mercurynews--2020-05-13--‘No intubation’: Should you change your living will because of coronavirus treatment option?

DENVER ― Last month , Minna Buck revised a document specifying her wishes should she become critically ill. “ No intubation , ” she wrote in large letters on the form , making sure to include the date and her initials .
Buck , 91 , had been following the news about COVID-19 .
She knew her chances of surviving a serious bout of the illness were slim .
And she wanted to make sure she wouldn ’ t be put on a ventilator under any circumstances .
“ I don ’ t want to put everybody through the anguish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a continuing care retirement community in Denver .
For older adults contemplating what might happen to them during this pandemic , ventilators are a fraught symbol , representing a terrifying lack of personal control as well as the fearsome power of technology .
Used for people with respiratory failure , a signature consequence of severe COVID-19 , these machines pump oxygen into a patient ’ s body while he or she lies in bed , typically sedated , with a breathing tube snaked down the windpipe ( known as “ intubation ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is their greatest fear : being hooked to a machine , helpless , with the end of life looming .
For others , there is hope that the machine might pull them back from the brink , giving them another shot at life .
“ I ’ m a very vital person : I ’ m very active and busy , ” said Cecile Cohan , 85 , who has no diagnosed medical conditions and lives independently in a house in Denver .
If she became critically ill with COVID-19 but had the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she said , “ yes , I would try a ventilator.
” Although several reports have come out of China , Italy and , most recently , the area around New York City , “ the data is really scanty , ” said Dr. Carolyn Calfee , a professor of anesthesia at the University of California-San Francisco .
Initial reports suggested that the survival rate for patients on respirators ranged from 14 % ( Wuhan , China ) to 34 % ( early data from the United Kingdom ) .
A report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more discouraging , with survival listed at only 11.9 % .
But the New York data incorporated only patients who died or were discharged from hospitals — a minority of a larger sample .
Most ventilator patients were still in the hospital , receiving treatment , making it impossible for researchers to draw reliable conclusions .
Calfee worries that data from these early studies may not apply to U.S. patients treated in hospitals with considerable resources .
“ The information we have is largely from settings with tremendous resource gaps and from hospitals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be treated with optimal ventilator support , ” she said .
“ I would be very worried if people used that data to make decisions about whether they wanted mechanical ventilation.
” Still , a sobering reality emerges from studies published to date : Older adults , especially those with underlying medical conditions such as heart , kidney or lung disease , are least likely to survive critical illness caused by the coronavirus or treatment with a ventilator .
“ Their prognosis is not great , ” said Dr. Douglas White , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the University of Pittsburgh .
He cautioned , however , that frail older adults shouldn ’ t be lumped together with healthy , robust older adults , whose prospects may be somewhat better .
Like other clinicians , White has observed that older COVID patients are spending considerably longer on ventilators ― two weeks or more — than is the case with other critical illnesses .
If they survive , they ’ re likely to be extremely weak , deconditioned , suffering from delirium and in need of months of ongoing care and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a very long , uphill battle to recovery , ” and many older patients may never regain full functioning , said Dr. Negin Hajizadeh , an associate professor of critical care medicine at the School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell on New York ’ s Long Island .
“ My concern is , who ’ s going to take care of these patients after a prolonged ventilator course ― and where ?
” In St. Paul , Minnesota , Joyce Edwards , 61 , who is unmarried and lives on her own , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late April , Edwards revised her advance directive to specify that “ for COVID-19 , I do not want to be placed on a ventilator.
” Previously , she had indicated that she was willing to try a ventilator for a few days but wanted it withdrawn if the treatment was needed for a longer period .
“ I have to think about what the quality of my life is going to be , ” Edwards said .
“ Could I live independently and take care of myself — the things I value @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spouse to take care of me or adult children .
Who would step into the breach and look after me while I ’ m in recovery ?
” People who ’ ve said “ give a ventilator a try , but discontinue it if improvement isn ’ t occurring ” need to realize that they almost surely won ’ t have time to interact with loved ones if treatment is withdrawn , said Dr. Christopher Cox , an associate professor of medicine at Duke University .
“ You may not be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he noted .
But the choice isn ’ t as black-and-white as go on a ventilator or die .
“ We can give you high-flow oxygen and antibiotics , ” Cox said .
“ You can use BiPAP or CPAP machines [ which also deliver oxygen ] and see how those work .
And if things go poorly , we ’ re excellent at keeping you comfortable and trying to make it possible for you to interact with family and friends instead of being knocked out in a coma.
” Heather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she ’ d had an “ all-or-nothing ” view of ventilation when her 70-year-old husband developed sepsis — a systemic infection ― last year after problems related to foot surgery .
Over nine hours , McCrone sat in the intensive care unit as her husband was stabilized on a ventilator by nurses and respiratory therapists .
“ They were absolutely fantastic , ” McCrone said .
After a four-day stay in the hospital , her husband returned home .
“ Before that experience , my feeling about ventilators was ‘ You ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming back , ’ ” McCrone said .
“ Now , I know that ’ s not necessarily the case.
” She and her husband both have advance directives stating that they want “ lifesaving measures taken unless we ’ re in a vegetative state with no possibility of recovery.
” McCrone said they still need to discuss their wishes with their daughters , including their preference for getting treatment with a ventilator .
These discussions are more important than ever ― and perhaps easier than in the past , experts said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ happen to them and they want to talk about it , ” said Dr. Rebecca Sudore , a professor of medicine at the UCSF .
“ It ’ s opened up a lot of conversations.
” Rather than focusing on whether to be treated with a ventilator , she advises older adults to discuss what ’ s most important to them — independence ?
time with family ?
walking ?
living as long as possible ?
― and what they consider a good quality of life .
This will provide essential context for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may say my life is always worth living no matter what type of serious illness or disability I have , ” she said .
“ On the other end of the spectrum , some people may feel there are health situations or experiences that would be so hard that life would not be worth living.
” Sudore helped create Prepare for Your Care , a website and a set of tools to guide people through these kinds of conversations .
Recently it was updated to include a section on COVID-19 , as have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Conversation Project .
And the Colorado Program for Patient Centered Decisions has published a decision aid for COVID patients considering life support , also available in Spanish .
Some older adults have another worry : What if there aren ’ t enough ventilators for all the COVID patients who need them ?
In that situation , “ I would like to say ‘ no ’ because other people need that intervention more than I do and would benefit , in all probability , more than I would , ” said Larry Churchill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical ethics at Vanderbilt .
“ In a non-scarcity situation , I ’ m not sure what I ’ d do .
I ’ m in pretty good health , but people my age don ’ t survive as well from any major problem , ” Churchill said .
“ Most of us don ’ t want a long , lingering death in a custodial facility where the chances of recovery are small and the quality of life may be one we ’ re not willing to tolerate.
” Kaiser Health News ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news service .
It is an editorially independent program of the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation which is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente .

