mercurynews--2020-02-11--Felon charged in Oakland police assault, stolen property case

OAKLAND — The question of what prompted Johnny Trujillo to go on a violent rampage Feb. 5 in East Oakland , where he is accused of ramming numerous police cars before leading officers on a high speed chase that only ended after all the tires on the car he was driving wore down , has been answered by authorities and court documents .
It turns out the 29-year-old Oakland resident is a five-time felon wanted for violating probation , the car he was in was stolen as was a gun found in the vehicle , and there were thousands of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trunk , authorities and documents say .
Trujillo has been charged with 13 felony and misdemeanor crimes stemming from that violent day .
The felonies include three counts of assault upon a peace officer , possession of a firearm by a felon , carrying a loaded firearm on one ’ s person in a city , carrying a concealed firearm within a vehicle , possession of ammunition by a prohibited person , possession of a controlled substance with a firearm , evading an officer with willful disregard , vehicle theft and receiving stolen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two misdemeanor counts of hit-and-run driving .
He has admitted his involvement , authorities said .
The mayhem began about 1:20 p.m. Feb. 5 when police found Trujillo asleep with a gun in his lap in a stolen 2019 Dodge Charger that had its engine running .
The car had been reported stolen by a rental agency .
When officers tried to get Trujillo out of the car , he responded by ramming several police cars boxing him in , some that had officers inside , the documents state .
No officers were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past a police armored vehicle and led officers on a high speed chase , failing to stop at several stop signs and at one point collided with a civilian vehicle and kept going , according to the documents .
He was finally apprehended at 73rd Avenue and San Leandro Street when all four tires on the Charger wore down to the rims , police said .
The gun he had was stolen as was a license plate also found in the vehicle , authorities said .
He was also found to have heroin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Also found in the car were thousands of dollars worth of stolen power tools .
Video and photos of the stolen tools , which were put on display for the media Monday , were released in hopes of the owners seeing and claiming them .
As of Tuesday there are been some calls from possible owners .
According to court documents , Trujillo is on probation for a February 2017 felony conviction of corporal injury to a relationship partner .
He also has a January 2018 felony conviction of possession of a firearm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second degree burglary in June 2015 , evading an officer with willful disregard in April 2012 , and assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm in January 2010 .
He received prison terms for the 2018 , 2015 and 2012 convictions and probation for the 2010 conviction , according to the records .
Trujillo is being held without bail at Santa Rita Jail and is scheduled to enter a plea Feb. 26 .

OAKLAND — The question of what prompted Johnny Trujillo to go on a violent rampage Feb. 5 in East Oakland, where he is accused of ramming numerous police cars before leading officers on a high speed chase that only ended after all the tires on the car he was driving wore down, has been answered by authorities and court documents.
It turns out the 29-year-old Oakland resident is a five-time felon wanted for violating probation, the car he was in was stolen as was a gun found in the vehicle, and there were thousands of dollars of suspected stolen tools in the trunk, authorities and documents say.
Trujillo has been charged with 13 felony and misdemeanor crimes stemming from that violent day.
The felonies include three counts of assault upon a peace officer, possession of a firearm by a felon, carrying a loaded firearm on one’s person in a city, carrying a concealed firearm within a vehicle, possession of ammunition by a prohibited person, possession of a controlled substance with a firearm, evading an officer with willful disregard, vehicle theft and receiving stolen property. He also is charged with two misdemeanor counts of hit-and-run driving.
He has admitted his involvement, authorities said.
The mayhem began about 1:20 p.m. Feb. 5 when police found Trujillo asleep with a gun in his lap in a stolen 2019 Dodge Charger that had its engine running. The car had been reported stolen by a rental agency.
When officers tried to get Trujillo out of the car, he responded by ramming several police cars boxing him in, some that had officers inside, the documents state. No officers were injured.
He was able to get past a police armored vehicle and led officers on a high speed chase, failing to stop at several stop signs and at one point collided with a civilian vehicle and kept going, according to the documents.
He was finally apprehended at 73rd Avenue and San Leandro Street when all four tires on the Charger wore down to the rims, police said. The gun he had was stolen as was a license plate also found in the vehicle, authorities said. He was also found to have heroin on him, the documents say.
Also found in the car were thousands of dollars worth of stolen power tools. Video and photos of the stolen tools, which were put on display for the media Monday, were released in hopes of the owners seeing and claiming them. As of Tuesday there are been some calls from possible owners.
According to court documents, Trujillo is on probation for a February 2017 felony conviction of corporal injury to a relationship partner.
He also has a January 2018 felony conviction of possession of a firearm by a narcotic addict, one for second degree burglary in June 2015, evading an officer with willful disregard in April 2012, and assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm in January 2010. He received prison terms for the 2018, 2015 and 2012 convictions and probation for the 2010 conviction, according to the records.
Trujillo is being held without bail at Santa Rita Jail and is scheduled to enter a plea Feb. 26.


mercurynews--2020-02-11--Report: White House staffers tried to hide Ukraine aid concerns

The Office of Management and Budget was fully aware about concerns flagged by numerous officials at the Pentagon about President Donald Trump ’ s decision to withhold aid from Ukraine and attempted to hide their concerns from the Government Accountability Office about the circumstances surrounding the freeze , according to new emails obtained by Just Security .
The new disclosures support reporting from CNN last week that detailed how the July 18th decision to hold the military aid stunned officials , who had already assessed Ukraine deserved to receive it and were preparing a Javelin anti-tank missile order to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the deferrals by OMB that they noted the aid was at “ serious risk , ” and questioned if the move was illegal , according to the emails and documents reviewed by CNN .
CNN was able to independently confirm some of the details of the report from Just Security which is a website focusing on reporting and analysis of national security law and policy .
The reports by Just Security and CNN underscore the standoff that took place between the Pentagon and OMB over the decision to withhold the Ukraine funding , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scrambling to understand and push back against a sudden , unexplained White House directive that disrupted months of careful planning , contradicted Pentagon decisions based on US national security concerns and undermined Ukraine ’ s efforts to defend itself against Russia .
The emails obtained by Just Security confirm that OMB , including its general counsel ’ s office , was apprised of Pentagon concerns and took steps to bury them .
They also expose the extent to which OMB misled , and even lied to the GAO , a congressional investigative body @ @ @ @ @ @ @ circumstances surrounding the funding hold .
A spokesperson for OMB said , “ This reporting and this report are inaccurate and reckless.
” In January , the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office reviewed the holdup of the Pentagon ’ s aid to Ukraine and determined that it violated the Impoundment Control Act , which established procedures to prevent the President and other government officials from substituting their own funding decisions for those of the Congress .
During Trump ’ s Senate impeachment trial Democratic House impeachment investigators repeatedly highlighted OMB ’ s refusal to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the probe and suggested that emails may exist showing acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney ’ s role in passing along the President ’ s order to halt the aid to Ukraine .
The Senate didn ’ t subpoena the Trump administration or any other documents or witnesses in Trump ’ s Senate trial and the President was acquitted on both articles of impeachment last week .
According to Just Security , some of the emails illustrated pushback by OMB to issue a new apportionment footnote — the technical process being used to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to underscore , in writing , that the delays were putting the full $ 250 million for Ukraine at risk because the delays had made it increasingly difficult for the Pentagon to spend all of the money by the end of the fiscal year , September 30 — particularly if the President changed his mind and decided to release the aid .
The report includes an email to Mark Paoletta , the OMB ’ s general counsel , from Edwin Castle , the Defense Department ’ s principal deputy general counsel , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ redacted lines , Just Security noted email references to a need for expediting the interagency review of the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative to help the Pentagon “ fully and prudently obligate all $ 250 million appropriated for the initiative by September 30th , the date on which the funds expire.
” Specifically , Pentagon officials were concerned about $ 61 million of that money , which had to be spent by Aug. 12 or it would be lost , not the full $ 250 million that had been allocated for that fiscal year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Pentagon officials believed they would be violating the Impoundment Control Act .
However , according to the report , Paoletta believed that if the new footnote was issued , it shouldn ’ t mention concerns about the delay , or the fact that the funds were at risk , and he took his concerns to acting OMB Director Russell Vought , according to the emails .
OMB ultimately prevailed in this dispute because the notice about the extension on the hold that followed this exchange did not contain the Pentagon ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the email without the redactions under the condition that they not be reprinted .
In a December letter to the GAO , Paoletta laid out the OMB ’ s legal rationale for the hold , saying that temporarily blocking hundreds of millions of dollars of military aid to Ukraine for months was justified , and that the office was under no obligation to tell Congress about the pause .
“ Pauses in obligational authority are necessary for proper stewardship of taxpayer funds , ” Paoletta said , adding that pauses like this are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the President is prohibited from doing without notifying Congress .
The letter did not address concerns by officials at the Pentagon that such deferrals risked violating the law , although the emails released by Just Security showed OMB officials acknowledging those concerns .

