mercurynews--2020-09-24--Library of Congress star-studded National Book Fest goes online

The Library of Congress National Book Festival , co-founded in 2001 by first lady Laura Bush , a former librarian , and National Librarian James H. Billington , first threw open its doors on the East Lawn of the U.S. Capitol , then moved to the National Mall for 12 years before taking root in the Washington Convention Center in 2014 .
Now , for its 20th year , the annual bibliopalooza is moving exclusively to your digital screens – and that ’ s not necessarily a bad thing .
The 2020 National Book Festival , having expanded from an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 200,000 last year , will bring some 120 authors , poets and illustrators to virtual attendees from Sept. 25-27 .
The advantages are multiple : no standing in crowded lines to get in to see a favorite author , no need to make yourself presentable for a public outing , no need to travel to ( and park near ! )
a crowded venue and — perhaps best of all — no need to miss a single thing , because the presentations will include both live and view-on-demand opportunities and endure on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afterwards .
It ’ s quite likely that as the festival enters its third decade , it will set eye-popping , record-high attendance levels .
The roster of the literary talent is both wide-ranging and impressive : Festival authors include two-time Pulitzer winner Colson Whitehead , former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright , legal thriller master John Grisham , Booker Prize-winning novelist Salman Rushdie , former national poet laureate Robert Pinsky , businesswoman and philanthropist Melinda Gates , “ Bel Canto ” novelist Ann Patchett , presidential daughters Jenna Bush Hager and Chelsea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the “ Pigeon ” books creator Mo Willems and “ The Stinky Cheese Man ” author Jon Scieszka .
Readers can access the events on the festival website across 10 “ stages ” : history and biography ; understanding our world ; fiction ; genre fiction ( speculative , sci-fi and fantasy ) ; poetry and prose ; family , food and field ; science ; children ; and teens .
Or they can choose an alternative strategy by focusing on three timely themes festival organizers have developed : “ Fearless Women ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and women , such as Clinton ’ s new book about young Olympic athletes and Erica Armstrong Dunbar ’ s biography of Harriet Tubman .
“ Hearing Black Voices , ” offering writers such as “ How to Be an Antiracist ” author Ibram X. Kendi , showcases black authors across multiple genres for readers of all ages .
The third theme , “ Democracy in the 21st Century ” assesses the current state of our union and will feature , among others , three political journalists , Peter Baker of the New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New Yorker and George Packer of The Atlantic analyzing how Washington , D.C. , works .
The simplest approach of all , of course , is to check through the entire two-day schedule and sign yourself up for sessions with your favorite authors .
Some of those events will be interactive , with opportunities for you to submit questions ahead of time .
For the first time , the National Book Festival is partnering with PBS to close the proceedings with a two-hour television special ( 6 p.m. EDT , but check local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by “ Today ” show co-anchor Hoda Kotb and titled “ The Library of Congress National Book Festival : Celebrating American Ingenuity , ” it will feature many of the authors listed above , plus Oakland ’ s own graphic novelist , Gene Yuen Lang ; National Book Award winning novelist James McBride ; and Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Jon Meacham .
Throughout the telecast , San Francisco author Amy Tan , historian Walter Isaacson and novelist Sandra Cisneros will comment on the “ American ingenuity ” theme and how it has guided us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The broadcast will remain available for on-demand streaming and through the PBS app .
Featured authors include Chelsea Clinton , Ibram X. Kendi , Gene Luen Yang , James McBride , Jon Meacham , Ann Patchett , Colson Whitehead and Mo Willems , Amy Tan , John Grisham , and many more .

The Library of Congress National Book Festival, co-founded in 2001 by first lady Laura Bush, a former librarian, and National Librarian James H. Billington, first threw open its doors on the East Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, then moved to the National Mall for 12 years before taking root in the Washington Convention Center in 2014.
Now, for its 20th year, the annual bibliopalooza is moving exclusively to your digital screens – and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The 2020 National Book Festival, having expanded from an audience of 25,000 in its first year to 200,000 last year, will bring some 120 authors, poets and illustrators to virtual attendees from Sept. 25-27.
The advantages are multiple: no standing in crowded lines to get in to see a favorite author, no need to make yourself presentable for a public outing, no need to travel to (and park near!) a crowded venue and — perhaps best of all — no need to miss a single thing, because the presentations will include both live and view-on-demand opportunities and endure on the festival website and YouTube for long afterwards. It’s quite likely that as the festival enters its third decade, it will set eye-popping, record-high attendance levels.
The roster of the literary talent is both wide-ranging and impressive: Festival authors include two-time Pulitzer winner Colson Whitehead, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, legal thriller master John Grisham, Booker Prize-winning novelist Salman Rushdie, former national poet laureate Robert Pinsky, businesswoman and philanthropist Melinda Gates, “Bel Canto” novelist Ann Patchett, presidential daughters Jenna Bush Hager and Chelsea Clinton and, for the kids, the “Pigeon” books creator Mo Willems and “The Stinky Cheese Man” author Jon Scieszka.
Readers can access the events on the festival website across 10 “stages”: history and biography; understanding our world; fiction; genre fiction (speculative, sci-fi and fantasy); poetry and prose; family, food and field; science; children; and teens.
Or they can choose an alternative strategy by focusing on three timely themes festival organizers have developed: “Fearless Women” highlights books by or about strong girls and women, such as Clinton’s new book about young Olympic athletes and Erica Armstrong Dunbar’s biography of Harriet Tubman. “Hearing Black Voices,” offering writers such as “How to Be an Antiracist” author Ibram X. Kendi, showcases black authors across multiple genres for readers of all ages. The third theme, “Democracy in the 21st Century” assesses the current state of our union and will feature, among others, three political journalists, Peter Baker of the New York Times, Susan Glasser of The New Yorker and George Packer of The Atlantic analyzing how Washington, D.C., works.
The simplest approach of all, of course, is to check through the entire two-day schedule and sign yourself up for sessions with your favorite authors. Some of those events will be interactive, with opportunities for you to submit questions ahead of time.
For the first time, the National Book Festival is partnering with PBS to close the proceedings with a two-hour television special (6 p.m. EDT, but check local listings) on Sept. 27.
Hosted by “Today” show co-anchor Hoda Kotb and titled “The Library of Congress National Book Festival: Celebrating American Ingenuity,” it will feature many of the authors listed above, plus Oakland’s own graphic novelist, Gene Yuen Lang; National Book Award winning novelist James McBride; and Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Jon Meacham. Throughout the telecast, San Francisco author Amy Tan, historian Walter Isaacson and novelist Sandra Cisneros will comment on the “American ingenuity” theme and how it has guided us through both troubled and temperate times. The broadcast will remain available for on-demand streaming and through the PBS app.
Featured authors include Chelsea Clinton, Ibram X. Kendi, Gene Luen Yang, James McBride, Jon Meacham, Ann Patchett, Colson Whitehead and Mo Willems, Amy Tan, John Grisham, and many more.


mercurynews--2020-09-23--The Latest: Trump says he won’t meet with Judge Lagoa

WASHINGTON ( AP ) — The Latest on the Supreme Court and the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg ( all times local ) : President Donald Trump says he will not be meeting with Judge Barbara Lagoa , but says the Florida-born jurist is still on his short list to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court .
Speaking to reporters during a White House press briefing Wednesday , Trump , who has spoken highly of Lagoa , said , “ She is on my list .
I don ’ t have a meeting planned , but she is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggested he might meet with Lagoa later this week when he travels to Florida for campaign events .
He is set to announce his nominee for the high court Saturday afternoon .
Indiana Judge Amy Coney Barrett is viewed as the favorite to be Trump ’ s selection .
HERE ’ S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE SUPREME COURT VACANCY — Supreme Court fight adds to pile of issues weighing on voters President Donald Trump says he wants a replacement for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg confirmed to the Supreme Court ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court can weigh in on any campaign-related litigation .
Speaking at the White House on Wednesday , Trump predicted the election “ will end up in the Supreme Court , adding , “ I think it ’ s important we have nine justices.
” He added of the timing of the confirmation vote : “ I think it ’ s better if you go before the election.
” Trump is set to formally unveil his pick Saturday at the White House , and Senate Republicans have indicated they will move swiftly to confirm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In 2016 , Senate Republicans and Trump said it wasn ’ t right for President Barack Obama , a Democrat , to replace Justice Antonin Scalia because it was an election year .
Scalia died 237 days before the 2016 election .
Ginsburg ’ s death on Friday came 46 days before the 2020 election .
President Donald Trump is expressing increasing confidence that a Republican-controlled Senate will approve whichever Supreme Court nominee he chooses to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg .
Trump went so far as to suggest on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t even have to hold a hearing , ” though he added that he expects that Republican chair Lindsey Graham will go ahead and schedule confirmation hearings anyway .
Trump told reporters at the White House that many of the candidates on his short list of five women have already gone through confirmation hearings during his presidency .
He says , “ So it ’ s not like , ‘ Gee , let ’ s look at papers that are 15 years old.
’ No , I think the process is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is expected to announce his choice at 5 p.m. Saturday , but he says most Republican senators have made their intentions very clear on a final vote , adding , “ I think we ’ re in great shape.
” Ginsburg , a liberal justice , died Friday at the age of 87 .
Joe Biden won ’ t say if he is vetting a list of potential Supreme Court picks .
But he says Democrats should be campaigning on the issue as voters get ready to make their choice this November .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ go to the American people , make the case why this is a gigantic mistake and abuse of power.
” He said if there were another conservative justice on the court , the Affordable Care Act could be overturned and healthcare cost protections for women could be eliminated .
Biden has said he won ’ t release a list to avoid giving Trump and Republicans an opportunity to attack him and his potential picks .
Trump has had a running list of picks since the 2016 campaign .
Biden made the comments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to North Carolina .
The casket of the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has been moved to the top of the Supreme Court ’ s marble steps so the public can pay respect .
A brief , private ceremony honoring Ginsburg in the court ’ s Great Hall began the mourning period on Wednesday .
Normally , members of the public would have been allowed to pass through the Great Hall .
But because of the coronavirus pandemic the casket was moved outside so the public can pay their respects while following public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be on public view from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday .
Mourners were already waiting in line hours before .
Some drove from several states away in order to be present to pay their respects to the late justice , a champion of women ’ s rights and gender equality .
Chief Justice John Roberts is remembering his colleague Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as tough and brave , a fighter and a winner .
Roberts was speaking Wednesday during a private ceremony honoring Ginsburg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said she was also careful , compassionate and honest .
He spoke of her undying devotion to the law and to her family .
Ginsburg died Friday at 87 after 27 years on the Supreme Court .
Hundreds of mourners gathered in silence outside the Supreme Court as her casket arrived .
Roberts said Ginsburg ’ s opinions and her famous dissents will steer the court for decades .
He says they are written with the “ unaffected grace of precision.
” “ The voice in court and in our conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spoke , people listened , ” Roberts said .
The death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is bringing together the court ’ s remaining eight justices for the first time since the Supreme Court building was closed in March and they resorted to meetings by telephone .
All eight justices were present Wednesday for a private ceremony honoring Ginsburg in the court ’ s Great Hall .
Ginsburg died Friday at the age of 87 .
All of the eight justices were wearing masks during the indoor ceremony because of the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ present , along with Maureen Scalia , the widow of Antonin Scalia who died in 2016 and was closest to Ginsburg on the court .
Ginsburg was a champion of gender equality and women ’ s rights .
Outside the court , hundreds of mourners stood to pay their respects , silent save for the clicks of cell phone cameras , and watched as pallbearers carried Ginsburg ’ s flag-draped coffin up the courthouse steps .
The White House says President Donald Trump will pay his respects to the late Justice Ruth Bader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The casket of the second woman to serve on the nation ’ s high court will be placed atop the Supreme Court building ’ s steps after a private ceremony Wednesday for people to pay their respects during the coronavirus pandemic .
She will lie in repose at the court for two days before her casket is moved to the Capitol .
Trump has said Ginsburg was an “ amazing woman ” who led an “ amazing life.
” He is moving quickly to name her successor , with an announcement set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s rights champion , leader of the court ’ s liberal bloc and a feminist icon who died Friday of cancer .
She was 87 .
The casket of the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has arrived at the Supreme Court for the start of two days of public viewing .
Clerks of the court wearing black masks filed down the steps as the casket arrived .
Following a private ceremony in the court ’ s Great Hall , the casket will be moved to the top of the court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the public can pay their respects in line with public health guidance for the coronavirus pandemic .
Thousands are expected to pay their respects .
Ginsburg , the second woman to serve on the court after Sandra Day O ’ Connor , died Friday at 87 from metastatic pancreatic cancer .
Her casket will be on public view from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday .

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on the Supreme Court and the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (all times local):
7:30 p.m.
President Donald Trump says he will not be meeting with Judge Barbara Lagoa, but says the Florida-born jurist is still on his short list to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court.
Speaking to reporters during a White House press briefing Wednesday, Trump, who has spoken highly of Lagoa, said, “She is on my list. I don’t have a meeting planned, but she is on my list.”
Trump had previously suggested he might meet with Lagoa later this week when he travels to Florida for campaign events. He is set to announce his nominee for the high court Saturday afternoon.
Indiana Judge Amy Coney Barrett is viewed as the favorite to be Trump’s selection.
__
HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE SUPREME COURT VACANCY
— Ginsburg remembered as prophet for justice, American icon
— GOP senators see political, principle gain in court fight
— Supreme Court fight adds to pile of issues weighing on voters
___
Follow AP’s Supreme Court coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/ruth-bader-ginsburg
___
6:15 p.m.
President Donald Trump says he wants a replacement for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg confirmed to the Supreme Court ahead of Election Day so that a full court can weigh in on any campaign-related litigation.
Speaking at the White House on Wednesday, Trump predicted the election “will end up in the Supreme Court, adding, “I think it’s important we have nine justices.”
He added of the timing of the confirmation vote: “I think it’s better if you go before the election.”
Trump is set to formally unveil his pick Saturday at the White House, and Senate Republicans have indicated they will move swiftly to confirm the selection before the Nov. 3 election.
In 2016, Senate Republicans and Trump said it wasn’t right for President Barack Obama, a Democrat, to replace Justice Antonin Scalia because it was an election year. Scalia died 237 days before the 2016 election.
Ginsburg’s death on Friday came 46 days before the 2020 election.
___
4:20 p.m.
President Donald Trump is expressing increasing confidence that a Republican-controlled Senate will approve whichever Supreme Court nominee he chooses to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Trump went so far as to suggest on Wednesday that the Senate Judiciary Committee “doesn’t even have to hold a hearing,” though he added that he expects that Republican chair Lindsey Graham will go ahead and schedule confirmation hearings anyway.
Trump told reporters at the White House that many of the candidates on his short list of five women have already gone through confirmation hearings during his presidency. He says, “So it’s not like, ‘Gee, let’s look at papers that are 15 years old.’ No, I think the process is going to go very quickly.”
Trump is expected to announce his choice at 5 p.m. Saturday, but he says most Republican senators have made their intentions very clear on a final vote, adding, “I think we’re in great shape.”
Ginsburg, a liberal justice, died Friday at the age of 87.
___
11:30 a.m.
Joe Biden won’t say if he is vetting a list of potential Supreme Court picks. But he says Democrats should be campaigning on the issue as voters get ready to make their choice this November.
He told reporters Wednesday that Democrats should “go to the American people, make the case why this is a gigantic mistake and abuse of power.”
He said if there were another conservative justice on the court, the Affordable Care Act could be overturned and healthcare cost protections for women could be eliminated.
Biden has said he won’t release a list to avoid giving Trump and Republicans an opportunity to attack him and his potential picks. Trump has had a running list of picks since the 2016 campaign.
Biden made the comments on a tarmac before boarding a plane to North Carolina.
___
10:35 a.m.
The casket of the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has been moved to the top of the Supreme Court’s marble steps so the public can pay respect.
A brief, private ceremony honoring Ginsburg in the court’s Great Hall began the mourning period on Wednesday. Normally, members of the public would have been allowed to pass through the Great Hall. But because of the coronavirus pandemic the casket was moved outside so the public can pay their respects while following public health guidance.
Ginsburg’s casket will be on public view from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday.
Mourners were already waiting in line hours before. Some drove from several states away in order to be present to pay their respects to the late justice, a champion of women’s rights and gender equality.
___
10 a.m.
Chief Justice John Roberts is remembering his colleague Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as tough and brave, a fighter and a winner.
Roberts was speaking Wednesday during a private ceremony honoring Ginsburg in the court’s Great Hall. He said she was also careful, compassionate and honest. He spoke of her undying devotion to the law and to her family.
Ginsburg died Friday at 87 after 27 years on the Supreme Court. Hundreds of mourners gathered in silence outside the Supreme Court as her casket arrived.
Roberts said Ginsburg’s opinions and her famous dissents will steer the court for decades. He says they are written with the “unaffected grace of precision.”
“The voice in court and in our conference room was soft. But when she spoke, people listened,” Roberts said.
___
9:50 a.m.
The death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is bringing together the court’s remaining eight justices for the first time since the Supreme Court building was closed in March and they resorted to meetings by telephone.
All eight justices were present Wednesday for a private ceremony honoring Ginsburg in the court’s Great Hall. Ginsburg died Friday at the age of 87.
All of the eight justices were wearing masks during the indoor ceremony because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Retired Justice Anthony Kennedy was also present, along with Maureen Scalia, the widow of Antonin Scalia who died in 2016 and was closest to Ginsburg on the court.
Ginsburg was a champion of gender equality and women’s rights. Outside the court, hundreds of mourners stood to pay their respects, silent save for the clicks of cell phone cameras, and watched as pallbearers carried Ginsburg’s flag-draped coffin up the courthouse steps.
___
9:35 a.m.
The White House says President Donald Trump will pay his respects to the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Thursday at the Supreme Court.
The casket of the second woman to serve on the nation’s high court will be placed atop the Supreme Court building’s steps after a private ceremony Wednesday for people to pay their respects during the coronavirus pandemic. She will lie in repose at the court for two days before her casket is moved to the Capitol.
Trump has said Ginsburg was an “amazing woman” who led an “amazing life.” He is moving quickly to name her successor, with an announcement set for Saturday.
Ginsburg was a women’s rights champion, leader of the court’s liberal bloc and a feminist icon who died Friday of cancer. She was 87.
___
9:30 a.m.
The casket of the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has arrived at the Supreme Court for the start of two days of public viewing.
Clerks of the court wearing black masks filed down the steps as the casket arrived.
Following a private ceremony in the court’s Great Hall, the casket will be moved to the top of the court’s front steps so that members of the public can pay their respects in line with public health guidance for the coronavirus pandemic.
Thousands are expected to pay their respects.
Ginsburg, the second woman to serve on the court after Sandra Day O’Connor, died Friday at 87 from metastatic pancreatic cancer.
Her casket will be on public view from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday.


mercurynews--2020-09-23--Long lines of mourners pay respects to Ginsburg at court

