Bridge: May 2, 2020

“ Simple Saturday ” columns are meant to help advancing players improve technique and logical thinking .
My daughter is developing a fine sense of humor .
“ If the Hamburglar commits a robbery , ” she asked me when we had lunch at a McDonald ’ s , “ does he hold people at bunpoint ?
” A different kind of robbery was committed in today ’ s deal .
North-South got to a good slam , and West led a heart .
Declarer took dummy ’ s ace , drew trumps and let the jack of clubs ride @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he had never heard of the king .
Declarer then blithely led a second club to the queen , and East produced the king and led a heart .
South ruffed but , stuck in his hand , he lost a diamond for down one .
East made a good deceptive play , but after the jack of clubs wins , South should lead a club to the ace .
If the king didn ’ t fall , he would let the queen of diamonds ride , making the slam no matter what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t let them rob you of a laydown contract .
You hold : S 9 8 2 H Q J 6 5 2 D K 8 6 C K 3 .
Your partner opens one diamond , you respond one heart , he bids two clubs and you return to two diamonds .
Partner then bids two hearts .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : Your partner promises extra strength .
If he had a minimum hand such as 3 , A K 4 , Q J 7 5 3 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have raised your one-heart response directly to two hearts .
Bid four hearts .
Partner ’ s hand may be 3 , A K 4 , A Q 7 5 3 , Q 9 5 2 .

“Simple Saturday” columns are meant to help advancing players improve technique and logical thinking.
My daughter is developing a fine sense of humor.
“If the Hamburglar commits a robbery,” she asked me when we had lunch at a McDonald’s, “does he hold people at bunpoint?”
A different kind of robbery was committed in today’s deal. North-South got to a good slam, and West led a heart. Declarer took dummy’s ace, drew trumps and let the jack of clubs ride … and East played low as if he had never heard of the king.
DOWN ONE
Declarer then blithely led a second club to the queen, and East produced the king and led a heart. South ruffed but, stuck in his hand, he lost a diamond for down one.
East made a good deceptive play, but after the jack of clubs wins, South should lead a club to the ace. If the king didn’t fall, he would let the queen of diamonds ride, making the slam no matter what.
Beware of tricky opponents. Don’t let them rob you of a laydown contract.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S 9 8 2 H Q J 6 5 2 D K 8 6 C K 3. Your partner opens one diamond, you respond one heart, he bids two clubs and you return to two diamonds. Partner then bids two hearts. What do you say?
ANSWER: Your partner promises extra strength. If he had a minimum hand such as 3, A K 4, Q J 7 5 3, Q 9 5 2, he would have raised your one-heart response directly to two hearts. Bid four hearts. Partner’s hand may be 3, A K 4, A Q 7 5 3, Q 9 5 2.
North dealer
E-W vulnerable
NORTH
S A 4
H A 7 4
D Q 3
C A Q 10 9 8 7
WEST
S J 7
H K 9 8 3
D 9 7 4 2
C 6 5 4
EAST
S 9 8 2
H Q J 6 5 2
D K 8 6
C K 3
SOUTH
S K Q 10 6 5 3
H 10
D A J 10 5
C J 2
North East South West
1 C Pass 1 S Pass
3 C Pass 3 S Pass
4 S Pass 5 D Pass
5 H Pass 6 S All Pass
Opening lead — H 3
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-05-02--Ask Amy: This picky eater thinks she’s being polite, but it annoys me

DEAR AMY : Because COVID-19 has caused universities to close , my boyfriend ’ s sister , “ C , ” has moved into the house with us until further notice ( perhaps until the university reopens in the fall ) .
C is a very picky eater and eats mostly bread , cheese , and fruit .
My boyfriend and I are mostly vegetarian and vegan , but we ’ ve been able to find at least one meal a week we can all share together .
We tend to do this on Sundays .
My issue is with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ More often than not , C seems to take an adult-sized portion of food ( at least a few spoonfuls , perhaps to be polite ) picks at the food we ’ ve prepared , and then declares she ’ s not interested in eating it and throws it away .
This amounts to bowls of food going into the trash over the course of the week ( we aren ’ t interested in eating it , because of the virus concerns ) .
• Ask Amy : Dejected teen gets only cold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : This other woman stepped in before I was done with my husband • Ask Amy : The man-boys are running wild in my house , and I ’ m sick of it • Ask Amy : I objected to my neighbor ’ s party .
He called me a snoop .
• Ask Amy : She lied about the playdate and put my kids at risk I don ’ t want C to feel like she has to appease us , and I ’ ve offered “ feel free to make yourself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How do I prevent this food waste from happening ?
DEAR MEALMATES : This pandemic – and the necessity to isolate – has created unusual and unforeseen cohabiting groups , strange ( and stranger ) bedfellows , and occasional discomfort around the dining table .
In my household , this discomfort is caused by various family members experimenting with new dishes , and serving up the occasional dud ( I plead guilty ) .
Most of the issues that arise can be dealt with ( and perhaps solved ) through simple communication .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ want for “ C ” to feel like she has to appease you – but she should feel that she has to appease you , by making an effort to be a responsible member of the household .
You are making the effort to appease her by providing housing for the foreseeable future , and by not passing judgment on her limited diet .
“ Feel free to make yourself a sandwich ” is obviously a way too subtle statement for C to discern what you are really getting at .
You and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) should have a “ family meeting ” once a week .
You should all review various aspects of your cohabitation , especially your experiences at mealtime .
Say to her , “ We all like to eat different things , and that ’ s fine .
But you often serve yourself a larger portion of the food we prepare , even when it seems that you won ’ t like it — or wouldn ’ t eat it — and then we end up throwing it away .
If you want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you served yourself a small spoonful or two , and if you like it , dive in !
We just can ’ t afford to dispose of leftover food.
” DEAR AMY : Due to the COVID crisis , both my spouse and teen have been idle at home , but I have been working full time ( from home ) .
I had to have a talk with them .
I said , basically , if you ’ re not going to your job/school but I am , you must step @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work and then plan and make dinner and do the laundry and , etc .
They got the message .
Women , especially , have the expectation of managing the family , the house , and their job .
I hope this situation will be the event that helps those who don ’ t manage the household see and step into full partnerships with the “ house manager.
” DEAR OPTIMISTIC : In my household , I finally reached my limit and dealt with this issue by asking each family member ( four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a night.
” This seems to have worked out well ( so far ) , and has been something of a relief for all of us .
DEAR AMY : “ Overworked ” complained about the state of her house with her adult children quarantined at home .
This mom obviously raised these kids to be dependent and to act helpless when at home .
It is absolutely unacceptable that any young adult would not automatically pitch in and be useful .
Now parents get a second chance at successful parenting .
One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sixth-grade students confided in me that , in preparation for going in for cancer surgery , she took her school-age boys aside and explained how to do laundry , pack a lunch , etc .
She came out of the surgery fine and the boys kept up with taking care of these chores .
She said , “ Why did it take cancer to teach me that kids can be so independent ?
” DEAR TEACHER : Some parents are late to this valuable lesson .
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ask Amy , P.O .
Box 194 , Freeville , NY 13068 .
You can also follow her on Twitter @ askingamy or Facebook .

