from fourth to sixth grade could come to school on Tuesdays and Thursdays .
All students would engage in distance learning on days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up at school , including on Friday when teachers would participate in professional learning opportunities .
The second is a “ A/B week blended ” learning model in which students would rotate learning in-person on a weekly basis .
Like the first model , this would limit the student population to 50 % and would also include a day each week for teachers to participate in collaborative planning or professional learning .
The third is a looping structure designed for schools that serve kindergarten through eighth grade in which students would stay together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ levels .
Students in a first-grade cohort would have the same teacher in second grade , a practice the department of education says would increase the opportunity for students to meet or exceed their grade level in literacy .
The fourth and final model includes early and late staggered schedules in which grades would have staggered start and dismissal times and the bell schedule would accommodate multiple recess and lunch periods .
In this model , students would stay in a homeroom and teachers would rotate in and out to decrease congregation in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidebook could potentially be amended by individual school districts , but as Gregson said , “ There is no one-size-fits-all solution.
” Aside from needing to allow school districts to determine which model of instruction is best suited for its students , the California Department of Education is also bracing for the potential that the upcoming academic year is interrupted by a spike in coronavirus cases .
Thurmond acknowledged the possibility all schools will need to close again and indicated the department is better prepared for a worst-case scenario .
“ Our success @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parts of the state , relies on continual monitoring , ” Thurmond said .
“ You ’ ve heard the governor talk about in his daily press conferences the need for testing and contact tracing , California has achieved the highest rates of testing of any state with 60,000 tests a day , so there ’ s going to have to be ongoing monitoring to determine if there is any need to determine to any kind of stay-in-place order.
” Thurmond also said he ’ s encouraged school districts to meet the needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learning this fall .
A task force focused on closing the digital divide for students in the state led by Thurmond has asked school districts to survey parents and see if distance learning on a full-time basis next year is feasible for some students .
Families who volunteer to have students engage in distance learning would ease the burden on schools that are now tasked with determining how everyone will maintain social distance .
“ Right now is a critical time for school districts to really begin to analyze the footprints of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many students can be safely taught in an in-class instruction way , ” Thurmond said .
Thurmond and Gregson are optimistic that by releasing guidance in early June , district leaders will have enough time to prepare for the challenging realities of welcoming students back to campus in a safe and healthy manner .

The California Department of Education released a 62-page guidebook Monday that offers local educational agencies detailed instructions for how to safely reopen schools this fall.
The guidebook, titled “Stronger Together,” includes health and safety protocols, instructional schedule models and details on how school buses and school meals services will be advised to operate when schools reopen their doors.
State superintendent of public instruction Tony Thurmond spoke about the guidance during a press briefing Monday and explained that local educational agencies and county health officers, not state officials, will determine when schools will be permitted to reopen.
“School reopening is a matter that is decided locally,” Thurmond said. “With 1,000 school districts in our state, all of our school (districts) will make their own decisions about when they reopen according to their own calendar.”
New protocols call for teachers and students to wear face coverings at all times, for all people entering campus to have their temperature checked and for portable handwashing stations to be placed outside of classrooms.
Thurmond and deputy superintendent Dr. Stephanie Gregson previewed four different models the state has suggested local educational agencies analyze in preparation for safe reopenings that provide for physical distancing in the classroom.
The first is a “two-day rotation blended” learning model in which students report to school on two designated days each week based on their grade level for in-person instruction. In this model, a school could have students from kindergarten through third grade learn at school on Mondays and Wednesdays while students from fourth to sixth grade could come to school on Tuesdays and Thursdays. All students would engage in distance learning on days they aren’t expected to show up at school, including on Friday when teachers would participate in professional learning opportunities.
The second is a “A/B week blended” learning model in which students would rotate learning in-person on a weekly basis. Like the first model, this would limit the student population to 50% and would also include a day each week for teachers to participate in collaborative planning or professional learning.
The third is a looping structure designed for schools that serve kindergarten through eighth grade in which students would stay together in cohorts with teachers for multiple grade levels. Students in a first-grade cohort would have the same teacher in second grade, a practice the department of education says would increase the opportunity for students to meet or exceed their grade level in literacy.
The fourth and final model includes early and late staggered schedules in which grades would have staggered start and dismissal times and the bell schedule would accommodate multiple recess and lunch periods. In this model, students would stay in a homeroom and teachers would rotate in and out to decrease congregation in hallways.
The models referenced in the guidebook could potentially be amended by individual school districts, but as Gregson said, “There is no one-size-fits-all solution.”
Aside from needing to allow school districts to determine which model of instruction is best suited for its students, the California Department of Education is also bracing for the potential that the upcoming academic year is interrupted by a spike in coronavirus cases.
Thurmond acknowledged the possibility all schools will need to close again and indicated the department is better prepared for a worst-case scenario.
“Our success on reopening schools, just like reopening parts of the state, relies on continual monitoring,” Thurmond said. “You’ve heard the governor talk about in his daily press conferences the need for testing and contact tracing, California has achieved the highest rates of testing of any state with 60,000 tests a day, so there’s going to have to be ongoing monitoring to determine if there is any need to determine to any kind of stay-in-place order.”
Thurmond also said he’s encouraged school districts to meet the needs of students who wish to continue distance learning this fall. A task force focused on closing the digital divide for students in the state led by Thurmond has asked school districts to survey parents and see if distance learning on a full-time basis next year is feasible for some students.
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“Right now is a critical time for school districts to really begin to analyze the footprints of their campuses and to make determinations about how many students can be safely taught in an in-class instruction way,” Thurmond said.
Thurmond and Gregson are optimistic that by releasing guidance in early June, district leaders will have enough time to prepare for the challenging realities of welcoming students back to campus in a safe and healthy manner.