By Vivian Salama | CNN
The Office of Management and Budget was fully aware about concerns flagged by numerous officials at the Pentagon about President Donald Trump’s decision to withhold aid from Ukraine and attempted to hide their concerns from the Government Accountability Office about the circumstances surrounding the freeze, according to new emails obtained by Just Security.
The new disclosures support reporting from CNN last week that detailed how the July 18th decision to hold the military aid stunned officials, who had already assessed Ukraine deserved to receive it and were preparing a Javelin anti-tank missile order to the country. Officials grew so concerned over the deferrals by OMB that they noted the aid was at “serious risk,” and questioned if the move was illegal, according to the emails and documents reviewed by CNN.
CNN was able to independently confirm some of the details of the report from Just Security which is a website focusing on reporting and analysis of national security law and policy.
The reports by Just Security and CNN underscore the standoff that took place between the Pentagon and OMB over the decision to withhold the Ukraine funding, and paint a broad picture of bureaucrats scrambling to understand and push back against a sudden, unexplained White House directive that disrupted months of careful planning, contradicted Pentagon decisions based on US national security concerns and undermined Ukraine’s efforts to defend itself against Russia.
The emails obtained by Just Security confirm that OMB, including its general counsel’s office, was apprised of Pentagon concerns and took steps to bury them. They also expose the extent to which OMB misled, and even lied to the GAO, a congressional investigative body, as it sought to investigate the circumstances surrounding the funding hold.
A spokesperson for OMB said, “This reporting and this report are inaccurate and reckless.”
In January, the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office reviewed the holdup of the Pentagon’s aid to Ukraine and determined that it violated the Impoundment Control Act, which established procedures to prevent the President and other government officials from substituting their own funding decisions for those of the Congress.
During Trump’s Senate impeachment trial Democratic House impeachment investigators repeatedly highlighted OMB’s refusal to turn over any documents when subpoenaed during the probe and suggested that emails may exist showing acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney’s role in passing along the President’s order to halt the aid to Ukraine.
The Senate didn’t subpoena the Trump administration or any other documents or witnesses in Trump’s Senate trial and the President was acquitted on both articles of impeachment last week.
According to Just Security, some of the emails illustrated pushback by OMB to issue a new apportionment footnote — the technical process being used to withhold the money. The Pentagon wanted to underscore, in writing, that the delays were putting the full $250 million for Ukraine at risk because the delays had made it increasingly difficult for the Pentagon to spend all of the money by the end of the fiscal year, September 30 — particularly if the President changed his mind and decided to release the aid.
The report includes an email to Mark Paoletta, the OMB’s general counsel, from Edwin Castle, the Defense Department’s principal deputy general counsel, and copying DoD counsel Paul Ney. Under redacted lines, Just Security noted email references to a need for expediting the interagency review of the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative to help the Pentagon “fully and prudently obligate all $250 million appropriated for the initiative by September 30th, the date on which the funds expire.”
Specifically, Pentagon officials were concerned about $61 million of that money, which had to be spent by Aug. 12 or it would be lost, not the full $250 million that had been allocated for that fiscal year.
By failing to spend the money, Pentagon officials believed they would be violating the Impoundment Control Act.
However, according to the report, Paoletta believed that if the new footnote was issued, it shouldn’t mention concerns about the delay, or the fact that the funds were at risk, and he took his concerns to acting OMB Director Russell Vought, according to the emails.
OMB ultimately prevailed in this dispute because the notice about the extension on the hold that followed this exchange did not contain the Pentagon’s warning.
Just Security said it obtained the email without the redactions under the condition that they not be reprinted.
In a December letter to the GAO, Paoletta laid out the OMB’s legal rationale for the hold, saying that temporarily blocking hundreds of millions of dollars of military aid to Ukraine for months was justified, and that the office was under no obligation to tell Congress about the pause. “Pauses in obligational authority are necessary for proper stewardship of taxpayer funds,” Paoletta said, adding that pauses like this are different from “deferrals,” which the President is prohibited from doing without notifying Congress.
The letter did not address concerns by officials at the Pentagon that such deferrals risked violating the law, although the emails released by Just Security showed OMB officials acknowledging those concerns.


mercurynews--2020-02-11--Palo Alto: In-house independent watchdog position to be outsourced

PALO ALTO — Citing high costs and turnover in its in-house independent auditor position , the city council is set to outsource the service instead , a move that ’ s drawn sharp criticism from residents .
Council members on Monday voted unanimously to explore possible options for outsourcing the city auditor ’ s position — which has been unfilled since February 2019 — amid concerns that the office has been ineffective and far too expensive .
Still , outsourcing services has long been a sticking point for Palo Altans who think the city should continue to have an independent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The idea of not hiring a new auditor and replacing the position with a consultant has sparked intense backlash from many , including former city auditor Sharon Erickson .
Erickson , who was auditor from 2001 to 2008 , said the appropriate next step for the council is not to dismantle the office but to hire a new auditor and uphold the city ’ s obligations .
She also feared that a city manager-led process of finding an outsourced auditing service could be a conflict of interest .
“ Palo Alto voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to serve as an internal watchdog over city operations , ” Erickson said .
“ The charter provides that the auditor and the city manager ’ s office can ’ t be combined .
Proposed changes would undermine the independence of the city auditor and negatively impact the public interest.
” But pointing out the position ’ s high costs , rapid turnover and that recommendations from the office have gone unheeded , council members opted to task a council committee with the future of the office .
Members of that committee will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ council with a plan that would allow the auditor ’ s office to be outsourced in a way that would be transparent and open to the public amid concerns about the city manager ’ s role in selecting a new consulting group for auditing services .
Council member Eric Filseth said that though the office has done good work , the status quo is “ underwhelming.
” “ It ’ s the high cost , the focus isn ’ t quite right and there ’ s a large number of unimplemented recommendations , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that if we just do the same thing as before we ’ ll be in the same spot in two years , which is looking for someone else .
We have a responsibility to consider some alternative approaches if there ’ s a good chance we could do better.
” Filseth said the city council should fundamentally change the auditing process and bring focus back to high-risk public safety and public money matters since it is “ pretty clear ” that a substantial amount of work the auditor ’ s office has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t fall within that .
A report on database usage by the city , Filseth said , could have easily been done by the IT department .
And a report that outlined the failures of the city code enforcement office to prosecute violations only showed what the council already knew .
“ It ’ s not that it wasn ’ t a good study , but we didn ’ t need a $ 274,000 report to tell us that it ’ s really short-staffed , ” Filseth said .
Having served three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and as board president twice in 2005 and 2009 , council member Liz Kniss said she is quite aware of the role of the auditor and felt the city was making the right move .
“ This moves us in a positive direction , ” Kniss said .
“ We have been somewhat in a state of uneasiness around this for a period of time.
” Swayed by her colleagues ’ concerns about the city auditor , council member Alison Cormack said she changed her mind about Monday ’ s vote .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evening to retain what we ’ ve always had , ” Cormack said .
“ But in listening to council member Filseth describe the turnover and from council member Liz Kniss , whose experience exceeds all ours put together , I am persuaded this is worth trying .
”

PALO ALTO — Citing high costs and turnover in its in-house independent auditor position, the city council is set to outsource the service instead, a move that’s drawn sharp criticism from residents.
Council members on Monday voted unanimously to explore possible options for outsourcing the city auditor’s position — which has been unfilled since February 2019 — amid concerns that the office has been ineffective and far too expensive.
Still, outsourcing services has long been a sticking point for Palo Altans who think the city should continue to have an independent auditor as mandated by the city charter. The idea of not hiring a new auditor and replacing the position with a consultant has sparked intense backlash from many, including former city auditor Sharon Erickson.
Erickson, who was auditor from 2001 to 2008, said the appropriate next step for the council is not to dismantle the office but to hire a new auditor and uphold the city’s obligations. She also feared that a city manager-led process of finding an outsourced auditing service could be a conflict of interest.
“Palo Alto voters created [the auditor’s office] in 1983 to serve as an internal watchdog over city operations,” Erickson said. “The charter provides that the auditor and the city manager’s office can’t be combined. Proposed changes would undermine the independence of the city auditor and negatively impact the public interest.”
But pointing out the position’s high costs, rapid turnover and that recommendations from the office have gone unheeded, council members opted to task a council committee with the future of the office.
Members of that committee will have 90 days to return to the council with a plan that would allow the auditor’s office to be outsourced in a way that would be transparent and open to the public amid concerns about the city manager’s role in selecting a new consulting group for auditing services.
Council member Eric Filseth said that though the office has done good work, the status quo is “underwhelming.”
“It’s the high cost, the focus isn’t quite right and there’s a large number of unimplemented recommendations,” Filseth said. “I worry that if we just do the same thing as before we’ll be in the same spot in two years, which is looking for someone else. We have a responsibility to consider some alternative approaches if there’s a good chance we could do better.”
Filseth said the city council should fundamentally change the auditing process and bring focus back to high-risk public safety and public money matters since it is “pretty clear” that a substantial amount of work the auditor’s office has been doing over the past three years doesn’t fall within that.
A report on database usage by the city, Filseth said, could have easily been done by the IT department. And a report that outlined the failures of the city code enforcement office to prosecute violations only showed what the council already knew.
“It’s not that it wasn’t a good study, but we didn’t need a $274,000 report to tell us that it’s really short-staffed,” Filseth said.
Having served three terms as a Santa Clara County Supervisor and as board president twice in 2005 and 2009, council member Liz Kniss said she is quite aware of the role of the auditor and felt the city was making the right move.
“This moves us in a positive direction,” Kniss said. “We have been somewhat in a state of uneasiness around this for a period of time.”
Swayed by her colleagues’ concerns about the city auditor, council member Alison Cormack said she changed her mind about Monday’s vote.
“My instinct had been prior to this evening to retain what we’ve always had,” Cormack said. “But in listening to council member Filseth describe the turnover and from council member Liz Kniss, whose experience exceeds all ours put together, I am persuaded this is worth trying.”


