mercurynews--2020-03-25--Letter: Why is John Muir Health closing 3 of its urgent care centers?

I got an email from John Muir Health announcing they are closing three of their seven East Bay urgent care centers , with the rationale “ This change lets us move clinicians and staff to our four largest Urgent Care locations.
” Why would they close nearly half of their urgent care centers when we ’ re told we ’ ll be needing more care facilities , not fewer !
Putting more clinicians and staff in the remaining four centers will increase crowding with less distance between individuals , adding to the risk of contagion .
Instead , they could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for respiratory illnesses only , and use the remaining ones for other urgent care needs .
• Letter : Trump can raise morale by skipping the briefings • Letter : Woman with little money brings food to homeless children • Letter : Will the next COVID-19 relief bill leave families behind ?
• Letter : Invest in the sectors and people that are keeping us healthy If future reports bemoan overburdened urgent care facilities in the John Muir Health system , remember this seemingly misguided decision to close some of them .
Submit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ form Read more Letters to the Editor

John Muir Health closes
3 of 7 urgent care centers
I got an email from John Muir Health announcing they are closing three of their seven East Bay urgent care centers, with the rationale “This change lets us move clinicians and staff to our four largest Urgent Care locations.” Why would they close nearly half of their urgent care centers when we’re told we’ll be needing more care facilities, not fewer!
Putting more clinicians and staff in the remaining four centers will increase crowding with less distance between individuals, adding to the risk of contagion. Instead, they could dedicate a subset of the seven centers for respiratory illnesses only, and use the remaining ones for other urgent care needs.
Related Articles Letters to the Editor | Letters: Escape Bay Area | CASA program | Feinstein replacement | Faulty comparison | Not conservatives
Letters: Escape Bay Area | CASA program | Feinstein replacement | Faulty comparison | Not conservatives Letters to the Editor | Letters: Psychiatric beds | SJSU neglect | Squandering cash | Overdoing coverage | Pac-12 negotiations | For climate’s sake | Electric appliances
Letters: Psychiatric beds | SJSU neglect | Squandering cash | Overdoing coverage | Pac-12 negotiations | For climate’s sake | Electric appliances Letters to the Editor | Letters: Abandoning tenants | Deaf culture | Western contributions | Conservative alienation | Precise language
Letters: Abandoning tenants | Deaf culture | Western contributions | Conservative alienation | Precise language Letters to the Editor | Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path
Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps If future reports bemoan overburdened urgent care facilities in the John Muir Health system, remember this seemingly misguided decision to close some of them.
Marilyn Langlois
Richmond
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
Read more Letters to the Editor


mercurynews--2020-03-25--Harriette Cole: Money has made me a whiny, childish person

DEAR HARRIETTE : Since I have been making my own money , I have become so greedy .
Every time my family asks for money , I give them a generous amount .
I never give more than they ask , though , since I want to save some for me .
I have no problem lending people money if they desperately need it , but lately , money seems to be decreasing in my bank account .
I have gotten to the point where , if someone asks me for money , I start to whine .
Money has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I don ’ t want money to make me into a different person .
Lately , it has been hard due to transportation fares and groceries , but I also want to help out my family .
How do I tackle this ?
DEAR GREED : The fact that you have a job does not give anyone license to share your money — including your family .
You may want to make your parents the exception , as they have sacrificed so much to raise you .
But truly , you need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you have money is because you work hard for it .
You should create a plan for your life that includes an outline of how much money you need to have .
• Harriette Cole : If coronavirus cancels my conference , I might be out of a job • Harriette Cole : I ’ m getting the side-eye because I ’ m half-Asian • Harriette Cole : Her boyfriend ’ s odor fills the room and drives people away • Harriette Cole : Should she insist he tell his family why they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How can I make my friends pay attention to the presidential race ?
It is perfectly normal for you to use your money for your basic needs , a bit of extracurricular fun and savings .
Giving to charity can also be on your list — at a small percentage for now .
If you choose to make your family members your charity cases , so be it , but know that enabling them only encourages them to demand more from you .
Instead , you should suggest that they go to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay for their own lives .
DEAR HARRIETTE : Recently , a guy I haven ’ t talked to in years recommended me for a job .
Out of the blue , it seemed , he called me and told me about this opportunity .
A few months went by before things came together .
Well , I got the job , but in the flurry of everything , I forgot to contact the guy to tell him I got it .
I ’ m embarrassed that so much time has passed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ let him know .
How can I do it so I don ’ t seem like an ingrate ?
DEAR CLOSING THE LOOP : It is not too late to say thank you .
Gather your thoughts .
When you contact your friend — either by phone or in an email — you want to say thank you for the referral and give highlights about the job so that this man can see how it ’ s working out for you .
You can tell him you are happy to report that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a few particular ways .
Rather than apologizing for the delay in reaching out to him , give him a full report that illustrates why his referral was valuable and how grateful you are that this is manifesting right now .
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS , an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams .
You can send questions to askharriette @ harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

DEAR HARRIETTE: Since I have been making my own money, I have become so greedy.
Every time my family asks for money, I give them a generous amount. I never give more than they ask, though, since I want to save some for me. I have no problem lending people money if they desperately need it, but lately, money seems to be decreasing in my bank account.
I have gotten to the point where, if someone asks me for money, I start to whine.
Money has made me act foolishly and childishly. I don’t want money to make me into a different person. Lately, it has been hard due to transportation fares and groceries, but I also want to help out my family.
How do I tackle this?
Greed
DEAR GREED: The fact that you have a job does not give anyone license to share your money — including your family.
You may want to make your parents the exception, as they have sacrificed so much to raise you. But truly, you need to step back and realize that the reason you have money is because you work hard for it. You should create a plan for your life that includes an outline of how much money you need to have.
Related Articles Advice | Harriette Cole: Was it rash to choose this job over my boyfriend’s objections?
Harriette Cole: Was it rash to choose this job over my boyfriend’s objections? Advice | Harriette Cole: What does it mean that my boyfriend’s sister called me by this name?
Harriette Cole: What does it mean that my boyfriend’s sister called me by this name? Advice | Harriette Cole: Our guest walked through a closed screen door. Is it our problem?
Harriette Cole: Our guest walked through a closed screen door. Is it our problem? Advice | Harriette Cole: I’m ashamed to tell people I forgave my childhood friend
Harriette Cole: I’m ashamed to tell people I forgave my childhood friend Advice | Harriette Cole: I’ve worked hard, and my poor siblings resent my success It is perfectly normal for you to use your money for your basic needs, a bit of extracurricular fun and savings. Giving to charity can also be on your list — at a small percentage for now.
If you choose to make your family members your charity cases, so be it, but know that enabling them only encourages them to demand more from you. Instead, you should suggest that they go to work, too, so that they can pay for their own lives.
DEAR HARRIETTE: Recently, a guy I haven’t talked to in years recommended me for a job. Out of the blue, it seemed, he called me and told me about this opportunity. A few months went by before things came together. Well, I got the job, but in the flurry of everything, I forgot to contact the guy to tell him I got it.
I’m embarrassed that so much time has passed, but I feel like I should still let him know. How can I do it so I don’t seem like an ingrate?
Closing the Loop
DEAR CLOSING THE LOOP: It is not too late to say thank you.
Gather your thoughts. When you contact your friend — either by phone or in an email — you want to say thank you for the referral and give highlights about the job so that this man can see how it’s working out for you. You can tell him you are happy to report that the job is a good fit for you in a few particular ways.
Rather than apologizing for the delay in reaching out to him, give him a full report that illustrates why his referral was valuable and how grateful you are that this is manifesting right now.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-03-25--Oakland: Suspect gets no additional jail time for possessing gun used in 2018 shooting

