mercurynews--2020-06-12--Black Tulsans call Juneteenth rally plan a ‘slap in the face’

By Ellen Knickmeyer and Jonathan Lemire | Associated Press OKLAHOMA CITY — Black community and political leaders called on President Donald Trump to at least change the Juneteenth date for a rally kicking off his return to public campaigning , saying Thursday that plans for a rally on the day that marks the end of slavery in America come as a “ slap in the face.
” Trump campaign officials discussed in advance the possible reaction to the Juneteenth date , but despite fierce blowback there are no plans to change it .
From Sen. Kamala Harris of California to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was offensive for Trump to pick that day — June 19 — and that place — Tulsa , an Oklahoma city that in 1921 was the site of a fiery and orchestrated white-on-black killing spree .
“ This isn ’ t just a wink to white supremacists — he ’ s throwing them a welcome home party , ” Harris , a leading contender to be Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden ’ s running mate , tweeted of Trump ’ s rally plans .
“ To choose the date , to come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a slap in the face to even happen , ” said Sherry Gamble Smith , president of Tulsa ’ s Black Wall Street Chamber of Commerce , an organization named after the prosperous black community that white Oklahomans burned down in the 1921 attack .
At a minimum , Gamble Smith said , the campaign should “ change it to Saturday the 20th , if they ’ re going to have it.
” Trump announced the rally plan Wednesday afternoon .
It comes as his harsh law-and-order stance appears to fall increasingly out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police abuse of African Americans after the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
“ As the party of Lincoln , Republicans are proud of the history of Juneteenth , ” said Katrina Pierson , senior adviser to the Trump campaign .
“ President Trump has built a record of success for Black Americans , including unprecedented low unemployment prior to the global pandemic , all-time high funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities , and criminal justice reform.
” The Trump campaign was aware in advance that the date for the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to two campaign officials , who were not authorized to speak publicly about internal discussions and spoke on condition of anonymity .
When the date was discussed , it was noted that Biden had held a fundraiser a year ago on Juneteenth .
Though choosing June 19 was not meant to be incendiary , some blowback was expected , the officials said .
But the campaign was caught off guard by the intensity , particularly when some linked the selection to the 1921 massacre .
Scheduling the highly anticipated comeback rally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easily in 2016 , raised eyebrows .
The campaign picked Tulsa ’ s BOK Center , with a listed seat capacity of 19,199 .
The arena ’ s Facebook page shows organizers calling off shows there by country singer Alan Jackson and other performers into mid-July , citing the coronavirus pandemic .
Arena marketing director Meghan Blood said Thursday she didn ’ t know yet about any plans for social distancing or other coronavirus precautions for Trump ’ s rally , which would be one of the larger public gatherings in the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Campaign officials said safety decisions would be made in coordination with local authorities .
A disclaimer on the ticket registration website said attendees voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and agree not to hold the campaign liable for any illness .
The campaign officials said the Trump campaign picked Oklahoma because arrangements could be made quickly , for a variety of reasons : Oklahoma has a Republican , Trump-friendly governor ; the state is not seeing huge numbers of coronavirus cases ; and the arena was “ turn-key ” and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Moreover , the rally will be held up the turnpike from a district held by Rep. Kendra Horn , one of the Democrats the GOP feels is vulnerable this fall .
Campaign officials also wanted to hold the rally where they could all but guarantee a big crowd despite coronavirus concerns , according to the officials .
Oklahoma is one of the most Republican states in the nation and Trump has not held a rally there as president , so it will likely deliver an enthusiastic audience eager to see him , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oil center along the Arkansas River , has had its own marches , viral videos and problematic police actions during this month ’ s unrest .
On Tuesday , Tulsa police released video and said they were investigating officers who handcuffed and arrested two black teenagers for jaywalking .
Video of the June 4 incident showed officers pinned one of the two unidentified teens stomach-down on the ground .
“ Get off me !
I can ’ t breathe !
I can ’ t breathe !
I can ’ t breathe !
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ You can breathe just fine , ” the officer replies .
On Monday , a Tulsa police major played down police shootings of African Americans nationally by telling a radio show that statistically , “ we ’ re shooting African Americans about 24 % less than we probably ought to be , based on the crimes being committed.
” And on Wednesday , the same day Tulsa Mayor G.T .
Bynum welcomed news of Trump ’ s rally pick as evidence of the city ’ s progress against COVID-19 , Bynum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killing of an unarmed black man .
Bynum had said the killing was “ more about the really insidious nature of drug utilization than it is about race.
” Nationally , as research brings to light more about the 1921 massacre , Tulsa increasingly is associated with the rampage in which white Tulsans razed a thriving black business community , killing as many as 300 people .
Long dismissed by generations of white Tulsans as a race “ riot , ” the May 31-June 1 events were marked this year by community memorials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oakland for police use of force during protests Oklahoma ’ s black Democratic Party chairwoman also condemned Trump ’ s rally plan .
“ A day set aside to commemorate the freedom of enslaved people must not be marred by the words or actions of a racist president , ” Alicia Andrews said .
Community groups had earlier canceled a main Tulsa Juneteenth celebration because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Some black Tulsans said they planned to turn out for public protests of Trump on that day .
“ There ’ s definitely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Smith said .

[vemba-video id=”politics/2020/06/11/mcenany-trump-rally-juneteenth-sot-vpx.cnn”]
By Ellen Knickmeyer and Jonathan Lemire | Associated Press
OKLAHOMA CITY — Black community and political leaders called on President Donald Trump to at least change the Juneteenth date for a rally kicking off his return to public campaigning, saying Thursday that plans for a rally on the day that marks the end of slavery in America come as a “slap in the face.”
Trump campaign officials discussed in advance the possible reaction to the Juneteenth date, but despite fierce blowback there are no plans to change it.
From Sen. Kamala Harris of California to Tulsa civic officials, black leaders said it was offensive for Trump to pick that day — June 19 — and that place — Tulsa, an Oklahoma city that in 1921 was the site of a fiery and orchestrated white-on-black killing spree.
“This isn’t just a wink to white supremacists — he’s throwing them a welcome home party,” Harris, a leading contender to be Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden’s running mate, tweeted of Trump’s rally plans.
“To choose the date, to come to Tulsa, is totally disrespectful and a slap in the face to even happen,” said Sherry Gamble Smith, president of Tulsa’s Black Wall Street Chamber of Commerce, an organization named after the prosperous black community that white Oklahomans burned down in the 1921 attack.
At a minimum, Gamble Smith said, the campaign should “change it to Saturday the 20th, if they’re going to have it.”
Trump announced the rally plan Wednesday afternoon. It comes as his harsh law-and-order stance appears to fall increasingly out of sync with a growing concern over police abuse of African Americans after the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Trump campaign officials defended the rally.
“As the party of Lincoln, Republicans are proud of the history of Juneteenth,” said Katrina Pierson, senior adviser to the Trump campaign. “President Trump has built a record of success for Black Americans, including unprecedented low unemployment prior to the global pandemic, all-time high funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and criminal justice reform.”
The Trump campaign was aware in advance that the date for the president’s return to rallies was Juneteenth, according to two campaign officials, who were not authorized to speak publicly about internal discussions and spoke on condition of anonymity.
When the date was discussed, it was noted that Biden had held a fundraiser a year ago on Juneteenth. Though choosing June 19 was not meant to be incendiary, some blowback was expected, the officials said. But the campaign was caught off guard by the intensity, particularly when some linked the selection to the 1921 massacre.
Scheduling the highly anticipated comeback rally in Oklahoma, a state Trump won easily in 2016, raised eyebrows.
The campaign picked Tulsa’s BOK Center, with a listed seat capacity of 19,199. The arena’s Facebook page shows organizers calling off shows there by country singer Alan Jackson and other performers into mid-July, citing the coronavirus pandemic.
Arena marketing director Meghan Blood said Thursday she didn’t know yet about any plans for social distancing or other coronavirus precautions for Trump’s rally, which would be one of the larger public gatherings in the U.S. at this stage of the outbreak.
Campaign officials said safety decisions would be made in coordination with local authorities. A disclaimer on the ticket registration website said attendees voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and agree not to hold the campaign liable for any illness.
The campaign officials said the Trump campaign picked Oklahoma because arrangements could be made quickly, for a variety of reasons: Oklahoma has a Republican, Trump-friendly governor; the state is not seeing huge numbers of coronavirus cases; and the arena was “turn-key” and could easily be opened for the rally. Moreover, the rally will be held up the turnpike from a district held by Rep. Kendra Horn, one of the Democrats the GOP feels is vulnerable this fall.
Campaign officials also wanted to hold the rally where they could all but guarantee a big crowd despite coronavirus concerns, according to the officials. Oklahoma is one of the most Republican states in the nation and Trump has not held a rally there as president, so it will likely deliver an enthusiastic audience eager to see him, the officials believed.
Tulsa, an oil center along the Arkansas River, has had its own marches, viral videos and problematic police actions during this month’s unrest.
On Tuesday, Tulsa police released video and said they were investigating officers who handcuffed and arrested two black teenagers for jaywalking. Video of the June 4 incident showed officers pinned one of the two unidentified teens stomach-down on the ground.
“Get off me! I can’t breathe! I can’t breathe! I can’t breathe!” one teen shouts in the police video.
“You can breathe just fine,” the officer replies.
On Monday, a Tulsa police major played down police shootings of African Americans nationally by telling a radio show that statistically, “we’re shooting African Americans about 24% less than we probably ought to be, based on the crimes being committed.”
And on Wednesday, the same day Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum welcomed news of Trump’s rally pick as evidence of the city’s progress against COVID-19, Bynum apologized for remarks about a 2016 police killing of an unarmed black man. Bynum had said the killing was “more about the really insidious nature of drug utilization than it is about race.”
Nationally, as research brings to light more about the 1921 massacre, Tulsa increasingly is associated with the rampage in which white Tulsans razed a thriving black business community, killing as many as 300 people. Long dismissed by generations of white Tulsans as a race “riot,” the May 31-June 1 events were marked this year by community memorials.
Related Articles National News | Officer gets 4+ years for role in George Floyd killing
Officer gets 4+ years for role in George Floyd killing National News | San Jose: Federal excessive force lawsuit from George Floyd protests is greenlit for trial Oklahoma’s black Democratic Party chairwoman also condemned Trump’s rally plan. “A day set aside to commemorate the freedom of enslaved people must not be marred by the words or actions of a racist president,” Alicia Andrews said.
Community groups had earlier canceled a main Tulsa Juneteenth celebration because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Some black Tulsans said they planned to turn out for public protests of Trump on that day. “There’s definitely going to be demonstrating,” Gamble Smith said.


