mercurynews--2020-12-08--Stephen Curry says longevity, not money, key in contract extension talks with Warriors

When Stephen Curry entered the league as a skinny teenager in 2009 , he dreamed of matching his father , Dell , by playing 16 years in the NBA .
That dream is likely to become a reality , and under his terms .
With two years left on his contract , Curry , 32 , is eligible to sign a $ 244.5 million contract extension that would take him through the 2024-25 season — which would be his 16th season .
Conversations are ongoing about an extension , which could add up to three years and $ 155.7 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he ’ s committed to the Warriors long-term .
“ Wearing the same jersey for as long as I can , ” Curry said after the first day of training camp Monday , “ that ’ s a huge goal.
” CLICK HERE if you ’ re having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device .
The Warriors will pay Curry the maximum if he asks for it , but part of the negotiation includes how an extension would impact the Warriors ’ ability to assemble a championship-caliber roster while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rank among the richest in the NBA and expire when he ’ s 37 years old .
• Morning Mailbag : Did the Warriors get enough in the D ’ Angelo Russell trade ?
“ We want to be in a situation where we ’ re competing for championships every single year , ” Curry said .
“ I want to be a part of that and that ’ s the goal.
” A franchise player giving up money to chase championships is not unprecedented .
In fact , for the Warriors , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they hope to emulate — the Spurs , who because Tim Duncan accepted less than what he could earn on the open market was able to construct Finals teams well into Duncan ’ s twilight in 2013 and 2014 .
As Curry knows , his previous contract helped the Warriors build a dynasty .
In 2013 , coming off multiple ankle surgeries , Curry agreed to sign a four-year , $ 44 million contract that offered long-term financial security .
Two years later , he was named MVP and was widely-regarded as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , his relatively-low salary helped the Warriors surround him with elite talent , including signing Kevin Durant in 2016 .
Curry could wait until next year and sign a four-year extension worth up to $ 215.3 million .
Whenever he signs the extension , it will add to an already bloated cap sheet for the Warriors .
With up to $ 148 million owed to Curry , Klay Thompson , Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green , Golden State is poised to be well past the luxury tax threshold for next season .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ last chance at another maximum contract , and as LeBron James ’ decision to sign a two-year , $ 85 million extension with the Lakers shows , stars could be inclined to choose guaranteed money as the coronavirus impacts revenue league-wide .
Still , Curry hasn ’ t ruled out signing another contract after his 16th season .
“ I have always said I want to play for as long as I can play at the level that I want to be at , ” Curry said , “ Hopefully , you could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on your own terms .
”

When Stephen Curry entered the league as a skinny teenager in 2009, he dreamed of matching his father, Dell, by playing 16 years in the NBA.
That dream is likely to become a reality, and under his terms. With two years left on his contract, Curry, 32, is eligible to sign a $244.5 million contract extension that would take him through the 2024-25 season — which would be his 16th season.
Conversations are ongoing about an extension, which could add up to three years and $155.7 million onto his current contract, but Curry said he’s committed to the Warriors long-term.
“Wearing the same jersey for as long as I can,” Curry said after the first day of training camp Monday, “that’s a huge goal.”
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - MARCH 5: Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry (30) walks off the floor after the Golden State Warriors lost 121-113 against the Toronto Raptors in their NBA game at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, March 5, 2020. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - MARCH 5: Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry (30) struggles for a loose ball against Toronto Raptors' Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (4) in the fourth quarter of their NBA game at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, March 5, 2020. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - MARCH 5: Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry (30) gestures after a foul was called in the fourth quarter of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, March 5, 2020. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - MARCH 5: Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry (30) lays up a shot against against the Toronto Raptors in the first quarter of their NBA game at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, March 5, 2020. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
(Randy Vazquez / Bay Area News Group) SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 5: Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry (30) celebrates after scoring a three-point-shot during the third quarter of his teams game versus the Toronto Raptors at Chase Center in San Francisco on Thursday, March 5, 2020. (Randy Vazquez / Bay Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 5: Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry (30) celebrates after his teammate scored a basket during the third quarter of his teams game versus the Toronto Raptors at Chase Center in San Francisco on Thursday, March 5, 2020. (Randy Vazquez / Bay Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - MARCH 5: Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry (30), Marquese Chriss (32) and Golden State Warriors majority owner Joe Jacob look on in the last minute of the fourth quarter of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, March 5, 2020. Warriors lost 121-113. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - MARCH 5: Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry (30) struggles for a loose ball against Toronto Raptors' Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (4) in the fourth quarter of their NBA game at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, March 5, 2020. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 5: Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry (30), right, celebrates after his teammate scored a basket during the third quarter of his teams game versus the Toronto Raptors at Chase Center in San Francisco on Thursday, March 5, 2020. (Randy Vazquez / Bay Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - MARCH 5: Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry (30) talks with Golden State Warriors' Damion Lee (1) in the second quarter of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, March 5, 2020. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
Two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash, left, speaks after Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry receives his MVP trophy during a presentation at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on Tuesday, May 10, 2016. Curry was the first player in the NBA to be unanimously voted MVP and also won back-to-back trophies the past two years. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 5: Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry (30) celebrates after scoring his first three-point-shot of the night during the second quarter of his teams game versus the Toronto Raptors at Chase Center in San Francisco on Thursday, March 5, 2020. (Randy Vazquez / Bay Area News Group)
CLICK HERE if you’re having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device.
The Warriors will pay Curry the maximum if he asks for it, but part of the negotiation includes how an extension would impact the Warriors’ ability to assemble a championship-caliber roster while he plays on a contract that would rank among the richest in the NBA and expire when he’s 37 years old.
“We want to be in a situation where we’re competing for championships every single year,” Curry said. “I want to be a part of that and that’s the goal.”
A franchise player giving up money to chase championships is not unprecedented. In fact, for the Warriors, it would be reminiscent of the team they hope to emulate — the Spurs, who because Tim Duncan accepted less than what he could earn on the open market was able to construct Finals teams well into Duncan’s twilight in 2013 and 2014.
As Curry knows, his previous contract helped the Warriors build a dynasty. In 2013, coming off multiple ankle surgeries, Curry agreed to sign a four-year, $44 million contract that offered long-term financial security. Two years later, he was named MVP and was widely-regarded as the most underpaid player in the NBA. However, his relatively-low salary helped the Warriors surround him with elite talent, including signing Kevin Durant in 2016.
Curry could wait until next year and sign a four-year extension worth up to $215.3 million. Whenever he signs the extension, it will add to an already bloated cap sheet for the Warriors. With up to $148 million owed to Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green, Golden State is poised to be well past the luxury tax threshold for next season.
But this could be Curry’s last chance at another maximum contract, and as LeBron James’ decision to sign a two-year, $85 million extension with the Lakers shows, stars could be inclined to choose guaranteed money as the coronavirus impacts revenue league-wide. Still, Curry hasn’t ruled out signing another contract after his 16th season.
“I have always said I want to play for as long as I can play at the level that I want to be at,” Curry said, “Hopefully, you could be in a position where you end on your own terms.”


mercurynews--2020-12-08--Reports: Biden selects retired general for secretary of defense

By Robert Burns , Michael Balsamo , Jonathan Lemire and Zeke Miller | Associated Press WASHINGTON — President-elect Joe Biden will nominate retired four-star Army general Lloyd J. Austin to be secretary of defense , according to four people familiar with the decision .
If confirmed by the Senate , Austin would be the first Black leader of the Pentagon .
Biden selected Austin over the longtime front-runner candidate , Michele Flournoy , a former senior Pentagon official and Biden supporter who would have been the first woman to serve as defense secretary .
Biden also had considered Jeh Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former secretary of homeland defense .
The impending nomination of Austin was confirmed by four people with knowledge of the pick who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the selection hadn ’ t been formally announced .
As a career military officer , the 67-year-old Austin is likely to face opposition from some in Congress and in the defense establishment who believe in drawing a clear line between civilian and military leadership of the Pentagon .
Although many previous defense secretaries have served briefly in the military , only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mattis — have been career officers .
Marshall also served as secretary of state .
Like Mattis , Austin would need to obtain a congressional waiver to serve as defense secretary .
The laws were meant to preserve the civilian nature of the Department of Defense .
Austin is a 1975 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and served 41 years in uniform .
Biden has known Austin at least since the general ’ s years leading U.S. and coalition troops in Iraq while Biden was vice president .
Austin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Corps-Iraq in 2008 when Barack Obama was elected president , and he returned to lead U.S. troops from 2010 through 2011 .
Austin also served in 2012 as the first Black vice chief of staff of the Army , the service ’ s No .
2-ranking position .
A year later he assumed command of U.S. Central Command , where he fashioned and began implementing a U.S. military strategy for rolling back the Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria .
Austin retired from the Army in 2016 , and he would need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that a former member of the military be out of uniform at least seven years before serving as secretary of defense .
That waiver has been granted only twice — most recently in the case of Mattis , the retired Marine general who served as President Donald Trump ’ s first Pentagon chief .
The Mattis period at the Pentagon is now viewed by some as evidence of why a recently retired military officer should serve as defense secretary only in rare exceptions .
Although Mattis remains widely respected for his military prowess @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to surround himself with military officers at the expense of a broader civilian perspective .
He resigned in December 2018 in protest of Trump ’ s policies .
Austin has a reputation for strong leadership , integrity and a sharp intellect .
He would not be a prototypical defense secretary , not just because of his 41-year military career but also because he has shied from the public eye .
It would be an understatement to say he was a quiet general ; although he testified before Congress , he gave few interviews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military operations .
When he did speak , Austin did not mince words .
In 2015 , in describing how the Islamic State army managed a year earlier to sweep across the Syrian border to grab control of large swaths of northern and western Iraq , Austin said the majority of Iraqi Sunnis simply refused to fight for their government .
“ They allowed — and in some cases facilitated — ISIS ’ s push through the country , ” Austin said .
He earned the admiration of the Obama administration for his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , although he disagreed with Obama ’ s decision to pull out of Iraq entirely in December 2011 .
Austin was involved in the Iraq War from start to finish .
He served as an assistant commander of the 3rd Infantry Division during the invasion of Iraq in March 2003 and oversaw the withdrawal in 2011 .
When Austin retired in 2016 , Obama praised his “ character and competence , ” as well as his judgment and leadership .
• Biden picks California Attorney General Xavier Becerra to be first Latino health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has served on corporate boards .
He is a member of the board of directors of Raytheon Technologies .