WASHINGTON ( AP ) — With crowds of admirers swelling outside , Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was remembered Wednesday at the court by grieving family , colleagues and friends as a prophet for justice who persevered against long odds to become an American icon .
The court ’ s eight justices , masked along with everyone else because of the coronavirus pandemic , gathered for the first time in more than six months for the ceremony to mark Ginsburg ’ s death from cancer last week at age 87 after 27 years on the court .
Washington already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s replacement , but Chief Justice John Roberts focused on his longtime colleague .
The best words to describe Ginsburg are “ tough , brave , a fighter , a winner , ” Roberts said , but also “ thoughtful , careful , compassionate , honest.
” The woman who late in life became known in admiration as the Notorious RBG “ wanted to be an opera virtuoso , but became a rock star instead , ” Roberts said .
Ginsburg ’ s two children , Jane and James , and other family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ casket , across from the justices .
With her portrait on display nearby , Ginsburg ’ s flag-draped casket sat in the court ’ s Great Hall for the private service before it was moved outside so the public could honor her .
Health precautions because of the pandemic led the court to limit the number of people inside the building , which has been closed to the public since March .
Through the day , thousands of people paid their respects to the women ’ s rights champion and leader of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ darkness fell , the line stretched nearly half a mile from the court as people filed past .
The casket was to be on public view until 10 p.m. Wednesday and from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday .
Inside earlier , the members of the court were arrayed in their seats in order of seniority , now changed by Ginsburg ’ s death so that Justices Clarence Thomas and Stephen Breyer flanked Roberts .
Breyer took the spot Ginsburg held when the court last gathered for a justice ’ s memorial , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paul Stevens .
Rabbi Lauren Holtzblatt of Washington , D.C. , compared Ginsburg to a prophet who imagined a world of greater equality and then worked to make it happen .
“ This was Justice Ginsburg ’ s life ’ s work .
To insist that the Constitution deliver on its promise , that we the people would include all the people .
She carried out that work in every chapter of her life , ” said Holtzblatt , whose husband , Ari , once worked as a law clerk to Ginsburg .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the casket said they had driven through the night .
One of those in line , Heather Setzler , a physician assistant from Raleigh , North Carolina , said she named her two cats Hillary Ruth and Kiki , in honor of Ginsburg ’ s childhood nickname .
“ There was just something about her .
She was so diminutive yet turned out to be such a giant , ” Setzler said , wearing a face mask adorned with small portraits of Ginsburg .
Rachel Linderman and Rychelle Weseman of Olean , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s capital because they said they wanted to be counted among Ginsburg ’ s followers and demonstrate how important her legacy is to Americans .
They said they were buoyed as they waited in line to be surrounded by people who felt the same way .
“ I liked that I was with like-minded people , ” Linderman said .
“ I feel energized , .
” “ Where we live , we ’ re usually in the minority , ” Weseman said .
Prominent visitors Wednesday included Vice President Mike Pence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with former President Bill Clinton , who appointed Ginsburg to the court in 1993 , and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton , whom Ginsburg hoped would name her successor .
President Donald Trump , who traded insults with Ginsburg four years ago , was expected to pay his respects on Thursday .
Since Ginsburg ’ s death Friday evening , people have been leaving flowers , notes , placards and all manner of Ginsburg paraphernalia outside the court in tribute .
Court workers cleared away the items and cleaned the court plaza @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s ceremony .
Inside , the entrance to the courtroom , along with Ginsburg ’ s chair and place on the bench next to Roberts , have been draped in black , a longstanding court custom .
These visual signs of mourning , which in years past have reinforced the sense of loss , will largely go unseen this year .
The court begins its new term Oct. 5 , but the justices will not be in the courtroom and instead will hear arguments by phone .
On Friday , Ginsburg will lie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first woman to do so and only the second Supreme Court justice after William Howard Taft .
Taft had also been president .
Rosa Parks , a private citizen not a government official , is the only woman who has lain in honor at the Capitol .
Ginsburg will be buried beside her husband , Martin , in a private ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery next week .
Martin Ginsburg died in 2010 .
She is survived by her son and daughter , four grandchildren , two step-grandchildren and a great-grandchild .
Ginsburg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of tumult to an already chaotic election year .
Trump and Senate Republicans are plowing ahead with plans to have a new justice on the bench , perhaps before the Nov. 3 election .
Only Chief Justice Roger Taney , who died in October 1864 , died closer to a presidential election .
President Abraham Lincoln waited until December to nominate his replacement , Salmon Chase , who was confirmed the same day .
When Justice Antonin Scalia , Ginsburg ’ s closest friend on the court , died unexpectedly in 2016 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Obama ’ s high-court nomination of Judge Merrick Garland .
Associated Press writer Jessica Gresko contributed to this report .

By MARK SHERMAN and MATTHEW BARAKAT
WASHINGTON (AP) — With crowds of admirers swelling outside, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was remembered Wednesday at the court by grieving family, colleagues and friends as a prophet for justice who persevered against long odds to become an American icon.
The court’s eight justices, masked along with everyone else because of the coronavirus pandemic, gathered for the first time in more than six months for the ceremony to mark Ginsburg’s death from cancer last week at age 87 after 27 years on the court.
Washington already is consumed with talk of Ginsburg’s replacement, but Chief Justice John Roberts focused on his longtime colleague.
The best words to describe Ginsburg are “tough, brave, a fighter, a winner,” Roberts said, but also “thoughtful, careful, compassionate, honest.”
The woman who late in life became known in admiration as the Notorious RBG “wanted to be an opera virtuoso, but became a rock star instead,” Roberts said. Ginsburg’s two children, Jane and James, and other family members sat on one side of the casket, across from the justices.
With her portrait on display nearby, Ginsburg’s flag-draped casket sat in the court’s Great Hall for the private service before it was moved outside so the public could honor her. Health precautions because of the pandemic led the court to limit the number of people inside the building, which has been closed to the public since March.
Through the day, thousands of people paid their respects to the women’s rights champion and leader of the court’s liberal bloc. As darkness fell, the line stretched nearly half a mile from the court as people filed past. The casket was to be on public view until 10 p.m. Wednesday and from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday.
Inside earlier, the members of the court were arrayed in their seats in order of seniority, now changed by Ginsburg’s death so that Justices Clarence Thomas and Stephen Breyer flanked Roberts. Breyer took the spot Ginsburg held when the court last gathered for a justice’s memorial, in 2019 following the death of John Paul Stevens.
Rabbi Lauren Holtzblatt of Washington, D.C., compared Ginsburg to a prophet who imagined a world of greater equality and then worked to make it happen.
“This was Justice Ginsburg’s life’s work. To insist that the Constitution deliver on its promise, that we the people would include all the people. She carried out that work in every chapter of her life,” said Holtzblatt, whose husband, Ari, once worked as a law clerk to Ginsburg.
Outside, some people waiting to pass by the casket said they had driven through the night. One of those in line, Heather Setzler, a physician assistant from Raleigh, North Carolina, said she named her two cats Hillary Ruth and Kiki, in honor of Ginsburg’s childhood nickname.
“There was just something about her. She was so diminutive yet turned out to be such a giant,” Setzler said, wearing a face mask adorned with small portraits of Ginsburg.
Rachel Linderman and Rychelle Weseman of Olean, New York, traveled to the nation’s capital because they said they wanted to be counted among Ginsburg’s followers and demonstrate how important her legacy is to Americans.
They said they were buoyed as they waited in line to be surrounded by people who felt the same way.
“I liked that I was with like-minded people,” Linderman said. “I feel energized.”
“Where we live, we’re usually in the minority,” Weseman said.
Prominent visitors Wednesday included Vice President Mike Pence and his wife, Karen, along with former President Bill Clinton, who appointed Ginsburg to the court in 1993, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, whom Ginsburg had hoped would name her successor. President Donald Trump, who traded insults with Ginsburg four years ago, planned to pay his respects Thursday.
Since Ginsburg’s death Friday evening, people have been leaving flowers, notes, placards and all manner of Ginsburg paraphernalia outside the court in tribute. Court workers cleared away the items and cleaned the court plaza and sidewalk in advance of Wednesday’s ceremony.
Inside, the entrance to the courtroom, along with Ginsburg’s chair and place on the bench next to Roberts, have been draped in black, a longstanding court custom. These visual signs of mourning, which in years past have reinforced the sense of loss, will largely go unseen this year. The court begins its new term Oct. 5, but the justices will not be in the courtroom and instead will hear arguments by phone.
On Friday, Ginsburg will lie in state at the Capitol, the first woman to do so and only the second Supreme Court justice after William Howard Taft. Taft had also been president. Rosa Parks, a private citizen not a government official, is the only woman who has lain in honor at the Capitol.
Ginsburg will be buried beside her husband, Martin, in a private ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery next week. Martin Ginsburg died in 2010. She is survived by her son and daughter, four grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
Ginsburg’s death has added another layer of tumult to an already chaotic election year. Trump and Senate Republicans are plowing ahead with plans to have a new justice on the bench, perhaps before the Nov. 3 election.
Only Chief Justice Roger Taney, who died in October 1864, died closer to a presidential election. President Abraham Lincoln waited until December to nominate his replacement, Salmon Chase, who was confirmed the same day.
When Justice Antonin Scalia, Ginsburg’s closest friend on the court, died unexpectedly in 2016, Republicans refused to act on President Barack Obama’s high-court nomination of Judge Merrick Garland.
___
Associated Press writer Jessica Gresko contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-09-23--Man died of drug overdose in Contra Costa jail, days after he was arrested and briefly hospitalized

