mercurynews--2020-09-22--California man found guilty of putting his semen into co-worker’s water bottle

An Orange County worker was convicted Monday of placing his semen into a female co-worker ’ s water bottle and food jar and onto her computer equipment .
Orange County Superior Court Judge Kathleen Roberts found Stevens Millancastro , a Palmdale resident , guilty of multiple counts of misdemeanor assault and battery and determined that he committed the crimes for sexual purposes .
During the trial , Deputy District Attorney Laila Nikaien alleged that Millancastro , 30 , was obsessed with his co-worker , and began to stare at her incessantly after she turned him down for a date .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Millancastro to stop , and when that didn ’ t work filed a formal HR complaint , the prosecutor said .
The woman arrived to work several times to find a cloudy substance in her half-full water bottles .
Her boss agreed to set up a surveillance camera facing her desk .
When she came in the office another morning to find a “ milky white substance ” on her keyboard , the boss looked over the surveillance footage .
Based on the footage , police determined that Millancastro waited until the woman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tissues on her keyboard and mouse .
Investigators also found Millancastro ’ s semen in her water bottle and a bottle of honey she used with her tea daily .
During her testimony , the woman said Millancastro made her feel “ very , very uncomfortable , and said she was “ disgusted ” to find semen in her personal items and work space .
Millancastro ’ s attorney , Michael Morrison , didn ’ t deny his client ’ s actions , describing them as “ highly inappropriate behavior.
” Instead , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retaliating against the woman due to the formal complaint she made against him , not acting out of sexual gratification .
• Former East Bay school teacher pleads not guilty to sexual assault charges • Former SJSU athletic official accuses school president , AD of cover-up , retaliation over sex assault allegations • Suspect sought in pair of sex crimes at Palo Alto parks Millancastro was angry , believing he was suddenly at risk of losing his job or a promotion , and wanted revenge , the defense attorney said .
Millancastro opted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ judge rather than jury determined his guilt .
Prosecutors said the crimes happened in La Palma in November 2016 and January 2017 .
Millancastro is scheduled to return to court for sentencing on Oct. 6 , court records show .
He faces up to two years and six months in prison .
The judge ’ s determination that he committed the crimes for sexual purposes means he will also be required to register as a sex offender .

An Orange County worker was convicted Monday of placing his semen into a female co-worker’s water bottle and food jar and onto her computer equipment.
Orange County Superior Court Judge Kathleen Roberts found Stevens Millancastro, a Palmdale resident, guilty of multiple counts of misdemeanor assault and battery and determined that he committed the crimes for sexual purposes.
During the trial, Deputy District Attorney Laila Nikaien alleged that Millancastro, 30, was obsessed with his co-worker, and began to stare at her incessantly after she turned him down for a date. The woman asked her boss to tell Millancastro to stop, and when that didn’t work filed a formal HR complaint, the prosecutor said.
The woman arrived to work several times to find a cloudy substance in her half-full water bottles. Her boss agreed to set up a surveillance camera facing her desk. When she came in the office another morning to find a “milky white substance” on her keyboard, the boss looked over the surveillance footage.
Based on the footage, police determined that Millancastro waited until the woman left, then smeared the content of tissues on her keyboard and mouse. Investigators also found Millancastro’s semen in her water bottle and a bottle of honey she used with her tea daily.
During her testimony, the woman said Millancastro made her feel “very, very uncomfortable, and said she was “disgusted” to find semen in her personal items and work space.
Millancastro’s attorney, Michael Morrison, didn’t deny his client’s actions, describing them as “highly inappropriate behavior.” Instead, the defense attorney argued that Millancastro was retaliating against the woman due to the formal complaint she made against him, not acting out of sexual gratification.
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Millancastro opted for a bench trial, so a judge rather than jury determined his guilt. Prosecutors said the crimes happened in La Palma in November 2016 and January 2017.
Millancastro is scheduled to return to court for sentencing on Oct. 6, court records show. He faces up to two years and six months in prison. The judge’s determination that he committed the crimes for sexual purposes means he will also be required to register as a sex offender.


mercurynews--2020-09-22--California wildfires: Firefighter killed battling blaze sparked by gender-reveal party is identified

California wildfires: Firefighter killed battling blaze sparked by gender-reveal party is identified;  ‘Charlie’ Morton called a respected leader

A crew boss with the Big Bear Hotshots was identified Monday , Sept. 21 , as the firefighter who died Thursday while fighting the El Dorado wildfire , started by a smoke bomb ignited during a gender reveal event in Yucaipa .
Charles Edward Morton , 39 , died Thursday while battling the blaze in the San Bernardino Mountains , San Bernardino National Forest officials said .
He worked as a firefighter for 18 years , 14 of which were with the U.S. Forest Service .
“ Charlie was a well-respected leader who was always there for his squad and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” U.S. Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen said in a statement .
“ He will be missed , ” the U.S. Hotshots Association commented on social media .
Morton was born in San Diego , Forest Service officials said .
He is survived by his wife , daughter , parents , two brothers , cousins and friends .
Eddie C. Morton , a man who identified himself as Morton ’ s brother , commented on Charles Morton ’ s death in a Facebook post on Friday .
“ This is my brother .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he loves .
Fighting fire in San Bernardino , ” said the post , which was superimposed over a photo of a smiling Morton wearing a brown cap and brown jacket that reads Mill Creek Hotshots .
Smoke-covered mountains are in the background .
“ My nephew Charlie Morton was a fabulous young man whom we are all so proud of , and it is an extreme loss to our California & Texas families .
He was on duty in the El Dorado fire in California , ” wrote Sid Williams , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a Facebook posting .
• Wildfires , coronavirus and an earthquake collided for California ’ s terrible week • A voice in the darkness : Volunteer radio station eases fears as wildfire nears remote Mendocino County town Almost all hotshot crew members are attached to the Forest Service , although some work for the Bureau of Land Management , Bureau of Indian Affairs and National Park Service .
Most of the 100-plus crews are based in the West .
Crew members hike in or are lowered by helicopter into remote areas where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they carry .
Those who would like to extend their support to Morton ’ s family can send mail to P.O .
Box 63564 , Irvine , CA 92602 .
Officials have not yet provided details on how Morton was killed .

Richard K. De Atley, Eric Licas, Brian Rokos

A crew boss with the Big Bear Hotshots was identified Monday, Sept. 21, as the firefighter who died Thursday while fighting the El Dorado wildfire, started by a smoke bomb ignited during a gender reveal event in Yucaipa.
Charles Edward Morton, 39, died Thursday while battling the blaze in the San Bernardino Mountains, San Bernardino National Forest officials said. He worked as a firefighter for 18 years, 14 of which were with the U.S. Forest Service.
“Charlie was a well-respected leader who was always there for his squad and his crew at the toughest times,” U.S. Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen said in a statement.
“He will be missed,” the U.S. Hotshots Association commented on social media.
Morton was born in San Diego, Forest Service officials said. He is survived by his wife, daughter, parents, two brothers, cousins and friends.
Eddie C. Morton, a man who identified himself as Morton’s brother, commented on Charles Morton’s death in a Facebook post on Friday.
“This is my brother. He died last night. Doing what he loves. Fighting fire in San Bernardino,” said the post, which was superimposed over a photo of a smiling Morton wearing a brown cap and brown jacket that reads Mill Creek Hotshots. Smoke-covered mountains are in the background.
“My nephew Charlie Morton was a fabulous young man whom we are all so proud of, and it is an extreme loss to our California & Texas families. He was on duty in the El Dorado fire in California,” wrote Sid Williams, who identified himself as Morton’s uncle in a Facebook posting.
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Those who would like to extend their support to Morton’s family can send mail to P.O. Box 63564, Irvine, CA 92602.
Officials have not yet provided details on how Morton was killed.


mercurynews--2020-09-22--49ers mailbag: Should Kittle’s health, others’ be risked on MetLife turf?

