mercurynews--2020-03-23--Horoscopes March 23, 2020: Michelle Monaghan and Keri Russell share advice.

Happy Birthday : Hash over the possibilities and how best to approach the goals you set .
Make sure you understand what ’ s entailed and the time involved before you agree to begin something new .
Realism , coupled with practicality , will be required .
Too much of anything will be your downfall .
Be innovative and think big , but when it comes time to move forward , be moderate .
Your numbers are 6 , 18 , 23 , 25 , 33 , 39 , 43 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Question whatever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you face , and reflect .
Your options are better than you think .
Believe in your abilities , and refuse to make a shortsighted decision .
Preparation is essential if you want to get concrete results .
3 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : If you ’ re going to bring about a change , you will have to submit a plan .
Take a closer look at your finances , and make changes to your spending habits and monthly expenses .
Put more effort into fixing rather than replacing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May 21-June 20 ) : Don ’ t fold under pressure .
Take on responsibilities that are doable .
Trust your instincts , not what someone with lofty ideas wants you to support .
Don ’ t limit what you can do , but stop others from taking advantage of you .
2 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Keep everything moving along .
If you waffle or become inconsistent , you will have to make up for lost time .
Don ’ t overanalyze when all that ’ s required @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the other .
A partnership will entice you .
5 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Be receptive , but don ’ t let anyone take advantage of you .
Concentrate on what you do best and how to get ahead .
Don ’ t sit back if someone tries to steal your thunder .
If you ’ ve got something to sell , make your presentation .
3 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Spend more time fleshing out your plans with someone who shares your sentiments .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ward off a problem later on .
A kind gesture will encourage others to open up to you regarding sensitive issues .
3 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Don ’ t rely on anyone except yourself if you want things done correctly .
Make an innovative decision that will help you get your point across .
Say what ’ s on your mind , and commit to someone willing to meet you halfway .
3 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Get ready to execute your plan .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s up to you to make it happen .
Ask for what you want , and go after your dreams .
There are plenty of opportunities waiting for you to scoop up and get started .
3 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Words and truth matter .
Conversations will be challenging to decipher , and the truth is likely to be exaggerated .
You can ’ t control what others do , but you can make sure that you don ’ t contribute to giving people the wrong impression .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) : What goes around comes around .
What you ’ ve experienced can help you make a better decision now .
The element of surprise will work in your favor .
A last-minute change will give you the edge you need when faced with competition .
Romance is favored .
4 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Let go of the past .
Refuse to let temptation get the better of you .
Investing in something risky or unhealthy because someone is coaxing you to get involved will bring you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Consider what brings you joy , and head in that direction .
If you need to pick up additional skills , do so ; if reconnecting with someone you have worked alongside in the past will help you move forward now , make the call .
3 stars Birthday Baby : You are impulsive , original and persuasive .
You are aggressive and respectful .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Michelle Monaghan, 44; Keri Russell, 44; Catherine Keener, 61; Chaka Khan, 67.
Happy Birthday: Hash over the possibilities and how best to approach the goals you set. Make sure you understand what’s entailed and the time involved before you agree to begin something new. Realism, coupled with practicality, will be required. Too much of anything will be your downfall. Be innovative and think big, but when it comes time to move forward, be moderate. Your numbers are 6, 18, 23, 25, 33, 39, 43.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Question whatever eludes you. Sum up whatever situation you face, and reflect. Your options are better than you think. Believe in your abilities, and refuse to make a shortsighted decision. Preparation is essential if you want to get concrete results. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): If you’re going to bring about a change, you will have to submit a plan. Take a closer look at your finances, and make changes to your spending habits and monthly expenses. Put more effort into fixing rather than replacing faulty items. 4 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Don’t fold under pressure. Take on responsibilities that are doable. Trust your instincts, not what someone with lofty ideas wants you to support. Don’t limit what you can do, but stop others from taking advantage of you. 2 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Keep everything moving along. If you waffle or become inconsistent, you will have to make up for lost time. Don’t overanalyze when all that’s required is putting one foot in front of the other. A partnership will entice you. 5 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Be receptive, but don’t let anyone take advantage of you. Concentrate on what you do best and how to get ahead. Don’t sit back if someone tries to steal your thunder. If you’ve got something to sell, make your presentation. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Spend more time fleshing out your plans with someone who shares your sentiments. A couple of changes implemented now can ward off a problem later on. A kind gesture will encourage others to open up to you regarding sensitive issues. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Don’t rely on anyone except yourself if you want things done correctly. Make an innovative decision that will help you get your point across. Say what’s on your mind, and commit to someone willing to meet you halfway. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Get ready to execute your plan. Change is overdue, and it’s up to you to make it happen. Ask for what you want, and go after your dreams. There are plenty of opportunities waiting for you to scoop up and get started. 3 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Words and truth matter. Conversations will be challenging to decipher, and the truth is likely to be exaggerated. You can’t control what others do, but you can make sure that you don’t contribute to giving people the wrong impression. 2 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): What goes around comes around. What you’ve experienced can help you make a better decision now. The element of surprise will work in your favor. A last-minute change will give you the edge you need when faced with competition. Romance is favored. 4 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Let go of the past. Refuse to let temptation get the better of you. Investing in something risky or unhealthy because someone is coaxing you to get involved will bring you down. Show discipline and courage. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Consider what brings you joy, and head in that direction. If you need to pick up additional skills, do so; if reconnecting with someone you have worked alongside in the past will help you move forward now, make the call. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are impulsive, original and persuasive. You are aggressive and respectful.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-03-23--Ask Amy: My boyfriend thinks coronavirus is a joke

DEAR AMY : Help !
I live in an area with confirmed cases of coronavirus disease .
There have been deaths from the illness within miles of where I live .
My boyfriend is making jokes , saying it is being blown out of proportion .
I know a lot of other people are joking about this , too .
Maybe I could be a little more tolerant of their comments if I didn ’ t have cancer , in addition to two other autoimmune issues .
The boyfriend — and other friends who are fully aware of my situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerned with how his/their remarks make me feel even more frightened than I already am .
I am already pretty much house-bound .
There must be other people who feel the way I do ?
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DEAR NERVOUS : I ’ m sure there are many , many other people who feel as you do — certainly those with underlying illnesses or health conditions which render them more susceptible to serious illness — or death — from flu or the Coronavirus .
Sometimes people joke about issues that are actually frightening , as a way to whistle past the graveyard .
Sometimes people joke about frightening issues because they are insensitive gits .
My sense is that you have some people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kind of viral toxicity .
I wish there was a way to inoculate you against exposure to them .
You should guard your health and work hard to keep your stress and panic in check .
DEAR AMY : Several years ago , I collaborated on a project with an outside contractor .
Although there is a large age difference between us , we hit it off right away and enjoy a friendship and communicate frequently .
We always try to get together when we are within an hour ’ s driving distance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person .
There is nothing like sitting across from a friend and breaking bread together .
We will be in the same city next month and are making plans to get together for dinner .
In the past , greeting each other meant a big hug .
In the age of COVID-19 , what should we do now ?
A fist bump seems hardly adequate , but I certainly would not want to spread ( or catch ) the virus .
We also all have the need for human touch , and what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emotionally ?
I want to be smart — not cavalier or hysterical .
I have to think other people also have this question .
What ’ s a person to do ?
DEAR WONDERING : “ Social distancing ” might be the most effective way of halting the spread of the coronavirus .
You can greet someone by using the “ praying hands ” technique of pressing your own two hands together and giving a little bow .
( I call this the “ namaste-hello.
” ) You can fold your hands across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ no touch , ” or greet your friend , saying , “ How about an air-hug ?
” Because you are dining together , you could also practice other germ-avoiding techniques such as not sharing food , drinks , or touching anything on the table that he has touched .
DEAR AMY : What do you say to a 50-ish woman who doesn ’ t wash her hands after using the restroom ?
I work in a large office building that houses around 20 professional businesses .
There are common-area restrooms in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With regular flu going around and coronavirus ramping up , it seems like a no-brainer to wash one ’ s hands .
Signs have been posted around the building about covering your cough and proper washing techniques , and this woman still leaves her stall and heads straight back to her office .
What ’ s a tactful , polite way to say , “ Wash your hands !
” ?
DEAR GROSSED OUT : The management company running the building should post signs on each bathroom mirror and on the inside doors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their hands thoroughly .
If any individual in any of the companies within this building gets this virus , it could have a large and lingering impact on a great many people .
This worldwide viral outbreak has inspired many excellent and entertaining videos on proper handwashing technique .
It also provides cover for you to ask , “ Would you mind washing your hands before leaving the bathroom ?
” In addition to washing your own hands thoroughly , you should also use a paper towel to turn the handle on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has led me down a rabbit hole of information about the spread of “ fecal matter ” outside of the bathroom .
It ’ s not pretty .
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy , P.O .
Box 194 , Freeville , NY 13068 .
You can also follow her on Twitter @ askingamy or Facebook .

