mercurynews--2020-01-09--Zume Pizza closes down, cuts 172 jobs in Mountain View

Zume Pizza , the Mountain View company that used robots to make its pizzas , has made its last delivery .
In filings with the state Employment Development Department , Zume said it is cutting 172 jobs in Mountain View , and eliminating another 80 jobs at its facility in San Francisco .
Zume Chief Executive Alex Garden made the annoucement about Zume in an email to company employees on Wednesday .
“ With admiration and sadness , we are closing Zume Pizza today , ” Garden said in his email “ Over the last four years this business has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been our inspiration for many of the growth businesses we have at Zume today.
” Zume was known for using for robotic technology to put its pizzas together , as well as its red delivery trucks that operated around Mountain View and parts of San Francisco .
Adam Ezzat , an employee at Boss Barbell Club , which shared a parking area with Zume on Polaris Ave. in Mountain View , said it looked like things weren ’ t right at Zume when he was at work Wednesday night .
“ At around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trucks leaving , which was earlier than they typically did , ” Ezzat said .
“ I came in today around noon , and all of their trucks were gone.
” The Bay Area job cuts are part of a larger restructuring at Zume , as the company is reducing its headcount by a total of 360 employees .
Zume said it intends to put its focus on its food packaging and delivery systems .
• You can now make $ 100,000 working at Taco Bell • Redevelopment of Concord weapons site up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that despite the layoffs , former employees will be able to apply for the 100 new positions Zume expects to have in its packaging business .
The company didn ’ t say where those positions would be located .
Zume is also known for being backed by Japanese investment giant Softbank , which has taken some hits over the last year due to the decline in value of its investments in Uber and WeWork .

Zume Pizza, the Mountain View company that used robots to make its pizzas, has made its last delivery.
In filings with the state Employment Development Department, Zume said it is cutting 172 jobs in Mountain View, and eliminating another 80 jobs at its facility in San Francisco. Zume Chief Executive Alex Garden made the annoucement about Zume in an email to company employees on Wednesday.
“With admiration and sadness, we are closing Zume Pizza today,” Garden said in his email “Over the last four years this business has been our invention test bed and has been our inspiration for many of the growth businesses we have at Zume today.”
Zume was known for using for robotic technology to put its pizzas together, as well as its red delivery trucks that operated around Mountain View and parts of San Francisco. Adam Ezzat, an employee at Boss Barbell Club, which shared a parking area with Zume on Polaris Ave. in Mountain View, said it looked like things weren’t right at Zume when he was at work Wednesday night.
“At around 8 or 9, I saw their trucks leaving, which was earlier than they typically did,” Ezzat said. “I came in today around noon, and all of their trucks were gone.”
The Bay Area job cuts are part of a larger restructuring at Zume, as the company is reducing its headcount by a total of 360 employees. Zume said it intends to put its focus on its food packaging and delivery systems.
Related Articles Business | ‘How can we survive?’: Labor talks worry deaf-school teachers in Fremont
‘How can we survive?’: Labor talks worry deaf-school teachers in Fremont Business | Tech companies, bank chop hundreds of Bay Area jobs in fresh layoffs
Tech companies, bank chop hundreds of Bay Area jobs in fresh layoffs Business | Are they students or employees? Stanford joins surge in graduate student unions across the country
Are they students or employees? Stanford joins surge in graduate student unions across the country Business | ‘Hazardous by design’? After pandemic boom, Amazon faces safety reckoning
‘Hazardous by design’? After pandemic boom, Amazon faces safety reckoning Business | Even San Jose-based Zoom is making its staff return to the office Garden said that despite the layoffs, former employees will be able to apply for the 100 new positions Zume expects to have in its packaging business. The company didn’t say where those positions would be located.
Zume is also known for being backed by Japanese investment giant Softbank, which has taken some hits over the last year due to the decline in value of its investments in Uber and WeWork.


mercurynews--2020-01-09--Video that might have shed light on Epstein’s death ‘no longer exists’

By Jim Mustain and Michael Balsamo | Associated Press NEW YORK — Video footage of the area around Jeffrey Epstein ’ s jail cell on a day he survived an apparent suicide attempt “ no longer exists , ” federal prosecutors told a judge Thursday .
Officials at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York believed they had preserved footage of guards finding Jeffrey Epstein after he appeared to have attempted suicide , but actually saved a video from a different part of the jail , prosecutors said .
The FBI also has determined that the footage does not exist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system “ as a result of technical errors , ” Assistant U.S .
Attorneys Maurene Comey and Jason Swergold wrote in a court filing .
The revelation came despite assurances prosecutors made that jail officials were preserving the footage at the request of a defense attorney for Nicholas Tartaglione , a former police officer who shared a cell with Epstein in July when the wealthy financier was after discovered with bruises on his neck and then placed on suicide watch .
Epstein later hanged himself in jail Aug. 10 while awaiting trial on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s defense attorney , Bruce Barket , told The Associated Press he intends to ask U.S. District Judge Kenneth Karas to hold a hearing with “ live testimony ” to determine what happened to the missing video .
“ The various and inconsistent accounts of what happened to that video are deeply troubling , ” Barket said in an email .
Tartaglione is charged in what prosecutors have described as the “ gangland-style ” killings of four men who disappeared during a cocaine-related dispute .
Barket said the jailhouse video would have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appropriately ” on the day in question , alluding to questions about whether Epstein had been attacked .
A spokeswoman for the Bureau of Prisons declined to comment , citing an ongoing investigation .
One of Epstein ’ s attorneys , Marc Fernich , said the missing video “ only adds to the unanswered questions and deepens the air of mystery surrounding ( Epstein ’ s ) death , feeding the perception that the public will never really know what happened — and that the powers that be aren ’ t really interested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jeffrey Epstein ’ s prosecution and death in federal custody surprises or could surprise me at this point , ” Fernich added .
The U.S. Attorney ’ s Office in Manhattan said in Thursday ’ s court filing that jailhouse officials had preserved video for the “ correct date and time ” but captured the wrong part of the jail .
They said the jail ’ s computer system listed a “ different , incorrect cell ” for Tartaglione .
“ The Government further understands from the Federal Bureau of Investigation that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of an unrelated investigation and determined that the requested video no longer exists on the backup system and has not since at least August 2019 as a result of technical errors , ” the prosecutors wrote .
The footage in question involves a July 23 episode in which correctional officers say they found Epstein on the floor of his cell with a strip of bedsheet around his neck .
Michael Thomas , one of the officers charged with falsifying records the night Epstein died , was one of the officers who responded to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of that cell and placed on suicide watch .
He was transferred back to the jail ’ s special housing unit July 30 , meaning he was less closely monitored but still supposed to be checked every 30 minutes .
He was also required to have a cellmate , but he was left with none after his cellmate was transferred out of the jail Aug. 9 , the day before his death , authorities have said .
Prosecutors charged the two officers responsible for guarding Epstein the night he died with falsifying prison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ browsing the internet during the hours they were supposed to be keeping a close watch on prisoners .
The falsification of records has been a problem throughout the federal prison system .
The federal Bureau of Prisons , which for years has been plagued by extensive staffing shortages , chronic violence and serious misconduct , has come under increased scrutiny since Epstein ’ s death in August .
Staffing shortages within the bureau are so severe that guards are regularly forced to work mandatory overtime , sometimes day after day , and violence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the nation .
A congressional report also found that “ bad behavior is ignored or covered up on a regular basis ” within the bureau .
After Epstein ’ s death in August , Attorney General William Barr said the financier ’ s ability to take his own life inside one of most secure jails in America raised “ serious questions that must be answered.
” Barr removed the agency ’ s acting director in the wake of Epstein ’ s death and named Kathleen Hawk Sawyer , the prison agency ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to replace him .
Barr told the AP in November that the investigation revealed a “ series ” of mistakes made that gave Epstein the chance to take his own life and that his suicide was the result of “ a perfect storm of screw-ups.
” Barr told the AP he had personally reviewed security footage from the night Epstein took his own life , which confirmed that no one entered the area where Epstein was housed on the night he died .