mercurynews--2020-02-12--Dungeness crabs show indication they may be vulnerable to effects of ocean acidification along Pacif

Dungeness crabs show indication they may be vulnerable to effects of ocean acidification along Pacific coast

MONTEREY — Ocean acidification along the Pacific coast is slowly corroding the shells of young Dungeness crabs floating in the plankton just offshore .
Their persistence in the face of ongoing climate change , in which the ocean will continue to acidify , could determine the future of one of the state ’ s most lucrative fisheries .
A recent study by Dr. Nina Bednaršek , a senior scientist with the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project , examined the shells of larval Dungeness crabs no bigger than a dime and found evidence of pitting and scarring on crabs collected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The results , published in the journal Science of the Total Environment , suggest that ocean acidification is already impacting wildlife .
“ It seems like it ’ s a very easy-to-trigger response , and the first line of evidence that they respond to these negative conditions , ” Bednaršek said .
While adult Dungeness crabs are widely monitored , the lives of larval crabs are almost completely unknown .
Before settling onto the seafloor , juvenile Dungeness crabs drift about as plankton , pulling free-floating minerals from the surrounding seawater to build @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Bednaršek collected larval crabs off Oregon , Washington and British Columbia , using a high-powered microscope to magnify their shells by as much as 20,000 times .
Through computer modeling , she was able to back-trace their likely path along the coast , linking them to areas of upwelling that bring acidic water to the surface .
Ocean water becomes more acidic by absorbing carbon dioxide from the air .
While this happens naturally , human activities are also increasing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere .
These gases move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emerging close to shore in upwelling regions such as the west coast of the United States .
Saturated with carbon dioxide , the natural balance of water chemistry shifts to one that eats away at a larval crab ’ s delicate shell .
“ They end up pooled in the coastal waters with extended exposure to more acidic conditions , ” Bednaršek said , adding that plankton are generally at the mercy of currents to move them about .
“ So it becomes a double whammy .
They are living and having to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This phenomenon has been observed in other types of plankton , including microscopic animals called foraminifera and swimming snails known as pteropods .
Recent research comparing modern-day plankton to samples taken during the famed 19th century Challenger expedition has shown that today ’ s shells are 76 % thinner on average .
What happens at this microscopic scale also matters because plankton form the base of the food web .
Even the largest whale is linked through the food it eats to these seemingly invisible organisms .
Their proliferation in the waters of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rich ecosystem .
Monterey Bay sits at the southern tip of the range for Dungeness Crab , and both commercial and recreational fishermen gear up each winter to deploy their crab pots over the bay ’ s deep water .
Mike Ricketts , president of the Monterey Commercial Fishermen ’ s Association , has been fishing for more than 40 years and says the fishery has generally been dependable and healthy .
“ The Dungeness fishery is one of the most well-managed fisheries on the west coast , ” Ricketts said , adding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , “ more commercial fishermen are depending on crabs for their livelihood.
” But even as the population seems to fluctuate around a stable average — Ricketts says it varies over predictable six-year intervals in a boom and bust-type cycle — Bednaršek ’ s study is only one bellwether pointing to a less certain future , even if the full effects are not yet known .
“ What we have observed so far can not yet be used as an indication that the population will suffer , ” Bednaršek said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signal that there is a vulnerability.
” In adult Dungeness , that vulnerability manifests in different ways .
The opening of the Dungeness season has long been dictated by testing for the presence of domoic acid , a natural byproduct of some toxic species of plankton that can cause illness in humans .
Ricketts says that fishermen have adapted to this regulation , “ but recently it has become more of an issue.
” The fishery was delayed in 2015 over high levels of domoic acid attributed to an unprecedented toxic algae bloom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was linked to a persistent marine heatwave called “ The Blob ” that kept water temperatures 2.5 degrees above normal for 226 days .
Ricketts also points to increased fishing pressure on crabs .
While many fishermen will spread risk by targeting two or three different species each year , Ricketts said the declines and closures of other fisheries have pushed more people to fish for Dungeness , a finding confirmed by California Department of Fish and Wildlife environmental scientist Christy Juhasz .
“ There are always a limited number of permits , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ active in any given season , but we have noticed an uptick in the number of those active permits in recent years , ” Juhasz said , although she added they aren ’ t able to attribute a direct cause to the increases .
Similarly , the recreational demand for Dungeness is on the rise .
Fisheries are built around Size , Sex and Season ( the “ 3 Ss ” ) , meaning commercial fishermen can harvest during open season only male crabs wider than 6 ¼ inches , which generally corresponds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But recreational fishermen can harvest above 5 ¾ inches , placing a higher burden on the younger age classes .
• The Pacific Ocean is so acidic that it ’ s dissolving Dungeness crabs ’ shells • Saratoga community briefs for the week of Jan. 24 According to Bednaršek , an interesting finding in her work was the disproportionate effect that ocean acidification had on larval shell width , the metric by which adult crabs are sized for harvesting .
Her study found that crab larvae found in more acidic areas were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t understand how that ’ s going to travel through the different life stages , but it was particularly interesting to see that they are growing smaller in the parameter that is actually most decisive in the fishery , ” she said .
Because crabs take several years to reach a size at which they can be fished , any effects happening now will have a time delay of several years before they become clear .
Similarly , carbon dioxide being put into the ocean now will remain in the water for centuries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a delayed start , time will tell how this story plays out in California ’ s waters .

MONTEREY — Ocean acidification along the Pacific coast is slowly corroding the shells of young Dungeness crabs floating in the plankton just offshore. Their persistence in the face of ongoing climate change, in which the ocean will continue to acidify, could determine the future of one of the state’s most lucrative fisheries.
A recent study by Dr. Nina Bednaršek, a senior scientist with the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, examined the shells of larval Dungeness crabs no bigger than a dime and found evidence of pitting and scarring on crabs collected in areas with more acidic water. The results, published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, suggest that ocean acidification is already impacting wildlife.
“It seems like it’s a very easy-to-trigger response, and the first line of evidence that they respond to these negative conditions,” Bednaršek said.
While adult Dungeness crabs are widely monitored, the lives of larval crabs are almost completely unknown. Before settling onto the seafloor, juvenile Dungeness crabs drift about as plankton, pulling free-floating minerals from the surrounding seawater to build a shell like so many microscopic bricks.
Bednaršek collected larval crabs off Oregon, Washington and British Columbia, using a high-powered microscope to magnify their shells by as much as 20,000 times. Through computer modeling, she was able to back-trace their likely path along the coast, linking them to areas of upwelling that bring acidic water to the surface.
Ocean water becomes more acidic by absorbing carbon dioxide from the air. While this happens naturally, human activities are also increasing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. These gases move throughout the ocean in deep currents, emerging close to shore in upwelling regions such as the west coast of the United States.
Saturated with carbon dioxide, the natural balance of water chemistry shifts to one that eats away at a larval crab’s delicate shell.
“They end up pooled in the coastal waters with extended exposure to more acidic conditions,” Bednaršek said, adding that plankton are generally at the mercy of currents to move them about. “So it becomes a double whammy. They are living and having to mature under conditions that are unfavorable.”
This phenomenon has been observed in other types of plankton, including microscopic animals called foraminifera and swimming snails known as pteropods. Recent research comparing modern-day plankton to samples taken during the famed 19th century Challenger expedition has shown that today’s shells are 76% thinner on average.
What happens at this microscopic scale also matters because plankton form the base of the food web. Even the largest whale is linked through the food it eats to these seemingly invisible organisms. Their proliferation in the waters of Monterey Bay sustains the area’s rich ecosystem.
Monterey Bay sits at the southern tip of the range for Dungeness Crab, and both commercial and recreational fishermen gear up each winter to deploy their crab pots over the bay’s deep water.
Mike Ricketts, president of the Monterey Commercial Fishermen’s Association, has been fishing for more than 40 years and says the fishery has generally been dependable and healthy.
“The Dungeness fishery is one of the most well-managed fisheries on the west coast,” Ricketts said, adding that as more volatile fisheries change over time, “more commercial fishermen are depending on crabs for their livelihood.”
But even as the population seems to fluctuate around a stable average — Ricketts says it varies over predictable six-year intervals in a boom and bust-type cycle — Bednaršek’s study is only one bellwether pointing to a less certain future, even if the full effects are not yet known.
“What we have observed so far can not yet be used as an indication that the population will suffer,” Bednaršek said. “What we have is an early warning signal that there is a vulnerability.”
In adult Dungeness, that vulnerability manifests in different ways.
The opening of the Dungeness season has long been dictated by testing for the presence of domoic acid, a natural byproduct of some toxic species of plankton that can cause illness in humans. Ricketts says that fishermen have adapted to this regulation, “but recently it has become more of an issue.”
The fishery was delayed in 2015 over high levels of domoic acid attributed to an unprecedented toxic algae bloom. That bloom, in turn, was linked to a persistent marine heatwave called “The Blob” that kept water temperatures 2.5 degrees above normal for 226 days.
Ricketts also points to increased fishing pressure on crabs. While many fishermen will spread risk by targeting two or three different species each year, Ricketts said the declines and closures of other fisheries have pushed more people to fish for Dungeness, a finding confirmed by California Department of Fish and Wildlife environmental scientist Christy Juhasz.
“There are always a limited number of permits, and only a certain proportion that are active in any given season, but we have noticed an uptick in the number of those active permits in recent years,” Juhasz said, although she added they aren’t able to attribute a direct cause to the increases.
Similarly, the recreational demand for Dungeness is on the rise. Fisheries are built around Size, Sex and Season (the “3 Ss”), meaning commercial fishermen can harvest during open season only male crabs wider than 6 ¼ inches, which generally corresponds to an age of about four years. But recreational fishermen can harvest above 5 ¾ inches, placing a higher burden on the younger age classes.
According to Bednaršek, an interesting finding in her work was the disproportionate effect that ocean acidification had on larval shell width, the metric by which adult crabs are sized for harvesting. Her study found that crab larvae found in more acidic areas were less wide.
“We don’t understand how that’s going to travel through the different life stages, but it was particularly interesting to see that they are growing smaller in the parameter that is actually most decisive in the fishery,” she said.
Because crabs take several years to reach a size at which they can be fished, any effects happening now will have a time delay of several years before they become clear. Similarly, carbon dioxide being put into the ocean now will remain in the water for centuries.
With Dungeness season currently underway after a delayed start, time will tell how this story plays out in California’s waters.


