mercurynews--2020-09-03--Amid political upheaval, Thai king reinstates his royal consort

King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand is welcoming his consort back into the royal household , a surprise move that comes as the country is in the throes of an unprecedented protest movement calling for reforms to both government and the monarchy .
The Thai Royal Household said in an official notice that all titles , military ranks and decorations were returned to Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi after she was found “ untainted , ” implying that she was innocent of previous accusations .
She was accused nearly a year ago of trying to usurp power and prestige from the queen .
Sineenat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obstruct the King ’ s wife , Queen Suthida Vajiralongkorn Na Ayudhya from being crowned , and had asked to be appointed to the role instead , a royal notice at the time said .
“ It is regarded as if she was not stripped of her royal status , her royal military position and military rank and all her royal decorations were never recalled before , ” the latest announcement read .
Details surrounding her reappointment are scant .
Similarly , it remains unknown where she spent the intervening months .
Due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law , CNN has limits in reporting the full context surrounding the Thai monarchy and its palace intrigue .
The law makes it illegal to insult or defame the king , queen , heir-apparent or regent , and convictions can carry a 15-year prison sentence .
Since retired army general and current Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha seized power in a military coup in 2014 , hundreds of activists have been charged under sweeping laws such as sedition or lese majeste .
Those laws do not appear to have deterred Thais from discussing Sineenat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The phrase “ free of blemish ” was the top trend on Twitter in Thailand Thursday morning , as was the hashtag “ ReformTheMonarchy.
” Sineenat is the first royal consort in nearly a century .
She was a former army nurse who served in the King ’ s royal bodyguard unit , and held the military ranking of major general .
She spent time in the military undertaking courses in jungle warfare and piloting , according to state broadcaster Thai PBS .
After being named royal consort in July 2019 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months before being stripped of her titles .
While it ’ s unclear why Sineenat is being reinstated now , it comes at a time of political upheaval .
Thousands of Thais protested last month to demand democratic reforms , and among them were a small but increasingly vocal group that is calling for changes to the monarchy .
Expressing any dissatisfaction with the Thai royal family has long been considered verboten , radical and even dangerous — and not just because of the lese majeste laws .
The institution is revered with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The father of Vajiralongkorn , the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej , reigned for 70 years and was widely seen as a stable father figure who navigated the country through decades of coups and political unrest .
He was also beloved by many for his work to improve the lives of ordinary people .
His son , Vajiralongkorn , who assumed the throne in 2016 and was crowned in May 2019 , doesn ’ t hold that same respect or moral authority .
Vajiralongkorn is believed to spend much of his time overseas and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Thailand as the country grappled with the coronavirus pandemic .
On Wednesday , Thailand marked 100 consecutive days with no locally transmitted Covid-19 infections .
Although the absolute monarchy was abolished in Thailand in 1932 , the monarch still wields significant political influence .
Thais are still expected to follow a long tradition of worshiping the royal institution .
“ The monarchy is revered , you have to love it unconditionally , ” said Pavin Chachavalpongpun , an exiled Thai dissident who is now an associate professor at the Center for Southeast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ estimated 10,000 anti-government protesters young and old packed Bangkok ’ s Democracy Monument on August 16 , calling for democratic reforms , changes to the military-written constitution and for the dissolution of parliament .
Grievances ones whispered in private are now being chanted in public .
However , experts say the calls for monarchical reform could clash with those seeking changes to government — they could could alienate large numbers of protesters .
In July , Prime Minister Prayut said he was “ worried and concerned about this movement ” and warned protesters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel for our children , youths and university students and I also share their parents ’ worries too .
But there must be a vigilance about violations , I think people won ’ t tolerate it and allow an incident like this to happen again , ” he said .
Prayut ’ s military-backed ruling coalition has promised to restore stability to a nation rocked by decades of coups and political crises , but many of the country ’ s young people feel Prayut ’ s government has done little to improve their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ build confidence in the people .
Young people turned out to vote en masse in 2019 , hoping to bring new , progressive , pro-democracy parties into power .
But they were thwarted in part by a military-drafted constitution that enabled the generals to keep hold of power via the Senate led by an unelected Prime Minister .

By Kocha Olarn, Helen Regan and Joshua Berlinger | CNN
King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand is welcoming his consort back into the royal household, a surprise move that comes as the country is in the throes of an unprecedented protest movement calling for reforms to both government and the monarchy.
The Thai Royal Household said in an official notice that all titles, military ranks and decorations were returned to Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi after she was found “untainted,” implying that she was innocent of previous accusations.
She was accused nearly a year ago of trying to usurp power and prestige from the queen. Sineenat, 35, had previously attempted to obstruct the King’s wife, Queen Suthida Vajiralongkorn Na Ayudhya from being crowned, and had asked to be appointed to the role instead, a royal notice at the time said.
“It is regarded as if she was not stripped of her royal status, her royal military position and military rank and all her royal decorations were never recalled before,” the latest announcement read.
Details surrounding her reappointment are scant. Similarly, it remains unknown where she spent the intervening months. Due to Thailand’s stringent lese majeste law, CNN has limits in reporting the full context surrounding the Thai monarchy and its palace intrigue. The law makes it illegal to insult or defame the king, queen, heir-apparent or regent, and convictions can carry a 15-year prison sentence. Since retired army general and current Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha seized power in a military coup in 2014, hundreds of activists have been charged under sweeping laws such as sedition or lese majeste.
Those laws do not appear to have deterred Thais from discussing Sineenat’s royal reemergence on social media. The phrase “free of blemish” was the top trend on Twitter in Thailand Thursday morning, as was the hashtag “ReformTheMonarchy.”
Sineenat is the first royal consort in nearly a century. She was a former army nurse who served in the King’s royal bodyguard unit, and held the military ranking of major general. She spent time in the military undertaking courses in jungle warfare and piloting, according to state broadcaster Thai PBS.
After being named royal consort in July 2019, she held the post for only three months before being stripped of her titles.
While it’s unclear why Sineenat is being reinstated now, it comes at a time of political upheaval.
Thousands of Thais protested last month to demand democratic reforms, and among them were a small but increasingly vocal group that is calling for changes to the monarchy. Expressing any dissatisfaction with the Thai royal family has long been considered verboten, radical and even dangerous — and not just because of the lese majeste laws. The institution is revered with almost religious fervor by many Thais.
The father of Vajiralongkorn, the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, reigned for 70 years and was widely seen as a stable father figure who navigated the country through decades of coups and political unrest. He was also beloved by many for his work to improve the lives of ordinary people.
His son, Vajiralongkorn, who assumed the throne in 2016 and was crowned in May 2019, doesn’t hold that same respect or moral authority.
Vajiralongkorn is believed to spend much of his time overseas and has been largely absent from public life in Thailand as the country grappled with the coronavirus pandemic. On Wednesday, Thailand marked 100 consecutive days with no locally transmitted Covid-19 infections.
Although the absolute monarchy was abolished in Thailand in 1932, the monarch still wields significant political influence. Thais are still expected to follow a long tradition of worshiping the royal institution.
“The monarchy is revered, you have to love it unconditionally,” said Pavin Chachavalpongpun, an exiled Thai dissident who is now an associate professor at the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at Kyoto University.
Calls for change
An estimated 10,000 anti-government protesters young and old packed Bangkok’s Democracy Monument on August 16, calling for democratic reforms, changes to the military-written constitution and for the dissolution of parliament.
Grievances ones whispered in private are now being chanted in public.
However, experts say the calls for monarchical reform could clash with those seeking changes to government — they could could alienate large numbers of protesters. In July, Prime Minister Prayut said he was “worried and concerned about this movement” and warned protesters against violating the monarchy.
“I feel for our children, youths and university students and I also share their parents’ worries too. But there must be a vigilance about violations, I think people won’t tolerate it and allow an incident like this to happen again,” he said.
Prayut’s military-backed ruling coalition has promised to restore stability to a nation rocked by decades of coups and political crises, but many of the country’s young people feel Prayut’s government has done little to improve their economic prospects, restore democracy, or build confidence in the people.
Young people turned out to vote en masse in 2019, hoping to bring new, progressive, pro-democracy parties into power. But they were thwarted in part by a military-drafted constitution that enabled the generals to keep hold of power via the Senate led by an unelected Prime Minister.


mercurynews--2020-09-03--Theranos founder Holmes claims judge erred as she files barrage of attacks on her fraud charges