By Robert Burns, Michael Balsamo, Jonathan Lemire and Zeke Miller | Associated Press
WASHINGTON — President-elect Joe Biden will nominate retired four-star Army general Lloyd J. Austin to be secretary of defense, according to four people familiar with the decision. If confirmed by the Senate, Austin would be the first Black leader of the Pentagon.
Biden selected Austin over the longtime front-runner candidate, Michele Flournoy, a former senior Pentagon official and Biden supporter who would have been the first woman to serve as defense secretary. Biden also had considered Jeh Johnson, a former Pentagon general counsel and former secretary of homeland defense.
The impending nomination of Austin was confirmed by four people with knowledge of the pick who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the selection hadn’t been formally announced.
As a career military officer, the 67-year-old Austin is likely to face opposition from some in Congress and in the defense establishment who believe in drawing a clear line between civilian and military leadership of the Pentagon. Although many previous defense secretaries have served briefly in the military, only two — George C. Marshall and James Mattis — have been career officers. Marshall also served as secretary of state.
Like Mattis, Austin would need to obtain a congressional waiver to serve as defense secretary. The laws were meant to preserve the civilian nature of the Department of Defense.
Austin is a 1975 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and served 41 years in uniform.
Biden has known Austin at least since the general’s years leading U.S. and coalition troops in Iraq while Biden was vice president. Austin was commander in Baghdad of the Multinational Corps-Iraq in 2008 when Barack Obama was elected president, and he returned to lead U.S. troops from 2010 through 2011.
Austin also served in 2012 as the first Black vice chief of staff of the Army, the service’s No. 2-ranking position. A year later he assumed command of U.S. Central Command, where he fashioned and began implementing a U.S. military strategy for rolling back the Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria.
Austin retired from the Army in 2016, and he would need a congressional waiver of the legal requirement that a former member of the military be out of uniform at least seven years before serving as secretary of defense. That waiver has been granted only twice — most recently in the case of Mattis, the retired Marine general who served as President Donald Trump’s first Pentagon chief.
The Mattis period at the Pentagon is now viewed by some as evidence of why a recently retired military officer should serve as defense secretary only in rare exceptions. Although Mattis remains widely respected for his military prowess and intellect, critics say he tended to surround himself with military officers at the expense of a broader civilian perspective. He resigned in December 2018 in protest of Trump’s policies.
Austin has a reputation for strong leadership, integrity and a sharp intellect. He would not be a prototypical defense secretary, not just because of his 41-year military career but also because he has shied from the public eye. It would be an understatement to say he was a quiet general; although he testified before Congress, he gave few interviews and preferred not to speak publicly about military operations.
When he did speak, Austin did not mince words. In 2015, in describing how the Islamic State army managed a year earlier to sweep across the Syrian border to grab control of large swaths of northern and western Iraq, Austin said the majority of Iraqi Sunnis simply refused to fight for their government.
“They allowed — and in some cases facilitated — ISIS’s push through the country,” Austin said.
He earned the admiration of the Obama administration for his work in Iraq and at Central Command, although he disagreed with Obama’s decision to pull out of Iraq entirely in December 2011.
Austin was involved in the Iraq War from start to finish. He served as an assistant commander of the 3rd Infantry Division during the invasion of Iraq in March 2003 and oversaw the withdrawal in 2011. When Austin retired in 2016, Obama praised his “character and competence,” as well as his judgment and leadership.
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Politico first reported Biden’s selection of Austin.
AP Washington Bureau Chief Julie Pace contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-12-08--‘Echo Generation’ demo available through Dec. 15 on Xbox Series X|S

“ Echo Generation ” isn ’ t subtle with its influences .
The upcoming turn-based adventure game from Cococucumber screams them from the rooftops .
Players can see a little “ Stranger Things ” in the style along with 80s movies such “ The Monster Squad ” , “ The Goonies ” and “ The Gate.
” It looks like a project steeped in nostalgia , and players have a chance to check it out in a limited-time demo that is live from Dec. 8 to Dec. 15 .
Similar to those classic flicks , players control a gang of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ save their small Canadian town .
The demo Lets players control a brother-sister duo , and it shows off some of the turn-based combat against trash pandas , giants rats and mechs .
Augmenting the combat are quick-time events and minigames that influence defense , critical hits and combos .
It sounds a little but like what Nintendo does it with its “ Paper Mario ” series , but the setting and look are completely different .
“ Echo Generation ” featurex voxel-based art that stands out as the game runs in 4K @ @ @ @ @ @

“Echo Generation” isn’t subtle with its influences. The upcoming turn-based adventure game from Cococucumber screams them from the rooftops. Players can see a little “Stranger Things” in the style along with 80s movies such “The Monster Squad”, “The Goonies” and “The Gate.”
It looks like a project steeped in nostalgia, and players have a chance to check it out in a limited-time demo that is live from Dec. 8 to Dec. 15. Similar to those classic flicks, players control a gang of kids “investigating supernatural occurrences” to save their small Canadian town.
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What to play: ‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ will keep gamers busy during August Entertainment | ‘First Descendant’ crossplay beta delayed until September but will be open to all The demo Lets players control a brother-sister duo, and it shows off some of the turn-based combat against trash pandas, giants rats and mechs. Augmenting the combat are quick-time events and minigames that influence defense, critical hits and combos. It sounds a little but like what Nintendo does it with its “Paper Mario” series, but the setting and look are completely different.
“Echo Generation” featurex voxel-based art that stands out as the game runs in 4K at 60 frames per second.


mercurynews--2020-12-08--Coronavirus: California is scrambling as many regions begin the biggest shutdown since spring

As millions of Californians on Monday entered into the strictest lockdown since the first months of the pandemic , a dangerous coronavirus surge was inundating hospitals with patients , the largest school system in the state shuttered , and outdoor playgrounds were forced to close in an effort to stem further infections .
The situation has become so bleak that Bay Area hospitals were canceling elective surgeries and anticipating a need to start transferring patients to other facilities in the coming days .
The overall ICU capacity in the San Joaquin Valley region sank to a frightening 6.3 % .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a shutdown for all in-person tutoring and special services , effectively ending what little face-to-face teaching was occurring in the second-largest school district in the country .
CLICK HERE if you ’ re having trouble viewing the slideshow on your mobile device .
California ’ s new stay-at-home order took effect Monday in more than 80 % of the state and will extend at least through Christmas — another blow to a devastating year .
For the first time in the pandemic , the state is averaging 20,000 new coronavirus cases per day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the start of November .
More Californians are in the hospital with COVID-19 than ever before , tallying more than 10,000 , with at least 2,200 in the ICU , according to the latest data from the state .
As of Monday , Santa Clara County , the hardest-hit in the Bay Area , maintained just 50 empty ICU beds for its 2 million residents , with many facilities left with fewer than five open .
The county on Monday smashed its record for new coronavirus cases reported in a single day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the county has ever hit four digits in a single day , according to data compiled by this organization .
“ The hospitals are doing their parts .
They are working very hard to balance the load among themselves , ” said Dr. Ahmad Kamala , Santa Clara County COVID-19 director of healthcare preparedness .
“ … But they can not do this alone .
We need to all redouble our efforts right now to help prevent the spread of COVID.
” At Regional Medical Center in East San Jose , one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , nearly all the 40 ICU beds were full — with capacity hitting 93 % Monday , said hospital spokeswoman Sarah Sherwood .
The hospital had a total of 67 COVID-19 patients on Monday , matching the previous high seen during April ’ s first wave of the pandemic .
“ If it gets really full at the end of the week , we will look at transfers , ” Sherwood said .
At Regional ’ s sister hospital Good Samaritan , where an overflow of patients can be sent , the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teens last month to 39 on Monday , she said .
But space is available : “ I can bet you by the end of the week , they ’ ll be opening a new floor at Good Sam , ” she said .
Public health experts say the critical conditions across the state mark the beginning of the anticipated increased caseload resulting from hazardous mingling during the Thanksgiving holiday .
“ I think we ’ re far enough out to say that this is a consequence of Thanksgiving week and travel and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an epidemiologist at UC San Francisco .
“ In California , the change in slope , the acceleration in cases , looks very similar to what happened in Canada after the Canadian Thanksgiving.
” Since hospitalizations and deaths typically lag about two to three weeks behind cases , the steep rise in cases suggests an inevitable worsening of the already dire situation in hospitals around the state .
And as if the explosive surge in California ’ s coronavirus cases wasn ’ t creating enough concern , some worry that the current uptick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Christmas and New Years holidays .
“ In terms of the relationship to the winter surge in coronavirus cases , the time of Thanksgiving and Christmas could not be worse , ” said Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo , chair of UC San Francisco ’ s Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics .
“ The aggressive measures to put California on track to be shut down for Christmas is recognizing the existing rise in California and the fact that as we head into the winter holidays , we will likely have even higher rates in California.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ order will span through Christmas and New Years ’ for at least five Bay Area counties that proactively implemented the restrictions this week , and through Christmas for the San Joaquin Valley and Southern California regions , which both fell below the 15 % ICU availability threshold Gov .
Gavin Newsom set last week to invoke additional restrictions .
The restrictions in the Bay Area will last until at least Jan. 4 while those in San Joaquin and Southern California will remain in effect until at least Dec. 28 .
CLICK HERE if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slideshow on your mobile device .
However , a handful of counties are continuing on a different path : San Mateo County , which did not join other Bay Area counties in imposing new restrictions last week , said Monday it will continue to abstain , suggesting there is no evidence that the new restrictions will help contain the virus , particularly without stronger enforcement .
While the governor ’ s latest order has frustrated many businesses and residents who are tired of nearly a year full of restrictions , Newsom faced a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his decision to close outdoor playgrounds in this latest wave .
A dozen state legislators last week sent Newsom a letter urging him to reconsider the closures given the importance of outdoor activity to the “ mental and physical health of children.
” Still , citing how effective lockdowns appeared to be in parts of Europe recently , Bibbins-Domingo said that the new state restrictions provide a much-needed route to bending the curve of the pandemic here in California .
“ If we start to adopt the new measures , we can turn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of cases , ” she said .
“ That won ’ t immediately turn around hospitalizations , but it will be essential to getting through this winter with room in our hospitals for not only COVID patients but any patient that might need care in our intensive care units.
” Staff writers Evan Webeck and Julia Sulek contributed to this story .

