mercurynews--2020-02-18--Music industry professionals speak out against AB 5

Ari Herstand has become adept at navigating the music industry — so adept that he parlayed his knowledge into a book entitled “ How to Make it in the New Music Business.
” But the Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter and countless other music professionals in California are up against a legislative roadblock that threatens their ability to earn a living .
Assembly Bill 5 , authored by Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez , D-San Diego with the backing of union interests , was designed to protect workers ’ rights by changing their status from independent contractors to employees , which affords them benefits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have .
Although well intended , the bill has had the reverse effect on a variety of self-employed workers , and none have been more adversely impacted than musicians .
Herstand explains how things have changed : “ As a music singer/songwriter , I have to hire backup musicians when I play clubs , ” he said .
“ Under AB 5 I am now considered both an employee of the club and an employer of the musicians I hire.
” If Herstand hires a bass player for $ 100 he must now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a variety of protections including unemployment insurance , Social Security benefits , healthcare benefits , disability insurance and workers compensation benefits .
He must also issue a W-2 form to the musician for a single gig that might pay a total of $ 200 .
The club owner is likewise obligated to treat Herstand as an employee and must provide the same protections and benefits to him .
The burden of shouldering those additional costs has already prompted some employers to not hire local freelance musicians , Herstand said , while others continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hopes they won ’ t get caught .
“ This has installed fear in virtually every musician in California who ’ s working the music industry , ” he said .
“ I receive stories every day from musicians who have had contracts cancelled and are losing work because of AB 5.
” Herstand helped found California Independent Music Professionals United , an ad hoc organization that ’ s seeking to exempt musicians from the constraints of AB 5 .
He met with Gonzalez to voice his concerns over AB 5 and said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues .
She plans to relax AB 5 ’ s restrictions for freelance writers and photographers and is considering additional changes for small businesses and others .
But Herstand fears the changes for his industry won ’ t come fast enough .
“ My coalition wrote very simple language to add into AB 5 and Sen. Brian Jones ( R-Santee ) took our language and put it into Senate Bill 881 , ” he said .
“ But all of the bill ’ s authors are Republicans and it might be tough to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 881 would exempt musicians and music industry professionals from AB 5 .
Jones expressed his frustration with AB 5 in a Feb. 6 interview on KUSI News in San Diego .
“ What we need is a full repeal and just do away with AB 5 , ” he said .
“ It was bad law … we need to admit it.
” On Tuesday , Feb. 18 , “ Ultimate Jam Night , ” a long-running community-oriented show at the Whisky a Go Go in Los Angeles , will present “ Change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ music and unity to raise awareness about the legislation ’ s negative effects on California music professionals .
Adam Mandel , who helps produce the show , expects the venue to be packed in spite of the fact that many musicians are not fully aware of the fallout that ’ s occurring “ I would define this as a bifurcated universe , ” he said .
“ Some people are confused and don ’ t quite know what ’ s going on .
But for the ones who do , there is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ founder and executive director of the Los Angeles-based Numi Opera company , is well acquainted with the impacts of AB 5 .
“ It may shut me down completely , ” she said .
“ I ’ ve hired up to 50 musicians per performance , and if I have $ 100,000 budgeted for one show this will add an additional 30 % , or $ 30,000 in costs.
” Gordon could opt to take on the extra expense but that would mean paying her singers far less money — a move that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It would kill the quality of my show , ” she said .
Gordon said the bill also leaves her open to potential liability .
Her business has general liability coverage , she said , but not enough to address a major lawsuit .
“ If an employee got angry with me because they didn ’ t like the way I ran the rehearsals and felt the need to leave , that could affect me personally , ” she said .
“ I would have to get a special kind of liability policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bay Area tech boom leads a jobs surge like no other Gonzalez said she hopes to develop a fund that would help small nonprofit arts groups comply with the requirements of AB 5 .
AB 5 has fueled resistance from a wide swath of gig workers , including freelance writers , musicians , ride-hailing drivers , computer coders , translators and scores of others who value the flexibility of being self employed and have structured their businesses around that model .
The law has already prompted lawsuits , and scores of gig workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and income as a result of AB 5 .

Ari Herstand has become adept at navigating the music industry — so adept that he parlayed his knowledge into a book entitled “How to Make it in the New Music Business.”
But the Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter and countless other music professionals in California are up against a legislative roadblock that threatens their ability to earn a living. Assembly Bill 5, authored by Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, D-San Diego with the backing of union interests, was designed to protect workers’ rights by changing their status from independent contractors to employees, which affords them benefits and protections they otherwise wouldn’t have.
Adversely impacted
Although well intended, the bill has had the reverse effect on a variety of self-employed workers, and none have been more adversely impacted than musicians. Herstand explains how things have changed:
“As a music singer/songwriter, I have to hire backup musicians when I play clubs,” he said. “Under AB 5 I am now considered both an employee of the club and an employer of the musicians I hire.”
If Herstand hires a bass player for $100 he must now put him on a payroll and provide a variety of protections including unemployment insurance, Social Security benefits, healthcare benefits, disability insurance and workers compensation benefits. He must also issue a W-2 form to the musician for a single gig that might pay a total of $200. The club owner is likewise obligated to treat Herstand as an employee and must provide the same protections and benefits to him.
A burden on employers
The burden of shouldering those additional costs has already prompted some employers to not hire local freelance musicians, Herstand said, while others continue to operate in a business-as-usual mode in hopes they won’t get caught.
“This has installed fear in virtually every musician in California who’s working the music industry,” he said. “I receive stories every day from musicians who have had contracts cancelled and are losing work because of AB 5.”
Herstand helped found California Independent Music Professionals United, an ad hoc organization that’s seeking to exempt musicians from the constraints of AB 5.
Addressing issues, relaxing restrictions
He met with Gonzalez to voice his concerns over AB 5 and said Gonzalez indicated she planned to address those issues. She plans to relax AB 5’s restrictions for freelance writers and photographers and is considering additional changes for small businesses and others. But Herstand fears the changes for his industry won’t come fast enough.
“My coalition wrote very simple language to add into AB 5 and Sen. Brian Jones (R-Santee) took our language and put it into Senate Bill 881,” he said. “But all of the bill’s authors are Republicans and it might be tough to get it through the unions.”
SB 881 would exempt musicians and music industry professionals from AB 5. Jones expressed his frustration with AB 5 in a Feb. 6 interview on KUSI News in San Diego.
“What we need is a full repeal and just do away with AB 5,” he said. “It was bad law … we need to admit it.”
Ultimate Jam Night
On Tuesday, Feb. 18, “Ultimate Jam Night,” a long-running community-oriented show at the Whisky a Go Go in Los Angeles, will present “Change AB 5,” a night of music and unity to raise awareness about the legislation’s negative effects on California music professionals.
Adam Mandel, who helps produce the show, expects the venue to be packed in spite of the fact that many musicians are not fully aware of the fallout that’s occurring
“I would define this as a bifurcated universe,” he said. “Some people are confused and don’t quite know what’s going on. But for the ones who do, there is a groundswell of fear.”
Numi Opera impacted
Gail Gordon, founder and executive director of the Los Angeles-based Numi Opera company, is well acquainted with the impacts of AB 5.
“It may shut me down completely,” she said. “I’ve hired up to 50 musicians per performance, and if I have $100,000 budgeted for one show this will add an additional 30%, or $30,000 in costs.”
Gordon could opt to take on the extra expense but that would mean paying her singers far less money — a move that would attract fewer top-tier artists.
“It would kill the quality of my show,” she said.
Gordon said the bill also leaves her open to potential liability. Her business has general liability coverage, she said, but not enough to address a major lawsuit.
“If an employee got angry with me because they didn’t like the way I ran the rehearsals and felt the need to leave, that could affect me personally,” she said. “I would have to get a special kind of liability policy, which is rather expensive.”
A fund to help nonprofit arts groups comply
Related Articles Business | ‘How can we survive?’: Labor talks worry deaf-school teachers in Fremont
‘How can we survive?’: Labor talks worry deaf-school teachers in Fremont Business | Tech companies, bank chop hundreds of Bay Area jobs in fresh layoffs
Tech companies, bank chop hundreds of Bay Area jobs in fresh layoffs Business | Are they students or employees? Stanford joins surge in graduate student unions across the country
Are they students or employees? Stanford joins surge in graduate student unions across the country Business | ‘Hazardous by design’? After pandemic boom, Amazon faces safety reckoning
‘Hazardous by design’? After pandemic boom, Amazon faces safety reckoning Business | Even San Jose-based Zoom is making its staff return to the office Gonzalez said she hopes to develop a fund that would help small nonprofit arts groups comply with the requirements of AB 5.
AB 5 has fueled resistance from a wide swath of gig workers, including freelance writers, musicians, ride-hailing drivers, computer coders, translators and scores of others who value the flexibility of being self employed and have structured their businesses around that model.
The law has already prompted lawsuits, and scores of gig workers say they are losing jobs, clients and income as a result of AB 5.


mercurynews--2020-02-18--Letter: Democrats merely took a rational view of the facts