DEAR AMY: Help! I live in an area with confirmed cases of coronavirus disease. There have been deaths from the illness within miles of where I live.
My boyfriend is making jokes, saying it is being blown out of proportion. I know a lot of other people are joking about this, too.
Maybe I could be a little more tolerant of their comments if I didn’t have cancer, in addition to two other autoimmune issues.
The boyfriend — and other friends who are fully aware of my situation — don’t seem to be concerned with how his/their remarks make me feel even more frightened than I already am.
I am already pretty much house-bound. There must be other people who feel the way I do?
Nervous and Annoyed
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Ask Amy: I’ve told them they need therapy, and they refuse to do it. What now? Advice | Ask Amy: The man I love is my grandchild’s uncle, and things have gotten messy DEAR NERVOUS: I’m sure there are many, many other people who feel as you do — certainly those with underlying illnesses or health conditions which render them more susceptible to serious illness — or death — from flu or the Coronavirus.
Sometimes people joke about issues that are actually frightening, as a way to whistle past the graveyard.
Sometimes people joke about frightening issues because they are insensitive gits.
My sense is that you have some people in your life who present their own kind of viral toxicity. I wish there was a way to inoculate you against exposure to them. You should guard your health and work hard to keep your stress and panic in check.
DEAR AMY: Several years ago, I collaborated on a project with an outside contractor. Although there is a large age difference between us, we hit it off right away and enjoy a friendship and communicate frequently.
We always try to get together when we are within an hour’s driving distance, so we can catch up in person. There is nothing like sitting across from a friend and breaking bread together. We will be in the same city next month and are making plans to get together for dinner.
In the past, greeting each other meant a big hug. In the age of COVID-19, what should we do now? A fist bump seems hardly adequate, but I certainly would not want to spread (or catch) the virus.
We also all have the need for human touch, and what is this going to do to us emotionally? I want to be smart — not cavalier or hysterical.
I have to think other people also have this question. What’s a person to do?
Wondering
DEAR WONDERING: “Social distancing” might be the most effective way of halting the spread of the coronavirus. You can greet someone by using the “praying hands” technique of pressing your own two hands together and giving a little bow. (I call this the “namaste-hello.”) You can fold your hands across your chest as a way of signaling “no touch,” or greet your friend, saying, “How about an air-hug?”
Because you are dining together, you could also practice other germ-avoiding techniques such as not sharing food, drinks, or touching anything on the table that he has touched.
DEAR AMY: What do you say to a 50-ish woman who doesn’t wash her hands after using the restroom?
I work in a large office building that houses around 20 professional businesses. There are common-area restrooms in the main hallways of the building. With regular flu going around and coronavirus ramping up, it seems like a no-brainer to wash one’s hands.
Signs have been posted around the building about covering your cough and proper washing techniques, and this woman still leaves her stall and heads straight back to her office.
What’s a tactful, polite way to say, “Wash your hands!”?
Grossed Out
Want Ask Amy delivered to your inbox for free on weekdays?
DEAR GROSSED OUT: The management company running the building should post signs on each bathroom mirror and on the inside doors of stalls, reminding people to wash their hands thoroughly. If any individual in any of the companies within this building gets this virus, it could have a large and lingering impact on a great many people.
This worldwide viral outbreak has inspired many excellent and entertaining videos on proper handwashing technique. It also provides cover for you to ask, “Would you mind washing your hands before leaving the bathroom?”
In addition to washing your own hands thoroughly, you should also use a paper towel to turn the handle on the bathroom door before exiting.
My research has led me down a rabbit hole of information about the spread of “fecal matter” outside of the bathroom. It’s not pretty.
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.


mercurynews--2020-03-23--Letter: Will Bay Area biotech firms offer masks, gloves, ‘bunny suits’?

We can solve the mask and supply shortage today .
Bay Area biotech and pharmaceutical companies likely have massive supplies of personal protective equipment and lab supplies that health care workers desperately need right now .
Outside health care , these industries are among the largest consumers of gloves , masks , gowns , eye-protection , pipette tips and a variety of other supplies in short supply during the COVID-19 crisis .
Last month , coincidentally , I was in Milan auditing a global pharma firm and myself went through three full gown sets .
It is not uncommon for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , masks and gowns per day .
The “ bunny suits , ” as they are often called , are used just once and discarded when entering each clean area .
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Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Bay Area biotech firms
could offer ‘bunny suits’
We can solve the mask and supply shortage today.
Bay Area biotech and pharmaceutical companies likely have massive supplies of personal protective equipment and lab supplies that health care workers desperately need right now.
Outside health care, these industries are among the largest consumers of gloves, masks, gowns, eye-protection, pipette tips and a variety of other supplies in short supply during the COVID-19 crisis.
Last month, coincidentally, I was in Milan auditing a global pharma firm and myself went through three full gown sets. It is not uncommon for pharma companies to use thousands of gloves, masks and gowns per day. The “bunny suits,” as they are often called, are used just once and discarded when entering each clean area.
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Chirag Asaravala
Alamo
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
Read more Letters to the Editor


mercurynews--2020-03-23--Harriette Cole: I’m getting the side-eye because I’m half-Asian

DEAR HARRIETTE : My school is in chaos .
Many students are avoiding classes due to the outbreak of coronavirus in New York City .
People are discriminating against Asian American students in my school .
When I go out in public , people seem to avoid me more frequently .
At school , the Asian kids are avoided .
Being a mixed-race , I do not appear fully Asian ; however , I have experienced some shunning and more than a few side-eye glances .
One of my friends is scared to walk around by herself due to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discrimination is starting to happen in my school as well .
What should I do to fight against the paranoia ?
DEAR PARANOID : Sadly , when people are afraid , they lash out at others — often without facts and figures to back them up .
This strain of coronavirus , COVID-19 , originated in China , but you are obviously far away from China .
As the disease spreads , some people see anyone who appears to be Asian as the cause of the disease .
What can you do ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep yourself healthy .
As uncomfortable as being avoided and judged may feel , turn it around and welcome the avoidance as a way of keeping separated from unhealthy people .
Travel with friends who are worried so that you feel safer together .
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@ @ @ @ @ @ @ suddenly want me to change my hair color ?
Resist the urge to debate your health status or the obvious racism that you are experiencing .
This will not help you right now .
You want to avoid any reason to swap bodily fluids , including yelling at others and potentially sharing spit .
This virus is serious , so let the side-eyes go , for now .
DEAR HARRIETTE : My best friend of many years is possibly avoiding me .
I recently texted him to see if he wanted to meet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he was too busy and wouldn ’ t be able to make it , which is fine .
Later on , I asked if we could hang out the next week , to which he responded no .
I understand he has a personal life , so I asked what would work for him .
He never responded in the coming weeks .
Due to this delay , I texted him and asked when he was free .
Finally , he gave me a date , and our hangout was set up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to meet , he canceled .
He said it was due to the amount of work he had to do .
At this point , my friend is pushing me aside .
Whenever he cancels , he never calls or texts me back .
Why would he do this ?
Does he not want to be friends ?
DEAR PUSHED AWAY : As badly as this hurts , your former best friend is proving that you no longer fill that role in his life , at least not right now .
Step back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treated this way , so do not allow it .
Stop calling him .
Stop trying to schedule a meeting .
Pivot away from him and to yourself .
Lick your wounds .
Reorder your steps and accept that he no longer deserves the hallowed role of your best friend .
It is time to move on .
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS , an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams .
You can send questions to askharriette @ harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MO 64106 .