SANTA CLARA — Rather than retreat into the West Virginia mountains at a luxury resort with the 49ers this week , I ’ m manning my post in the Bay Area and sifting through fans ’ mailbag questions via my Instagram and Twitter channels : If Kittle is good to go , should we sit him to avoid reinjuring his knee on the death turf ?
( @ micg8701 ) It would be shocking if George Kittle tests his sprained left knee Sunday against the Giants at MetLife Stadium , a field many 49ers deemed dangerous after a 31-13 win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shanahan has not ruled Kittle out but noted it would be discussed over the “ next week or so.
” Bet on the “ or so ” window .
After this Sunday ’ s New York encore , the 49ers have a three-game homestand – on natural grass .
What can they do about the turf before the next game ?
( @ char1eswu ) Inspections surely will ensue .
Other than that , the 49ers will have to adjust their cleats and pray .
Perhaps someone can drive a concrete truck over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the synthetic blades and make it less sticky/spongy/tricky .
How many wins would it take for Mullens to stay as the starter while Jimmy G is out ?
( @ andiaz_91 ) First , we ’ re not sure Garoppolo is out .
Shanahan said the high-ankle sprain is not severe , so it ’ s probably not requiring the usual recovery of four to six weeks .
Garoppolo was great and gutsy in Sunday ’ s first half .
Mullens started slow , settled down and no doubt would be effective , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But Shanahan swore his allegiance to Garoppolo on Monday : “ Jimmy ’ s our guy.
” What is your season record prediction after Week 2 ?
( @ huersteblitz ) My preseason call was a 6-2 regular season to keep everyone on alert about a potential COVID-19 shutdown .
Now it could be 6-2 because the 49ers might run out of healthy bodies .
OK , OK , 10-6 remains the low bar , if the 49ers ’ depth and coaching is as advertised .
We always say there is “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this .
Kaepernick ’ s 49ers tenure ended in March 2017 .
As did his NFL career .
Not to say it should have .
He did not fit Shanahan ’ s system then , nor now that he ’ s been exiled for three-plus years .
The Revenge Tour is officially over now , yes ?
( @ kevjones30 ) Last week I renamed it the “ Rehab Tour , ” and that ’ s already past its prime .
It ’ s now the “ Legendary Replacements Tour.
” Will the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what he wants ?
( @ niner4life2002 ) Do you think Sanu will be more involved this week ?
( @ themadscientist_adam10 ) Mohamed Sanu was not targeted in 13 snaps Sunday , which wasn ’ t surprising considering he officially joined the team 48 hours earlier .
He ’ s already mentoring Kendrick Bourne and that is great involvement , considering Bourne is starting at least one more week until Deebo Samuel gains medical clearance .
Brandon Aiyuk started in his debut and justified that call over Sanu .
Who gets called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dreday4everbay ) Leading candidates are defensive linemen Dion Jordan and Darrion Daniels , running back JaMycal Hasty and linebacker Joe Walker , the latter if Dre Greenlaw ’ s thigh contusion is serious .
With Bosa out , how likely is it that Saleh will start calling more blitzes ?
( @ CalTweet04 ) He didn ’ t call many before Nick Bosa landed in their lineup as the No .
2 pick last year , nor do I see defensive coordinator Robert Saleh abandoning his strategy .
The 49ers want a four-man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coverage .
If the pass rush fails with four , then blitz more , as much as I love seeing a safety or nickel back rush in to disrupt things .
Do you think the MetLife turf played a part with all our injuries ?
( @ jheitman05 ) OK , let ’ s revisit this again .
The 49ers are the ones who played on it , and a strong chorus indicated the recently installed , synthetic turf indeed “ played a part.
” Bad luck did , too .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s encore visit .
Why can ’ t the Niners stay healthy ?
It ’ s not just the turf .
They are top six in games lost to injury in 2018 , 2019 and my guess 2020 .
( @ robcappel ) Fire the strength coach !
Change the turf !
Make better protein shakes !
Those are familiar refrains .
I ’ d suggest other factors , such as the diminished practice times in the offseasons , especially this past one that was limited to player-organized sessions amid the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Take rookie Javon Kinlaw ’ s advice : “ Go punch it in the face , that ’ s how I deal with adversity .
Just go punch it straight in the mouth.
” How do you think we ’ re going to do against the Giants ?
( @ thebrendito ) ACL injuries Sunday vanquished the Giants ’ Saquon Barkley and the 49ers ’ Bosa .
Even if that offsets things , and even if the 49ers are missing other injured mainstays , they should win , just not by 18 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the East Coast ( in West Virginia ) , and they are 4-1 since 2011 in such extended stays , including last season ’ s stays in Ohio ( before a Week 2 win at Cincinnati ) and Florida ( before a Week 14 win at New Orleans ) .
Are the 49ers ’ playoff hopes in jeopardy ?
( @ 4kttony ) Bosa ’ s exit is a massive blow , to Super Bowl hopes .
With an extra wild-card berth this season , the 49ers remain in strong contention to reach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , the “ Lombardi Trophy Derby.
” Why do the coaches wear as much Silver and Black as the Raiders ?
( @ fighters.heaven ) The Shanahacap indeed has switched out from a red to grey model , through two games .
Would you prefer he wore Harbaugh-esque khakis ?
A Nolan suit and tie ?
An Andy Reid face shield ?
A Belichickian sweatshirt .
Our fixation on coaches ’ wardrobe is fun — and disturbing .
The NFL ’ s chief complaint : Shanahan ’ s failure to wear his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100,000 fine for him and $ 250K for the 49ers .
Are 49ers reporters allowed to travel to away games ?
( @ brandon.pride ) No Bay Area reporters went on this back-to-back , New York trip .
My news organization is forbidding travel , and I ’ m hoping that changes to at least hit the NFC West trips , starting Nov. 1 in Seattle .
Relying strictly on television shots limits our reporting .
For example , from the press box , we can peer through binoculars and isolate on certain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or sideline to gain insight .
Are they getting coached up ?
Temper tantrums ?
Rally speeches ?
Locker room access and one-on-one interviews are out this year amid COVID-19 protocol , so any available access via a press box or practice field is cherished .
I ’ ve put my best person on the case !
My daughter is a political science major at Cal Poly .
She is old enough to vote in a presidential election for the first time .
She will vote .
And kudos to the NFL for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to vote .
Right ?
Stay safe and , ahem , healthier than the 49ers .
• 49ers ’ Nick Bosa , Solomon Thomas indeed out for season with torn ACLs • Jerry Rice preaches patience in Nick Bosa ’ s knee rehab , recalling his own ACL return disaster • 49ers want NFL to ease players ’ fears over MetLife turf before Sunday encore • 49ers ’ injury curse strikes their charter flight to East Coast , MRI truck in West Virginia

SANTA CLARA — Rather than retreat into the West Virginia mountains at a luxury resort with the 49ers this week, I’m manning my post in the Bay Area and sifting through fans’ mailbag questions via my Instagram and Twitter channels:
If Kittle is good to go, should we sit him to avoid reinjuring his knee on the death turf? (@micg8701)
It would be shocking if George Kittle tests his sprained left knee Sunday against the Giants at MetLife Stadium, a field many 49ers deemed dangerous after a 31-13 win there over the Jets. Coach Kyle Shanahan has not ruled Kittle out but noted it would be discussed over the “next week or so.” Bet on the “or so” window. After this Sunday’s New York encore, the 49ers have a three-game homestand – on natural grass.
What can they do about the turf before the next game? (@char1eswu)
Inspections surely will ensue. Other than that, the 49ers will have to adjust their cleats and pray. Perhaps someone can drive a concrete truck over it a few times to knock down the synthetic blades and make it less sticky/spongy/tricky.
How many wins would it take for Mullens to stay as the starter while Jimmy G is out? (@andiaz_91)
First, we’re not sure Garoppolo is out. Shanahan said the high-ankle sprain is not severe, so it’s probably not requiring the usual recovery of four to six weeks. Garoppolo was great and gutsy in Sunday’s first half. Mullens started slow, settled down and no doubt would be effective, if not fun as a new flavor. But Shanahan swore his allegiance to Garoppolo on Monday: “Jimmy’s our guy.”
What is your season record prediction after Week 2? (@huersteblitz)
My preseason call was a 6-2 regular season to keep everyone on alert about a potential COVID-19 shutdown. Now it could be 6-2 because the 49ers might run out of healthy bodies. OK, OK, 10-6 remains the low bar, if the 49ers’ depth and coaching is as advertised.
Any chance Kap gets a tryout? @CupofJoe_79)
We always say there is “a chance” for anything. Not this. Kaepernick’s 49ers tenure ended in March 2017. As did his NFL career. Not to say it should have. He did not fit Shanahan’s system then, nor now that he’s been exiled for three-plus years.
The Revenge Tour is officially over now, yes? (@kevjones30)
Last week I renamed it the “Rehab Tour,” and that’s already past its prime. It’s now the “Legendary Replacements Tour.”
Will the 49ers sign Ziggy Ansah and give him what he wants? (@niner4life2002)
He agreed Monday to a one-year deal reportedly worth $3 million, prorated.
Do you think Sanu will be more involved this week? (@themadscientist_adam10)
Mohamed Sanu was not targeted in 13 snaps Sunday, which wasn’t surprising considering he officially joined the team 48 hours earlier. He’s already mentoring Kendrick Bourne and that is great involvement, considering Bourne is starting at least one more week until Deebo Samuel gains medical clearance. Brandon Aiyuk started in his debut and justified that call over Sanu.
Who gets called up from practice squad? (@dreday4everbay)
Leading candidates are defensive linemen Dion Jordan and Darrion Daniels, running back JaMycal Hasty and linebacker Joe Walker, the latter if Dre Greenlaw’s thigh contusion is serious.
With Bosa out, how likely is it that Saleh will start calling more blitzes? (@CalTweet04)
He didn’t call many before Nick Bosa landed in their lineup as the No. 2 pick last year, nor do I see defensive coordinator Robert Saleh abandoning his strategy. The 49ers want a four-man push while dropping others to suffocate the coverage. If the pass rush fails with four, then blitz more, as much as I love seeing a safety or nickel back rush in to disrupt things.
Do you think the MetLife turf played a part with all our injuries? (@jheitman05)
OK, let’s revisit this again. The 49ers are the ones who played on it, and a strong chorus indicated the recently installed, synthetic turf indeed “played a part.” Bad luck did, too. It’s a serious concern for next Sunday’s encore visit.
Why can’t the Niners stay healthy? It’s not just the turf. They are top six in games lost to injury in 2018, 2019 and my guess 2020. (@robcappel)
Fire the strength coach! Change the turf! Make better protein shakes! Those are familiar refrains. I’d suggest other factors, such as the diminished practice times in the offseasons, especially this past one that was limited to player-organized sessions amid the coronavirus pandemic. How should they handle adversity? Take rookie Javon Kinlaw’s advice: “Go punch it in the face, that’s how I deal with adversity. Just go punch it straight in the mouth.”
How do you think we’re going to do against the Giants? (@thebrendito)
ACL injuries Sunday vanquished the Giants’ Saquon Barkley and the 49ers’ Bosa. Even if that offsets things, and even if the 49ers are missing other injured mainstays, they should win, just not by 18 points. The 49ers are staying on the East Coast (in West Virginia), and they are 4-1 since 2011 in such extended stays, including last season’s stays in Ohio (before a Week 2 win at Cincinnati) and Florida (before a Week 14 win at New Orleans).
Are the 49ers’ playoff hopes in jeopardy? (@4kttony)
Bosa’s exit is a massive blow, to Super Bowl hopes. With an extra wild-card berth this season, the 49ers remain in strong contention to reach the playoffs, or as I call it, the “Lombardi Trophy Derby.”
Why do the coaches wear as much Silver and Black as the Raiders? (@fighters.heaven)
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Are 49ers reporters allowed to travel to away games? (@brandon.pride)
No Bay Area reporters went on this trip for back-to-back New York games. My news organization is forbidding travel, and I’m hoping that changes to at least hit the NFC West trips, starting Nov. 1 in Seattle. Relying strictly on television shots limits our reporting. For example, from the press box, we can peer through binoculars and isolate on certain players, whether on the field and or sideline to gain insight. Are they getting coached up? Temper tantrums? Rally speeches? Locker room access and one-on-one interviews are out this year amid COVID-19 protocol, so any available access via a press box or practice field is cherished.
Will American democracy be saved? (@2excel)
I’ve put my best person on the case! My daughter is a political science major at Cal Poly. She is old enough to vote in a presidential election for the first time. She will vote. And kudos to the NFL for making a concerted effort to encourage all to vote.
Why can’t 2020 chill? (@irun_4_beer)
Right? Stay safe and, ahem, healthier than the 49ers.