DENVER ― Last month, Minna Buck revised a document specifying her wishes should she become critically ill.
“No intubation,” she wrote in large letters on the form, making sure to include the date and her initials.
Buck, 91, had been following the news about COVID-19. She knew her chances of surviving a serious bout of the illness were slim. And she wanted to make sure she wouldn’t be put on a ventilator under any circumstances.
“I don’t want to put everybody through the anguish,” said Buck, who lives in a continuing care retirement community in Denver.
For older adults contemplating what might happen to them during this pandemic, ventilators are a fraught symbol, representing a terrifying lack of personal control as well as the fearsome power of technology.
Used for people with respiratory failure, a signature consequence of severe COVID-19, these machines pump oxygen into a patient’s body while he or she lies in bed, typically sedated, with a breathing tube snaked down the windpipe (known as “intubation”).
For some seniors, this is their greatest fear: being hooked to a machine, helpless, with the end of life looming. For others, there is hope that the machine might pull them back from the brink, giving them another shot at life.
“I’m a very vital person: I’m very active and busy,” said Cecile Cohan, 85, who has no diagnosed medical conditions and lives independently in a house in Denver. If she became critically ill with COVID-19 but had the chance of recovering and being active again, she said, “yes, I would try a ventilator.”
What’s known about people’s chances?
Although several reports have come out of China, Italy and, most recently, the area around New York City, “the data is really scanty,” said Dr. Carolyn Calfee, a professor of anesthesia at the University of California-San Francisco.
Initial reports suggested that the survival rate for patients on respirators ranged from 14% (Wuhan, China) to 34% (early data from the United Kingdom). A report from the New York City area appeared more discouraging, with survival listed at only 11.9%.
But the New York data incorporated only patients who died or were discharged from hospitals — a minority of a larger sample. Most ventilator patients were still in the hospital, receiving treatment, making it impossible for researchers to draw reliable conclusions.
Calfee worries that data from these early studies may not apply to U.S. patients treated in hospitals with considerable resources.
“The information we have is largely from settings with tremendous resource gaps and from hospitals that are overwhelmed, where patients may not be treated with optimal ventilator support,” she said. “I would be very worried if people used that data to make decisions about whether they wanted mechanical ventilation.”
Still, a sobering reality emerges from studies published to date: Older adults, especially those with underlying medical conditions such as heart, kidney or lung disease, are least likely to survive critical illness caused by the coronavirus or treatment with a ventilator.
“Their prognosis is not great,” said Dr. Douglas White, a professor of critical care medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. He cautioned, however, that frail older adults shouldn’t be lumped together with healthy, robust older adults, whose prospects may be somewhat better.
Like other clinicians, White has observed that older COVID patients are spending considerably longer on ventilators ― two weeks or more — than is the case with other critical illnesses. If they survive, they’re likely to be extremely weak, deconditioned, suffering from delirium and in need of months of ongoing care and physical rehabilitation.
“It’s a very long, uphill battle to recovery,” and many older patients may never regain full functioning, said Dr. Negin Hajizadeh, an associate professor of critical care medicine at the School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell on New York’s Long Island. “My concern is, who’s going to take care of these patients after a prolonged ventilator course ― and where?”
In St. Paul, Minnesota, Joyce Edwards, 61, who is unmarried and lives on her own, has been wondering the same thing.
In late April, Edwards revised her advance directive to specify that “for COVID-19, I do not want to be placed on a ventilator.” Previously, she had indicated that she was willing to try a ventilator for a few days but wanted it withdrawn if the treatment was needed for a longer period.
“I have to think about what the quality of my life is going to be,” Edwards said. “Could I live independently and take care of myself — the things I value the most? There’s no spouse to take care of me or adult children. Who would step into the breach and look after me while I’m in recovery?”
People who’ve said “give a ventilator a try, but discontinue it if improvement isn’t occurring” need to realize that they almost surely won’t have time to interact with loved ones if treatment is withdrawn, said Dr. Christopher Cox, an associate professor of medicine at Duke University.
“You may not be able to live for more than a few minutes,” he noted.
But the choice isn’t as black-and-white as go on a ventilator or die.
“We can give you high-flow oxygen and antibiotics,” Cox said. “You can use BiPAP or CPAP machines [which also deliver oxygen] and see how those work. And if things go poorly, we’re excellent at keeping you comfortable and trying to make it possible for you to interact with family and friends instead of being knocked out in a coma.”
Heather McCrone of Bellevue, Washington, realized she’d had an “all-or-nothing” view of ventilation when her 70-year-old husband developed sepsis — a systemic infection ― last year after problems related to foot surgery.
Over nine hours, McCrone sat in the intensive care unit as her husband was stabilized on a ventilator by nurses and respiratory therapists. “They were absolutely fantastic,” McCrone said. After a four-day stay in the hospital, her husband returned home.
“Before that experience, my feeling about ventilators was ‘You’re a goner and there’s no coming back,’” McCrone said. “Now, I know that’s not necessarily the case.”
She and her husband both have advance directives stating that they want “lifesaving measures taken unless we’re in a vegetative state with no possibility of recovery.” McCrone said they still need to discuss their wishes with their daughters, including their preference for getting treatment with a ventilator.
These discussions are more important than ever ― and perhaps easier than in the past, experts said.
“People are thinking about what could happen to them and they want to talk about it,” said Dr. Rebecca Sudore, a professor of medicine at the UCSF. “It’s opened up a lot of conversations.”
Rather than focusing on whether to be treated with a ventilator, she advises older adults to discuss what’s most important to them — independence? time with family? walking? living as long as possible? ― and what they consider a good quality of life. This will provide essential context for decisions about ventilation.
“Some people may say my life is always worth living no matter what type of serious illness or disability I have,” she said. “On the other end of the spectrum, some people may feel there are health situations or experiences that would be so hard that life would not be worth living.”
Sudore helped create Prepare for Your Care, a website and a set of tools to guide people through these kinds of conversations. Recently it was updated to include a section on COVID-19, as have sites sponsored by Compassion & Choices and The Conversation Project. And the Colorado Program for Patient Centered Decisions has published a decision aid for COVID patients considering life support, also available in Spanish.
Some older adults have another worry: What if there aren’t enough ventilators for all the COVID patients who need them?
In that situation, “I would like to say ‘no’ because other people need that intervention more than I do and would benefit, in all probability, more than I would,” said Larry Churchill, 74, an emeritus professor of medical ethics at Vanderbilt.
“In a non-scarcity situation, I’m not sure what I’d do. I’m in pretty good health, but people my age don’t survive as well from any major problem,” Churchill said. “Most of us don’t want a long, lingering death in a custodial facility where the chances of recovery are small and the quality of life may be one we’re not willing to tolerate.”
Kaiser Health News (KHN) is a national health policy news service. It is an editorially independent program of the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation which is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente.


mercurynews--2020-05-13--Oakland City Council postpones action on police commission ballot measure

OAKLAND — After discussing proposed changes to a citizens police commission ballot measure , the Oakland City Council on Tuesday postponed taking any action pending an upcoming city audit of the commission .
“ I hope we would not take any action tonight until the city auditor ’ s report is ready , ” said Vice Mayor Larry Reid , who urged “ a little patience.
” Reid and council member Noel Gallo , chair of the council ’ s Public Service Committee , called for the delay until City Auditor Courtney Ruby submits her recommendations on the police commission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next two weeks .
The vote to postpone action was unanimous , 8-0 , and no date was set , although June 2 was mentioned as a possibility .
The proposed charter amendments by Council President Rebecca Kaplan and Council President Pro Tem Dan Kalb call for strengthening the independence of the Oakland Police Commission , with its own independent civilian inspector general and independent counsel , without oversight from — or being hired by — the city administrator .
“ It ’ s certainly not a massive expansion of powers .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , even some inadvertent exaggerations about a few of the provisions , ” Kalb said at the meeting .
“ We should all be aware that nothing in the proposed charter gives the police commission the authority to override day-to-day operational actions by the OPD ( Oakland Police Department ) command staff or would unilaterally override any policy or general order from the chief of police.
” The Oakland City Council would retain the power to override any police commission policy proposal , according to Kalb .
He also said the amendments include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rules call for an audit within two years .
The council ’ s next actions would not put the amendments on the ballot measure .
The next step is to determine whether the proposals move onto the “ meet and confer ” stage , where all the unions , including the police union , can weigh in .
After that , the council would vote on the amendments , which would then need voter approval .
Mayor Libby Schaaf criticized the charter amendments in an email sent to Oakland residents on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Police Commission — a group of citizen volunteers — to override critical police operational decisions , divert precious public safety resources and potentially subject the city to more costs and liability , ” she said in an email Monday .
Schaaf said that Kaplan and Kalb ’ s latest proposal would expand the commission ’ s potential policy-making authority to all matters involving discipline or constitutional policing .
She also said in her email that the proposal “ is certain to add costs ” to commission operations at a time when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its budget .
In addition , the Oakland Police Officers Association challenged the charter proposals .
“ The plan by council members Kaplan and Kalb will give full control of the Oakland Police Department — and its ability to protect the public — to a group of unelected and unaccountable Police Commissioners without any public oversight , ” said Oakland Police Officers Association President Barry Donelan in a statement .
The civilian Police Commission was created in 2016 through the voter-approved Measure LL .
Civilian oversight boards have been created in other cities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restore community trust in police .
And , since 2003 , the Oakland Police Department has been under federal court supervision stemming , in part , from the so-called Oakland Riders case , in which several officers were found guilty of planting drugs , framing innocent people and racial profiling among mainly African-American residents .
During the Tuesday night meeting , Gallo and Reid pointed out the recent uptick in violence and voiced concerns about the amendments .
“ I ’ m telling you right now , it is crazy out here in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — the shootings are crazy , ” Reid said .
“ No one here in my district is keeping the shelter in place in mind .
I don ’ t want anything to impede our police department from doing what we need them to do.
” Reid said he wanted the police to be held accountable , but emphasized that “ I want them to be able to do the job that we all expect them to do.
” Council member Lynette Gibson McElhaney urged the council to be more inclusive in reaching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expressed concern about the lack of a united front by the council on the charter amendments , saying she was “ particularly concerned about a process that would lead to confusion at the ballot box.
” “ Any attempt to go before the people with anything that is confusion is likely to lose and be an expensive proposition that will unfairly and unduly undermine the good work of this commission and spoil the reputation they are building , ” McElhaney said .
“ We ’ ve got to do better in reaching out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moving on good intentions , to make sure that we are truly reflecting and bringing the collective wisdom of our community for co-creation ( of the amendments ) , ” she said .

