mercurynews--2020-03-17--Los Gatos community briefs for the week of March 27

Following the Town of Los Gatos ’ Proclamation of Local Emergency in response to the Coronavirus , Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Chief Pete Decena issued a March 16 statement that read in part , “ The nature of law enforcement does not lend itself to the amenity of telecommuting or even the precaution of social distancing , so in order to ensure that our essential services remain uninterrupted , we must take precautions to minimize our coronavirus exposure potential .
“ Rapid response to life-threatening emergencies and maintaining public order will remain our top priorities .
However , … most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be postponed until further notice , and department personnel will be utilizing remote means to handle non-life-threatening calls for service .
For example , in property crime cases where there is no suspect information or necessity for evidence collection , dispatchers will direct callers to our online reporting portal or an officer may take a telephone report.
” Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley has put its Spring Rebuilding Day on hold due to concerns about the Coronavirus .
The event , originally scheduled for April 25 , sees hundreds of volunteers made home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unable to do so because of financial and/or physical difficulties .
While a new date has yet to be determined , RTSV Executive Director Deanne Everton said in a statement , “ We are totally committed to rescheduling Rebuilding Day when more information is available .
“ For now , our volunteer sign-ups have been suspended as well , ” Everton added .
“ And we are in the process of notifying our homeowners and nonprofits that will be impacted.
” For questions about Rebuilding Day logistics or volunteering , email program manager @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Cops postpone ‘non-essential’ services
Following the Town of Los Gatos’ Proclamation of Local Emergency in response to the Coronavirus, Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Chief Pete Decena issued a March 16 statement that read in part, “The nature of law enforcement does not lend itself to the amenity of telecommuting or even the precaution of social distancing, so in order to ensure that our essential services remain uninterrupted, we must take precautions to minimize our coronavirus exposure potential.
“Rapid response to life-threatening emergencies and maintaining public order will remain our top priorities. However, … most of the Department’s non-essential functions will be postponed until further notice, and department personnel will be utilizing remote means to handle non-life-threatening calls for service. For example, in property crime cases where there is no suspect information or necessity for evidence collection, dispatchers will direct callers to our online reporting portal or an officer may take a telephone report.”
Rebuilding Day on Hold
Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley has put its Spring Rebuilding Day on hold due to concerns about the Coronavirus.
The event, originally scheduled for April 25, sees hundreds of volunteers made home repairs for South Bay residents who are unable to do so because of financial and/or physical difficulties. While a new date has yet to be determined, RTSV Executive Director Deanne Everton said in a statement, “We are totally committed to rescheduling Rebuilding Day when more information is available.
“For now, our volunteer sign-ups have been suspended as well,” Everton added. “And we are in the process of notifying our homeowners and nonprofits that will be impacted.”
For questions about Rebuilding Day logistics or volunteering, email program manager Sam Kennard at sam@rtsv.org.


mercurynews--2020-03-18--Letter: I know lab animals are crucial in finding a COVID-19 vaccine

Thank you so much for publishing Jim Gorman ’ s article .
My 40 years of research with laboratory animals @ @ @ @ @ an institutional animal care and use committee have taught me to expect that you will @ @ @ @ @ of this article , and a multitude of hate mail from local animal rights advocates @ @ @ @ @ my voice to the positives .
I have taught many bioengineers about the Food and @ @ @ @ @ of getting a medical product approved for its safety and effectiveness .
• Letter : @ @ @ @ @ on VTA • Letter : Can Costco limit how many items someone can buy ?
@ @ @ @ @ Area is made richer by each person who comes • Letter : Call for unity @ @ @ @ @ pot When preclinical animal research is inadequate , patients are harmed .
Product liability lawyers @ @ @ @ @ this sorrow .
But it is small consolation to the victim .
Submit your letter @ @ @ @ @ form Read more Letters to the Editor

Scant preclinical animal
research harms patients
Re: “Lab animals crucial in fight to develop COVID-19 vaccine” (Page A2, March 15):
Thank you so much for publishing Jim Gorman’s article. My 40 years of research with laboratory animals and experiences as chair of an institutional animal care and use committee have taught me to expect that you will receive few letters in support of this article, and a multitude of hate mail from local animal rights advocates. I had to lend my voice to the positives.
I have taught many bioengineers about the Food and Drug Administration and the challenges of getting a medical product approved for its safety and effectiveness.
Related Articles Letters to the Editor | Letters: Escape Bay Area | CASA program | Feinstein replacement | Faulty comparison | Not conservatives
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Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps When preclinical animal research is inadequate, patients are harmed. Product liability lawyers can earn big bucks from this sorrow. But it is small consolation to the victim.
Howard Winet
UCLA scientist, retired
Berkeley
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
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mercurynews--2020-03-18--49ers mailbag: If not Tom Brady, what other help might come?

As the NFL officially allows deals and free agency signings to start Wednesday , 49ers fans filled a preemptive mailbag asking about wide receivers , cornerbacks , defensive linemen and , of course , Tom Brady .
Here is what they asked knocking on my Instagram and Twitter front doors : Do you think Tom Brady comes to the bay ?
( @ jakob_chico09 ) Tampa Bay , you must mean .
After two dynamic decades in New England , Brady arrives in the NFC , where the reigning champs are his childhood favorite , the 49ers .
Brady will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Wonder if any Brady-to-49ers pipe dream has a chance in a couple years .
Would have been fun if he made a QB coup elsewhere , such as at the Los Angeles Chargers , Dallas Cowboys , New York Giants , Miami Dolphins or Washington .
Now with Hopkins in the West , will the Niners trade for a cornerback or eventually sign one ?
( @ Chucho_723 ) Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins ’ trade immediately upgrades the Arizona Cardinals .
It also could mean ( for you half-glass optimists ) that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a potential sack .
Hopkins entering the NFC West won ’ t alone prompt the 49ers to upgrade at cornerback , not after the Super Bowl collapse already exposed their vulnerability .
They should draft one .
What do you see the Niners doing with that 13 ?
Great value , but with that and No .
31 , move up further and snag a safety ?
Maybe Grant Delpit ?
( @ Shane_SLO ) No , I can ’ t see them moving up in the first round for a safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a three-year contract Monday night .
What do you think we should do with the 13th overall draft pick ?
( @ germancuevaa ) Assuming they don ’ t shop it to re-enter the second-through-fourth rounds , here are the positions that make the most sense : wide receiver , cornerback , offensive and defensive line .
A great receiver classes could trigger the 49ers to fetch a new target for Jimmy Garoppolo .
Working against that receiver theory : In the past two drafts , they ’ ve spent high on Dante @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We saw how a strong defensive line can carry a team , so adding a pillar to replace Buckner could be the call .
At no .
31 , how about the best offensive line available ?
Where is all this OBJ talking coming from ?
( @ PTrooper87 ) This chatter has been going a couple years .
Last year , the 49ers pursued Odell Beckham Jr. but weren ’ t willing to ship two first-round picks to the New York Giants , who instead dealt him to the Cleveland Browns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 49ers dealt third- and fourth-round picks to Denver so Emmanuel Sanders could fill their veteran-receiver need , which again exists .
What is the future of Emmanuel Sanders in S.F.
?
I really liked him there .
( @ MetalShoreBoy ) Kyle Shanahan and Jimmy Garoppolo also really liked Sanders , who will really like getting paid in free agency .
Can the 49ers afford him ?
Perhaps for a one- or two-year deal if his market is slow .
Was Kittle considered to be traded instead of DeFo ?
Especially with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Austin Hooper ?
( @ pmalan1979 ) Trade Kittle ?
He ’ s more indispensable than anyone .
It ’ s not surprising the 49ers pursued Hooper , who could have paired with Kittle in dynamic , two tight-end sets .
Kittle , like Buckner , is entering the last year of his rookie deal but won ’ t command $ 21 million annually like Buckner did .
Kittle ’ s extension should come before this season starts , otherwise the franchise tag is a 2021 option .
Who starts in place of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a guy or does Saleh have one in mind ?
( @ 8ajrrr ) Barring the surprise signing in free agency or the use of a first-round pick , the 49ers likely will shuffle in incumbents , including Solomon Thomas , D.J .
Jones , Kentavius Street , Jullian Taylor , Kevin Givens and Sheldon Day , if the latter re-signs .
What ’ s taking them so long to re-sign Bourne and Sanders ?
( @ whosmandoo ) The 49ers have placed a second-round tender on Bourne ( one year , $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on running back Matt Breida .
Sanders hasn ’ t been connected to any suitor on the market , yet , and that could help the 49ers ’ shot at keeping him .
Sanders celebrated his birthday Tuesday , with a cake that resembled a pricey Louis Vuitton case .
Offensive tackle Tristin Wirfs for the 49ers at draft pick No .
13 ?
Dude ’ s a beast .
Staley isn ’ t getting any younger .
( @ manuelv49 ) Nope , don ’ t see it .
Barring a surprise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be at left tackle for his 14th season , Mike McGlinchey will man the right side for a third straight year , and their backups will be Justin Skule , Daniel Brunskill or the recently re-signed Shon Coleman .
Will Ronald Blair be ready for training camp ?
( @ raymondp33 ) That is a fair assumption .
He was running four months after ACL surgery , and his comeback is encouraging enough to draw a one-year contract Tuesday to re-sign for a 49ers defensive front that needs his depth at defensive end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a donut ( @ jlaisies ) One that is shaped like a maple bar .
Otherwise , blueberry to make it seem a healthy choice , or sprinkles to relive my childhood .
Are those from SLO Donut Co. ?
( @ 49nerfan2001 ) Yes , I drove to San Luis Obispo on Monday to pick some up , and , oh yeah , to fetch my freshman daughter from Cal Poly .
• How 49ers trade may pit them in NFL draft battle with Raiders again • 49ers free agency : Five @ @ @ @ @ @