Amid a barrage of new legal motions seeking dismissal of felony fraud charges against her , Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes is claiming the federal court judge overseeing the case erred in a decision about her obligations to investors in the defunct Palo Alto blood-testing startup .
Holmes claimed in a filing that Judge Edward Davila was mistaken when he agreed with prosecutors that indictments sufficiently alleged that she and co-accused former Theranos president Sunny Balwani had “ a duty of trust ” to investors .
“ The Court failed to consider whether Ms. Holmes acted for the benefit of investors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others last Friday in U.S. District Court in San Jose claimed .
That decision related to Holmes ’ bid in December to get her second — or “ superseding ” — indictment dismissed .
She had claimed in a filing that the indictment “ failed to allege a duty to disclose sufficient to support a fraud-by-omission theory.
” Her filing Friday argued that the two subsequent superseding indictments lacked anything to indicate she and Balwani were acting “ for the benefit of ” investors .
“ Nothing in the indictments suggests anything other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms. Holmes and Theranos ’ investors , ” her new filing said .
“ Even if one could infer from the indictments that investors may have relaxed their ordinary standards of care as a result of alleged misrepresentations ( which is implausible given the sophistication of Theranos ’ s investors ) , that does not establish that Ms. Holmes was acting for their benefits.
” Holmes , who founded Theranos in 2003 , is charged with allegedly bilking investors out of hundreds of millions of dollars , and defrauding doctors and patients with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ machines could conduct a full range of tests using just a few drops of blood .
She and Balwani have denied the allegations .
She is asking Davila to throw out the two most recent indictments , and order prosecutors to provide her legal team with details about alleged misrepresentations , names of investors , doctors or patients who might testify to having been deceived , plus the facts giving rise to the allegation of a duty of disclosure .
In another motion , Holmes wants seven of her 12 fraud charges tossed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have introduced a “ cryptic and tortured definition of the term ‘ investors ' ” that “ would expand exponentially the scope of the alleged scheme to defraud.
” “ What does ‘ business partners ’ mean ?
” the motion said .
“ That undefined term could sweep in any number of individuals , companies , or governmental entities with which Theranos engaged in transactions .
Which business partners ?
How is the government alleging that such business partners ‘ invested ’ in Theranos ?
” A third motion requests dismissal of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to investors — on the claim that they each improperly allege multiple schemes , which should require a separate charge .
“ The government could have charged a separate scheme to defraud ‘ business partners ’ or an independent scheme to defraud Theranos ’ directors from the beginning .
It did not .
It should not now be permitted to expand the reach of the alleged ‘ scheme to defraud investors , ’ and thus circumvent the statute of limitations , merely by altering its definition of who is an ‘ investor , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fourth motion argues that six of the seven investor-related charges and two charges related to patients were laid after a five-year statute of limitations had expired and should be thrown out .
Prosecutors in the latest superseding indictment alleged a “ new scheme to defraud , ” and that indictment ’ s July 28 filing date puts it more than five years beyond the dates when investors ’ money and purportedly fraudulent blood-test results were allegedly transmitted , Holmes ’ legal team argued .
A final motion claims the two most recent indictments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out a part of the government ’ s case alleging doctors were defrauded .
Prosecutors are still trying to present doctors as fraud victims , but the physicians aren ’ t alleged to have been defrauded of money , the motion argued .
“ Directing ( allegedly ) false representations at doctors is simply not wire fraud , ” the motion claimed .
Holmes ’ trial , twice delayed because of the pandemic , is scheduled to start in March .
She faces maximum penalties of 20 years in prison and a $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Department of Justice has said .

Amid a barrage of new legal motions seeking dismissal of felony fraud charges against her, Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes is claiming the federal court judge overseeing the case erred in a decision about her obligations to investors in the defunct Palo Alto blood-testing startup.
Holmes claimed in a filing that Judge Edward Davila was mistaken when he agreed with prosecutors that indictments sufficiently alleged that she and co-accused former Theranos president Sunny Balwani had “a duty of trust” to investors. “The Court failed to consider whether Ms. Holmes acted for the benefit of investors,” the motion filed with four others last Friday in U.S. District Court in San Jose claimed.
That decision related to Holmes’ bid in December to get her second — or “superseding” — indictment dismissed. She had claimed in a filing that the indictment “failed to allege a duty to disclose sufficient to support a fraud-by-omission theory.” Her filing Friday argued that the two subsequent superseding indictments lacked anything to indicate she and Balwani were acting “for the benefit of” investors.
“Nothing in the indictments suggests anything other than an arms’-length relationship between Ms. Holmes and Theranos’ investors,” her new filing said. “Even if one could infer from the indictments that investors may have relaxed their ordinary standards of care as a result of alleged misrepresentations (which is implausible given the sophistication of Theranos’s investors), that does not establish that Ms. Holmes was acting for their benefits.”
Holmes, who founded Theranos in 2003, is charged with allegedly bilking investors out of hundreds of millions of dollars, and defrauding doctors and patients with false claims that the company’s machines could conduct a full range of tests using just a few drops of blood. She and Balwani have denied the allegations.
She is asking Davila to throw out the two most recent indictments, and order prosecutors to provide her legal team with details about alleged misrepresentations, names of investors, doctors or patients who might testify to having been deceived, plus the facts giving rise to the allegation of a duty of disclosure.
In another motion, Holmes wants seven of her 12 fraud charges tossed out, on the basis that prosecutors have introduced a “cryptic and tortured definition of the term ‘investors'” that “would expand exponentially the scope of the alleged scheme to defraud.”
“What does ‘business partners’ mean?” the motion said. “That undefined term could sweep in any number of individuals, companies, or governmental entities with which Theranos engaged in transactions. Which business partners? How is the government alleging that such business partners ‘invested’ in Theranos?”
A third motion requests dismissal of the same seven charges — all related to investors — on the claim that they each improperly allege multiple schemes, which should require a separate charge.
“The government could have charged a separate scheme to defraud ‘business partners’ or an independent scheme to defraud Theranos’ directors from the beginning. It did not. It should not now be permitted to expand the reach of the alleged ‘scheme to defraud investors,’ and thus circumvent the statute of limitations, merely by altering its definition of who is an ‘investor,'” the motion said.
Related Articles Technology | Theranos: Feds throw Molotov cocktail case at Elizabeth Holmes over grand jury request
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Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes’ twice-delayed trial to start in March: judge Technology | Theranos destroyed patient test data, prosecutor alleges A fourth motion argues that six of the seven investor-related charges and two charges related to patients were laid after a five-year statute of limitations had expired and should be thrown out. Prosecutors in the latest superseding indictment alleged a “new scheme to defraud,” and that indictment’s July 28 filing date puts it more than five years beyond the dates when investors’ money and purportedly fraudulent blood-test results were allegedly transmitted, Holmes’ legal team argued.
A final motion claims the two most recent indictments violate an order by Davila that threw out a part of the government’s case alleging doctors were defrauded. Prosecutors are still trying to present doctors as fraud victims, but the physicians aren’t alleged to have been defrauded of money, the motion argued. “Directing (allegedly) false representations at doctors is simply not wire fraud,” the motion claimed.
Holmes’ trial, twice delayed because of the pandemic, is scheduled to start in March. She faces maximum penalties of 20 years in prison and a $2.75 million fine, plus possible restitution, the Department of Justice has said.


mercurynews--2020-09-03--How can George Kittle improve his All-Pro form? His TEs coach has some ideas

SANTA CLARA — George Kittle appreciated the get-well cards he got throughout training camp , those coming from 49ers tight ends coach Jon Embree .
Not that Kittle was ill. No , Embree passed out a card every few days specifying three areas Kittle and each tight end needed to improve and get well at for this season ’ s Super Bowl run .
Even after making First-Team All-Pro and striking it rich ( five years , $ 75 million ) , Kittle enters his fourth year with a get-better-everyday mantra that only seems genuine from someone with his work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ improve , after producing the most receiving yards through three seasons ever by a tight end , not to mention his exhibiting elite blocking skills ?
Route running : Kittle talked about improving at “ the top of the route.
” His film study includes watching how Green Bay Packers star Davante Adams releases off the line of scrimmage “ because I ’ m split out wide a lot , too , ” Kittle said .
Another influence is new teammate Jordan Reed , who Kittle has long studied from Reed ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had a choice route , made a guy almost fall over ( this week ) in the stadium , ” Kittle said .
“ How he puts his feet down on his releases and how smooth he is when he runs , it ’ s awesome to see that again , because he ’ s that ’ s the guy I watched on film a couple years ago .
To see he still has it , and he looks really good doing it , it ’ s fun.
” Blocking : Hand placement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game and pass protection .
“ I ’ m in pass pro on defensive ends often , so that ’ s one thing I can always improve on , with me being 240 , 245 ( pounds ) vs. 300-pound guys , it ’ s kind of tough for me , so I have to slide my feet and hands inside , so I watch a lot of film on that , ” Kittle said .
Game-planning : Kittle will have the best supporting cast of tight ends in his career , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Ross Dwelley .
“ We have lot of weapons in that tight end room .
A good , you know , four tight-end set would be very good on Sundays , ” Kittle quipped .
Conditioning : He turns 27 next month , and his body is in peak condition after a third straight offseason of intense work .
A tight hamstring shelved him from practices for a week but he looks raring to go after returning Wednesday .
Post-practice runs helped get him in shape for 2020 .
Mentorship : A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has never shied away from mentorship , and his latest project is rookie Charlie Woerner , who drew Kittle ’ s praise for showing steady improvement while taking Kittle ’ s first-team reps the past week .
“ With or without me , Charlie is going to be a good football player , ” Kittle said .
Perspective : After the 49ers ’ crushing defeat , Kittle took part in the 49ers ’ post-game party at Miami ’ s American Airlines Arena .
“ Obviously it didn ’ t end the way we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ celebrate the whole season we had , ” Kittle said .
“ We had 13 wins , home-field advantage , dominated the first rounds of the playoffs .
We celebrated that .
“ Was it as fun as could have been ?
No , but I enjoyed the hell out of it .
I got to meet Little Wayne .
That was on my bucket list .
I got a selfie with Little Wayne and I ’ ll post that at some point .
… It was really fun to get up there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on , honestly.
” Social justice : Testimonials from Arik Armstead and Richard Sherman have struck a chord with Kittle in terms of gaining awareness on social injustices .
Kittle ’ s simplified message : “ If I can listen and I can understand it , maybe I can help.
” • 49ers GM John Lynch says Jason Verrett is hurt again , hedges interest in WR Sanu He was stunned to hear Armstead share a story this past spring about parental advice he received once he began driving as a teenager .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ If you get pulled over George , be polite and everything is going to go fine.
’ For Arik and Sherm , the conversations with their parents were significantly different , ” Kittle said .
“ I didn ’ t know that .
I grew up in small towns in Iowa and the Midwest .
I didn ’ t grow up around that at all .
“ Arik had a conversation with his parents , ‘ You have to do this , this , this and this and we just pray it goes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re Black.
’ That was a crazy thing for me to listen to because I ’ d never experienced anything like that .
That ’ s just one story that ’ s very much stuck with me .
I try to listen .
I try to learn .
I try to be a better person from it.
” • 49ers GM John Lynch says Jason Verrett is hurt again , hedges interest in WR Sanu

