mercurynews--2020-07-09--Country band sues singer with name they want to use

NASHVILLE , Tenn. — Country group Lady A , which dropped the word “ Antebellum , ” from their name because of the word ’ s ties to slavery , has filed a lawsuit against a Black singer who has performed as Lady A for years .
The Grammy-winning vocal group filed the lawsuit on Wednesday in federal court after negotiations with Anita White broke down in recent weeks .
According to the lawsuit , the band is seeking a ruling that their use of the trademark “ Lady A ” does not infringe on White ’ s alleged trademark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ band is not seeking monetary damages .
The group made up Hillary Scott , Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood announced the name change last month , saying they were regretful for not taking into consideration the word antebellum ’ s associations with slavery .
But White , who has been releasing blues and soul music for years as Lady A , complained publicly that the band never reached out to her before changing their name .
Negotiations over the name failed to reach an agreement .
A manager for White did not immediately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to the lawsuit , the band applied for trademarks for the name “ Lady A ” for entertainment services and for use on clothing back in 2010 and no oppositions were filed by any person or entity .
“ When we learned that Ms. White had also been performing under the name Lady A , we had heartfelt discussions with her about how we can all come together and make something special and beautiful out of this moment , ” said the group in a statement .
“ We never even entertained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also be able to use the name Lady A , and never will — today ’ s action doesn ’ t change that .
”

By Kristin M. Hall | Associated Press
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Country group Lady A, which dropped the word “Antebellum,” from their name because of the word’s ties to slavery, has filed a lawsuit against a Black singer who has performed as Lady A for years.
The Grammy-winning vocal group filed the lawsuit on Wednesday in federal court after negotiations with Anita White broke down in recent weeks. According to the lawsuit, the band is seeking a ruling that their use of the trademark “Lady A” does not infringe on White’s alleged trademark rights of the same name. The band is not seeking monetary damages.
The group made up Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood announced the name change last month, saying they were regretful for not taking into consideration the word antebellum’s associations with slavery.
But White, who has been releasing blues and soul music for years as Lady A, complained publicly that the band never reached out to her before changing their name. Negotiations over the name failed to reach an agreement. A manager for White did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
According to the lawsuit, the band applied for trademarks for the name “Lady A” for entertainment services and for use on clothing back in 2010 and no oppositions were filed by any person or entity.
“When we learned that Ms. White had also been performing under the name Lady A, we had heartfelt discussions with her about how we can all come together and make something special and beautiful out of this moment,” said the group in a statement. “We never even entertained the idea that she shouldn’t also be able to use the name Lady A, and never will — today’s action doesn’t change that.”


mercurynews--2020-07-09--Five things we learned at the Giants’ workout: Belt dealing with heel injury, Posey misses workout a

Five things we learned at the Giants’ workout: Belt dealing with heel injury, Posey misses workout and more

SAN FRANCISCO — After canceling Tuesday ’ s workout at Oracle Park due to a delay in coronavirus test results conducted on July 4 , the Giants finally received word that all tests were negative and held modified live batting practices on Wednesday .
The club returned to the field in two different waves with one group participating in a morning workout and another in the afternoon .
A pair of the team ’ s veteran infielders , shortstop Brandon Crawford and Evan Longoria , had impressive plate appearances in Wednesday ’ s late session , but neither first baseman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unable to join them .
Posey is dealing with the same “ personal matter ” that kept him out of Friday ’ s workout and manager Gabe Kapler said out of respect for the catcher , he wants to ensure Posey is able to address the matter at his own pace .
Belt was spotted with a walking boot on his right foot and Kapler said Belt is dealing with right heel soreness and will be reevaluated in five-to-seven days .
Kapler said Belt ’ s heel has bothered him in the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early to rule him out fo the start of the season .
“ I think making an assessment for the Opening series against the Dodgers is probably a little bit premature as it relates to Brandon ’ s heel , ” Kapler said .
Outside of the absences , here ’ s what else we learned during the afternoon practice that was open to reporters .
Kapler said the Giants will hold at least a pair of exhibition games prior against the Oakland A ’ s prior to his team ’ s four-game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open the season .
With Opening Day scheduled for July 23 at Dodger Stadium , the Giants and A ’ s will face each other on July 20 and July 21 and play one game on each side of the bay , although Kapler said it ’ s possible the clubs will add a third exhibition to the schedule .
With 15 days remaining until a 60-game season opens , the Giants have been optimistic they ’ ll have enough time to prepare for a year unlike any in Major League Baseball history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team ’ s readiness , but matchups with a tough A ’ s squad should help the Giants alleviate any major concerns heading into a tough series against the National League West favorites .
Starting pitchers pick up where they left off There ’ s no telling how a three-plus month layoff will affect each player , but if Wednesday ’ s outings were any sign of what ’ s to come , both Kevin Gausman and Drew Smyly should have plenty of confidence heading into the regular season .
Gausman and Smyly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ training standouts before the coronavirus pandemic brought workouts to a halt and both pitchers appeared to pick up where they left off in live batting practice .
Gausman retired all seven hitters he faced in a two-inning simulation and racked up four strikeouts , including a pair with a sharp slider he was working on refining during Cactus League play .
The right-hander emphasized throwing his fastball up in the strike zone and also induced a few swings and misses with his splitter .
Smyly spotted his fastball low in the strike zone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ targeting the inside corner against right-handed batters .
Smyly allowed a single to Donovan Solano –who had three hits in four at-bats– but struck out three batters including a pair of left-handed hitters , Steven Duggar and Joe McCarthy .
“ Drew Smyly was awesome today .
His cutter is really getting a lot of horizontal movement , he ’ s dropping his curveball in for strikes and his velocity is right where it needs to be , ” Kapler said .
Solano had been out of major league baseball for two full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 60 games since 2014 before emerging as one of the Giants ’ most consistent hitters during the 2019 season .
During spring training in Scottsdale and again on Wednesday , Solano showed his numbers from last season were hardly a fluke .
It ’ s unrealistic to expect the Colombia native to hit .409 on balls in play again ( that ’ s a video game number ) , but all Solano does is hit line drives .
He reached on a pair of singles and a double during live batting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a ball that would have been ruled a fielding error had an official scorer been present .
Solano has a smooth swing path , a knack for making solid contact and a really focused eye at the plate , giving him tools that make him an appealing option for Kapler as a starter or bench player .
With the positional versatility to play all around the infield and a willingness to come off the bench as needed , it seems Solano should be in line to make a meaningful impact again this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Giants announced three additions to their player pool Wednesday as highly touted outfield prospect Alexander Canario , left-handed starting pitcher Caleb Baragar and right-handed reliever Sam Wolff are all expected to join the team in San Francisco .
Canario , a power-hitting outfield prospect , is the highest-rated prospect of the trio and likely a few years away from his major league debut , but his addition delighted Giants fans who follow the farm system on a day when other top young talents shined .
In Wednesday morning ’ s workout , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pitch and crushed a home run out to left field .
Kapler has already praised Luciano for his power during the first week of camp , but hitting a ball out during live batting practice is a much more significant achievement than peppering the outfield bleachers when a coach is throwing pitches .
Outfielder Heliot Ramos and catching prospects Joey Bart and Patrick Bailey participated in the afternoon session and while none recorded base hits , Bailey appeared to be a smooth defender behind the plate and a natural at blocking pitches .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his body , really like his set-up , flexibility in his ankles and hips , really nice exchange , ” Kapler said .
“ But I think what was most impressive was his body language and his poise.
” Bailey , who became the Giants ’ first round pick less than a month ago , struck out swinging from the left side of the plate against reliever Trevor Gott in his only at-bat .
• Neither Billy Hamilton nor Jarlín García have been spotted at Giants workouts in recent days and when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to comment .
In recent days , managers have often opted not to comment on the specifics of players absences when they are dealing with issues related to the coronavirus .
• Outfielder Hunter Pence did not run the bases on Wednesday as a “ precautionary measure ” as he ’ s dealing with minor foot pain .
Kapler said neither Pence nor the Giants ’ medical staff believes the issue is serious .
• Rotation candidate Logan Webb appears to have made a slight tweak to speed up his delivery and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ velocity with his fastball .
The Giants didn ’ t have the radar gun up and running Wednesday but Webb had no problem blowing his fastball by hitters up in the zone .
He also showcased an ability to throw his sweeping slider for strikes , which was a point of emphasis for him during spring training .
• “ Logan Webb continues to impress with the shape of his breaking ball and the fastball , ” Kapler said .
• Closer candidate Tyler Rogers gave up hits to Solano and Austin Slater @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strike outs to strand Solano on third during the final inning of Wednesday ’ s live batting practice .
• Joe McCarthy , who drew praise from Kapler earlier in the week for his patience at the plate , appeared at first base for portions of Wednesday ’ s live batting practice .
McCarthy only played in the outfield during Cactus League play this spring .
• Reliever Sam Coonrod is clearly trying to establish his slider early in counts against hitters as he threw the pitch far more often than his fastball @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Left-hander Tyler Anderson took the mound after missing all of spring training while recovering from a knee injury that sidelined him for much of the 2019 season .
The waiver wire acquisition was picked up after being cut by the Rockies and could emerge as a candidate for a “ bulk innings ” role behind a starting pitcher early in the season .
Anderson did not record an out on Wednesday , but has the type of deceptive delivery that would seem to make him an appealing option for a job on @ @ @ @ @

