mercurynews--2020-12-23--Trio of Oakland boys arrested on suspicion of robbing woman in Palo Alto shopping center

PALO ALTO – A 14-year-old boy and two 12-year-old boys have been arrested on suspicion of beating and robbing a woman at Stanford Shopping Center , police said .
Officers were called to a parking garage at the mall about 8:20 p.m. Monday for a report of a strong-arm robbery , the Palo Alto Police Department said in a news release .
They arrived to find a woman in her 60s suffering from moderate injuries to her head and one knee .
The woman told police she was getting out of her car to go shopping when two vehicles drove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out and tried to pull the woman ’ s purse off her shoulder , said police , adding that one of them punched the woman repeatedly in the back of the head when she tried to hold on to her purse .
The woman fell to the ground and the same person allegedly stomped on one of her knees .
The woman let go of her purse and the suspects left the area .
She provided a description of the suspects and one of the vehicles , and was taken to a hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A short time later , an officer spotted the vehicle traveling eastbound on Hamilton Avenue in downtown Palo Alto .
The officer tried to stop the vehicle , but it sped away and the officer lost sight of it , police said .
Another officer , however , spotted the vehicle traveling eastbound on Oregon Expressway .
Officers ultimately pursued the vehicle until it pulled over on O ’ Brien Drive near Kavanaugh Drive in Menlo Park .
Police said officers later learned the vehicle , a white 2016 Mazda Mazda6 , had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 19 .
Around 9:45 p.m. , a Palo Alto resident reported finding some of the woman ’ s personal property in front of their home on the 900 block of Lincoln Avenue , police said .
The items included credit cards in her name that had been inside the purse .
The boys , all residents of Oakland , were arrested and booked into Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall on charges of robbery , battery and conspiracy to commit a crime , police said .
The 12-year-olds were also booked on a charge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the second vehicle is continuing , police said .
It was described as a dark-colored four-door sedan .
Anyone with information related to the case can contact the police department at 650-329-2413 .
Those wishing to remain anonymous can call or text 650-383-8984 or email paloalto @ tipnow.org .

PALO ALTO – A 14-year-old boy and two 12-year-old boys have been arrested on suspicion of beating and robbing a woman at Stanford Shopping Center, police said.
Officers were called to a parking garage at the mall about 8:20 p.m. Monday for a report of a strong-arm robbery, the Palo Alto Police Department said in a news release. They arrived to find a woman in her 60s suffering from moderate injuries to her head and one knee.
The woman told police she was getting out of her car to go shopping when two vehicles drove up to her. Three people got out and tried to pull the woman’s purse off her shoulder, said police, adding that one of them punched the woman repeatedly in the back of the head when she tried to hold on to her purse. The woman fell to the ground and the same person allegedly stomped on one of her knees.
The woman let go of her purse and the suspects left the area. She provided a description of the suspects and one of the vehicles, and was taken to a hospital to be treated for her injuries.
A short time later, an officer spotted the vehicle traveling eastbound on Hamilton Avenue in downtown Palo Alto. The officer tried to stop the vehicle, but it sped away and the officer lost sight of it, police said. Another officer, however, spotted the vehicle traveling eastbound on Oregon Expressway. Officers ultimately pursued the vehicle until it pulled over on O’Brien Drive near Kavanaugh Drive in Menlo Park.
Police said officers later learned the vehicle, a white 2016 Mazda Mazda6, had been reported stolen in Oakland on Dec. 19.
Around 9:45 p.m., a Palo Alto resident reported finding some of the woman’s personal property in front of their home on the 900 block of Lincoln Avenue, police said. The items included credit cards in her name that had been inside the purse.
The boys, all residents of Oakland, were arrested and booked into Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall on charges of robbery, battery and conspiracy to commit a crime, police said. The 12-year-olds were also booked on a charge of providing false information.
The search for the second vehicle is continuing, police said. It was described as a dark-colored four-door sedan.
Anyone with information related to the case can contact the police department at 650-329-2413. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call or text 650-383-8984 or email paloalto@tipnow.org.


mercurynews--2020-12-23--Inside the Raiders: Even without playoffs, the will to win over next two games could permeate the or

Inside the Raiders: Even without playoffs, the will to win over next two games could permeate the organization