MARTINEZ — A 35-year-old man was hospitalized for an infection in his leg days before he was found dead in the bunk of his Contra Costa jail cell from a methamphetamine and fentanyl overdose , a forensic pathologist testified at a coroner ’ s inquest Wednesday .
Benito Stefano Carrasco , 35 , of Clayton , ingested the drugs that killed him while incarcerated at the Martinez Detention Facility in August 2019 , the pathologist found .
Days earlier — when he was arrested by Clayton police on suspicion of grand theft and burglary — he was taken to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staph infection in his leg .
Once at the jail , Carrasco exhibited signs of opiate withdrawal , so much so that deputies in the jail required him to stay in a bottom bunk and stay in a cell on the first floor of his module , so he wouldn ’ t have to exert himself by walking up stairs or climbing to the upper bunk .
Carrasco was offered pills like Benadryl to treat his opiate withdrawal but refused them , according to deputies who testified at the hearing .
Wednesday ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ glimpse into Carrasco ’ s death , more than a year after it occurred .
Contra Costa holds coroner ’ s inquest hearings for all law enforcement-related deaths , but the process was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
The county recently recommenced the inquest process , and Carrasco ’ s was the first to be held since the start of the pandemic .
Carrasco was one of 10 people to die in Contra Costa County jails from 2018 through 2019 .
All of the deaths were caused by suicide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to public records .
In the aftermath of Carrasco ’ s death , advocates called for improved jail conditions and more “ transparency and accountability ” from the Contra Costa Sheriff ’ s office , which runs the county jail system .
Sheriff David Livingston called the criticisms “ nonsense ” from “ political radicals.
” According to the testimony of deputies , as well as the forensic pathologist , Carrasco likely died in his sleep .
His cellmate later told police that Carrasco had refused his meals throughout the day , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When the cellmate discovered Carrasco and called for deputies , his body was cold to the touch and had no pulse , the deputies said under oath .
Carrasco exhibited medical issues beyond the leg infection and opiate withdrawal symptoms ; the pathologist testified his legs and arms were covered in ulcers , likely from heroin injections .
There were no internal injuries or other signs of foul play , though .
The autopsy showed fluid in each chest cavity , and liver congestion , which are both consistent with drug overdoses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said under oath .
He ruled it a drug overdose after the toxicology reports showed meth and fentanyl in Carrasco ’ s system .
• Judge : Eric Trump must testify before the election • Santa Clara County sheriff ’ s deputies use 2 armored vehicles to take speeding suspect into custody A coroner ’ s inquest jury ruled unanimously , 10-0 , that Carrasco ’ s death was an accident .
The ruling carries no civil nor criminal liability .
Contra Costa Sheriff Det .
Jeff Jackson testified police were unable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obtain illegal narcotics in the jail .
Common methods include arrestees smuggling contraband in various body cavities , or people concealing them in letters or postcards , he testified .

MARTINEZ — A 35-year-old man was hospitalized for an infection in his leg days before he was found dead in the bunk of his Contra Costa jail cell from a methamphetamine and fentanyl overdose, a forensic pathologist testified at a coroner’s inquest Wednesday.
Benito Stefano Carrasco, 35, of Clayton, ingested the drugs that killed him while incarcerated at the Martinez Detention Facility in August 2019, the pathologist found. Days earlier — when he was arrested by Clayton police on suspicion of grand theft and burglary — he was taken to a hospital for several hours due to a staph infection in his leg.
Once at the jail, Carrasco exhibited signs of opiate withdrawal, so much so that deputies in the jail required him to stay in a bottom bunk and stay in a cell on the first floor of his module, so he wouldn’t have to exert himself by walking up stairs or climbing to the upper bunk. Carrasco was offered pills like Benadryl to treat his opiate withdrawal but refused them, according to deputies who testified at the hearing.
Wednesday’s hearing gave the public its first glimpse into Carrasco’s death, more than a year after it occurred. Contra Costa holds coroner’s inquest hearings for all law enforcement-related deaths, but the process was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The county recently recommenced the inquest process, and Carrasco’s was the first to be held since the start of the pandemic.
Carrasco was one of 10 people to die in Contra Costa County jails from 2018 through 2019. All of the deaths were caused by suicide, medical issues or drug overdose, according to public records.
In the aftermath of Carrasco’s death, advocates called for improved jail conditions and more “transparency and accountability” from the Contra Costa Sheriff’s office, which runs the county jail system. Sheriff David Livingston called the criticisms “nonsense” from “political radicals.”
According to the testimony of deputies, as well as the forensic pathologist, Carrasco likely died in his sleep. His cellmate later told police that Carrasco had refused his meals throughout the day, and went to bed early that night. When the cellmate discovered Carrasco and called for deputies, his body was cold to the touch and had no pulse, the deputies said under oath.
Carrasco exhibited medical issues beyond the leg infection and opiate withdrawal symptoms; the pathologist testified his legs and arms were covered in ulcers, likely from heroin injections. There were no internal injuries or other signs of foul play, though.
The autopsy showed fluid in each chest cavity, and liver congestion, which are both consistent with drug overdoses, Dr. Arnold Josselson, the pathologist, said under oath. He ruled it a drug overdose after the toxicology reports showed meth and fentanyl in Carrasco’s system.
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ACLU, justice groups sue Santa Clara County court alleging unfair jailings Crime and Public Safety | Robert Hanssen, FBI agent who spied for Russia, died of natural causes at Colorado’s Supermax, coroner rules A coroner’s inquest jury ruled unanimously, 10-0, that Carrasco’s death was an accident. The ruling carries no civil nor criminal liability.
Contra Costa Sheriff Det. Jeff Jackson testified police were unable to determine how Carrasco was able to obtain illegal narcotics in the jail. Common methods include arrestees smuggling contraband in various body cavities, or people concealing them in letters or postcards, he testified.


mercurynews--2020-09-23--New movies: ‘Shortcut,’ ‘Enola Holmes,’ are your best bets

Need to get out ?
We normally focus on streaming fare , but this weekend , the drive-in theater abides .
On Sept. 25 in Concord and San Jose , amid all the second-run releases and classic movies , an actual first-run feature makes a splash .
The Italian-made monster movie “ Shortcut ” tops our list of what to see this weekend , along with couch-ready fare such as the Netflix family find “ Enola Holmes ” and a black-and-white indie gem “ Wheels.
” And if you want to get your political dander up , there ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from “ All In ” and Patagonia ’ s “ Public Trust.
” “ Shortcut ” : Italian director Alessio Liguori ’ s affection for modest , mid- ’ 80s creature features is evident from this film ’ s ominous start and that ’ s OK since it only enhances this well-written goose-pimpler , an eerie , not overly bloody creeper shot in the Italian woods .
While it could have used more frights and a creepier monster , the chintzy budget works in its favor — making us feel like a kid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a more “ adult ” thriller .
The setup will be familiar to “ Jeepers Creepers 2 ” fans : A school bus carrying teens gets stranded and a monster comes calling to pig out on the unsuspecting .
But “ Shortcut ” is sharper , and more fun , than the Martinez-born Victor Salva ’ s 2003 sequel .
That ’ s due to the “ Stranger Things ” vibe of Luguori ’ s film , mirroring that Netflix series ’ s strength by making his young characters authentic and likeable .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ good .
While “ Shortcut ” won ’ t win awards , it does take us on a joyride back to the old-school horror style , in which the scares are teased rather than trumpeted .
It is ideal drive-in fare .
Details : 3 stars ; opens Sept. 25 at Concord ’ s West Wind Solano Drive-In and at San Jose ’ s West Wind Capitol Drive-In ; www.westwinddi.com “ Enola Holmes ” : Determined and resourceful , the 16-year-old sister of super sleuth Sherlock enters the family biz once her feminist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in fine form ) vanishes .
As played by Millie Bobby Brown ( the “ Stranger Things ” star and “ Enola ” producer ) Enola refuses to be confined by Old English 19th-century sex roles , exhibiting a modern sense and sensibility as she assists a dashing marquis ( Louis Partridge ) and copes with two feuding brothers , Sherlock ( Henry Cavill ) and Mycroft ( Sam Claflin ) .
Based on Nancy Springer ’ s series of novels , director Harry Bradbeer ’ s action-packed family film is a pip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the strongest young female heroines since Katniss Everdeen hit the bullseye .
“ Enola Holmes ” is an energetic launching point for a promising new franchise .
Details : 3 stars ; available Sept. 23 ; Netflix .
“ Wheels ” : Paul Starkman ’ s award winner dishes out a convincing slice-of-life portrait of a young Black DJ/grocery clerk ( Arnstar ) from Brooklyn and his complicated relationships with his grandmother , who is in the early stage of Alzheimer ’ s , and his brother ( Joshua Boone ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prison .
“ Wheels ” tackles tough realities about pursuing dreams while juggling difficult choices .
It ’ s a gem packed with new talent and has an affirming yet realistic message .
Details : 3 stars ; available to stream or purchase on various platforms .
“ The Artist ’ s Wife ” : San Francisco filmmaker Tom Dolby ’ s unpredictable character drama follows a well-heeled couple ( Lena Olin and Bruce Dern ) as they re-calibrate their lives when the husband begins suffering from escalating dementia-related outbursts .
Henry puts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an existential crisis as she falls for a musician/caregiver ( Avan Jogia ) and revisits her career as a painter .
Dolby ’ s feature is polished yet personal and doesn ’ t follow the trajectory one expects from this kind of film .
Details : 3 stars ; available Sept. 25 on various platforms .
“ LX 2048 ” : Oakland ’ s Delroy Lindo has been having one of his best ever acting year .
And while this dystopian drama shot on a tiny budget isn ’ t one of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He ’ s cast in a secondary but pivotal role in writer/director Guy Moshe ’ s metaphysical clone thriller about a world in which people retreat indoors due to solar intensity .
The claustrophobic environment finds a successful entrepreneur ( James D ’ Arcy ) experiencing marital dissatisfaction when his wife ( Anna Brewster ) catches him in a sexual relationship with an AI .
Moshe detours from the obvious storyline while focusing on the theme of freedom .
It ’ s stilted at times , but comes to life whenever Lindo comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intel than others .
Details : 2½ stars ; available Sept. 25 on various platforms .
“ The Social Dilemma ” : Jeff Orlowski ’ s damning documentary might prompt you to say adios to Mark Zuckerberg and social media sites .
More successful when it ’ s relying on talking heads rather than dramatizations , “ Dilemma ” finds former tech innovators — most in Silicon Valley — revealing the ways social media companies use and abuse your data and contribute to misinforming the public .
It ’ s one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Details : 3½ stars ; available now on Netflix .
“ All In : The Fight for Democracy ” : Political documentaries are popping up like campaign signs .
Some are good — such as “ # Unfit : The Psychology of Donald Trump ” — and others are great — check out “ Healing From Hate , ” about reformed white supremacists helping others change .
A clear standout is this well-produced Amazon Prime advocacy feature .
Springboarding primarily off two events — the Supreme Court ’ s 2013 ruling that weakened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ unsuccessful and controversial 2018 run for Georgia governorship .
Filmmakers Liz Garbus and Lisa Cortés provide context and perspective on how voting rights are continually being eroded .
It ’ s smartly done , and alarming as heck .
Details : 3 stars , available now on Amazon Prime .
“ Public Trust ” : Another right that ’ s getting stripped away in favor of fat-cat politicians and big business interests is our right to access and enjoy public lands .
That ’ s the focus of this mad-as-hell documentary from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Redford .
Director David Garrett Byars lets angry citizens tell the story as the fight to preserve unspoiled and sacred lands clashes with the desires of the current administration .
“ Trust ” too is a political film , but it ’ s a shocker , particularly in seeing who is coming to the front lines of this battle .
Don ’ t miss it .
Details : 3½ stars ; available Sept. 25 on YouTube .
“ Kajillionaire ” : Writer/director Miranda July is definitely an acquired taste .
I happen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Evan Rachel Wood earns awards consideration for her performance as the daughter of L.A. swindlers ( Richard Jenkins and Debra Winger ) who team up with a vivacious stranger ( Gina Rodriguez ) who joins their con jobs .
Woods never hits a false step as a sheltered woman-child .
Details : 3 stars ; playing at Fairfax Theatre beginning Sept. 24 ; available to stream or purchase Oct. 16 .
“ Rialto ” : Frameline , San Francisco ’ s LGBTQ+ film festival , wraps up this weekend , and one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in working-class Dublin .
Peter Mackie Burns ’ uncompromising drama takes us through the painful coming-out journey of Colm ( Tom Vaughan-Lawlor ) whose company is going through a merger just as the husband and father develops an obsessive relationship with a hardened young prostitute ( Tom Glynn-Carney ) .
Both leads give this exploration of macho stifling a documentary-like realness , as does Burns .
It ’ s powerful indeed .
Details : Available through Sept. 26 at www.frameline.org .

