mercurynews--2020-10-02--Editorial: Don’t let these Bay Area cities take more of your home equity

Click here for a complete list of our election recommendations .
Leaders of three East Bay cities want to take even more equity from property owners when they sell their houses or commercial buildings .
The transfer taxes rates in Albany , Piedmont and San Leandro already are among the 11 highest in the state .
That ’ s out of 482 California cities .
Now those three governments want to skim even more of the sale proceeds .
Voters should reject Measure CC in Albany , Measure TT in Piedmont and Measure VV in San Leandro .
And they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of leaders in all three cities , especially in San Leandro .
They try to peddle their taxes as routine increases , never mentioning that , in comparison to the rest of California , the current and proposed rates are exorbitant .
It ’ s one thing for cities to levy annual taxes for services they provide businesses and residents .
It ’ s quite another when they take a large chunk of property owners ’ equity when they move .
Under state law , property owners in almost all California cities pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of the sales price .
The counties usually split the proceeds with the cities .
But cities that operate under their own charters , as opposed to the general laws set by the state , can increase their transfer taxes with majority approval of voters .
And the 26 cities that have taken advantage of it have much higher total transfer tax rates — as much as 15 times higher .
The 11 highest are San Francisco and 10 East Bay cities .
The taxes are typically split between buyers and sellers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homeowners thousands — often tens of thousands — of extra dollars .
For property buyers , that means more money that they must borrow to finance their homes .
For sellers , the transfer taxes are subtracted from the hard-earned equity left after their mortgages are paid off .
That ’ s less money for the down-payment on the next home or for retirement savings .
The city transfer taxes have nothing to do with covering the paperwork to transfer title .
The proposed increases for Albany , Piedmont and San Leandro would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be used for any legitimate government purpose .
Yes , many cities are financially struggling , especially during the current downturn .
In many cases , it ’ s due to a failure to pay down debts and control spending when times were good .
But , regardless , there ’ s no justification for taking people ’ s equity .
Taxing them annually for services they ’ re receiving makes sense ; taxing them when they ’ re going out the door does not .
The transfer tax rate for Albany @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the county , is currently 1.26 % of the sales price — the eighth highest rate in California .
Measure CC would increase that to 1.61 % .
On the current Albany median residential sale price of about $ 1 million , the city and county would take a $ 16,100 cut .
Nowhere else in California is the tax currently higher for a home of that price .
Backers , including four council members who signed ballot arguments , claim that they need the money in part because of the financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were working on this tax measure before the pandemic shut down the economy .
Property owners in this wealthy city surrounded by Oakland already pay the East Bay ’ s highest supplemental school taxes .
On top of that , they currently pay a transfer tax of 1.41 % , including the small county share .
Measure TT would increase that to 1.86 % .
On the current Piedmont median residential sale price of $ 2.3 million , that works out to $ 42,780 , which would be the highest tax in California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Four cities have sliding scales with higher rates for properties that are more expensive that Piedmont ’ s median . )
The city deceit in this measure is despicable .
For starters , the ballot wording only tells voters that they plan to increase the rate by “ $ 5 per $ 1,000 in valuation , ” or 0.50 % of the sales price .
It makes no mention of the current transfer tax rate , including the small county share , of 0.71 % .
The new rate under Measure VV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small county share .
On the current San Leandro median residential sale price of $ 730,000 , that works out to $ 8,833 .
The city spent $ 129,000 of taxpayer money on a misleading promotional campaign — to avoid breaking the law , they claim it ’ s just “ informational.
” The campaign includes a mailer that states that the city ’ s rate “ is currently the lowest rate among eligible cities in Alameda County.
” It ’ s deceit by omission .
Like the ballot material , the mailer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cities are “ eligible , ” nor that San Leandro already has the 11th highest rate in the state .

Click here for a complete list of our election recommendations.
Leaders of three East Bay cities want to take even more equity from property owners when they sell their houses or commercial buildings.
The transfer taxes rates in Albany, Piedmont and San Leandro already are among the 11 highest in the state. That’s out of 482 California cities. Now those three governments want to skim even more of the sale proceeds.
Voters should reject Measure CC in Albany, Measure TT in Piedmont and Measure VV in San Leandro.
And they should be appalled by the ballot deceit of leaders in all three cities, especially in San Leandro. They try to peddle their taxes as routine increases, never mentioning that, in comparison to the rest of California, the current and proposed rates are exorbitant.
It’s one thing for cities to levy annual taxes for services they provide businesses and residents. It’s quite another when they take a large chunk of property owners’ equity when they move.
Under state law, property owners in almost all California cities pay a small county transfer tax of 0.11% of the sales price. The counties usually split the proceeds with the cities.
But cities that operate under their own charters, as opposed to the general laws set by the state, can increase their transfer taxes with majority approval of voters. And the 26 cities that have taken advantage of it have much higher total transfer tax rates — as much as 15 times higher. The 11 highest are San Francisco and 10 East Bay cities.
The taxes are typically split between buyers and sellers. In most cases, they cost homeowners thousands — often tens of thousands — of extra dollars. For property buyers, that means more money that they must borrow to finance their homes. For sellers, the transfer taxes are subtracted from the hard-earned equity left after their mortgages are paid off. That’s less money for the down-payment on the next home or for retirement savings.
It’s legal theft of your equity.
The city transfer taxes have nothing to do with covering the paperwork to transfer title. The proposed increases for Albany, Piedmont and San Leandro would all be permanent, and the money could be used for any legitimate government purpose.
Yes, many cities are financially struggling, especially during the current downturn. In many cases, it’s due to a failure to pay down debts and control spending when times were good. But, regardless, there’s no justification for taking people’s equity.
Taxing them annually for services they’re receiving makes sense; taxing them when they’re going out the door does not.
Albany Measure CC — No
The transfer tax rate for Albany, including the small portion that goes to the county, is currently 1.26% of the sales price — the eighth highest rate in California. Measure CC would increase that to 1.61%. On the current Albany median residential sale price of about $1 million, the city and county would take a $16,100 cut. Nowhere else in California is the tax currently higher for a home of that price.
Backers, including four council members who signed ballot arguments, claim that they need the money in part because of the financial impact of coronavirus. Actually, they were working on this tax measure before the pandemic shut down the economy.
Piedmont Measure TT — No
Property owners in this wealthy city surrounded by Oakland already pay the East Bay’s highest supplemental school taxes. On top of that, they currently pay a transfer tax of 1.41%, including the small county share.
Measure TT would increase that to 1.86%. On the current Piedmont median residential sale price of $2.3 million, that works out to $42,780, which would be the highest tax in California for a home of that value. (Four cities have sliding scales with higher rates for properties that are more expensive than Piedmont’s median.)
San Leandro Measure VV — No
The city deceit in this measure is despicable. For starters, the ballot wording only tells voters that they plan to increase the rate by “$5 per $1,000 in valuation,” or 0.50% of the sales price. It makes no mention of the current transfer tax rate, including the small county share, of 0.71%.
The new rate under Measure VV would be 1.21%, including the small county share. On the current San Leandro median residential sale price of $730,000, that works out to $8,833.
The city spent $129,000 of taxpayer money on a misleading promotional campaign — to avoid breaking the law, they claim it’s just “informational.” The campaign includes a mailer that states that the city’s rate “is currently the lowest rate among eligible cities in Alameda County.” It’s deceit by omission. Like the ballot material, the mailer doesn’t mention that only charter cities are “eligible,” nor that San Leandro already has the 11th highest rate in the state.