The exact origin of the quote remains in doubt , and even Vince Lombardi claimed he never said “ Winning isn ’ t everything , it ’ s the only thing.
” The man whose name adorns the Super Bowl trophy later told author James Michener what he really said was “ Winning isn ’ t everything .
The will to win is the only thing , ” although as the original quote gained steam , Lombardi was fine with the condensed version and even repeated it on occasion .
Which brings us to the Raiders , another late-season fade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in at the playoffs as they ’ ve done for every year except one since 2002 .
The Raiders were 6-3 , fell to 7-7 and need a prayer that won ’ t be answered to sneak in to a wild card playoff spot that wasn ’ t available a year ago .
It ’ s another in a long line of failures and a letdown to the fan base , much of which would be fine if the Jon Gruden comeback had never happened .
Scrap the whole thing and start all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the constant turnover in coaching is what helped the Raiders go from proud franchise to perennial loser in the first place .
Play the reserves .
Build for the future .
Get a better draft position .
You can find this kind of reasoning in social and mainstream media and it ’ s a staple of sports talk radio .
Because while the first version of the Lombardi quote doesn ’ t cut it , the revision is on point .
The will to win is the only thing .
People who couldn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their own profession are not only willing to tolerate but promote the team of their affections going in to the tank in the belief it could make for a better future .
Organizations can and will set themselves up to lose when things look hopeless , angling for draft picks and a more sensible financial situation .
It ’ s different on game day .
The coaches and players , the ones worth keeping around , are fighting until the clock hits zero .
It ’ s why the New York Jets “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarterback Trevor Lawrence by beating the Los Angeles Rams .
It ’ s why the Cincinnati Bengals , with all of two wins and a tie , thought it was worthwhile to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers , their longtime rival .
And it ’ s why the Raiders , with the playoffs having slipped away , still have something at stake when they host Miami Saturday night and close the season at Denver on Jan. 3 .
Winning in the NFL is hard , a week-long collective effort that can ’ t be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another game to come the next day , or an NBA or NHL schedule where there ’ s three games a week .
Same goes for the fans , who live with the ecstasy and agony for six days until it starts over .
If the Raiders were to beat Miami and Denver , they ’ d finish 9-7 and out of the playoffs .
Their record in three years would have gone from 4-12 to 7-9 to 9-7 .
That ’ s progress .
Progress at a turtle ’ s pace in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You ’ d rather have that than another 7-9 and a better draft slot .
At a salary of $ 18,900,000 this season , Derek Carr is making more than a million dollars per week over 17 weeks — $ 1,111,764 to be exact .
He makes that salary over the next two games whether he plays or not .
Carr has a significant groin injury , but wants to play even if it ’ s not in his own best interest .
He couldn ’ t even imagine putting a stamp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them in , regardless of how many fans sit on their couch and wonder how that could be possible .
You want players who think like Carr on your team .
You want the organization to think that way too .
Philadelphia center Jason Kelce , older brother of Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce , gave a brilliant answer of just under two minutes after the Eagles ’ last game about the importance of the will to win .
Some of the highlights : I think at all times in the NFL , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ else takes precedence .
No player evaluation , no amount of curiosity from anyone in the organization .
Everything is focused on this league , in my opinion , on winning games You see a lot of losing teams sustain losses for a number of years when they have bad cultures , when they don ’ t try and win every week .
What are we going to do in the draft ?
What are going to do in free agency ?
This isn ’ t basketball , one draft pick isn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bowl champion , but it ’ s always going to be about the team .
That ’ s the greatest thing about this sport .
Nothing takes precedence in this league over trying to win a game .
I don ’ t care who you ’ re trying to evaluate .
I don ’ t care if you ’ ve lost every game , you ’ re 0-15 and it ’ s the last one you ’ ve got .
Everything is about winning in this league .
It ’ s been suggested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a team rests its players going into the post season and loses , as opposed to sitting players in order increase the chances of defeat to get a better draft slot .
Except that in the first instance , the idea is to set a team up to win a championship .
In the second , it ’ s to gain some sort of mythical advantage through draft position that often doesn ’ t exist .
• While Raiders ’ Derek Carr tries to make himself available , Marcus Mariota stands at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Patience is wearing thin among the fan base , and with good reason • Who will be the Raiders defensive coordinator in 2021 ?
An early look at possible candidates It ’ s so easy be absolute with no stake in the game and think Lawrence would immediately make the Jets a contender .
In reality , no one knows for absolute certainty whether he ’ s better than Ohio State ’ s Justin Fields or BYU ’ s Zach Wilson .
Third-round picks out-perform second- and first-round picks every year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ value on players they may not even get as opposed to those where they possess first-hand knowledge ?
Players understand .
They ’ re putting their livelihood on film every week , and when it appears the effort isn ’ t there , more often than not it has to do with confusion in terms of execution and message .
Ownership and management sometimes doesn ’ t get it .
Losing doesn ’ t make someone a loser .
That only happens when you stop trying to win .