SAN FRANCISCO — After canceling Tuesday’s workout at Oracle Park due to a delay in coronavirus test results conducted on July 4, the Giants finally received word that all tests were negative and held modified live batting practices on Wednesday.
The club returned to the field in two different waves with one group participating in a morning workout and another in the afternoon. A pair of the team’s veteran infielders, shortstop Brandon Crawford and Evan Longoria, had impressive plate appearances in Wednesday’s late session, but neither first baseman Brandon Belt nor catcher Buster Posey were able to join them.
Posey is dealing with the same “personal matter” that kept him out of Friday’s workout and manager Gabe Kapler said out of respect for the catcher, he wants to ensure Posey is able to address the matter at his own pace.
Belt was spotted with a walking boot on his right foot and Kapler said Belt is dealing with right heel soreness and will be reevaluated in five-to-seven days. Kapler said Belt’s heel has bothered him in the past, but added it’s too early to rule him out fo the start of the season.
“I think making an assessment for the opening series against the Dodgers is probably a little bit premature as it relates to Brandon’s heel,” Kapler said.
Outside of the absences, here’s what else we learned during the afternoon practice that was open to reporters.
Giants, A’s schedule exhibitions
Kapler said the Giants will hold at least a pair of exhibition games prior against the Oakland A’s prior to his team’s four-game set against the Los Angeles Dodgers to open the season.
With Opening Day scheduled for July 23 at Dodger Stadium, the Giants and A’s will face each other on July 20 and July 21 and play one game on each side of the bay, although Kapler said it’s possible the clubs will add a third exhibition to the schedule.
With 15 days remaining until a 60-game season opens, the Giants have been optimistic they’ll have enough time to prepare for a year unlike any in Major League Baseball history. Kapler has expressed confidence in his team’s readiness, but matchups with a tough A’s squad should help the Giants alleviate any major concerns heading into a series against the National League West favorites.
Starting pitchers pick up where they left off
There’s no telling how a three-plus month layoff will affect each player, but if Wednesday’s outings were any sign of what’s to come, both Kevin Gausman and Drew Smyly should have plenty of confidence heading into the regular season.
Gausman and Smyly were two of the Giants’ spring training standouts before the coronavirus pandemic brought workouts to a halt and both pitchers appeared to pick up where they left off in live batting practice.
Gausman retired all seven hitters he faced in a two-inning simulation and racked up four strikeouts, including a pair with a sharp slider he was working on refining during Cactus League play. The right-hander emphasized throwing his fastball up in the strike zone and also induced a few swings and misses with his splitter.
Smyly spotted his fastball low in the strike zone Wednesday as the left-hander looked particularly strong targeting the inside corner against right-handed batters. Smyly allowed a single to Donovan Solano –who had three hits in four at-bats– but struck out three batters including a pair of left-handed hitters, Steven Duggar and Joe McCarthy.
“Drew Smyly was awesome today. His cutter is really getting a lot of horizontal movement, he’s dropping his curveball in for strikes and his velocity is right where it needs to be,” Kapler said.
Bet on Donovan Solano
Solano had been out of Major League Baseball for two full seasons and hadn’t played in more than 60 games since 2014 before emerging as one of the Giants’ most consistent hitters during the 2019 season.
During spring training in Scottsdale and again on Wednesday, Solano showed his numbers from last season were hardly a fluke. It’s unrealistic to expect the Colombia native to hit .409 on balls in play again (that’s a video game number), but all Solano does is hit line drives.
He reached on a pair of singles and a double during live batting practice Wednesday and also took first base on a ball that would have been ruled a fielding error had an official scorer been present. Solano has a smooth swing path, a knack for making solid contact and a really focused eye at the plate, giving him tools that make him an appealing option for Kapler as a starter or bench player.
With the positional versatility to play all around the infield and a willingness to come off the bench as needed, it seems Solano should be in line to make a meaningful impact again this season.
How about the kids?
The Giants announced three additions to their player pool Wednesday as highly touted outfield prospect Alexander Canario, left-handed starting pitcher Caleb Baragar and right-handed reliever Sam Wolff are all expected to join the team in San Francisco.
Canario, a power-hitting outfield prospect, is the highest-rated prospect of the trio and likely a few years away from his major league debut, but his addition delighted Giants fans who follow the farm system on a day when other top young talents shined.
In Wednesday morning’s workout, 18-year-old shortstop Marco Luciano turned on a pitch and crushed a home run out to left field. Kapler has already praised Luciano for his power during the first week of camp, but hitting a ball out during live batting practice is a much more significant achievement than peppering the outfield bleachers when a coach is throwing pitches.
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“Patrick had a lot of energy in his body, really like his set-up, flexibility in his ankles and hips, really nice exchange,” Kapler said. “But I think what was most impressive was his body language and his poise.”
Bailey, who became the Giants’ first-round pick less than a month ago, struck out swinging from the left side of the plate against reliever Trevor Gott in his only at-bat.
Other notes


mercurynews--2020-07-09--MLS: Players raise fists, take a knee prior to “MLS Is Back” match

Players from the Orlando City SC and Inter Miami CF raised their right fists and took a knee before the @ @ @ @ @ in four months on Wednesday in a show of solidarity with the Black Lives Matter @ @ @ @ @ players wore T-shirts over their jerseys with the words “ Black and Proud ” and @ @ @ @ @ before the match , and both team ’ s starting players as well as the @ @ @ @ @ before kickoff of the first game of the ‘ MLS is Back ’ tournament in @ @ @ @ @ kneeling protest was popularized by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick in 2016 , and @ @ @ @ @ steam after the death of George Floyd , a Black man who died in police @ @ @ @ @ .
The raised fist mirrors the protest against racial inequality by Americans John Carlos and @ @ @ @ @ of the 1968 Mexico Olympic Games .

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Nearly 200 players took the field for an 8-minute, 46-second moment of silence to protest racial injustice before Major League Soccer’s return to action Wednesday night.
Players wore black T-shirts, black gloves and black facemasks emblazoned with Black Lives Matter. The shirts had varying slogans that included Black And Proud, Silence Is Violence and Black All The Time.
The players walked toward midfield, raised their right arms one at a time and held the pose so long that some could be seen stretching fatigued muscles afterward.
Orlando City scored in stoppage time to beat instate rival Inter Miami 2-1 in Wednesday’s first match of the MLS Is Back tournament at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports complex at Disney World near Orlando, Florida.
It was a poignant moment that put two of the nation’s most prominent changes over the last four months — masks and movements — at the forefront of the sport’s return.
The group was formerly called the Black Players Coalition of MLS but changed its name this week to Black Players for Change. Originally announced on Juneteenth, the group started in the wake of George Floyd’s death with the hope of combatting systemic racism both in soccer and the players’ communities. The league and the players’ union endorsed the organization.
Several other players from Orlando City and Inter Miami took a knee near midfield during the demonstration.
The two in-state teams delivered their own moment of silence by taking a knee along with the referee and the line judges just before the opening kick.
The national anthem was not played before or after the demonstration. MLS previously said it would not be played because no fans were in attendance.
Floyd, a Black man, died May 25 after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee on Floyd’s neck for nearly eight minutes. Prosecutors said that a police officer had his knee on the neck of Floyd for 7 minutes, 46 seconds — not the 8:46 that has become a symbol of police brutality.
MLS players had weeks to decide what to do prior to the MLS is Back tournament.


mercurynews--2020-07-09--Rain spurs more flooding in Japan as death toll rises

TOKYO — Pounding rain that already caused deadly floods in southern Japan was moving northeast Wednesday , battering large areas of Japan ’ s main island , swelling more rivers , triggering mudslides and destroying houses and roads .
At least 58 people died in several days of flooding .
Parts of Nagano and Gifu , including areas known for scenic mountain trails and hot springs , were flooded by massive downpours .
Public broadcaster NHK showed a swollen river gouging into its embankment and destroying a highway .
In the city of Gero , the rising river was flowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mudslides blocked parts of a main road connecting Kamikochi and Matsumoto , two major tourist destinations in Nagano , stranding hundreds of residents and visitors , though they were believed to have safely evacuated .
In neighboring Gifu , hundreds were isolated in the hot spring towns of Gero and Ontake .
In the scenic mountainous town of Takayama , several houses were hit by a mudslide , but their residents were safely rescued .
As of Wednesday morning , the death toll from the heavy rains which started over the weekend had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from hardest-hit Kumamoto prefecture .
Four others died in Fukuoka , another prefecture on Kyushu , Japan ’ s third-largest island .
At the peak , as many as 3.6 million people were advised to evacuate , although it wasn ’ t mandatory and the number who sought shelter was not known .
About half of the advisories had been lifted by Wednesday afternoon .
In places where rain has subsided , residents were busy cleaning up their homes and workplaces .
In Gero , a man washed off mud at the entrance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advisory .
“ I was told to run away and my neighbors all went , but I stayed , ” he said .
“ I didn ’ t want my house to be washed away in my absence.
” In Oita , teachers at a nursery school were wiping the floor and drying wet furniture .
“ I hope we can return to normal life as soon as possible , ” Principal Yuko Kitaguchi told NHK .
As the rains pounded central Japan , flooding continued to affect the southern region .
Search @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where 14 people remained missing .
Tens of thousands of army troops , police and other rescue workers mobilized from around the country to assist .
Rescue operations have been hampered by the rains , flooding , mudslides and disrupted communications .
In Kagoshima , a pickup truck was hit by a mudslide and fell into the ocean , but the driver was airlifted out with a head injury , according to Fuji Television .
In another town in Oita , two brothers in their 80s were extracted alive after a mudslide smashed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga urged residents to use caution .
“ Disasters may happen even with little rain where ground has loosened from previous rainfall , ” he said .
Suga pledged continuing search and rescue efforts , as well as emergency funds for affected areas .
Japan is at high risk of heavy rain in early summer when wet and warm air from the East China Sea flows into a seasonal rain front above the country .
In July 2018 , more than 200 people , about half of them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and flooding in southwestern Japan .