DEAR HARRIETTE: My school is in chaos. Many students are avoiding classes due to the outbreak of coronavirus in New York City. People are discriminating against Asian American students in my school.
When I go out in public, people seem to avoid me more frequently. At school, the Asian kids are avoided. Being a mixed-race, I do not appear fully Asian; however, I have experienced some shunning and more than a few side-eye glances.
One of my friends is scared to walk around by herself due to the amount of violence against Asians. This discrimination is starting to happen in my school as well.
What should I do to fight against the paranoia?
Paranoid
DEAR PARANOID: Sadly, when people are afraid, they lash out at others — often without facts and figures to back them up. This strain of coronavirus, COVID-19, originated in China, but you are obviously far away from China. As the disease spreads, some people see anyone who appears to be Asian as the cause of the disease.
What can you do? In the short term, work to keep yourself healthy. As uncomfortable as being avoided and judged may feel, turn it around and welcome the avoidance as a way of keeping separated from unhealthy people. Travel with friends who are worried so that you feel safer together.
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Harriette Cole: I’m ashamed to tell people I forgave my childhood friend Advice | Harriette Cole: I’ve worked hard, and my poor siblings resent my success Resist the urge to debate your health status or the obvious racism that you are experiencing. This will not help you right now.
You want to avoid any reason to swap bodily fluids, including yelling at others and potentially sharing spit. This virus is serious, so let the side-eyes go, for now.
DEAR HARRIETTE: My best friend of many years is possibly avoiding me. I recently texted him to see if he wanted to meet so we can catch up. He said he was too busy and wouldn’t be able to make it, which is fine. Later on, I asked if we could hang out the next week, to which he responded no.
I understand he has a personal life, so I asked what would work for him. He never responded in the coming weeks. Due to this delay, I texted him and asked when he was free. Finally, he gave me a date, and our hangout was set up.
On the day we were supposed to meet, he canceled. He said it was due to the amount of work he had to do. At this point, my friend is pushing me aside. Whenever he cancels, he never calls or texts me back. Why would he do this? Does he not want to be friends?
Pushed Away
DEAR PUSHED AWAY: As badly as this hurts, your former best friend is proving that you no longer fill that role in his life, at least not right now. Step back. You do not deserve to be treated this way, so do not allow it.
Stop calling him. Stop trying to schedule a meeting. Pivot away from him and to yourself. Lick your wounds. Reorder your steps and accept that he no longer deserves the hallowed role of your best friend. It is time to move on.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-03-23--Miss Manners: Waiters make hurtful comments to me

DEAR MISS MANNERS : I don ’ t know how to deal with the rude comments I occasionally get from restaurant waitstaff about how I eat — specifically when I eat quickly , or eat everything on my plate .
I ’ m not overweight , and I ’ m male , so they may feel it ’ s OK to tease me when they probably wouldn ’ t do so with an overweight customer or a woman ( as I ’ ve always been taught that it ’ s the height of rudeness to comment even obliquely about a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given my appearance , coupled with the “ we ’ re all friends here ” attitude you get in most restaurants , it feels like servers consider me fair game for this ostensibly innocent joshing .
But to me , it feels like they ’ re saying I eat like a pig , which I find both embarrassing and infuriating .
Just this morning , when a server came to clear my table at breakfast , she paused to look at my plate and said approvingly , “ Very good !
” as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve also gotten , “ You must have been hungry , ” and “ Wow , that was fast !
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What do we tell them ?
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But that ’ s not the server ’ s business , and it ’ s certainly not appropriate for them to comment on how I eat the food I ’ m paying for .
But I never know how to respond to these comments in a dignified way that also lets them know that their comment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : You ’ re not all friends there .
They are paid to wait on you , not to critique your eating habits .
But yes , Miss Manners knows that the boundaries are often violated .
The tactful way to counter intrusive teasing is to take it seriously .
“ I ’ m sorry — am I going too fast for you ?
” and “ Good ?
Yes , the food was good .
May I have the check , please ?
” DEAR MISS MANNERS : I am hosting an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have an etiquette conflict .
I want to include gift bags with handwritten “ thank you for attending ” notes , but he doesn ’ t think it ’ s a good idea .
Allow me to expand : We host an annual Easter celebration .
The duration of the party is from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m .
Guests are instructed to bring a side dish , and we provide the main entree .
Our activities , besides the food , include an egg hunt ( for children and adults ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only ) and egg decorating ( also for children ) .
GENTLE READER : It is not Miss Manners ’ job to discourage the writing of letters of thanks .
Considering how often she has to chastise people for not doing so , it makes her dizzy .
But the gentleman is right that there is something not quite right about hosts writing to thank their guests for attending .
It is fine for them to do so as the guests leave .
But the next day is the time to reflect on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the hosts themselves can hardly do that .
If the hosts beat them to expressing gratitude , it seems like prompting .
And for occasions associated with presents — for which the hosts should certainly express thanks — it will seem like dunning .
Besides , although you are organizing this event , you and he are not the sole hosts .
Requesting food donations means it is a cooperative party .
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website , www.missmanners.com ; to her email , dearmissmanners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Miss Manners , Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I don’t know how to deal with the rude comments I occasionally get from restaurant waitstaff about how I eat — specifically when I eat quickly, or eat everything on my plate.
I’m not overweight, and I’m male, so they may feel it’s OK to tease me when they probably wouldn’t do so with an overweight customer or a woman (as I’ve always been taught that it’s the height of rudeness to comment even obliquely about a woman’s weight).
So given my appearance, coupled with the “we’re all friends here” attitude you get in most restaurants, it feels like servers consider me fair game for this ostensibly innocent joshing.
But to me, it feels like they’re saying I eat like a pig, which I find both embarrassing and infuriating. Just this morning, when a server came to clear my table at breakfast, she paused to look at my plate and said approvingly, “Very good!” as if I were a child. I’ve also gotten, “You must have been hungry,” and “Wow, that was fast!”
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Miss Manners: She wants to turn our music festival into a get-drunk weekend Advice | Miss Manners: My rule is no gift for a second wedding, no attendance for a third For the record, yes, I do tend to eat fast, and, yes, I do tend to eat everything on my plate. But that’s not the server’s business, and it’s certainly not appropriate for them to comment on how I eat the food I’m paying for. But I never know how to respond to these comments in a dignified way that also lets them know that their comment is inappropriate and hurtful.
GENTLE READER: You’re not all friends there. They are paid to wait on you, not to critique your eating habits. But yes, Miss Manners knows that the boundaries are often violated.
The tactful way to counter intrusive teasing is to take it seriously. “I’m sorry — am I going too fast for you?” and “Good? Yes, the food was good. May I have the check, please?”
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am hosting an Easter event, and my boyfriend and I have an etiquette conflict. I want to include gift bags with handwritten “thank you for attending” notes, but he doesn’t think it’s a good idea.
Allow me to expand: We host an annual Easter celebration. The duration of the party is from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Guests are instructed to bring a side dish, and we provide the main entree. Our activities, besides the food, include an egg hunt (for children and adults), an egg race (for children only) and egg decorating (also for children).
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GENTLE READER: It is not Miss Manners’ job to discourage the writing of letters of thanks. Considering how often she has to chastise people for not doing so, it makes her dizzy.
But the gentleman is right that there is something not quite right about hosts writing to thank their guests for attending. It is fine for them to do so as the guests leave. But the next day is the time to reflect on what a great party the hosts threw, and the hosts themselves can hardly do that.
If the hosts beat them to expressing gratitude, it seems like prompting. And for occasions associated with presents — for which the hosts should certainly express thanks — it will seem like dunning.
Besides, although you are organizing this event, you and he are not the sole hosts. Requesting food donations means it is a cooperative party.
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-03-23--Julie Jason: It’s a good time to look into online courses

Now that the coronavirus is disrupting daily life , you are probably spending less time out and about , and more time at home .
That presents a perfect opportunity to “ MOOC.
” If you have not come across MOOC ’ s , the acronym stands for “ Massive Open Online Courses.
” An example of a MOOC is Coursera , founded in 2012 by two Stanford University computer science professors , Daphne Koller and Andrew Ng , whose vision was to provide “ life-transforming learning experiences to anyone , anywhere.
” I don ’ t know about you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life-transforming experiences right now .
Coursera offers transformative online courses , including those taught by professors from the Ivies .
Let me give you a few examples of what you can study while relaxing with your laptop .
For investors : Financial Markets from Yale University ; Behavioral Finance from Duke University ; Bonds & Stocks from University of Michigan .
For business : English for Career Development from University of Pennsylvania ; Introduction to Marketing from University of Pennsylvania ; Algorithms from Princeton University .
For readers and writers : English for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Modern & Contemporary American Poetry from Pennsylvania .
For art enthusiasts : Age of Cathedrals from Yale University ; and Design : Creation of Artifacts in Society from University of Pennsylvania .
For everybody : Introduction to Climate Change and Health from Yale University ; The Science of Well-Being from Yale University ; Introduction to Negotiation : A Strategic Playbook for Becoming a Principled and Persuasive Negotiator from Yale University .
This is a very short list .
Coursera offers more than 4,000 courses , plenty to keep you engaged and informed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Coursera also offers 400+ specializations , 8 MasterTrack certificates , 15 professional certificates and 17 degrees .
Some are free ; some are paid .
Specializations give you a chance to master a career skill and earn a specialization certificate .
You can master a skill in four to six months , according to Coursera .
Pricing starts at $ 39 per month .
Professional certificates offer a way to get “ job ready ” to start a new career over about a year .
MasterTrack certificates offer a university certificate that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ degree .
This program is built on online masters ’ program modules .
As Coursera puts it : “ You can earn a high quality university-issued career credential at a breakthrough price in a flexible , interactive format.
” Prices start at $ 2,000 .
If you want to earn a university degree ( undergraduate or masters ) , you can do that too , and you don ’ t have to go through an application process .
You can start learning as soon as today .
Coursera gives you the option of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four years of study .
The complete price starts at roughly $ 9,000 .
Considering the fact that the coronavirus is sending kids home before the school year is completed , online classes will likely become more popular .
Coursera is helping the cause .
According to Jeff Maggioncalda , Coursera ’ s CEO , Coursera is providing every impacted university in the world with free access to its course catalog through Coursera for Campus .
Universities can sign up to provide their enrolled students with access to more than 3,800 courses and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ university and industry partners .
If you would like to learn more , here are some resources .
For more information about Coursera , go to https : //about.coursera.org/ .
For the coronavirus programs , read “ Helping universities and colleges take learning online in response to the coronavirus ” by Jeff Maggioncalda ( March 12 , 2020 ) at https : //tinyurl.com/u2qyuar .
Another resource is the classcentral.com website .
Check out “ A Guide on How to Sign up for Coursera Courses for Free ” at https : //tinyurl.com/vrhqr5p and “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can take online right now for free ” at https : //tinyurl.com/tgy7l6u .
If you think you might MOOC , let me know .
I ’ m curious .
And , let me know if you enjoy reading this column ; I ’ m looking for feedback .
Readers @ juliejason.com .
Julie Jason , JD , LLM , a personal portfolio manager ( Jackson , Grant of Stamford , Conn. ) and author , welcomes your questions/comments ( readers @ juliejason.com ) .