By Jim Mustain and Michael Balsamo | Associated Press
NEW YORK — Video footage of the area around Jeffrey Epstein’s jail cell on a day he survived an apparent suicide attempt “no longer exists,” federal prosecutors told a judge Thursday.
Officials at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York believed they had preserved footage of guards finding Jeffrey Epstein after he appeared to have attempted suicide, but actually saved a video from a different part of the jail, prosecutors said.
The FBI also has determined that the footage does not exist on the jail’s backup video system “as a result of technical errors,” Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maurene Comey and Jason Swergold wrote in a court filing.
The revelation came despite assurances prosecutors made that jail officials were preserving the footage at the request of a defense attorney for Nicholas Tartaglione, a former police officer who shared a cell with Epstein in July when the wealthy financier was after discovered with bruises on his neck and then placed on suicide watch.
Epstein later hanged himself in jail Aug. 10 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges, officials said.
Tartaglione’s defense attorney, Bruce Barket, told The Associated Press he intends to ask U.S. District Judge Kenneth Karas to hold a hearing with “live testimony” to determine what happened to the missing video.
“The various and inconsistent accounts of what happened to that video are deeply troubling,” Barket said in an email.
Tartaglione is charged in what prosecutors have described as the “gangland-style” killings of four men who disappeared during a cocaine-related dispute.
Barket said the jailhouse video would have supported his position that Tartaglione “acted appropriately” on the day in question, alluding to questions about whether Epstein had been attacked.
A spokeswoman for the Bureau of Prisons declined to comment, citing an ongoing investigation.
One of Epstein’s attorneys, Marc Fernich, said the missing video “only adds to the unanswered questions and deepens the air of mystery surrounding (Epstein’s) death, feeding the perception that the public will never really know what happened — and that the powers that be aren’t really interested in finding out.”
“Nothing about Jeffrey Epstein’s prosecution and death in federal custody surprises or could surprise me at this point,” Fernich added.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Manhattan said in Thursday’s court filing that jailhouse officials had preserved video for the “correct date and time” but captured the wrong part of the jail. They said the jail’s computer system listed a “different, incorrect cell” for Tartaglione.
“The Government further understands from the Federal Bureau of Investigation that it has reviewed that backup system as part of an unrelated investigation and determined that the requested video no longer exists on the backup system and has not since at least August 2019 as a result of technical errors,” the prosecutors wrote.
The footage in question involves a July 23 episode in which correctional officers say they found Epstein on the floor of his cell with a strip of bedsheet around his neck. Michael Thomas, one of the officers charged with falsifying records the night Epstein died, was one of the officers who responded to that scene.
Epstein was moved out of that cell and placed on suicide watch. He was transferred back to the jail’s special housing unit July 30, meaning he was less closely monitored but still supposed to be checked every 30 minutes. He was also required to have a cellmate, but he was left with none after his cellmate was transferred out of the jail Aug. 9, the day before his death, authorities have said.
Prosecutors charged the two officers responsible for guarding Epstein the night he died with falsifying prison records to conceal they were sleeping and browsing the internet during the hours they were supposed to be keeping a close watch on prisoners.
The falsification of records has been a problem throughout the federal prison system. The federal Bureau of Prisons, which for years has been plagued by extensive staffing shortages, chronic violence and serious misconduct, has come under increased scrutiny since Epstein’s death in August.
Staffing shortages within the bureau are so severe that guards are regularly forced to work mandatory overtime, sometimes day after day, and violence leads to regular lockdowns at prison compounds across the nation. A congressional report also found that “bad behavior is ignored or covered up on a regular basis” within the bureau.
After Epstein’s death in August, Attorney General William Barr said the financier’s ability to take his own life inside one of most secure jails in America raised “serious questions that must be answered.” Barr removed the agency’s acting director in the wake of Epstein’s death and named Kathleen Hawk Sawyer, the prison agency’s director from 1992 until 2003, to replace him.
Barr told the AP in November that the investigation revealed a “series” of mistakes made that gave Epstein the chance to take his own life and that his suicide was the result of “a perfect storm of screw-ups.”
Barr told the AP he had personally reviewed security footage from the night Epstein took his own life, which confirmed that no one entered the area where Epstein was housed on the night he died.


mercurynews--2020-01-09--San Jose State’s Pat Hurst named 2021 U.S. Solheim Cup captain

After serving as an assistant captain for the past three contests , former San Jose State women ’ s golfer and current assistant coach Pat Hurst has been named the captain of the 2021 United States Solheim Cup team , as announced by the LPGA .
The 50-year-old Hurst was an assistant to Juli Inkster for the matches against Europe in 2015 , 2017 and 2019 and played in the competition five times during a 20-year career on the LPGA Tour .
Hurst was a part of four winning teams and had a 10-7-3 record .
Hurst said Inkster was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told she was captain by LPGA Tour commissioner Mike Whan .
“ We ’ re two different people but we ’ re also great friends who love and respect each other , ” Hurst said .
“ I want to bring the best of what Juli brought and do it with my own personality .
“ I think I ’ ve built a lot of trust with the players.
” The 2021 match will be held at the Inverness Club in Toledo , Ohio , where the Americans will look to regain the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Scotland , in September .
The U.S. team leads Europe 10-6 all-time in Solheim Cup play , winning two of the past three contests .
Before enrolling at San Jose State , she was the 1986 USGA Girls Junior champion .
As a sophomore , Hurst was the 1989 NCAA champion and led the Spartans to their second of three national team championships at the Stanford Golf Course .

After serving as an assistant captain for the past three contests, former San Jose State women’s golfer and current assistant coach Pat Hurst has been named the captain of the 2021 United States Solheim Cup team, as announced by the LPGA.
The 50-year-old Hurst was an assistant to Juli Inkster for the matches against Europe in 2015, 2017 and 2019 and played in the competition five times during a 20-year career on the LPGA Tour. Hurst was a part of four winning teams and had a 10-7-3 record.
Hurst said Inkster was the first person she called after being told she was captain by LPGA Tour commissioner Mike Whan.
“We’re two different people but we’re also great friends who love and respect each other,” Hurst said. “I want to bring the best of what Juli brought and do it with my own personality.
“I think I’ve built a lot of trust with the players.”
The 2021 match will be held at the Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio, where the Americans will look to regain the cup from Europe after losing at Gleneagles, Scotland, in September. The U.S. team leads Europe 10-6 all-time in Solheim Cup play, winning two of the past three contests.
Before enrolling at San Jose State, she was the 1986 USGA Girls Junior champion. As a sophomore, Hurst was the 1989 NCAA champion and led the Spartans to their second of three national team championships at the Stanford Golf Course.


mercurynews--2020-01-09--California housing projections: Low-risk, national laggard … or did somebody goof?

Can California ’ s housing market lag the nation even with middle-of-the-pack risk ?
Well , that ’ s what one could conclude from two recent reports .
When online real estate tracker Zillow polled 100-plus real estate gurus about what U.S. markets would shine in 2020 , California was home to five of the six metros with the most limited upside .
But when Fitch Ratings , the Wall Street credit graders , dug into third-quarter real estate and economic stats to see how home values stacked up vs. fundamentals , California was the only state to get an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s three metros areas studied got mid-range “ sustainable ” grades .
Let ’ s start with the national outlook .
Both reports suggest it ’ s kind of boring .
Collectively , the group polled by Zillow and Pulsenomics LLC saw U.S. home values up 2.8 % in 2020 .
Nationally , Fitch estimates U.S. home prices were 1.3 % overvalued in 2019 ’ s third quarter after rising 3.7 % in the previous 12 months .
When Zillow asked for opinions on how 25 major local markets would fare , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national projection — its poll was not kind to California .
San Francisco : 24 % of those polled forecast the market would outperform the nation , but 64 % foresaw underperformance .
That adds up to a “ net ” negative 40-point forecast , the bottom of the barrel nationally .
Sacramento : 21 % see outperformance vs. 52 % underperform — net negative 31 points , No .
21 of 25 .
Inland Empire : 21 % see outperformance vs. 47 % underperform — net negative 26 points — that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : 25 % see outperformance vs. 39 % underperform — net negative 14 points , No .
18 .
Fitch was nicer to the Golden State , finding the state ’ s housing prices , up 4.1 % in a year , as “ sustainable.
” That ’ s the mid-range score between “ overvalued ” and “ undervalued.
” California joins 28 other states at this risk level .
The state was ranked 5-9 % “ overvalued ” three months earlier and in 2018 ’ s third quarter .
At the local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When Fitch studied 20 big U.S. metro areas , the three California markets tracked were “ sustainable ” and stable : Los Angeles-Orange County , San Diego and San Francisco .
One possible explanation for these varied opinions : the California price weakness suggested by Zillow ’ s poll could be warmly greeted by house hunters seeking “ bargains ” — an outgrowth of the strong fundamentals as seen by Fitch .
Maybe one of these reports is way off about housing in other parts of the U.S .
Such errors that would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the national scoreboard .
Take Austin .
It was top-rated in the Zillow poll with 83 % of the gurus seeing outperformance vs. only 7 % forecasting underperformance .
That ’ s a net positive 76 points .
Fitch didn ’ t look at Austin , but it did have worries about Texas and Dallas , rating both 10-14 % overvalued .
Conversely , Fitch had Las Vegas — and Nevada as a whole — scored as the riskiest U.S. market : 20-14 % overvalued .
Zillow had Sin City in the middle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its gurus see outperformance vs. 36 % under for a net positive 5-point forecast , No .
12 of 25 markets studied .
Look at commentary from the rankings and you see various signs of trouble .
Zillow economist Skylar Olsen : “ Many West Coast markets hit an affordability ceiling that set off declining home values in the most expensive of these .
Indeed , this price correction — a clap back from having appreciated with too much exuberance in the recent past — pushes many previously hot markets to the bottom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the top of the list are metros still providing relative affordability and thriving , amenity-rich communities that appeal to younger adults willing to make a move.
” Nationwide , Fitch cited large overvaluations in Texas and Florida markets while suggesting fast-rising rents are a key support for home values .
“ The cost to buy a home will look increasingly more attractive relative to renting over time , ” said Grant Bailey , a Fitch managing director .
Please note that real estate markets don ’ t always move in line with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ swings can be up , down .. or sideways .
And , yes , there ’ s a chance BOTH reports could prove true .
But at a minimum , these studies strongly hint if you want to see real estate fireworks in 2020 , don ’ t look at California .
The state ’ s housing market could prove to be relatively quiet .
Rather , the most noteworthy disagreements between Zillow and Fitch point to Texas and/or Nevada as the places to watch the year .
• Amid labor dispute , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biggest planned housing development is still unclear • It was a bad year for Southern California homebuilders • Home decor trends 2020 : And the color of the year is … confusing