mercurynews--2020-09-23--San Jose begins weeklong cleanup of massive Monterey Road illegal dump site

San Jose joined forces with Union Pacific Railroad earlier this week to begin a massive undertaking to clean up a large homeless encampment and illegal dump site along Monterey Road near the southern end of the city .
The coordinated clean-up effort came after residents sent hundreds of calls and emails to city leaders and create an online petition , which now has more than 3.600 signatures , to urge city officials to clean up nearly a milelong stretch of Monterey Road along the Union Pacific Railroad tracks where the dumping has grown out of control in recent months .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ kinds of trash and discarded materials — from furniture and appliances to abandoned vehicles and tires to bags of trash and debris .
Multiple fires have also broken out at the encampment , destroying tents of unhoused individuals living there and causing officials to close down nearby roadways to get the blazes under control .
Hoping to get a handle on an exponential increase in illegal dumping that has occurred since the start of the pandemic , San Jose is finally pumping up its efforts to clean up the growing blight and illegal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On Tuesday night , the San Jose City Council is expected to pass a plan that will allocate an additional $ 3 million toward cleaning up the most “ highly visible ” and “ high-traffic ” illegal dump sites in the city over the next three months .
“ COVID-19 and this recession have exacted a severe toll on our city , but there ’ s much we can do to improve the quality of life of our communities , ” Mayor Sam Liccardo said in a recent statement .
“ Collectively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bolster our battle against blight– by the City stepping up its efforts , but also by demanding that our partner public agencies take responsibility for cleaning their own property on our freeways , in our creeks , and railroads .
”

San Jose joined forces with Union Pacific Railroad this week to begin a massive undertaking to clean up a large homeless encampment and illegal dump site along Monterey Road near the southern end of the city.
The coordinated clean-up effort came after residents sent hundreds of calls and emails to city leaders and created an online petition, which now has more than 3.600 signatures, to urge city officials to clean up long stretches of Monterey Road along the Union Pacific Railroad tracks where the dumping has grown out of control in recent months.
The site has been littered with all kinds of trash and discarded materials — from furniture and appliances to abandoned vehicles and tires to bags of trash and debris. Multiple fires have also broken out at the encampment, destroying tents of unhoused individuals living there and causing officials to close down nearby roadways to get the blazes under control.
Hoping to get a handle on an exponential increase in illegal dumping that has occurred since the start of the pandemic, San Jose is finally pumping up its efforts to clean up the growing blight and illegal dumping mounting in pockets across the city.
On Tuesday night, the San Jose City Council approved a plan to allocate an additional $3 million toward cleaning up the most “highly visible” and “high-traffic” illegal dumpsites in the city over the next three months.
“COVID-19 and this recession have exacted a severe toll on our city, but there’s much we can do to improve the quality of life of our communities,” Mayor Sam Liccardo said in a recent statement. “Collectively, we can do far more to bolster our battle against blight– by the City stepping up its efforts, but also by demanding that our partner public agencies take responsibility for cleaning their own property on our freeways, in our creeks, and railroads.”
At the same time, Michael Trujillo, staff attorney of the Law Foundation of Silicon Valley, urged city officials Tuesday night to take unhoused individuals into account during their cleanup efforts around homeless encampments and ensure that they are following guidance from the Centers of Disease Control, which has said not to abate homeless individuals during the pandemic to protect against further spread of COVID-19.
“It’s critical that while we’re picking up trash, we’re not making it more difficult for unhoused neighbors to get back on their feet by throwing away personal property,” Trujillo said.


mercurynews--2020-09-23--Pence’s plane returns to airport after bird strike

Air Force Two — the plane used to fly Vice President Mike Pence — safely landed at a New Hampshire airport on Tuesday after hitting a bird in flight , a spokesman for the vice president confirmed to CNN .
The plane was flying Pence back to Washington , DC , after his speech at a Trump campaign rally in Gilford , New Hampshire , when it struck the bird .
The pilots decided to return to the airport from which the plane had just taken off out of an abundance of caution , Devin O ’ Malley , Pence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ landing , Pence and his staffers used a cargo plane to return to Washington , according to CNN ’ s travel pool crew .
Notably , this isn ’ t the first plane-related incident Pence has faced on the campaign trail .
In October 2016 , the campaign plane carrying Pence skidded off the runway at LaGuardia Airport in New York .
“ We ’ re fine , ” he told CNN ’ s Alisyn Camerota on “ New Day ” during a phone interview at the time .
“ It was about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but we ’ re just so grateful to the pilots and to the first responders on the scene and ( that ) everybody came off the plane safely.
” None of the 48 people on board were injured in the 2016 incident .

By Paul LeBlanc and Daniella Diaz | CNN
Air Force Two — the plane used to fly Vice President Mike Pence — safely landed at a New Hampshire airport on Tuesday after hitting a bird in flight, a spokesman for the vice president confirmed to CNN.
The plane was flying Pence back to Washington, DC, after his speech at a Trump campaign rally in Gilford, New Hampshire, when it struck the bird. The pilots decided to return to the airport from which the plane had just taken off out of an abundance of caution, Devin O’Malley, Pence’s spokesman, said.
After landing, Pence and his staffers used a cargo plane to return to Washington, according to CNN’s travel pool crew.
Air Force 2 has a little different look tonight. Now in a C17 and happy for it! Thanks to the pilots and crew for getting us safely back on the ground. pic.twitter.com/N81N9MK8Ra — ADM Brett P. Giroir (@HHS_ASH) September 23, 2020
Notably, this isn’t the first plane-related incident Pence has faced on the campaign trail.
In October 2016, the campaign plane carrying Pence skidded off the runway at LaGuardia Airport in New York.
“We’re fine,” he told CNN’s Alisyn Camerota on “New Day” during a phone interview at the time. “It was about 10 seconds of uncertainty last night, but we’re just so grateful to the pilots and to the first responders on the scene and (that) everybody came off the plane safely.”
None of the 48 people on board were injured in the 2016 incident.


mercurynews--2020-09-23--Giants bring an Opening Day starter back to roster as Chadwick Tromp hits injured list

Opening Day catcher Tyler Heineman is rejoining the San Francisco Giants for the final seven games of the regular season .
Heineman takes the place of backup catcher Chadwick Tromp , who was placed on the 10-day injured list Tuesday with a shoulder strain .
Tromp injured his shoulder diving back into first base on a pickoff attempt in the Giants ’ 14-2 win over the A ’ s on Sunday .
The Giants hoped Tromp would be healthy enough to catch starter Johnny Cueto on Monday against Colorado , but he was scratched from the lineup in favor of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loss to the Rockies in the ninth inning as a defensive replacement .
A MRI on Tuesday showed Tromp had a shoulder strain , so he ’ ll miss the remainder of the regular season and Heineman will be back with the Giants for the first time in more than a month .
Heineman signed with the Giants as a minor league free agent over the offseason and emerged as the favorite to start on Opening Day against the Dodgers after veteran Buster Posey announced he planned to sit out the 2020 season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 13 games with the Giants before being optioned to the Sacramento alternate site where he trained alongside 2020 first round draft choice Patrick Bailey and veteran minor league free agent Chris Herrmann .
Giants manager Gabe Kapler said Tuesday afternoon the club had yet to determine whether to promote Heineman or Herrmann to the active roster , but the organization announced its decision about 90 minutes prior to a scheduled 6:45 first pitch against the Rockies .
Herrmann is not on the Giants ’ 40-man roster , but the 32-year-old has been on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks .
Kapler didn ’ t rule out the idea of Tromp returning to the team if the Giants make the postseason , but did not give a timeline for how long it ’ s expected to take Tromp to recover .

