mercurynews--2020-03-03--This California sheriff’s deputy mishandled evidence 92% of the time — and got a promotion

One of the worst offenders among Orange County sheriff ’ s deputies who mishandled evidence was promoted to sergeant last year , 10 months after the agency sent his case to prosecutors for criminal consideration , court papers show .
The District Attorney ’ s Office initially declined to charge Sgt .
Philip Avalos , a veteran of 16 years assigned to the Intake-Release Center in Santa Ana .
But Avalos landed back in the hot seat after District Attorney Todd Spitzer recently reopened criminal investigations into him and 16 other deputies referred by the Sheriff ’ s Department .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , weapons and other property seized by Avalos in 51 cases for the gang enforcement team was booked late or not at all , according to court documents filed Monday by Assistant Public Defender Scott Sanders .
Nearly 60 percent of the evidence was booked 30 or more days late , Sanders wrote .
Under department policy , seized property must be booked by the end of the deputy ’ s shift .
In nearly all the cases , Avalos wrote in his crime reports that the property had been placed in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his possession .
Spending less time in the station In a March 2018 interview with a sheriff ’ s investigator , Avalos said he was attempting to spend less time in the station and more time helping his partners or searching for criminal activity .
This practice eventually led to poor endings to cases , Avalos said .
He told the investigator he absolutely did not sell or give away evidence .
In the two-year period audited by the department — February 2016 to February 2018 — Avalos booked evidence in a timely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 30.6 days per item , was nine times worse than the average deputy , Sanders alleged .
Multiple grams of methamphetamine , as well as heroin and cocaine , were collected on various days .
Sanders wondered how Avalos kept the drugs separated and organized .
“ When Sergeant Avalos finally booked evidence in a case , was it the same evidence purportedly collected on the date of the incident ?
” Sanders wrote .
“ For many items , such as narcotics and paraphernalia , there is simply no way of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sergeant Avalos keep the evidence he collected ?
” Sanders said that before the first of two audits was conducted , word spread of the pending study and deputies rushed to turn in property they had kept in their patrol cars , at home or in the stations .
Details in the Avalos case adds to the growing evidence scandal in the Sheriff ’ s Department and District Attorney ’ s Office .
The sheriff ’ s main audit shows that nearly one-third of the evidence collected by deputies in the study period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The study showed that 300 items were booked 30 days or more late .
The rush is now on to determine how criminal cases were affected — how many people were convicted or pleaded guilty when the evidence was not booked .
• This Central Valley police chief forced an officer to remodel his home ; now he ’ s California ’ s latest criminal cop • Nearly half of BART ‘ quality of life ’ citations go to black riders , data show • Lawsuit alleges East Bay cops beat unconscious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him with a crime The lack of a chain of custody can be seen in one of Avalos ’ cases .
On April 28 , 2017 , Avalos responded to a car stop and found a machete and 3.3 grams of cocaine in the vehicle .
Avalos booked the cocaine 25 days after collecting it .
The machete , however , was not placed into the evidence locker until nine months later .
Asked about the machete by sheriff ’ s investigators , Avalos said the weapon had slipped between and beneath some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his car .
It was not found until he did a complete search of the vehicle , he said .
Meanwhile , prosecutors did not charge the defendant for the machete because of a lack of evidence .
Sanders ’ court motion was filed in a theft case to support his request to unseal more records on the evidence scandal .

One of the worst offenders among Orange County sheriff’s deputies who mishandled evidence was promoted to sergeant last year, 10 months after the agency sent his case to prosecutors for criminal consideration, court papers show.
The District Attorney’s Office initially declined to charge Sgt. Philip Avalos, a veteran of 16 years assigned to the Intake-Release Center in Santa Ana. But Avalos landed back in the hot seat after District Attorney Todd Spitzer recently reopened criminal investigations into him and 16 other deputies referred by the Sheriff’s Department.
More than 90 percent of the drugs, weapons and other property seized by Avalos in 51 cases for the gang enforcement team was booked late or not at all, according to court documents filed Monday by Assistant Public Defender Scott Sanders.
Nearly 60 percent of the evidence was booked 30 or more days late, Sanders wrote. Under department policy, seized property must be booked by the end of the deputy’s shift. In nearly all the cases, Avalos wrote in his crime reports that the property had been placed in the evidence locker when it was still in his possession.
Sheriff’s officials declined comment, referring to state confidentiality laws for law enforcement.
Spending less time in the station
In a March 2018 interview with a sheriff’s investigator, Avalos said he was attempting to spend less time in the station and more time helping his partners or searching for criminal activity. This practice eventually led to poor endings to cases, Avalos said. He told the investigator he absolutely did not sell or give away evidence.
In the two-year period audited by the department — February 2016 to February 2018 — Avalos booked evidence in a timely manner only four times. His record, 30.6 days per item, was nine times worse than the average deputy, Sanders alleged.
Multiple grams of methamphetamine, as well as heroin and cocaine, were collected on various days. Sanders wondered how Avalos kept the drugs separated and organized.
“When Sergeant Avalos finally booked evidence in a case, was it the same evidence purportedly collected on the date of the incident?” Sanders wrote. “For many items, such as narcotics and paraphernalia, there is simply no way of knowing with reasonable certainty. Where did Sergeant Avalos keep the evidence he collected?”
Sanders said that before the first of two audits was conducted, word spread of the pending study and deputies rushed to turn in property they had kept in their patrol cars, at home or in the stations.
One-third of department evidence mishandled
Details in the Avalos case adds to the growing evidence scandal in the Sheriff’s Department and District Attorney’s Office. The sheriff’s main audit shows that nearly one-third of the evidence collected by deputies in the study period was booked late or not at all. The study showed that 300 items were booked 30 days or more late.
The rush is now on to determine how criminal cases were affected — how many people were convicted or pleaded guilty when the evidence was not booked.
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Judge rules retrial of ex-Philadelphia officer in 2020 protest actions should be held outside city Crime and Public Safety | Michigan trooper who ordered dog on injured motorist is acquitted of assault The lack of a chain of custody can be seen in one of Avalos’ cases. On April 28, 2017, Avalos responded to a car stop and found a machete and 3.3 grams of cocaine in the vehicle. Avalos booked the cocaine 25 days after collecting it. The machete, however, was not placed into the evidence locker until nine months later.
Asked about the machete by sheriff’s investigators, Avalos said the weapon had slipped between and beneath some of his gear bags in the trunk of his car. It was not found until he did a complete search of the vehicle, he said.
Meanwhile, prosecutors did not charge the defendant for the machete because of a lack of evidence.
Sanders’ court motion was filed in a theft case to support his request to unseal more records on the evidence scandal.


mercurynews--2020-03-03--Letter: New Costco rule may help low-income folks after all

New Costco rule may help low-income folks after all The letter-writer ’ s commentary in the letter titled “ Costco ’ s food court policy hits low-income families ” ( Mercurynews.com , Feb. 25 ) criticized Costco ’ s upcoming enforcement of membership in accessing its food court as a detriment to low-income families .
This policy change is not only proper business practice , but it may help low-income families in the long run .
Low-income families frequently dine at fast food restaurants where low prices come with unhealthy foods high in fat , salt and calories , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , especially the inexpensive choices .
Dining on these cheaper items is a major cause of obesity , leading to higher health care costs for everyone .
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• Letter : This candidate ’ s care for humanity reaches locally and beyond • Letter : Antioch ’ s Measure T does nothing for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alternative to Trump Restricting Costco food court access to members only can reduce consumption of inexpensive , unhealthy foods and encourage everyone to buy healthier foods inside the warehouse or at other places .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

New Costco rule may help
low-income folks after all
The letter-writer’s commentary in the letter titled “Costco’s food court policy hits low-income families” (Mercurynews.com, Feb. 25) criticized Costco’s upcoming enforcement of membership in accessing its food court as a detriment to low-income families.
This policy change is not only proper business practice, but it may help low-income families in the long run.
Low-income families frequently dine at fast food restaurants where low prices come with unhealthy foods high in fat, salt and calories, as some of Costco food court items do, especially the inexpensive choices.
Dining on these cheaper items is a major cause of obesity, leading to higher health care costs for everyone.
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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 Restricting Costco food court access to members only can reduce consumption of inexpensive, unhealthy foods and encourage everyone to buy healthier foods inside the warehouse or at other places.
Riya Suising
Palo Alto
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
Read more Letters to the Editor


mercurynews--2020-03-03--Your pet can’t catch coronavirus. Here’s why one dog tested positive