mercurynews--2020-06-08--WHO warns that the pandemic is ‘far from over’

GENEVA – New coronavirus cases had their biggest daily increase ever as the pandemic worsens globally and has yet to peak in central America , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) said on Monday , urging countries to press on with efforts to contains the virus .
“ More than six months into the pandemic , this is not the time for any country to take its foot off the pedal , ” WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told an online briefing .
More than 136,000 new cases were reported worldwide on Sunday , the most in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Nearly 75 % of them were reported from 10 countries , mostly in the Americas and South Asia .
In response to a question on China , WHO ’ s top emergencies expert , Dr. Mike Ryan , said retrospective studies of how the outbreak has been addressed could wait , adding : “ We need to focus now on what we are doing today to prevent second peaks.
” Ryan also said infections in central American countries including Guatemala were still on the rise , and that they were “ complex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a time of great concern , ” he said , calling for strong government leadership and international support for the region .
Brazil is now one of the hotspots of the pandemic , with the second highest number of confirmed cases , behind only the United States , and a death toll that last week surpassed Italy ’ s .
After removing cumulative numbers for coronavirus deaths in Brazil from a national website , the Health Ministry sowed further confusion and controversy by releasing two contradictory sets of figures for the latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ryan said Brazil ’ s data had been “ extremely detailed ” so far but stressed it was important for Brazilians to understand where the virus is and how to manage risk , and that the WHO hoped communication would be “ consistent and transparent.
” Maria van Kerkhove , a WHO epidemiologist , said that a “ comprehensive approach ” was essential in South America .
More than 7 million people have been reported infected with the coronavirus globally and over 400,000 have died .
“ This is far from over , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ half of Singapore ’ s newly discovered coronavirus cases show no symptoms , the co-head of the government ’ s virus taskforce told Reuters on Monday , reinforcing the city-state ’ s decision to ease lockdown restrictions very gradually .
Van Kerkhove said that many countries doing contact tracing had identified asymptomatic cases but were not finding that they caused further spread of the virus , adding : “ It is very rare.
” Ryan , asked about technical cooperation with the United States after President Donald Trump ’ s announcement 10 days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the WHO , said the WHO relies heavily on experts from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health .