As the NFL officially allows deals and free agency signings to start Wednesday, 49ers fans filled a preemptive mailbag asking about wide receivers, cornerbacks, defensive linemen and, of course, Tom Brady. Here is what they asked knocking on my Instagram and Twitter front doors:
Do you think Tom Brady comes to the bay? (@jakob_chico09)
Tampa Bay, you must mean. After two dynamic decades in New England, Brady arrives in the NFC, where the reigning champs are his childhood favorite, the 49ers. Brady will make the Bucs an immediate playoff threat. Wonder if any Brady-to-49ers pipe dream has a chance in a couple years. Would have been fun if he made a QB coup elsewhere, such as at the Los Angeles Chargers, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Miami Dolphins or Washington.
Now with Hopkins in the West, will the Niners trade for a cornerback or eventually sign one? (@Chucho_723)
Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins’ trade immediately upgrades the Arizona Cardinals. It also could mean (for you half-glass optimists) that Kyler Murray lingers in the pocket longer for a potential sack. Hopkins entering the NFC West won’t alone prompt the 49ers to upgrade at cornerback, not after the Super Bowl collapse already exposed their vulnerability. They should draft one.
What do you see the Niners doing with that 13? Great value, but with that and No. 31, move up further and snag a safety? Maybe Grant Delpit? (@Shane_SLO)
No, I can’t see them moving up in the first round for a safety, especially after re-signing Jimmie Ward to a three-year contract Monday night.
What do you think we should do with the 13th overall draft pick? (@germancuevaa)
Assuming they don’t shop it to re-enter the second-through-fourth rounds, here are the positions that make the most sense: wide receiver, cornerback, offensive and defensive line.
A great receiver classes could trigger the 49ers to fetch a new target for Jimmy Garoppolo. Working against that receiver theory: In the past two drafts, they’ve spent high on Dante Pettis, Deebo Samuel and Jalen Hurd. We saw how a strong defensive line can carry a team, so adding a pillar to replace Buckner could be the call. At no. 31, how about the best offensive line available?
Where is all this OBJ talking coming from? (@PTrooper87)
This chatter has been going a couple years. Last year, the 49ers pursued Odell Beckham Jr. but weren’t willing to ship two first-round picks to the New York Giants, who instead dealt him to the Cleveland Browns. Then, at midseason, the 49ers dealt third- and fourth-round picks to Denver so Emmanuel Sanders could fill their veteran-receiver need, which again exists.
What is the future of Emmanuel Sanders in S.F.? I really liked him there. (@MetalShoreBoy)
Kyle Shanahan and Jimmy Garoppolo also really liked Sanders, who will really like getting paid in free agency. Can the 49ers afford him? Perhaps for a one- or two-year deal if his market is slow.
Was Kittle considered to be traded instead of DeFo? Especially with the talk of the Niners tried to sign Austin Hooper? (@pmalan1979)
Trade Kittle? He’s more indispensable than anyone. It’s not surprising the 49ers pursued Hooper, who could have paired with Kittle in dynamic, two tight-end sets. Kittle, like Buckner, is entering the last year of his rookie deal but won’t command $21 million annually like Buckner did. Kittle’s extension should come before this season starts, otherwise the franchise tag is a 2021 option.
Who starts in place of DeFo? Do we need to find a guy or does Saleh have one in mind? (@8ajrrr)
Barring the surprise signing in free agency or the use of a first-round pick, the 49ers likely will shuffle in incumbents, including Solomon Thomas, D.J. Jones, Kentavius Street, Jullian Taylor, Kevin Givens and Sheldon Day, if the latter re-signs.
What’s taking them so long to re-sign Bourne and Sanders? (@whosmandoo)
The 49ers have placed a second-round tender on Bourne (one year, $3.3 million), as well as on running back Matt Breida. Sanders hasn’t been connected to any suitor on the market, yet, and that could help the 49ers’ shot at keeping him. Sanders celebrated his birthday Tuesday, with a cake that resembled a pricey Louis Vuitton case.
Offensive tackle Tristin Wirfs for the 49ers at draft pick No. 13? Dude’s a beast. Staley isn’t getting any younger. (@manuelv49)
Nope, don’t see it. Barring a surprise retreat into retirement, Joe Staley will be at left tackle for his 14th season, Mike McGlinchey will man the right side for a third straight year, and their backups will be Justin Skule, Daniel Brunskill or the recently re-signed Shon Coleman.
Will Ronald Blair be ready for training camp? (@raymondp33)
That is a fair assumption. He was running four months after ACL surgery, and his comeback is encouraging enough to draw a one-year contract Tuesday to re-sign for a 49ers defensive front that needs his depth at defensive end.
Mail call: Submit your questions about #49ers #nflfreeagency #tombrady and whatever else is on your mind for a lockdown mailbag. For that, I’ll share a donut … picture with you: pic.twitter.com/KTAA0kSlLO — Cam Inman (@CamInman) March 17, 2020
What do you look for in a donut (@jlaisies)
One that is shaped like a maple bar. Otherwise, blueberry to make it seem a healthy choice, or sprinkles to relive my childhood.
Are those from SLO Donut Co.? (@49nerfan2001)


mercurynews--2020-03-18--Raiders free agency: Five impressions from Day 2

Just think about how crazy things will get Wednesday once the new league year actually begins .
I ’ m no huge fan of free agency , believing for the most part it ’ s a rummage sale of searching through the castoffs of other teams .
I ’ ve long bought in to what former Raiders wide receiver and Hall of Famer Tim Brown told me years ago : “ No NFL team loses a player it truly wants to keep.
” That said , it appears coach coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock have found some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have done a nice job upgrading a 7-9 roster through the first two days of the negotiating period .
Players can ’ t be officially signed until Wednesday , but the lack of direct contact didn ’ t prevent the Raiders from adding five more players to the roster : linebacker Cory Littleton ( Rams ) , tight end Jason Witten ( Cowboys ) , defensive tackle Maliek Collins ( Cowboys ) , safety Jeff Heath ( Cowboys ) and defensive end Carl Nassib ( Bucaneers ) .
That comes one day after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and quarterback Marcus Mariota ( Titans ) to agree to terms .
Long-suffering Raiders fans no doubt are saying hallelujah at the thought of a 6-foot-3 , 228-pound linebacker known for ranging from sideline to sideline , making hustle plays and showing the ability to cover the most difficult tight ends when called upon .
Considering the money that is being thrown around , Littleton came at a somewhat reasonable price over three years — $ 36 million maxium with $ 22 million in guarantees .
The Raiders were poised to pay Byron @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t get him .
But combined with Kwiaktoski , the Raiders ’ linebacking corps had been remade .
They play nearly three-quarters of the time with only two lineabckers on the field , and both players are versatile enough to justify the $ 35.5 million guaranteed paid out for Littleton and Kwiatkoski .
I ’ ve already heard all the jokes about Booger McFarland being next in line , given that Gruden , Witten and McFarland were the last three Monday Night Football analysts .
And yes , Witten is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team that already has Darren Waller and Foster Moreau .
But here ’ s the thing : Witten is not being depended on to step in and start .
He ’ s not the starting middle linebacker like Derrick Johnson .
Or the No .
1 wideout like Jordy Nelson .
He ’ s a savvy veteran who sat out a year and came back to catch 63 passes .
Waller will tell you he ’ s only beginning to unlock his potential .
And now with Witten aboard Gruden can get him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him absorb everything Witten has to offer .
Same goes for Moreau , who considers Witten his positional idol .
Initial reports are Witten could make as much as $ 4.75 million .
Bean-counters may consider that excessive .
For a tight end destined for the Hall of Fame who still has something to offer , sounds like the going rate .
The Raiders defensive line went from pathetic ( 13 sacks ) to just below average ( 32 ) in 2018 in terms of a pass rush .
They ’ re pushing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the additions of Collins on the inside and Nassib on the outside .
Collins is regarded as a push-the-pocket tackle who could fit nicely with Mo Hurst on passing downs , with Johnathan Hankins still in the rotation .
Profootballfocus.com had Collins for 48 pressures last season , which seems excessive .
Gruden is trusting line coach Rod Marinelli on this one , and Marinelli raised Collins from a pup with the Cowboys as defensive line coach and defensive coordinator .
Ask Warren Sapp some time who the best line coach in football @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s Marinelli .
As for Nassib , he had 12 1/2 sacks over the past two years as a part-time player .
And as relentlessly positive A.P .
writer Josh Dubow points out , the only two Raiders with six-plus sacks in consecutive seasons since 2012 are Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin .
Not only that , but Nassib is a stork-like ( Mad Stork ? )
6-foot-7 , 275 pounds and was a fan favorite in Tampa Bay because of his motor .
With Nassib and Maxx Crosby around , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of energy .
The Raiders are expecting a lot .
At a reported three years with $ 17 million guaranteed ( NFL Media ) , Nassib will be getting as much time as Maxx Crosby and Clein Ferrell .
And Arden Key had better arrive in shape and ready to go .
Whenver that is Safety Jeff Heath arrives with the repuation of being a fearless hitter who made his bones on special teams before becoming the starting strong safety over the past three years .
His addition likely means Karl Joseph will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting a maximum of $ 8 million over two years , he ’ ll go in as a presumptive starter .
And he comes with Marinelli ’ s blessing , as well as special teams coach Rich Bisaccia .
Oh , and if Daniel Carlson gets hurt , Heath served as an emergency place kicker against the 49ers when Dan Bailey got hurt and hit two of three conversion attempts .
There is still much work to be done in the secondary , particularly at cornerback .
And other than Ohio State ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t be around by the time the Raiders pick , it ’ s not considered to be a great year for corners in the draft .
The Raiders could be waiting for the price to come down on Chris Harris Jr. , a respected rival with Denver for years .
• Kurtenbach : The Raiders are acing their free agency test • How 49ers trade may pit them in NFL draft battle with Raiders again Others who could be second-wave targets include Desmond Trufant ( Atlanta ) , Logan Ryan ( Tennessee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , Brian Poole ( N.Y .
Jets ) and Ronald Darby ( Philadelphia ) .
As for quarterback , any slim hope a portion of Raider Nation had to have Tom Brady replace Derek Carr appears to have evaporated with Brady ’ s apparent decision to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers .

Just think about how crazy things will get Wednesday once the new league year actually begins.
I’m no huge fan of free agency, believing for the most part it’s a rummage sale of searching through the castoffs of other teams. I’ve long bought in to what former Raiders wide receiver and Hall of Famer Tim Brown told me years ago:
“No NFL team loses a player it truly wants to keep.”
That said, it appears coach coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock have found some valuable nuggets at the flea market and have done a nice job upgrading a 7-9 roster through the first two days of the negotiating period.
Players can’t be officially signed until Wednesday, but the lack of direct contact didn’t prevent the Raiders from adding five more players to the roster: linebacker Cory Littleton (Rams), tight end Jason Witten (Cowboys), defensive tackle Maliek Collins (Cowboys), safety Jeff Heath (Cowboys) and defensive end Carl Nassib (Bucaneers).
That comes one day after getting linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (Bears) and quarterback Marcus Mariota (Titans) to agree to terms.
Five impressions from Day 2:
1. The big ticket item: Cory Littleton
Long-suffering Raiders fans no doubt are saying hallelujah at the thought of a 6-foot-3, 228-pound linebacker known for ranging from sideline to sideline, making hustle plays and showing the ability to cover the most difficult tight ends when called upon.
Considering the money that is being thrown around, Littleton came at a somewhat reasonable price over three years — $36 million maxium with $22 million in guarantees. The Raiders were poised to pay Byron Jones much more the day before and didn’t get him.
But combined with Kwiaktoski, the Raiders’ linebacking corps had been remade. They play nearly three-quarters of the time with only two lineabckers on the field, and both players are versatile enough to justify the $35.5 million guaranteed paid out for Littleton and Kwiatkoski.
2. Old man Wiitten
I’ve already heard all the jokes about Booger McFarland being next in line, given that Gruden, Witten and McFarland were the last three Monday Night Football analysts.
And yes, Witten is a decorated but 36-year-old tight end on a team that already has Darren Waller and Foster Moreau.
But here’s the thing: Witten is not being depended on to step in and start. He’s not the starting middle linebacker like Derrick Johnson. Or the No. 1 wideout like Jordy Nelson. He’s a savvy veteran who sat out a year and came back to catch 63 passes.
Waller will tell you he’s only beginning to unlock his potential. And now with Witten aboard Gruden can get him loose downfield, as well as have him absorb everything Witten has to offer. Same goes for Moreau, who considers Witten his positional idol.
Initial reports are Witten could make as much as $4.75 million. Bean-counters may consider that excessive. For a tight end destined for the Hall of Fame who still has something to offer, sounds like the going rate.
3. Defensive line upgrades
The Raiders defensive line went from pathetic (13 sacks) to just below average (32) in 2018 in terms of a pass rush. They’re pushing for mid-level and beyond at least with the additions of Collins on the inside and Nassib on the outside.
Collins is regarded as a push-the-pocket tackle who could fit nicely with Mo Hurst on passing downs, with Johnathan Hankins still in the rotation. Profootballfocus.com had Collins for 48 pressures last season, which seems excessive.
Gruden is trusting line coach Rod Marinelli on this one, and Marinelli raised Collins from a pup with the Cowboys as defensive line coach and defensive coordinator. Ask Warren Sapp some time who the best line coach in football is. He’ll tell you it’s Marinelli.
As for Nassib, he had 12 1/2 sacks over the past two years as a part-time player. And as relentlessly positive A.P. writer Josh Dubow points out, the only two Raiders with six-plus sacks in consecutive seasons since 2012 are Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin.
Not only that, but Nassib is a stork-like (Mad Stork?) 6-foot-7, 275 pounds and was a fan favorite in Tampa Bay because of his motor. With Nassib and Maxx Crosby around, there won’t be any shortage of energy.
The Raiders are expecting a lot. At a reported three years with $17 million guaranteed (NFL Media), Nassib will be getting as much time as Maxx Crosby and Clein Ferrell. And Arden Key had better arrive in shape and ready to go. Whenver that is
4. Secondary considerations
Safety Jeff Heath arrives with the repuation of being a fearless hitter who made his bones on special teams before becoming the starting strong safety over the past three years. His addition likely means Karl Joseph will be signing elsewhere.
If Heath is getting a maximum of $8 million over two years, he’ll go in as a presumptive starter. And he comes with Marinelli’s blessing, as well as special teams coach Rich Bisaccia. Oh, and if Daniel Carlson gets hurt, Heath served as an emergency place kicker against the 49ers when Dan Bailey got hurt and hit two of three conversion attempts.
There is still much work to be done in the secondary, particularly at cornerback. And other than Ohio State’s Jeff Okudah, who probably won’t be around by the time the Raiders pick, it’s not considered to be a great year for corners in the draft.
5. Shopping list
The Raiders could be waiting for the price to come down on Chris Harris Jr., a respected rival with Denver for years.
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Sam Darnold’s ‘great’ debut, plus 10 observations from 49ers’ flop Raiders | Raiders 34, 49ers 7: Trey Lance sacked four times in rough return
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As for quarterback, any slim hope a portion of Raider Nation had to have Tom Brady replace Derek Carr appears to have evaporated with Brady’s apparent decision to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Cam Newton or Jameis Winston anybody?


mercurynews--2020-03-18--Letter: Laughable is going very easy on VTA

Laughable is going very easy on VTA Re : “ Milpitas BART extension is becoming laughable ” ( Letter to @ @ @ @ @ March 15 ) : I have been following BART in the Mercury News for several @ @ @ @ @ going very easy on VTA .
They are not doing a decent job with light @ @ @ @ @ • Letter : Can Costco limit how many items someone can buy ?
• Letter @ @ @ @ @ made richer by each person who comes • Letter : Call for unity within this @ @ @ @ @ Letter : It ’ s time to amend the Brown Act for emergencies like this @ @ @ @ @ so that the management of BART-related activities can be transferred to BART ?
Submit your @ @ @ @ @ this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Laughable is going
very easy on VTA
Re: “Milpitas BART extension is becoming laughable” (Letter to the editor, Mercurynews.com, March 15):
I have been following BART in the Mercury News for several years now. Laughable is going very easy on VTA.
They are not doing a decent job with light rail and buses either.
Related Articles Letters to the Editor | Letters: Escape Bay Area | CASA program | Feinstein replacement | Faulty comparison | Not conservatives
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Letters: Psychiatric beds | SJSU neglect | Squandering cash | Overdoing coverage | Pac-12 negotiations | For climate’s sake | Electric appliances Letters to the Editor | Letters: Abandoning tenants | Deaf culture | Western contributions | Conservative alienation | Precise language
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Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps Can VTA be broken up so that the management of BART-related activities can be transferred to BART?
Murali Chundi
San Jose
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
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mercurynews--2020-03-18--Horoscopes March 18, 2020: Lily Collins and Adam Levine share advice.

Happy Birthday : You have to be adaptable if you want to get ahead this year .
Use your intelligence to consider suggestions others make .
You will find workable solutions .
Address emotional matters , and situations that have been less than satisfactory will improve as long as you are honest about the way you feel and able to adapt to change .
Your numbers are 3 , 14 , 22 , 28 , 31 , 37 , 46 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Do whatever it takes to get along with people in higher positions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say , you have to make allowances .
Avoid situations that are depressing or that can set you back financially .
Sometimes it ’ s best to sidestep controversy .
2 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Take advantage of whatever comes your way .
Make calls , and be ready to hustle into unknown territory to make your mark .
You will pick up information and find out what ’ s available quickly , allowing you to excel .
5 stars GEMINI ( May 21-June 20 ) : Be aware @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you .
Someone will take advantage of you if given a chance .
Take the first step , and don ’ t look back .
Take care of your interests , and you will be the one to prosper .
3 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Use your emotions intuitively .
Act instinctively , and you will make good decisions .
Partner with someone who complements what you have to offer .
Good times are heading your way if you are quick to take action .
Ask , and you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Research will pay off down the road .
Reconnecting with someone from your past will lead to information and insight that will help you move forward .
A lifestyle adjustment or occupational move geared toward lowering stress is encouraged .
3 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Make purchases that will update your image .
Do something beautiful for the people you love .
A work-related event will open up an opportunity to use your skills differently .
Pursue your dreams .
Go for it ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
5 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Before you spend or make costly promises , consider the long-term consequences .
Rethink your plans and financial feasibility .
Don ’ t let someone with more disposable funds talk you into something you can not afford .
Look for fun things to do on a budget .
2 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Present , promote and pursue your dreams , and you will get a good response , great suggestions and an unusual offer .
A spiritual or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experience that will prompt you to make personal changes .
Enjoy the moment .
4 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Stabilize situations that are currently undergoing revision .
Make sure any plan you undertake is feasible .
Don ’ t follow someone or trust what others tell you .
Go directly to the source , and act on facts that are already verified .
3 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : You ’ ll have plenty of choices .
Look for the best offer , and negotiate on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legal documentation .
A responsibility you have dealt with for years will pay off .
Gifts and unexpected offerings are heading your way .
3 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : If you have shared secret information with someone who isn ’ t trustworthy , it will be revealed .
Don ’ t make changes based on hearsay or what someone else decides to do .
Stay put , and work to stabilize your position .
Protect against injury and illness .
3 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social event will put you in the limelight and lead to an encounter with someone in a high position .
An offer is heading your way .
Position yourself for advancement .
4 stars Birthday Baby : You are headstrong , possessive and charming .
You are accessible and proactive .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Lily Collins, 31; Adam Levine, 41; Queen Latifah, 50; Vanessa Williams, 57.
Happy Birthday: You have to be adaptable if you want to get ahead this year. Use your intelligence to consider suggestions others make. You will find workable solutions. Address emotional matters, and situations that have been less than satisfactory will improve as long as you are honest about the way you feel and able to adapt to change. Your numbers are 3, 14, 22, 28, 31, 37, 46.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Do whatever it takes to get along with people in higher positions. If you want to have a say, you have to make allowances. Avoid situations that are depressing or that can set you back financially. Sometimes it’s best to sidestep controversy. 2 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Take advantage of whatever comes your way. Make calls, and be ready to hustle into unknown territory to make your mark. You will pick up information and find out what’s available quickly, allowing you to excel. 5 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Be aware of what’s going on around you. Someone will take advantage of you if given a chance. Take the first step, and don’t look back. Take care of your interests, and you will be the one to prosper. 3 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Use your emotions intuitively. Act instinctively, and you will make good decisions. Partner with someone who complements what you have to offer. Good times are heading your way if you are quick to take action. Ask, and you will receive. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Research will pay off down the road. Reconnecting with someone from your past will lead to information and insight that will help you move forward. A lifestyle adjustment or occupational move geared toward lowering stress is encouraged. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Make purchases that will update your image. Do something beautiful for the people you love. A work-related event will open up an opportunity to use your skills differently. Pursue your dreams. Go for it; it’s your turn to excel. 5 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Before you spend or make costly promises, consider the long-term consequences. Rethink your plans and financial feasibility. Don’t let someone with more disposable funds talk you into something you cannot afford. Look for fun things to do on a budget. 2 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Present, promote and pursue your dreams, and you will get a good response, great suggestions and an unusual offer. A spiritual or educational journey will lead to a magical experience that will prompt you to make personal changes. Enjoy the moment. 4 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Stabilize situations that are currently undergoing revision. Make sure any plan you undertake is feasible. Don’t follow someone or trust what others tell you. Go directly to the source, and act on facts that are already verified. 3 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You’ll have plenty of choices. Look for the best offer, and negotiate on your behalf. Secure your position with legal documentation. A responsibility you have dealt with for years will pay off. Gifts and unexpected offerings are heading your way. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): If you have shared secret information with someone who isn’t trustworthy, it will be revealed. Don’t make changes based on hearsay or what someone else decides to do. Stay put, and work to stabilize your position. Protect against injury and illness. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Associate with mentally stimulating people. A social event will put you in the limelight and lead to an encounter with someone in a high position. An offer is heading your way. Position yourself for advancement. 4 stars
Birthday Baby: You are headstrong, possessive and charming. You are accessible and proactive.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-03-18--Bridge: March 18, 2020