They ’ re your furry best friend and a fixture of your home — but could your beloved cat or dog give you coronavirus ?
Experts agree , almost definitely not .
Why then did one dog in Hong Kong test positive for coronavirus last week ?
Last Friday , Hong Kong ’ s Agriculture , Fisheries and Conservation Department ( AFCD ) said that samples from the dog ’ s nasal and oral cavities had tested “ weak positive ” for novel coronavirus .
It was believed to be the first time that a dog anywhere in the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dog — which had no symptoms — was put into quarantine and will be repeatedly tested until the result comes back negative , according to the statement .
The department “ strongly advises ” that pets of people infected with coronavirus are quarantined for 14 days .
Despite this , the AFCD and the World Health Organization both agree there is no evidence that pets such as cats or dogs can be infected with coronavirus .
That ’ s because while dogs can test positive for the virus , it doesn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So why would a dog test positive ?
We know that coronaviruses can live on surfaces and objects , although researchers don ’ t know exactly how long this virus can linger for .
This is such a concern in mainland China that the central bank has been deep cleaning and destroying potentially infected cash .
In the same way , coronavirus could be present on the surface of a dog or cat , even if the dog or cat hasn ’ t actually contracted the virus .
The AFCD is testing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the virus or if it has just been contaminated with the virus .
“ Present evidence suggests that dogs are no more of a risk of spreading ( coronavirus ) than inanimate objects such as door handles , ” wrote Sheila McClelland , the founder of Hong Kong-based Lifelong Animal Protection Charity ( LAP ) , in a letter to the Hong Kong authorities , which she shared with CNN .
McClelland said there had been no confirmed cases of cats or dogs contracting the disease anywhere in the world , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the coronavirus test is accurate in dogs .
There were similar fears over coronavirus spreading to pets during the SARS outbreak in 2003 , when over 280 people died in Hong Kong .
Experts believe that both SARS and Covid-19 likely originated in bats .
Dogs and cats do get coronaviruses — but they are not at all the same as the virus associated with this current outbreak , said Jane Gray , Hong Kong SPCA ’ s chief veterinary surgeon .
Those strains are a completely different type , and don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2003 , scientists said the chance of getting SARS — which is also a type of coronavirus — from your cat was extremely remote .
Gray , who was working in Hong Kong during SARS , said the virus was found in a small number of cats , but there was no evidence that they could pass it to humans .
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , the main way the disease is spreading is from person-to-person , either from when people are close together , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coughs and sneezes .
According to Gray , there is still value in quarantining pets from a scientific perspective , because it allows scientists to observe how an animal relates to a disease we still know relatively little about .
“ Whilst it seems a bit scary , it ’ s purely a precautionary measure , and it ’ s certainly nothing for pet owners in general to be concerned about , ” said Gray .
Some pet owners in mainland China have been fitting their dogs with tiny face masks , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that — in fact , it ’ s probably fairly distressing for the pet and could cause them to panic .
Instead , pet owners should stick to the basics : good hygiene .
Both WHO and Gray said owners should wash their hands with soap and water after touching pets .
Gray said if dog owners are particularly concerned , they can wipe their dog ’ s paws with antiseptic wipes after they have had a walk outside — but they should take care not to overdo it , as wiping too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s paws .
“ I am certainly not in any concern of my dog or cats , I ’ m far more concerned about myself catching it from a human being that has the disease , ” said Gray , who is a pet owner herself .
To veterinarians and animals rights experts , there is a bigger issue than the potential spread of coronavirus to pets : the spread of fear .
After the announcement that the Hong Kong dog tested positive last week , the Lifelong Animal Protection Charity ( LAP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ animals in Hong Kong — wrote to the government , saying its announcement caused “ a tremendous amount of panic.
” McClelland , the founder of LAP , said she had been contacted by “ countless people ” worried for their pets , with many anxious that their dog or cat would be forcibly set to quarantine .
“ In a state of panic , people could abandon or kill their pets , ” she said .
“ Other people could stigmatize people who have dogs .
Dog owners could face unreasonable problems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or neighbors could create trouble for no reason.
” Back in 2003 , there were reports of cats in Beijing being taken from the owners and killed by people worried that they could be harboring the disease , according to a New Scientist report .
In Hong Kong , there was an increase of abandoned pets , said McClelland .
In Wuhan — the Chinese city at the center of the epidemic and which has been under lockdown for over a month — pets have been trapped in apartments alone while their owners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Wuhan Small Animal Protection Association say they have rescued hundreds of pets left in apartments .
Furry Angels Haven , a group that works to rescue homeless and neglected pets in Wuhan , said that “ without a doubt ” there had been an increase in abandoned pets since the outbreak and that pets were being unfairly targeted .
So far , Gray and McClelland haven ’ t seen any sign of an increase in pet abuse or abandonment in Hong Kong .
Instead , they ’ ve both seen an increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their pets overseas — suggesting owners are looking to leave the city .
Rather than pets being a coronavirus culprit , they are actually good to have around in this stressful period when many people are stuck working or studying from home , says Gray .
Pets are likely happy to have extra time with their owners , and can help lower people ’ s blood pressure and ease the feelings of stress , she said .
“ We know that stress lowers our immunity , and no one right now wants their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That ’ s been the case for Hong Kong resident Marco Leung , who has a seven-year-old pet dog .
He ’ s not worried about his dog getting sick from coronavirus — although he has been taking precautions such as cleaning his dog after walks .
“ I know dogs will not be infected , but if the virus goes on their skin or fur , it will stay there .
So if we are careful , I think it ’ s OK , ” he said .
He ’ s been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to spend the whole day with his pet Hung Jai , which means “ little bear ” in Cantonese .
“ Working from home is very very boring , so now I have more time for us to play together , ” he said .

They’re your furry best friend and a fixture of your home — but could your beloved cat or dog give you coronavirus?
Experts agree, almost definitely not.
Why then did one dog in Hong Kong test positive for coronavirus last week?
Here’s what happened.
Last Friday, Hong Kong’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said that samples from the dog’s nasal and oral cavities had tested “weak positive” for novel coronavirus. It was believed to be the first time that a dog anywhere in the world tested positive for the virus.
The dog — which had no symptoms — was put into quarantine and will be repeatedly tested until the result comes back negative, according to the statement. The department “strongly advises” that pets of people infected with coronavirus are quarantined for 14 days.
Despite this, the AFCD and the World Health Organization both agree there is no evidence that pets such as cats or dogs can be infected with coronavirus.
That’s because while dogs can test positive for the virus, it doesn’t necessarily mean they have been infected.
So why would a dog test positive?
We know that coronaviruses can live on surfaces and objects, although researchers don’t know exactly how long this virus can linger for.
This is such a concern in mainland China that the central bank has been deep cleaning and destroying potentially infected cash.
In the same way, coronavirus could be present on the surface of a dog or cat, even if the dog or cat hasn’t actually contracted the virus. The AFCD is testing to see whether the dog has been infected with the virus or if it has just been contaminated with the virus.
“Present evidence suggests that dogs are no more of a risk of spreading (coronavirus) than inanimate objects such as door handles,” wrote Sheila McClelland, the founder of Hong Kong-based Lifelong Animal Protection Charity (LAP), in a letter to the Hong Kong authorities, which she shared with CNN.
McClelland said there had been no confirmed cases of cats or dogs contracting the disease anywhere in the world, and that there are no published studies showing that the coronavirus test is accurate in dogs.
Can pets give you coronavirus?
There were similar fears over coronavirus spreading to pets during the SARS outbreak in 2003, when over 280 people died in Hong Kong. Experts believe that both SARS and Covid-19 likely originated in bats.
Dogs and cats do get coronaviruses — but they are not at all the same as the virus associated with this current outbreak, said Jane Gray, Hong Kong SPCA’s chief veterinary surgeon. Those strains are a completely different type, and don’t cause respiratory problems.
Back in 2003, scientists said the chance of getting SARS — which is also a type of coronavirus — from your cat was extremely remote.
Gray, who was working in Hong Kong during SARS, said the virus was found in a small number of cats, but there was no evidence that they could pass it to humans.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the main way the disease is spreading is from person-to-person, either from when people are close together, or from respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs and sneezes.
Is it worth quarantining pets?
According to Gray, there is still value in quarantining pets from a scientific perspective, because it allows scientists to observe how an animal relates to a disease we still know relatively little about.
“Whilst it seems a bit scary, it’s purely a precautionary measure, and it’s certainly nothing for pet owners in general to be concerned about,” said Gray.
Some pet owners in mainland China have been fitting their dogs with tiny face masks, but Gray said there is no benefit to that — in fact, it’s probably fairly distressing for the pet and could cause them to panic.
Instead, pet owners should stick to the basics: good hygiene.
Both WHO and Gray said owners should wash their hands with soap and water after touching pets. Gray said if dog owners are particularly concerned, they can wipe their dog’s paws with antiseptic wipes after they have had a walk outside — but they should take care not to overdo it, as wiping too much can dry out a dog’s paws.
“I am certainly not in any concern of my dog or cats, I’m far more concerned about myself catching it from a human being that has the disease,” said Gray, who is a pet owner herself.
What’s the bigger risk?
To veterinarians and animals rights experts, there is a bigger issue than the potential spread of coronavirus to pets: the spread of fear.
After the announcement that the Hong Kong dog tested positive last week, the Lifelong Animal Protection Charity (LAP) — a group which helps rehome animals in Hong Kong — wrote to the government, saying its announcement caused “a tremendous amount of panic.”
McClelland, the founder of LAP, said she had been contacted by “countless people” worried for their pets, with many anxious that their dog or cat would be forcibly set to quarantine.
“In a state of panic, people could abandon or kill their pets,” she said. “Other people could stigmatize people who have dogs. Dog owners could face unreasonable problems when simply walking their pets outdoors, or neighbors could create trouble for no reason.”
Back in 2003, there were reports of cats in Beijing being taken from the owners and killed by people worried that they could be harboring the disease, according to a New Scientist report. In Hong Kong, there was an increase of abandoned pets, said McClelland.
In Wuhan — the Chinese city at the center of the epidemic and which has been under lockdown for over a month — pets have been trapped in apartments alone while their owners are stuck outside the city. Volunteers from Wuhan Small Animal Protection Association say they have rescued hundreds of pets left in apartments.
Furry Angels Haven, a group that works to rescue homeless and neglected pets in Wuhan, said that “without a doubt” there had been an increase in abandoned pets since the outbreak and that pets were being unfairly targeted.
So far, Gray and McClelland haven’t seen any sign of an increase in pet abuse or abandonment in Hong Kong. Instead, they’ve both seen an increase in people looking into steps to export their pets overseas — suggesting owners are looking to leave the city.
Why pets are worth keeping
Rather than pets being a coronavirus culprit, they are actually good to have around in this stressful period when many people are stuck working or studying from home, says Gray.
Pets are likely happy to have extra time with their owners, and can help lower people’s blood pressure and ease the feelings of stress, she said. “We know that stress lowers our immunity, and no one right now wants their immunity lowered,” she added.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Pets and Animals | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge That’s been the case for Hong Kong resident Marco Leung, who has a seven-year-old pet dog. He’s not worried about his dog getting sick from coronavirus — although he has been taking precautions such as cleaning his dog after walks.
“I know dogs will not be infected, but if the virus goes on their skin or fur, it will stay there. So if we are careful, I think it’s OK,” he said. He’s been working from home, so he gets to spend the whole day with his pet Hung Jai, which means “little bear” in Cantonese.
“Working from home is very very boring, so now I have more time for us to play together,” he said.
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mercurynews--2020-03-03--Horoscopes March 3, 2020: Jessica Biel, deal with it swiftly