Now that the coronavirus is disrupting daily life, you are probably spending less time out and about, and more time at home. That presents a perfect opportunity to “MOOC.”
If you have not come across MOOC’s, the acronym stands for “Massive Open Online Courses.”
An example of a MOOC is Coursera, founded in 2012 by two Stanford University computer science professors, Daphne Koller and Andrew Ng, whose vision was to provide “life-transforming learning experiences to anyone, anywhere.” I don’t know about you, but I could sure use some life-transforming experiences right now.
Coursera offers transformative online courses, including those taught by professors from the Ivies. Let me give you a few examples of what you can study while relaxing with your laptop.
For investors: Financial Markets from Yale University; Behavioral Finance from Duke University; Bonds & Stocks from University of Michigan.
For business: English for Career Development from University of Pennsylvania; Introduction to Marketing from University of Pennsylvania; Algorithms from Princeton University.
For readers and writers: English for Journalism from University of Pennsylvania; and Modern & Contemporary American Poetry from Pennsylvania.
For art enthusiasts: Age of Cathedrals from Yale University; and Design: Creation of Artifacts in Society from University of Pennsylvania.
For everybody: Introduction to Climate Change and Health from Yale University; The Science of Well-Being from Yale University; Introduction to Negotiation: A Strategic Playbook for
Becoming a Principled and Persuasive Negotiator from Yale University.
This is a very short list. Coursera offers more than 4,000 courses, plenty to keep you engaged and informed. In addition to “fun” courses, Coursera also offers 400+ specializations, 8
MasterTrack certificates, 15 professional certificates and 17 degrees. Some are free; some are paid.
Specializations give you a chance to master a career skill and earn a specialization certificate. You can master a skill in four to six months, according to Coursera. Pricing starts at $39 per month.
Professional certificates offer a way to get “job ready” to start a new career over about a year.
MasterTrack certificates offer a university certificate that can count toward a master’s degree. This program is built on online masters’ program modules. As Coursera puts it: “You can earn a high quality university-issued career credential at a breakthrough price in a flexible, interactive format.” Prices start at $2,000.
If you want to earn a university degree (undergraduate or masters), you can do that too, and you don’t have to go through an application process. You can start learning as soon as today. Coursera gives you the option of building your own schedule over one to four years of study. The complete price starts at roughly $9,000.
Considering the fact that the coronavirus is sending kids home before the school year is completed, online classes will likely become more popular. Coursera is helping the cause.
According to Jeff Maggioncalda, Coursera’s CEO, Coursera is providing every impacted university in the world with free access to its course catalog through Coursera for Campus.
Universities can sign up to provide their enrolled students with access to more than 3,800 courses and 400 specializations from Coursera’s top university and industry partners.
If you would like to learn more, here are some resources. For more information about Coursera, go to https://about.coursera.org/. For the coronavirus programs, read “Helping universities and colleges take learning online in response to the coronavirus” by Jeff Maggioncalda (March 12, 2020) at https://tinyurl.com/u2qyuar.
Another resource is the classcentral.com website. Check out “A Guide on How to Sign up for Coursera Courses for Free” at https://tinyurl.com/vrhqr5p and “Here are 450 Ivy League courses you can take online right now for free” at https://tinyurl.com/tgy7l6u.
If you think you might MOOC, let me know. I’m curious. And, let me know if you enjoy reading this column; I’m looking for feedback. Readers@juliejason.com.
Julie Jason, JD, LLM, a personal portfolio manager (Jackson, Grant of Stamford, Conn.) and author, welcomes your questions/comments (readers@juliejason.com).


mercurynews--2020-03-23--Critter Corner: Rabbits make good use of litterboxes

Dear Miss Behavin ’ : I recently adopted a rabbit and she ’ s pooping everywhere !
Can I litterbox train a rabbit ?
I ’ ve also noticed she sometimes eats her poop .
Is that normal ?
It is possible to train a rabbit to use the litterbox !
They usually choose a specific place to potty .
Training them to use a box can be as easy as setting up a box in the area they already eliminate .
Adding hay to the box can entice them to use it .
Make sure to clean the litterbox @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can soak the box in diluted vinegar to get rid of most smells .
Never use pine , cedar , or cat litter as they can cause liver damage if ingested by rabbits .
Rabbits also enjoy multiple litterboxes .
You can set up one with hay and another with a blanket .
They will often spend time in their boxes because that is where they feel safe .
Rabbits have two different poops .
The first is cecal pellets or cecotropes .
They are partially digested food that are passed and then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her eat is totally normal !
Rabbits get a majority of their nutrition from these cecal pellets .
They are also sometimes called “ night poops ” as they produce the cecal pellets at night or in the early morning .
Fecal pellets are round and dry and should be cleaned normally .
Good luck with your new bunny !
Alex Elias is the Assistant for the Behavior and Training Department at the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA .
For more information , visit www.PHS-SPCA.org , call 650-340-7022 , ext .
416 , @ @ @ @ @ @

Dear Miss Behavin’: I recently adopted a rabbit and she’s pooping everywhere! Can I litterbox train a rabbit? I’ve also noticed she sometimes eats her poop. Is that normal?
A. It is possible to train a rabbit to use the litterbox! They usually choose a specific place to potty. Training them to use a box can be as easy as setting up a box in the area they already eliminate. Adding hay to the box can entice them to use it. Make sure to clean the litterbox every day to prevent odors. You can soak the box in diluted vinegar to get rid of most smells. Never use pine, cedar, or cat litter as they can cause liver damage if ingested by rabbits.
Rabbits also enjoy multiple litterboxes. You can set up one with hay and another with a blanket. They will often spend time in their boxes because that is where they feel safe.
Rabbits have two different poops. The first is cecal pellets or cecotropes. They are partially digested food that are passed and then re-ingested. So what you are seeing her eat is totally normal! Rabbits get a majority of their nutrition from these cecal pellets. They are also sometimes called “night poops” as they produce the cecal pellets at night or in the early morning. Fecal pellets are round and dry and should be cleaned normally. Good luck with your new bunny!
Alex Elias is the Assistant for the Behavior and Training Department at the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA. For more information, visit www.PHS-SPCA.org, call 650-340-7022, ext. 416, or e-mail aelias@phs-spca.org.


mercurynews--2020-03-23--Antioch police settle wrongful death lawsuit for $475,000