mercurynews--2020-06-12--Letter: An apt mascot for a GOP that’s forgotten its ideals

The GOP mascot should continue to be the elephant because the GOP clearly no longer remembers what being the party of Lincoln stood for .
Had Donald Trump been elected president in 1860 , he would have been explaining that there are a lot of fine plantation owners and that slavery is good for the economy ( an actual defense prior to the Civil War ) .
Back to 2020 , victims of police brutality are portrayed as having tripped , China is blamed for COVID-19 ’ s devastation while U.S. intelligence and medical experts are ignored , a retreat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from protestors is spun as an impromptu inspection , and the list goes on .
• Letter : No mention of serving all in California ’ s police oath • Letter : Why police not whistle-blow , inform or rat-out their partners No , the GOP no longer reflects the noble elephant .
I think the weasel is now a better symbol and mascot for the GOP ( and my apologies go out to the weasel for that ) .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to @ @

The GOP mascot should continue to be the elephant because the GOP clearly no longer remembers what being the party of Lincoln stood for.
Had Donald Trump been elected president in 1860, he would have been explaining that there are a lot of fine plantation owners and that slavery is good for the economy (an actual defense prior to the Civil War).
Back to 2020, victims of police brutality are portrayed as having tripped, China is blamed for COVID-19’s devastation while U.S. intelligence and medical experts are ignored, a retreat into the White House bunker to hide from protestors is spun as an impromptu inspection, and the list goes on.
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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 No, the GOP no longer reflects the noble elephant. I think the weasel is now a better symbol and mascot for the GOP (and my apologies go out to the weasel for that).
Todd Lowenstein
San Jose
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
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mercurynews--2020-06-11--Video shows officers relaxing in lawmaker’s office during unrest

Thirteen Chicago police officers lounged and slept in the congressional campaign office of US Rep. Bobby Rush on June 1 as protests and demonstrations occurred throughout the city , Rush and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Thursday .
The officers , who included three supervisors , were seen on video lounging in Rush ’ s office , sleeping , eating the congressman ’ s popcorn and talking on the phone , Rush and Lightfoot said .
The incident came to light after Rush reviewed security camera footage from his office , the mayor explained at a news conference .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the office .
“ They even had your unmitigated gall to go and make coffee for themselves and to pop popcorn — my popcorn — in my microwave , ” Rush said .
“ They did not care what was happening to business people in this city , ” Rush added .
“ I can tell you one thing for certain — not one of these officers will be allowed to hide behind the badge and go on and act like nothing ever happened , ” Lightfoot said .
“ Not anymore .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ your city.
” The security video picks up around 1 a.m. on June 1 and shows the officers were in the office for at least five hours , Lightfoot said .
There was a core group of eight officers , but at one point the group grew to as many as 13 , the mayor added .
Protests were taking place in Chicago in the wake of the death in custody of George Floyd in Minneapolis a week earlier .
Later on June 1 , Lightfoot held a news conference describing attacks on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nothing short of devastating.
” The city ’ s 911 operators had received 65,000 calls in a 24-hour period , about 50,000 more than what the city sees on a typical day , Lightfoot said .
A day earlier , on May 31 , Lightfoot said there was violence in the city , including looting .
Thursday , Chicago police Superintendent David Brown condemned the officers ’ actions in the surveillance video .
“ If you sleep during a riot , what do you do during a regular shift when there is no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Step up , or step out .
I ’ m not playing , ” he added .
Lightfoot said they are working to identify the officers involved .
“ You know who you are .
Don ’ t make us come find you .
We will find you , ” she added .
CNN has reached out to the union but has not received a response .
• Civil rights lawsuit filed against Oakland for police use of force during protests Lightfoot said she wanted “ the strongest possible action ” to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the state ’ s attorney and US attorney will review the case as well .
She also said she wants to use the incident to pass police reform legislation .
“ I am ready to work with the governor , and our other great partners in Springfield , to forge a change in state law to require licensing and certification of police officers , ” Lightfoot said .

By Konstantin Toropin | CNN
Thirteen Chicago police officers lounged and slept in the congressional campaign office of US Rep. Bobby Rush on June 1 as protests and demonstrations occurred throughout the city, Rush and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Thursday.
The officers, who included three supervisors, were seen on video lounging in Rush’s office, sleeping, eating the congressman’s popcorn and talking on the phone, Rush and Lightfoot said.
The incident came to light after Rush reviewed security camera footage from his office, the mayor explained at a news conference. It’s not clear who broke into the office.
“They even had your unmitigated gall to go and make coffee for themselves and to pop popcorn — my popcorn — in my microwave,” Rush said.
“They did not care what was happening to business people in this city,” Rush added.
“I can tell you one thing for certain — not one of these officers will be allowed to hide behind the badge and go on and act like nothing ever happened,” Lightfoot said. “Not anymore. Not in my city, not in your city.”
"Rep. Rush said at least 13 Chicago Police officers burglarized his South Side campaign office in the early hours of June 1 and were 'relaxing' while nearby stores were being looted and burned, and their fellow officers were clashing with demonstrators."https://t.co/JYLNfSUDAp — Ben Collins (@oneunderscore__) June 11, 2020
The security video picks up around 1 a.m. on June 1 and shows the officers were in the office for at least five hours, Lightfoot said.
There was a core group of eight officers, but at one point the group grew to as many as 13, the mayor added.
Protests were taking place in Chicago in the wake of the death in custody of George Floyd in Minneapolis a week earlier.
Later on June 1, Lightfoot held a news conference describing attacks on local storefronts and businesses that were “nothing short of devastating.”
The city’s 911 operators had received 65,000 calls in a 24-hour period, about 50,000 more than what the city sees on a typical day, Lightfoot said.
A day earlier, on May 31, Lightfoot said there was violence in the city, including looting.
Thursday, Chicago police Superintendent David Brown condemned the officers’ actions in the surveillance video.
“If you sleep during a riot, what do you do during a regular shift when there is no riot?” Brown said.
“Step up, or step out. I’m not playing,” he added.
First Deputy Superintendent Anthony Riccio called the actions “completely indefensible.”
Lightfoot said they are working to identify the officers involved.
“You know who you are. Don’t make us come find you. We will find you,” she added.
CNN has reached out to the union but has not received a response.
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Officer gets 4+ years for role in George Floyd killing National News | San Jose: Federal excessive force lawsuit from George Floyd protests is greenlit for trial Lightfoot said she wanted “the strongest possible action” to be taken against the officers involved and noted that the state’s attorney and US attorney will review the case as well.
She also said she wants to use the incident to pass police reform legislation.
“I am ready to work with the governor, and our other great partners in Springfield, to forge a change in state law to require licensing and certification of police officers,” Lightfoot said.


mercurynews--2020-06-11--MLB Draft: San Francisco Giants keep it local, draft De La Salle pitcher in Round 3