Bridge: March 18, 2020

The player we call “ Secondhand Rose ” showed up at my club today .
When the lesson about “ second hand low ” on defense was taught , Rose must have been out on a date with Jiggs the plumber .
Rose was today ’ s East , and West led the jack of hearts against four spades .
Declarer took the king and led dummy ’ s deuce of diamonds , and Secondhand Rose … with the king !
Rose then cashed her high trumps and led another heart .
South won and ruffed his last heart in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guarded queen of clubs and West with the ace of diamonds , declarer had to lose another trick .
Down one .
South makes game if Rose plays “ second hand low ” on the first diamond .
South ’ s jack loses to the ace , but later South can lead the queen of diamonds for a ruffing finesse against the king , setting up a discard for his club loser .
Rose ’ s defense was astute .
Unless West has the ace of diamonds ( and he needed something for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the contract is surely unbeatable .
You hold : S A K H Q 8 7 5 2 D K 9 4 C Q 7 3 .
Your partner opens one diamond , you respond one heart and he bids one spade .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : You could blast into 3NT , but it would be sad if partner passed and put down J 8 7 4 , A K , A Q 10 7 6 3 , 5 .
Since you can ’ t place the contract with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ fourth suit , ” to let partner make another descriptive bid .
If he bids 2NT , you will raise to 3NT .
Otherwise , you may play at diamonds or hearts .

The player we call “Secondhand Rose” showed up at my club today. When the lesson about “second hand low” on defense was taught, Rose must have been out on a date with Jiggs the plumber.
Rose was today’s East, and West led the jack of hearts against four spades. Declarer took the king and led dummy’s deuce of diamonds, and Secondhand Rose … with the king!
Rose then cashed her high trumps and led another heart. South won and ruffed his last heart in dummy, but with Rose holding the guarded queen of clubs and West with the ace of diamonds, declarer had to lose another trick. Down one.
FINESSE
South makes game if Rose plays “second hand low” on the first diamond. South’s jack loses to the ace, but later South can lead the queen of diamonds for a ruffing finesse against the king, setting up a discard for his club loser.
Rose’s defense was astute. Unless West has the ace of diamonds (and he needed something for his bid of two hearts), the contract is surely unbeatable.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S A K H Q 8 7 5 2 D K 9 4 C Q 7 3. Your partner opens one diamond, you respond one heart and he bids one spade. What do you say?
ANSWER: You could blast into 3NT, but it would be sad if partner passed and put down J 8 7 4, A K, A Q 10 7 6 3, 5. Since you can’t place the contract with confidence, bid two clubs, the “fourth suit,” to let partner make another descriptive bid. If he bids 2NT, you will raise to 3NT. Otherwise, you may play at diamonds or hearts.
North dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S J 10 4
H K
D Q 10 5 2
C A K 10 8 4
WEST
S 7 5
H J 10 4 3
D A 8 7 6 3
C 6 5
EAST
S A K
H Q 8 7 5 2
D K 9 4
C Q 7 3
SOUTH
S Q 9 8 6 3 2
H A 9 6
D J
C J 9 2
North East South West
1 C 1 H 1 S 2 H
2 S Pass 4 S All Pass
Opening lead — H J
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-03-18--Word Game: March 18, 2020

Word Game: March 18, 2020

TODAY ’ S WORD — RICKSHAW ( RICKSHAW : RIK-shaw : A small , two-wheeled carriage drawn by one or @ @ @ @ @ you find 36 or more words in RICKSHAW ?
The list will be published tomorrow @ @ @ @ @ Game book , visit WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 while supplies @ @ @ @ @ must be of four or more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four letters @ @ @ @ @ s , ” such as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” are not @ @ @ @ @ words made by adding a “ d ” or an “ s ” may not @ @ @ @ @ , if “ bake ” is used , “ baked ” or “ bakes ” @ @ @ @ @ “ bake ” and “ baking ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper nouns , @ @ @ @ @ or sexually explicit words are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — RICKSHAW (RICKSHAW: RIK-shaw: A small, two-wheeled carriage drawn by one or two people.)
Average mark 24 words
Time limit 40 minutes
Can you find 36 or more words in RICKSHAW? The list will be published tomorrow.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — PERFUSE peer perse peruse pure puree purse reef refuse
reuse rupee ruse free fuse fusee user seep seer sere serf spree spur suer super sure
surf
To purchase the Word Game book, visit WordGameBooks.com. Order it now for just $5 while supplies last!
RULES OF THE GAME:
1. Words must be of four or more letters.
2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.
3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” are not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible.
4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.
Contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe at kzsaxe@gmail.com.


mercurynews--2020-03-18--Ask Amy: Why do these men at church seem afraid of me?

DEAR READERS : Every year , I step away from the Ask Amy column for two weeks in order to work on other writing projects .
My two memoirs , “ The Mighty Queens of Freeville : A Story of Surprising Second Chances , ” ( 2010 , Hachette ) and “ Strangers Tend to Tell Me Things : A Memoir of Love , Loss , and Coming Home ” ( 2018 , Hachette ) , are available from your favorite bookseller or library .
Today ’ s “ Best Of ” column from 2010 revolves around meeting and matching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fresh Q and A next week .
DEAR AMY : I am 60 years old and have been single for 20 years .
My best friend tells me I ’ m “ man-crazy ” because I keep trying to connect emotionally with men at church , my favorite venue for meeting nice men .
• Ask Amy : I ’ m convinced that women don ’ t understand how to drive • Ask Amy : I don ’ t like the color of his teddy bears • Ask Amy : I invited her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mistake .
• Ask Amy : I ’ m planning my wedding , and these relatives won ’ t pay their share • Ask Amy : We have 10 beds in the house , and he ’ s never in his own My friend says that I fall in love with every man who talks to me .
She told me recently that she thinks men generally avoid me because I ’ m too aggressive .
I just like to talk to them and get to know them .
Yes , there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ men .
And when I let a man know , he pretty much runs for the hills .
I think I have a lot to offer a man , but , evidently , I drive them away .
I don ’ t know how to proceed .
Should I keep trying or mind my own business at church ?
Need to Know DEAR NEED : You seem to think you attend the Church of the Heavenly Hookups .
So let ’ s start with your description of your house of worship as “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Church is a great place to connect with people , but the primary connection should be spiritual or communal .
You sound like a stalker , and from your description , you make people uncomfortable .
You could work on understanding your galloping emotions by seeing a professional therapist .
Church is not the appropriate venue for you to practice flirting skills .
Listen carefully to your friend ’ s description of your behavior , and then ask her to help you behave differently .
She might make a good wingwoman for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DEAR AMY : I ’ m a kind , attractive man , but I ’ m shy around women .
So , tell me : If I ’ m at the market and an attractive woman comes up next to me and silently looks at vegetables , does she want me to introduce myself ?
DEAR SHY : Fellow shoppers actually could be shopping for food , but your instinct is correct ; supermarkets can be great places to meet people .
Practice your technique to see what works best for you .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a nervous ( or nervy ? )
person to be inappropriate .
Stay away from melons , tangelos and cucumbers .
Introducing yourself can seem abrupt , but opening with a question can be a great way to start a conversation with someone .
You say something like , “ What do you think , do these peppers look fresh to you ?
I can never tell.
” A woman interested in meeting you will respond in a way that leaves room for a follow-up from you .
DEAR AMY : I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
My wife passed away last year , and I moved into a senior living residence so I would have some company .
Although I am an “ older adult , ” I still play tennis and keep myself in good shape .
Many women in my new home seem to be single and are aggressive about finding a man .
Several have invited me for drinks and dinner , and later suggested I spend the night .
Now , I have nothing against pretty women , and I enjoy their company , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get into a relationship .
How do I let them know I ’ m not interested in a serious relationship without hurting their feelings ?
Gosh , some men I know might think they had died and gone to heaven .
DEAR NOT LOOKING : Based on your story and other tales I ’ m hearing from the world of senior housing , I ’ ve come to the conclusion that the older generation really puts the “ living ” into “ assisted living.
” You may be misinterpreting the motives of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because they come on to you and invite you to spend the night , it doesn ’ t necessarily mean that they are looking for a serious relationship .
You will learn this as you go .
If this sort of arrangement isn ’ t to your liking ( and it obviously isn ’ t ) , you should respond with a version of , “ Dottie , you ’ re a dear and the casserole was wonderful , but I ’ m only looking for tennis partners.
” You can email Amy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a letter to Ask Amy , P.O .
Box 194 , Freeville , NY 13068 .
You can also follow her on Twitter @ askingamy or Facebook .