SANTA CLARA — George Kittle appreciated the get-well cards he got throughout training camp, those coming from 49ers tight ends coach Jon Embree.
Not that Kittle was ill. No, Embree passed out a card every few days specifying three areas Kittle and each tight end needed to improve and get well at for this season’s Super Bowl run.
Even after making First-Team All-Pro and striking it rich (five years, $75 million), Kittle enters his fourth year with a get-better-everyday mantra that only seems genuine from someone with his work ethic.
So, where can he improve, after producing the most receiving yards through three seasons ever by a tight end, not to mention his exhibiting elite blocking skills?
Route running: Kittle talked about improving at “the top of the route.” His film study includes watching how Green Bay Packers star Davante Adams releases off the line of scrimmage “because I’m split out wide a lot, too,” Kittle said. Another influence is new teammate Jordan Reed, who Kittle has long studied from Reed’s Washington film.
“(Reed) had a choice route, made a guy almost fall over (this week) in the stadium,” Kittle said. “How he puts his feet down on his releases and how smooth he is when he runs, it’s awesome to see that again, because he’s that’s the guy I watched on film a couple years ago. To see he still has it, and he looks really good doing it, it’s fun.”
Blocking: Hand placement is an emphasis in both the zone-run game and pass protection. “I’m in pass pro on defensive ends often, so that’s one thing I can always improve on, with me being 240, 245 (pounds) vs. 300-pound guys, it’s kind of tough for me, so I have to slide my feet and hands inside, so I watch a lot of film on that,” Kittle said.
Game-planning: Kittle will have the best supporting cast of tight ends in his career, with Reed and rookie Charlie Woerner joining him and Ross Dwelley. “We have lot of weapons in that tight end room. A good, you know, four tight-end set would be very good on Sundays,” Kittle quipped.
Conditioning: He turns 27 next month, and his body is in peak condition after a third straight offseason of intense work. A tight hamstring shelved him from practices for a week but he looks raring to go after returning Wednesday. Post-practice runs helped get him in shape for 2020.
Mentorship: A captain the past two seasons, Kittle has never shied away from mentorship, and his latest project is rookie Charlie Woerner, who drew Kittle’s praise for showing steady improvement while taking Kittle’s first-team reps the past week. “With or without me, Charlie is going to be a good football player,” Kittle said.
Perspective: After the 49ers’ crushing defeat, Kittle took part in the 49ers’ post-game party at Miami’s American Airlines Arena. “Obviously it didn’t end the way we wanted it. We did get to celebrate the whole season we had,” Kittle said. “We had 13 wins, home-field advantage, dominated the first rounds of the playoffs. We celebrated that.
“Was it as fun as could have been? No, but I enjoyed the hell out of it. I got to meet Little Wayne. That was on my bucket list. I got a selfie with Little Wayne and I’ll post that at some point. … It was really fun to get up there, let it all loose and move on, honestly.”
Social justice: Testimonials from Arik Armstead and Richard Sherman have struck a chord with Kittle in terms of gaining awareness on social injustices. Kittle’s simplified message: “If I can listen and I can understand it, maybe I can help.” Related Articles San Francisco 49ers | Kurtenbach: The 49ers aren’t worried about Nick Bosa’s holdout. They should be
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He was stunned to hear Armstead share a story this past spring about parental advice he received once he began driving as a teenager.
“For me it was, ‘If you get pulled over George, be polite and everything is going to go fine.’ For Arik and Sherm, the conversations with their parents were significantly different,” Kittle said. “I didn’t know that. I grew up in small towns in Iowa and the Midwest. I didn’t grow up around that at all.


mercurynews--2020-09-03--White House faces skepticism over vaccine push

By Linda A. Johnson and Michelle R. Smith | Associated Press Could the U.S. really see a coronavirus vaccine before Election Day ?
A letter from federal health officials instructing states to be ready to begin distributing a vaccine by Nov. 1 — two days before the election — has been met , not with exhilaration , but with suspicion among some public health experts , who wonder whether the Trump administration is hyping the possibility or intends to rush approval for political gain .
The skepticism comes amid growing questions about the scientific credibility of the Food and Drug @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Prevention , and their vulnerability to political pressure from President Donald Trump .
Dr. Anthony Fauci , the government ’ s top infectious-disease expert and a member of Trump ’ s coronavirus task force , told CNN on Thursday that it is unlikely but “ not impossible ” that a vaccine could win approval in October , instead of November or December , as many experts believe .
“ And I would assume , and I ’ m pretty sure , it ’ s going to be the case that a vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public unless it was indeed both safe and effective , ” he said .
Similarly , Dr. Moncef Slaoui , chief adviser to Operation Warp Speed , the administration ’ s project to hasten the development of a vaccine , told NPR that it is possible but “ extremely unlikely ” a vaccine will be ready before the election .
White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany , meanwhile , gave assurances that Trump “ will not in any way sacrifice safety ” when it comes to a vaccine .
And executives of five top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or treatments will be approved , even for emergency use , without proof they are safe and effective .
The concerns were set off by a letter dated Aug. 27 in which CDC Director Robert Redfield asked the nation ’ s governors to help government contractor McKesson Corp. set up vaccine distribution facilities so that they are up and running by Nov. 1 .
Redfield did not say a vaccine would be ready by then .
Some longtime scientific advisers to the government said the CDC ’ s preparations for a possible early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ answer will come sooner or that there will be a rush to judgment about whether one works .
“ Being prepared for early success … is actually prudent , ” said Dr. Steven Nissen , a Cleveland Clinic cardiologist .
If a vaccine is working , “ you want to be prepared to act on the information.
” Still , to some public health experts , the timing of the letter smacked of a political stunt by a president facing a tough reelection .
“ I think it ’ s almost a certainty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Brown University School of Public Health .
He said November “ feels awfully early.
” Jha noted the FDA ’ s recent move to approve emergency use of convalescent plasma against COVID-19 following threats and complaints from Trump about the slow pace of the agency ’ s review .
Last week , FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn was forced to correct himself after overstating the lifesaving benefits of the plasma treatment .
The CDC also came under fire from scientists in recent days for quietly updating its guidelines to suggest fewer Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Jha said the stakes here are much higher .
“ You want to have pretty good safety data on vaccines , ” he said .
“ So I am deeply worried that that ’ s not what is going to happen.
” “ Too much of the evidence points to the Trump administration pressuring the FDA to approve a vaccine by Election Day to boost the president ’ s reelection campaign , ” he said in a statement .
“ This raises serious safety concerns about politics , not science and public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Three COVID-19 vaccines are undergoing final-stage , or Phase 3 , clinical trials in the U.S. Each study is enrolling about 30,000 people who will get two shots , three weeks apart , and then will be monitored for coronavirus infections and side effects for anywhere from a week to two years .
The FDA will not be able to even consider a vaccine until certain key steps occur .
First , independent experts on what are known as data safety monitoring boards , or DSMBs , will have to rule that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firm conclusions about a vaccine ’ s performance .
Then the experts will make the data available to the manufacturer , which will decide whether to submit it for FDA approval .
Whether and when to stop a study early is up to a DSMB , whose scientists see a study ’ s results as they are accumulating .
The company does not .
“ We will not cut corners , ” Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla vowed Thursday in a call with reporters , hosted by a pharmaceutical industry group .
Chief executives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Gilead Sciences agreed , adding that extra transparency on the test results and approval process is needed .
Bourla said that as of Wednesday , the company ’ s late-stage study , which started at the end of July , had enrolled about 23,000 people , some of whom had already received the second dose .
He said he expects by the end of October to have enough participants infected by the virus to tell whether the vaccine works — an extremely fast timeline .
Countries around the world are racing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Putin announced Aug. 11 that his country had become the first to approve one , but scientists reacted skeptically because the shots had been tested on just a few dozen people .
• Pac-12 football : Return could be sooner than initially expected after partnership with Quidel • Santa Clara County to keep indoor dining , theaters shut even if state allows reopening • Pelosi ’ s SF salon owner soaks up more than $ 98K from Republican sympathizers Alex Azar , Trump ’ s secretary of Health and Human Services , gave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine in the U.S. would be based on the data and the “ FDA ’ s gold standards.
” And he accused those questioning the Nov. 1 date of partisanship .
“ I think it ’ s very irresponsible how people are trying to politicize notions of delivering a vaccine to the American people , ” he told CBS .
“ We already have a significant challenge in this country with vaccine hesitancy .
And efforts to undermine confidence in a vaccine … hurt in terms of people being willing to take a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported from Fairless Hills , Pennsylvania ; Smith contributed from Providence , Rhode Island .
Writers Marilynn Marchione , Zeke Miller , Matthew Perrone and Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar also contributed .