OAKLAND — A man who was identified as a suspect in a May 2018 shooting was sentenced to time already served for possessing the gun that was used in the shooting , court records show .
Kevonte Gordon , 27 , admitted to possessing a Glock pistol used in a May 2018 shooting in Oakland , as part of a plea deal with federal prosecutors , court records show .
Prosecutors have named him as a suspect in the shooting but Gordon was never formally charged in it .
The sentenced was handed down Monday by U.S. District Judge Haywood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May 2018 shooting was captured on a resident ’ s home security camera , which shows a man — allegedly identified by police as Gordon — exiting a vehicle , and leaving the frame of the camera .
Seconds later , several shots are heard , and the person runs back to the car , which speeds off .
The pistol has also been linked to several other shootings , according to prosecutors .
It was recovered in June 2018 , following an investigation into a gang known as F— Everyone , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of five Oakland men — mostly suspected members or associates of the FE gang — who have been charged with gun possession stemming from incidents in May or June of 2018 .
The investigation followed the the June 27 , 2018 killing of 18-year-old Derick Alexander , in Oakland .
According to authorities , Alexander was friends with the defendants , several of whom , prosecutors allege , were gearing up to attack their rivals when they were fired upon first .
Prosecutors asked for a three-year federal prison term for Gordon .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and included numerous letters of support on Gordon ’ s behalf .
They describe him as a young man of “ tremendous potential , ” and a “ God-fearing ” soul with “ the qualities of a leader.
” Gordon ’ s attorney , James Thomson , wrote in a sentencing memo that his client wants to dedicate his life to public service — specifically , to helping impoverished youth navigate through the same struggled Gordon faced as a youngster .
He envisions forming a nonprofit called BUILT ( Building Up the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thomson wrote .
“ As Mr. Gordon envisions , BUILT would : ( 1 ) provide youth with mentors and opportunities to learn useful life skills ; ( 2 ) help low-income families with money for different field trips that will be beneficial to the kids ; ( 3 ) help change the youth ’ s perspective of what ’ s “ cool ” ; ( 4 ) provide at-risk youth with a safe and sober environment in which they ’ ll be able to study , use computers , and also have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skills that one might not necessarily learn from school ( i.e .
balancing a check book , investments , healthy habits ) , ” Thomson wrote .
“ Gordon wants the BUILT participants to learn from his mistakes and have opportunities that were not afforded to him.
” Gordon accepted plea deals in other gun possession cases that were charged in state court , and was sentenced to a total of 270 days in jail followed by five years probation .
As of 4 p.m. Wednesday , he remained in Santa Rita Jail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

OAKLAND — A man who was identified as a suspect in a May 2018 shooting was sentenced to time already served for possessing the gun that was used in the shooting, court records show.
Kevonte Gordon, 27, admitted to possessing a Glock pistol used in a May 16, 2018 shooting in Oakland, as part of a plea deal with federal prosecutors, court records show. Prosecutors have named him as a suspect in the shooting but Gordon was never formally charged in it. One person was struck by a bullet and injured, police said at the time.
The sentenced was handed down Monday by U.S. District Judge Haywood Gilliam, court records show.
The May 2018 shooting was captured on a resident’s home security camera, which shows a man — allegedly identified by police as Gordon — exiting a vehicle, and leaving the frame of the camera. Seconds later, several shots are heard, and the person runs back to the car, which speeds off.
The pistol has also been linked to several other shootings, according to prosecutors. It was recovered in June 2018, following an investigation into a gang known as F— Everyone, according to federal prosecutors.
Gordon is one of five Oakland men — mostly suspected members or associates of the FE gang — who have been charged with gun possession stemming from incidents in May or June of 2018. The investigation followed the the June 27, 2018 killing of 18-year-old Derick Alexander, in Oakland. According to authorities, Alexander was friends with the defendants, several of whom, prosecutors allege, were gearing up to attack their rivals when they were fired upon first.
Prosecutors asked for a three-year federal prison term for Gordon. The defense asked for a 15-month sentence, and included numerous letters of support on Gordon’s behalf. They describe him as a young man of “tremendous potential,” and a “God-fearing” soul with “the qualities of a leader.”
Gordon’s attorney, James Thomson, wrote in a sentencing memo that his client wants to dedicate his life to public service — specifically, to helping impoverished youth navigate through the same struggles Gordon faced as a youngster. He envisions forming a nonprofit called BUILT (Building Up the Integrity of Leaders of Tomorrow), Thomson wrote.
“As Mr. Gordon envisions, BUILT would: (1) provide youth with mentors and opportunities to learn useful life skills; (2) help low-income families with money for different field trips that will be beneficial to the kids; (3) help change the youth’s perspective of what’s ‘cool’; (4) provide at-risk youth with a safe and sober environment in which they’ll be able to study, use computers, and also have fun; and (5) teach skills that one might not necessarily learn from school (i.e. balancing a check book, investments, healthy habits),” Thomson wrote. “Gordon wants the BUILT participants to learn from his mistakes and have opportunities that were not afforded to him.”
Gordon accepted plea deals in other gun possession cases that were charged in state court, and was sentenced to a total of 270 days in jail followed by five years probation. As of 4 p.m. Wednesday, he remained in Santa Rita Jail in Dublin, according to jail records.


mercurynews--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: rent, eviction relief for Bay Area tenants

Struggling Bay Area tenants are getting more protections from eviction and leniency on paying rent , as state and local lawmakers worry the coronavirus pandemic will overwhelm out-of-work and sick renters .
Layoffs and work slowdowns have left many tenants in a cash crunch , but Santa Clara , Alameda and San Mateo counties this week joined several Bay Area cities passing eviction moratoriums .
The county measures add another layer of protection for renters facing medical bills for coronavirus treatment and loss of income and unemployment as the state mandates workers stay home .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to temporarily suspend evictions for tenants facing hardships from the pandemic .
Renter advocates urged the governor to extend a statewide moratorium , but the governor has stopped short of a sweeping edict .
On Wednesday , Newsom said the state reserved the right to impose a California-wide ban , adding that such a measure was complicated .
Sen. Scott Wiener , D-San Francisco , also said he plans to introduce a bill with Assemblymember Phil Ting , D-San Francisco to enhance renter protections .
The local and state measures come as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and rent payments come due for the first time in the middle of the statewide shelter-in-place emergency order .
As the pandemic has deepened , several Bay Area cities have passed emergency restrictions on evictions , including San Jose , Santa Clara , Palo Alto and Union City .
County ordinances in San Mateo and Santa Clara will be enforced unless cities pass more strict guidelines protecting tenants .
Elected leaders and property owners stress the programs are designed for hardship cases , and healthy , employed renters should make their monthly payments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , not cancellation , for those effected by the pandemic .
Tenants must also provide proof that they have been harmed .
In Santa Clara County , the moratorium covers every residential and small business tenant , including those within city borders .
Tenants will have 120 days to pay back rent due to the emergency .
Tenants must be able to provide proof to landlords of lost income or personal , medical expenses related to the coronavirus emergency .
The order went into effect immediately after approval by county supervisors on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
San Mateo County supervisors passed a similar order this week for residents only , allowing struggling renters up to six months to pay back rent .
The Alameda County regulations , passed unanimously by county supervisors Tuesday , covers residents in rental homes and apartments in the unincorporated sections of the city .
Michael Trujillo , staff attorney at the Law Foundation of Silicon Valley , said tenant hotlines have been getting 100 calls an hour this week .
The nonprofit is hosting an online seminar in English , Spanish and Vietnamese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Home to answer questions on the moratoriums and other tenant issues .
“ There ’ s a tremendous need right now , ” Trujillo said .
• 1 million Californians file unemployment claims ; Governor Newsom says most big banks will offer mortgage relief in state Landlords and property managers say they ’ re also making arrangements with tenants on a case-by-case basis .
Large corporate landlords , including Irvine Company , Essex Property Trust and Equity Residential have offered to work with cash-crunched tenants on extended payment schedules , said Tom Bannon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Some landlords report tenants simply dropping off keys and saying they will no longer be able to afford their apartments , Bannon said .
“ I don ’ t know where they ’ re going , ” he said .
Association members generally dislike eviction moratoriums , but can accept short-term bans during the crisis , he said .
Landlords would also benefit if they were given extensions to make mortgage payments .
“ The industry is uneasy , but we need certainty , ” Bannon said .
“ There ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also have been encouraging struggling tenants to speak up .
They also urge renters who have remained financially healthy to pay rent — and give landlords more resources to extend payment plans to struggling neighbors .
“ We ’ re all in this together , ” said Sid Lakireddy , president of the California Rental Housing Association , which represents smaller landlords .
“ Everybody has to do their part .
”