Opening Day catcher Tyler Heineman is rejoining the San Francisco Giants for the final seven games of the regular season.
Heineman takes the place of backup catcher Chadwick Tromp, who was placed on the 10-day injured list Tuesday with a shoulder strain. Tromp injured his shoulder diving back into first base on a pickoff attempt in the Giants’ 14-2 win over the A’s on Sunday.
The Giants hoped Tromp would be healthy enough to catch starter Johnny Cueto on Monday against Colorado, but he was scratched from the lineup in favor of rookie Joey Bart and entered a 7-2 loss to the Rockies in the ninth inning as a defensive replacement.
A MRI on Tuesday showed Tromp had a shoulder strain, so he’ll miss the remainder of the regular season and Heineman will be back with the Giants for the first time in more than a month. Heineman signed with the Giants as a minor league free agent over the offseason and emerged as the favorite to start on Opening Day against the Dodgers after veteran Buster Posey announced he planned to sit out the 2020 season in July.
Heineman went 8-for-41 in 13 games with the Giants before being optioned to the Sacramento alternate site where he trained alongside 2020 first round draft choice Patrick Bailey and veteran minor league free agent Chris Herrmann.
Giants manager Gabe Kapler said Tuesday afternoon the club had yet to determine whether to promote Heineman or Herrmann to the active roster, but the organization announced its decision about 90 minutes prior to a scheduled 6:45 first pitch against the Rockies.
Herrmann is not on the Giants’ 40-man roster, but the 32-year-old has been on the taxi squad several times in recent weeks.
Kapler didn’t rule out the idea of Tromp returning to the team if the Giants make the postseason, but did not give a timeline for how long it’s expected to take Tromp to recover.


mercurynews--2020-09-23--State fines Bay Area nursing homes, hospitals for COVID-19 workplace violations

Nursing homes in the South Bay and East Bay — along with Santa Clara Valley Medical Center — were issued fines on Tuesday for failing to protect workers from COVID-19 exposure , said the state agency which oversees workplace safety .
Cal/OSHA issued the largest penalty against the Santa Rosa Police Department , where a 43-year-old detective died of the virus in late March .
State inspectors found that Gateway Care & Rehabilitation Center , where 31 employees contracted COVID-19 , exposed nurses and housekeeping workers to the virus and did not provide necessary personal protective equipment .
The Hayward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nineteen residents there have died , the most of any Alameda County nursing home .
In San Jose , Santa Clara Valley Medical Center was fined $ 7,910 total for violations at two of its facilities .
The center on South Bascom Avenue did not provide effective training on COVID-19 for its hospital workers , according to Cal/OSHA .
The North Jackson Avenue facility ’ s administration did not properly warn workers sent to two nursing homes of the risk of exposure to the virus , the state agency said .
Hospital workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients at Ridge Post-Acute and Canyon Springs Post-Acute .
For not training hospital workers sent in to help , Ridge Post-Acute was fined $ 15,400 and Canyon Springs $ 13,500 , although Ridge Post-Acute had fewer than 11 workers sickened with the virus .
At Canyon Springs , according to the state department of health , 43 employees came down with the virus , and 12 residents died .
In a statement , Canyon Springs ’ administration said it was reviewing the Cal/OSHA citation and remains “ vigilant in our fight against this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Center spokesperson reached late Tuesday did not provide a comment as of press time .
The Santa Rosa Police Department was fined $ 32,000 for failing to require screening of people exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms in March .
Detective Marylou Armer , 43 , died of acute respiratory distress syndrome and coronavirus on March 31 at Kaiser Hospital in Vallejo .
Santa Rosa police did not notify Cal/OSHA until two weeks after her death .
The police department also did not report “ multiple serious illnesses suffered by employees who contracted COVID-19 , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American Canyon , twice asked doctors for a coronavirus test but was denied .
She was cleared to take a test on March 23 , but by the time it came back positive her husband had taken her to the emergency room and she was intubated .
• SJSU football could be back next month as Mountain West eyes fall season • Inside the Raiders : Why Jon Gruden waited so long to say he had coronavirus • Doppio Zero pizzeria-restaurant opens in Concord , closes in Cupertino Cal/OSHA issued a fine of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CPMC Davies Campus in San Francisco for not ensuring health care workers in administrative medical offices and security guards in the emergency department wore respiratory protection .
“ In one incident , a suspect COVID-19 patient underwent a medical procedure in the operating room while medical staff did not have N95 masks or other proper protection , ” Cal/OSHA said in a statement .

Nursing homes in the South and East Bay — along with Santa Clara Valley Medical Center — have been issued fines for failing to protect workers from COVID-19 exposure, said the state agency which oversees workplace safety.
State inspectors found that Gateway Care & Rehabilitation Center, where 31 employees contracted COVID-19, exposed nurses and housekeeping workers to the virus and did not provide necessary personal protective equipment. The Hayward nursing home was fined $23,430. Nineteen residents there have died, the most of any Alameda County nursing home.
In San Jose, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center was fined $7,910 total for violations at two of its facilities: The center on South Bascom Avenue did not provide effective training on COVID-19 for its hospital workers, and the hospital administration at the North Jackson Avenue facility did not properly warn workers sent to two nursing homes of the risk of exposure to the virus, according to Cal/OSHA, exposing workers to suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients at Ridge Post-Acute and Canyon Springs Post-Acute.
For not training hospital workers sent in to help, Ridge Post-Acute was fined $15,400 and Canyon Springs was fined $13,500. At Ridge Post-Acute a total of 16 workers and 50 residents were sickened with the virus, the state agency said, and according to records from the county medical examiner, three residents who tested positive for COVID-19 had died as of the end of June. At Canyon Springs, 43 employees came down with the virus, and 12 residents have died, according to the state department of health.
In a statement, Canyon Springs’ administration said it was reviewing the Cal/OSHA citation and remains “vigilant in our fight against this pandemic.”
A Santa Clara Valley Medical Center spokesperson said hospital workers were “appropriately protected” while caring for nursing home residents.
“Early in the pandemic, when a nursing home in our community faced a severe staffing shortage following an outbreak of COVID-19, we sent staff to the facility to care for the elderly, vulnerable patients in the facility,” spokesperson Joy Alexiou said Tuesday. “We are reviewing a citation issued today by CalOSHA related to this emergency deployment of staff, and will take appropriate action following that review, such as a possible appeal.”
Among the Cal/OSHA fines issued Tuesday, the largest penalty was levied against the Santa Rosa Police Department, where a 43-year-old detective, Marylou Armer, died of acute respiratory distress syndrome and coronavirus in late March. Santa Rosa police did not notify Cal/OSHA until two weeks after Armer’s death, at Kaiser Hospital in Vallejo; the police department also did not report “multiple serious illnesses suffered by employees who contracted COVID-19,” according to Cal/OSHA.
The department was fined $32,000 for failing to require screening of people exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms.
“Workers in health care and public safety are at a higher risk of exposure to COVID-19, and employers must put in place measures to protect these essential personnel,” said Cal/OSHA Chief Doug Parker.
Armer, of American Canyon, twice asked doctors for a coronavirus test but was denied. She was cleared to take a test on March 23, but by the time it came back positive her husband had taken her to the emergency room, and she was intubated.
The city of Santa Rosa disputed Cal/OSHA’s findings and said the investigation centered on the month of March, when nine officers tested positive for the virus. At the time, SRPD was following available guidelines, and Sonoma County’s first health order was not issued until March 31, a city statement said.
“No Police Department manager had any knowledge that anyone — employee or member of the public — with whom its officers had contact with, was either infected with or had been confirmed as having COVID-19, or even suspected of such, prior to the first employee testing positive on March 23, 2020,” according to the statement. “The Police Department is unaware of any employee with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 who was not excluded from work and/or who was permitted to return to work without a medical clearance.”
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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 Cal/OSHA also issued a fine of $15,000 Tuesday to Sutter Bay Hospitals’ CPMC Davies Campus in San Francisco for not ensuring that health care workers in administrative medical offices and security guards in the emergency department wore respiratory protection.
“In one incident, a suspect COVID-19 patient underwent a medical procedure in the operating room while medical staff did not have N95 masks or other proper protection,” Cal/OSHA said in a statement.
Note: An earlier version of this story incorrected reported that Santa Clara County had not yet released the findings of an investigation opened following a whistleblower complaint about workplace conditions at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. The county released the findings in August.


