mercurynews--2020-07-04--Giants’ Jeff Samardzija calls out MLB owners over fan safety

SAN FRANCISCO — Giants pitcher Jeff Samardzija thinks he has an advantage on most of his Major League peers , and he ’ s looking to press it .
But he ’ s not sure Major League Baseball ’ s owners will give him the opportunity .
You see , Samardzija has played in front of empty stands before .
And we ’ re not talking about a two-bad-teams-on-a-cold-Tuesday-in-September kind of empty — no , we ’ re talking about 100 percent unfilled seats .
It happened back in 2015 , when Samardzija started a game for the Chicago White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the death of Freddie Gray while he was in police custody and the violent protests that followed in that city .
The game was ordered to be played behind closed doors .
Attendance : zero .
Of course , the current expectation is that because of the COVID-19 pandemic baseball fans won ’ t be allowed into the ballpark for the 60-game regular season that will start in a few weeks .
But when Samardzija was asked about his experience in 2015 and what he could carry from that into the 2020 season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Summer Camp ” at Oracle Park Friday , the veteran righty took the opportunity to take a shot at Major League Baseball ’ s owners .
“ I wouldn ’ t put the cart before the horse there , ” Samardzija said .
“ I think there ’ s going to be fans in the stands .
I think we ’ ve seen with these owners , they ’ re not scared of anything… They ’ re not scared to put anyone at risk if they get the opportunity to , especially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kurtenbach : Giants return was far from normal • What will baseball look like ?
A refresher on MLB ’ s new rules for the 60-game season • On this date , 1998 : Giants ’ Hershiser wins in first game against Dodgers • On this date , 1963 : Marichal outduels Spahn in 16-inning showdown Samardzija might have been placing his tongue in his cheek a bit , his comment highlighted the fact that , despite the fact that the season has re-started following weeks of contentious labor negotiations , tensions between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His prediction of fans being in the stands isn ’ t off-base , either .
While such a scenario seems unlikely in California , Houston Astros owner Jim Crane said last month that he expects to allow fans into home games this year in an effort to counter some of the revenue losses brought on by the pandemic-shorted season .
“ That ’ s the way it ’ s going to be .
The owners have already said that ’ s what they want , ” Samardzija said .
“ But to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be safe , too .
If that means they have to watch us from home , so be it.
” As for his experience pitching in front of an empty ballpark : “ For one game of the season , I ’ m gon na have a huge advantage of playing in front of no fans before , ” Samardzija said .
“ So I ’ m excited about that .
And we ’ ll take full advantage of that.
” Samardzija should hope that history helps him the second time around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he allowed seven earned runs in five innings pitched .

SAN FRANCISCO — Giants pitcher Jeff Samardzija thinks he has an advantage on most of his Major League peers, and he’s looking to press it.
But he’s not sure Major League Baseball’s owners will give him the opportunity.
You see, Samardzija has played in front of empty stands before. And we’re not talking about a two-bad-teams-on-a-cold-Tuesday-in-September kind of empty — no, we’re talking about 100 percent unfilled seats.
It happened back in 2015, when Samardzija started a game for the Chicago White Sox against the Orioles in Baltimore following the death of Freddie Gray while he was in police custody and the violent protests that followed in that city. The game was ordered to be played behind closed doors. Attendance: zero.
Of course, the current expectation is that because of the COVID-19 pandemic baseball fans won’t be allowed into the ballpark for the 60-game regular season that will start in a few weeks.
But when Samardzija was asked about his experience in 2015 and what he could carry from that into the 2020 season at the Giants’ first day of “Summer Camp” at Oracle Park Friday, the veteran righty took the opportunity to take a shot at Major League Baseball’s owners.
“I wouldn’t put the cart before the horse there,” Samardzija said. “I think there’s going to be fans in the stands. I think we’ve seen with these owners, they’re not scared of anything… They’re not scared to put anyone at risk if they get the opportunity to, especially if it makes them money.”
Samardzija might have been placing his tongue in his cheek a bit, his comment highlighted the fact that, despite the fact that the season has re-started following weeks of contentious labor negotiations, tensions between the players and owners are still high.
His prediction of fans being in the stands isn’t off-base, either. While such a scenario seems unlikely in California, Houston Astros owner Jim Crane said last month that he expects to allow fans into home games this year in an effort to counter some of the revenue losses brought on by the pandemic-shorted season.
“That’s the way it’s going to be. The owners have already said that’s what they want,” Samardzija said. “But to the fans: I just want them to be safe, too. If that means they have to watch us from home, so be it.”
As for his experience pitching in front of an empty ballpark:
“For one game of the season, I’m gonna have a huge advantage of playing in front of no fans before,” Samardzija said. “So I’m excited about that. And we’ll take full advantage of that.”
Samardzija should hope that history helps him the second time around. In that fan-free game in Baltimore, he allowed seven earned runs in five innings pitched.


mercurynews--2020-07-04--Two death row inmates in San Quentin die of COVID-19 amid growing prison outbreak

Two men on death row at San Quentin Prison died of complications from COVID-19 on Friday amid a growing outbreak at the Marin County facility , the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation announced .
Scott Thomas Erskine , 57 , who had been on death row since 2004 and Manuel Machado Alvarez , 59 , on death row since 1989 , both died on Friday from apparent COVID-19 related complications , CDCR said in a news release .
Both died at outside hospitals , the department said , but details on their exact location were not immediately available .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ San Quentin , including 944 in the past 14 days , a massive outbreak Gov .
Gavin Newsom earlier this week called a “ deep area of focus and concern.
” Newsom said his team would consider releasing high-risk inmates and those close to finishing their prison sentence .
There have also been 1,012 cases at the Chuckawalla Valley State Prison and 907 at the California Institution for Men , in Chino , where 16 people have died from the virus .
By last Saturday the state had transferred five inmates from San @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City , where the state had an agreement with the hospital to provide additional beds for COVID-19 patients .
It ’ s unclear if Erskine and Alvarez were among those transferred to that hospital .
Erskine had been imprisoned since 1994 on charges including oral copulation with force , penetration with a foreign object , rape and possession of a firearm by an ex-felon .
He was sentenced to death in San Diego County in 2004 for the 1993 murders of Charles Keever , 13 , and Jonathon Sellers , 9 , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Otay Riverbed in San Diego County .
Alvarez was sentenced to death in Sacramento County in 1989 after he raped a 38-year-old woman , fled in a stolen car , fatally wounded a 35-year-old man while attempting to rob him and stealing a car from a 78-year-old woman after knocking her unconscious , all over a four-day period .
He was arrested 12 days later in Mississippi after fleeing California .
There have been 5,280 cases and 24 COVID-19 deaths in California prisons , a ratio of 47.1 cases per 1,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases per 1,000 people .

A third man on death row at San Quentin Prison died of complications from COVID-19 on Saturday, a day after the virus claimed the lives of two others.
The three deaths come amid a growing outbreak at the Marin County facility, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation announced.
Dewayne Michael Carey, 59, died at an outside hospital, the agency announced. He had been on death row since 1996, after being convicted of first-degree murder in Los Angeles County.
Scott Thomas Erskine, 57, who had been on death row since 2004, and Manuel Machado Alvarez, 59, on death row since 1989, both died on Friday at outside hospitals, the department said.
Details on the exact location where the three died were not immediately available.
There have been 1,408 COVID-19 cases at San Quentin, including 944 in the past 14 days, a massive outbreak Gov. Gavin Newsom earlier this week called a “deep area of focus and concern.” Newsom said his team would consider releasing high-risk inmates and those close to finishing their prison sentence. There have also been 1,012 cases at the Chuckawalla Valley State Prison and 907 at the California Institution for Men, in Chino, where 16 people have died from the virus.
By last Saturday the state had transferred five inmates from San Quentin to Seton Medical Center in Daly City, where the state had an agreement with the hospital to provide additional beds for COVID-19 patients. It’s unclear if Erskine, Alvarez and Carey were among those transferred to that hospital.
Erskine had been imprisoned since 1994 on charges including oral copulation with force, penetration with a foreign object, rape and possession of a firearm by an ex-felon. He was sentenced to death in San Diego County in 2004 for the 1993 murders of Charles Keever, 13, and Jonathon Sellers, 9, who were found dead after riding their bicycles to the Otay Riverbed in San Diego County.
Alvarez was sentenced to death in Sacramento County in 1989 after he raped a 38-year-old woman, fled in a stolen car, fatally wounded a 35-year-old man while attempting to rob him and stealing a car from a 78-year-old woman after knocking her unconscious, all over a four-day period. He was arrested 12 days later in Mississippi after fleeing California.
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COVID-19 cases are skyrocketing in San Quentin, Corcoran prisons Health | State investigating San Quentin inmate’s death amid coronavirus case spike There have been 5,280 cases and 24 COVID-19 deaths in California prisons, a ratio of 47.1 cases per 1,000 people — the statewide rate is 6.2 cases per 1,000 people.
The state currently has 721 prisoners on death row.


mercurynews--2020-07-04--Bay Area residents venture out for Fourth of July weekend even as coronavirus cases rise

