mercurynews--2020-10-20--Focus on Patriots: What Bill Belichick sees as key to preparing for 49ers

For the first time in nearly 18 years , Bill Belichick ’ s Patriots are sitting here with a losing record in October , and all the legendary coach wants to talk about is … practice ?
That ’ s right .
New England just suffered an embarrassing home loss to Denver to fall to 2-3 , and the six-time Super Bowl winning coach is talking about practice .
Somewhere , Allen Iverson is shaking his head in disgust .
Practice , or lack thereof , was the prevailing theme of Belichick ’ s typically condescending press conference following Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that had been postponed for a week .
Eight of the 11 answers Belichick gave to questions posed during his 6 1/2-minute video conference were practice-related ones .
To be fair , the Patriots have been dealing with some COVID-19 outbreaks — three players tested positive last week , a week after Cam Newton and Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore tested positive — that limited them to just one full practice and one walkthrough last week .
The interruptions have exasperated the famously controlling coach to no end .
“ Well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Belichick said of the limited time on the field recently .
“ Playing without guys , getting guys hurt , moving around , had some guys that hadn ’ t played together much , hadn ’ t practiced together much .
So we need to get on the field , we need to practice , we need to develop some continuity as a team.
” A question about Newton ’ s struggles prompted another reminder about .. you guessed it , practice .
“ We need more time together , we need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and do everything better .
No question about that , ” Belichick said .
They ’ ll need the field time to figure out how to deal with a suddenly resurgent 49ers team this week .
And Belichick will be operating in unfamiliar territory since he hasn ’ t had a losing record this late in the season since Oct. 27 , 2002 , when Kyle Shanahan ’ s dad , Mike , took his Broncos into Foxboro and dropped the Patriots to 3-4 .
Mike Shanahan , in fact , had made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ October , winning five of his first six early season meetings with the man many call the game ’ s greatest coach .
This will be the first head coach showdown between Belichick and Kyle Shanahan , who ’ d love nothing better than to make beating Belichick an early season family tradition .
Belichick would love nothing more than just to go out and … well , you know .
“ Hopefully we ’ ll be able to practice this week , ” he said .
“ We certainly need it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a closer look at the 49ers ’ first road game in four weeks : GAME ESSENTIALS : 49ers ( 3-3 ) vs. Patriots ( 2-3 ) at Gillette Stadium , Sunday at 1:25 p.m. on CBS-TV ( Ch .
5 ) .
ODDS : Patriots -3 .
While Julian Edelman continues to battle through a left knee issue , the 34-year-old from Redwood City doesn ’ t resemble the guy who won a Super Bowl MVP less than two years ago , or who last year had a career-high 1,117 yards receiving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there .
Edelman has become a possession receiver who now mostly drops to the ground after catches as he appears to be trying to protect the knee he had surgery on in the off-season .
Although he broke out in Week 2 with eight catches and 179 yards against Seattle , Edelman has just 20 catches for 302 yards in five games .
Edelman ’ s playing time has also been reduced — he played in 43 of the Pats ’ snaps ( 75 percent ) Sunday against Denver , which actually marked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Not only are the Patriots lacking the Edelman of old , they ’ re sorely lacking in playmakers on offense .
New England ’ s starting wide receivers — Edelman and last year ’ s No .
1 pick N ’ Keal Harry — combined for just two catches for eight yards against the Broncos , both by Edelman .
Harry , who has just 18 catches for 166 yards this season , was targeted twice by Newton Sunday , resulting in an interception and then a miscommunication on a last-gasp , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Patriots ’ running game has been solid , but there really isn ’ t an established dynamic runner among the group of Rex Burkhead , Sony Michel and James White .
Damien Harris , last year ’ s second-round pick from Alabama , may be the closest to a special runner , but he ’ s been inconsistent — he had 19 yards on just six carries against Denver , a week after running for 100 yards against the Chiefs in his season debut .
Also , no tight end has emerged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Devin Asiasi is an intriguing rookie who could get his shot soon .
He played in a career-high 42 percent of the Pats ’ snaps Sunday .
Right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor became the third Patriots starting offensive lineman knocked out of the lineup when he left Sunday with an ankle injury .
He joined right guard Shaq Mason ( COVID-19/Reserve list ) and center David Andrews ( injured reserve/thumb ) on the sideline .
Rookie Justin Herron made his first start at left tackle , joining right guard Michael Onwenu as the second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another backup forced into duty .
The second-year man from Denmark , who had never played an offensive snap , wound up playing nearly 80 percent of the Pats ’ offensive snaps ( 45 ) at right guard when Onwenu moved to tackle .
The reshuffled line allowed Newton to get hit eight times and sacked four times .
Also out was backup center James Ferentz , who also tested positive for COVID-19 .
The good news is Andrews , the unquestioned leader of the line , is eligible to return from IR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been no indication how realistic that will be .
If there ’ s continued uncertainty around Newton , that would naturally bode well for the 49ers ’ defense .
Not only do the Patriots have Stephon Gilmore , the NFL ’ s reigning Defensive Player of the Year , in their defensive backfield , they also boast one of the league ’ s up-and-comers in Jonathan Jones .
The undrafted former Auburn standout had a marvelous game against Denver .
He had an interception while earning a career-high 93.2 coverage grade from Pro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the third best among corners in the league this season .
He operates out of the slot a lot and shut down Denver ’ s No .
1 pick Jerry Jeudy , who had just one catch for 16 yards .
Meanwhile , the Pats have a third solid corner in J.C. Jackson , who earned PFF ’ s ninth-highest overall ranking among corners a couple of weeks ago .
Despite not boasting a top-flight back , New England has remained proficient in the running game .
Some of that can be attributed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ runner — he ’ s New England ’ s leading rusher with 225 yards , good for just 34th in the league , though .
The Patriots are the second-ranked running team with an average of 167.2 yards per game , trailing only the Browns at 169.5 .
They ’ ve also rushed for more yards than they ’ ve thrown in three of their five games , including a whopping 250-yard performance in a Week 3 win over the Raiders .
Still , look for the 49ers to perhaps take a page @ @ @ @ @ @ @ essentially daring Newton to beat them through the air .
Denver limited New England to just 117 yards on the ground .
One of the more surprising aspects of the Patriots ’ season has been their ability to maintain a solid defense despite getting hit harder with off-season defections than any other team .
New England , which is ranked ninth overall in team defense , lost six starters from last year ’ s top-ranked defense .
The Patriots have permitted 22.0 points per game , better than all but nine teams .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to score a touchdown Sunday , yet still wound up losing in what ’ s more an indictment of New England ’ s troubles on offense .
It marked the first time in Belichick ’ s 21 years with the Patriots that his team lost without giving up a touchdown .
They had been 39-0 .
• Patriots ’ Belichick : ‘ If you don ’ t pay enough attention to George Kittle , he can kill ya ’ • 49ers offense loses Raheem Mostert again , plus two more starters injured • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — just not this week After a blistering start to the season , Cam Newton has struggled lately and his COVID-19 positive result has also complicated matters .
Newton ’ s first start since Oct. 2 was a nightmare as he went 17-of-25 for just 157 yards and a pair of interceptions against Denver .
Nine of those completions were short passes to his backs .
Newton also looked slow and tentative Sunday , no doubt his limited practices the past two weeks were contributing factors .
When the Patriots have needed him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivered .
He also won ’ t make excuses for any of his failures .
“ I want to make that perfectly clear .
I have to play better football for the New England Patriots , and I will .
I heard a person say once , ‘ I don ’ t point fingers , I point thumbs.
’ I take full responsibility of where we are as an offense , ” Newton said .
When needing at least six yards on third-down plays , Newton ’ s offense has converted just 22 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including 0-for-4 against Denver .
But , Newton remains a double-threat and he ’ s still been a problem for defenses with his running ability .
On Sunday , Newton led the Pats with 76 yards on 10 carries , including a touchdown .