mercurynews--2020-09-23--Contra Costa extends rent increase, eviction moratorium for tenants

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY — Renters in the county will have a few more months of protection from certain evictions and rent increases after the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted unanimously to extend a temporary ordinance prohibiting them until the end of January 2021 .
The ordinance , which will be in effect until January 31 , prohibits landlords from increasing residential rents and specifies that landlords can not end a residential tenancy unless the renters have broken the terms of their contract — with a few exceptions .
Property owners can terminate a tenancy in the next few months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s necessary to protect the owner or other tenants ’ health and safety , if an owner or owner ’ s immediate family intends to live in the rental property , or if the landlord is removing the rental unit from the market under the terms of the Ellis Act .
The emergency ordinance also bars landlords from kicking out tenants on the basis that the renter allowed an “ unauthorized ” occupant to live there , as long as the person is an immeidate family member — children , spouses or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or grandparents — living there because of COVID-19 .
Because state law prohibits local governments from regulating rent on units built after 1995 , single-family homes , individually owned condominiums and townhouses , the moratorium on rent increases do not apply to those types of housing .
The continued protections will not extend to small businesses , however .
While the county ’ s previously passed ordinance suspended the evictions of small businesses who could not pay rent due to COVID-19 economic fallout , the authority to do so by the state under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Sept. 30 .
“ We received no indication that he is going to extend it , ” Contra Costa County ’ s Chief Assistant Counsel Mary Ann Mason told the supervisors of the governo ’ rs plan .
“ We do not see legal authority to extend eviction protections any further for small businesses.
” She noted that if a state order allowing the county to revive that protection was renewed , the county ’ s attorneys would return to the board to revisit the issue .
Small businesses do have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pay back rent they were unable to pay because of the pandemic .
While renters and tenant advocates have expressed support for the county ’ s ordinance , they are urging the county to go further in protecting renters as the fallout from the pandemic continues .
The current ordinance has too many loopholes for tenants to be at risk of eviction , they say .
Mason addressed that during the meeting in saying that supervisors could consider an amendment that would protect renters from what she calls “ curable ” violations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as “ refusal to let an owner enter , refusal to renew a lease , refusal to leave after ending a lease , unpermitted sublet.
” While they would technically be a breach of a rental contract , such violations are more fixable and not in the same category as , for instance , operating a home-based meth lab , Mason pointed out .
At Supervisor John Gioia ’ s request , Mason promised to bring back an amendment to address those issues .
It may be difficult to get approval from Supervisors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expressed concern for landlords .
“ I ’ m hearing form landlords who really feel strangled by this , ” Andersen said .
The next supervisor ’ s meeting is scheduled for Oct. 13 .

Residential tenants in Contra Costa County will be protected for at least a few more months from rent hikes and certain evictions during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Board of Supervisors unanimously voted Tuesday to extend through Jan. 31 a temporary ordinance that prohibits landlords across the county from raising residential rents or evicting tenants with few exceptions or unless they breach the terms of their contract.
The ordinance allows evictions only to protect the landlord or other tenants’ health and safety, if the landlord or immediate family members intend to live in the rental property or if the landlord is removing the rental unit from the market under terms of the Ellis Act.
The emergency ordinance also bars landlords from kicking out tenants for allowing an “unauthorized” family member such as a child, spouse, domestic partner, grandchild, parent or grandparent from living there because of COVID-19.
The ordinance doesn’t apply to single-family homes, individually owned condominiums and townhouses.
Meanwhile, the continued protections will not extend to small businesses. Although the county previously suspended evictions of small businesses that could not pay rent because of stay-home orders, it won’t be able to after this month because the governor’s order allowing it expires on Sept. 30.
“We received no indication that he is going to extend it,” Contra Costa County Chief Assistant Counsel Mary Ann Mason told the supervisors.
Small businesses have a grace period until Jan. 31, 2021 to pay back rent they couldn’t afford because of the pandemic.
Though supportive of the ordinance, renters and tenant advocates are urging the county to do more to protect renters from eviction as the pandemic’s fallout continues.
Mason suggested supervisors could amend the ordinance to protect renters from “curable” violations of a lease, such as refusing to let a landlord enter a unit.
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At Supervisor John Gioia’s request, Mason promised to return with a proposed amendment to address those issues. But supervisors Candace Andersen and Karen Mitchoff expressed concern for landlords too.
“I’m hearing form landlords who really feel strangled by this,” Andersen said.
The next supervisors meeting is scheduled for Oct. 13.


mercurynews--2020-09-23--Cindy McCain endorses Biden for president in snub to Trump

PHOENIX — Cindy McCain endorsed Democrat Joe Biden for president Tuesday in a rebuke of President Donald Trump by the widow of the GOP ’ s 2008 nominee .
Trump has had a fraught relationship with members of John McCain ’ s family since he disparaged the Arizona senator during his 2016 campaign .
But the McCains have until now stopped short of endorsing Trump ’ s rivals .
Cindy McCain cited the decadeslong friendship between her family and Biden ’ s and their bond as the parents of children serving in the military .
“ He supports the troops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who has served , ” McCain said in a phone interview .
“ Not only to love someone who has served , but understands what it means to send a child into combat .
We ’ ve been great friends for many years , but we have a common thread in that we are Blue Star families.
” McCain ’ s backing could help Biden appeal to Republicans disaffected with the GOP president and give the former vice president a boost in Arizona , a crucial swing state that McCain represented in Congress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remained a revered figure since his 2018 death from complications of a brain tumor , particularly with the independent voters whom Biden is courting .
“ I decided to take a stand , and hopefully other people will see the same thing .
Other women particularly , ” McCain said .
“ You may have to step out of your comfort zone a little bit , but Biden is by far the best candidate in the race.
” McCain said she hasn ’ t voted for a Democrat since she was 18 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She remains a registered Republican and has no plans to change , she said .
Biden told donors on Tuesday evening that McCain ’ s endorsement was coming “ because of what ( Trump ) talks about how my son and John and others who are heroes , who served their country .
You know , he said they ’ re ‘ losers , suckers . '
” Biden was referring to comments Trump reportedly made mocking the American war dead .
Trump has denied making the remarks , first reported through anonymous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the comments were later confirmed by The Associated Press .
Cindy McCain had not initially been expected to offer an explicit endorsement of Biden , but she had already gone to bat for his presidential run .
She lent her voice to a video that aired during the Democratic National Convention and was focused on Biden ’ s close friendship with her late husband .
John McCain was assigned to be a military aide for Biden , then a senator , during an overseas trip , and their families formed an enduring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the McCains to each other .
They later shared a grim bond over glioblastoma , an aggressive cancer that killed Biden ’ s son Beau three years before McCain succumbed to the same disease .
John McCain said in 2016 that he couldn ’ t support Trump or Democrat Hillary Clinton in 2016 , citing Trump ’ s demeaning comments about women .
“ It ’ s not pleasant for me to renounce the nominee of my party , ” McCain said during a debate as he sought his sixth term in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fair and square.
” A Navy pilot , John McCain was shot down over North Vietnam in 1967 .
He was captured , beaten and held prisoner for more than five years , refusing to be released ahead of other American servicemembers .
During his 2016 campaign , Trump said of McCain , “ He ’ s not a war hero .
He was a war hero because he was captured .
I like people who weren ’ t captured.
” McCain later angered Trump with his dramatic thumbs-down vote against repealing Obama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McCains ’ daughter Meghan McCain has been outspoken about the pain she feels when the president disparages her father .
Biden consoled Meghan McCain on an appearance on “ The View ” after her father was diagnosed with the cancer that eventually took his life .
She has said Biden often reaches out to her to offer support , after losing his own son Beau to the same cancer in 2015 .