By Mari Yamaguchi | Associated Press
TOKYO — Pounding rain that already caused deadly floods in southern Japan was moving northeast Wednesday, battering large areas of Japan’s main island, swelling more rivers, triggering mudslides and destroying houses and roads. At least 58 people died in several days of flooding.
Parts of Nagano and Gifu, including areas known for scenic mountain trails and hot springs, were flooded by massive downpours.
Public broadcaster NHK showed a swollen river gouging into its embankment and destroying a highway. In the city of Gero, the rising river was flowing just below a bridge.
Flooding and mudslides blocked parts of a main road connecting Kamikochi and Matsumoto, two major tourist destinations in Nagano, stranding hundreds of residents and visitors, though they were believed to have safely evacuated. In neighboring Gifu, hundreds were isolated in the hot spring towns of Gero and Ontake.
In the scenic mountainous town of Takayama, several houses were hit by a mudslide, but their residents were safely rescued.
As of Wednesday morning, the death toll from the heavy rains which started over the weekend had risen to 58, most of them from hardest-hit Kumamoto prefecture. Four others died in Fukuoka, another prefecture on Kyushu, Japan’s third-largest island.
At the peak, as many as 3.6 million people were advised to evacuate, although it wasn’t mandatory and the number who sought shelter was not known. About half of the advisories had been lifted by Wednesday afternoon.
In places where rain has subsided, residents were busy cleaning up their homes and workplaces.
In Gero, a man washed off mud at the entrance of his riverside house despite the evacuation advisory. “I was told to run away and my neighbors all went, but I stayed,” he said. “I didn’t want my house to be washed away in my absence.”
In Oita, teachers at a nursery school were wiping the floor and drying wet furniture. “I hope we can return to normal life as soon as possible,” Principal Yuko Kitaguchi told NHK.
As the rains pounded central Japan, flooding continued to affect the southern region. Search and rescue operations continued in Kumamoto, where 14 people remained missing.
Tens of thousands of army troops, police and other rescue workers mobilized from around the country to assist. Rescue operations have been hampered by the rains, flooding, mudslides and disrupted communications.
In Kagoshima, a pickup truck was hit by a mudslide and fell into the ocean, but the driver was airlifted out with a head injury, according to Fuji Television. In another town in Oita, two brothers in their 80s were extracted alive after a mudslide smashed into their hillside house, NHK said.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga urged residents to use caution. “Disasters may happen even with little rain where ground has loosened from previous rainfall,” he said.
Suga pledged continuing search and rescue efforts, as well as emergency funds for affected areas.
Japan is at high risk of heavy rain in early summer when wet and warm air from the East China Sea flows into a seasonal rain front above the country. In July 2018, more than 200 people, about half of them in Hiroshima, died from heavy rain and flooding in southwestern Japan.


mercurynews--2020-07-09--UC Berkeley: Fall reopening in jeopardy after 47 new COVID-19 cases linked to week of frat parties

UC Berkeley is warning that its fall reopening plans might be in jeopardy after university officials reported 47 new COVID-19 cases mostly linked to a series of frat parties .
The new cases more than triple UC Berkeley ’ s running total of coronavirus cases : Before this week , the university had only reported 23 cases since the beginning of the pandemic .
“ At the rate we are seeing increases in cases , it ’ s becoming harder to imagine bringing our campus community back in the way we are envisioning , ” UC Berkeley University Health Services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chancellor Guy Nicolette wrote in a message to the campus community on Wednesday .
Most of the cases “ stem from a series of recent parties connected to the CalGreek system , ” which included both students in and outside of Greek organizations , according to Harte and Nicolette .
Those parties then led to secondary spread among households and in smaller gatherings .
Berkeley Public Health and University Health Services is conducting contact tracing , advising on quarantine requirements and arranging testing for the students who tested positive , according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gatherings in the future , UC Berkeley is focusing for the moment on “ raising awareness in the community that this has occurred , ” according to spokesperson Janet Gilmore .
“ The university does not have a role in controlling private , off campus social events that are not campus events , ” Gilmore said .
Wednesday ’ s message from university officials encouraged students to avoid large gatherings and parties , maintain social distancing , wear face coverings and monitor their own health for symptoms .
The university is also reaching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidance , and any member of the campus community will be required to complete online training courses on COVID-19 before returning to any campus facility .
Currently , UC Berkeley plans to partially reopen this fall , offering a combination of online lectures and small in-person classes and providing housing to a maximum of 6,500 students .
The school will also require students and staff to maintain social distancing and wear masks unless completely alone in their room or office .
Berkeley is also working to develop “ social bubble ” strategies to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ living and socializing on campus , as well as testing strategies and environmental controls — including “ designating stairwells as up or down only , restricting class sizes and eliminating or changing high touch areas ” — for reducing social contact , according to the message .

UC Berkeley is warning that its fall reopening plans might be in jeopardy after university officials reported 47 new COVID-19 cases mostly linked to a series of frat parties.
The new cases more than triple UC Berkeley’s running total of coronavirus cases: Before this week, the university had only reported 23 cases since the beginning of the pandemic.
“At the rate we are seeing increases in cases, it’s becoming harder to imagine bringing our campus community back in the way we are envisioning,” UC Berkeley University Health Services Medical Director Anna Harte and Assistant Vice Chancellor Guy Nicolette wrote in a message to the campus community on Wednesday.
Most of the cases “stem from a series of recent parties connected to the CalGreek system,” which included both students in and outside of Greek organizations, according to Harte and Nicolette. Those parties then led to secondary spread among households and in smaller gatherings.
Berkeley Public Health and University Health Services is conducting contact tracing, advising on quarantine requirements and arranging testing for the students who tested positive, according to the message.
In terms of preventing similar gatherings in the future, UC Berkeley is focusing for the moment on “raising awareness in the community that this has occurred,” according to spokesperson Janet Gilmore.
“The university does not have a role in controlling private, off campus social events that are not campus events,” Gilmore said.
Wednesday’s message from university officials encouraged students to avoid large gatherings and parties, maintain social distancing, wear face coverings and monitor their own health for symptoms. The university is also reaching out to the Greek community to offer guidance, and any member of the campus community will be required to complete online training courses on COVID-19 before returning to any campus facility.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge Currently, UC Berkeley plans to partially reopen this fall, offering a combination of online lectures and small in-person classes and providing housing to a maximum of 6,500 students. The school will also require students and staff to maintain social distancing and wear masks unless completely alone in their room or office.
Berkeley is also working to develop “social bubble” strategies to allow for small cohorts of 10-12 students living and socializing on campus, as well as testing strategies and environmental controls — including “designating stairwells as up or down only, restricting class sizes and eliminating or changing high touch areas” — for reducing social contact, according to the message.


mercurynews--2020-07-09--Liberty community to hold vigil for football player killed in a car crash

BRENTWOOD — The Liberty High School community will convene Friday night at City Park in downtown Brentwood to honor one of its own .
Devon Willis , a defensive back on the school ’ s North Coast Section championship team in 2017 , was killed last month when a person suspected of driving under the influence crashed head-on into the football player ’ s car on Highway 4 in Stockton .
Willis was 20 .
The candlelight vigil for the player known as “ Texas ” — the state where he came from — will begin at 7 p.m. Organizers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distance to protect all in attendance .
Brian Reel was Liberty ’ s defensive coordinator when Willis played for the Lions .
He said the coaches remained personally close to Willis , who was buried last week in Texas , even after the student graduated from the school in 2018 .
“ That was the relationship that we had , ” said Reel , who is helping to coordinate the vigil .
“ It wasn ’ t just about football .
The kid was , ‘ Yes , sir .
No , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ Making the other kids clean up after themselves when we had our weekly dinners before games .
He was just that kid , super respectful .
“ On the field , he was another person .
In people ’ s grills .
Letting them know that he ’ s there all game , that type of player .
Just super competitive , for sure , but passionate.
” On the practice field , Reel recalled Wednesday , Willis wanted to defend the best receivers on the team , a group that included @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That was his time to go against the best — ‘ I ’ m playing corner against Sione .
I ’ m going against Hinojosa , ’ ” Reel said .
“ That ’ s what got him better/.
” The passion rubbed off on younger teammates who would help lead the program to a state championship the year after Willis graduated .
Lineman Akili Calhoun , now a rising senior at Liberty who has committed to Cal , tweeted last month that Willis “ showed me how to play with aggression ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him .
“ FLY HIGH DEVON “ TEXAS ” WILLIS , ” Calhoun added .
Reel remembered that Willis made a play near the goal line in 2017 that clinched a 17-14 win against crosstown rival Heritage .
He was named player of the game by GetSportsFocus .
“ That ’ s why he got the player of the game — because he made that stop , ” Reel added .
“ It won us the game.
” Willis was planning to play for Diablo Valley College in the upcoming season after spending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and summer the past couple of years .
“ Things were looking very good for him , ” Reel said .