mercurynews--2020-02-12--Winds push over at least 11 big rigs in 2 days in Southern California

Gusty winds pushing through the Inland area overturned at least 11 semi trucks in two days , leading to blocked roadways and choked traffic at freeway transitions , many of those along the 15 Freeway corridor between Eastvale and Fontana .
Six of the trucks went over on Tuesday , Feb. 11 , Caltrans spokeswoman Terri Kasinga said .
The strong winds also brought down a large pine tree in the 9300 block of Andrew Street in Riverside , crushing two vehicles .
The high winds , including a gust clocked at 66 mph Tuesday morning at Ontario International Airport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that travelers could expect delays or diversions .
The blustery conditions are forecasted to stick around through Tuesday , according to the National Weather Service , but will begin to fade by evening .
Wednesday , a light breeze is expected .
No injuries were reported in any of Tuesday ’ s incidents , officials said .
There were also no major hazardous material cleanups from the crashes , Kasinga said by phone , but several of the trucks and their trailers were lining the shoulders of roadways waiting to be towed when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are so lucky none of those trucks came down on top of any vehicles , ” Kasinga said .
“ Once they go over , the drive has no control.
” Another danger , she said , was the trucks that toppled on connector roads , leaving them against guard rails or barriers , 50 to 80 feet above roadways .
Most of the trucks ’ trailers were empty and went over when their broad sides were hammered by wind gusts , Kasinga said .
She said the number of big-rigs going over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was unusual .
• The connector from the eastbound 60 Freeway to the southbound 15 Freeway .
• The connector from the southbound southbound 15 to the eastbound 10 Freeway .
• The connector from the northbound 15 to the westbound 10 .
Caltrans and the California Highway Patrol recommended that drivers of tractor-trailers and other high-profile vehicles in the area stay off the roads for now .
Kasinga said the choice to drive commercial trucks is up to either drivers or their dispatchers .

Gusty winds pushing through the Inland area overturned at least 11 semi trucks in two days, leading to blocked roadways and choked traffic at freeway transitions, many of those along the 15 Freeway corridor between Eastvale and Fontana.
Six of the trucks went over on Tuesday, Feb. 11, Caltrans spokeswoman Terri Kasinga said. The strong winds also brought down a large pine tree in the 9300 block of Andrew Street in Riverside, crushing two vehicles.
The high winds, including a gust clocked at 66 mph Tuesday morning at Ontario International Airport, brought a warning from the airport that travelers could expect delays or diversions.
The blustery conditions are forecasted to stick around through Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service, but will begin to fade by evening. Wednesday, a light breeze is expected.
No injuries were reported in any of Tuesday’s incidents, officials said. There were also no major hazardous material cleanups from the crashes, Kasinga said by phone, but several of the trucks and their trailers were lining the shoulders of roadways waiting to be towed when the wind dies down.
“We are so lucky none of those trucks came down on top of any vehicles,” Kasinga said. “Once they go over, the drive has no control.” Another danger, she said, was the trucks that toppled on connector roads, leaving them against guard rails or barriers, 50 to 80 feet above roadways.
Most of the trucks’ trailers were empty and went over when their broad sides were hammered by wind gusts, Kasinga said. She said the number of big-rigs going over from high winds on Monday and Tuesday was unusual.
Closures Tuesday included:
The connector from the eastbound 60 Freeway to the southbound 15 Freeway.
The connector from the southbound southbound 15 to the eastbound 10 Freeway.
The connector from the northbound 15 to the westbound 10.
Caltrans and the California Highway Patrol recommended that drivers of tractor-trailers and other high-profile vehicles in the area stay off the roads for now. Kasinga said the choice to drive commercial trucks is up to either drivers or their dispatchers.


mercurynews--2020-02-12--Letter: Measure A will not benefit me or my family–or will it?[

Measure A will not benefit me or my family–or will it ?
I am an Alameda homeowner whose kids are out of the house .
Measure A , the school parcel tax , will not benefit me or my family … or will it ?
While Spirits Alley , the beaches , and the looming inescapable view of Salesforce Tower might keep Alameda desirable , it ’ s the great schools that bring families here , buoying our property values .
The additional $ 447 homeowners will pay annually ( on average ) will more than be recouped through increased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the main reason I am voting yes on A .
Every community benefits from excellent teachers who inspire and educate the kids in the neighborhood who — before long — will be working in a local store , and driving , voting and generally running things when we have to pass the torch .
• Letter : Help San Jose ’ s homeless — but not in this way • Letter : These truly remove trash , not just relocate it • Letter : Sad day for the US on such serious accusations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , his ancestors make this nation great ?
• Letter : DUI driver who killed the young Alameda pedestrian was free ?
With a citizen oversight committee and an exemption for seniors , Measure A provides a balanced approach to funding education .
Please vote yes on Measure A .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Measure A will not benefit my family or me — or will it?
Re: “Reject Alameda schools’ average $447 tax for raises” (Editorial, Eastbaytimes.com, Feb. 2):
I am an Alameda homeowner whose kids are out of the house. Measure A, the school parcel tax, will not benefit me or my family … or will it?
While Spirits Alley, the beaches, and the looming inescapable view of Salesforce Tower might keep Alameda desirable, it’s the great schools that bring families here, buoying our property values.
The additional $447 homeowners will pay annually (on average) will more than be recouped through increased equity. But that’s not the main reason I am voting yes on A. Every community benefits from excellent teachers who inspire and educate the kids in the neighborhood who — before long — will be working in a local store, and driving, voting and generally running things when we have to pass the torch.
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Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps With a citizen oversight committee and an exemption for seniors, Measure A provides a balanced approach to funding education. Please vote yes on Measure A.
Jono Soglin
Alameda
Submit your letter to the editor via this form. Read more Letters to the Editor.


mercurynews--2020-02-12--Sanders edges Buttigieg in NH, giving Dems 2 front-runners