CLICK HERE if you are having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device Even as fog hugged the coastline , barricades blocked beach access in places and public health officials urged people to stay home , residents from Oakland to Santa Cruz ventured outdoors in search of some semblance of normalcy over the Fourth of July weekend .
By 10 a.m. Friday , a steady line of cars was streaming west on Highway 92 toward Half Moon Bay , past fruit stands , dinosaur sculptures and a sign advertising goat yoga at Lemos Farm .
“ I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a long time , ” the Oakland resident said .
“ I just wanted to get out.
” The fact that the city had hastily announced Thursday it would shutter its beaches in an attempt to limit the spread of the deadly coronavirus didn ’ t deter her or hundreds of others from venturing out .
Earlier in the week , Gov .
Gavin Newsom said parking lots at state beaches in Southern California and the Bay Area would be closed in a bid to reduce traffic over the holiday weekend , after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raised alarm among public health officials , who warned that having so many people in close proximity to each other could fuel the spread of the virus .
With the number of COVID-19 cases in California now surging north of 245,000 and deaths rising above 6,000 , Newsom has cautioned in recent days against such crowded gatherings and also warned that the state could become more aggressive about enforcing public health orders such as mask wearing and social distancing requirements .
In Santa Cruz , however , beaches remained open .
But turnout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekend appeared light .
Still , there was a stark difference in the number of people wearing masks between the privately run Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk , where masks are required to enter , and the rest of the oceanfront .
North of the boardwalk , masks were scarce , and people lolled in the sand at city beaches in clusters and crowded onto volleyball courts .
“ I can ’ t stand wearing a mask , ” said Dwayne Crook , a tourist from Wisconsin who was visiting Santa Cruz with family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel unsafe without a face covering .
“ Yeah , there ’ s a chance of contracting the virus , ” he acknowledged .
“ Everything is a chance .
Driving a car is a chance , life is a chance.
” Crook , a factory worker , said he has to wear a mask at work for 10 hours a day and hates it .
Nothing , he said , was going to compel him to wear one on vacation , out in the fresh air .
San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ packed Santana Row on Thursday night surfaced on Twitter .
“ Friends , we can not prevail over ( the ) coronavirus pandemic if we ’ re taking risks like this , ” Liccardo said .
“ Let ’ s all take individual responsibility for not imposing unacceptable health risks on others and ourselves.
” But by Friday afternoon , Santana Row was bustling again , as hundreds of people got ready for the weekend by shopping and dining out .
Restaurants were doing big business , with people packing outdoor dining areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full of folks enjoying the restaurant ’ s mammoth draft-beer selection and an array of burgers , nachos and other dishes .
Many diners weren ’ t wearing masks , but they could be seen virtually everywhere else .
Shoppers , including a sizable crowd outside of the popular Lululemon store , seemed to be trying to give each other space and follow recommended social distancing protocol despite the crowds .
People and vendors also dotted the shoreline at Lake Merritt in Oakland , picnicking and enjoying the sun .
But even at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to find a spot on the grass a safe distance from other people .
The Half Moon Bay beach closures didn ’ t stop Tamara and Jon Cogan , of Redwood City , from a seaside stroll .
The pair managed an early morning walk along the sand undisturbed .
But visitors seeking access to the beach a couple of hours later weren ’ t so lucky .
Those approaching the entrance to Half Moon Bay State Beach found their path blocked by orange cones and signage warning people not to proceed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ barricade , and a steady flow of optimistic walkers , bicyclists and rollerbladers streamed toward the beach — only to be met by stern but friendly city staff turning people around .
“ We do want people to come to our beaches , just not this weekend , ” said Victor Gaitan , a management analyst for the city , standing outside a temporary pop-up tent near an empty parking lot .
• Two death row inmates in San Quentin die of COVID-19 amid growing prison outbreak • She had a baby and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Area .
Then the coronavirus pandemic started • Opinion : The value of listening during the COVID-19 pandemic Despite sheriff ’ s officers patrolling the sand on ATVs and other officials riding bikes along the coastline in search of scofflaws , a few beachgoers made their way down to the ocean through unmonitored pathways , only to be spotted and run off in a game of whack-a-mole that appeared to be heating up as the temperature rose .
Matt Quick was willing to chance a citation .
The Baltimore , Maryland , resident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his job in the food service industry and just wanted to see the Pacific Ocean before heading home .
“ Bit of a disappointment , ” Quick said of being ushered off the beach after snapping a quick photo .
“ I didn ’ t know it would be like this .
”

Emily DeRuy, Thomas Peele, Jim Harrington

CLICK HERE if you are having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device
Even as fog hugged the coastline, barricades blocked beach access in places and public health officials urged people to stay home, residents from Oakland to Santa Cruz ventured outdoors in search of some semblance of normalcy over the Fourth of July weekend.
By 10 a.m. Friday, a steady line of cars was streaming west on Highway 92 toward Half Moon Bay, past fruit stands, dinosaur sculptures and a sign advertising goat yoga at Lemos Farm.
Outside Dad’s Luncheonette, Nadia Khuzaie waited patiently to order a sandwich.
“I’ve been wanting to try this place a long time,” the Oakland resident said. “I just wanted to get out.”
The fact that the city had hastily announced Thursday it would shutter its beaches in an attempt to limit the spread of the deadly coronavirus didn’t deter her or hundreds of others from venturing out.
Earlier in the week, Gov. Gavin Newsom said parking lots at state beaches in Southern California and the Bay Area would be closed in a bid to reduce traffic over the holiday weekend, after beach crowds on Memorial Day in May raised alarm among public health officials, who warned that having so many people in close proximity to each other could fuel the spread of the virus.
With the number of COVID-19 cases in California now surging north of 245,000 and deaths rising above 6,000, Newsom has cautioned in recent days against such crowded gatherings and also warned that the state could become more aggressive about enforcing public health orders such as mask wearing and social distancing requirements.
In Santa Cruz, however, beaches remained open. But turnout on the first day of the long weekend appeared light. Still, there was a stark difference in the number of people wearing masks between the privately run Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, where masks are required to enter, and the rest of the oceanfront. North of the boardwalk, masks were scarce, and people lolled in the sand at city beaches in clusters and crowded onto volleyball courts.
“I can’t stand wearing a mask,” said Dwayne Crook, a tourist from Wisconsin who was visiting Santa Cruz with family members and said he didn’t feel unsafe without a face covering.
“Yeah, there’s a chance of contracting the virus,” he acknowledged. “Everything is a chance. Driving a car is a chance, life is a chance.”
Crook, a factory worker, said he has to wear a mask at work for 10 hours a day and hates it. Nothing, he said, was going to compel him to wear one on vacation, out in the fresh air.
San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo chided residents after a photo of a packed Santana Row on Thursday night surfaced on Twitter.
“Friends, we cannot prevail over (the) coronavirus pandemic if we’re taking risks like this,” Liccardo said. “Let’s all take individual responsibility for not imposing unacceptable health risks on others and ourselves.”
But by Friday afternoon, Santana Row was bustling again, as hundreds of people got ready for the weekend by shopping and dining out. Restaurants were doing big business, with people packing outdoor dining areas. Every table at Yard House was full of folks enjoying the restaurant’s mammoth draft-beer selection and an array of burgers, nachos and other dishes. Many diners weren’t wearing masks, but they could be seen virtually everywhere else.
Shoppers, including a sizable crowd outside of the popular Lululemon store, seemed to be trying to give each other space and follow recommended social distancing protocol despite the crowds.
People and vendors also dotted the shoreline at Lake Merritt in Oakland, picnicking and enjoying the sun. But even at mid-afternoon, there was plenty of space to find a spot on the grass a safe distance from other people.
The Half Moon Bay beach closures didn’t stop Tamara and Jon Cogan, of Redwood City, from a seaside stroll. The pair managed an early morning walk along the sand undisturbed.
But visitors seeking access to the beach a couple of hours later weren’t so lucky.
Those approaching the entrance to Half Moon Bay State Beach found their path blocked by orange cones and signage warning people not to proceed. Still, several cars blew through the barricade, and a steady flow of optimistic walkers, bicyclists and rollerbladers streamed toward the beach — only to be met by stern but friendly city staff turning people around.
“We do want people to come to our beaches, just not this weekend,” said Victor Gaitan, a management analyst for the city, standing outside a temporary pop-up tent near an empty parking lot.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge Despite sheriff’s officers patrolling the sand on ATVs and other officials riding bikes along the coastline in search of scofflaws, a few beachgoers made their way down to the ocean through unmonitored pathways, only to be spotted and run off in a game of whack-a-mole that appeared to be heating up as the temperature rose.
Matt Quick was willing to chance a citation. The Baltimore, Maryland, resident had spent days driving west after losing his job in the food service industry and just wanted to see the Pacific Ocean before heading home.
“Bit of a disappointment,” Quick said of being ushered off the beach after snapping a quick photo. “I didn’t know it would be like this.”
Bay Area News Group staff writer Nico Savidge contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-07-04--Fremont police seek public’s help in finding missing man with dementia

The Fremont Police Department is asking the public for help finding Alex Esparza , 68 , who is missing and @ @ @ @ @ , described as a 5 ’ 3″ bald white male , was last seen in @ @ @ @ @ a.m .
He was wearing a dark green jacket , blue jeans and black boots @ @ @ @ @ a news release .
Anyone with information about Esparza ’ s whereabouts is asked to @ @ @

The Fremont Police Department is asking the public for help finding Alex Esparza, 68, who is missing and considered at risk.
Esparza, described as a 5’3″ bald white male, was last seen in the Central/Fremont area around 11 a.m. He was wearing a dark green jacket, blue jeans and black boots, the department said in a news release.
Anyone with information about Esparza’s whereabouts is asked to call 911.