DEAR AMY: Because COVID-19 has caused universities to close, my boyfriend’s sister, “C,” has moved into the house with us until further notice (perhaps until the university reopens in the fall).
C is a very picky eater and eats mostly bread, cheese, and fruit. My boyfriend and I are mostly vegetarian and vegan, but we’ve been able to find at least one meal a week we can all share together. We tend to do this on Sundays.
My issue is with the other days of the week. More often than not, C seems to take an adult-sized portion of food (at least a few spoonfuls, perhaps to be polite) picks at the food we’ve prepared, and then declares she’s not interested in eating it and throws it away.
This amounts to bowls of food going into the trash over the course of the week (we aren’t interested in eating it, because of the virus concerns).
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How do I prevent this food waste from happening?
Mealmates
DEAR MEALMATES: This pandemic – and the necessity to isolate – has created unusual and unforeseen cohabiting groups, strange (and stranger) bedfellows, and occasional discomfort around the dining table. In my household, this discomfort is caused by various family members experimenting with new dishes, and serving up the occasional dud (I plead guilty).
Most of the issues that arise can be dealt with (and perhaps solved) through simple communication.
You say that you don’t want for “C” to feel like she has to appease you – but she should feel that she has to appease you, by making an effort to be a responsible member of the household.
You are making the effort to appease her by providing housing for the foreseeable future, and by not passing judgment on her limited diet.
“Feel free to make yourself a sandwich” is obviously a way too subtle statement for C to discern what you are really getting at.
You and your boyfriend (C’s brother) should have a “family meeting” once a week. You should all review various aspects of your cohabitation, especially your experiences at mealtime. Say to her, “We all like to eat different things, and that’s fine. But you often serve yourself a larger portion of the food we prepare, even when it seems that you won’t like it — or wouldn’t eat it — and then we end up throwing it away. If you want to try something, it would be helpful if you served yourself a small spoonful or two, and if you like it, dive in! We just can’t afford to dispose of leftover food.”
DEAR AMY: Due to the COVID crisis, both my spouse and teen have been idle at home, but I have been working full time (from home).
I had to have a talk with them. I said, basically, if you’re not going to your job/school but I am, you must step up. Do not expect me to work and then plan and make dinner and do the laundry and, etc.
They got the message.
Women, especially, have the expectation of managing the family, the house, and their job.
I hope this situation will be the event that helps those who don’t manage the household see and step into full partnerships with the “house manager.”
Optimistic
DEAR OPTIMISTIC: In my household, I finally reached my limit and dealt with this issue by asking each family member (four currently at home) to “take a night.” This seems to have worked out well (so far), and has been something of a relief for all of us.
Want Ask Amy delivered to your inbox for free on weekdays?
DEAR AMY: “Overworked” complained about the state of her house with her adult children quarantined at home.
This mom obviously raised these kids to be dependent and to act helpless when at home.
It is absolutely unacceptable that any young adult would not automatically pitch in and be useful.
Now parents get a second chance at successful parenting.
One of the parents of one of my sixth-grade students confided in me that, in preparation for going in for cancer surgery, she took her school-age boys aside and explained how to do laundry, pack a lunch, etc.
She came out of the surgery fine and the boys kept up with taking care of these chores.
She said, “Why did it take cancer to teach me that kids can be so independent?”
Teacher
DEAR TEACHER: Some parents are late to this valuable lesson.
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.


mercurynews--2020-05-02--Harriette Cole: I’m stuck in the house with a non-stop complainer

DEAR HARRIETTE : My husband constantly complains about everything .
In the past few weeks , he has ramped up his complaints .
From the time he gets up in the morning , he finds something to pick at .
We are all stuck in the house together , and I ’ m going crazy .
I know that times are tough .
I ’ m living in them , too .
We don ’ t know what ’ s going to happen tomorrow .
But listening to him moan about every single thing all day long is too much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him to change his attitude ?
DEAR DARK CLOUD : Even though we are required to quarantine , I wonder if it might be worth it for you to put on a mask and take a walk every day .
Experts have said that if you can maintain physical distancing while you walk wearing a mask , you can go outside .
Getting fresh air and time to yourself may help to clear your head and help you to deal with the stresses of home .
Be pleasant to your husband .
Choose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if he can ’ t muster it right now .
Tell him you love him and that you know times are difficult .
Ask him to consider looking at whatever you are discussing in a different way .
Point out that it is possible to find happiness even now when things seem so dire .
Tell him you need him to be more optimistic for you and the family .
Finally , put in some earphones and listen to music when you need to tune him out .
• Harriette Cole : I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to think I ’ m pimping them • Harriette Cole : Should I tell my kids the truth about my lost job ?
• Harriette Cole : My teen is furious about my strict lockdown • Harriette Cole : I ’ m no better off than these beggars DEAR HARRIETTE : A family member called to ask if he could borrow some money because he lost his job and doesn ’ t have enough money to pay his rent .
I know this is happening everywhere , and I feel so sorry for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though , that if I lend him money , it will just weigh on both of us when he can ’ t pay it back .
Part of me feels like I should just give him what I can afford to give , even though it ’ s not his whole rent check .
In that way , he won ’ t owe me anything and I won ’ t be upset that I extended myself too far and begin to resent him for it .
Am I overthinking this ?
I love @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t want the added financial or emotional stress of having to deal with a likely disappointment .
DEAR FINANCIAL GIFT : You are on the right page .
Decide how much you can give your cousin without need for reimbursement .
Offer that to him .
Tell him that this is the gift you can give to him — no need to pay you back .
If he counters that he really needs more , respond that this is what you have to give .
Your clarity should make it easier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Don ’ t apologize for not being able to afford more .
State the truth : This is what you can give .
You can also ask him if he knows how to file for unemployment .
Find out if there is any other service he may need help accessing .
Perhaps you can help him in other ways .
But draw the line regarding money .
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS , an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams .
You can send questions to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

DEAR HARRIETTE: My husband constantly complains about everything. In the past few weeks, he has ramped up his complaints.
From the time he gets up in the morning, he finds something to pick at. We are all stuck in the house together, and I’m going crazy.
I know that times are tough. I’m living in them, too. We don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow. But listening to him moan about every single thing all day long is too much for me. How can I get him to change his attitude?
Dark Cloud
DEAR DARK CLOUD: Even though we are required to quarantine, I wonder if it might be worth it for you to put on a mask and take a walk every day. Experts have said that if you can maintain physical distancing while you walk wearing a mask, you can go outside. Getting fresh air and time to yourself may help to clear your head and help you to deal with the stresses of home.
Be pleasant to your husband. Choose to cultivate your personal joy, even if he can’t muster it right now. Tell him you love him and that you know times are difficult. Ask him to consider looking at whatever you are discussing in a different way. Point out that it is possible to find happiness even now when things seem so dire. Tell him you need him to be more optimistic for you and the family. Finally, put in some earphones and listen to music when you need to tune him out.
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Harriette Cole: I’m ashamed to tell people I forgave my childhood friend Advice | Harriette Cole: I’ve worked hard, and my poor siblings resent my success DEAR HARRIETTE: A family member called to ask if he could borrow some money because he lost his job and doesn’t have enough money to pay his rent.
I know this is happening everywhere, and I feel so sorry for him. I’m concerned, though, that if I lend him money, it will just weigh on both of us when he can’t pay it back. Part of me feels like I should just give him what I can afford to give, even though it’s not his whole rent check.
In that way, he won’t owe me anything and I won’t be upset that I extended myself too far and begin to resent him for it. Am I overthinking this? I love my cousin so much, but I don’t want the added financial or emotional stress of having to deal with a likely disappointment.
Financial Gift
DEAR FINANCIAL GIFT: You are on the right page. Decide how much you can give your cousin without need for reimbursement. Offer that to him. Tell him that this is the gift you can give to him — no need to pay you back.
If he counters that he really needs more, respond that this is what you have to give. Your clarity should make it easier for him to accept that reality. Don’t apologize for not being able to afford more. State the truth: This is what you can give.
You can also ask him if he knows how to file for unemployment. Find out if there is any other service he may need help accessing. Perhaps you can help him in other ways. But draw the line regarding money.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-05-02--Miss Manners: He wanders through my workspace and examines all my stuff