MANCHESTER , N.H. ( AP ) — Bernie Sanders won New Hampshire ’ s presidential primary , edging moderate rival Pete Buttigieg and scoring the first clear victory in the Democratic Party ’ s chaotic 2020 nomination fight .
In his Tuesday night win , the 78-year-old Sanders , a self-described democratic socialist , beat back a strong challenge from the 38-year-old former mayor of South Bend , Indiana .
The dueling Democrats represent different generations , see divergent paths to the nomination and embrace conflicting visions of America ’ s future .
As Sanders and Buttigieg celebrated , Amy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gives her a road out of New Hampshire as the primary season moves on to the string of state-by-state contests that lie ahead .
Elizabeth Warren and Joe Biden posted disappointing fourth and fifth place finishes respectively and were on track to finish with zero delegates from the state .
The New Hampshire vote gives new clarity to a Democratic contest shaping up to be a battle between two men separated by four decades in age and clashing political ideologies .
Sanders is a leading progressive voice , having spent decades demanding substantial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sectors of the economy .
Buttigieg has pressed for more incremental change , preferring to give Americans the option of retaining their private health insurance while appealing to Republicans and independents who may be dissatisfied with Trump .
Their disparate temperaments were on display Tuesday as they spoke before cheering supporters .
“ We are gon na win because we have the agenda that speaks to the needs of working people across this country , ” Sanders declared .
“ This victory here is the beginning of the end for Donald Trump.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thanks to you , a campaign that some said shouldn ’ t be here at all has shown that we are here to stay.
” Both men have strength heading into the next phase of the campaign , yet they face very different political challenges .
While Warren made clear she will remain in the race , Sanders , well-financed and with an ardent army of supporters , has cemented his status as the clear leader of the progressive wing of the party .
Meanwhile , Buttigieg must prove he can attract support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to winning the nomination .
And unlike Sanders , he still has multiple rivals in his own ideological wing of the party to contend with .
They include Klobuchar , whose standout debate performance led to a late surge in New Hampshire and a growing national following .
While deeply wounded , Biden promises strength in upcoming South Carolina .
And though former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg was not on Tuesday ’ s ballot , he looms next month when the contest reaches states offering hundreds of delegates .
After a chaotic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iowa , Democrats hoped New Hampshire would help give shape to their urgent quest to pick someone to take on Trump in November .
At least two candidates dropped out in the wake of weak finishes Tuesday night : moderate Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet and political newcomer Andrew Yang , who attracted a small but loyal following over the past year and was one of just three candidates of color left in the race .
The struggling candidates still in the race sought to minimize the latest results .
Warren , who spent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an optimistic outlook as she faced cheering supporters : “ Our campaign is built for the long haul , and we are just getting started.
” Having already predicted he would “ take a hit ” in New Hampshire after a distant fourth-place finish in Iowa , Biden essentially ceded the state .
He traveled to South Carolina Tuesday as he bet his candidacy on a strong showing there later this month boosted by support from black voters .
Still , history suggests that the first-in-the-nation primary will have enormous influence shaping the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , no Democrat has ever become the party ’ s general election nominee without finishing first or second in New Hampshire .
Sanders and Buttigieg were on track to win the same number of New Hampshire delegates with most of the vote tallied , with Klobuchar a few behind .
Warren , Biden and the rest of the field were shut out , failing to reach the 15 % threshold needed for delegates .
The AP allocated nine delegates each to Sanders and Buttigieg and six to Klobuchar .
The action was on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won New Hampshire ’ s Republican primary .
He was facing token opposition from former Massachusetts Gov .
Bill Weld .
With most of the vote in , Trump already had amassed more votes in the New Hampshire primary than any incumbent president in history .
His vote share was approaching the modern historical high for an incumbent president , 86.43 % set by Ronald Reagan in 1984 .
Weld received about 9 % of the vote of New Hampshire Republicans .
The political spotlight quickly shifts to Nevada , where Democrats will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several candidates , including Warren and Sanders , plan to visit other states in the coming days that vote on Super Tuesday , signaling they are in the race for the long haul .
Peoples reported from Washington .
Associated Press writers Seth Borenstein and Zeke Miller in Washington , Will Weissert , Holly Ramer and Thomas Beaumont contributed from New Hampshire .
Catch up on the 2020 election campaign with AP experts on our weekly politics podcast , “ Ground Game .
”

By STEVE PEOPLES, KATHLEEN RONAYNE and HUNTER WOODALL
MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) — Bernie Sanders won New Hampshire’s presidential primary, edging moderate rival Pete Buttigieg and scoring the first clear victory in the Democratic Party’s chaotic 2020 nomination fight.
In his Tuesday night win, the 78-year-old Sanders, a self-described democratic socialist, beat back a strong challenge from the 38-year-old former mayor of South Bend, Indiana. The dueling Democrats represent different generations, see divergent paths to the nomination and embrace conflicting visions of America’s future.
As Sanders and Buttigieg celebrated, Amy Klobuchar scored an unexpected third-place finish that gives her a road out of New Hampshire as the primary season moves on to the string of state-by-state contests that lie ahead.
Elizabeth Warren and Joe Biden posted disappointing fourth and fifth place finishes respectively and were on track to finish with zero delegates from the state.
The New Hampshire vote gives new clarity to a Democratic contest shaping up to be a battle between two men separated by four decades in age and clashing political ideologies. Sanders is a leading progressive voice, having spent decades demanding substantial government intervention in health care and other sectors of the economy. Buttigieg has pressed for more incremental change, preferring to give Americans the option of retaining their private health insurance while appealing to Republicans and independents who may be dissatisfied with Trump.
Their disparate temperaments were on display Tuesday as they spoke before cheering supporters.
“We are gonna win because we have the agenda that speaks to the needs of working people across this country,” Sanders declared. “This victory here is the beginning of the end for Donald Trump.”
Buttigieg struck an optimistic tone: “Thanks to you, a campaign that some said shouldn’t be here at all has shown that we are here to stay.”
Both men have strength heading into the next phase of the campaign, yet they face very different political challenges.
While Warren made clear she will remain in the race, Sanders, well-financed and with an ardent army of supporters, has cemented his status as the clear leader of the progressive wing of the party.
Meanwhile, Buttigieg must prove he can attract support from voters of color who are critical to winning the nomination. And unlike Sanders, he still has multiple rivals in his own ideological wing of the party to contend with. They include Klobuchar, whose standout debate performance led to a late surge in New Hampshire and a growing national following. While deeply wounded, Biden promises strength in upcoming South Carolina. And though former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg was not on Tuesday’s ballot, he looms next month when the contest reaches states offering hundreds of delegates.
After a chaotic beginning to primary voting last week in Iowa, Democrats hoped New Hampshire would help give shape to their urgent quest to pick someone to take on Trump in November. At least two candidates dropped out in the wake of weak finishes Tuesday night: moderate Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet and political newcomer Andrew Yang, who attracted a small but loyal following over the past year and was one of just three candidates of color left in the race.
The struggling candidates still in the race sought to minimize the latest results.
Warren, who spent months as a Democratic front-runner, offered an optimistic outlook as she faced cheering supporters: “Our campaign is built for the long haul, and we are just getting started.”
Having already predicted he would “take a hit” in New Hampshire after a distant fourth-place finish in Iowa, Biden essentially ceded the state. He traveled to South Carolina Tuesday as he bet his candidacy on a strong showing there later this month boosted by support from black voters.
Still, history suggests that the first-in-the-nation primary will have enormous influence shaping the 2020 race. In the modern era, no Democrat has ever become the party’s general election nominee without finishing first or second in New Hampshire.
Sanders and Buttigieg were on track to win the same number of New Hampshire delegates with most of the vote tallied, with Klobuchar a few behind. Warren, Biden and the rest of the field were shut out, failing to reach the 15% threshold needed for delegates.
The AP allocated nine delegates each to Sanders and Buttigieg and six to Klobuchar.
The action was on the Democratic side, but Trump easily won New Hampshire’s Republican primary. He was facing token opposition from former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld.
With most of the vote in, Trump already had amassed more votes in the New Hampshire primary than any incumbent president in history. His vote share was approaching the modern historical high for an incumbent president, 86.43% set by Ronald Reagan in 1984. Weld received about 9% of the vote of New Hampshire Republicans.
The political spotlight quickly shifts to Nevada, where Democrats will hold caucuses on Feb. 22. But several candidates, including Warren and Sanders, plan to visit other states in the coming days that vote on Super Tuesday, signaling they are in the race for the long haul.
___
Peoples reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Seth Borenstein and Zeke Miller in Washington, Will Weissert, Holly Ramer and Thomas Beaumont contributed from New Hampshire.
___
Catch up on the 2020 election campaign with AP experts on our weekly politics podcast, “Ground Game.”


mercurynews--2020-02-12--49ers mailbag: What is offseason plan after Super Bowl bust?