Re : “ Did Democratic senators vote their conscience ?
” ( Letter to the editor , Feb. 14 ) : The letter-writer completely missed the point in his rebuttal of a letter-writer praising Mitt Romney for voting his conscience ( “ Salute Romney for voting his oath , his conscience , ” Feb. 11 ) .
The facts of the impeachment trial were so overwhelming , Republicans stopped arguing their validity .
Even Republicans had to admit Trump did what Democrats stated he did .
Instead , they retreated to saying it ’ s not an impeachable offense .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ charge but not for obstruction of justice .
Trump very publicly refused to comply with congressional subpoenas , which is unconstitutional and illegal .
So for Democrats to have facts that show Trump committed an unconstitutional and illegal act and should be found guilty left their conscience completely out of the process .
They merely took a rational view of the facts and voted accordingly .
• Letter : Meth users may return to crime , drugs despite help • Letter : A fact-check of Trump ’ s claims may be civilizing • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and housing truly ‘ rights ’ ?
However , when the facts overwhelmingly show someone is guilty , but your party is pressuring you to vote otherwise , that does take conscience .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Re: “Did Democratic senators vote their conscience?” (Letter to the editor, Feb. 14):
The letter-writer completely missed the point in his rebuttal of a letter-writer praising Mitt Romney for voting his conscience (“Salute Romney for voting his oath, his conscience,” Feb. 11).
The facts of the impeachment trial were so overwhelming, Republicans stopped arguing their validity. Even Republicans had to admit Trump did what Democrats stated he did. Instead, they retreated to saying it’s not an impeachable offense. This could be argued for the first charge but not for obstruction of justice.
Trump very publicly refused to comply with congressional subpoenas, which is unconstitutional and illegal. So for Democrats to have facts that show Trump committed an unconstitutional and illegal act and should be found guilty left their conscience completely out of the process. They merely took a rational view of the facts and voted accordingly. Related Articles Letters to the Editor | Letters: Escape Bay Area | CASA program | Feinstein replacement | Faulty comparison | Not conservatives
Letters: Escape Bay Area | CASA program | Feinstein replacement | Faulty comparison | Not conservatives Letters to the Editor | Letters: Psychiatric beds | SJSU neglect | Squandering cash | Overdoing coverage | Pac-12 negotiations | For climate’s sake | Electric appliances
Letters: Psychiatric beds | SJSU neglect | Squandering cash | Overdoing coverage | Pac-12 negotiations | For climate’s sake | Electric appliances Letters to the Editor | Letters: Abandoning tenants | Deaf culture | Western contributions | Conservative alienation | Precise language
Letters: Abandoning tenants | Deaf culture | Western contributions | Conservative alienation | Precise language Letters to the Editor | Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path
Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps
However, when the facts overwhelmingly show someone is guilty, but your party is pressuring you to vote otherwise, that does take conscience.
Don Morgan
Concord
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
Read more Letters to the Editor


mercurynews--2020-02-18--Letter: Meth users may return to crime, drugs despite help

Re : “ With meth arrests rising in San Jose , county sobering center gets a new mission ” ( Mercurynews.com , Feb. 7 ) : How very nice !
On March 4 , our county is going to pick up inebriated meth users and take them to a new “ sobering center ” where they will be able to be warm and dry while they sleep off the effects of the illegal drug .
Yes , they will be subjected to a government nagging about the evils of what they are doing to their bodies , but after they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ referred to treatment and rehab services , then be able to walk out and perhaps again commit crimes to get the money to pay their pushers for additional meth .
• Letter : Democrats merely took a rational view of the facts • Letter : A fact-check of Trump ’ s claims may be civilizing • Letter : Are health care , college and housing truly ‘ rights ’ ?
Will other drug users be welcomed too ?
Will heroin users be segregated from meth addicts or all welcomed ?
Will signs be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them within 500 feet of the entrance ?
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Re: “With meth arrests rising in San Jose, county sobering center gets a new mission” (Mercurynews.com, Feb. 7):
How very nice! On March 4, our county is going to pick up inebriated meth users and take them to a new “sobering center” where they will be able to be warm and dry while they sleep off the effects of the illegal drug.
Yes, they will be subjected to a government nagging about the evils of what they are doing to their bodies, but after they sober up, they’ll be referred to treatment and rehab services, then be able to walk out and perhaps again commit crimes to get the money to pay their pushers for additional meth. Related Articles Letters to the Editor | Letters: Escape Bay Area | CASA program | Feinstein replacement | Faulty comparison | Not conservatives
Letters: Escape Bay Area | CASA program | Feinstein replacement | Faulty comparison | Not conservatives Letters to the Editor | Letters: Psychiatric beds | SJSU neglect | Squandering cash | Overdoing coverage | Pac-12 negotiations | For climate’s sake | Electric appliances
Letters: Psychiatric beds | SJSU neglect | Squandering cash | Overdoing coverage | Pac-12 negotiations | For climate’s sake | Electric appliances Letters to the Editor | Letters: Abandoning tenants | Deaf culture | Western contributions | Conservative alienation | Precise language
Letters: Abandoning tenants | Deaf culture | Western contributions | Conservative alienation | Precise language Letters to the Editor | Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path
Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps
Will other drug users be welcomed too? Will heroin users be segregated from meth addicts or all welcomed? Will signs be posted forbidding drug sales or smoking of them within 500 feet of the entrance?
Ron Galbraith
Santa Clara
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
Read more Letters to the Editor


mercurynews--2020-02-18--Horoscopes Feb. 18, 2020: Yoko Ono, relax and take a moment to review what’s come and gone.

Happy Birthday : Stabilizing your life and positioning yourself for success should be your priorities .
Use your intuition and intelligence to sort out the best path to take , and start moving forward .
Discarding what you no longer need in your life will help you stay focused on what ’ s important and ensure that you don ’ t let your emotions keep you from reaching your objective .
Your numbers are 7 , 12 , 22 , 27 , 33 , 39 , 48 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Share less in order to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most if you work alone .
Adequately prepare before you present your objective .
Launching your plans too soon will lead to criticism or theft .
Protect your pursuits , passwords and reputation .
2 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Share information , assess situations and explore possibilities .
Your dedication to pursue something you feel passionate about will bring satisfying results that promote positive change .
Continue to grow emotionally and intellectually , and recognition for your accomplishments will be yours .
5 stars GEMINI ( May 21-June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time on trivial matters or people who are misleading or playing games with you .
A geographical change will inspire you to try something new or to revisit a dream you have yet to fulfill .
Don ’ t fold under pressure .
3 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : A change will enhance your personal life .
Conversations will lead to decisions that will change your life .
A partnership will complement what you are trying to achieve .
Expand your knowledge , and update your skills .
Live in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Consider what you want .
A personal change should be your priority .
Let go of anything or anyone holding you back .
It ’ s time to venture down a path that leads to something you want .
Your happiness is up to you .
Romance is encouraged .
3 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Enjoy what life has to offer , and be willing to embrace the changes that come your way .
It ’ s time to start something new , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left undone .
The result of purging and forging ahead will be gratifying .
5 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Stay out of the line of fire .
Someone will try to disrupt your life if you are too accommodating or willing to put up with unreasonable demands .
Look inward , and make personal growth your priority .
Learn from experience .
2 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Mingle with people who have a sharp , imaginative mind ; good ideas will push you in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and drive , and you will find a way to up your game and use your skills to prosper .
4 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Control your emotions .
Don ’ t let anyone know how you feel if you want to remain in control .
Spend time on self-improvement and boosting your confidence , not putting up with people who are critical or demeaning .
3 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : A healthy attitude coupled with discipline and a good work ethic will lead to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proper diet should be priorities .
Be open to suggestions , but do only what you feel is in your best interest .
3 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Relax , and take a moment to review what ’ s come and gone .
Consider what you want and what you are willing to give .
Draw the line between helping because you want to and being taken advantage of because you are too kind .
3 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Reach out to someone who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will make a difference and encourage a promotion or a boost to your reputation .
Someone from your past will offer information that will lead to a unique opportunity .
4 stars Birthday Baby : You are perceptive , humorous and diligent .
You are determined and loyal .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Shane Lyons, 32; Molly Ringwald, 52; John Travolta, 66; Yoko Ono, 87.
Happy Birthday: Stabilizing your life and positioning yourself for success should be your priorities. Use your intuition and intelligence to sort out the best path to take, and start moving forward. Discarding what you no longer need in your life will help you stay focused on what’s important and ensure that you don’t let your emotions keep you from reaching your objective. Your numbers are 7, 12, 22, 27, 33, 39, 48.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Share less in order to minimalize opposition. You’ll accomplish the most if you work alone. Adequately prepare before you present your objective. Launching your plans too soon will lead to criticism or theft. Protect your pursuits, passwords and reputation. 2 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Share information, assess situations and explore possibilities. Your dedication to pursue something you feel passionate about will bring satisfying results that promote positive change. Continue to grow emotionally and intellectually, and recognition for your accomplishments will be yours. 5 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Don’t waste time on trivial matters or people who are misleading or playing games with you. A geographical change will inspire you to try something new or to revisit a dream you have yet to fulfill. Don’t fold under pressure. 3 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): A change will enhance your personal life. Conversations will lead to decisions that will change your life. A partnership will complement what you are trying to achieve. Expand your knowledge, and update your skills. Live in the moment. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Consider what you want. A personal change should be your priority. Let go of anything or anyone holding you back. It’s time to venture down a path that leads to something you want. Your happiness is up to you. Romance is encouraged. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Enjoy what life has to offer, and be willing to embrace the changes that come your way. It’s time to start something new, but first, complete anything you’ve left undone. The result of purging and forging ahead will be gratifying. 5 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Stay out of the line of fire. Someone will try to disrupt your life if you are too accommodating or willing to put up with unreasonable demands. Look inward, and make personal growth your priority. Learn from experience. 2 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Mingle with people who have a sharp, imaginative mind; good ideas will push you in a new direction. Mix creativity with ambition and drive, and you will find a way to up your game and use your skills to prosper. 4 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Control your emotions. Don’t let anyone know how you feel if you want to remain in control. Spend time on self-improvement and boosting your confidence, not putting up with people who are critical or demeaning. 3 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): A healthy attitude coupled with discipline and a good work ethic will lead to a better lifestyle. Physical fitness and proper diet should be priorities. Be open to suggestions, but do only what you feel is in your best interest. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Relax, and take a moment to review what’s come and gone. Consider what you want and what you are willing to give. Draw the line between helping because you want to and being taken advantage of because you are too kind. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Reach out to someone who needs a helping hand. Your input will make a difference and encourage a promotion or a boost to your reputation. Someone from your past will offer information that will lead to a unique opportunity. 4 stars
Birthday Baby: You are perceptive, humorous and diligent. You are determined and loyal.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