For the first time in nearly 18 years, Bill Belichick’s Patriots are sitting here with a losing record in October, and all the legendary coach wants to talk about is … practice?
That’s right. New England just suffered an embarrassing home loss to Denver to fall to 2-3, and the six-time Super Bowl winning coach is talking about practice.
Somewhere, Allen Iverson is shaking his head in disgust.
Practice, or lack thereof, was the prevailing theme of Belichick’s typically condescending press conference following Sunday’s 18-12 loss — a game that had been postponed for a week. Eight of the 11 answers Belichick gave to questions posed during his 6 1/2-minute video conference were practice-related ones.
To be fair, the Patriots have been dealing with some COVID-19 outbreaks — three players tested positive last week, a week after quarterback Cam Newton and Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore tested positive — that limited them to just one full practice and one walkthrough last week.
The interruptions have exasperated the famously controlling coach to no end.
“Well it was a big challenge,” Belichick said of the limited time on the field recently. “Playing without guys, getting guys hurt, moving around, had some guys that hadn’t played together much, hadn’t practiced together much. So we need to get on the field, we need to practice, we need to develop some continuity as a team.”
A question about Newton’s struggles prompted another reminder about … you guessed it, practice.
“We need more time together, we need to practice together, we need to execute and do everything better. No question about that,” Belichick said.
They’ll need the field time to figure out how to deal with a suddenly resurgent 49ers team this week. And Belichick will be operating in unfamiliar territory since he hasn’t had a losing record this late in the season since Oct. 27, 2002, when Kyle Shanahan’s dad, Mike, took his Broncos into Foxboro and dropped the Patriots to 3-4.
Mike Shanahan, in fact, had made a habit out of beating Belichick in October, winning five of his first six early-season meetings with the man many call the game’s greatest coach.
This will be the first head coach showdown between Belichick and Kyle Shanahan, who’d love nothing better than to make beating Belichick an early season family tradition.
Belichick would love nothing more than just to go out and … well, you know.
“Hopefully we’ll be able to practice this week,” he said. “We certainly need it. We’ll see.”
***
Here’s a closer look at the 49ers’ first road game in four weeks:
GAME ESSENTIALS: 49ers (3-3) vs. Patriots (2-3) at Gillette Stadium, Sunday at 1:25 p.m. on CBS-TV (Ch. 5). ODDS: Patriots -3.
THREE REASONS FOR 49ERS’ OPTIMISM:
Edelman’s not himself
While Julian Edelman continues to battle through a left knee issue, the 34-year-old from Redwood City doesn’t resemble the guy who won a Super Bowl MVP less than two years ago, or who last year had a career-high 1,117 yards receiving. The explosiveness just isn’t there. Edelman has become a possession receiver who now mostly drops to the ground after catches as he appears to be trying to protect the knee he had surgery on in the off-season.
Although he broke out in Week 2 with eight catches and 179 yards against Seattle, Edelman has just 20 catches for 302 yards in five games. Edelman’s playing time has also been reduced — he played 43 of the Pats’ snaps (75 percent) Sunday against Denver, which actually marked his second-highest percentage of snaps this year.
No real playmakers on offense
Not only are the Patriots lacking the Edelman of old, they’re sorely lacking in playmakers on offense. New England’s starting wide receivers — Edelman and last year’s No. 1 pick N’Keal Harry — combined for just two catches for eight yards against the Broncos, both by Edelman. Harry, who has just 18 catches for 166 yards this season, was targeted twice by Newton Sunday, resulting in an interception and then a miscommunication on a last-gasp, fourth-down incompletion that ended the game. The Patriots’ running game has been solid, but there really isn’t an established dynamic runner among the group of Rex Burkhead, Sony Michel and James White. Damien Harris, last year’s second-round pick from Alabama, may be the closest to a special runner, but he’s been inconsistent — he had 19 yards on just six carries against Denver, a week after running for 100 yards against the Chiefs in his season debut. Also, no tight end has emerged although former De La Salle High star Devin Asiasi is an intriguing rookie who could get his shot soon. He played in a career-high 42 percent of the Pats’ snaps Sunday.
A massive shuffle of the line
Right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor became the third Patriots starting offensive lineman knocked out of the lineup when he left Sunday with an ankle injury. He joined right guard Shaq Mason (COVID-19/Reserve list) and center David Andrews (injured reserve/thumb) on the sideline. Rookie Justin Herron made his first start at left tackle, joining right guard Michael Onwenu as the second first-year player starting. Hjalte Froholdt was another backup forced into duty. The second-year man from Denmark, who had never played an offensive snap, wound up playing nearly 80 percent of the Pats’ offensive snaps (45) at right guard when Onwenu moved to tackle. The reshuffled line allowed Newton to get hit eight times and sacked four times. Also out was backup center James Ferentz, who also tested positive for COVID-19. The good news is Andrews, the unquestioned leader of the line, is eligible to return from IR this week, although there’s been no indication how realistic that will be. If there’s continued uncertainty around Newton, that would naturally bode well for the 49ers’ defense.
THREE REASONS FOR 49ERS’ PESSIMISM:
Patriots elite cornerbacks
Not only do the Patriots have Stephon Gilmore, the NFL’s reigning Defensive Player of the Year, in their defensive backfield, they also boast one of the league’s up-and-comers in Jonathan Jones. The undrafted former Auburn standout had a marvelous game against Denver. He had an interception while earning a career-high 93.2 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus. Jones’ grade was the third best among corners in the league this season. He operates out of the slot a lot and shut down Denver’s No. 1 pick Jerry Jeudy, who had just one catch for 16 yards. Meanwhile, the Pats have a third solid corner in J.C. Jackson, who earned PFF’s ninth-highest overall ranking among corners a couple of weeks ago.
Jonathan Jones had a career day in the #Patriots Week 6 loss. Jones’ 93.2 Coverage Grade is the #3 performance by a CB in 2020. pic.twitter.com/2beiObkWny — PFF NE Patriots (@PFF_Patriots) October 19, 2020
Patriots running attack
Despite not boasting a top-flight back, New England has remained proficient in the running game. Some of that can be attributed to Newton’s elusiveness as a runner — he’s New England’s leading rusher with 225 yards, good for just 34th in the league, though. The Patriots are the second-ranked running team with an average of 167.2 yards per game, trailing only the Browns at 169.5. They’ve also rushed for more yards than they’ve thrown in three of their five games, including a whopping 250-yard performance in a Week 3 win over the Raiders. Still, look for the 49ers to perhaps take a page out of the Broncos’ plan of essentially daring Newton to beat them through the air. Denver limited New England to just 117 yards on the ground.
Defense still pretty good
One of the more surprising aspects of the Patriots’ season has been their ability to maintain a solid defense despite getting hit harder with off-season defections than any other team. New England, which is ranked ninth overall in team defense, lost six starters from last year’s top-ranked defense. The Patriots have permitted 22.0 points per game, better than all but nine teams. They didn’t allow the Broncos to score a touchdown Sunday, yet still wound up losing in what’s more an indictment of New England’s troubles on offense. It marked the first time in Belichick’s 21 years with the Patriots that his team lost without giving up a touchdown. They had been 39-0.
PROBABLE DIFFERENCE-MAKER: Cam Newton.
After a blistering start to the season, Cam Newton has struggled lately and his COVID-19 positive result has also complicated matters. Newton’s first start since Oct. 2 was a nightmare as he went 17-of-25 for just 157 yards and a pair of interceptions against Denver. Nine of those completions were short passes to his backs. Newton also looked slow and tentative Sunday, no doubt his limited practices the past two weeks were contributing factors. When the Patriots have needed him most, Newton simply hasn’t delivered. He also won’t make excuses for any of his failures. “I want to make that perfectly clear. I have to play better football for the New England Patriots, and I will. I heard a person say once, ‘I don’t point fingers, I point thumbs.’ I take full responsibility of where we are as an offense,” Newton said. When needing at least six yards on third-down plays, Newton’s offense has converted just 22 percent of the time (7-of-31), including 0-for-4 against Denver. But, Newton remains a double-threat and he’s still been a problem for defenses with his running ability. On Sunday, Newton led the Pats with 76 yards on 10 carries, including a touchdown.


mercurynews--2020-10-20--Sponsored: San Jose ranch-style home undergoes a total remodel and transformation

It shines like new after a total remodel and the addition of stylish , updated features .
Located in the east foothills area of San Jose near Alum Rock , this home at 4012 Pepper Tree Lane is within a few blocks of the San Jose Country Club and a few miles from gorgeous outdoor recreation space , hiking trails , and open space .
The freshly painted 1,528 square feet of living space features four bedrooms and two bathrooms on a single level .
The fourth bedroom located just off the living room would make an ideal home office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ view window .
Set on a large , 8,150-square-foot lot , the home enjoys views of the foothills from the front porch , and an expansive backyard space ideal for entertaining and playing with multiple venues , mature trees , and lots of room to create a private sanctuary and customize with gardens , a lawn , pergola and more .
The bright , light-filled interior includes new wood grain laminate flooring , new bedroom carpeting , recessed lights , energy-saving dual-pane windows and new fixtures .
The living room and adjacent dining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open to the beautifully designed chef ’ s kitchen .
The kitchen showcases all new granite slab counters and backsplash , an island/breakfast bar , shaker-style cabinetry with brushed nickel pulls , a garden window over the stainless farmhouse apron sink , and new Frigidaire Energy Star stainless appliances , including an induction cooktop with a stainless hood .
There is convenient access to the backyard through the single French door .
The bedroom wing features three additional bedrooms and two bathrooms , including the master suite .
This luxurious room has a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the backyard and private terrace .
There are sliding mirrored closet doors and a stylishly updated bathroom featuring a dual-sink vanity with built-in upper cabinetry and mirrors and shower/tub combination .
Two other bedrooms share a bathroom updated with a new single-sink granite-topped vanity , new mirror , fixtures and a shower/tub combination .
Additional features include new front landscaping with a sprinkler system , HVAC , inside laundry , new copper piping , insulation and wiring , and a one-car garage .
Conveniently close to downtown and within 10 miles to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is also only about a mile to Alum Rock Park ’ s 720 acres and 13 miles of hiking and equestrian trails , and about 5 miles to the 1,600-acre Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve that offers breathtaking views and miles of hiking and biking trails .
K-12 schools are also within about 1.5 miles .
Price : $ 999,000 Where : 4012 Pepper Tree Lane , San Jose Website : More photos at www.tswan.com .
Buyers may schedule appointments directly by contacting the listing agent .
Listing agent : Compass , Therese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Therese is consistently among the Top 100 agents in the S.F .
Bay Area .
She has also been nationally ranked in The Wall Street Journal .