Ever hesitate to check the mail for a bill , jury duty or test results ?
Yeah , well try opening the first 49ers mailbag after a Super Bowl loss .
Let ’ s power through questions from grieving fans via my Instagram and Twitter couches : Did the Niners peak like they did in 2012 ?
( @ Qizzle75 ) Nah .
With this roster ’ s foundation and stability , the 49ers remain on an ascent , if they can take care of their mentals and Super Bowl hangover .
Their championship window is open for several years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Garoppolo should have better staying power than the Jim Harbaugh and Colin Kaepernick , and it will help if they avoid catastrophic injuries to stars ( see : NaVorro Bowman in 2013 season ’ s finale ) or a stunning wave of surprise retirements .
Thanks Cam for the hard work , I ’ m still in mourning can ’ t see any sports shows .
Which player is most likely to leave or stay concerning the teams FA ?
( @ EVillegas1583 ) Of the market-bound starters , I ’ m not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s career year may have priced himself out of the 49ers ’ reaches , especially if they must pay DeForest Buckner more in a looming extension .
Emmanuel Sanders was an ideal , rent-a-receiver , and with him already packed up back to Denver , he surely won ’ t return on a cheap , short-term deal .
Jimmie Ward ’ s best season ended with a thud , as his “ Eraser ” spot at free safety couldn ’ t erase the secondary ’ s Super Bowl blunders .
How can I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in since the SB loss ?
I have been waiting since 1994 for their next SB win .
( @ BASportsDude ) Your depression surely pales in comparison to those inside the 49ers ’ facility .
Perhaps an annual , Cabo getaway will ease Shanahan ’ s pain .
Just think back to a year ago and imagine how satisfied you would have been with mere playoff contention .
Why is Bill Vinovich still employed ?
( @ Brian_d00 ) The Super Bowl referee is a predictable target .
Questionable calls ?
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make ) plenty : offensive pass interference on George Kittle ; no holding penalty when Nick Bosa got hooked on third-and-15 ; no offside call on a Chiefs pass rusher ; Tarvarius Moore ’ s pass-interference call in the end zone ; and , a debatable touchdown for Damien Williams at the pylon .
How many players do you think are traded this offseason for some draft picks given the fact we don ’ t have many ?
( @ Colan13Lamont ) The 49ers have the 31st overall pick , then none until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of trades for Dee Ford and Emmanuel Sanders .
So , yes , draft equity is needed .
Trading down is most logical .
Who could they deal ?
I don ’ t see them parting with Nick Mullens , and I ’ m not sure who ’ s coming after C.J .
Beathard in a quarterback-saturated market .
Franchise tagging and then trading Armstead is an option , and he alluded last week how the 49ers will have some control over him .
Why do you think Kyle has a problem with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any problems getting on the score board and if we just stick to what got us to the dance we could have run the score up even more .
But he just seems to want to go really conservative .
( @ MikeNeeham49 ) Conservative before halftime , but not in the fourth quarter .
Also , don ’ t dismiss the defense ’ s culpability , and so much more .
Shanahan said a few days before the Super Bowl he “ freaks out ” about protecting leads , and he ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before his can ’ t-believe-what-I ’ m-seeing eyes .
• As 49ers fans grind on Super Bowl loss , Chiefs ’ Patrick Mahomes breaks down tide-turning play call • XFL : Colin Kaepernick wanted too much money to play • 49ers lose two assistant coaches to the Cleveland Browns • 49ers owner pours $ 317,125 into campaign against Santa Clara ballot measure How do you think the loss of Joe Woods changes the DB room ?
( @ doug_ying ) It ’ s more about which defensive backs will be brought back or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pick ? )
to coach .
With Woods becoming the Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator and Tony Oden reportedly replacing him , the 49ers are on their third secondary coach in three seasons .
Communication is key , as are defining jobs , like how to stay in your zone assignment on third-and-15 .
Who do the 49ers target in free agency ?
( @ nogueyjosay ) General manager John Lynch doesn ’ t have a blank check like past seasons .
“ We can ’ t go to the grocery store and say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I ’ ll have that , I ’ ll have that , ’ ” Lynch said last week .
“ It is more like , ‘ I ’ ll have that , but I might have to put that back.
’ There are tradeoffs .
It ’ s tightening up , but we knew that all along .
The bright side is that we ’ re top-five in returning starters and they ’ re really good players.
” As for free agent prospects , we ’ ve got a month to speculate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going forward , & could A.J .
Green be this finishing piece to the offense ?
( @ simmons76_rod ) Pettis ’ third season will be dictated by how urgently he attacks the coming months to get back in Shanahan ’ s good graces .
His last catch was on Halloween , and he never suited up after a knee sprain before the Dec. 1 trip to Baltimore .
As for Green , he will be 32 by training camp , and the 49ers must be as curious as anyone to see what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injuries in his recent past .
Emmanuel Sanders turns 33 on March 17 .
Perhaps the draft will unearth a new gem , like Deebo Sanders a year ago .
Why are these talk-show analysts so stupid ?
They talk like Jimmy G is a bust and the 9ers should cut him .
( @ jonjerare ) Not everyone can be as smart as our mailbag connoisseurs .
Thanks for tuning in this week .
Only 30 weeks to go until the season opener .
·

Ever hesitate to check the mail for a bill, jury duty or test results? Yeah, well try opening the first 49ers mailbag after a Super Bowl loss. Let’s power through questions from grieving fans via my Instagram and Twitter couches:
Did the Niners peak like they did in 2012? (@Qizzle75)
Nah. With this roster’s foundation and stability, the 49ers remain on an ascent, if they can take care of their mentals and Super Bowl hangover. Their championship window is open for several years to come. Kyle Shanahan and Jimmy Garoppolo should have better staying power than the Jim Harbaugh and Colin Kaepernick, and it will help if they avoid catastrophic injuries to stars (see: NaVorro Bowman in 2013 season’s finale) or a stunning wave of surprise retirements.
Thanks Cam for the hard work, I’m still in mourning can’t see any sports shows. Which player is most likely to leave or stay concerning the teams FA? (@EVillegas1583)
Of the market-bound starters, I’m not certain any stay. Arik Armstead’s career year may have priced himself out of the 49ers’ reaches, especially if they must pay DeForest Buckner more in a looming extension. Emmanuel Sanders was an ideal, rent-a-receiver, and with him already packed up back to Denver, he surely won’t return on a cheap, short-term deal. Jimmie Ward’s best season ended with a thud, as his “Eraser” spot at free safety couldn’t erase the secondary’s Super Bowl blunders.
How can I get over this depression I have been in since the SB loss? I have been waiting since 1994 for their next SB win. (@BASportsDude)
Your depression surely pales in comparison to those inside the 49ers’ facility. Perhaps an annual, Cabo getaway will ease Shanahan’s pain. Just think back to a year ago and imagine how satisfied you would have been with mere playoff contention.
Why is Bill Vinovich still employed? (@Brian_d00)
The Super Bowl referee is a predictable target. Questionable calls? His crew made (or didn’t make) plenty: offensive pass interference on George Kittle; no holding penalty when Nick Bosa got hooked on third-and-15; no offside call on a Chiefs pass rusher; Tarvarius Moore’s pass-interference call in the end zone; and, a debatable touchdown for Damien Williams at the pylon.
How many players do you think are traded this offseason for some draft picks given the fact we don’t have many? (@Colan13Lamont)
The 49ers have the 31st overall pick, then none until the fifth round, as a result of trades for Dee Ford and Emmanuel Sanders. So, yes, draft equity is needed. Trading down is most logical. Who could they deal? I don’t see them parting with Nick Mullens, and I’m not sure who’s coming after C.J. Beathard in a quarterback-saturated market. Franchise tagging and then trading Armstead is an option, and he alluded last week how the 49ers will have some control over him.
Why do you think Kyle has a problem with closing games off? We never have any problems getting on the score board and if we just stick to what got us to the dance we could have run the score up even more. But he just seems to want to go really conservative. (@MikeNeeham49)
Conservative before halftime, but not in the fourth quarter. Also, don’t dismiss the defense’s culpability, and so much more. Shanahan said a few days before the Super Bowl he “freaks out” about protecting leads, and he’s seen the Lombardi Trophy twice flash before his can’t-believe-what-I’m-seeing eyes. Related Articles San Francisco 49ers | 49ers training camp: Talanoa Hufanga’s interception spoils Brock Purdy’s solid day
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How do you think the loss of Joe Woods changes the DB room? (@doug_ying)
It’s more about which defensive backs will be brought back or brought in (with the top draft pick?) to coach. With Woods becoming the Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator and Tony Oden reportedly replacing him, the 49ers are on their third secondary coach in three seasons. Communication is key, as are defining jobs, like how to stay in your zone assignment on third-and-15.
Who do the 49ers target in free agency? (@nogueyjosay)
General manager John Lynch doesn’t have a blank check like past seasons. “We can’t go to the grocery store and say, ‘I’ll have that, I’ll have that, I’ll have that,’ ” Lynch said last week. “It is more like, ‘I’ll have that, but I might have to put that back.’ There are tradeoffs. It’s tightening up, but we knew that all along. The bright side is that we’re top-five in returning starters and they’re really good players.” As for free agent prospects, we’ve got a month to speculate.
What will Pettis’ role be going forward, & could A.J. Green be this finishing piece to the offense? (@simmons76_rod)
Pettis’ third season will be dictated by how urgently he attacks the coming months to get back in Shanahan’s good graces. His last catch was on Halloween, and he never suited up after a knee sprain before the Dec. 1 trip to Baltimore. As for Green, he will be 32 by training camp, and the 49ers must be as curious as anyone to see what he has left after toe and ankle injuries in his recent past. Emmanuel Sanders turns 33 on March 17. Perhaps the draft will unearth a new gem, like Deebo Sanders a year ago.
Why are these talk-show analysts so stupid? They talk like Jimmy G is a bust and the 9ers should cut him. (@jonjerare)
Not everyone can be as smart as our mailbag connoisseurs. Thanks for tuning in this week. Only 30 weeks to go until the season opener.
·


mercurynews--2020-02-12--Letter: Help San Jose’s homeless — but not in this way

Help San Jose homeless — but not in this way Re : “ Plan to reduce homelessness in San Jose that saves millions ” ( Opinion section , Mercurynews.com , Jan. 30 ) : Jonathan Fleming should go back to school and learn basic math .
Yes , we do need temporary housing for people , but that is in addition to building affordable Permanent Supportive Housing , not instead of .
Add the temporary and permanent together to get the true figures .
His plan also calls for warehousing people in “ semi-rural areas.
” How do these people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Study after study has shown that isolating people is more harmful than helpful .
Fleming also wants more mental health facilities , but has no plan to pay for these facilities .
• Letter : Measure A will not benefit me or my family–or will it ?
[ • Letter : These truly remove trash , not just relocate it • Letter : Sad day for the US on such serious accusations • Letter : How exactly did Trump , his ancestors make this nation great ?
• Letter : DUI driver who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
We can all agree that we must do better , but Fleming is not proposing a realistic plan that saves money and helps those who live on our streets find permanent housing .
As a matter of fact , his “ plan ” makes things worse as we would have less money for permanent housing .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Help San Jose homeless
— but not in this way
Re: “Plan to reduce homelessness in San Jose that saves millions” (Opinion section, Mercurynews.com, Jan. 30):
Jonathan Fleming should go back to school and learn basic math. Yes, we do need temporary housing for people, but that is in addition to building affordable Permanent Supportive Housing, not instead of.
Add the temporary and permanent together to get the true figures.
His plan also calls for warehousing people in “semi-rural areas.” How do these people get to stores? Get medications?
Study after study has shown that isolating people is more harmful than helpful.
Fleming also wants more mental health facilities, but has no plan to pay for these facilities.
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Jacquie Heffner
San Jose
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Bridge: Feb. 12, 2020