mercurynews--2020-10-02--Review: Hipster couple fights deadly aliens, sparking hilarity

The new sci-fi rom-com “ Save Yourselves !
” is rich in comic timing , but seemingly nowhere more than in its very title , coming in this of all weeks .
Unless , of course , you enjoyed the presidential debate .
But there are several layers of meaning to the title , even without that exquisite yet unintentional one .
The first concerns the fact that killer aliens descend to Earth , bent on destroying all in their path .
So there ’ s that .
The other concerns the relationship at the core of the movie , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to cope with various needs and differences and working on growing and nurturing their love , much like the yeast starter for their homemade sourdough .
There are many Brooklyn millennial references like that , and luckily most of them hit their mark with a delightful zing , thanks to a crackling script by directors-writers Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson , but especially because of the easy chemistry between the terrific leads , Sunita Mani and a hilarious John Reynolds .
The plot does get rather confused and trippy in the latter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re so charmed by this couple and their creative efforts to save themselves that honestly , it hardly matters .
We begin in the year … well , “ the year humankind lost Planet Earth.
” So from the start , we sort of know where this is going .
But before the aliens arrive , in the form of cute little furry “ pouffes ” that resemble comfy footstools , we get to know Su and Jack .
Fittingly when we meet them , she ’ s on her laptop and he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clearly rules their lives .
Typical domestic dialogue : “ Alexa , play !
” “ Alexa , stop !
” Su is miffed , because Jack messed with her tabs on her laptop , and now she can ’ t find her stuff , only Jack ’ s articles on baking bread .
She asks for an apology .
He obliges .
“ What are you apologizing FOR ?
” she asks , as if to a child .
“ That thing you want me to apologize for , ” he says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this road all day long .
But the couple is working on bettering themselves , and one evening at a party , they meet a friend who owns a remote cabin upstate .
They take him up on his offer of a week away from it all .
They decide to cut off all technology , and won ’ t communicate with anyone .
They settle in for a week of hiking and canoeing and making lists like “ How to Be a Better ‘ We . '
” And then , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a week weren ’ t scary enough , there ’ s that alien invasion thing .
Not that they catch on anytime soon .
They ’ re pretty oblivious .
They notice a furry “ pouffe ” nesting in the living room , but assume it ’ s inanimate .
When alien forces descend from the night sky , they assume it ’ s a meteor shower .
They don ’ t even notice that guy falling dead outside their window .
But when Jack is out for a minute , Su checks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nation .
Soon the killer “ pouffes , ” who live on ethanol and suck gasoline from cars , are rampaging through their bucolic country village .
Su and Jack need to use all their wits to escape .
Their struggle is often quite amusing ; the sight of Reynolds trying to fight intergalactic war with a tennis racket ( old-style wood , not metal ! )
is a delight .
At one point , the couple is trying to use their collective knowledge about aliens to outsmart them , and Jack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ judge from movies that they ’ ve seen , because those aliens are naturally imbued with “ Earth-based attributes.
” In other words they need to think out of the box — or the planet .
Likewise , one could say it ’ s unwise to judge this film via the standards of conventional sci-fi movies .
Things get a little weird , and the ending may not be as neat as one expects .
But hey , these are tough times .
A diversion like “ Save Yourselves !
” might just @ @ @ @