Word Game: Feb. 18, 2020

Can you find 23 or more words in FLAGRANT ?
The list will be published tomorrow .
To purchase the @ @ @ @ @ WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 while supplies last !
1 .
@ @ @ @ @ or more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four letters by the addition of @ @ @ @ @ as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” are not allowed .
3 .
@ @ @ @ @ a “ d ” or an “ s ” may not be used .
For @ @ @ @ @ ” is used , “ baked ” or “ bakes ” are not allowed , @ @ @ @ @ “ baking ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper nouns , slang words , or @ @ @ @ @ are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — FLAGRANT (FLAGRANT: FLAY-grent: Conspicuously bad, offensive or reprehensible.)
Average mark 17 words
Time limit 25 minutes
Can you find 23 or more words in FLAGRANT? The list will be published tomorrow.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — ACCLIVITY alit cavil cavity cavy cilia city civic
civil clay lacy lactic laic laity licit icily italic vial vita vital tail talc
To purchase the Word Game book, visit WordGameBooks.com. Order it now for just $5 while supplies last!
RULES OF THE GAME:
1. Words must be of four or more letters.
2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.
3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” are not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible.
4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.
Contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe at kzsaxe@gmail.com.


Bridge: Feb. 18, 2020

The ACBL has players young and old , but as the membership ’ s median age has risen , the League has begun events for Seniors and Super Seniors .
( Who knows what will be next — the Centenarian Pairs ? )
In the Super Senior Pairs at the Fall NABC , Ron Powell was declarer at four hearts ( reported by Bob Sanner ) .
West led a spade , and Powell correctly feared a singleton and put up dummy ’ s ace .
He took the A-K of trumps and led a diamond .
West rose with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Declarer won , drew the missing trump , came to his other high club and led another diamond .
When West played the queen , Powell let it win , “ rectifying the count ” for a squeeze .
South ruffed the club return and cashed his last trump at Trick 10 , pitching a spade from dummy .
East had to save his J-9 of diamonds so bared his king of spades , and Powell exited with a spade to end-play him .
Well done .
South also succeeds by pitching a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could squeeze East in spades and diamonds .
You hold : S 8 6 5 H A K 9 5 3 D 7 4 3 C A K. You open one heart , and your partner bids one spade .
The opponents pass .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : You have two unpleasant options : a bid of 1NT with your strength concentrated in two suits , or a raise to two spades .
A rebid of two hearts would suggest at least six hearts .
My preference would be to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , his spade suit may be flimsy , but then you may have no better spot .

The ACBL has players young and old, but as the membership’s median age has risen, the League has begun events for Seniors and Super Seniors. (Who knows what will be next — the Centenarian Pairs?)
In the Super Senior Pairs at the Fall NABC, Ron Powell was declarer at four hearts (reported by Bob Sanner). West led a spade, and Powell correctly feared a singleton and put up dummy’s ace. He took the A-K of trumps and led a diamond. West rose with his ace and led a club.
Declarer won, drew the missing trump, came to his other high club and led another diamond. When West played the queen, Powell let it win, “rectifying the count” for a squeeze.
LAST TRUMP
South ruffed the club return and cashed his last trump at Trick 10, pitching a spade from dummy. East had to save his J-9 of diamonds so bared his king of spades, and Powell exited with a spade to end-play him. Well done.
South also succeeds by pitching a spade on the third club; he could squeeze East in spades and diamonds.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S 8 6 5 H A K 9 5 3 D 7 4 3 C A K. You open one heart, and your partner bids one spade. The opponents pass. What do you say?
ANSWER: You have two unpleasant options: a bid of 1NT with your strength concentrated in two suits, or a raise to two spades. A rebid of two hearts would suggest at least six hearts. My preference would be to raise. True, if partner passes, his spade suit may be flimsy, but then you may have no better spot.
West dealer
Neither side vulnerable
NORTH
S A Q 2
H Q 8 2
D K 10 8 2
C J 9 4
WEST
S 9
H J 10 4
D A Q
C Q 10 8 7 6 3 2
EAST
S K J 10 7 4 3
H 7 6
D J 9 6 5
C 5
SOUTH
S 8 6 5
H A K 9 5 3
D 7 4 3
C A K
West North East South
3 C Pass Pass 3 H
Pass 4 H All Pass
Opening lead — S 9
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-02-18--Letter: A fact-check of Trump’s claims may be civilizing

Something disturbing caught my eye in the letter to the editor titled “ Nancy Pelosi stole from us a moment of heartfelt pride ” ( Eastbaytimes.com , Feb. 12 ) : I have no idea how the letter-writer reconciles her admiration of the Tuskegee Airmen ( which I share ) with how her “ great president ” Trump treated the late John S. McCain III .
How a man who dodged the draft with “ bone spurs ” could call a lifelong military and civil servant a “ loser ” for getting shot down , sustaining lifelong injuries , being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years absolutely suspends belief .
• Letter : Democrats merely took a rational view of the facts • Letter : Meth users may return to crime , drugs despite help • Letter : Are health care , college and housing truly ‘ rights ’ ?
I think the letter-writer needs to calm down and actually fact-check any of the numerous false or embellished claims the president made that evening and please keep her “ eternal , contemptible spit ” to herself .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more @ @ @ @

Something disturbing caught my eye in the letter to the editor titled “Nancy Pelosi stole from us a moment of heartfelt pride” (Eastbaytimes.com, Feb. 12):
I have no idea how the letter-writer reconciles her admiration of the Tuskegee Airmen (which I share) with how her “great president” Trump treated the late John S. McCain III. How a man who dodged the draft with “bone spurs” could call a lifelong military and civil servant a “loser” for getting shot down, sustaining lifelong injuries, being tortured and being held captive for six years absolutely suspends belief. Related Articles Letters to the Editor | Letters: Escape Bay Area | CASA program | Feinstein replacement | Faulty comparison | Not conservatives
Letters: Escape Bay Area | CASA program | Feinstein replacement | Faulty comparison | Not conservatives Letters to the Editor | Letters: Psychiatric beds | SJSU neglect | Squandering cash | Overdoing coverage | Pac-12 negotiations | For climate’s sake | Electric appliances
Letters: Psychiatric beds | SJSU neglect | Squandering cash | Overdoing coverage | Pac-12 negotiations | For climate’s sake | Electric appliances Letters to the Editor | Letters: Abandoning tenants | Deaf culture | Western contributions | Conservative alienation | Precise language
Letters: Abandoning tenants | Deaf culture | Western contributions | Conservative alienation | Precise language Letters to the Editor | Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path
Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps
I think the letter-writer needs to calm down and actually fact-check any of the numerous false or embellished claims the president made that evening and please keep her “eternal, contemptible spit” to herself.
Mark Kontich
Fremont
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
Read more Letters to the Editor


mercurynews--2020-02-18--Harriette Cole: She wants to write, but she’s no good

DEAR HARRIETTE : A friend of mine has always said she wants to be an author .
She ’ s never published anything .
Recently , she presented me with a manuscript that she says she has been working on for years .
It reads a bit like a memoir , but I do not think it is very good .
The thoughts are not coherent .
What do I say to her ?
I have written a little bit here and there , but I am no editor .
I don ’ t really know how to help her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hurt her feelings .
What do I say to someone who is so passionate , but who really doesn ’ t have the chops to do it ?
DEAR WANNABE WRITER : Unless you have the power to publish a book , do not assume that you have the authority to determine whether your friend has the chops to be an author .
Table that thought .
Beyond that , you can recommend that your friend take a class or participate in a writer ’ s workshop .
These days , there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to write memoirs , so she can get specific if she likes .
It can be both helpful and like a splash of cold water in your face to sit with a group of fellow writers and share your work .
In those settings , you receive constructive criticism , often guided by a group leader — often a professional writer or editor .
In that environment , your friend may gain the ability to refine her writing and learn how to tell her story .
• Harriette Cole : My husband is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medication • Harriette Cole : If I really was a rich kid , why did I grow up in squalor ?
• Harriette Cole : The best Valentine ’ s Day gifts you can ’ t buy • Harriette Cole : He wants a divorce but I ’ m scared of losing his income • Harriette Cole : Is the problem the way I look , or is it that I read too much ?
Further , because of the advent and popularity of self-publishing , your friend can choose to publish her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encourage her to get as much professional support as she can so that she strengthens her craft , thereby making her final product as good as it can be .
DEAR HARRIETTE : I had a dream that my teenage daughter was at a rock concert and was raped in the bathroom at the venue .
I know that ’ s a horrible thought , but it was so vivid that I woke up crying .
I ’ m thinking I had this dream so that I can remind my daughter of how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to travel in pairs .
She gets tired of me giving her safety directions all the time , but now that she is growing up , I know that she needs to remain cautious as she also becomes more independent .
Do I tell her about my dream ?
What should I do ?
DEAR PROTECTING MY TEENAGER : You don ’ t necessarily need to relay the vivid details of your dream to your daughter .
You should clearly and firmly remind her of your rules for being safe in public .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ women should go into public restrooms in arenas or nightclubs alone .
It is always safer in twos .
Same goes for walking down darkened hallways .
Remind your daughter to never take a drink she didn ’ t see poured or she didn ’ t open herself .
Feel free to sit down with your daughter and explain that it is your job to remind her to be vigilant — not because you don ’ t trust her , but because the world is filled with all kinds of people , not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at heart .
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS , an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams .
You can send questions to askharriette @ harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