DEAR READERS: Every year, I step away from the Ask Amy column for two weeks in order to work on other writing projects.
My two memoirs, “The Mighty Queens of Freeville: A Story of Surprising Second Chances,”(2010, Hachette) and “Strangers Tend to Tell Me Things: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Coming Home” (2018, Hachette), are available from your favorite bookseller or library.
Today’s “Best Of” column from 2010 revolves around meeting and matching.
I’ll be back with fresh Q and A next week.
DEAR AMY: I am 60 years old and have been single for 20 years. My best friend tells me I’m “man-crazy” because I keep trying to connect emotionally with men at church, my favorite venue for meeting nice men.
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Ask Amy: I’ve told them they need therapy, and they refuse to do it. What now? Advice | Ask Amy: The man I love is my grandchild’s uncle, and things have gotten messy My friend says that I fall in love with every man who talks to me. She told me recently that she thinks men generally avoid me because I’m too aggressive. I just like to talk to them and get to know them.
Yes, there are times when I have been infatuated with men. And when I let a man know, he pretty much runs for the hills.
I think I have a lot to offer a man, but, evidently, I drive them away. I don’t know how to proceed. Should I keep trying or mind my own business at church?
Need to Know
DEAR NEED: You seem to think you attend the Church of the Heavenly Hookups. So let’s start with your description of your house of worship as “my favorite venue for meeting nice men.”
Church is a great place to connect with people, but the primary connection should be spiritual or communal.
You sound like a stalker, and from your description, you make people uncomfortable. You could work on understanding your galloping emotions by seeing a professional therapist.
Church is not the appropriate venue for you to practice flirting skills. Listen carefully to your friend’s description of your behavior, and then ask her to help you behave differently.
She might make a good wingwoman for you — but not at church.
October 2010
DEAR AMY: I’m a kind, attractive man, but I’m shy around women. So, tell me: If I’m at the market and an attractive woman comes up next to me and silently looks at vegetables, does she want me to introduce myself?
Shy in Boston
DEAR SHY: Fellow shoppers actually could be shopping for food, but your instinct is correct; supermarkets can be great places to meet people. Practice your technique to see what works best for you.
Unfortunately, the produce section can lead a nervous (or nervy?) person to be inappropriate. Stay away from melons, tangelos and cucumbers.
Introducing yourself can seem abrupt, but opening with a question can be a great way to start a conversation with someone.
You say something like, “What do you think, do these peppers look fresh to you? I can never tell.” A woman interested in meeting you will respond in a way that leaves room for a follow-up from you.
February 2010
DEAR AMY: I am a retired man in my early 80s. My wife passed away last year, and I moved into a senior living residence so I would have some company.
Although I am an “older adult,” I still play tennis and keep myself in good shape.
Many women in my new home seem to be single and are aggressive about finding a man. Several have invited me for drinks and dinner, and later suggested I spend the night.
Now, I have nothing against pretty women, and I enjoy their company, but I just don’t want to get into a relationship.
How do I let them know I’m not interested in a serious relationship without hurting their feelings?
Gosh, some men I know might think they had died and gone to heaven.
Not Looking
Want Ask Amy delivered to your inbox for free on weekdays?
DEAR NOT LOOKING: Based on your story and other tales I’m hearing from the world of senior housing, I’ve come to the conclusion that the older generation really puts the “living” into “assisted living.”
You may be misinterpreting the motives of the women at your complex.
Just because they come on to you and invite you to spend the night, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are looking for a serious relationship. You will learn this as you go.
If this sort of arrangement isn’t to your liking (and it obviously isn’t), you should respond with a version of, “Dottie, you’re a dear and the casserole was wonderful, but I’m only looking for tennis partners.”
February 2010
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.


mercurynews--2020-03-18--Letter: Can Costco limit how many items someone can buy?

Can stores limit how many items someone can buy ?
There have been several letters describing how we should pull together to address coronavirus .
All speak to the goodness in most Americans .
Unfortunately , there are those who try to take advantage of the situation for their own personal financial benefit .
I am talking about those on eBay who are reselling Costco items like paper towels and toilet paper at several times the retail price .
They cause shortages as they load up their carts , emptying the shelves and then reselling at marked up prices .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a halt to this .
Stores need to place limits on the number of items someone can purchase either in a day or even a week .
The state can investigate this fraud .
• Letter : Laughable is going very easy on VTA • Letter : The Bay Area is made richer by each person who comes • Letter : Call for unity within this Bay Area melting pot • Letter : It ’ s time to amend the Brown Act for emergencies like this To those engaged in this disgusting practice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for you in our society .
I just wonder how proud your friends and family must be of you .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Can stores limit how many
items someone can buy?
There have been several letters describing how we should pull together to address coronavirus. All speak to the goodness in most Americans.
Unfortunately, there are those who try to take advantage of the situation for their own personal financial benefit.
I am talking about those on eBay who are reselling Costco items like paper towels and toilet paper at several times the retail price. They cause shortages as they load up their carts, emptying the shelves and then reselling at marked up prices.
Online sites like eBay need to put a halt to this. Stores need to place limits on the number of items someone can purchase either in a day or even a week. The state can investigate this fraud.
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Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps To those engaged in this disgusting practice, I say there is no room for you in our society. I just wonder how proud your friends and family must be of you.
Ray Fortney
Danville
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
Read more Letters to the Editor


mercurynews--2020-03-18--Harriette Cole: Why does he suddenly want me to change my hair color?

DEAR HARRIETTE : My husband suggested that I change my hair color .
It came out of the blue , and he has never had any input about my hair before — well , not much , anyway .
I guess it ’ s a fun idea .
I can be a bit adventurous at times , but it just seemed odd to me .
When I asked him why he made the suggestion , he said he thought I would enjoy doing something a little trendier .
I ’ m thinking about it , in part because he ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have good style .
But more , I think it ’ s sweet that he was even thinking about my hair .
We ’ ve been married for a long time .
I like that he still looks at me .
Do you think I ’ m being silly ?
Should I dye my hair ?
DEAR NEW HAIRDO : I think it ’ s fantastic that your husband is thinking about the way that you look and making fun suggestions .
As long as you like his idea , why not go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side of your personality through your hair and engage your husband in the process .
When you have been married for a long time , it is great when the two of you can find something that piques both of your interests .
That your husband is thinking about you and how you look in a positive way can be a jumping off point for other things .
Think about renewing date nights in your life , or scheduling a long overdue vacation .
Use this moment to spark more ways that you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other .
DEAR HARRIETTE : I feel like I am turning into my grandmother .
I am in my 50s , and I have many of the chronic diseases that she has had since about my age .
I am not proud of that , but it ’ s true .
One of the things I used to notice about her is that she would get confused about her medications , like when to take certain things .
I used to worry that she was losing her memory .
Now , I see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that — it takes a lot to keep up with sorting through meds when you have a handful of them that have to be taken at different times .
I want to manage my health to the best of my ability , but I don ’ t want people in my business , asking about my meds .
How can I get this under control discreetly ?
DEAR MANAGING MEDS : One of the frightening things about growing older with health concerns is managing medications .
As our population ages , this issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be confusing to keep up with what to take and when — and , frankly , many older people do suffer from memory loss .
One popular solution may be beneficial to you .
Either through your pharmacy or through one of the new online services like pillpack.com , you can arrange to have your prescriptions pre-packaged so that all you have to do is open an individual package that ’ s clearly marked with the date and time .
Most insurance companies allow this service .
Check it out .
Harriette Cole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams .
You can send questions to askharriette @ harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

DEAR HARRIETTE: My husband suggested that I change my hair color. It came out of the blue, and he has never had any input about my hair before — well, not much, anyway.
I guess it’s a fun idea. I can be a bit adventurous at times, but it just seemed odd to me. When I asked him why he made the suggestion, he said he thought I would enjoy doing something a little trendier.
I’m thinking about it, in part because he’s right. I do like to have good style. But more, I think it’s sweet that he was even thinking about my hair. We’ve been married for a long time. I like that he still looks at me.
Do you think I’m being silly? Should I dye my hair?
New Hairdo
DEAR NEW HAIRDO: I think it’s fantastic that your husband is thinking about the way that you look and making fun suggestions. As long as you like his idea, why not go for it? You can explore another side of your personality through your hair and engage your husband in the process. When you have been married for a long time, it is great when the two of you can find something that piques both of your interests.
That your husband is thinking about you and how you look in a positive way can be a jumping off point for other things. Think about renewing date nights in your life, or scheduling a long overdue vacation. Use this moment to spark more ways that you two can pay closer attention to each other.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I feel like I am turning into my grandmother. I am in my 50s, and I have many of the chronic diseases that she has had since about my age. I am not proud of that, but it’s true.
One of the things I used to notice about her is that she would get confused about her medications, like when to take certain things. I used to worry that she was losing her memory.
Now, I see that it’s way simpler than that — it takes a lot to keep up with sorting through meds when you have a handful of them that have to be taken at different times.
I want to manage my health to the best of my ability, but I don’t want people in my business, asking about my meds. How can I get this under control discreetly?
Managing Meds
DEAR MANAGING MEDS: One of the frightening things about growing older with health concerns is managing medications. As our population ages, this issue has become more prevalent; it can be confusing to keep up with what to take and when — and, frankly, many older people do suffer from memory loss. One popular solution may be beneficial to you. Either through your pharmacy or through one of the new online services like pillpack.com, you can arrange to have your prescriptions pre-packaged so that all you have to do is open an individual package that’s clearly marked with the date and time. Most insurance companies allow this service. Check it out.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-03-18--Photos show aftermath of magnitude 5.7 quake near Salt Lake City