DEAR MISS MANNERS : My father-in-law has been overstepping the boundaries of my personal space for as long as I ’ ve been with my husband .
He is a very curious person , but he exercises his curiosity in my home without permission to the point where I ’ m uncomfortable and bothered by his behavior .
My personal workspace is not in the main flow of the house .
He lingers , looks around and picks up papers without asking .
Instead of socializing , he will wander the house , picking up and examining everything — touching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
I would never in a million years take such liberties in someone ’ s home .
Then there are his attempts to be helpful in taking on tasks without permission or being asked — like planting a tree or digging up a concrete sidewalk in our backyard .
I ’ m losing my mind , and feel there is no solution .
After years of this behavior on his part , I dislike him , and dread the times he stays in my home .
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Presumably not in the backyard , or he would have noticed the sidewalk being dug up .
Miss Manners suggests that you enlist his help in setting parameters for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the meantime , invest in some secure locks .
DEAR MISS MANNERS : I went to bat for a former hard-working colleague and acquaintance , and it resulted in a better job with a 10 % raise for her .
Ever since then , we ’ ve been in near-daily contact and we seemed to have forged a good friendship .
I recently gave her $ 100 cash and my well wishes for her impending wedding on the other side of the country , to which I was not invited .
From @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to-do thrown by her in-laws .
Later , on social media , I saw photo after photo of the wedding , along with a statement thanking her friends and loved ones for making it to the celebration .
The event seemed to be attended by dozens of friends .
I felt hurt , thinking we were closer .
What does etiquette dictate in this situation ?
Do I ask why I was not invited ?
Or do I move on ?
GENTLE READER : Given the professional and transactional nature of this relationship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bride considers you solely a work friend .
Or the invitations to her wedding were sent out before you two became close .
Or some combination of the two .
Miss Manners finds that those lines so often get blurred .
The general rule is that if your interactions never existed outside of work hours — or could be considered a tax write-off — then it does not qualify as a true friendship , however pleasant the collegial relationship .
Miss Manners does not recommend that you ask the newlywed about the wedding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interested in pursuing the relationship , invite her and her new husband to dinner , making sure that you stay outside of work — both in location and in topics of conversation .
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website , www.missmanners.com ; to her email , dearmissmanners @ gmail.com ; or through postal mail to Miss Manners , Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My father-in-law has been overstepping the boundaries of my personal space for as long as I’ve been with my husband. He is a very curious person, but he exercises his curiosity in my home without permission to the point where I’m uncomfortable and bothered by his behavior.
My personal workspace is not in the main flow of the house. He lingers, looks around and picks up papers without asking. Instead of socializing, he will wander the house, picking up and examining everything — touching all my belongings (including my instruments).
I would never in a million years take such liberties in someone’s home. Then there are his attempts to be helpful in taking on tasks without permission or being asked — like planting a tree or digging up a concrete sidewalk in our backyard.
I’m losing my mind, and feel there is no solution. After years of this behavior on his part, I dislike him, and dread the times he stays in my home.
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Miss Manners: She wants to turn our music festival into a get-drunk weekend Advice | Miss Manners: My rule is no gift for a second wedding, no attendance for a third GENTLE READER: Where does your husband stand in all of this? Presumably not in the backyard, or he would have noticed the sidewalk being dug up. Miss Manners suggests that you enlist his help in setting parameters for your father-in-law’s behavior — and in the meantime, invest in some secure locks.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I went to bat for a former hard-working colleague and acquaintance, and it resulted in a better job with a 10% raise for her.
Ever since then, we’ve been in near-daily contact and we seemed to have forged a good friendship. I recently gave her $100 cash and my well wishes for her impending wedding on the other side of the country, to which I was not invited. From my understanding, it was a small to-do thrown by her in-laws.
Later, on social media, I saw photo after photo of the wedding, along with a statement thanking her friends and loved ones for making it to the celebration.
The event seemed to be attended by dozens of friends. I felt hurt, thinking we were closer.
What does etiquette dictate in this situation? Do I ask why I was not invited? Or do I move on?
Want Miss Manners delivered to your inbox for free on weekdays?
GENTLE READER: Given the professional and transactional nature of this relationship, it is quite possible that the bride considers you solely a work friend. Or the invitations to her wedding were sent out before you two became close. Or some combination of the two.
Miss Manners finds that those lines so often get blurred. The general rule is that if your interactions never existed outside of work hours — or could be considered a tax write-off — then it does not qualify as a true friendship, however pleasant the collegial relationship.
Miss Manners does not recommend that you ask the newlywed about the wedding. Instead, if you are still interested in pursuing the relationship, invite her and her new husband to dinner, making sure that you stay outside of work — both in location and in topics of conversation.
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-05-02--Dear Abby: He doesn’t remember the nasty thing he said, but I can’t forget

EAR ABBY : For some reason , my father hates my fiance to the point where , when I stayed with my fiance for one day , Dad wouldn ’ t allow me to come home .
Dad said many nasty things after eventually letting me back home , but among the more hurtful ones were that he hoped my fiance would abuse me and that I shouldn ’ t be allowed to get married .
He doesn ’ t remember saying them , but I remember them well .
Only my immediate family and my fiance ’ s family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say I would rather have my brother walk me down the aisle , my relatives are all in disbelief .
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Am I really in the wrong for not wanting him to escort me ?
DEAR MISUNDERSTOOD : Does your father have a substance abuse problem ?
An anger management problem ?
Under the circumstances , it is understandable that you would prefer someone else walk you down the aisle .
Your fiance must be a saint to want to enter a marriage with a built-in in-law problem like your dad .
My advice is to do what is best for the two of you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ABBY : I ’ m a girl in my teens .
My best friend moved away , and I miss her so much .
It feels like the world has turned against me , and I am depressed .
I don ’ t like to text her , and I don ’ t think she would let me call her every single day , although I haven ’ t asked .
I ’ m afraid we ’ re not going to be friends anymore , and I feel so distant from my other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year , but it isn ’ t the same .
What should I do , Abby ?
Do I talk to her about it ?
Or should I stop being her friend ?
DEAR MISSING : It is painful when life separates people .
As you pointed out , friendships , unlike Lego blocks , are not interchangeable .
Do not suddenly stop communicating with your friend .
You should absolutely talk to her and tell her how you are feeling because she may be feeling the same way .
With more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You will meet more people and establish new relationships .
But in the meantime , try to stay busy , which will help you feel less isolated .
DEAR ABBY : I am an 84-year-old divorced alum of a local college who has developed feelings for a 59-year-old widowed alum of a local university .
She works at my former college and visited me a month ago asking for a donation to the college .
Since then , she has shown extreme appreciation of my gift , via letter , emails and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as to how much her feelings of appreciation are for her success as a fundraiser , or if the attraction could be mutual .
Do you think the age difference is too much for me to pursue a meaningful relationship with her ?
I would appreciate your opinion .
Thank you .
DEAR UNKNOWN FEELINGS : Depending upon the condition you are in physically and financially , the age difference may not be an insurmountable problem .
At 59 , she is old enough to decide whether it ’ s a deal-breaker .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ accepts .
If she hits you up for another donation , you will know where you stand .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .

EAR ABBY: For some reason, my father hates my fiance to the point where, when I stayed with my fiance for one day, Dad wouldn’t allow me to come home.
Dad said many nasty things after eventually letting me back home, but among the more hurtful ones were that he hoped my fiance would abuse me and that I shouldn’t be allowed to get married. He doesn’t remember saying them, but I remember them well.
Only my immediate family and my fiance’s family know the specifics, and whenever I say I would rather have my brother walk me down the aisle, my relatives are all in disbelief.
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MISUNDERSTOOD BRIDE-TO-BE
DEAR MISUNDERSTOOD: Does your father have a substance abuse problem? An anger management problem? Under the circumstances, it is understandable that you would prefer someone else walk you down the aisle.
Your fiance must be a saint to want to enter a marriage with a built-in in-law problem like your dad. My advice is to do what is best for the two of you, including considering an elopement.
DEAR ABBY: I’m a girl in my teens. My best friend moved away, and I miss her so much. It feels like the world has turned against me, and I am depressed.
I don’t like to text her, and I don’t think she would let me call her every single day, although I haven’t asked. I’m afraid we’re not going to be friends anymore, and I feel so distant from my other friends. I made a new friend this year, but it isn’t the same.
What should I do, Abby? Do I talk to her about it? Or should I stop being her friend?
MISSING MY BEST FRIEND
DEAR MISSING: It is painful when life separates people. As you pointed out, friendships, unlike Lego blocks, are not interchangeable. Do not suddenly stop communicating with your friend. You should absolutely talk to her and tell her how you are feeling because she may be feeling the same way.
With more time, you will get past this. You will meet more people and establish new relationships. But in the meantime, try to stay busy, which will help you feel less isolated.
DEAR ABBY: I am an 84-year-old divorced alum of a local college who has developed feelings for a 59-year-old widowed alum of a local university. She works at my former college and visited me a month ago asking for a donation to the college. Since then, she has shown extreme appreciation of my gift, via letter, emails and phone calls.
I’m curious as to how much her feelings of appreciation are for her success as a fundraiser, or if the attraction could be mutual. Do you think the age difference is too much for me to pursue a meaningful relationship with her? I would appreciate your opinion. Thank you.
UNKNOWN FEELINGS IN VIRGINIA
DEAR UNKNOWN FEELINGS: Depending upon the condition you are in physically and financially, the age difference may not be an insurmountable problem. At 59, she is old enough to decide whether it’s a deal-breaker.
Invite her out. See if she accepts. If she hits you up for another donation, you will know where you stand.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.


mercurynews--2020-05-02--Council removes commissioner who said ‘let nature take its course’