Need to get out? We normally focus on streaming fare, but this weekend, the drive-in theater abides. On Sept. 25 in Concord and San Jose, amid all the second-run releases and classic movies, an actual first-run feature makes a splash. The Italian-made monster movie “Shortcut” tops our list of what to see this weekend, along with couch-ready fare such as the Netflix family find “Enola Holmes” and a black-and-white indie gem “Wheels.”
And if you want to get your political dander up, there’s more that enough to go around, from “All In” and Patagonia’s “Public Trust.”
Here’s our weekly rundown.
“Shortcut”: Italian director Alessio Liguori’s affection for modest, mid-’80s creature features is evident from this film’s ominous start and that’s OK since it only enhances this well-written goose-pimpler, an eerie, not overly bloody creeper shot in the Italian woods.
While it could have used more frights and a creepier monster, the chintzy budget works in its favor — making us feel like a kid who’s freaking out from watching a more “adult” thriller.
The setup will be familiar to “Jeepers Creepers 2” fans: A school bus carrying teens gets stranded and a monster comes calling to pig out on the unsuspecting. But “Shortcut” is sharper, and more fun, than the Martinez-born Victor Salva’s 2003 sequel.
That’s due to the “Stranger Things” vibe of Luguori’s film, mirroring that Netflix series’s strength by making his young characters authentic and likeable. It helps that the young cast is good. While “Shortcut” won’t win awards, it does take us on a joyride back to the old-school horror style, in which the scares are teased rather than trumpeted. It is ideal drive-in fare.
Details: 3 stars; opens Sept. 25 at Concord’s West Wind Solano Drive-In and at San Jose’s West Wind Capitol Drive-In; www.westwinddi.com
“Enola Holmes”: Determined and resourceful, the 16-year-old sister of super sleuth Sherlock enters the family biz once her feminist and unconventional mother (Helena Bonham Carter in fine form) vanishes. As played by Millie Bobby Brown (the “Stranger Things” star and “Enola” producer) Enola refuses to be confined by Old English 19th-century sex roles, exhibiting a modern sense and sensibility as she assists a dashing marquis (Louis Partridge) and copes with two feuding brothers, Sherlock (Henry Cavill) and Mycroft (Sam Claflin). Based on Nancy Springer’s series of novels, director Harry Bradbeer’s action-packed family film is a pip from beginning to end, and features one of the strongest young female heroines since Katniss Everdeen hit the bullseye. “Enola Holmes” is an energetic launching point for a promising new franchise. Details: 3 stars; available Sept. 23; Netflix.
“Wheels”: Paul Starkman’s award winner dishes out a convincing slice-of-life portrait of a young Black DJ/grocery clerk (Arnstar) from Brooklyn and his complicated relationships with his grandmother, who is in the early stage of Alzheimer’s, and his brother (Joshua Boone), who has recently been released from prison. “Wheels” tackles tough realities about pursuing dreams while juggling difficult choices. It’s a gem packed with new talent and has an affirming yet realistic message. Details: 3 stars; available to stream or purchase on various platforms.
“The Artist’s Wife”: San Francisco filmmaker Tom Dolby’s unpredictable character drama follows a well-heeled couple (Lena Olin and Bruce Dern) as they re-calibrate their lives when the husband begins suffering from escalating dementia-related outbursts. Richard puts Claire through the emotional wringer, triggering an existential crisis as she falls for a musician/caregiver (Avan Jogia) and revisits her career as a painter. Dolby’s feature is polished yet personal and doesn’t follow the trajectory one expects from this kind of film. Details: 3 stars; available Sept. 25 on various platforms.
“LX 2048”: Oakland’s Delroy Lindo has been having one of his best ever acting year. And while this dystopian drama shot on a tiny budget isn’t one of his standouts, it is nonetheless intriguing. He’s cast in a secondary but pivotal role in writer/director Guy Moshe’s metaphysical clone thriller about a world in which people retreat indoors due to solar intensity. The claustrophobic environment finds a successful entrepreneur (James D’Arcy) experiencing marital dissatisfaction when his wife (Anna Brewster) catches him in a sexual relationship with an AI. Moshe detours from the obvious storyline while focusing on the theme of freedom. It’s stilted at times, but comes to life whenever Lindo comes on screen as a character with more intel than others. Details: 2½ stars; available Sept. 25 on various platforms.
“The Social Dilemma”: Jeff Orlowski’s damning documentary might prompt you to say adios to Mark Zuckerberg and social media sites. More successful when it’s relying on talking heads rather than dramatizations, “Dilemma” finds former tech innovators — most in Silicon Valley — revealing the ways social media companies use and abuse your data and contribute to misinforming the public. It’s one of the most horrifying films of the year. Details: 3½ stars; available now on Netflix.
“All In: The Fight for Democracy”: Political documentaries are popping up like campaign signs. Some are good — such as “#Unfit: The Psychology of Donald Trump” — and others are great — check out “Healing From Hate,” about reformed white supremacists helping others change. A clear standout is this well-produced Amazon Prime advocacy feature. Springboarding primarily off two events — the Supreme Court’s 2013 ruling that weakened the Voting Rights Act, Stacey Abrams’ unsuccessful and controversial 2018 run for Georgia governorship. Filmmakers Liz Garbus and Lisa Cortés provide context and perspective on how voting rights are continually being eroded. It’s smartly done, and alarming as heck. Details: 3 stars, available now on Amazon Prime.
“Public Trust”: Another right that’s getting stripped away in favor of fat-cat politicians and big business interests is our right to access and enjoy public lands. That’s the focus of this mad-as-hell documentary from Patagonia Films, executive produced by Robert Redford. Director David Garrett Byars lets angry citizens tell the story as the fight to preserve unspoiled and sacred lands clashes with the desires of the current administration. “Trust” too is a political film, but it’s a shocker, particularly in seeing who is coming to the front lines of this battle. Don’t miss it. Details: 3½ stars; available Sept. 25 on YouTube.
“Kajillionaire”: Writer/director Miranda July is definitely an acquired taste. I happen to love her quirky, unique dramedies. Evan Rachel Wood earns awards consideration for her performance as the daughter of L.A. swindlers (Richard Jenkins and Debra Winger) who team up with a vivacious stranger (Gina Rodriguez) who joins their con jobs. Woods never hits a false step as a sheltered woman-child. Details: 3 stars; playing at Fairfax Theatre beginning Sept. 24; available to stream or purchase Oct. 16.
“Rialto”: Frameline, San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ film festival, wraps up this weekend, and one of the finds is this Irish drama set in working-class Dublin. Peter Mackie Burns’ uncompromising drama takes us through the painful coming-out journey of Colm (Tom Vaughan-Lawlor) whose company is going through a merger just as the husband and father develops an obsessive relationship with a hardened young prostitute (Tom Glynn-Carney). Both leads give this exploration of macho stifling a documentary-like realness, as does Burns. It’s powerful indeed. Details: Available through Sept. 26 at www.frameline.org.


mercurynews--2020-09-23--Get ready for a ‘deluge’ of ads: Poll finds weak support for gig worker measure, with many undecided