A magnitude 5.7 quake hit the outskirts of Salt Lake City Wednesday morning , causing panic and sending people out @ @ @ @ @ to the Associated Press .
The temblor cut electricity to more than 47,000 customers , @ @ @ @ @ .
Salt Lake City International Airport , which is near the epicenter , stopped flights @ @ @ @ @ the damage to the area .
The quake partially took down brick walls and even @ @ @ @ @ atop the Salt Lake Temple of The Curch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints .
@ @ @ @ @ its trumpet knocked out .
The photo gallery above shows the damage the temblor did @ @ @ @ @ ’ t experience many of them .
The USGS said the following according the Associated @ @ @ @ @ than magnitude 5 generally occur once every 10 years , and quakes greater than magnitude @ @ @ @ @ years .
”

FILE - In this April 6, 2019, file photo, the angel Moroni statue sits atop the Salt Lake City temple, in Salt Lake City. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is suspending all of its worship services globally because of the spread of the new coronavirus. The decision was made hours after Utah's governor recommended limiting group gatherings in the state to no more than 100 people for at least two weeks. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)


mercurynews--2020-03-18--Ex-49er Eric Reid gets released by Carolina Panthers

Eric Reid , the former 49ers Pro Bowl safety who took a knee to join Colin Kaepernick in protest against social injustices , was surprisingly released Wednesday by the Carolina Panthers .
Reid ’ s release comes nearly a year after he signed a three-year , $ 22 million extension with Carolina , which continues its purging as it rebuilds under new coach Matt Ruhle .
The Panthers , who are also set to trade or release franchise quarterback Cam Newton , will incur a $ 5 million hit in dead money toward their salary cap by releasing Reid , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million in 2020 .
Reid felt his outspoken support of Kaepernick , including taking a knee alongside him during the national anthem , played a role in his trouble finding a new team after leaving the 49ers at the end of the 2017 season .
He filed a collusion grievance against the league but signed with Carolina four weeks into the 2018 season .
Nonetheless , Reid was considered a positive influence in the Panthers locker room and gave thanks to all who supported him in Carolina .
“ It ’ s been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Wednesday on Twitter .
“ I enjoyed my time and the support I received from the fans , media , teammates , and staff there will be remembered .
Looking forward to furthering my career in another city !
” For those wondering , don ’ t expect a reunion for Reid with the 49ers , who are more than set at safety , particularly after Jimmie Ward ’ s re-signing .
San Francisco also has starter Jaquiski Tarrt and some younger defensive backfield options such as Marcell Harris , Tarvarius Moore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finished with a career-high 130 tackles and led NFL safeties with 97 solo tackles , his performance in 2019 wasn ’ t a success , according to the analytics .
• 49ers praise DeForest Buckner as trade to Colts is complete • Relive Warriors ’ and 49ers ’ past glories via free access courtesy of NFL and NBA Out of 71 qualifying NFL safeties in 2019 , only two others were rated worse by Pro Football Focus .
Also , no safety had a higher passer rating while being targeted than Reid ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PFF.com .
He permitted 46 catches out of 58 targets for 592 yards , seven touchdowns and had no interceptions .
Still , Reid did finish with a career-best four sacks during the Panthers ’ disappointing 5-11 season that landed them in the NFC South cellar .
The Panthers are expected to find Reid ’ s replacement at strong safety via a reasonably price free agent .

Eric Reid, the former 49ers Pro Bowl safety who took a knee to join Colin Kaepernick in protest against social injustices, was surprisingly released Wednesday by the Carolina Panthers.
Reid’s release comes nearly a year after he signed a three-year, $22 million extension with Carolina, which continues its purging as it rebuilds under new coach Matt Ruhle. The Panthers, who are also set to trade or release franchise quarterback Cam Newton, will incur a $5 million hit in dead money toward their salary cap by releasing Reid, who was set to earn $8 million in 2020.
Reid felt his outspoken support of Kaepernick, including taking a knee alongside him during the national anthem, played a role in his trouble finding a new team after leaving the 49ers at the end of the 2017 season. He filed a collusion grievance against the league but signed with Carolina four weeks into the 2018 season.
Nonetheless, Reid was considered a positive influence in the Panthers locker room and gave thanks to all who supported him in Carolina.
It’s been a pleasure Carolina! I enjoyed my time and the support I received from the fans, media, teammates, and staff there will be remembered. Looking forward to furthering my career in another city! — Eric Reid (@E_Reid35) March 18, 2020
“It’s been a pleasure Carolina!” Reid said Wednesday on Twitter. “I enjoyed my time and the support I received from the fans, media, teammates, and staff there will be remembered. Looking forward to furthering my career in another city!”
For those wondering, don’t expect a reunion for Reid with the 49ers, who are more than set at safety, particularly after Jimmie Ward’s re-signing. San Francisco also has starter Jaquiski Tarrt and some younger defensive backfield options such as Marcell Harris, Tarvarius Moore and D.J. Reed.
Although Reid finished with a career-high 130 tackles and led NFL safeties with 97 solo tackles, his performance in 2019 wasn’t a success, according to the analytics.
Out of 71 qualifying NFL safeties in 2019, only two others were rated worse by Pro Football Focus. Also, no safety had a higher passer rating while being targeted than Reid’s 148.8 rating allowed, according to PFF.com. He permitted 46 catches out of 58 targets for 592 yards, seven touchdowns and had no interceptions.
Eric Reid ranked 69th among 71 safeties in 2019. pic.twitter.com/dOlWkbOLMh — PFF (@PFF) March 18, 2020
Still, Reid did finish with a career-best four sacks during the Panthers’ disappointing 5-11 season that landed them in the NFC South cellar.
The Panthers will replace Reid with Juston Burris, who left the Browns after agreeing to a two-year deal with Carolina on Monday.


mercurynews--2020-03-18--Magnitude 5.2 earthquake shakes northern California coast

A 5.2 magnitude earthquake rattled the northern California coast Wednesday afternoon , centered not far from the origin of a @ @ @ @ @ 8 , according to the U.S. Geological Survey .
Wednesday ’ s temblor just after @ @ @ @ @ under the Pacific Ocean about 35 miles southwest of Eureka and fewer than 10 miles @ @ @ @ @ .
Nearly 100 Eureka residents submitted online reports by 4:15 p.m. to the Geological Survey @ @ @ @ @ shaking .
The National Weather Service ’ s Tsunami Warning System reported no risk of @ @ @ @ @ .
The March 8 quake was measured at a magnitude of 5.8 , with an @ @ @ @ @ Eureka .

A 5.2 magnitude earthquake rattled the northern California coast Wednesday afternoon, centered not far from the origin of a larger quake that occurred March 8, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Wednesday’s temblor just after 3 p.m. had its epicenter under the Pacific Ocean about 35 miles southwest of Eureka and fewer than 10 miles offshore, federal agencies reported. Nearly 100 Eureka residents submitted online reports by 4:15 p.m. to the Geological Survey saying they’d felt shaking.
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The March 8 quake was measured at a magnitude of 5.8, with an epicenter 70 miles southwest of Eureka.


mercurynews--2020-03-18--Stuck inside? New ‘Top Chef’ season serves up some comfort food

With many Americans sequestering themselves amid the coronavirus pandemic , a new season of Bravo ’ s “ Top Chef ” couldn ’ t have arrived at a better time .
Did someone say : “ Comfort food ” ?
And this season — the show ’ s 17th — looks to be pretty special .
Premiering on Thursday ( 10 p.m. , Bravo ) , it ’ s an all-star edition that brings back 15 finalists , front runners and fan favorites to wage battle in Los Angeles .
Not only is it being hyped as the “ fiercest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it offers the biggest prize — $ 250,000 — to the winner .
And for the first time , the finale ventures to Europe .
( Note : “ Top Chef ” was filmed before the coronavirus outbreak ) .
The cast includes a Bay Area representative — San Francisco ’ s Melissa King , who was a finalist during the Season 12 competition held in Boston .
King was known by fans back then as “ the sweet one.
” But she she brings a different kind of strategy this time around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m not going to play that nice .
I ’ m going to play smart , ” she says in a promotional video for the show .
“ My technique has gotten a lot stronger , but I certainly would say that my creativity has blossomed a lot more since I ’ ve been on the show.
” King , who specializes in traditional Asian flavors , now works as a “ chef ambassador ” for Whole Foods Market .
Here is a rundown of her “ Top Chef ” competition : — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) Washington , D.C. — Karen Akunowicz ( Season 13 : California ) Boston , MA — Jennifer Carroll ( Season 6 : Las Vegas , Season 8 : All Stars & LCK Season 7 ) — Stephanie Cmar ( Season 11 : New Orleans ) Boston , MA — Lisa Fernandes ( Season 4 : Chicago ) Brooklyn , NY — Kevin Gillespie ( Season 6 : Las Vegas ) Atlanta , GA — Gregory Gourdet ( Season 12 : Boston ) Portland , OR — Jamie Lynch ( Season 14 : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Malarkey ( Season 3 : Miami ) San Diego , CA — Nini Nguyen ( Season 16 : Kentucky ) New York , NY — Joe Sasto ( Season 15 : Colorado ) Los Angeles , CA — Angelo Sosa ( Season 7 : Washington D.C. & Season 8 : All Stars New York ) San Diego , CA — Bryan Voltaggio ( Season 6 : Las Vegas ) Frederick , MD — Lee Anne Wong ( Season 1 : San Francisco & LCK Season 7 ) Maui , Hawaii “ Top Chef @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday .
Returning for the fun are host Padma Lakshmi , head judge Tom Colicchio and judge Gail Simmons .
Lakshmi has already issued a little warning abut the returning all-stars : “ Just because this before doesn ’ t mean they know what ’ s coming , ” she says .