As millions of Californians on Monday entered into the strictest lockdown since the first months of the pandemic, a dangerous coronavirus surge was inundating hospitals with patients, the largest school system in the state shuttered, and outdoor playgrounds were forced to close in an effort to stem further infections.
The situation has become so bleak that Bay Area hospitals were canceling elective surgeries and anticipating a need to start transferring patients to other facilities in the coming days. The overall ICU capacity in the San Joaquin Valley region sank to a frightening 6.3%. Los Angeles public schools on Monday announced a shutdown for all in-person tutoring and special services, effectively ending what little face-to-face teaching was occurring in the second-largest school district in the country.
SAN JOSE, CA - DECEMBER 07: A pedestrian walks in San Pedro Square in downtown, San Jose, Calif., on Dec. 7, 2020. Outside eating areas have been closed due to the recent shelter-in-place orders that went into effect in many Bay Area counties today. (Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE, CA - DECEMBER 07: Fallen leaves sit on folded restaurant chairs in San Pedro Square in downtown, San Jose, Calif., on Dec. 7, 2020. Outside eating areas have been closed due to the recent shelter-in-place orders that went into effect in many Bay Area counties today. (Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group)
WALNUT CREEK, CA - DEC. 7: Pedestrian walk past the Walnut Creek Yacht Club restaurant in Walnut Creek, Calif., on Monday, Dec. 7, 2020. Outside eating areas have been closed due to recent shelter-in-place ordinances. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)
WALNUT CREEK, CA - DEC. 7: A sign warning customers "No Mask No Entry" greets patrons at the door at Modern China Cafe on North Main Street in Walnut Creek, Calif., on Monday, Dec. 7, 2020. Outside eating areas have been closed due to recent shelter-in-place ordinances. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)
WALNUT CREEK, CA - DEC. 7: Carlyon O'Neill, of Suisun City, hands the take-out order to Shahil Khan, of Vacaville, after picking up food from Broderick Roadhouse in Walnut Creek, Calif., on Monday, Dec. 7, 2020. Outside eating areas have been closed due to recent shelter-in-place ordinances. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE, CA - DECEMBER 07: An empty outdoor dining space outside of The Old Spaghetti Factory is seen in San Pedro Square in downtown, San Jose, Calif., on Dec. 7, 2020. Outside eating areas have been closed due to the recent shelter-in-place orders that went into effect in many Bay Area counties today. (Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE, CA - DECEMBER 07: Bar stools and chairs are seen outside of O'Flaherty's Irish Pub in San Pedro Square in downtown, San Jose, Calif., on Dec. 7, 2020. Outside eating areas have been closed due to the recent shelter-in-place orders that went into effect in many Bay Area counties today. (Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE, CA - DECEMBER 07: An empty outdoor dining space outside of The Old Spaghetti Factory is seen in San Pedro Square in downtown, San Jose, Calif., on Dec. 7, 2020. Outside eating areas have been closed due to the recent shelter-in-place orders that went into effect in many Bay Area counties today. (Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group)
WALNUT CREEK, CA - DEC. 7: Tent areas where customers use to sit for meals are now empty on Locust Street in Walnut Creek, Calif., on Monday, Dec. 7, 2020. Outside eating areas have been closed due to recent shelter-in-place ordinances. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)
WALNUT CREEK, CA - DEC. 7: Tables and chairs remain empty of patrons on North Main Street in Walnut Creek, Calif., on Monday, Dec. 7, 2020. Outside eating areas have been closed due to recent shelter-in-place ordinances. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)
WALNUT CREEK, CA - DEC. 7: Large wooden benches are stacked on top of each other at an outside eating area on Bonanza Street in Walnut Creek, Calif., on Monday, Dec. 7, 2020. Outside eating areas have been closed due to recent shelter-in-place ordinances. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE, CA - DECEMBER 07: Pedestrians walk in downtown, San Jose, Calif., on Dec. 7, 2020. (Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group)
CLICK HERE if you’re having trouble viewing the slideshow on your mobile device.
California’s new stay-at-home order took effect Monday in more than 80% of the state and will extend at least through Christmas — another blow to a devastating year.
For the first time in the pandemic, the state is averaging 20,000 new coronavirus cases per day — a rate five times higher than at the start of November. And, on Monday, the state surpassed 30,000 cases in a single day, setting a new record. More Californians also are in the hospital with COVID-19 than ever before, tallying more than 10,000, with at least 2,200 in the ICU, according to the latest data from the state.
As of Monday, Santa Clara County, the hardest-hit in the Bay Area, maintained just 50 empty ICU beds for its 2 million residents, with many facilities left with fewer than five open. The county on Monday smashed its record for new coronavirus cases reported in a single day with 1,431 cases — the first time the county has ever hit four digits in a single day, according to data compiled by this organization.
“The hospitals are doing their parts. They are working very hard to balance the load among themselves,” said Dr. Ahmad Kamala, Santa Clara County COVID-19 director of healthcare preparedness. “… But they cannot do this alone. We need to all redouble our efforts right now to help prevent the spread of COVID.”
At Regional Medical Center in East San Jose, one of the hardest-hit hospitals in the Bay Area, all 40 ICU beds were full by Monday night, said hospital spokeswoman Sarah Sherwood. The hospital had a total of 70 COVID-19 patients on Monday, topping the previous high of 67 seen during April’s first wave of the pandemic.
“If it gets really full at the end of the week, we will look at transfers,” Sherwood said.
At Regional’s sister hospital Good Samaritan, where an overflow of patients can be sent, the number of COVID-19 patients has increased from the teens last month to 39 on Monday, she said. But space is available: “I can bet you by the end of the week, they’ll be opening a new floor at Good Sam,” she said.
Public health experts say the critical conditions across the state mark the beginning of the anticipated increased caseload resulting from hazardous mingling during the Thanksgiving holiday.
“I think we’re far enough out to say that this is a consequence of Thanksgiving week and travel and mixing,” said George Rutherford, an epidemiologist at UC San Francisco. “In California, the change in slope, the acceleration in cases, looks very similar to what happened in Canada after the Canadian Thanksgiving.”
Since hospitalizations and deaths typically lag about two to three weeks behind cases, the steep rise in cases suggests an inevitable worsening of the already dire situation in hospitals around the state.
And as if the explosive surge in California’s coronavirus cases wasn’t creating enough concern, some worry that the current uptick related to Thanksgiving will bleed right into the Christmas and New Years holidays.
“In terms of the relationship to the winter surge in coronavirus cases, the time of Thanksgiving and Christmas could not be worse,” said Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, chair of UC San Francisco’s Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics.
“The aggressive measures to put California on track to be shut down for Christmas is recognizing the existing rise in California and the fact that as we head into the winter holidays, we will likely have even higher rates in California.”
The state’s latest stay-at-home order will span through Christmas and New Years’ for at least five Bay Area counties that proactively implemented the restrictions this week, and through Christmas for the San Joaquin Valley and Southern California regions, which both fell below the 15% ICU availability threshold Gov. Gavin Newsom set last week to invoke additional restrictions. The restrictions in the Bay Area will last until at least Jan. 4 while those in San Joaquin and Southern California will remain in effect until at least Dec. 28.
CLAYTON, CA - DEC. 7: A sign warns visitors that the children's playground is temporarily closed in downtown Clayton, Calif., on Monday, Dec. 7, 2020. Playgrounds have been closed due to recent shelter-in-place ordinances. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE, CA - DECEMBER 07: An empty basketball court is seen at Cahill Park in San Jose, Calif., on Dec. 7, 2020. (Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE, CA - DECEMBER 07: An empty playground is seen at Cahill Park in San Jose, Calif., on Dec. 7, 2020. (Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group)
SANTA CLARA - DECEMBER 7: Caution tape covers a portion of the jungle gym at Everett N. "Eddie" Souza Park in Santa Clara, Calif., on Monday, Dec. 7, 2020. (Randy Vazquez/ Bay Area News Group)
CLAYTON, CA - DEC. 7: Swings are rolled up and out of reach at a temporary closed children's playground in downtown Clayton, Calif., on Monday, Dec. 7, 2020. Playgrounds have been closed due to recent shelter-in-place ordinances. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE, CA - DECEMBER 07: An empty playground is seen at Del Monte Park in San Jose, Calif., on Dec. 7, 2020. (Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group)
Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group SAN JOSE, CA - DECEMBER 07: An empty playground is seen at Cahill Park in San Jose, Calif., on Dec. 7, 2020. (Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group)
CLAYTON, CA - DEC. 7: A children's playground sits empty after being temporarily closed in downtown Clayton, Calif., on Monday, Dec. 7, 2020. Playgrounds have been closed due to recent shelter-in-place ordinances. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)
SANTA CLARA - DECEMBER 7: Caution tape is wrapped around one of the slides at Everett N. "Eddie" Souza Park in Santa Clara, Calif., on Monday, Dec. 7, 2020. (Randy Vazquez/ Bay Area News Group)
SANTA CLARA - DECEMBER 7: Caution tape is wrapped around a swing at War Memorial Playground in Santa Clara, Calif., on Monday, Dec. 7, 2020. (Randy Vazquez/ Bay Area News Group)
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However, a handful of counties are continuing on a different path: San Mateo County, which did not join other Bay Area counties in imposing new restrictions last week, said Monday it will continue to abstain, suggesting there is no evidence that the new restrictions will help contain the virus, particularly without stronger enforcement.
While the governor’s latest order has frustrated many businesses and residents who are tired of nearly a year full of restrictions, Newsom faced a particular backlash from parents and legislators for his decision to close outdoor playgrounds in this latest wave. A dozen state legislators last week sent Newsom a letter urging him to reconsider the closures given the importance of outdoor activity to the “mental and physical health of children.”
Still, citing how effective lockdowns appeared to be in parts of Europe recently, Bibbins-Domingo said that the new state restrictions provide a much-needed route to bending the curve of the pandemic here in California.
“If we start to adopt the new measures, we can turn this corner and turn the rising tide of cases,” she said. “That won’t immediately turn around hospitalizations, but it will be essential to getting through this winter with room in our hospitals for not only COVID patients but any patient that might need care in our intensive care units.”
Staff writers Evan Webeck and Julia Sulek contributed to this story.