OAKLAND — After discussing a proposed ballot measure that would give a citizens police commission more autonomy, the Oakland City Council has decided to hold off pending an upcoming audit of the commission.
“I hope we would not take any action tonight until the city auditor’s report is ready,” Vice Mayor Larry Reid said at Tuesday’s council meeting.
Reid and council member Noel Gallo, chairman of the council’s Public Safety Committee, called for the delay until City Auditor Courtney Ruby submits her recommendations on the police commission. The audit is expected in the next two weeks.
Council President Rebecca Kaplan and Council President Pro Tem Dan Kalb are seeking charter amendments that would make the Oakland Police Commission more independent, with its own civilian inspector general and counsel hired and supervised not by the city administrator but by the commission itself. Among other things, the inspector general would have the authority to review, analyze and make recommendations on policies and procedures relating to police misconduct and use of force, Kalb said.
The proposal would allow the commission, if recommended by its inspector general, to request new policies regarding discipline or constitutional policing. The City Council could only grant those requests by a super-majority vote, according to Kalb.
“It’s certainly not a massive expansion of powers,” Kalb said at the meeting. “We should all be aware that nothing in the proposed charter gives the police commission the authority to override day-to-day operational actions by the OPD (Oakland Police Department) command staff or would unilaterally override any policy or general order from the chief of police.”
The council would still be able to reject any police commission policy proposal, Kalb added.
Mayor Libby Schaaf criticized the proposed charter amendments in an email sent to Oakland residents on Monday.
“Their proposal could allow Oakland’s Police Commission — a group of citizen volunteers — to override critical police operational decisions, divert precious public safety resources and potentially subject the city to more costs and liability,” she wrote.
Schaaf said the proposal would give commission a say in all matters involving discipline. And, she said, the proposal “is certain to add costs” to commission operations at a time when Oakland must cut $122 million from its budget.
The Oakland Police Officers Association also challenged the proposal. “The plan by council members Kaplan and Kalb will give full control of the Oakland Police Department — and its ability to protect the public — to a group of unelected and unaccountable Police Commissioners without any public oversight,” Oakland Police Officers Association President Barry Donelan said in a statement.
“Neither this proposal nor any council member would give full control of OPD to any commission,” Kalb responded. “I’m disappointed that there are such significant misunderstandings regarding this charter proposal.”
The civilian police commission was created in 2016 through voter-approved Measure LL in the aftermath of a sex scandal involving some Oakland police officers and a teenage girl. Meanwhile, since 2003, Oakland police have been under federal court supervision stemming, in part, from the so-called Riders case, in which some officers were accused of planting drugs, framing innocent people and racial profiling, mostly against African Americans. One officer was acquitted of all charges and received a $1.5 million settlement from the city for malicious prosecution. The other two were acquitted of many charges and the jury hung on the other charges.
The police commission came under criticism in February, when it ousted Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick in a closed session, a move Schaaf agreed to.
Last week, the former Oakland police chief filed a whistleblower claim against the city, the first step toward suing over her termination in February. Kirkpatrick said in the claim that she “raised a series of alarms” but was “alone and unsupported” during her three years as chief, beginning in February 2017.
The former chief alleged she filed at least seven reports of “inappropriate and unlawful conduct” by members of the citizens police commission to the Oakland city attorney’s office, the city administrator and Mayor Schaaf.
During the Tuesday night meeting, Gallo and Reid pointed out the recent uptick in violence and said they were concerned the proposed amendments could hamper police from enforcing the law.
“I’m telling you right now, it is crazy out here in Deep East Oakland with all the shootings — the shootings are crazy,” Reid said. “No one here in my district is keeping the shelter in place in mind. I don’t want anything to impede our police department from doing what we need them to do.”
Reid said he wants police to be held accountable, but emphasized that “I want them to be able to do the job that we all expect them to do.”
Council member Lynette Gibson McElhaney urged the council to be more inclusive in reaching out to the community for input and expressed concern about the lack of a united front on the charter amendments.
“Any attempt to go before the people with anything that is confusion is likely to lose and be an expensive proposition that will unfairly and unduly undermine the good work of this commission and spoil the reputation they are building,” McElhaney said.


mercurynews--2020-05-13--Letter: 7 simple suggestions for returning to work

As a veteran office-based pediatrician , I have seven simple suggestions for returning to work , derived from working in @ @ @ @ @ 40 years , that I am certain will allow a safe return for most people @ @ @ @ @ workspace ( and consequently your hands ) are contaminated at all times because eventually it @ @ @ @ @ your hands out of your mouth at work or in public .
• Wash hands @ @ @ @ @ just before eating lunch .
• Do not play with your phone while eating .
@ @ @ @ @ touch your food with your hands while eating if possible .
• No snacking with @ @ @ @ @ .
• Letter : Idea to give service jobs to grads is a win-win-win • @ @ @ @ @ fear it may lose a legitimate and fair election ?
Wear a mask and distance @ @ @ @ @ as well , but don ’ t overlook what I feel is a much greater @ @ @ @ @ to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

7 simple suggestions
for returning to work
As a veteran office-based pediatrician, I have seven simple suggestions for returning to work, derived from working in a highly contaminated environment for 40 years, that I am certain will allow a safe return for most people.
Assume the entire workspace (and consequently your hands) are contaminated at all times because eventually it will happen. Keep your hands out of your mouth at work or in public. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water just before eating lunch. Do not play with your phone while eating. Try not to even touch your food with your hands while eating if possible. No snacking with finger foods at your workspace. Wash thoroughly upon returning home.
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Charles Hanson
Walnut Creek
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
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mercurynews--2020-05-13--Bamboo Sushi, with location in San Ramon, declares Chapter 11 bankruptcy

Here ’ s hoping they come back with the House on Fire Mackerel .
And the black sesame brownie .
Sustainable Restaurant Holdings , the parent company for seafood chains Bamboo Sushi and Quickfish , filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Tuesday in order to weather the pandemic , according to Restaurant Business Online .
In March , the Portland-based company known for its sustainable seafood practices stopped dine-in service at all of its 10 locations , including its newest at San Ramon ’ s City Center Bishop Ranch .
With take-out available at only three locations in Portland , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off 90 percent of its employees .
In a statement , the company blamed the coronavirus lockdown for limiting its ability to generate revenue or get financing to make it through the crisis .
The company has also launched a sale process , according to Business Insider .
“ Our goal is to emerge from this process as quickly as possible with a strengthened balance sheet and the necessary capital to rehire our furloughed employees and resume operations at our restaurants whenever it is safe to do so , ” interim CEO Matthew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sushi , which opened in San Ramon in December , was known for its casually modern vibe , super-fresh , Seafood Watch-approved fish and nigiri topped with clever yakumi , or minimal toppings meant to complement the flavor of each fish .
• Bay Area restaurants react to Newsom ’ s new 12-page rules for re-opening • Read : California ’ s full guidelines for restaurants — goggles , guacamole and more • Gaby Dalkin ’ s new cookbook has the recipe for staying home in style Sustainable Restaurant Holdings was founded in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , billed as the world ’ s first sustainable sushi chain .
Eight years later , it added quick-service poke chain QuickFish .
Last year , the company expanded to California with the opening of the San Ramon location and big plans to build two more Bay Area restaurants , including a waterfront Bamboo Sushi on San Francisco ’ s Embarcadero .
Check back for updates on that .