mercurynews--2020-07-04--Kurtenbach: Giants return was far from normal

SAN FRANCISCO — I used to love being in empty ballparks .
The thousands of unfilled seats used to stir my imagination .
I loved juxtaposing that calmness , that silence , with the raucousness of a full house at full throat .
The early or late access to these cathedrals of sports — and yes , I even include the Oakland Coliseum in that class — also served as a personal reminder to never take my job for granted .
Not many people have the ability to walk on the floor before and after an NBA Finals game or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manager before a Sunday matinee baseball game .
It was all undeniably cool , and I can ’ t tell you how many times security guards have told me that I ’ ve soaked it all in long enough .
I expected all of those positive emotions to rush back when I went to Oracle Park on Friday to take in the Giants ’ first preseason practice of their new season .
I thought I was going to be like the first day of school .
Instead , it felt like the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only emotion I felt was melancholy .
Truth be told , by the end of it , I couldn ’ t wait to leave .
Yes , baseball is back — another bit of our normal pre-COVID lives has returned — and that should be celebrated .
But , unsurprisingly , things have dramatically changed since baseball shut down Spring Training camps in March .
What ’ s going on in ballparks around the country right now isn ’ t normal , it ’ s just an adaptation to the trying circumstances of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things improve so this doesn ’ t become the only normal we remember .
Don ’ t get me wrong , I commend the Giants organization for their efforts to keep everyone at Oracle Park as safe as possible Friday — their jobs , top to bottom , are not easy right now — but the only juxtaposition I was drawing in my mind was between the world before and after COVID-19 , and it ’ s impossible for your mind to go there and not end up frustrated .
As for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I wish I could provide a more behind-the-scenes look of how the players and coaches are handling it , but the press is no longer allowed behind the scenes .
So in lieu of the good stuff , let me tell you how my day went .
By the end , I hope you ’ ll feel that the only thing you ’ re missing by not being allowed at games this year is a hassle .
The media ’ s new normal starts , as it seems most things do these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long , spaced-out line .
This one was down King Street .
As us media folks stood six feet apart to pick up our credential for the day , a couple of stadium handymen in a golf cart came and slapped some stickers on the ground asking us , in more specific terms , to continue doing just that .
I didn ’ t dare challenge the authority of the sticker .
When you reach the credential pick-up window , you then sign away all your rights to Major League Baseball .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ read the multiple-page waiver — I didn ’ t want to slow down the line — but I presume MLB commissioner Rob Manfred now owns one of my kidneys and can hold me fiscally liable for the sport ’ s revenue losses this season should I contract COVID-19 at Oracle Park .
Then comes a questionnaire — basically “ do you or anyone you know have the ‘ rona ?
” phased a dozen ways — and a temperature check .
I was told my reading was “ perfect ” .
Take that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enter the ballpark — after the bag check ( now behind a plastic shield ! )
, a metal detector scan , and a squirt of hand sanitizer .
Then you walk up the back ramp , traverse the empty concourse ( beer still costs nearly $ 15 ) , and finally , you ’ re at the press box .
There , I set up shop at a desk lined with tape ( another marker for distancing ) and watched a bunch of coaches and players on the field… stand around and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Others were not .
Generally , everyone was wearing a mask , like me .
At one point , Giants veterans Brandon Crawford and Brandon Belt ran around the perimeter of the infield .
This was the highlight of the day ’ s “ action ” .
Sadly , I can ’ t say if their gait looked regular-season ready .
Some pitchers also long-tossed in the outfield .
I didn ’ t bring a radar gun , so I can ’ t tell you if anyone was bringing the Grade-A heat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a number Friday , so a roster that is roughly 50 percent anonymous under normal circumstances was roughly 95 percent anonymous for the first workout of the year .
I wish Friday was more interesting , but it wasn ’ t .
It was the perfunctory amount of nothing you see during Spring Training or in the hours before the gates open before a game .
The only difference was all of the added protocols necessary for me to witness it firsthand .
Protocols that are so arduous ( though for good reason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imagine a circumstance where fans are allowed into the ballpark anytime soon .
Yes , it might be fun to watch a game under the summer sun with a beer in hand , but if this is what ’ s required to make that happen , you ’ re better off having that beer on your couch .
The frustrating part isn ’ t all the guidelines that must be adhered to or having to wear a mask all day — it ’ s the lack of access the media once had .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking readers behind the curtain , but there are so many more curtains now then there were before and the media isn ’ t allowed behind any of them .
For instance , before the pandemic , a baseball clubhouse was a free-for-all — the unwashed media horde would huddle in the middle of the room and one-by-one pick off players at their lockers on the perimeter .
The clubhouse is now a scheduled Zoom call .
Yes , the media , sitting more than six feet apart in the press box , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ player who was probably only a long-toss away inside the same ballpark .
And on Friday , we were kicked out of the ballpark before Giants manager Gabe Kapler jumped on Zoom to talk .
I joined that call from a field that ’ s not manicured quite as well as Oracle Park — a place where I imagine I ’ ll be spending a lot of time covering the Giants this baseball season : my back yard .

SAN FRANCISCO — I used to love being in empty ballparks. The thousands of unfilled seats used to stir my imagination. I loved juxtaposing that calmness, that silence, with the raucousness of a full house at full throat.
The early or late access to these cathedrals of sports — and yes, I even include the Oakland Coliseum in that class — also served as a personal reminder to never take my job for granted. Not many people have the ability to walk on the floor before and after an NBA Finals game or hang out in the dugout with the manager before a Sunday matinee baseball game. It was all undeniably cool, and I can’t tell you how many times security guards have told me that I’ve soaked it all in long enough.
I expected all of those positive emotions to rush back when I went to Oracle Park on Friday to take in the Giants’ first preseason practice of their new season. I thought I was going to be like the first day of school.
Instead, it felt like the first day in a minimum-security prison. The only emotion I felt was melancholy. Truth be told, by the end of it, I couldn’t wait to leave.
Yes, baseball is back — another bit of our normal pre-COVID lives has returned — and that should be celebrated. But, unsurprisingly, things have dramatically changed since baseball shut down Spring Training camps in March.
What’s going on in ballparks around the country right now isn’t normal, it’s just an adaptation to the trying circumstances of the day. My hope is that things improve so this doesn’t become the only normal we remember.
Don’t get me wrong, I commend the Giants organization for their efforts to keep everyone at Oracle Park as safe as possible Friday — their jobs, top to bottom, are not easy right now — but the only juxtaposition I was drawing in my mind was between the world before and after COVID-19, and it’s impossible for your mind to go there and not end up frustrated.
As for the logistics of this “new normal”, I wish I could provide a more behind-the-scenes look of how the players and coaches are handling it, but the press is no longer allowed behind the scenes. So in lieu of the good stuff, let me tell you how my day went. By the end, I hope you’ll feel that the only thing you’re missing by not being allowed at games this year is a hassle.
The media’s new normal starts, as it seems most things do these days, with compulsory masking and a long, spaced-out line. This one was down King Street. As us media folks stood six feet apart to pick up our credential for the day, a couple of stadium handymen in a golf cart came and slapped some stickers on the ground asking us, in more specific terms, to continue doing just that. I didn’t dare challenge the authority of the sticker.
When you reach the credential pick-up window, you then sign away all your rights to Major League Baseball. I didn’t have time to properly read the multiple-page waiver — I didn’t want to slow down the line — but I presume MLB commissioner Rob Manfred now owns one of my kidneys and can hold me fiscally liable for the sport’s revenue losses this season should I contract COVID-19 at Oracle Park.
Then comes a questionnaire — basically “do you or anyone you know have the ‘rona?” phased a dozen ways — and a temperature check. I was told my reading was “perfect”. Take that, ex-girlfriends!
Finally, you can enter the ballpark — after the bag check (now behind a plastic shield!), a metal detector scan, and a squirt of hand sanitizer.
Then you walk up the back ramp, traverse the empty concourse (beer still costs nearly $15), and finally, you’re at the press box. There, I set up shop at a desk lined with tape (another marker for distancing) and watched a bunch of coaches and players on the field… stand around and talk. Some were six feet apart. Others were not. Generally, everyone was wearing a mask, like me.
At one point, Giants veterans Brandon Crawford and Brandon Belt ran around the perimeter of the infield. This was the highlight of the day’s “action”. Sadly, I can’t say if their gait looked regular-season ready. Some pitchers also long-tossed in the outfield. I didn’t bring a radar gun, so I can’t tell you if anyone was bringing the Grade-A heat.
Also, no one was wearing a number Friday, so a roster that is roughly 50 percent anonymous under normal circumstances was roughly 95 percent anonymous for the first workout of the year.
(All this, while the pop hits of the last five years was blasted throughout the park at levels no one wanted. That Taylor Swift song “Look What You Made Me Do” really is terrible.)
I wish Friday was more interesting, but it wasn’t. It was the perfunctory amount of nothing you see during Spring Training or in the hours before the gates open before a game.
The only difference was all of the added protocols necessary for me to witness it firsthand. Protocols that are so arduous (though for good reason), it’s impossible to imagine a circumstance where fans are allowed into the ballpark anytime soon. Yes, it might be fun to watch a game under the summer sun with a beer in hand, but if this is what’s required to make that happen, you’re better off having that beer on your couch.
The frustrating part isn’t all the guidelines that must be adhered to or having to wear a mask all day — it’s the lack of access the media once had. A big part of my job is taking readers behind the curtain, but there are so many more curtains now then there were before and the media isn’t allowed behind any of them.
For instance, before the pandemic, a baseball clubhouse was a free-for-all — the unwashed media horde would huddle in the middle of the room and one-by-one pick off players at their lockers on the perimeter.
The clubhouse is now a scheduled Zoom call. Yes, the media, sitting more than six feet apart in the press box, called into a video conference with a player who was probably only a long-toss away inside the same ballpark.
And on Friday, we were kicked out of the ballpark before Giants manager Gabe Kapler jumped on Zoom to talk.
I joined that call from a field that’s not manicured quite as well as Oracle Park — a place where I imagine I’ll be spending a lot of time covering the Giants this baseball season: my back yard.


mercurynews--2020-07-03--Petaluma police ID couple found dead in possible murder-suicide