BRENTWOOD — The Liberty High School community will convene Friday night at City Park in downtown Brentwood to honor one of its own.
Devon Willis, a defensive back on the school’s North Coast Section championship team in 2017, was killed last month when a person suspected of driving under the influence crashed head-on into the football player’s car on Highway 4 in Stockton. Willis was 20.
The candlelight vigil for the player known as “Texas” — the state where he came from — will begin at 7 p.m. Organizers ask that attendees wear a mask and social distance to protect all in attendance.
Brian Reel was Liberty’s defensive coordinator when Willis played for the Lions. He said the coaches remained personally close to Willis, who was buried last week in Texas, even after the student graduated from the school in 2018.
“That was the relationship that we had,” said Reel, who is helping to coordinate the vigil. “It wasn’t just about football. The kid was, ‘Yes, sir. No, sir. Yes, ma’am.’ Making the other kids clean up after themselves when we had our weekly dinners before games. He was just that kid, super respectful.
“On the field, he was another person. In people’s grills. Letting them know that he’s there all game, that type of player. Just super competitive, for sure, but passionate.”
On the practice field, Reel recalled Wednesday, Willis wanted to defend the best receivers on the team, a group that included Zane Hinojosa and Sione Vaki.
“That was his time to go against the best — ‘I’m playing corner against Sione. I’m going against Hinojosa,’” Reel said. “That’s what got him better.”
The passion rubbed off on younger teammates who would help lead the program to a state championship the year after Willis graduated.
Lineman Akili Calhoun, now a rising senior at Liberty who has committed to Cal, tweeted last month that Willis “showed me how to play with aggression” and that he was forever grateful to him. “FLY HIGH DEVON “TEXAS” WILLIS,” Calhoun added.
Reel remembered that Willis made a play near the goal line in 2017 that clinched a 17-14 win against crosstown rival Heritage. He was named player of the game by GetSportsFocus.
“That’s why he got the player of the game — because he made that stop,” Reel added. “It won us the game.”
Willis was planning to play for Diablo Valley College in the upcoming season after spending time with the team in the spring and summer the past couple of years.
“Things were looking very good for him,” Reel said.


mercurynews--2020-07-09--Gilroy: Man arrested on suspicion of kidnapping, rape and attempted murder

GILROY – A 32-year-old transient man has been arrested on suspicion of kidnapping , raping and trying to kill a woman in Gilroy , authorities said .
About 11 p.m. Tuesday , a citizen reported hearing a man and a woman yelling under a bridge on the 300 block of Welburn Avenue , Gilroy police said in a news release .
Officers arrived to find a woman calling for help and a shirtless man running from the area .
Police said the officers chased after the man and quickly detained him .
The woman reported that the man had just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her under the bridge , said police , adding that she did not know him .
She was taken to a hospital to be treated and examined .
The man , identified as Mohammed Novbakhtian , was arrested and booked into Santa Clara County jail on charges of rape by force , kidnapping , false imprisonment and attempted murder .
Police said he was on felony probation at the time of his arrest .
Novbakhtian is being held at the Main Jail in San Jose without bail , according to jail records .

GILROY – A 32-year-old transient man has been arrested on suspicion of kidnapping, raping and trying to kill a woman in Gilroy, authorities said.
About 11 p.m. Tuesday, a citizen reported hearing a man and a woman yelling under a bridge on the 300 block of Welburn Avenue, Gilroy police said in a news release. Officers arrived to find a woman calling for help and a shirtless man running from the area.
Police said the officers chased after the man and quickly detained him.
The woman told police that the man had just kidnapped, raped, strangled and beaten her under the bridge, adding that she did not know him. She was taken to a hospital to be treated and examined.
The man, identified as Mohammed Novbakhtian, was arrested and booked into Santa Clara County jail on charges of rape by force, kidnapping, false imprisonment and attempted murder. Police said he was on felony probation at the time of his arrest.


mercurynews--2020-07-08--Housing: Berkeley gets $42 million for affordable apartments

BERKELEY — The city has been awarded nearly $ 42 million in state grants for two affordable housing projects that will total 150 apartments .
“ Affordable housing is scarce , so too are the resources necessary to bring new units online amidst a global pandemic , ” Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguin said in a release .
“ Our housing crisis has implications for affordability , transportation , homelessness and more , and that means this significant investment will have benefits for the entire community.
” The money for the projects comes from the state ’ s “ Strategic Growth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Communities Program , ” which aims to have people work near where they live and be able to bike , walk or use public transit to visit places nearby for recreation .
The state is providing $ 22,781,553 to the Maudelle Miller Shirek Community Project , a transit-orientated development at 2001 Ashby Ave. that will have apartments set aside for people who were once homeless .
The second project , known as Connected Berkeley , was awarded $ 19,072,792 .
That project consists of 63 units .
The city announced the grants Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Measure O , a $ 135 million bond for affordable housing that Berkeley voters approved in 2018 .
Since the measure ’ s approval , $ 36 million has been allocated for four developments , including those known as Maudelle Miller Shirek Community and Connected Berkeley .

BERKELEY — The city has been awarded nearly $42 million in state grants for two affordable housing projects that will total 150 apartments.
“Affordable housing is scarce, so too are the resources necessary to bring new units online amidst a global pandemic,” Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguin said in a release. “Our housing crisis has implications for affordability, transportation, homelessness and more, and that means this significant investment will have benefits for the entire community.”
The money for the projects comes from the state’s “Strategic Growth Council’s Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program,” which aims to have people work near where they live and be able to bike, walk or use public transit to visit places nearby for recreation.
The state is providing $22,781,553 to the Maudelle Miller Shirek Community Project, a transit-orientated development at 2001 Ashby Ave. that will have apartments set aside for people who were once homeless.
The second project, known as Connected Berkeley, was awarded $19,072,792. That project consists of 63 units. The city announced the grants Wednesday.
The projects were made possible through Measure O, a $135 million bond for affordable housing that Berkeley voters approved in 2018. Since the measure’s approval, $36 million has been allocated for four developments, including those known as Maudelle Miller Shirek Community and Connected Berkeley.


mercurynews--2020-07-08--Streaming movie picks: ‘Palm Springs’ with Andy Samberg is a winner

While Lin-Manuel Miranda ’ s “ Hamilton ” might be the biggest new player in the streaming world , some pretty huge names — Tom Hanks , Charlize Theron and Andy Samberg , anyone ?
— are vying for your attention this weekend .
Here ’ s a look .
“ Palm Springs ” : All the rage at last year ’ s Sundance — where it sold for a record $ 17.5 million — director Max Barbakow ’ s outrageously funny rom-com takes the strip-mined plot device of a character stuck in an endless time loop — and overhauls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nine-Nine ’ s ” Andy Samberg is hilarious and endearing as Nyle , the headcase boyfriend of a philandering maid of honor .
They ’ re attending a lavish wedding in Palm Springs when the time loop takes effect .
If it sounds like a “ Groundhog Day ” ripoff , “ Palm Springs ” goes rogue , stomping on the rom-com ’ s archahic conventions and making the premise look bold and original .
That shines through with Nyle ’ s surprise romantic interest , the bride-to-be ’ s disheveled sister ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , charm and pain to the part of the family outsider who clings to self sabotage and self-hate .
Within seconds , Milioti can make us laugh and then reveal how her bitterness and sarcasm is covering up unfinished emotional business .
Her Sarah is an ideal match for the board-shorts-addicted Nyle , a cute doofus with issues of his own .
Samberg aces the part .
He ’ s one of the most underrated comedians going .
He ’ s an amiable and adorable presence , and a good actor and comedian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Peter Gallagher as the father of the groom , Tyler Hoechlin as the suave groom , June Squibb as a feisty wedding guest , Meredith Hagner as Nyle ’ s vapid girlfriend and J.K. Simmons as a wedding guest with an arrow or two that doesn ’ t come from Cupid .
They make this quirky walk down and up the aisle a ton of fun and first-time director Barbakow choreographs the time warp device with flair and finesse .
Few films make me want to watch them again on the spot .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ : 4 stars ; debuts July 10 on Hulu .
“ The Old Guard ” : Charlize Theron is one of our best , most versatile actresses and one of the best action stars in the business .
The Oscar winner certainly has everlasting appeal in this bloody Netflix adaptation of a graphic novel series by Greg Rucka and Leandro Fernandez .
She ’ s explosive as the leader of a group of immortal avengers scrubbing the world of nefarious creeps .
But time is running out for some vigilantes , which becomes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kiki Layne ) joins their ranks .
It ’ s a lively , entertaining start to a potential franchise , and it ’ s helmed with energy and style from “ Love & Basketball ” director Gina Prince-Bythewood .
And how refreshing it is to see such a diverse heroic team on screen .
Details : 3 stars ; available July 10 on Netflix .
“ Greyhound ” : As both screenwriter and lead actor , Concord native Tom Hanks brings his moral soundness and grounding to a rather routine World War II @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aaron Schneider kicks it old school here , and succeeds in giving Nazi submarines a shark-like presence , “ Greyhound ” never displays the emotional grip that it should .
Besides Hanks ’ Captain Ernest Krause , every other character is forgettable .
Hanks is an exceptional actor but falls short as screenwriter here .
Details : 2 stars ; debuts July 10 on Apple TV+ “ Relic ” : Just as “ Palm Springs ” refreshed the time warp plot , this literate chiller pumps new blood into the haunted house genre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Robyn Nevin , in an awards-worthy performance ) wanders off , a reluctant daughter ( Emily Mortimer ) and a more caring granddaughter ( Bella Heathcote ) travel to her house .
But when Grandma returns , something ’ s not quite right about her .
Same for the house .
Natalie Erika James ’ s first feature makes you shudder at things that go bump in the night as well as things that have gone unsaid , as three generations of women confront the past .
It ’ s bathed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for hours afterwards .
Details : 3½ stars , available July 10 on IFC and other platforms .
“ The Beach House ” : Another welcome new voice to the horror scene is Jeffrey A .
Brown .
He wrote and directed this low-budget and unsettling Lovecraftian thriller , premiering on Shudder .
Two collegiate lovebirds ( Liana Liberato and Noah Le Gros ) kick back at a ritzy family beach house , but soon realize the house is occupied by another couple that has … issues .
With a bow to John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other horror classics , Brown spins an eerie and trippy tale .
The four-person cast is impressive .
Details : 3 stars ; streaming July 9 on Shudder .
“ First Cow ” : Kelly Reichardt is a naturalist of a filmmaker , relying on slowly developing conversations and milking the sounds and sites from the natural world .
In this Western , two men form an unlikely bond .
One ’ s white ( John Magaro ) , the other ’ s Asian ( Orion Lee ) , and they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Oregon to California .
How does the cow figure in ?
I have no intention of spoiling that surprise .
Just put your trust in Reichardt , one of our best contemporary filmmakers , as she takes poetic care with an intimate story that speaks volumes about history and where we are today .
Details : 4 stars , available to rent July 10 on several platforms .
“ Mucho Mucho Amor — The Legend of Walter Mercado ” : Even the greatest author couldn ’ t ’ dream up a more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mercado , a flashy TV astrologer who bucked the norms and was beloved by millions .
So why did he suddenly vanish from the spotlight ?
Filmmakers Cristina Costantini and Kareem Tabsch answer that question by tracking him down .
Lavishly entertaining and filled with wonderful interviews this is a definite add to that Netflix queue .
Details : 3 stars ; available July 9 .
“ Silent Witness ” : Get ready to fire up those grey cells lovers of Agatha Christie .
This Italian neo-noir wasn ’ t written by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level .
It not only fooled me , it flat-out floored me as it follows a successful married businessman ( Riccardo Scamarcio ) whose mistress winds up dead .
It ’ s a convincing showcase for the talents of director Stefano Mordini .
It ’ s so friggin ’ good .
Details : 3½ stars ; screening as part of the Smith Rafael Film Center Virtual Cinema series ; rafaelfilm.cafilm.org .
“ Mighty Oak ” : There aren ’ t enough good films for older teens , but here ’ s one unafraid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Allen ’ s risk-taking screenplay finds a still-grieving band promoter ( Janel Parrish ) connecting with a 10-year-old guitar protege ( Tommy Ragen ) who reminds her a bit of her brother who was killed in a car accident .
The likable kid has issues of his own .
Sean McNamara ’ s film is honest , hopeful and occasional touching despite some clunky moments .
Details : 3 stars ; available on various streaming platforms .

While Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Hamilton” might be the biggest new player in the streaming world, some pretty huge names — Tom Hanks, Charlize Theron and Andy Samberg, anyone? — are vying for your attention this weekend. Here’s a look.
“Palm Springs”: All the rage at last year’s Sundance — where it sold for a record $17.5 million — director Max Barbakow’s outrageously funny rom-com takes the strip-mined plot device of a character stuck in an endless time loop — and overhauls it to comic perfection.
“Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s” Andy Samberg is hilarious and endearing as Nyle, the headcase boyfriend of a philandering maid of honor. They’re attending a lavish wedding in Palm Springs when the time loop takes effect. If it sounds like a “Groundhog Day” ripoff, “Palm Springs” goes rogue, stomping on the rom-com’s archahic conventions and making the premise look bold and original. That shines through with Nyle’s surprise romantic interest, the bride-to-be’s disheveled sister (Cristin Milioti).
Milioti brings soul, charm and pain to the part of the family outsider who clings to self sabotage and self-hate. Within seconds, Milioti can make us laugh and then reveal how her bitterness and sarcasm is covering up unfinished emotional business.
Her Sarah is an ideal match for the board-shorts-addicted Nyle, a cute doofus with issues of his own. Samberg aces the part. He’s one of the most underrated comedians going. He’s an amiable and adorable presence, and a good actor and comedian.
Other delights in the cast include Peter Gallagher as the father of the groom, Tyler Hoechlin as the suave groom, June Squibb as a feisty wedding guest, Meredith Hagner as Nyle’s vapid girlfriend and J.K. Simmons as a wedding guest with an arrow or two that doesn’t come from Cupid.
They make this quirky walk down and up the aisle a ton of fun and first-time director Barbakow choreographs the time warp device with flair and finesse. Few films make me want to watch them again on the spot. “Palm Springs” did. Details: 4 stars; debuts July 10 on Hulu.
“The Old Guard”: Charlize Theron is one of our best, most versatile actresses and one of the best action stars in the business. The Oscar winner certainly has everlasting appeal in this bloody Netflix adaptation of a graphic novel series by Greg Rucka and Leandro Fernandez. She’s explosive as the leader of a group of immortal avengers scrubbing the world of nefarious creeps. But time is running out for some vigilantes, which becomes more evident once a resourceful kid (Kiki Layne) joins their ranks. It’s a lively, entertaining start to a potential franchise, and it’s helmed with energy and style from “Love & Basketball” director Gina Prince-Bythewood. And how refreshing it is to see such a diverse heroic team on screen. Details: 3 stars; available July 10 on Netflix.
“Greyhound”: As both screenwriter and lead actor, Concord native Tom Hanks brings his moral soundness and grounding to a rather routine World War II naval chase thriller. And while director Aaron Schneider kicks it old school here, and succeeds in giving Nazi submarines a shark-like presence, “Greyhound” never displays the emotional grip that it should. Besides Hanks’ Captain Ernest Krause, every other character is forgettable. Hanks is an exceptional actor but falls short as screenwriter here. Details: 2 stars; debuts July 10 on Apple TV+
“Relic”: Just as “Palm Springs” refreshed the time warp plot, this literate chiller pumps new blood into the haunted house genre. When an elderly woman battling dementia (Robyn Nevin, in an awards-worthy performance) wanders off, a reluctant daughter (Emily Mortimer) and a more caring granddaughter (Bella Heathcote) travel to her house. But when Grandma returns, something’s not quite right about her. Same for the house. Natalie Erika James’s first feature makes you shudder at things that go bump in the night as well as things that have gone unsaid, as three generations of women confront the past. It’s bathed in a Gothic atmosphere that lingers with you for hours afterwards. Details: 3½ stars, available July 10 on IFC and other platforms.
“The Beach House”: Another welcome new voice to the horror scene is Jeffrey A. Brown. He wrote and directed this low-budget and unsettling Lovecraftian thriller, premiering on Shudder. Two collegiate lovebirds (Liana Liberato and Noah Le Gros) kick back at a ritzy family beach house, but soon realize the house is occupied by another couple that has … issues. With a bow to John Carpenter’s “The Fog” and other horror classics, Brown spins an eerie and trippy tale. The four-person cast is impressive. Details: 3 stars; streaming July 9 on Shudder.
“First Cow”: Kelly Reichardt is a naturalist of a filmmaker, relying on slowly developing conversations and milking the sounds and sites from the natural world. In this Western, two men form an unlikely bond. One’s white (John Magaro), the other’s Asian (Orion Lee), and they’re hustling to raise money and move from Oregon to California. How does the cow figure in? I have no intention of spoiling that surprise. Just put your trust in Reichardt, one of our best contemporary filmmakers, as she takes poetic care with an intimate story that speaks volumes about history and where we are today. Details: 4 stars, available to rent July 10 on several platforms.
“Mucho Mucho Amor — The Legend of Walter Mercado”: Even the greatest author couldn’t’ dream up a more fascinating and colorful character than the real-life Mercado, a flashy TV astrologer who bucked the norms and was beloved by millions. So why did he suddenly vanish from the spotlight? Filmmakers Cristina Costantini and Kareem Tabsch answer that question by tracking him down. Lavishly entertaining and filled with wonderful interviews this is a definite add to that Netflix queue. Details: 3 stars; available July 9.
“The Invisible Witness”: Get ready to fire up those grey cells lovers of Agatha Christie. This Italian neo-noir wasn’t written by the mystery queen, but it reaches her level. It not only fooled me, it flat-out floored me as it follows a successful married businessman (Riccardo Scamarcio) whose mistress winds up dead. It’s a convincing showcase for the talents of director Stefano Mordini. It’s so friggin’ good. Details: 3½ stars; screening as part of the Smith Rafael Film Center Virtual Cinema series; rafaelfilm.cafilm.org.
“Mighty Oak”: There aren’t enough good films for older teens, but here’s one unafraid to tackle tough themes. Matt R. Allen’s risk-taking screenplay finds a still-grieving band promoter (Janel Parrish) connecting with a 10-year-old guitar protege (Tommy Ragen) who reminds her a bit of her brother who was killed in a car accident. The likable kid has issues of his own. Sean McNamara’s film is honest, hopeful and occasional touching despite some clunky moments. Details: 3 stars; available on various streaming platforms.


mercurynews--2020-07-08--Kurtenbach: 49ers RB Raheem Mostert’s trade demand highlights some tough truths