Here’s hoping they come back with the House on Fire Mackerel. And the black sesame brownie.
Sustainable Restaurant Holdings, the parent company for seafood chains Bamboo Sushi and Quickfish, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Tuesday in order to weather the pandemic, according to Restaurant Business Online.
In March, the Portland-based company known for its sustainable seafood practices stopped dine-in service at all of its 10 locations, including its newest at San Ramon’s City Center Bishop Ranch. With take-out available at only three locations in Portland, the company was also forced to lay off 90 percent of its employees.
In a statement, the company blamed the coronavirus lockdown for limiting its ability to generate revenue or get financing to make it through the crisis. The company has also launched a sale process, according to Business Insider.
“Our goal is to emerge from this process as quickly as possible with a strengthened balance sheet and the necessary capital to rehire our furloughed employees and resume operations at our restaurants whenever it is safe to do so,” interim CEO Matthew Park said in the statement.
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Sustainable Restaurant Holdings was founded in 2008 with the launch of Bamboo Sushi, billed as the world’s first sustainable sushi chain. Eight years later, it added quick-service poke chain QuickFish. Last year, the company expanded to California with the opening of the San Ramon location and big plans to build two more Bay Area restaurants, including a waterfront Bamboo Sushi on San Francisco’s Embarcadero. Check back for updates on that.
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mercurynews--2020-05-13--TV tonight: ‘Survivor’ crowns a $2 million champ

Following an epic 39-day battle , the 40th season of “ Survivor ” comes to a close with a three-hour finale tonight ( 8 p.m. , CBS ) .
And because of the coronavirus lockdown , things will be a little different this time around .
Host Jeff Probst will announce the winner and then , instead of having the cast reconvene as a group in front of a studio audience , he will virtually connect by video with all 20 players to discuss the highlights of the season .
Also different : The winner of “ Winners at War @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 million — double the usual “ Survivor ” booty .
The star-studded 40th season of “ Survivor ” has been largely dominated by Tony Vlachos and Sarah Lacina , so they look like strong bets going into the finale .
But keep an eye on Natalie Anderson , who could return from the “ Edge of Extinction ” and throw a wrench into things .
“ NOVA : Decoding COVID-19 ” ( 9 p.m. , PBS ; check local listings ) : This program explores the unprecedented global effort to understand and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the disease it causes .
NOVA joins doctors on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19 as they strategize to stop the spread , and meets the researchers racing to develop treatments and vaccines .
“ Decoding COVID-19 ” opens in Wuhan and tells the exclusive story of Liu Qi , a 21-year-old university student who is among the first to contract the disease .
As he relays his ordeal , the film calls on U.S. infectious disease experts and scientists working at the cutting edge of research to break down how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does to the human body , and why it exploded into a pandemic .
“ The Masked Singer ” ( 8 p.m. , Fox ) : It ’ s down to the final four competing for the golden mask trophy in the semi-finals .
Comedian Jay Pharoah joins host Nick Cannon and panelists Ken Jeong , Jenny McCarthy , Nicole Scherzinger and Robin Thicke .
“ The Goldbergs ” ( 8 p.m. , ABC ) : On the season finale , Adam worries that he won ’ t be prom king ; Barry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Geoff ’ s dad winds up in the hospital .
“ Single Parents ” ( 9:30 p.m. , ABC ) : On the season finale , Angie struggles to recall the events of a wine-filled night of packing with Will , while Poppy secretly encourages Will to share his true feelings .
Meanwhile , Derek arrives to gather Angie and her belongings , while Rory and Miggy are enlisted to find a hot guy to sublet the house .

Following an epic 39-day battle, the 40th season of “Survivor” comes to a close with a three-hour finale tonight (8 p.m., CBS).
And because of the coronavirus lockdown, things will be a little different this time around. Host Jeff Probst will announce the winner and then, instead of having the cast reconvene as a group in front of a studio audience, he will virtually connect by video with all 20 players to discuss the highlights of the season.
Also different: The winner of “Winners at War” will take home a cool $2 million — double the usual “Survivor” booty.
The star-studded 40th season of “Survivor” has been largely dominated by Tony Vlachos and Sarah Lacina, so they look like strong bets going into the finale. But keep an eye on Natalie Anderson, who could return from the “Edge of Extinction” and throw a wrench into things.
Any predictions?
Other Wednesday highlights:
“NOVA: Decoding COVID-19” (9 p.m., PBS; check local listings): This program explores the unprecedented global effort to understand and contain the virus—and find a treatment for the disease it causes. NOVA joins doctors on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19 as they strategize to stop the spread, and meets the researchers racing to develop treatments and vaccines.
“Decoding COVID-19” opens in Wuhan and tells the exclusive story of Liu Qi, a 21-year-old university student who is among the first to contract the disease. As he relays his ordeal, the film calls on U.S. infectious disease experts and scientists working at the cutting edge of research to break down how this devastating virus emerged, what it does to the human body, and why it exploded into a pandemic.
“The Masked Singer” (8 p.m., Fox): It’s down to the final four competing for the golden mask trophy in the semi-finals. Comedian Jay Pharoah joins host Nick Cannon and panelists Ken Jeong, Jenny McCarthy, Nicole Scherzinger and Robin Thicke.
“The Goldbergs” (8 p.m., ABC): On the season finale, Adam worries that he won’t be prom king; Barry teaches Erica how to be compassionate when Geoff’s dad winds up in the hospital.
“Single Parents” (9:30 p.m., ABC): On the season finale, Angie struggles to recall the events of a wine-filled night of packing with Will, while Poppy secretly encourages Will to share his true feelings. Meanwhile, Derek arrives to gather Angie and her belongings, while Rory and Miggy are enlisted to find a hot guy to sublet the house.