It shines like new after a total remodel and the addition of stylish, updated features.
Located in the east foothills area of San Jose near Alum Rock, this home at 4012 Pepper Tree Lane is within a few blocks of the San Jose Country Club and a few miles from gorgeous outdoor recreation space, hiking trails, and open space.
The freshly painted 1,528 square feet of living space features four bedrooms and two bathrooms on a single level. The fourth bedroom located just off the living room would make an ideal home office. This room also has a front-facing view window.
Set on a large, 8,150-square-foot lot, the home enjoys views of the foothills from the front porch, and an expansive backyard space ideal for entertaining and playing with multiple venues, mature trees, and lots of room to create a private sanctuary and customize with gardens, a lawn, pergola and more.
The bright, light-filled interior includes new wood grain laminate flooring, new bedroom carpeting, recessed lights, energy-saving dual-pane windows and new fixtures. The living room and adjacent dining room have front-facing window views and are open to the beautifully designed chef’s kitchen.
The kitchen showcases all new granite slab counters and backsplash, an island/breakfast bar, shaker-style cabinetry with brushed nickel pulls, a garden window over the stainless farmhouse apron sink, and new Frigidaire Energy Star stainless appliances, including an induction cooktop with a stainless hood. There is convenient access to the backyard through the single French door.
The bedroom wing features three additional bedrooms and two bathrooms, including the master suite. This luxurious room has a window seat and private French door access to the backyard and private terrace. There are sliding mirrored closet doors and a stylishly updated bathroom featuring a dual-sink vanity with built-in upper cabinetry and mirrors and shower/tub combination.
Two other bedrooms share a bathroom updated with a new single-sink granite-topped vanity, new mirror, fixtures and a shower/tub combination.
Additional features include new front landscaping with a sprinkler system, HVAC, inside laundry, new copper piping, insulation and wiring, and a one-car garage.
Conveniently close to downtown and within 10 miles to the San Jose Airport, this neighborhood is also only about a mile to Alum Rock Park’s 720 acres and 13 miles of hiking and equestrian trails, and about 5 miles to the 1,600-acre Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve that offers breathtaking views and miles of hiking and biking trails. K-12 schools are also within about 1.5 miles.
Price: $999,000
Where: 4012 Pepper Tree Lane, San Jose
Website: More photos at www.tswan.com. Buyers may schedule appointments directly by contacting the listing agent.
Listing agent: Compass, Therese Swan, 408-656-8240 DRE:01355719. tswan@tswan.com. Therese is consistently among the Top 100 agents in the S.F. Bay Area. She has also been nationally ranked in The Wall Street Journal.


mercurynews--2020-10-20--Man accused of stealing lemur from San Francisco Zoo arrested in Marin County

A Los Angeles man accused of stealing a lemur from the San Francisco Zoo this week was arrested in San Rafael on Thursday after he allegedly shoplifted from a supermarket and then stole a truck , authorities said .
Cory McGilloway , 30 , was booked into Marin County Jail on felony charges including burglary , grand theft and vandalism .
San Rafael police said he stole about $ 500 worth of groceries on Thursday night from the Smart & Final at 935 Anderson Drive and then stole a truck that belonged to Marin Sanitary Service .
San Rafael police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the thefts and found a photo of a lemur .
Lt. Dan Fink said the photo raised suspicion among the arresting officers , who knew that Maki , a male ring-tailed lemur , had been stolen from the San Francisco Zoo this week .
Fink said officers notified San Francisco police , who interviewed McGilloway and have charged him in connection with the theft of the lemur .
McGilloway will be booked into San Francisco County Jail on charges of grand theft of an animal , burglary , looting and vandalism after he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , authorities said .
The overnight burglary at the San Francisco Zoo was reported Wednesday morning .
An investigation into the incident is ongoing , San Francisco police said Friday .
The missing lemur was found around 5 p.m. on Thursday on San Fernando Way in Daly City , police said .
Maki “ was determined to be in good health and transported back to the San Francisco Zoo , ” the San Francisco Police Department said in an announcement .

A Los Angeles man accused of stealing a lemur from the San Francisco Zoo this week was arrested in San Rafael on Thursday after he allegedly shoplifted from a supermarket and then stole a truck, authorities said.
Cory McGilloway, 30, was booked into Marin County Jail on felony charges including burglary, grand theft and vandalism. San Rafael police said he stole about $500 worth of groceries on Thursday night from the Smart & Final at 935 Anderson Drive and then stole a truck that belonged to Marin Sanitary Service.
San Rafael police searched McGilloway’s cellphone while investigating the thefts and found a photo of a lemur. Lt. Dan Fink said the photo raised suspicion among the arresting officers, who knew that Maki, a male ring-tailed lemur, had been stolen from the San Francisco Zoo this week.
Related Articles Crime and Public Safety | Missing lemur found safe in Daly City, suspect arrested
Missing lemur found safe in Daly City, suspect arrested Crime and Public Safety | Lemur discovered missing at San Francisco Zoo; reward offered Fink said officers notified San Francisco police, who interviewed McGilloway and have charged him in connection with the theft of the lemur. McGilloway will be booked into San Francisco County Jail on charges of grand theft of an animal, burglary, looting and vandalism after he is released from San Rafael police custody, authorities said.
The overnight burglary at the San Francisco Zoo was reported Wednesday morning. An investigation into the incident is ongoing, San Francisco police said Friday.
The missing lemur was found around 5 p.m. on Thursday on San Fernando Way in Daly City, police said. Maki “was determined to be in good health and transported back to the San Francisco Zoo,” the San Francisco Police Department said in an announcement.


mercurynews--2020-10-20--Marin filmmaker James Redford, son of Robert Redford, dies of cancer

James Redford , a filmmaker , activist and son of actor Robert Redford , died at home in Marin County .
He was 58 .
Robert Redford ’ s publicist , Cindi Berger , said in a statement Monday that the 84-year-old father is mourning with his family during this “ difficult time.
” His wife , Kyle , confirmed in an interview with the Salt Lake Tribune that her husband died Friday from bile-duct cancer in his liver .
Kyle said her husband ’ s liver disease returned two years ago and the cancer was discovered last November last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She posted a message and a slew of photos on Twitter that included James , herself and their family .
“ We ’ re heartbroken , ” his wife wrote about her husband , who was called Jamie .
“ He lived a beautiful , impactful life & was loved by many .
He will be deeply missed .
As his wife of 32 ( years ) , I ’ m most grateful for the two spectacular children we raised together .
I don ’ t know what we would ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past 2 ( years ) .
” James battled with liver disease for more than 30 years .
But he went on with his life , marrying his wife Kyle who once taught eighth-grade history in Marin County .
The couple had two children together .
He expressed gratitude for a liver transplant that saved his life in an HBO documentary “ The Kindness of Strangers ” in 1999 .
He produced the film and raised its $ 600,000 budget from foundations , corporations and individuals , including his parents .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was , ” Redford reflected .
“ Think of the fact that every day 10-12 people die waiting to be transplanted .
It had an impact on me , and I became committed to do something to help the cause of organ donation.
” James and his father co-founded the Redford Center , a nonprofit focused on environmental filmmaking .
He also established the James Redford Institute in 1995 for Transplant Awareness to raise money and distribute tools to increase awareness about the shortage of organ donors .
“ With Jamie came love @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Center executive director Jill Tidman in an Instagram post .
“ He approached everything he did with kindness and warmth , and an openness that spread itself easily among others.
” The institute produced films including “ Flow , ” a 16-minute film aimed at a teen audience that was distributed for educational reasons , and “ From One to Another , ” a one-hour film that looks at those who have received organ transplants and those who are awaiting them at the Nebraska Health System University Hospital .
• California judge allows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Video : Beastie Boys license a song for an ad for first time ever , for Joe Biden campaign • Two guitars played , partly made by Eddie Van Halen go to auction • TV this week : ‘ The Voice ’ kicks off its 19th season “ The best way to reach people is on a personal level , ” Redford said .
“ There are so many movies to make.
” James wrote the script for “ Hearts and Bones , ” starring Kiefer Sutherland and Daryl Hannah , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” for North Fork Pictures .
At the time of his death , his wife said he was finishing a documentary called “ Where the Past Begins , ” which was about “ The Joy Luck Club ” author Amy Tan for PBS ’ “ American Masters .
”

James Redford, a filmmaker, activist and son of actor Robert Redford, died at home in Marin County. He was 58.
Robert Redford’s publicist, Cindi Berger, said in a statement Monday that the 84-year-old father is mourning with his family during this “difficult time.” His wife, Kyle, confirmed in an interview with the Salt Lake Tribune that her husband died Friday from bile-duct cancer in his liver.
Kyle said her husband’s liver disease returned two years ago and the cancer was discovered last November last while he waited for a liver transplant.
She posted a message and a slew of photos on Twitter that included James, herself and their family.
“We’re heartbroken,” his wife wrote about her husband, who was called Jamie. “He lived a beautiful, impactful life & was loved by many. He will be deeply missed. As his wife of 32 (years), I’m most grateful for the two spectacular children we raised together. I don’t know what we would’ve done (without) them over the past 2 (years).”
James battled with liver disease for more than 30 years. But he went on with his life, marrying his wife Kyle who once taught eighth-grade history in Marin County. The couple had two children together.
He expressed gratitude for a liver transplant that saved his life in an HBO documentary “The Kindness of Strangers” in 1999. He produced the film and raised its $600,000 budget from foundations, corporations and individuals, including his parents.
“The experience made me realize how fortunate I was,” Redford reflected. “Think of the fact that every day 10-12 people die waiting to be transplanted. It had an impact on me, and I became committed to do something to help the cause of organ donation.”
James and his father co-founded the Redford Center, a nonprofit focused on environmental filmmaking. He also established the James Redford Institute in 1995 for Transplant Awareness to raise money and distribute tools to increase awareness about the shortage of organ donors.
“With Jamie came love and contagious joy,” said Redford Center executive director Jill Tidman in an Instagram post. “He approached everything he did with kindness and warmth, and an openness that spread itself easily among others.”
The institute produced films including “Flow,” a 16-minute film aimed at a teen audience that was distributed for educational reasons, and “From One to Another,” a one-hour film that looks at those who have received organ transplants and those who are awaiting them at the Nebraska Health System University Hospital.
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James wrote the script for “Hearts and Bones,” starring Kiefer Sutherland and Daryl Hannah, and adapted Tony Hillerman’s “Skinwalkers” for North Fork Pictures.
At the time of his death, his wife said he was finishing a documentary called “Where the Past Begins,” which was about “The Joy Luck Club” author Amy Tan for PBS’ “American Masters.”