The San Francisco Giants used their first four picks in the 2020 MLB Draft on college players , but they ended that run in the third round Thursday by selecting a local high school pitcher .
De La Salle ( Concord ) left-hander Kyle Harrison became the fifth amateur player selected by the Giants when the team chose him with the No .
85 overall pick .
“ Giants are getting a winner and a great kid , ” De La Salle head coach David Jeans tweeted Thursday .
“ One of the most competitive kids that I ever coached @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kyle and his family.
” The 6-foot-2 Harrison went 10-0 with a 1.26 ERA as a junior in 2019 for the Spartans and spent the summer with the U-18 Team USA squad .
In two games as a senior , Harrison threw nine innings , allowed two hits and racked up 18 strikeouts before his season was shortened due to the coronavirus .
A UCLA commit , Harrison will likely forego the opportunity to play in college to sign with the Giants .
Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi and director of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leading up to the draft talking about needing to scout their “ backyard ” well and for the second year in a row , they ’ ve taken a De La Salle product in the draft .
In 2019 , the Giants chose De La Salle alumnus and UC Santa Barbara outfielder Armani Smith in the seventh round .
• MLB Draft : How the San Francisco Giants are doing on day two of the draft • When will sports return ?
The latest on where COVID-19-affected events stand • MLB Draft : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top pick on a catcher ?
• MLB Draft : Giants to pay minor leaguers through end of 2020 season The Giants also used the 10th overall pick in the 2019 draft on a local prospect , Serra High ( San Mateo ) grad and Arizona State slugger Hunter Bishop .
Harrison is the third Bay Area high school product selected in this year ’ s MLB Draft as he follows Archbishop Mitty ’ s Nick Yorke who was chosen with the 17th overall pick by the Boston Red Sox and Nick Garcia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Division III Chapman University before being taken with the No .
79 pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates .
Turlock High catcher Tyler Soderstrom was drafted by the Oakland A ’ s with the No .
26 pick in Wednesday ’ s first round .
Zaidi and Holmes have indicated the Giants plan to be active in pursuing local players in the post-draft signing period when undrafted amateur players can sign with a team .
Signing bonuses for players who sign after the fifth round are capped at $ 20,000 .

The San Francisco Giants used their first four picks in the 2020 MLB Draft on college players, but they ended that run in the third round Thursday by selecting a local high school pitcher.
De La Salle (Concord) left-hander Kyle Harrison became the fifth amateur player selected by the Giants when the team chose him with the No. 85 overall pick.
“Giants are getting a winner and a great kid,” De La Salle head coach David Jeans tweeted Thursday. “One of the most competitive kids that I ever coached. Couldn’t be happier for Kyle and his family.”
The 6-foot-2 Harrison went 10-0 with a 1.26 ERA as a junior in 2019 for the Spartans and spent the summer with the U-18 Team USA squad. In two games as a senior, Harrison threw nine innings, allowed two hits and racked up 18 strikeouts before his season was shortened due to the coronavirus.
A UCLA commit, Harrison will likely forgo the opportunity to play in college to sign with the Giants.
Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi and director of amateur scouting Michael Holmes spent the week leading up to the draft talking about needing to scout their “backyard” well and for the second year in a row, they’ve taken a De La Salle product in the draft.
In 2019, the Giants chose De La Salle alumnus and UC Santa Barbara outfielder Armani Smith in the seventh round.
The Giants also used the 10th overall pick in the 2019 draft on a local prospect, Serra High (San Mateo) grad and Arizona State slugger Hunter Bishop.
Harrison is the third Bay Area high school product selected in this year’s MLB Draft as he follows Archbishop Mitty’s Nick Yorke who was chosen with the 17th overall pick by the Boston Red Sox and Nick Garcia, a Serra High grad who pitched for Division III Chapman University before being taken with the No. 79 pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Turlock High catcher Tyler Soderstrom was drafted by the Oakland A’s with the No. 26 pick in Wednesday’s first round.
Zaidi and Holmes have indicated the Giants plan to be active in pursuing local players in the post-draft signing period when undrafted amateur players can sign with a team. Signing bonuses for players who sign after the fifth round are capped at $20,000.


mercurynews--2020-06-11--Coronavirus lawsuit: Bay Area Amazon groceries warehouse a threat to workers, public

At an Amazon Fresh grocery-delivery warehouse in San Francisco , Amazon has been putting workers and the public at risk of coronavirus infection through cramped conditions , re-use of employee protective suits without cleaning , and quotas that make it impossible for workers to practice social distancing or sanitization , a lawsuit filed Thursday claims .
The suit filed by Chiyomi Brent , a “ picker ” responsible for fulfilling grocery orders at the Tennessee Street facility from Amazon Prime customers , noted that since coronavirus stay-home orders have been imposed , “ the demand for Amazon ’ s same-day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yet while the company has touted its “ purported compliance ” with government regulations and emergency orders aimed at stopping spread of the deadly virus , Amazon “ has failed to implement reasonable safety protocols , placing essential workers at needless risk of Covid-19 infection and endangering public health , ” alleged the suit filed in San Francisco Superior Court .
Amazon did not immediately respond to a request for comment .
The Seattle-based e-commerce giant is facing another lawsuit , filed last week , claiming that at an Amazon warehouse in Staten @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among the conditions leading to coronavirus spread and the death of a plaintiff ’ s family member .
In March , the firm fired a worker who had organized a walkout at a New York warehouse to demand more coronavirus protection .
Amazon said the employee was terminated after he broke distancing rules and put others at risk .
Brent , in her lawsuit , alleged that after she complained repeatedly to the company , filed one complaint with state worker-health regulators and another with the San Francisco Police Department that led officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Amazon has continued to ignore “ even basic minimum safety precautions.
” But San Francisco Police , after an initial search Thursday in response to a request from this news organization , said they had no documentation of such a visit .
Brent on March 25 emailed Amazon ’ s corporate office to complain about conditions in the facility , which she described in the email as “ a total pig sty , ” according to the lawsuit .
The floor was littered with boxes , grocery products , pieces of plastic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the suit claimed .
“ Due to pickers ’ high productivity quotas , they are not able to pause to clean or sanitize the work area , ” the suit claimed , adding that Brent and other pickers were “ told not to clean up messes and have not been instructed to sanitize the work area.
” Pickers ’ carts and baskets “ are not sanitized or cleaned between users , ” the suit alleged .
• Amazon puts new Whole Foods and Amazon Fresh food delivery customers on a waitlist • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shopper during the coronavirus pandemic Amazon told San Francisco Police that insulated suits worn by pickers were cleaned daily , but Brent believed that to be false , the suit alleged .
“ Even if true , daily cleaning is still insufficient as it would still result in approximately four to 10 different pickers using the same Freezer Suit between cleanings , ” the suit claimed .
Productivity quotas required pickers in the “ cramped ” warehouse to scan at least 60 items per hour , “ even though doing so often makes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanitation protocols required by law , ” the suit alleged , adding that workers were forced to “ pass by each other in close proximity down narrow aisles ” to meet quotas .
“ Contrary to ( Amazon ’ s ) stated policy , there is no enforcement of the Social Distancing Protocol , or the enforcement is inconsistent , ” the suit alleged .
“ Pickers occasionally remove their face coverings throughout the day due to high temperatures in certain parts of ( the warehouse ) .
” Brent ’ s suit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public-nuisance laws .
She is seeking unspecified damages for herself and “ all others similarly situated , ” and an order barring Amazon from alleged “ illegal and unsafe work practices .
”

At an Amazon Fresh grocery-delivery warehouse in San Francisco, Amazon has been putting workers and the public at risk of coronavirus infection through cramped conditions, re-use of employee protective suits without cleaning, and quotas that make it impossible for workers to practice social distancing or sanitization, a lawsuit filed Thursday claims.
The suit filed by Chiyomi Brent, a “picker” responsible for fulfilling grocery orders at the Tennessee Street facility from Amazon Prime customers, noted that since coronavirus stay-home orders have been imposed, “the demand for Amazon’s same-day and next-day delivery services has surged.”
Yet while the company has touted its “purported compliance” with government regulations and emergency orders aimed at stopping spread of the deadly virus, Amazon “has failed to implement reasonable safety protocols, placing essential workers at needless risk of Covid-19 infection and endangering public health,” alleged the suit filed in San Francisco Superior Court.
Amazon said in an emailed statement that it was “saddened by the tragic impact Covid-19 has had on communities across the globe, including some Amazon team members and their family and friends.” Between early March and May 1 it offered employees unlimited unpaid time off, and since May 1 it has “offered leave for those most vulnerable or who need to care for children or family members,” Amazon spokesman Timothy Carter said.
“We also invested $4 billion from April to June on COVID-related initiatives, including over $800 million in the first half of this year on safety measures like temperature checks, masks, gloves, enhanced cleaning and sanitization, extended pay and benefits options, testing, and more,” the company said.
The Seattle-based e-commerce giant is facing another lawsuit, filed last week, claiming that at an Amazon warehouse in Staten Island, N.Y., productivity requirements were among the conditions leading to coronavirus spread and the death of a plaintiff’s family member. In March, the firm fired a worker who had organized a walkout at a New York warehouse to demand more coronavirus protection. Amazon said the employee was terminated after he broke distancing rules and put others at risk.
Brent, in her lawsuit, alleged that after she complained repeatedly to the company, filed one complaint with state worker-health regulators and another with the San Francisco Police Department that led officers to inspect the warehouse and demand improvements, Amazon has continued to ignore “even basic minimum safety precautions.”
But San Francisco Police, after an initial search Thursday in response to a request from this news organization, said they had no documentation of such a visit.
Brent on March 25 emailed Amazon’s corporate office to complain about conditions in the facility, which she described in the email as “a total pig sty,” according to the lawsuit. The floor was littered with boxes, grocery products, pieces of plastic and broken bottles with their contents spilled, the suit claimed.
“Due to pickers’ high productivity quotas, they are not able to pause to clean or sanitize the work area,” the suit claimed, adding that Brent and other pickers were “told not to clean up messes and have not been instructed to sanitize the work area.” Pickers’ carts and baskets “are not sanitized or cleaned between users,” the suit alleged.
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Amazon puts new Whole Foods and Amazon Fresh food delivery customers on a waitlist Restaurants, Food and Drink | How to be a more ethical Amazon shopper during the coronavirus pandemic Amazon told San Francisco Police that insulated suits worn by pickers were cleaned daily, but Brent believed that to be false, the suit alleged. “Even if true, daily cleaning is still insufficient as it would still result in approximately four to 10 different pickers using the same Freezer Suit between cleanings,” the suit claimed.
Productivity quotas required pickers in the “cramped” warehouse to scan at least 60 items per hour, “even though doing so often makes it impossible to meet social distancing and sanitation protocols required by law,” the suit alleged, adding that workers were forced to “pass by each other in close proximity down narrow aisles” to meet quotas.
“Contrary to (Amazon’s) stated policy, there is no enforcement of the Social Distancing Protocol, or the enforcement is inconsistent,” the suit alleged. “Pickers occasionally remove their face coverings throughout the day due to high temperatures in certain parts of (the warehouse).”
Brent’s suit accuses Amazon of breaking state anti-competition and public-nuisance laws. She is seeking unspecified damages for herself and “all others similarly situated,” and an order barring Amazon from alleged “illegal and unsafe work practices.”