mercurynews--2020-05-14--The safest vacation? Your own private island

While nearly all leisure travel remains paused because of the coronavirus pandemic , the demand for private islands is on the rise .
The privileged few who can afford such extravagant isolation are exploring their options with new fervor .
Brokers and travel industry experts say that since March , prospective buyers and renters around the world are showing an increased interest in escaping to an island exclusively for them .
Chris Krolow is the CEO of the Ontario real-estate company Private Islands , which rents and sells more than 800 islands .
He says that the business now sees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 100 before the crisis .
These potential clients are mainly from the United States and Canada and interested in isles in the Caribbean and Central America .
“ They want places with easy accessibility , and that rules out Asia and the South Pacific , ” says Krolow .
The spike in bookings for the island he personally owns and rents out , Gladden , in Belize ’ s Barrier Reef , illustrates the growing inclination toward privacy .
Krolow says that while it was always popular , it quickly got almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year after Covid-19 gained traction .
“ We also had requests for March and April , but the borders are closed , and no international travelers can get in , ” he says .
A one-acre speck of land surrounded by the shimmery turquoise blue ocean , Gladden accommodates just four people and comes with a boat and staff of four who live on a neighboring isle ; all-inclusive nightly stays start at $ 3,695 for two people .
Buying an island , on the other hand , isn ’ t as straightforward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Krolow , and his company hasn ’ t closed any sales since the virus upended travel and left international buyers unable to see in-person the islands they ’ re considering .
It ’ s better in the Bahamas With prices ranging from $ 50,000 for a small , undeveloped isle in Canada to more than $ 150 million for a several thousand acre one complete with a megasized villa in the Caribbean , buying can be a pricey proposition .
And it can come with added headache , warns Krolow .
“ If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the island , you can expect to deal with bureaucracy from the local government to get permits , ” he says .
“ Otherwise , the process is no different than buying a home .
You sign a contract , and it ’ s yours.
” More specifically in the Caribbean region , international buyers seem to have an inclination toward buying in the Bahamas .
Nick Damianos , a broker with Damianos Sotheby ’ s International Realty , says that the company has more than double the inquiries , from about 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 , for private island sales since Covid-19 .
Web viewings of private islands for sale are also seeing a traffic boost .
As with private Islands in Ontario , this interest has yet to manifest in sales .
“ Given the financial investment , people want to experience the islands live .
Right now , we ’ re only doing virtual showings , ” says Damianos .
The Bahamas is an attractive destination to buy a private island in for several reasons .
There ’ s no income or capital gains tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enjoys close proximity to the United States .
Plus , it ’ s economically and politically stable .
Damianos says that there around 20 private islands for sale in the Bahamas , half of which have come onto the market in the past year .
One example is a $ 29 million isle in the Exuma Cays .
Spanning 46 acres , it has four homes with a total of eight bedrooms , three staff cottages , a 700 foot-long marina , long stretches of beach and paved walking paths lined with tropical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hotel in that it has everything you need , ” says Damianos .
“ You can move in with a suitcase.
” Real-estate companies aside , upscale travel advisories are also seeing an increase in private island rental requests in the wake of Covid-19 , along with confirmed bookings .
Misty Belles , the head of global public relations for the luxury travel network Virtuoso , which had $ 30 billion in sales in 2019 , says that its advisers are getting “ significantly more inquiries ” as well as bookings .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ go on far longer than borders being closed , ” she says .
“ Generally , people want to stay away from others except for their family and closest friends , and a private island is the perfect setting to do that.
” Jack Ezon , the founder of the New York luxury travel advisory Embark Beyond Travel , agrees .
“ In our new coronavirus world , private is the buzzword in travel , ” he says .
“ Our clients are telling us that they want to feel safe and comfortable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with family and friends .
A private island is what comes to mind first.
” Ezon says Embark ’ s clinets are most interested in renting easy-to-reach Caribbean island such as Musha Cay and Necker Island .
Owned by the American magician David Copperfield , Musha Cay is a 45-minute boat ride from Great Exuma in the Bahamas and has 12 bedrooms spread over five houses .
Renters shell out $ 42,000 a day to enjoy seven beaches , an oceanfront hot tub and pool and activities such as sailing , waterskiing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Raiders up to in a ‘ virtual ’ offseason ?
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At $ 102,000 a night , the 74-acre Necker Island , in the British Virgin Islands , rents for more than twice the price of Musha Cay .
Sir Richard Branson owns Necker and has put it into the limelight recently because he ’ s using the isle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel businesses that have been badly hit in the crisis .
This fact doesn ’ t take away from Necker ’ s appeal , says Ezon .
Amenities include 11 bedrooms , most notably a Balinese style main villa with an outdoor hot tub ; six smaller Balinese-style houses ; several palm tree lined beaches , a pool pavilion with a swim-up bar and hot tub large enough to accommodate 30 people ; a second wraparound pool ; and an endless list of activities that come with the cost of a stay such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lessons with a professional player ; and excursions to surrounding islands .
“ Necker is the ultimate hideaway for couples and families looking to reunite after months of quarantine , ” says Ezon .
“ It ’ s the epitome of what you imagine a sexy private island to be .
”

While nearly all leisure travel remains paused because of the coronavirus pandemic, the demand for private islands is on the rise.
The privileged few who can afford such extravagant isolation are exploring their options with new fervor.
Brokers and travel industry experts say that since March, prospective buyers and renters around the world are showing an increased interest in escaping to an island exclusively for them.
Chris Krolow is the CEO of the Ontario real-estate company Private Islands, which rents and sells more than 800 islands. He says that the business now sees 150 inquiries a day compared with around a 100 before the crisis.
These potential clients are mainly from the United States and Canada and interested in isles in the Caribbean and Central America.
“They want places with easy accessibility, and that rules out Asia and the South Pacific,” says Krolow.
Rent or buy?
The spike in bookings for the island he personally owns and rents out, Gladden, in Belize’s Barrier Reef, illustrates the growing inclination toward privacy. Krolow says that while it was always popular, it quickly got almost fully booked for the rest of this year after Covid-19 gained traction.
“We also had requests for March and April, but the borders are closed, and no international travelers can get in,” he says.
A one-acre speck of land surrounded by the shimmery turquoise blue ocean, Gladden accommodates just four people and comes with a boat and staff of four who live on a neighboring isle; all-inclusive nightly stays start at $3,695 for two people.
Buying an island, on the other hand, isn’t as straightforward or frequent as a rental, says Krolow, and his company hasn’t closed any sales since the virus upended travel and left international buyers unable to see in-person the islands they’re considering.
It’s better in the Bahamas
With prices ranging from $50,000 for a small, undeveloped isle in Canada to more than $150 million for a several thousand acre one complete with a megasized villa in the Caribbean, buying can be a pricey proposition.
And it can come with added headache, warns Krolow.
“If you’re looking to build on the island, you can expect to deal with bureaucracy from the local government to get permits,” he says. “Otherwise, the process is no different than buying a home. You sign a contract, and it’s yours.”
More specifically in the Caribbean region, international buyers seem to have an inclination toward buying in the Bahamas.
Nick Damianos, a broker with Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty, says that the company has more than double the inquiries, from about 12 to 15 a month to more than 30, for private island sales since Covid-19. Web viewings of private islands for sale are also seeing a traffic boost.
Inquiries on the rise
As with private Islands in Ontario, this interest has yet to manifest in sales.
“Given the financial investment, people want to experience the islands live. Right now, we’re only doing virtual showings,” says Damianos.
The Bahamas is an attractive destination to buy a private island in for several reasons. There’s no income or capital gains tax, for one, and the country enjoys close proximity to the United States. Plus, it’s economically and politically stable.
Damianos says that there around 20 private islands for sale in the Bahamas, half of which have come onto the market in the past year.
One example is a $29 million isle in the Exuma Cays. Spanning 46 acres, it has four homes with a total of eight bedrooms, three staff cottages, a 700 foot-long marina, long stretches of beach and paved walking paths lined with tropical foliage.
“It’s like a hotel in that it has everything you need,” says Damianos. “You can move in with a suitcase.”
Real-estate companies aside, upscale travel advisories are also seeing an increase in private island rental requests in the wake of Covid-19, along with confirmed bookings.
Privacy is the ultimate luxury
Misty Belles, the head of global public relations for the luxury travel network Virtuoso, which had $30 billion in sales in 2019, says that its advisers are getting “significantly more inquiries” as well as bookings.
“We forecast that social distancing will go on far longer than borders being closed,” she says. “Generally, people want to stay away from others except for their family and closest friends, and a private island is the perfect setting to do that.”
Jack Ezon, the founder of the New York luxury travel advisory Embark Beyond Travel, agrees.
“In our new coronavirus world, private is the buzzword in travel,” he says. “Our clients are telling us that they want to feel safe and comfortable and go somewhere where they can reconnect with family and friends. A private island is what comes to mind first.”
Ready to book?
Ezon says Embark’s clinets are most interested in renting easy-to-reach Caribbean island such as Musha Cay and Necker Island.
Owned by the American magician David Copperfield, Musha Cay is a 45-minute boat ride from Great Exuma in the Bahamas and has 12 bedrooms spread over five houses. Renters shell out $42,000 a day to enjoy seven beaches, an oceanfront hot tub and pool and activities such as sailing, waterskiing, fishing and snorkeling.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Travel | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge At $102,000 a night, the 74-acre Necker Island, in the British Virgin Islands, rents for more than twice the price of Musha Cay. Sir Richard Branson owns Necker and has put it into the limelight recently because he’s using the isle as collateral in an attempt save his travel businesses that have been badly hit in the crisis.
This fact doesn’t take away from Necker’s appeal, says Ezon.
Amenities include 11 bedrooms, most notably a Balinese style main villa with an outdoor hot tub; six smaller Balinese-style houses; several palm tree lined beaches, a pool pavilion with a swim-up bar and hot tub large enough to accommodate 30 people; a second wraparound pool; and an endless list of activities that come with the cost of a stay such as kite surfing, wakeboarding, tennis lessons with a professional player; and excursions to surrounding islands.
“Necker is the ultimate hideaway for couples and families looking to reunite after months of quarantine,” says Ezon. “It’s the epitome of what you imagine a sexy private island to be.”
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mercurynews--2020-05-14--L.A. County sees 100-plus hate incidents tied to coronavirus