Happy Birthday : Deal with emotional matters swiftly .
If something isn ’ t fixable , have enough sense to walk away .
You have far too much to lose if you let others interfere in your life and pursuits .
Take the path that will encourage satisfaction , happiness and a bright future .
Change begins within ; don ’ t sit on the sideline , waiting for someone to take over .
Your numbers are 3 , 10 , 16 , 24 , 32 , 40 , 47 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Resolving issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep the peace .
How you display what you have to offer will have to be authentic and accessible for others to understand .
Don ’ t make promises you can not keep .
Romance is in the stars .
4 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Get your priorities straight , and you will achieve what you set out to do .
Ample preparation will ease stress and ensure your success .
Don ’ t leave a last-minute change in the hands of someone else .
Leave nothing to chance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 ) : Your persuasive jargon will result in an emotional battle .
Make sure you know and understand what you are saying .
Charm may get you a step ahead , but if you don ’ t have the facts to back up your claims , you ’ ll be stepping backward .
3 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : High energy , coupled with unique ideas , will get you moving in the right direction .
Common sense and less drama will help you convince others to get on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ objective .
Meetings will bring better results than anticipated .
3 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Finish what you start .
If you flit from one thing to another , you will end up going in circles .
Don ’ t believe what you hear .
Joint ventures will not turn out as anticipated .
Your charm alone won ’ t help you seal a deal .
4 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Discuss what you want to do with the people you know will give you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will offer a suggestion that will encourage you to put your plans in motion .
A partnership will fuel your creativity .
2 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Don ’ t venture off the beaten track .
Stick to the basics , take care of your responsibilities and avoid getting into discussions with people who don ’ t share your opinions .
Schedule rest , and adopt a healthy lifestyle that supports your hectic routine .
5 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : The people you bring into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change to the way you approach life will improve your attitude as well as your performance .
Greater respect for someone will develop and bring you closer .
3 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Don ’ t wait for approval to move forward on your own .
You ’ ll be led astray by someone who doesn ’ t want to see you succeed .
Put greater emphasis on the way you look and how you present yourself to the world .
3 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Taking a new approach to an old idea will help you see flaws that weren ’ t apparent in the past .
A shift in attitude will help you adjust to a healthier , happier lifestyle .
Let go of the past .
3 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Test your ideas , and make changes that will help you explore new possibilities .
A project can turn into a prosperous sideline business with a little thought and adjustment to your space that accommodates what you want to pursue .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) : Choose to use charm and a positive attitude to get what you want .
If you let someone bring you down , it will ruin your day and stifle your prospects .
Project what you want , and make it happen .
You are overdue for a change .
2 stars Birthday Baby : You are unique , trendy and relentless .
You are engaging and farsighted .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Jessica Biel, 38; Julie Bowen, 50; Tone Loc, 54; Jackie Joyner-Kersee, 58.
Happy Birthday: Deal with emotional matters swiftly. If something isn’t fixable, have enough sense to walk away. You have far too much to lose if you let others interfere in your life and pursuits. Take the path that will encourage satisfaction, happiness and a bright future. Change begins within; don’t sit on the sideline, waiting for someone to take over. Your numbers are 3, 10, 16, 24, 32, 40, 47.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Resolving issues will require compromise if you want to keep the peace. How you display what you have to offer will have to be authentic and accessible for others to understand. Don’t make promises you cannot keep. Romance is in the stars. 4 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Get your priorities straight, and you will achieve what you set out to do. Ample preparation will ease stress and ensure your success. Don’t leave a last-minute change in the hands of someone else. Leave nothing to chance. 3 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Your persuasive jargon will result in an emotional battle. Make sure you know and understand what you are saying. Charm may get you a step ahead, but if you don’t have the facts to back up your claims, you’ll be stepping backward. 3 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): High energy, coupled with unique ideas, will get you moving in the right direction. Common sense and less drama will help you convince others to get on board and assist you in reaching your objective. Meetings will bring better results than anticipated. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Finish what you start. If you flit from one thing to another, you will end up going in circles. Don’t believe what you hear. Joint ventures will not turn out as anticipated. Your charm alone won’t help you seal a deal. 4 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Discuss what you want to do with the people you know will give you good advice. Someone with more experience will offer a suggestion that will encourage you to put your plans in motion. A partnership will fuel your creativity. 2 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Don’t venture off the beaten track. Stick to the basics, take care of your responsibilities and avoid getting into discussions with people who don’t share your opinions. Schedule rest, and adopt a healthy lifestyle that supports your hectic routine. 5 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): The people you bring into your circle will inspire you. A change to the way you approach life will improve your attitude as well as your performance. Greater respect for someone will develop and bring you closer. 3 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Don’t wait for approval to move forward on your own. You’ll be led astray by someone who doesn’t want to see you succeed. Put greater emphasis on the way you look and how you present yourself to the world. 3 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): A change will be enlightening. Taking a new approach to an old idea will help you see flaws that weren’t apparent in the past. A shift in attitude will help you adjust to a healthier, happier lifestyle. Let go of the past. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Test your ideas, and make changes that will help you explore new possibilities. A project can turn into a prosperous sideline business with a little thought and adjustment to your space that accommodates what you want to pursue. 5 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Choose to use charm and a positive attitude to get what you want. If you let someone bring you down, it will ruin your day and stifle your prospects. Project what you want, and make it happen. You are overdue for a change. 2 stars
Birthday Baby: You are unique, trendy and relentless. You are engaging and farsighted.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-03-03--Word Game: March 3, 2020

Word Game: March 3, 2020

Can you find 28 or more words in GROUNDHOG ?
The list will be published tomorrow .
YESTERDAY ’ S @ @ @ @ @ goes gone guise noes noise nose egis onus using sign sine sing singe snug soigne @ @ @ @ @ the Word Game book , visit WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 @ @ @ @ @ .
Words must be of four or more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire @ @ @ @ @ of “ s , ” such as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” @ @ @ @ @ .
Additional words made by adding a “ d ” or an “ s ” @ @ @ @ @ For example , if “ bake ” is used , “ baked ” or “ @ @ @ @ @ , but “ bake ” and “ baking ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper @ @ @ @ @ or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — GROUNDHOG (GROUNDHOG: GROUND-hog: A burrowing rodent of northern and eastern North America.)
Average mark 21 words
Time limit 30 minutes
Can you find 28 or more words in GROUNDHOG? The list will be published tomorrow.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — IGNEOUS genius genus goes gone guise noes
noise nose egis onus using sign sine sing singe snug soigne song suing
Sung
To purchase the Word Game book, visit WordGameBooks.com. Order it now for just $5 while supplies last!
RULES OF THE GAME:
1. Words must be of four or more letters.
2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.
3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” are not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible.
4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.
Contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe at kzsaxe@gmail.com.


mercurynews--2020-03-03--Bridge: March 3, 2020

Bridge: March 3, 2020

“ I think my game is going downhill , ” a club player told me sadly .
“ Everything I do , ” he said , “ feels like I ’ m going uphill.
” My friend was declarer at today ’ s 3NT , and West led the ten of spades in deference to East ’ s opening bid .
“ I won with the queen , ” my friend said , “ and let the queen of clubs ride.
” “ The finesse wasn ’ t a favorite when East had opened the bidding , ” I observed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sighed , “ and forced out my ace of spades .
I could take only eight tricks before he got in with the ace of diamonds and beat me with good spades.
” South ’ s play made succeeding at 3NT uphill work .
East is sure to have the ace of diamonds on the bidding and probably the king of clubs , but West may have the queen of diamonds .
At Trick Two , South should let the eight of diamonds ride .
East takes the ace to continue spades , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finesse .
He can win three diamonds , two spades , three hearts and two clubs on an end play .
You hold : S A Q 5 H A Q 5 D 10 8 3 C Q J 7 6 .
After two passes , the player at your right opens one spade .
South in today ’ s deal overcalled 1NT with this hand .
Do you agree with that action ?
ANSWER : Personally , I wouldn ’ t have been as brave .
If the North and West hands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gone down a few at 1NT doubled .
I would have passed .
I like 1NT overcalls to contain a point or two more as well as a possible source of tricks .