The massively expensive campaign for a state proposition to let Uber , Instacart and other major tech companies keep treating their drivers as contractors rather than employees remains wide open as Election Day approaches , a poll released Wednesday found .
The Berkeley IGS Poll showed the side supporting Proposition 22 , which has raised more than $ 180 million from four big tech firms , eking out a narrow lead , with 39 percent of likely voters saying they are in favor and 36 percent opposed .
But the poll found that initiative , along with three other hotly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s ballot — measures that would raise business property taxes , expand rent control and reinstate affirmative action — are all falling short of the majority support they will need to pass .
The one that comes closest , the commercial property tax measure Proposition 15 , boasts a 15 percentage-point lead over its opponents , with 49 percent in favor .
That ’ s because a huge share of California voters — 25 percent when it comes to Proposition 22 and similarly large for the other measures — remains undecided , even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ballots by mail early next month .
“ This looks like a poll that was done six months before the election , when voters weren ’ t tuning in on any of the issues , ” said Mark DiCamillo , director of the IGS poll .
In a year upended by a global pandemic , wildfires and a presidential campaign at a “ fever pitch , ” DiCamillo said , California ’ s state propositions just haven ’ t been on many voters ’ radar .
So , with massive campaign war chests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undecided , that can only mean one thing for your TV screen , mailbox and social media feeds , he said .
“ You are going to see a deluge of ads , ” DiCamillo said .
“ Whoever has the money is going to be spending , and trying to educate voters and bring them over — because a lot of them haven ’ t been paying attention.
” Proposition 22 is proving to be California ’ s most expensive campaign of the year , as Uber , Lyft , DoorDash and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign in a bid to roll back a new California law and state supreme court ruling that have required them to provide the benefits and protections of full employment to their drivers .
The companies say their services can ’ t survive if they are required to treat gig workers as employees , and that the changes would give those drivers less of the flexibility that can make the work appealing , such as setting their own hours .
Opponents of Prop 22 argue those companies got rich on the underpaid labor of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ name , and should pay their fair share for health care , unemployment insurance and sick leave .
The business property tax measure , Proposition 15 , appears to be “ in a good position , ” according to DiCamillo .
Likely voters supported the measure by a 49-34 margin , with 17 percent undecided .
The measure would raise an estimated $ 12 billion per year for schools and local governments by taxing commercial property worth more than $ 3 million based on its market value , rather than its purchase price @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repeal the tax limits California voters enshrined with Prop 13 .
But in a nod to the 1978 proposition ’ s enduring popularity with many homeowners , this year ’ s measure would not touch residential property taxes .
The strategy appears to be paying off : Proposition 15 has support from 43 percent of homeowners , the poll found , slightly more than the 41 percent who opposed it .
Renters were overwhelmingly in favor , 57 percent to 25 percent .
Prospects were more mixed for Proposition 21 , which would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rent control laws : Voters were evenly split on the proposition , with 37 percent in support and opposition and another 26 percent undecided .
The initiative is similar to a 2018 rent control proposition that failed with just over 40 percent of voters in favor .
And the survey was another piece of bad news for Proposition 16 , which seeks to repeal California ’ s ban on affirmative action .
Despite vastly out-raising its opposition , Wednesday ’ s IGS poll found 41 percent of voters were opposed to the proposition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were in favor .
It ’ s the second recent blow — the Public Policy Institute of California found the proposition was even further behind last week .
The measure , which would allow public universities and government agencies to consider the race and gender of applicants when making decisions on college admissions , hiring , contracting and other functions , has the support of Democratic leaders and racial justice groups .
The yes campaign still insists it has a path to victory once voters know what their measure would do .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showed that message hasn ’ t reached enough people — 26 percent of voters , including nearly a third of Democrats and large shares of non-White voters , were undecided .
The nonpartisan IGS poll included responses from more than 7,000 registered voters , nearly 6,000 of whom were considered likely voters .
It was conducted online in English and Spanish between Sept. 9 and 15 , and has a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points .

The massively expensive campaign for a state proposition to let Uber, Instacart and other major tech companies keep treating their drivers as contractors rather than employees remains wide open as Election Day approaches, a poll released Wednesday found.
The Berkeley IGS Poll showed the side supporting Proposition 22, which has raised more than $180 million from four big tech firms, eking out a narrow lead, with 39 percent of likely voters saying they are in favor and 36 percent opposed.
But the poll found that initiative, along with three other hotly contested state propositions on this November’s ballot — measures that would raise business property taxes, expand rent control and reinstate affirmative action — are all falling short of the majority support they will need to pass. The one that comes closest, the commercial property tax measure Proposition 15, boasts a 15 percentage-point lead over its opponents, with 49 percent in favor.
That’s because a huge share of California voters — 25 percent when it comes to Proposition 22 and similarly large for the other measures — remains undecided, even as elections officials prepare to send out ballots by mail early next month.
“This looks like a poll that was done six months before the election, when voters weren’t tuning in on any of the issues,” said Mark DiCamillo, director of the IGS poll.
In a year upended by a global pandemic, wildfires and a presidential campaign at a “fever pitch,” DiCamillo said, California’s state propositions just haven’t been on many voters’ radar.
So, with massive campaign war chests still unspent and lots of voters still undecided, that can only mean one thing for your TV screen, mailbox and social media feeds, he said.
“You are going to see a deluge of ads,” DiCamillo said. “Whoever has the money is going to be spending, and trying to educate voters and bring them over — because a lot of them haven’t been paying attention.”
Proposition 22 is proving to be California’s most expensive campaign of the year, as Uber, Lyft, DoorDash and Instacart have poured money into the Yes campaign in a bid to roll back a new California law and state supreme court ruling that have required them to provide the benefits and protections of full employment to their drivers.
The companies say their services can’t survive if they are required to treat gig workers as employees, and that the changes would give those drivers less of the flexibility that can make the work appealing, such as setting their own hours. Opponents of Prop 22 argue those companies got rich on the underpaid labor of workers who were employees in all but name, and should pay their fair share for health care, unemployment insurance and sick leave.
The business property tax measure, Proposition 15, appears to be “in a good position,” according to DiCamillo. Likely voters supported the measure by a 49-34 margin, with 17 percent undecided.
The measure would raise an estimated $12 billion per year for schools and local governments by taxing commercial property worth more than $3 million based on its market value, rather than its purchase price.
The closely watched initiative would partially repeal the tax limits California voters enshrined with Prop 13. But in a nod to the 1978 proposition’s enduring popularity with many homeowners, this year’s measure would not touch residential property taxes. The strategy appears to be paying off: Proposition 15 has support from 43 percent of homeowners, the poll found, slightly more than the 41 percent who opposed it. Renters were overwhelmingly in favor, 57 percent to 25 percent.
Prospects were more mixed for Proposition 21, which would give local governments more power to pass rent control laws: Voters were evenly split on the proposition, with 37 percent in support and opposition and another 26 percent undecided. The initiative is similar to a 2018 rent control proposition that failed with just over 40 percent of voters in favor.
And the survey was another piece of bad news for Proposition 16, which seeks to repeal California’s ban on affirmative action. Despite vastly out-raising its opposition, Wednesday’s IGS poll found 41 percent of voters were opposed to the proposition, compared to just 33 percent who were in favor. It’s the second recent blow — the Public Policy Institute of California found the proposition was even further behind last week.
The measure, which would allow public universities and government agencies to consider the race and gender of applicants when making decisions on college admissions, hiring, contracting and other functions, has the support of Democratic leaders and racial justice groups. The yes campaign still insists it has a path to victory once voters know what their measure would do.
So far, though, the IGS poll showed that message hasn’t reached enough people — 26 percent of voters, including nearly a third of Democrats and large shares of non-White voters, were undecided.
The nonpartisan IGS poll included responses from more than 7,000 registered voters, nearly 6,000 of whom were considered likely voters. It was conducted online in English and Spanish between Sept. 9 and 15, and has a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points.


mercurynews--2020-09-23--Photos: Scenes from the Louisville protests after no officers charged in killing of Breonna Taylor

LOUISVILLE , KY - SEPTEMBER 23 : A protestor raises his hands in the air during a standoff with law @ @ @ @ @ 2020 in Louisville , Kentucky .
Protesters marched in the streets after the Kentucky Grand @ @ @ @ @ 3 officers involved in the killing of Breonna Taylor with wanton endangerment .
Taylor was @ @ @ @ @ Police officers during a no-knock warrant at her apartment on March 13 , 2020 in @ @ @ @ @ Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images )

Gieson Cacho is a Bay Area News Group engagement editor and video game columnist for The Mercury News and East Bay Times. He has a journalism degree from the University of Missouri in Columbia and has previously worked as a copyeditor, designer and video editor. He was on the East Bay Times staff that won the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News. He lives in Berkeley, roasts his own coffee and drinks craft beer.


mercurynews--2020-09-23--Steve Kerr says Breonna Taylor ruling is ‘demoralizing’ as Warriors open minicamp

Steve Kerr had hoped the first day of minicamp would be an escape .
Instead , after Wednesday ’ s practice , the Warriors were reminded of the turmoil that has shaken the country this year .
A grand jury in Jefferson County , Ky. , charged Brett Hankison , the former Louisville police officer involved in the March 13 shooting death of Breonna Taylor , with three counts of wanton endangerment in the first degree .
Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron stopped short of a more punitive ruling , determining that the officers ’ use of force was justified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the other officers involved .
Taylor ’ s name has become a rallying cry for police reform and racial justice , but the ruling is viewed as a disappointment among those who support the Black Lives Matter movement , including Kerr .
“ It ’ s just so demoralizing and discouraging , ” Kerr , who learned of the ruling after practice , said .
“ I just keep thinking about the generation of American kids , of any color .
Is this the world they will live in ?
“ There ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s demoralizing when we can ’ t be accountable or hold anyone to account for it.
” In his six years as head coach of the Warriors , Kerr has been an outspoken advocate of racial justice and gun reform .
Since the NBA suspended play due to the coronavirus pandemic in March , he has remained in the public eye , making several media appearances to discuss the importance of mask-wearing and police reform .
Kerr , 54 , is also part of a committee , which includes Hawks coach Lloyd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ established by the National Basketball Coaches Association in the wake of the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd in May to address racial injustice and reform .
But , as he recently told the Bay Area News Group , he thought this minicamp would serve as a welcome distraction for Warriors coaches and players .
Starting this week , the NBA is allowing the eight teams not invited to the season restart in the Disney World “ bubble ” to hold voluntary minicamps in their own markets .
The Warriors have developed their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a team-designated hotel in San Francisco and Chase Center .
Players and coaches were tested for the coronavirus and quarantined for 48 hours before beginning workouts that will conclude Oct. 6 .
In this quarantined environment , and with the opportunity to play basketball for the first time in six months , Kerr looked forward to getting away from the rampant negativity that has dominated the news .
His disappointment was shared by guard Jordan Poole , who grew up in Milwaukee , near where Jacob Blake , a Black man , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer in Kenosha , Wisc.
, in August .
“ We demand justice , ” Poole said in a video conference while wearing a face mask with the word “ VOTE ” on it .
At 21 years old , he will vote for the first time in November ’ s general election .
“ Those of us who are a part of the African-American community , it ’ s definitely unfair with how we ’ ve been treated , and we need to be heard .
We won ’ t stop unless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many Warriors players , hasn ’ t played organized basketball since the team ’ s last game on March 10 .
Only in the last few weeks have they been able to work individually at Chase Center .
On Wednesday , most Warriors players participated in 3-on-3 scrimmages and shooting drills .
Missing were Klay Thompson and Eric Paschall , who were completing their quarantine period and are expected to join the team later this week .
Stephen Curry and Draymond Green are not expected to attend the voluntary minicamp due to family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 : Breaking down how LaMelo Ball ’ s passing genius would fit Golden State • Here ’ s the Warriors ’ minicamp roster and where each player stands • Giannis Antetokounmpo wins second MVP award ; Is an NBA title with Warriors next ?
• Warriors begin minicamp next week , Curry and Green unlikely to participate • How the Warriors are working to get more Black men teaching in San Francisco ’ s classrooms The goal Wednesday was to ease into practicing as a group , with the intention to ramp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later in the week .
Kerr acknowledged that everyone had a hard time finding their rhythm , something that may be made harder by the recent news .
“ It ’ s infuriating , ” Kerr said .
“ There are so many people out there who care so much about this country and who are trying to help climb a hill that has proven to be very difficult to climb .
But we got to keep going .
”