PETALUMA — Police on Friday released the names of a man and woman found dead Thursday morning at a Petaluma home in what ’ s being investigated as a murder-suicide .
Mark Richard Passanisi , 56 , died of a single gunshot wound and was found in a bedroom with a pistol near his body , according to police .
Debbie Ann Passanisi , 54 , had been shot more than once and was found in a common area of the home in the 1600 Block of Shenandoah Court , Petaluma police said .
Their daughter , who was distraught @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday , found the couple .
• Pfc .
Vanessa Guillen bludgeoned to death on Army base , family attorney says • Coronavirus : Surge of jail infections halts San Jose murder trial in what may become new normal • Murder conviction overturned for Oakland man who shot neighbor in the head • Anti-Semitic hate crimes rise in California , but overall hate crimes decline Autopsies on the couple are scheduled for next week .
Anyone with information on the deaths is asked to contact the Petaluma Police Department at ( 707 ) @ @

PETALUMA — Police on Friday released the names of a man and woman found dead Thursday morning at a Petaluma home in what’s being investigated as a murder-suicide.
Mark Richard Passanisi, 56, died of a single gunshot wound and was found in a bedroom with a pistol near his body, according to police. Debbie Ann Passanisi, 54, had been shot more than once and was found in a common area of the home in the 1600 Block of Shenandoah Court, Petaluma police said.
Their daughter, who was distraught when she called police at 9:53 a.m. Thursday, found the couple.


mercurynews--2020-07-03--Menlo Park man suffers cuts, burns to his face and hand in fireworks accident

A 20-year-old male was transported to the hospital after a fireworks accident left him with burns to his face and hand Thursday night , according to the Menlo Park Fire Protection District .
First responders were called to the front of a building on the 2900 block of Calvin Avenue in unincorporated North Fair Oaks at 10:58 p.m. Thursday , the district said in a news release .
There , Capt./Paramedic Chris Dennebaum and his crew found a man with lacerations and burns to his face and hand from a glass bottle that exploded with fireworks inside it .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ especially with the underlying burns and lacerations caused by the glass and explosive device ’ s gun powder and packing material , ” Dennebaum said in a statement .
Two of the fire engines and the ladder truck sent to the scene because of the report of an explosion were turned around , and the victim was taken by ambulance to Stanford Hospital .
• Volunteers keep an eye out for smoke and sparks , to help Bay Area fire departments get ahead of brushfires • Fireworks and hand sanitizer could make for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long will my dog mourn the loss of her companion ?
• Sales of ‘ safe and sane ’ fireworks boom across the Bay Area as professional displays go dark In a statement , Fire Chief Harold Schapelhouman urged residents to be cautious around fireworks , even the so-called “ safe and sane ” ones that are legal in some Bay Area cities .
The explosives can sometimes lead to “ terrible unintended consequences , ” he said .
“ I feel like a broken record sometimes talking about the personal dangers of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ Ask most firefighters about what we see every year and most can tell you horror stories about people who have blown fingers off , been blinded , lost hearing , or worse , because of illegal and legal ( in some cities ) fireworks use.
” A man in his 30s had his hand amputated after a fireworks accident on Thursday in Ontario , in Southern California .
Firework sales have been booming in California and in the Bay Area , where large city-organized Fourth of July celebrations have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing amid the COVID-19 pandemic .

A 20-year-old male was transported to the hospital after a fireworks accident left him with burns to his face and hand Thursday night, according to the Menlo Park Fire Protection District.
First responders were called to the front of a building on the 2900 block of Calvin Avenue in unincorporated North Fair Oaks at 10:58 p.m. Thursday, the district said in a news release. There, Capt./Paramedic Chris Dennebaum and his crew found a man with lacerations and burns to his face and hand from a glass bottle that exploded with fireworks inside it.
“His eye was completely swollen shut, especially with the underlying burns and lacerations caused by the glass and explosive device’s gun powder and packing material,” Dennebaum said in a statement.
Two of the fire engines and the ladder truck sent to the scene because of the report of an explosion were turned around, and the victim was taken by ambulance to Stanford Hospital.
In a statement, Fire Chief Harold Schapelhouman urged residents to be cautious around fireworks, even the so-called “safe and sane” ones that are legal in some Bay Area cities. The explosives can sometimes lead to “terrible unintended consequences,” he said.
“I feel like a broken record sometimes talking about the personal dangers of using fireworks every year,” Schapelhouman said. “Ask most firefighters about what we see every year and most can tell you horror stories about people who have blown fingers off, been blinded, lost hearing, or worse, because of illegal and legal (in some cities) fireworks use.”
A man in his 30s had his hand amputated after a fireworks accident on Thursday in Ontario, in Southern California.
Firework sales have been booming in California and in the Bay Area, where large city-organized Fourth of July celebrations have been canceled to limit crowds and preserve social distancing amid the COVID-19 pandemic.


mercurynews--2020-07-03--Review: ‘Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition’ improves a classic

It has taken more than eight years and three systems , but I ’ ve finally come around to acknowledging the greatness that is “ Xenoblade Chronicles.
” What took so long ?
Other releases such as “ Mass Effect 3 ” and “ Fez ” overshadowed it the first time .
The next time around , the excellent “ Mortal Kombat X ” held my attention as the game was released on the Nintendo 3DS .
With “ Xenoblade Chronicles : Definitive Edition , ” I finally had time to experience the role-playing epic game and appreciate its scope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that stretches close to 70 hours .
It ’ s a project that ’ s heavily influenced by massively multiplayer online games of the era and players can see it in the battle system and the world design .
“ Xenoblade Chronicles ” takes place on two titans — the Bionis and Mechonis — that were locked in a duel .
The two giants fought to a stalemate and remained locked in place midfight .
Over time , two warring factions grew on these continental creatures .
One faction on the Bionis is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mechonis , robots called Mechon hold sway .
The two have been fighting off and on when the Mechons attack Colony 9 located at the heel of the Bionis .
That ’ s where the campaign essentially starts , as players take on the role of Shulk , a boy found alongside a powerful sword called the Monado .
He ’ s a tinkerer who is studying the blade and uses its powers to defend the town .
The attack deals a terrible blow to the colony and it sends Shulk and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Mechons .
During the campaign , they run into allies and build a team meant to defeat the Mechons , and along the way , they discover secrets behind the titans , the Monado and the characters themselves .
“ Xenoblade Chronicles ' ” world seems strange at first but the narrative draws players in with its mysteries and characters .
Exploring a titan so big that it ’ s legs form boundless plains is fascinating and the locales give players a dizzying sense of size .
Just when players think they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upon a new vista or whimsical locale .
The experience makes players feel like ants handed the task of saving the world .
The game wonderfully plays with idea of scale and tying it to a bigger responsibility .
Although the premise is alluring , “ Xenoblade Chronicles ” throws dozens of complex systems at players .
It gives the game a steep learning curve as players have to figure out a battle system that ’ s markedly different from other role-playing games and deal with crafting , trading and relationship systems .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which was initially a turnoff .
Players control one character in fights that take place in real time .
The party including the one controlled by players automatically attacks a targeted foe and positioning and cooldown times play an important role .
Again mimicking MMOs , the combat requires the three party members to fulfill roles .
Reyn acts as a tank that absorbs damage .
Sharla is a healer that restores health but must be protected while Shulk does damage almost like a rogue .
Players can throw in other characters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the three-member party , but they have to balance their abilities out to fill a job .
As the campaign evolves and players face tougher foes , they ’ ll have to use other MMO tactics such as peeling off enemies from a large group in order to gang up on one foe and avoid being overwhelmed by a chaotic crowd .
In addition to that , they have to learn the different attack properties that induce battle-changing moves like topple and dizzy .
Remember , that ’ s just one aspect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get a handle on the equipment , customization and relationship systems .
Learning everything is daunting .
It ’ s an Everest of information that players have to absorb and the game doesn ’ t do the best job of conveying that .
Once players figure out the complexities of the system though , “ Xenoblade Chronicles ” is hugely rewarding .
It makes the battles chess matches that play out in real time .
The numerous side quests become more interesting as players build affinity among party members and different communities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is part of the reason the game is so long .
Despite all these complications and being built for an older system , “ Xenoblade Chronicles : Definite Edition ” holds up surprisingly well .
Veterans who replay the game will find new content with epilogue while newcomers can enjoy a game that ’ s built on an improved graphics engine .
Although it looks better than the original , it doesn ’ t have the detail seen on a game like the “ Final Fantasy VII Remake ” ( then again what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the limited geometry and some simpler textures do look dated at times but still work for the adventure .
It even has the power to leave players in awe .
That goes to show the power of the creators ’ vision and that great art can stand the test of time even if one is a little late to the party .