Struggling Bay Area tenants are getting more protections from eviction and leniency on paying rent, as state and local lawmakers worry the coronavirus pandemic will overwhelm out-of-work and sick renters.
Layoffs and work slowdowns have left many tenants in a cash crunch, but Santa Clara, Alameda and San Mateo counties this week joined several Bay Area cities passing eviction moratoriums. The county measures add another layer of protection for renters facing medical bills for coronavirus treatment and loss of income and unemployment as the state mandates workers stay home.
Gov. Gavin Newsom last week granted cities and counties the power to temporarily suspend evictions for tenants facing hardships from the pandemic. Renter advocates urged the governor to extend a statewide moratorium, but the governor has stopped short of a sweeping edict.
On Wednesday, Newsom said the state reserved the right to impose a California-wide ban, adding that such a measure was complicated. Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, also said he plans to introduce a bill with Assemblymember Phil Ting, D-San Francisco to enhance renter protections.
The local and state measures come as the the number of coronavirus cases increases, and rent payments come due for the first time in the middle of the statewide shelter-in-place emergency order.
As the pandemic has deepened, several Bay Area cities have passed emergency restrictions on evictions, including San Jose, Santa Clara, Palo Alto and Union City. County ordinances in San Mateo and Santa Clara will be enforced unless cities pass more strict guidelines protecting tenants.
Elected leaders and property owners stress the programs are designed for hardship cases, and healthy, employed renters should make their monthly payments. The ordinances allow for rent deferrals, not cancellation, for those effected by the pandemic. Tenants must also provide proof that they have been harmed.
In Santa Clara County, the moratorium covers every residential and small business tenant, including those within city borders. Tenants will have 120 days to pay back rent due to the emergency. Tenants must be able to provide proof to landlords of lost income or personal, medical expenses related to the coronavirus emergency. The order went into effect immediately after approval by county supervisors on Tuesday, and will last until May 31.
San Mateo County supervisors passed a similar order this week for residents only, allowing struggling renters up to six months to pay back rent.
The Alameda County regulations, passed unanimously by county supervisors Tuesday, covers residents in rental homes and apartments in the unincorporated sections of the city.
Michael Trujillo, staff attorney at the Law Foundation of Silicon Valley, said tenant hotlines have been getting 100 calls an hour this week. The nonprofit is hosting an online seminar in English, Spanish and Vietnamese Friday with housing advocates at SV@Home to answer questions on the moratoriums and other tenant issues. “There’s a tremendous need right now,” Trujillo said.
Landlords and property managers say they’re also making arrangements with tenants on a case-by-case basis. Large corporate landlords, including Irvine Company, Essex Property Trust and Equity Residential have offered to work with cash-crunched tenants on extended payment schedules, said Tom Bannon, CEO of the California Apartment Association.
Some landlords report tenants simply dropping off keys and saying they will no longer be able to afford their apartments, Bannon said. “I don’t know where they’re going,” he said.
Association members generally dislike eviction moratoriums, but can accept short-term bans during the crisis, he said. Landlords would also benefit if they were given extensions to make mortgage payments. “The industry is uneasy, but we need certainty,” Bannon said. “There’s no certainty right now.”
Smaller landlords also have been encouraging struggling tenants to speak up. They also urge renters who have remained financially healthy to pay rent — and give landlords more resources to extend payment plans to struggling neighbors.
“We’re all in this together,” said Sid Lakireddy, president of the California Rental Housing Association, which represents smaller landlords. “Everybody has to do their part.”


mercurynews--2020-03-25--Police employee finds surplus cache of masks, and SJPD donates them to hospitals for COVID-19 fight

SAN JOSE — One afternoon last week , San Jose Police Department property supervisor Anna Hawkes was awash in news of widespread shortages of masks and other supplies at area hospitals straining to keep up with the spiking number of people needing hospital care for COVID-19 .
It prompted her to remember that there might be a stashed-away cache of hospital-grade masks somewhere in one of the department ’ s warehouses , stockpiled after the 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic .
So she and other staff began hunting for the pallet .
Tuesday , they found their treasure , in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of boxes labeled 3M .
They re-discovered 50,000 masks , and because the department had already loaded up on personal protective equipment in anticipation of the current pandemic , they were all technically surplus .
Hawkes ’ discovery was in a sense like finding gold , given the widespread of shortages of masks and other medical supplies at area hospitals straining to keep up with the number of infected people who need intensive care .
So she approached police commanders and suggested they could go to better use .
For the department , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where the masks needed to go .
Five large hospitals in San Jose : Valley Medical Center , O ’ Connor and Good Samaritan Hospitals , Kaiser San Jose and Regional Medical Center .
“ Credit needs to go to Anna Hawkes , ” police Chief Eddie Garcia said .
“ It amazes me how , as were going through this crisis , people are mindful of the little things , that have enormous impact.
” The donated masks were graciously received at the hospitals .
At Good Sam , Chief Nursing Officer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivery that medical workers go through up to 400 masks each day .
It was also part of broader efforts in the South Bay to collect medical supplies like masks , face shields , and other personal protective equipment .
As of this past weekend , the Silicon Valley Leadership Group ’ s donation drive gathered $ 531,000 from local companies , $ 51,000 from individuals , and equipment : 1,200 respirators and 1,300 surgical masks from Limileds , 2,000 hazmat suits from KLA , 15,000 surgical masks from IBM and more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Valley Medical Center Foundation , which is steering the allocation of those funds and equipment , has in its own right collected more than $ 250,000 in materials and $ 3.5 million in cash donations .
Michael Elliott , the foundation ’ s chief operating officer , said people who want to help should not feel pressure to locate equipment and that monetary donations ensure that hospitals are obtaining exactly what they need .
He said the foundation was grateful for the police donation , both materially and for the gesture it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think these officers understand what it means to put your life at risk , to serve and take care of others .
That ’ s what our care providers are doing right now , with everything they ’ ve got , in the coming days , weeks and months , ” Elliott said .
Elliott pointed out that in 10 days , the foundation has collected 175,000 masks , 50,000 pairs of gloves , and a large assortment of disinfectant wipes , hand sanitizer and goggles .
He said there ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ printers who are making face shields .
“ It sends a needed message right now for the healthcare work force , ” he said , “ that we see them , understand the risk they ’ re taking , and will do everything we can to make sure they ’ re taken care of .
”

(If you’re having trouble viewing this gallery or video on a mobile device, click here.)
This story has been updated.
SAN JOSE — One afternoon last week, San Jose Police Department property supervisor Anna Hawkes was awash in news of widespread shortages of masks and other supplies at area hospitals straining to keep up with the spiking number of people needing hospital care for COVID-19.
It prompted her to remember that there might be a stashed-away cache of hospital-grade masks somewhere in one of the department’s warehouses, a stockpile inspired by the 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic. So she and other staff began hunting for the pallet.
Tuesday, they found their treasure, in the form of a plastic-wrapped pallet of scores of boxes labeled 3M. They re-discovered 50,000 masks, and because the department had already loaded up on personal protective equipment in anticipation of the current pandemic, they were all technically surplus.
Hawkes’ discovery was in a sense like finding gold, given the widespread of shortages of masks and other medical supplies at area hospitals straining to keep up with the number of infected people who need intensive care. So she approached police commanders and suggested they could go to better use. Police contacted the CDC to ensure they were still viable, and got the go-ahead to give them away.
From there, it was a “no-brainer” on where the masks needed to go, police said. Five large hospitals in San Jose: Valley Medical Center, O’Connor and Good Samaritan Hospitals, Kaiser San Jose and Regional Medical Center.
“Credit needs to go to Anna Hawkes,” police Chief Eddie Garcia said. “It amazes me how, as were going through this crisis, people are mindful of the little things, that have enormous impact.”
The donated masks were graciously received at the hospitals. At Good Sam, Chief Nursing Officer Mark Brown said upon the Wednesday afternoon delivery that medical workers go through up to 400 masks each day.
It was also part of broader efforts in the South Bay to collect medical supplies like masks, face shields, and other personal protective equipment. As of this past weekend, the Silicon Valley Leadership Group’s donation drive gathered $531,000 from local companies, $51,000 from individuals, and equipment: 1,200 respirators and 1,300 surgical masks from Limileds, 2,000 hazmat suits from KLA, 15,000 surgical masks from IBM and more than 140,000 surgical masks from Western Digital.
The Valley Medical Center Foundation, which is steering the allocation of those funds and equipment, has in its own right collected more than $250,000 in materials and $3.5 million in cash donations. Michael Elliott, the foundation’s chief operating officer, said people who want to help should not feel pressure to locate equipment and that monetary donations ensure that hospitals are obtaining exactly what they need.
He said the foundation was grateful for the police donation, both materially and for the gesture it represented.
“What stands out is I think these officers understand what it means to put your life at risk, to serve and take care of others. That’s what our care providers are doing right now, with everything they’ve got, in the coming days, weeks and months,” Elliott said.
Elliott pointed out that in 10 days, the foundation has collected 175,000 masks, 50,000 pairs of gloves, and a large assortment of disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer and goggles. He said there’s a team of people handy with 3D printers who are making face shields.
“It sends a needed message right now for the healthcare work force,” he said, “that we see them, understand the risk they’re taking, and will do everything we can to make sure they’re taken care of.”
Update: March 26, 2020 This story has been updated to clarify that the purchase of the masks was influenced by the 2009 pandemic, but not purchased at that time, and to reflect that police said they consulted with the CDC to ensure the masks were still viable for hospital use.