mercurynews--2020-06-11--PlayStation 5 reveal: Top 5 intriguing games for the upcoming console

Although E3 has been canceled , it ’ s not stopping video game makers from unleashing big announcements .
Sony led the way Thursday with its PlayStation 5 reveal event showing what the console looks like along with a slew of upcoming games .
Sony Interactive Entertainment unveiled everything from AAA blockbusters to promising indie titles .
The reveal ran the gamut and showed that there ’ s a little something for everyone on the PlayStation 5 , which is slated to come out this holiday season .
With that said , only a few stood out from the sizzle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stuck out the most : 1 .
Village : Resident Evil — Despite the unusual name , this should be considered “ Resident Evil VIII ” and it follows Ethan , the protagonist of the previous entry .
As the name implies , he ’ s investigating a village near a snow-capped locale a few years after the events of “ Resident Evil VII.
” What moved this game to the top of the list are the visuals .
They jump out at you in terms of the realistic faces and the atmosphere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show off the next-generation graphics of the PlayStation 5 , which will likely including ray tracing to boost realism in the game , increase the immersion and make the experience altogether more terrifying .
Plus , I ’ m a sucker for “ Resident Evil ” games and if it stays true to previous one , this has a lot going for it .
The game is scheduled for release in 2021 .
2 .
“ Horizon : Forbidden West ” — Again , this is “ Horizon Zero Dawn 2 ” with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again follows Aloy .
The postapocalyptic hero is back and this time she makes her way to North America .
From the screenshots , it looks like she ’ ll be in the Bay Area for part of the adventure .
She ’ ll also face off against Sylens who now has control of HADES the original ’ s main villain .
The trailer showed off new robot designs and fresh areas for Aloy to explore , most notably the underwater elements .
The quick cuts of the preview don ’ t do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a better feel for it with an extended preview .
Just the fact that players get to continue Aloy ’ s journey is enough to make this one of my more anticipated games of the future .
“ 3 .
Spider-Man : Miles Morales ” — This title is notable because it appears to be the only one on the list coming out this year and it stars one of the few Latino heroes in gaming .
Morales was introduced in 2018 ’ s “ Spider-Man ” as a teenager just learning his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it appears he ’ ll be setting out on his own .
This webslinger created in 2011 has a different set of powers than Peter Parker and it looks like that will manifest itself in the upcoming game .
I ’ m just hoping that this “ Spider-Man ” keeps the traversal that made the previous one so good while improving the mission design .
Because Miles Morales has a camouflage power , I expect more stealthy approach to battling bad guys .
Also , his “ venom strike ” — a directed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the trailer .
• ‘ Pokemon Go ’ : June ’ s Weedle Community Day will be important for Great League players • Preview : Call of the Void update for ‘ Dauntless ’ adds features for newcomers and veterans “ 4 .
Demon ’ s Souls ” — I never finished the first title to the “ Souls ” series .
I lent the game to a friend and his console ended up stolen and my only copy of the game went with it .
Thankfully , I ’ ll have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Demon ’ s Souls ” thanks to Bluepoint Games , which is handling this remake .
From the looks of it , the game will look exceptional on the PlayStation 5 and will fill a niche in that library .
Bluepoint Games has a good history of doing remakes , updating the superb “ Shadow of the Colossus ” and releasing “ Gravity Rush Remastered.
” ( That ’ s a cult favorite worth playing on the PS4 . )
I have no doubt that the Austin , Texas-based studio will have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that some of the mechanics are updated and the game is somewhat easier to play .
I ’ ll also warn players to keep an eye on a certain NPC in the Nexus , aka the home base .
It will save you a lot of grief later on .
5 .
Little Devil Inside : — “ Deathloop ” looked intriguing with its 1960s “ No One Lives Forver ” vibe and “ Gran Turismo 7 ” will certainly turn heads with its realism , but this indie title captured my attention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s described as an action RPG with survival elements but the trailer appears to show influences of “ The Secret Life of Walter Mitty ” and “ Raiders of the Lost Ark.
” The combination of style and compelling substance has this game high on my list .
The developer , Neostream , has been working on this title for a while .
It was Kickstarter project scheduled to be released in 2016 .
Now it ’ s a timed exclusive for the PS5 that will also come to the @ @

Although the E3 expo has been canceled, it’s not stopping video game makers from unleashing big announcements. Sony led the way Thursday with its PlayStation 5 reveal event showing what the console looks like along with a slew of upcoming games.
Sony Interactive Entertainment unveiled everything from AAA blockbusters to promising indie titles. The reveal ran the gamut and showed that there’s a little something for everyone on the PlayStation 5, which is slated to come out this holiday season. With that said, only a few games stood out from the sizzle reels and trailers. Here is what stuck out the most:
1. “Village: Resident Evil”: Despite the unusual name, this should be considered “Resident Evil VIII” as it follows Ethan, the protagonist of the previous entry. As the name implies, he’s investigating a village near a snow-capped locale a few years after the events of “Resident Evil VII.” What moved this game to the top of the list are the visuals. They jump out at you in terms of the realistic faces and the atmosphere. The title looks like it will show off the next-generation graphics of the PlayStation 5, which will likely including ray tracing to boost realism in the game, increase the immersion and make the experience altogether more terrifying. Plus, I’m a sucker for “Resident Evil” games and if “Village” stays true to previous release, it will have a lot going for it. The game is scheduled for release in 2021.
2. “Horizon: Forbidden West”: Again, this is “Horizon Zero Dawn 2” with a somewhat different name, and it again follows Aloy. The post-apocalyptic hero is back and this time she makes her way to North America. From the screenshots, it looks like she’ll be in the Bay Area for part of the adventure. She’ll also face off against Sylens who now has control of HADES, the original’s main villain. The trailer showed off new robot designs and fresh areas for Aloy to explore, most notably the underwater elements. The quick cuts of the preview don’t do the game justice and players will have a better feel for it with an extended preview. Just the fact that players get to continue Aloy’s journey is enough to make this one of my more anticipated games of the future.
“3. Spider-Man: Miles Morales”: This title is notable because it appears to be the only one on the list that’s coming out this year and it stars one of the few Latino heroes in gaming. Morales was introduced in 2018’s “Spider-Man” as a teenager just learning his powers. But in this sequel, it appears he’ll be setting out on his own. This webslinger created in 2011 has a different set of powers than Peter Parker and it looks like that will manifest itself in the upcoming game. I’m just hoping that this “Spider-Man” keeps the traversal that made the previous one so good while improving the mission design. Because Morales has a camouflage power, I expect more stealthy approach to battling bad guys. Also, his “venom strike” — a directed energy power — also shows up in the trailer.
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What to play: ‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ will keep gamers busy during August Entertainment | ‘First Descendant’ crossplay beta delayed until September but will be open to all “4. 4. “Demon’s Souls”: I never finished the first title to the “Souls” series. I lent the game to a friend and his console ended up stolen and my only copy of the game went with it. Thankfully, I’ll have a second stab at trying to finish “Demon’s Souls” thanks to Bluepoint Games, which is handling this remake. From appearances so far, the game will look exceptional on the PlayStation 5 and will fill a niche in that library. Bluepoint Games has a good history of doing remakes, updating the superb “Shadow of the Colossus” and releasing “Gravity Rush Remastered.” (That’s a cult favorite worth playing on the PS4.) I have no doubt that the Austin, Texas,-based studio will have the same success here. I just hope that some of the mechanics are updated and the game is somewhat easier to play. I’ll also warn players to keep an eye on a certain NPC in the Nexus, aka the home base. It will save you a lot of grief later on.