The exact origin of the quote remains in doubt, and even Vince Lombardi claimed he never said “Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing.”
The man whose name adorns the Super Bowl trophy later told author James Michener what he really said was “Winning isn’t everything. The will to win is the only thing,” although as the original quote gained steam, Lombardi was fine with the condensed version and even repeated it on occasion.
Which brings us to the Raiders, another late-season fade, and being on the outside looking in at the playoffs as they’ve done for every year except one since 2002.
The Raiders were 6-3, fell to 7-7 and need a prayer that won’t be answered to sneak in to a wild card playoff spot that wasn’t available a year ago. It’s another in a long line of failures and a letdown to the fan base, much of which would be fine if the Jon Gruden comeback had never happened. Scrap the whole thing and start all over again, and never mind that the constant turnover in coaching is what helped the Raiders go from proud franchise to perennial loser in the first place.
Play the reserves. Build for the future. Get a better draft position. You can find this kind of reasoning in social and mainstream media and it’s a staple of sports talk radio.
And it’s so wrong.
Because while the first version of the Lombardi quote doesn’t cut it, the revision is on point.
The will to win is the only thing.
People who couldn’t fathom giving a half-effort in their own profession are not only willing to tolerate but promote the team of their affections going in to the tank in the belief it could make for a better future.
Organizations can and will set themselves up to lose when things look hopeless, angling for draft picks and a more sensible financial situation. It’s different on game day. The coaches and players, the ones worth keeping around, are fighting until the clock hits zero.
It’s why the New York Jets “ruined” their supposed run at Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence by beating the Los Angeles Rams. It’s why the Cincinnati Bengals, with all of two wins and a tie, thought it was worthwhile to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, their longtime rival.
And it’s why the Raiders, with the playoffs having slipped away, still have something at stake when they host Miami Saturday night and close the season at Denver on Jan. 3.
Winning in the NFL is hard, a week-long collective effort that can’t be forgotten like a baseball weekend series with another game to come the next day, or an NBA or NHL schedule where there’s three games a week. Same goes for the fans, who live with the ecstasy and agony for six days until it starts over.
If the Raiders were to beat Miami and Denver, they’d finish 9-7 and out of the playoffs. Their record in three years would have gone from 4-12 to 7-9 to 9-7. That’s progress. Progress at a turtle’s pace in a win-now culture, but progress nonetheless. You’d rather have that than another 7-9 and a better draft slot.
At a salary of $18,900,000 this season, Derek Carr is making more than a million dollars per week over 17 weeks — $1,111,764 to be exact. He makes that salary over the next two games whether he plays or not. Carr has a significant groin injury, but wants to play even if it’s not in his own best interest. He couldn’t even imagine putting a stamp on the last two games and mailing them in, regardless of how many fans sit on their couch and wonder how that could be possible.
You want players who think like Carr on your team. You want the organization to think that way too.
Philadelphia center Jason Kelce, older brother of Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, gave a brilliant answer of just under two minutes after the Eagles’ last game about the importance of the will to win.
Take 2 minutes to watch Eagles C Jason Kelce describe why winning should always be the priority in the NFL (over draft standings, etc.). Incredible perspective about the ultimate team sport. (🎥: @Tim_McManus) pic.twitter.com/SmpTmN0v1r — Field Yates (@FieldYates) December 18, 2020
Some of the highlights:
I think at all times in the NFL, the focus should be winning. Nothing else takes precedence. No player evaluation, no amount of curiosity from anyone in the organization. Everything is focused on this league, in my opinion, on winning games.
You see a lot of losing teams sustain losses for a number of years when they have bad cultures, when they don’t try and win every week. What are we going to do in the draft? What are going to do in free agency?
This isn’t basketball, one draft pick isn’t going to make us a Super Bowl champion, but it’s always going to be about the team. That’s the greatest thing about this sport.
Nothing takes precedence in this league over trying to win a game. I don’t care who you’re trying to evaluate. I don’t care if you’ve lost every game, you’re 0-15 and it’s the last one you’ve got. Everything is about winning in this league.
It’s been suggested to me there is no difference if a team rests its players going into the postseason and loses, as opposed to sitting players in order increase the chances of defeat to get a better draft slot.
Except that in the first instance, the idea is to set a team up to win a championship. In the second, it’s to gain some sort of mythical advantage through draft position that often doesn’t exist.
It’s so easy be absolute with no stake in the game and think Lawrence would immediately make the Jets a contender. In reality, no one knows with absolute certainty whether he’s better than Ohio State’s Justin Fields or BYU’s Zach Wilson. Third-round picks outperform second- and first-round picks every year. What sort of organization puts an inordinate value on players they may not even get as opposed to those they know first-hand?
Players understand. They’re putting their livelihood on film every week, and when it appears the effort isn’t there, more often than not it has to do with confusion in terms of execution and message.
Ownership and management sometimes don’t get it.
Losing doesn’t make someone a loser. That only happens when you stop trying to win.


mercurynews--2020-12-23--As restrictions shut down brewpubs, California brewers sue Gov. Newsom

Marin County brewers suffered their first COVID-related casualty earlier this month when Iron Springs Public House in San Rafael decided , due to the economic impacts of the ongoing pandemic , to shut down .
The food and drink service industry has been hit especially hard since mandatory restrictions on how restaurants , bars and brewpubs can do business took effect early in the spring , with several new rules implemented since then .
“ We saw the writing on the wall back in March , when the shutdown started , ” says Iron Springs owner Mike Altman .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long it would go on for , and we had our fingers crossed .
By August , we realized that if things didn ’ t reopen immediately , we were finished.
” The taproom has been closed since March , but Altman says he had hoped for months following that a chance would come to reopen .
It never did .
The decision to officially close came shortly before Marin County banned all outdoor dining on Dec. 8 .
Al fresco dining had for several months been restaurants ’ last consistent means of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been illegal or tightly restricted since March , with regulations waxing , waning and varying by county .
Now , Altman is hustling to maintain a sustainable cash flow at Iron Springs Pub and Brewery , the company ’ s headquarters and original location in Fairfax .
He is relying on takeout service as well as new beer-to-your-door home delivery service at Ironspringspub.com and available to addresses in San Anselmo and Fairfax .
He says he and his staff will soon expand the program ’ s delivery scope to other towns .
While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ association that represents them filed a lawsuit against the state for unfairly impacting breweries with safety restrictions meant to fight the pandemic .
The suit , filed by the California Craft Brewers Association , accuses defendants Gov .
Gavin Newsom and California ’ s state public health officer Sandra Shewry of denying brewers constitutionally protected equal protection rights , specifically by requiring in July that breweries serve full meals with any beers served but not holding wineries to the same standard .
“ When it is time to begin the reopening of businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that a single industry is not arbitrarily divided based on unfounded assumptions , ” says Tom McCormick , until recently the Brewers Association ’ s executive director .
The meal requirement , when it was first implemented , drew criticism from many in the beer industry who tought the decision was made through bias toward wine producers , a misunderstanding of how brewpubs and taprooms operate , and no firm data showing that people are likelier to get knackered at a brewpub than at a winery .
The lawsuit names just half a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as plaintiffs , yet many others have complained that the rule should be applied to all alcohol producers , including the state ’ s 4,000 wineries .
Altman , on the other hand , has been in agreement with the meal requirement for brewpubs , recognizing that eating food while drinking slows the rate of alcohol consumption and also slows alcohol ’ s absorption into the blood .
He says he has observed firsthand that people affected by alcohol tend to ease up on COVID-19 social distancing protocol , ultimately increasing the odds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
What bugs him , though , is the state of California ’ s overall attack on outdoor dining .
Altman doesn ’ t believe that eating and drinking outdoors while following safety protocol and distancing standards is dangerous , and he questions the rationale for shutting down the state ’ s restaurant industry while allowing most other commerce , essential or seemingly frivolous , to continue on an indoor shopping basis .
“ There ’ s no scientific proof that outdoor dining was at fault for spreading COVID , ” Altman says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or reason to what can be open and what has to be closed .
You can go to Costco and walk around with crowds of people indoors , some masked , some not , some partially masked , but you can ’ t sit down at an outdoor table — it just doesn ’ t make sense.
” • Different New Year ’ s bubbles from breweries in California and beyond • 5 new Bay Area breweries set to open in 2021 Through the turbulent time since the pandemic hit , outdoor drinking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means for restaurants and brewpubs to do business .
With open-air service now banned , Altman warns that without massive government financial assistance efforts , the restaurant and brewery industries “ are going to see a real nosedive.
” “ All those restaurant owners who invested tens of thousands in outdoor dining , they ’ re screwed , ” he says .
Alastair Bland ’ s Through the Hopvine runs every week in Zest .
Contact him at allybland79 @ gmail.com .