Can California’s housing market lag the nation even with middle-of-the-pack risk?
Well, that’s what one could conclude from two recent reports.
When online real estate tracker Zillow polled 100-plus real estate gurus about what U.S. markets would shine in 2020, California was home to five of the six metros with the most limited upside.
But when Fitch Ratings, the Wall Street credit graders, dug into third-quarter real estate and economic stats to see how home values stacked up vs. fundamentals, California was the only state to get an improved score — and the Golden State’s three metros areas studied got mid-range “sustainable” grades.
Let’s ponder this outlook gap.
Dull big picture
Let’s start with the national outlook. Both reports suggest it’s kind of boring.
Collectively, the group polled by Zillow and Pulsenomics LLC saw U.S. home values up 2.8% in 2020.
Nationally, Fitch estimates U.S. home prices were 1.3% overvalued in 2019’s third quarter after rising 3.7% in the previous 12 months.
California dreamin’
When Zillow asked for opinions on how 25 major local markets would fare, price-wise — better or worse than the national projection — its poll was not kind to California.
San Francisco: 24% of those polled forecast the market would outperform the nation, but 64% foresaw underperformance. That adds up to a “net” negative 40-point forecast, the bottom of the barrel nationally.
San Jose: 23% see outperformance vs. 61% underperform — a net negative 38 points, second-worst nationally.
Los Angeles-Orange County: 20% see outperformance vs. 55% underperform — net negative 35 points, third-worst.
Sacramento: 21% see outperformance vs. 52% underperform — net negative 31 points, No. 21 of 25.
Inland Empire: 21% see outperformance vs. 47% underperform — net negative 26 points — that’s No. 20.
San Diego: 25% see outperformance vs. 39% underperform — net negative 14 points, No. 18.
Fitch was nicer to the Golden State, finding the state’s housing prices, up 4.1% in a year, as “sustainable.” That’s the mid-range score between “overvalued” and “undervalued.”
California joins 28 other states at this risk level. The state was ranked 5-9% “overvalued” three months earlier and in 2018’s third quarter.
At the local level, California valuations look average. When Fitch studied 20 big U.S. metro areas, the three California markets tracked were “sustainable” and stable: Los Angeles-Orange County, San Diego and San Francisco.
One possible explanation for these varied opinions: the California price weakness suggested by Zillow’s poll could be warmly greeted by house hunters seeking “bargains” — an outgrowth of the strong fundamentals as seen by Fitch.
Somebody’s wrong?
Maybe one of these reports is way off about housing in other parts of the U.S. Such errors that would alter California’s relative position on the national scoreboard.
Take Austin. It was top-rated in the Zillow poll with 83% of the gurus seeing outperformance vs. only 7% forecasting underperformance. That’s a net positive 76 points.
Fitch didn’t look at Austin, but it did have worries about Texas and Dallas, rating both 10-14% overvalued.
Conversely, Fitch had Las Vegas — and Nevada as a whole — scored as the riskiest U.S. market: 20-14% overvalued.
Zillow had Sin City in the middle of its scorecard: 41% of its gurus see outperformance vs. 36% under for a net positive 5-point forecast, No. 12 of 25 markets studied.
Words matter
Look at commentary from the rankings and you see various signs of trouble.
Zillow economist Skylar Olsen: “Many West Coast markets hit an affordability ceiling that set off declining home values in the most expensive of these. Indeed, this price correction — a clap back from having appreciated with too much exuberance in the recent past — pushes many previously hot markets to the bottom of our experts’ list. At the top of the list are metros still providing relative affordability and thriving, amenity-rich communities that appeal to younger adults willing to make a move.”
Nationwide, Fitch cited large overvaluations in Texas and Florida markets while suggesting fast-rising rents are a key support for home values. “The cost to buy a home will look increasingly more attractive relative to renting over time,” said Grant Bailey, a Fitch managing director.
Bottom line
Related Articles Real Estate | San Jose office building wobbles into default — again
San Jose office building wobbles into default — again Real Estate | Bay Area, California hotel sales implode as investors flee sector
Bay Area, California hotel sales implode as investors flee sector Real Estate | Google will activate downtown San Jose village sites ahead of project
Google will activate downtown San Jose village sites ahead of project Real Estate | Big Bay Area vineyard lands local buyer
Big Bay Area vineyard lands local buyer Real Estate | Colorado’s housing market is so strained it’s endangering domestic violence victims, advocates says Please note that real estate markets don’t always move in line with the underlying economic fundamentals. And those misaligned swings can be up, down .. or sideways.
And, yes, there’s a chance BOTH reports could prove true.
But at a minimum, these studies strongly hint if you want to see real estate fireworks in 2020, don’t look at California. The state’s housing market could prove to be relatively quiet.
Rather, the most noteworthy disagreements between Zillow and Fitch point to Texas and/or Nevada as the places to watch the year. [r


mercurynews--2020-01-10--California housing projections: Low-risk, national laggard … or did somebody goof?

Can California ’ s housing market lag the nation even with middle-of-the-pack risk ?
Well , that ’ s what one could conclude from two recent reports .
When online real estate tracker Zillow polled 100-plus real estate gurus about what U.S. markets would shine in 2020 , California was home to five of the six metros with the most limited upside .
But when Fitch Ratings , the Wall Street credit graders , dug into third-quarter real estate and economic stats to see how home values stacked up vs. fundamentals , California was the only state to get an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s three metros areas studied got mid-range “ sustainable ” grades .
Let ’ s start with the national outlook .
Both reports suggest it ’ s kind of boring .
Collectively , the group polled by Zillow and Pulsenomics LLC saw U.S. home values up 2.8 % in 2020 .
Nationally , Fitch estimates U.S. home prices were 1.3 % overvalued in 2019 ’ s third quarter after rising 3.7 % in the previous 12 months .
When Zillow asked for opinions on how 25 major local markets would fare , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national projection — its poll was not kind to California .
San Francisco : 24 % of those polled forecast the market would outperform the nation , but 64 % foresaw underperformance .
That adds up to a “ net ” negative 40-point forecast , the bottom of the barrel nationally .
Sacramento : 21 % see outperformance vs. 52 % underperform — net negative 31 points , No .
21 of 25 .
Inland Empire : 21 % see outperformance vs. 47 % underperform — net negative 26 points — that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : 25 % see outperformance vs. 39 % underperform — net negative 14 points , No .
18 .
Fitch was nicer to the Golden State , finding the state ’ s housing prices , up 4.1 % in a year , as “ sustainable.
” That ’ s the mid-range score between “ overvalued ” and “ undervalued.
” California joins 28 other states at this risk level .
The state was ranked 5-9 % “ overvalued ” three months earlier and in 2018 ’ s third quarter .
At the local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When Fitch studied 20 big U.S. metro areas , the three California markets tracked were “ sustainable ” and stable : Los Angeles-Orange County , San Diego and San Francisco .
One possible explanation for these varied opinions : the California price weakness suggested by Zillow ’ s poll could be warmly greeted by house hunters seeking “ bargains ” — an outgrowth of the strong fundamentals as seen by Fitch .
Maybe one of these reports is way off about housing in other parts of the U.S .
Such errors that would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the national scoreboard .
Take Austin .
It was top-rated in the Zillow poll with 83 % of the gurus seeing outperformance vs. only 7 % forecasting underperformance .
That ’ s a net positive 76 points .
Fitch didn ’ t look at Austin , but it did have worries about Texas and Dallas , rating both 10-14 % overvalued .
Conversely , Fitch had Las Vegas — and Nevada as a whole — scored as the riskiest U.S. market : 20-14 % overvalued .
Zillow had Sin City in the middle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its gurus see outperformance vs. 36 % under for a net positive 5-point forecast , No .
12 of 25 markets studied .
Look at commentary from the rankings and you see various signs of trouble .
Zillow economist Skylar Olsen : “ Many West Coast markets hit an affordability ceiling that set off declining home values in the most expensive of these .
Indeed , this price correction — a clap back from having appreciated with too much exuberance in the recent past — pushes many previously hot markets to the bottom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the top of the list are metros still providing relative affordability and thriving , amenity-rich communities that appeal to younger adults willing to make a move.
” Nationwide , Fitch cited large overvaluations in Texas and Florida markets while suggesting fast-rising rents are a key support for home values .
“ The cost to buy a home will look increasingly more attractive relative to renting over time , ” said Grant Bailey , a Fitch managing director .
• Redevelopment of Concord weapons site up in the air after council vote • It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homebuilders • Home decor trends 2020 : And the color of the year is … confusing Please note that real estate markets don ’ t always move in line with the underlying economic fundamentals .
And those misaligned swings can be up , down .. or sideways .
And , yes , there ’ s a chance BOTH reports could prove true .
But at a minimum , these studies strongly hint if you want to see real estate fireworks in 2020 , don ’ t look at California .
The state ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relatively quiet .
Rather , the most noteworthy disagreements between Zillow and Fitch point to Texas and/or Nevada as the places to watch the year .
[ r


mercurynews--2020-01-10--Letter: Laptop theft a tragedy, a warning to secure devices

Re : “ Laptop theft victim ’ s death in Oakland raises memories for family of 2017 victim ” ( @ @ @ @ @ : Safeguard your electronics .
It was devastating news about the loss of life of @ @ @ @ @ avoid the theft of a personal computer during a “ snatch and run.
” Such @ @ @ @ @ avoided had the victim used a computer cable lock which is designed to fit into @ @ @ @ @ device , allowing it to be secured via a wire cable to a table leg @ @ @ @ @ user is sitting .
• Letter : AB 5 is a terrible law — and @ @ @ @ @ part • Letter : Was Soleimani killed to distract from impeachment ?
• Letter : @ @ @ @ @ a statement on this • Letter : Trump is many things , but he is @ @ @ @ @ not expensive , easily obtainable and quite an effective deterrent when used properly .
Submit @ @ @ @ @ via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Laptop theft a tragedy, a
warning to secure devices
Re: “Laptop theft victim’s death in Oakland raises memories for family of 2017 victim” (Eastbaytimes.com, Jan. 2):
Safeguard your electronics. It was devastating news about the loss of life of someone who was trying to avoid the theft of a personal computer during a “snatch and run.”
Such a tragedy might have been avoided had the victim used a computer cable lock which is designed to fit into a special slot on the device, allowing it to be secured via a wire cable to a table leg or chair upon which the user is sitting.
Related Articles Letters to the Editor | Letters: Escape Bay Area | CASA program | Feinstein replacement | Faulty comparison | Not conservatives
Letters: Escape Bay Area | CASA program | Feinstein replacement | Faulty comparison | Not conservatives Letters to the Editor | Letters: Psychiatric beds | SJSU neglect | Squandering cash | Overdoing coverage | Pac-12 negotiations | For climate’s sake | Electric appliances
Letters: Psychiatric beds | SJSU neglect | Squandering cash | Overdoing coverage | Pac-12 negotiations | For climate’s sake | Electric appliances Letters to the Editor | Letters: Abandoning tenants | Deaf culture | Western contributions | Conservative alienation | Precise language
Letters: Abandoning tenants | Deaf culture | Western contributions | Conservative alienation | Precise language Letters to the Editor | Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path
Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps Cable locks are not expensive, easily obtainable and quite an effective deterrent when used properly.
Steven Shagrin
Walnut Creek
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
Read more Letters to the Editor