It has taken more than eight years and three systems, but I’ve finally come around to acknowledging the greatness that is “Xenoblade Chronicles.” What took so long?
Other releases such as “Mass Effect 3” and “Fez” overshadowed it the first time. The next time around, the excellent “Mortal Kombat X” held my attention as the game was released on the Nintendo 3DS. With “Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition,” I finally had time to experience the role-playing epic game and appreciate its scope.
It’s a huge title that stretches close to 70 hours. It’s a project that’s heavily influenced by massively multiplayer online games of the era and players can see it in the battle system and the world design. “Xenoblade Chronicles” takes place on two titans — the Bionis and Mechonis — that were locked in a duel. The two giants fought to a stalemate and remained locked in place midfight.
Over time, two warring factions grew on these continental creatures. One faction on the Bionis is dominated by human-like Homs while on the Mechonis, robots called Mechon hold sway. The two have been fighting off and on when the Mechons attack Colony 9 located at the heel of the Bionis.
That’s where the campaign essentially starts, as players take on the role of Shulk, a boy found alongside a powerful sword called the Monado. He’s a tinkerer who is studying the blade and uses its powers to defend the town. The attack deals a terrible blow to the colony and it sends Shulk and his friend Reyn on a journey to stop the Mechons.
During the campaign, they run into allies and build a team meant to defeat the Mechons, and along the way, they discover secrets behind the titans, the Monado and the characters themselves.
“Xenoblade Chronicles'” world seems strange at first but the narrative draws players in with its mysteries and characters. Exploring a titan so big that it’s legs form boundless plains is fascinating and the locales give players a dizzying sense of size. Just when players think they’ve seen everything, they stumble upon a new vista or whimsical locale. The experience makes players feel like ants handed the task of saving the world. The game wonderfully plays with idea of scale and tying it to a bigger responsibility.
Although the premise is alluring, “Xenoblade Chronicles” throws dozens of complex systems at players. It gives the game a steep learning curve as players have to figure out a battle system that’s markedly different from other role-playing games and deal with crafting, trading and relationship systems.
The combat takes a while to learn, which was initially a turnoff. Players control one character in fights that take place in real time. The party including the one controlled by players automatically attacks a targeted foe and positioning and cooldown times play an important role.
Again mimicking MMOs, the combat requires the three party members to fulfill roles. Reyn acts as a tank that absorbs damage. Sharla is a healer that restores health but must be protected while Shulk does damage almost like a rogue. Players can throw in other characters, such as Riki or Dunban, into the three-member party, but they have to balance their abilities out to fill a job.
As the campaign evolves and players face tougher foes, they’ll have to use other MMO tactics such as peeling off enemies from a large group in order to gang up on one foe and avoid being overwhelmed by a chaotic crowd. In addition to that, they have to learn the different attack properties that induce battle-changing moves like topple and dizzy.
Remember, that’s just one aspect of “Xenoblade Chronicles.” Players have to get a handle on the equipment, customization and relationship systems. Learning everything is daunting. It’s an Everest of information that players have to absorb and the game doesn’t do the best job of conveying that.
Once players figure out the complexities of the system though, “Xenoblade Chronicles” is hugely rewarding. It makes the battles chess matches that play out in real time. The numerous side quests become more interesting as players build affinity among party members and different communities. Tackling and learning all this content is part of the reason the game is so long.
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What to play: ‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ will keep gamers busy during August Entertainment | ‘First Descendant’ crossplay beta delayed until September but will be open to all Despite all these complications and being built for an older system, “Xenoblade Chronicles: Definite Edition” holds up surprisingly well. Veterans who replay the game will find new content with epilogue while newcomers can enjoy a game that’s built on an improved graphics engine. Although it looks better than the original, it doesn’t have the detail seen on a game like the “Final Fantasy VII Remake” (then again what does?). The visuals with the limited geometry and some simpler textures do look dated at times but still work for the adventure.
It even has the power to leave players in awe. That goes to show the power of the creators’ vision and that great art can stand the test of time even if one is a little late to the party.
‘Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition’
3½ stars out 4
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Rating: Teen


mercurynews--2020-07-03--`Huge bummer’: July Fourth will test Americans’ discipline

The U.S. headed into the Fourth of July weekend with many parades and fireworks displays canceled , beaches and bars closed , and health authorities warning that this will be a crucial test of Americans ’ self-control that could determine the trajectory of the surging coronavirus outbreak .
With confirmed cases climbing in 40 states , governors and local officials have ordered the wearing of masks in public , and families were urged to celebrate their independence at home .
Even then , they were told to keep their backyard cookouts small .
“ This year is a huge bummer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Ashley Peters , who for 14 years has hosted 150 friends and relatives at a pool party at her home in Manteca , California , complete with a DJ , bounce house , water slide and shaved-ice stand .
This time , the guest list is down to just a few people .
Pulling the plug on the bash , she said , was a “ no-brainer ” because so many of those she knows are front-line workers , including her husband , a fire captain .
“ I woke up and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just July 5 , ” she said .
Health experts agree this will be a pivotal moment in determining whether the nation slides into a deeper mess .
The fear is that a weekend of crowded pool parties , picnics and parades will fuel the surge .
“ We ’ re not going to be arresting people for having gatherings , but we ’ re certainly going to discourage it , ” said Dr. Jeff Duchin , public health director for Seattle and King County .
Those who decide they must gather with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be careful , he said : “ Don ’ t share utensils , don ’ t share objects , don ’ t pass them back and forth , because you ’ re passing that virus around as well.
” The warnings were sounded after a Memorial Day weekend that saw many people emerge from stay-at-home orders to go to the beach , restaurants and family gatherings .
Since then , confirmed infections per day in the U.S. have rocketed to an all-time high , more than doubling .
The U.S. set another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases , according to the tally kept by Johns Hopkins University .
The picture was bleak around much of the country .
In Arizona , the number of people in the hospital with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 eclipsed 3,000 for the first time .
Alabama reported more than 1,700 new confirmed cases , its highest single-day count yet .
New York state , which has largely tamed the virus , recorded 918 new cases , the most in at least three weeks .
Despite it all , there will still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nation , with many taking social distancing into account .
In Ohio , Upper Arlington ’ s July Fourth parade will take a much longer route through its neighborhoods so residents can watch without crowding the streets .
“ We ’ re calling it the front porch parade , ” said organizer Sam Porter .
“ We can ’ t just not do something.
” Fireworks will be launched from four spots across Albuquerque , New Mexico , so that people can ooh and aah from home instead of gathering in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ annual Fourth of July Picnic will carry on at his Texas ranch outside Austin , but this year the concert portion will be virtual .
President Donald Trump traveled to South Dakota on Friday for a fireworks show at Mount Rushmore before returning to the nation ’ s capital for military flyovers Saturday and a mile-long pyrotechnics display on the National Mall that his administration promises will be the biggest in recent memory .
Up to 300,000 face masks will be given away but not required .
The big party will go on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Ask yourself , do you need to be there ?
Ask yourself , can you anticipate or know who all is going to be around you ?
If you go downtown , do you know if you ’ re going to be able to social distance ?
” Mayor Muriel Bowser said .
Beaches that had been open for the traditional start of summer over Memorial Day weekend will be off-limits in many places this time , including South Florida , Southern California and the Texas Gulf Coast .
The Centers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who do go to the beach to wear face coverings , though not in the water .
With professional pyrotechnic displays canceled , authorities are bracing for wildfires and injuries caused by Americans shooting off fireworks at home .
Sales of fireworks have been booming in what some sellers say may reflect a desire for a little excitement among people cooped up for so long .
Jamie Parrott , a pediatric neurologist in Columbia , South Carolina , said he intends to stay home with his grandchildren , setting off fireworks and eating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safer course for older people like him .
Delaware ’ s governor ordered bars in some beach towns to close , saying people were getting complacent about masks and social distancing .
The Lake Erie resort village of Put-in-Bay in Ohio canceled its fireworks after a small number of coronavirus cases were linked to bars on the island .
And the New Jersey resort town of Wildwood did the same .
Still , many people are expected to pack the beaches , boardwalk restaurants and amusement parks up and down the Jersey shore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is one of the nation ’ s worst hot spots for COVID-19 , and officials in several other states blame their outbreaks on vacationers returning from the resort city .
On Thursday , the city passed a mask requirement .
“ I hate the perception that people have right now , as any city would , ” said Mayor Brenda Bethune .
After hearing Michigan ’ s governor warn about the need to be smart amid an uptick of cases , Mary Halley of Jonesville said her family canceled plans for a weekend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had some disappointed kids , but we knew as a family we couldn ’ t do that , ” she said .
The problem , she said , is that too many people aren ’ t listening to the experts .
“ Even in my small , little town , there are lot of people who didn ’ t comply with the orders , ” she said .
Dr. Don Williamson , head of the Alabama Hospital Association , said he is “ really , really worried about the Fourth of July.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the trend for Alabama for the rest of the summer , ” he said .
Associated Press reporters from around the world contributed to this report .