Marin County brewers suffered their first COVID-related casualty earlier this month when Iron Springs Public House in San Rafael decided, due to the economic impacts of the ongoing pandemic, to shut down. The food and drink service industry has been hit especially hard since mandatory restrictions on how restaurants, bars and brewpubs can do business took effect early in the spring, with several new rules implemented since then.
“We saw the writing on the wall back in March, when the shutdown started,” says Iron Springs owner Mike Altman. “We just didn’t know how long it would go on for, and we had our fingers crossed. By August, we realized that if things didn’t reopen immediately, we were finished.”
The taproom has been closed since March, but Altman says he had hoped for months following that a chance would come to reopen. It never did.
The decision to officially close came shortly before Marin County banned all outdoor dining on Dec. 8. Al fresco dining had for several months been restaurants’ last consistent means of doing business. Indoor dining statewide has been illegal or tightly restricted since March, with regulations waxing, waning and varying by county.
Now, Altman is hustling to maintain a sustainable cash flow at Iron Springs Pub and Brewery, the company’s headquarters and original location in Fairfax. He is relying on takeout service as well as new beer-to-your-door home delivery service at Ironspringspub.com and available to addresses in San Anselmo and Fairfax. He says he and his staff will soon expand the program’s delivery scope to other towns.
While small breweries struggle, a Sacramento trade association that represents them filed a lawsuit against the state for unfairly impacting breweries with safety restrictions meant to fight the pandemic. The suit, filed by the California Craft Brewers Association, accuses defendants Gov. Gavin Newsom and California’s state public health officer Sandra Shewry of denying brewers constitutionally protected equal protection rights, specifically by requiring in July that breweries serve full meals with any beers served but not holding wineries to the same standard.
“When it is time to begin the reopening of businesses in 2021, we need to ensure that a single industry is not arbitrarily divided based on unfounded assumptions,” says Tom McCormick, until recently the Brewers Association’s executive director.
The meal requirement, when it was first implemented, drew criticism from many in the beer industry who tought the decision was made through bias toward wine producers, a misunderstanding of how brewpubs and taprooms operate, and no firm data showing that people are likelier to get knackered at a brewpub than at a winery.
The lawsuit names just half a dozen of California’s 1,000-plus breweries as plaintiffs, yet many others have complained that the rule should be applied to all alcohol producers, including the state’s 4,000 wineries.
Altman, on the other hand, has been in agreement with the meal requirement for brewpubs, recognizing that eating food while drinking slows the rate of alcohol consumption and also slows alcohol’s absorption into the blood. He says he has observed firsthand that people affected by alcohol tend to ease up on COVID-19 social distancing protocol, ultimately increasing the odds that the virus is exchanged between individuals.
What bugs him, though, is the state of California’s overall attack on outdoor dining. Altman doesn’t believe that eating and drinking outdoors while following safety protocol and distancing standards is dangerous, and he questions the rationale for shutting down the state’s restaurant industry while allowing most other commerce, essential or seemingly frivolous, to continue on an indoor shopping basis.
“There’s no scientific proof that outdoor dining was at fault for spreading COVID,” Altman says. “There’s no rhyme or reason to what can be open and what has to be closed. You can go to Costco and walk around with crowds of people indoors, some masked, some not, some partially masked, but you can’t sit down at an outdoor table — it just doesn’t make sense.”
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“All those restaurant owners who invested tens of thousands in outdoor dining, they’re screwed,” he says.
Alastair Bland’s Through the Hopvine runs every week in Zest. Contact him at allybland79@gmail.com.