mercurynews--2020-01-10--Magid: Leaving Las Vegas with a glimpse of the future

Every year – shortly after New Year ’ s Day , the tech industry and journalists who cover it , gather in Las Vegas for the annual CES , which used to stand for Consumer Electronics Show .
The event fills up the Las Vegas Convention Center and the Sands Expo Center along with hundreds of satellite events taking place throughout Las Vegas during the nearly weeklong festivities , which include press day and other pre-show previews .
I like to look at individual products , but my main objective is to assess trends –what types of products are being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about .
Also , I ’ m not alone in taking interest in the issues that concern the tech industry and those who might regulate it , which is why a lot of government officials attend this show to talk about privacy , smart cities , transportation policy , security and more .
I covered Ivanka Trump ’ s keynote fireside chat , where she claimed that President Donald Trump ’ s policies are behind our record unemployment and argued that even though there are plenty of open jobs , there remains a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t have the requisite skills .
Not everything trending at CES is new .
For example , last year there were a lot of autonomous vehicles on display , and that ’ s even more true this year .
There were also some 8K TVs , but this year there are a lot more .
In 2019 , we saw fitness gadgets evolving into health and diagnostic tools and – like other trends that take hold –there are even more of them at the current exhibition .
Omron showed a combination blood pressure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Last year , there were some sneak previews of foldable phones , but now there are real ones such as Samsung ’ s Galaxy Fold , with Motorola ’ s foldable new Razr slated to come out soon .
TV maker TCL showed off a prototype of its own foldable phone that it will likely release later this year .
But it ’ s not just phones that fold .
Lenovo showed off the X1 Fold , billed as the first foldable Windows PC .
I got to play with an early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how they could make a PC fold like a book , but I ’ m not sure I want to spend $ 2,500 on one when it comes out later this year .
Dell , Asus and Microsoft also showed off foldable PCs , which are really hybrids between PCs and tablets .
While I ’ m glad to see well-heeled companies experimenting with new form factors , I ’ m not convinced there will be much of a market for them , but time will tell .
The Alcatel 3L doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 48 megapixel camera at the astoundingly low price of $ 155 , according to CNET .
It will roll out in some countries this quarter , but it ’ s not clear when or if it will come to the U.S. TVs are always big at CES , and each year they get bigger .
I remember when 55 inches was considered big , but now it ’ s on the small side as an increasing number of consumers opt for 65- , 75-inch or larger TVs .
But , each year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really big TV like Samsung ’ s 292-inch OLED display .
That ’ s 24 feet of TV .
It ’ s not yet for sale at any price , but if it were , it would cost tens of thousand of dollars plus the cost of having to either rebuild your living room – or perhaps your whole house – to accommodate it .
Speaking of big bucks , last year LG showed off a prototype of a rollable TV , and this year ’ s it will go on sale for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In some parts of the country , you could buy a house for that price .
It reminds me of that movie screen my dad had that rolled down and out of the way , only this one rolls up from a cabinet and – since it ’ s a TV – doesn ’ t require a projector .
This year we saw a lot of health and fitness products including several designed to improve your dental health .
I spent some time with a dentist working for Colgate who showed me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detect “ biofilm buildup ” in the mouth , and through a companion smartphone , shows you where to focus your brushing .
The company claims that it can prevent plaque , which can lead to gum and tooth problems .
As always there were some oddball products .
Menta5 is a bicycle that you can ride on water .
In a podcast interview , CEO Greg Johnston told me that the company has designed the first hydrofoil bike using hydrofoil technology and a propeller .
Like most land e-bikes , there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
One reason for the electric motor is to get enough speed to lift the body of the bike out of the water to reduce drag and increase efficiency .
The wackiest product at the show has to be the Charmin Rollbot , a bear-based robot that delivers toilet paper .
I have to admit , I ’ ve been in a situation where this would have come in handy , but I ’ m not sure it ’ s destined to be a real product .
The Rollbot , along with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ product of Charmin ’ s “ GoLab.
” I kid you not .
I laughed when I saw the Samsung Ballie , but the rolling little robot , that looks like a tennis ball , may actually have some uses .
It rolls around the house to entertain you , the kids and the dog and has a camera to check up on things .
It can also follow you around the house and “ understands you , supports you and reacts to your needs to be actively helpful around the house , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as he played with it during his CES keynote .

Every year – shortly after New Year’s Day, the tech industry and journalists who cover it, gather in Las Vegas for the annual CES, which used to stand for Consumer Electronics Show. The event fills up the Las Vegas Convention Center and the Sands Expo Center along with hundreds of satellite events taking place throughout Las Vegas during the nearly weeklong festivities, which include press day and other pre-show previews.
I like to look at individual products, but my main objective is to assess trends –what types of products are being shown and which ones are being talked about. Also, I’m not alone in taking interest in the issues that concern the tech industry and those who might regulate it, which is why a lot of government officials attend this show to talk about privacy, smart cities, transportation policy, security and more. I covered Ivanka Trump’s keynote fireside chat, where she claimed that President Donald Trump’s policies are behind our record unemployment and argued that even though there are plenty of open jobs, there remains a significant number of people who don’t have the requisite skills.
Not everything trending at CES is new. For example, last year there were a lot of autonomous vehicles on display, and that’s even more true this year. There were also some 8K TVs, but this year there are a lot more. In 2019, we saw fitness gadgets evolving into health and diagnostic tools and – like other trends that take hold –there are even more of them at the current exhibition.
Omron showed a combination blood pressure monitor and electrocardiogram tester for the home.
Last year, there were some sneak previews of foldable phones, but now there are real ones such as Samsung’s Galaxy Fold, with Motorola’s foldable new Razr slated to come out soon.
TV maker TCL showed off a prototype of its own foldable phone that it will likely release later this year.
But it’s not just phones that fold. Lenovo showed off the X1 Fold, billed as the first foldable Windows PC. I got to play with an early prototype last year and was impressed at how they could make a PC fold like a book, but I’m not sure I want to spend $2,500 on one when it comes out later this year.
Dell, Asus and Microsoft also showed off foldable PCs, which are really hybrids between PCs and tablets. While I’m glad to see well-heeled companies experimenting with new form factors, I’m not convinced there will be much of a market for them, but time will tell.
The Alcatel 3L doesn’t fold, but it does have a 48 megapixel camera at the astoundingly low price of $155, according to CNET. It will roll out in some countries this quarter, but it’s not clear when or if it will come to the U.S.
TVs are always big at CES, and each year they get bigger. I remember when 55 inches was considered big, but now it’s on the small side as an increasing number of consumers opt for 65-, 75-inch or larger TVs. But, each year, some company shows off a really really big TV like Samsung’s 292-inch OLED display. That’s 24 feet of TV. It’s not yet for sale at any price, but if it were, it would cost tens of thousand of dollars plus the cost of having to either rebuild your living room – or perhaps your whole house – to accommodate it.
Speaking of big bucks, last year LG showed off a prototype of a rollable TV, and this year’s it will go on sale for, according to CNET, $60,000. In some parts of the country, you could buy a house for that price. It reminds me of that movie screen my dad had that rolled down and out of the way, only this one rolls up from a cabinet and – since it’s a TV – doesn’t require a projector.
This year we saw a lot of health and fitness products including several designed to improve your dental health. I spent some time with a dentist working for Colgate who showed me a smart toothbrush that has sensors that detect “biofilm buildup” in the mouth, and through a companion smartphone, shows you where to focus your brushing. The company claims that it can prevent plaque, which can lead to gum and tooth problems.
As always there were some oddball products. Menta5 is a bicycle that you can ride on water. In a podcast interview, CEO Greg Johnston told me that the company has designed the first hydrofoil bike using hydrofoil technology and a propeller. Like most land e-bikes, there is an electric assist as well as pedals. One reason for the electric motor is to get enough speed to lift the body of the bike out of the water to reduce drag and increase efficiency.
The wackiest product at the show has to be the Charmin Rollbot, a bear-based robot that delivers toilet paper. I have to admit, I’ve been in a situation where this would have come in handy, but I’m not sure it’s destined to be a real product. The Rollbot, along with a smell sensor of the bathroom, is a product of Charmin’s “GoLab.” I kid you not.
I laughed when I saw the Samsung Ballie, but the rolling little robot, that looks like a tennis ball, may actually have some uses. It rolls around the house to entertain you, the kids and the dog and has a camera to check up on things. It can also follow you around the house and “understands you, supports you and reacts to your needs to be actively helpful around the house,” said Samsung co-CEO H.S. Kim, as he played with it during his CES keynote.
Larry Magid is a tech journalist and internet safety activist.


mercurynews--2020-01-10--Tirades, trade requests, and DUI with a loaded gun: Vikings’ 2019 season drama-filled