Citing an increase in hate-related incidents toward those with Asian or Pacific Islander ethnicity during the coronavirus pandemic , Los Angeles County officials are encouraging victims to make reports to local law enforcement .
From February to April , the county had more than 100 reports of hate incidents related to the pandemic , said Robin Toma , the executive director of the Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission , during a virtual town hall on Wednesday .
A person reported that another should be evicted from an apartment complex because the second is Asian and therefore has the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ verbally assaulted by a man claiming she had the virus just because she is Asian .
“ It ’ s not happening just in any one part of the county , but all parts , ” Toma said .
“ The majority of the targets and reports are coming from women.
” The town hall , called by Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer , included L.A. County District Attorney Jackie Lacey , Los Angeles Police Department Deputy Chief Dominic Choi and Marju Kulkarni , executive director of the Asian Pacific Policy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has a reporting center online , has received reports of 1,700-plus hate incidents that have taken place in the United States since the start of the pandemic , Kulkarni said , adding that 58 % were from New York and California .
The increase in hate incidents is likely because the coronavirus originated in China , leading some , including President Donald Trump , to initially call COVID-19 the “ Chinese virus.
” People may be looking for scapegoats , Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey said .
“ Certainly there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blame for certain situations , and it ’ s wrong , ” she said .
But while incidents have been on the rise , reporting them to law enforcement has not , officials said .
Many people don ’ t report hate crimes because they ’ re afraid of retaliation , public ridicule or have a distrust of law enforcement , Lacey said .
“ These incidents are happening more and more , but they aren ’ t being reported , ” Deputy Chief Choi said .
“ We need to encourage people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you don ’ t think anything can be done , we can still analyze data and respond to ( hate incidents ) based on data and patterns , ” he said .
Feuer said his office had not received any hate-related cases this year .
Lacey said a convicton for an assault , vandalism or a criminal threat could bring the defendant one to three more years of prison time if her office can prove hate was a motivating factor .
Hate incidents can be reported to an LAPD station or a street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s website , 211la.org .
“ All of us need to inspire people to come forward if they feel victimized , ” City Attorney Feuer said .
“ We have one crisis , a public-health crisis – we can not allow it to become a human-relations crisis that will tear our communities apart .
”

Citing an increase in hate-related incidents toward those with Asian or Pacific Islander ethnicity during the coronavirus pandemic, Los Angeles County officials are encouraging victims to make reports to local law enforcement.
From February to April, the county had more than 100 reports of hate incidents related to the pandemic, said Robin Toma, the executive director of the Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission, during a virtual town hall on Wednesday.
“These involve a wide range of incidents,” Toma said.
A person reported that another should be evicted from an apartment complex because the second is Asian and therefore has the virus. A woman walking her dog was verbally assaulted by a man claiming she had the virus just because she is Asian.
A bomb threat targeted a major Asian institution.
“It’s not happening just in any one part of the county, but all parts,” Toma said. “The majority of the targets and reports are coming from women.”
The town hall, called by Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer, included L.A. County District Attorney Jackie Lacey, Los Angeles Police Department Deputy Chief Dominic Choi and Marju Kulkarni, executive director of the Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council.
The Council, which has a reporting center online, has received reports of 1,700-plus hate incidents that have taken place in the United States since the start of the pandemic, Kulkarni said, adding that 58% were from New York and California.
The increase in hate incidents is likely because the coronavirus originated in China, leading some, including President Donald Trump, to initially call COVID-19 the “Chinese virus.”
People may be looking for scapegoats, Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey said.
“Certainly there are people out there looking for someone to blame for certain situations, and it’s wrong,” she said.
But while incidents have been on the rise, reporting them to law enforcement has not, officials said.
(Hate incidents may not necessarily elevate to hate crimes.)
Many people don’t report hate crimes because they’re afraid of retaliation, public ridicule or have a distrust of law enforcement, Lacey said.
“These incidents are happening more and more, but they aren’t being reported,” Deputy Chief Choi said. “We need to encourage people to report it.
“Even if you don’t think anything can be done, we can still analyze data and respond to (hate incidents) based on data and patterns,” he said.
Feuer said his office had not received any hate-related cases this year.
Lacey said a convicton for an assault, vandalism or a criminal threat could bring the defendant one to three more years of prison time if her office can prove hate was a motivating factor.
Hate incidents can be reported to an LAPD station or a street cop or on an L.A. County’s website, 211la.org.
“All of us need to inspire people to come forward if they feel victimized,” City Attorney Feuer said. “We have one crisis, a public-health crisis – we cannot allow it to become a human-relations crisis that will tear our communities apart.”


mercurynews--2020-05-14--Landlords threaten to sue California cities over coronavirus eviction bans

Three Southern California cities have received letters threatening lawsuits if they don ’ t repeal eviction bans enacted to protect out-of-work or ill renters during the coronavirus pandemic .
Two of the cities — Upland and La Verne — repealed their bans after getting the letters .
But the city attorney for the third municipality , Costa Mesa , said she ’ s confident her city ’ s order is lawful .
“ There ’ s a long line of Supreme Court decisions about the ability to make emergency orders in the interest of public health , ” Costa Mesa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response to the threatening missive .
“ We do not intend to respond.
” The letters , sent by Douglas Dennington of the Costa Mesa-based law firm Rutan & Tucker , argue the eviction moratoriums amount to “ a taking , ” or virtual confiscation , of his clients ’ rental properties .
The cities either must repeal their ordinances or reimburse landlords for lost income , he argued .
“ Given the magnitude of the rent loss property owners anticipate from implementation of the eviction ban , property owners will have no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ available legal relief , ” Dennington ’ s letters said .
At least 148 California cities and counties have passed eviction moratoriums since March , although some since have expired or been repealed , according to the California Apartment Association .
Additionally , Gov .
Gavin Newsom and the state court system ’ s Judicial Council issued emergency orders in March and April freezing the eviction process .
Dennington declined to identify most of his clients , saying only that they include “ a large number of both residential and commercial property owners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California.
” State and local eviction bans generally prohibit the removal of tenants from their homes for failing to pay rent either because of lost income or illness due to COVID-19 .
Local bans often go further than state moratoriums , banning late fees , giving tenants from two months to a year to repay back rent and forbidding the posting of three-day pay-up notices .
Some city and tenants ’ rights attorneys have disputed Dennington ’ s claims that eviction bans run afoul of the law , including at least one member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as city attorney for the San Gabriel Valley city of Duarte .
Advising Duarte City Council members before their March 24 vote adopting a moratorium , Rutan & Tucker partner David Cosgrove said : “ I don ’ t believe the ordinance would result in a taking.
” Another Rutan & Tucker partner , Phil Kohn , did not raise objections when the city he advises , Laguna Beach , adopted an eviction moratorium April 7 .
Dennington said he is not disputing the validity of less restrictive moratoriums ordered by Newsom and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ highly questionable ” moratoriums in Upland , La Verne and Costa Mesa interfere with landlord-tenant contracts by giving tenants more time to pay rent , waiving late fees or prohibiting the filing of eviction notices , he said .
The municipal bans force landlords “ to become involuntary lenders to their tenants , ” Dennington ’ s letter said .
“ Owners have operating expenses to pay , security that must be maintained , ( and ) critical engineering and maintenance staff .
Where is the relief for property owners ?
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s letter , Upland City Council members immediately revoked their own eviction moratorium April 13 , expressing concern the ban exposed the city to litigation costs .
“ I don ’ t think it is in the city ’ s best interest to become part of a lawsuit , ” said Councilman Bill Velto , who led the unanimous vote to repeal the ordinance .
La Verne City Manager Bob Russi said Dennington ’ s letter didn ’ t play a role in his city ’ s April 20 decision to repeal its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ county moratoriums provide adequate renter protections already , he said .
But Barlow , Costa Mesa ’ s city attorney , said Dennington ’ s arguments are based on case law that doesn ’ t apply when there is an emergency .
“ I disagree with ( his ) analysis , ” Barlow said .
“ The cases are uniform in saying when the circumstances justify it and ( the ordinance ) is designed to address a public health emergency , which this is , then constitutional rights give way.
” Barlow argued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eviction to seek damages from tenants , noting further that banks have offered mortgage relief and low-interest loans to landlords .
“ There are many , many things landlords can do to protect themselves , ” she said .
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Tenants ’ rights attorneys also disputed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law gives local government the ability to regulate evictions .
Dennington ’ s legal reasoning is “ more than a stretch , ” said Craig Castellanet , an attorney with the Oakland-based Public Interest Law Project .
“ It selectively cites , and largely ignores , relevant court precedent , ” added Faizah Malik , staff attorney with the nonprofit Public Counsel Law Center in Los Angeles .
“ Cities are understandably and rightly trying to protect tenants , and keep them housed , in the context of a deadly pandemic where being @ @ @ @ @ @