ANTIOCH — The city has agreed to pay out $ 475,000 to settle a federal wrongful death lawsuit that was filed by the family of a man who died while several Antioch officers were attempting to arrest him .
Rakeem Rucks , 34 , died in June 2015 , after going unresponsive during a struggle with police .
The federal lawsuit , filed a year later , alleged officers had no valid reason to arrest Rucks , and that they forced his face into the dirt , which contributed to his death .
The city has countered that Rucks ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be under the influence of methamphetamine , and that his death was cause by “ excited delirium.
” The coroner ’ s report states that Rucks died from a heart attack likely brought about by methamphetamine use .
Attorneys for Rucks ’ family argued that police contributed to his death by agitating him and keeping him face down in the dirt while he struggled to breathe .
Both an attorney with the law offices of civil rights attorney John Burris , which filed the suit , and an attorney representing the city of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
At the crux of the lawsuit were questions over police use of force during officers ’ interaction with Rucks , which lasted several minutes .
It started when Rucks called police , claiming that people were following him and trying to shoot him in the area around Delta Pines Apartments on Sycamore Drive , according to court records .
Before officers found Rucks , they talked to an area resident who said he ’ d seen “ a guy named Rakeem ” kicking an apartment door in .
Rucks was “ screaming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to an officer ’ s testimony , and they detained him almost immediately .
A few minutes later , officers determined they should take him to the ground , and performed a leg sweep .
After knocking to the ground , the officers kept Rucks face down for several minutes .
An attorney for the city later argued that was because Rucks was acting “ aggressively ” and trying to push himself upwards .
Burris ’ law firm , meanwhile , hired a third party investigator , retired LAPD officer Roger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence , and determined that the police use of force was unnecessary .
Clark noted that officers were putting Rucks in a full-body restraint device , known as a WRAP , when he went unresponsive .
“ I see nothing in the records that justifies the use of force and restraint inflicted on Mr. Rucks by the ( officers ) …In addition there can be no justification for continuing to inflict force upon a person who is already handcuffed and notifying officers that he was breathing in dirt and could not breathe , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Attorneys for Antioch countered that the pathologist who did Rucks ’ autopsy testified he saw “ nothing that indicates ( Rucks ’ ) breathing was impaired ” and that it was “ not uncharacteristic ” for people who die of excited delirium to say they can ’ t breathe .
In 2018 , a judge allowed the plaintiff ’ s claims that officers ’ violated Rucks ’ Fourth Amendment rights to continue , finding that a jury could reasonably determine the use of force was unreasonable .
The case was set to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to scheduling problems .

ANTIOCH — The city has agreed to pay $475,000 to settle a federal wrongful death lawsuit that was filed by the family of a man who died while several Antioch officers were attempting to arrest him.
Rakeem Rucks, 34, died in June 2015, after going unresponsive during a struggle with police. The federal lawsuit, filed a year later, alleged officers had no valid reason to arrest Rucks, and that they forced his face into the dirt, which contributed to his death. The city argued that Rucks’ was behaving erratically and turned out to be under the influence of methamphetamine, and that his death was cause by “excited delirium.”
The coroner’s report states that Rucks died from a heart attack likely brought about by methamphetamine use. Attorneys for Rucks’ family argued that police contributed to his death by agitating him and keeping him face down in the dirt while he struggled to breathe.
“The family was pleased about (the settlement),” said civil rights attorney John Burris, whose firm filed the suit. “It was important to represent a person who was treated so poorly.”
An attorney representing the city of Antioch has not comment on the case.
At the crux of the lawsuit were questions over police use of force during officers’ interaction with Rucks, which lasted several minutes. It started when Rucks called police, claiming that people were following him and trying to shoot him in the area around Delta Pines Apartments on Sycamore Drive, according to court records. Before officers found Rucks, they talked to an area resident who said he’d seen “a guy named Rakeem” kicking an apartment door in.
Rucks was “screaming and yelling” when officers found him, according to an officer’s testimony, and they detained him almost immediately. A few minutes later, officers determined they should take him to the ground, and performed a leg sweep. After knocking to the ground, the officers kept Rucks face down for several minutes. An attorney for the city later argued that was because Rucks was acting “aggressively” and trying to push himself upwards.
Burris’ law firm, meanwhile, hired a third party investigator, retired LAPD Officer Roger Clark, who reviewed police testimony and evidence, and determined that the police use of force was unnecessary. Clark noted that officers were putting Rucks in a full-body restraint device, known as a WRAP, when he went unresponsive.
“I see nothing in the records that justifies the use of force and restraint inflicted on Mr. Rucks by the (officers)…In addition there can be no justification for continuing to inflict force upon a person who is already handcuffed and notifying officers that he was breathing in dirt and could not breathe,” Clark wrote in a report.
Attorneys for Antioch countered that the pathologist who did Rucks’ autopsy testified he saw “nothing that indicates (Rucks’) breathing was impaired” and that it was “not uncharacteristic” for people who die of excited delirium to say they can’t breathe.
In 2018, a judge allowed the plaintiff’s claims that officers’ violated Rucks’ Fourth Amendment rights to continue, finding that a jury could reasonably determine the use of force was unreasonable. The case was set to go to trial last year, but delayed due to scheduling problems.
Staff writer David DeBolt contributed to this story.


mercurynews--2020-03-23--Watch live: California Governor Gavin Newsom provides an update on the COVID-19 outbreak

Governor @ GavinNewsom and state health officials provide an update on the state ’ s response to the # COVID19 @ @ @ @ @ — Office of the Governor of California ( @ CAgovernor ) March 23 , 2020

Governor @GavinNewsom and state health officials provide an update on the state’s response to the #COVID19 outbreak. https://t.co/UkQdmlBGJ3
— Office of the Governor of California (@CAgovernor) March 23, 2020


mercurynews--2020-03-23--East Bay Express sold to group led by Metro Silicon Valley

The East Bay Express was sold and is joining a new group of alternative weeklies , anchored by the Metro Silicon Valley weekly , outgoing Express Editor and Publisher Stephen Buel said .
Oakland ’ s alternative weekly is now part of The Weeklys , a five-newspaper group that also includes Santa Cruz ’ s Good Times , the North Bay Bohemian and the Pacific Sun , Buel said in a statement .
“ The East Bay Express has for four decades been a bastion of great writing , distinguishedinvestigative journalism and important cultural coverage , ” Metro founder and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ release .
“ It fits perfectly with our strengths and mission to serve local communities in the greater Bay Area.
” Under Pulcrano , Buel said , “ the Express could not be in better hands.
” Buel will continue as a contractor and editor during the transition .
The Express will continue to publish during the coronavirus shelter-in-place order , Buel said .
Oakland and Alameda magazine , which Buel and his wife and editor Judith Gallman run , were not part of the Express sale .
Founded in 1978 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Richmond , Berkeley and Oakland , producing long-form journalism and critiques of the local arts and music scene .
Since New Times Media purchased the paper in 2001 , it has changed hands multiple times .
Buel , who joined the paper in 2001 , bought Express with a group of investors in 2006 , bringing back under local ownership .
After a hiatus in the newsroom , Buel returned in 2017 , when Buel ’ s Telegraph Media , which publishes Oakland and Alameda magazines , bought out the other Express investors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resigned as published after admitting to taking down three blog posts without consulting the publication ’ s editor and using a racial slur during a staff meeting , prompting two employees to quit in protest .
In January 2019 , the Express laid off a third of its employees , including all editorial staff except then-Editor Robert Gammon .
Gammon , a longtime Express writer and editor , later left to work for State Sen. Nancy Skinner .
The layoffs came after the Express lost a lawsuit filed by former sales and marketing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sued alleging he was denied overtime pay .
A court awarded Furry $ 750,000 .
“ These are obviously extraordinary times for independent publishers , ” Buel said .
“ That Metro remains enthusiastic about our industry even amidst the unprecedented chaos of this moment in time shows the depth of Dan ’ s commitment to local businesses and independent journalism.
” The new group will be known as ” Weeklys ” and a new website , Weeklys.com , is under construction .

The East Bay Express has been sold and is joining a new group of alternative weeklies, anchored by the Metro Silicon Valley weekly, outgoing Express Editor and Publisher Stephen Buel said.
Oakland’s alternative weekly is now part of The Weeklys, a five-newspaper group that also includes Santa Cruz’s Good Times, the North Bay Bohemian and the Pacific Sun, Buel said in a statement.
“The East Bay Express has for four decades been a bastion of great writing, distinguishedinvestigative journalism and important cultural coverage,” Metro founder and CEO Dan Pulcrano said in a press release. “It fits perfectly with our strengths and mission to serve local communities in the greater Bay Area.”
Under Pulcrano, Buel said, “the Express could not be in better hands.”
Buel will continue as a contractor and editor during the transition. The Express will continue to publish during the coronavirus shelter-in-place order, Buel said. Oakland and Alameda magazines, which Buel and his wife, editor Judith Gallman, run, were not part of the Express sale.
Founded in 1978, the Express emerged as the alternative voice of Richmond, Berkeley and Oakland, producing long-form journalism and critiques of the local arts and music scene. Since New Times Media purchased the paper in 2001, it has changed hands multiple times.
Buel, who joined the paper in 2001, bought Express with a group of investors in 2006, bringing back under local ownership. After a hiatus in the newsroom, Buel returned in 2017, when Buel’s Telegraph Media, which publishes Oakland and Alameda magazines, bought out the other Express investors.
In July 2018, Buel briefly resigned as publisher after admitting to taking down three blog posts without consulting the publication’s editor and using a racial slur during a staff meeting, prompting two employees to quit in protest.
In January 2019, the Express laid off a third of its employees, including all editorial staff except then-Editor Robert Gammon. Gammon, a longtime Express writer and editor, later left to work for State Sen. Nancy Skinner. The layoffs came after the Express lost a lawsuit filed by former sales and marketing director, Terry Furry, who had sued alleging he was denied overtime pay. A court awarded Furry $750,000.
“These are obviously extraordinary times for independent publishers,” Buel said. “That Metro remains enthusiastic about our industry even amidst the unprecedented chaos of this moment in time shows the depth of Dan’s commitment to local businesses and independent journalism.”
The new group will be known as ”Weeklys” and a new website, Weeklys.com, is under construction.