From afar , all appears right with the Minnesota Vikings these days .
They ’ re coming off a thrilling , upset playoff win in New Orleans and now head to Santa Clara with a shot to play in the NFC Championship game for the second time in three years .
But look closer and you ’ ll see a head coach unhappy with his own contract situation and who called one of his defensive player ’ s behavior “ idiotic.
” Look again and you can ’ t miss the star wide receiver who , after reportedly demanding a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a stir by throwing his helmet in disgust Sunday after not getting the ball thrown to him — even though the Vikings were winning their playoff game .
Dig a little deeper and you ’ ll see a quarterback who ’ s faced year-long criticism — including some from his own coach — and who was so beaten down at one point he publicly apologized to another of his star receivers for not getting the ball to him enough .
Then take a glimpse at a Minneapolis police report from October that will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrested one late night with a loaded handgun and more than two dozen rounds on the floor of the car he was accused of drunkenly driving onto a closed freeway .
And we thought Season 6 of the “ Vikings ” on History Channel has had drama ?
For sure , the journey to the NFC Division Playoff hasn ’ t been a real smooth one for the Vikings , who come into Saturday ’ s game as 6 1/2-point underdogs against the 49ers .
But , given all the drama the Vikings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who says they ’ re not up to pulling off another playoff shocker this weekend ?
Mike Zimmer , the coach who has overseen this long , strange trip , has felt disrespected along the way .
During his six seasons in Minnesota , he ’ s led the Vikings to a 57-38-1 record that includes three postseason appearances , a pair of NFC North titles and only one losing season .
Four months ago , the Vikings picked up his option for 2020 and owner Zygi Wilf recently gave Zimmer a vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still been doubt about his long-term future with the team .
“ Truth ?
Sometimes it bothers me , ” Zimmer said last week when asked by Deion Sanders about the speculation over his job security .
“ I mean , we won 10 games this year .
I ’ ve won 60 percent of my games in six years .
Third winningest coach in Vikings history .
And I have to listen to this crap ?
” Speaking of messes , Stefon Diggs stepped into another one In New Orleans on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Minneapolis Miracle ” in the playoffs against the Saints two years ago was this time conspicuous by his absence on the stat sheet midway through the third quarter .
Facing constant double-teams , Diggs had yet to be targeted by quarterback Kirk Cousins even though the Vikings were leading 13-10 at the time .
Diggs appeared frustrated enough that he threw his helmet after one drive and had to be consoled on the sideline .
Diggs , though , did compose himself enough during the game to tell Cousins not to worry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was just more of the same for the 25-year-old , who was angry about not being more involved in the offense earlier this season , reportedly prompting him to go to general manager Rick Spielman to demand a trade .
“ I feel like there ’ s truth to all rumors , no matter how you dress it up , ” Diggs told reporters in October .
“ I can ’ t sit up here and act like everything is OK.
It ’ s obviously not.
” Bear in mind , this was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a five-year , $ 72 million contract extension .
For the man in Digg ’ s crosshairs , Cousins , the pointed criticism and doubts about his ability to carry this team have been as constant as his ability to calmly deflect those barbs .
That doesn ’ t mean he hasn ’ t been sensitive about what folks are thinking and saying .
Even before Diggs ’ unhappiness over Cousins ’ choice of passing targets , the quarterback dealt with the perception he was ignoring Adam Thielen , his other star wideout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worst statistical games in years with two catches for six yards in a 16-6 loss to the Bears in September , Cousins felt bad enough to issue a mea culpa two days later during his weekly “ Under Center ” podcast .
“ I really want to apologize to ( Thielen ) , because there were too many opportunities where we could have hit him on Sunday.
” His coach , though , felt Cousins made a huge mistake by apologizing to Thielen , especially in such a public manner .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Zimmer told reporters then .
“ Maybe he should get off the podcast.
” Zimmer saved his harshest criticism for safety and special teams captain Jayron Kearse , who was arrested in late October and charged with five counts , including two drunken driving counts and a gross misdemeanor charge of carrying a gun without a permit .
The St. Paul Pioneer Press also reported Vikings cornerback Mike Hughes was among the two passengers riding with Kearse .
A report said Hughes was so intoxicated during Kearse ’ s arrest that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • 3 reasons why the 49ers will beat the Vikings by double-digits • Fullbacks on full display : 49ers , Vikings are heaviest users of heavy backfield formations • Behind enemy lines : How Vikings ’ playcalling opens up Pro Bowl talent It was the kind of incident synonymous with the Vikings organization before Zimmer took over in 2014 .
During a five-year period before Zimmer was hired the Vikings had the most player arrests in the NFL with 18 .
“ I ’ m very , very ticked off , ” Zimmer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve been here the last six years , I ’ ve worked extremely hard to clean up the reputation of this organization , this team off the field .
We ’ ve put in a lot of resources for them to not have these kind of issues , and for them to do that is really idiotic.
” In truth , it was just another maddening part of a drama-filled season that ’ s somehow still rolling along .

From afar, all appears right with the Minnesota Vikings these days. They’re coming off a thrilling, upset playoff win in New Orleans and now head to Santa Clara with a shot to play in the NFC Championship game for the second time in three years.
But look closer and you’ll see a head coach unhappy with his own contract situation and who called one of his defensive player’s behavior “idiotic.” Look again and you can’t miss the star wide receiver who, after reportedly demanding a trade earlier this season, again caused a stir by throwing his helmet in disgust Sunday after not getting the ball thrown to him — even though the Vikings were winning their playoff game. Dig a little deeper and you’ll see a quarterback who’s faced year-long criticism — including some from his own coach — and who was so beaten down at one point he publicly apologized to another of his star receivers for not getting the ball to him enough.
Then take a glimpse at a Minneapolis police report from October that will show you how a Vikings player was arrested one late night with a loaded handgun and more than two dozen rounds on the floor of the car he was accused of drunkenly driving onto a closed freeway.
And we thought Season 6 of the “Vikings” on History Channel has had drama?
These kinds of conflicts certainly weren’t in the original script for coach Mike Zimmer’s sixth season with these Vikings. The journey to the NFC Division Playoff hasn’t been a real smooth one for Minnesota, which comes into Saturday’s game as 6 1/2-point underdogs against the 49ers. But, given all the drama the Vikings have dealt with during this ride, who says they’re not up to pulling off another plot-twisting finish this weekend?
Zimmer, who has overseen this long, strange trip, has felt disrespected along the way. During his six seasons in Minnesota, he’s led the Vikings to a 57-38-1 record that includes three postseason appearances, a pair of NFC North titles and only one losing season. Four months ago, the Vikings picked up his option for 2020 and owner Zygi Wilf recently gave Zimmer a vote of confidence, but there’s still been doubt about his long-term future with the team.
“Truth? Sometimes it bothers me,” Zimmer said last week when asked by Deion Sanders about the speculation over his job security. “I mean, we won 10 games this year. I’ve won 60 percent of my games in six years. Third winningest coach in Vikings history. And I have to listen to this crap?”
Speaking of messes, Stefon Diggs stepped into another one In New Orleans on Sunday. The speedy star who authored “The Minneapolis Miracle” in the playoffs against the Saints two years ago was this time conspicuous by his absence on the stat sheet midway through the third quarter. Facing constant double-teams, Diggs had yet to be targeted by quarterback Kirk Cousins even though the Vikings were leading 13-10 at the time. Diggs appeared frustrated enough that he threw his helmet after one drive and had to be consoled on the sideline.
Diggs, though, did compose himself enough during the game to tell Cousins not to worry about appeasing him.
But the outburst was just more of the same for the 25-year-old, who was angry about not being more involved in the offense earlier this season, reportedly prompting him to go to general manager Rick Spielman to demand a trade. “I feel like there’s truth to all rumors, no matter how you dress it up,” Diggs told reporters in October. “I can’t sit up here and act like everything is OK. It’s obviously not.”
Bear in mind, this was three months after the Vikings gave Diggs a five-year, $72 million contract extension.
For the man in Digg’s crosshairs, Cousins, the pointed criticism and doubts about his ability to carry this team have been as constant as his ability to calmly deflect those barbs. That doesn’t mean he hasn’t been sensitive about what folks are thinking and saying.
Even before Diggs’ unhappiness over Cousins’ choice of passing targets, the quarterback dealt with the perception he was ignoring Adam Thielen, his other star wideout. After Thielen had one of his worst statistical games in years with two catches for six yards in a 16-6 loss to the Bears in September, Cousins felt bad enough to issue a mea culpa two days later during his weekly “Under Center” podcast.
“I really want to apologize to (Thielen), because there were too many opportunities where we could have hit him on Sunday.”
His coach, though, felt Cousins made a huge mistake by apologizing to Thielen, especially in such a public manner.
“I’m not a fan of it,” Zimmer told reporters then. “Maybe he should get off the podcast.”
Zimmer saved his harshest criticism for safety and special teams captain Jayron Kearse, who was arrested in late October and charged with five counts, including two drunken driving counts and a gross misdemeanor charge of carrying a gun without a permit. The St. Paul Pioneer Press also reported Vikings cornerback Mike Hughes was among the two passengers riding with Kearse. A report said Hughes was so intoxicated during Kearse’s arrest that he was vomiting outside the car.
It was the kind of incident synonymous with the Vikings organization before Zimmer took over in 2014. During a five-year period before Zimmer was hired the Vikings had the most player arrests in the NFL with 18.
“I’m very, very ticked off,” Zimmer told reporters then. “Since I’ve been here the last six years, I’ve worked extremely hard to clean up the reputation of this organization, this team off the field. We’ve put in a lot of resources for them to not have these kind of issues, and for them to do that is really idiotic.”
In truth, it was just another maddening part of a drama-filled season that’s somehow still rolling along.


mercurynews--2020-01-10--Letter: AB 5 is a terrible law — and here’s the saddest part

AB 5 is a terrible law .
Now that the newspapers have been hit with AB 5 finally more people @ @ @ @ @ terrible AB 5 is .
However , understanding its reach is easy if you understand @ @ @ @ @ rationale of everyone is an employee .
No exceptions .
So , newspapers : Your @ @ @ @ @ carriers are employees , your guest columnists are employees , your cartoonists are employees , @ @ @ @ @ employee .
• Letter : Was Soleimani killed to distract from impeachment ?
• Letter @ @ @ @ @ make a statement on this • Letter : Trump is many things , but he @ @ @ @ @ : US generals must decide whether to obey Trump The saddest part of AB 5 @ @ @ @ @ be that companies adjust and use fewer people and deprive the people who want the @ @ @ @ @ of a living .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more @ @ @ @