“ I need a new call in the auction , ” Unlucky Louie told me .
“ If I double a contract and they redouble , I should be able to undouble.
” Louie , today ’ s West , hammered four spades with what looked like four trump tricks , and North re-hammered .
Louie led the queen of clubs , won by the ace .
Warned by the double , South didn ’ t lead trumps .
He took the ace of diamonds , ruffed a diamond , led a club to the king and ruffed a diamond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ruffed a diamond .
Having won eight tricks , South led the king of hearts .
Louie ruffed with his nine of trumps and led the ace and ten .
( No defense was better . )
South took the king and led another heart , and dummy ’ s eight of trumps had to score .
North-South were plus 1,080 .
“ Undouble , ” Louie sighed .
“ If I doubled a grand slam with two aces , they would redouble and make it.
” The worst penalty doubles tell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always make four spades , but if undoubled , he might play differently and fail .
You hold : S 8 4 3 H Q 2 D A 10 7 5 2 C A K 3 .
You open one diamond , and your partner responds one heart .
The opponents pass .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : Despite the weakness in spades , you should bid 1NT .
You promise minimum opening values with balanced distribution but do not promise strength in every suit .
To bid notrump is unpleasant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : A rebid of two diamonds would suggest a six-card or longer suit .

“I need a new call in the auction,” Unlucky Louie told me. “If I double a contract and they redouble, I should be able to undouble.”
Louie, today’s West, hammered four spades with what looked like four trump tricks, and North re-hammered. Louie led the queen of clubs, won by the ace. Warned by the double, South didn’t lead trumps. He took the ace of diamonds, ruffed a diamond, led a club to the king and ruffed a diamond. He took the A-Q of hearts and ruffed a diamond.
EIGHT OF TRUMPS
Having won eight tricks, South led the king of hearts. Louie ruffed with his nine of trumps and led the ace and ten. (No defense was better.) South took the king and led another heart, and dummy’s eight of trumps had to score. North-South were plus 1,080.
“Undouble,” Louie sighed. “If I doubled a grand slam with two aces, they would redouble and make it.”
The worst penalty doubles tell declarer how to play. South could always make four spades, but if undoubled, he might play differently and fail.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S 8 4 3 H Q 2 D A 10 7 5 2 C A K 3. You open one diamond, and your partner responds one heart. The opponents pass. What do you say?
ANSWER: Despite the weakness in spades, you should bid 1NT. You promise minimum opening values with balanced distribution but do not promise strength in every suit. To bid notrump is unpleasant, but the only alternative is worse: A rebid of two diamonds would suggest a six-card or longer suit.
South dealer
Both sides vulnerable
NORTH
S 8 4 3
H Q 2
D A 10 7 5 2
C A K 3
WEST
S A Q 10 9
H 10 6
D K J 9 4
C Q J 8
EAST
S 6
H J 9 8 4
D Q 8 3
C 10 9 7 6 5
SOUTH
S K J 7 5 2
H A K 7 5 3
D 6
C 4 2
South West North East
1 S Pass 2 D Pass
2 H Pass 3 S Pass
4 S Dbl Redbl All Pass
Opening lead — C Q
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


Word Game: Feb. 12, 2020

TODAY ’ S WORD — PROPHECY ( PROPHECY : PROF-eh-see : A prediction of something to come . )
Can @ @ @ @ @ words in PROPHECY ?
The list will be published tomorrow .
To purchase the Word @ @ @ @ @ .
Order it now for just $ 5 while supplies last !
1 .
Words @ @ @ @ @ more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “ @ @ @ @ @ “ bats ” or “ dies , ” are not allowed .
3 .
Additional @ @ @ @ @ “ d ” or an “ s ” may not be used .
For example @ @ @ @ @ is used , “ baked ” or “ bakes ” are not allowed , but @ @ @ @ @ baking ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper nouns , slang words , or vulgar @ @ @ @ @ not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — PROPHECY (PROPHECY: PROF-eh-see: A prediction of something to come.)
Average mark 25 words
Time limit 40 minutes
Can you find 36 or more words in PROPHECY? The list will be published tomorrow.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — BILINGUAL bail bailing baling ball balling bang
bill billing blain blini bluing bull bung lain ling lingual lung nail null gain gall
gill glib gull ulna ailing alibi align
To purchase the Word Game book, visit WordGameBooks.com. Order it now for just $5 while supplies last!
RULES OF THE GAME:
1. Words must be of four or more letters.
2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.
3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” are not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible.
4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.
Contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe at kzsaxe@gmail.com.


mercurynews--2020-02-12--Horoscopes Feb. 12, 2020: Josh Brolin, eliminate what isn’t necessary.

Happy Birthday : Eliminate what isn ’ t necessary , and focus on what matters to you most .
Personal improvements will turn out well , and joining forces with someone special will help you achieve your goals .
Let go of problems , and move into the future with a clean slate .
It ’ s time to conquer , not fall behind .
Love , romance and personal gains are within reach .
Your numbers are 9,16 , 21 , 28 , 33 , 39 , 46 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Look at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inappropriate changes .
Constructive adjustments will ensure that you don ’ t waste time or money .
The priority should be to stay ahead of the competition .
Actions speak louder than words .
Romance is favored .
3 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Walk away from anyone who is a bad influence .
Rely on what you have to offer , and you will make positive progress .
Work on projects and plans that benefit you financially .
Avoid connections that are undermining or abusive .
3 stars GEMINI @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t leave anything to chance .
Finish what you start , and put as much detail as possible into what you do .
Someone will judge you by the actions you take , not the promises you make .
Settle an emotional matter .
Romance is favored .
5 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Take things into your own hands , and control your destiny and desires .
An emotional situation can be dealt with efficiently if you make everyone around you feel at ease .
Prepare your plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actions .
2 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Focus on work and getting ahead , and it will improve the outcome of a deal you are pursuing .
Love is in the picture , and time spent nurturing a relationship will pay off .
Financial change is apparent .
Romance is on the rise .
4 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : An opportunity will lead to a better position .
Talk to someone with experience regarding your plans , and you will receive useful advice .
Expand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or activities .
A change to your routine will be enlightening .
3 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Keep private matters and personal secrets safe .
Social events will lead to romance , but be careful not to get involved with more than one person .
Stick to supportive people , not the ones who bring you down .
Make love a priority .
3 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Give and get .
Strive for equality .
Don ’ t let anyone tell you what you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and follow through with your plans .
A change is necessary if you want to expand and develop your beliefs and intentions .
3 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Avoid taking action too quickly .
Consider what everyone around you is doing before you say or do something that may not be appropriate .
An emotional upset could soon end in a dispute that is irreversible .
Think before you act .
4 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : A money deal looks positive , and pursuing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and prosperous .
You are overdue for a change , and now is the perfect time to implement your plans .
Don ’ t let love interfere in your progress .
2 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Assess your assets , look at your debt and make whatever adjustment you can to balance your budget .
You ’ ll feel much better once you put a financial plan together and have a goal that offers incentives .
Romance is encouraged .
5 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meaningful relationship .
You have to be fully prepared to make a decision and a move that will stabilize and protect your interests .
Be open , honest and fair , and you will win .
3 stars Birthday Baby : You are adaptable , insightful and original .
You are aggressive and dedicated .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Christina Ricci, 40; Darren Aronofsky, 51; Josh Brolin, 52; Arsenio Hall, 64.
Happy Birthday: Eliminate what isn’t necessary, and focus on what matters to you most. Personal improvements will turn out well, and joining forces with someone special will help you achieve your goals. Let go of problems, and move into the future with a clean slate. It’s time to conquer, not fall behind. Love, romance and personal gains are within reach. Your numbers are 9,16, 21, 28, 33, 39, 46.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Look at the facts before jumping to conclusions and making inappropriate changes. Constructive adjustments will ensure that you don’t waste time or money. The priority should be to stay ahead of the competition. Actions speak louder than words. Romance is favored. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Walk away from anyone who is a bad influence. Rely on what you have to offer, and you will make positive progress. Work on projects and plans that benefit you financially. Avoid connections that are undermining or abusive. 3 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Don’t leave anything to chance. Finish what you start, and put as much detail as possible into what you do. Someone will judge you by the actions you take, not the promises you make. Settle an emotional matter. Romance is favored. 5 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Take things into your own hands, and control your destiny and desires. An emotional situation can be dealt with efficiently if you make everyone around you feel at ease. Prepare your plan secretively, and surprise everyone with your actions. 2 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Focus on work and getting ahead, and it will improve the outcome of a deal you are pursuing. Love is in the picture, and time spent nurturing a relationship will pay off. Financial change is apparent. Romance is on the rise. 4 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): An opportunity will lead to a better position. Talk to someone with experience regarding your plans, and you will receive useful advice. Expand your knowledge by getting involved in groups or activities. A change to your routine will be enlightening. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Keep private matters and personal secrets safe. Social events will lead to romance, but be careful not to get involved with more than one person. Stick to supportive people, not the ones who bring you down. Make love a priority. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Give and get. Strive for equality. Don’t let anyone tell you what you cannot do. Consider your needs, and follow through with your plans. A change is necessary if you want to expand and develop your beliefs and intentions. 3 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Avoid taking action too quickly. Consider what everyone around you is doing before you say or do something that may not be appropriate. An emotional upset could soon end in a dispute that is irreversible. Think before you act. 4 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): A money deal looks positive, and pursuing a dream will be fun, exciting and prosperous. You are overdue for a change, and now is the perfect time to implement your plans. Don’t let love interfere in your progress. 2 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Assess your assets, look at your debt and make whatever adjustment you can to balance your budget. You’ll feel much better once you put a financial plan together and have a goal that offers incentives. Romance is encouraged. 5 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Emotional implications will cause havoc in a meaningful relationship. You have to be fully prepared to make a decision and a move that will stabilize and protect your interests. Be open, honest and fair, and you will win. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are adaptable, insightful and original. You are aggressive and dedicated.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-02-12--Ask Amy: I like dogs more than babies. What is wrong with me?