mercurynews--2020-06-11--Letter: I want to reduce Concord’s tobacco-related health issues

Re : “ Smoking nearly doubles chances of serious complications , UCSF researchers say ” ( Eastbaytimes.com , May 14 ) : I ’ m an intern for the Tobacco Prevention Project at Monument Impact and a Concord resident .
Tobacco smoke has negative effects on our health , especially for those with respiratory illnesses .
Breathing certain substances can easily trigger someone ’ s respiratory illness , becoming a serious issue .
Tobacco smoke is a substance that triggers health problems .
Unintentionally breathing in tobacco smoke is very harmful .
Sidestream smoke ( smoke from the lighted end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of cancer-causing agents and is more toxic than mainstream smoke ( the smoke exhaled by a smoker ) and has smaller particles than mainstream smoke .
These smaller particles make their way into the lungs and the body ’ s cells more easily .
Plus , with the current pandemic , breathing in smoke worsens people ’ s battles with COVID-19 since it can attack the lungs .
• Letter : No mention of serving all in California ’ s police oath • Letter : Why police not whistle-blow , inform or rat-out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fix is needed for the NFL and police We must reduce tobacco smoking in order to reduce tobacco-related health disparities .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Re: “Smoking nearly doubles chances of serious complications, UCSF researchers say” (Eastbaytimes.com, May 14):
I’m an intern for the Tobacco Prevention Project at Monument Impact and a Concord resident. Tobacco smoke has negative effects on our health, especially for those with respiratory illnesses. Breathing certain substances can easily trigger someone’s respiratory illness, becoming a serious issue.
Tobacco smoke is a substance that triggers health problems. Unintentionally breathing in tobacco smoke is very harmful. Sidestream smoke (smoke from the lighted end of a cigarette) has higher concentrations of cancer-causing agents and is more toxic than mainstream smoke (the smoke exhaled by a smoker) and has smaller particles than mainstream smoke. These smaller particles make their way into the lungs and the body’s cells more easily.
Plus, with the current pandemic, breathing in smoke worsens people’s battles with COVID-19 since it can attack the lungs.
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Jasmine Vazquez
Concord
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
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mercurynews--2020-06-12--Monterey County cop under review for displaying anti-government militia group decal in his car windo

Monterey County cop under review for displaying anti-government militia group decal in his car window

PACIFIC GROVE — A Pacific Grove police officer is facing a personnel review after it was discovered his personal car boasted a window decal promoting a right-wing , anti-government militia group .
The officer was not identified and details of the action are limited by confidentiality requirements since they relate to personnel issues .
The decal espoused an organization called the “ 3percenters ” that launched following the election in 2008 of President Barack Obama .
Many members are former and current members of the military , police and other law-enforcement agencies , as well as anti-government groups such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ book “ Hate Groups and Extremists in America.
” The group ’ s website states that it does not discriminate against anyone ; but in response to Black Lives Matter protests following the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson , Missouri , the 3Percenters ’ Facebook page featured numerous racist comments by supporters , according to Thomas Mockaitis , the author of “ Violent Extremists : Understanding the Domestic and International Terrorist Threat.
” As well as political activism , chapters also engage in paramilitary activities such as marksmanship training , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Center for Investigative Reporting also confirms these activities .
( www.revealnews.org/blog/hate-report-get-to-know-the-three-percenters . )
In a letter prepared for the Pacific Grove City Council , Chief of Police Cathy Madalone said the city “ is taking this matter very seriously.
” “ We want to assure the public they can trust the members of the Pacific Grove Police Department to keep them safe , ” Madalone said .
“ The Pacific Grove Police Department does not espouse the values of the Three Percenters.
” The individual involved is “ currently not assigned to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer ’ s vehicle was parked on city property when the decal was seen .
• Cop charged with killing George Floyd still eligible for pension worth more than $ 1 million Addressing the issue of a police officer espousing right-wing extremist views via the association with 3Percenters is particularly delicate at a time when people are taking to the streets in support of Black Lives Matter and against police brutality .
Madalone is keenly aware of the timing .
“ It is the Police Department ’ s vision to achieve a culture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , respecting the rights and dignity of all people and providing professional public safety service through integrity and accountability , ” she said .

PACIFIC GROVE — A Pacific Grove police officer is facing a personnel review after it was discovered his personal car boasted a window decal promoting a right-wing, anti-government militia group.
The officer was not identified and details of the action are limited by confidentiality requirements since they relate to personnel issues.
The decal espoused an organization called the “3percenters” that launched following the election in 2008 of President Barack Obama. Many members are former and current members of the military, police and other law-enforcement agencies, as well as anti-government groups such as the Oath Keepers, according to the book “Hate Groups and Extremists in America.”
The group’s website states that it does not discriminate against anyone; but in response to Black Lives Matter protests following the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, the 3Percenters’ Facebook page featured numerous racist comments by supporters, according to Thomas Mockaitis, the author of “Violent Extremists: Understanding the Domestic and International Terrorist Threat.”
As well as political activism, chapters also engage in paramilitary activities such as marksmanship training, according to a 2018 article in USA Today. The Center for Investigative Reporting also confirms these activities. (www.revealnews.org/blog/hate-report-get-to-know-the-three-percenters.)
In a letter prepared for the Pacific Grove City Council, Chief of Police Cathy Madalone said the city “is taking this matter very seriously.”
“We want to assure the public they can trust the members of the Pacific Grove Police Department to keep them safe,” Madalone said. “The Pacific Grove Police Department does not espouse the values of the Three Percenters.”
The individual involved is “currently not assigned to shifts,” she said.
The officer’s vehicle was parked on city property when the decal was seen.
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“It is the Police Department’s vision to achieve a culture of excellence by partnering with the community, respecting the rights and dignity of all people and providing professional public safety service through integrity and accountability,” she said.


mercurynews--2020-06-12--Marin County police intercept South Bay suspects with stolen mail

Sausalito police arrested a man and a woman found in possession of stolen mail .
The incident happened at about @ @ @ @ @ Cpt .
Bill Fraass said .
A witness reported seeing a black Honda CR-V with @ @ @ @ @ the vehicle and was checking car doors along Girard Avenue and Locust Street .
Responding @ @ @ @ @ matched the description parked on Cazneau Avenue at Locust .
Albert Blanco , 38 , @ @ @ @ @ Lisa Loretz , 30 , of Boulder Creek , were standing near the vehicle when @ @ @ @ @ check revealed that Blanco was on parole for prior vehicle theft and drug-related charges .
@ @ @ @ @ found suspected narcotics and paraphernalia , stolen mail , stolen property from a reported Half @ @ @ @ @ device to break windows .
Blanco and Loretz were booked into Marin County Jail .

Sausalito police arrested a man and a woman found in possession of stolen mail.
The incident happened at about 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, police Cpt. Bill Fraass said. A witness reported seeing a black Honda CR-V with a male passenger who exited the vehicle and was checking car doors along Girard Avenue and Locust Street.
Responding officers found a CR-V that matched the description parked on Cazneau Avenue at Locust.
Albert Blanco, 38, of San Jose, and Lisa Loretz, 30, of Boulder Creek, were standing near the vehicle when police arrived.
A records check revealed that Blanco was on parole for prior vehicle theft and drug-related charges.
Officers searched the vehicle and found suspected narcotics and paraphernalia, stolen mail, stolen property from a reported Half Moon Bay auto-burglary and a device to break windows.
Blanco and Loretz were booked into Marin County Jail.


mercurynews--2020-06-12--Cop charged with killing George Floyd still eligible for pension worth more than $1 million

Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin could receive more than $ 1 million in pension benefits during his retirement years even if he is convicted of killing George Floyd .
Chauvin has been the subject of national fury since last month , when footage emerged of him kneeling on Floyd ’ s neck for nearly nine minutes as Floyd begged him to stop .
He was quickly fired from the department where he had worked since 2001 , and amid national protests , was eventually charged with second-degree murder .
Three other officers involved with the incident were also fired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still stands to benefit from a pension partially funded by taxpayers .
While a number of state laws allow for the forfeiture of pensions for those employees convicted of felony crimes related to their work , this is not the case in Minnesota .
The Minnesota Public Employees Retirement Association confirmed to CNN that 44-year-old Chauvin would remain eligible to file for his pension as early as age 50 , though it would not provide details on the specific amount he would receive .
Chauvin ’ s attorney declined to comment .
Retirement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or for cause are eligible for future benefits unless they choose to forfeit their future benefit and receive a refund of all their contributions made during their employment .
“ Neither our Board nor our staff have the discretion to increase , decrease , deny or revoke benefits , ” a spokeswoman said .
“ Any changes to current law would need to be done through the legislative process.
” While a number of factors are used to calculate pension benefits , Chauvin would likely be eligible for annual payments in the ballpark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if he chose to start receiving them at age 55 , according to a CNN analysis based on Chauvin ’ s tenure , 2019 payroll data , contract details , pension plan guidance and Minneapolis Police Department salary schedules .
The benefits could stretch to $ 1.5 million or more over a 30-year period , not including any cost of living increases .
Chauvin ’ s annual payments could be even higher if he received significant amounts of overtime in prior years .
Two of the other officers charged in the death of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also appears eligible to receive pension benefits from his time with the department , according to employment records released by the city .
The Minneapolis Mayor ’ s Office , Police Department and the local police union did not respond to CNN ’ s requests for comment .
Public pensions are paid for through a combination of contributions from taxpayer-funded local governments and workers themselves , as well as investment returns .
Public safety pensions are typically some of the most generous and have caused local and state budgets to balloon around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reduce or take away from workers who have been promised them in public employment contracts , and police unions have fought hard to protect worker pensions .
Officers also usually pay some of their own salaries into the funds and typically receive their pensions in lieu of Social Security .
Amid growing calls across the country to defund police departments and better distribute the money to social services , such as youth and community development and mental health treatment , pensions will likely prove to be a flashpoint in the ongoing debate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be stripped from police accused of misconduct vary depending on the state .
Less than half of states have laws that allow for pensions to be taken away from police who were convicted of any kind of felony , while some other states allow pensions to be taken away for specific crimes like corruption or sexual crimes against minors but not for the conviction of an officer for using excessive force , according to 2017 research published in the Journal of Law , Economics and Policy .
• Kristof : A reassuring example @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even these laws wouldn ’ t touch the many officers accused of police brutality who are never convicted or even charged with a crime .
Many were also passed in the past decade and usually wouldn ’ t apply to officers hired before the laws were enacted , researchers noted .
“ Pension forfeiture for misconduct is pretty rare , ” said D. Bruce Johnsen , a law professor at George Mason University and one of the authors of the research .
“ With this terrible tragedy it might be a good time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he added , saying that the specific situations that would allow for forfeiture would have to be carefully defined .
What should we investigate next ?
Email us : watchdog @ cnn.com .

Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin could receive more than $1 million in pension benefits during his retirement years even if he is convicted of killing George Floyd.
Chauvin has been the subject of national fury since last month, when footage emerged of him kneeling on Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes as Floyd begged him to stop. He was quickly fired from the department where he had worked since 2001, and amid national protests, was eventually charged with second-degree murder. Three other officers involved with the incident were also fired and face felony charges.
But Chauvin still stands to benefit from a pension partially funded by taxpayers. While a number of state laws allow for the forfeiture of pensions for those employees convicted of felony crimes related to their work, this is not the case in Minnesota.
The Minnesota Public Employees Retirement Association confirmed to CNN that 44-year-old Chauvin would remain eligible to file for his pension as early as age 50, though it would not provide details on the specific amount he would receive. Chauvin’s attorney declined to comment. Retirement plan officials said that employees terminated voluntarily or for cause are eligible for future benefits unless they choose to forfeit their future benefit and receive a refund of all their contributions made during their employment.
“Neither our Board nor our staff have the discretion to increase, decrease, deny or revoke benefits,” a spokeswoman said. “Any changes to current law would need to be done through the legislative process.”
While a number of factors are used to calculate pension benefits, Chauvin would likely be eligible for annual payments in the ballpark of $50,000 a year or more if he chose to start receiving them at age 55, according to a CNN analysis based on Chauvin’s tenure, 2019 payroll data, contract details, pension plan guidance and Minneapolis Police Department salary schedules. The benefits could stretch to $1.5 million or more over a 30-year period, not including any cost of living increases. Chauvin’s annual payments could be even higher if he received significant amounts of overtime in prior years.
Two of the other officers charged in the death of Floyd were rookies, but a third also appears eligible to receive pension benefits from his time with the department, according to employment records released by the city. The Minneapolis Mayor’s Office, Police Department and the local police union did not respond to CNN’s requests for comment.
Public pensions are paid for through a combination of contributions from taxpayer-funded local governments and workers themselves, as well as investment returns. Public safety pensions are typically some of the most generous and have caused local and state budgets to balloon around the country.
But they are almost impossible to reduce or take away from workers who have been promised them in public employment contracts, and police unions have fought hard to protect worker pensions. Officers also usually pay some of their own salaries into the funds and typically receive their pensions in lieu of Social Security.
Amid growing calls across the country to defund police departments and better distribute the money to social services, such as youth and community development and mental health treatment, pensions will likely prove to be a flashpoint in the ongoing debate.
The laws governing whether pensions can be stripped from police accused of misconduct vary depending on the state. Less than half of states have laws that allow for pensions to be taken away from police who were convicted of any kind of felony, while some other states allow pensions to be taken away for specific crimes like corruption or sexual crimes against minors but not for the conviction of an officer for using excessive force, according to 2017 research published in the Journal of Law, Economics and Policy.
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Officer gets 4+ years for role in George Floyd killing Crime and Public Safety | San Jose: Federal excessive force lawsuit from George Floyd protests is greenlit for trial But even these laws wouldn’t touch the many officers accused of police brutality who are never convicted or even charged with a crime. Many were also passed in the past decade and usually wouldn’t apply to officers hired before the laws were enacted, researchers noted.
“Pension forfeiture for misconduct is pretty rare,” said D. Bruce Johnsen, a law professor at George Mason University and one of the authors of the research.
“With this terrible tragedy it might be a good time to push in this direction,” he added, saying that the specific situations that would allow for forfeiture would have to be carefully defined.
What should we investigate next? Email us: watchdog@cnn.com.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2020 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.


mercurynews--2020-06-12--Disneyland reopening announcement sparks online petition to hold off due to coronavirus

On June 10 , Disneyland announced plans to reopen its theme parks , hotels and Downtown Disney District in July following a nearly three-month closure due to the spread of novel coronavirus .
Many fans rejoiced on social media about the chance to return to the beloved theme park .
Some , however , were more skeptical , tweeting whether it was too soon for a theme park to open and calling Disneyland a non-essential business that shouldn ’ t be operating during a global pandemic .
As news spread of the staggered reopening , which would include the Downtown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , followed by Disneyland and Disney California Adventure on July 17 and Disney ’ s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa , Disney Vacation Club and Disney ’ s Paradise Pier Hotel on July 23 , a petition was drafted by an anonymous group on Change.org that called upon The Walt Disney Company to reconsider the plan and postpone the reopening .
As of Thursday afternoon , the petition has over 13,500 digital signatures .
“ As you know , COVID-19 cases are rising and have not dropped , ” reads the petition .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to this pandemic and by reopening the parks they are endangering cast members and guests to be exposed to COVID-19.
” The petition argues that there are more cases of COVID-19 now than when the park initially closed back on March 13 and that health officials have predicted a second wave of COVID-19 that could be worse than the first .
Reopening before a second wave , it states , “ is irresponsible and greedy.
” “ For us , the city , we have confidence in Disney ’ s ability to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city spokesperson Mike Lyster said .
Lyster said a good example of Disney ’ s operations and crowd management strategy was last year ’ s opening of Star Wars : Galaxy ’ s Edge and the theme park ’ s use of an all-new reservation system .
“ That basically controlled the amount of folks coming in , to a point where some might even say it worked too well , to where we actually saw a very light summer last year , ” he said , adding that the park has shown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Their expertise in doing this will be able to be applied to everything that will be required , which is : A smaller capacity , keeping parties separated , face coverings and some minimal health checks.
” In its reopening announcement , Disney said attendance would be managed through a new theme park reservation system that would require guests , including annual passholders , to obtain a reservation for entry in advance .
Lyster said the city had received feedback from people concerned about the reopening of the theme park amid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city also heard from Disney fans and surrounding businesses that were encouraged by the reopening news .
The closure has hurt local businesses that depend upon tourists visiting the park .
In May , Disney Parks Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pamela Hymel assured guests via the official Disney Blog that the parks would reopen only when it was safe to do so .
The post laid out that Disney would reopen in gradual phases and that they would continue to work with local health authorities and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing and capacity measures as well as sanitation protocols , requiring facial coverings and ensuring that there are added hand washing and sanitizing stations located throughout the park .
Another big element of Hymel ’ s reopening post was cast training .
• Disney fans say Splash Mountain , a ride inspired by ‘ Song of the South , ’ should be re-themed • There ’ s no telling the future for the theme park industry • Where NBA players will eat , sleep and play at Disney World • How the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Our focus remains on the health and safety of the entire Disney community – including the well being of the Cast Members who are carting for and securing our parks and resorts during the closure , ” the post read .
“ We have already implemented a number of enhanced health and safety measures , such as increasing the frequency of cleaning and disinfection in work areas , adjusting practices to promote physical distancing , and providing Cast with access to necessary PPE , including face coverings .
We continue to learn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lessons into reopening and beyond .
”