mercurynews--2020-10-20--Santa Cruz County homicide investigation turns toward Mexico

WATSONVILLE — Detectives investigating the death of a 24-year-old Watsonville woman are turning their attention south to Mexico in a manhunt for the suspected killer .
Brenda Becerra , identified by police on Monday , was found dead in her family ’ s only vehicle shortly before noon Thursday , nearly nine hours after her husband reportedly left the couple ’ s two young children in the care of family members .
When Becerra ’ s family filed a missing person ’ s report around 3 a.m. Thursday , investigators quickly grew suspicious of the situation , based on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s young ages , Watsonville police detective Pablo Andrade said last week .
Police now are seeking Cesar Hernandez , Becerra ’ s husband .
On Monday , the department announced that it had information that Hernandez , a 47-year-old who had been living with his wife in Watsonville , had fled the country .
• California judge allows Danny Masterson rape case to go forward • Caretaker arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting California woman with disabilities • East Bay man gets federal prison for having 11 ounces of fentanyl • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crash that killed 88-year-old East Bay woman “ Although his exact whereabouts are unknown , Hernandez is a citizen of Mexico , ” the department posted to its Facebook page .
“ We are working with the Santa Cruz County District Attorney ’ s Office to file formal murder charges against Hernandez.
” Those with additional information related to the case are asked to contact Andrade at 831-768-3354 , referencing case 20W-03761 .

WATSONVILLE — Detectives investigating the death of a 24-year-old Watsonville woman are turning their attention south to Mexico in a manhunt for the suspected killer.
Brenda Becerra, identified by police on Monday, was found dead in her family’s only vehicle shortly before noon Thursday, nearly nine hours after her husband reportedly left the couple’s two young children in the care of family members. When Becerra’s family filed a missing person’s report around 3 a.m. Thursday, investigators quickly grew suspicious of the situation, based on the time of the drop-off and the children’s young ages, Watsonville police detective Pablo Andrade said last week.
Police now are seeking Cesar Hernandez, Becerra’s husband. On Monday, the department announced that it had information that Hernandez, a 47-year-old who had been living with his wife in Watsonville, had fled the country. Related Articles Crime and Public Safety | Man shot, killed by Colorado cop was holding a marker, not a weapon
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“Although his exact whereabouts are unknown, Hernandez is a citizen of Mexico,” the department posted to its Facebook page. “We are working with the Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office to file formal murder charges against Hernandez.”
Those with additional information related to the case are asked to contact Andrade at 831-768-3354, referencing case 20W-03761.


mercurynews--2020-10-20--Rents in San Francisco have fallen by as much as 31%

Rents continue to drop in some of America ’ s most expensive cities .
With more people working from home for the foreseeable future , many renters are seeking to live in more affordable areas that can offer them extra space .
That has especially impacted San Francisco , which led the nation in rental price declines in September , according to a report from Realtor.com .
The median rent for a studio apartment fell to $ 2,285 a month , down 31 % from a year ago , the report showed .
Median rents for one-bedroom apartments dropped 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and two-bedroom rents fell to $ 3,931 , down 21 % from last year .
“ Renters now have the upper hand over landlords in many of the nation ’ s most expensive cities , ” said Danielle Hale , Realtor.com ’ s chief economist .
In addition to San Francisco , many of California ’ s high-cost counties have seen significant drops in rent as well .
One bedrooms in San Mateo County are down 13 % from last year , and 12 % in Santa Clara County .
These counties are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ companies , where many workers are not expected back in the office anytime soon .
Besides West Coast tech markets , rental markets like Manhattan , Boston , Seattle and Washington , DC , were among the other typically high-cost cities seeing the steepest drops in rent .
In September , rent for one-bedrooms was down in 36 of the 100 largest US counties , up from just six counties in March , according to the report .
For two-bedroom apartments , rents were down in 25 of the 100 largest counties , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As vacant apartments begin to stack up , many landlords are scrambling to lower rents and offer discounts in an effort to entice or keep a shrinking pool of renters , ” she said .
Rents on the rise in nearby communities As renters seek out more affordable areas where they can find more space at a lower price , said Hale , it is pushing up rents in secondary markets .
“ Looking forward , the future of rents in many of these cities will depend on whether companies require employees to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow remote work.
” For example , while Manhattan rents are down , median rent for a one bedroom in the Bronx is up 9 % from a year ago .
Rents in Seattle are down , but rents for one bedrooms in nearby Tacoma are up 8 % , and one-bedroom apartments in Worcester , Massachusetts , near Boston , are also up 8 % .
• From homelessness to real estate : How some Bay Area tenants won their affordable housing fight • Cupertino community briefs for the week of Oct. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in part , to a move toward affordability and also a response to Covid-19 , as more people seek out less crowded environments , the report concluded .
“ Renting in these spillover markets provides lower rents , more social distancing , and still allows for commuting if necessary , ” according to the report .
This price pressure on rent in communities beyond the primary urban area may make buying a home — and getting out of renting altogether — even more attractive , Hale said .

Rents continue to drop in some of America’s most expensive cities.
With more people working from home for the foreseeable future, many renters are seeking to live in more affordable areas that can offer them extra space.
That has especially impacted San Francisco, which led the nation in rental price declines in September, according to a report from Realtor.com. The median rent for a studio apartment fell to $2,285 a month, down 31% from a year ago, the report showed. Median rents for one-bedroom apartments dropped 24% to $2,873 a month, and two-bedroom rents fell to $3,931, down 21% from last year.
“Renters now have the upper hand over landlords in many of the nation’s most expensive cities,” said Danielle Hale, Realtor.com’s chief economist.
Tech corridors see biggest drops
In addition to San Francisco, many of California’s high-cost counties have seen significant drops in rent as well. One bedrooms in San Mateo County are down 13% from last year, and 12% in Santa Clara County. These counties are home to Silicon Valley’s tech companies, where many workers are not expected back in the office anytime soon.
Besides West Coast tech markets, rental markets like Manhattan, Boston, Seattle and Washington, DC, were among the other typically high-cost cities seeing the steepest drops in rent.
In September, rent for one-bedrooms was down in 36 of the 100 largest US counties, up from just six counties in March, according to the report. For two-bedroom apartments, rents were down in 25 of the 100 largest counties, up from 12 in March.
“As vacant apartments begin to stack up, many landlords are scrambling to lower rents and offer discounts in an effort to entice or keep a shrinking pool of renters,” she said.
Rents on the rise in nearby communities
As renters seek out more affordable areas where they can find more space at a lower price, said Hale, it is pushing up rents in secondary markets.
“Looking forward, the future of rents in many of these cities will depend on whether companies require employees to work from the office or continue to allow remote work.”
For example, while Manhattan rents are down, median rent for a one bedroom in the Bronx is up 9% from a year ago. Rents in Seattle are down, but rents for one bedrooms in nearby Tacoma are up 8%, and one-bedroom apartments in Worcester, Massachusetts, near Boston, are also up 8%.
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Only 16% of Californians can afford to buy home as mortgage rates rise Real Estate | Senior East Bay tenants’ battle: Cockroaches, water leaks, maintenance problems This shift is likely due, in part, to a move toward affordability and also a response to Covid-19, as more people seek out less crowded environments, the report concluded. “Renting in these spillover markets provides lower rents, more social distancing, and still allows for commuting if necessary,” according to the report.
This price pressure on rent in communities beyond the primary urban area may make buying a home — and getting out of renting altogether — even more attractive, Hale said.
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mercurynews--2020-10-20--Poll: 1 in 4 workers have weighed quitting, citing pandemic pressures