By Stephanie Nebehay and Emma Farge | Reuters
GENEVA – New coronavirus cases had their biggest daily increase ever as the pandemic worsens globally and has yet to peak in central America, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday, urging countries to press on with efforts to contains the virus.
“More than six months into the pandemic, this is not the time for any country to take its foot off the pedal,” WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told an online briefing.
More than 136,000 new cases were reported worldwide on Sunday, the most in a single day so far, he said. Nearly 75% of them were reported from 10 countries, mostly in the Americas and South Asia.
In response to a question on China, WHO’s top emergencies expert, Dr. Mike Ryan, said retrospective studies of how the outbreak has been addressed could wait, adding: “We need to focus now on what we are doing today to prevent second peaks.”
Ryan also said infections in central American countries including Guatemala were still on the rise, and that they were “complex” epidemics.
“I think this is a time of great concern,” he said, calling for strong government leadership and international support for the region.
Brazil is now one of the hotspots of the pandemic, with the second highest number of confirmed cases, behind only the United States, and a death toll that last week surpassed Italy’s.
After removing cumulative numbers for coronavirus deaths in Brazil from a national website, the Health Ministry sowed further confusion and controversy by releasing two contradictory sets of figures for the latest tally of infection cases and fatalities.
Ryan said Brazil’s data had been “extremely detailed” so far but stressed it was important for Brazilians to understand where the virus is and how to manage risk, and that the WHO hoped communication would be “consistent and transparent.”
Maria van Kerkhove, a WHO epidemiologist, said that a “comprehensive approach” was essential in South America.
More than 7 million people have been reported infected with the coronavirus globally and over 400,000 have died.
“This is far from over,” van Kerkhove said.
At least half of Singapore’s newly discovered coronavirus cases show no symptoms, the co-head of the government’s virus taskforce told Reuters on Monday, reinforcing the city-state’s decision to ease lockdown restrictions very gradually.
Van Kerkhove said that many countries doing contact tracing had identified asymptomatic cases but were not finding that they caused further spread of the virus, adding: “It is very rare.”


mercurynews--2020-06-09--California OKs movie theaters to reopen with limited seats

By KATHLEEN RONAYNE | The Associated Press SACRAMENTO — California movie theaters can begin opening later this week if they limit theater capacity to 25 % or no more than 100 attendees , under state guidance released Monday .
The guidance adds movie theaters to a long list of other businesses that can start reopening as the nation ’ s most populous state relaxes its stay-at-home order .
Restaurants , churches , hair salons and retail stores have already reopened in many counties .
Soon that reopening will expand vastly in counties that can meet certain metrics including number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and tracing capabilities .
Other entertainment venues that can reopen later include bowling alleys , mini golf courses and arcades .
The state recommends movie theaters implement reservation systems , designate arrival times and designating certain seats that people can use so that movie goers can maintain 6 feet ( 2 meters ) of distance from other groups .
Moviegoers should , at a minimum , wear face coverings when entering and exiting the theater or buying concessions , the state guidance says .
• WHO warns that the pandemic is ‘ far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ theaters use disposable or washable seat covers that are easy to clean and prop open doors so people don ’ t have to touch handles .
Meanwhile , the state is also allowing film , music and television production to resume subject to labor agreements .
Film , television and commercial production make up a significant amount of the Los Angeles economy .
California has reported more than 130,000 coronavirus cases and 4,600 deaths .
For most people , the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms and clears up within weeks .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people , including older adults and people with pre-existing health conditions , causing pneumonia and even death .

By KATHLEEN RONAYNE | The Associated Press
SACRAMENTO — California movie theaters can begin opening later this week if they limit theater capacity to 25% or no more than 100 attendees, under state guidance released Monday.
The guidance adds movie theaters to a long list of other businesses that can start reopening as the nation’s most populous state relaxes its stay-at-home order. Restaurants, churches, hair salons and retail stores have already reopened in many counties.
Soon that reopening will expand vastly in counties that can meet certain metrics including number of cases, positive test rates and testing and tracing capabilities. Other entertainment venues that can reopen later include bowling alleys, mini golf courses and arcades.
The state recommends movie theaters implement reservation systems, designate arrival times and designating certain seats that people can use so that movie goers can maintain 6 feet (2 meters) of distance from other groups. Moviegoers should, at a minimum, wear face coverings when entering and exiting the theater or buying concessions, the state guidance says.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Movies | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge The state also suggests theaters use disposable or washable seat covers that are easy to clean and prop open doors so people don’t have to touch handles.
Meanwhile, the state is also allowing film, music and television production to resume subject to labor agreements. Film, television and commercial production make up a significant amount of the Los Angeles economy.
California has reported more than 130,000 coronavirus cases and 4,600 deaths. For most people, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms and clears up within weeks. But it can be more serious for some people, including older adults and people with pre-existing health conditions, causing pneumonia and even death.