mercurynews--2020-12-08--Why the next Amy Shark album should be absolutely fantastic

Amy Shark , the Australian indie-pop star best known in the U.S. for the striking single “ Adore , ” is back with another winner .
It ’ s a memorably forlorn and misty folk-pop ballad called “ All the Lies About Me , ” which hails from the singer-songwriter-guitarist ’ s next full-length offering “ Cry Forever.
” The album , which serves as the follow-up to the terrific 2018 debut “ Love Monster , ” won ’ t be released until the end of April .
Yet — judging by the quality of “ All the Lies About @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be worth it .
“ I am now a more confident musician and person than the Amy of 2018 , and I feel like I am ready to share some moments from my life that I wasn ’ t previously OK to talk about , ” Shark says in a news release .
“ These are some of the most personal and confronting songs I ’ ve ever written , and I can ’ t wait to share them with everyone.
” Shark , who has a sizable fan base in California from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and BottleRock , has already released two other fine singles from this album — “ Everybody Rise ” and “ C ’ Mon ” ( which is a collaboration with Blink-182 ’ s “ Travis Barker ) .
“ I am so proud of this album and it ’ s time to hand these songs over to the fans , ” Shark says .
All three of these great tracks are available on Amazon , Apple Music and other platforms .
Watch the videos on Shark ’ s YouTube page .

Amy Shark, the Australian indie-pop star best known in the U.S. for the striking single “Adore,” is back with another winner.
It’s a memorably forlorn and misty folk-pop ballad called “All the Lies About Me,” which hails from the singer-songwriter-guitarist’s next full-length offering “Cry Forever.” The album, which serves as the follow-up to the terrific 2018 debut “Love Monster,” won’t be released until the end of April. Yet — judging by the quality of “All the Lies About Me” — the wait should definitely be worth it.
“I am now a more confident musician and person than the Amy of 2018, and I feel like I am ready to share some moments from my life that I wasn’t previously OK to talk about, ” Shark says in a news release. “These are some of the most personal and confronting songs I’ve ever written, and I can’t wait to share them with everyone.”
Shark, who has a sizable fan base in California from performing at such festivals as Noise Pop and BottleRock, has already released two other fine singles from this album — “Everybody Rise” and “C’Mon” (which is a collaboration with Blink-182’s “Travis Barker).
“I am so proud of this album and it’s time to hand these songs over to the fans,” Shark says.
All three of these great tracks are available on Amazon, Apple Music and other platforms. Watch the videos on Shark’s YouTube page.


mercurynews--2020-12-08--Wiseman, Green missing training camp makes Warriors’ goal of building a top defense tougher

As the Warriors aim to construct one of the NBA ’ s best defenses in this week ’ s training camp , they could be doing so without two players who figure to be central to that goal in forward Draymond Green and center James Wiseman , both of whom missed the first day of practice after testing positive for the coronavirus , a league source confirmed with the Bay Area News Group .
“ It ’ s not ideal , but nothing is ideal in 2020 , ” said head coach Steve Kerr .
This is especially true for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s draft who could use as much practice time as possible in order to be a difference-maker for the Warriors this season .
Wiseman , 19 , has not played in an official basketball game since November of last year , and though he offers spectacular upside , he ’ s a raw athlete facing a steep learning curve .
Under the NBA ’ s rules , Wiseman and Green must self-quarantine for 10 to 12 days after the initial positive test , register two negative tests and be cleared by both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s unclear if they will participate in this week ’ s training camp or play in Saturday ’ s preseason opener against the Denver Nuggets at Chase Center .
An extended absence would hurt Golden State ’ s ability to put together a playoff-caliber defense .
“ It ’ s unfortunate , but it ’ s just the way it goes , ” Kerr said of Wiseman missing training camp .
“ Our coaching staff has been showing him tape the last few days .
He ’ s still getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 7-foot-6 wingspan , Wiseman provides rim-protection with his presence alone .
But playing a part in a top-10 defense — as is the Warriors ’ stated goal — takes more than size and athleticism .
In the three college games he played at Memphis before leaving the program due to concerns about his eligibility , Wiseman struggled to recognize opponents ’ basic pick-and-roll actions and guard on the perimeter , and often picked up fouls while chasing blocks .
Training camp offered a chance for him to work with coaches to clean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may not get that opportunity before the games begin .
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Unlike with the defenses of the dynasty that featured elite one-on-one defenders Andre Iguodala , Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant , the Warriors this season will rely on a mix of concepts and game plans — things that can be tough for a young player to learn quickly .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” of Monday ’ s practice was focused on implementing new defensive schemes and teaching players defensive techniques .
“ We worked on help defense a lot , individual defense and little scheme things that we ’ re adding this year to keep offenses on their toes , ” said guard Mychal Mulder .
“ So it was great to have a group and really go 5 on 5 and get to work on defensive schemes .
I think that was really helpful.
” Even though the Warriors have high hopes for Wiseman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The truth is , Wiseman has time .
Meanwhile , Green is experienced enough to easily pick up these new concepts , but because he hasn ’ t played in nine months needs training camp to shake off the rust .
“ Draymond might be able to plug in extremely quickly in terms of the mental and understanding what we do and how we do it , ” said guard Stephen Curry .
“ Hopefully he can catch up physically.
” Green ’ s absence is also likely felt by Golden State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assistant coaches Jarron Collins and Ron Adams create and teach the schemes , the former defensive player of the year is a valuable resource for some of the Warriors ’ younger players .
This is a setback for a team that already lost Thompson for the season to an Achilles tear .
After posting a league-worst 15-50 record last season , the Warriors had hoped to return to title contention .
However , doing so during the pandemic could prove difficult .
Thompson ’ s injury occurred while he was working out in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan to sprint to a Dec. 22 start .
These positive tests happened after players returned to the Bay Area to begin training camp mere days after the draft and free agency .
It ’ s not unreasonable to wonder if rushing to start the season led to injuries for players who needed to ramp up their conditioning and to positive tests for players who spent the last few months out of their team ’ s market .
The Warriors are not alone .
Before opening night , the impact of the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 48 registered positive tests .
But the Warriors also have high hopes for this season and a lot of work to be done — going from one of the league ’ s worst defenses to one of the best is a tall task .
Now after nine months away , suddenly time is in short supply , and they are losing valuable days before the season begins .