Antioch Planning Commissioner Ken Turnage , who on social media promoted letting “ nature take its course ” with coronavirus deaths , was unanimously removed from his chair post during a special City Council meeting Friday night .
Turnage , a local home contractor , recently wrote on his personal Facebook page that he believed society should adopt a herd mentality , and though the weak , elderly , homeless and others would perish , “ the nation and planet would strengthen when this is all settled.
” “ This virus is like a human version of a forest fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and burn off all the dead trees , old trees , fallen brush , and scrub shrub-sucklings that drain the resources of the forest and causing it to be unhealthy , ” he wrote .
” We would have significant loss of life , we would lose many elderly , that would reduce burdens in our defunct Social Security System , health care cost ( once the wave subsided ) , make jobs available for others and it would also free up housing in which we are in dire need of , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comments about “ earth repair ” did not sit well with council members , including Mayor Sean Wright who asked for his resignation and , after he refused , called for a special council meeting to remove him .
On Friday , in a phone call to the council , the commissioner stood by his comments , reiterating his belief in “ ecological balance , ” which he said he wrote about to “ spark debate.
” So far , Contra Costa County has seen 28 deaths and 907 infections from COVID-19 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While he said he is personally obeying orders to shelter in place , Turnage has said he believes they should be lifted and society should “ move forward with our place on Earth.
” “ My personal opinion had nothing to do with the city or my position on the planning commission , so to try to somehow link them or create a nexus to further your political agenda is shameful , ” Turnage said , adding it was a violation of his First Amendment rights .
“ Being removed from the planning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or agreed with is not a fair reason to be removed , ” he said .
“ In fact , in a country where we value free speech , it is unconscionable and sends a message that only like-minded people can serve this city.
” After Turnage ’ s statement , several residents called in comments and officials read 92 emails from others during the Zoom conference meeting .
The comments ranged from support for Turnage ’ s character and the right of free speech to comparing his viral post to Adolf Hitler @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No , this is not the way of the world , ” she said .
“ We are not sacrificial lambs or any of the negative connotations he alluded to .
We are original offsprings of the pioneers of this nation .
“ Many of us have served in the military to protect the very land of the people who enjoy it now whether young or old .
You have no business ever holding any elected or appointed in any jurisdiction in the United States of America.
” Mary Dunrose called the commissioner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ a lawsuit waiting to happen.
” “ This is a person who helps promote senior housing , and he thinks all seniors should be dead , ” she said .
“ He is not impartial — he promotes discrimination.
” “ I was deeply offended by Turange ’ s pseudo-scientific musings on social media , ” she wrote .
“ They bear a troubling resemblance to the sentiments espoused by the man my 94-year old father fought to defeat in World War II… Letting remarks like these slide is how the unthinkable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gardner also wrote that she was “ disgusted ” by the remarks .
“ He , along with his supporters , need to understand that this is not a freedom of speech issue , ” she wrote .
“ We should not have people calling to reopen the government so that we could allow nature to run its course and have people who have strong immunities go out and infect the weak , the poor , and the elderly so that they could die , while also representing those same individuals.
” But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back on removing the commissioner .
“ Society has become much too quick to demonize and punish each other , ” he wrote .
“ We should not throw stones in the big glasshouse that we all live in together.
” Retired Police Chief Allan Cantando also supported Turnage , saying other council members have written questionable posts .
“ Let ’ s call it like it is — it ’ s a critical attack , ” he said in a call to the council , suggesting the proposed removal was politically motivated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kuslits also defended Turnage , saying he has a right to freedom of speech.
” But City Attorney Thomas Smith said freedom of speech was not at issue .
“ The focus of this issue is not free speech , ” he said .
“ The focus is what is the reaction and impact that this speech has had on the residents of Antioch and the confidence and the trust in the government… This has incited an impact and you as policymakers will have to determine what that impact is.
” Councilman Lamar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before calling for a motion to remove the commissioner .
“ This is sad for the entire community , ” he said , noting he had lost confidence in his ability to lead .
Councilwoman Joy Motts called the post “ absurd , ” adding that she has received emails from around the country on the viral posting .
“ The impact of commissioner Turnage statements on his Facebook post have caused unnecessarily damage during a time of extreme difficulty for this community , and for the state and our nation as we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life severe illness , economic fallout… “ If should be noticeably clear to all of us that the words you put out to the public , even on social media , can have grave consequences , ” she said .
“ I , unfortunately , believe that these comments have compromised his ability to do his job … and I would support you in your recommendation for his removal.
” Councilwoman Monica Wilson , who had called for Turanage ’ s resignation on Tuesday , reiterated that he must go .
The mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three-hour meeting before the vote was called .
“ City officials are held to a higher standard , ” he said .
“ When our words as public servants undermine the city ’ s overall position and cause the citizens to lose confidence in us — especially in a pandemic when people are losing their lives and families are victims to illness — it ’ s something that must be examined….The only way out of this crisis is to support one another with our words and our actions .
”

At a special meeting Friday night, the Antioch City Council unanimously removed Ken Turnage from the planning commission for declaring on social media that nature should “take its course” as the coronavirus kills the weak, the old and the homeless.
“The impact of commissioner Turnage’s statements on his Facebook post have caused unnecessary damage during a time of extreme difficulty for this community and for the state and our nation as we deal with extreme consequences, loss of life, severe illness, economic fallout,” Mayor Pro Tem Joy Motts said during the three-hour meeting, which drew about 100 public comments, most of them denouncing the planning commission chairman’s views.
Turnage, 47, a local home contractor and former Antioch citizen of the year, recently wrote on his personal Facebook page that society should adopt a herd mentality, and although that means the weak, elderly, homeless and others would perish, “the nation and planet would strengthen when this is all settled.”
He also wrote that “this virus is like a human version of a forest fire, a forest fire will burn through and burn off all the dead trees, old trees, fallen brush, and scrub shrub-sucklings that drain the resources of the forest and causing it to be unhealthy.
”We would have significant loss of life, we would lose many elderly, that would reduce burdens in our defunct Social Security System, health care cost (once the wave subsided), make jobs available for others and it would also free up housing in which we are in dire need of,” he added.
In a phone call to the council during the Zoom meeting, a defiant Turnage stood by his words, reiterating his belief in “ecological balance,” which he said he wrote about to “spark debate.”
“My personal opinion had nothing to do with the city or my position on the planning commission, so to try to somehow link them or create a nexus to further your political agenda is shameful,” Turnage told the council, adding his ouster would amount to a violation of First Amendment rights.
“Being removed from the planning commission because my opinion is not liked or agreed with is not a fair reason to be removed,” he said. “In fact, in a country where we value free speech, it is unconscionable and sends a message that only like-minded people can serve this city.”
When he finished speaking, several residents called in to express their opinions and officials read 92 emails into the record. The comments ranged from support for Turnage’s character and his right to free speech to comparing his viral post to Adolf Hitler’s “Mein Kampf.”
Lucas Stuart Chilcote said that despite Turnage’s service to the community, “that activism doesn’t provide you a get-out-of-jail card” for making such insensitive comments.
Leslie May called Turnage’s Facebook post “unfathomable.”
“No, this is not the way of the world,” she said. “We are not sacrificial lambs or any of the negative connotations he alluded to. We are original offsprings of the pioneers of this nation.
“Many of us have served in the military to protect the very land of the people who enjoy it now, whether young or old.”
Mary Dunrose called Turnage’s views “sociopathic” and “a lawsuit waiting to happen.”
“This is a person who helps promote senior housing, and he thinks all seniors should be dead,” she said. “He is not impartial — he promotes discrimination.”
Laura Gilbert wrote that Turnage’s musings “bear a troubling resemblance to the sentiments espoused by the man my 94-year-old father fought to defeat in World War II. … Letting remarks like these slide is how the unthinkable becomes possible.”
Antioch homeless advocate Nichole Gardner wrote that Turnage and his supporters “need to understand that this is not a freedom of speech issue. We should not have people calling to reopen the government so that we could allow nature to run its course and have people who have strong immunities go out and infect the weak, the poor, and the elderly so that they could die, while also representing those same individuals.”
But Ron Zaragoza urged the council to let Turnage remain on the commission.
“Society has become much too quick to demonize and punish each other,” he wrote. “We should not throw stones in the big glasshouse that we all live in together.”
Retired police Chief Allan Cantando also supported Turnage, noting other council members have written questionable posts. “Let’s call it like it is — it’s a critical attack,” he said in a call to the council, suggesting the proposed removal was politically motivated.
Longtime volunteers Beverly Knight and Michele Kuslits also defended Turnage, saying he has “a right to freedom of speech.”
But City Attorney Thomas Smith said freedom of speech wasn’t the issue.
“The focus is what is the reaction and impact that this speech has had on the residents of Antioch and the confidence and the trust in the government,” Smith said. “This has incited an impact and you as policymakers will have to determine what that impact is.”
Councilman Lamar Thorpe called the situation “unfortunate” before making a motion to remove the commissioner. “This is sad for the entire community,” he said, noting he had lost confidence in Turnage’s ability to lead.
Mayor Pro Tem Motts called the post “absurd,” adding that she has received emails from around the country about the viral posting.
“It should be noticeably clear to all of us that the words you put out to the public, even on social media, can have grave consequences,” she said.
Councilwoman Monica Wilson, who had called for Turnage’s resignation Tuesday, simply reiterated that he must go.
Mayor Sean Wright, who had called for the special meeting after Turnage rejected his request to resign, got the last words in before the council voted.
“City officials are held to a higher standard,” he said. “When our words as public servants undermine the city’s overall position and cause the citizens to lose confidence in us — especially in a pandemic when people are losing their lives and families are victims to illness — it’s something that must be examined. … The only way out of this crisis is to support one another with our words and our actions.”


mercurynews--2020-05-03--Photo: Census Caravan focuses on Oakland’s hard-to-count communities

Click here if you are having trouble viewing the slideshow on a mobile device .
In order to reach hard-to-count @ @ @ @ @ Libby Schaaf , Councilman Noel Gallo , The Unity Council staff and volunteers took part @ @ @ @ @ A decorated caravan of cars traveled through the Fruitvale District informing residents that it is @ @ @ @ @ to be counted for the 2020 U.S. Census by going online , by phone or @ @ @ @ @ Bureau employees , community activist Jose Ortiz , and the Urban Promise Middle School also @ @ @ @ @ , which practiced safe social distancing .