DEAR HARRIETTE: A friend of mine has always said she wants to be an author. She’s never published anything.
Recently, she presented me with a manuscript that she says she has been working on for years. It reads a bit like a memoir, but I do not think it is very good. The thoughts are not coherent.
What do I say to her? I have written a little bit here and there, but I am no editor. I don’t really know how to help her.
I don’t want to hurt her feelings. What do I say to someone who is so passionate, but who really doesn’t have the chops to do it?
Wannabe Writer
DEAR WANNABE WRITER: Unless you have the power to publish a book, do not assume that you have the authority to determine whether your friend has the chops to be an author. Table that thought.
Beyond that, you can recommend that your friend take a class or participate in a writer’s workshop. These days, there are specific workshops designed for people who want to write memoirs, so she can get specific if she likes. It can be both helpful and like a splash of cold water in your face to sit with a group of fellow writers and share your work. In those settings, you receive constructive criticism, often guided by a group leader — often a professional writer or editor. In that environment, your friend may gain the ability to refine her writing and learn how to tell her story.
Related Articles Advice | Harriette Cole: Was it rash to choose this job over my boyfriend’s objections?
Harriette Cole: Was it rash to choose this job over my boyfriend’s objections? Advice | Harriette Cole: What does it mean that my boyfriend’s sister called me by this name?
Harriette Cole: What does it mean that my boyfriend’s sister called me by this name? Advice | Harriette Cole: Our guest walked through a closed screen door. Is it our problem?
Harriette Cole: Our guest walked through a closed screen door. Is it our problem? Advice | Harriette Cole: I’m ashamed to tell people I forgave my childhood friend
Harriette Cole: I’m ashamed to tell people I forgave my childhood friend Advice | Harriette Cole: I’ve worked hard, and my poor siblings resent my success Further, because of the advent and popularity of self-publishing, your friend can choose to publish her book on her own. You should encourage her to get as much professional support as she can so that she strengthens her craft, thereby making her final product as good as it can be.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I had a dream that my teenage daughter was at a rock concert and was raped in the bathroom at the venue. I know that’s a horrible thought, but it was so vivid that I woke up crying. I’m thinking I had this dream so that I can remind my daughter of how important it is to be cautious and to travel in pairs.
She gets tired of me giving her safety directions all the time, but now that she is growing up, I know that she needs to remain cautious as she also becomes more independent.
Do I tell her about my dream? What should I do?
Protecting My Teenager
DEAR PROTECTING MY TEENAGER: You don’t necessarily need to relay the vivid details of your dream to your daughter. You should clearly and firmly remind her of your rules for being safe in public.
I don’t think men or women should go into public restrooms in arenas or nightclubs alone. It is always safer in twos. Same goes for walking down darkened hallways. Remind your daughter to never take a drink she didn’t see poured or she didn’t open herself.
Feel free to sit down with your daughter and explain that it is your job to remind her to be vigilant — not because you don’t trust her, but because the world is filled with all kinds of people, not all of whom have her best interest at heart.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-02-18--Miss Manners: They don’t know she shares their personal emails with all of us

DEAR MISS MANNERS : My mother-in-law , Harriet , is the matriarch of a large extended family .
She prides herself on close relationships with many of her nieces and nephews , and keeps in frequent touch with them via email .
However , she feels it is appropriate to forward email correspondence she receives from these relations to other members of her family .
At least once a week , she forwards an email from a cousin or other relative to eight or 10 people — her sons , daughters-in-law and occasionally grandchildren .
Frequently , these are missives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not know well , if at all .
And although I am not especially interested in the details of Cousin Jenna ’ s hip replacement , or her sister-in-law ’ s cousin ’ s daughter ’ s wedding , or the 49 photos of her most recent vacation , they are easy enough to delete .
More troubling , however , is that Harriet also forwards letters from cousins that we do care about , but who clearly did not imagine the contents of their note would be shared .
• Miss Manners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Just don ’ t show up • Miss Manners : Why won ’ t my guests clean my toilet ?
• Miss Manners : I found out it ’ s offensive to wear the bride ’ s theme colors • Miss Manners : She ’ s engaged and she ’ s not happy .
Can I make my move ?
• Miss Manners : When they tell me I must be really smart , do I say yes , no or thank you ?
I am quite certain that when Cousin Mara pours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harriet , confiding the details of her recent bout with cancer , her divorce or her financial woes , she is not imagining that those private sentiments will be shared with anyone else — let alone with so many others , whom she may not even be close to .
It also makes me uncomfortable to see the writer later on , because I am privy to feelings and information they believed ( and continue to believe ) were private .
I believe that Harriet does this with the best of intentions and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay apprised of family news ; however , her lack of discretion makes me extremely uncomfortable , and I have found that I rarely send her more than a generic line or two when I write , because I assume that my emails are also being shared widely with her network .
Could Miss Manners suggest a way for me to convey to Harriet that email habits require some boundaries ?
She would likely not dream of photocopying and passing along a handwritten letter , but seems to feel that emails may be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is cousins Jenna and Mara to whom this information should be conveyed , so perhaps another mass email is necessary .
Miss Manners has observed that chastising an in-law rarely helps , and often creates more trouble , but you could write Harriet to ask whether she intended to distribute the rather personal messages she may have been sent in confidence .
And then CC the rest of the family .
DEAR MISS MANNERS : I had a friend pass away suddenly .
The day of his funeral will be on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his business partner .
What does one say to the person who is grieving on their birthday ?
“ Happy birthday ” seems absurd , but to say nothing might make them feel forgotten during an already difficult time .
I was thinking of a simple “ Thinking of you today , ” but was not sure .
This is the second time I ’ ve run into this conundrum over the years .
GENTLE READER : It is difficult to refrain from ordinary pleasantries when attending a funeral , and people are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see you ” before they realize how jarring that is .
So Miss Manners agrees with you : “ Thinking of you ” is better said there than a jolly wish to be happy on a sad occasion .
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website , www.missmanners.com ; to her email , dearmissmanners @ gmail.com ; or through postal mail to Miss Manners , Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My mother-in-law, Harriet, is the matriarch of a large extended family. She prides herself on close relationships with many of her nieces and nephews, and keeps in frequent touch with them via email.
However, she feels it is appropriate to forward email correspondence she receives from these relations to other members of her family. At least once a week, she forwards an email from a cousin or other relative to eight or 10 people — her sons, daughters-in-law and occasionally grandchildren.
Frequently, these are missives from relatives my husband and I do not know well, if at all. And although I am not especially interested in the details of Cousin Jenna’s hip replacement, or her sister-in-law’s cousin’s daughter’s wedding, or the 49 photos of her most recent vacation, they are easy enough to delete.
More troubling, however, is that Harriet also forwards letters from cousins that we do care about, but who clearly did not imagine the contents of their note would be shared.
Related Articles Advice | Miss Manners: They come to my house and yell at my dog
Miss Manners: They come to my house and yell at my dog Advice | Miss Manners: Why are parents miffed at me? They’re the ones who spell the kids’ names wrong.
Miss Manners: Why are parents miffed at me? They’re the ones who spell the kids’ names wrong. Advice | Miss Manners: She’s so rich, but she never gives us anything
Miss Manners: She’s so rich, but she never gives us anything Advice | Miss Manners: She wants to turn our music festival into a get-drunk weekend
Miss Manners: She wants to turn our music festival into a get-drunk weekend Advice | Miss Manners: My rule is no gift for a second wedding, no attendance for a third I am quite certain that when Cousin Mara pours her heart out to her favorite Aunt Harriet, confiding the details of her recent bout with cancer, her divorce or her financial woes, she is not imagining that those private sentiments will be shared with anyone else — let alone with so many others, whom she may not even be close to. It also makes me uncomfortable to see the writer later on, because I am privy to feelings and information they believed (and continue to believe) were private.
I believe that Harriet does this with the best of intentions and genuinely believes that we all want to stay apprised of family news; however, her lack of discretion makes me extremely uncomfortable, and I have found that I rarely send her more than a generic line or two when I write, because I assume that my emails are also being shared widely with her network.
Could Miss Manners suggest a way for me to convey to Harriet that email habits require some boundaries? She would likely not dream of photocopying and passing along a handwritten letter, but seems to feel that emails may be treated differently.
GENTLE READER: Surely it is cousins Jenna and Mara to whom this information should be conveyed, so perhaps another mass email is necessary.
Miss Manners has observed that chastising an in-law rarely helps, and often creates more trouble, but you could write Harriet to ask whether she intended to distribute the rather personal messages she may have been sent in confidence. And then CC the rest of the family.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I had a friend pass away suddenly. The day of his funeral will be on the birthday of our mutual close friend and his business partner.
What does one say to the person who is grieving on their birthday? “Happy birthday” seems absurd, but to say nothing might make them feel forgotten during an already difficult time.
I was thinking of a simple “Thinking of you today,” but was not sure. This is the second time I’ve run into this conundrum over the years.
Want Miss Manners delivered to your inbox for free on weekdays?
GENTLE READER: It is difficult to refrain from ordinary pleasantries when attending a funeral, and people are likely to blurt out “Great to see you” before they realize how jarring that is. So Miss Manners agrees with you: “Thinking of you” is better said there than a jolly wish to be happy on a sad occasion.
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-02-18--Dear Abby: I don’t think I can date a man who dresses like this