mercurynews--2020-03-25--House Hygiene: How to keep coronavirus from coming home

As the spread of the new coronavirus has driven me and everyone else indoors to shelter in place , my home really has become my haven … and my office and school and gym and movie theater and restaurants and pretty much my world .
I ’ m good with that .
However , if our homes are going to be the family safety zone for the unforeseeable future , keeping them clean and the enemy virus out is top of mind .
For answers , I talked to Dr. Edwin DeJesus , an infectious disease specialist based in Orlando @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you wish more people understood ?
A : Every American needs to take this situation very seriously .
COVID-19 is not just another flu .
It is a potentially lethal infection with serious consequences .
We learned from the epidemic in China that most of those who got infected got the virus from someone who didn ’ t know they had it .
So we need to avoid contact with others in the community who have mild or no symptoms .
Understanding that helps people comply .
The virus can live in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone coughs , so staying home is so important .
Because the virus can live for three days on some surfaces , we also must be vigilant about what comes in the door .
Q : How do we practice border control at home ?
A : Start with a clean , coronavirus-free house .
Wipe down and disinfect all surfaces including door handles , light switches , counters and faucets .
Next , take care not to bring the virus in by creating a coming-home routine that everyone follows .
Have everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preferably one close to a sink .
Put a sign on the door reminding those entering to remove shoes — which have been on surfaces where people could have coughed , sneezed or spit — and wash their hands .
Stock the sink area with soap and paper , not cloth , towels .
While there , clean items you touch and carry , such as your keys , cellphone , wallet and purse handle .
If you ’ re coming home after being in a high-risk environment , like a doctor ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your clothes and put them straight into the washing machine .
Bypass the hamper .
Wash them with regular detergent , and take a shower .
Q : When we do go out for groceries , how do we avoid bringing the COVID-19 virus home ?
A : No one gets infected by touching the virus .
It can not pass through skin , only through a mucosal membrane .
Infection occurs when the virus is on your hands , and you touch your eyes , nose or mouth .
When out , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ ve used hand sanitizer or washed your hands .
Keep your car clean by wiping your steering wheel , dashboard and door handles with disinfectant .
Put bags in your trunk , not inside the car .
Once home , put grocery bags in the transition zone .
After you wash your hands , unload groceries and wipe down cartons and cans as you put them away .
Put empty bags outside , directly into the recycle bin , and clean the counter .
Q : What if some family members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A home is only as clean as its least adherent person .
You can be perfect , but if your partner or children don ’ t follow the rules , all has gone to waste .
Q : I just learned I have been cleaning my counters wrong all my life .
How do we properly wash our hands and disinfect our homes ?
A : Cleaning and disinfecting aren ’ t the same .
Soap cleans , and is the first choice for hands .
It works by allowing dirt and germs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rinsed off .
Wash your hands for 20 seconds ( using ) warm water .
That allows time for dirt to detach ; warm water heats the soap and expands its cleaning action .
Disinfecting is the first choice for surfaces .
Agents like Clorox , alcohol and household cleaners kill bacteria and viruses .
When disinfecting a counter , spray it , then let the agent sit for at least a minute .
Q : Cleaning supplies , such as Clorox wipes , are in short supply .
What can we use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your own .
Create a solution of 1/3 cup Clorox to one gallon of water ( or 4 teaspoons per quart ) .
Fill a spray bottle , or moisten paper towels with the solution , fold them and keep several in a sealed baggie .
Straight rubbing alcohol is also an excellent disinfectant .
Q : What about visitors ?
Should I still have my housekeepers come ?
A : I am not recommending banning all visitors , but everyone who enters is potentially infected .
Ask all visitors to remove shoes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distance .
So when the cable guy comes in , don ’ t get close .
As for housekeepers , they help keep the house germ-free , but bring risk , too .
I ’ m less concerned about what germs they might carry on their supplies from the last house than I am about them .
Ask them to clean handles and doors behind them .
• Coronavirus : GOP Senators object to help for unemployed • How much money will you get in coronavirus stimulus check ?
Q : What if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
A : That person needs to be isolated , and you quarantined .
You isolate those you know are infected .
You quarantine those who have been exposed .
The infected person needs to stay confined alone to one area or room in the house , and be responsible for keeping that area disinfected .
Other household members need to stay away and not touch anything that person has touched .
If the infected person can not keep the isolation area sanitized , then one designated person can clean while wearing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the infected person has had two negative tests over two consecutive days .
Those exposed need to stay in quarantine for two weeks .
Be clean .
Be safe .
Be home .

As the spread of the new coronavirus has driven me and everyone else indoors to shelter in place, my home really has become my haven … and my office and school and gym and movie theater and restaurants and pretty much my world.
I’m good with that. However, if our homes are going to be the family safety zone for the unforeseeable future, keeping them clean and the enemy virus out is top of mind. For answers, I talked to Dr. Edwin DeJesus, an infectious disease specialist based in Orlando, Florida:
Q: What do you wish more people understood?
A: Every American needs to take this situation very seriously. COVID-19 is not just another flu. It is a potentially lethal infection with serious consequences. We learned from the epidemic in China that most of those who got infected got the virus from someone who didn’t know they had it. So we need to avoid contact with others in the community who have mild or no symptoms. Understanding that helps people comply. The virus can live in the air, and can be transmitted when someone coughs, so staying home is so important. Because the virus can live for three days on some surfaces, we also must be vigilant about what comes in the door.
Q: How do we practice border control at home?
A: Start with a clean, coronavirus-free house. Wipe down and disinfect all surfaces including door handles, light switches, counters and faucets.
Next, take care not to bring the virus in by creating a coming-home routine that everyone follows. Have everyone come in through the same door, preferably one close to a sink. Put a sign on the door reminding those entering to remove shoes — which have been on surfaces where people could have coughed, sneezed or spit — and wash their hands. Stock the sink area with soap and paper, not cloth, towels. While there, clean items you touch and carry, such as your keys, cellphone, wallet and purse handle.
If you’re coming home after being in a high-risk environment, like a doctor’s office or emergency room, remove your clothes and put them straight into the washing machine. Bypass the hamper. Wash them with regular detergent, and take a shower.
Q: When we do go out for groceries, how do we avoid bringing the COVID-19 virus home?
A: No one gets infected by touching the virus. It cannot pass through skin, only through a mucosal membrane. Infection occurs when the virus is on your hands, and you touch your eyes, nose or mouth. When out, try not to touch your face until you’ve used hand sanitizer or washed your hands. Keep your car clean by wiping your steering wheel, dashboard and door handles with disinfectant. Put bags in your trunk, not inside the car.
Once home, put grocery bags in the transition zone. After you wash your hands, unload groceries and wipe down cartons and cans as you put them away. Put empty bags outside, directly into the recycle bin, and clean the counter.
Q: What if some family members don’t cooperate?
A: A home is only as clean as its least adherent person. You can be perfect, but if your partner or children don’t follow the rules, all has gone to waste.
Q: I just learned I have been cleaning my counters wrong all my life. How do we properly wash our hands and disinfect our homes?
A: Cleaning and disinfecting aren’t the same. Soap cleans, and is the first choice for hands. It works by allowing dirt and germs to detach from the skin and get rinsed off. Wash your hands for 20 seconds (using) warm water. That allows time for dirt to detach; warm water heats the soap and expands its cleaning action.
Disinfecting is the first choice for surfaces. Agents like Clorox, alcohol and household cleaners kill bacteria and viruses. When disinfecting a counter, spray it, then let the agent sit for at least a minute.
Q: Cleaning supplies, such as Clorox wipes, are in short supply. What can we use instead?
A: You can make your own. Create a solution of 1/3 cup Clorox to one gallon of water (or 4 teaspoons per quart). Fill a spray bottle, or moisten paper towels with the solution, fold them and keep several in a sealed baggie. Straight rubbing alcohol is also an excellent disinfectant.
Q: What about visitors? Should I still have my housekeepers come?
A: I am not recommending banning all visitors, but everyone who enters is potentially infected. Ask all visitors to remove shoes and wash hands. Then keep your distance. So when the cable guy comes in, don’t get close.
As for housekeepers, they help keep the house germ-free, but bring risk, too. I’m less concerned about what germs they might carry on their supplies from the last house than I am about them. Ask them to clean handles and doors behind them. Related Articles Home and Garden | San Jose office building wobbles into default — again
San Jose office building wobbles into default — again Home and Garden | College students blocked from campus when COVID hit want money back. Some are getting refunds
College students blocked from campus when COVID hit want money back. Some are getting refunds Home and Garden | One controversial East Bay parklet reveals dilemmas of pandemic dining
One controversial East Bay parklet reveals dilemmas of pandemic dining Home and Garden | 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 Home and Garden | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge
Q: What if someone in your house gets the virus?
A: That person needs to be isolated, and you quarantined. You isolate those you know are infected. You quarantine those who have been exposed. The infected person needs to stay confined alone to one area or room in the house, and be responsible for keeping that area disinfected. Other household members need to stay away and not touch anything that person has touched. If the infected person cannot keep the isolation area sanitized, then one designated person can clean while wearing a mask and gloves. Isolation can end after the infected person has had two negative tests over two consecutive days. Those exposed need to stay in quarantine for two weeks.
Be clean. Be safe. Be home.


mercurynews--2020-03-25--San Jose to adopt emergency sick leave policy for residents affected by coronavirus