“I think my game is going downhill,” a club player told me sadly.
“Why so?”
“Everything I do,” he said, “feels like I’m going uphill.”
My friend was declarer at today’s 3NT, and West led the ten of spades in deference to East’s opening bid.
“I won with the queen,” my friend said, “and let the queen of clubs ride.”
“The finesse wasn’t a favorite when East had opened the bidding,” I observed.
“East won,” declarer sighed, “and forced out my ace of spades. I could take only eight tricks before he got in with the ace of diamonds and beat me with good spades.”
KING OF CLUBS
South’s play made succeeding at 3NT uphill work. East is sure to have the ace of diamonds on the bidding and probably the king of clubs, but West may have the queen of diamonds. At Trick Two, South should let the eight of diamonds ride.
East takes the ace to continue spades, but declarer wins and repeats the diamond finesse. He can win three diamonds, two spades, three hearts and two clubs on an end play.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S A Q 5 H A Q 5 D 10 8 3 C Q J 7 6. After two passes, the player at your right opens one spade. South in today’s deal overcalled 1NT with this hand. Do you agree with that action?
ANSWER: Personally, I wouldn’t have been as brave. If the North and West hands had been exchanged, South would have gone down a few at 1NT doubled. I would have passed. I like 1NT overcalls to contain a point or two more as well as a possible source of tricks.
West dealer
Both sides vulnerable
NORTH
S 4 2
H K 7 3
D K J 9 4
C A 10 9 3
WEST
S 10 7
H 10 9 4 2
D Q 7 6 2
C 8 5 2
EAST
S K J 9 8 6 3
H J 8 6
D A 5
C K 4
SOUTH
S A Q 5
H A Q 5
D 10 8 3
C Q J 7 6
West North East South
Pass Pass 1 S 1 NT
Pass 3 NT All Pass
Opening lead — S 10
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-03-03--Ask Amy: I know why they won’t go to her house, but it seems cruel to tell her

DEAR AMY : I belong to a large extended family that throws a reunion every five years , back in the old country .
Family members travel from around the world ( but mostly the USA ) to visit this charming place and enjoy a wonderful reunion .
A cousin I ’ ve been close to since childhood lives near the airport .
She always offers her home for arriving relatives , but she is perplexed because no one ( except me ) ever takes her up on her offers of dinner or a place to sleep .
All members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and their house ( especially the kitchen ) seems to be coated with a layer of grime .
They don ’ t seem to see it , and their environmentally friendly way of living prohibits many cleaning chemicals from being used in the house .
• Ask Amy : Our kids have seen us drunk .
Should we tell them the whole story ?
• Ask Amy : This anonymous act of kindness threw us for a loop • Ask Amy : The bride hurt my feelings .
Can I skip her wedding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gets upset if I won ’ t accept his castoffs as gifts • Ask Amy : With our wedding already paid for , I found these photos of my fiance They are well-educated , kind and caring people .
I made peace with this mess years ago , and bring my own scrubby sponge and quietly clean the guest bathroom after I arrive .
My cousin is continually upset when people make excuses to not visit .
She is hurt to see on Facebook that family members were only a few miles away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She thinks it ’ s because of something she must have said or done , but in hearing grumblings from the extended family , it ’ s really about the grime .
I feel caught in the middle , because I certainly understand what they mean .
Should I tell my wonderful cousin about how her living situation is perceived ?
DEAR CARING : You should be gently and kindly honest .
You can expect her feelings to be hurt , but she is laboring under a worse assumption than the reality would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to her , “ This is hard for me to say , but I believe people don ’ t want to visit because of the condition of your house .
You know how picky and antiseptic Americans are , and I think this is why people don ’ t come over more often .
Your house is very different from what I ’ m used to , and I ’ ve definitely noticed that over the years , but I don ’ t care about it as much as other people might .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Everybody adores you .
I want to assure you how loved you are !
I hope you know that.
” You could then offer to help her , if she asks for help .
Otherwise , stay close and stay kind .
This message is both hard to deliver and hard to hear .
I ’ d love to hear from readers who might have been on the receiving end of this sort of challenging feedback .
DEAR AMY : I am currently not in school , so I let my ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ graphing calculator for a semester .
I was very clear that I value the calculator and that I expected it back when the semester was over .
Her semester has long been over , and I asked her to return my calculator .
At first , she said she would bring it to me , but she never did .
Now , whenever I call her or text her , she simply does not reply .
It makes me angry .
I don ’ t want to spend money on another graphing calculator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ address — only where she works .
What should I do ?
DEAR RECALCULATING : At this point , it seems unlikely that you will see your calculator again .
You could try a different tack , by asking your former friend to repay you its approximate value .
You can text her : “ I assume that you are not going to return my calculator .
A second-hand calculator of this brand seems to be worth [ fill in the amount ] , and so if you would reimburse me for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all move on.
” You can then send her a link to an online “ P2P ” ( person-to-person ) money exchange site , and hope that she accepts and responds .
You could also take her to small claims court to try to recover the value of this item .
Doing the math , here , I calculate that your friendship has a 0 percent chance of surviving this episode , unfortunately .
DEAR AMY : A rule on parent-issued punishment being followed through when the kids are at their grandparents ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return home , your punishment will be ….
” Grandparents should be able to enjoy their grandchildren .
That doesn ’ t mean we will be without “ house rules , ” but don ’ t spoil the fun of going to our homes .
DEAR GRANDMA : I don ’ t disagree , but first , you would have to work this out with the parents .
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy , P.O .
Box 194 , Freeville , NY @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Twitter @ askingamy or Facebook .

DEAR AMY: I belong to a large extended family that throws a reunion every five years, back in the old country. Family members travel from around the world (but mostly the USA) to visit this charming place and enjoy a wonderful reunion.
A cousin I’ve been close to since childhood lives near the airport. She always offers her home for arriving relatives, but she is perplexed because no one (except me) ever takes her up on her offers of dinner or a place to sleep.
All members of her household are terrible housekeepers, and their house (especially the kitchen) seems to be coated with a layer of grime. They don’t seem to see it, and their environmentally friendly way of living prohibits many cleaning chemicals from being used in the house.
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I made peace with this mess years ago, and bring my own scrubby sponge and quietly clean the guest bathroom after I arrive.
My cousin is continually upset when people make excuses to not visit. She is hurt to see on Facebook that family members were only a few miles away and never stopped in for tea.
She thinks it’s because of something she must have said or done, but in hearing grumblings from the extended family, it’s really about the grime.
I feel caught in the middle, because I certainly understand what they mean. Should I tell my wonderful cousin about how her living situation is perceived?
Caring Cousin
DEAR CARING: You should be gently and kindly honest. You can expect her feelings to be hurt, but she is laboring under a worse assumption than the reality would reveal.
I suggest that you say to her, “This is hard for me to say, but I believe people don’t want to visit because of the condition of your house. You know how picky and antiseptic Americans are, and I think this is why people don’t come over more often. Your house is very different from what I’m used to, and I’ve definitely noticed that over the years, but I don’t care about it as much as other people might. But this is not a personal thing. Everybody adores you. I want to assure you how loved you are! I hope you know that.”
You could then offer to help her, if she asks for help. Otherwise, stay close and stay kind.
This message is both hard to deliver and hard to hear. I’d love to hear from readers who might have been on the receiving end of this sort of challenging feedback.
DEAR AMY: I am currently not in school, so I let my (former) good friend borrow an expensive graphing calculator for a semester. I was very clear that I value the calculator and that I expected it back when the semester was over.
Her semester has long been over, and I asked her to return my calculator. At first, she said she would bring it to me, but she never did. Now, whenever I call her or text her, she simply does not reply.
It makes me angry. I don’t want to spend money on another graphing calculator. I don’t know her address — only where she works.
What should I do?
Recalculating
DEAR RECALCULATING: At this point, it seems unlikely that you will see your calculator again. You could try a different tack, by asking your former friend to repay you its approximate value.
You can text her: “I assume that you are not going to return my calculator. A second-hand calculator of this brand seems to be worth [fill in the amount], and so if you would reimburse me for the cost of replacing it, we can all move on.” You can then send her a link to an online “P2P” (person-to-person) money exchange site, and hope that she accepts and responds.
You could also take her to small claims court to try to recover the value of this item.
Doing the math, here, I calculate that your friendship has a 0 percent chance of surviving this episode, unfortunately.
Want Ask Amy delivered to your inbox for free on weekdays?
DEAR AMY: A rule on parent-issued punishment being followed through when the kids are at their grandparents’ house should be: “When you return home, your punishment will be ….”
Grandparents should be able to enjoy their grandchildren. That doesn’t mean we will be without “house rules,” but don’t spoil the fun of going to our homes.
Grandma to 7!
DEAR GRANDMA: I don’t disagree, but first, you would have to work this out with the parents.
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.


mercurynews--2020-03-03--Letter: Will Sanders lift the poor or bring down the rich?