DEAR AMY : My co-workers all have children or grandchildren .
My husband and I never had children ( medical issues ) .
Most of my friends and co-workers were determined to get out of school , get married and have a baby .
Me ?
I wanted to travel and do things I wanted to do before I got married .
And I did !
Having a baby was never on my radar .
Oh , I figured I would want a baby one day , but it wasn ’ t a priority .
I ’ m the type @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are around me before I see the cute baby .
And , please , don ’ t show me a video of your kid learning to run or dancing .
No thanks !
• Ask Amy : I feel such rage when I see her picture on Facebook • Ask Amy : We can ’ t afford more daycare , and my mom won ’ t help us • Ask Amy : He turns every conversation into a lecture , and it ’ s infuriating • Ask Amy : Why can ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurant , like I do ?
• Ask Amy : I ’ m worried about my neighbor , and I have a sneaky plan My problem is that when my friends talk about babysitting their grandchildren ( which I think they do too often — they can ’ t seem to say no to their kids ! )
my eyes tend to glaze over , and I zone out .
At work when co-workers start talking about their kids or grandkids , I have the same reaction .
Usually I just go back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with me ?
Why don ’ t I like kids ?
DEAR M : I don ’ t know why you don ’ t like kids .
I don ’ t assume that you actually dislike human children , but that you are bored by a topic that you don ’ t see as relatable .
Perhaps if you pretended that children were dogs , you could at least feign an interest in them .
Maybe not .
There is a high likelihood that I wouldn ’ t be overly interested in your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But if you showed these photos to me , I would politely engage with you , because your travels and your pooches are important to you .
Friendship and collegiality confer a certain amount of benign politeness .
You might not be overly interested in a friend or colleague ’ s golf game , her kids ’ soccer score , or her grandbaby ’ s first steps , but a nod and a smile are all that is required ; then you can go back to your office .
DEAR AMY : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ site after learning that we were cousins ( most likely first cousins , once removed — meaning she ’ s the daughter of one of my first cousins ) .
We had no knowledge of each other and excitedly exchanged information about ourselves and our families .
Eventually , though , she wanted specific names of male relatives who , presumably , might be her birth father .
She was not adopted and was raised by two parents .
Presumably , the father who raised her didn ’ t know he was not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I explained that I did not feel comfortable giving names and asked if she could speak with her mother about this , however uncomfortable that might be .
I truly felt I ’ d gone as far as I could , ethically speaking .
My cousins ( one of whom might be her biological father ) are married , and I had their lives to consider in this genetic search process .
After declining to provide names of family members , I never heard from her again , which grieves me .
Now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this age of DNA discoveries , what are our obligations to family members , whether they be known or hidden ?
What is ethical here ?
DEAR CURIOUS : This is a great question , and it — and others like it — are emerging as DNA discoveries unearth family secrets .
I agree with how you ’ ve handled this .
You chose to register on this site and communicate with this long-lost cousin .
Your other relatives have not made the same choice , and you don ’ t have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You could force this issue into the open by saying to your relatives : “ I have been contacted by a previously unknown cousin through a DNA site .
She is eager to reach out to other family members .
If you are interested in communicating with her , let me know and I will give you her contact information.
” I ’ m not advocating for this approach , but it is an option that offers your relatives the same choice you have faced .
You could also reach out to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in touch , without changing your own choice about disclosure .
DEAR AMY : Thank you , thank you for your response to “ Tightrope Walker , ” whose co-worker had survived a suicide attempt .
Yes , after a crisis , it is such a relief to interact with people in a “ normal ” capacity .
Not directly addressing the crisis isn ’ t being in denial .
It is demonstrating that you see the survivor as more than their illness .
DEAR BEEN THERE : Re-entry is so hard after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your wisdom .
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: My co-workers all have children or grandchildren. My husband and I never had children (medical issues).
Most of my friends and co-workers were determined to get out of school, get married and have a baby. Me? I wanted to travel and do things I wanted to do before I got married. And I did!
Having a baby was never on my radar. Oh, I figured I would want a baby one day, but it wasn’t a priority.
I’m the type of person where I see dogs that are around me before I see the cute baby. And, please, don’t show me a video of your kid learning to run or dancing. No thanks!
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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 My problem is that when my friends talk about babysitting their grandchildren (which I think they do too often — they can’t seem to say no to their kids!) my eyes tend to glaze over, and I zone out.
At work when co-workers start talking about their kids or grandkids, I have the same reaction. Usually I just go back to my office.
What is wrong with me? Why don’t I like kids?
M
DEAR M: I don’t know why you don’t like kids. I don’t assume that you actually dislike human children, but that you are bored by a topic that you don’t see as relatable.
Perhaps if you pretended that children were dogs, you could at least feign an interest in them. Maybe not.
There is a high likelihood that I wouldn’t be overly interested in your photos from your most recent travel adventure. But if you showed these photos to me, I would politely engage with you, because your travels and your pooches are important to you.
Friendship and collegiality confer a certain amount of benign politeness. You might not be overly interested in a friend or colleague’s golf game, her kids’ soccer score, or her grandbaby’s first steps, but a nod and a smile are all that is required; then you can go back to your office.
DEAR AMY: A relative contacted me on an ancestry site after learning that we were cousins (most likely first cousins, once removed — meaning she’s the daughter of one of my first cousins).
We had no knowledge of each other and excitedly exchanged information about ourselves and our families. Eventually, though, she wanted specific names of male relatives who, presumably, might be her birth father.
She was not adopted and was raised by two parents. Presumably, the father who raised her didn’t know he was not her biological father.
At that point I explained that I did not feel comfortable giving names and asked if she could speak with her mother about this, however uncomfortable that might be.
I truly felt I’d gone as far as I could, ethically speaking. My cousins (one of whom might be her biological father) are married, and I had their lives to consider in this genetic search process.
After declining to provide names of family members, I never heard from her again, which grieves me.
Now I’m left wondering: In this age of DNA discoveries, what are our obligations to family members, whether they be known or hidden? What is ethical here?
Curious Cousin
DEAR CURIOUS: This is a great question, and it — and others like it — are emerging as DNA discoveries unearth family secrets.
I agree with how you’ve handled this. You chose to register on this site and communicate with this long-lost cousin. Your other relatives have not made the same choice, and you don’t have the right to reveal their identities without permission.
You could force this issue into the open by saying to your relatives: “I have been contacted by a previously unknown cousin through a DNA site. She is eager to reach out to other family members. If you are interested in communicating with her, let me know and I will give you her contact information.”
I’m not advocating for this approach, but it is an option that offers your relatives the same choice you have faced.
You could also reach out to your cousin again in order to stay in touch, without changing your own choice about disclosure.
Want Ask Amy delivered to your inbox for free on weekdays?
DEAR AMY: Thank you, thank you for your response to “Tightrope Walker,” whose co-worker had survived a suicide attempt.
Yes, after a crisis, it is such a relief to interact with people in a “normal” capacity. Not directly addressing the crisis isn’t being in denial. It is demonstrating that you see the survivor as more than their illness.
Been There
DEAR BEEN THERE: Re-entry is so hard after a personal crisis. Thank you for your wisdom.
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.