In an effort to support San Jose ’ s low-wage workforce , San Jose officials on Wednesday proposed an emergency paid sick leave policy that would provide extra protection for any essential employee in the city who is still working and affected by the growing coronavirus crisis .
“ The point of this is to provide assurance so that any employee who is facing that choice — of knowing they ’ re either going to have to stay home and forgo a paycheck or show up at work , potentially affecting others — make the right decision and stay home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a council committee meeting on Wednesday .
Under San Jose ’ s proposed ordinance , any business that is allowed to keep operating under the county and state ’ s stay-at-home mandates would be required to provide employees affected by coronavirus with an immediate 40 hours of sick leave , and an additional hour for every two hours worked — up to a cap of 80 hours of sick leave .
Businesses that already provide employees with at least 160 hours — including paid time off and vacation — would be exempt .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have already closed due to the stay-at-home order .
San Jose officials say that the local ordinance would fill in gaps created by federal sick leave legislation passed by Congress earlier this month — dubbed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act .
The federal regulation only covers employees in private-sector companies with fewer than 500 personnel as well as government staff .
It also provides potential exemptions for businesses of fewer than 50 employees .
“ This is an issue of enormous magnitude and we can not wait , ” Councilmember Maya Esparza @ @ @ @ @ @ @ usual , it falls on us as local government and we need to do this as soon as possible.
” Last week , Councilmembers Esparza , Sylvia Arenas and Magdalena Carrasco first introduced a paid sick leave policy — modeled after similar ordinances in San Diego , San Francisco and Oakland — that would have provided workers up to 80 hours of paid sick time , not only during the extent of the coronavirus crisis but permanently .
That suggestion was rejected by the majority of the council ’ s rules committee before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The city council will take a final vote to enact the proposed paid sick leave policy at a meeting in two weeks .
“ We all represent hundreds of thousands of residents and they ’ re reliant on us to make sure that the essential services that remain open are a safe environment , and we can ’ t guarantee that if people aren ’ t offered sick paid leave , ” Arenas said .
The city ’ s proposed emergency ordinance would go far beyond state law , which requires businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave to employees , and further than permanent ordinances in other California cities , which at most provide 72 hours .
To qualify for the city ’ s proposed emergency sick leave protections , an employee must be under a quarantine or isolation order or experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19 , caring for an individual with a suspected or confirmed case of coronavirus , or watching a child whose school has been closed while the stay-at-home order is in place .
Councilmember Johnny Khamis , who voted against the proposed ordinance during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only support it if businesses with fewer than 50 employees were exempt , citing concerns about “ unintended consequences.
” “ After this regulation , we might not have any ( small businesses open downtown ) , ” he said .
“ Because it would be easier to not comply with this and shut down because they ’ re not making that much money anyway.
” Some business owners and business advocacy groups echoed Khamis ’ concern that the ordinance could pose additional threats to businesses already struggling during this crisis .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s largest chamber of commerce , the Silicon Valley Organization , both urged the council in letters this week to reject the proposal .
“ Instead of creating new unnecessary sick paid leave employment mandates , we urge you to consider measures to help restaurants , such as eviction protections and delayed licensing and fee payments , ” Katie Hansen , senior legislative director for the California Restaurant Association , wrote in a letter to the council .
Ron Benson , a chiropractor in San Jose , said his business at his practice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two weeks and the proposed legislation could force him into a greater financial hole .
“ I ask you to really not just consider the people who are out of work and need sick pay , ” Benson said .
“ But please take into account the whole business environment .
We can not provide for people if this is mandated.
” As of Wednesday , more than 2,500 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in California — 459 of which are in Santa Clara County .
About 67,000 coronavirus tests have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ majority of which are still pending results , according to Gov .
Gavin Newson .
And , more than 1 million Californians have filed for unemployment insurance this month due to layoffs or reduced hours amid the pandemic , Newsom said .
This is the second coronavirus-related emergency ordinance that the city has considered in recent weeks .
Earlier this month , the city passed a moratorium of the eviction of tenants affected by the coronavirus , which was closely followed closely by similar moratoriums in more than a dozen cities and counties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alto , Santa Clara County and San Francisco .
San Jose also plans to discuss an eviction moratorium for small businesses in the coming weeks .
On Wednesday , Oakland workers ’ rights group East Bay Alliance for a Sustainable Economy urged all Bay Area cities to pass emergency legislation — similar to what San Jose has proposed — that would guarantee 14 days of paid sick leave for every employee in the region , including undocumented people , during the public health crisis .

In an effort to support San Jose’s low-wage workforce, San Jose officials on Wednesday proposed an emergency paid sick leave policy that would provide extra protection for any essential employee in the city who is still working and affected by the growing coronavirus crisis.
“The point of this is to provide assurance so that any employee who is facing that choice — of knowing they’re either going to have to stay home and forgo a paycheck or show up at work, potentially affecting others — make the right decision and stay home,” Mayor Sam Liccardo said during a council committee meeting on Wednesday.
Under San Jose’s proposed ordinance, any business that is allowed to keep operating under the county and state’s stay-at-home mandates would be required to provide employees affected by coronavirus with an immediate 40 hours of sick leave, and an additional hour for every two hours worked — up to a cap of 80 hours of sick leave.
Businesses that already provide employees with at least 160 hours — including paid time off and vacation — would be exempt. This would not apply to businesses that have already closed due to the stay-at-home order.
San Jose officials say that the local ordinance would fill in gaps created by federal sick leave legislation passed by Congress earlier this month — dubbed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. The federal regulation only covers employees in private-sector companies with fewer than 500 personnel as well as government staff. It also provides potential exemptions for businesses of fewer than 50 employees.
“This is an issue of enormous magnitude and we cannot wait,” Councilmember Maya Esparza said during the meeting. “As usual, it falls on us as local government and we need to do this as soon as possible.”
Last week, Councilmembers Esparza, Sylvia Arenas and Magdalena Carrasco first introduced a paid sick leave policy — modeled after similar ordinances in San Diego, San Francisco and Oakland — that would have provided workers up to 80 hours of paid sick time, not only during the extent of the coronavirus crisis but permanently. That suggestion was rejected by the majority of the council’s rules committee before opting for the new, temporary legislation.
The city council will take a final vote to enact the proposed paid sick leave policy at a meeting in two weeks.
“We all represent hundreds of thousands of residents and they’re reliant on us to make sure that the essential services that remain open are a safe environment, and we can’t guarantee that if people aren’t offered sick paid leave,” Arenas said.
The city’s proposed emergency ordinance would go far beyond state law, which requires businesses to provide 24 hours of paid sick leave to employees, and further than permanent ordinances in other California cities, which at most provide 72 hours.
To qualify for the city’s proposed emergency sick leave protections, an employee must be under a quarantine or isolation order or experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19, caring for an individual with a suspected or confirmed case of coronavirus, or watching a child whose school has been closed while the stay-at-home order is in place.
Councilmember Johnny Khamis, who voted against the proposed ordinance during the committee meeting Wednesday, said he would only support it if businesses with fewer than 50 employees were exempt, citing concerns about “unintended consequences.”
“After this regulation, we might not have any (small businesses open downtown),” he said. “Because it would be easier to not comply with this and shut down because they’re not making that much money anyway.”
Some business owners and business advocacy groups echoed Khamis’ concern that the ordinance could pose additional threats to businesses already struggling during this crisis.
The California Restaurant Association and the region’s largest chamber of commerce, the Silicon Valley Organization, both urged the council in letters this week to reject the proposal.
“Instead of creating new unnecessary sick paid leave employment mandates, we urge you to consider measures to help restaurants, such as eviction protections and delayed licensing and fee payments,” Katie Hansen, senior legislative director for the California Restaurant Association, wrote in a letter to the council.
Ron Benson, a chiropractor in San Jose, said his business at his practice has declined 70% in the past two weeks and the proposed legislation could force him into a greater financial hole.
“I ask you to really not just consider the people who are out of work and need sick pay,” Benson said. “But please take into account the whole business environment. We cannot provide for people if this is mandated.”
As of Wednesday, more than 2,500 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in California — 459 of which are in Santa Clara County. About 67,000 coronavirus tests have been conducted in the state — the vast majority of which are still pending results, according to Gov. Gavin Newson. And, more than 1 million Californians have filed for unemployment insurance this month due to layoffs or reduced hours amid the pandemic, Newsom said.
Related Articles Health | San Jose office building wobbles into default — again
San Jose office building wobbles into default — again Health | College students blocked from campus when COVID hit want money back. Some are getting refunds
College students blocked from campus when COVID hit want money back. Some are getting refunds Health | One controversial East Bay parklet reveals dilemmas of pandemic dining
One controversial East Bay parklet reveals dilemmas of pandemic dining Health | 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 Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge This is the second coronavirus-related emergency ordinance that the city has considered in recent weeks.
Earlier this month, the city passed a moratorium of the eviction of tenants affected by the coronavirus, which was closely followed closely by similar moratoriums in more than a dozen cities and counties around the Bay Area, including Palo Alto, Santa Clara County and San Francisco. San Jose also plans to discuss an eviction moratorium for small businesses in the coming weeks.
On Wednesday, Oakland workers’ rights group East Bay Alliance for a Sustainable Economy urged all Bay Area cities to pass emergency legislation — similar to what San Jose has proposed — that would guarantee 14 days of paid sick leave for every employee in the region, including undocumented people, during the public health crisis.


mercurynews--2020-03-25--Coronavirus help: Are California’s mortgage relief offers a good deal?