Three Southern California cities have received letters threatening lawsuits if they don’t repeal eviction bans enacted to protect out-of-work or ill renters during the coronavirus pandemic.
Two of the cities — Upland and La Verne — repealed their bans after getting the letters.
But the city attorney for the third municipality, Costa Mesa, said she’s confident her city’s order is lawful.
“There’s a long line of Supreme Court decisions about the ability to make emergency orders in the interest of public health,” Costa Mesa City Attorney Kimberly Hall Barlow said in response to the threatening missive. “We do not intend to respond.”
The letters, sent by Douglas Dennington of the Costa Mesa-based law firm Rutan & Tucker, argue the eviction moratoriums amount to “a taking,” or virtual confiscation, of his clients’ rental properties. The cities either must repeal their ordinances or reimburse landlords for lost income, he argued.
“Given the magnitude of the rent loss property owners anticipate from implementation of the eviction ban, property owners will have no choice but to pursue any and all available legal relief,” Dennington’s letters said.
The letters potentially have statewide implications.
At least 148 California cities and counties have passed eviction moratoriums since March, although some since have expired or been repealed, according to the California Apartment Association. Additionally, Gov. Gavin Newsom and the state court system’s Judicial Council issued emergency orders in March and April freezing the eviction process.
Dennington declined to identify most of his clients, saying only that they include “a large number of both residential and commercial property owners of all sizes throughout the state of California.”
State and local eviction bans generally prohibit the removal of tenants from their homes for failing to pay rent either because of lost income or illness due to COVID-19. Local bans often go further than state moratoriums, banning late fees, giving tenants from two months to a year to repay back rent and forbidding the posting of three-day pay-up notices.
Some city and tenants’ rights attorneys have disputed Dennington’s claims that eviction bans run afoul of the law, including at least one member of his own law firm who acts as city attorney for the San Gabriel Valley city of Duarte.
Advising Duarte City Council members before their March 24 vote adopting a moratorium, Rutan & Tucker partner David Cosgrove said: “I don’t believe the ordinance would result in a taking.”
Another Rutan & Tucker partner, Phil Kohn, did not raise objections when the city he advises, Laguna Beach, adopted an eviction moratorium April 7.
Dennington said he is not disputing the validity of less restrictive moratoriums ordered by Newsom and the state Judicial Council.
But the “highly questionable” moratoriums in Upland, La Verne and Costa Mesa interfere with landlord-tenant contracts by giving tenants more time to pay rent, waiving late fees or prohibiting the filing of eviction notices, he said.
The municipal bans force landlords “to become involuntary lenders to their tenants,” Dennington’s letter said.
“Owners have operating expenses to pay, security that must be maintained, (and) critical engineering and maintenance staff. Where is the relief for property owners?” Dennington asked.
After getting Dennington’s letter, Upland City Council members immediately revoked their own eviction moratorium April 13, expressing concern the ban exposed the city to litigation costs.
“I don’t think it is in the city’s best interest to become part of a lawsuit,” said Councilman Bill Velto, who led the unanimous vote to repeal the ordinance.
La Verne City Manager Bob Russi said Dennington’s letter didn’t play a role in his city’s April 20 decision to repeal its moratorium. The city believes state and county moratoriums provide adequate renter protections already, he said.
But Barlow, Costa Mesa’s city attorney, said Dennington’s arguments are based on case law that doesn’t apply when there is an emergency.
“I disagree with (his) analysis,” Barlow said. “The cases are uniform in saying when the circumstances justify it and (the ordinance) is designed to address a public health emergency, which this is, then constitutional rights give way.”
Barlow argued further that landlords have other remedies besides eviction to seek damages from tenants, noting further that banks have offered mortgage relief and low-interest loans to landlords.
“There are many, many things landlords can do to protect themselves,” she said.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Real Estate | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge Tenants’ rights attorneys also disputed Dennington’s arguments, saying the law gives local government the ability to regulate evictions.
Dennington’s legal reasoning is “more than a stretch,” said Craig Castellanet, an attorney with the Oakland-based Public Interest Law Project.
“It selectively cites, and largely ignores, relevant court precedent,” added Faizah Malik, staff attorney with the nonprofit Public Counsel Law Center in Los Angeles. “Cities are understandably and rightly trying to protect tenants, and keep them housed, in the context of a deadly pandemic where being unhoused could mean death.”


mercurynews--2020-05-14--California city makes carrying items such as flag poles illegal during protests on public property

Recent Open California protesters at Main Beach carried flags on poles as they called for loosening restrictions during the state ’ s coronavirus quarantine .
Concerned when some of the protesters waved their flags , and the poles they were attached to , near passing motorists and motorcycles , Laguna Beach Police Chief Laura Farinella asked the City Council this week to consider an emergency order extending the city ’ s prohibition on carrying or possessing items or articles generally considered a weapon during demonstrations on public streets and property to include poles .
During their May 2 protest in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law enacted by the city in 2017 following an America First !
rally , did not address poles in the items listed as illegal .
“ When the Police Department and lifeguards responded , poles could have been used as weapons , ” Farinella said .
“ Some were very long , and in some cases , people held two .
“ To ensure safety , I ’ ve recommended an emergency ordinance that now includes sidewalks , alleys , streets , and public buildings , ” she said .
On Tuesday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreed .
The ordinance goes into effect immediately .
It will provide better protection for the community , law enforcement and those participating in the rallies , Farinella said .
Protests are occurring across California , and she said she anticipates more to be planned in Laguna Beach .
If protesters wish to carry flags , they must remove the poles and carry them in their hands .
Those who defy the order could face a misdemeanor .
In 2017 , following a violent America First !
rally at Main Beach , Laguna @ @ @ @ @ @ @ metal pipes , metal beverage containers , containers with bio-hazards , lumber , bricks , rocks , pepper spray or ice picks at a rally or political assembly at a city park or beach .
Laguna Beach , then , was the first city in Orange County to pass such a law .