Will Sanders lift the poor or bring down the rich ?
David Brooks ’ somewhat insightful op-ed titled “ Why Sanders will probably win the nomination ” ( Opinion section , Mercurynews.com , Feb. 23 ) charges Sen. Bernie Sanders with viewing rival candidate Mike Bloomberg through a biased “ Bernie lens , ” not so much as a business-success-turned-philanthropist , but as a rapacious billionaire , oppressing working Americans .
Unfortunately , Sanders and Sen. Elizabeth Warren view me , a moderately well-off rentier retiree , the same way .
Democratic Party socialists have dropped the pretense of achieving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poor in favor of bringing down the rich .
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are shown to be insufficient to cover spending , it will soon fall on the more average taxpayer to foot the bills .
Submit your letter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more Letters to the Editor

Will Sanders lift the poor
or bring down the rich?
David Brooks’ somewhat insightful op-ed titled “Why Sanders will probably win the nomination” (Opinion section, Mercurynews.com, Feb. 23) charges Sen. Bernie Sanders with viewing rival candidate Mike Bloomberg through a biased “Bernie lens,” not so much as a business-success-turned-philanthropist, but as a rapacious billionaire, oppressing working Americans.
Unfortunately, Sanders and Sen. Elizabeth Warren view me, a moderately well-off rentier retiree, the same way. Democratic Party socialists have dropped the pretense of achieving equality by raising the condition of the poor in favor of bringing down the rich.
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Fred Gutmann
Cupertino
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mercurynews--2020-03-04--California votes in high-stakes presidential primary as Biden notches early victory in Virginia

As primary contests around the country on Super Tuesday were poised to reshape a presidential race featuring widely different visions for the Democratic Party , California voters cast their ballots to determine the biggest delegate prize at stake .
Former Vice President Joe Biden was immediately declared the winner in Virginia and Sen. Bernie Sanders won his home state of Vermont after polls closed there at 4 p.m. Pacific — the first results from more than a dozen states voting today .
California will be the last Super Tuesday state where polls close , at 8 p.m .
But don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state ’ s massive trove of 415 delegates will be divided before you go to sleep tonight — it will likely be days or weeks before vote-counting wraps up .
Depending how close a race exit polls show , news networks may be able to declare a victor in California relatively quickly .
Sanders has led almost every recent state poll here , and he ’ s counting on a sizable win in California to build up a big delegate lead .
But Biden has seen real momentum after he won South Carolina @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former rivals Pete Buttigieg , Amy Klobuchar , and Beto O ’ Rourke on Monday .
Many Democratic voters at polling places around the Bay Area said Tuesday that they were voting with their heads instead of their hearts — supporting the candidates they thought would be most viable in the primary or could defeat President Trump in the general election , instead of those they most agreed with .
“ Usually it ’ s about whose policies and opinions I like best , but for me , this time , the main @ @ @ @ @ @ @ electable , ” said Sunnyvale resident Mina Hwang , 49 .
While she said she preferred Sanders ’ progressive proposals , she went with Biden because she didn ’ t “ see enough people going for ” the Vermont senator ’ s rhetoric .
The biggest question hanging over California ’ s results is how many candidates will qualify for Golden State delegates .
The contenders need to reach 15 percent support statewide in order to win some of the 144 statewide delegates , and 15 percent in individual congressional districts to win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by district .
That means that if candidates like Sen. Elizabeth Warren and former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg are hovering near 15 percent — as several recent polls have found — it may take a days of vote counting to sort through the complicated delegate allocation process .
And because the race has been in such flux over the last few days , with candidates dropping out and the late endorsements reshaping the contest , the Election Day results may be significantly different from the early votes .
Mail-in votes cast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be the first reported on Tuesday night , are likely to be less favorable for Biden , who only gained momentum over the last few days .
A big win for Sanders in California would solidify his status as the race ’ s frontrunner and give him vindication after a narrow loss to Hillary Clinton in the state ’ s primary four years ago .
He ’ s been powered by an enthusiastic California base of young and Latino voters , who have responded to his calls for revolutionary change in one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country .
While Sanders has been campaigning heavily in California , holding massive rallies up and down the state , Biden — who has pitched himself as a steady hand in the White House after four years of Trump — has been all but absent here .
He rushed to catch up on election day , dropping by an Oakland diner for his first public event in the Bay Area in the more than a year he ’ s been a presidential candidate , before heading to Los Angeles for an election-night party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all three of her male rivals in a speech in Los Angeles on Monday night , has been arguing that she ’ d be able to unite voters divided between the progressive Sanders and the more moderate Biden .
And Bloomberg has been boosted by a historic level of TV ad spending that has made his face a ubiquitous presence on Californians ’ televisions — but his rise was hamstrung by an abysmal debate performance last month , as well as Biden ’ s apparent success in consolidating moderate support .
In addition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Super Tuesday map include Texas , where Sanders has been boosted by strong support from Latinos , North Carolina , where Biden is expected to perform well , and Massachusetts , where Sanders is hoping to defeat Warren in her home base .
Many voters around the Bay Area said they ’ d been deciding between different candidates in recent days .
Jasely Grullon , a 23-year-old sociology student at San Jose State University , went back and forth between Sanders and Bloomberg for days before a last-minute phone call with her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Bloomberg has more money actually backing him up , ” Grullon , who regrets skipping voting in the 2016 election , said as she stood in line at a polling place at the university ’ s Dr. Martin Luther King , Jr. Library .
“ Obviously that ’ s not the best reason to vote for someone , but… I feel like he ’ s a very secure bet.
” Jessica McGill , a 33-year-old non-profit fundraiser who voted at the Italian American Heritage Foundation Cultural Center in San Jose , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ progressive record and health care plans .
But she admitted having mixed feelings .
“ I ’ m nervous about splitting the vote between Sanders and Warren , ” which might lead to neither progressive candidate doing well in the state , she said .
But other voters stressed that they thought Sanders had a better chance of beating Trump than a moderate like Biden or Bloomberg .
At a polling place at a Methodist church in West Oakland , all five voters interviewed Tuesday morning — from a white self-described gentrifier to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a woman living far below the poverty line — said they were backing Sanders .
“ He ’ s one of the only guys up there where I can tell he ’ s talking to me , ” said Sam Tapley , a 27-year-old recent arrival from the East Coast .
“ He ’ s coming from a very truthful place .
It doesn ’ t feel scripted .
It doesn ’ t feel like someone ’ s feeding him notes .
”

Sen. Bernie Sanders won California’s presidential primary Tuesday night, but former Vice President Joe Biden swept to decisive wins in most other Super Tuesday states around the country and seemed likely to pick up a significant haul of Golden State delegates.
Energizing his base of young and Latino voters with a call for revolutionary change in one of the most unequal states in the country, Sanders had a commanding lead in early California returns and held onto it as votes filtered in late Tuesday.
But Biden — who all but ignored California until Election Day — picked up victory after victory across the South, buoyed by black voters and consolidating moderate support, in a remarkable comeback from his floundering results in the first presidential contests early last month.
He won in Alabama, Arkansas, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Virginia, Tennessee, and Texas, while Sanders was declared the victor in Colorado, Utah and his home state of Vermont. Maine was too close to call.
Sanders’ campaign had hoped to build up a strong delegate lead on Super Tuesday with huge margins of victory in California and Texas, the biggest prizes on the map. Instead, projections Tuesday night instead suggested he was likely to narrowly trail Biden in delegates by the time votes were counted across the country.
“They don’t call it Super Tuesday for nothing,” an ecstatic Biden declared at a rally in Los Angeles. “It’s still early, but things are looking awful, awful good.”
The other two major contenders, Sen. Elizabeth Warren and former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg, appeared sure to lose every state — making the Democratic race look more and more like a two-man contest. Bloomberg, who spent a history-making half-billion dollars of his own fortune on his campaign, planned to reassess Wednesday whether he would stay in the race, the New York Times reported.
Exit polls showed that late-deciding voters broke for Biden in many states, including the Southern contests that he dominated. Notably, he won Oklahoma and Minnesota, which went for Sanders during his 2016 Democratic primary against Hillary Clinton, and also beat Warren in her home state of Massachusetts.
Sanders was defiant in a speech in Vermont, blasting Biden for his past support for the Iraq War and trade deals.
“We cannot beat Trump with the same old, same old kind of politics,” Sanders told cheering supporters. “What we need is a new kind of politics that brings working-class people into our political movement, which brings young people into our political movement.”
Biden’s victories show that he has gained real momentum after winning South Carolina on Saturday and picking up endorsements from former rivals Pete Buttigieg, Amy Klobuchar and Beto O’Rourke on Monday.
Many Democratic voters at polling places around California said Tuesday that they were voting with their heads instead of their hearts — supporting the candidates they thought would be most viable in the primary or could defeat President Trump in the general election, instead of those they most agreed with.
“Usually it’s about whose policies and opinions I like best, but for me, this time, the main thing was who would be the most electable,” said Sunnyvale resident Mina Hwang, 49. While she said she preferred Sanders’ progressive proposals, she went with Biden because she didn’t “see enough people going for” the Vermont senator’s rhetoric.
The biggest question hanging over California’s results is how many candidates will qualify for the state’s 415 pledged delegates. The contenders need to reach 15 percent support statewide or 15 percent in individual congressional districts to get a share of the delegates.
Sanders, Biden and Bloomberg were all above that threshold when the first results came in Tuesday night, while Warren was slightly below it. But it will likely be days or weeks before enough votes are counted to clearly determine how they’re divvy up the delegates.
Because the race has been in such flux over the last few days, the Election Day results — which will be counted in the days to come — may be significantly different from the early votes. Mail-in votes cast over the last few weeks, which were the first to be reported, are likely less favorable for Biden, who only gained momentum over the last few days, and also less favorable for Sanders, because young people more typically vote on Election Day.
“This is a race that was completely different five days ago, when Joe Biden was getting his concession speech ready,” said Thad Kousser, a UC San Diego political science professor. “He rebounded because people finally figured out who the anti-Bernie candidate is.”
But Kousser warned that Biden’s history of gaffes and missteps could come back to hurt him now that he was the undisputed moderate favorite: “Democrats voted for the idea of Joe Biden, and we don’t know whether the person or the candidate is going to live up to that,” he said.
While Sanders has campaigned heavily in California, barnstorming the state with massive rallies, Biden — who has pitched himself as a steady hand in the White House after four years of Trump — focused his energy elsewhere. He rushed to catch up on Election Day, dropping by an Oakland diner for his first public event in the Bay Area in the more than a year he’s been a presidential candidate and taking selfies with fans at a chicken-and-waffles restaurant in L.A.
Warren, who took aim at all three of her male rivals in a speech in Los Angeles on Monday night, has been arguing that she’d be able to unite voters divided between the progressive Sanders and the more moderate Biden.
And Bloomberg has been boosted by a historic $77 million in advertising spending that has made his face a ubiquitous presence on Californians’ televisions — but his rise was hamstrung by an abysmal debate performance last month, as well as Biden’s endorsements from other prominent moderates.
Many voters around California said it felt like the race had narrowed to Biden and Sanders — and their two divergent visions for the Democratic Party’s path.
Los Angeles native June Malcolm, who attended Biden’s rally in the city, said she was turned off by some of Sanders’ past stances.
“I’ve always liked Biden. His policies continue where Obama left off,” Malcolm said. “I don’t believe in a revolution. We don’t need to go from one extreme to another on the left.”
But other voters stressed that they thought Sanders had a better chance of defeating Trump than a moderate like Biden.
At a polling place at a Methodist church in West Oakland, all five voters interviewed Tuesday morning — from a white self-described gentrifier to a 60-year-old black native Oakland homeowner to a woman living far below the poverty line — said they were backing Sanders.
“He’s one of the only guys up there where I can tell he’s talking to me,” said Sam Tapley, a 27-year-old recent arrival from the East Coast. “He’s coming from a very truthful place. It doesn’t feel scripted. It doesn’t feel like someone’s feeding him notes.”
Staff writers Maggie Angst, Fiona Kelliher, Marisa Kendall, Ariella Plachta and Aldo Toledo contributed reporting.