Lenders are lining up to let California homeowners with coronavirus-related financial troubles skip some mortgage payments .
That ’ s great news for the homeowners among the 1 million-plus Californians who have recently applied for unemployment insurance , a shocking loss of jobs .
For all of last year , 2.1 million claims were made .
In 2008 and 2009 , in the heat of the Great Recession , 3.9 claims were made each year .
Policymakers and bankers are rushing to find ways to keep the sudden economic wallop from turning into a foreclosure crisis .
But before you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look at what we know .
A. California Gov .
Gavin Newsom said Wednesday , March 25 , that Wells Fargo , US Bank , Citi and JP Morgan Chase will waive mortgage payments for 90 days .
State-chartered banks and credit unions also have agreed to the 90-day forbearance .
Bank of America has agreed to a 30-day suspension , Newsom said .
A .
Who is “ servicing ” your loan ?
That ’ s usually who ’ s collecting the monthly check .
Some lenders keep the mortgage they made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
But often loans are sold to a new company collecting repayment .
That servicing bank is the one with which institution you must check .
Q.
Didn ’ t I hear there was federal help , too ?
A .
The federal agencies that package and insure mortgages for resale to investors have told the companies that service these loans to offer troubled borrowers some slack for up to one year .
That action may have nudged individual banks to offer payment breaks .
If your April payment is in doubt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a simple process .
Q .
How do I get help ?
A .
Cash-strapped borrowers seeking these payment holidays face huge unknowns .
These plans have just been announced .
So , how does one apply for the payment breaks ?
What ’ s required to get accepted for the waiver ?
What are the repayment plans ?
And will those skipped payments show up as a negative item on credit histories or create a tax issue ?
Call .
Take good notes .
Be persistent .
A .
The devil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dependent on personal situations and preferences .
Specifics are lacking in this quick-moving story , but at first glance , this is great news for many folks whose finances have been turned upside down in a month .
But caveats must be noted .
Many mortgage-aid offers following the economic collapse of 2008-09 proved to be fruitless , if not harmful , endeavors .
Q .
Can somebody help me ?
A. I can guarantee you that scam artists are dreaming up schemes already .
Please be extremely wary of any unknown third-party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an upfront fee !
This is very much an “ aid-seeker beware ” situation .
Q .
What if it ’ s an investment property ?
A .
The less traditional the financing in trouble , the murkier the picture .
Certain government mortgage agencies have issued guidelines about relief for investment property loans .
Note that repayment breaks may come only if the landlord needing financial help agrees not to foreclose on tenants .
Again , if you can ’ t make a payment , get on the phone — soon .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ tax bill , too ?
A .
No .
The next house payment challenge for Newsom is property taxes , which are due April 10 .
County tax collectors insist they have no flexibility to extend payment dates even though the state pushed back its income tax due dates by 60 days to July 15 .
If you won ’ t be able to pay , call your county ’ s tax collector office sooner rather than later .

Lenders are lining up to let California homeowners with coronavirus-related financial troubles skip some mortgage payments.
That’s great news for the homeowners among the 1 million-plus Californians who have recently applied for unemployment insurance, a shocking loss of jobs. For all of last year, 2.1 million claims were made. In 2008 and 2009, in the heat of the Great Recession, 3.9 claims were made each year.
Policymakers and bankers are rushing to find ways to keep the sudden economic wallop from turning into a foreclosure crisis. But before you get too excited, let’s look at what we know.
Q. Who’s in?
A. Plenty of lenders will offer assistance, though the shape of that aid will vary. California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday, March 25, that Wells Fargo, US Bank, Citi and JP Morgan Chase will waive mortgage payments for 90 days as part of a state-organized relief effort. State-chartered banks and credit unions also have agreed to the 90-day forbearance, the governor added. Bank of America says it will defer payments on a monthly basis until the crisis is over, a bank spokesman said. Others are also granting aid.
Q. Who’s really helping me?
A. Figure out who is “servicing” your loan. That’s usually the company collecting the monthly check. Some lenders keep the mortgage they made with you, or at least service it. But often loans are sold to a new company collecting repayment. That servicing bank is the institution who’d grant you this help.
Q. Didn’t I hear there was federal help, too?
A. The federal agencies that package and insure mortgages for resale to investors have told the companies that service these loans to offer troubled borrowers some slack for up to one year. That action may have nudged individual banks to offer payment breaks. If your April payment is in doubt, call now because it may not be a simple process.
Q. How do I get help?
A. Cash-strapped borrowers seeking these payment holidays face huge unknowns. Questions to ask: How to apply for the payment breaks? What’s required to get accepted for the payment waiver? What are the repayment plans? And then ask you tax guy, does this create tax issues?
Take good notes. Be persistent.
For example, Bank of America will tack the skipped payments to be repaid at the end of the mortgage. And those skipped payments, if you seek permission, won’t show up as a negative item on credit histories.
Expect many lenders to act like that. But there’s no guarantee it will be all.
Q. Is this a good deal?
A. The devil is in the details and the value is very dependent on personal situations and preferences. Specifics are lacking but at first glance this is good news for many homeowners whose finances have been turned upside down in a month.
But a large caveat must be noted: These are payment deferrals that must be repaid.
Note: Many mortgage-aid offers following the economic collapse of 2008-09 proved to be fruitless, if not harmful, endeavors.
Are you a real estate fan? Then sign up for The Home Stretch newsletter and its Bubble Watch edition A twice-a-week review of what’s important for housing around the region! Subscribe here!
Q. Can somebody help me?
A. I can guarantee you that scam artists are dreaming up schemes already. Please be extremely wary of any unknown third-party that offers assistance. And never pay an upfront fee! This is very much an “aid-seeker beware” situation.
Q. What if it’s an investment property?
A. The less traditional the financing in trouble, the murkier the picture. Certain government mortgage agencies have issued guidelines about relief for investment property loans. Note that repayment breaks may come only if the landlord needing financial help agrees not to foreclose on tenants. Again, if you can’t make a payment, get on the phone — soon.
Q. Can I skip my property tax bill, too?


mercurynews--2020-03-25--49ers lose Sheldon Day as he joins DeForest Buckner on Colts

DeForest Buckner and Sheldon Day , the 49ers ’ starting defensive tackles in Super Bowl LIV , have been reunited on the Indianapolis Colts .
A week after Buckner got traded there , Day signed a one-year deal Wednesday with the Colts in free agency .
So who ’ s left to play inside on the 49ers ’ defensive line ?
It ’ s looking like Solomon Thomas , Arik Armstead and nose tackle D.J .
Jones will key a rotation that also will include other holdovers and impending additions in free agency and the draft .
The 49ers lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Suh when he reportedly agreed Wednesday to re-sign with the Tom Brady-infused Tampa Bay Buccaneers .
A one-year , $ 8 million deal kept Suh , who ’ s accrued nearly $ 148 million over his 10-year career as the NFL ’ s 10th-highest active earner .
The 49ers ’ signing of Kerry Holder , as confirmed by the team Wednesday , is more for depth purposes at defensive end .
Yes , the 49ers re-signed Armstead last week ( five years , $ 85 million ) , and he is seen as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defensive end against the run and inside on passing downs .
Other defensive tackles on the current roster are Thomas , Jones , Kevin Givens , Kentavius Street and Jullian Taylor , although the latter is only three months removed from an ACL tear .
As big of a blow it is in losing Buckner , albeit for the Colts ’ 13th-overall draft pick , Day was a steady presence on one of the NFL ’ s best defensive fronts .
Day , 25 , is an Indianapolis native .
Day , claimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , officially started the 49ers ’ final five games last season .
He played 42 of 79 defensive snaps and got credited for only one shared tackle in the Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs .
Day totaled four sacks in 34 regular-season games with the 49ers .
He played 32 percent of last season ’ s defensive snaps .
Other 49ers to exit in free agency are wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders ( New Orleans Saints ) , tight end Levine Toilolo ( New York Giants ) , and , on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minnesota Vikings ) .
Guard Mike Person reportedly will be released .
The 49ers ’ additions in free agency have all been on one-year deals , including Holder ( Dallas Cowboys ) , guard Tom Compton ( New York Jets ) , linebacker Joe Walker ( Arizona Cardinals ) and wide receiver Travis Benjamin ( Los Angeles Chargers ) .
• How does Tom Brady relate now to Joe Montana ’ s 49ers exit ?
• 49ers depth chart : How to shuffle line without DeForest Buckner ?
• 49ers keep shoring up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade Defensive end Damontre Moore , cornerbacks Dontae Johnson and Jason Verrett , wide receiver Jordan Matthews and linebacker Elijah Lee are the 49ers ’ unrestricted free agents who remain on the market .
Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne and running back Matt Breida have yet to sign their $ 3 million tenders as restricted free agents .