Recent Open California protesters at Main Beach carried flags on poles as they called for loosening restrictions during the state’s coronavirus quarantine.
Concerned when some of the protesters waved their flags, and the poles they were attached to, near passing motorists and motorcycles, Laguna Beach Police Chief Laura Farinella asked the City Council this week to consider an emergency order extending the city’s prohibition on carrying or possessing items or articles generally considered a weapon during demonstrations on public streets and property to include poles.
During their May 2 protest in Laguna Beach, protesters told police the law enacted by the city in 2017 following an America First! rally, did not address poles in the items listed as illegal.
“When the Police Department and lifeguards responded, poles could have been used as weapons,” Farinella said. “Some were very long, and in some cases, people held two.
“To ensure safety, I’ve recommended an emergency ordinance that now includes sidewalks, alleys, streets, and public buildings,” she said.
On Tuesday, May 12, the City Council unanimously agreed. The ordinance goes into effect immediately.
It will provide better protection for the community, law enforcement and those participating in the rallies, Farinella said. Protests are occurring across California, and she said she anticipates more to be planned in Laguna Beach.
If protesters wish to carry flags, they must remove the poles and carry them in their hands. Those who defy the order could face a misdemeanor.
In 2017, following a violent America First! rally at Main Beach, Laguna Beach leaders made it illegal to carry metal pipes, metal beverage containers, containers with bio-hazards, lumber, bricks, rocks, pepper spray or ice picks at a rally or political assembly at a city park or beach.
Laguna Beach, then, was the first city in Orange County to pass such a law.


mercurynews--2020-05-14--California family takes to billboards to help in search for young woman’s killer

A Santa Ana woman and her family are continuing their fight to find her daughter ’ s killer months after the young woman was gunned down last August by suspects who police believe were targeting someone else .
After months without resolution , they are now putting up billboard messages across the city with Victoria Barrios ’ face and the question : They hope people won ’ t forget the young woman , in a blue graduation cap and gown on the billboard , who was just 18 when she was killed .
It was just after midnight on Aug. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Barrios and a 17-year-old boy with her from an open back passenger-side door of a moving SUV .
The teens were outside near the intersection of Pine and Hickory streets when they were hit .
Police officers found Barrios with a gunshot wound to her upper torso and the male , who was badly wounded but survived .
Police said they think the shooting was gang-related but neither of the teens had any gang affiliations .
Soon after the shooting Santa Ana police , civic leaders and relatives made a plea to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by releasing surveillance video .
They offered a $ 50,000 reward that is still on the table , said police Cpl .
Anthony Bertagna .
But so far , no one has been arrested .
The idea of billboards always has been on the mind of Eva Barrios , Victoria ’ s mother .
She had run some advertisements in the Orange County Register but she hadn ’ t acted on the billboard idea until six months had passed and her daughter ’ s case remained unsolved .
“ We got to that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ramp things up , ” Barrios said .
“ We needed to do something.
” She said she trusts the process of police investigators but felt like she wanted to do more .
“ I want her case to be solved and I don ’ t want her to be forgotten.
” So she aimed her sights at the billboard operators .
Once she explained to them what had happened to her daughter , she discovered that many of them were willing to help .
“ They were kind enough to reduce the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about my cause , ” Barrios said .
By mid-to-late March the first one went up on Bristol Street and Alton Avenue .
Then two more on Fairview Street and near the Santa Ana River .
A fourth is set to dot the 22 freeway near Bristol Street .
If need be , Barrios said , more will follow .
So far Barrios and her family have spent upwards of $ 16,000 on the billboard advertisements .
“ We ’ re very fortunate that we do have the resources to do that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She also started a Facebook group called Justice for Victoria Barrios to further spread her message .
Victoria ’ s grandfather , Felipe Guerrero , said they plan to go to the neighborhood where the shooting happened and hand out fliers .
They ’ re considering also hiring a private investigator .
The 17-year-old who was wounded on the night of the shooting spoke to police after waking from a coma , Barrios said , but has not been able to tell them much else about what happened .
“ We just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guerrero said .
He described his granddaughter as an “ old soul in a new body.
” She had recently graduated from Los Amigos High School and was working before likely heading to junior college .
“ She talked about possibly ( going into ) law enforcement or working with troubled youth , ” Barrios said of her daughter , who was assertive and wanted to help others .
Barrios said Victoria ’ s older sister , Valerie , joked that the teen would not have liked the coronavirus quarantine .
“ She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days and then after two days she ’ d want air…and say ‘ Gosh when is this going to end ?
’ ” As life continues to move forward , Barrios wants to make sure her daughter ’ s memory lives on .
• Man suspected of trying to kidnap California teen found dead in Guatemala Her goal is to help the case be solved .
After that , she wants to help other families of victims do the same possibly by starting a nonprofit group that can collect funds to further investigate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imagine families having their cases not solved for years , ” Barrios said .
While Barrios sympathizes that maybe the culprits were young and “ foolish ” she wants them to be off the street .
“ These people heartlessly and ruthlessly took a life and they can take another one , ” she said .
And to anyone that passes a billboard who might have information : “ Put yourself in our place…Help us get some type of closure.
” Anyone with information is asked to call Santa Ana police at 714-245-8390 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ occrimestoppers.org

A Santa Ana woman and her family are continuing their fight to find her daughter’s killer months after the young woman was gunned down last August by suspects who police believe were targeting someone else.
After months without resolution, they are now putting up billboard messages across the city with Victoria Barrios’ face and the question:
Who killed my daughter?
They hope people won’t forget the young woman, in a blue graduation cap and gown on the billboard, who was just 18 when she was killed.
It was just after midnight on Aug. 30 when at least one person fired on Barrios and a 17-year-old boy with her from an open back passenger-side door of a moving SUV. The teens were outside near the intersection of Pine and Hickory streets when they were hit. Police officers found Barrios with a gunshot wound to her upper torso and the male, who was badly wounded but survived.
Police said they think the shooting was gang-related but neither of the teens had any gang affiliations. Soon after the shooting Santa Ana police, civic leaders and relatives made a plea to the public to help find the culprits by releasing surveillance video. They offered a $50,000 reward that is still on the table, said police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna. But so far, no one has been arrested.
The idea of billboards always has been on the mind of Eva Barrios, Victoria’s mother. She had run some advertisements in the Orange County Register but she hadn’t acted on the billboard idea until six months had passed and her daughter’s case remained unsolved.
“We got to that point and I thought we need to ramp things up,” Barrios said. “We needed to do something.”
She said she trusts the process of police investigators but felt like she wanted to do more.
“I want her case to be solved and I don’t want her to be forgotten.”
So she aimed her sights at the billboard operators.
“I started relentlessly calling and emailing these companies.”
Once she explained to them what had happened to her daughter, she discovered that many of them were willing to help.
“They were kind enough to reduce the cost significantly…they’re being very compassionate about my cause,” Barrios said.
By mid-to-late March the first one went up on Bristol Street and Alton Avenue. Then two more on Fairview Street and near the Santa Ana River. A fourth is set to dot the 22 freeway near Bristol Street. If need be, Barrios said, more will follow.
So far Barrios and her family have spent upwards of $16,000 on the billboard advertisements.
“We’re very fortunate that we do have the resources to do that, not everybody does,” Barrios said.
She also started a Facebook group called Justice for Victoria Barrios to further spread her message.
Victoria’s grandfather, Felipe Guerrero, said they plan to go to the neighborhood where the shooting happened and hand out fliers. They’re considering also hiring a private investigator.
The 17-year-old who was wounded on the night of the shooting spoke to police after waking from a coma, Barrios said, but has not been able to tell them much else about what happened.
“We just want to know what happened,” Guerrero said.
He described his granddaughter as an “old soul in a new body.”
She had recently graduated from Los Amigos High School and was working before likely heading to junior college.
“She talked about possibly (going into) law enforcement or working with troubled youth,” Barrios said of her daughter, who was assertive and wanted to help others.
Barrios said Victoria’s older sister, Valerie, joked that the teen would not have liked the coronavirus quarantine.
“She said Victoria would enjoy it for two days and then after two days she’d want air…and say ‘Gosh when is this going to end?’”
As life continues to move forward, Barrios wants to make sure her daughter’s memory lives on.
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“We can’t imagine families having their cases not solved for years,” Barrios said.
While Barrios sympathizes that maybe the culprits were young and “foolish” she wants them to be off the street.
“These people heartlessly and ruthlessly took a life and they can take another one,” she said.
And to anyone that passes a billboard who might have information:
“Put yourself in our place…Help us get some type of closure.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Santa Ana police at 714-245-8390. Anonymous tips can be submitted to occrimestoppers.org