You are paid by how hard you are to replace , not how well you perform .
Someone should tell 49ers running back Raheem Mostert .
Brett Tessler , the agent for the breakout star of the Niners ’ 2019 campaign , wrote on Twitter Wednesday that he was seeking a trade for his client after contract negotiations with the team broke down .
Mostert signed a three-year , $ 8.5 million deal last March and ran running 772 regular-season yards and 220 yards in the NFC Championship Game last season .
He ’ s set to be paid $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reportedly wants to be the highest-paid running back on the Niners .
Tevin Coleman currently holds that title — he ’ s set to make $ 4.5 million this upcoming season .
Mostert is the Niners ’ best running back and wanting to make more than 1.5 percent of the NFL salary cap this upcoming season seems more than reasonable .
He was outstanding in his first full-time campaign in the Niners ’ backfield last year , looking like a perfect fit for Kyle Shanahan ’ s outside-zone running scheme with his elite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that can only be developed by playing special teams for years .
But it ’ s also reasonable for the Niners to ask Mostert to honor the contract he signed 137 carries ago .
This contract showdown , like so many before , comes down to leverage .
Mostert might always find the right angle with the ball in his hands , but I ’ m not seeing an angle for him in this negotiation .
• Raheem Mostert to 49ers : Trade me or pay me • 49ers to season-ticket holders : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refund • Kurtenbach : There are a billion reasons why sports won ’ t shut down again • Kurtenbach : Mahomes ’ mega-deal proves the 49ers gave Jimmy Garoppolo the right contract • Ex-49ers lineman Joe Staley has lost 50 pounds since retiring in April Despite Tessler ’ s claims , the Niners didn ’ t sign Mostert as special teams ace last year — they signed him as a special teamer who also could contribute as a running back .
As such , San Francisco built some upside into the three-year deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than the best special teams player in the NFL , the Patriots ’ Matthew Slater .
It must be noted that the three-year deal was the second contract Mostert signed with the 49ers in March 2019 .
Mostert was a restricted free agent and the Niners tendered him a contract early in the month .
Had Mostert — who to that point had 41 NFL carries to his name — really wanted to bet on himself , he could have played last year on a one-year contract and come into this past offseason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Instead , both sides made a bet with the subsequently negotiated three-year deal .
The Niners paid Mostert more than what he was worth on the open market , betting that there was value in him as a running back down the line .
Mostert took the improved annual pay , the $ 3 million guarantee , and the security that comes from a three-year term .
There ’ s no question the deal has worked out better for the 49ers .
The question now is how this new drama will work out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public trade demand isn ’ t going to deter the Niners — they always knew that Mostert ’ s camp had to play this card , because it ’ s one of the few cards they have .
The next card is a holding out .
That won ’ t matter much either .
Unless Mostert is willing to sit out his entire age-28 season , forgoing his salary in the process , the Niners can ignore this entire saga .
Even if he goes that route , I ’ m not sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mostert is a running back , after all , and the truth is that running backs — unless they are also prolific receivers , which Mostert is not — are largely interchangeable and , sadly , disposable in the modern game .
That ’ s interchangeability is especially true inside Shanahan ’ s outside zone system .
• Raheem Mostert to 49ers : Trade me or pay me • 49ers to season-ticket holders : You can defer to 2021 or get refund • Kurtenbach : There are a billion reasons why sports won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Mahomes ’ mega-deal proves the 49ers gave Jimmy Garoppolo the right contract • Ex-49ers lineman Joe Staley has lost 50 pounds since retiring in April Mostert might be a perfect scheme fit for the Shanahan ’ s offense , but how of his success last year was the system ?
Matt Breida — who couldn ’ t see the field this past year and was traded for a day-three draft pick during the NFL Draft — ran for more than 1,000 yards in 2018 for a terrible team .
Shanahan ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who ran a 40-yard dash that ’ d be slow for a linebacker — into a two-time Pro Bowler who ran for almost 4,000 yards in his first three seasons .
Shanahan ’ s dad might have coached Hall of Famer Terrell Davis with the Broncos , but who was Terrell Davis before he was Mike Shanahan ’ s running back ?
There ’ s a long list of no-names who have succeeded in the Shanahan zone running game .
Mostert is player to be added to that list .
And how long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countless examples of running backs ’ usefulness expiring “ before their time ” .
Just look at Todd Gurley , or even Coleman — you can only take so many hits from NFL defenders before you lose a step or two .
And don ’ t forget , a big reason Mostert signed the three-year deal last March is because of his injury history .
The Niners , of course , would be a better team if Mostert — who crossed the line of scrimmage faster than any running back in the NFL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He ’ s an exceptional back — better than some of running backs who somehow landed big-money deals .
But if Mostert does decide to play the holdout card , it ’ s not hard to see a circumstance where another no-name , say… Jeff Wilson or undrafted free agent JaMycal Hasty , steps in and performs well .
Perhaps not as well as Mostert , but well enough .
After all , Shanahan sees potential in both players , just like he saw potential in Mostert .
At this point , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s doing in that department .
So is Mostert irreplaceable to the 49ers ?
I know which way Shanahan leans .
We ’ ll see if Mostert picks up the loud-and-clear message in the coming weeks .
• Raheem Mostert to 49ers : Trade me or pay me • 49ers to season-ticket holders : You can defer to 2021 or get refund • Kurtenbach : There are a billion reasons why sports won ’ t shut down again • Kurtenbach : Mahomes ’ mega-deal proves the 49ers gave Jimmy Garoppolo the right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost 50 pounds since retiring in April

Here’s a hard business truth:
You are paid by how hard you are to replace, not how well you perform.
Someone should tell 49ers running back Raheem Mostert.
Brett Tessler, the agent for the breakout star of the Niners’ 2019 campaign, wrote on Twitter Wednesday that he was seeking a trade for his client after contract negotiations with the team broke down.
Mostert signed a three-year, $8.5 million deal last March and ran running 772 regular-season yards and 220 yards in the NFC Championship Game last season. He’s set to be paid $2.87 million in 2020
Now, he reportedly wants to be the highest-paid running back on the Niners. Tevin Coleman currently holds that title — he’s set to make $4.5 million this upcoming season.
Mostert is the Niners’ best running back and wanting to make more than 1.5 percent of the NFL salary cap this upcoming season seems more than reasonable. He was outstanding in his first full-time campaign in the Niners’ backfield last year, looking like a perfect fit for Kyle Shanahan’s outside-zone running scheme with his elite speed coming out of cuts and vision that can only be developed by playing special teams for years.
But it’s also reasonable for the Niners to ask Mostert to honor the contract he signed 137 carries ago.
This contract showdown, like so many before, comes down to leverage.
Mostert might always find the right angle with the ball in his hands, but I’m not seeing an angle for him in this negotiation.
Despite Tessler’s claims, the Niners didn’t sign Mostert as special teams ace last year — they signed him as a special teamer who also could contribute as a running back. As such, San Francisco built some upside into the three-year deal and subsequently paid him more guaranteed money than the best special teams player in the NFL, the Patriots’ Matthew Slater.
It must be noted that the three-year deal was the second contract Mostert signed with the 49ers in March 2019. Mostert was a restricted free agent and the Niners tendered him a contract early in the month.
Had Mostert — who to that point had 41 NFL carries to his name — really wanted to bet on himself, he could have played last year on a one-year contract and come into this past offseason with dollar signs in his eyes.
Instead, both sides made a bet with the subsequently negotiated three-year deal. The Niners paid Mostert more than what he was worth on the open market, betting that there was value in him as a running back down the line. Mostert took the improved annual pay, the $3 million guarantee, and the security that comes from a three-year term.
There’s no question the deal has worked out better for the 49ers.
The question now is how this new drama will work out ahead of the 2020 season.
The public trade demand isn’t going to deter the Niners — they always knew that Mostert’s camp had to play this card, because it’s one of the few cards they have.
The next card is a holding out.
That won’t matter much either.
Unless Mostert is willing to sit out his entire age-28 season, forgoing his salary in the process, the Niners can ignore this entire saga. Even if he goes that route, I’m not sure that the 49ers will be affected.
Mostert is a running back, after all, and the truth is that running backs — unless they are also prolific receivers, which Mostert is not — are largely interchangeable and, sadly, disposable in the modern game.
That’s interchangeability is especially true inside Shanahan’s outside zone system.
Mostert might be a perfect scheme fit for the Shanahan’s offense, but how of his success last year was the system?
Matt Breida — who couldn’t see the field this past year and was traded for a day-three draft pick during the NFL Draft — ran for more than 1,000 yards in 2018 for a terrible team.
Shanahan’s scheme turned Alfred Morris — a sixth-rounder who ran a 40-yard dash that’d be slow for a linebacker — into a two-time Pro Bowler who ran for almost 4,000 yards in his first three seasons.
Shanahan’s dad might have coached Hall of Famer Terrell Davis with the Broncos, but who was Terrell Davis before he was Mike Shanahan’s running back?
There’s a long list of no-names who have succeeded in the Shanahan zone running game.
Mostert is player to be added to that list.
And how long will his success last? There are countless examples of running backs’ usefulness expiring “before their time”. Just look at Todd Gurley, or even Coleman — you can only take so many hits from NFL defenders before you lose a step or two. And don’t forget, a big reason Mostert signed the three-year deal last March is because of his injury history.
The Niners, of course, would be a better team if Mostert — who crossed the line of scrimmage faster than any running back in the NFL last year — played in 2020. He’s an exceptional back — better than some of running backs who somehow landed big-money deals. But if Mostert does decide to play the holdout card, it’s not hard to see a circumstance where another no-name, say… Jeff Wilson or undrafted free agent JaMycal Hasty, steps in and performs well. Perhaps not as well as Mostert, but well enough.
After all, Shanahan sees potential in both players, just like he saw potential in Mostert. At this point, you have to think he knows what he’s doing in that department.
So is Mostert irreplaceable to the 49ers?
I know which way Shanahan leans. We’ll see if Mostert picks up the loud-and-clear message in the coming weeks.


mercurynews--2020-07-09--Seoul’s mayor goes missing after worrisome message

By HYUNG-JIN KIM and KIM TONG-HYUNG Associated Press SEOUL , South Korea ( AP ) — The mayor of South Korean capital Seoul is missing Thursday after leaving a message that his daughter described as sounding like a will , police said .
A massive search operation is underway for him .
Police officers said they are looking for Mayor Park Won-soon at a small hill in Seoul ’ s Sungbuk neighborhood where his mobile phone signal was last detected .
They said Park ’ s phone was currently turned off .
His daughter called police on Thursday afternoon and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” message before leaving their home 4 or 5 hours earlier .
The daughter didn ’ t explain the contents of the message , said one of the officers at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency who is responsible for Park ’ s search operation .
The daughter said she decided to call police because she couldn ’ t reach her father on the phone , the officer said , requesting anonymity because she was not authorized to speak to media on the matter .
About 150 officers , a drone and a police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s search , according to police .
Kim Ji-hyeong , an official from the Seoul Metropolitan Government , confirmed that Park did not show up for work on Thursday because of unspecified reasons and canceled all his schedules , including a meeting with a presidential official at his Seoul City Hall office .
A longtime civic activist and human rights lawyer , Park was elected as Seoul mayor in 2011 and became the city ’ s first mayor to be voted into a third term in June last year .
A member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic Party , Park has been considered a potential presidential hopeful for the liberals in the 2022 elections .
Park has mostly maintained his activist colors as mayor , criticizing what he described as the country ’ s growing social and economic inequalities and the traditionally corrupt ties between large businesses and politicians .
During the earlier part of his terms , Park established himself as a fierce opponent of former conservative President Park Geun-hye and openly supported the millions of people who flooded the city streets in late 2016 and 2017 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scandal .
Park Geun-hye was formally removed from office in March 2017 and is currently serving a decades-long prison term on bribery and other charges .
• Fremont police seek public ’ s help in finding missing man with dementia • Vanessa Guillen disappearance : Suspect kills himself as investigators close in Seoul , a city with 10 million people , has been a new epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in South Korea since the Asian country eased its rigid social distancing rules in early May .
Authorities are struggling to trace contacts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , church services , a huge e-commerce warehouse and door-to-door sellers .