DeForest Buckner and Sheldon Day, the 49ers’ starting defensive tackles in Super Bowl LIV, have been reunited on the Indianapolis Colts.
A week after Buckner got traded there, Day signed a one-year deal Wednesday with the Colts in free agency.
So who’s left to play inside on the 49ers’ defensive line?
It’s looking like Solomon Thomas, Arik Armstead and nose tackle D.J. Jones will key a rotation that also will include other holdovers and impending additions in free agency and the draft.
The 49ers lost out on an attractive option in Ndamukong Suh when he reportedly agreed Wednesday to re-sign with the Tom Brady-infused Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A one-year, $8 million deal kept Suh, who’s accrued nearly $148 million over his 10-year career as the NFL’s 10th-highest active earner.
The 49ers’ signing of Kerry Holder, as confirmed by the team Wednesday, is more for depth purposes at defensive end.
Yes, the 49ers re-signed Armstead last week (five years, $85 million), and he is seen as a versatile lineman who fares well at defensive end against the run and inside on passing downs.
Other defensive tackles on the current roster are Thomas, Jones, Kevin Givens, Kentavius Street and Jullian Taylor, although the latter is only three months removed from an ACL tear.
As big of a blow it is in losing Buckner, albeit for the Colts’ 13th-overall draft pick, Day was a steady presence on one of the NFL’s best defensive fronts. Day, 25, is an Indianapolis native.
We have signed DT Sheldon Day. — Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) March 25, 2020
Day, claimed in November 2017 off waivers from Jacksonville, officially started the 49ers’ final five games last season. He played 42 of 79 defensive snaps and got credited for only one shared tackle in the Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Day totaled four sacks in 34 regular-season games with the 49ers. He played 32 percent of last season’s defensive snaps.
Other 49ers to exit in free agency are wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (New Orleans Saints), tight end Levine Toilolo (New York Giants), and, on Wednesday, defensive end Anthony Zettel (Minnesota Vikings). Guard Mike Person reportedly will be released.
The 49ers’ additions in free agency have all been on one-year deals, including Holder (Dallas Cowboys), guard Tom Compton (New York Jets), linebacker Joe Walker (Arizona Cardinals) and wide receiver Travis Benjamin (Los Angeles Chargers). Related Articles San Francisco 49ers | 49ers training camp: Talanoa Hufanga’s interception spoils Brock Purdy’s solid day
49ers training camp: Talanoa Hufanga’s interception spoils Brock Purdy’s solid day San Francisco 49ers | 49ers appear to have job openings among NFL’s No. 1-ranked defense
49ers appear to have job openings among NFL’s No. 1-ranked defense San Francisco 49ers | 49ers mailbag: Are rookie Moody’s kicking misses cause for concern?
49ers mailbag: Are rookie Moody’s kicking misses cause for concern? San Francisco 49ers | 49ers: Shanahan sees bright side of Trey Lance’s performance vs. Raiders
49ers: Shanahan sees bright side of Trey Lance’s performance vs. Raiders San Francisco 49ers | Kurtenbach: What’d I miss? A summer’s worth of takes on the Warriors, Giants, Niners, and Pac-12
Defensive end Damontre Moore, cornerbacks Dontae Johnson and Jason Verrett, wide receiver Jordan Matthews and linebacker Elijah Lee are the 49ers’ unrestricted free agents who remain on the market. Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne and running back Matt Breida have yet to sign their $3 million tenders as restricted free agents.


mercurynews--2020-03-25--Watch live: Bison graze at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco

CLICK HERE if you are having trouble viewing these photos on a mobile device Golden Gate Park has a long history of bison on the grounds .
The park first welcomed a pair of bison in 1890 : A cow , named Sarah Bernhardt , and a bull , named Ben Harrison , began roaming the fields of the park .
In 1899 the herd , which now included several other bison , was moved from the Music Concourse to its present location at the paddock , just west of Spreckels Lake along John F. Kennedy Drive .
The bison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the majestic American behemoths from going extinct ; at one point , Golden Gate Park hosted about 30 head .
More than 100 calves were born during the conservation project .
The park has had only female bison for the past 25 years .
The population has risen and fallen through the decades as the herd battled bovine tuberculosis , relocation and old age .
In 1984 , philanthropist and investment banker Richard Blum gifted his wife , then-San Francisco Mayor Dianne Feinstein , with a pair of bison for the park .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ come and gone , and the five older bison are descendants of that original pair .
• Are those strange insect eggs in a South Bay garden , or something weirder ?
Names for the bison over the years have taken on many themes , including members of the Shakespearean royal family , salutes to Native Americans , and simple descriptors such as Last Cow .
The five older bison currently at the park are named Betsy , Bailey , Belatrix , Buttercup and Bambi .
A sixth , Brunhilde , died in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , CLICK HERE

CLICK HERE if you are having trouble viewing these photos on a mobile device
Golden Gate Park has a long history of bison on the grounds.
The park first welcomed a pair of bison in 1890: A cow, named Sarah Bernhardt, and a bull, named Ben Harrison, began roaming the fields of the park. In 1899 the herd, which now included several other bison, was moved from the Music Concourse to its present location at the paddock, just west of Spreckels Lake along John F. Kennedy Drive.
The bison were part of conservation efforts to keep the majestic American behemoths from going extinct; at one point, Golden Gate Park hosted about 30 head. More than 100 calves were born during the conservation project. The park has had only female bison for the past 25 years.
The population has risen and fallen through the decades as the herd battled bovine tuberculosis, relocation and old age. In 1984, philanthropist and investment banker Richard Blum gifted his wife, then-San Francisco Mayor Dianne Feinstein, with a pair of bison for the park. Over the years, new bison have come and gone, and the five older bison are descendants of that original pair.
Related Articles Pets and Animals | Otter attacks in Sierra Nevada: Panicked swimmer scrambles onto stranger’s paddleboard
Otter attacks in Sierra Nevada: Panicked swimmer scrambles onto stranger’s paddleboard Pets and Animals | Genetic sleuths capture the secret lives of Bay Area bears
Genetic sleuths capture the secret lives of Bay Area bears Pets and Animals | Pooping, splooting, snotting: How wild animals beat the heat
Pooping, splooting, snotting: How wild animals beat the heat Pets and Animals | Outlaw 841: Santa Cruz otter saga highlights human disturbances
Outlaw 841: Santa Cruz otter saga highlights human disturbances Pets and Animals | Surfboard-hopping sea otter continues to give authorities the slip Names for the bison over the years have taken on many themes, including members of the Shakespearean royal family, salutes to Native Americans, and simple descriptors such as Last Cow. The five older bison currently at the park are named Betsy, Bailey, Belatrix, Buttercup and Bambi. A sixth, Brunhilde, died in August.
For more on the bison, CLICK HERE


mercurynews--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: Santa Clara County sees largest single-day spike in positive tests, 1 new death

Santa Clara County reported 84 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday in what is the largest single-day spike since the county began recording positive tests .
Santa Clara County Public Health Department also reported one additional COVID-19-related death , bringing the countywide death toll to 17 .
More than half of the deaths have been reported since Saturday .
Details of the latest victim ’ s age or potential underlying health issues were not immediately made available .
Santa Clara County ’ s 459 confirmed positive tests , 137 hospitalizations and 17 deaths are the most of any Bay Area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases , 217 , are presumed to have come from community transmission .
After health officials revealed 54 new confirmed cases on Tuesday , more than 30 percent of the positive tests in Santa Clara County have come in the last 48 hours .
Earlier in the day , Governor Gavin Newsom announced the state of California has recorded 2,535 positive tests for COVID-19 .
The numbers indicate nearly 20 percent of the positive tests statewide come from Santa Clara County .
Dr. Sara Cody , the county ’ s director of public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a meeting Tuesday and said the expectation is the case number will continue to climb .
“ Our case counts are rising and we anticipate they will continue to do so , ” Cody said .
“ It ’ s hard to understand where we are in the epidemic curve for a number of reasons.
” Case numbers in other Bay Area counties are also expected to continue increasing as testing becomes more readily available .