By Linda A. Johnson and Michelle R. Smith | Associated Press
Could the U.S. really see a coronavirus vaccine before Election Day?
A letter from federal health officials instructing states to be ready to begin distributing a vaccine by Nov. 1 — two days before the election — has been met, not with exhilaration, but with suspicion among some public health experts, who wonder whether the Trump administration is hyping the possibility or intends to rush approval for political gain.
The skepticism comes amid growing questions about the scientific credibility of the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and their vulnerability to political pressure from President Donald Trump.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious-disease expert and a member of Trump’s coronavirus task force, told CNN on Thursday that it is unlikely but “not impossible” that a vaccine could win approval in October, instead of November or December, as many experts believe.
[vemba-video id=”health/2020/09/03/coronavirus-wrap-vaccine-0903-watt-pkg-lead-vpx.cnn”]
Video: Fauci: Vaccine in October ‘unlikely, not impossible’
“And I would assume, and I’m pretty sure, it’s going to be the case that a vaccine would not be approved for the American public unless it was indeed both safe and effective,” he said.
Similarly, Dr. Moncef Slaoui, chief adviser to Operation Warp Speed, the administration’s project to hasten the development of a vaccine, told NPR that it is possible but “extremely unlikely” a vaccine will be ready before the election.
White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany, meanwhile, gave assurances that Trump “will not in any way sacrifice safety” when it comes to a vaccine. And executives of five top pharmaceutical companies pledged that no COVID-19 vaccines or treatments will be approved, even for emergency use, without proof they are safe and effective.
The concerns were set off by a letter dated Aug. 27 in which CDC Director Robert Redfield asked the nation’s governors to help government contractor McKesson Corp. set up vaccine distribution facilities so that they are up and running by Nov. 1. Redfield did not say a vaccine would be ready by then.
Some longtime scientific advisers to the government said the CDC’s preparations for a possible early vaccine do not necessarily mean that an answer will come sooner or that there will be a rush to judgment about whether one works.
“Being prepared for early success … is actually prudent,” said Dr. Steven Nissen, a Cleveland Clinic cardiologist. If a vaccine is working, “you want to be prepared to act on the information.”
Still, to some public health experts, the timing of the letter smacked of a political stunt by a president facing a tough reelection.
“I think it’s almost a certainty,” said Ashish Jha, dean of the Brown University School of Public Health. He said November “feels awfully early.”
Jha noted the FDA’s recent move to approve emergency use of convalescent plasma against COVID-19 following threats and complaints from Trump about the slow pace of the agency’s review.
Last week, FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn was forced to correct himself after overstating the lifesaving benefits of the plasma treatment. The CDC also came under fire from scientists in recent days for quietly updating its guidelines to suggest fewer Americans need to get tested for the virus.
Jha said the stakes here are much higher.
“You want to have pretty good safety data on vaccines,” he said. “So I am deeply worried that that’s not what is going to happen.”
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer questioned the Trump administration’s motives.
“Too much of the evidence points to the Trump administration pressuring the FDA to approve a vaccine by Election Day to boost the president’s reelection campaign,” he said in a statement. “This raises serious safety concerns about politics, not science and public health, driving the decision making process.”
Three COVID-19 vaccines are undergoing final-stage, or Phase 3, clinical trials in the U.S. Each study is enrolling about 30,000 people who will get two shots, three weeks apart, and then will be monitored for coronavirus infections and side effects for anywhere from a week to two years.
The FDA will not be able to even consider a vaccine until certain key steps occur.
First, independent experts on what are known as data safety monitoring boards, or DSMBs, will have to rule that they have collected enough information to draw firm conclusions about a vaccine’s performance. Then the experts will make the data available to the manufacturer, which will decide whether to submit it for FDA approval.
Whether and when to stop a study early is up to a DSMB, whose scientists see a study’s results as they are accumulating. The company does not.
“We will not cut corners,” Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla vowed Thursday in a call with reporters, hosted by a pharmaceutical industry group. Chief executives from Merck, Roche, Eli Lilly and Gilead Sciences agreed, adding that extra transparency on the test results and approval process is needed.
Bourla said that as of Wednesday, the company’s late-stage study, which started at the end of July, had enrolled about 23,000 people, some of whom had already received the second dose. He said he expects by the end of October to have enough participants infected by the virus to tell whether the vaccine works — an extremely fast timeline.
Countries around the world are racing to develop a vaccine. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Aug. 11 that his country had become the first to approve one, but scientists reacted skeptically because the shots had been tested on just a few dozen people.
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And he accused those questioning the Nov. 1 date of partisanship.
“I think it’s very irresponsible how people are trying to politicize notions of delivering a vaccine to the American people,” he told CBS. “We already have a significant challenge in this country with vaccine hesitancy. And efforts to undermine confidence in a vaccine … hurt in terms of people being willing to take a vaccine once it comes through.”
Johnson reported from Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania; Smith contributed from Providence, Rhode Island. Writers Marilynn Marchione, Zeke Miller, Matthew Perrone and Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar also contributed.


mercurynews--2020-09-04--Northern California real estate agent faces 42 counts of child sexual assault

ROSEVILLE — A Sacramento-area real estate agent has been charged with repeatedly molesting children in his care dating back to the 1980s , police said Thursday .
Steven Ellis Murray , 61 , of Antelope was arrested Tuesday , Roseville police Officer Rob Baquera said in a statement .
Murray was charged late last month with 42 counts of sexual assault of a child , court records show .
Murray remained jailed Thursday on $ 2 million bail and a call to his cellphone seeking comment wasn ’ t returned .
According to Placer County court records , the alleged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The allegations are not subject to California ’ s statute of limitations restrictions because they were reported to law enforcement within the past year , records show .
• Sunnyvale man arrested on suspicion of unlawful sexual intercourse with teen • California Marine accused of luring 14-year-old to Twentynine Palms base for sex • German teacher who traveled to Contra Costa for ‘ relationship ’ with teen gets 2.5 years • Volunteer pastor in Southern California arrested on suspicion of child molestation • East Bay man who allegedly told undercover cop he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prison Baquera declined to discuss the allegations , citing the privacy of the accusers and because the investigation is ongoing .
However , he said Murray ’ s job as a real estate agent at Coldwell Banker Realty and his civic volunteer work have nothing to do with the current case .
Investigators were encouraging anyone with potential information to come forward , Baquera said .

ROSEVILLE — A Sacramento-area real estate agent has been charged with repeatedly molesting children in his care dating back to the 1980s, police said Thursday.
Steven Ellis Murray, 61, of Antelope was arrested Tuesday, Roseville police Officer Rob Baquera said in a statement.
Murray was charged late last month with 42 counts of sexual assault of a child, court records show.
Murray remained jailed Thursday on $2 million bail and a call to his cellphone seeking comment wasn’t returned.
According to Placer County court records, the alleged assaults were committed between 1988 and 1993. The allegations are not subject to California’s statute of limitations restrictions because they were reported to law enforcement within the past year, records show.
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However, he said Murray’s job as a real estate agent at Coldwell Banker Realty and his civic volunteer work have nothing to do with the current case.
Investigators were encouraging anyone with potential information to come forward, Baquera said.


mercurynews--2020-09-04--Review: A bleak wind blows through Charlie Kaufman’s latest