DEAR ABBY : This is a delicate subject for me , one I ’ ve never been faced with before .
I have been speaking to a really nice guy I met online , and after many weeks of talking , we decided to meet up .
It wasn ’ t anyplace special or expensive ; it was a lunch spot .
I wore jeans and new shoes and did my hair to look nice for him .
We had a pleasant lunch , which he insisted on paying for .
Abby , in his pictures , he is very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was well-dressed and -kept .
He showed up in a knit ski hat that covered nearly his whole head , and the rest of his attire was wrinkled and sloppy .
It was not what I expected for our first date that we had been talking about for a long time .
• Dear Abby : Someone died in my yard , and his family built a big , tacky shrine there • Dear Abby : I found out about my friends ’ secret tea dates • Dear Abby : My wife left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Dear Abby : Her self-published book is full of lies , and I ’ m tempted to tell • Dear Abby : My aunt sent this heartbreaking letter , and now I can ’ t contact her I ’ m thinking I may be disappointed because I may have built up expectations in my head .
We are talking about a second date , and I ’ d like to give him another chance to crisp himself up , but I would like to handle it delicately so as not to hurt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ myself as judgmental .
Am I being unreasonable for wishing my new boyfriend wants to look good for me as I do for him ?
How do I handle this ?
DEAR SECOND THOUGHTS : Here ’ s how .
Recognize that he is not your “ new boyfriend ” ; he is only a candidate for the “ job.
” Go out with him a few more times and get to know him well enough that you can have an honest conversation with him .
If he doesn ’ t shape up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what you told me .
Leave out the part about blaming yourself for your feelings .
They are honest , and you are entitled to them , and , frankly , you might be doing him a favor to speak up .
DEAR ABBY : I have been friends with “ Caroline ” for more than 20 years .
Her husband is present when they visit us because they live out of state , and when I visit her , he is there .
I have been married for 28 years , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when I visit Caroline .
Caroline travels worldwide for work .
Her husband has family near me .
One time , when he was in town and she was traveling , I invited him to meet me for dinner .
He got the wrong idea and thought it was a date behind his wife ’ s back .
She knew we were having dinner , but I never revealed to her that he made a pass at me that evening .
I corrected him , explained I wasn ’ t trying to start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do that to my friend .
When I got home that night , my husband asked how dinner went , and I shared what happened .
He took it personally .
He felt disrespected and told me to tell Caroline .
Others I have spoken to about this said don ’ t say anything .
This happened a year or two ago .
My husband and I are now invited to the wedding of Caroline ’ s stepdaughter .
My husband refuses to go because of what happened .
He insists I should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t coming .
I have no feelings whatsoever for her husband and would never engage in anything with him .
Their marriage is already rocky .
Both have had extramarital affairs , and he said he planned to divorce her last year but hasn ’ t .
Should I tell Caroline what happened ?
DEAR COVERING : I see nothing positive to be gained by telling Caroline at this late date .
It ’ s ancient history .
Caroline already knows that her husband has cheated in the past .
I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rock the boat .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .

DEAR ABBY: This is a delicate subject for me, one I’ve never been faced with before.
I have been speaking to a really nice guy I met online, and after many weeks of talking, we decided to meet up. It wasn’t anyplace special or expensive; it was a lunch spot. I wore jeans and new shoes and did my hair to look nice for him. We had a pleasant lunch, which he insisted on paying for.
Abby, in his pictures, he is very handsome. In most of them he was well-dressed and -kept. He showed up in a knit ski hat that covered nearly his whole head, and the rest of his attire was wrinkled and sloppy. It was not what I expected for our first date that we had been talking about for a long time.
Related Articles Advice | Dear Abby: Is it weird that I think this actress could be my sister?
Dear Abby: Is it weird that I think this actress could be my sister? Advice | Dear Abby: Why are people so rude to me lately? I’m a nice guy.
Dear Abby: Why are people so rude to me lately? I’m a nice guy. Advice | Dear Abby: My financial adviser won’t listen to me, but he insists he’s not sexist
Dear Abby: My financial adviser won’t listen to me, but he insists he’s not sexist Advice | Dear Abby: Our teen’s messy breakup has had awkward repercussions for us
Dear Abby: Our teen’s messy breakup has had awkward repercussions for us Advice | Dear Abby: I was annoyed to discover why our friends picked this restaurant I’m thinking I may be disappointed because I may have built up expectations in my head.
We are talking about a second date, and I’d like to give him another chance to crisp himself up, but I would like to handle it delicately so as not to hurt his feelings.
I never thought of myself as judgmental. Am I being unreasonable for wishing my new boyfriend wants to look good for me as I do for him? How do I handle this?
SECOND THOUGHTS
DEAR SECOND THOUGHTS: Here’s how. Recognize that he is not your “new boyfriend”; he is only a candidate for the “job.”
Go out with him a few more times and get to know him well enough that you can have an honest conversation with him. If he doesn’t shape up, at that point, tell him what you told me. Leave out the part about blaming yourself for your feelings. They are honest, and you are entitled to them, and, frankly, you might be doing him a favor to speak up.
DEAR ABBY: I have been friends with “Caroline” for more than 20 years. Her husband is present when they visit us because they live out of state, and when I visit her, he is there. I have been married for 28 years, and my husband doesn’t join me when I visit Caroline.
Caroline travels worldwide for work. Her husband has family near me. One time, when he was in town and she was traveling, I invited him to meet me for dinner. He got the wrong idea and thought it was a date behind his wife’s back. She knew we were having dinner, but I never revealed to her that he made a pass at me that evening. I corrected him, explained I wasn’t trying to start a romance and emphasized I would never do that to my friend.
When I got home that night, my husband asked how dinner went, and I shared what happened. He took it personally. He felt disrespected and told me to tell Caroline. Others I have spoken to about this said don’t say anything. This happened a year or two ago.
My husband and I are now invited to the wedding of Caroline’s stepdaughter. My husband refuses to go because of what happened. He insists I should tell Caroline and explain why he isn’t coming.
I have no feelings whatsoever for her husband and would never engage in anything with him. Their marriage is already rocky. Both have had extramarital affairs, and he said he planned to divorce her last year but hasn’t. Should I tell Caroline what happened?
COVERING UP
DEAR COVERING: I see nothing positive to be gained by telling Caroline at this late date. It’s ancient history. Caroline already knows that her husband has cheated in the past. I do not think it would be helpful to rock the boat.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.


mercurynews--2020-02-18--Critics: Wall was built to hide slum during Trump visit to India

AHMEDABAD , India — A half-kilometer ( 1,640-foot ) brick wall has been hastily erected in India ’ s Gujarat state ahead of a visit by U.S. President Donald Trump , with critics saying it was built to block the view of a slum area inhabited by more than 2,000 people .
“ Since they are spending so much money on this wall , why not use that to improve our slum and provide better facilities for us , ” said Keshi Saraniya , a resident .
“ Why are they hiding us poor people ?
” Trump is visiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a two-day trip to India next week to attend an event called “ Namaste Trump , ” which translates to “ Greetings , Trump , ” at a cricket stadium along the lines of a “ Howdy Modi ” rally attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Houston last September .
Trump is to drive along a road next to the slum and will be accompanied by Modi , who is from Gujarat .
News reports said the wall was originally planned to be 6-7 feet high but was reduced to 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senior government official Bijal Patel said the wall was built “ for security reasons ” and not to conceal the slum .
“ Apart from security reasons , the wall is also part of a beautification and cleanliness drive , ” she said .
Several political leaders were quick to criticize the wall ’ s construction , questioning Modi ’ s development work in his own state .
Modi was chief minister of Gujarat for 12 years before becoming the country ’ s prime minister in May 2014 .
Authorities on Monday also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in another slum area near the cricket stadium .
The residents said they were asked to leave because of the upcoming event , but the city ’ s civic body denied it .
“ We have been living here for the last 20 years and now we are suddenly being told to vacate because some important leader is visiting this city for a day , ” said Sanjay Patani , a resident .
“ This is injustice.
” Kishore Varna , a government official , said the land belongs to the civic body @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He didn ’ t say why the eviction notices were sent just days ahead of Trump ’ s visit .
Trump , who has pledged to build a wall along America ’ s border with Mexico to stop people from entering the U.S. , is visiting India on Feb. 24-25 .
His visit is aimed at smoothing ties strained by trade disputes and could also allow him to woo tens of thousands of Indian-American voters ahead of the U.S. presidential election .
Trade tensions between the two countries have escalated since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aluminium from India .
India responded with higher tariffs on agricultural goods and restrictions on U.S. medical devices , prompting the U.S. to retaliate by removing India from a decades-old preferential trade program .