mercurynews--2020-03-23--Coronavirus coverage map: Seven days of Bay Area stories

Bay Area News Group journalists are reporting from morning to night on the latest developments in the outbreak of novel @ @ @ @ @ Bookmark this page and return to keep track of the stories nearest you .
The @ @ @ @ @ the last seven days .
To center on stories around your location , click the @ @ @ @ @ + ’ and ‘ - ‘ toggle controls on the bottom right corner of the @ @

Bay Area News Group journalists are reporting from morning to night on the latest developments in the outbreak of novel coronavirus across the region.
Bookmark this page and return to keep track of the stories nearest you. The map shows articles published during the last seven days.
To center on stories around your location, click the target icon above the ‘+’ and ‘-‘ toggle controls on the bottom right corner of the map.


mercurynews--2020-03-23--Two East Bay cops criminally cleared in death of mentally ill man

PLEASANTON — The Alameda County District Attorney ’ s Office has cleared two Pleasanton police officers in the Aug. 1 , 2018 death of a mentally ill man on Aug. 1 , 2018 .
District Attorney Nancy O ’ Malley absolved officers Bradlee Middleton and Jonathan Chin of any criminal liability in a report sent to the Pleasanton police chief in January , although it was only recently made public .
O ’ Malley ’ s report concludes the officers ’ actions did not cause Jacob Bauer ’ s death , but rather it was his own ingestion of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know that when a person dies in the custody of law enforcement , families are devastated .
Family and friends are grieving and the community is in pain , ” O ’ Malley wrote in the report .
The man ’ s family contends that besides the meth , he died of asphyxiation .
They ’ ve since sued the city over their son ’ s wrongful death .
Pleasanton police were called to the Raley ’ s Supermarket on Sunol Boulevard at 2:42 p.m. on Aug. 1 , 2018 to a report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; he was seen picking up a shopping cart and slamming it to the ground , then opening and breaking bottles of alcohol .
Bauer ’ s parents were so concerned about their son ’ s mental health in spring 2018 that they mentioned to officers during at least four face-to-face meetings that he was mentally ill but harmless , they told this news organization last year .
They even gave him a card to give police if he was ever stopped , explaining that he had a mental illness and asking them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers Middleton and Chin contacted Bauer in the Raley ’ s parking lot after an employee called for help , he gave them his full name and date of birth , but denied causing any damage inside the store .
When he didn ’ t answer the officers ’ questions , they flanked him , each officer grabbing one of his wrists .
Bauer , who was about 5 feet 9 inches tall and 275 pounds , “ immediately resisted ” , according to the district attorney ’ s report .
They told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in handcuffs .
When Bauer attempted to pull his arm free of Middleton ’ s grasp , they got him onto the ground .
Officers then twice used a Taser on Bauer while he was on the ground , as the first attempt didn ’ t have much effect , the DA ’ s report said .
When other officers arrived as backup , they said that Bauer kicked the officer and scratched Chin several times .
Chin delivered “ several distraction blows to Mr. Bauer ’ s back in order to gain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The officers used batons and their hands to hit Bauer and tased him two more times .
They then began using a restraint wrap around his legs , which comes with a “ spit mask.
” Such restraints have been problematic , and the Alameda County Sheriff ’ s Office banned their use in the county jail , following an internal investigation of an inmate ’ s death less than two months before Bauer ’ s death .
While officers were putting the restraining device on Bauer , the report said , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They ’ re trying to kill me and rape me , Mr. Trump , ” and then “ Mr .
Trump , please , they ’ re trying to kill me.
” Officers noticed blood in his face area and then put the spit mask on Bauer .
Paramedics soon arrived and gave him a sedative as they began moving him onto a gurney .
They replaced the handcuffs with softer restraints , and during this time , Bauer was still breathing .
His pupils were extremely dilated around 3:27 p.m. the report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mask a minute later , Bauer ’ s face was blue and they could no longer find a pulse .
Although he was taken to Stanford Valley Care Medical Center , he was later pronounced dead by hospital staff around 4:15 p.m. Bauer ’ s parents hired a forensic pathologist who independently reviewed his death and found he had been asphyxiated , writing the officers ’ restraint as well as methamphetamine use contributed to Bauer ’ s death .
“ We are devastated by the violent and unnecessary death of our son Jacob @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DA would hold Pleasanton police officers accountable for his death , we are resolute in pursuing justice on his behalf through the civil courts , ” parents John and Rose Bauer said in a statement to this news organization on Monday .
The Bauers said they hope this will require Pleasanton Police “ to make changes in their culture and their training in how they deal with people with mental health disabilities so that no other family has to go through what we have gone through and continue to face every day.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police , terrified their son would be killed by a cop .
He died in police custody anyway • Family of East Bay jail inmate who died in ‘ death trap ’ device sues for wrongful death • Video of Hayward restraint death shows officers on top of dying man Jayme Walker an attorney with the Gwilliam , Ivary , Chiosso , Cavalli & Brewer firm representing the family , said the civil case against the city of Pleasanton has only just begun .
They recently received video footage of the incident , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it was apparent that the police were the “ first aggressors ” without sufficient cause , and that Bauer was unresponsive much sooner than the report suggested .
“ The officers took a man in a mental health crisis and beat him and restrained him until he died .
This has been devastating to the family , ” Walker said .

PLEASANTON — The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office has cleared two Pleasanton police officers in the Aug. 1, 2018 death of a mentally ill man on Aug. 1, 2018.
District Attorney Nancy O’Malley absolved officers Bradlee Middleton and Jonathan Chin of any criminal liability in a report sent to the Pleasanton police chief in January, although it was only recently made public. O’Malley’s report concludes the officers’ actions did not cause Jacob Bauer’s death, but rather it was his own ingestion of a toxic amount of methamphetamine.
“We know that when a person dies in the custody of law enforcement, families are devastated. Family and friends are grieving and the community is in pain,” O’Malley wrote in the report.
The man’s family contends that besides the meth, he died of asphyxiation. They’ve since sued the city over their son’s wrongful death.
Pleasanton police were called to the Raley’s Supermarket on Sunol Boulevard at 2:42 p.m. on Aug. 1, 2018 to a report of a man who was acting erratically; he was seen picking up a shopping cart and slamming it to the ground, then opening and breaking bottles of alcohol.
Bauer’s parents were so concerned about their son’s mental health in spring 2018 that they mentioned to officers during at least four face-to-face meetings that he was mentally ill but harmless, they told this news organization last year. They even gave him a card to give police if he was ever stopped, explaining that he had a mental illness and asking them to call a retained attorney.
When officers Middleton and Chin contacted Bauer in the Raley’s parking lot after an employee called for help, he gave them his full name and date of birth, but denied causing any damage inside the store. When he didn’t answer the officers’ questions, they flanked him, each officer grabbing one of his wrists. Bauer, who was about 5 feet 9 inches tall and 275 pounds, “immediately resisted”, according to the district attorney’s report.
They told him to calm down and put him in handcuffs. When Bauer attempted to pull his arm free of Middleton’s grasp, they got him onto the ground.
Officers then twice used a Taser on Bauer while he was on the ground, as the first attempt didn’t have much effect, the DA’s report said. When other officers arrived as backup, they said that Bauer kicked the officer and scratched Chin several times. Chin delivered “several distraction blows to Mr. Bauer’s back in order to gain compliance,” the report states.
The officers used batons and their hands to hit Bauer and tased him two more times. They then began using a restraint wrap around his legs, which comes with a “spit mask.” Such restraints have been problematic, and the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office banned their use in the county jail, following an internal investigation of an inmate’s death less than two months before Bauer’s death.
While officers were putting the restraining device on Bauer, the report said, he continued to resist and was yelling “They’re trying to kill me and rape me, Mr. Trump,” and then “Mr. Trump, please, they’re trying to kill me.”
Officers noticed blood in his face area and then put the spit mask on Bauer. Paramedics soon arrived and gave him a sedative as they began moving him onto a gurney. They replaced the handcuffs with softer restraints, and during this time, Bauer was still breathing. His pupils were extremely dilated around 3:27 p.m. the report said.
When they removed the face mask a minute later, Bauer’s face was blue and they could no longer find a pulse. Although he was taken to Stanford Valley Care Medical Center, he was later pronounced dead by hospital staff around 4:15 p.m.
Bauer’s parents hired a forensic pathologist who independently reviewed his death and found he had been asphyxiated, writing the officers’ restraint as well as methamphetamine use contributed to Bauer’s death.
“We are devastated by the violent and unnecessary death of our son Jacob Bauer. While we hoped that the DA would hold Pleasanton police officers accountable for his death, we are resolute in pursuing justice on his behalf through the civil courts,” parents John and Rose Bauer said in a statement to this news organization on Monday.
The Bauers said they hope this will require Pleasanton Police “to make changes in their culture and their training in how they deal with people with mental health disabilities so that no other family has to go through what we have gone through and continue to face every day.”
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“The officers took a man in a mental health crisis and beat him and restrained him until he died. This has been devastating to the family,” Walker said.