mercurynews--2020-12-23--EMT shows symptoms after performing CPR on California flight passenger with COVID-19 who later died

LOS ANGELES — An emergency medical technician said he has COVID-19 symptoms after performing CPR on a man infected with the coronavirus who later died after going into cardiac arrest during a United Airlines flight .
Tony Aldapa , a Navy veteran , said his training kicked in when he saw the passenger needed medical help during the Dec. 14 flight from Orlando , Florida , to Los Angeles .
He knew the potential health risks of performing CPR on someone he didn ’ t know but didn ’ t flinch and started chest compressions on the man , whose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , KNBC-TV reported .
An autopsy found the 69-year-old Los Angeles man died of acute respiratory failure and confirmed he was infected with COVID-19 , according to a report from the coroner of Jefferson Parish in Louisiana that listed the death as natural .
Aldapa said he had planned to get the COVID-19 vaccine on Friday because he is a licensed EMT and an emergency room worker .
Instead , he is awaiting results from a coronavirus test .
“ Ten times out of ten , I would still get up and help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had a headache , cough and body aches since soon after flight .
“ I was just thinking there ’ s a guy that needs CPR.
” Aldapa , along with another EMT and ICU nurse , took turns doing CPR on the man , who has not been identified .
The group did not do mouth-to-mouth but had rotated a resuscitator and oxygen mask to help the man breathe while doing chest compressions for 45 minutes .
The man ’ s wife was overheard saying he felt sick before the flight and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smell .
“ She told me he had been short of breath and on the way back home he was going to get tested for COVID , ” said Aldapa , who works at a Veterans Administration medical center in West Los Angeles .
The man died at a hospital after an emergency landing .
The flight continued to Los Angeles .
United Airlines said all passengers are required to fill out a ready-to-fly questionnaire to acknowledge they don ’ t have COVID-19 or related symptoms .
Several passengers said the man Aldapa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unclear if he had the coronavirus .
• Coronavirus : Here ’ s what tier each California county is in as of Dec. 22 • At late hour , Trump says he wants more relief money in bill • Holiday travel continues , despite pleas for the Bay Area to stay home The airline reached out to Aldapa to thank him and said it sent the flight manifest to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
Aldapa said the CDC had not contacted him .
For most people , the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks .
For some — especially older adults and people with existing health problems — it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia , and death .

LOS ANGELES — An emergency medical technician said he has COVID-19 symptoms after performing CPR on a man infected with the coronavirus who later died after going into cardiac arrest during a United Airlines flight.
Tony Aldapa, a Navy veteran, said his training kicked in when he saw the passenger needed medical help during the Dec. 14 flight from Orlando, Florida, to Los Angeles. He knew the potential health risks of performing CPR on someone he didn’t know but didn’t flinch and started chest compressions on the man, whose wife told Aldapa he had virus symptoms, KNBC-TV reported.
An autopsy found the 69-year-old Los Angeles man died of acute respiratory failure and confirmed he was infected with COVID-19, according to a report from the coroner of Jefferson Parish in Louisiana that listed the death as natural.
Aldapa said he had planned to get the COVID-19 vaccine on Friday because he is a licensed EMT and an emergency room worker. Instead, he is awaiting results from a coronavirus test.
“Ten times out of ten, I would still get up and help,” said Aldapa, who has had a headache, cough and body aches since soon after flight. “I was just thinking there’s a guy that needs CPR.”
Aldapa, along with another EMT and ICU nurse, took turns doing CPR on the man, who has not been identified. The group did not do mouth-to-mouth but had rotated a resuscitator and oxygen mask to help the man breathe while doing chest compressions for 45 minutes.
The man’s wife was overheard saying he felt sick before the flight and had lost his sense of taste and smell.
“She told me he had been short of breath and on the way back home he was going to get tested for COVID,” said Aldapa, who works at a Veterans Administration medical center in West Los Angeles.
The man died at a hospital after an emergency landing. The flight continued to Los Angeles.
United Airlines said all passengers are required to fill out a ready-to-fly questionnaire to acknowledge they don’t have COVID-19 or related symptoms. Several passengers said the man Aldapa helped showed symptoms, but it remained unclear if he had the coronavirus.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge The airline reached out to Aldapa to thank him and said it sent the flight manifest to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Aldapa said the CDC had not contacted him.
For most people, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some — especially older adults and people with existing health problems — it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.


mercurynews--2020-12-24--Bay Area man charged with meth trafficking after undercover DEA agent allegedly buys eight pounds

OAKLAND — Federal prosecutors charged a man with selling multiple pounds of methamphetamine to an undercover Drug Enforcement Administration agent working in the East Bay , court records show .
Luis Fuentes-Solis , 32 , was charged this week with distribution of a controlled substance , a federal offense that carries a maximum 40-year prison term and a $ 5 million fine .
He remained in pretrial detention at Santa Rita Jail in Dublin and prosecutors have filed a motion to keep him there until the case is resolved .
Fuentes-Solis allegedly met with an undercover DEA agent at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Gillman Street in Berkeley and sold him a pound of methamphetamine .
Authorities claim the deal was the result of text message conversations where Fuentes-Solis allegedly told the agent he had “ something good ” and boasted about having 40 pounds of meth for sale .
Ten days after the first meet-up , Fuentes-Solis allegedly met with the agent at the soccer fields a second time and sold an additional seven pounds , the prosecution motion alleges .
Agents arrested him after the second deal .
Prosecutors have portrayed Fuentes-Solis as both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flight risk , arguing that because he faces possible deportation to Guatemala on top of the criminal charges , he ’ s likely to flee the area if he ’ s released .
Fuentes-Solis ’ lawyer has not yet filed a written response to the prosecution motion , which a judge has yet to rule on , according to court records .
“ The government is not aware of whether Fuentes-Solis has any community ties , is gainfully employ ed , or if he has any viable custodians or sureties that could step @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flee or otherwise re-engage in drug trafficking , ” the prosecution motion says .
For now , Fuentes-Solis is being held without bail .
He was arrested Dec. 17 .