“ I try to imbue my work with a sort of interiority , ” says Lucy ( Jessie Buckley ) , the artists-physics student-girlfriend of Charlie Kaufman ’ s “ I ’ m Thinking of Ending Things.
” The line could hardly describe Kaufman better , all the more so because it ’ s spoken by a character that may or may not be a figment of subconsciousness .
No film writer has more regularly made his home inside the brain , treating the labyrinthine corridors of thought like sets to be peopled .
John Ford had Monument Valley .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t call it a wondrous place — though it can be .
In Kaufman ’ s melancholic films ( “ Being John Malkovich , ” “ Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind , ” “ Synecdoche , New York ” ) there are streams of consciousness , rivers of anxiety , oceans of embarrassment and , hopefully , a little life boat of authenticity .
Kaufman has , in a way , already reviewed “ I ’ m Thinking of Ending Things ” himself .
His recent 700-page novel , “ Antkind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ film critic named B Rosenberger Rosenberg who at one point dismally rates Kaufman ’ s own films .
Of the writer-director ’ s upcoming movie he decrees : “ Whatever it is , it ’ s certain to be yet another turgid , overhyped foray into Kaufman ’ s self-referential , self-congratulatory psyche.
” It ’ s hard not to admire the self-deprecation , but I ’ d give it more credit than that .
“ I ’ m Thinking of Ending Things , ” which debuts Friday on Netflix , isn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( “ Malkovich Malkovich Malkovich ” ) , his most ambitious ( the remarkable “ Synecdoche ” ) or even his most gently funny/painful ( his last one , the animated “ Anomalisa ” ) .
A bleaker wintery wind blows though “ I ’ m Thinking of Ending Things , ” a film Kaufman has suggested could be his last as a director .
It begins on the road .
During a blizzard , Lucy and her boyfriend of seven weeks Jake ( Jesse Plemons ) are driving to the farmhouse he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Our perspective is Lucy ’ s , and she ’ s thinking the relationship has already run its course .
Pondering whether it ’ s just easier to keep going , she could be talking about breaking up or suicide .
In the car , with a mythical snowy nighttime blur around them , they talk Wordsworth ; she recites a dark poem about homecoming ; by discussing movies , viruses come up .
“ Viruses are just one more example of everything , ” says Lucy .
There ’ s the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overlapping , full of corrections and backtracks — is as much about the awkward back-and-forth as it is what they ’ re talking about .
Is this a dream ?
If it is , whose dream is it ?
Jake or Lucy ’ s ?
Someone , maybe everyone in “ I ’ m Thinking of Ending Things ” is a projection .
If this is a dream world , movies have their own reckoning for their role in invading and warping our fantasies .
A maudlin mock Robert Zemeckis film makes a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the house , the disorientation only increases .
Jake ’ s parents ( Toni Collette and David Thewlis , both surrealistically sensational ) are present one moment , absent another .
They appear in vastly different ages .
Even Lucy ’ s name and profession shifts seemingly haphazardly .
A picture on the wall of Jake as a child , she notices , looks just like her .
Kaufman , who famously turned his futile attempts to adapt Susan Orlean ’ s “ The Orchid Thief ” into “ Adaptation , ” is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Canadian author Iain Reid .
It , too , was slippery with perspective and reality , but it coalesced more distinctly as from Jake ’ s point-of-view and around an incident from the past .
Kaufman ’ s “ I ’ m Thinking of Ending Things ” spirals more mysteriously into the mind .
There ’ s a dance sequence down high-school halls , a staged musical and some profound lines of dialogue : “ We ’ re stationary .
Time blows through us.
” I have my theories about how this all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not convinced they matter .
Certainly some will be less enamored with an experience that can feel like tumbling through a succession of trap doors .
It ’ s a falling that seems to lead further from epiphany , not closer to it , until you ’ re faced with , of all things , a staged performance of “ Oklahoma.
” But to me , “ I ’ m Thinking of Ending Things ” nearly sustains something beautiful and sad that blends consciousness and time .
Buckley is extraordinary , whether she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fleeting presence of Guy Boyd , as an elderly janitor and possible linchpin to the whole movie , is hauntingly good .
My only wish , more than any movie that ’ s been released straight to the home these last few months , is to have watched “ I ’ m Thinking of Ending Things ” with an audience .
Kaufman ’ s greatest gift , I think , is to open up to others an inner honesty that doesn ’ t often find its way on screen .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in confusion and clarity , with others .
Kaufman , like us all , contains multitudes .

By Jake Coyle | Associated Press
“I try to imbue my work with a sort of interiority,” says Lucy (Jessie Buckley), the artists-physics student-girlfriend of Charlie Kaufman’s “I’m Thinking of Ending Things.”
The line could hardly describe Kaufman better, all the more so because it’s spoken by a character that may or may not be a figment of subconsciousness. No film writer has more regularly made his home inside the brain, treating the labyrinthine corridors of thought like sets to be peopled. John Ford had Monument Valley. Kaufman has the mind.
You wouldn’t call it a wondrous place — though it can be. In Kaufman’s melancholic films (“Being John Malkovich,” “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” “Synecdoche, New York”) there are streams of consciousness, rivers of anxiety, oceans of embarrassment and, hopefully, a little life boat of authenticity.
Kaufman has, in a way, already reviewed “I’m Thinking of Ending Things” himself. His recent 700-page novel, “Antkind,” is about a pathetic middle-aged film critic named B Rosenberger Rosenberg who at one point dismally rates Kaufman’s own films. Of the writer-director’s upcoming movie he decrees: “Whatever it is, it’s certain to be yet another turgid, overhyped foray into Kaufman’s self-referential, self-congratulatory psyche.”
It’s hard not to admire the self-deprecation, but I’d give it more credit than that. “I’m Thinking of Ending Things,” which debuts Friday on Netflix, isn’t Kaufman’s most dazzling puzzle (“Malkovich Malkovich Malkovich”), his most ambitious (the remarkable “Synecdoche”) or even his most gently funny/painful (his last one, the animated “Anomalisa”). A bleaker wintery wind blows though “I’m Thinking of Ending Things,” a film Kaufman has suggested could be his last as a director.
It begins on the road. During a blizzard, Lucy and her boyfriend of seven weeks Jake (Jesse Plemons) are driving to the farmhouse he grew up in to meet his parents. Our perspective is Lucy’s, and she’s thinking the relationship has already run its course. Pondering whether it’s just easier to keep going, she could be talking about breaking up or suicide. In the car, with a mythical snowy nighttime blur around them, they talk Wordsworth; she recites a dark poem about homecoming; by discussing movies, viruses come up. “Viruses are just one more example of everything,” says Lucy.
There’s the sense that the conversation — halting, overlapping, full of corrections and backtracks — is as much about the awkward back-and-forth as it is what they’re talking about. Is this a dream? If it is, whose dream is it? Jake or Lucy’s? Someone, maybe everyone in “I’m Thinking of Ending Things” is a projection. If this is a dream world, movies have their own reckoning for their role in invading and warping our fantasies. A maudlin mock Robert Zemeckis film makes a satirical cameo.
When they arrive at the house, the disorientation only increases. Jake’s parents (Toni Collette and David Thewlis, both surrealistically sensational) are present one moment, absent another. They appear in vastly different ages. Even Lucy’s name and profession shifts seemingly haphazardly. A picture on the wall of Jake as a child, she notices, looks just like her.
Kaufman, who famously turned his futile attempts to adapt Susan Orlean’s “The Orchid Thief” into “Adaptation,” is this time working from a novel by Canadian author Iain Reid. It, too, was slippery with perspective and reality, but it coalesced more distinctly as from Jake’s point-of-view and around an incident from the past.
Kaufman’s “I’m Thinking of Ending Things” spirals more mysteriously into the mind. There’s a dance sequence down high-school halls, a staged musical and some profound lines of dialogue: “We’re stationary. Time blows through us.”
I have my theories about how this all pieces together, but I’m not convinced they matter. Certainly some will be less enamored with an experience that can feel like tumbling through a succession of trap doors. It’s a falling that seems to lead further from epiphany, not closer to it, until you’re faced with, of all things, a staged performance of “Oklahoma.”
But to me, “I’m Thinking of Ending Things” nearly sustains something beautiful and sad that blends consciousness and time. Buckley is extraordinary, whether she’s real or not. And the fleeting presence of Guy Boyd, as an elderly janitor and possible linchpin to the whole movie, is hauntingly good.
My only wish, more than any movie that’s been released straight to the home these last few months, is to have watched “I’m Thinking of Ending Things” with an audience. Kaufman’s greatest gift, I think, is to open up to others an inner honesty that doesn’t often find its way on screen. It’s a desperate grasping best experienced, in confusion and clarity, with others. Kaufman, like us all, contains multitudes.
“I’m Thinking of Ending Things”
3 stars out of 4
Rating: R (for language including some sexual references)
Running time: 134 minutes


mercurynews--2020-09-04--California investigating reports of widespread unemployment benefits fraud