By Alexandra Olson | The Associated Press The coronavirus pandemic has put millions of Americans out of work .
But many of those still working are fearful , distressed and stretched thin .
A quarter of U.S. workers say they have even considered quitting their jobs as worries related to the pandemic weigh on them , according to a new poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research in collaboration with the software company SAP .
A fifth say they have taken leave .
About 7 in 10 workers cited juggling their jobs and other responsibilities as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus also was a top concern for those working outside the home .
The good news is that employers are responding .
The poll finds 57 % of workers saying their employer is doing “ about the right amount ” in responding to the pandemic ; 24 % say they are “ going above and beyond.
” Just 18 % say their employer is “ falling short.
” That satisfaction seems largely related to physical protections from the virus , which overwhelming majorities of workers considered very important .
Still , at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important for their employers to expand sick leave , provide flexibility for caregivers and support mental health , and workers report less satisfaction with efforts in these areas .
Lower income workers were especially likely to have considered quitting — 39 % of workers in households earning less than $ 30,000 annually versus just 23 % in higher income households .
John Roman , a senior fellow at NORC at the University of Chicago , said those findings likely reflect fears of exposure of the virus among those who can ’ t work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also less likely to feel attachment to a job , making them more likely to search for safer work , he said .
“ This is perhaps the most surprising finding , ” Roman said .
“ The people who can least afford to lose their jobs are leaving jobs in higher numbers .
But it fits with the story that they feel unsafe health-wise.
” While 65 % of remote workers say their employers are doing a good job protecting their health , just 50 % of those working outside the home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heavily on women and people of color , who are most likely to work in essential jobs they can ’ t do remotely .
Fifty percent of women call the pandemic a major source of stress in their lives , compared to 36 % of men .
Sixty-two percent of Black workers and 47 % of Hispanic workers say it is , compared to 39 % of white workers .
Jamelia Fairley , a single mother who works at a McDonald ’ s in Florida , said managers initially told her to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Although she now gets protective gear , she said workers often have to serve customers who refuse to wear masks .
“ I feel like they should provide us with better protection by having the masks be mandatory , not just for us but for customers , ” said Fairley , who has seen her weekly hours cut nearly in half and has joined a strike to support raising Florida ’ s minimum wage to $ 15 an hour .
Federal labor figures point to a trend of working-age women , particularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of the labor force amid a child care crisis caused by school and daycare closures .
Many top companies have responded with an array of programs , from increased leave to stipends for child care or tutors , but those benefits are not reaching the vast majority of America ’ s workers .
Only about 1 in 10 say their employers are providing child care facilities , stipends or tutoring services .
Only 26 % say employers are providing extended family leave .
Nearly 7 in 10 workers consider flexibility for caregivers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 44 % — said their employers were doing a good job of that , though just 18 % rated employers poorly ; another 37 % called the response neither good nor bad .
Sarah Blas , a single mother of six in New York , said she has dropped a third of her projects at a non-profit since her children started going to school remotely because some of them have severe asthma .
“ It ’ s soul crushing , ” said Blas , though she is grateful that her employer has allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s even more work to do now , and I literally have to say no because I ’ m home-schooling.
” The poll finds 28 % of workers report working fewer hours since the pandemic hit , which could be because they are juggling responsibilities or because employers have cut back their hours .
Among Black workers , the number rises to 38 % .
Jeff Huffman , who works as a water infrastructure inspector in Ohio , said his company cut all his overtime hours because they have stopped sending workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on their bills .
That has left him struggling to pay child support and worried about giving a proper Christmas to his school-age sons , who live with him every other weekend .
Huffman , who has asthma and worried about virus exposure , said he has applied for other jobs “ out of anxiety and stress.
” Huffman said he is disappointed that the company has failed to reach out to give “ a little gratitude for the hard work we are doing under all this stress.
” “ They really just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how we are doing .
I just feel like like it ’ s all about money , ” Huffman said .
The poll shows pandemic-related support varies by company size .
Workers at companies with fewer than 100 employees were less likely than those at larger companies to praise how their employers have handled many responsibilities during the pandemic .
• SF Giants cut 10 % of jobs in baseball and business departments , citing coronavirus • For many Californians , the pandemic marks the end of ‘ barely making it ’ • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California , Arizona and Nevada Juan Mercado , truck driver for a company that employs more than 1,000 people , said his employer has offered counselling , protective equipment , expanded sick leave and paid time off to care for sick relatives .
“ That gave us the confidence to continue working because otherwise , I would probably say I don ’ t want to go , ” said Mercado , 67 , of Corpus Christie , Texas .
The AP-NORC survey of 1,015 full- and part-time employees was conducted Sept. 11-16 with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sample drawn from NORC ’ s probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel , which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population .
The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 4.2 percentage points .

By Alexandra Olson | The Associated Press
The coronavirus pandemic has put millions of Americans out of work. But many of those still working are fearful, distressed and stretched thin.
A quarter of U.S. workers say they have even considered quitting their jobs as worries related to the pandemic weigh on them, according to a new poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research in collaboration with the software company SAP. A fifth say they have taken leave.
About 7 in 10 workers cited juggling their jobs and other responsibilities as a source of stress. Fears of contracting the virus also was a top concern for those working outside the home.
The good news is that employers are responding. The poll finds 57% of workers saying their employer is doing “about the right amount” in responding to the pandemic; 24% say they are “going above and beyond.” Just 18% say their employer is “falling short.”
That satisfaction seems largely related to physical protections from the virus, which overwhelming majorities of workers considered very important. Still, at least half also say it is very important for their employers to expand sick leave, provide flexibility for caregivers and support mental health, and workers report less satisfaction with efforts in these areas.
Lower income workers were especially likely to have considered quitting — 39% of workers in households earning less than $30,000 annually versus just 23% in higher income households.
John Roman, a senior fellow at NORC at the University of Chicago, said those findings likely reflect fears of exposure of the virus among those who can’t work from home. Hourly wage workers are also less likely to feel attachment to a job, making them more likely to search for safer work, he said.
“This is perhaps the most surprising finding,” Roman said. “The people who can least afford to lose their jobs are leaving jobs in higher numbers. But it fits with the story that they feel unsafe health-wise.”
While 65% of remote workers say their employers are doing a good job protecting their health, just 50% of those working outside the home say that.
The pandemic is weighing heavily on women and people of color, who are most likely to work in essential jobs they can’t do remotely.
Fifty percent of women call the pandemic a major source of stress in their lives, compared to 36% of men. Sixty-two percent of Black workers and 47% of Hispanic workers say it is, compared to 39% of white workers.
Jamelia Fairley, a single mother who works at a McDonald’s in Florida, said managers initially told her to make masks out of coffee filters and hairnets. Although she now gets protective gear, she said workers often have to serve customers who refuse to wear masks.
“I feel like they should provide us with better protection by having the masks be mandatory, not just for us but for customers,” said Fairley, who has seen her weekly hours cut nearly in half and has joined a strike to support raising Florida’s minimum wage to $15 an hour.
Federal labor figures point to a trend of working-age women, particularly Black and Hispanic women, increasingly dropping out of the labor force amid a child care crisis caused by school and daycare closures.
Many top companies have responded with an array of programs, from increased leave to stipends for child care or tutors, but those benefits are not reaching the vast majority of America’s workers.
Only about 1 in 10 say their employers are providing child care facilities, stipends or tutoring services. Only 26% say employers are providing extended family leave.
Nearly 7 in 10 workers consider flexibility for caregivers very important. Fewer than half — 44% — said their employers were doing a good job of that, though just 18% rated employers poorly; another 37% called the response neither good nor bad.
Sarah Blas, a single mother of six in New York, said she has dropped a third of her projects at a non-profit since her children started going to school remotely because some of them have severe asthma.
“It’s soul crushing,” said Blas, though she is grateful that her employer has allowed her to scale back. “There’s even more work to do now, and I literally have to say no because I’m home-schooling.”
The poll finds 28% of workers report working fewer hours since the pandemic hit, which could be because they are juggling responsibilities or because employers have cut back their hours. Among Black workers, the number rises to 38%.
Jeff Huffman, who works as a water infrastructure inspector in Ohio, said his company cut all his overtime hours because they have stopped sending workers out to cut water from households behind on their bills. That has left him struggling to pay child support and worried about giving a proper Christmas to his school-age sons, who live with him every other weekend.
Huffman, who has asthma and worried about virus exposure, said he has applied for other jobs “out of anxiety and stress.” Huffman said he is disappointed that the company has failed to reach out to give “a little gratitude for the hard work we are doing under all this stress.”
“They really just haven’t check in to see how we are doing. I just feel like like it’s all about money,” Huffman said.
The poll shows pandemic-related support varies by company size. Workers at companies with fewer than 100 employees were less likely than those at larger companies to praise how their employers have handled many responsibilities during the pandemic.
Juan Mercado, truck driver for a company that employs more than 1,000 people, said his employer has offered counselling, protective equipment, expanded sick leave and paid time off to care for sick relatives.
“That gave us the confidence to continue working because otherwise, I would probably say I don’t want to go,” said Mercado, 67, of Corpus Christie, Texas.
The AP-NORC survey of 1,015 full- and part-time employees was conducted Sept. 11-16 with funding from SAP. It uses a sample drawn from NORC’s probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 4.2 percentage points.
Online: AP-NORC Center: apnorc.org.


mercurynews--2020-10-21--Records reportedly show Trump maintains Chinese bank account

President Donald Trump ’ s tax records show he has pursued expansive business projects in China for years and even maintains a Chinese bank account , The New York Times reported Tuesday , disclosures that deal a blow to the President ’ s efforts to paint Democratic nominee Joe Biden as the presidential candidate who is soft on China .
An analysis of Trump ’ s tax records by the Times shows that the President holds a previously unreported bank account in China that was not included on his public financial disclosures because it is held under a corporate name @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Britain and Ireland .
The Chinese account , the newspaper said , is controlled by Trump International Hotels Management and it paid $ 188,561 in taxes in the country from 2013 to 2015 .
While the tax records don ’ t show how much money has moved through Trump ’ s foreign accounts , the Internal Revenue Service mandates that filers disclose the portions of their incomes coming from foreign countries .
Trump International Hotels Management reported only a few thousand dollars from China .
Trump Organization lawyer Alan Garten , who refused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the account , told the Times in a statement that the Trump Organization “ opened an account with a Chinese bank having offices in the United States in order to pay the local taxes ” tied with its push to do business in the country .
Garten specifically said the company had opened the account once an office was opened in China “ to explore the potential for hotel deals in Asia.
” “ No deals , transactions or other business activities ever materialized and , since 2015 , the office has remained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Though the bank account remains open , it has never been used for any other purpose.
” While Trump has sought to paint Biden as weak on China throughout the general election , his own financial ties to the country stand in stark contrast with the former vice president , whose income tax returns and financial disclosures show no business dealings or income from China .
In fact , the President ’ s tax records show he has invested at least $ 192,000 in five companies established to pursue projects in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Times .
Since 2010 , the companies have claimed at least $ 97,400 in expenses , the newspaper said .
The new details gleaned from Trump ’ s tax records build on a previous New York Times report that detailed how the President paid no federal income taxes whatsoever in 10 out of 15 years beginning in 2000 because he reported losing significantly more than he made .
In both the year he won the presidency and his first year in the White House , Trump paid just $ 750 in federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @

By Paul LeBlanc | CNN
President Donald Trump’s tax records show he has pursued expansive business projects in China for years and even maintains a Chinese bank account, The New York Times reported Tuesday, disclosures that deal a blow to the President’s efforts to paint Democratic nominee Joe Biden as the presidential candidate who is soft on China.
An analysis of Trump’s tax records by the Times shows that the President holds a previously unreported bank account in China that was not included on his public financial disclosures because it is held under a corporate name. Trump also maintains bank accounts in Britain and Ireland.
The Chinese account, the newspaper said, is controlled by Trump International Hotels Management and it paid $188,561 in taxes in the country from 2013 to 2015.
While the tax records don’t show how much money has moved through Trump’s foreign accounts, the Internal Revenue Service mandates that filers disclose the portions of their incomes coming from foreign countries. Trump International Hotels Management reported only a few thousand dollars from China.
Trump Organization lawyer Alan Garten, who refused to name the Chinese bank that holds the account, told the Times in a statement that the Trump Organization “opened an account with a Chinese bank having offices in the United States in order to pay the local taxes” tied with its push to do business in the country.
Garten specifically said the company had opened the account once an office was opened in China “to explore the potential for hotel deals in Asia.”
“No deals, transactions or other business activities ever materialized and, since 2015, the office has remained inactive,” he told the newspaper. “Though the bank account remains open, it has never been used for any other purpose.”
While Trump has sought to paint Biden as weak on China throughout the general election, his own financial ties to the country stand in stark contrast with the former vice president, whose income tax returns and financial disclosures show no business dealings or income from China.
In fact, the President’s tax records show he has invested at least $192,000 in five companies established to pursue projects in China over multiple years, according to the Times.
Since 2010, the companies have claimed at least $97,400 in expenses, the newspaper said.
The new details gleaned from Trump’s tax records build on a previous New York Times report that detailed how the President paid no federal income taxes whatsoever in 10 out of 15 years beginning in 2000 because he reported losing significantly more than he made.
In both the year he won the presidency and his first year in the White House, Trump paid just $750 in federal income taxes, the Times reported.


mercurynews--2020-10-21--McConnell warns White House against COVID stimulus deal

WASHINGTON — Washington negotiations on a huge COVID-19 relief bill took a modest step forward on Tuesday , though time is running out and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , President Donald Trump ’ s most powerful Senate ally , is pressing the White House against going forward .
McConnell on Tuesday told fellow Republicans that he has warned the White House not to divide Republicans by sealing a lopsided $ 2 trillion relief deal with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi before the election — even as he publicly said he ’ d slate any such agreement for a vote .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Tuesday were productive , but other veteran lawmakers said there is still too much work to do and not enough time to do it to enact a relief bill by Election Day .
McConnell made his remarks during a private lunch with fellow Republicans on Tuesday , three people familiar with them said , requesting anonymity because the session was private .
The Kentucky Republican appears worried that an agreement between Pelosi and Mnuchin would drive a wedge between Republicans , forcing them to choose whether to support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violate conservative positions they ’ ve stuck with for months .
Many Republicans say they can ’ t vote for another huge Pelosi-brokered agreement .
McConnell said if such a bill passed the Democratic-controlled House with Trump ’ s blessing “ we would put it on the floor of the Senate.
” Those public remarks came after the private session with fellow Republicans .
Trump is hoping for an agreement before the election , eager to announce another round of $ 1,200 direct payments going out under his name , but it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much run out .
If he wins , Trump is promising relief , but if he loses — as polls are indicating — it ’ s unclear that his enthusiasm for delivering COVID aid will be as strong .
Recent history suggests that any post-election lame-duck session in the event of a Trump loss wouldn ’ t produce much .
“ It ’ s not a question of ‘ íf.
’ It ’ s a question of ‘ when . '
” said Senate GOP Whip John Thune of South Dakota .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know that.
” Pelosi said earlier Tuesday that she and Mnuchin remained at odds over refundable tax credits for the working poor and families with children , the size of a Democratic-sought aid package for state and local governments , and a liability shield for businesses and other organizations against lawsuits over their COVID preparations .
Pelosi ’ s spokesman , Drew Hammill , wrote on Twitter that she and Mnuchin then spoke for 45 minutes and found “ more clarity and common ground ” and that “ both sides are serious about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slated for Wednesday .
The Pelosi-Mnuchin talks also involve pandemic jobless aid , the second round of $ 1,200 direct payments , and money for schools , testing and vaccines .
Pelosi had said Tuesday was a deadline day , but clarified in an interview with Bloomberg News that the aim is to spur the two sides to exchange their best proposals on a host of unresolved issues , not to close out all of their disagreements or have final legislative language at hand .
“ Let ’ s see where we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all want to get an agreement.
” Time is running out and Pelosi has instructed her committee chairs to try to iron out details , but the Senate GOP negotiators do not appear as eager as she is .
“ It ’ s getting to be toward the last minute and the clock keeps ticking away , ” Senate Appropriations Chairman Richard Shelby , R-Ala. , said Tuesday .
“ I ’ m not optimistic about doing anything.
” Aides familiar with the talks say the price tag for a potential Pelosi-Mnuchin deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Senate Republicans are recoiling at both the size of the measure and Pelosi ’ s demands , even as Trump is beating the drums for an agreement .
“ I want to do it even bigger than the Democrats .
Not every Republican agrees , ” Trump said Tuesday on Fox News .
“ But they will.
” McConnell , meanwhile , is pushing ahead with votes this week on GOP measures that stand little chance of advancing .
On Tuesday , the GOP-held chamber went on record in favor of another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as restaurants and hotels that are having particular difficulty during the pandemic .
But while the vote put the Senate on record as supportive of the idea , it ’ s not aimed at advancing the measure through time-consuming procedural steps that could interfere with a floor schedule dominated by the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court .
On Wednesday , Trump ’ s GOP allies in the Senate are slated to support a revote on a virus proposal with a net cost of about $ 500 billion , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ direct payments that are so important to Trump .
But the Senate GOP bill has failed once before , and Trump himself says it ’ s too puny .
The goodwill and bipartisanship that powered the $ 1.8 trillion bipartisan CARES Act into law in March has largely dissipated .
It passed by an overwhelming margin as the economy went into lockdown .
Since then , Trump and many of his GOP allies have focused on loosening social and economic restrictions as the key to recovery instead of more taxpayer-funded help .

By Andrew Taylor | Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Washington negotiations on a huge COVID-19 relief bill took a modest step forward on Tuesday, though time is running out and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, President Donald Trump’s most powerful Senate ally, is pressing the White House against going forward.
McConnell on Tuesday told fellow Republicans that he has warned the White House not to divide Republicans by sealing a lopsided $2 trillion relief deal with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi before the election — even as he publicly said he’d slate any such agreement for a vote.
Pelosi’s office said talks with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Tuesday were productive, but other veteran lawmakers said there is still too much work to do and not enough time to do it to enact a relief bill by Election Day.
McConnell made his remarks during a private lunch with fellow Republicans on Tuesday, three people familiar with them said, requesting anonymity because the session was private.
The Kentucky Republican appears worried that an agreement between Pelosi and Mnuchin would drive a wedge between Republicans, forcing them to choose whether to support a Pelosi-blessed deal with Trump that would violate conservative positions they’ve stuck with for months. Many Republicans say they can’t vote for another huge Pelosi-brokered agreement.
McConnell said if such a bill passed the Democratic-controlled House with Trump’s blessing “we would put it on the floor of the Senate.” Those public remarks came after the private session with fellow Republicans.
Trump is hoping for an agreement before the election, eager to announce another round of $1,200 direct payments going out under his name, but it’s increasingly clear that time has pretty much run out. If he wins, Trump is promising relief, but if he loses — as polls are indicating — it’s unclear that his enthusiasm for delivering COVID aid will be as strong. Recent history suggests that any post-election lame-duck session in the event of a Trump loss wouldn’t produce much.
“It’s not a question of ‘íf.’ It’s a question of ‘when.'” said Senate GOP Whip John Thune of South Dakota. “We have to do more. We know that.”
Pelosi said earlier Tuesday that she and Mnuchin remained at odds over refundable tax credits for the working poor and families with children, the size of a Democratic-sought aid package for state and local governments, and a liability shield for businesses and other organizations against lawsuits over their COVID preparations.
Pelosi’s spokesman, Drew Hammill, wrote on Twitter that she and Mnuchin then spoke for 45 minutes and found “more clarity and common ground” and that “both sides are serious about finding a compromise.” Another conversation is slated for Wednesday.
The Pelosi-Mnuchin talks also involve pandemic jobless aid, the second round of $1,200 direct payments, and money for schools, testing and vaccines.
Pelosi had said Tuesday was a deadline day, but clarified in an interview with Bloomberg News that the aim is to spur the two sides to exchange their best proposals on a host of unresolved issues, not to close out all of their disagreements or have final legislative language at hand.
“Let’s see where we are,” Pelosi said. “We all want to get an agreement.”
Time is running out and Pelosi has instructed her committee chairs to try to iron out details, but the Senate GOP negotiators do not appear as eager as she is.
“It’s getting to be toward the last minute and the clock keeps ticking away,” Senate Appropriations Chairman Richard Shelby, R-Ala., said Tuesday. “I’m not optimistic about doing anything.”
Aides familiar with the talks say the price tag for a potential Pelosi-Mnuchin deal is inching close to $2 trillion. Senate Republicans are recoiling at both the size of the measure and Pelosi’s demands, even as Trump is beating the drums for an agreement.
“I want to do it even bigger than the Democrats. Not every Republican agrees,” Trump said Tuesday on Fox News. “But they will.”
McConnell, meanwhile, is pushing ahead with votes this week on GOP measures that stand little chance of advancing. On Tuesday, the GOP-held chamber went on record in favor of another round of payroll subsidies for businesses such as restaurants and hotels that are having particular difficulty during the pandemic.
But while the vote put the Senate on record as supportive of the idea, it’s not aimed at advancing the measure through time-consuming procedural steps that could interfere with a floor schedule dominated by the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court.
On Wednesday, Trump’s GOP allies in the Senate are slated to support a revote on a virus proposal with a net cost of about $500 billion, though it does not include the $1,200 direct payments that are so important to Trump. But the Senate GOP bill has failed once before, and Trump himself says it’s too puny.
The goodwill and bipartisanship that powered the $1.8 trillion bipartisan CARES Act into law in March has largely dissipated. It passed by an overwhelming margin as the economy went into lockdown. Since then, Trump and many of his GOP allies have focused on loosening social and economic restrictions as the key to recovery instead of more taxpayer-funded help.