Ray Chavez is a Bay Area News Group photographer for The Mercury News and East Bay Times. Ray was hired as Lab Tech at the Oakland Tribune in 1994 and was later promoted to full-time staff photographer for the Alameda Newspapers Group, now the Bay Area News Group. Chavez,a native of Mexico City, has won multiple awards, including Photographer of the Year for the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, Society of Professional Journalists Chi-Sigma-Delta, Headliners Award and the Ruben Salazar Award, among others. Ray was part of the team with the East Bay Times that won the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News for coverage of the "Ghost Ship" fire. In 2019, he was part of a Bay Area News Group and Chico Enterprise Record team whose coverage of the Camp Fire was recognized as a Pulitzer Prize finalist in the Breaking News category. Ray enjoys the outdoors and covering assignments rain or shine everywhere in the great San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. Si Se Puede!


mercurynews--2020-05-03--Photos: Ingenious ideas bring a sense of normalcy in unexpected places

Click here if you are having trouble viewing the gallery on your mobile device Although life has been upended by the coronvirus , people are still finding ways to achieve a modicum of normalcy through clever efforts .
In Portland , Oregon , the Lucky Devil strip club opened up albeit in an unusual fashion by offering drive-thru , uh , service .
Motorists stayed in their cars as they trundled through a tent that had dancers on either side .
They could even offer tips via a box or tongs .
In Vespasiano , Brazil , graduates used a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mark their achievements .
Meanwhile in Berlin , residents stuck at home have found that their building turned into a makeshift movie theater as the Windowflicks project screened movies projected on a backyard firewall .
Elsewhere in the country , the Tennis Point Exhibition Series was held with no crowds , cameras recording the match and disinfectant being sprayed in several locations .
Chippendales emcee Jayson Michael has turned to hosting the company ’ s virtual party from his home .
The troupe , which normally performs at the Rio Hotel and Casino @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virtual experiences , featuring at least two cast members .
Meanwhile , racing fans have been getting their fix virtually .
Professional drivers have been competing in video game competitions such as the IndyCar iRacing Challenge First Responder 175 .
The games look realistic save for some spectacular crashes that would be horrific in real life .
Even the Kentucky Derby was held virtually and used 13 Triple Crown winners facing off .
Guess who won ?
Lastly , members of the Lousiville Turners Circus brought their performances to its fans .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing shows with semiprotective gear for donations because the COVID-19 pandemic led to cancellations .
For more images , follow our Instagram account .

Click here if you are having trouble viewing the gallery on your mobile device
Although life has been upended by the coronvirus, people are still finding ways to achieve a modicum of normalcy through clever efforts.
In Portland, Oregon, the Lucky Devil strip club opened up albeit in an unusual fashion by offering drive-thru, uh, service. Motorists stayed in their cars as they trundled through a tent that had dancers on either side. They could even offer tips via a box or tongs. In Vespasiano, Brazil, graduates used a similar process to receive their diplomas and mark their achievements.
Meanwhile in Berlin, residents stuck at home have found that their building turned into a makeshift movie theater as the Windowflicks project screened movies projected on a backyard firewall. Elsewhere in the country, the Tennis Point Exhibition Series was held with no crowds, cameras recording the match and disinfectant being sprayed in several locations.
Chippendales emcee Jayson Michael has turned to hosting the company’s virtual party from his home. The troupe, which normally performs at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, launched 30-minute interactive virtual experiences, featuring at least two cast members. Meanwhile, racing fans have been getting their fix virtually. Professional drivers have been competing in video game competitions such as the IndyCar iRacing Challenge First Responder 175. The games look realistic save for some spectacular crashes that would be horrific in real life.
Even the Kentucky Derby was held virtually and used 13 Triple Crown winners facing off. Guess who won?
Watch it again! The 13 Triple Crown winners face off in a virtual race under the Twin Spires of Churchill Downs. Donate to COVID-19 relief at https://t.co/6W7xpgby5a. | #KyDerbyAtHome pic.twitter.com/QCDkrrPB5p — Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) May 2, 2020
Lastly, members of the Lousiville Turners Circus brought their performances to its fans. The circus is going through the Kentucky city doing shows with semiprotective gear for donations because the COVID-19 pandemic led to cancellations.
For more images, follow our Instagram account.


mercurynews--2020-05-03--The Latest: Hundreds protest Oregon’s stay-at-home order