By Jocelyn Noveck | Associated Press
The new sci-fi rom-com “Save Yourselves!” is rich in comic timing, but seemingly nowhere more than in its very title, coming in this of all weeks. Unless, of course, you enjoyed the presidential debate.
But there are several layers of meaning to the title, even without that exquisite yet unintentional one. The first concerns the fact that killer aliens descend to Earth, bent on destroying all in their path. So there’s that.
The other concerns the relationship at the core of the movie, that of a Brooklyn hipster couple trying to cope with various needs and differences and working on growing and nurturing their love, much like the yeast starter for their homemade sourdough.
There are many Brooklyn millennial references like that, and luckily most of them hit their mark with a delightful zing, thanks to a crackling script by directors-writers Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson, but especially because of the easy chemistry between the terrific leads, Sunita Mani and a hilarious John Reynolds. The plot does get rather confused and trippy in the latter third, but by then we’re so charmed by this couple and their creative efforts to save themselves that honestly, it hardly matters.
We begin in the year … well, “the year humankind lost Planet Earth.” So from the start, we sort of know where this is going.
But before the aliens arrive, in the form of cute little furry “pouffes” that resemble comfy footstools, we get to know Su and Jack. Fittingly when we meet them, she’s on her laptop and he’s on his phone. Technology clearly rules their lives. Typical domestic dialogue: “Alexa, play!” “Alexa, stop!”
Su is miffed, because Jack messed with her tabs on her laptop, and now she can’t find her stuff, only Jack’s articles on baking bread. She asks for an apology. He obliges. “What are you apologizing FOR?” she asks, as if to a child. “That thing you want me to apologize for,” he says. You can tell they go down this road all day long.
But the couple is working on bettering themselves, and one evening at a party, they meet a friend who owns a remote cabin upstate. They take him up on his offer of a week away from it all. They decide to cut off all technology, and won’t communicate with anyone. They settle in for a week of hiking and canoeing and making lists like “How to Be a Better ‘We.'”
And then, as if cutting off iPhones and iPads for a week weren’t scary enough, there’s that alien invasion thing.
Not that they catch on anytime soon. They’re pretty oblivious. They notice a furry “pouffe” nesting in the living room, but assume it’s inanimate. When alien forces descend from the night sky, they assume it’s a meteor shower. They don’t even notice that guy falling dead outside their window.
But when Jack is out for a minute, Su checks her phone. Mass chaos has engulfed the nation.
Soon the killer “pouffes,” who live on ethanol and suck gasoline from cars, are rampaging through their bucolic country village. Su and Jack need to use all their wits to escape. Their struggle is often quite amusing; the sight of Reynolds trying to fight intergalactic war with a tennis racket (old-style wood, not metal!) is a delight.
At one point, the couple is trying to use their collective knowledge about aliens to outsmart them, and Jack tells Su that they can’t judge from movies that they’ve seen, because those aliens are naturally imbued with “Earth-based attributes.” In other words they need to think out of the box — or the planet.
Likewise, one could say it’s unwise to judge this film via the standards of conventional sci-fi movies. Things get a little weird, and the ending may not be as neat as one expects.
But hey, these are tough times. A diversion like “Save Yourselves!” might just save your week.
“Save Yourselves!”
3 stars out of 4
Rating: R (for language)
Running time: 93 minutes


mercurynews--2020-10-02--Gov. Newsom vetoes bill aimed at better tracking millions spent on homelessness

California has poured hundreds of millions of dollars into battling homelessness , and yet the number of people living on the streets shot up 16 percent last year .
A bill by Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel , D-Woodland Hills , aimed to better understand how those dollars are spent — and zero in on what works and what doesn ’ t — by creating a uniform data-collection system that could be used to craft better outcomes .
It sailed through the Legislature without a single no vote and landed on the governor ’ s desk in September with 20 bipartisan co-authors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it law .
“ My Administration is exploring ways to increase transparency in our homeless assistance programs and improve the efficiency in the delivery of those services to those who most need the help , ” Newsom said in his veto message .
“ This is important work , and we are dedicated to this effort .
Unfortunately , the requirements of this measure are duplicative of existing requirements and would create additional , unnecessary data collection costs.
” Gabriel was surprised and disappointed by the governor ’ s veto of Assembly Bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bill would add data collection costs doesn ’ t make sense to him .
“ You ’ re going to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on these programs , but object to spending a couple of hundred thousand to gather data to see if they ’ re working ?
A lot of people would agree that ’ s a prudent and wise investment , ” he said .
“ We didn ’ t want to do anything duplicative , and we actually said , ‘ If you have existing reporting that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you can submit that , ’ ” he said .
“ We ’ re trying to determine what are these costs , what are they accomplishing , how do these programs stack up to others ?
It ’ s this huge challenge .
Once we have some uniform data , we can have a better sense of where to target our money.
” According to legislative analyses , the bill would have mandated enhanced accountability and transparency by creating a system of uniform reporting requirements across a broad set of state-funded homelessness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ available to the Legislature , the media and the general public , allowing for stronger oversight of state and local homelessness programs and better insight into the comparative effectiveness of various programs and strategies , allowing officials to better use data to craft policy responses .
Comments in a Senate Committee on Human Services analysis flagged the concerns Newsom ultimately expressed : “ These programs currently face extensive reporting requirements that in many ways speak to information sought by the author ’ s office .
It is possible that this bill will not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these programs due to provisions allowing funding recipients to utilize existing reports to meet reporting requirements imposed by this bill and to report certain data as unfeasible to collect.
” Gabriel vowed to continue the push for stronger accountability and “ data-driven policymaking.
” There ’ s extreme frustration in the community , and in the Legislature , about the lack of progress on homelessness , Gabriel said .
• Newsom seeks more money for novel homeless housing program • Affordable homes , some for the homeless , eyed near San Jose malls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ county have voted twice to tax themselves to fix this problem , ” he said .
“ They said , ‘ Take more of my money and please , please , do something to help the people suffering on our streets.
’ Step one is to get better data on what ’ s working and what isn ’ t to ensure that resources are being spent in the most efficient and effective way possible.
” New reporting would have been required for those receiving funds from three programs : the homeless services piece @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( CalWORKs ) , an enormous , $ 7.8 billion program that provides cash aid to supplement household incomes ; the Housing and Disability Advocacy Program , which offers disabled homeless people help applying for benefit programs as well as housing support , and has received $ 90 million in state and local funding a year over recent years ; and Whole Person Care pilot programs that allow local governments , health and hospital authorities to integrate care for Medi-Cal beneficiaries “ who have been identified as high users of multiple systems and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Many target those with mental illness .
The state has invested more than $ 120 million in the programs .