With many Americans sequestering themselves amid the coronavirus pandemic, a new season of Bravo’s “Top Chef” couldn’t have arrived at a better time.
Did someone say: “Comfort food”?
And this season — the show’s 17th — looks to be pretty special. Premiering on Thursday (10 p.m., Bravo), it’s an all-star edition that brings back 15 finalists, front-runners and fan favorites to wage battle in Los Angeles. Not only is it being hyped as the “fiercest” competition in series history, but it offers the biggest prize — $250,000 — to the winner.
And for the first time, the finale ventures to Europe. (Note: “Top Chef” was filmed before the coronavirus outbreak).
The cast includes a Bay Area representative — San Francisco’s Melissa King, who was a finalist during the Season 12 competition held in Boston.
King was known by fans back then as “the sweet one.” But she she brings a different kind of strategy this time around.
“This year, I’m not going to play that nice. I’m going to play smart,” she says in a promotional video for the show. “My technique has gotten a lot stronger, but I certainly would say that my creativity has blossomed a lot more since I’ve been on the show.”
King, who specializes in traditional Asian flavors, now works as a “chef ambassador” for Whole Foods Market. Here is a rundown of her “Top Chef” competition:
— Eric Adjepong (Season 16: Kentucky) Washington, D.C.
— Karen Akunowicz (Season 13: California) Boston, MA
— Jennifer Carroll (Season 6: Las Vegas, Season 8: All Stars & LCK Season 7)
— Stephanie Cmar (Season 11: New Orleans) Boston, MA
— Lisa Fernandes (Season 4: Chicago) Brooklyn, NY
— Kevin Gillespie (Season 6: Las Vegas) Atlanta, GA
— Gregory Gourdet (Season 12: Boston) Portland, OR
— Jamie Lynch (Season 14: Charleston) Charlotte, NC
— Brian Malarkey (Season 3: Miami) San Diego, CA
— Nini Nguyen (Season 16: Kentucky) New York, NY
— Joe Sasto (Season 15: Colorado) Los Angeles, CA
— Angelo Sosa (Season 7: Washington D.C. & Season 8: All Stars New York) San Diego, CA
— Bryan Voltaggio (Season 6: Las Vegas) Frederick, MD
— Lee Anne Wong (Season 1: San Francisco & LCK Season 7) Maui, Hawaii
“Top Chef” premieres with a 75-minute opener on Thursday. Returning for the fun are host Padma Lakshmi, head judge Tom Colicchio and judge Gail Simmons.
Lakshmi has already issued a little warning abut the returning all-stars:
“Just because they’ve done this before doesn’t mean they know what’s coming,” she says.


mercurynews--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: ‘We have your results … We have to separate you now’

SAN CARLOS — The news came with a knock on the hotel room door .
Gene Qin and his wife , Diana , both in their 70s and former passengers on the ill-fated Grand Princess cruise ship , had been waiting with dread in their quarantined room at the Fairfield Inn .
Wearing masks , Diana opened the door Tuesday afternoon with Gene standing right beside her .
A doctor and nurse , both in yellow protective garb and plastic shields covering their faces , got right to the point .
“ We have your tests results back , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Your wife is negative , and you are positive .
“ We have to separate you now.
” The diagnoses sent a chill through the San Francisco couple .
Married 35 years , they had been confined for a week on the Grand Princess , where at least 19 crew members and two passengers had tested positive for the illness .
They were sent with hundreds of other seemingly healthy passengers to Travis Air Force Base before Gene ’ s fever spiked over the weekend and an ambulance took the couple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ If I ’ m lucky , my immune system is fighting the virus and maybe I win , ” Qin , 72 , said Wednesday in a telephone interview with the Bay Area News Group .
“ But you never know if my immune system will crash and that will be the end of my life.
” Every day for weeks now , the nine-county Bay Area has been hearing its numbers climb , attached to faceless victims of this global pandemic , 411 cases , seven dead .
We know them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a woman in her 80s , a man in his 50s , another in his 60s .
But the story of Gene Qin and Diana Gong and their days of fear , isolation and uncertainty reveals the human toll of the surreal events that have rocked a planet .
Just 21 days after standing in wonder on a beach in Hawaii with his bride — sweethearts since their younger days in Shanghai — Qin was alone in Room 317 at the Fairfield Inn , San Mateo County ’ s patient No .
80 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still walking , I can talk .
I look relatively normal , ” he said .
“ But I ’ ve heard that sometimes you don ’ t feel anything until you collapse .
It ’ s really scary for me.
” Gene and Diana had been looking forward to their roundtrip cruise to Hawaii .
They were traveling with another couple — good friends — and hadn ’ t been to the islands since their son was married there several years ago .
Gene had retired from UCSF Children ’ s Hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Neonatal Clinical Physiology Lab , and was excited about the good deal they had found for a relaxing , tropical vacation .
He had been in the U.S. since 1984 , a year after he had graduated from medical school in China and brought his wife and 5-year-old son , Edward , here .
They became U.S. citizens , and over the years bought an apartment in San Francisco and a small house in Hercules , where they could be close to their son and his growing family .
Life had been good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News of the coronavirus plaguing a sister ship , the Diamond Princess , was already spreading before Gene and Diana and their friends were to set sail Feb. 21 from San Francisco .
They tried to cancel the 15-day cruise .
“ I told Gene , I don ’ t want to go because of the virus , ” said Diana Gong , now quarantined in a separate , first-floor room of the hotel .
They contacted Princess Cruises several times , she said , and were told that if they canceled , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the cost of the trip .
“ Everything is fine , ” Diana recalls the agents saying .
“ It is very , very safe.
” By March 4 , word spread that 21 people onboard were suffering symptoms of coronavirus and were being quarantined on board .
As the Grand Princess circled in the ocean off the coast of San Francisco without permission to dock yet in Oakland , all 2,500 passengers were ordered confined to their rooms — and Diana spiked a fever and developed a severe cough .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with orders or coffee and extra toothpaste , Gene had trouble reaching anyone to help his wife .
None of the 46 test kits that had been delivered to the ship by helicopter were sent to their room , and he said no one had called him back for 48 hours .
When he watched the news of President Trump suggesting that the ship stay out at sea , he was incensed .
“ You ’ re not supposed to give up on us , ” he remembers feeling .
Exasperated and frantic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his bed in wood-trimmed stateroom No .
847 , placed his laptop in front of him and recorded a modern-day version of an S.O.S .
His niece posted it to Twitter on March 7 .
“ My wife and I are trapped on the Grand Princess cruise ship for days and she is getting sick because we are in a very small room , ” he started .
“ The captain keeps telling us the ship is safe and secure and that ’ s not true .
The virus is spreading out easily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call for attention for anyone who can help , ” he said , before signing off .
For days , he kept his wife hydrated with hot water and encouraged her to take vitamins .
A medical officer finally delivered Tylenol and cough medicine , but it would be an interminable three more days before they would disembark the ship .
Diane ’ s fever abated and both were feeling well when they boarded a bus with about 80 others to Travis Air Force Base on March 10 .
A few days later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a lawn chair , smiling in the sun , casually holding a blue mask in his lap .
But soon , he felt ill. His temperature spiked to 102 and on Sunday , officials at the base put him in an ambulance , with Diana at his side , and whisked them to the Fairfield Inn where other passengers showing signs of illness were being quarantined .
On Monday , the coronavirus test was administered to both Gene and Diana and by 3 p.m. Tuesday , they answered the knock on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she was negative and he was positive , or whether she had been sickened by the coronavirus on the ship but had recovered .
Their symptoms , fever and coughing , had been the same .
Gene packed up and was sent to the third floor , where all the people who tested positive are quarantined , he said , perhaps as many as 20 .
“ We don ’ t know each other .
We don ’ t see each other , ” he said .
But a couple of days earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when he was allowed outside for fresh air , he met a woman who said she had been a passenger on the Diamond Princess , the one where more than 700 passengers were infected and eight died while it remained moored off the coast of Japan .
She had been quarantined for 38 days .
For Gene and Diana who have rarely been apart , who accompanied each other to all their doctors ’ appointments over the years , the isolation is hard to take .
“ I feel lonely and very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , still coughing from her recent illness .
“ I don ’ t know when he will get better.
” • East Bay jail looks to reduce jail population by keeping only violent criminals • BART cuts extra rush-hour trains with ridership down almost 90 percent • NHL exec says playing full 82-game season in 2020-2021 is paramount The couple are talking to each other on the phone several times a day now .
She urges him to get out of bed and exercise .
Gene has lost his appetite , but a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he keeps in his mini refrigerator .
“ It ’ s a difficult time , ” he said .
He took care of his wife the best he could while she was sick , but now she can ’ t take care of him .
Since his symptoms are still mild , he ’ s taking Tylenol every day and calling in his temperature to nurses .
For all his instincts about canceling the cruise , and his plaintive S.O.S .
11 days ago , Gene ’ s fear has come true .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ discovering they ’ ve tested positive to an invisible killer virus stalking the globe , Gene knows what he must do now .
“ I have to be on my own , ” he said .
“ I have no choice .
”