Companies will adjust to
AB 5, use fewer people
Re: “Newsom’s backing of AB 5 threatens newspapers’ future” (Editorial, Mercurynews.com, Sept. 6):
AB 5 is a terrible law. Now that the newspapers have been hit with AB 5 finally more people are waking up to how terrible AB 5 is.
However, understanding its reach is easy if you understand the underlying state’s rationale of everyone is an employee. No exceptions. So, newspapers: Your freelancers are employees, your carriers are employees, your guest columnists are employees, your cartoonists are employees, everyone you use is an employee.
Related Articles Letters to the Editor | Letters: Escape Bay Area | CASA program | Feinstein replacement | Faulty comparison | Not conservatives
Letters: Escape Bay Area | CASA program | Feinstein replacement | Faulty comparison | Not conservatives Letters to the Editor | Letters: Psychiatric beds | SJSU neglect | Squandering cash | Overdoing coverage | Pac-12 negotiations | For climate’s sake | Electric appliances
Letters: Psychiatric beds | SJSU neglect | Squandering cash | Overdoing coverage | Pac-12 negotiations | For climate’s sake | Electric appliances Letters to the Editor | Letters: Abandoning tenants | Deaf culture | Western contributions | Conservative alienation | Precise language
Letters: Abandoning tenants | Deaf culture | Western contributions | Conservative alienation | Precise language Letters to the Editor | Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path
Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps The saddest part of AB 5 is that the result will be that companies adjust and use fewer people and deprive the people who want the flexibility of being independent contractors of a living.
Alan Heimlich
San Jose
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
Read more Letters to the Editor


Word Game: Jan. 10, 2020

TODAY ’ S WORD — NONCHALANT ( NONCHALANT : non-shuh-LAHNT : Having an easy air of unconcern or indifference . )
Can you find 38 or more words in NONCHALANT ?
The list will be published tomorrow .
YESTERDAY ’ S WORD — INOSITOL into noil olio onto silo silt slit slot snit soil solo solon soon soot stool toil tonsil tool lint lion list loin loon loot lost Lotion To purchase the Word Game book , visit WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 while supplies last !
1 .
Words must be of four or more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @

TODAY’S WORD — NONCHALANT (NONCHALANT: non-shuh-LAHNT: Having an easy air of unconcern or indifference.)
Average mark 28 words
Time limit 40 minutes
Can you find 38 or more words in NONCHALANT? The list will be published tomorrow.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — INOSITOL into noil olio onto silo silt slit slot snit
soil solo solon soon soot stool toil tonsil tool lint lion list loin loon loot lost
Lotion
To purchase the Word Game book, visit WordGameBooks.com. Order it now for just $5 while supplies last!
RULES OF THE GAME:
1. Words must be of four or more letters.
2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.
3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” are not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible.
4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.
Contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe at kzsaxe@gmail.com.


Bridge: Jan. 10, 2020

I looked up “ lazy ” in the dictionary , and a picture of Cy the Cynic was there .
As declarer , he seizes upon the first line of play he sees .
“ You would do better if you weren ’ t so lazy , ” I told Cy .
“ There may be a supplement I could take for that , ” the Cynic said .
“ Look into it for me , will you ?
” Against today ’ s four spades , West took the K-A of clubs and led the jack of hearts .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ his trumps .
East kept three hearts , and Cy lost a diamond and a heart .
Down one .
South must win the first heart in his hand and concede a diamond .
He wins the next heart in dummy , ruffs a diamond and takes the A-K of trumps .
If trumps broke 4-1 , South would have to guess how to proceed , but when trumps break 3-2 , he ruffs another diamond .
When diamonds break 3-3 , South draws trumps , leads a heart to dummy and discards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If diamonds broke 4-2 , South would succeed if hearts broke 3-3 .
You hold : S 6 5 4 H J 10 D K 8 3 C A K 10 7 3 .
Your partner opens one heart , you respond two clubs and he rebids two hearts .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : This situation is a bit awkward .
You have enough strength for one more forward-going bid , inviting game , but have no attractive call .
To bid 2NT with such weak spades doesn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You would prefer to have three-card support , but the doubleton J-10 will have to do .

I looked up “lazy” in the dictionary, and a picture of Cy the Cynic was there. As declarer, he seizes upon the first line of play he sees.
“You would do better if you weren’t so lazy,” I told Cy.
“There may be a supplement I could take for that,” the Cynic said. “Look into it for me, will you?”
Against today’s four spades, West took the K-A of clubs and led the jack of hearts. Cy won in dummy and ran all his trumps. East kept three hearts, and Cy lost a diamond and a heart. Down one.
“Hearts might have split 3-3,” Cy shrugged.
SECOND HEART
South must win the first heart in his hand and concede a diamond. He wins the next heart in dummy, ruffs a diamond and takes the A-K of trumps. If trumps broke 4-1, South would have to guess how to proceed, but when trumps break 3-2, he ruffs another diamond.
When diamonds break 3-3, South draws trumps, leads a heart to dummy and discards a heart on the good diamond. If diamonds broke 4-2, South would succeed if hearts broke 3-3.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S 6 5 4 H J 10 D K 8 3 C A K 10 7 3. Your partner opens one heart, you respond two clubs and he rebids two hearts. What do you say?
ANSWER: This situation is a bit awkward. You have enough strength for one more forward-going bid, inviting game, but have no attractive call. To bid 2NT with such weak spades doesn’t appeal. Raise to three hearts. You would prefer to have three-card support, but the doubleton J-10 will have to do.
North dealer
Both sides vulnerable
NORTH
S K 7
H A K 4
D Q 10 7 5 4 2
C 8 5
WEST
S 6 5 4
H J 10
D K 8 3
C A K 10 7 3
EAST
S 8 2
H 9 8 7 6
D A J 9
C J 6 4 2
SOUTH
S A Q J 10 9 3
H Q 5 3 2
D 6
C Q 9
North East South West
1 D Pass 1 S Pass
2 D Pass 2 H Pass
2 S Pass 4 S All Pass
Opening lead — C K
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-01-10--Horoscopes Jan. 10, 2020: Pat Benatar, look at your options.

Happy Birthday : Engage in what makes you happy .
Look at your options , and put your experience to good use .
What you ’ ve learned the past few years will come in handy when dealing with people , cutting deals and taking care of yourself and the ones you care about most .
Keep others guessing , and it will buy you time and leverage to excel .
Your numbers are 9 , 16 , 22 , 26 , 31 , 39 , 48 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Don ’ t leave any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responsibilities , and get on with your day .
If someone wants to start a fight , refuse to take part .
Use your time wisely , and don ’ t spend more than you can afford .
Make personal improvements .
2 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Make a change if it will help you take advantage of a unique opportunity .
Speak up about your feelings , intentions and plans , and you will get positive feedback from someone who can help you turn your dream into a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 21-June 20 ) : Use your charm , looks and finesse to get what you want .
Compliments and incentives will encourage others to help you .
Taking physical action will help you get things done on time .
Romance will make a difference in the response you receive .
3 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : If something is bothering you , speak up and air your feelings .
The only way to get past a situation is to communicate .
Good relationships with the one or ones you love @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your day unfolds .
3 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Take care of your health .
Physical fitness , proper diet , plenty of sleep and doing whatever you can to ease stress is encouraged .
Don ’ t let what others do stifle your plans or cause you to miss out on something you want to pursue .
3 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Lend a helping hand ; the reward and satisfaction you receive will improve your day .
Participating in events that bring joy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family will pay off .
Show passion in all you pursue .
4 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Watch out , and avoid getting into an argument or involved in a matter that doesn ’ t concern you .
Refuse to let anyone draw you into his or her drama .
Meddling will lead to blame and bad feelings .
Look inward , and focus on personal growth .
2 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Discussions , research and asking questions will reveal information that will help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be as it appears ; once the truth is out in the open , you will find a way to use the information to your benefit .
5 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : If you want to know the truth , go directly to the source .
Personal gain is possible if you are willing to move forward on your own .
Trust and invest in yourself , not someone else ’ s plan .
3 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : The element of surprise will work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be too eager to share your ideas , plans or secrets .
Put time aside to celebrate your victory with someone you deem unique .
Remember to play as hard as you work .
3 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : The change that someone makes will be a sign of what ’ s to come .
Take time to relax and rejuvenate .
You will get a much clearer picture if you are well-rested .
Personal physical improvements are favored .
3 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sparks your imagination and encourages you to interact with people who can contribute to whatever it is you want to pursue .
Getting back to basics or reaching out to someone from your past is encouraged .
5 stars Birthday Baby : You are intuitive , passionate and useful .
You are possessive and convincing .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Evan Handler, 59; Pat Benatar, 67; George Foreman, 71; Rod Stewart, 75.
Happy Birthday: Engage in what makes you happy. Look at your options, and put your experience to good use. What you’ve learned the past few years will come in handy when dealing with people, cutting deals and taking care of yourself and the ones you care about most. Keep others guessing, and it will buy you time and leverage to excel. Your numbers are 9, 16, 22, 26, 31, 39, 48.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Don’t leave any room for complaints. Take care of responsibilities, and get on with your day. If someone wants to start a fight, refuse to take part. Use your time wisely, and don’t spend more than you can afford. Make personal improvements. 2 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Make a change if it will help you take advantage of a unique opportunity. Speak up about your feelings, intentions and plans, and you will get positive feedback from someone who can help you turn your dream into a reality. 4 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Use your charm, looks and finesse to get what you want. Compliments and incentives will encourage others to help you. Taking physical action will help you get things done on time. Romance will make a difference in the response you receive. 3 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): If something is bothering you, speak up and air your feelings. The only way to get past a situation is to communicate. Good relationships with the one or ones you love will make a difference to the way your day unfolds. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Take care of your health. Physical fitness, proper diet, plenty of sleep and doing whatever you can to ease stress is encouraged. Don’t let what others do stifle your plans or cause you to miss out on something you want to pursue. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Lend a helping hand; the reward and satisfaction you receive will improve your day. Participating in events that bring joy to others or enhance your community or family will pay off. Show passion in all you pursue. 4 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Watch out, and avoid getting into an argument or involved in a matter that doesn’t concern you. Refuse to let anyone draw you into his or her drama. Meddling will lead to blame and bad feelings. Look inward, and focus on personal growth. 2 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Discussions, research and asking questions will reveal information that will help you make a decision. Nothing will be as it appears; once the truth is out in the open, you will find a way to use the information to your benefit. 5 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): If you want to know the truth, go directly to the source. Personal gain is possible if you are willing to move forward on your own. Trust and invest in yourself, not someone else’s plan. 3 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The element of surprise will work in your favor. Don’t be too eager to share your ideas, plans or secrets. Put time aside to celebrate your victory with someone you deem unique. Remember to play as hard as you work. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): The change that someone makes will be a sign of what’s to come. Take time to relax and rejuvenate. You will get a much clearer picture if you are well-rested. Personal physical improvements are favored. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Engage in something that is unique, sparks your imagination and encourages you to interact with people who can contribute to whatever it is you want to pursue. Getting back to basics or reaching out to someone from your past is encouraged. 5 stars
Birthday Baby: You are intuitive, passionate and useful. You are possessive and convincing.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-01-10--Ask Amy: My new husband has become very strange about my job