mercurynews--2020-03-04--Death toll from Tennessee tornadoes climbs to at least 25

NASHVILLE , Tenn. ( AP ) — Rescuers searched through shattered Tennessee neighborhoods for bodies Tuesday , less than a day after tornadoes ripped across Nashville and other parts of the state as families slept .
At least 25 people were killed , some in their beds , authorities said .
The twisters that struck in the hours after midnight shredded more than 140 buildings and buried people in piles of rubble and wrecked basements .
The storms moved so quickly that many people in their path could not flee to safer areas .
“ It hit so fast , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have time to take shelter , ” Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter said .
“ Many of these folks were sleeping.
” The governor declared an emergency and sent the National Guard to help with search-and-rescue efforts .
An unspecified number of people were missing .
Early findings by National Weather Service survey teams indicated that the damage in Nashville and Wilson County to the east was inflicted by a tornado of at least EF-3 intensity , the agency said .
One twister wrecked homes and businesses across a 10-mile ( 16 kilometer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of downtown .
It smashed more than three dozen buildings , including destroying the tower and stained glass of a historic church .
Another tornado damaged more than 100 structures along a 2-mile ( 3.2-kilometer ) path of destruction in Putnam County , wiping some homes from their foundations and depositing the wreckage far away .
Daybreak revealed landscapes littered with blown-down walls and roofs , snapped power lines and huge broken trees , making many city streets and rural roads impassable .
More than a dozen polling stations were also damaged , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long lines at alternative sites .
In Putnam County , 80 miles ( 128 kilometers ) east of Nashville , houses and businesses were completely flattened .
In one neighborhood , volunteers found five bodies .
Neighbors and sheriff ’ s officers were still looking for two more .
Nashville residents walked around on streets and sidewalks littered with debris , in neighborhoods where missing walls and roofs left living rooms and kitchens exposed .
Mangled power lines and broken trees came to rest on cars , streets and piles of rubble .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ re going to rebuild , ” Nashville Mayor John Cooper said .
During Gov .
Bill Lee ’ s tour of Putnam County , homeowners dug through debris , trying to salvage any items not destroyed .
One young woman held up a clean green blouse while standing on a second floor of a home that had no roof .
President Donald Trump spoke with the governor by phone and pledged federal assistance , the White House said .
Trump also announced plans to visit the disaster area on Friday .
In Nashville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mostly north and east of the heart of downtown , sparing many of the city ’ s biggest tourism draws — the honky tonks of Broadway , the Grand Ole Opry House , the storied Ryman Auditorium and the convention center .
Instead the storm tore through the largely African American areas of Bordeaux and North Nashville as well as neighborhoods transformed by a recent building boom .
Germantown and East Nashville are two of the city ’ s trendiest hotspots , with restaurants , music venues , high-end apartment complexes and rising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents .
“ The dogs started barking before the sirens went off .
They knew what was coming , ” said Paula Wade , of East Nashville .
“ Then we heard the roar … Something made me just sit straight up in bed , and something came through the window right above my head .
If I hadn ’ t moved , I would ’ ve gotten a face full of glass.
” The roof came crashing down on Ronald Baldwin and Harry Nahay in the bedroom of their one-story brick home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t get out , ” Baldwin said .
“ And so I just kept kicking and kicking until we finally made a hole.
” The roaring wind woke Evan and Carlie Peters , also in East Nashville , but they had no time to reach the relative safety of an interior bathroom .
“ Within about 10 seconds , the house started shaking , ” Carlie Peters said .
“ I jumped on top of the ground .
He jumped on top of me .
The ceiling landed on top of him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be alive.
” With more than a dozen Super Tuesday polling places in Nashville ’ s Davidson County damaged , voters were sent to other locations , some of them with long lines .
Election officials in Putnam County advised voters in eight precincts with damaged polling locations to vote at the main election office in Cookeville .
Hours later , a judge ruled that some Tennessee polls must extend voting hours after four Democratic presidential candidates sued to keep the polls open , a Democratic party spokeswoman said .
Lee said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help one another .
“ In the worst of circumstances , the best of people comes out , and that ’ s what we ’ re seeing , ” he said .
Just as the governor stopped by to tour the devastation in Putnam County , a van of longtime customers at a local eatery — who proudly stated they ate there every morning — arrived to help clear debris .
In the small town of Baxter , Mike Stephens was awakened when a big tree crashed through the roof of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soon as the sun rose .
He cut up one tree and had help from a neighbor with a backhoe and a man who stopped by with a chainsaw .
“ I ’ ve only met him once , and he just happened to show up while we ’ re out here , ” Stephens said of his neighbor .
“ And then this other guy he just happened to stop by .
I don ’ t know him.
” Wayne Stephens , a technician at a local car dealership , had Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ damage to his home , he got in his truck with his chainsaw .
He ’ s not related to Mike Stephens and had never met him .
He said he only wanted to help “ as much as I can.
” Associated Press writers Kristin Hall , Jonathan Mattise and Mark Humphrey in Nashville ; Adrian Sainz in Memphis ; Teresa Walker and Wade Payne in Cookeville ; Rebecca Reynolds Yonker in Louisville , Kentucky ; and Jay Reeves in Birmingham , Alabama , contributed to this report .