By JOHN SEEWER
The U.S. headed into the Fourth of July weekend with many parades and fireworks displays canceled, beaches and bars closed, and health authorities warning that this will be a crucial test of Americans’ self-control that could determine the trajectory of the surging coronavirus outbreak.
With confirmed cases climbing in 40 states, governors and local officials have ordered the wearing of masks in public, and families were urged to celebrate their independence at home. Even then, they were told to keep their backyard cookouts small.
“This year is a huge bummer, to say the least,” said Ashley Peters, who for 14 years has hosted 150 friends and relatives at a pool party at her home in Manteca, California, complete with a DJ, bounce house, water slide and shaved-ice stand. This time, the guest list is down to just a few people.
Pulling the plug on the bash, she said, was a “no-brainer” because so many of those she knows are front-line workers, including her husband, a fire captain. “I woke up and told my husband I wish it was just July 5,” she said.
Health experts agree this will be a pivotal moment in determining whether the nation slides into a deeper mess. The fear is that a weekend of crowded pool parties, picnics and parades will fuel the surge.
“We’re not going to be arresting people for having gatherings, but we’re certainly going to discourage it,” said Dr. Jeff Duchin, public health director for Seattle and King County.
Those who decide they must gather with a small group of family members need to be careful, he said: “Don’t share utensils, don’t share objects, don’t pass them back and forth, because you’re passing that virus around as well.”
The warnings were sounded after a Memorial Day weekend that saw many people emerge from stay-at-home orders to go to the beach, restaurants and family gatherings. Since then, confirmed infections per day in the U.S. have rocketed to an all-time high, more than doubling.
The U.S. set another record on Friday with 52,300 newly reported cases, according to the tally kept by Johns Hopkins University.
The picture was bleak around much of the country. In Arizona, the number of people in the hospital with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 eclipsed 3,000 for the first time. Alabama reported more than 1,700 new confirmed cases, its highest single-day count yet. New York state, which has largely tamed the virus, recorded 918 new cases, the most in at least three weeks.
Despite it all, there will still be fireworks and community events scattered across the nation, with many taking social distancing into account. In Ohio, Upper Arlington’s July Fourth parade will take a much longer route through its neighborhoods so residents can watch without crowding the streets.
“We’re calling it the front porch parade,” said organizer Sam Porter. “We can’t just not do something.”
Fireworks will be launched from four spots across Albuquerque, New Mexico, so that people can ooh and aah from home instead of gathering in a single place.
Willie Nelson’s annual Fourth of July Picnic will carry on at his Texas ranch outside Austin, but this year the concert portion will be virtual.
President Donald Trump traveled to South Dakota on Friday for a fireworks show at Mount Rushmore before returning to the nation’s capital for military flyovers Saturday and a mile-long pyrotechnics display on the National Mall that his administration promises will be the biggest in recent memory. Up to 300,000 face masks will be given away but not required.
The big party will go on over objections from Washington’s mayor.
“Ask yourself, do you need to be there? Ask yourself, can you anticipate or know who all is going to be around you? If you go downtown, do you know if you’re going to be able to social distance?” Mayor Muriel Bowser said.
Beaches that had been open for the traditional start of summer over Memorial Day weekend will be off-limits in many places this time, including South Florida, Southern California and the Texas Gulf Coast.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised Americans who do go to the beach to wear face coverings, though not in the water.
With professional pyrotechnic displays canceled, authorities are bracing for wildfires and injuries caused by Americans shooting off fireworks at home. Sales of fireworks have been booming in what some sellers say may reflect a desire for a little excitement among people cooped up for so long.
Jamie Parrott, a pediatric neurologist in Columbia, South Carolina, said he intends to stay home with his grandchildren, setting off fireworks and eating hamburgers, because that’s the safer course for older people like him.
“We’ll muddle through,” he said.
Delaware’s governor ordered bars in some beach towns to close, saying people were getting complacent about masks and social distancing. The Lake Erie resort village of Put-in-Bay in Ohio canceled its fireworks after a small number of coronavirus cases were linked to bars on the island. And the New Jersey resort town of Wildwood did the same.
Still, many people are expected to pack the beaches, boardwalk restaurants and amusement parks up and down the Jersey shore.
South Carolina’s Myrtle Beach is one of the nation’s worst hot spots for COVID-19, and officials in several other states blame their outbreaks on vacationers returning from the resort city. On Thursday, the city passed a mask requirement.
“I hate the perception that people have right now, as any city would,” said Mayor Brenda Bethune.
After hearing Michigan’s governor warn about the need to be smart amid an uptick of cases, Mary Halley of Jonesville said her family canceled plans for a weekend outing on Lake Michigan.
“We had some disappointed kids, but we knew as a family we couldn’t do that,” she said. The problem, she said, is that too many people aren’t listening to the experts. “Even in my small, little town, there are lot of people who didn’t comply with the orders,” she said.
Dr. Don Williamson, head of the Alabama Hospital Association, said he is “really, really worried about the Fourth of July.”
“I think that will likely determine the trend for Alabama for the rest of the summer,” he said.
___
Associated Press reporters from around the world contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-07-04--Editorial: Gov. Newsom’s coronavirus leadership falls woefully short

Gov .
Gavin Newsom bears responsibility for the current surge of COVID-19 cases in California .
Early on , he wisely adopted Bay Area health officials ’ strategy for controlling the coronavirus .
It was working as the number of cases leveled off in early April .
But then the governor , ignoring warnings from some of those same health officials to take it slow , reversed course and opened up the state much too fast .
The result : California is now plagued with a major spike of coronavirus cases .
The numbers had been steadily increasing since late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mid-June .
Each day now , the state ’ s seven-day trend line reaches record-high levels .
The increase in cases is not merely due to more testing ; it ’ s also due to a larger percentage of those tested having the virus .
The portion of tests that come back positive has increased more than 50 % in the past 2½ weeks .
Now , about 7 % of those tested are infected .
Which helps explain why California hospitalizations for COVID-19 have increased 60 % since June 13 and have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Once again , some hospitals are preparing to stop doing elective surgeries so they can open up more beds for virus patients .
This is the scenario health experts — most notably , Santa Clara County Health Officer Dr. Sara Cody — warned about .
While the state is better prepared than back in March , it ’ s still woefully short on testing and contact tracing needed to stem the spread of the virus .
• Kimberly Guilfoyle — Donald Trump Jr. ’ s girlfriend and top Trump campaign official — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ row inmates in San Quentin die of COVID-19 amid growing prison outbreak • As coronavirus spikes , Bay Area residents venture out for 4th of July • She had a baby and bought her own business in the Bay Area .
Then the coronavirus pandemic started And , this time , it lacks clear direction from its governor .
While Newsom implores us to all do our part — to wear masks , wash our hands and socially distance — he has sent confusing and mixed messages about what constitutes compliance .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the virus and declarations of the urgent need to reopen the state ’ s economy .
Meanwhile , not even members of his own health department are clear on how the rules differ from county to county .
Little wonder people are confused .
Unlike President Trump , Newsom clearly understands the dangers and science of COVID-19 .
But , like the president , California ’ s governor loves to hear himself speak and when put in front of a microphone will ramble for up to an hour without focus — undermining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Newsom keeps trying to push responsibility down to the next-lower layer of government .
Trump says it ’ s up to the states to deal with the coronavirus ; Newsom says it ’ s up to the counties .
Both leaders threatened that if they didn ’ t like the results , they would step in .
Yet , the pushes by Trump and Newsom to reopen have undermined conscientious local health officials ’ attempts to hold the line .
Finally , on Wednesday , Newsom acted , seeking to slow the damage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was billed as a rollback , ordering bars and many indoor businesses in 19 counties to close their doors .
But some of the counties on the list , such as Contra Costa and Santa Clara , had not yet reopened those businesses .
To be sure , Newsom shows far deeper understanding of the coronavirus threat than Trump and has modeled responsible behavior .
Unlike the president , Newsom is not afraid to be seen in public wearing a mask .
He doesn ’ t claim the virus will suddenly disappear .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Unfortunately , the governor has focused too much time in the past couple of months on the reopening side of the challenge rather than containing the virus .
Meanwhile , California COVID-19 deaths have continued mounting , now at nearly 6,300 .
It ’ s shameful that nearly half are in senior care facilities and that the Newsom administration was pathetically slow to respond to that part of the crisis .
Until there ’ s a vaccine , the best treatment is widespread and systematic testing to ensure people don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without first being checked for the virus .
Newsom regularly brags about the state ’ s increased testing and contact tracing .
What he doesn ’ t mention in his nearly daily spin is that the state is conducting less than half as many tests as needed to reduce the spread of the virus and only about 11 percent of what ’ s required to reopen the economy , according to an analysis by researchers at Harvard .
For that testing to be effective in stopping the spread of the virus , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those who were in contact with people who test positive for the virus .
There , too , California has only about half of what it needs .
• Kimberly Guilfoyle — Donald Trump Jr. ’ s girlfriend and top Trump campaign official — tests positive for coronavirus • Two death row inmates in San Quentin die of COVID-19 amid growing prison outbreak • As coronavirus spikes , Bay Area residents venture out for 4th of July • She had a baby and bought her own business in the Bay Area .
Then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leadership has fallen woefully short .
In the weeks ahead , we will see how short as the rising number of cases in California are followed by commensurate increases in hospitalizations and then deaths .
Sadly , that will be the ultimate measure of Newsom ’ s performance .

Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards

Gov. Gavin Newsom bears responsibility for the current surge of COVID-19 cases in California.
Early on, he wisely adopted Bay Area health officials’ strategy for controlling the coronavirus. It was working as the number of cases leveled off in early April. But then the governor, ignoring warnings from some of those same health officials to take it slow, reversed course and opened up the state much too fast.
The result: California is now plagued with a major spike of coronavirus cases. The numbers had been steadily increasing since late April but then started sharply rising in mid-June. Each day now, the state’s seven-day trend line reaches record-high levels.
The increase in cases is not merely due to more testing; it’s also due to a larger percentage of those tested having the virus. The portion of tests that come back positive has increased more than 50% in the past 2½ weeks. Now, about 7% of those tested are infected.
Which helps explain why California hospitalizations for COVID-19 have increased 60% since June 13 and have surpassed the statewide peaks seen in April. Once again, some hospitals are preparing to stop doing elective surgeries so they can open up more beds for virus patients.
This is the scenario health experts — most notably, Santa Clara County Health Officer Dr. Sara Cody — warned about. While the state is better prepared than back in March, it’s still woefully short on testing and contact tracing needed to stem the spread of the virus.
And, this time, it lacks clear direction from its governor. While Newsom implores us to all do our part — to wear masks, wash our hands and socially distance — he has sent confusing and mixed messages about what constitutes compliance. He has teeter-tottered between warnings about the dangers of the virus and declarations of the urgent need to reopen the state’s economy.
Meanwhile, not even members of his own health department are clear on how the rules differ from county to county. Little wonder people are confused.
Unlike President Trump, Newsom clearly understands the dangers and science of COVID-19. But, like the president, California’s governor loves to hear himself speak and when put in front of a microphone will ramble for up to an hour without focus — undermining critical warning messages.
Like Trump, Newsom keeps trying to push responsibility down to the next-lower layer of government. Trump says it’s up to the states to deal with the coronavirus; Newsom says it’s up to the counties.
Both leaders threatened that if they didn’t like the results, they would step in. Yet, the pushes by Trump and Newsom to reopen have undermined conscientious local health officials’ attempts to hold the line.
Finally, on Wednesday, Newsom acted, seeking to slow the damage created by his own policies. It was billed as a rollback, ordering bars and many indoor businesses in 19 counties to close their doors. But some of the counties on the list, such as Contra Costa and Santa Clara, had not yet reopened those businesses.
To be sure, Newsom shows far deeper understanding of the coronavirus threat than Trump and has modeled responsible behavior. Unlike the president, Newsom is not afraid to be seen in public wearing a mask. He doesn’t claim the virus will suddenly disappear. He’s not disconnected from reality.
Unfortunately, the governor has focused too much time in the past couple of months on the reopening side of the challenge rather than containing the virus. Meanwhile, California COVID-19 deaths have continued mounting, now at nearly 6,300. It’s shameful that nearly half are in senior care facilities and that the Newsom administration was pathetically slow to respond to that part of the crisis.
Until there’s a vaccine, the best treatment is widespread and systematic testing to ensure people don’t return to workplaces or otherwise venture out without first being checked for the virus.
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One controversial East Bay parklet reveals dilemmas of pandemic dining Editorials | Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms
Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Editorials | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge Newsom regularly brags about the state’s increased testing and contact tracing. What he doesn’t mention in his nearly daily spin is that the state is conducting less than half as many tests as needed to reduce the spread of the virus and only about 11 percent of what’s required to reopen the economy, according to an analysis by researchers at Harvard.
For that testing to be effective in stopping the spread of the virus, it must be accompanied by sufficient tracing of those who were in contact with people who test positive for the virus. There, too, California has only about half of what it needs.
Newsom’s leadership has fallen woefully short. In the weeks ahead, we will see how short as the rising number of cases in California are followed by commensurate increases in hospitalizations and then deaths.
Sadly, that will be the ultimate measure of Newsom’s performance.