By Ajit Solanki | Associated Press
AHMEDABAD, India — A half-kilometer (1,640-foot) brick wall has been hastily erected in India’s Gujarat state ahead of a visit by U.S. President Donald Trump, with critics saying it was built to block the view of a slum area inhabited by more than 2,000 people.
“Since they are spending so much money on this wall, why not use that to improve our slum and provide better facilities for us,” said Keshi Saraniya, a resident. “Why are they hiding us poor people?”
Trump is visiting the city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat during a two-day trip to India next week to attend an event called “Namaste Trump,” which translates to “Greetings, Trump,” at a cricket stadium along the lines of a “Howdy Modi” rally attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Houston last September. Trump is to drive along a road next to the slum and will be accompanied by Modi, who is from Gujarat.
News reports said the wall was originally planned to be 6-7 feet high but was reduced to 4 feet after it received widespread publicity.
Senior government official Bijal Patel said the wall was built “for security reasons” and not to conceal the slum.
“Apart from security reasons, the wall is also part of a beautification and cleanliness drive,” she said.
Several political leaders were quick to criticize the wall’s construction, questioning Modi’s development work in his own state. Modi was chief minister of Gujarat for 12 years before becoming the country’s prime minister in May 2014.
Authorities on Monday also served eviction notices to 45 families living in another slum area near the cricket stadium.
The residents said they were asked to leave because of the upcoming event, but the city’s civic body denied it.
“We have been living here for the last 20 years and now we are suddenly being told to vacate because some important leader is visiting this city for a day,” said Sanjay Patani, a resident. “This is injustice.”
Kishore Varna, a government official, said the land belongs to the civic body and evictions were done under the law. He didn’t say why the eviction notices were sent just days ahead of Trump’s visit.
Trump, who has pledged to build a wall along America’s border with Mexico to stop people from entering the U.S., is visiting India on Feb. 24-25. His visit is aimed at smoothing ties strained by trade disputes and could also allow him to woo tens of thousands of Indian-American voters ahead of the U.S. presidential election.
Trade tensions between the two countries have escalated since the Trump administration levied tariffs on steel and aluminium from India.
India responded with higher tariffs on agricultural goods and restrictions on U.S. medical devices, prompting the U.S. to retaliate by removing India from a decades-old preferential trade program.


mercurynews--2020-02-18--Kurtenbach: A’s radio move shows team’s larger issues

The A ’ s announced Tuesday that they are not broadcasting their games on terrestrial radio this season .
And it ’ s not , as they ’ d have you believe , a move towards innovation or the cutting edge .
No , sadly , it ’ s a sign of how irrelevant the A ’ s have become in this market .
The A ’ s are wrong when they push that streaming is the future .
It isn ’ t .
It ’ s the present .
We live in an era of over-the-top video content , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gig-speed cellular data connections .
But if the A ’ s were truly all-in on the streaming option — if they were actually trying to lead the way for the rest of baseball , as they alleged Tuesday — then they wouldn ’ t have any terrestrial radio affiliates next year .
Yet in Sacramento , Modesto , Redding , Fresno , and other towns in Northern California , you ’ ll be able to listen to A ’ s games on the AM band in 2020 .
The A ’ s are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terrestrial radio this season .
Yes , you ’ ll be able to listen to A ’ s games on the radio in Eureka but not in Oakland .
That ’ s not the A ’ s deciding that they ’ re better than the radio , that ’ s radio stations in the Bay Area deciding that they ’ re better than the A ’ s .
Or , to put it in the A ’ s terms , it ’ s the local radio market telling the A ’ s “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s you.
” • Oakland Athletics off the radio waves in the Bay Area , commit to A ’ s Cast stream • A ’ s spring training notes : Vimael Machin looks back on Rule 5 trade , explains his approach at the plate ; Rickey Henderson arrives • Longtime director of player development to be inducted into A ’ s Hall of Fame ] And those stations have a point .
We know about the A ’ s pitiful attendance – that ’ s an old story — but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this market is just as damning , and I doubt the move away from terrestrial radio dial will help things .
Per Forbes , the A ’ s have the second-lowest television audience in Major League Baseball in both ratings and actual viewers .
Only the Marlins have fewer people and a smaller percentage of their market watching games .
There ’ s no carrier issue , either — NBC Sports California is carried by everyone and everything .
No , it ’ s a general lack of interest , one that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ d argue the most entertaining product in baseball the past two years haven ’ t helped .
A ’ s television ratings dropped 18 percent year-over-year last season .
Knowing that , it isn ’ t at all that surprising that the A ’ s can ’ t find a viable local radio deal like baseball ’ s 29 other teams .
What ’ s the issue ?
It ’ s simple : decades of ownership not spending money has led to generations of fans who won ’ t buy into the team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another baseball team in the marketplace , not to mention the Warriors ( a ratings juggernaut , despite playing in Oakland for so long ) , and at one time two NFL teams ( the Raiders had a similar issue to the A ’ s , though ) .
Pair that mismanagement with the decline in baseball ’ s general popularity and the ever-increasing likelihood that another generation of great talents will walk out the door in a few years and you have a franchise that I ’ m not sure can return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new ballpark .
As a resident of the East Bay and a lover of baseball and underdogs , I hope I ’ m wrong , but A ’ s owner John Fisher might have already totaled his own machine .
Not that you ’ ll hear any of that prospective from the A ’ s .
To be fair , their A ’ s Cast streams of games are free and super convenient .
Not as convenient as turning on a radio , but convenient .
The narrative being pushed — and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the team ’ s now-necessary TuneIn channel on Tuesday would have made a North Korean propagandist blush .
The die-hards , I ’ m sure , will eat it up — in their minds , the A ’ s can do no wrong .
But that ’ s all the A ’ s have anymore — diehards .
Evidently , you need more than that to be a viable Major League team these days .
“ We ’ re making history… We ’ re creating something bigger than a radio station… Every team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” team employee and former 95.7 The Game host Chris Townsend said on the broadcast .
Yes , the A ’ s are making history , and maybe every other team in baseball will join them — but don ’ t get it twisted , it ’ s only but only because there will be no viable alternatives .

The A’s announced Tuesday that they are not broadcasting their games on terrestrial radio this season. And it’s not, as they’d have you believe, a move towards innovation or the cutting edge.
No, sadly, it’s a sign of how irrelevant the A’s have become in this market.
The A’s are wrong when they push that streaming is the future. It isn’t. It’s the present. We live in an era of over-the-top video content, podcast dominance, and soon, near-ubiquitous gig-speed cellular data connections.
But if the A’s were truly all-in on the streaming option — if they were actually trying to lead the way for the rest of baseball, as they alleged Tuesday — then they wouldn’t have any terrestrial radio affiliates next year.
Yet in Sacramento, Modesto, Redding, Fresno, and other towns in Northern California, you’ll be able to listen to A’s games on the AM band in 2020. The A’s are also keeping their Spanish language broadcasts on terrestrial radio this season.
Yes, you’ll be able to listen to A’s games on the radio in Eureka but not in Oakland.
That’s not the A’s deciding that they’re better than the radio, that’s radio stations in the Bay Area deciding that they’re better than the A’s. Or, to put it in the A’s terms, it’s the local radio market telling the A’s “it’s not us, it’s you.”
Related Articles Oakland Athletics | Rookie outfielder hits first homer but Oakland’s road losing streak reaches nine
Rookie outfielder hits first homer but Oakland’s road losing streak reaches nine Oakland Athletics | Oakland A’s outfielder could miss rest of season with knee injury
Oakland A’s outfielder could miss rest of season with knee injury Oakland Athletics | Oakland A’s fail to hold another lead as road woes continue
Oakland A’s fail to hold another lead as road woes continue Oakland Athletics | A’s suffer historic ninth-inning collapse while getting swept in Washington
A’s suffer historic ninth-inning collapse while getting swept in Washington Oakland Athletics | A’s fall again as Nationals win on Ruiz’s walkoff home run And those stations have a point. We know about the A’s pitiful attendance – that’s an old story — but the other data on A’s interest in this market is just as damning, and I doubt the move away from terrestrial radio dial will help things.
Per Forbes, the A’s have the second-lowest television audience in Major League Baseball in both ratings and actual viewers. Only the Marlins have fewer people and a smaller percentage of their market watching games.
There’s no carrier issue, either — NBC Sports California is carried by everyone and everything.
No, it’s a general lack of interest, one that back-to-back 97 win seasons and I’d argue the most entertaining product in baseball the past two years haven’t helped. A’s television ratings dropped 18 percent year-over-year last season.
Knowing that, it isn’t at all that surprising that the A’s can’t find a station in the Bay Area to pay them a worthwhile rights fee to broadcast their games.
(Those Major League deals, in case you didn’t know, pay the team either in cash or revenue sharing. Lesser operations, like local colleges, sometimes pay the radio stations for airtime.)
What’s the issue? It’s simple: decades of ownership not spending money has led to generations of fans who won’t buy into the team. Why bother? There’s another baseball team in the marketplace, not to mention the Warriors (a ratings juggernaut, despite playing in Oakland for so long), and at one time two NFL teams (the Raiders had a similar issue to the A’s, though).
Pair that mismanagement with the decline in baseball’s general popularity and the ever-increasing likelihood that another generation of great talents will walk out the door in a few years and you have a franchise that I’m not sure can return to respectability, even if they have a new ballpark. As a resident of the East Bay and a lover of baseball and underdogs, I hope I’m wrong, but A’s owner John Fisher might have already totaled his own machine.
Not that you’ll hear any of that prospective from the A’s.
To be fair, their A’s Cast streams of games are free and super convenient.
Not as convenient as turning on a radio, but convenient.
The narrative being pushed — and boy was it being pushed — on the team’s now-necessary TuneIn channel on Tuesday would have made a North Korean propagandist blush.
The die-hards, I’m sure, will eat it up — in their minds, the A’s can do no wrong. But that’s all the A’s have anymore — diehards. Evidently, you need more than that to be a viable Major League team these days.
“We’re making history… We’re creating something bigger than a radio station… Every team wants this once they saw our success,” team employee and former 95.7 The Game host Chris Townsend said on the broadcast.
Yes, the A’s are making history, and maybe every other team in baseball will eventually join them — but don’t get it twisted, it’s only but only because there will be no viable alternatives.


mercurynews--2020-02-18--Motorcyclist killed in suspected East Bay DUI wreck identified

The Contra Costa County Coroner ’ s Office on Tuesday identified a motorcyclist killed on Highway 4 in a three-vehicle @ @ @ @ @ authorities believe was caused by a driver under the influence .
Vincent Fisher , 29 @ @ @ @ @ driving a Harley Davidson in the eastbound direction Feb. 9 when the wreck happened around @ @ @ @ @ Road feeder , the California Highway Patrol said .
A 20-year-old Oakley man driving a @ @ @ @ @ crash with no significant injuries .
The CHP arrested 59-year-old Tony Moss on suspicion of @ @ @ @ @ hospitalized in the crash , and the CHP said officers took him into custody upon @ @ @ @ @ did not show him in custody Tuesday afternoon .
Authorities believe Moss drove a Volkswagen @ @ @ @ @ the Toyota .
Fisher appears to have crashed into both vehicles , the CHP said @ @ @ @ @ him from the motorcycle .
He died at the scene .

The Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office on Tuesday identified a motorcyclist killed on Highway 4 in a three-vehicle crash earlier this month that authorities believe was caused by a driver under the influence.
Vincent Fisher, 29, of Antioch, was driving a Harley Davidson in the eastbound direction Feb. 9 when the wreck happened around 2 a.m. near the Bailey Road feeder, the California Highway Patrol said. A 20-year-old Oakley man driving a 2015 Toyota sedan survived the crash with no significant injuries.
The CHP arrested 59-year-old Tony Moss on suspicion of DUI. He also was hospitalized in the crash, and the CHP said officers took him into custody upon his release. Jail records did not show him in custody Tuesday afternoon.
Authorities believe Moss drove a Volkswagen and may have collided with the Toyota. Fisher appears to have crashed into both vehicles, the CHP said, and the impact threw him from the motorcycle. He died at the scene.
Check back for updates.


mercurynews--2020-02-18--How Eddie DeBartolo got caught in a scandal that cost him the 49ers

Eddie DeBartolo Jr. had a 22-year-old stain removed from his legacy on Tuesday when President Trump pardoned the former 49ers owner for his role in a gambling fraud case in Louisiana .
The 73-year-old DeBartolo will never regain ownership of his beloved 49ers that he was forced to relinquish to his sister after he pleaded guilty of failing to report a felony when he paid former Louisiana Gov .
Edwin Edwards $ 400,000 in exchange for a riverboat gambling license .
But Trump ’ s pardon gives him peace of mind and absolves him of his crime for which he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a $ 1 million fine , two years of probation and caused the NFL to suspend him for a year in 1997 .
Denise DeBartolo York and her husband John York officially took control of the 49ers in 2000 after a family court battle with Eddie .
DeBartolo York ’ s son , Jed , was put in control of the franchise in 2008 .
The only real connection “ Eddie D ” has had with the NFL since then came in 2016 when he was elected to the Pro Football Hall of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s owner while winning five Super Bowls .
So how did one desperate , illegal payment take down Eddie D ’ s NFL life ?
The DeBartolo Corporation , which was based in real estate development , reportedly ran into some financial troubles in the 1990s .
The family sold the Pittsburgh Penguins , who were under the control of Denise .
In addition , the family sold its 78 malls during that time .
The DeBartolos were also in the gambling business — they once owned Thistledown horse racing track near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get started in the lucrative riverboat casino .
Edwards reportedly agreed to help DeBartolo gain a casino license but he asked for a $ 400,000 payment that amounted to extortion .
Edwards had been targeted in a federal probe into the state ’ s gambling industry and DeBartolo got caught after he agreed to pay for the license and didn ’ t immediately report the scheme to law enforcement officials .
As part of his plea deal , DeBartolo got a light sentence in exchange for testifying in the case against Edwards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the family corporation a reported $ 94 million and he and his sister cut a deal to avoid a court battle .
DeBartolo York got control of the 49ers and Eddie D. assumed control of many of the corporation ’ s real estate properties .
Although he hated losing ownership of the 49ers , Eddie said it was the right move .
“ I thought it was better … better for the league , better for my family , and it would be better because my sister had young boys who would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” DeBartolo told The Canton Repository in 2016 .
“ Time heals a lot of wounds and a lot of problems .
I think that the way it turned out is the best way it possibly could have turned out .
It enabled me to be able to live my life after the success I had in San Francisco , to be able to live my life with my family and enjoy them while I can.
” DeBartolo was a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame back in 2016 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cut .
“ Whatever happens , whatever good I did in the past , whatever bad I did in the past , it all goes together , ” DeBartolo said at the time .

Eddie DeBartolo Jr. had a 22-year-old stain removed from his legacy on Tuesday when President Trump pardoned the former 49ers owner for his role in a gambling fraud case in Louisiana.
The 73-year-old DeBartolo will never regain ownership of his beloved 49ers that he was forced to relinquish to his sister after he pleaded guilty of failing to report a felony when he paid former Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards $400,000 in exchange for a riverboat gambling license.
But Trump’s pardon gives him peace of mind and absolves him of his crime for which he served no jail time, but paid a $1 million fine, two years of probation and caused the NFL to suspend him for a year in 1997.
Denise DeBartolo York and her husband John York officially took control of the 49ers in 2000 after a family court battle with Eddie. DeBartolo York’s son, Jed, was put in control of the franchise in 2008. The only real connection “Eddie D” has had with the NFL since then came in 2016 when he was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame for his success as San Francisco’s owner while winning five Super Bowls.
So how did one desperate, illegal payment take down Eddie D’s NFL life?
The DeBartolo Corporation, which was based in real estate development, reportedly ran into some financial troubles in the 1990s. The family sold the Pittsburgh Penguins, who were under the control of Denise. In addition, the family sold its 78 malls during that time.
The DeBartolos were also in the gambling business — they once owned Thistledown horse racing track near Cleveland — and Eddie D. was trying to get started in the lucrative riverboat casino.
Edwards reportedly agreed to help DeBartolo gain a casino license but he asked for a $400,000 payment that amounted to extortion. Edwards had been targeted in a federal probe into the state’s gambling industry and DeBartolo got caught after he agreed to pay for the license and didn’t immediately report the scheme to law enforcement officials.
As part of his plea deal, DeBartolo got a light sentence in exchange for testifying in the case against Edwards. DeBartolo at that time also owed the family corporation a reported $94 million and he and his sister cut a deal to avoid a court battle. DeBartolo York got control of the 49ers and Eddie D. assumed control of many of the corporation’s real estate properties.
Although he hated losing ownership of the 49ers, Eddie said it was the right move.
“I thought it was better … better for the league, better for my family, and it would be better because my sister had young boys who would be able to get involved with the team,” DeBartolo told The Canton Repository in 2016. “Time heals a lot of wounds and a lot of problems. I think that the way it turned out is the best way it possibly could have turned out. It enabled me to be able to live my life after the success I had in San Francisco, to be able to live my life with my family and enjoy them while I can.”
DeBartolo was a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame back in 2016, though he ultimately did not make the cut.
“Whatever happens, whatever good I did in the past, whatever bad I did in the past, it all goes together,” DeBartolo said at the time.


mercurynews--2020-02-18--Letter: Peace means more than the absence of war

On Jan. 3 , America killed Qasem Soleimani .
Power brokers , politicians and journalists speculated about what Iran ’ s retaliation would be .
Did America ’ s military strength and actions make you feel safer ?
Suppose the United States adopted a defense system incorporating nonviolent strategies ; that military spending were diverted to addressing social justice needs — including the global enemy , climate change ; that diplomacy rather than weaponry were implemented ?
What can we do ?
First , recognize that geopolitical issues and solutions are not those of a generation ago .
Recent history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cyber wars , with the most vulnerable targets being things like the electrical grid , food and water systems , or infrastructure .
So we can contact our political representatives and demand new realities shape this country ’ s defense budget and strategies .
• Letter : Why ignore witnesses and criminal evidence in a trial ?
• Letter : Let ’ s pace our investments more carefully than this • Letter : In future bills , require 50 % affordable units or more Then , realizing that peace means more than the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right relationships with others , generate peace for the world .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

On Jan. 3, America killed Qasem Soleimani. Power brokers, politicians and journalists speculated about what Iran’s retaliation would be. Did America’s military strength and actions make you feel safer?
Suppose the United States adopted a defense system incorporating nonviolent strategies; that military spending were diverted to addressing social justice needs — including the global enemy, climate change; that diplomacy rather than weaponry were implemented?
What can we do?
First, recognize that geopolitical issues and solutions are not those of a generation ago. Recent history has demonstrated that future combat will involve cyber wars, with the most vulnerable targets being things like the electrical grid, food and water systems, or infrastructure.
So we can contact our political representatives and demand new realities shape this country’s defense budget and strategies. Related Articles Letters to the Editor | Letters: Escape Bay Area | CASA program | Feinstein replacement | Faulty comparison | Not conservatives
Letters: Escape Bay Area | CASA program | Feinstein replacement | Faulty comparison | Not conservatives Letters to the Editor | Letters: Psychiatric beds | SJSU neglect | Squandering cash | Overdoing coverage | Pac-12 negotiations | For climate’s sake | Electric appliances
Letters: Psychiatric beds | SJSU neglect | Squandering cash | Overdoing coverage | Pac-12 negotiations | For climate’s sake | Electric appliances Letters to the Editor | Letters: Abandoning tenants | Deaf culture | Western contributions | Conservative alienation | Precise language
Letters: Abandoning tenants | Deaf culture | Western contributions | Conservative alienation | Precise language Letters to the Editor | Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path
Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps
Then, realizing that peace means more than the absence of war, we can maintain right relationships with others, generate peace for the world.
Margery Leonard
Fremont
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
Read more Letters to the Editor


mercurynews--2020-02-18--California Fish Grill opens in South San Jose

For years , California Fish Grill was a misnomer .
It was really the Southern California Fish Grill , a chain of fast-casual eateries based in Irvine .
But the company founded in 1998 set its sights on the NorCal market a couple of years ago , opening restaurants first at Daly City ’ s Serramonte Center and then Walnut Creek ’ s Orchards center .
Now there ’ s one in San Jose , at 5120 Cherry Ave. , near Almaden Expressway .
At this just-opened restaurant , sustainable seafood tops the menu .
Seasonal choices include wild Alaskan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Grill says it works with stewardship councils to ensure that the farm-raised seafood served — trout , catfish , shrimp , tilapia and sea bass — comes from certified sustainable operations .
Flame-grilling is the cooking method of choice , with a selection of seasoned olive oil , garlic butter sauce , chimichurri sauce or Cajun spices .
But the restaurant also offers battered and fried classics , salad bowls , rice bowls and seafood tacos .
Sides include “ kaleslaw , ” fire-roasted street corn , grilled zucchini , sweet potato @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After 12 years , Sprinkles Cupcakes is finally opening a second Bay Area shop • World ’ s first Hot Dog on a Stick awaits its fate in Santa Monica • Umami Burger closes in Palo Alto , leaving these 2 locations in the Bay Area • First Look : Slurp !
Inside Cupertino ’ s new Ippudo ramen restaurant • Bay Area Day Trip : An awesome afternoon in Daly City , beaches and all Details : Open daily at 5120 Cherry Ave. , San Jose .
11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Wednesday , @ @ @ @ @ @