By Jonathan J. Cooper | Associated Press
PHOENIX — Cindy McCain endorsed Democrat Joe Biden for president Tuesday in a rebuke of President Donald Trump by the widow of the GOP’s 2008 nominee.
Trump has had a fraught relationship with members of John McCain’s family since he disparaged the Arizona senator during his 2016 campaign. But the McCains have until now stopped short of endorsing Trump’s rivals.
Cindy McCain cited the decadeslong friendship between her family and Biden’s and their bond as the parents of children serving in the military.
My husband John lived by a code: country first. We are Republicans, yes, but Americans foremost. There's only one candidate in this race who stands up for our values as a nation, and that is @JoeBiden. — Cindy McCain (@cindymccain) September 22, 2020
“He supports the troops and knows what it means for someone who has served,” McCain said in a phone interview. “Not only to love someone who has served, but understands what it means to send a child into combat. We’ve been great friends for many years, but we have a common thread in that we are Blue Star families.”
McCain’s backing could help Biden appeal to Republicans disaffected with the GOP president and give the former vice president a boost in Arizona, a crucial swing state that McCain represented in Congress for 35 years. He’s remained a revered figure since his 2018 death from complications of a brain tumor, particularly with the independent voters whom Biden is courting.
“I decided to take a stand, and hopefully other people will see the same thing. Other women particularly,” McCain said. “You may have to step out of your comfort zone a little bit, but Biden is by far the best candidate in the race.”
McCain said she hasn’t voted for a Democrat since she was 18 and followed the lead of her parents. She remains a registered Republican and has no plans to change, she said.
Biden told donors on Tuesday evening that McCain’s endorsement was coming “because of what (Trump) talks about how my son and John and others who are heroes, who served their country. You know, he said they’re ‘losers, suckers.'”
Biden was referring to comments Trump reportedly made mocking the American war dead. Trump has denied making the remarks, first reported through anonymous sources by The Atlantic, but many of the comments were later confirmed by The Associated Press.
Cindy McCain had not initially been expected to offer an explicit endorsement of Biden, but she had already gone to bat for his presidential run. She lent her voice to a video that aired during the Democratic National Convention and was focused on Biden’s close friendship with her late husband.
John McCain was assigned to be a military aide for Biden, then a senator, during an overseas trip, and their families formed an enduring friendship. Biden and his wife introduced the McCains to each other.
They later shared a grim bond over glioblastoma, an aggressive cancer that killed Biden’s son Beau three years before McCain succumbed to the same disease.
John McCain said in 2016 that he couldn’t support Trump or Democrat Hillary Clinton in 2016, citing Trump’s demeaning comments about women.
“It’s not pleasant for me to renounce the nominee of my party,” McCain said during a debate as he sought his sixth term in the Senate. “He won the nomination fair and square.”
A Navy pilot, John McCain was shot down over North Vietnam in 1967. He was captured, beaten and held prisoner for more than five years, refusing to be released ahead of other American servicemembers.
During his 2016 campaign, Trump said of McCain, “He’s not a war hero. He was a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren’t captured.” McCain later angered Trump with his dramatic thumbs-down vote against repealing Obama’s health care law.
The McCains’ daughter Meghan McCain has been outspoken about the pain she feels when the president disparages her father. Biden consoled Meghan McCain on an appearance on “The View” after her father was diagnosed with the cancer that eventually took his life. She has said Biden often reaches out to her to offer support, after losing his own son Beau to the same cancer in 2015.
Trump wasn’t invited to John McCain’s funeral.


mercurynews--2020-09-22--Sequoia Union superintendent resigns under cloud of controversy

BELMONT — Sequoia Union High School District Superintendent Mary Streshly has stepped down , tendering her resignation several weeks after receiving a no-confidence vote from teachers and amid an investigation of a high school official accused of having inappropriate relationships with former male students .
District spokeswoman Ana Maria Pulido wrote in a news release that Streshly announced her resignation last week to “ fulfill critical care responsibilities with her family.
” Assistant Superintendent Crystal Leach will serve as interim superintendent until the school board finds a permanent replacement .
School board president Allen Weiner said in an email statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe this transition is in their respective best interests as well as the best interest of our educational community.
” She joined the Sequoia Union High School District in 2017 and has 28 years of experience in public education , including 15 in administrative leadership and 13 in classroom teaching .
She is a graduate of the University of California , Berkeley .
Streshly has been been mired in disputes with the Sequoia District Teachers Association , including over what the union says was a botched transition to distance learning after classrooms were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic .
The union announced a no-confidence vote against Streshly Aug. 3 after a group of district administrators sent a letter to the school board saying she should be removed from her position .
“ Dr .
Streshly ’ s inability to make decisions , communicate plans , or articulate a coherent vision has resulted in frustration and exhaustion at all levels of certificated management , ” the letter reads .
“ These ongoing issues are not new , but have been exacerbated by the pandemic crisis such that our ability to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and staff is jeopardized.
” A source close to the district ’ s administration had told this news organization earlier this month Streshly had advised the school board in executive session she was moving to fire Carlmont High School Vice Principal of Instruction Jennifer Cho , who is being investigated for alleged flirtatious and improper behavior with former students .
The school board subsequently held two closed sessions related to Streshly ’ s performance evaluation .
Cho was placed on leave pending an investigation triggered by a Change.org petition published in May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with some students .
She was previously investigated over similar allegations in 2017 and cleared , although some of her interactions with students were deemed inappropriate .
San Mateo County Chief Deputy Counsel Claire Cunningham said during an interview Monday she is finishing her investigation into Cho ’ s conduct on behalf of the district .
She said Streshly ’ s departure will have no bearing on her investigation and she is still set to present a report to the school board once she is finished .
School board president Weiner said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that under those circumstances , “ it would not be appropriate for me to say anything further about the matter.
” In a followup email Tuesday , he disputed the assertion of a district administration source that Streshly had recommended in a Sept. 2 closed session that the board consider firing Cho .
When asked whether she would pursue her predecessor ’ s course in terminating Cho , Leach said in an email that her position as interim superintendent “ is very recent ” and she will be “ reviewing current matters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information to share regarding personnel matters at this time.
” Asked about Cho ’ s current work status and whether she is still on leave , Assistant superintendent for Human Resources Jacqueline McEvoy said in an email that she is not authorized to answer questions regarding the Cho investigation .
Despite Streshly ’ s resignation , teachers association president Edith Salvatore said in an interview Tuesday the action is bittersweet .
“ I wouldn ’ t call it a victory because I think it ’ s not ever a thing to celebrate when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make a change , ” Salvatore said .
“ We are pleased that the board of trustees took our concern seriously , that they respected the opinions of the people who are working with students in class and in other ways that would provide support for students and I ’ m optimistic we ’ ll be able to more forward from this together with the district .
”

BELMONT — Sequoia Union High School District Superintendent Mary Streshly has stepped down, tendering her resignation several weeks after receiving a no-confidence vote from teachers and amid an investigation of a high school official accused of having inappropriate relationships with former male students.
District spokeswoman Ana Maria Pulido wrote in a news release that Streshly announced her resignation last week to “fulfill critical care responsibilities with her family.” Assistant Superintendent Crystal Leach will serve as interim superintendent until the school board finds a permanent replacement.
School board president Allen Weiner said in an email statement Monday that the board and Streshly “believe this transition is in their respective best interests as well as the best interest of our educational community.”
Streshly was unavailable for comment.
She joined the Sequoia Union High School District in 2017 and has 28 years of experience in public education, including 15 in administrative leadership and 13 in classroom teaching. She is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley.
Streshly has been been mired in disputes with the Sequoia District Teachers Association, including over what the union says was a botched transition to distance learning after classrooms were closed six months ago because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The union announced a no-confidence vote against Streshly Aug. 3 after a group of district administrators sent a letter to the school board saying she should be removed from her position.
“Dr. Streshly’s inability to make decisions, communicate plans, or articulate a coherent vision has resulted in frustration and exhaustion at all levels of certificated management,” the letter reads. “These ongoing issues are not new, but have been exacerbated by the pandemic crisis such that our ability to meet the needs of students, families, and staff is jeopardized.”
A source close to the district’s administration had told this news organization earlier this month Streshly had advised the school board in executive session she was moving to fire Carlmont High School Vice Principal of Instruction Jennifer Cho, who is being investigated for alleged flirtatious and improper behavior with former students.
The school board subsequently held two closed sessions related to Streshly’s performance evaluation.
Cho was placed on leave pending an investigation triggered by a Change.org petition published in May that accused her of having sexual relations with some students. She was previously investigated over similar allegations in 2017 and cleared, although some of her interactions with students were deemed inappropriate.
San Mateo County Chief Deputy Counsel Claire Cunningham said during an interview Monday she is finishing her investigation into Cho’s conduct on behalf of the district. She said Streshly’s departure will have no bearing on her investigation and she is still set to present a report to the school board once she is finished.
School board president Weiner said the investigation “is not yet completed” and that under those circumstances, “it would not be appropriate for me to say anything further about the matter.”
In a followup email Tuesday, he disputed the assertion of a district administration source that Streshly had recommended in a Sept. 2 closed session that the board consider firing Cho.
When asked whether she would pursue her predecessor’s course in terminating Cho, Leach said in an email that her position as interim superintendent “is very recent” and she will be “reviewing current matters, but I do not have any information to share regarding personnel matters at this time.”
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America’s educational culture wars hit Bay Area school district Education | Taliban have no plans to lift ban on female education Asked about Cho’s current work status and whether she is still on leave, Assistant superintendent for Human Resources Jacqueline McEvoy said in an email that she is not authorized to answer questions regarding the Cho investigation.
Despite Streshly’s resignation, teachers association president Edith Salvatore said in an interview Tuesday the action is bittersweet.
“I wouldn’t call it a victory because I think it’s not ever a thing to celebrate when someone has been unsuccessful and has to make a change,” Salvatore said. “We are pleased that the board of trustees took our concern seriously, that they respected the opinions of the people who are working with students in class and in other ways that would provide support for students and I’m optimistic we’ll be able to more forward from this together with the district.”