California has poured hundreds of millions of dollars into battling homelessness, and yet the number of people living on the streets shot up 16 percent last year.
A bill by Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel, D-Woodland Hills, aimed to better understand how those dollars are spent — and zero in on what works and what doesn’t — by creating a uniform data-collection system that could be used to craft better outcomes. It sailed through the Legislature without a single no vote and landed on the governor’s desk in September with 20 bipartisan co-authors, awaiting the signature that would make it law.
On Tuesday, Sept. 29, Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed it.
“My Administration is exploring ways to increase transparency in our homeless assistance programs and improve the efficiency in the delivery of those services to those who most need the help,” Newsom said in his veto message. “This is important work, and we are dedicated to this effort. Unfortunately, the requirements of this measure are duplicative of existing requirements and would create additional, unnecessary data collection costs.”
Gabriel was surprised and disappointed by the governor’s veto of Assembly Bill 2746. Newsom’s objection that the bill would add data collection costs doesn’t make sense to him.
“You’re going to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on these programs, but object to spending a couple of hundred thousand to gather data to see if they’re working? A lot of people would agree that’s a prudent and wise investment,” he said.
“We didn’t want to do anything duplicative, and we actually said, ‘If you have existing reporting that gives the information we’re seeking, you can submit that,’ ” he said. “We’re trying to determine what are these costs, what are they accomplishing, how do these programs stack up to others? It’s this huge challenge. Once we have some uniform data, we can have a better sense of where to target our money.”
According to legislative analyses, the bill would have mandated enhanced accountability and transparency by creating a system of uniform reporting requirements across a broad set of state-funded homelessness programs. That data would have been available to the Legislature, the media and the general public, allowing for stronger oversight of state and local homelessness programs and better insight into the comparative effectiveness of various programs and strategies, allowing officials to better use data to craft policy responses.
Comments in a Senate Committee on Human Services analysis flagged the concerns Newsom ultimately expressed: “These programs currently face extensive reporting requirements that in many ways speak to information sought by the author’s office. It is possible that this bill will not result in additional reporting on each of these programs due to provisions allowing funding recipients to utilize existing reports to meet reporting requirements imposed by this bill and to report certain data as unfeasible to collect.”
Gabriel vowed to continue the push for stronger accountability and “data-driven policymaking.”
There’s extreme frustration in the community, and in the Legislature, about the lack of progress on homelessness, Gabriel said.
Related Articles California Politics | Mold, roaches, security issues at San Jose homeless housing heighten broader concerns
Mold, roaches, security issues at San Jose homeless housing heighten broader concerns California Politics | Opinion: Homelessness crisis will haunt Newsom in debate with DeSantis
Opinion: Homelessness crisis will haunt Newsom in debate with DeSantis California Politics | Study shows drop in homelessness in Santa Cruz County in past year
Study shows drop in homelessness in Santa Cruz County in past year California Politics | New San Jose law would ban homeless encampments and RVs near schools
New San Jose law would ban homeless encampments and RVs near schools California Politics | Home sweet parking lot: Some hospitals welcome RV living for patients, families, and workers “People in Los Angeles city and county have voted twice to tax themselves to fix this problem,” he said. “They said, ‘Take more of my money and please, please, do something to help the people suffering on our streets.’ Step one is to get better data on what’s working and what isn’t to ensure that resources are being spent in the most efficient and effective way possible.”
New reporting would have been required for those receiving funds from three programs: the homeless services piece of Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs), an enormous, $7.8 billion program that provides cash aid to supplement household incomes; the Housing and Disability Advocacy Program, which offers disabled homeless people help applying for benefit programs as well as housing support, and has received $90 million in state and local funding a year over recent years; and Whole Person Care pilot programs that allow local governments, health and hospital authorities to integrate care for Medi-Cal beneficiaries “who have been identified as high users of multiple systems and continue to have poor health outcomes.” Many target those with mental illness. The state has invested more than $120 million in the programs.


mercurynews--2020-10-02--Asian Americans still being targeted in COVID-related hate incidents

The disturbing uptick in COVID-related hate incidents directed at Asian Americans — and clashes that have arisen during demonstrations following the police killing of George Floyd — will be keys to a virtual community meeting to be led next week by the Orange County Human Relations Commission .
Since March , when Californians began to feel the social and economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic , OC Human Relations and other groups have tracked a rise in local attacks on Asian Americans .
Most reports involved verbal assaults or shunning , and they ’ ve been classified as hate incidents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One of 60 COVID-related hate cases that OC Human Relations has tracked so far this year was an alleged hate crime — a category that ’ s considered more severe than a hate incident or a hate expression — and the apparent victim in that case was a Black man , according to information provided by Norma Lopez , the commission ’ s executive director .
In that incident , OC Human Relations describes how a man riding a bus reported being coughed on and spat on for wearing a face mask .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a small bat , used the N-word , and said “ get out of my face before I break your kneecaps.
” But Lopez said that between January and April , 60 percent of the hate activity tracked by OC Human Relations was related to the pandemic and targeted Asian Americans .
Orange County is home to the nation ’ s third largest Asian American population , with a little over one in five of the county ’ s nearly 3.2 million residents identified as Asian , according to 2019 Census Bureau population @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-related incidents , but not at the same rate , ” Lopez said , adding that in the month of September , two of five hate incidents reported to the commission were COVID-related .
The targeting of Asian Americans in Orange County also is reflected in reports to the Stop AAPI Hate website , an initiative undertaken by the Los Angeles-based Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council .
The council ’ s executive director , Manjusha P. Kulkarni , said this week that 63 incidents were reported to Stop AAPI Hate by individuals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aug. 26 .
Nearly one-third of the Orange County incidents ( 20 reports ) cited by Stop AAPI involved hate directed at Korean Americans , and close to 29 percent , or 18 incidents , were reported by people of Chinese descent .
Vietnamese Americans were the target of eight incidents , or 12.7 percent .
• Coronavirus : Alameda County will allow some schools , businesses to reopen • Amazon says 19,000 workers got COVID-19 this year Considering that the pandemic is far from over , and that hate incidents and crimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lopez said the recently slowed rate of COVID-related hate incidents reported to OC Human Relations “ doesn ’ t mean much because we are still in the middle ” of the pandemic .
The virtual listening session scheduled for Tuesday , Oct. 6 , will provide a public forum to address such incidents .
But it also will include discussion of broader tensions between police and protesters at demonstrations over the past few months in support of Black Lives Matter .
Those demonstrations have included heated clashes between protesters and counter-protesters , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struck by cars speeding through crowds .
One of the first Covid-related hate incidents in Orange County involved two teenage girls at Bolsa Grande High in Garden Grove who created a video record of themselves laughing and shouting “ coronavirus ” at student performers who wore Vietnamese outfits during a March 6 cultural assembly .
In video that circulated on social media , the girls , both described as Latina , also could be seen harassing another Asian student and making fun of a traditional Asian hat .
What happened at Bolsa High @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are occurring outside of public scrutiny .
These include the bulk of COVID-related reports compiled by an OC Human Relations hate prevention specialist , such as : • A Korean man who coughed at a fast food restaurant and was told by the man standing behind him , “ Because of you I ’ m getting sick , go back to your country.
” The report says the incident nearly ended with a physical altercation .
• An Asian Man who walked into a grocery store and was told “ F… Chinese.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside their home and on their car that read , “ You guys are Chinese Viruses .
Get out of our country !
!
!
Stay away from our kids .
Stay away from our pets.
” • A Facebook post sent to an Asian person that included the statement “ you guys are so inhumane , disgusting , contaminated , filthy f … ” Advocates suggest the phrase “ China virus ” — favored currently by some people in positions of authority when referring to the coronavirus pandemic , including President Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Tuesday night ’ s presidential debate — could spark incidents .
“ There ’ s been a lot of discussion about the importance of getting elected officials to ensure the language they are sending to the community is inclusive and does not perpetuate hateful rhetoric , ” Lopez said .
She added that public officials using such language send a signal that the mindset behind it is acceptable .
Called “ Fear Driven Hate : Understanding Our Implicit Biases & the Community Experience , ” the Zoom gathering on Tuesday is scheduled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 300 people can attend .
Registration is free at forms.gle/T5S6irAcpLt9Zdbf6 .
The last day to sign up is Friday , Oct. 2 .
• Coronavirus : Alameda County will allow some schools , businesses to reopen • Amazon says 19,000 workers got COVID-19 this year The first part of the Zoom session , led by Cal State Fullerton criminal justice professor Christine L. Gardiner , will focus on how subconscious ideas and attitudes — so-called “ implicit bias ” — are formed over time and can affect behavior .
Lopez said such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and panic and help fuel hateful rhetoric and action .
Attendees will break into small group sessions to talk about any hate-induced personal experiences they ’ ve had and what needs to happen in the community to bring about healing .
Lopez said another listening session is likely in January , perhaps to discuss solutions that grow out of Tuesday ’ s gathering .
“ Hopefully we ’ ll get ideas about how to engage and work together .
”