On June 10, Disneyland announced plans to reopen its theme parks, hotels and Downtown Disney District in July following a nearly three-month closure due to the spread of novel coronavirus.
Many fans rejoiced on social media about the chance to return to the beloved theme park. Some, however, were more skeptical, tweeting whether it was too soon for a theme park to open and calling Disneyland a non-essential business that shouldn’t be operating during a global pandemic.
As news spread of the staggered reopening, which would include the Downtown Disney District opening first on July 9, followed by Disneyland and Disney California Adventure on July 17 and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disney Vacation Club and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel on July 23, a petition was drafted by an anonymous group on Change.org that called upon The Walt Disney Company to reconsider the plan and postpone the reopening. As of Thursday afternoon, the petition has over 13,500 digital signatures.
“As you know, COVID-19 cases are rising and have not dropped,” reads the petition. “Many people have lost loved ones due to this pandemic and by reopening the parks they are endangering cast members and guests to be exposed to COVID-19.”
The petition argues that there are more cases of COVID-19 now than when the park initially closed back on March 13 and that health officials have predicted a second wave of COVID-19 that could be worse than the first. Reopening before a second wave, it states, “is irresponsible and greedy.”
“For us, the city, we have confidence in Disney’s ability to open safely and responsibly,” Anaheim city spokesperson Mike Lyster said.
Lyster said a good example of Disney’s operations and crowd management strategy was last year’s opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and the theme park’s use of an all-new reservation system.
“That basically controlled the amount of folks coming in, to a point where some might even say it worked too well, to where we actually saw a very light summer last year,” he said, adding that the park has shown its ability to manage an overflow crowd. “Their expertise in doing this will be able to be applied to everything that will be required, which is: A smaller capacity, keeping parties separated, face coverings and some minimal health checks.”
In its reopening announcement, Disney said attendance would be managed through a new theme park reservation system that would require guests, including annual passholders, to obtain a reservation for entry in advance.
Lyster said the city had received feedback from people concerned about the reopening of the theme park amid a global pandemic. However, the city also heard from Disney fans and surrounding businesses that were encouraged by the reopening news. The closure has hurt local businesses that depend upon tourists visiting the park.
In May, Disney Parks Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pamela Hymel assured guests via the official Disney Blog that the parks would reopen only when it was safe to do so.
The post laid out that Disney would reopen in gradual phases and that they would continue to work with local health authorities and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the latest physical distancing and capacity measures as well as sanitation protocols, requiring facial coverings and ensuring that there are added hand washing and sanitizing stations located throughout the park. Another big element of Hymel’s reopening post was cast training.


mercurynews--2020-06-12--California man convicted of killing drug dealer friend he had agreed to protect

A man who was supposed to provide muscle for a friend collecting a drug debt but who instead slashed his throat has been convicted of murder , marking the second time in his life he played a role in a violent slaying .
A Santa Ana jury on Thursday found John Ramon Breceda , 40 , guilty of second-degree murder and arson for stabbing 44-year-old Floriberto Villasenor Cortes to death in a Costa Mesa neighborhood in May 2015 and then torching Cortes ’ car in San Juan Capistrano to hide evidence .
Breceda admitted that Cortes , a drug dealer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to collect money Cortes was owed by a Costa Mesa man .
Senior Deputy District Attorney Heather Brown told jurors during the opening of the trial that Cortes was “ not a good drug dealer ” because he would give his clients the drugs up front and then try to collect money later .
Cortes was stabbed in the neck while sitting in a parked car .
After the attack , a resident spotted him running down the street , then collapsing in a pool of blood .
Other witnesses reported seeing one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a vehicle and speeding off , leaving a sun visor in the street .
The burned remain of that vehicle , which belonged to Cortes , was found in a field near the I-5 Freeway and Junipero Serra Road in San Juan Capistrano .
Bloody fingerprints on the sun visor were tied to Breceda .
A room key for an Anaheim motel found near Cortes ’ body was tied to an on-and-off girlfriend of Breceda ’ s , and surveillance footage from the motel showed Cortes and Breceda walking in and out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that she went with Breceda to get a knife prior to the fatal stabbing .
During closing arguments , Brown acknowledged that they may never know exactly why Breceda killed Cortes .
But the prosecutor noted that Cortes was attacked from behind and there was no evidence he fought back .
“ He had no defensive wounds , ” Brown said .
“ He never saw it coming.
” Breceda testified that he acted in self-defense after Cortes attacked him in the car , setting off a struggle over the knife .
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that there was only a single stab wound , not a “ frenzy ” of stabs .
“ What we have here is an individual defending himself when he was attacked with a knife , ” Nocella told jurors .
A date for Breceda ’ s sentencing has not yet been scheduled .
The Cortes killing isn ’ t the first time Breceda has been tied to a murder .
In 2011 , Breceda pleaded guilty to his role in the 1994 killing of 55-year-old Valentina Giles Roque in Santa Ana .
Prosecutors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a minor , gave a friend a handgun and told him to shoot Roque , who had told the teens to leave an apartment complex they were loitering outside of .
The two teens confessed to detectives days after the shooting , but ballistic tests on the handgun were inconclusive , and charges weren ’ t filed .
Fifteen years later , new technology allowed Santa Ana investigators to match the bullet that killed Roque to the gun .
Since the Roque killing came a year before state law changed to allow juveniles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2013 were forced to prosecute Breceda , then in his 30s , in Orange County Juvenile Court .
And since juvenile court loses jurisdiction over minors after they turn 25 , the conviction led to no legal penalty .

A man who was supposed to provide muscle for a friend collecting a drug debt but who instead slashed his throat has been convicted of murder, marking the second time in his life he played a role in a violent slaying.
A Santa Ana jury on Thursday found John Ramon Breceda, 40, guilty of second-degree murder and arson for stabbing 44-year-old Floriberto Villasenor Cortes to death in a Costa Mesa neighborhood in May 2015 and then torching Cortes’ car in San Juan Capistrano to hide evidence.
Breceda admitted that Cortes, a drug dealer, asked Breceda to come with him to collect money Cortes was owed by a Costa Mesa man.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Heather Brown told jurors during the opening of the trial that Cortes was “not a good drug dealer” because he would give his clients the drugs up front and then try to collect money later.
Cortes was stabbed in the neck while sitting in a parked car. After the attack, a resident spotted him running down the street, then collapsing in a pool of blood. Other witnesses reported seeing one man chasing another, then getting into a vehicle and speeding off, leaving a sun visor in the street.
The burned remain of that vehicle, which belonged to Cortes, was found in a field near the I-5 Freeway and Junipero Serra Road in San Juan Capistrano. Bloody fingerprints on the sun visor were tied to Breceda.
A room key for an Anaheim motel found near Cortes’ body was tied to an on-and-off girlfriend of Breceda’s, and surveillance footage from the motel showed Cortes and Breceda walking in and out of the same room. The girlfriend testified that she went with Breceda to get a knife prior to the fatal stabbing.
During closing arguments, Brown acknowledged that they may never know exactly why Breceda killed Cortes. But the prosecutor noted that Cortes was attacked from behind and there was no evidence he fought back.
“He had no defensive wounds,” Brown said. “He never saw it coming.”
Breceda testified that he acted in self-defense after Cortes attacked him in the car, setting off a struggle over the knife. His attorney, Tom Nocella, told jurors that there was only a single stab wound, not a “frenzy” of stabs.
“What we have here is an individual defending himself when he was attacked with a knife,” Nocella told jurors.
A date for Breceda’s sentencing has not yet been scheduled.
The Cortes killing isn’t the first time Breceda has been tied to a murder.
In 2011, Breceda pleaded guilty to his role in the 1994 killing of 55-year-old Valentina Giles Roque in Santa Ana.
Prosecutors alleged that Breceda, at the time a minor, gave a friend a handgun and told him to shoot Roque, who had told the teens to leave an apartment complex they were loitering outside of.
The two teens confessed to detectives days after the shooting, but ballistic tests on the handgun were inconclusive, and charges weren’t filed. Fifteen years later, new technology allowed Santa Ana investigators to match the bullet that killed Roque to the gun.
Since the Roque killing came a year before state law changed to allow juveniles to be charged as adults, prosecutors in 2013 were forced to prosecute Breceda, then in his 30s, in Orange County Juvenile Court. And since juvenile court loses jurisdiction over minors after they turn 25, the conviction led to no legal penalty.