mercurynews--2020-09-22--House passes stopgap funding bill, averting shutdown

WASHINGTON — In a sweeping bipartisan vote that takes a government shutdown off the table , the House passed a temporary government-wide funding bill Tuesday night , shortly after President Donald Trump prevailed in a behind-the-scenes fight over his farm bailout .
The stopgap measure will keep federal agencies fully up and running into December , giving lame-duck lawmakers time to digest the election and decide whether to pass the annual government funding bills by then or kick them to the next administration .
The budget year ends Sept. 30 .
The 359-57 vote came after considerable behind-the-scenes battling over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the administration continued immediate authority to dole out Agriculture Department subsidies in the run-up to Election Day .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , retreated from an initial draft that sparked a furor with Republicans and farm-state Democrats .
Instead , in talks Tuesday , Pelosi restored a farm aid funding patch sought by the administration , which has sparked the ire of Democrats who said it plays political favorites as it gives out bailout money to farmers and ranchers .
In return , Pelosi won COVID-related food aid for the poor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families whose children are unable to receive free or reduced lunches because schools are closed over the coronavirus .
Another add-on would permit states to remove hurdles to food stamps and nutrition aid to low-income mothers that are more difficult to clear during the pandemic .
The deal permitted the measure to speed through the House after a swift debate that should ensure smooth sailing in the GOP-held Senate before next Wednesday ’ s deadline .
There ’ s no appetite on either side for a government shutdown .
On Monday , Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that did not contain the farm bailout provision , enraging Republicans and putting passage of the measure in doubt .
It became apparent that Pelosi did not have the votes to pass it — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , dismissed it as a “ rough draft ” — and negotiations continued .
Democrats complain that the Trump administration has favored southern states such as Georgia — a key swing state and home of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue — and larger producers in distributing bailout funds .
Farmers are suffering from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ higher tariffs imposed by Trump .
Trump announced a new $ 13 billion allotment of bailout funding at a political rally in Wisconsin last week .
“ The Trump Administration has proven they can not be trusted to distribute payments fairly , ” said Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan , top Democrat on the Agriculture Committee .
She added that the Agriculture Department doesn ’ t need the authority to meet farm bill obligations and will get the money in November anyway .
But other Democrats , including endangered House incumbents in states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the farm aid .
“ Now is not the time to be playing politics with aid to farmers or the assistance needed to save our families and local economies from economic disaster , ” said freshman Rep. Abby Finkenauer , D-Iowa .
The measure is the bare minimum accomplishment for Capitol Hill ’ s powerful Appropriations committees , who pride themselves on their deal-making abilities despite gridlock in other corners of Congress .
It came after bipartisan negotiations on a huge COVID-19 relief package imploded and appear unlikely to be rekindled — especially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ruth Bader Ginsburg has upended U.S. politics .
“ We need to keep the government open but we also need additional COVID relief for the American people , ” said Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz , D-Fla .
The legislation — called a continuing resolution , or CR , in Washington-speak — would keep every federal agency running at current funding levels through Dec. 11 , which will keep the government afloat past an election that could reshuffle Washington ’ s balance of power .
The measure also extends many programs whose funding or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the federal flood insurance program , highway and transit programs , and a long set of extensions of various health programs , such as a provision to prevent Medicaid cuts to hospitals that serve many poor people .
It also finances the possible transition to a new administration if Joe Biden wins the White House and would stave off an unwelcome COVID-caused increase in Medicare Part B premiums for outpatient doctor visits .
The underlying stopgap measure deals with the 30 % of the federal government ’ s day-to-day budget that goes to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
The annual appropriations process broke down in the Senate this year and it ’ s unclear but probably unlikely that the $ 1.3 trillion in agency spending bills will be enacted this year , even in a post-election lame duck session , especially if Biden is elected to replace Trump .
In the past , both Democrats and Republicans have sought to use government funding deadlines and must-past temporary funding bills as leverage to try to win concessions elsewhere on Washington ’ s agenda .
Such efforts invariably fail .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talk of expanding SCOTUS Republicans in 2013 used it in a failed attempt to prevent implementation of the so-called Obamacare health law , and Senate Democrats returned the favor in 2018 in a futile effort to force debate on permitting immigrants brought into the country illegally as children to remain in the U.S .

By Andrew Taylor | Associated Press
WASHINGTON — In a sweeping bipartisan vote that takes a government shutdown off the table, the House passed a temporary government-wide funding bill Tuesday night, shortly after President Donald Trump prevailed in a behind-the-scenes fight over his farm bailout.
The stopgap measure will keep federal agencies fully up and running into December, giving lame-duck lawmakers time to digest the election and decide whether to pass the annual government funding bills by then or kick them to the next administration. The budget year ends Sept. 30.
The 359-57 vote came after considerable behind-the-scenes battling over proposed add-ons. The final agreement gives the administration continued immediate authority to dole out Agriculture Department subsidies in the run-up to Election Day. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., retreated from an initial draft that sparked a furor with Republicans and farm-state Democrats.
Instead, in talks Tuesday, Pelosi restored a farm aid funding patch sought by the administration, which has sparked the ire of Democrats who said it plays political favorites as it gives out bailout money to farmers and ranchers.
In return, Pelosi won COVID-related food aid for the poor, including a higher food benefit for families whose children are unable to receive free or reduced lunches because schools are closed over the coronavirus. Another add-on would permit states to remove hurdles to food stamps and nutrition aid to low-income mothers that are more difficult to clear during the pandemic.
The deal permitted the measure to speed through the House after a swift debate that should ensure smooth sailing in the GOP-held Senate before next Wednesday’s deadline. There’s no appetite on either side for a government shutdown.
On Monday, Democrats released a version of the stopgap measure that did not contain the farm bailout provision, enraging Republicans and putting passage of the measure in doubt. It became apparent that Pelosi did not have the votes to pass it — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., dismissed it as a “rough draft” — and negotiations continued.
Democrats complain that the Trump administration has favored southern states such as Georgia — a key swing state and home of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue — and larger producers in distributing bailout funds. Farmers are suffering from low commodity prices and the effects of higher tariffs imposed by Trump. Trump announced a new $13 billion allotment of bailout funding at a political rally in Wisconsin last week.
“The Trump Administration has proven they cannot be trusted to distribute payments fairly,” said Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, top Democrat on the Agriculture Committee. She added that the Agriculture Department doesn’t need the authority to meet farm bill obligations and will get the money in November anyway. But other Democrats, including endangered House incumbents in states like Iowa and Minnesota, pressed for the farm aid.
“Now is not the time to be playing politics with aid to farmers or the assistance needed to save our families and local economies from economic disaster,” said freshman Rep. Abby Finkenauer, D-Iowa.
The measure is the bare minimum accomplishment for Capitol Hill’s powerful Appropriations committees, who pride themselves on their deal-making abilities despite gridlock in other corners of Congress. It came after bipartisan negotiations on a huge COVID-19 relief package imploded and appear unlikely to be rekindled — especially since the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has upended U.S. politics.
“We need to keep the government open but we also need additional COVID relief for the American people,” said Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla.
The legislation — called a continuing resolution, or CR, in Washington-speak — would keep every federal agency running at current funding levels through Dec. 11, which will keep the government afloat past an election that could reshuffle Washington’s balance of power.
The measure also extends many programs whose funding or authorizations lapse on Sept. 30, including the federal flood insurance program, highway and transit programs, and a long set of extensions of various health programs, such as a provision to prevent Medicaid cuts to hospitals that serve many poor people.
It also finances the possible transition to a new administration if Joe Biden wins the White House and would stave off an unwelcome COVID-caused increase in Medicare Part B premiums for outpatient doctor visits.
The underlying stopgap measure deals with the 30% of the federal government’s day-to-day budget that goes to Cabinet agency operations funded by Congress each year. The annual appropriations process broke down in the Senate this year and it’s unclear but probably unlikely that the $1.3 trillion in agency spending bills will be enacted this year, even in a post-election lame duck session, especially if Biden is elected to replace Trump.
In the past, both Democrats and Republicans have sought to use government funding deadlines and must-past temporary funding bills as leverage to try to win concessions elsewhere on Washington’s agenda. Such efforts invariably fail.
Republicans in 2013 used it in a failed attempt to prevent implementation of the so-called Obamacare health law, and Senate Democrats returned the favor in 2018 in a futile effort to force debate on permitting immigrants brought into the country illegally as children to remain in the U.S.
Pelosi studiously avoided such a confrontation this time.


mercurynews--2020-09-22--Antioch man gets 33 months for possessing AR-15-style rifle loaded with armor-piercing bullets

OAKLAND — A 22-year-old Antioch man was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison , followed by three years of supervised release , related to an arrest last year where he was found with a loaded assault rifle .
Jerry A. Beltram was arrested by Antioch police in March 2019 , after officers spotted him in a black Mercedes C320 with no license plates at Gloucester Court in Antioch .
When they tried to stop the car , it sped away .
A short distance later , Beltram allegedly jumped out of the car and began to run , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eventually tracked down and arrested Beltram , they found an “ AR-15-style rifle ” loaded with 96 armor-piercing rounds , prosecutors said .
Beltram ’ s federal public defender wrote in a sentencing memo that Beltram had a tumultuous upbringing , which included both parents getting in legal trouble .
He spent time in juvenile hall as a youth , but connected with a local reverend and ended up acquiring a high school degree and attending college courses .
He hopes to attend counseling while in federal prison , his attorney said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s relationship with his parents was worse than just neglect — they were role models for criminal behavior — he saw his parents using and dealing drugs , fleeing from the police , and being repeatedly incarcerated , ” his attorney wrote in a sentencing memo .
Beltram was 20 when he was arrested in this case .
• First Biden-Trump debate will focus on courts , COVID and race Prosecutors agreed that Beltram had a difficult and “ sympathetic ” upbringing , but wrote that he should take this case as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that in the months before his arrest , he was a suspect in police chases in Oakland and Richmond .
“ The defendant ’ s conduct must change , or he will continue to put the public at unacceptable risk , ” prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memo .
“ The rifle he possessed in this case is similar to a weapon of war .
There can be no justification for a convicted felon carrying in public a semi-automatic rifle loaded with nearly 100 rounds of armor piercing ammunition .
”