SAN CARLOS — The news came with a knock on the hotel room door.
Gene Qin and his wife, Diana, both in their 70s and former passengers on the ill-fated Grand Princess cruise ship, had been waiting with dread in their quarantined room at the Fairfield Inn.
Wearing masks, Diana opened the door Tuesday afternoon with Gene standing right beside her. A doctor and nurse, both in yellow protective garb and plastic shields covering their faces, got right to the point.
“We have your tests results back,” the doctor said, looking toward Gene. “Your wife is negative, and you are positive.
“We have to separate you now.”
The diagnoses sent a chill through the San Francisco couple. Married 35 years, they had been confined for a week on the Grand Princess, where at least 19 crew members and two passengers had tested positive for the illness. They were sent with hundreds of other seemingly healthy passengers to Travis Air Force Base before Gene’s fever spiked over the weekend and an ambulance took the couple to this San Mateo County hotel.
“If I’m lucky, my immune system is fighting the virus and maybe I win,” Qin, 72, said Wednesday in a telephone interview with the Bay Area News Group. “But you never know if my immune system will crash and that will be the end of my life.”
Every day for weeks now, the nine-county Bay Area has been seeing its numbers climb, attached to faceless victims of this global pandemic: 411 cases, seven dead. We know them only by their ages and genders: a woman in her 80s, a man in his 50s, another in his 60s.
But the story of Gene Qin and Diana Gong and their days of fear, isolation and uncertainty reveals the human toll of the surreal events that have rocked a planet. Just 21 days after standing in wonder on a beach in Hawaii with his bride — sweethearts since their younger days in Shanghai — Qin was alone in Room 317 at the Fairfield Inn, San Mateo County’s patient No. 80.
“Today, I’m still walking, I can talk. I look relatively normal,” he said. “But I’ve heard that sometimes you don’t feel anything until you collapse. It’s really scary for me.”
Gene and Diana had been looking forward to their round-trip cruise to Hawaii. They were traveling with another couple — good friends — and hadn’t been to the islands since their son was married there several years ago.
Gene had retired from UCSF Children’s Hospital in 2016, where he ran the Neonatal Clinical Physiology Lab, and was excited about the good deal they had found for a relaxing, tropical vacation. He had been in the U.S. since 1984, a year after he had graduated from medical school in China and brought his wife and 5-year-old son, Edward, here. They became U.S. citizens and over the years bought an apartment in San Francisco and a small house in Hercules, where they could be close to their son and his growing family. Life had been good, he said, “smooth.”
Until this.
News of the coronavirus plaguing a sister ship, the Diamond Princess, was already spreading before Gene and Diana and their friends were to set sail Feb. 21 from San Francisco. They tried to cancel the 15-day cruise.
“I told Gene, I don’t want to go because of the virus,” said Diana Gong, now quarantined in a separate, first-floor room of the hotel. They contacted Princess Cruises several times, she said, and were told that if they canceled, they would be penalized about 90 percent of the cost of the trip.
“Everything is fine,” Diana recalls the agents saying. “It is very, very safe.”
A phone call and email to Princess Cruises seeking comment wasn’t immediately returned Wednesday.
By March 4, word spread that 21 people were suffering symptoms of coronavirus and were being quarantined on board. As the Grand Princess circled in the ocean off the coast of San Francisco without permission to dock yet in Oakland, all 2,500 passengers were ordered confined to their rooms — and Diana spiked a fever and developed a severe cough.
As fellow passengers jammed the room service lines with orders of coffee and extra toothpaste, Gene had trouble reaching anyone to help his wife. None of the 46 test kits that had been delivered to the ship by helicopter were sent to their room, and he said no one had called him back for 48 hours. When he watched the news of President Trump suggesting that the ship stay out at sea, he was incensed.
“You’re not supposed to give up on us,” is how he remembers feeling.
Exasperated and frantic, he sat on the edge of his bed in wood-trimmed stateroom No. 847, placed his laptop in front of him and recorded a modern-day version of an S.O.S. His niece posted it to Twitter on March 7.
“My wife and I are trapped on the Grand Princess cruise ship for days and she is getting sick because we are in a very small room,” he started. “The captain keeps telling us the ship is safe and secure and that’s not true. The virus is spreading out easily from the ventilation system.”
“Nobody cares,” he said.
“I call for attention for anyone who can help,” he said, before signing off.
For days, he kept his wife hydrated with hot water and encouraged her to take vitamins. A medical officer finally delivered Tylenol and cough medicine, but it would be an interminable three more days before they would disembark. Diane’s fever abated and both were feeling well when they boarded a bus with about 80 others to Travis Air Force Base on March 10.
A few days later, Diana took his photo sitting outside on a lawn chair, smiling in the sun, casually holding a blue mask in his lap.
But soon, he felt ill. His temperature spiked to 102, and on Sunday officials at the base put him in an ambulance, with Diana at his side, and whisked them to the Fairfield Inn where other passengers showing signs of illness were being quarantined.
On Monday, the coronavirus test was administered to both Gene and Diana, and by 3 p.m. Tuesday, they answered the knock on the door. No one could explain why she was negative and he was positive or whether she had been sickened by the coronavirus on the ship but had recovered. Their symptoms, fever and coughing, had been the same.
Gene packed up and was sent to the third floor, where all the people who tested positive are quarantined, he said, perhaps as many as 20.
“We don’t know each other. We don’t see each other,” he said. But a couple of days earlier, before his test results came in, when he was allowed outside for fresh air, he met a woman who said she had been a passenger on the Diamond Princess, the one where more than 700 passengers were infected and eight died while it remained moored off the coast of Japan. She had been quarantined for 38 days.
For Gene and Diana who have rarely been apart, who accompanied each other to all their doctors’ appointments over the years, the isolation is hard to take.
“I feel lonely and very sad and depressed,” said Diana, still coughing from her recent illness. “I don’t know when he will get better.” Related Articles Health | San Jose office building wobbles into default — again
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The couple are talking to each other on the phone several times a day now. She urges him to get out of bed and exercise. Gene has lost his appetite, but a friend delivered some hard-boiled eggs that he keeps in his mini refrigerator.
“It’s a difficult time,” he said. He took care of his wife the best he could while she was sick, but now she can’t take care of him. Since his symptoms are still mild, he’s taking Tylenol every day and calling in his temperature to nurses.
For all his instincts about canceling the cruise and his plaintive S.O.S. 11 days ago, Gene’s fear has come true.
Like the thousands of others who are discovering they’ve tested positive to an invisible killer virus stalking the globe, Gene knows what he must do now.
“I have to be on my own,” he said. “I have no choice.”


mercurynews--2020-03-18--49ers praise DeForest Buckner as trade to Colts is complete

DeForest Buckner ’ s four-season impact on the 49ers culminated with him helping them reach last season ’ s Super Bowl .
That role wasn ’ t lost on general manager John Lynch .
Once Buckner passed the Indianapolis Colts ’ physical that formalized Monday ’ s trade , Lynch issued a statement Wednesday commending the All-Pro defensive tackle .
“ On behalf of the 49ers organization , I want to extend our most sincere appreciation to DeForest for his many contributions to the team and our community , ” Lynch said .
“ It has truly been a privilege @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years and he deserves a great deal of credit for helping us to build the foundation of this team and reestablish a championship culture .
“ He and his wife , Ashlyn , are special people and we wish them the very best in their next chapter of life.
” Because of coronavirus concerns have locked down team facilities and the NFL has mandated free agents not to travel for physicals , Buckner completed his in California , according to a league source .
In return for Buckner , the 49ers acquired the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
13 overall .
So ends a tenure in which Buckner constantly gained respect for his talent and professionalism .
He made the Pro Bowl in the 2018 season and garnered second-team All-Pro honors from the Associated Press last season .
Defensive lineman Arik Armstead expressed mixed emotions Wednesday at the departure of his former Oregon teammate .
“ Super excited he got that payday .
I wish it was with us , ” Armstead said on NFL Network .
“ Me and DeFo have been playing alongside each other for so many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m super happy for him and know he ’ s going to do great things out there .
I wish we were still playing our careers together.
” Buckner , the 49ers ’ 2016 first-round pick , was entering the final year of his rookie contract .
Armstead , their 2015 top pick , signed a five-year , $ 85 million deal earlier Monday to remain with the 49ers rather than depart in free agency .
• Relive Warriors and 49ers past glories via free access courtesy of NFL and NBA/Turner • 49ers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what other help might come ?

DeForest Buckner’s four-season impact on the 49ers culminated with him helping them reach last season’s Super Bowl. That role wasn’t lost on general manager John Lynch.
Once Buckner passed the Indianapolis Colts’ physical that formalized Monday’s trade, Lynch issued a statement Wednesday commending the All-Pro defensive tackle.
“On behalf of the 49ers organization, I want to extend our most sincere appreciation to DeForest for his many contributions to the team and our community,” Lynch said. “It has truly been a privilege to work with DeFo these last three years and he deserves a great deal of credit for helping us to build the foundation of this team and reestablish a championship culture.
“He and his wife, Ashlyn, are special people and we wish them the very best in their next chapter of life.”
Because of coronavirus concerns have locked down team facilities and the NFL has mandated free agents not to travel for physicals, Buckner completed his in California, according to a league source.
In return for Buckner, the 49ers acquired the Colts’ first-round draft pick, No. 13 overall.
So ends a tenure in which Buckner constantly gained respect for his talent and professionalism. He made the Pro Bowl in the 2018 season and garnered second-team All-Pro honors from the Associated Press last season.
Defensive lineman Arik Armstead expressed mixed emotions Wednesday at the departure of his former Oregon teammate.
“Super excited he got that payday. I wish it was with us,” Armstead said on NFL Network. “Me and DeFo have been playing alongside each other for so many years now. …. I’m super happy for him and know he’s going to do great things out there. I wish we were still playing our careers together.”
Buckner, the 49ers’ 2016 first-round pick, was entering the final year of his rookie contract. Armstead, their 2015 top pick, signed a five-year, $85 million deal earlier Monday to remain with the 49ers rather than depart in free agency.