By TRAVIS LOLLER and KIMBERLEE KRUESI
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Rescuers searched through shattered Tennessee neighborhoods for bodies Tuesday, less than a day after tornadoes ripped across Nashville and other parts of the state as families slept. At least 24 people were killed, some in their beds, authorities said.
The twisters that struck in the hours after midnight shredded more than 140 buildings and buried people in piles of rubble and wrecked basements. The storms moved so quickly that many people in their path could not flee to safer areas.
“It hit so fast, a lot of folks didn’t have time to take shelter,” Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter said. “Many of these folks were sleeping.”
The governor declared an emergency and sent the National Guard to help with search-and-rescue efforts. State emergency officials, who initially reported at least 25 dead, revised the toll to 24 fatalities on Tuesday evening after determining one death counted earlier was not storm-related.
An unspecified number of people were missing.
Early findings by National Weather Service survey teams indicated that the damage in Nashville and Wilson County to the east was inflicted by a tornado of at least EF-3 intensity, the agency said.
One twister wrecked homes and businesses across a 10-mile (16 kilometer) stretch of Nashville that included parts of downtown. It smashed more than three dozen buildings, including destroying the tower and stained glass of a historic church. Another tornado damaged more than 100 structures along a 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) path of destruction in Putnam County, wiping some homes from their foundations and depositing the wreckage far away.
Daybreak revealed landscapes littered with blown-down walls and roofs, snapped power lines and huge broken trees, making many city streets and rural roads impassable. More than a dozen polling stations were also damaged, forcing Super Tuesday voters to wait in long lines at alternative sites.
In Putnam County, 80 miles (some 130 kilometers) east of Nashville, houses and businesses were completely flattened. In one neighborhood, volunteers found five bodies. Neighbors and sheriff’s officers were still looking for two more. Later, authorities imposed an 8 p.m.-8 a.m. curfew in the county and reported one looting arrest.
Nashville residents walked around on streets and sidewalks littered with debris, in neighborhoods where missing walls and roofs left living rooms and kitchens exposed. Mangled power lines and broken trees came to rest on cars, streets and piles of rubble.
“We are resilient and we’re going to rebuild,” Nashville Mayor John Cooper said.
During Gov. Bill Lee’s tour of Putnam County, homeowners dug through debris, trying to salvage any items not destroyed. One young woman held up a clean green blouse while standing on a second floor of a home that had no roof.
President Donald Trump spoke with the governor by phone and pledged federal assistance, the White House said. Trump also announced plans to visit the disaster area on Friday.
In Nashville, the twister’s path was mostly north and east of the heart of downtown, sparing many of the city’s biggest tourism draws — the honky tonks of Broadway, the Grand Ole Opry House, the storied Ryman Auditorium and the convention center.
Instead the storm tore through the largely African American areas of Bordeaux and North Nashville as well as neighborhoods transformed by a recent building boom. Germantown and East Nashville are two of the city’s trendiest hotspots, with restaurants, music venues, high-end apartment complexes and rising home prices threatening to drive out longtime residents.
“The dogs started barking before the sirens went off. They knew what was coming,” said Paula Wade, of East Nashville. “Then we heard the roar … Something made me just sit straight up in bed, and something came through the window right above my head. If I hadn’t moved, I would’ve gotten a face full of glass.”
The roof came crashing down on Ronald Baldwin and Harry Nahay in the bedroom of their one-story brick home in East Nashville. “We couldn’t get out,” Baldwin said. “And so I just kept kicking and kicking until we finally made a hole.”
The roaring wind woke Evan and Carlie Peters, also in East Nashville, but they had no time to reach the relative safety of an interior bathroom.
“Within about 10 seconds, the house started shaking,” Carlie Peters said. “I jumped on top of the ground. He jumped on top of me. The ceiling landed on top of him. … we’re grateful to be alive.”
With more than a dozen Super Tuesday polling places in Nashville’s Davidson County damaged, voters were sent to other locations, some of them with long lines. Election officials in Putnam County advised voters in eight precincts with damaged polling locations to vote at the main election office in Cookeville.
Hours later, a judge ruled that some Tennessee polls must extend voting hours after four Democratic presidential candidates sued to keep the polls open, a Democratic party spokeswoman said.
Lee said he observed numerous examples of people coming together to help one another. “In the worst of circumstances, the best of people comes out, and that’s what we’re seeing,” he said.
Just as the governor stopped by to tour the devastation in Putnam County, a van of longtime customers at a local eatery — who proudly stated they ate there every morning — arrived to help clear debris.
In the small town of Baxter, Mike Stephens was awakened when a big tree crashed through the roof of his house. He started cleaning up as soon as the sun rose. He cut up one tree and had help from a neighbor with a backhoe and a man who stopped by with a chainsaw.
“I’ve only met him once, and he just happened to show up while we’re out here,” Stephens said of his neighbor. “And then this other guy he just happened to stop by. I don’t know him.”
Wayne Stephens, a technician at a local car dealership, had Tuesday off from his job. With no damage to his home, he got in his truck with his chainsaw. He’s not related to Mike Stephens and had never met him. He said he only wanted to help “as much as I can.”
___
Associated Press writers Kristin Hall, Jonathan Mattise and Mark Humphrey in Nashville; Adrian Sainz in Memphis; Teresa Walker and Wade Payne in Cookeville; Rebecca Reynolds Yonker in Louisville, Kentucky; and Jay Reeves in Birmingham, Alabama, contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-03-04--Super Tuesday results: Live updates from presidential primaries in 14 states

The graphic above shows continuous updates from the polls in 14 states , starting at 4 p.m. Pacific time on @ @ @ @ @ voting will determine 1,357 pledged delegates for Democratic candidates — more than a third of @ @ @ @ @ primaries will be held in Alabama , Arkansas , California , Colorado , Maine , @ @ @ @ @ Carolina , Oklahoma , Tennessee , Texas , Utah , Vermont and Virginia , and @ @ @ @ @ caucus .
Click here for results from the San Francisco Bay Area counties and California @ @ @ @ @ articles about Tuesday ’ s elections .

The graphic above shows continuous updates from the polls in 14 states, starting at 4 p.m. Pacific time on March 3.
Super Tuesday voting will determine 1,357 pledged delegates for Democratic candidates — more than a third of the nationwide total.
Presidential primaries will be held in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont and Virginia, and American Samoa will have its caucus.
Click here for results from the San Francisco Bay Area counties and California. Click here for more articles about Tuesday’s elections.


mercurynews--2020-03-03--Four things we learned from A’s vs. White Sox: A.J. Puk shut down with shoulder strain

GLENDALE , Ariz. — A.J .
Puk was , by all accounts , breezing through his first few spring training starts .
But manager Bob Melvin first told Chris Townsend on A ’ s Cast that Puk is dealing with a mild left shoulder strain and was shut down for four-to-five days .
“ We ’ re obviously going to be proactive , especially at this time of spring , ” Melvin said after the A ’ s 6-5 win over the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday at Camelback Ranch in Glendale .
Puk was dealing with some soreness and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ structural damage .
Puk is two days into the allotted shut down , and he should start playing catch after that .
Puk has pitched three shutout innings with two strikeouts , two hits and one walk so far in spring .
His velocity has been at its typical ticks out of the gate — high-90s fastball and a high-80s slider .
Melvin said he doesn ’ t expect the injury to be significant , but any set-back could slow Puk ’ s progression toward being fully stretched out and ready to start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Chris Bassitt vs. his former team It ’ s spring , but A ’ s swingman/starter Chris Bassitt has said he always feels some extra competitive adrenaline flow when he faces the Chicago White Sox — the team that traded him to the A ’ s along with Josh Phegley , Marcus Semien , and Rangel Ravelo back in 2014 .
Bassitt allowed two runs on a Nicky Delmonico home run in the first inning on a two-seamer away that landed just over the fence in deep center .
“ Standard F8 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arizona game , ” Bassitt said .
After that homer , Bassitt didn ’ t give up another hit in his three innings of work .
He walked two and didn ’ t record a strikeout .
Some noteworthy highlights from Tuesday : Jorge Mateo had three hits and two RBI with a stolen base .
“ He ’ s been terrific , and every spring he ’ s been terrific for us , ” Melvin said .
“ I ’ ve only seen him play really well .
He ’ s taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to make the team .
He ’ s electric .
He ’ s got a club in his bag most guys don ’ t. ” Backup catching option Jonah Heim had an RBI double and two other hits .
He ’ s now batting .466 ( 7-for-15 ) this spring .
“ All the positions we ’ ve been looking at , whether it ’ s backup catcher or second base , everyone ’ s played well .
It ’ s good to see and you want that type of competition in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24 hours after pitchers and catchers reported to Mesa for spring training , Kaprielian fired off an encouraging Tweet .
“ I don ’ t want to sound arrogant , but I ’ m confident in what I ’ m capable of , ” Kaprielian said at his locker in Mesa .
“ It ’ s just about getting healthy and repeating it now .
That ’ s what I ’ m excited to do , I ’ m excited to show my teammates and staff what I ’ m capable of.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the big leagues are wide , and not subject to his control .
The UCLA grad pitched just 29 innings in the New York Yankees system before his throwing elbow started to cramp up in 2016 .
The Southern California native was trudging through a tedious Tommy John rehabilitation when the Yankees swapped him , infielder Jorge Mateo and outfielder Dustin Fowler to the Oakland A ’ s for Sonny Gray .
The right-handed pitcher was considered a high-level arm out of college ; despite his troubling injury , Kaprielian kept his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top prospects .
Kaprielian returned to the mound last season .
His 4.71 ERA over 11 games for the Stockton Ports pushed him to the Midland RockHounds , where he held a 1.63 ERA over seven games .
He finished 2019 with the triple-A Las Vegas Aviators .
Despite injury , he was destined for the fast track to the high minors .
But , back in camp , Kaprielian is still sorting through his mechanical kinks and settling into a calm mental state .
“ The mental side is the hardest part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the game is tough , ” Kaprielian said .
“ That was just more time I had to stay away from the game .
There ’ s bumps along the way .
That ’ s part of it.
” It can take time to remember how his pitching motion , his body , moved at its best .
“ This spring , mechanics are just starting… they ’ re not quite there yet , but are starting to get back to what they used to be , ” he said .
Kaprielian ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get a good , familiar extension .
He ’ s trying to avoid being overly rotational .
Re-familiarization with his motion on the mound compounds with slight lingering re-injury fears .
Fear might be the wrong word , Kaprielian says .
Dealing with injury coaxes him to compensate for the pain he once felt .
He might change his motion in a subconscious effort to avoid aggravating his injury .
To get through the tough times , Kaprielian sought counsel from his family .
“ They know how much I want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to know they always have my back , ” he said .
But , mostly , he and his close friend and roommate , Matt Chapman , have taken responsibility for keeping each other in check .
“ We hold each other accountable , ” Kaprielian said .
“ He ’ s been that guy for me .
He is where I want to be .
He ’ s one guy who ’ s seen me pitch , so he holds me to high expectations and high standards.
” Kaprielian is calling his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The rotation up in the big leagues might be too brimming with talent to carve a spot for him this year , but Kaprielian ’ s goal is to just have a healthy , strong season with the Aviators .
Pure talent keeps him close in line for a big league debut , if the situation calls for it .
His fastball velocity is ticking back up to its mid-90s sweet spot .
He feels his injury-capacitated arm action is finding its groove .
His pitches feel sharper .
“ It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ ve done in the last three years , ” he said .
“ I can finally see it coming along .
Whenever the time is , that ’ s out of my control .
All I can do is prepare , be a good teammate and be better every day.
” They don ’ t teach fastball command in high school , really .
It ’ s been the biggest work in progress for A ’ s No .
14 pitching prospect Grant Holmes .
“ I haven ’ t been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last few years , ” Holmes sid .
The 23-year-old right hander hasn ’ t had the time afforded to learn it , anyway .
He was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers out of Conway High School in South Carolina , traded to the A ’ s along with pitchers Frankie Montas and Jharel Cotton for Rich Hill and Josh Reddick back in 2016 .
He hit the scene with a splash , striking out 117 batters with 56 walks in 103 innings with the Midland Rockhounds in 2015 .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the low-minors .
But , that ratio began to regress to a mean as Holmes moved on to Triple-A Las Vegas .
He knows command will be essential to elevating his game to the big-league level .
“ As you get older , you need to learn how to pitch instead of throw , like I ’ ve been doing , ” Holmes said .
Holmes has been focusing on throwing his fastball to certain thirds of the zone , as opposed to specific spots , to help him adjust with a little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t been the command guy .
I ’ ve had the stuff to get guys out , ” Holmes said .
“ But at these higher levels , you need to be able to command the fastball at each side of the plate .
You can have really good stuff , but you ’ re still going to get hit.
” The strikeout stuff includes a killer curveball — what he says is his best pitch — a sharp sinker and a slider .
He started working on a cutter last season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become a go-to pitch in a jam , ” he said .
Holmes has a changeup , too .
“ Still haven ’ t figured out a changeup for msyelf that I can go to when I ’ m behind or ahead in the count , ” Holmes said .
Changeup isn ’ t a pitch one learns in high school .
Holmes is learning fast , though .
He can see the light at the end of the tunnel .
“ When I get that , I can throw my fastball more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And won ’ t have to command it as well .
”