mercurynews--2020-06-09--Letter: I wish El Cerrito grads a new society with justice for all

During our evening neighborhood walk , my husband and I stopped by El Cerrito High School .
We saw a number of photos of faces suspended from the front barred gate .
These are the graduates of ECHS 2020 .
We walked over to see every single graduate ’ s face .
ECHS is a very diverse school and we saw a number of African American students in the photos .
We could see they were proud of themselves for their great achievement .
We could also tell from the smiles that some of them are also full of hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started talking to these students , wishing for them a new society with justice for all of them .
Congratulations EC High 2020 !
You are all part of the hopes of the society that will need to change this biased world .
• Letter : How to give meaning to # NotOneMore in Santa Clara County • Letter : What don ’ t people get regarding ‘ all men are created equal ’ ?
• Letter : What will it take for Trump supporters to see the truth ?
We believe in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for it .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

During our evening neighborhood walk, my husband and I stopped by El Cerrito High School. We saw a number of photos of faces suspended from the front barred gate. These are the graduates of ECHS 2020.
We walked over to see every single graduate’s face. ECHS is a very diverse school and we saw a number of African American students in the photos. We could see they were proud of themselves for their great achievement. We could also tell from the smiles that some of them are also full of hope for the future. Unconsciously, I started talking to these students, wishing for them a new society with justice for all of them.
Congratulations EC High 2020! You are all part of the hopes of the society that will need to change this biased world.
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Kyoko Bischof
El Cerrito
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mercurynews--2020-06-09--Letter: How to give meaning to #NotOneMore in Santa Clara County

Heal our community , give meaning to # NotOneMore “ Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
” — Martin Luther King , Jr. As the three African-American elected city council officials in Santa Clara County , we stand with our community in peacefully protesting the injustice done to George Floyd and countless others .
We join in your condemnation of racism and bigotry and know first-hand your pain and outrage .
Your calls for change have not fallen on deaf ears .
We must prevent another senseless death from ever happening in our communities .
As we continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we ask that you respect laws and the safety of residents and property .
Failing to do so not only endangers our neighbors and friends , but also buries the message of change that we know we all seek .
• Letter : What don ’ t people get regarding ‘ all men are created equal ’ ?
• Letter : What will it take for Trump supporters to see the truth ?
Let us use this opportunity to bring real change in our communities .
By working collaboratively , we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed , begin the healing in our community and give meaning to # NotOneMore .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Heal our community, give
meaning to #NotOneMore
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” — Martin Luther King, Jr.
As the three African-American elected city council officials in Santa Clara County, we stand with our community in peacefully protesting the injustice done to George Floyd and countless others. We join in your condemnation of racism and bigotry and know first-hand your pain and outrage. Your calls for change have not fallen on deaf ears.
We must prevent another senseless death from ever happening in our communities. As we continue to exercise our right to be heard, we ask that you respect laws and the safety of residents and property. Failing to do so not only endangers our neighbors and friends, but also buries the message of change that we know we all seek.
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Rich Constantine
Mayor
Morgan Hill
Neysa Fligor
Vice Mayor
Los Altos
Chappie Jones
Vice Mayor
San Jose
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mercurynews--2020-06-09--Horoscopes June 9, 2020: Natalie Portman, learn from experience.