The disturbing uptick in COVID-related hate incidents directed at Asian Americans — and clashes that have arisen during demonstrations following the police killing of George Floyd — will be keys to a virtual community meeting to be led next week by the Orange County Human Relations Commission.
Since March, when Californians began to feel the social and economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic, OC Human Relations and other groups have tracked a rise in local attacks on Asian Americans. Most reports involved verbal assaults or shunning, and they’ve been classified as hate incidents or non-criminal acts of hateful expression.
One of 60 COVID-related hate cases that OC Human Relations has tracked so far this year was an alleged hate crime — a category that’s considered more severe than a hate incident or a hate expression — and the apparent victim in that case was a Black man, according to information provided by Norma Lopez, the commission’s executive director.
In that incident, OC Human Relations describes how a man riding a bus reported being coughed on and spat on for wearing a face mask. The man reported that his assailant carried a small bat, used the N-word, and said “get out of my face before I break your kneecaps.”
But Lopez said that between January and April, 60 percent of the hate activity tracked by OC Human Relations was related to the pandemic and targeted Asian Americans.
Orange County is home to the nation’s third largest Asian American population, with a little over one in five of the county’s nearly 3.2 million residents identified as Asian, according to 2019 Census Bureau population estimates.
“We are still seeing COVID-related incidents, but not at the same rate,” Lopez said, adding that in the month of September, two of five hate incidents reported to the commission were COVID-related.
The targeting of Asian Americans in Orange County also is reflected in reports to the Stop AAPI Hate website, an initiative undertaken by the Los Angeles-based Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council. The council’s executive director, Manjusha P. Kulkarni, said this week that 63 incidents were reported to Stop AAPI Hate by individuals in Orange County between March 19 and Aug. 26.
Nearly one-third of the Orange County incidents (20 reports) cited by Stop AAPI involved hate directed at Korean Americans, and close to 29 percent, or 18 incidents, were reported by people of Chinese descent. Vietnamese Americans were the target of eight incidents, or 12.7 percent.
Ugly words
Related Articles Health | San Jose office building wobbles into default — again
San Jose office building wobbles into default — again Health | College students blocked from campus when COVID hit want money back. Some are getting refunds
College students blocked from campus when COVID hit want money back. Some are getting refunds Health | One controversial East Bay parklet reveals dilemmas of pandemic dining
One controversial East Bay parklet reveals dilemmas of pandemic dining Health | Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms
Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge Considering that the pandemic is far from over, and that hate incidents and crimes typically are “grossly” under-reported, Lopez said the recently slowed rate of COVID-related hate incidents reported to OC Human Relations “doesn’t mean much because we are still in the middle” of the pandemic.
The virtual listening session scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 6, will provide a public forum to address such incidents. But it also will include discussion of broader tensions between police and protesters at demonstrations over the past few months in support of Black Lives Matter. Those demonstrations have included heated clashes between protesters and counter-protesters, including, in some cases, people being struck by cars speeding through crowds.
One of the first Covid-related hate incidents in Orange County involved two teenage girls at Bolsa Grande High in Garden Grove who created a video record of themselves laughing and shouting “coronavirus” at student performers who wore Vietnamese outfits during a March 6 cultural assembly. In video that circulated on social media, the girls, both described as Latina, also could be seen harassing another Asian student and making fun of a traditional Asian hat.
What happened at Bolsa High attracted national attention, but other incidents are occurring outside of public scrutiny. These include the bulk of COVID-related reports compiled by an OC Human Relations hate prevention specialist, such as:
A Korean man who coughed at a fast food restaurant and was told by the man standing behind him, “Because of you I’m getting sick, go back to your country.” The report says the incident nearly ended with a physical altercation.
An Asian Man who walked into a grocery store and was told “F… Chinese.”
An Asian family who found fliers outside their home and on their car that read, “You guys are Chinese Viruses. Get out of our country!!! Stay away from our kids. Stay away from our pets.”
A Facebook post sent to an Asian person that included the statement “you guys are so inhumane, disgusting, contaminated, filthy f …”
Advocates suggest the phrase “China virus” — favored currently by some people in positions of authority when referring to the coronavirus pandemic, including President Trump, who used the term as recently as Tuesday night’s presidential debate — could spark incidents.
“There’s been a lot of discussion about the importance of getting elected officials to ensure the language they are sending to the community is inclusive and does not perpetuate hateful rhetoric,” Lopez said.
She added that public officials using such language send a signal that the mindset behind it is acceptable.
Join the conversation
Called “Fear Driven Hate: Understanding Our Implicit Biases & the Community Experience,” the Zoom gathering on Tuesday is scheduled for 5 to 6:30 p.m. and up to 300 people can attend. Registration is free at forms.gle/T5S6irAcpLt9Zdbf6. The last day to sign up is Friday, Oct. 2.
Related Articles Health | San Jose office building wobbles into default — again
San Jose office building wobbles into default — again Health | College students blocked from campus when COVID hit want money back. Some are getting refunds
College students blocked from campus when COVID hit want money back. Some are getting refunds Health | One controversial East Bay parklet reveals dilemmas of pandemic dining
One controversial East Bay parklet reveals dilemmas of pandemic dining Health | Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms
Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge The first part of the Zoom session, led by Cal State Fullerton criminal justice professor Christine L. Gardiner, will focus on how subconscious ideas and attitudes — so-called “implicit bias” — are formed over time and can affect behavior. Lopez said such biases can surface during times of fear and panic and help fuel hateful rhetoric and action.
Attendees will break into small group sessions to talk about any hate-induced personal experiences they’ve had and what needs to happen in the community to bring about healing. Lopez said another listening session is likely in January, perhaps to discuss solutions that grow out of Tuesday’s gathering.
“Hopefully we’ll get ideas about how to engage and work together.”