mercurynews--2020-06-12--Terrell Owens demands NFL apologize to Kaepernick

Lending his voice to the Black Lives Matter movement , Hall of Fame wide receiver Terrell Owens led a midday march Thursday , June 11 , with about 60 people , to the nearly completed Sofi Stadium in Inglewood .
Owens , wearing a black T-shirt bearing the image of George Floyd and the words “ I can ’ t breath , ” said the NFL owes free agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick an apology — and should urge teams to sign him .
Kaepernick , who sparked debate by kneeling during the national anthem as a protest of police brutality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ played the past four years .
The symbolic gesture sparked a movement among players , which drew harsh criticism from leaders such as President Donald Trump who viewed it as unpatriotic and disrespectful .
Kneeling has become a common sight now among protests that have swept the region and the country over the past several weeks sparked by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody on Memorial Day .
Last week , NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said the league was wrong for “ not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” But Owens said the statement did not go far enough .
“ The NFL and Roger Goodell , they owe Colin Kaepernick an apology not some blanket statement to save face , ” Owens said .
And if Kaepernick doesn ’ t get that apology and is offered a job in the league again , Owens said players would be within their right to boycott the season , though he stopped short of saying they should .
“ Boycott is a strong word , but I think now these players , especially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to understand the power and the leverage they have right now , ” said Owens , who delivered the remarks on the corner of Manchester and Prairie avenues with a scrum of reporters gathered around .
“ I want them to understand the leverage that they have , ” Owens continued .
“ If boycott is away to get their message across and get what they are owed , then so be it.
” Following the statements , Owens led a group of about 60 people down Prairie toward Sofi Stadium , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to play this year .
Though the NFL has announced its season , it ’ s unclear whether they will open the stadium to crowds of fans , play to an empty house of postpone games .
“ I ’ m with Kap , ” they chanted , and “ No justice , no peace , ” as Owens led the chorus through a megaphone .
For Owens , who said he attended George Floyd ’ s funeral in Houston on Tuesday , Thursday ’ s march he said was a chance to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 16-year career , most of it spent with the San Francisco 49ers , Owens said he faced discrimination but often did not talk about it .
• Kristof : A reassuring example of how defunding the police works • Civil rights lawsuit filed against Oakland for police use of force during protests “ Should I have brought it up ?
Absolutely , ” Owens said .
“ But I was raised by a grandmother who prepared me .
That ’ s why I was headstrong to play through those situations.
” Actress LisaRaye @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , saying she has been home for weeks and decided now was the time to lend her voice .
“ We ’ re not standing it for it anymore , ” McCoy said .
“ What we ’ ve done is the attention we deserve .
We needed them to hear us.
” • Kristof : A reassuring example of how defunding the police works • Civil rights lawsuit filed against Oakland for police use of force during protests For Najee Ali , director of Project Islamic Hope , who attended the demonstration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like vindication .
Ali said he was active a few years ago leading protests outside the L.A. Memorial Coliseum , on one occasion getting arrested .
“ Kaepernick was black-balled for taking a knee protesting unjust murders of black people nationwide , ” Ali said .
“ And now we see with this latest string of unjust murders by police nationwide it ’ s as if now everything that Kaepernick said is resonating across the nation .
”

Lending his voice to the Black Lives Matter movement, Hall of Fame wide receiver Terrell Owens led a midday march Thursday, June 11, with about 60 people, to the nearly completed Sofi Stadium in Inglewood.
Owens, wearing a black T-shirt bearing the image of George Floyd and the words “I can’t breath,” said the NFL owes free agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick an apology — and should urge teams to sign him.
Kaepernick, who sparked debate by kneeling during the national anthem as a protest of police brutality and racial bias, hasn’t played the past four years.
The symbolic gesture sparked a movement among players, which drew harsh criticism from leaders such as President Donald Trump who viewed it as unpatriotic and disrespectful.
Kneeling has become a common sight now among protests that have swept the region and the country over the past several weeks sparked by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody on Memorial Day.
We, the NFL, condemn racism and the systematic oppression of Black People. We, the NFL, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest. We, the NFL, believe Black Lives Matter. #InspireChange pic.twitter.com/ENWQP8A0sv — NFL (@NFL) June 5, 2020
Last week, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said the league was wrong for “not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest.”
But Owens said the statement did not go far enough.
“The NFL and Roger Goodell, they owe Colin Kaepernick an apology not some blanket statement to save face,” Owens said.
And if Kaepernick doesn’t get that apology and is offered a job in the league again, Owens said players would be within their right to boycott the season, though he stopped short of saying they should.
“Boycott is a strong word, but I think now these players, especially black player sand people of color they have to understand the power and the leverage they have right now,” said Owens, who delivered the remarks on the corner of Manchester and Prairie avenues with a scrum of reporters gathered around.
“I want them to understand the leverage that they have,” Owens continued. “If boycott is away to get their message across and get what they are owed, then so be it.”
Following the statements, Owens led a group of about 60 people down Prairie toward Sofi Stadium, where the Rams and Chargers are scheduled to play this year. Though the NFL has announced its season, it’s unclear whether they will open the stadium to crowds of fans, play to an empty house of postpone games.
“I’m with Kap,” they chanted, and “No justice, no peace,” as Owens led the chorus through a megaphone.
For Owens, who said he attended George Floyd’s funeral in Houston on Tuesday, Thursday’s march he said was a chance to make his voice heard. During his 16-year career, most of it spent with the San Francisco 49ers, Owens said he faced discrimination but often did not talk about it.
“Should I have brought it up? Absolutely,” Owens said. “But I was raised by a grandmother who prepared me. That’s why I was headstrong to play through those situations.”
Actress LisaRaye McCoy also spoke out at the demonstration, saying she has been home for weeks and decided now was the time to lend her voice.
“We’re not standing it for it anymore,” McCoy said. “What we’ve done is the attention we deserve. We needed them to hear us.”
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“Kaepernick was black-balled for taking a knee protesting unjust murders of black people nationwide,” Ali said. “And now we see with this latest string of unjust murders by police nationwide it’s as if now everything that Kaepernick said is resonating across the nation.”


mercurynews--2020-06-12--California man charged with poisoning food for homeless and videotaping their reactions

A 38-year-old man has been charged with poisoning eight homeless people in Huntington Beach and videotaping their reactions to the laced food , the Orange County District Attorney ’ s Office announced on Thursday .
William Robert Cable of San Andreas is facing eight felony charges of poisoning and inflicting injury , a ninth because one victim was elderly , and eight misdemeanor counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor .
Prosecutors accuse him of persuading the homeless individuals to eat food laced with oleoresin capsicum , which authorities say is twice as strong as the pepper spray @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were taking part in a “ spicy food challenge , ” prosecutors said .
Many were unaware the food had been tampered with , prosecutors said , and some were given other food and beer in order to entice them into eating the poisoned food .
“ These human beings were preyed upon because they are vulnerable , ” Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said in a statement .
“ They were exploited and poisoned as part of a twisted form of entertainment , and their pain was recorded so that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over and over again.
” Some of the victims reacted with seizure-like symptoms , others with difficulty breathing , vomiting and intense mouth and stomach pain , prosecutors said .
Several were hospitalized .
Authorities said they believe the poisonings began in mid-May .
Cable was arrested on May 22 and being held in lieu of $ 500,000 bail .
Authorities alluded to a juvenile being involved .
What role that minor played and any relationship with Cable were not spelled out by prosecutors .
The youth had not been charged .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with targeting a vulnerable population shocks the conscience , ” said Huntington Beach Police Chief Robert Handy in a statement .
• Coronavirus in homeless communities : How bad is it in Bay Area shelters , camps ?
• After months of complaints , Cupertino homeless camp to get a bathroom “ The fact an adult criminal would involve a juvenile is even more reprehensible , ” the chief said .
“ I am proud of the extraordinary effort put into solving this case by our police officers , detectives and also our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while treating the victims.
” Authorities previously indicated that the attacks were random but clearly targeted the homeless .
On Thursday , law enforcement officials said they are asking the public ’ s help in locating any additional victims or possible suspects .
If convicted , Cable faces up to 19 years and three months in prison .
There is no indication he planned to publicly share or sell the video footage , prosecutors said .

A 38-year-old man has been charged with poisoning eight homeless people in Huntington Beach and videotaping their reactions to the laced food, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office announced on Thursday.
William Robert Cable of San Andreas is facing eight felony charges of poisoning and inflicting injury, a ninth because one victim was elderly, and eight misdemeanor counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Prosecutors accuse him of persuading the homeless individuals to eat food laced with oleoresin capsicum, which authorities say is twice as strong as the pepper spray used by police.
Some were told they were taking part in a “spicy food challenge,” prosecutors said. Many were unaware the food had been tampered with, prosecutors said, and some were given other food and beer in order to entice them into eating the poisoned food.
“These human beings were preyed upon because they are vulnerable,” Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said in a statement. “They were exploited and poisoned as part of a twisted form of entertainment, and their pain was recorded so that it could be relived by their attacker over and over again.”
Some of the victims reacted with seizure-like symptoms, others with difficulty breathing, vomiting and intense mouth and stomach pain, prosecutors said. Several were hospitalized.
Authorities said they believe the poisonings began in mid-May. Cable was arrested on May 22 and being held in lieu of $500,000 bail.
Authorities alluded to a juvenile being involved. What role that minor played and any relationship with Cable were not spelled out by prosecutors. The youth had not been charged.
“The inhumane nature of the crimes combined with targeting a vulnerable population shocks the conscience,” said Huntington Beach Police Chief Robert Handy in a statement.
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New San Jose law would ban homeless encampments and RVs near schools Crime and Public Safety | Home sweet parking lot: Some hospitals welcome RV living for patients, families, and workers “The fact an adult criminal would involve a juvenile is even more reprehensible,” the chief said. “I am proud of the extraordinary effort put into solving this case by our police officers, detectives and also our firefighters who reported suspicious circumstances from observations while treating the victims.”
Authorities previously indicated that the attacks were random but clearly targeted the homeless. On Thursday, law enforcement officials said they are asking the public’s help in locating any additional victims or possible suspects.
If convicted, Cable faces up to 19 years and three months in prison. There is no indication he planned to publicly share or sell the video footage, prosecutors said.