As the Warriors aim to construct one of the NBA’s best defenses in this week’s training camp, they could be doing so without two players who figure to be central to that goal in forward Draymond Green and center James Wiseman, both of whom missed the first day of practice after testing positive for the coronavirus, a league source confirmed with the Bay Area News Group.
“It’s not ideal, but nothing is ideal in 2020,” said head coach Steve Kerr. This is especially true for Wiseman, the second-overall pick in October’s draft who could use as much practice time as possible in order to be a difference-maker for the Warriors this season. Wiseman, 19, has not played in an official basketball game since November of last year, and though he offers spectacular upside, he’s a raw athlete facing a steep learning curve.
Under the NBA’s rules, Wiseman and Green must self-quarantine for 10 to 12 days after the initial positive test, register two negative tests and be cleared by both a team- and league-designated physician to return. It’s unclear if they will participate in this week’s training camp or play in Saturday’s preseason opener against the Denver Nuggets at Chase Center. An extended absence would hurt Golden State’s ability to put together a playoff-caliber defense.
“It’s unfortunate, but it’s just the way it goes,” Kerr said of Wiseman missing training camp. “Our coaching staff has been showing him tape the last few days. He’s still getting some homework in.”
At 7-foot-1 with a 7-foot-6 wingspan, Wiseman provides rim-protection with his presence alone. But playing a part in a top-10 defense — as is the Warriors’ stated goal — takes more than size and athleticism. In the three college games he played at Memphis before leaving the program due to concerns about his eligibility, Wiseman struggled to recognize opponents’ basic pick-and-roll actions and guard on the perimeter, and often picked up fouls while chasing blocks. Training camp offered a chance for him to work with coaches to clean these things up. Now, he may not get that opportunity before the games begin. Related Articles Golden State Warriors | Here’s the Warriors’ schedule for NBA’s inaugural in-season tournament
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Unlike with the defenses of the dynasty that featured elite one-on-one defenders Andre Iguodala, Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant, the Warriors this season will rely on a mix of concepts and game plans — things that can be tough for a young player to learn quickly.
According to Kerr, the “vast majority” of Monday’s practice was focused on implementing new defensive schemes and teaching players defensive techniques.
“We worked on help defense a lot, individual defense and little scheme things that we’re adding this year to keep offenses on their toes,” said guard Mychal Mulder. “So it was great to have a group and really go 5 on 5 and get to work on defensive schemes. I think that was really helpful.”
Even though the Warriors have high hopes for Wiseman, they are preaching patience early on. The truth is, Wiseman has time. Meanwhile, Green is experienced enough to easily pick up these new concepts, but because he hasn’t played in nine months needs training camp to shake off the rust.
“Draymond might be able to plug in extremely quickly in terms of the mental and understanding what we do and how we do it,” said guard Stephen Curry. “Hopefully he can catch up physically.”
Green’s absence is also likely felt by Golden State’s new-look supporting cast. While assistant coaches Jarron Collins and Ron Adams create and teach the schemes, the former defensive player of the year is a valuable resource for some of the Warriors’ younger players.
This is a setback for a team that already lost Thompson for the season to an Achilles tear. After posting a league-worst 15-50 record last season, the Warriors had hoped to return to title contention. However, doing so during the pandemic could prove difficult.
Thompson’s injury occurred while he was working out in Southern California after the league announced the plan to sprint to a Dec. 22 start. These positive tests happened after players returned to the Bay Area to begin training camp mere days after the draft and free agency. It’s not unreasonable to wonder if rushing to start the season led to injuries for players who needed to ramp up their conditioning and to positive tests for players who spent the last few months out of their team’s market.
The Warriors are not alone. Before opening night, the impact of the pandemic is being felt across the league with 48 registered positive tests. But the Warriors also have high hopes for this season and a lot of work to be done — going from one of the league’s worst defenses to one of the best is a tall task. Now after nine months away, suddenly time is in short supply, and they are losing valuable days before the season begins.


mercurynews--2020-12-08--Raiders aren’t counting on Jacobs, Abram, Brown, Arnette — but that doesn’t mean they won’t face Col

Raiders aren’t counting on Jacobs, Abram, Brown, Arnette — but that doesn’t mean they won’t face Colts

Until he hears differently from the medical staff , Raiders coach Jon Gruden took the safest approach Monday to the status of some key players heading into their Week 14 game against the Indianapolis Colts .
A week ago , Gruden was optimistic running back Josh Jacobs would return and a knee injury to Johnathan Abram didn ’ t seem all that serious since he had finished the game against the Atlanta Falcons .
But neither ended up practicing or making the trip to New Jersey , where the Raiders beat the New York Jets Sunday , 31-28 .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trent Brown , who was removed from the COVID-19 reserve list Monday , and cornerback Damon Arnette , who came out of a game for the second straight week after taking blows to the head .
“ I wouldn ’ t expect those guys to play right now based on what I saw last week , ” Gruden said at his weekly teleconference .
“ I ’ m sure they ’ re down there getting treatment .
We ’ ll get them back as soon as we can .
Hopefully we get some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we prepare the game plan , we ’ re preparing the guys that are healthy and we know are healthy .
That we can count on being on the field on Wednesday.
” Indianapolis is 8-4 , and one of three teams that currently are in a wild card position along with Cleveland ( 9-3 ) and Miami ( 8-4 ) ahead of the 7-5 Raiders .
Notice that there ’ s plenty of wiggle room for anyone who shows up Wednesday and is ready to practice .
Or Thursday and Friday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conceivable the week off could have Jacobs and Abram in much better shape and ready to practice in at least a limited fashion and ramp it up until Sunday .
The tentative plan all along for Brown was to shoot for the final four games of the season once he went on the COVID-19 list a second time for complications from his bout with the virus .
Brown has played in just two games , three plays in the season opener against Carolina and from beginning to end on Oct. 11 against Kansas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ list for the first time preceding an Oct. 25 game against Tampa Bay .
He recovered and was preparing to face Cleveland on Nov. 1 , but was hospitalized after needing to be wheeled from the locker room before the game .
Specifics of what happened were never made public , but Brown soon went back on the COVID-19 list to recover .
Arnette was in concussion protocol last week , and exited the Jets game after colliding helmet-to-helmet with Frank Gore on the first play from scrimmage .
Gore also left and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a concussion .
Gruden said he wasn ’ t sure if Arnette would be in concussion protocol again .
“ I don ’ t even know if it ’ s a true concussion .
I think neck and shoulder injuries are part of this , ” Gruden said .
“ A lot of guys do get dazed and I ’ m concerned about Damon but I do think he ’ s going to be fine .
I do think he ’ ll play again at some point .
But we are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health .
We ’ re just glad that he ’ s OK and eager to get him back in the lineup.
” Jacobs and Brown in particular could provide a spark for a running game that compiled 572 yards Weeks 8 through 10 but has just 201 yards Weeks 11 through 13 .
The Raiders waived defensive tackle Daniel Ross , who played nine snaps against the Jets and had played in three games this season .
According to NFL Network , Ross will rejoin the Raiders on the practice squad if he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Giving up 206 yards rushing to the Jets “ We have to get off blocks better .
We have to be better at the point of attack .
We have to tackle better .
We have to do a lot better job coaching .
That ’ s an understatement.
” “ We like Carl , we like everybody .
We try to play the guys that have the best weeks of practice .
We feel like we want to create competition , Vic Beasley is here to create that .
He didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bench .
Takk McKinley , when he comes back , he ’ s not going to be just sitting out there waiting until next year.
” • Raiders ’ Jon Gruden takes swipe at ESPN , credits Carr for TD pass rather than blaming Jets ’ Williams • Raiders report card : Passing offense does enough for a great escape • Inside the Raiders : If Jets tanked , it was the most elaborate tank ever Beasley played eight snaps against the Jets and returned to the pracitce squad Monday .
McKinley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to return until Dec. 17 against the Chargers .
“ We ’ ve won in horrible weather in Cleveland .
.
.
it was chilly yesterday , coming from behind and winning on the road is a great accomplishment .
I thought about driving the bus around the stadium yesterday but I didn ’ t want to get anybody alarmed.
” A final kickoff that gave the Jets the ball at the 50 “ The plan was we called a mortar kick .
We ’ re trying to kick the ball down the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jets and bounce the ball down toward the goal line .
.
.
right before we kicked the ball , they shifted their alignment and ( Daniel ) Carlson picked off one of those Jets .
It was a great maneuver by them .
”

Until he hears differently from the medical staff, Raiders coach Jon Gruden took the safest approach Monday to the status of some key players heading into their Week 14 game against the Indianapolis Colts.
A week ago, Gruden was optimistic running back Josh Jacobs would return and a knee injury to Johnathan Abram didn’t seem all that serious since he had finished the game against the Atlanta Falcons.
But neither ended up practicing or making the trip to New Jersey, where the Raiders beat the New York Jets Sunday, 31-28.
There is also the matter of right tackle Trent Brown, who was removed from the COVID-19 reserve list Monday, and cornerback Damon Arnette, who came out of a game for the second straight week after taking blows to the head.
“I wouldn’t expect those guys to play right now based on what I saw last week,” Gruden said at his weekly teleconference. “I’m sure they’re down there getting treatment. We’ll get them back as soon as we can. Hopefully we get some good news on Wednesday, but as we prepare the game plan, we’re preparing the guys that are healthy and we know are healthy. That we can count on being on the field on Wednesday.”
Indianapolis is 8-4, and one of three teams that currently are in a wild card position along with Cleveland (9-3) and Miami (8-4) ahead of the 7-5 Raiders.
Notice that there’s plenty of wiggle room for anyone who shows up Wednesday and is ready to practice. Or Thursday and Friday, for that matter. It’s conceivable the week off could have Jacobs and Abram in much better shape and ready to practice in at least a limited fashion and ramp it up until Sunday.
The tentative plan all along for Brown was to shoot for the final four games of the season once he went on the COVID-19 list a second time for complications from his bout with the virus. Brown has played in just two games, three plays in the season opener against Carolina and from beginning to end on Oct. 11 against Kansas City.
Brown went on the COVID-19 list for the first time preceding an Oct. 25 game against Tampa Bay. He recovered and was preparing to face Cleveland on Nov. 1, but was hospitalized after needing to be wheeled from the locker room before the game. Specifics of what happened were never made public, but Brown soon went back on the COVID-19 list to recover.
Arnette was in concussion protocol last week, and exited the Jets game after colliding helmet-to-helmet with Frank Gore on the first play from scrimmage. Gore also left and did not return as he was evaluated for a concussion.
Gruden said he wasn’t sure if Arnette would be in concussion protocol again.
“I don’t even know if it’s a true concussion. I think neck and shoulder injuries are part of this,” Gruden said. “A lot of guys do get dazed and I’m concerned about Damon but I do think he’s going to be fine. I do think he’ll play again at some point. But we are not at this point overly concerned about his health. We’re just glad that he’s OK and eager to get him back in the lineup.”
Jacobs and Brown in particular could provide a spark for a running game that compiled 572 yards Weeks 8 through 10 but has just 201 yards Weeks 11 through 13.
The Raiders waived defensive tackle Daniel Ross, who played nine snaps against the Jets and had played in three games this season. According to NFL Network, Ross will rejoin the Raiders on the practice squad if he’s not claimed by another team.
Gruden bits and pieces
Giving up 206 yards rushing to the Jets
“We have to get off blocks better. We have to be better at the point of attack. We have to tackle better. We have to do a lot better job coaching. That’s an understatement.”
Carl Nassib as a `healthy scratch’ vs. Jets
“We like Carl, we like everybody. We try to play the guys that have the best weeks of practice. We feel like we want to create competition, Vic Beasley is here to create that. He didn’t come here to sit on the bench. Takk McKinley, when he comes back, he’s not going to be just sitting out there waiting until next year.”
Beasley played eight snaps against the Jets and returned to the pracitce squad Monday. McKinley is on injured reserve and not eligible to return until Dec. 17 against the Chargers.
Resiliency on the road
“We’ve won in horrible weather in Cleveland . . . it was chilly yesterday, coming from behind and winning on the road is a great accomplishment. I thought about driving the bus around the stadium yesterday but I didn’t want to get anybody alarmed.”
A final kickoff that gave the Jets the ball at the 50
“The plan was we called a mortar kick. We’re trying to kick the ball down the right side in the vacancy between the Jets and bounce the ball down toward the goal line . . . right before we kicked the ball, they shifted their alignment and (Daniel) Carlson picked off one of those Jets. It was a great maneuver by them.”