By ADAM BEAM | The Associated Press SACRAMENTO — Concerns are growing about possible widespread fraud in California ’ s unemployment system following numerous reports of people receiving unsolicited letters , some with debit cards , from the state ’ s jobless agency , and a suspicious number of claims involving independent contractors .
The California Employment Development Department has paid a staggering $ 76.9 billion in unemployment benefits since the start of the pandemic , processing more than 11.9 million claims , most the result of Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s decision to shut down much of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease .
The U.S. Department of Labor reported Thursday that California had processed more than 405,000 Pandemic Unemployment Assistance claims last week , accounting for more than half of all such claims nationally .
Congress authorized the program earlier this year to help people not normally eligible to receive unemployment benefits , including independent contractors .
Michael Bernick , former director of the Employment Development Department and now an attorney at the Duane Morris law firm , called that a “ ridiculously high percentage.
” “ This may be the potential fraud given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outsized — number of claims filed in California , ” he said .
In recent weeks , several reports have emerged of people receiving dozens of letters from the Employment Development Department that include the personal information of others .
David Robertson said his son applied for unemployment benefits at the end of April .
His son got a letter in August saying he was entitled to $ 167 per week , he said .
But when they called the agency to ask more questions , they found that the contact information on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changed and more than $ 14,000 in benefits had been issued to someone else .
“ How did this happen ?
They can ’ t answer any of these questions , ” Robertson said during a news conference this week organized by Republican Assemblyman Jim Patterson of Fresno .
Amy Brooks said she was denied unemployment benefits months ago .
But she has recently received 24 pieces of mail from the agency .
The letters have her address but different names and Social Security numbers .
At least three contained debit cards .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a clerical error , ” said Brooks , who lives in Fresno .
“ How can my address be linked to all of these people ?
” Gov .
Gavin Newsom said Wednesday he is “ concerned about fraud in this space.
” He said the state is working with local and federal authorities .
“ It is a top priority for all of us , ” Newsom said .
Employment Development Department spokesperson Aubrey Henry said the agency is aware of the letters and is “ developing methods to stop and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s extraordinarily unfortunate that fraudsters tend to become much more active during emergency situations like the current COVID situation , ” Henry said .
California Auditor Elaine Howle last month said the Employment Development Department was at high risk for waste and fraud , citing the large number of claims that have overwhelmed the agency .
In the state Legislature , the Joint Legislative Audit Committee on Thursday approved an emergency audit of the agency , including an analysis of the number and percentage of claims approved , denied , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warned clearly for potential for waste fraud and abuse , ” said Assemblyman Jim Patterson , a Republican from Fresno .
“ We are now seeing what that waste , fraud and abuse looks like.
” • A new $ 300 federal jobless benefit ?
Not likely for some Before this , the biggest concern about unemployment benefits in California was the backlog of more than 1 million people still waiting on benefits .
Last month , the agency told lawmakers it is unable to answer 60 % of the calls it receives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 3,000 people for its call center to keep up with unprecedented demand .
The agency has been under enormous pressure from lawmakers and the public to work through that backlog .
But one of the reasons it takes a while to process claims is because the agency has to screen for fraud , Bernick said .
“ That ’ s the trade off , ” he said .
“ You can reduce certain procedural checks , but what you risk is a potential increase in fraud .
”

By ADAM BEAM | The Associated Press
SACRAMENTO — Concerns are growing about possible widespread fraud in California’s unemployment system following numerous reports of people receiving unsolicited letters, some with debit cards, from the state’s jobless agency, and a suspicious number of claims involving independent contractors.
The California Employment Development Department has paid a staggering $76.9 billion in unemployment benefits since the start of the pandemic, processing more than 11.9 million claims, most the result of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s decision to shut down much of the economy to slow the spread of the disease.
The U.S. Department of Labor reported Thursday that California had processed more than 405,000 Pandemic Unemployment Assistance claims last week, accounting for more than half of all such claims nationally. Congress authorized the program earlier this year to help people not normally eligible to receive unemployment benefits, including independent contractors.
Michael Bernick, former director of the Employment Development Department and now an attorney at the Duane Morris law firm, called that a “ridiculously high percentage.”
“This may be the potential fraud given the very, very outsized — ridiculously outsized — number of claims filed in California,” he said.
In recent weeks, several reports have emerged of people receiving dozens of letters from the Employment Development Department that include the personal information of others.
David Robertson said his son applied for unemployment benefits at the end of April. His son got a letter in August saying he was entitled to $167 per week, he said. But when they called the agency to ask more questions, they found that the contact information on his son’s account had been changed and more than $14,000 in benefits had been issued to someone else.
“How did this happen? They can’t answer any of these questions,” Robertson said during a news conference this week organized by Republican Assemblyman Jim Patterson of Fresno.
Amy Brooks said she was denied unemployment benefits months ago. But she has recently received 24 pieces of mail from the agency. The letters have her address but different names and Social Security numbers. At least three contained debit cards.
“There’s no way this is a clerical error,” said Brooks, who lives in Fresno. “How can my address be linked to all of these people?”
Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday he is “concerned about fraud in this space.” He said the state is working with local and federal authorities.
“It is a top priority for all of us,” Newsom said.
Employment Development Department spokesperson Aubrey Henry said the agency is aware of the letters and is “developing methods to stop and prevent such claims from being paid.”
“It’s extraordinarily unfortunate that fraudsters tend to become much more active during emergency situations like the current COVID situation,” Henry said.
California Auditor Elaine Howle last month said the Employment Development Department was at high risk for waste and fraud, citing the large number of claims that have overwhelmed the agency. In the state Legislature, the Joint Legislative Audit Committee on Thursday approved an emergency audit of the agency, including an analysis of the number and percentage of claims approved, denied, pending and backlogged.
“The auditor warned clearly for potential for waste fraud and abuse,” said Assemblyman Jim Patterson, a Republican from Fresno. “We are now seeing what that waste, fraud and abuse looks like.”
Before this, the biggest concern about unemployment benefits in California was the backlog of more than 1 million people still waiting on benefits. Last month, the agency told lawmakers it is unable to answer 60% of the calls it receives for help, pledging to hire more than 3,000 people for its call center to keep up with unprecedented demand.
The agency has been under enormous pressure from lawmakers and the public to work through that backlog. But one of the reasons it takes a while to process claims is because the agency has to screen for fraud, Bernick said.
“That’s the trade off,” he said. “You can reduce certain procedural checks, but what you risk is a potential increase in fraud.”


mercurynews--2020-09-04--West Marin fire 57% contained as firefighters continue push

Firefighters are continuing to knock back the wildfire in the Point Reyes National Seashore , bringing containment to 57 % Thursday as hot weather bears down on the region .
Crews have been using prescribed burns to help control the 4,626-acre Woodward fire burning west of Olema , officials said .
The effort has allowed firefighters to increase containment to 57 % and lift some evacuation warnings .
Full containment is expected Tuesday .
Containment means that the trees , shrubs and grass around the perimeter have been burned out and the fire is unlikely to jump that buffer .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to burn before it is completely extinguished .
“ This fire is going to be with us for a while , ” Marin County fire Chief Jason Weber said , “ and that ’ s important to remember .
We ’ ve got several weeks ahead of us and a lot of work to be done.
” Evacuation warnings for Olema , Inverness , Drakes View and Sea Haven were lifted Wednesday night .
An evacuation order for Silverhills and evacuation warnings for Inverness Park and Bear Valley are still in place .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Basin area of Nevada is expected to arrive this week and assume command on Monday .
As progress continues , officials will be reducing their fire response .
More than 60 Marin County and local government firefighters were released Wednesday and Thursday after more than 14 days fighting the fire .
There were 486 firefighters battling the blaze as of Thursday morning .
Firefighters will continue using tactical controlled burns to contain the fire lines using drones that drop incendiary canisters onto slopes and through hand ignition , officials said .
Weber said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ northeastern side of the fire .
“ We ’ re going to make sure that ’ s safe so that we can try and get folks back into their homes , that ’ s our goal , ” he said .
Marin County sheriff ’ s Sgt .
Brenton Schneider said more evacuation warnings could be soon be lifted .
The smoke is starting to clear out , but poor air quality could still affect the county .
Daytime highs are expected to reach about 72 degrees along the coast with winds between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 18 mph .
The National Weather Service said temperatures along the coast could reach the low 80s on Sunday , which is expected to be the hottest of the long Labor Day weekend .
Temperatures could reach the 90s in Central Marin , San Rafael and Novato , according to the weather service .
Overall , winds will remain low , meaning any drift smoke over the county could remain stagnant , sitting above the county .
Jeremy Michael , the incident meteorologist assisting the firefighting team , said the humidity this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ socked in , ” but that is changing .
The marine layer is expected to burn out earlier each morning as the heat comes .
“ That earlier erosion , that ’ s more sun on the fire , that ’ s warmer temperatures , drier relative humidity even at nighttime , ” he said .
Weber said it ’ s encouraging to see progress .
“ I ’ d be remiss if I did not thank every firefighter that ’ s been out here to get us to this point , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team that ’ s ’ been working with us hand in hand , our law enforcement partners — this has been a team effort.
” Weber reminded residents that the Point Reyes National Seashore remains closed and hammered in the warning to visitors to stay away from the West Marin coast over the weekend .
“ Let us get this work done so we don ’ t drag this out , ” he said .
“ Please don ’ t come to the coast , there ’ s just no room for you @ @ @ @