mercurynews--2020-10-21--Santa Clara County leaders consider mid-stream reversal on new jail construction

SAN JOSE — When the report came to the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors , to update them on the progress and latest plans for a $ 390 million new jail , the agenda called for them to receive the report and be on their way .
After all , the Main Jail South project was already several years in the works : The old site off San Pedro Street in San Jose was demolished this past summer , and officials had long touted the proposed facility ’ s progressive cred : Lots of natural light , and heavy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to give jail inmates a better start at a new life .
Tuesday , with the urging of civil-rights activists and with seven months of COVID-19 jail de-population policies in the county and across the state yielding no major spikes in crime , the supervisors joined the reform advocates in asking broadly : Why can ’ t this be done outside jail ?
It was with that idea in mind that a perfunctory report session turned into the supervisors , led in this instance by outgoing board member Dave Cortese , calling for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scrapping the new jail construction altogether in favor of investing directly in mental-health and other supportive services and facilities , including a prospective treatment center run by health officials rather than law enforcement .
Cortese cited how since March the county , through a series of amnesty and leniency measures agreed upon between law enforcement and inmate service providers , decreased the daily jail population by more than a third — to under 2,100 people — to reduce crowding and help stem the risk of COVID-19 outbreaks .
“ If this unintentional pilot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we need to build a new jail altogether , ” Cortese said .
That was followed by a motion , which was eventually approved by a 5-0 unanimous vote , in which the board requested that the county administration prepare an entirely new kind of report due Nov. 17 : To study how Los Angeles County , in the same spirit , pivoted on a massive $ 1.7 billion jail-replacement project in August 2019 ; audit a 24-month jail census and assess how many inmates were receiving mental-health services or psychotropic medication ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jail South for the time being ; and further break down the impact , and sustainability , of the jail population decrease .
And thus the 535-bed Main Jail South project , currently up for bid with a March 2021 award target , now stands to become something entirely different .
The supervisors were not lacking for encouragement .
Megan Swift , a member of Stand Up for Racial Justice , was one of several public-comment speakers urging them to seize the moment .
“ Jails are not housing , ” Swift said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Santa Clara County .
You have an opportunity to do something different.
” Sajid Khan , an alternate public defender who has become a prominent reform voice in the South Bay , added to the chorus .
“ What we ’ ve learned is that people ’ s paths to rehabilitation and our road to a safer community never runs through the jail , ” Khan said .
“ While we support improving our current jails to make them more humane and more conducive to healing , this is a moment to reimagine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our answers to community ailments.
” Supervisor Susan Ellenberg asked whether changing course on building the new jail facility would run afoul of a pair of federal consent decrees that currently loom over the county jails to settle two disparate class-action lawsuits , one over substandard conditions and one over ADA access .
County Counsel James Williams said fulfilling the consent decree addressing broader jail conditions does not necessarily require a new jail to be built , but the ADA case is predicated on the Main Jail South facility , and would need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was unequivocal in her support of scrapping the current jail plan .
“ We know community care is the best model for these patients , ” she said .
“ We could make a facility light and bright and more therapeutic , but ultimately , it ’ s still a jail , and we know the jail is not an appropriate environment for rehabilitation.
” Board President Cindy Chavez agreed that it was a worthwhile pursuit .
“ If we are going to make such an investment , I do think rethinking the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important opportunity , ” she said .
The county ’ s jailing and in-custody treatment of mentally ill people has been under heavy scrutiny since the 2015 killing of Michael Tyree , a mentally ill Santa Clara County inmate whose beating death led to murder convictions for three jail deputies .
It prompted the creation of a board-appointed blue-ribbon commission that recommended scores of jail reforms .
The Main Jail South project was , for many , meant to be a crown jewel of how the county was going to turn the page @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a renewed focus on treating crime in select cases as a manifestation of mental illness .
“ It is clear the context in which the project was conceived is in a dramatically different space , ” said Raj Jayadev , co-founder of Silicon Valley De-Bug , which has been working with the county on various criminal-justice reforms .
” The vote today showed that when the community doesn ’ t compromise its vision , and when county leadership is listening , a better future is possible .
This is a decision that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we won ’ t even know .
”

SAN JOSE — When the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors received a report on the progress and latest plans for a $390 million new jail, the agenda called for them to review the developments and be on their way.
After all, the Main Jail South project was already several years in the works: The old site off San Pedro Street in San Jose was demolished this past summer, and officials had long touted the proposed facility’s progressive cred: Lots of natural light, and heavy attention to mental-health treatment and rehabilitative programming to give jail inmates a better start at a new life.
Tuesday, with the urging of civil-rights activists and with seven months of COVID-19 jail de-population policies in the county and across the state yielding no major spikes in crime, the supervisors joined the reform advocates in asking broadly: Why can’t this be done outside jail?
It was with that idea in mind that a perfunctory report session turned into the supervisors, led in this instance by outgoing board member Dave Cortese, calling for a new report assessing the impact of scrapping the new jail construction altogether in favor of investing directly in mental-health and other supportive services and facilities, including a prospective treatment center run by health officials rather than law enforcement.
Cortese cited how since March the county, through a series of amnesty and leniency measures agreed upon between law enforcement and inmate service providers, decreased the daily jail population by more than a third — to under 2,100 people — to reduce crowding and help stem the risk of COVID-19 outbreaks.
“If this unintentional pilot program is working, I question whether we need to build a new jail altogether,” Cortese said.
That was followed by a motion, which was eventually approved by a 5-0 unanimous vote, in which the board requested that the county administration prepare an entirely new kind of report due Nov. 17: To study how Los Angeles County, in the same spirit, pivoted on a massive $1.7 billion jail-replacement project in August 2019; audit a 24-month jail census and assess how many inmates were receiving mental-health services or psychotropic medication; halt any contract approvals for the Main Jail South for the time being; and further break down the impact, and sustainability, of the jail population decrease.
And thus the 535-bed Main Jail South project, currently up for bid with a March 2021 award target, now stands to become something entirely different.
The supervisors were not lacking for encouragement. Megan Swift, a member of Showing Up for Racial Justice, was one of several public-comment speakers urging them to seize the moment.
“Jails are not housing,” Swift said. “Incarceration has not worked in Santa Clara County. You have an opportunity to do something different.”
Sajid Khan, an alternate public defender who has become a prominent reform voice in the South Bay, added to the chorus.
“What we’ve learned is that people’s paths to rehabilitation and our road to a safer community never runs through the jail,” Khan said. “While we support improving our current jails to make them more humane and more conducive to healing, this is a moment to reimagine and move away from mass incarceration as our answers to community ailments.”
Supervisor Susan Ellenberg asked whether changing course on building the new jail facility would run afoul of a pair of federal consent decrees that currently loom over the county jails to settle two disparate class-action lawsuits, one over substandard conditions and one over ADA access. County Counsel James Williams said fulfilling the consent decree addressing broader jail conditions does not necessarily require a new jail to be built, but the ADA case is predicated on the Main Jail South facility, and would need to be renegotiated.
Nevertheless, Ellenberg was unequivocal in her support of scrapping the current jail plan.
“We know community care is the best model for these patients,” she said. “We could make a facility light and bright and more therapeutic, but ultimately, it’s still a jail, and we know the jail is not an appropriate environment for rehabilitation.”
Board President Cindy Chavez agreed that it was a worthwhile pursuit.
“If we are going to make such an investment, I do think rethinking the framework of that investment is a really important opportunity,” she said.
The county’s jailing and in-custody treatment of mentally ill people has been under heavy scrutiny since the 2015 killing of Michael Tyree, a mentally ill Santa Clara County inmate whose beating death led to murder convictions for three jail deputies. It prompted the creation of a board-appointed blue-ribbon commission that recommended scores of jail reforms.
The Main Jail South project was, for many, meant to be a crown jewel of how the county was going to turn the page on the issue, with state-of-the-art facilities and a renewed focus on treating crime in select cases as a manifestation of mental illness.
Until now.
“It is clear the context in which the project was conceived is in a dramatically different space,” said Raj Jayadev, co-founder of Silicon Valley De-Bug, which has been working with the county on various criminal-justice reforms. “The vote today showed that when the community doesn’t compromise its vision, and when county leadership is listening, a better future is possible. This is a decision that has generational impact, for community members we won’t even know.”