Happy Birthday : Look at the possibilities , map out a plan and refuse to let outside influences cause uncertainty or confusion .
Know what your budget is , and make cost-efficient changes to ensure that you are successful this year .
Learn from experience , and focus on what you know will result in greater security , happiness and peace of mind .
Personal growth is encouraged .
Your numbers are 7 , 18 , 24 , 29 , 33 , 41 , 45 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Make positive changes to the way you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to others and the way you deal with people who are heading in a different direction .
Let go of the past , revise the present and embrace the future .
4 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : You ’ ll be under pressure to make changes that you may not want to make .
A reserved response will be in your best interest .
If you let your emotions take over , someone will take advantage of you while you are down .
2 stars GEMINI ( May 21-June 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part .
Look at a situation logistically , and you ’ ll find a way to work within the confines of whatever you face .
Don ’ t feel you have to follow others or put your ideas or plans on the back burner .
5 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Place more emphasis on getting things done and obtaining the knowledge and experience required to move on to your next challenge .
A positive change will encourage you to broaden your outlook as well as your interests .
Distance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Do what you need to do , but don ’ t make unnecessary changes to your plans or your expenditures .
Keep your life running smoothly , and stick to what works best for you .
Don ’ t follow someone heading in a direction you don ’ t want to pursue .
3 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Pay more attention to what others do .
You ’ ll gain insight into how best to respond to a situation that has the potential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ position .
Be ready to make a sudden but necessary move .
3 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Take hold of whatever situation you face , and make it work for you .
Discipline , initiative and being ready to take action physically will ensure that you don ’ t waste time or get caught in a verbal battle due to someone ’ s stubbornness .
5 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Say less and do more .
If you give in to emotions or bend to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not accomplish what you set out to do .
Focus on what ’ s important to you , and pursue domestic changes that make you happy .
2 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Do things your way , and avoid outside interference .
Pay more attention to fitness , health and the way you present yourself to others .
An important relationship will need nurturing if you have neglected your personal duties or responsibilities .
Make amends .
4 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Talk about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home .
A fresh start that encourages better health will lead to research and implementing a routine that is geared toward a strict fitness and diet routine .
3 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Do what suits you best .
If you follow someone , you will feel you missed out on something that may have inspired you to achieve personal growth .
Stretch your imagination , and explore the possibility of doing your own thing .
3 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Do what you must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something that may jeopardize your health or relationship with someone you love .
Guard against being taken advantage of or being coerced into something detrimental to you financially , physically or emotionally .
3 stars Birthday Baby : You are smart , adaptable and innovative .
You are passionate and sensitive .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Mae Whitman, 32; Natalie Portman, 39; Johnny Depp, 57; Michael J. Fox, 59.
Happy Birthday: Look at the possibilities, map out a plan and refuse to let outside influences cause uncertainty or confusion. Know what your budget is, and make cost-efficient changes to ensure that you are successful this year. Learn from experience, and focus on what you know will result in greater security, happiness and peace of mind. Personal growth is encouraged. Your numbers are 7, 18, 24, 29, 33, 41, 45.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Make positive changes to the way you handle money, how you present yourself to others and the way you deal with people who are heading in a different direction. Let go of the past, revise the present and embrace the future. 4 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You’ll be under pressure to make changes that you may not want to make. A reserved response will be in your best interest. If you let your emotions take over, someone will take advantage of you while you are down. 2 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Step up and do your part. Look at a situation logistically, and you’ll find a way to work within the confines of whatever you face. Don’t feel you have to follow others or put your ideas or plans on the back burner. 5 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Place more emphasis on getting things done and obtaining the knowledge and experience required to move on to your next challenge. A positive change will encourage you to broaden your outlook as well as your interests. Distance yourself from meddlers. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Do what you need to do, but don’t make unnecessary changes to your plans or your expenditures. Keep your life running smoothly, and stick to what works best for you. Don’t follow someone heading in a direction you don’t want to pursue. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Pay more attention to what others do. You’ll gain insight into how best to respond to a situation that has the potential to affect your status, reputation or position. Be ready to make a sudden but necessary move. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Take hold of whatever situation you face, and make it work for you. Discipline, initiative and being ready to take action physically will ensure that you don’t waste time or get caught in a verbal battle due to someone’s stubbornness. 5 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Say less and do more. If you give in to emotions or bend to someone’s manipulative ways, you will not accomplish what you set out to do. Focus on what’s important to you, and pursue domestic changes that make you happy. 2 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Do things your way, and avoid outside interference. Pay more attention to fitness, health and the way you present yourself to others. An important relationship will need nurturing if you have neglected your personal duties or responsibilities. Make amends. 4 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Talk about the changes you want to make at home. A fresh start that encourages better health will lead to research and implementing a routine that is geared toward a strict fitness and diet routine. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Do what suits you best. If you follow someone, you will feel you missed out on something that may have inspired you to achieve personal growth. Stretch your imagination, and explore the possibility of doing your own thing. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Do what you must, but don’t agree to something that may jeopardize your health or relationship with someone you love. Guard against being taken advantage of or being coerced into something detrimental to you financially, physically or emotionally. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are smart, adaptable and innovative. You are passionate and sensitive.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-06-09--Bridge: June 9, 2020