mercurynews--2020-07-04--On this date, 2000: Jockey Russell Baze gets 7,000th career win

PLEASANTON — Russell Baze rode the appropriately named This Is The Moment to victory in the Pleasanton Stakes on Tuesday at the Alameda County Fair to become the sixth thoroughbred jockey to post 7,000 victories .
Baze won a stretch-long duel with Peteski ’ s Charm , ridden by Roberto Gonzalez , Northern California ’ s second winningest rider with more than 3,000 wins , to notch the victory in the 1 1/16-mile race by one-half length in 1:43.60 .
This Is The Moment is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer , who earned his 2,999th victory with the triumph .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , made This Is The Moment the heavy favorite .
He returned $ 5 , and Baze was warmly greeted as he returned to the winner ’ s circle and again as he walked along the track to the jockey ’ s room after special ceremonies to commemorate the milestone victory .
Hollendorfer was smiling as Baze came to the winner ’ s circle with This Is The Moment .
Asked if he wanted to saddle Baze ’ s 7,000th winner , Hollendorfer said , “ I did .
I got 6,000 for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gate Fields in 1997 ) .
We kinda came together .
We both have the same outlook .
We try to win all the time .
That ’ s why we ’ re pretty good together.
” Victory No .
6,999 for Baze came four races earlier aboard the Hollendorfer-trained Flying Denouement .
Two races after his 7,000th victory , Baze tried to get Hollendorfer into the spotlight with a milestone win of his own but could only finish third aboard Virtual Light .
“ It was really nice to ( reach the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baze , 41 , said .
“ Any time you win a stake , that ’ s special.
” But Baze conceded it also was nice Hollendorfer was in the winner ’ s circle with him for the milestone victory .
“ Yeah , OK , ” he said .
“ There are a lot of guys who supported me , and there was nobody today ( he had five mounts for Hollendorfer , one for brother-in-law Lonnie Arterburn , one for Greg Gilchrist and one for Tom Roberts ) , I wouldn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for .
“ Jerry ’ s really supported me .
It was nice getting it with him .
“ It will be nice to be on when he wins 3,000.
” While This Is The Moment probably benefited from the scratch of morning-line favorite Langston , the improving 3-year-old ran a strong race after hopping at the start when the gate opened .
Patience is one of Baze ’ s strongest suits , and he let his colt settle in well behind runaway leader Fight For Silver .
He had plenty of horse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collared Fight For Silver on the far turn and looked in perfect striking position .
“ I was a little worried if I ’ d get to Bobby ’ s horse , ” Baze said .
“ He looked like he was moving pretty well.
” Another of Baze ’ s strong suits is his competitiveness , and he wasn ’ t about to concede anything with three-sixteenths of a mile to run .
“ His horse got to playing around a little , and I thought we had a chance , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s traits is the ability to finish strong , and he did as Gonzalez did everything he could to urge Peteski ’ s Charm on but couldn ’ t hold off Baze and This Is The Moment .
Though they don ’ t know for sure how many races they ’ ve won together , Hollendorfer estimates Baze has won more than 1,000 times for him .
“ We have a good business relationship , but we ’ re friends , too , ” Hollendorfer said .
“ We don ’ t pal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , then goes home to his family , and that ’ s what I do , too .
“ He comes out and works a lot of horses for me , and we talk about a lot of things .
“ It ’ s good for me .
I ’ m glad we ’ ve had the opportunity to put up this kind of numbers.
” Baze also has the respect of his fellow riders .
“ I rode eight years in New York and saw every good rider that came through there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ d put Russell up against any of them .
“ From a riding standpoint , no one has his desire , but outside of the races , he ’ s just your everyday Joe.
” Baze should move past Angel Cordero Jr. ( 7,037 victories ) before the summer finishes , and talk of him catching Laffit Pincay Jr. , who is currently closing in on 9,000 victories , is not out of the question .
Baze doesn ’ t deny he ’ d like to pass Pincay “ I wish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all those races , ” he said , jokingly and says he ’ ll ride as long as he remains healthy .
Today is a dark day for racing , but it will still be a busy day for Baze .
He ’ s scheduled to drive 40-some miles from his home in Woodside to Golden Gate Fields in Albany to work horses .
Which probably explains why 7,000 will not be Baze ’ s last milestone .

(Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2000. Baze has since become the winningest jockey in North American history. He retired in 2016 with 12,844 victories)
PLEASANTON — Russell Baze rode the appropriately named This Is The Moment to victory in the Pleasanton Stakes on Tuesday at the Alameda County Fair to become the sixth thoroughbred jockey to post 7,000 victories.
Baze won a stretch-long duel with Peteski’s Charm, ridden by Roberto Gonzalez, Northern California’s second winningest rider with more than 3,000 wins, to notch the victory in the 1 1/16-mile race by one-half length in 1:43.60.
This Is The Moment is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer, who earned his 2,999th victory with the triumph.
The fans, perhaps bolstered by hunch players, made This Is The Moment the heavy favorite. He returned $5, and Baze was warmly greeted as he returned to the winner’s circle and again as he walked along the track to the jockey’s room after special ceremonies to commemorate the milestone victory.
Hollendorfer was smiling as Baze came to the winner’s circle with This Is The Moment. Asked if he wanted to saddle Baze’s 7,000th winner, Hollendorfer said, “I did. I got 6,000 for him (with Clover Hunter at Golden Gate Fields in 1997). We kinda came together. We both have the same outlook. We try to win all the time. That’s why we’re pretty good together.”
Victory No. 6,999 for Baze came four races earlier aboard the Hollendorfer-trained Flying Denouement.
Two races after his 7,000th victory, Baze tried to get Hollendorfer into the spotlight with a milestone win of his own but could only finish third aboard Virtual Light.
“It was really nice to (reach the milestone) in the stake,” Baze, 41, said. “Any time you win a stake, that’s special.”
But Baze conceded it also was nice Hollendorfer was in the winner’s circle with him for the milestone victory.
“Yeah, OK,” he said. “There are a lot of guys who supported me, and there was nobody today (he had five mounts for Hollendorfer, one for brother-in-law Lonnie Arterburn, one for Greg Gilchrist and one for Tom Roberts), I wouldn’t have felt good about winning for.
“Jerry’s really supported me. It was nice getting it with him.
“It will be nice to be on when he wins 3,000.”
While This Is The Moment probably benefited from the scratch of morning-line favorite Langston, the improving 3-year-old ran a strong race after hopping at the start when the gate opened.
Patience is one of Baze’s strongest suits, and he let his colt settle in well behind runaway leader Fight For Silver. He had plenty of horse as Gonzalez aboard Peteski’s Charm collared Fight For Silver on the far turn and looked in perfect striking position.
“I was a little worried if I’d get to Bobby’s horse,” Baze said. “He looked like he was moving pretty well.”
Another of Baze’s strong suits is his competitiveness, and he wasn’t about to concede anything with three-sixteenths of a mile to run.
“His horse got to playing around a little, and I thought we had a chance,” Baze said.
Another of Baze’s traits is the ability to finish strong, and he did as Gonzalez did everything he could to urge Peteski’s Charm on but couldn’t hold off Baze and This Is The Moment.
Though they don’t know for sure how many races they’ve won together, Hollendorfer estimates Baze has won more than 1,000 times for him.
“We have a good business relationship, but we’re friends, too,” Hollendorfer said. “We don’t pal around. He usually tends to business, then goes home to his family, and that’s what I do, too.
“He comes out and works a lot of horses for me, and we talk about a lot of things.
“It’s good for me. I’m glad we’ve had the opportunity to put up this kind of numbers.”
Baze also has the respect of his fellow riders.
“I rode eight years in New York and saw every good rider that came through there,” Dennis Carr said. “I’d put Russell up against any of them.
“From a riding standpoint, no one has his desire, but outside of the races, he’s just your everyday Joe.”
Baze should move past Angel Cordero Jr. (7,037 victories) before the summer finishes, and talk of him catching Laffit Pincay Jr., who is currently closing in on 9,000 victories, is not out of the question.
Baze doesn’t deny he’d like to pass Pincay “I wish he’d retire and stop winning all those races,” he said, jokingly and says he’ll ride as long as he remains healthy.
Today is a dark day for racing, but it will still be a busy day for Baze. He’s scheduled to drive 40-some miles from his home in Woodside to Golden Gate Fields in Albany to work horses. Which probably explains why 7,000 will not be Baze’s last milestone.