mercurynews--2020-12-08--San Jose State settling into Las Vegas for huge ‘home’ game vs. Nevada

Brent Brennan ’ s familiar face popped up on Zoom with an unfamiliar background .
Instead of seated at his wooden desk below the high ceilings of his office in San Jose , the Spartans ’ coach was fumbling his phone in a boxy Las Vegas hotel room .
Changes of scenery have become the norm for the Spartans , who ’ ve seared through relocation tumult and pandemic protocols with their first 5-0 since 1939 and a win against Nevada away from a Mountain West championship .
After a taxing win against Hawai ’ i in the unrelenting heat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happy to have a home in this short , important week .
“ This is just the best case scenario because they were supposed to come to us , ” Brennan said .
“ Having this game here , where we ’ re going to practice all week , I think that ’ s good for our football team .
These kids need some stability right now , in my opinion , so this is the best way to get that.
” San Jose State will stay in Las Vegas for the final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PT Friday at Sam Boyd Stadium , home of the Mountain West ’ s UNLV .
Because of Santa Clara County ’ s ban on contact sports , the Spartans can ’ t play at CEFCU Stadium — even if they can lock in home field advantage for a championship game .
• San Jose State football : Win and they ’ re in , lose and … it gets complicated • Pac-12 predicament : Colorado could be undefeated and boxed out of the championship game • My AP basketball ballot : Gonzaga @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
2 spot • Pac-12 rewind : Stanford thrives in chaos , USC and Colorado roll , Cal befuddles Oregon and division chaos looms • San Jose State to play key game against Nevada in Las Vegas San Jose State has grown familiar with the relocation grind ; county restrictions forced the Spartans to practice in Humboldt County into early October .
They returned to San Jose before the newest county ban pushed them out again .
“ It ’ s been a heavy lift , but we just look at the positives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marie Tuite said of the relocation .
“ Roll our sleeves up and no matter what curveball is thrown our way , we figure it out .
I will say it ’ s devastating not to be able to play our last few games in CEFCU Stadium , to say goodbye to our seniors.
” The team ’ s strength , its focus , has kept them one of the top teams in the nation despite the turmoil .
They ’ re taking that focus to practice for their most important game yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of attacking the practice environment , ” Brennan said .
“ And that ’ s been consistent .
And I think that ’ s a reason we ’ ve played well , is because we focus on right now .
”

Brent Brennan’s familiar face popped up on Zoom with an unfamiliar background. Instead of seated at his wooden desk below the high ceilings of his office in San Jose, the Spartans’ coach was fumbling his phone in a boxy Las Vegas hotel room.
Changes of scenery have become the norm for the Spartans, who’ve seared through relocation tumult and pandemic protocols with their first 5-0 since 1939 and a win against Nevada away from a Mountain West championship.
After a taxing win against Hawai’i in the unrelenting heat on Saturday, the Spartans are just happy to have a home in this short, important week.
“This is just the best case scenario because they were supposed to come to us,” Brennan said. “Having this game here, where we’re going to practice all week, I think that’s good for our football team. These kids need some stability right now, in my opinion, so this is the best way to get that.”
San Jose State will stay in Las Vegas for the final week, playing Nevada at 7 p.m. PT Friday at Sam Boyd Stadium, home of the Mountain West’s UNLV. Because of Santa Clara County’s ban on contact sports, the Spartans can’t play at CEFCU Stadium — even if they can lock in home field advantage for a championship game.
San Jose State has grown familiar with the relocation grind; county restrictions forced the Spartans to practice in Humboldt County into early October. They returned to San Jose before the newest county ban pushed them out again.
“It’s been a heavy lift, but we just look at the positives,” San Jose State athletic director Marie Tuite said of the relocation. “Roll our sleeves up and no matter what curveball is thrown our way, we figure it out. I will say it’s devastating not to be able to play our last few games in CEFCU Stadium, to say goodbye to our seniors.”
The team’s strength, its focus, has kept them one of the top teams in the nation despite the turmoil. They’re taking that focus to practice for their most important game yet.
“This team does an awesome of attacking the practice environment,” Brennan said. “And that’s been consistent. And I think that’s a reason we’ve played well, is because we focus on right now.”


mercurynews--2020-12-08--Walters: Who will have priority for COVID-19 vaccine in California?

There ’ s nothing new about political jousting over shares of a limited but valuable resource .
For instance , Californians have been squabbling for decades over divvying up water supplies among agricultural interests , municipal consumers and the natural environment .
The conflict never goes away but increases in intensity every time the state experiences one of its periodic droughts — and this so-far dry autumn may be a harbinger of another such dry spell .
The annual business of writing a new state budget is always an exercise in political rationing .
Even in times of prosperity , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tax money , there ’ s never quite enough to satisfy all of the demands and expressions of urgent need .
More for schools , more for health care , more for colleges , more for child care or more for prisons ?
Those who hire the most and best lobbyists , shower legislators with campaign contributions and wage lavish media campaigns tend over time to fare the best when Capitol politicians decide who gets how much cash .
The allocations of water and money obvious have serious impacts on the contending parties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situations .
Even the losers generally wind up with something , even if they see it as not enough .
A new political free-for-all is just beginning and this time it is all-or-nothing , potentially with life-or-death consequences — who gets the very limited initial supply of vaccine against the potentially deadly coronavirus .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom said last week that he expects California to receive an initial allocation of 327,000 doses of vaccine in mid-December .
His administration wants to prioritize vaccinations of health care workers who are most in danger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Few would argue with that intent , but the initital vaccine supply doesn ’ t come close to covering everyone who falls into that general category .
California has more than two million health care workers , and even within that group , there ’ s a certain level of competition .
Organizations representing local-term care facilities , otherwise known as nursing homes , are pressing for first-tier priority , contending that their elderly clients are being disproportionately infected , often with fatal consequences .
However , another argument is being made for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ directly caring for COVID-19 victims in hospitals .
Expanding vaccinations beyond health care workers will be even more daunting because no one knows when and how many additional doses of vaccine will be coming , other than sometime next year .
After the implicit demand from health care workers is met , who ’ s next ?
Two state legislators are pressing for teachers to be placed near the top of the prioritization list , citing the sharp decline in educational achievement while students are confined at home and the urgent need for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a San Luis Obispo Republican , and Patrick O ’ Donnell , a Long Beach Democrat , said in a letter to state health officials , “ Interim reports from across the state show increasing rates of failure among students , especially those in lower-income neighborhoods .
… Our state ’ s children can not afford to wait.
” A recent national study estimated that lower levels of education among students forced to attend classes via the Internet could result in shorter life spans .
Several recent articles , including one in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increased and learning has decreased , especially among poor students .
This is heavy-duty stuff .
Deciding who gets — and who doesn ’ t get — the vaccine in the earliest stages of the vaccination effort could be deciding who lives and who dies .