By HYUNG-JIN KIM and KIM TONG-HYUNG Associated Press
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The missing mayor of South Korea’s capital, reportedly embroiled in sexual harassment allegations, was found dead early Friday, more than half a day after giving his daughter a will-like message and then leaving home, police said.
Police said they located Park Won-soon’s body in wooded hills in northern Seoul, more than seven hours after they launched a massive search for him.
Police gave no further details, including the cause of death.
His daughter called police on Thursday afternoon and said her father had given her “a will-like” message in the morning before leaving home. She didn’t explain the contents of the message, said an officer at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency who was responsible for the search operation.
Police said they mobilized about 600 police and fire officers, drones and tracking dogs to search for Park in the hills, where his cellphone signal was last detected. They said the phone was turned off when they tried to call him.
His daughter called police after he couldn’t reach her father on the phone, the Seoul police officer said, requesting anonymity because she was not authorized to speak to the media about the matter.
Kim Ji-hyeong, a Seoul Metropolitan Government official, said Park did not come to work on Thursday for unspecified reasons and had canceled all of his schedule, including a meeting with a presidential official at his Seoul City Hall office.
The reason for Park’s disappearance wasn’t clear. The Seoul-based SBS television network reported that one of Park’s secretaries had lodged a complaint with police on Wednesday night over alleged sexual harassment such as unwanted physical contact that began in 2017. The SBS report, which didn’t cite any source, said the secretary told police investigators that an unspecified number of other female employees at Seoul City Hall had suffered similar sexual harassment by Park.
MBC television carried a similar report.
Both the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency and Park’s office said they couldn’t confirm the reports.
Police officer Lee Byeong-seok told reporters that Park was last identified by a security camera at 10:53 a.m. at the entrance to the hills, more than six hours before his daughter called police to report him missing.
Fire officer Jeong Jin-hyang told reporters on Thursday night that rescuers used dogs to search dangerous areas on the hills.
Park, 64, a longtime civic activist and human rights lawyer, was elected Seoul mayor in 2011. He became the city’s first mayor to be voted to a third term in June 2018. A member of President Moon Jae-in’s liberal Democratic Party, he had been considered a potential presidential candidate in 2022 elections.
Park had mostly maintained his activist colors as mayor, criticizing what he described as the country’s growing social and economic inequalities and corrupt ties between large businesses and politicians.
As a lawyer, he was credited with winning the country’s first sexual harassment conviction. He has also been an outspoken critic of Japan’s colonial-era policies toward Korea, including the mobilization of Korean and other women as sex slaves for Japanese soldiers.
Park also established himself as a fierce opponent of former conservative President Park Geun-hye and openly supported the millions of people who flooded the city’s streets in late 2016 and 2017 calling for her ouster over a corruption scandal.
Park Geun-hye, a daughter of late authoritarian leader Park Chung-hee, was formally removed from office in March 2017 and is currently serving a decades-long prison term on bribery and other charges.
Seoul, a city of 10 million people, has become a new center of the coronavirus outbreak in South Korea since the country eased its rigid social distancing rules in early May. Authorities are struggling to trace contacts amid surges in cases linked to nightclubs, church services, a huge e-commerce warehouse and door-to-door sellers in Seoul.
Park Won-soon led an aggressive anti-virus campaign, shutting down thousands of nightspots and banning rallies in major downtown streets.


mercurynews--2020-07-09--On this date, 1988: Giants score a San Francisco-record 21 runs

SAN FRANCISCO — Kelly Downs ’ bid to pitch the Giants ’ fourth consecutive shutout was spoiled Saturday , but his teammates tried to make up for it by providing some offense .
Some offense may be an understatement .
How about lots of offense ?
Make that tons of offense .
The Giants ’ 21-2 rout over the St. Louis Cardinals produced enough offense for a Hall of Fame bat and ball and some entries in the record books .
• The 19-run difference was the largest margin of victory in Giants history .
• The 21 runs were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Francisco history , and the 20 hits were a season high .
• Veteran infielder Chris Speier hit for the cycle for the second time in his career , and third baseman Kevin Mitchell ’ s four hits and four RBIs equaled his career highs .
• San Francisco ripped five homers and Ernest Riles ’ three-run shot accounted for the Giants 10,000th franchise home run .
The New York Yankees are the only other team to hit 10,000 .
The Giants ’ milestone will be duly noted : Both the bat and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baseball Hall of Fame .
“ I can ’ t remember a time in my managing career having a game like this , ” said Giants manager Roger Craig after watching his club chalk up its ninth victory in 11 games .
“ With everything that happened , it was just unbelievable to watch.
” Said Cardinals manager Whitey Herzog , who could only scarf down his postgame meal and try to keep things in perspective : “ I was hoping we ’ d have a doubleheader .
We would have tired their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ onslaught with five runs in the second off loser John Tudor ( 4-4 ) .
Speier ’ s two-out fluke double accounted for two runs in the inning , and when Speier scored on Will Clark ’ s triple , the Giants held their second batting practice of the day .
“ Chris ’ ball was foul .
That wind took it right down the line , ” Herzog said of Speier ’ s double .
“ That ’ s when all hell broke loose.
” Speier agreed that of all his hits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second innings , a home run in the fifth , a single in the sixth and a triple in the seventh — the cheapest one was the most meaningful .
“ That was the big hit for the team because it gave us more RBIs and a cushion .
It made it more relaxing for us , ” said the 38-year-old Speier , who had six RBIs .
“ That hit I wasn ’ t real proud of , but it made things happen.
” The runs piled up like points on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which , by the way , coincided with Bob Forsch ’ s appearance in relief .
San Francisco , ending a streak of 60 innings without a homer , ripped five in the next two innings .
Forsch lasted only 1 1/3 innings and his line was a pitcher ’ s nightmare : eight hits ( two homers ) , eight runs ( all earned ) , one walk and one strikeout .
The next Cardinals pitcher , left-hander Steve Peters , did not fare much better .
The Giants rocked him for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ runs — Bob Melvin ’ s sixth , Clark ’ s 20th and Riles ’ landmark homer in the seventh inning .
By this time , the 34,666 fans were giddy , and the kids in the bleachers had worn themselves out chasing balls over the fence .
Herzog waved the white flag by clearing his bench in the sixth inning , but the Giants weren ’ t ready to quit .
“ I was telling ( outfielder ) Donell Nixon , ‘ What if they come back on us ?
That would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Man , forget this .
We ’ ve got to get some more hits , ’ ” said Mitchell , who was 4 for 5 .
With all the fireworks at the plate , the forgotten man on the mound was Downs , who racked up his eighth win on a seven-hitter while helping his own cause with two hits and two RBIs in three at-bats .
• Five things we learned at the Giants ’ workout : Gausman picks up where he left off , Belt injured • Giants ’ Hunter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stars : ‘ I don ’ t think there ’ s any certainty here ’ • Kurtenbach : There are a billion reasons why sports won ’ t shut down again Downs gave up singles to Terry Pendleton and Jose Oquendo and a double to Tom Brunansky , which accounted for St. Louis ’ two runs in the fourth .
Despite the victory , Downs wanted the shutout and wasn ’ t satisfied with his performance .
“ I was out there with the intention of throwing a shutout , ” he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a letdown because I thought I could have thrown better pitches .
I really didn ’ t think I had good stuff today .
I didn ’ t feel that great .
I just thought I could have pitched better.
” At least Downs can ’ t accuse his teammates of not scoring enough runs , which had been the case in previous outings .
It could be , as Craig hinted Saturday , that the Giants are on their way to recapturing the offense that so intimidated the opposition last season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Humm-Baby dimensions after all .