mercurynews--2020-10-02--2 Ralphs workers died from COVID-19 and the chain didn’t tell Cal/OSHA, state says

A pair of Ralphs grocery stores in Culver City and Sherman Oaks failed to report the fatal COVID-19 illness of two employees , a state agency responsible for protecting the health and safety of workers said Wednesday .
The Division of Occupational Safety and Health , better known as Cal/OSHA , said in a statement it learned of the fatality in Culver City seven days after the worker ’ s death , and six days after the death in Sherman Oaks .
California employers are required to report to Cal/OSHA any serious illness , serious injury or death of an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ connection with work within eight hours of when the employer knew or should have known of the illness .
The two stores , along with Ralphs stores in West Hollywood and Studio City and a Food 4 Less in Los Angeles , were cited by Cal/OSHA for inadequately protecting workers from COVID-19 .
All of the markets are owned by Cincinnati-based Kroger Co. and face penalties ranging from $ 13,500 to $ 25,560 for failing to update workplace safety plans to properly address hazards related to the virus .
“ Grocery retail workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a higher risk of exposure to COVID-19 , ” Cal/OSHA Chief Doug Parker said .
“ Employers in this industry must investigate possible causes of employee illness and put in place the necessary measures to protect their staff.
” Officials with Kroger did not respond to requests for comment .
John Grant , president of United Food and Commercial Workers International Union Local 770 , which represents more than 20,000 grocery employees at Kroger and other chains in Los Angeles , Ventura , Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties , said more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
COVID-19 , he said in a statement , “ is our new reality and workers and customers need permanent protections .
The pandemic has shone a bright light on hourly wage earners .
They are Black and Brown , immigrants , and people of color .
Their work has always been essential and undervalued .
The pandemic put their hard work front and center.
” Kroger truck drivers and warehouse workers also are impacted , according to Lou Villalvazo , secretary-treasurer of Teamsters Local Union 630 .
“ Teamster-represented warehouse workers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the front lines risking their lives , actually going to work despite COVID-19 outbreaks in some of the distribution centers , to make sure that the communities we serve are able to provide food for their families , ” he said Thursday .
“ It is inexcusable that Ralphs , despite record profits , is refusing to maintain affordable health care for workers and their families.
” Inspectors determined the Food 4 Less in Los Angeles and Ralphs stores in Studio City , Sherman Oaks and West Hollywood placed employees at risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customers in the establishments , which prevented workers from maintaining at least 6 feet of physical distancing .
• Coronavirus : Alameda County will allow some schools , businesses to reopen • Amazon says 19,000 workers got COVID-19 this year Additionally , employees in the cheese department at the Studio City location were exposed to hazards related to COVID-19 because physical barriers had not been installed between workers and customers .
Plexiglas or other required protective barriers also were not in place at eight registers at the Ralphs in West Hollywood , Cal/OSHA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City and West Hollywood locations failed to train employees in how COVID-19 is spread or instruct them in precautions to avoid infection , signs and symptoms of infection , and how to safely use cleaners and disinfectants .