Steve Kerr had hoped the first day of minicamp would be an escape. Instead, after Wednesday’s practice, the Warriors were reminded of the turmoil that has shaken the country this year.
A grand jury in Jefferson County, Ky., charged Brett Hankison, the former Louisville police officer involved in the March 13 shooting death of Breonna Taylor, with three counts of wanton endangerment in the first degree. Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron stopped short of a more punitive ruling, determining that the officers’ use of force was justified. The grand jury did not charge the other officers involved.
Taylor’s name has become a rallying cry for police reform and racial justice, but the ruling is viewed as a disappointment among those who support the Black Lives Matter movement, including Kerr.
“It’s just so demoralizing and discouraging,” Kerr, who learned of the ruling after practice, said. “I just keep thinking about the generation of American kids, of any color. Is this the world they will live in?
“There’s just so much violence and it’s demoralizing when we can’t be accountable or hold anyone to account for it.”
NBPA executive director @MRobertsNBPA on Breonna Taylor: “Sadly, there was no justice today for Breonna Taylor." pic.twitter.com/fcJCvlNodL — Wes Goldberg (@wcgoldberg) September 23, 2020
In his six years as head coach of the Warriors, Kerr has been an outspoken advocate of racial justice and gun reform. Since the NBA suspended play due to the coronavirus pandemic in March, he has remained in the public eye, making several media appearances to discuss the importance of mask-wearing and police reform.
Kerr, 54, is also part of a committee, which includes Hawks coach Lloyd Pierce and Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, established by the National Basketball Coaches Association in the wake of the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd in May to address racial injustice and reform.
But, as he recently told the Bay Area News Group, he thought this minicamp would serve as a welcome distraction for Warriors coaches and players.
Starting this week, the NBA is allowing the eight teams not invited to the season restart in the Disney World “bubble” to hold voluntary minicamps in their own markets.
The Warriors have developed their own “bubble,” shuttling between a team-designated hotel in San Francisco and Chase Center. Players and coaches were tested for the coronavirus and quarantined for 48 hours before beginning workouts that will conclude Oct. 6.
In this quarantined environment, and with the opportunity to play basketball for the first time in six months, Kerr looked forward to getting away from the rampant negativity that has dominated the news.
His disappointment was shared by guard Jordan Poole, who grew up in Milwaukee, near where Jacob Blake, a Black man, was shot and seriously injured by a police officer in Kenosha, Wisc., in August.
“We demand justice,” Poole said in a video conference while wearing a face mask with the word “VOTE” on it. At 21 years old, he will vote for the first time in November’s general election. “Those of us who are a part of the African-American community, it’s definitely unfair with how we’ve been treated, and we need to be heard. We won’t stop unless something changes.”
Poole, like so many Warriors players, hasn’t played organized basketball since the team’s last game on March 10. Only in the last few weeks have they been able to work individually at Chase Center.
On Wednesday, most Warriors players participated in 3-on-3 scrimmages and shooting drills. Missing were Klay Thompson and Eric Paschall, who were completing their quarantine period and are expected to join the team later this week. Stephen Curry and Draymond Green are not expected to attend the voluntary minicamp due to family reasons.
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Report: Bob Myers returning to NBA in a different role Golden State Warriors | Warriors to face Suns on NBA Opening Night, per report The goal Wednesday was to ease into practicing as a group, with the intention to ramp up the intensity and begin 5-on-5 scrimmages later in the week. Kerr acknowledged that everyone had a hard time finding their rhythm, something that may be made harder by the recent news.
“It’s infuriating,” Kerr said. “There are so many people out there who care so much about this country and who are trying to help climb a hill that has proven to be very difficult to climb. But we got to keep going.”


mercurynews--2020-09-24--Editorial: Approve Oakland police measure, but eliminate duplication

Oakland needs tough police accountability .
But it also needs citizen oversight that ’ s professional and respectful , and it doesn ’ t need wasteful layers of bureaucracy that undermine the effort .
Measure S1 on the Nov. 3 ballot would increase the authority , autonomy and responsibilities of the city ’ s Police Commission and Community Police Review Agency .
It would also add a new Office of Inspector General to investigate and review the city ’ s handling of police misconduct .
The changes would strengthen the independent citizen oversight of the city ’ s troubled Police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approve Measure S1 .
But , while many of the changes individually make sense , they collectively create troubling overlap of oversight that the City Council should correct where it can by eliminating duplication in the Police Department .
And , while Measure S1 would make structural improvements , the public will have confidence in the oversight system only if the appointed police commissioners behave professionally , are respectful of the process and don ’ t try to overstep their authority .
Unfortunately , as the city auditor found , the performance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less than stellar .
That needs to change .
Measure S1 is a modification of a 2016 ballot measure voters overwhelmingly approved to create the Police Commission and the Community Police Review Agency .
Here ’ s how police oversight currently works : • The Community Police Review Agency , which has 14 full-time positions , is charged with investigating complaints of police misconduct and recommending discipline .
The agency director is hired by the city administrator from among two or three candidates submitted by the Police Commission .
• The Police Commission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Community Police Review Agency ’ s investigations .
It also recommends to the city administrator candidates for the director of the Community Police Review Agency .
• A three-person committee of commission members makes a final decision on discipline when the chief and the Community Police Review Agency can not agree .
• A court-appointed federal monitor , who also serves as a compliance director , has the authority to direct or veto major Police Department hiring decisions .
That authority dates to 2003 , when a federal judge took oversight control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 2003 settlement in the Riders case , in which officers were accused of beating and planting drugs on West Oakland residents .
• Within the Police Department , the Internal Affairs Division investigates allegations of officer wrongdoing .
The department also has its own inspector general , who provides the police chief with analysis of policies and procedures .
The organizational chart is so confused that the police chief reports to the mayor , city administrator , police commission and the federal monitor .
Except for the city administrator , they each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In her review , the city auditor could find no other jurisdiction in which multiple parties have the authority to remove the police chief .
Now comes Measure S1 , which would : • Add a new Office of the Inspector General outside the police department .
The new inspector general , who would be hired by the Police Commission , would audit the Police Department ’ s compliance with the reforms mandated by the federal judge .
The inspector general would also conduct reviews to ensure all allegations of police misconduct are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police Department and the Community Police Review Agency .
• Give the Police Commission and Community Police Review Agency authority , unlike other city departments , to hire their own lawyers rather than rely on City Attorney ’ s Office for legal advice .
• Give the Police Commission , rather than the city administrator , authority to hire the director of the Community Police Review Agency .
A federal monitor .
Internal Affairs .
Two inspectors general .
Police Commission .
Community Police Review Agency .
In sum , six different masters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passes , some streamlining is in order .