mercurynews--2020-03-23--Whicker: Sahith Theegala, Pepperdine golf had unfinished business

Sahith Theegala is putting on his living room carpet .
He ’ d like to hit golf balls somewhere , but then he might run into a virus carrier and bring germs back to his Chino Hills home , where his grandmother lives .
He knows the world in which we ’ re trying to live .
He is not a pandemic denier .
That does not prevent him from questioning why he and Pepperdine , contenders for NCAA individual and team men ’ s golf championships , got thrown off the schedule without a parachute , why their quest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also complicates Theegala ’ s career plans , but then we all had a plan until we got hit .
“ I thought it was a rash decision to cancel the tournament , ” Theegala said Monday .
“ It doesn ’ t begin until the middle of May .
They could have confined it to essential personnel and taken all the precautions.
” “ It ’ s not like anybody shows up at our tournaments anyway , ” said Michael Beard , Pepperdine ’ s coach .
As a redshirt senior , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where does he go ?
He aimed for some special exemptions , or Monday qualifiers , to PGA Tour events that suddenly won ’ t be played .
He also had an eye on Canadian Tour qualifying .
It isn ’ t just him , of course .
Ricky Castillo , of Florida via Yorba Linda , is the second-ranked amateur in the world , just ahead of Theegala .
His clubs are under quarantine , too .
So Theegala has months , perhaps , to live on his memories .
Fortunately for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Theegala played 24 rounds in this academic year and was under par 17 times , for a 69.01 average .
He had two wins in eight tournaments and six top-10 finishes .
Pepperdine had three wins and ended the season ranked No .
1 , although the Waves don ’ t fly on private jets or play on their own luxurious , on-campus course as some rivals do .
They do use Sherwood Country Club , which isn ’ t a bad lure , and occasionally they venture into Los Angeles Country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been able to develop team chemistry , ” Theegala said , “ even though everybody says that .
With us , our No .
10 players can beat our No .
1 on any given day .
When we go to a tournament , we all trust each other.
” Mostly they lean on Theegala , who wore Kobe Bryant ’ s No .
8 jersey over his shirt when he won the Southwestern Invitational at North Ranch , two days after his idol and eight others died in a helicopter crash near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8 and 10 years old , Theegala won Junior World championships .
In 2014 he shot 18-under to win the L.A. city title .
This year he won Australia ’ s Master of the Amateurs title , which led to his high world ranking .
But the real kick was at Riviera in 2017 , when he won the Collegiate Challenge on Monday and thus made the Genesis Open .
He shot 2-under 69 the first day , made the cut , and played with Phil Mickelson on the weekend .
“ That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ On Sunday he chipped in three times on the front nine .
J.B. Holmes was giving him some grief about it , and Phil said , ‘ You know , most people try to chip to a three- or four-foot circle around the hole , but I try to get it inside a two-foot circle.
’ Like you can really do that , of course .
It was so funny.
” It resonated because Theegala has the same greenside radar .
“ We all talk about what was the best and-down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It ’ s tough to narrow them down.
” “ When I was a kid , that was always the best part of the game , ” Theegala said .
“ Inside my head , I tried to think of chipping and putting games around the green .
I didn ’ t really get upset about bad shots that often because I knew if I could just get it around the green I had a chance .
“ I ’ d challenge guys to games around the green .
I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit balls .
It wasn ’ t until I got to college that I really practiced that much , because I was only doing it a couple of times a week.
” Still , Beard knew that Theegala couldn ’ t sustain a career with a loose long game .
Last year Theegala missed Pepperdine ’ s season with wrist surgery .
Limber at 6-foot-3 , Theegala never fretted about length , but now he ’ s familiarizing himself with fairways .
“ Now , when he ’ s off a little bit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scores anymore , ” Beard said .
“ The wrist was a blessing for me , ” Theegala said .
“ I learned how to rotate more and take the pressure off the rest of my body , and I got some consistency with it.
” El Prado , the 36-hole public facility where he calls home , is closed until April .
Who fills up the first bucket that morning ?
You get one guess .

Sahith Theegala is putting on his living room carpet.
He’d like to hit golf balls somewhere, but then he might run into a virus carrier and bring germs back to his Chino Hills home, where his grandmother lives.
He knows the world in which we’re trying to live. He is not a pandemic denier. That does not prevent him from questioning why he and Pepperdine, contenders for NCAA individual and team men’s golf championships, got thrown off the schedule without a parachute, why their quest was canceled instead of postponed.
It also complicates Theegala’s career plans, but then we all had a plan until we got hit.
“I thought it was a rash decision to cancel the tournament,” Theegala said Monday. “It doesn’t begin until the middle of May. They could have confined it to essential personnel and taken all the precautions.”
“It’s not like anybody shows up at our tournaments anyway,” said Michael Beard, Pepperdine’s coach.
As a redshirt senior, Theegala was already turning pro. But where does he go? He aimed for some special exemptions, or Monday qualifiers, to PGA Tour events that suddenly won’t be played.
He also had an eye on Canadian Tour qualifying. It isn’t just him, of course. Ricky Castillo, of Florida via Yorba Linda, is the second-ranked amateur in the world, just ahead of Theegala. His clubs are under quarantine, too.
So Theegala has months, perhaps, to live on his memories. Fortunately for him, they’re pretty good.
Theegala played 24 rounds in this academic year and was under par 17 times, for a 69.01 average. He had two wins in eight tournaments and six top-10 finishes. Pepperdine had three wins and ended the season ranked No. 1, although the Waves don’t fly on private jets or play on their own luxurious, on-campus course as some rivals do. They do use Sherwood Country Club, which isn’t a bad lure, and occasionally they venture into Los Angeles Country Club.
“We’ve just been able to develop team chemistry,” Theegala said, “even though everybody says that. With us, our No. 10 players can beat our No. 1 on any given day. When we go to a tournament, we all trust each other.”
Mostly they lean on Theegala, who wore Kobe Bryant’s No. 8 jersey over his shirt when he won the Southwestern Invitational at North Ranch, two days after his idol and eight others died in a helicopter crash near Calabasas.
When he was 6, 8 and 10 years old, Theegala won Junior World championships. In 2014 he shot 18-under to win the L.A. city title. This year he won Australia’s Master of the Amateurs title, which led to his high world ranking.
But the real kick was at Riviera in 2017, when he won the Collegiate Challenge on Monday and thus made the Genesis Open. He shot 2-under 69 the first day, made the cut, and played with Phil Mickelson on the weekend.
“That was just insane,” Theegala said. “On Sunday he chipped in three times on the front nine. J.B. Holmes was giving him some grief about it, and Phil said, ‘You know, most people try to chip to a three- or four-foot circle around the hole, but I try to get it inside a two-foot circle.’ Like you can really do that, of course. It was so funny.”
It resonated because Theegala has the same greenside radar. “We all talk about what was the best and-down he ever had,” Beard said. “It’s tough to narrow them down.”
“When I was a kid, that was always the best part of the game,” Theegala said. “Inside my head, I tried to think of chipping and putting games around the green. I didn’t really get upset about bad shots that often because I knew if I could just get it around the green I had a chance.
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Still, Beard knew that Theegala couldn’t sustain a career with a loose long game. Last year Theegala missed Pepperdine’s season with wrist surgery. Limber at 6-foot-3, Theegala never fretted about length, but now he’s familiarizing himself with fairways.
“Now, when he’s off a little bit, he doesn’t shoot high scores anymore,” Beard said.
“The wrist was a blessing for me,” Theegala said. “I learned how to rotate more and take the pressure off the rest of my body, and I got some consistency with it.”
El Prado, the 36-hole public facility where he calls home, is closed until April. Who fills up the first bucket that morning? You get one guess.


mercurynews--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: Worker at San Jose wastewater plant tests positive; 17 quarantined