OAKLAND — Federal prosecutors charged a man with selling multiple pounds of methamphetamine to an undercover Drug Enforcement Administration agent working in the East Bay, court records show.
Luis Fuentes-Solis, 32, was charged this week with distribution of a controlled substance, a federal offense that carries a maximum 40-year prison term and a $5 million fine. He remained in pretrial detention at Santa Rita Jail in Dublin and prosecutors have filed a motion to keep him there until the case is resolved.
Fuentes-Solis allegedly met with an undercover DEA agent at the Tom Bates Regional Sports Complex soccer fields on Gillman Street in Berkeley and sold him a pound of methamphetamine. Authorities claim the deal was the result of text message conversations where Fuentes-Solis allegedly told the agent he had “something good” and boasted about having 40 pounds of meth for sale.
Ten days after the first meet-up, Fuentes-Solis allegedly met with the agent at the soccer fields a second time and sold an additional seven pounds, the prosecution motion alleges. Agents arrested him after the second deal.
Prosecutors have portrayed Fuentes-Solis as both a danger to the community and a flight risk, arguing that because he faces possible deportation to Guatemala on top of the criminal charges, he’s likely to flee the area if he’s released. Fuentes-Solis’ lawyer has not yet filed a written response to the prosecution motion, which a judge has yet to rule on, according to court records.
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For now, Fuentes-Solis is being held without bail. He was arrested Dec. 17.


mercurynews--2020-12-24--Missing adults found at Dublin middle school; one dead, one hospitalized

DUBLIN — Two missing adults were found at a middle school campus , with one pronounced dead at the scene and another taken to a hospital for treatment , authorities said Wednesday .
In a statement , police said they received a call around 7 a.m. about two people who had not returned home after carrying out janitorial work at Fallon Middle School , 3601 Kohnen Way .
Officers arriving at the school found an associated vehicle parked behind the school , and found the two inside the school ’ s library after a campus search .
When officers realized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they provided medical care alongside paramedics and Alameda County Fire Department firefighters , and brought the two outside into a campus courtyard .
One person , identified only as a 32-year-old man , was pronounced dead at the scene , while a 29-year-old woman was taken to a hospital for medical treatment , police said .
The woman ’ s condition was not immediately available Wednesday night .
The two were later determined to be the missing people sought earlier .
As officers responded to the site , others noticed a chemical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s hazardous-materials team , who investigated and found no obvious chemical presence .
Police were not releasing the victims ’ names , and said they did not know what led to their medical issues or the man ’ s death .

DUBLIN — Two missing adults were found at a middle school campus, with one pronounced dead at the scene and another taken to a hospital for treatment, authorities said Wednesday.
In a statement, police said they received a call around 7 a.m. about two people who had not returned home after carrying out janitorial work at Fallon Middle School, 3601 Kohnen Way.
Officers arriving at the school found an associated vehicle parked behind the school, and found the two inside the school’s library after a campus search.
When officers realized the two were suffering from medical issues, they provided medical care alongside paramedics and Alameda County Fire Department firefighters, and brought the two outside into a campus courtyard.
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Missing California hiker found dead on Arizona path during extreme weather conditions Crime and Public Safety | Man who died on trail had been on a trip to scatter father’s ashes in Sierra Nevada One person, identified only as a 32-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene, while a 29-year-old woman was taken to a hospital for medical treatment, police said. The woman’s condition was not immediately available Wednesday night. The two were later determined to be the missing people sought earlier.
As officers responded to the site, others noticed a chemical smell and called the fire department’s hazardous-materials team, who investigated and found no obvious chemical presence.
Police were not releasing the victims’ names, and said they did not know what led to their medical issues or the man’s death.
Contact George Kelly at 408-859-5180.


mercurynews--2020-12-24--Watch live: San Jose’s Christmas in the Park

Moving to the 14-acre History Park on Senter Road means San Jose ’ s holiday tradition can become a safe , drive-thru experience .
Visitors will still see favorite displays including Santa .
The show , engineered by local illumination engineer J.R. Mattos , will incorporate spectacular new light-and-sound effects , including a “ snow tunnel.
” Reservations and tickets are required in advance .
“ This is a new type of show that no one has ever seen before , ” said J.R. Mattos , who was hired this year as Christmas in the Park ’ s exhibit engineer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a way to help deal with the COVID-19 situation , while still bringing Christmas in the Park cheer , but it will be much more than that.
” “ The synchronized pixel light show will be the biggest expansion to Christmas in the Park in 40 years , ” Mattos says .
“ We ’ re basically doubling the size of Christmas in the Park.
” When and where : Tickets are currently sold out through December 31st , 4 to 10 p.m. daily from Nov. 27 through Jan. 3 at History Park @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Phelan Avenue in San Jose .
Tickets are $ 10 per car from 4 to 5 p.m. and $ 20 per car after 6 p.m. ; www.christmasinthepark.com .
CLICK HERE if you are having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device To watch more of our past live streams CLICK HERE