Bridge: June 9, 2020

“ I used to be addicted to the hokey pokey , but I ’ ve turned myself around.
” — graffiti Many learning players seem to have an addiction to drawing trumps ; they fear having their side-suit winners ruffed .
But there are plenty of reasons to delay .
Keeping control of the play may be an issue .
At today ’ s slam , South takes the ace of hearts and cashes the king of trumps .
When East discards , South can draw all the trumps and run the diamonds , but he will lose the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of clubs and East ’ s king of hearts .
Declarer can instead lead a club at the third trick .
West takes the ace and leads another heart , forcing declarer to ruff .
South then has one fewer trump than West , but he can cope .
He takes the A-K of diamonds and continues diamonds .
If West ruffs , declarer can overruff in dummy , draw trumps and take the rest .
If instead West refuses to ruff a diamond winner , declarer discards dummy ’ s remaining clubs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in dummy .
You hold : S K J 3 H A J 7 5 2 D 5 2 C K 10 2 .
Your partner opens one diamond , you bid one heart and he jumps to three clubs .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : Your partner ’ s jump-shift is forcing to game .
He may have many different types of hands .
Your hand is too promising to sign off at 3NT .
Bid three spades , giving him some room to complete his description .
If he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 4NT , “ quantitative , ” inviting slam .

“I used to be addicted to the hokey pokey, but I’ve turned myself around.” — graffiti
Many learning players seem to have an addiction to drawing trumps; they fear having their side-suit winners ruffed. But there are plenty of reasons to delay. Keeping control of the play may be an issue.
At today’s slam, South takes the ace of hearts and cashes the king of trumps. When East discards, South can draw all the trumps and run the diamonds, but he will lose the last two tricks to West’s ace of clubs and East’s king of hearts.
THIRD TRICK
Declarer can instead lead a club at the third trick. West takes the ace and leads another heart, forcing declarer to ruff. South then has one fewer trump than West, but he can cope. He takes the A-K of diamonds and continues diamonds. If West ruffs, declarer can overruff in dummy, draw trumps and take the rest.
If instead West refuses to ruff a diamond winner, declarer discards dummy’s remaining clubs. He can ruff his last club in dummy.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S K J 3 H A J 7 5 2 D 5 2 C K 10 2. Your partner opens one diamond, you bid one heart and he jumps to three clubs. What do you say?
ANSWER: Your partner’s jump-shift is forcing to game. He may have many different types of hands. Your hand is too promising to sign off at 3NT. Bid three spades, giving him some room to complete his description. If he bids 3NT next, you can raise to 4NT, “quantitative,” inviting slam.
North dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S K J 3
H A J 7 5 2
D 5 2
C K 10 2
WEST
S 7 6 5 4 2
H Q 10 9 8 3
D 8 4
C A
EAST
S None
H K 4
D 9 7 6 3
C 9 8 7 6 5 4 3
SOUTH
S A Q 10 9 8
H 6
D A K Q J 10
C Q J
NorthEastSouthWest
1 HPass2 SPass
3 SPass4 DPass
4 HPass5 DPass
6 SAll Pass
Opening lead — H 10
(C)2020 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-06-09--Word Game: June 9, 2020

Word Game: June 9, 2020

TODAY ’ S WORD — CORKAGE ( CORKAGE : KORK-ij : A charge for alcohol that was brought into , @ @ @ @ @ restaurant . )
Can you find 27 or more words in CORKAGE ?
The list @ @ @ @ @ To purchase the Word Game book , visit WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just @ @ @ @ @ !
1 .
Words must be of four or more letters .
2 .
Words @ @ @ @ @ the addition of “ s , ” such as “ bats ” or “ dies @ @ @ @ @ .
3 .
Additional words made by adding a “ d ” or an “ @ @ @ @ @ used .
For example , if “ bake ” is used , “ baked ” @ @ @ @ @ not allowed , but “ bake ” and “ baking ” are admissible .
4 @ @ @ @ @ words , or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — CORKAGE (CORKAGE: KORK-ij: A charge for alcohol that was brought into, not bought, at a restaurant.)
Average mark 20 words
Time limit 30 minutes
Can you find 27 or more words in CORKAGE? The list will be published tomorrow.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — HYPOGENE hone honey hope hypo peen peon peony
phone phony pogy pone pongee pony open gene ghee gone
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.