Oakland needs tough police accountability. But it also needs citizen oversight that’s professional and respectful, and it doesn’t need wasteful layers of bureaucracy that undermine the effort.
Measure S1 on the Nov. 3 ballot would increase the authority, autonomy and responsibilities of the city’s Police Commission and Community Police Review Agency. It would also add a new Office of Inspector General to investigate and review the city’s handling of police misconduct.
The changes would strengthen the independent citizen oversight of the city’s troubled Police Department, which is why voters should approve Measure S1.
But, while many of the changes individually make sense, they collectively create troubling overlap of oversight that the City Council should correct where it can by eliminating duplication in the Police Department.
And, while Measure S1 would make structural improvements, the public will have confidence in the oversight system only if the appointed police commissioners behave professionally, are respectful of the process and don’t try to overstep their authority. Unfortunately, as the city auditor found, the performance of the fledgling commission has thus far been less than stellar. That needs to change.
The status quo
Measure S1 is a modification of a 2016 ballot measure voters overwhelmingly approved to create the Police Commission and the Community Police Review Agency. Here’s how police oversight currently works:
• The Community Police Review Agency, which has 14 full-time positions, is charged with investigating complaints of police misconduct and recommending discipline. The agency director is hired by the city administrator from among two or three candidates submitted by the Police Commission.
• The Police Commission oversees Police Department policies and practices and the Community Police Review Agency’s investigations. It also recommends to the city administrator candidates for the director of the Community Police Review Agency.
• A three-person committee of commission members makes a final decision on discipline when the chief and the Community Police Review Agency cannot agree.
• A court-appointed federal monitor, who also serves as a compliance director, has the authority to direct or veto major Police Department hiring decisions. That authority dates to 2003, when a federal judge took oversight control of the Police Department as part of a 2003 settlement in the Riders case, in which officers were accused of beating and planting drugs on West Oakland residents.
• Within the Police Department, the Internal Affairs Division investigates allegations of officer wrongdoing. The department also has its own inspector general, who provides the police chief with analysis of policies and procedures.
The organizational chart is so confused that the police chief reports to the mayor, city administrator, police commission and the federal monitor. Except for the city administrator, they each have authority to remove the chief. In her review, the city auditor could find no other jurisdiction in which multiple parties have the authority to remove the police chief.
Proposed change
Now comes Measure S1, which would:
• Add a new Office of the Inspector General outside the police department. The new inspector general, who would be hired by the Police Commission, would audit the Police Department’s compliance with the reforms mandated by the federal judge. The inspector general would also conduct reviews to ensure all allegations of police misconduct are investigated and identify systemic issues regarding the Police Department and the Community Police Review Agency.
• Give the Police Commission and Community Police Review Agency authority, unlike other city departments, to hire their own lawyers rather than rely on City Attorney’s Office for legal advice.
• Give the Police Commission, rather than the city administrator, authority to hire the director of the Community Police Review Agency.
A federal monitor. Internal Affairs. Two inspectors general. Police Commission. Community Police Review Agency. In sum, six different masters. Clearly, especially if Measure S1 passes, some streamlining is in order.


mercurynews--2020-09-24--Four ex-eBay workers who sent live spiders to couple to plead guilty in cyberstalking case

BOSTON — Four former eBay Inc. employees have agreed to plead guilty to their roles in a campaign of intimidation that included sending live spiders and cockroaches to the home of a Massachusetts couple who ran an online newsletter critical of the auction site , federal prosecutors said Wednesday .
“ Four former employees of # eBay are scheduled to plead guilty on Oct. 8 at 2pm via zoom in federal court in # Boston , ” according to a tweet from the official account of the U.S. attorney ’ s office in Massachusetts .
“ The defendants are charged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ targeted a Massachusetts couple.
” The four expected to plead guilty are Brian Gilbert , 51 ; Stephanie Popp , 32 ; Stephanie Stockwell , 26 ; and Veronica Zea , 26 , according to The Boston Globe .
All live in San Jose , California , except for Stockwell , who lives in Redwood City , California .
They are among seven former eBay employees charged in the case , in which the Massachusetts couple had other disturbing items sent to their home , including a funeral wreath and a bloody pig @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with conspiracy to commit cyberstalking and conspiracy to tamper with a witness .
Their lawyers either declined to comment or didn ’ t immediately return emails seeking comment Wednesday .
The employees also sent pornographic magazines with the husband ’ s name on them to their neighbor ’ s house , planned to break into the couple ’ s garage to install a GPS device on their car , and posted the couple ’ s names and address online , advertising things like yard sales and encouraging strangers to knock on the door @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , officials said .
The suspects engaged in a “ systematic campaign fueled by the resources of a Fortune 500 company to emotionally and psychologically terrorize this middle-aged couple in Natick , ” U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling said at a news conference when charges were announced in June .
An internal investigation was launched after San Jose , California-based eBay was notified by law enforcement of “ suspicious actions by its security personnel , ” company officials wrote in a prepared statement .
The employees were ultimately fired , the company said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ intelligence at eBay ; Gilbert was senior manager of special operations for eBay ’ s Global Security Team ; Stockwell was manager of eBay ’ s Global Intelligence Center ; and Zea was an eBay contractor who worked as an intelligence analyst in the Global Intelligence Center .
Authorities say they were working at eBay at the time of the alleged harassment .
Court documents say the couple was targeted after their newsletter published an article in August 2019 about a lawsuit filed by eBay accusing Amazon of poaching its sellers .

BOSTON — Four former eBay Inc. employees have agreed to plead guilty to their roles in a campaign of intimidation that included sending live spiders and cockroaches to the home of a Massachusetts couple who ran an online newsletter critical of the auction site, federal prosecutors said Wednesday.
“Four former employees of #eBay are scheduled to plead guilty on Oct. 8 at 2pm via zoom in federal court in #Boston,” according to a tweet from the official account of the U.S. attorney’s office in Massachusetts. “The defendants are charged w/ participating in a cyberstalking campaign that targeted a Massachusetts couple.”
The four expected to plead guilty are Brian Gilbert, 51; Stephanie Popp, 32; Stephanie Stockwell, 26; and Veronica Zea, 26, according to The Boston Globe.
All live in San Jose, California, except for Stockwell, who lives in Redwood City, California.
They are among seven former eBay employees charged in the case, in which the Massachusetts couple had other disturbing items sent to their home, including a funeral wreath and a bloody pig Halloween mask.
They are all charged with conspiracy to commit cyberstalking and conspiracy to tamper with a witness. Their lawyers either declined to comment or didn’t immediately return emails seeking comment Wednesday.
The employees also sent pornographic magazines with the husband’s name on them to their neighbor’s house, planned to break into the couple’s garage to install a GPS device on their car, and posted the couple’s names and address online, advertising things like yard sales and encouraging strangers to knock on the door if the pair wasn’t outside, officials said.
The suspects engaged in a “systematic campaign fueled by the resources of a Fortune 500 company to emotionally and psychologically terrorize this middle-aged couple in Natick,” U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling said at a news conference when charges were announced in June.
An internal investigation was launched after San Jose, California-based eBay was notified by law enforcement of “suspicious actions by its security personnel,” company officials wrote in a prepared statement. The employees were ultimately fired, the company said.
Popp was a senior manager of global intelligence at eBay; Gilbert was senior manager of special operations for eBay’s Global Security Team; Stockwell was manager of eBay’s Global Intelligence Center; and Zea was an eBay contractor who worked as an intelligence analyst in the Global Intelligence Center. Authorities say they were working at eBay at the time of the alleged harassment.
Court documents say the couple was targeted after their newsletter published an article in August 2019 about a lawsuit filed by eBay accusing Amazon of poaching its sellers.


mercurynews--2020-09-24--SF Giants Gameday podcast: Who’s the Giants’ MVP this season?

With four days remaining in the 2020 regular season , the National League Most Valuable Player race remains unsettled .
Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman has had a torrid September , Padres third baseman Manny Machado is the face of one of the top offenses in baseball and Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts is the best player on the best team in the majors .
When the MVP votes are counted , all three players should appear on every voter ’ s ballot , but it ’ s possible a few San Francisco Giants players will also be on the minds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ determining whether or not to list a member ( or multiple members ) of the Giants on their 10-player ballot , there ’ s a legitimate question as to who has made the biggest impact this year .
Should voters include second-year outfielder Mike Yastrzemski , who was one of the top three candidates in the MVP race during the first half of the season and the team ’ s leader in Wins Above Replacement ?
Should they prioritize another outfielder in Alex Dickerson , who has the highest OPS in the major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who has willed the Giants ’ to a number of several second-half victories ?
Or should voters look at the collective contributions of first baseman Brandon Belt , who brought his OPS above 1.000 for the season ?
With infielder Donovan Solano still competing for a batting title and relievers Tony Watson and Jarlín García headed toward finishing with some of the lowest ERAs of any major league pitchers this season , the list of Giants players enjoying the best years of their career in a condensed 60-game season is extensive .
How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top performers remains uncertain , but there ’ s no question the team is in a playoff position thanks to the contributions of a long list of players .
SF Giants Gameday : Listen to the Bay Area News Group ’ s daily San Francisco Giants podcast , hosted by our beat reporter Kerry Crowley .
We give you an all-access look at the 2020 regular season with soundbites from manager Gabe Kapler and your favorite Giants players plus the latest analysis on every move during an unprecedented season .
We Need Your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free every 30 days – and I ’ ve launched a free newsletter and podcast that come Monday-Friday – but for access to all of my coverage you ’ ll need to subscribe to MercuryNews.com or EastBayTimes.com .
Click here for our latest Mercury News offer and here for the latest East Bay Times offer .
Thank you !
— Kerry Crowley

With four days remaining in the 2020 regular season, the National League Most Valuable Player race remains unsettled.
Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman has had a torrid September, Padres third baseman Manny Machado is the face of one of the top offenses in baseball and Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts is the best player on the best team in the majors.
When the MVP votes are counted, all three players should appear on every voter’s ballot, but it’s possible a few San Francisco Giants players will also be on the minds of voters this year. For voters determining whether or not to list a member (or multiple members) of the Giants on their 10-player ballot, there’s a legitimate question as to who has made the biggest impact this year.
Should voters include second-year outfielder Mike Yastrzemski, who was one of the top three candidates in the MVP race during the first half of the season and the team’s leader in Wins Above Replacement? Should they prioritize another outfielder in Alex Dickerson, who has the highest OPS in the major leagues in the month of September and who has willed the Giants’ to a number of several second-half victories? Or should voters look at the collective contributions of first baseman Brandon Belt, who brought his OPS above 1.000 for the season?
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How MVP voters evaluate the Giants and their top performers remains uncertain, but there’s no question the team is in a playoff position thanks to the contributions of a long list of players.
SF Giants Gameday: Listen to the Bay Area News Group’s daily San Francisco Giants podcast, hosted by our beat reporter Kerry Crowley. We give you an all-access look at the 2020 regular season with soundbites from manager Gabe Kapler and your favorite Giants players plus the latest analysis on every move during an unprecedented season.
We Need Your Support!
Several Giants articles will remain free every 30 days – and I’ve launched a free newsletter and podcast that come Monday-Friday – but for access to all of my coverage you’ll need to subscribe to MercuryNews.com or EastBayTimes.com. Click here for our latest Mercury News offer and here for the latest East Bay Times offer. Thank you! — Kerry Crowley