Moving to the 14-acre History Park on Senter Road means San Jose’s holiday tradition can become a safe, drive-thru experience. Visitors will still see favorite displays including Santa. The show, engineered by local illumination engineer J.R. Mattos, will incorporate spectacular new light-and-sound effects, including a “snow tunnel.” Reservations and tickets are required in advance.
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“The synchronized pixel light show will be the biggest expansion to Christmas in the Park in 40 years,” Mattos says. “We’re basically doubling the size of Christmas in the Park.”
When and where: Tickets are currently sold out through December 31st, 4 to 10 p.m. daily from Nov. 27 through Jan. 3 at History Park, at the corner of Senter Road and Phelan Avenue in San Jose. Tickets are $10 per car from 4 to 5 p.m. and $20 per car after 6 p.m.; www.christmasinthepark.com.
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 24: Cars drive through a light display during a preview for "Christmas in the Park - A Drive-Thru Holiday" at History Park in San Jose, Calif., on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 24: A car drives through a light display during a preview for "Christmas in the Park - A Drive-Thru Holiday" at History Park in San Jose, Calif., on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 24: Hudson Martinez, 2, stands up in the sunroof of his families truck during a preview for "Christmas in the Park - A Drive-Thru Holiday" at History Park in San Jose, Calif., on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 24: Santa waves at a car during a preview for "Christmas in the Park - A Drive-Thru Holiday" at History Park in San Jose, Calif., on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
The 50-foot community tree at "Christmas in the Park: A Drive Thru Holiday" at History Park in San Jose has has 10,020 lights with an eight foot tall star on top. J.R. Mattos in November engineered Christmas in the Park's mile-long car route with 160,000 LEDs. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 12: The 50-foot community tree that has 10,020 lights with an eight foot tall star on top at "Christmas in the Park; a Drive Thru Holiday" at History Park in San Jose, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020. J.R. Mattos is engineering Christmas in the ParkÕs mile-long car route with 160,000 LED lights. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 24: A sign on display during a preview for "Christmas in the Park - A Drive-Thru Holiday" at History Park in San Jose, Calif., on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 24: A truck drives past a display during a preview for "Christmas in the Park - A Drive-Thru Holiday" at History Park in San Jose, Calif., on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 24: A car drives through a light display during a preview for "Christmas in the Park - A Drive-Thru Holiday" at History Park in San Jose, Calif., on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 24: A car drives through a light display during a preview for "Christmas in the Park - A Drive-Thru Holiday" at History Park in San Jose, Calif., on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 24: The moon can be seen during a preview for "Christmas in the Park - A Drive-Thru Holiday" at History Park in San Jose, Calif., on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 24: A truck drives through the beginning of a light display during a preview for "Christmas in the Park - A Drive-Thru Holiday" at History Park in San Jose, Calif., on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 12: An LED light display at "Christmas in the Park; a Drive Thru Holiday" at History Park in San Jose, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020. J.R. Mattos is engineering Christmas in the ParkÕs mile-long car route with 160,000 LED lights. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 24: A car drives through a light display during a preview for "Christmas in the Park - A Drive-Thru Holiday" at History Park in San Jose, Calif., on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 24: Santa waves and talks to a car as it drives through a light display during a preview for "Christmas in the Park - A Drive-Thru Holiday" at History Park in San Jose, Calif., on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 24: A car drives through a light display during a preview for "Christmas in the Park - A Drive-Thru Holiday" at History Park in San Jose, Calif., on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 24: A minivan drives through a light display during a preview for "Christmas in the Park - A Drive-Thru Holiday" at History Park in San Jose, Calif., on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 24: A car drives through a light display during a preview for "Christmas in the Park - A Drive-Thru Holiday" at History Park in San Jose, Calif., on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 24: Jason Minsky, executive director of Christmas in the Park, directs traffic during a preview for "Christmas in the Park - A Drive-Thru Holiday" at History Park in San Jose, Calif., on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 24: A minivan drives through a light tunnel display during a preview for "Christmas in the Park - A Drive-Thru Holiday" at History Park in San Jose, Calif., on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
CLICK HERE if you are having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device
To watch more of our past live streams CLICK HERE


mercurynews--2020-12-24--Coronavirus plays a heavy hand in our 10 favorite video games of 2020