OAKLAND — A 22-year-old Antioch man was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, related to an arrest last year where he was found with a loaded assault rifle.
Jerry A. Beltram was arrested by Antioch police in March 2019, after officers spotted him in a black Mercedes C320 with no license plates at Gloucester Court in Antioch. When they tried to stop the car, it sped away. A short distance later, Beltram allegedly jumped out of the car and began to run, according to the criminal complaint.
When officers eventually tracked down and arrested Beltram, they found an “AR-15-style rifle” loaded with 96 armor-piercing rounds, prosecutors said.
Beltram’s federal public defender wrote in a sentencing memo that Beltram had a tumultuous upbringing, which included both parents getting in legal trouble. He spent time in juvenile hall as a youth, but connected with a local reverend and ended up acquiring a high school degree and attending college courses. He hopes to attend counseling while in federal prison, his attorney said.
“In sum, Mr. Beltram’s relationship with his parents was worse than just neglect — they were role models for criminal behavior — he saw his parents using and dealing drugs, fleeing from the police, and being repeatedly incarcerated,” his attorney wrote in a sentencing memo. Beltram was 20 when he was arrested in this case.
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Family of boy fatally shot in Minnesota mourns not only his loss, but arrest of 14-year-old brother Crime and Public Safety | Rapper Tory Lanez gets 10 years for shooting Megan Thee Stallion Prosecutors agreed that Beltram had a difficult and “sympathetic” upbringing, but wrote that he should take this case as a wake-up call. The criminal complaint alleges that in the months before his arrest, he was a suspect in police chases in Oakland and Richmond.
“The defendant’s conduct must change, or he will continue to put the public at unacceptable risk,” prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memo. “The rifle he possessed in this case is similar to a weapon of war. There can be no justification for a convicted felon carrying in public a semi-automatic rifle loaded with nearly 100 rounds of armor piercing ammunition.”


mercurynews--2020-09-22--Bay Area teacher admitted to ‘sexual attraction’ to boys years before he lost job, and was indicted

Bay Area teacher admitted to ‘sexual attraction’ to boys years before he lost job, and was indicted for alleged sex tourism in Vietnam, feds say

SAN FRANCISCO — In 2016 , a then-Bay Area substitute teacher admitted to federal authorities that he was sexually attracted to “ young Asian boys ” right after returning from a trip to Vietnam , but remained employed for more than two years , federal prosecutors alleged in court records as part of a sex tourism case against him .
Paul Bodner , 64 , was indicted last January on sex tourism charges , which carry a maximum of 30 years .
Eight months later , he remains in Santa Rita Jail in Dublin , his case still in limbo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to plead guilty to at least one of the charges in exchange for an unspecified federal prison term , but rejected the federal government ’ s plea offer , court record show .
That means Bodner ’ s case will either head to trial — likely sometime in 2021 — or that prosecutors will return to the negotiation table with Bodner ’ s lawyer .
It is unclear whether federal authorities tipped off SFUSD to the active investigation in 2016 .
A spokesman for the school district did not immediately return requests for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Francisco Examiner that his employment ended in March 2019 .
Prosecutors allege that since at least 2010 , Bodner made numerous trips to Vietnam in which he sexually abused boys as young as 11 or 12 , paying them around $ 22 to engage in “ illicit sexual conduct.
” In an April motion to keep Bodner in custody , federal prosecutors detailed the allegations against him for the first time , accusing him of not only engaging in widespread sex tourism but attempting to forge documents to cover his tracks .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported — include several suspicious incidents that came about during the course of Bodner ’ s teaching job .
Bodner got a job with the San Francisco Unified School District in 1985 , left around 1989 when he moved to Japan , and was re-hired as a substitute teacher in 1999 .
In the 80s , Bodner allegedly admitted to federal authorities in a 2016 interview , he befriended a number of students .
He told authorities “ their relationship was non-sexual , and that he felt that they would have rejected his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the April motion .
The incident was the first in a string of red flags involving Bodner , including one in the early 2000s where he was “ counseled ” by a principal after a student alleged Bodner had “ an inappropriate relationship with her brother , ” whose age isn ’ t specified in court records , prosecutors said .
In 2004 , San Francisco police officers located a video depicting Bodner “ performing sexual acts on Asian males of a questionable age , and another video of Asian children , aged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a playground , ” prosecutors said .
No charges were filed against Bodner and he continued teaching .
In 2016 , U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents searched Bodner ’ s luggage as he returned from a trip to Vietnam .
They allegedly found “ pictures of partially clothed young boys , condoms , and a diary containing locations of what appeared to be children ’ s playgrounds , ” prosecutors said .
He agreed to be interviewed by CBP in December of that year , prosecutors said .
“ He admitted , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sexual attraction to young Asian boys just like when he taught at public schools , but denied that he engaged in any sexual contact with them prior to any of the boys being 18 years old , ” prosecutors wrote , adding that Bodner asked whether he ’ d be prosecuted if , hypothetically , he had engaged in sex acts with boys overseas .
The next month , Bodner allegedly began contacting alleged victims in Vietnam via social media .
In one message , he allegedly wrote : “ Soon I will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard to realize I did not have sexual relationships with anyone before they were 18… When I know they give me my phone back , I can give out a lot of money to celebrate.
” Even after becoming aware of the investigation , Bodner continued to travel to Vietnam in 2018 and 2019 , and wired thousands of dollars to alleged victims overseas , prosecutors say .
In the interview , Bodner told federal agents he paid boys because he felt sorry for them , not because he was interested in buying @ @ @ @ @ @

SAN FRANCISCO — In 2016, a then-Bay Area substitute teacher admitted to federal authorities that he was sexually attracted to “young Asian boys” right after returning from a trip to Vietnam, but remained employed for more than two years, federal prosecutors alleged in court records as part of a sex tourism case against him.
Paul Bodner, 64, was indicted last January on sex tourism charges, which carry a maximum of 30 years. Eight months later, he remains in Santa Rita Jail in Dublin, his case still in limbo.
Last week, Bodner was expected to plead guilty to at least one of the charges in exchange for an unspecified federal prison term, but rejected the federal government’s plea offer, court record show. That means Bodner’s case will either head to trial — likely sometime in 2021 — or that prosecutors will return to the negotiation table with Bodner’s lawyer.
It is unclear whether federal authorities tipped off SFUSD to the active investigation in 2016. A spokesman for the school district did not immediately return requests for comment. District officials told the San Francisco Examiner that his employment ended in March 2019.
Prosecutors allege that since at least 2010, Bodner made numerous trips to Vietnam in which he sexually abused boys as young as 11 or 12, paying them around $22 to engage in “illicit sexual conduct.” In an April motion to keep Bodner in custody, federal prosecutors detailed the allegations against him for the first time, accusing him of not only engaging in widespread sex tourism but attempting to forge documents to cover his tracks.
The allegations — which have not been previously reported — include several suspicious incidents that came about during the course of Bodner’s teaching job. Bodner got a job with the San Francisco Unified School District in 1985, left around 1989 when he moved to Japan, and was re-hired as a substitute teacher in 1999.
In the 80s, Bodner allegedly admitted to federal authorities in a 2016 interview, he befriended a number of students. He told authorities “their relationship was non-sexual, and that he felt that they would have rejected his sexual advances,” prosecutors wrote in the April motion.
The incident was the first in a string of red flags involving Bodner, including one in the early 2000s where he was “counseled” by a principal after a student alleged Bodner had “an inappropriate relationship with her brother,” whose age isn’t specified in court records, prosecutors said.
In 2004, San Francisco police officers located a video depicting Bodner “performing sexual acts on Asian males of a questionable age, and another video of Asian children, aged 5 to 10 years old, on a playground,” prosecutors said. No charges were filed against Bodner and he continued teaching.
In 2016, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents searched Bodner’s luggage as he returned from a trip to Vietnam. They allegedly found “pictures of partially clothed young boys, condoms, and a diary containing locations of what appeared to be children’s playgrounds,” prosecutors said. He agreed to be interviewed by CBP in December of that year, prosecutors said.
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The next month, Bodner allegedly began contacting alleged victims in Vietnam via social media. In one message, he allegedly wrote: “Soon I will ask our friends to pray and pray hard to realize I did not have sexual relationships with anyone before they were 18… When I know they give me my phone back, I can give out a lot of money to celebrate.”
Even after becoming aware of the investigation, Bodner continued to travel to Vietnam in 2018 and 2019, and wired thousands of dollars to alleged victims overseas, prosecutors say. In the interview, Bodner told federal agents he paid boys because he felt sorry for them, not because he was interested in buying sex, the motion says.