For years, California Fish Grill was a misnomer. It was really the Southern California Fish Grill, a chain of fast-casual eateries based in Irvine.
But the company founded in 1998 set its sights on the NorCal market a couple of years ago, opening restaurants first at Daly City’s Serramonte Center and then Walnut Creek’s Orchards center.
Now there’s one in San Jose, at 5120 Cherry Ave., near Almaden Expressway.
At this just-opened restaurant, sustainable seafood tops the menu. Seasonal choices include wild Alaskan sockeye salmon and Mediterranean branzino. And the Grill says it works with stewardship councils to ensure that the farm-raised seafood served — trout, catfish, shrimp, tilapia and sea bass — comes from certified sustainable operations.
Flame-grilling is the cooking method of choice, with a selection of seasoned olive oil, garlic butter sauce, chimichurri sauce or Cajun spices. But the restaurant also offers battered and fried classics, salad bowls, rice bowls and seafood tacos. Sides include “kaleslaw,” fire-roasted street corn, grilled zucchini, sweet potato fries and balsamic-glazed Brussels sprouts.


mercurynews--2020-02-18--Teen shot Tuesday near Castlemont High School

OAKLAND — Police were at the scene of an injury shooting Tuesday in the city ’ s Castlemont neighborhood , @ @ @ @ @ p.m. , dispatchers learned of a shooting report near the 8600 block of MacArthur Boulevard @ @ @ @ @ from the Castlemont Senior High campus , police said .
When officers responded to the @ @ @ @ @ injured male teenager person suffering from a gunshot wound .
No word was immediately available @ @ @ @ @ condition or any suspect description .
For information leading to the arrest of a suspect @ @ @ @ @ to $ 5,000 in the shooting .
Anyone with information may call police at 510-238-3426 @ @ @ @ @ at 510-777-8572 .

OAKLAND — A 17-year-old boy was shot Tuesday afternoon at a bus stop near Castlemont High School, authorities said Wednesday.
Authorities believe he was hit by a stray bullet from a shootout between someone in a vehicle and another person on the street. He was in stable condition.
No other injuries were reported.
The youth was shot about 1:55 p.m. Tuesday while he was at a bus stop in the 8400 block of MacArthur Boulevard, not far from the Castlemont campus which is at 8601 MacArthur.
It was not immediately known if the victim was a student at the school.
Police were trying to determine a motive for the shootout and who was involved. No arrests have been made.
For information leading to the arrest of a suspect, police are offering up to $5,000 in the shooting. Anyone with information may call police at 510-238-3426 or Crime Stoppers of Oakland at 510-777-8572.
Staff writer Harry Harris contributed to this report. Contact George Kelly at 408-859-5180.


mercurynews--2020-02-18--$293 million: Sobrato wheels and deals with big Santa Clara buildings

SANTA CLARA — The family foundation for legendary Silicon Valley developer Sobrato Organization has sold some big buildings in Santa Clara , including two leased to ServiceNow , for nearly $ 300 million .
The buildings involved in separate transactions this month are all in Santa Clara , with addresses of 2215 Lawson Lane , 2225 Lawson Lane and 4590 Patrick Henry Drive .
Also involved in the property deals is a parking garage at 2235 Lawson Lane .
The transactions suggest that investors from the East Coast and the Bay Area alike continue to hunger for office buildings in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quality buildings like the one Sobratro develops , and in very good locations , you are going to have good demand in the market place , ” said David Sandlin , an executive vice president with Colliers , a commercial real estate firm .
The buyer in the Lawson Lane transaction is an affiliate with ties to Northbridge Capital , a Washington , D.C.-based real estate asset manager that works with overseas investors , primarily from the Middle East .
The Patrick Henry deal involved an affiliate of SJMT Properties , a San @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The two transactions together totaled $ 293 million .
Sobrato Family Foundation was the seller in both instances .
By far the larger of the two deals involved the office buildings and garage on Lawson Lane , which traded for $ 276.3 million , according to Santa Clara County property documents filed on Feb. 14 .
That deal included a pair of sleek and modern office buildings that are prominently perched alongside Central Expressway and a short distance from the interchange of U.S. Highway 101 and San Tomas Expressway .
The two Lawson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ square feet .
ServiceNow , a cloud-based provider of software and services for information technology , human resources , customer relations , and security operations , is the tenant in the just-purchased Lawson Lane offices .
The Patrick Henry transaction involved an older 43,000-square-foot office building that was bought by the Hwang-led group for $ 16.7 million , county documents filed on Feb. 6 show .
Investors continue to scout for more properties to acquire , experts believe .
“ There is a lot of institutional capital looking for quality real estate in @ @ @ @ @ @ @

SANTA CLARA — The family foundation for legendary Silicon Valley developer Sobrato Organization has sold buildings in Santa Clara, including two leased to ServiceNow, for nearly $300 million.
The buildings involved in separate transactions this month have addresses of 2215 Lawson Lane, 2225 Lawson Lane and 4590 Patrick Henry Drive. Also involved in the property deals is a parking garage at 2235 Lawson Lane.
“The Sobrato Family Foundation is looking forward to putting the increased charitable assets made available through the sale of these buildings towards the Sobrato family’s growing philanthropic priorities that will benefit the local community and beyond,” said Lisa Sobrato Sonsini, board president and interim chief executive with Mountain View-based Sobrato Philanthropies.
The transactions suggest that investors from the East Coast and the Bay Area alike continue to hunger for office buildings in Silicon Valley.
“If you have quality buildings like the one Sobrato develops, and in very good locations, you are going to have good demand in the market place,” said David Sandlin, an executive vice president with Colliers, a commercial real estate firm.
The buyer in the Lawson Lane transaction is an affiliate with ties to Northbridge Capital, a Washington, D.C.-based real estate asset manager that works with overseas investors, primarily from the Middle East.
The Patrick Henry deal involved an affiliate of SJMT Properties, a San Francisco-based firm headed by Albert Hwang.
The two transactions together totaled $293 million. Sobrato Family Foundation was the seller in both instances.
By far the larger of the two deals involved the office buildings and garage on Lawson Lane, which traded for $276.3 million, according to Santa Clara County property documents filed on Feb. 14.
That deal included a pair of sleek and modern office buildings that are prominently perched alongside Central Expressway and a short distance from the interchange of U.S. Highway 101 and San Tomas Expressway.
The two Lawson Lane office buildings total a combined 329,000 square feet. ServiceNow, a cloud-based provider of software and services for information technology, human resources, customer relations, and security operations, is the tenant in the just-purchased Lawson Lane offices.
The much smaller Patrick Henry transaction involved an older 43,000-square-foot office building that was bought by the Hwang-led group for $16.7 million, county documents filed on Feb. 6 show.
In the much larger Lawson Lane deal, Northbridge Capital obtained $185 million in financing from Iowa-based Athene Annuity & Life, a retirement savings firm, to bankroll the purchase.
Athene Annuity’s involvement is additional evidence that major players thirst for choice commercial sites in Silicon Valley.
More major property deals are anticipated in Silicon Valley in short order.
“There is a lot of institutional capital looking for quality real estate in Silicon Valley,” Sandlin said.


mercurynews--2020-02-18--AIDS Memorial Quilt moves to Bay Area

AIDS Memorial Quilt moves to Bay Area

CLICK HERE if you are having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device Close to 50,000 panels that @ @ @ @ @ Quilt are moving from Atlanta to the Bay Area .
About 54 tons worth .
@ @ @ @ @ ago and now memorializes over 105,000 people who have died of AIDS .
Panels for @ @ @ @ @ in Atlanta since 2001 , but are now being moved to their new home in @ @ @ @ @ be cared for by the National AIDS Memorial .
Portions of the quilt will be @ @ @ @ @ Meadows , April 3-5 as part of the 150th birthday celebration of Golden Gate Park @ @ @ @ @ panels on display will be the largest ever of the quilt in San Francisco .

SAN LEANDRO, CA - FEBRUARY 18: AIDS Memorial Quilt founders Gert McMullin, left, and Cleve Jones, second from left, greet John Cunningham, center, Executive Director of the National AIDS Memorial and Rafael Mandelman at a storage site for the quilt panels on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, in San Leandro, Calif. The quilt project contains nearly 50,000 panels that are being moved from Atlanta to a new home in the Bay Area. (Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group)