DEAR AMY : I met my husband at my workplace .
After three years of dating , we recently got married .
Now , our workplace has become really stressful .
I have wanted to quit my job and change jobs for the past year , but when I brought this up , my husband ( who was still my boyfriend at the time ) was against it .
I thought he was probably just being possessive .
After we got married , he still went deathly cold on me if I so much as mentioned quitting .
The situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t even go to the office without me .
What is the psychology behind this behavior ?
• Ask Amy : I learned upsetting news about my husband ’ s past • Ask Amy : I was ordered to flirt with my gay client • Ask Amy : Are these compliments offensive to women ?
• Ask Amy : She dumped her son on us and disappeared • Ask Amy : Her guilt trip has me thinking dark thoughts DEAR NEWLYWED : When it comes to relationships , I seldom react with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most relationships are complex , layered , and — with effort — are often reparable .
However , I am alarmed by your situation .
I believe that you should not only leave your job , but you should also leave this relationship — and take extreme care when you do so , because — based only on what you report — this is a risky and potentially dangerous situation for you .
The psychology behind your husband ’ s behavior is fairly transparent .
Yes , he is being possessive .
Now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entitled to clamp down on his possessiveness , which has morphed into extreme control .
Given the dynamic in your marriage , you should take steps to avoid getting pregnant .
Pregnancy and a child would likely delay or prevent your exit .
I hope you will take your situation extremely seriously and develop a safety plan for when you are ready to leave .
Victims of intimate partner violence ( IPV ) are at an extremely heightened risk when leaving , and it is important to have a plan in place .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ contacting the National Domestic Violence Hotline ( thehotline.org or call 800-799-7233 ) .
It is important to make sure you contact The Hotline safely — if you and your husband share a computer at home and if he can check your phone or computer searches at work , you could be at risk .
Do your research and make the Hotline call from a friend ’ s computer or phone .
I genuinely hope I am overreacting to your situation .
I also hope you will take this very seriously .
DEAR AMY @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” joined a local theater group five years ago .
Her younger brother ( there is a five-year age difference ) is now old enough to join , and has asked to enroll .
She is livid .
She says it is her “ thing , ” and that letting him be part of it will ruin it for her .
Should I deny her brother the opportunity to participate in this theater group , or let him join , at the risk of upsetting her ?
DEAR CONCERNED : As a sibling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sibling quite naturally wants to have their own “ thing.
” Many siblings instinctively avoid one another ’ s specialties and special interests .
As a parent , however , I don ’ t think you should let your daughter push the family around .
“ Annie ” does not get to own “ theater ” as an overall pursuit .
Dionysus , the Greek patron of the theater , would not be pleased .
You know the dynamic in your household , and if your son is interested in this mainly to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encourage him to pursue something else .
Otherwise , yes , I believe you should let your son join this theater group .
Tell your daughter that — if he ’ s interested — he deserves to pursue this , and that you are going to let him give it a try .
Unlike in sports , where a five-year age difference would put the children on different teams , these two are likely to perform in productions together .
I encourage families to get their kids involved in theater because the sense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pro-social behavior .
Once Annie adjusts to this , it could be a bonding experience for both .
I assume Annie will find a way to discourage her little brother from close contact during rehearsals , but you should caution your son to give his sister plenty of space .
She is not going to want to hang out with him .
DEAR AMY : I ’ m responding to “ Grounded , ” whose retired husband was spending their money traveling while she worked .
When someone asked me why I didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ vacations , ” I simply told them that one of us had to be the responsible adult .
Pointed , yes , but it answered the question without having to say much more .
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 .

DEAR AMY: I met my husband at my workplace. After three years of dating, we recently got married. Now, our workplace has become really stressful.
I have wanted to quit my job and change jobs for the past year, but when I brought this up, my husband (who was still my boyfriend at the time) was against it. I thought he was probably just being possessive.
After we got married, he still went deathly cold on me if I so much as mentioned quitting. The situation has become so bizarre that he won’t even go to the office without me.
What is the psychology behind this behavior?
Newlywed
Related Articles Advice | Ask Amy: I found the videos she posted about me, with all the demeaning comments
Ask Amy: I found the videos she posted about me, with all the demeaning comments Advice | Ask Amy: My fiance wants me to stay home. Should I bolt?
Ask Amy: My fiance wants me to stay home. Should I bolt? Advice | Ask Amy: Why did she react that way? It was a compliment!
Ask Amy: Why did she react that way? It was a compliment! Advice | Ask Amy: I’ve told them they need therapy, and they refuse to do it. What now?
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 DEAR NEWLYWED: When it comes to relationships, I seldom react with total certitude, because I acknowledge that most relationships are complex, layered, and — with effort — are often reparable.
However, I am alarmed by your situation. I believe that you should not only leave your job, but you should also leave this relationship — and take extreme care when you do so, because — based only on what you report — this is a risky and potentially dangerous situation for you.
The psychology behind your husband’s behavior is fairly transparent. Yes, he is being possessive. Now that you are married, he feels entitled to clamp down on his possessiveness, which has morphed into extreme control.
Given the dynamic in your marriage, you should take steps to avoid getting pregnant. Pregnancy and a child would likely delay or prevent your exit.
I hope you will take your situation extremely seriously and develop a safety plan for when you are ready to leave. Victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) are at an extremely heightened risk when leaving, and it is important to have a plan in place.
You could take the first steps by contacting the National Domestic Violence Hotline (thehotline.org or call 800-799-7233). It is important to make sure you contact The Hotline safely — if you and your husband share a computer at home and if he can check your phone or computer searches at work, you could be at risk. Do your research and make the Hotline call from a friend’s computer or phone.
I genuinely hope I am overreacting to your situation. I also hope you will take this very seriously.
DEAR AMY: My daughter, “Annie,” joined a local theater group five years ago. Her younger brother (there is a five-year age difference) is now old enough to join, and has asked to enroll.
She is livid. She says it is her “thing,” and that letting him be part of it will ruin it for her.
Should I deny her brother the opportunity to participate in this theater group, or let him join, at the risk of upsetting her?
Concerned Mother
DEAR CONCERNED: As a sibling, I understand this dynamic. Each sibling quite naturally wants to have their own “thing.” Many siblings instinctively avoid one another’s specialties and special interests.
As a parent, however, I don’t think you should let your daughter push the family around. “Annie” does not get to own “theater” as an overall pursuit.
Dionysus, the Greek patron of the theater, would not be pleased.
You know the dynamic in your household, and if your son is interested in this mainly to bug his sister, then you should encourage him to pursue something else.
Otherwise, yes, I believe you should let your son join this theater group. Tell your daughter that — if he’s interested — he deserves to pursue this, and that you are going to let him give it a try.
Unlike in sports, where a five-year age difference would put the children on different teams, these two are likely to perform in productions together. I encourage families to get their kids involved in theater because the sense of community and togetherness in performing encourages pro-social behavior.
Once Annie adjusts to this, it could be a bonding experience for both.
I assume Annie will find a way to discourage her little brother from close contact during rehearsals, but you should caution your son to give his sister plenty of space. She is not going to want to hang out with him.
Want Ask Amy delivered to your inbox for free on weekdays?
DEAR AMY: I’m responding to “Grounded,” whose retired husband was spending their money traveling while she worked.
When someone asked me why I didn’t accompany my husband on his “vacations,” I simply told them that one of us had to be the responsible adult.
Pointed, yes, but it answered the question without having to say much more.
Elsie
DEAR ELSIE: Yep, that covers it nicely.
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--2020-01-10--Letter: Magee links open spaces, offers Danville’s best views