GLENDALE, Ariz. — A.J. Puk was, by all accounts, breezing through his first few spring training starts. But manager Bob Melvin first told Chris Townsend on A’s Cast that Puk is dealing with a mild left shoulder strain and was shut down for four-to-five days.
“We’re obviously going to be proactive, especially at this time of spring,” Melvin said after the A’s 6-5 win over the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday at Camelback Ranch in Glendale.
Puk was dealing with some soreness and had an MRI, which found no structural damage. Puk already is two days into the shutdown, and he should start playing catch after that.
Bob Melvin told @townsendradio on @athleticscast24 that LHP A.J. Puk has a mild shoulder strain and will be shut down for 4-5 days total (it has been 3 or so days already) and then ramp him up to pitch again. Melvin said he doesn't think it's a significant injury. — Scott Bair (@BairNBCS) March 3, 2020
Puk has pitched three shutout innings with two strikeouts, two hits and one walk so far in spring. His velocity has been at its usual level out of the gate — high-90s fastball and a high-80s slider.
Melvin said he doesn’t expect the injury to be significant, but any setback could impact Puk’s readiness to start in the regular season’s rotation.
Chris Bassitt vs. his former team
It’s spring, but A’s swingman/starter Chris Bassitt has said he always feels some extra competitive adrenaline flow when he faces the Chicago White Sox — the team that traded him to the A’s along with Josh Phegley, Marcus Semien, and Rangel Ravelo back in 2014.
Bassitt allowed two runs on a Nicky Delmonico home run in the first inning on a two-seamer away that landed just over the fence in deep center.
“Standard F8 in almost any game except for an Arizona game,” Bassitt said. After that homer, Bassitt didn’t give up another hit in his three innings of work. He walked two and didn’t record a strikeout.
Some noteworthy highlights from Tuesday: Jorge Mateo had three hits and two RBI with a stolen base. Related Articles Oakland Athletics | Rookie outfielder hits first homer but Oakland’s road losing streak reaches nine
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“He’s been terrific, and every spring he’s been terrific for us,” Melvin said. “I’ve only seen him play really well. He’s taking a lot of coaching from us and trying to make the team. He’s electric. He’s got a club in his bag most guys don’t.”
Backup catching option Jonah Heim had an RBI double and two other hits. He’s now batting .466 (7-for-15) this spring.
“All the positions we’ve been looking at, whether it’s backup catcher or second base, everyone’s played well. It’s good to see and you want that type of competition in camp,” Melvin said.
James Kaprielian’s confidence is high
Not 24 hours after pitchers and catchers reported to Mesa for spring training, Kaprielian posted a confident Tweet.
2020 is the year — James Kaprielian (@JamesKaprielian) February 13, 2020
“I don’t want to sound arrogant, but I’m confident in what I’m capable of,” Kaprielian said at his locker in Mesa. “It’s just about getting healthy and repeating it now. That’s what I’m excited to do, I’m excited to show my teammates and staff what I’m capable of.”
The gaps in Kaprielian’s path to the big leagues are wide, and not subject to his control. The UCLA grad pitched just 29 innings in the New York Yankees system before his throwing elbow started cramping in 2016.
The Southern California native was trudging through a tedious Tommy John rehabilitation when the Yankees swapped him, infielder Jorge Mateo and outfielder Dustin Fowler to the Oakland A’s for Sonny Gray. The right-handed pitcher was considered a high-level arm out of college; despite his troubling injury, Kaprielian kept his place among the Oakland A’s top prospects.
Kaprielian returned to the mound last season. His 4.71 ERA over 11 games for the Stockton Ports pushed him to the Midland RockHounds, where he held a 1.63 ERA over seven games. He finished 2019 with the triple-A Las Vegas Aviators.
Despite injury, he was destined for the fast track to the high minors. But, back in camp, Kaprielian is still sorting through his mechanical kinks and settling into a calm mental state.
“The mental side is the hardest part. For me, being away from the game is tough,” Kaprielian said. “That was just more time I had to stay away from the game. There’s bumps along the way. That’s part of it.”
It can take time to remember how his pitching motion, his body, moved at its best.
“This spring, mechanics are just starting… they’re not quite there yet, but are starting to get back to what they used to be,” he said. Kaprielian’s battled with his front side trying to get a good, familiar extension. He’s trying to avoid being overly rotational.
Re-familiarization with his motion on the mound compounds with slight lingering re-injury fears.
Fear might be the wrong word, Kaprielian says. Dealing with injury coaxes him to compensate for the pain he once felt. He might change his motion in a subconscious effort to avoid aggravating his injury.
To get through the tough times, Kaprielian sought counsel from his family. “They know how much I want to be great at pitching.It’s nice to know they always have my back,” he said. But, mostly, he and his close friend and roommate, Matt Chapman, have taken responsibility for keeping each other in check.
“We hold each other accountable,” Kaprielian said. “He’s been that guy for me. He is where I want to be. He’s one guy who’s seen me pitch, so he holds me to high expectations and high standards.”
Kaprielian is calling his shot; this is the year. The rotation up in the big leagues might be too brimming with talent to carve a spot for him this year, but Kaprielian’s goal is to just have a healthy, strong season with the Aviators. Pure talent keeps him close in line for a big league debut, if the situation calls for it. His fastball velocity is ticking back up to its mid-90s sweet spot. He feels his injury-capacitated arm action is finding its groove. His pitches feel sharper.
“It’s really exciting, because all the work I’ve done in the last three years,” he said. “I can finally see it coming along. Whenever the time is, that’s out of my control. All I can do is prepare, be a good teammate and be better every day.”
Grant Holmes’ fastball command: a work in progress
Related Articles Oakland Athletics | Rookie outfielder hits first homer but Oakland’s road losing streak reaches nine
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It’s been the biggest work in progress for A’s No. 14 pitching prospect Grant Holmes.
“I haven’t been too fond of my fastball command here the last few years,” Holmes said. Related Articles Oakland Athletics | Rookie outfielder hits first homer but Oakland’s road losing streak reaches nine
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The 23-year-old right hander hasn’t had the time afforded to learn it, anyway. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers out of Conway High School in South Carolina, traded to the A’s along with pitchers Frankie Montas and Jharel Cotton for Rich Hill and Josh Reddick back in 2016.
He hit the scene with a splash, striking out 117 batters with 56 walks in 103 innings with the Midland Rockhounds in 2015. He kept up that eye-popping strikeout-to-walk ratio through the low-minors. But, that ratio began to regress to a mean as Holmes moved on to Triple-A Las Vegas. He knows command will be essential to elevating his game to the big-league level.
“As you get older, you need to learn how to pitch instead of throw, like I’ve been doing,” Holmes said.
Holmes has been focusing on throwing his fastball to certain thirds of the zone, as opposed to specific spots, to help him adjust with a little more mental ease.
“I haven’t been the command guy. I’ve had the stuff to get guys out,” Holmes said. “But at these higher levels, you need to be able to command the fastball at each side of the plate. You can have really good stuff, but you’re still going to get hit.”
The strikeout stuff includes a killer curveball — what he says is his best pitch — a sharp sinker and a slider. He started working on a cutter last season — “it’s starting to become a go-to pitch in a jam,” he said. Holmes has a changeup, too.
“Still haven’t figured out a changeup for myself that I can go to when I’m behind or ahead in the count,” Holmes said. Changeup isn’t a pitch one learns in high school. Holmes is learning fast, though. He can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
“When I get that, I can throw my fastball more and changeup to make my fastball better. And won’t have to command it as well.”