Firefighters are continuing to knock back the wildfire in the Point Reyes National Seashore, bringing containment to 57% Thursday as hot weather bears down on the region.
Crews have been using prescribed burns to help control the 4,626-acre Woodward fire burning west of Olema, officials said. The effort has allowed firefighters to increase containment to 57% and lift some evacuation warnings. Full containment is expected Tuesday.
Containment means that the trees, shrubs and grass around the perimeter have been burned out and the fire is unlikely to jump that buffer. The interior of the fire will continue to burn before it is completely extinguished.
“This fire is going to be with us for a while,” Marin County fire Chief Jason Weber said, “and that’s important to remember. We’ve got several weeks ahead of us and a lot of work to be done.”
Evacuation warnings for Olema, Inverness, Drakes View and Sea Haven were lifted Wednesday night.
Incident page: Woodward fire
An evacuation order for Silverhills and evacuation warnings for Inverness Park and Bear Valley are still in place.
A new firefighting team from the Great Basin area of Nevada is expected to arrive this week and assume command on Monday.
As progress continues, officials will be reducing their fire response. More than 60 Marin County and local government firefighters were released Wednesday and Thursday after more than 14 days fighting the fire. There were 486 firefighters battling the blaze as of Thursday morning.
Firefighters will continue using tactical controlled burns to contain the fire lines using drones that drop incendiary canisters onto slopes and through hand ignition, officials said.
Weber said crews will focus their attacks on the northeastern side of the fire.
“We’re going to make sure that’s safe so that we can try and get folks back into their homes, that’s our goal,” he said.
Marin County sheriff’s Sgt. Brenton Schneider said more evacuation warnings could be soon be lifted.
The smoke is starting to clear out, but poor air quality could still affect the county. Daytime highs are expected to reach about 72 degrees along the coast with winds between 6 and 11 mph and gusts up to 18 mph.
The National Weather Service said temperatures along the coast could reach the low 80s on Sunday, which is expected to be the hottest of the long Labor Day weekend. Temperatures could reach the 90s in Central Marin, San Rafael and Novato, according to the weather service.
Overall, winds will remain low, meaning any drift smoke over the county could remain stagnant, sitting above the county.
Jeremy Michael, the incident meteorologist assisting the firefighting team, said the humidity this week has made conditions “soupy and socked in,” but that is changing.
The marine layer is expected to burn out earlier each morning as the heat comes.
“That earlier erosion, that’s more sun on the fire, that’s warmer temperatures, drier relative humidity even at nighttime,” he said.
Weber said it’s encouraging to see progress.
“I’d be remiss if I did not thank every firefighter that’s been out here to get us to this point,” he said. “The incident management team that’s’ been working with us hand in hand, our law enforcement partners — this has been a team effort.”
Weber reminded residents that the Point Reyes National Seashore remains closed and hammered in the warning to visitors to stay away from the West Marin coast over the weekend.
“Let us get this work done so we don’t drag this out,” he said. “Please don’t come to the coast, there’s just no room for you this weekend.”


mercurynews--2020-09-04--Rapper Silento (Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae) facing assault charges after incidents in Southern Californi

Rapper Silento (Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae) facing assault charges after incidents in Southern California

A 22-year-old rapper best known for his 2015 song “ Watch Me ( Whip/Nae Nae ) ” was arrested twice last week in separate assault incidents , once in Santa Ana and the other time in the San Fernando Valley , authorities said .
On Friday , Aug. 28 , Richard Lamar Hawk , known as Silento , was arrested in the 100 block of East MacArthur Boulevard after Santa Ana police received a call for a domestic disturbance about 3:25 a.m. , Santa Ana police Cpl .
Anthony Bertagna said .
After speaking with the victim and suspect , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant and released , Bertagna said .
The next day , at about 1:50 p.m. , police received a call about a suspected burglar from a homeowner in the 12700 block of Albers Street in Valley Village , said Officer Lizeth Lomeli , a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles Police Department .
Hawk had walked into a stranger ’ s unlocked home , said Ricardo Santiago , a spokesman for the Los Angeles County District Attorney ’ s Office .
The homeowners told police Hawk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When he was told the person did not live there , he removed a hatchet from his waistband , raised it up and began walking toward the homeowners who yelled that they had a gun , Lomeli said .
A friend of Hawk ’ s walked in and repeated that the person he sought did not live there , and the two men fled , Lomeli said .
The friend drove Hawk two blocks north to the 12700 block of Burbank Boulevard , where Hawk was taken into custody after the friend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remained in jail on $ 105,000 bail , according to inmate records .
He was scheduled to appear in Van Nuys Superior Court on Friday , Sept. 4 , where he may enter a plea to two counts of assault with a deadly weapon stemming from the Valley Village incident .
If convicted as charged in the Valley Village case , Hawk faces a possible maximum sentence of six years in state prison , Santiago said .
It was unclear whether he had been charged in the Santa Ana case yet .

A 22-year-old rapper best known for his 2015 song “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)” was arrested twice last week in separate assault incidents, once in Santa Ana and the other time in the San Fernando Valley, authorities said.
On Friday, Aug. 28, Richard Lamar Hawk, known as Silento, was arrested in the 100 block of East MacArthur Boulevard after Santa Ana police received a call for a domestic disturbance about 3:25 a.m., Santa Ana police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna said.
After speaking with the victim and suspect, Hawk was arrest and booked on suspicion of inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant and released, Bertagna said.
The next day, at about 1:50 p.m., police received a call about a suspected burglar from a homeowner in the 12700 block of Albers Street in Valley Village, said Officer Lizeth Lomeli, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles Police Department.
Hawk had walked into a stranger’s unlocked home, said Ricardo Santiago, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
The homeowners told police Hawk went into the home looking for someone. When he was told the person did not live there, he removed a hatchet from his waistband, raised it up and began walking toward the homeowners who yelled that they had a gun, Lomeli said.
A friend of Hawk’s walked in and repeated that the person he sought did not live there, and the two men fled, Lomeli said. The friend drove Hawk two blocks north to the 12700 block of Burbank Boulevard, where Hawk was taken into custody after the friend called police.
On Thursday, Hawk remained in jail on $105,000 bail, according to inmate records.
He was scheduled to appear in Van Nuys Superior Court on Friday, Sept. 4, where he may enter a plea to two counts of assault with a deadly weapon stemming from the Valley Village incident.
If convicted as charged in the Valley Village case, Hawk faces a possible maximum sentence of six years in state prison, Santiago said.
It was unclear whether he had been charged in the Santa Ana case yet.


mercurynews--2020-09-04--How a rising California baseball star’s life tumbled into a death penalty trial

When Santiago High baseball player Brandon Willie Martin signed a contract in 2011 to play for the Tampa Bay Rays , he did so with an eye toward his future : The $ 1 million signing bonus , received after Martin was the 38th overall pick in the draft , included $ 144,000 for college .
But with that cash in hand , Riverside County prosecutors say , Martin lived his life like there was no tomorrow .
Now , nine years later , the 27-year-old ’ s future is in question .
On Sept. 17 , 2015 , prosecutors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ black baseball bat engraved with his name at his father ’ s Winthrop Drive home in Corona and bludgeoned to death his father , Michael Martin , 64 ; his uncle , Ricky Andersen , 58 ; and Barry Swanson , 62 , a technician installing an ADT security system that was intended to keep Brandon away .
The Riverside County District Attorney ’ s Office is seeking the death penalty as the trial resumes with jury selection Friday , Sept. 4 , after a break because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Martin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said Martin is mentally ill and as a result should not face capital punishment if convicted .
Martin has pleaded not guilty to three counts of murder and other charges related to his capture .
The trial may not proceed on Friday ; Welbourn said he will seek to postpone it to January .
In the meantime , the victims ’ families are suing Riverside County , alleging negligence , claiming that officials failed to properly assess Martin during a mental-health hold in the days prior to the slayings and released him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ Clearly gone to his head ’ A trial brief filed by the DA ’ s Office detailed a life for Martin filled with excess , mental difficulties and rage .
Martin , a shortstop , completed a successful first minor league season in 2011 during which his coaches considered him reserved and quiet .
That November , Martin rented a 6,700-square-foot home on Hidden Hills Road in Yorba Linda .
He paid $ 6,000 a month and lived there through February 2012 .
During that time , the trial brief said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 19 times .
Police records note loud parties , a brawl with baseball bats and “ blood everywhere.
” Partiers , many under age 21 and drinking , were seen urinating on nearby lawns and reported drug use and half-naked girls dancing on tables .
Twice , Martin was arrested for disturbing the peace .
“ It was a veritable bacchanalian and debauched existence , ” the trial brief said .
“ Brandon Martin was 18 years old and had just received a $ 1 million professional baseball contract ; it had clearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2012 minor league season , Martin rented a five-bedroom house in the Eagle Glen Golf Club community in Corona .
His entourage from the Yorba Linda manse moved in , and the drug-infused parties continued , the trial brief said .
Nevertheless , Martin was playing well in spring training in 2013 before fracturing his left thumb .
After his recovery , he was assigned to the Bowling Green Hot Rods in Kentucky , where coaches said he was disrespectful and did not respond well to criticism .
Ultimately , Martin was sent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marijuana .
Then at an instructional camp in January 2014 , Martin was again disrespectful toward coaches , hurling profanities at them .
“ These coaches , with decades of experience , stated it was the worst behavior they had ever seen from a player , ” the trial brief said .
Martin was again sent home and quickly ran into more trouble .
He broke a finger assaulting his older brother , Sean , on Feb. 5 .
The Rays suspended Martin through September .
Then on March 26 , 2015 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His baseball career was over , but the worst , as alleged by prosecutors , was yet to come .
Following his release , Martin lived mostly at his parents ’ home , continuing to abuse drugs .
He had no job , he had spent all his money , and he was resentful of being supported by his parents , the trial brief said .
Martin , who is biracial , particularly focused his anger on his Black father , calling him a racist slur .
Martin once head-butted Sean ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who used a wheelchair , in the head .
The family finally scheduled an intervention for Martin on Sept. 15 , 2015 , two days after he choked his mother , Melody , and held scissors to her neck .
At that intervention , Martin ’ s cousin Michael Andersen reported the assaults to Corona police .
Martin admitted to an officer that he choked his mother but said it was self-defense .
He denied threatening anyone with the scissors he picked up .
Martin told the officer he was seeing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The officer decided to take Martin in for a 72-hour mental-health examination .
Family members did not want Martin taken , fearing the effect on his baseball career , the trial brief said , but they relented when the officer said the other alternative was an arrest .
What happened at Riverside County Mental Health in Riverside is being disputed in the survivors ’ lawsuit .
The suit says the county did not diagnose or treat Martin , and that he was released early from the hold to free up a bed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said Martin was given a psychiatric evaluation and that doctors diagnosed Martin with a mood disorder and drug abuse but decided he did not meet the criteria to be detained .
Martin was prescribed a mood stabilizer and an antidepressant .
On Sept. 17 , he was told his family didn ’ t want him at their house , and he was given a bus pass and directions to a bus stop , the trial brief said .
But Martin did go to his parents ’ home , the trial brief said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home , ” the lawsuit says , “ Brandon smashed his wheelchair-bound father ’ s head in with a baseball bat , killing him instantly .
The ADT alarm installer , Barry Swanson , tried to stop the attack .
Brandon then attacked Swanson with the baseball bat , killing him as well .
Ricky Andersen tried to intervene to stop the attack .
Brandon beat Andersen with the baseball bat , and dragged him into the garage.
” Martin then stole the victims ’ wallets and cell phones , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to dinner at Carl ’ s Jr. , the trial brief said .
Martin was arrested the next day after a vehicle pursuit and foot chase .
He told detectives that he entered the home and found the bloody scene but was not responsible for the victims ’ deaths .
‘ He has value to his family ’ Welbourn , the defense lawyer , said it is difficult to pinpoint what went wrong in Martin ’ s life but that he was abusing drugs and having psychotic episodes .
“ It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and it just shocks me that when you have a person who is 5150 ( mentally ill ) … now the answer is to try to give the gentleman the death penalty , ” Welbourn said .
He intends to focus on the penalty phase of the trial , he said , and try to save Martin from that fate .
District Attorney Mike Hestrin , in an interview , said his office considered the mental-health issue but ultimately decided that in pursuing the death penalty , the aggravating factors far outweighed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is concerned that COVID-19 distancing rules issued by the court will prevent family members from attending the trial and that the absence could influence the jury ’ s decision on a penalty .
“ If all they see is an empty courtroom , they ’ re going to think nobody cares , ” Welbourn said .
“ The emotion of the trial will be pulled out of it , and in a case like this , the only way to save his life is to show there is mental illness and that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the family still loves him .
”