mercurynews--2020-10-21--After surprising crackdown by police, San Jose to expand late-night outdoor dining downtown

Downtown San Jose restaurants and businesses are expressing dismay and frustration with San Jose officials after police ordered several restaurants to shut down their outdoor dining service early Saturday night .
Restaurants on San Pedro Street in downtown were paid a surprise visit Saturday night by members of the San Jose Police Department ’ s new downtown patrol team who informed the restaurants — after months of operating under normal business hours — that the city ’ s Al Fresco program required that they wrap up service to customers in public outdoor spaces by 10 p.m .
The street , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s most popular nightlife centers , was closed off to vehicular traffic earlier this summer under the city ’ s Al Fresco program to allow restaurants there to open up more tables for outdoor dining .
“ We ’ ve never had cops come in and try to shut that down yet , ” said Rachel Kaiser , general manager of District , a restaurant and bar on San Pedro Street .
“ Of course , we ’ re all just trying to get as many sales as we can , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like ours is not something we ’ re going to do until we have to.
” In a letter to San Jose City Manager David Sykes on Monday , the Silicon Valley Organization and the San Jose Downtown Association said restaurants were “ astonished ” to see law enforcement officials shut down their outdoor dining operations , especially after the county was moved to the state ’ s less-restrictive Orange Tier for reopening .
The two business advocates urged the city to take “ immediate action to allow local restaurants to serve customers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we lose this opportunity to save our local , small businesses.
” “ The City has been a forward-thinking leader by championing San Jose Al Fresco , but now that very same regulation is stopping local businesses from getting a fighting chance to survive , ” the letter stated .
During a city council meeting Tuesday afternoon , Sykes acknowledged the concerns and confirmed that the city plans to amend its Al Fresco program before this weekend to allow downtown restaurants to serve patrons until midnight .
For restaurants like The Old Wagon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police Saturday night meant that they merely needed to move patrons inside or onto their large outdoor patio , according to Assistant Manager Frank Martinez .
“ In some ways , it was a relief , ” Martinez said .
“ Everyone had a different story , a different set of rules — no one had it in writing , so the fact that we were given a list of rules , it was just good to know.
” But for other restaurants with limited outdoor patio space and reduced capacity restrictions indoors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shutter early and turn patrons away .
At District , nearly a quarter of the restaurant ’ s revenue comes in between 10 to 11 p.m. , according to Kaiser .
“ That ’ s a really busy time for us and that revenue is vital to us staying in business , ” she said .
“ Right now , we ’ re all operating at a fraction of our regular sales , so any extra operating time we get is really important.
” San Jose Downtown Association Executive Director Scott Knies said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s prompt response and was already looking ahead to the next amendment that he said must be made to the city ’ s Al Fresco program — extending the expiration date .
The current order allowing for the program expires on Dec. 31 and Knies said that is leaving many businesses in an unfortunate limbo as they begin to think about winterizing their outdoor operations .
“ Businesses need that certainty right now , ” Knies said .
The city is also exploring added safety measures and guidelines for restaurants taking part in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following the death of a woman who was killed when an SUV crashed into an outdoor dining area in East San Jose earlier this month .

After San Jose police surprised several downtown popular restaurants with an order forcing them to shut down early on Saturday night, the city is now tweaking it’s Al Fresco program to allow restaurants using public outdoor spaces to stay open later just in time for this weekend’s dining.
Members of the San Jose Police Department’s new downtown patrol team last week informed the restaurants on San Pedro Square — after months of operating under normal business hours — that the city’s Al Fresco program required that they wrap up service to customers in public outdoor spaces by 10 p.m.
The street, which is one of the downtown area’s most popular nightlife centers, was closed to vehicular traffic earlier this summer under the city’s Al Fresco program to allow restaurants there to open up more tables for outdoor dining. And although the fine print of the city’s Al Fresco program stated business could serve customers only in the newly-transformed outdoor spaces until 10 p.m., that rule had never been enforced.
“We’ve never had cops come in and try to shut that down yet,” said Rachel Kaiser, general manager of District, a restaurant and bar on San Pedro Street. “Of course, we’re all just trying to get as many sales as we can, and closing something down on a busy street like ours is not something we’re going to do until we have to.”
In a letter to San Jose City Manager David Sykes on Monday, the Silicon Valley Organization and the San Jose Downtown Association said restaurants were “astonished” to see law enforcement officials shut down their outdoor dining operations early, especially after the county was moved to the state’s less-restrictive Orange Tier for reopening. The two business advocates urged the city to take “immediate action to allow local restaurants to serve customers now before the winter season arrives and we lose this opportunity to save our local, small businesses.”
“The City has been a forward-thinking leader by championing San Jose Al Fresco, but now that very same regulation is stopping local businesses from getting a fighting chance to survive,” the letter stated.
During a City Council meeting Tuesday afternoon, Sykes acknowledged the concerns and confirmed that the city plans to amend its Al Fresco program before this weekend to allow downtown restaurants to serve patrons until midnight.
For restaurants such as The Old Wagon Saloon & Grill, the order by police Saturday night meant that they merely needed to move patrons inside or onto their large outdoor patio, according to Assistant Manager Frank Martinez.
“In some ways, it was a relief,” Martinez said. “Everyone had a different story, a different set of rules — no one had it in writing, so the fact that we were given a list of rules, it was just good to know.”
But for other restaurants with limited outdoor patio space and reduced-capacity restrictions indoors, the police orders forced them to shutter early and turn patrons away.
At District, nearly a quarter of the restaurant’s revenue comes in between 10 to 11 p.m., according to Kaiser.
“That’s a really busy time for us, and that revenue is vital to us staying in business,” she said. “Right now, we’re all operating at a fraction of our regular sales, so any extra operating time we get is really important.”
San Jose Downtown Association Executive Director Scott Knies said he was pleased with the city’s prompt response and was already looking ahead to the next amendment that he said must be made to the city’s Al Fresco program — extending the expiration date.
The current order allowing for the program expires on Dec. 31 and Knies said that is leaving many businesses in an unfortunate limbo as they begin to think about winterizing their outdoor operations. “Businesses need that certainty right now,” Knies said.
The city also is exploring added safety measures and guidelines for restaurants taking part in the city’s Al Fresco program following the death of a woman who was killed when an SUV crashed into an outdoor dining area in East San Jose earlier this month.


mercurynews--2020-10-21--Critter Corner: Bearded dragons make good first-time reptile pets

Dear Miss Behavin ’ : My friend can ’ t care for their bearded dragon any longer and gave him to me .
I want to keep him , but I don ’ t know what he ’ ll need to be healthy .
Any tips on how to start taking care of a bearded dragon ?
Bearded dragons can make a good first-time reptile pet .
They are generally easy to care for and can live up to 10 years of age .
Make sure the enclosure is as big as possible and able to be easily disinfected .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ required to maintain health and support their immune system .
Make sure the temperature is 80-85 degrees on one side and 90-95 on the other so there is a temperature gradient in his enclosure .
Always use temperature readers on both ends to ensure proper temperature .
A basking light is also needed with a metal reflector so the dragon can warm itself .
Incandescent light , sunlight , or plant lights are NOT acceptable alternatives .
They are omnivores but it is recommended for them to be mostly herbivorous as an adult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , turnips , and chard should be at least 40 % of their diet .
Iceberg lettuce should not be used since it has no nutritional value .
Waste should be removed daily and dishes should be regularly washed as dirty enclosures can grow fungus and make your bearded dragon ill .
Your dragon should be seen by a qualified exotic veterinarian at least once a year .
Do not delay seeing a vet if your bearded dragon seems ill , as it can become serious very quickly .
As with all pets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and then do more !
You want to ensure you are prepared for this type of pet and its needs .
Alex Elias is the Assistant for the Behavior and Training Department at the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA .
For more information , visit www.PHS-SPCA.org , call 650-340-7022 , ext .
416 , or e-mail aelias @ phs-spca.org .

Dear Miss Behavin’: My friend can’t care for their bearded dragon any longer and gave him to me. I want to keep him, but I don’t know what he’ll need to be healthy. Any tips on how to start taking care of a bearded dragon?
Bearded dragons can make a good first-time reptile pet. They are generally easy to care for and can live up to 10 years of age. Make sure the enclosure is as big as possible and able to be easily disinfected.
Heat lamps and external heat sources are required to maintain health and support their immune system. Make sure the temperature is 80-85 degrees on one side and 90-95 on the other so there is a temperature gradient in his enclosure. Always use temperature readers on both ends to ensure proper temperature. A basking light is also needed with a metal reflector so the dragon can warm itself.
Incandescent light, sunlight, or plant lights are NOT acceptable alternatives. They are omnivores but it is recommended for them to be mostly herbivorous as an adult. Calcium-rich veggies like kale, collards, turnips, and chard should be at least 40% of their diet. Iceberg lettuce should not be used since it has no nutritional value. Waste should be removed daily and dishes should be regularly washed as dirty enclosures can grow fungus and make your bearded dragon ill. Your dragon should be seen by a qualified exotic veterinarian at least once a year. Do not delay seeing a vet if your bearded dragon seems ill, as it can become serious very quickly.
As with all pets, do as much research as possible, and then do more! You want to ensure you are prepared for this type of pet and its needs.
Alex Elias is the Assistant for the Behavior and Training Department at the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA. For more information, visit www.PHS-SPCA.org, call 650-340-7022, ext. 416, or e-mail aelias@phs-spca.org.