A pair of Ralphs grocery stores in Culver City and Sherman Oaks failed to report the fatal COVID-19 illness of two employees, a state agency responsible for protecting the health and safety of workers said Wednesday.
The Division of Occupational Safety and Health, better known as Cal/OSHA, said in a statement it learned of the fatality in Culver City seven days after the worker’s death, and six days after the death in Sherman Oaks.
California employers are required to report to Cal/OSHA any serious illness, serious injury or death of an employee that occurred at work or in connection with work within eight hours of when the employer knew or should have known of the illness.
The two stores, along with Ralphs stores in West Hollywood and Studio City and a Food 4 Less in Los Angeles, were cited by Cal/OSHA for inadequately protecting workers from COVID-19.
All of the markets are owned by Cincinnati-based Kroger Co. and face penalties ranging from $13,500 to $25,560 for failing to update workplace safety plans to properly address hazards related to the virus.
“Grocery retail workers are on the front lines and face a higher risk of exposure to COVID-19,” Cal/OSHA Chief Doug Parker said. “Employers in this industry must investigate possible causes of employee illness and put in place the necessary measures to protect their staff.”
Officials with Kroger did not respond to requests for comment.
Workers, customers need protection
John Grant, president of United Food and Commercial Workers International Union Local 770, which represents more than 20,000 grocery employees at Kroger and other chains in Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, said more must be done to provide COVID-19 protections.
COVID-19, he said in a statement, “is our new reality and workers and customers need permanent protections. The pandemic has shone a bright light on hourly wage earners. They are Black and Brown, immigrants, and people of color. Their work has always been essential and undervalued. The pandemic put their hard work front and center.”
Kroger truck drivers and warehouse workers also are impacted, according to Lou Villalvazo, secretary-treasurer of Teamsters Local Union 630.
“Teamster-represented warehouse workers and truck drivers working for Ralphs have been on the front lines risking their lives, actually going to work despite COVID-19 outbreaks in some of the distribution centers, to make sure that the communities we serve are able to provide food for their families,” he said Thursday. “It is inexcusable that Ralphs, despite record profits, is refusing to maintain affordable health care for workers and their families.”
Too many customers
Inspectors determined the Food 4 Less in Los Angeles and Ralphs stores in Studio City, Sherman Oaks and West Hollywood placed employees at risk for the virus by allowing too many customers in the establishments, which prevented workers from maintaining at least 6 feet of physical distancing.
Related Articles Health | San Jose office building wobbles into default — again
San Jose office building wobbles into default — again Health | College students blocked from campus when COVID hit want money back. Some are getting refunds
College students blocked from campus when COVID hit want money back. Some are getting refunds Health | One controversial East Bay parklet reveals dilemmas of pandemic dining
One controversial East Bay parklet reveals dilemmas of pandemic dining Health | Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms
Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge Additionally, employees in the cheese department at the Studio City location were exposed to hazards related to COVID-19 because physical barriers had not been installed between workers and customers.
Plexiglas or other required protective barriers also were not in place at eight registers at the Ralphs in West Hollywood, Cal/OSHA said.
Inspectors also found the Culver City and West Hollywood locations failed to train employees in how COVID-19 is spread or instruct them in precautions to avoid infection, signs and symptoms of infection, and how to safely use cleaners and disinfectants.


mercurynews--2020-10-02--Bob Iger quits Newsom’s task force as tensions rise over Disneyland reopening plans

Disney chairman Bob Iger quit Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s economic recovery task force in a sign that the entertainment company and state officials are at odds over California theme park reopening guidelines expected to be released this week .
Iger stepped down from the governor ’ s Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery that was formed in April to serve as an advisory panel on the state ’ s pandemic recovery efforts , according to the Sacramento Bee .
Disneyland , Disney California Adventure and other California theme parks closed in mid-March and remain shuttered while they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state .
Newsom ’ s 100-member-plus task force includes four former California governors , Apple CEO Tim Cook , former Federal Reserve Board chairwoman Janet Yellen and was co-chaired by former presidential candidate Tom Steyer .
California plans to issue reopening guidelines this week that will allow theme parks in the state to resume operations after more than six months of coronavirus closures , according to state officials .
Disneyland and other California theme parks have asked Newsom and his administration not to finalize COVID-19 health and safety reopening guidelines without first working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Parks Association asked state officials to listen to theme park operators ’ recommendations and modify some protocols before issuing reopening guidelines .
California theme parks have been left waiting on the sidelines while other segments of the economy have reopened under Newsom ’ s four-tier Blueprint for a Safer Economy .
A growing chorus of theme parks , city leaders , state lawmakers and industry associations have called on Newsom to reopen Disneyland , Disney California Adventure , Universal Studios Hollywood , Knott ’ s Berry Farm , Six Flags Magic Mountain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other amusement parks throughout the state .
Newsom said a month ago that he would announce a reopening plan for California theme parks “ soon ” and said two weeks ago that guidelines would be coming “ very , very shortly.
” Disney announced this week 28,000 employees would be laid off at Disneyland and Walt Disney World as the company continues to struggle with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the extended closure of its Anaheim theme parks .
Disney officials laid part of the blame for the layoffs at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s failure to issue theme park reopening guidelines .
The impact of the pandemic has been “ exacerbated in California by the State ’ s unwillingness to lift restrictions that would allow Disneyland to reopen , ” Disney parks chairman Josh D ’ Amaro said in a statement .

Disney chairman Bob Iger quit Gov. Gavin Newsom’s economic recovery task force in a sign that the entertainment company and state officials are at odds over California theme park reopening guidelines expected to be released this week.
Iger stepped down from the governor’s Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery that was formed in April to serve as an advisory panel on the state’s pandemic recovery efforts, according to the Sacramento Bee.
Disneyland, Disney California Adventure and other California theme parks closed in mid-March and remain shuttered while they await guidelines for safely reopening from the state.
Newsom’s 100-member-plus task force includes four former California governors, Apple CEO Tim Cook, former Federal Reserve Board chairwoman Janet Yellen and was co-chaired by former presidential candidate Tom Steyer.
California plans to issue reopening guidelines this week that will allow theme parks in the state to resume operations after more than six months of coronavirus closures, according to state officials.
Disneyland and other California theme parks have asked Newsom and his administration not to finalize COVID-19 health and safety reopening guidelines without first working with the industry.
The California Attractions and Parks Association asked state officials to listen to theme park operators’ recommendations and modify some protocols before issuing reopening guidelines.
California theme parks have been left waiting on the sidelines while other segments of the economy have reopened under Newsom’s four-tier Blueprint for a Safer Economy.
A growing chorus of theme parks, city leaders, state lawmakers and industry associations have called on Newsom to reopen Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott’s Berry Farm, Six Flags Magic Mountain, SeaWorld San Diego, Legoland California and other amusement parks throughout the state.
Newsom said a month ago that he would announce a reopening plan for California theme parks “soon” and said two weeks ago that guidelines would be coming “very, very shortly.”
Disney announced this week 28,000 employees would be laid off at Disneyland and Walt Disney World as the company continues to struggle with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the extended closure of its Anaheim theme parks.
Disney officials laid part of the blame for the layoffs at the feet of Newsom and his administration’s failure to issue theme park reopening guidelines.
The impact of the pandemic has been “exacerbated in California by the State’s unwillingness to lift restrictions that would allow Disneyland to reopen,” Disney parks chairman Josh D’Amaro said in a statement.