There’s nothing new about political jousting over shares of a limited but valuable resource.
For instance, Californians have been squabbling for decades over divvying up water supplies among agricultural interests, municipal consumers and the natural environment. The conflict never goes away but increases in intensity every time the state experiences one of its periodic droughts — and this so-far dry autumn may be a harbinger of another such dry spell.
The annual business of writing a new state budget is always an exercise in political rationing. Even in times of prosperity, when the state treasury is awash in tax money, there’s never quite enough to satisfy all of the demands and expressions of urgent need. More for schools, more for health care, more for colleges, more for child care or more for prisons?
Those who hire the most and best lobbyists, shower legislators with campaign contributions and wage lavish media campaigns tend over time to fare the best when Capitol politicians decide who gets how much cash.
The allocations of water and money obvious have serious impacts on the contending parties, but usually they are not all-or-nothing situations. Even the losers generally wind up with something, even if they see it as not enough.
A new political free-for-all is just beginning and this time it is all-or-nothing, potentially with life-or-death consequences — who gets the very limited initial supply of vaccine against the potentially deadly coronavirus.
Gov. Gavin Newsom said last week that he expects California to receive an initial allocation of 327,000 doses of vaccine in mid-December. His administration wants to prioritize vaccinations of health care workers who are most in danger of being infected with the virus.
Few would argue with that intent, but the initital vaccine supply doesn’t come close to covering everyone who falls into that general category. California has more than two million health care workers, and even within that group, there’s a certain level of competition.
Organizations representing local-term care facilities, otherwise known as nursing homes, are pressing for first-tier priority, contending that their elderly clients are being disproportionately infected, often with fatal consequences.
However, another argument is being made for nurses, doctors and others who are directly caring for COVID-19 victims in hospitals.
Expanding vaccinations beyond health care workers will be even more daunting because no one knows when and how many additional doses of vaccine will be coming, other than sometime next year. After the implicit demand from health care workers is met, who’s next?
Two state legislators are pressing for teachers to be placed near the top of the prioritization list, citing the sharp decline in educational achievement while students are confined at home and the urgent need for resuming classroom instruction.
Assemblymembers Jordan Cunningham, a San Luis Obispo Republican, and Patrick O’Donnell, a Long Beach Democrat, said in a letter to state health officials, “Interim reports from across the state show increasing rates of failure among students, especially those in lower-income neighborhoods. … Our state’s children cannot afford to wait.”
A recent national study estimated that lower levels of education among students forced to attend classes via the Internet could result in shorter life spans. Several recent articles, including one in CalMatters.org, have detailed how absenteeism has increased and learning has decreased, especially among poor students.
This is heavy-duty stuff. Deciding who gets — and who doesn’t get — the vaccine in the earliest stages of the vaccination effort could be deciding who lives and who dies.
Dan Walters is a CalMatters columnist.


mercurynews--2020-12-08--Aptos man, 88, hit by car while going to his mailbox

An 88-year-old man suffered major injuries when a vehicle struck him Friday afternoon in front of his Aptos home , @ @ @ @ @ .
The collision was reported at 1:51 p.m. on Freedom Boulevard between Highway 1 and @ @ @ @ @ is adjacent to the Aptos Pines mobile home park , in unincorporated Santa Cruz County @ @ @ @ @ four-lane Freedom Boulevard to get to his mailbox on the road ’ s south shoulder @ @ @ @ @ a 1997 Honda driven by a 29-year-old Watsonville man .
The car then hit the @ @ @ @ @ the victim was taken to Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz and then flown to Santa @ @ @ @ @ San Jose .
The driver was not injured .
He was arrested on suspicion of @ @ @ @ @ drugs , CHP officials said .
Copyright 2020 by Bay City News , Inc. — @ @ @ @ @ other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News , Inc. is prohibited @

An 88-year-old man suffered major injuries when a vehicle struck him Friday afternoon in front of his Aptos home, California Highway Patrol officials said.
The collision was reported at 1:51 p.m. on Freedom Boulevard between Highway 1 and Mariner Way. The site is adjacent to the Aptos Pines mobile home park, in unincorporated Santa Cruz County.
The pedestrian was crossing four-lane Freedom Boulevard to get to his mailbox on the road’s south shoulder when he was hit by a 1997 Honda driven by a 29-year-old Watsonville man. The car then hit the mailboxes.
CHP officials said the victim was taken to Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz and then flown to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose.
The driver was not injured. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs, CHP officials said.
Copyright 2020 by Bay City News, Inc. — Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse
without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.


mercurynews--2020-12-08--Sponsored: Live, work, thrive on Brentwood cherry farm

Grab a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a gorgeous custom designed and built home on a well-known U-pick cherry farm nestled among Brentwood ’ s rich farmland .
The 8,000 trees on the 40-acre property , a unique combination of mature trees and newly planted trees , not only provide an ideal current income but also the possibility of an even greater return on the future production .
A yield more than double the current income could mean your investment pays for itself in no time .
For those desiring the country ambience but not quite ready to get your hands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ willing to lease the orchards and continue to farm the land while paying the new owners a monthly rent .
The Newberry Cherry Farm showcases a single-story , rustic-contemporary estate behind a grand gated entry .
Built last year , it features about 4,300 square feet of fabulous living space with an open floor plan that melds with an equally spectacular resort-inspired backyard .
Imagine awe-inspiring sunrise and sunset views , Mount Diablo in the distance , and Marsh Creek meandering among the 8,000 income-producing cherry trees , including 12 acres of established @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planted trees .
The farm offers about six different varieties of cherries .
But there ’ s more .
A “ shop ” with more than 7,200 square feet , 22-foot ceilings and industrial-grade storage racks offers plenty of room to create the ultimate man cave , event center , or car collector ’ s mecca .
It features a walk-around bar with refrigerator , sink , and icemaker ; a home gym ; a game room loft with recycled barn wood walls ; a one-bedroom , one-bathroom apartment ; and a two-bedroom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There is also a wood-burning stove , three electronic roll-up doors , including two doors designed for easy drive-through access , and an industrial sink .
There are five bedrooms plus an office and four-and-a-half bathrooms in the main home .
An impressive great room features a soaring exposed beam ceiling plus a well-appointed gourmet kitchen , dining area , and living room anchored by a gas fireplace and built-in shelves .
An island/breakfast bar is covered in an 11-foot slab of quartz .
It takes center stage in the gourmet kitchen , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a glass mosaic tile backsplash , a stainless farmhouse apron sink and a walk-in pantry .
Stainless appliances include a Viking dual-oven range with six burners plus a griddle , a Samsung dishwasher and refrigerator , and a nearby wet bar with a stainless sink .
Wood-grain tile floors flow throughout the home and continue out to the loggia for a seamless indoor-outdoor flow .
Dual sliding glass doors open to the inviting backyard poised for entertaining , play and ultimate relaxation .
Enjoy the covered patio equipped with a built-in kitchen with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sink , and cooktop , a gas fireplace with a stacked stone surround , built-in heaters , and a sound system .
The pebble tec pool and spa with a Baja shelf will be appreciated on those hot summer days .
Enjoy the decorative fire bowls , putting green , sports court , or gather around the gas fire pit to witness the sun setting behind the orchard .
There are two bedroom wings .
One private wing includes the luxurious master suite and office/sixth bedroom .
The master suite features dual walk-in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carpeting , crown molding , a French door to a private west-facing patio and plantation shutters .
Enjoy the heated floors in the master bathroom that also has two separate vanities with hammered copper sinks , rubbed bronze fixtures , a curbless oversize shower with a marble surround and a jetted tub .
The office has a private outdoor entry , a built-in workstation , a walk-in closet and a nearby half bathroom .
The opposite wing is beautifully designed around a bonus/teen room .
Four bedrooms with plush carpeting , two Jack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ access to the backyard complete the design .
Additional features include Pella French doors with between-the-glass blinds , sliding barn-style doors , a full bathroom with pool/outdoor access , and a large mudroom/ laundry room with shiplap detailing , a quartz counter , sink , additional refrigerator , and lots of storage cabinets .
There are two two-car garages , each with epoxy floors .
The private country living is also conveniently close to the downtown , freeway access and Vasco Road .
Price : $ 4,980,000 Where : 1751 Orchard Lane , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : www.newberryfarmforsale.com Listing agents : Delta Ranches & Homes , Inc. Kevin and Deneen Vornhagen , 925-382-1812 , 925-963-6600 , HomesbyDeneen37 @ gmail.com

Grab a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a gorgeous custom designed and built home on a well-known U-pick cherry farm nestled among Brentwood’s rich farmland.
The 8,000 trees on the 40-acre property, a unique combination of mature trees and newly planted trees, not only provide an ideal current income but also the possibility of an even greater return on the future production. A yield more than double the current income could mean your investment pays for itself in no time.
For those desiring the country ambience but not quite ready to get your hands dirty, the current owners are also willing to lease the orchards and continue to farm the land while paying the new owners a monthly rent.
The Newberry Cherry Farm showcases a single-story, rustic-contemporary estate behind a grand gated entry. Built last year, it features about 4,300 square feet of fabulous living space with an open floor plan that melds with an equally spectacular resort-inspired backyard. Imagine awe-inspiring sunrise and sunset views, Mount Diablo in the distance, and Marsh Creek meandering among the 8,000 income-producing cherry trees, including 12 acres of established trees and another 20-plus acres of newly planted trees. The farm offers about six different varieties of cherries.
But there’s more. A “shop” with more than 7,200 square feet, 22-foot ceilings and industrial-grade storage racks offers plenty of room to create the ultimate man cave, event center, or car collector’s mecca. It features a walk-around bar with refrigerator, sink, and icemaker; a home gym; a game room loft with recycled barn wood walls; a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment; and a two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment ideal for caretakers. There is also a wood-burning stove, three electronic roll-up doors, including two doors designed for easy drive-through access, and an industrial sink.
There are five bedrooms plus an office and four-and-a-half bathrooms in the main home. An impressive great room features a soaring exposed beam ceiling plus a well-appointed gourmet kitchen, dining area, and living room anchored by a gas fireplace and built-in shelves.
An island/breakfast bar is covered in an 11-foot slab of quartz. It takes center stage in the gourmet kitchen, featuring quartz counters, custom cabinetry, a glass mosaic tile backsplash, a stainless farmhouse apron sink and a walk-in pantry. Stainless appliances include a Viking dual-oven range with six burners plus a griddle, a Samsung dishwasher and refrigerator, and a nearby wet bar with a stainless sink.
Wood-grain tile floors flow throughout the home and continue out to the loggia for a seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Dual sliding glass doors open to the inviting backyard poised for entertaining, play and ultimate relaxation. Enjoy the covered patio equipped with a built-in kitchen with a leathered granite counter, refrigerator, sink, and cooktop, a gas fireplace with a stacked stone surround, built-in heaters, and a sound system.
The pebble tec pool and spa with a Baja shelf will be appreciated on those hot summer days. Enjoy the decorative fire bowls, putting green, sports court, or gather around the gas fire pit to witness the sun setting behind the orchard.
There are two bedroom wings. One private wing includes the luxurious master suite and office/sixth bedroom. The master suite features dual walk-in closets, a gas fireplace, plush carpeting, crown molding, a French door to a private west-facing patio and plantation shutters. Enjoy the heated floors in the master bathroom that also has two separate vanities with hammered copper sinks, rubbed bronze fixtures, a curbless oversize shower with a marble surround and a jetted tub.
The office has a private outdoor entry, a built-in workstation, a walk-in closet and a nearby half bathroom.
The opposite wing is beautifully designed around a bonus/teen room. Four bedrooms with plush carpeting, two Jack and Jill bathrooms, and French door access to the backyard complete the design.
Additional features include Pella French doors with between-the-glass blinds, sliding barn-style doors, a full bathroom with pool/outdoor access, and a large mudroom/ laundry room with shiplap detailing, a quartz counter, sink, additional refrigerator, and lots of storage cabinets. There are two two-car garages, each with epoxy floors.
The private country living is also conveniently close to the downtown, freeway access and Vasco Road.
Price: $4,980,000
Where: 1751 Orchard Lane, Brentwood
Shown by appointment only.
Website: www.newberryfarmforsale.com
Listing agents: Delta Ranches & Homes, Inc. Kevin and Deneen Vornhagen, 925-382-1812, 925-963-6600, HomesbyDeneen37@gmail.com