mercurynews--2020-07-04--Bridge: July 4, 2020

Bridge: July 4, 2020

Once a defender decides on a suit to lead , the card he chooses is often a routine matter : the top card from a sequence of three or more honors and usually from a “ broken sequence ” such as Q-J-9-x .
From Q-10-6-3 , he leads fourth highest .
From a worthless holding such as 9-8-6-4 , he may lead high to deny strength .
Some situations require special treatment .
In today ’ s deal , West leads a diamond against four spades : jack , ace , six .
East decides to attack hearts .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dummy ’ s clubs may provide heart discards .
Say East shifts to the deuce .
If declarer plays low , West must put up the king , and the defense gets only one heart .
East must lead the ten of hearts , a so-called “ surrounding play.
” If South ’ s jack covers , West ’ s king forces dummy ’ s ace , and when West takes his king of trumps , his heart return lets East score the eight and queen .
In such situations , a defender @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had he held a sequence .
You hold : S K 7 H K 5 3 D Q 9 7 4 2 C 6 5 3 .
Your partner opens one spade , you respond 1NT and he bids two hearts .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : Although to pass might be best , your correct call is a “ false preference ” to two spades .
Your partner will most often have only four hearts and five spades , and the 5-2 fit will prove to be the better trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give partner another chance .
If he has significant extra strength , you may have a game .

Once a defender decides on a suit to lead, the card he chooses is often a routine matter: the top card from a sequence of three or more honors and usually from a “broken sequence” such as Q-J-9-x. From Q-10-6-3, he leads fourth highest. From a worthless holding such as 9-8-6-4, he may lead high to deny strength.
Some situations require special treatment. In today’s deal, West leads a diamond against four spades: jack, ace, six. East decides to attack hearts. He fears that once declarer draws trumps, dummy’s clubs may provide heart discards.
ONE HEART
Say East shifts to the deuce. If declarer plays low, West must put up the king, and the defense gets only one heart.
East must lead the ten of hearts, a so-called “surrounding play.” If South’s jack covers, West’s king forces dummy’s ace, and when West takes his king of trumps, his heart return lets East score the eight and queen. In such situations, a defender leads the card he would have led had he held a sequence.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S K 7 H K 5 3 D Q 9 7 4 2 C 6 5 3. Your partner opens one spade, you respond 1NT and he bids two hearts. What do you say?
ANSWER: Although to pass might be best, your correct call is a “false preference” to two spades. Your partner will most often have only four hearts and five spades, and the 5-2 fit will prove to be the better trump suit. Moreover, your bid will give partner another chance. If he has significant extra strength, you may have a game.
North dealer
E-W vulnerable
NORTH
S 10 9 6 2
H A 9 7
D K J
C A J 10 9
WEST
S K 7
H K 5 3
D Q 9 7 4 2
C 6 5 3
EAST
S 5 3
H Q 10 8 2
D A 8 5 3
C 7 4 2
SOUTH
S A Q J 8 4
H J 6 4
D 10 6
C K Q 8
North East South West
1 C Pass 1 S Pass
2 S Pass 4 S All Pass
Opening lead — D 4
(C)2020 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-07-04--Horoscopes July 4, 2020: Andrew Zimmern, step up and take over.

Happy Birthday : Step up and take over .
Make yourself available and indispensable .
A passionate response will make others pay attention and sign up to help .
Put your energy where it counts most , and be the hero who makes a difference .
Channel your anger into something constructive , and you will avoid unnecessary disputes .
Plan and execute your actions with a foolproof strategy .
Your numbers are 7 , 16 , 24 , 27 , 36 , 42 , 46 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Don ’ t let anyone bait @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , finish a project and stay out of trouble .
Doing something physical that will help ease stress will turn your day into a memorable experience .
Choose peace and happiness over discord .
2 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Look for an opportunity , and turn it into something that will help you excel .
Whether it ’ s a personal or professional gain you make , shoot for the stars .
You won ’ t be disappointed .
Dream it , believe it and make it happen .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) : Dig in and get things accomplished .
Puttering around the house will lead to collecting all those things you don ’ t wear or use anymore .
Getting organized will make you feel good and help you blow off steam .
Physical activity will lift your spirits .
3 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Choose to do something special for someone you love .
Make an adjustment at home that will bring you closer to the people you care about most .
Improving your surroundings , cooking something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encouraged .
3 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : A little adventure will help you clear your head .
Look for a physical activity that will test your stamina , or do something creative that will encourage you to explore your skills and talents .
Channel your energy into something productive .
3 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Don ’ t waste time on situations you can not change .
Put your heart and soul into positive people and projects that will enhance your life .
Use your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a practical plan .
5 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Keep the peace .
Issues that surface at home or with someone you work with will be emotionally upsetting .
Don ’ t let a misunderstanding turn into an irreversible problem .
Listen , ask questions , verify facts and be willing to compromise .
2 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : A chance to learn or experience something new will keep you engaged as well as encourage you to alter the way you do things in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to tag along on a virtual journey you can enjoy together .
4 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Put your best foot forward , and do what you can to make someone you love happy .
A home improvement project doesn ’ t have to cost a lot if you do the work yourself .
Channel your energy into something productive , not argumentative .
3 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Turn your day into a family affair .
Your combined efforts can bring about positive change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at home that are conducive to entertainment everyone can enjoy .
3 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Stick close to home .
Rely on the past , and you will find a way to make your personal life better .
A physical change will give you the pick-me-up you need to pursue a goal you set for yourself with confidence and finesse .
3 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Your insight will help you find the best way to assist those in need without endangering your personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to offer can be used to subsidize any income loss you ’ ve encountered .
Think smart ; act safely .
4 stars Birthday Baby : You are determined , productive and altruistic .
You are perceptive and supportive .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Melanie Fiona, 37; Becki Newton, 42; Andrew Zimmern, 59; Geraldo Rivera, 77.
Happy Birthday: Step up and take over. Make yourself available and indispensable. A passionate response will make others pay attention and sign up to help. Put your energy where it counts most, and be the hero who makes a difference. Channel your anger into something constructive, and you will avoid unnecessary disputes. Plan and execute your actions with a foolproof strategy. Your numbers are 7, 16, 24, 27, 36, 42, 46.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Don’t let anyone bait you into a fight. Stay calm, finish a project and stay out of trouble. Doing something physical that will help ease stress will turn your day into a memorable experience. Choose peace and happiness over discord. 2 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Look for an opportunity, and turn it into something that will help you excel. Whether it’s a personal or professional gain you make, shoot for the stars. You won’t be disappointed. Dream it, believe it and make it happen. 5 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Dig in and get things accomplished. Puttering around the house will lead to collecting all those things you don’t wear or use anymore. Getting organized will make you feel good and help you blow off steam. Physical activity will lift your spirits. 3 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Choose to do something special for someone you love. Make an adjustment at home that will bring you closer to the people you care about most. Improving your surroundings, cooking something special or making a kind gesture is encouraged. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): A little adventure will help you clear your head. Look for a physical activity that will test your stamina, or do something creative that will encourage you to explore your skills and talents. Channel your energy into something productive. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Don’t waste time on situations you cannot change. Put your heart and soul into positive people and projects that will enhance your life. Use your mental and emotional insight to come up with a practical plan. 5 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Keep the peace. Issues that surface at home or with someone you work with will be emotionally upsetting. Don’t let a misunderstanding turn into an irreversible problem. Listen, ask questions, verify facts and be willing to compromise. 2 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): A chance to learn or experience something new will keep you engaged as well as encourage you to alter the way you do things in the future. Ask someone you love to tag along on a virtual journey you can enjoy together. 4 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Put your best foot forward, and do what you can to make someone you love happy. A home improvement project doesn’t have to cost a lot if you do the work yourself. Channel your energy into something productive, not argumentative. 3 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Turn your day into a family affair. Your combined efforts can bring about positive change that will encourage better relationships and alterations at home that are conducive to entertainment everyone can enjoy. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Stick close to home. Rely on the past, and you will find a way to make your personal life better. A physical change will give you the pick-me-up you need to pursue a goal you set for yourself with confidence and finesse. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Your insight will help you find the best way to assist those in need without endangering your personal or physical well-being. What you have to offer can be used to subsidize any income loss you’ve encountered. Think smart; act safely. 4 stars
Birthday Baby: You are determined, productive and altruistic. You are perceptive and supportive.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-07-04--Word Game: July 4, 2020

Word Game: July 4, 2020

Can you find 48 or more words in PETALS ?
The list will be published Monday .
To purchase the @ @ @ @ @ WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 while supplies last !
1 .
@ @ @ @ @ or more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four letters by the addition of @ @ @ @ @ as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” are not allowed .
3 .
@ @ @ @ @ a “ d ” or an “ s ” may not be used .
For @ @ @ @ @ ” is used , “ baked ” or “ bakes ” are not allowed , @ @ @ @ @ “ baking ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper nouns , slang words , or @ @ @ @ @ are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — PETALS (PETALS: PET-uls: The brightly colored parts of a flower.)
Average mark 35 words
Time limit 60 minutes
Can you find 48 or more words in PETALS? The list will be published Monday.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — HOLIDAYS hail halo hold holy oily oldish lady laid
lash load idly idol idyl daily dais daisy dash dial dish doily adios ahoy also
ashy sadly said sail shad shady shoal shod silo slay slid soda soil sold solid
soya
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.