(This story was originally published in 1988)
SAN FRANCISCO — Kelly Downs’ bid to pitch the Giants’ fourth consecutive shutout was spoiled Saturday, but his teammates tried to make up for it by providing some offense. Some offense may be an understatement. How about lots of offense? Make that tons of offense.
The Giants’ 21-2 rout over the St. Louis Cardinals produced enough offense for a Hall of Fame bat and ball and some entries in the record books.
Among the Giants’ feats:
The 19-run difference was the largest margin of victory in Giants history.
The 21 runs were the most in the Giants’ San Francisco history, and the 20 hits were a season high.
Veteran infielder Chris Speier hit for the cycle for the second time in his career, and third baseman Kevin Mitchell’s four hits and four RBIs equaled his career highs.
San Francisco ripped five homers and Ernest Riles’ three-run shot accounted for the Giants 10,000th franchise home run. The New York Yankees are the only other team to hit 10,000. The Giants’ milestone will be duly noted: Both the bat and the ball will be sent to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
“I can’t remember a time in my managing career having a game like this,” said Giants manager Roger Craig after watching his club chalk up its ninth victory in 11 games.
“With everything that happened, it was just unbelievable to watch.” Said Cardinals manager Whitey Herzog, who could only scarf down his postgame meal and try to keep things in perspective: “I was hoping we’d have a doubleheader. We would have tired their butts out.”
The Giants began their onslaught with five runs in the second off loser John Tudor (4-4). Speier’s two-out fluke double accounted for two runs in the inning, and when Speier scored on Will Clark’s triple, the Giants held their second batting practice of the day.
“Chris’ ball was foul. That wind took it right down the line,” Herzog said of Speier’s double. “That’s when all hell broke loose.”
Speier agreed that of all his hits Saturday — doubles in the first and second innings, a home run in the fifth, a single in the sixth and a triple in the seventh — the cheapest one was the most meaningful.
“That was the big hit for the team because it gave us more RBIs and a cushion. It made it more relaxing for us,” said the 38-year-old Speier, who had six RBIs. “That hit I wasn’t real proud of, but it made things happen.”
The runs piled up like points on a pinball machine after the fourth inning, which, by the way, coincided with Bob Forsch’s appearance in relief.
San Francisco, ending a streak of 60 innings without a homer, ripped five in the next two innings. Forsch lasted only 1 1/3 innings and his line was a pitcher’s nightmare: eight hits (two homers), eight runs (all earned), one walk and one strikeout.
The next Cardinals pitcher, left-hander Steve Peters, did not fare much better. The Giants rocked him for eight more runs, including three home runs — Bob Melvin’s sixth, Clark’s 20th and Riles’ landmark homer in the seventh inning.
By this time, the 34,666 fans were giddy, and the kids in the bleachers had worn themselves out chasing balls over the fence.
Herzog waved the white flag by clearing his bench in the sixth inning, but the Giants weren’t ready to quit.
“I was telling (outfielder) Donell Nixon, ‘What if they come back on us? That would be the greatest comeback in the world. Man, forget this. We’ve got to get some more hits,’ ” said Mitchell, who was 4 for 5.
With all the fireworks at the plate, the forgotten man on the mound was Downs, who racked up his eighth win on a seven-hitter while helping his own cause with two hits and two RBIs in three at-bats.
Downs gave up singles to Terry Pendleton and Jose Oquendo and a double to Tom Brunansky, which accounted for St. Louis’ two runs in the fourth. Despite the victory, Downs wanted the shutout and wasn’t satisfied with his performance.
“I was out there with the intention of throwing a shutout,” he said. “It was a little bit of a letdown because I thought I could have thrown better pitches. I really didn’t think I had good stuff today. I didn’t feel that great. I just thought I could have pitched better.”
At least Downs can’t accuse his teammates of not scoring enough runs, which had been the case in previous outings. It could be, as Craig hinted Saturday, that the Giants are on their way to recapturing the offense that so intimidated the opposition last season.
Maybe a ho-hum season can take on Humm-Baby dimensions after all.


mercurynews--2020-07-09--Monterey County server who halted SF tech CEO’s racist rant called a ‘hero’

CARMEL VALLEY — The man who set up a GoFund Me page for Gennica Cochran said she did not seek attention or want attention after she stepped between a man yelling racist epitaphs at a family trying to enjoy a birthday celebration and in no uncertain terms showed him the door .
Social media , however , had a different idea On Independence Day , Cochran was working a day shift at Lucia Restaurant , part of Bernardus Lodge & Spa in Carmel Valley , when she heard profanity-laden racial slurs coming from the dining room .
She saw Michael @ @ @ @ @ @ @ startup Solid8 , spewing racial expletives at an American family of Asian heritage .
A video posted by a member of the family that was verbally assaulted shows Cochran putting herself between the family and Lofthouse and telling him he needed to leave : “ You do not talk to our guests like that , ” she said .
When he started to argue with her she didn ’ t mince words .
The incident launched quick condemnation of Lofthouse , who later in a prepared statement acknowledged his behavior was “ appalling.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ viral and has since then been viewed thousands of times across the country and in many parts of the world .
At the same time the outpouring of support for the family of Jordan Chan , who posted the video on her Instagram page , has been equally as swift .
Chan wrote on her post that she and her family “ were celebrating my tita ’ s birthday , literally just singing happy birthday to her and taking pictures when this white supremacist starts yelling disgusting racist remarks at us.
” As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ woman in the video giving Lofthouse the boot , the social media focus began to include her as well .
A GoFundMe page was set up to acknowledge Cochran with financial support .
The page set a goal of $ 1,000 .
By Wednesday contributions climbed past $ 14,000 .
Jeremy Stephens , a southern California man who launched the GoFundMe page titled “ A Big Tip for an Everyday Hero , ” told the Herald that his motivation was to shift the focus from Lofthouse to Cochran and the victims .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like this — men like this are a dime a dozen , ” Stephens said .
“ But Gennica ’ s passionate fury made me think : Why can ’ t we reward those doing the right thing instead of focusing on those who do the wrong thing ?
” There were an abundance of personal notes to Cochran on the GoFundMe page .
One person donated $ 888 because in Chinese numerology the numeral 8 is considered lucky , so 888 is considered a triple fortune bestowed on a person .
Another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many of the comments were saying .
“ Gennica !
!
When I saw this video without knowing it was you I just said ‘ Wow !
’ and when I found out it was you I wasn ’ t too surprised , ” the supporter wrote .
“ Thank you so much for standing up to this racism .
It means more than you know.
” The GoFundMe page is at https : //bit.ly/2BTvBAv .
In a statement , Bernardus general manager Sean Damery acknowledged Cochran ’ s role , saying the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; however , we are proud of our staff at Lucia in keeping with Bernardus Lodge ’ s core values ; this incident was handled swiftly and the diner was escorted off property without further escalation .
We provide guests with a safe environment for lodging and dining , and extend our sincere apologies to the guests enjoying a birthday celebration on a holiday weekend.
” • H-1B : San Jose firm will pay to resolve claim it favored Indian applicants over white applicants • Trump rails against ‘ cancel culture ’ but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chan family suffered is neither new nor rare .
A new report by the Anti-Defamation League , which began as a watchdog against behavior targeting Jewish people but has now expanded to combat racism against all ethnicities , said there are “ surging reports of xenophobic and racist incidents targeting members of the Asian-American and Pacific Islander community.
” These incidents include Americans of Asian ancestry being told to “ Go back to China , ” which the man at Lucia ’ s also yelled at the family .
The incidents surged after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , started referring to the virus as the “ Chinese virus.
” “ These statements may be exacerbating the scapegoating and targeting of the Asian-American community , ” the report reads .
Cochran was not immediately available to comment .

CARMEL VALLEY — The man who set up a GoFund Me page for Gennica Cochran said she did not seek attention or want attention after she stepped between a man yelling racist epitaphs at a family trying to enjoy a birthday celebration and in no uncertain terms showed him the door.
Social media, however, had a different idea
On Independence Day, Cochran was working a day shift at Lucia Restaurant, part of Bernardus Lodge & Spa in Carmel Valley, when she heard profanity-laden racial slurs coming from the dining room. She saw Michael Lofthouse, chief executive of San Francisco startup Solid8, spewing racial expletives at an American family of Asian heritage.
A video posted by a member of the family that was verbally assaulted shows Cochran putting herself between the family and Lofthouse and telling him he needed to leave: “You do not talk to our guests like that,” she said. When he started to argue with her she didn’t mince words.
“Get out!” she’s seen telling him.
Related Articles California News | San Francisco tech CEO launches racist tirade at Asian family in viral video The incident launched quick condemnation of Lofthouse, who later in a prepared statement acknowledged his behavior was “appalling.” But not before the video went viral and has since then been viewed thousands of times across the country and in many parts of the world.
At the same time the outpouring of support for the family of Jordan Chan, who posted the video on her Instagram page, has been equally as swift.
Chan wrote on her post that she and her family “were celebrating my tita’s birthday, literally just singing happy birthday to her and taking pictures when this white supremacist starts yelling disgusting racist remarks at us.”
As word got out that Cochran was the woman in the video giving Lofthouse the boot, the social media focus began to include her as well. A GoFundMe page was set up to acknowledge Cochran with financial support. The page set a goal of $1,000. By Wednesday contributions climbed past $14,000.
Jeremy Stephens, a southern California man who launched the GoFundMe page titled “A Big Tip for an Everyday Hero,” told the Herald that his motivation was to shift the focus from Lofthouse to Cochran and the victims.
“Time and time again we see videos like this — men like this are a dime a dozen,” Stephens said. “But Gennica’s passionate fury made me think: Why can’t we reward those doing the right thing instead of focusing on those who do the wrong thing?”
There were an abundance of personal notes to Cochran on the GoFundMe page. One person donated $888 because in Chinese numerology the numeral 8 is considered lucky, so 888 is considered a triple fortune bestowed on a person.
Another person who knows Cochran summed up what many of the comments were saying.
“Gennica!! When I saw this video without knowing it was you I just said ‘Wow!’ and when I found out it was you I wasn’t too surprised,” the supporter wrote. “Thank you so much for standing up to this racism. It means more than you know.”
The GoFundMe page is at https://bit.ly/2BTvBAv.
In a statement, Bernardus general manager Sean Damery acknowledged Cochran’s role, saying the incident was “an extremely unfortunate situation; however, we are proud of our staff at Lucia in keeping with Bernardus Lodge’s core values; this incident was handled swiftly and the diner was escorted off property without further escalation. We provide guests with a safe environment for lodging and dining, and extend our sincere apologies to the guests enjoying a birthday celebration on a holiday weekend.”
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Hair relaxers have been linked to cancer among Black women, litigation says. ‘Nobody cares except us.’ California News | Contra Costa DA attempts to block publicization of new racist texts by Antioch cops What the Chan family suffered is neither new nor rare. A new report by the Anti-Defamation League, which began as a watchdog against behavior targeting Jewish people but has now expanded to combat racism against all ethnicities, said there are “surging reports of xenophobic and racist incidents targeting members of the Asian-American and Pacific Islander community.”
These incidents include Americans of Asian ancestry being told to “Go back to China,” which the man at Lucia’s also yelled at the family. The incidents surged after public officials, beginning with President Trump, started referring to the virus as the “Chinese virus.”
“These statements may be exacerbating the scapegoating and targeting of the Asian-American community,” the report reads.
Cochran was not immediately available to comment.