Highlighting the threat that coronavirus poses to basic public health systems around California and the nation , a worker at San Jose ’ s wastewater treatment plant — a facility that treats the sewage from 1.5 million people in San Jose and seven other cities — has tested positive for COVID-19 .
The employee is a janitor working as part of a contract company .
The massive plant , located in Alviso , has 17 employees in self-quarantine as a result and is running at about 70 % staffing .
“ The staff is continuing with business as usual , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said Kerrie Romanow , director of environmental services for the city of San Jose .
“ We are continuing to treat wastewater.
” Romanow said Monday that plant operators — employees who have state licenses and who run pumps , filters , chlorination equipment and other systems to treat 100 million gallons of wastewater a day before releasing it into San Francisco Bay — are working in shifts so that they aren ’ t all together at the same place and time .
“ It put a scare in everybody , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plant operations .
“ Several people decided they would self quarantine , which was advisable .
And we came up with plans of how to do minimum staffing.
” Wastewater plants around the bay have been in regular contact with each other , checking to see if they can provide help to fill gaps from coronavirus problems .
San Jose also is in discussion with some retirees to come back to assist , and has brought in at least one licensed worker from a private company and another from San Jose ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No other employees at the wastewater plant have tested positive .
“ As long as we don ’ t all get sick and there ’ s no catastrophic equipment failure , we ’ re holding the fort down , ” Romanow said .
There are more than 40 sewage treatment plants around San Francisco Bay .
Built at a cost of billions of dollars over generations , they take the wastewater from the toilets , showers , sinks and other sources of 7 million residents , disinfect and filter it , and release @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean .
So far , state officials who oversee those plants say they are unaware of workers in other Bay Area sewage treatment facilities who have been sidelined with COVID-19 .
“ The wastewater agencies are doing very well so far .
Crossing my fingers that it stays that way , ” said Newsha Ajami , a Stanford University research engineer and member of the the Bay Area Regional Water Quality Control Board , which regulates wastewater plants .
“ But no one knows where this is going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the bay.
” So far , no cases have been detected at the wastewater plant in Oakland run by the East Bay Municipal Utilities District .
In a worst case scenario , Romanow and Ajami said , if COVID-19 became more rampant across the Bay Area and triggered shortages of wastewater treatment plant operators , it ’ s unlikely that sewage would back up into homes and businesses .
That ’ s because many systems , like San Jose ’ s , are gravity fed , where the sewage moves toward the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rather , it would be treated to lower standards , or perhaps not at all and released into San Francisco Bay .
Until the 1960s , when state laws and then the federal Clean Water Act took effect , many cities released raw sewage or barely treated sewage into the bay .
The practice killed fish , wiped out oyster beds , and caused public health problems .
It also created large , stinking dead zones of sewage and rotting fruit cannery waste in the South Bay in the 1940s and 1950s , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feet deep in many places and has much less circulation than other parts of the bay that are closer to the currents of the Golden Gate .
“ So many vital services and workers we usually take for granted are affected by this pandemic , ” said David Lewis , executive director of Save the Bay , an environmental group in Oakland that has worked to clean and protect the bay since the 1960s .
“ It shows how investing in public health is crucial for people and the environment.
” In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ notified last Monday that the janitorial worker tested positive .
Romanow sent an email the next day notifying the wastewater plant staff .
They brought in a new cleaning company , cleaned the areas where the ill custodian had worked , and quickly investigated those who had come into contact with her or worked in the areas she cleaned .
The last day the worker was at the plant was March 11 , Romanow said .
That means starting Wednesday , plant workers on self-quarantine will have gone two weeks since potential exposure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work .
Those workers include licensed operators , instrument technicians and maintenance employees .
The plant also received a new shipment Friday of gloves , hand sanitizer and disinfectant , she said .
Some engineers and financial analysts are working from home .
Capital projects at the plant that are part of a 30-year , $ 2 billion modernization project have been put on hold .
The plant has been in existence since the 1950s .
It treats sewage and wastewater from San Jose , Santa Clara , Campbell , Cupertino , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The facility uses tertiary sewage treatment , which removes 99 % of impurities , then chlorinates the water , neutralizes the chlorine so it won ’ t hurt fish and wildlife , and releases it into the bay .
About 13 % of the wastewater is recycled and used for irrigation .
“ Most of us have planned for natural disasters like earthquakes and floods , ” Romanow said of the plant ’ s 200 employees .
“ What we haven ’ t planned for is us not being able to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that changes all of this .
Normally you all pull together , but now it ’ s ‘ let ’ s stay 6 feet apart . '
”

Highlighting the threat that coronavirus poses to basic public health systems around California and the nation, a worker at San Jose’s wastewater treatment plant — a facility that treats the sewage from 1.5 million people in San Jose and seven other cities — has tested positive for COVID-19.
The employee is a janitor working as part of a contract company. The massive plant, located in Alviso, has 17 employees in self-quarantine as a result and is running at about 70% staffing.
“The staff is continuing with business as usual, although at a lower head count,” said Kerrie Romanow, director of environmental services for the city of San Jose. “We are continuing to treat wastewater.”
Romanow said Monday that plant operators — employees who have state licenses and who run pumps, filters, chlorination equipment and other systems to treat 100 million gallons of wastewater a day before releasing it into San Francisco Bay — are working in shifts so that they aren’t all together at the same place and time.
“It put a scare in everybody,” said one city employee familiar with the plant operations. “Several people decided they would self quarantine, which was advisable. And we came up with plans of how to do minimum staffing.”
Wastewater plants around the bay have been in regular contact with each other, checking to see if they can provide help to fill gaps from coronavirus problems.
San Jose also is in discussion with some retirees to come back to assist, and has brought in at least one licensed worker from a private company and another from San Jose’s municipal water department as a backup. No other employees at the wastewater plant have tested positive.
“As long as we don’t all get sick and there’s no catastrophic equipment failure, we’re holding the fort down,” Romanow said.
There are more than 40 sewage treatment plants around San Francisco Bay. Built at a cost of billions of dollars over generations, they take the wastewater from the toilets, showers, sinks and other sources of 7 million residents, disinfect and filter it, and release millions of gallons every hour into San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
So far, state officials who oversee those plants say they are unaware of workers in other Bay Area sewage treatment facilities who have been sidelined with COVID-19.
“The wastewater agencies are doing very well so far. Crossing my fingers that it stays that way,” said Newsha Ajami, a Stanford University research engineer and member of the the Bay Area Regional Water Quality Control Board, which regulates wastewater plants. “But no one knows where this is going. It eventually could impact the health of the bay.”
So far, no cases have been detected at the wastewater plant in Oakland run by the East Bay Municipal Utilities District.
In a worst case scenario, Romanow and Ajami said, if COVID-19 became more rampant across the Bay Area and triggered shortages of wastewater treatment plant operators, it’s unlikely that sewage would back up into homes and businesses. That’s because many systems, like San Jose’s, are gravity fed, where the sewage moves toward the plant without needing to be pumped. Rather, it would be treated to lower standards, or perhaps not at all and released into San Francisco Bay.
Until the 1960s, when state laws and then the federal Clean Water Act took effect, many cities released raw sewage or barely treated sewage into the bay. The practice killed fish, wiped out oyster beds, and caused public health problems. It also created large, stinking dead zones of sewage and rotting fruit cannery waste in the South Bay in the 1940s and 1950s, where the water is less than 10 feet deep in many places and has much less circulation than other parts of the bay that are closer to the currents of the Golden Gate.
“So many vital services and workers we usually take for granted are affected by this pandemic,” said David Lewis, executive director of Save the Bay, an environmental group in Oakland that has worked to clean and protect the bay since the 1960s. “It shows how investing in public health is crucial for people and the environment.”
In the San Jose incident, city officials were notified last Monday that the janitorial worker tested positive. Romanow sent an email the next day notifying the wastewater plant staff. They brought in a new cleaning company, cleaned the areas where the ill custodian had worked, and quickly investigated those who had come into contact with her or worked in the areas she cleaned.
The last day the worker was at the plant was March 11, Romanow said. That means starting Wednesday, plant workers on self-quarantine will have gone two weeks since potential exposure and should be able to begin returning to work. Those workers include licensed operators, instrument technicians and maintenance employees.
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The plant has been in existence since the 1950s. It treats sewage and wastewater from San Jose, Santa Clara, Campbell, Cupertino, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Monte Sereno. The facility uses tertiary sewage treatment, which removes 99% of impurities, then chlorinates the water, neutralizes the chlorine so it won’t hurt fish and wildlife, and releases it into the bay. About 13% of the wastewater is recycled and used for irrigation.
“Most of us have planned for natural disasters like earthquakes and floods,” Romanow said of the plant’s 200 employees. “What we haven’t planned for is us not being able to work together. That’s the nuance that changes all of this. Normally you all pull together, but now it’s ‘let’s stay 6 feet apart.'”