When Santiago High baseball player Brandon Willie Martin signed a contract in 2011 to play for the Tampa Bay Rays, he did so with an eye toward his future: The $1 million signing bonus, received after Martin was the 38th overall pick in the draft, included $144,000 for college.
But with that cash in hand, Riverside County prosecutors say, Martin lived his life like there was no tomorrow.
Now, nine years later, the 27-year-old’s future is in question.
On Sept. 17, 2015, prosecutors say, Martin swung a wooden, black baseball bat engraved with his name at his father’s Winthrop Drive home in Corona and bludgeoned to death his father, Michael Martin, 64; his uncle, Ricky Andersen, 58; and Barry Swanson, 62, a technician installing an ADT security system that was intended to keep Brandon away.
The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office is seeking the death penalty as the trial resumes with jury selection Friday, Sept. 4, after a break because of the coronavirus pandemic. Martin’s attorney, T. Edward Welbourn, said Martin is mentally ill and as a result should not face capital punishment if convicted. Martin has pleaded not guilty to three counts of murder and other charges related to his capture.
The trial may not proceed on Friday; Welbourn said he will seek to postpone it to January. In the meantime, the victims’ families are suing Riverside County, alleging negligence, claiming that officials failed to properly assess Martin during a mental-health hold in the days prior to the slayings and released him from the 72-hour detention too soon.
‘Clearly gone to his head’
A trial brief filed by the DA’s Office detailed a life for Martin filled with excess, mental difficulties and rage.
Martin, a shortstop, completed a successful first minor league season in 2011 during which his coaches considered him reserved and quiet.
That November, Martin rented a 6,700-square-foot home on Hidden Hills Road in Yorba Linda. He paid $6,000 a month and lived there through February 2012. During that time, the trial brief said, Brea police were called to the home 19 times. Police records note loud parties, a brawl with baseball bats and “blood everywhere.”
Partiers, many under age 21 and drinking, were seen urinating on nearby lawns and reported drug use and half-naked girls dancing on tables. Twice, Martin was arrested for disturbing the peace.
“It was a veritable bacchanalian and debauched existence,” the trial brief said. “Brandon Martin was 18 years old and had just received a $1 million professional baseball contract; it had clearly gone to his head.”
Following the 2012 minor league season, Martin rented a five-bedroom house in the Eagle Glen Golf Club community in Corona. His entourage from the Yorba Linda manse moved in, and the drug-infused parties continued, the trial brief said.
Nevertheless, Martin was playing well in spring training in 2013 before fracturing his left thumb. After his recovery, he was assigned to the Bowling Green Hot Rods in Kentucky, where coaches said he was disrespectful and did not respond well to criticism.
Ultimately, Martin was sent home after failing three drug tests for marijuana. Then at an instructional camp in January 2014, Martin was again disrespectful toward coaches, hurling profanities at them.
“These coaches, with decades of experience, stated it was the worst behavior they had ever seen from a player,” the trial brief said.
Martin was again sent home and quickly ran into more trouble. He broke a finger assaulting his older brother, Sean, on Feb. 5. The Rays suspended Martin through September. Then on March 26, 2015, the Rays released Martin from his contract.
His baseball career was over, but the worst, as alleged by prosecutors, was yet to come.
Martin’s violence increases
Following his release, Martin lived mostly at his parents’ home, continuing to abuse drugs. He had no job, he had spent all his money, and he was resentful of being supported by his parents, the trial brief said. Martin, who is biracial, particularly focused his anger on his Black father, calling him a racist slur. Martin once head-butted Sean; another time Martin punched his disabled father, who used a wheelchair, in the head.
The family finally scheduled an intervention for Martin on Sept. 15, 2015, two days after he choked his mother, Melody, and held scissors to her neck.
At that intervention, Martin’s cousin Michael Andersen reported the assaults to Corona police. Martin admitted to an officer that he choked his mother but said it was self-defense. He denied threatening anyone with the scissors he picked up. Martin told the officer he was seeing a therapist but was not taking his medication.
The officer decided to take Martin in for a 72-hour mental-health examination. Family members did not want Martin taken, fearing the effect on his baseball career, the trial brief said, but they relented when the officer said the other alternative was an arrest.
What happened at Riverside County Mental Health in Riverside is being disputed in the survivors’ lawsuit. The suit says the county did not diagnose or treat Martin, and that he was released early from the hold to free up a bed. The county, court records show, said Martin was given a psychiatric evaluation and that doctors diagnosed Martin with a mood disorder and drug abuse but decided he did not meet the criteria to be detained.
Martin was prescribed a mood stabilizer and an antidepressant. On Sept. 17, he was told his family didn’t want him at their house, and he was given a bus pass and directions to a bus stop, the trial brief said.
But Martin did go to his parents’ home, the trial brief said.
“Immediately upon arriving at the home,” the lawsuit says, “Brandon smashed his wheelchair-bound father’s head in with a baseball bat, killing him instantly. The ADT alarm installer, Barry Swanson, tried to stop the attack. Brandon then attacked Swanson with the baseball bat, killing him as well. Ricky Andersen tried to intervene to stop the attack. Brandon beat Andersen with the baseball bat, and dragged him into the garage.”
Martin then stole the victims’ wallets and cell phones, as well as Swanson’s car, and went to dinner at Carl’s Jr., the trial brief said.
Martin was arrested the next day after a vehicle pursuit and foot chase. He told detectives that he entered the home and found the bloody scene but was not responsible for the victims’ deaths.
‘He has value to his family’
Welbourn, the defense lawyer, said it is difficult to pinpoint what went wrong in Martin’s life but that he was abusing drugs and having psychotic episodes.
“It’s just a very tragic situation for everybody, and it just shocks me that when you have a person who is 5150 (mentally ill) … now the answer is to try to give the gentleman the death penalty,” Welbourn said.
He intends to focus on the penalty phase of the trial, he said, and try to save Martin from that fate.
District Attorney Mike Hestrin, in an interview, said his office considered the mental-health issue but ultimately decided that in pursuing the death penalty, the aggravating factors far outweighed any mitigating information.
Welbourn said he is concerned that COVID-19 distancing rules issued by the court will prevent family members from attending the trial and that the absence could influence the jury’s decision on a penalty.
“If all they see is an empty courtroom, they’re going to think nobody cares,” Welbourn said. “The emotion of the trial will be pulled out of it, and in a case like this, the only way to save his life is to show there is mental illness and that he has value to his family and that the family still loves him.”