mercurynews--2020-10-03--Sen. Tillis, R-NC, is second on Judiciary to get COVID-19

Two Republican senators on the Senate Judiciary Committee announced Friday that they had tested positive for Covid-19 , just days after attending a White House event where President Donald Trump nominated Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court .
Sen. Mike Lee , a Utah Republican , and Sen. Thom Tillis , a North Carolina Republican , both attended Saturday ’ s event at the White House .
Multiple attendees from that event , including President Donald Trump , have tested positive in the week since the ceremony , which featured many people not wearing masks and not observing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Tillis met in person with Barrett earlier this week .
Lee tweeted on Friday that he took the test Thursday , and would “ remain isolated ” for 10 days .
He said he has “ assured ” Senate Republican leaders that he will “ be back to work ” to join the Judiciary panel to advance Barrett ’ s nomination to the full Senate for a confirmation vote .
Tillis said in a statement that he tested positive Friday night and he will be isolating at home for 10 days .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ race with Democrat Cal Cunningham .
“ Over the last few months , I ’ ve been routinely tested for COVID-19 , including testing negative last Saturday , but tonight my rapid antigen test came back positive , ” Tillis said .
“ Thankfully , I have no symptoms and I feel well .
As we all know , COVID-19 is a very contagious and deadly virus , especially because many carriers are asymptomatic .
I encourage all North Carolinians to follow the recommendations of medical experts , including wearing a mask , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Barrett tested negative for coronavirus on Friday , according to White House spokesperson Judd Deere , and CNN reported earlier Friday that she was diagnosed with coronavirus late this summer but has recovered , according to three sources familiar with the matter .
Trump disclosed that he contracted the virus hours before Lee ’ s announcement .
• Misinformation spikes after Trump reveals he has COVID-19 • Coronavirus : What does California ’ s new “ equity ” metric mean for the Bay Area ?
Lee said he experienced symptoms “ consistent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and took the test “ out of an abundance of caution.
” He said he also took the test “ just a few days ago ” when he visited the White House for the announcement of Barrett ’ s nomination .
“ Like so many other Utahns , I will now spend part of 2020 working from home , ” said Lee in his statement .

By Alex Rogers | CNN
Two Republican senators on the Senate Judiciary Committee announced Friday that they had tested positive for Covid-19, just days after attending a White House event where President Donald Trump nominated Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court.
Sen. Mike Lee, a Utah Republican, and Sen. Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican, both attended Saturday’s event at the White House. Multiple attendees from that event, including President Donald Trump, have tested positive in the week since the ceremony, which featured many people not wearing masks and not observing proper social distancing protocols.
Both Lee and Tillis met in person with Barrett earlier this week.
Lee tweeted on Friday that he took the test Thursday, and would “remain isolated” for 10 days. He said he has “assured” Senate Republican leaders that he will “be back to work” to join the Judiciary panel to advance Barrett’s nomination to the full Senate for a confirmation vote.
Tillis said in a statement that he tested positive Friday night and he will be isolating at home for 10 days. Tillis is locked in a tight reelection race with Democrat Cal Cunningham.
“Over the last few months, I’ve been routinely tested for COVID-19, including testing negative last Saturday, but tonight my rapid antigen test came back positive,” Tillis said.
“Thankfully, I have no symptoms and I feel well. As we all know, COVID-19 is a very contagious and deadly virus, especially because many carriers are asymptomatic. I encourage all North Carolinians to follow the recommendations of medical experts, including wearing a mask, washing hands, and practicing social distancing.”
Barrett tested negative for coronavirus on Friday, according to White House spokesperson Judd Deere, and CNN reported earlier Friday that she was diagnosed with coronavirus late this summer but has recovered, according to three sources familiar with the matter.
Trump disclosed that he contracted the virus hours before Lee’s announcement.
Related Articles National News | San Jose office building wobbles into default — again
San Jose office building wobbles into default — again National News | College students blocked from campus when COVID hit want money back. Some are getting refunds
College students blocked from campus when COVID hit want money back. Some are getting refunds National News | One controversial East Bay parklet reveals dilemmas of pandemic dining
One controversial East Bay parklet reveals dilemmas of pandemic dining National News | Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms
Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms National News | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge Lee said he experienced symptoms “consistent with longtime allergies” on Thursday morning and took the test “out of an abundance of caution.” He said he also took the test “just a few days ago” when he visited the White House for the announcement of Barrett’s nomination.
“Like so many other Utahns, I will now spend part of 2020 working from home,” said Lee in his statement.


mercurynews--2020-10-03--Tech CEOs will testify before Senate Commerce Committee

WASHINGTON – The chief executives of Facebook < FB.O , Twitter and Alphabet-owned Google have agreed to voluntarily testify at a hearing before the Senate Commerce Committee on Oct. 28 about a key law protecting internet companies .
Facebook and Twitter confirmed on Friday that their CEOs , Mark Zuckerberg and Jack Dorsey , respectively , will appear , while a source said that Google 's Sundar Pichai will appear .
That came a day after the committee unanimously voted to approve a plan to subpoena the three CEOs to appear before the panel .
Twitter 's Dorsey tweeted on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constructive & focused on what matters most to the American people : how we work together to protect elections . ''
The CEOs are to appear virtually .
In addition to discussions on reforming the law called Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act , which protects internet companies from liability over content posted by users , the hearing will bring up issues about consumer privacy and media consolidation .
Republican President Donald Trump has made holding tech companies accountable for allegedly stifling conservative voices a theme of his administration .
As a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Section 230 have been intensifying ahead of the Nov. 3 elections , but there is little chance of approval by Congress this year .
Last week Trump met with nine Republican state attorneys general to discuss the fate of Section 230 after the Justice Department unveiled a legislative proposal aimed at reforming the law .
The chief executives of Google , Facebook , Apple Inc and Amazon.com Inc recently testified before the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee ’ s antitrust panel .
The panel , which is investigating how the companies ’ practices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its report as early as next Monday .

By David Shepardson and Nandita Rose | Reuters
WASHINGTON – The chief executives of Facebook