By The Associated Press The Latest on the coronavirus pandemic .
The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness or death .
— French lawmakers to consider 14-day quarantine for returning travelers .
SALEM , Ore. — Hundreds opposed to Oregon ’ s stay-at-home order demonstrated at the state Capitol on Saturday as health officials announced dozens more cases and five additional deaths from COVID-19 .
Most of the protesters did not wear face masks , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signs in the rain .
Other signs read “ Reopen Oregon ” and “ Let me earn a living.
” A group of healthcare workers demonstrated at the top of the Capitol steps , urging a phased plan to ease the state ’ s social distancing requirements .
Most of the other protesters ignored them .
Public health officials say stay-at-home orders are essential for slowing the transmission of the novel coronavirus .
But protest organizers told The Oregonian/OregonLive that they view the social distancing mandates issued by Gov .
Kate Brown as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s orders have closed many businesses , put some parks and campgrounds off limits , and required public schools to adopt distance learning programs .
“ You can ’ t just place citizens under house arrest and enforce those orders , ” event organizer Adam Ellifritt said .
ANTIOCH , Calif. — A Northern California city official has been ousted after he suggested on social media that sick , old and homeless people should be left to meet their “ natural course in nature ” during the coronavirus pandemic .
City council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 110,000 people 35 miles east of Oakland , voted unanimously Friday night to remove Ken Turnage II from his post as chairman of the city ’ s planning commission .
NBC Bay Area reports there was a swift uproar after Turnage characterized people with weak immune systems as a drain on society .
He wrote on Facebook : “ the World has been introduced to a new phrase Herd Immunity which is a good one .
In my opinion we need to adapt a Herd Mentality .
A herd gathers it ranks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ old , the injured to meet its natural course in nature.
” As for homeless people , he added that the virus would “ fix what is a significant burden on our society and resources that can be used.
” Turnage later deleted the post but refused to resign or back down from his comments .
During the two-hour council meeting held on Zoom , Turnage said his personal opinion had no bearing on his duties as a planning commissioner and that removing him would violate his freedom of speech .
But city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loss in confidence and created a disruption to the city .
SPOKANE , Wash. — The highest rate of coronavirus cases on the U.S. West Coast is in Washington ’ s Yakima County , an agricultural giant that has more than double the state average of cases .
Health experts point to a large number of essential workers , a large number of cases in long-term care facilities , and a large agricultural workforce living and working in close quarters as the causes .
“ We just haven ’ t been as much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because our workforce is going to work , ″ said Lilian Bravo , a spokeswoman for the Yakima Health District .
“ Physically going to work every day is going to put you at a higher risk than others.
” As of Friday , Yakima County had 1,203 positive cases , a rate of 455 cases per 100,000 residents .
Second was Franklin County at 326 cases per 100,000 .
The statewide average was 185 cases per 100,000 residents .
LOUISVILLE , Ky. — A federal appeals court on Saturday declined to block @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on mass gatherings from applying to in-person religious services .
The three-judge panel did clear the way for Maryville Baptist Church to hold drive-in worship services while adhering to public health requirements .
That ’ s an alternative that Democrat Gov .
Andy Beshear has strongly encouraged throughout the coronavirus pandemic .
But the panel stopped short of applying its order to in-person worship services .
The ruling came soon after the church asked the 6th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals for an emergency order stopping Beshear ’ s mass gathering ban @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CAIRO — Yemeni health authorities say there are three new coronavirus cases in the southern city of Aden and the western city of Taiz , bringing the total number of cases to 10 with two deaths .
Saturday ’ s announcement comes as the U.N. health agency has warned of the invisible outbreak of the virus , saying that it ’ s “ actively circulating throughout the country.
” The agency says testing and resources to detect the virus are “ grossly insufficient.
” A cluster of cases was found in Aden , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doors as medical staffers feared contracting the virus because of a lack of personal protective equipment .
The port city is in the midst of political infighting between the internationally recognized government and southern separatists who declared self-rule last week , leaving health authorities in disarray .
Yemen has been embroiled in civil war for more than five years and has a fragile health system , with half of the health facilities not properly functioning .
WASHINGTON — The top Republican and Democrat in Congress say they are respectfully declining an offer of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s administration .
Limited testing for lawmakers has become an issue in decisions about when they should return to Washington .
Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar had tweeted Friday that three rapid-testing machines and 1,000 tests were being sent for the Senate to use next week .
Trump also tweeted that “ tremendous ” testing capacity is available for senators returning on Monday , and for the House .
But Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate leader Mitch McConnell said Saturday in a statement that they want the equipment to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decided against having her members join the Senate in returning next week because the Washington area remains a virus hot spot .
PARIS — French Health Minister Olivier Veran said people traveling into France , including French citizens returning home , will be placed in a 14-day quarantine as part of new extended proposals to limit the spread of the new coronavirus .
Entering France is currently very restricted to essential travel , and a travel certificate is required for everyone entering the country .
The proposals are being sent to Parliament next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compulsory quarantine will concern anyone entering the national territory , an overseas territory or Corsica.
” It ’ s not clear if the quarantine would apply only to travelers from beyond the Schengen border and Britain .
The Schengen Area includes 26 countries and encompasses most of the European Union nations .
ATLANTA — People across metro Atlanta went on roofs and patios , to parks and even cemeteries , or stopped on the side of a usually busy interstate to watch a military flyover Saturday afternoon .
The Air Force Thunderbirds and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first responders and medical teams .
They passed over downtown and midtown , where major hospitals are located , and were loudly cheered .
People outside at historic Oakland Cemetery generally adhered to social distancing guidelines but few wore masks .
Some carried lawn chairs and beverages while others pushed strollers , while many tried to capture the moment with phones or cameras .
Georgia has already allowed businesses like hair and nail salons , restaurants and gyms to open with social distancing restrictions .
LONDON — Britain ’ s Department of Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died in hospitals , care homes and the wider community after testing positive for the new coronavirus in the United Kingdom , an increase of 621 from the previous tally .
The figures include deaths as of 5 p.m. on Friday .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday told the nation that Britain had passed its peak in the COVID-19 outbreak and said he has plans to reveal a “ road map ’ outlining how lockdown steps might be eased in the coming week .
ISTANBUL — Turkey ’ s health minister has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24 hours , bringing the death toll from COVID-19 to 3,336 .
The minister tweeted Saturday that an additional 1,983 had been infected , increasing the total to 124,375 .
“ For the first time since March 30 , the daily case number has fallen below 2,000 , ” he tweeted .
The new number leaves Turkey ranked seventh in the world for highest infection rate from the novel coronavirus .
Russia ’ s confirmed infections of 124,054 had briefly surpassed Turkey ’ s .
The minister also tweeted that 58,259 people have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday .
LANSING , Mich. — Michigan ’ s agriculture department says the state ’ s animal agriculture industries are making adjustments due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Gary McDowell , director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development , said Saturday in a release that the changes will strengthen the supply chain and make workers safer but could “ lead to some near-term speedbumps.
” He was responding to concerns of food shortages due to national shutdowns of beef and pork producers .
Mary Kelpinski , chief executive officer of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there ’ s plenty of meat in cold storage around the state but advised shoppers to resist panic buying of meat products in the weeks ahead .
ROME — The number of beds treating COVID-19 patients continued to decline as Italy prepared to ease its strict lockdown measures on Monday .
The Civil Protection Agency said that there were 212 fewer people hospitalized with the virus and 39 fewer in intensive care in the past 24 hours , numbers that have been consistently easing in recent weeks .
That has given authorities confidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new spike in cases as more businesses reopen and individuals are allowed more freedom to move around their towns and cities of residence .
At the same time , the number of dead nudged up the most in 11 days — by 474 — and the number of people who have recovered from the virus was the lowest in more than two weeks .
Italy has registered the most deaths after the United States , at 28,710 .
PARIS — France hopes to extend the health emergency put in place to fight the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Minister Olivier Veran made the announcement on Saturday , arguing that the extension of the measures that began March 24 is required to prevent a new flare-up of infections .
The proposal , which will be put to the French Parliament next week and is expected to pass , is centered on the notion that a “ premature ” relaxing the state of emergency “ could see a risk of the outbreak ” increasing .
France is among countries most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic , having recorded some 24,594 deaths and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new proposals include a data system for those that have contracted the virus , that will function for up to a year .
ISTANBUL — The Turkish trade ministry lifted export restrictions and a requirement to obtain advance permission for private companies to export medical equipment needed in treating COVID-19 .
The decision , published in the Official Gazette , rescinded restrictions on exporting ventilators , intubation tubes and ICU monitors , among other equipment .
The trade ministry lifted restrictions on the export of ethanol , cologne , disinfectants and hydrogen peroxide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivered medical supplies , including locally produced ventilators , to Somalia .
Ankara has so far shipped needed supplies to at least 55 countries , including to the United States .
Turkey , a country of 83 million , has more than 122,000 cases and more than 3,200 deaths , according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University .
ATHENS , Greece — Greek authorities have announced three deaths from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours .
That raises the total to 143 — 106 men 37 women .
The average age of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been eight more confirmed infections for a total of 2,620 cases .
BARCELONA , Spain — Spaniards filled the streets to exercise for the first time after seven weeks of confinement to fight the coronavirus .
People ran , walked or rode bicycles under a sunny sky in Barcelona , where many flocked to the maritime promenade to get close to the still off-limits beach .
Others jogged around parks and along sidewalks across the nation .
“ Some people think it may be too early , as I do , but it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health reasons , ” says 36-year-old Cristina Palomeque in Barcelona .
Spain has 24,824 confirmed deaths from the COVID-19 virus and 215,216 infections .
The lockdown has helped reduce daily increases of infections .
Follow AP news coverage of the coronavirus pandemic at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak

By The Associated Press
The Latest on the coronavirus pandemic. The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death.
TOP OF THE HOUR:
— Hundreds protest Oregon’s stay-at-home order.
— Pelosi, McConnell decline COVID-19 tests.
— French lawmakers to consider 14-day quarantine for returning travelers.
___
BEIJING — Chinese health authorities say two new coronavirus cases were confirmed Saturday, continuing a downward trend since the government took steps to cut the number of people arriving from overseas.
One new case was in the inland Shanxi province, west of Beijing, and the other was an imported one in Shanghai. China’s official confirmed case count stands at 82,877. Most of the patients have recovered and been discharged from hospitals.
China reported no new deaths Saturday and has recorded just one in the past two weeks. The country’s official death toll has reached 4,633.
The government has blocked virtually all foreigners from entering the country and sharply curtailed the number of international flights, making it difficult for Chinese citizens to return from overseas too.
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SALEM, Ore. — Hundreds opposed to Oregon’s stay-at-home order demonstrated at the state Capitol on Saturday as health officials announced dozens more cases and five additional deaths from COVID-19.
Most of the protesters did not wear face masks, but they waved American flags and Trump campaign signs in the rain. Other signs read “Reopen Oregon” and “Let me earn a living.”
A group of healthcare workers demonstrated at the top of the Capitol steps, urging a phased plan to ease the state’s social distancing requirements. Most of the other protesters ignored them.
Public health officials say stay-at-home orders are essential for slowing the transmission of the novel coronavirus. But protest organizers told The Oregonian/OregonLive that they view the social distancing mandates issued by Gov. Kate Brown as government overreach.
Since mid-March, Brown’s orders have closed many businesses, put some parks and campgrounds off limits, and required public schools to adopt distance learning programs.
“You can’t just place citizens under house arrest and enforce those orders,” event organizer Adam Ellifritt said.
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ANTIOCH, Calif. — A Northern California city official has been ousted after he suggested on social media that sick, old and homeless people should be left to meet their “natural course in nature” during the coronavirus pandemic.
City council members in Antioch, a city of about 110,000 people 35 miles east of Oakland, voted unanimously Friday night to remove Ken Turnage II from his post as chairman of the city’s planning commission.
NBC Bay Area reports there was a swift uproar after Turnage characterized people with weak immune systems as a drain on society.
He wrote on Facebook: “the World has been introduced to a new phrase Herd Immunity which is a good one. In my opinion we need to adapt a Herd Mentality. A herd gathers it ranks, it allows the sick, the old, the injured to meet its natural course in nature.”
As for homeless people, he added that the virus would “fix what is a significant burden on our society and resources that can be used.”
Turnage later deleted the post but refused to resign or back down from his comments. During the two-hour council meeting held on Zoom, Turnage said his personal opinion had no bearing on his duties as a planning commissioner and that removing him would violate his freedom of speech.
But city officials countered that his posting caused a loss in confidence and created a disruption to the city.
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SPOKANE, Wash. — The highest rate of coronavirus cases on the U.S. West Coast is in Washington’s Yakima County, an agricultural giant that has more than double the state average of cases.
Health experts point to a large number of essential workers, a large number of cases in long-term care facilities, and a large agricultural workforce living and working in close quarters as the causes.
“We just haven’t been as much down as the rest of the state because our workforce is going to work,″ said Lilian Bravo, a spokeswoman for the Yakima Health District. “Physically going to work every day is going to put you at a higher risk than others.”
As of Friday, Yakima County had 1,203 positive cases, a rate of 455 cases per 100,000 residents. Second was Franklin County at 326 cases per 100,000. The statewide average was 185 cases per 100,000 residents.
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LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A federal appeals court on Saturday declined to block the Kentucky governor’s temporary ban on mass gatherings from applying to in-person religious services.
The three-judge panel did clear the way for Maryville Baptist Church to hold drive-in worship services while adhering to public health requirements. That’s an alternative that Democrat Gov. Andy Beshear has strongly encouraged throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
But the panel stopped short of applying its order to in-person worship services.
The ruling came soon after the church asked the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for an emergency order stopping Beshear’s mass gathering ban from being enforced against religious services.
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CAIRO — Yemeni health authorities say there are three new coronavirus cases in the southern city of Aden and the western city of Taiz, bringing the total number of cases to 10 with two deaths.
Saturday’s announcement comes as the U.N. health agency has warned of the invisible outbreak of the virus, saying that it’s “actively circulating throughout the country.” The agency says testing and resources to detect the virus are “grossly insufficient.”
A cluster of cases was found in Aden, where residents said several hospitals shut their doors as medical staffers feared contracting the virus because of a lack of personal protective equipment. The port city is in the midst of political infighting between the internationally recognized government and southern separatists who declared self-rule last week, leaving health authorities in disarray.
Yemen has been embroiled in civil war for more than five years and has a fragile health system, with half of the health facilities not properly functioning.
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WASHINGTON — The top Republican and Democrat in Congress say they are respectfully declining an offer of quick COVID-19 tests offered by President Donald Trump’s administration.
Limited testing for lawmakers has become an issue in decisions about when they should return to Washington.
Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar had tweeted Friday that three rapid-testing machines and 1,000 tests were being sent for the Senate to use next week.
Trump also tweeted that “tremendous” testing capacity is available for senators returning on Monday, and for the House.
But Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate leader Mitch McConnell said Saturday in a statement that they want the equipment to go to front-line facilities instead.
Pelosi decided against having her members join the Senate in returning next week because the Washington area remains a virus hot spot.
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PARIS — French Health Minister Olivier Veran said people traveling into France, including French citizens returning home, will be placed in a 14-day quarantine as part of new extended proposals to limit the spread of the new coronavirus.
Entering France is currently very restricted to essential travel, and a travel certificate is required for everyone entering the country. The proposals are being sent to Parliament next week.
Veran said that “the compulsory quarantine will concern anyone entering the national territory, an overseas territory or Corsica.”
It’s not clear if the quarantine would apply only to travelers from beyond the Schengen border and Britain. The Schengen Area includes 26 countries and encompasses most of the European Union nations.
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ATLANTA — People across metro Atlanta went on roofs and patios, to parks and even cemeteries, or stopped on the side of a usually busy interstate to watch a military flyover Saturday afternoon.
The Air Force Thunderbirds and the Navy Blue Angels flew to honor first responders and medical teams. They passed over downtown and midtown, where major hospitals are located, and were loudly cheered.
People outside at historic Oakland Cemetery generally adhered to social distancing guidelines but few wore masks. Some carried lawn chairs and beverages while others pushed strollers, while many tried to capture the moment with phones or cameras.
Georgia has already allowed businesses like hair and nail salons, restaurants and gyms to open with social distancing restrictions.
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LONDON — Britain’s Department of Health says a total of 28,131 people have died in hospitals, care homes and the wider community after testing positive for the new coronavirus in the United Kingdom, an increase of 621 from the previous tally.
The figures include deaths as of 5 p.m. on Friday.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday told the nation that Britain had passed its peak in the COVID-19 outbreak and said he has plans to reveal a “road map’ outlining how lockdown steps might be eased in the coming week.
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ISTANBUL — Turkey’s health minister has announced 78 new deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the death toll from COVID-19 to 3,336.
The minister tweeted Saturday that an additional 1,983 had been infected, increasing the total to 124,375. “For the first time since March 30, the daily case number has fallen below 2,000,” he tweeted.
The new number leaves Turkey ranked seventh in the world for highest infection rate from the novel coronavirus. Russia’s confirmed infections of 124,054 had briefly surpassed Turkey’s.
The minister also tweeted that 58,259 people have recovered from COVID-19, including 4,451 since Friday.
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LANSING, Mich. — Michigan’s agriculture department says the state’s animal agriculture industries are making adjustments due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Gary McDowell, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said Saturday in a release that the changes will strengthen the supply chain and make workers safer but could “lead to some near-term speedbumps.” He was responding to concerns of food shortages due to national shutdowns of beef and pork producers.
Mary Kelpinski, chief executive officer of the Michigan Pork Producers Association, says there’s plenty of meat in cold storage around the state but advised shoppers to resist panic buying of meat products in the weeks ahead.
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ROME — The number of beds treating COVID-19 patients continued to decline as Italy prepared to ease its strict lockdown measures on Monday.
The Civil Protection Agency said that there were 212 fewer people hospitalized with the virus and 39 fewer in intensive care in the past 24 hours, numbers that have been consistently easing in recent weeks. That has given authorities confidence to be able to cope with any new spike in cases as more businesses reopen and individuals are allowed more freedom to move around their towns and cities of residence.
At the same time, the number of dead nudged up the most in 11 days — by 474 — and the number of people who have recovered from the virus was the lowest in more than two weeks. Italy has registered the most deaths after the United States, at 28,710.
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PARIS — France hopes to extend the health emergency put in place to fight the coronavirus crisis until July 24.
French Health Minister Olivier Veran made the announcement on Saturday, arguing that the extension of the measures that began March 24 is required to prevent a new flare-up of infections.
The proposal, which will be put to the French Parliament next week and is expected to pass, is centered on the notion that a “premature” relaxing the state of emergency “could see a risk of the outbreak” increasing.
France is among countries most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, having recorded some 24,594 deaths and 167,346 confirmed cases so far.
The new proposals include a data system for those that have contracted the virus, that will function for up to a year.
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ISTANBUL — The Turkish trade ministry lifted export restrictions and a requirement to obtain advance permission for private companies to export medical equipment needed in treating COVID-19.
The decision, published in the Official Gazette, rescinded restrictions on exporting ventilators, intubation tubes and ICU monitors, among other equipment.
The trade ministry lifted restrictions on the export of ethanol, cologne, disinfectants and hydrogen peroxide.
Turkey also announced a military plane delivered medical supplies, including locally produced ventilators, to Somalia. Ankara has so far shipped needed supplies to at least 55 countries, including to the United States.
Turkey, a country of 83 million, has more than 122,000 cases and more than 3,200 deaths, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.
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ATHENS, Greece — Greek authorities have announced three deaths from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours.
That raises the total to 143 — 106 men 37 women. The average age of the victims is 74.
There have been eight more confirmed infections for a total of 2,620 cases.
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BARCELONA, Spain — Spaniards filled the streets to exercise for the first time after seven weeks of confinement to fight the coronavirus.
People ran, walked or rode bicycles under a sunny sky in Barcelona, where many flocked to the maritime promenade to get close to the still off-limits beach. Others jogged around parks and along sidewalks across the nation.
“Some people think it may be too early, as I do, but it is also important to do exercise for health reasons,” says 36-year-old Cristina Palomeque in Barcelona.
Spain has 24,824 confirmed deaths from the COVID-19 virus and 215,216 infections. The lockdown has helped reduce daily increases of infections.
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Follow AP news coverage of the coronavirus pandemic at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak


mercurynews--2020-05-03--Coronavirus: Despite protests, Californians mostly avoided the beach Saturday