My wife and I moved to Danville in 1988 and subsequently built a house in Alamo .
We give generously to open space and land preservation efforts because the beauty and accessibility of the hills , trails and ridgelines are what make our area so special .
I recall visiting the Magee property 25 years ago through the YMCA Indian Guides outdoor youth program when Jed Magee hosted youngsters to explain about the Native American heritage of the area and local ranching .
The land remained off limits to the public and last year I was able to return .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Danville , the keystone to linkage of multiple open spaces , and the most beautiful set of ridgelines and views in Danville .
It must be protected and the Magee family has graciously proposed a project that maximizes those land protections for public benefit .
• Letter : AB 5 is a terrible law — and here ’ s the saddest part • Letter : Was Soleimani killed to distract from impeachment ?
• Letter : Chief Justice Roberts must make a statement on this • Letter : Trump is many things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Letter : US generals must decide whether to obey Trump Vote yes on Y on March 3 .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Magee links open spaces,
offers Danville’s best views
My wife and I moved to Danville in 1988 and subsequently built a house in Alamo. We give generously to open space and land preservation efforts because the beauty and accessibility of the hills, trails and ridgelines are what make our area so special.
I recall visiting the Magee property 25 years ago through the YMCA Indian Guides outdoor youth program when Jed Magee hosted youngsters to explain about the Native American heritage of the area and local ranching. The land remained off limits to the public and last year I was able to return.
I believe it to be the gem of Danville, the keystone to linkage of multiple open spaces, and the most beautiful set of ridgelines and views in Danville. It must be protected and the Magee family has graciously proposed a project that maximizes those land protections for public benefit.
Related Articles Letters to the Editor | Letters: Escape Bay Area | CASA program | Feinstein replacement | Faulty comparison | Not conservatives
Letters: Escape Bay Area | CASA program | Feinstein replacement | Faulty comparison | Not conservatives Letters to the Editor | Letters: Psychiatric beds | SJSU neglect | Squandering cash | Overdoing coverage | Pac-12 negotiations | For climate’s sake | Electric appliances
Letters: Psychiatric beds | SJSU neglect | Squandering cash | Overdoing coverage | Pac-12 negotiations | For climate’s sake | Electric appliances Letters to the Editor | Letters: Abandoning tenants | Deaf culture | Western contributions | Conservative alienation | Precise language
Letters: Abandoning tenants | Deaf culture | Western contributions | Conservative alienation | Precise language Letters to the Editor | Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path
Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps Vote yes on Y on March 3.
David Hammond
Alamo
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
Read more Letters to the Editor


mercurynews--2020-01-11--49ers fan food: How about a gold-dusted steak for the playoffs?

It ’ s been a looooong time since the San Francisco 49ers were in the NFL playoffs .
And never before at Levi ’ s Stadium .
So the chefs at the team ’ s Santa Clara home have decided to up their culinary game .
For Saturday ’ s divisional playoff against the Minnesota Vikings , fans with access to the Citrix Owners Club — and no , if you have to ask you can ’ t afford it — will enjoy ribeye and tomahawk steaks dusted with 24-carat edible gold flakes , a glittery tribute to the team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They ’ ll toast the team with champagne or the signature cocktail , a Blood Orange Old Fashioned made with fresh blood orange juice , honey , rosemary syrup and Gold Bar Whiskey .
And the fans in the cheap seats — and yes , cheap is relative when it comes to postseason play — will find some new food choices too : Loaded Bulgogi Pork Nachos with kimchi at stands near Sections 124 and 303 ; Fritos Cheesy Elote Nachos , made with roasted corn , jalapeños , cotija cheese and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sections 108 and 302 ; and a San Francisco classic , Dungeness Crab Sammy , behind Section 124 .

It’s been a looooong time since the San Francisco 49ers were in the NFL playoffs. And never before at Levi’s Stadium.
So the chefs at the team’s Santa Clara home have decided to up their culinary game.
For Saturday’s divisional playoff against the Minnesota Vikings, fans with access to the Citrix Owners Club — and no, if you have to ask you can’t afford it — will enjoy ribeye and tomahawk steaks dusted with 24-carat edible gold flakes, a glittery tribute to the team’s Gold Rush mascot and branding.
They’ll toast the team with champagne or the signature cocktail, a Blood Orange Old Fashioned made with fresh blood orange juice, honey, rosemary syrup and Gold Bar Whiskey.
Guests in suites will receive 49ers-themed chocolate bars.
And the fans in the cheap seats — and yes, cheap is relative when it comes to postseason play — will find some new food choices too: Loaded Bulgogi Pork Nachos with kimchi at stands near Sections 124 and 303; Fritos Cheesy Elote Nachos, made with roasted corn, jalapeños, cotija cheese and Flamin’ Hot Cheeto dust, behind Sections 108 and 302; and a San Francisco classic, Dungeness Crab Sammy, behind Section 124.


mercurynews--2020-01-11--Neil Peart: 7 songs that truly show the Rush drummer’s greatness

CLICK HERE if you are having trouble viewing these photos on a mobile device .
Neil Peart , one of the greatest drummers in rock ‘ n ’ roll history , died on Tuesday ( Jan. 7 ) at after a long battle with brain cancer .
Let ’ s take the chance to remember the Rush drummer and lyricist through his music .
Here are seven songs that truly underscore Peart ’ s greatness .
Choose “ Freewill , ” indeed , if you want to hear some classic Peart work .
A powerhouse performance from Rush ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” “ YYZ ” takes its name from the Toronto airport ( YYZ ) .
One of those tracks that separated Peart from basically every other rock drummer on the planet .
Peart ’ s work is breathtaking on this 10-minute track that closes Rush ’ s fifth studio album , “ A Farewell to Kings.
” And Peart might be even better ( if that ’ s possible ) on Book II of “ Cygnus X-1 , ” which fills up the entirety of the first side of Rush ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clocking in at over 9½ minutes , and consisting of 12 parts , “ La Villa Strangiato ” is a delight for drum aficionados .
It appears on the second side of “ Hemispheres.
” We ’ ve all heard this one so many times on classic rock radio that its greatness might almost come across as commonplace by now .
But it ’ s truly anything but common .
It ’ s a master at the height of his game .

CLICK HERE if you are having trouble viewing these photos on a mobile device.
Neil Peart, one of the greatest drummers in rock ‘n’ roll history, died on Tuesday (Jan. 7) at after a long battle with brain cancer.
He was 67.
Let’s take the chance to remember the Rush drummer and lyricist through his music. Here are seven songs that truly underscore Peart’s greatness.
“Freewill” (1980)
Choose “Freewill,” indeed, if you want to hear some classic Peart work.
“YYZ” (1981)
A powerhouse performance from Rush’s eighth studio album, “Moving Pictures,” “YYZ” takes its name from the Toronto airport (YYZ).
“Jacob’s Ladder” (1980)
One of those tracks that separated Peart from basically every other rock drummer on the planet.
“Cygnus X-1 Book I: The Voyage” (1977)
Peart’s work is breathtaking on this 10-minute track that closes Rush’s fifth studio album, “A Farewell to Kings.”
“Cygnus X-1 Book II: Hemispheres” (1978)
And Peart might be even better (if that’s possible) on Book II of “Cygnus X-1,” which fills up the entirety of the first side of Rush’s sixth studio album, “Hemispheres.”
“La Villa Strangiato” (1978)
Clocking in at over 9½ minutes, and consisting of 12 parts, “La Villa Strangiato” is a delight for drum aficionados. It appears on the second side of “Hemispheres.”
“Tom Sawyer” (1981)
We’ve all heard this one so many times on classic rock radio that its greatness might almost come across as commonplace by now. But it’s truly anything but common. It’s a master at the height of his game.


mercurynews--2020-01-10--Ed Sprague Sr., original Oakland A’s player, dies at 74

OAKLAND — Former original Oakland A ’ s pitcher Ed Sprague Sr. , a right-hander who played eight seasons with four different teams , has died .
He was 74 .
The A ’ s announced Friday that Sprague had died but didn ’ t provide further details .
He spent his first two seasons with Oakland and Sprague ’ s son , Ed Sprague Jr. , is the A ’ s director of player development .
His granddaughter , Payton , also works for the organization as partnership marketing manager .
“ The A ’ s organization is deeply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sr. , an original member of the 1968 Oakland A ’ s team and the 1969 club , ” the team said in a statement .
“ He was the first of three generations to be part of the A ’ s family , and our condolences are with Ed Jr. , granddaughter Payton , and the entire Sprague family during this difficult time.
” Sprague posted a 17-23 career record with a 3.84 ERA and nine saves over 198 appearances — 23 career starts — with the A ’ s , Cincinnati @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best season came in 1974 with the Brewers .
Sprague was 7-2 with a 2.39 ERA and three complete games over a career-high 94.0 innings .
Sprague was born Sept. 16 , 1945 , in Boston .

OAKLAND — Former major league pitcher Ed Sprague Sr., who grew up in Hayward and later made the first relief pitching appearance in Oakland A’s history, has died. He was 74.
Sprague, a right-hander who played eight seasons with four teams, was an original member of the A’s in 1968 and became the first Oakland reliever to save a game at Fenway Park as well as win a game at Yankee Stadium.
The A’s announced Friday that Sprague had died but didn’t provide further details. He spent his first two seasons with Oakland and Sprague’s son, Ed Sprague Jr., also a former major league player, is the A’s director of player development. His granddaughter, Payton, also works for the organization as partnership marketing manager.
“The A’s organization is deeply saddened by the passing of Ed Sprague Sr., an original member of the 1968 Oakland A’s team and the 1969 club,” the team said in a statement. “He was the first of three generations to be part of the A’s family, and our condolences are with Ed Jr., granddaughter Payton, and the entire Sprague family during this difficult time.”
Sprague Sr. was a graduate of now-defunct Sunset High in Hayward, where he played with two-time major league All-Star shortstop Bud Harrelson. Sprague Sr. made his major league debut at age 22 when he relieved Catfish Hunter in the seventh inning of a 3-1 loss in Baltimore in the first-ever Oakland A’s game. He also had the distinction of being the first Oakland A’s pitcher to give up a home run when Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson took him deep in the eighth inning on April 10, 1968.
Sprague posted a 17-23 career record with a 3.84 ERA and nine saves over 198 appearances — 23 career starts — with the A’s, Cincinnati, St. Louis and Milwaukee. He played for the A’s in 1968 and ’69 and had a career-high four saves in his season.
His best season came in 1974 with the Brewers. Sprague was 7-2 with a 2.39 ERA and three complete games over a career-high 94.0 innings.
Sprague was born Sept. 16, 1945, in Boston.
Associated Press contributed to this report.