Santa Clara County reported 84 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday in what is the largest single-day spike since the county began recording positive tests.
Santa Clara County Public Health Department also reported one additional COVID-19-related death, bringing the countywide death toll to 17. More than half of the deaths have been reported since Saturday.
Details of the latest victim’s age or potential underlying health issues were not immediately made available.
Santa Clara County’s 459 confirmed positive tests, 137 hospitalizations and 17 deaths are the most of any Bay Area county. Nearly half of the total cases, 217, are presumed to have come from community transmission.
After health officials revealed 54 new confirmed cases on Tuesday, more than 30 percent of the positive tests in Santa Clara County have come in the last 48 hours.
Earlier in the day, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the state of California has recorded 2,535 positive tests for COVID-19. The numbers indicate nearly 20 percent of the positive tests statewide come from Santa Clara County.
Dr. Sara Cody, the county’s director of public health, addressed the Board of Supervisors in a meeting Tuesday and said the expectation is the case number will continue to climb.
“Our case counts are rising and we anticipate they will continue to do so,” Cody said. “It’s hard to understand where we are in the epidemic curve for a number of reasons.”
Case numbers in other Bay Area counties are also expected to continue increasing as testing becomes more readily available.


mercurynews--2020-03-25--Coronavirus cartoons: 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Paralympics postponed

CLICK HERE if you ’ re having trouble viewing media on a mobile device .
International Olympic Committee leaders and Japanese organized announced Tuesday that the summer ’ s big sporting event will not be held because of the coronavirus pandemic .
The leaders said in a statement that the Games “ must be rescheduled to a date beyond 2020 but not later than summer 2021 , to safeguard the health of the athletes , everybody involved in the Olympic Games and the international community.
” Shinzo Abe , Japan ’ s prime minister , and Thomas Bach , president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement to postpone the Olympics for the first time in modern history during peacetime .
The Olympics were canceled in 1916 , 1940 and 1944 because of World Wars I and II .
• Coronavirus toons : Life in the age of social distancing The Olympics were the biggest event in question for the summer and originally scheduled for July 24-Aug. 9 ; the Paralympics were slated for Aug. 25-Sept. 6 .
The Tour de France , the world ’ s most famous bike race , still is scheduled to run June 27-July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Major League Baseball have put their seasons on hold , but they could return by summer if global health experts consider it safe for people to gather again .
For more political cartoons , CLICK HERE

CLICK HERE if you’re having trouble viewing media on a mobile device.
International Olympic Committee leaders and Japanese organized announced Tuesday that the summer’s big sporting event will not be held because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The leaders said in a statement that the Games “must be rescheduled to a date beyond 2020 but not later than summer 2021, to safeguard the health of the athletes, everybody involved in the Olympic Games and the international community.”
Shinzo Abe, Japan’s prime minister, and Thomas Bach, president of the IOC, made the joint statement to postpone the Olympics for the first time in modern history during peacetime. The Olympics were canceled in 1916, 1940 and 1944 because of World Wars I and II.
The Olympics were the biggest event in question for the summer and originally scheduled for July 24-Aug. 9; the Paralympics were slated for Aug. 25-Sept. 6. The Tour de France, the world’s most famous bike race, still is scheduled to run June 27-July 19.
The NBA, NHL and Major League Baseball have put their seasons on hold, but they could return by summer if global health experts consider it safe for people to gather again.
For more political cartoons, CLICK HERE


mercurynews--2020-03-26--Snoop Dogg mourns death of former music executive shot in front of his California home

Marvin Watkins parked his car in front of his home in Pomona ’ s Philips Ranch neighborhood after a work shift of giving rides as an Uber and Lyft driver on Monday evening .
Inside waiting for him was his wife and his two adult children .
As Watkins , 57 , walked toward the front door of his home , a vehicle drove up near Watkins .
One of the occupants aimed a gun at Watkins and fired , striking him multiple times , said Pomona police Sgt .
Jamie Martinez of the department ’ s detective bureau .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ family ran outside to find him lying on the sidewalk in front of their home .
Shortly after a phone call to authorities , police and paramedics converged at the home on Viewpoint Circle , where Watkins was pronounced dead .
Martinez said his detectives have yet to gather any promising leads in the case — no suspect description , no witnesses , and no hints as to why anyone would want to shoot and kill Watkins , a former music label executive and producer with ties to renowned artists like Snoop Dogg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me when I left Death Row , took me to No Limit and got me on my feet , ” Snoop Dogg wrote in an Instagram post on Tuesday , referring to his transition between record labels in the 1990s .
The post showed a picture of a younger Snoop Dogg with Watkins and one other person in a music studio .
“ This hurts … No words , ” Snoop Dogg wrote .
Martinez said detectives are probing various angles , such as possible gang ties in the past , or even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Watkins ’ time in the music industry .
“ We ’ re not ruling out those things just yet , ” Martinez said .
Watkins ’ left his fingerprints on projects by some of hip-hop ’ s largest names , such as Snoop Dogg and DJ Quick , as well as several Billboard charting albums like Houston rapper Big Moe ’ s “ Purple World , ” according to Allmusic .
Another large name in hip-hop , DJ Pooh , who has produced music for 2Pac , Ice Cube , and LL Cool @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Watkins on social media .
“ Those that know me know this hurts !
” DJ Pooh wrote in an Instagram post on Tuesday .
“ Friend for over 30 yrs .
RIP Starv !
”

Marvin Watkins parked his car in front of his home in Pomona’s Phillips Ranch neighborhood after a work shift of giving rides as an Uber and Lyft driver on Monday evening.
Inside waiting for him was his wife and his two adult children.
As Watkins, 57, walked toward the front door of his home, a vehicle drove up near Watkins. One of the occupants aimed a gun at Watkins and fired, striking him multiple times, said Pomona police Sgt. Jamie Martinez of the department’s detective bureau.
The vehicle sped away and Watkins’ family ran outside to find him lying on the sidewalk in front of their home.
Shortly after a phone call to authorities, police and paramedics converged at the home on Viewpoint Circle, where Watkins was pronounced dead.
Martinez said his detectives have yet to gather any promising leads in the case — no suspect description, no witnesses, and no hints as to why anyone would want to shoot and kill Watkins, a former music label executive and producer with ties to renowned artists like Snoop Dogg.
“Marvin Watkins was there for me when I left Death Row, took me to No Limit and got me on my feet,” Snoop Dogg wrote in an Instagram post on Tuesday, referring to his transition between record labels in the 1990s. The post showed a picture of a younger Snoop Dogg with Watkins and one other person in a music studio. “This hurts … No words,” Snoop Dogg wrote.
Martinez said detectives are probing various angles, such as possible gang ties in the past, or even a feud that may have developed during Watkins’ time in the music industry.
“We’re not ruling out those things just yet,” Martinez said.
Watkins’ left his fingerprints on projects by some of hip-hop’s largest names, such as Snoop Dogg and DJ Quick, as well as several Billboard charting albums like Houston rapper Big Moe’s “Purple World,” according to Allmusic.
Another large name in hip-hop, DJ Pooh, who has produced music for 2Pac, Ice Cube, and LL Cool J, also mourned the loss of Watkins on social media.
“Those that know me know this hurts!” DJ Pooh wrote in an Instagram post on Tuesday. “Friend for over 30 yrs. RIP Starv!”


mercurynews--2020-03-26--Coroner: Couple found near Big Bear died from suicide

A 29-year-old Big Bear resident and his 27-year-old girlfriend from Santa Ana died by apparent suicide , the San Bernardino @ @ @ @ @ said Wednesday , March 25 .
Both suffered gunshot wounds , a news release said @ @ @ @ @ man ’ s death was undetermined , the release said , but detectives “ discovered @ @ @ @ @ ….suicide.
” During the initial investigation , in which the bodies were discovered in Fawnskin @ @ @ @ @ gun registered to the man was found nearby .
About 2:20 a.m. on Feb. 3 @ @ @ @ @ in the parking area near Cougar Crest Trail that belonged to the woman , who @ @ @ @ @ she didn ’ t show up to work .
She was last seen Jan. 29 @ @ @ @ @ had been reported missing by his father .
At about 1:30 p.m. , a man @ @ @ @ @ approximately one-half mile into the forest .

A 29-year-old Big Bear resident and his 27-year-old girlfriend from Santa Ana died by apparent suicide, the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office said Wednesday, March 25.
Both suffered gunshot wounds, a news release said. The manner of the man’s death was undetermined, the release said, but detectives “discovered evidence which was consistent with ….suicide.”
During the initial investigation, in which the bodies were discovered in Fawnskin near Big Bear, a gun registered to the man was found nearby.
About 2:20 a.m. on Feb. 3, deputies found a vehicle in the parking area near Cougar Crest Trail that belonged to the woman, who had been reported missing when she didn’t show up to work. She was last seen Jan. 29 with her boyfriend, who had been reported missing by his father. At about 1:30 p.m., a man and woman were found dead approximately one-half mile into the forest.