Californians seemed to heed Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s admonitions to stay home Saturday , bringing to a quiet end a week that started with packed beaches in Orange County that drew widespread condemnation , followed by new beach closures that triggered raucous protests against the state ’ s shelter-in-place order .
Instead of the flocks of sunbathers defying health directives that some had feared , beaches from Orange County through the Bay Area were largely empty , with a park district in the East Bay reporting busy but manageable hiking and biking trails .
In Santa Cruz County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day-trippers that beaches there would be closed from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m to deter crowds during the peak hours .
No dogs were running on the sand at Its Beach , which would typically be packed with them .
Instead , the only barking came from a group of sea lions sunning themselves on a rock offshore .
It was a far cry from last Saturday , when smaller but still concerning crowds came to local beaches , said Bill Saxton , a 67-year-old stand-up paddleboarder who lives near Natural Bridges State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a good idea .
“ If people come together down on the beach it ’ s going to lead to someone dying , ” he said .
People are still allowed to swim and surf when the beaches are closed , but being on the sand for any reason other than going to or coming from the water is prohibited .
Protests against shelter orders might be grabbing attention , Saxton said , but as far as he can tell “ the vast majority of people are on board and trying to help.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ strolling Main Beach shortly before it closed at 11 a.m .
Among them was Kristen , a bank employee from Oakdale who declined to give her full name .
She hadn ’ t known about the closure until she arrived in Santa Cruz after a two-hour drive from the Central Valley with her sons and one of their friends , believing beach closings were only happening in Southern California .
“ We ’ re just going to play it by ear and see what happens , ” she said .
Not long after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drove up to Kristen ’ s group , and a man politely told them they needed to leave .
In Half Moon Bay , restaurant owners said that people were generally respecting orders to stay out of the beaches and to limit their trips to walking distance from their homes .
San Mateo County has restricted beaches and parks to people who live within 10 miles and officials have closed parking near the beach to prevent crowds .
Lewis Rossman , executive chef and a partner at Sam ’ s Chowder House in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serving crabcakes , lobster rolls and even pints of ice cream to go .
He said it ’ s hard to know which customers live in the small beach communities along the coast , but that business has slowly been picking up over the past few weekends , which allowed them to bring back a few workers out of the nearly 150 they ’ ve had to let go amid the coronavirus closures .
“ On the weekend you definitely do see more traffic on Highway 1 , for the most part , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The restaurant is next to the beach and has a large parking lot , so Rossman said they met with the sheriff ’ s department and ended up closing off a large portion of it when county officials restricted beach access .
“ There ’ s not a lot of people on the beaches , ” he said .
“ We haven ’ t seen anything like Newport.
” Newport Beach became the focal point of a statewide fight about beach closures and California ’ s shelter-in-place order after an Orange @ @ @ @ @ @ @ viral .
There were some reports Newsom might close beaches statewide , but Thursday he decided to close only those in Orange County .
On Friday , as many as 3,000 protesters gathered in Huntington Beach to protest ongoing closures , calling on Newsom to reopen the state , according to the OC Register .
The coronavirus crisis has wreaked havoc on the global economy and pushed 3.9 million Californians to file for unemployment .
However , polls show the order is supported by a majority of state residents , and despite progress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase — Friday was the deadliest single day in the state in over a week , with 98 new fatalities reported .
On Saturday , the sands were mostly empty in Huntington Beach , though people sporadically lounged there , some with beach umbrellas set up .
And many others were biking , walking and jogging along the pathways .
A helicopter began circling overhead , telling people that the beaches were closed under state order and that everyone should leave .
A surfer walking toward the beach aimed his middle finger at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demonstrators , some on the sand and in the water , made their displeasure with the governor ’ s order known .
And in Seal Beach , about two dozen people took to the base of the pier around noon to protest the governor ’ s order , but no citations were handed out , according to a Seal Beach police officer .
Alex Levesque , 28 , and Niko Ramirez , 28 , both from Chino , were getting out of the ocean at their regular spot in Huntington Beach with their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve been quarantined for weeks , following all the rules , and started to get restless , they said .
But people were social distancing in the water , they said , since surfers stay apart anyhow .
They weren ’ t trying to make a statement , they added .
They just wanted to surf .

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Californians seemed to heed Gov. Gavin Newsom’s admonitions to stay home Saturday, bringing to a quiet end a week that started with packed beaches in Orange County that drew widespread condemnation, followed by new beach closures that triggered raucous protests against the state’s shelter-in-place order.
Instead of the flocks of sunbathers defying health directives that some had feared, beaches from Orange County through the Bay Area were largely empty, with a park district in the East Bay reporting busy but manageable hiking and biking trails. In Santa Cruz County, signs on Highway 17 warned would-be day-trippers that beaches there would be closed from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m to deter crowds during the peak hours.
No dogs were running on the sand at Its Beach, which would typically be packed with them. Instead, the only barking came from a group of sea lions sunning themselves on a rock offshore. It was a far cry from last Saturday, when smaller but still concerning crowds came to local beaches, said Bill Saxton, a 67-year-old stand-up paddleboarder who lives near Natural Bridges State Beach. Saxton said the closures were a good idea.
“If people come together down on the beach it’s going to lead to someone dying,” he said.
People are still allowed to swim and surf when the beaches are closed, but being on the sand for any reason other than going to or coming from the water is prohibited. Protests against shelter orders might be grabbing attention, Saxton said, but as far as he can tell “the vast majority of people are on board and trying to help.”
Only a few dozen people were strolling Main Beach shortly before it closed at 11 a.m.
Among them was Kristen, a bank employee from Oakdale who declined to give her full name. She hadn’t known about the closure until she arrived in Santa Cruz after a two-hour drive from the Central Valley with her sons and one of their friends, believing beach closings were only happening in Southern California.
“We’re just going to play it by ear and see what happens,” she said. Not long after, a Santa Cruz Police pickup truck drove up to Kristen’s group, and a man politely told them they needed to leave.
In Half Moon Bay, restaurant owners said that people were generally respecting orders to stay out of the beaches and to limit their trips to walking distance from their homes. San Mateo County has restricted beaches and parks to people who live within 10 miles and officials have closed parking near the beach to prevent crowds.
Lewis Rossman, executive chef and a partner at Sam’s Chowder House in Half Moon Bay said they had been serving crabcakes, lobster rolls and even pints of ice cream to go. He said it’s hard to know which customers live in the small beach communities along the coast, but that business has slowly been picking up over the past few weekends, which allowed them to bring back a few workers out of the nearly 150 they’ve had to let go amid the coronavirus closures.
“On the weekend you definitely do see more traffic on Highway 1, for the most part, people are playing along,” he said.
The restaurant is next to the beach and has a large parking lot, so Rossman said they met with the sheriff’s department and ended up closing off a large portion of it when county officials restricted beach access.
“There’s not a lot of people on the beaches,” he said. “We haven’t seen anything like Newport.”
Newport Beach became the focal point of a statewide fight about beach closures and California’s shelter-in-place order after an Orange County Register photo of crowded beaches went viral. There were some reports Newsom might close beaches statewide, but Thursday he decided to close only those in Orange County.
On Friday, as many as 3,000 protesters gathered in Huntington Beach to protest ongoing closures, calling on Newsom to reopen the state, according to the OC Register. The coronavirus crisis has wreaked havoc on the global economy and pushed 3.9 million Californians to file for unemployment. However, polls show the order is supported by a majority of state residents, and despite progress flattening the coronavirus curve cases continue to increase — Friday was the deadliest single day in the state in over a week, with 98 new fatalities reported.
On Saturday, the sands were mostly empty in Huntington Beach, though people sporadically lounged there, some with beach umbrellas set up. And many others were biking, walking and jogging along the pathways. A helicopter began circling overhead, telling people that the beaches were closed under state order and that everyone should leave. A surfer walking toward the beach aimed his middle finger at the helicopter.
In Laguna, 80-plus demonstrators, some on the sand and in the water, made their displeasure with the governor’s order known. And in Seal Beach, about two dozen people took to the base of the pier around noon to protest the governor’s order, but no citations were handed out, according to a Seal Beach police officer.
Alex Levesque, 28, and Niko Ramirez, 28, both from Chino, were getting out of the ocean at their regular spot in Huntington Beach with their surfboards just before 11 a.m. They’ve been quarantined for weeks, following all the rules, and started to get restless, they said.
But people were social distancing in the water, they said, since surfers stay apart anyhow. They weren’t trying to make a statement, they added.
They just wanted to surf.
Orange County Registrar reporter Brooke Staggs contributed to this report.