mercurynews--2020-12-08--Northern California families of mass shooting victims sue sellers of ‘ghost guns’

By CHRISTOPHER WEBER | The Associated Press LOS ANGELES — Families of those killed and wounded in a rural California shooting rampage three years ago are suing manufacturers and sellers of “ ghost gun ” kits that provide easy-to-assemble firearm parts that make it difficult to track or regulate owners .
A pair of wrongful death lawsuits filed last month in separate state courts accuse 13 defendants of negligence , public nuisance and violation of business codes .
The cases were brought by Brady United , the national nonprofit that advocates against gun violence , which said Monday that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the nation .
Ghost guns , which are cobbled together with various parts often purchased separately , have long been popular among hobbyists and firearms enthusiasts .
The weapons that contain no registration numbers that could be used to trace them and require no background checks increasingly have shown up at crime scenes , gun control advocates say .
“ There is an ample and thriving gun market in this country in which law abiding citizens can get guns thru proper channels .
This is an industry that appears aimed at supplying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guns , ” Brady ’ s chief counsel Jonathan Lowy said Monday .
Cody Wilson , the director of Ghost Gunner Inc. , one of the defendants , called the suits “ low effort attempts to confuse the public and frustrate the lawful purpose of making your own firearms in California.
” The other 12 defendants , most of them online retailers , didn ’ t immediately respond to requests for comment .
The plaintiffs include the families of Michelle McFayden , Diana Steele , Daniel Le , and Joseph McHugh , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Francisco Cardenas , who suffered serious injuries .
Investigators say the shooter , Kevin Neal , manufactured an unregistered rifle used in the rampage with ghost gun parts despite being ordered by a judge to surrender all his weapons as part of a restraining order .
Neal , 44 , killed his wife and four others before he died by suicide while being chased by deputies in Northern California ’ s Tehama County .
Neal targeted an elementary school while randomly shooting at homes and motorists in a sprawling rural subdivision about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Sacramento .
“ Defendants knew when they entered this business that they would foreseeably be supplying criminals , killers , and others whose possession of firearms pose an unacceptably high threat of injury or death to others , ” the California court filings say .
Their marketing materials “ intentionally targeted prohibited persons and other dangerous individuals like Neal .
Such tactics and practices were unfair , immoral , unethical , oppressive , and unscrupulous.
” The cases were filed in Superior Court of Orange County and San Bernardino County .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be consolidated into a single trial , Lowy said .
The court filings ask for unspecified compensatory and punitive damages .
• ‘ I will make sure this never happens again ’ : Bay Area man gets 15 years for trafficking meth and guns • Sonoma County traffic stop leads to three arrests on firearms charges • Letters : Supervisors must act | Tragic policy | Moral obligation | One game isn ’ t enough • Deputies arrest Santa Rosa man in Guerneville on gun , other charges • Marin man convicted of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kill another family member “ Companies who evade state and federal gun safety laws in order to market gun kits to people who can not lawfully buy or possess guns in California should face liability for their negligence , ” said Brady United co-counsel Amy Van Zant .
The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol , Tobacco , Firearms and Explosives doesn ’ t consider the do-it-yourself kits to be firearms , so buyers don ’ t have to undergo the usual background checks and in most states the guns are not required to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ General Xavier Becerra filed a lawsuit asking a federal judge to order ATF to change its policy , arguing that it violates the common definition of a firearm under federal law .

By CHRISTOPHER WEBER | The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES — Families of those killed and wounded in a rural California shooting rampage three years ago are suing manufacturers and sellers of “ghost gun” kits that provide easy-to-assemble firearm parts that make it difficult to track or regulate owners.
A pair of wrongful death lawsuits filed last month in separate state courts accuse 13 defendants of negligence, public nuisance and violation of business codes. The cases were brought by Brady United, the national nonprofit that advocates against gun violence, which said Monday that the suits are the first of their kind in the nation.
Ghost guns, which are cobbled together with various parts often purchased separately, have long been popular among hobbyists and firearms enthusiasts. The weapons that contain no registration numbers that could be used to trace them and require no background checks increasingly have shown up at crime scenes, gun control advocates say.
“There is an ample and thriving gun market in this country in which law abiding citizens can get guns thru proper channels. This is an industry that appears aimed at supplying people who can’t legally have guns,” Brady’s chief counsel Jonathan Lowy said Monday.
Cody Wilson, the director of Ghost Gunner Inc., one of the defendants, called the suits “low effort attempts to confuse the public and frustrate the lawful purpose of making your own firearms in California.” The other 12 defendants, most of them online retailers, didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.
The plaintiffs include the families of Michelle McFayden, Diana Steele, Daniel Le, and Joseph McHugh, who died in the November 2017 shooting, and Francisco Cardenas, who suffered serious injuries.
Investigators say the shooter, Kevin Neal, manufactured an unregistered rifle used in the rampage with ghost gun parts despite being ordered by a judge to surrender all his weapons as part of a restraining order.
Neal, 44, killed his wife and four others before he died by suicide while being chased by deputies in Northern California’s Tehama County. Neal targeted an elementary school while randomly shooting at homes and motorists in a sprawling rural subdivision about 130 miles (209 kilometers) north of Sacramento.
“Defendants knew when they entered this business that they would foreseeably be supplying criminals, killers, and others whose possession of firearms pose an unacceptably high threat of injury or death to others,” the California court filings say. Their marketing materials “intentionally targeted prohibited persons and other dangerous individuals like Neal. Such tactics and practices were unfair, immoral, unethical, oppressive, and unscrupulous.”
The cases were filed in Superior Court of Orange County and San Bernardino County. It’s possible the two lawsuits could be consolidated into a single trial, Lowy said.
The court filings ask for unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.
Related Articles Crime and Public Safety | Oakland nonfatal shooting suspect hit with federal gun possession charges
Oakland nonfatal shooting suspect hit with federal gun possession charges Crime and Public Safety | DA: Northern California teen admits fault in shooting death of 13-year-old friend
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The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives doesn’t consider the do-it-yourself kits to be firearms, so buyers don’t have to undergo the usual background checks and in most states the guns are not required to have serial numbers.
In September California Attorney General Xavier Becerra filed a lawsuit asking a federal judge to order ATF to change its policy, arguing that it violates the common definition of a firearm under federal law.


mercurynews--2020-12-08--CHP: Mother suspected of  DUI carried baby across Highway 101 after car broke down

The California Highway Patrol arrested a Santa Rosa woman who allegedly carried her 4-month-old baby across Highway 101 .
Kate @ @ @ @ @ booked into Marin County Jail on Saturday on suspicion of driving while intoxicated and child @ @ @ @ @ her car after it broke down on the northbound Highway 101 onramp at East Blithedale @ @ @ @ @ .
She walked with her baby across the freeway to get help , police said @ @ @ @ @ arrested in Pacifica on suspicion of child endangerment • Bay Area man accused of child @ @ @ @ @ while jailed , pleads not guilty Around 1:30 p.m. , several 911 callers reported that @ @ @ @ @ swerving to avoid striking the woman .
A Mill Valley police officer located the woman @ @ @ @ @ road .
She showed signs of being under the influence of drugs , police said @ @ @ @ @ was uninjured , was turned over to Child Protective Services .

The California Highway Patrol arrested a Santa Rosa woman who allegedly carried her 4-month-old baby across Highway 101.
Kate Watson, 32, was booked into Marin County Jail on Saturday on suspicion of driving while intoxicated and child endangerment.
Watson allegedly abandoned her car after it broke down on the northbound Highway 101 onramp at East Blithedale Avenue, the CHP said. She walked with her baby across the freeway to get help, police said.
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‘That’s me!’: Turpin adult son makes rare appearance in open court Crime and Public Safety | Father charged after being found in hot car in desert with 2 children Around 1:30 p.m., several 911 callers reported that cars were slowing down and swerving to avoid striking the woman. A Mill Valley police officer located the woman and took her off the road. She showed signs of being under the influence of drugs, police said.
The child, who was uninjured, was turned over to Child Protective Services.