The pandemic created the one of the most unusual years for gaming , but also one of the most lucrative .
As the movie and music industries hit pause over coronavirus concerns , video games kept chugging along , proving the industry ’ s resilience .
For some , gaming was a lifeline to normalcy while others used the medium as an escape when the world got too real .
Whatever the case , gaming was a rock for many in 2020 .
It kept many of us sane in a rough year .
My favorite games reflect the impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amplified the importance of some projects .
Other efforts were negatively impacted by the coronavirus as studios struggled to figure out the work-from-home scenario .
Several games were released with bugs that required hot fixes and other emergency work .
This list acknowledges and reflects that , but it was still a strange but successful year overall .
1 .
“ The Last of Us Part II ” — Naughty Dog ’ s most ambitious work brings players back to a post-apocalyptic America , where a mysterious fungus has turned people into feral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events of the original and explores the cycle of violence and revenge on the characters ’ humanity .
The campaign mainly follows Ellie , a woman who is immune to the fungus as she travels to Seattle on a personal mission .
Naughty Dog gives players a bigger playground to use the protagonists ’ skills and creates engrossing stealth and survival opportunities as Ellie hunts down her enemies .
Although the gameplay is polished to a sheen , the groundbreaking part of “ The Last of Us Part II ” is how Naughty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video game medium to push empathy on players by telling another side of the story .
( Available on PlayStation 4 ) 2 .
“ Ghost of Tsushima ” — For years , Sucker Punch Productions was a middle-tier developer that created good but not great games .
That changed in 2020 with this samurai epic that takes place during the Mongol invasion of Japan .
Its mix of open-world gameplay and flexible combat made it a joy to play .
This was an adventure that players could get lost in with just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players hooked without wearing down or distracting them with side quests .
Ultimately , it ’ s the lush visuals and art direction that moves this project and the studio to the next level .
( Available on PlayStation 4 ) 3 .
“ Animal Crossing : New Horizons ” — When the pandemic began , this Nintendo title was the tether to a sense of normalcy in everyday life .
The life simulator where players travel to a deserted island and establish a village created a rhythm as players did chores , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Being able to redesign the island and decorate the surroundings made it much like “ The Sims , ” but where “ Animal Crossing ” deviates is that it takes place in real time .
That detail played a profound role in how players counted days and structured them at a moment when the coronavirus made many lose track of time .
( Available on Nintendo Switch ) 4 .
“ Fall Guys : Ultimate Knockout ” — Two surprise titles became hugely popular partly because of the pandemic .
The first is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ murder-mystery title that was released in 2018 , and the second is “ Fall Guys , ” a battle royale game with a twist .
With everyone social distancing , these games filled a niche emphasizing social interaction and fun .
“ Fall Guys ” took the battle royale formula , in which one player comes out on top from a field of 60 , and melded it with party game elements .
The product had all the raucousness of “ Mario Party ” or “ Super Monkey Ball ” but with plenty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ competitors and levels .
Like “ Among Us , ” it was a game that was infinitely streamable , but above all it made players feel a little less alone .
( Available on PlayStation 4 and PC ) 5 .
“ Cyberpunk 2077 ” — Yes , this sci-fi role-playing game had plenty of hype behind it , but it was also released in a horrible state for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One .
If gamers managed to play it on PC or Stadia , they ’ d find an astoundingly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Red takes its expertise in building open-world games and applies it to an first-person adventure where players have to solve the mystery behind a botched heist .
It offers a deep progression system that accommodates several play styles , but it ’ s the mission design that ’ s top notch as the developer creates scenarios that forces players to play detective and dig deeper because choice matters in many of them .
If it weren ’ t for the bugs , this would have been closer to the top of my list @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 ) 6 .
“ Final Fantasy Remake ” — Another game that ’ s been years in the making , Square Enix poured plenty of resources into this RPG and it paid off spectacularly .
Although it ’ s labeled a “ remake , ” this foray into Midgar plays with fans ’ expectations and upends them .
The “ Remake ” gives tertiary characters more screen time , introduces new elements and adds more depth to the original narrative .
It also introduces a revamped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ giving players a mix of classic turn-based combat with visceral real-time action .
The big question is if Square Enix can continue the high quality of the game in the second part of this “ Remake.
” ( Available on PlayStation 4 ) 7 .
“ Demon ’ s Souls ” — Before the legendary “ Dark Souls ” franchise , acclaimed director Hidetaka Miyazaki introduced the world to this PlayStation 3 exclusive .
It introduced the unforgiving difficulty , dark fantasy and other online elements that made its successors famous .
Bluepoint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ classic .
The team updated the visuals taking advantage of the PlayStation 5 ’ s power , and the team added several quality-of-life improvements that make this adventure the best launch game on the system .
( Available on PlayStation 5 ) 8 .
“ Assassin ’ s Creed Valhalla ” — The latest iteration of Ubisoft ’ s flagship series is its best in a long time .
The constant refinement from “ Origins ” to “ Odyssey ” reaches an apogee as the team at Ubisoft Montreal finally gets the balance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and overdosing them with extra activities and side quests .
By reining in the loot and other excesses of the previous “ Assassin ’ s Creed ” titles , this entry following the Viking invasion of England feels more focused as the protagonist , Eivor , fights to establish a home in a foreign land .
( Available on Xbox Series X|S , PlayStation 5 , PlayStation 4 , Xbox One , Stadia , PC ) 9 .
“ Doom Eternal ” — The follow-up to the 2016 reboot was bigger and better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ art form .
The developers , id Software , incentivize aggressive play even more as players must run and gun with different weapons to keep their ammo , armor and health stocked up .
• Impressions : Why Stadia is a good enough platform for ‘ Cyberpunk 2077 ’ • The Game Awards : See the big winners , reveals and important takeaways • Review : HyperX Cloud II Wireless keeps iconic design and cuts the cord • All original 150 Pokemon will be shiny for Pokemon Go Tour : Kanto celebration These @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an adrenaline-fueled adventure that tests players ’ skills and strategy as they explore more of the mythology behind the Doom Slayer .
It all leads to a satisfying campaign for franchise fans .
( Available on PlayStation 4 , Nintendo Switch , Xbox One , PlayStation 5 , Xbox Series X and Series S , Microsoft Windows , Google Stadia ) 10 .
“ Immortals Fenyx Rising ” — The success of “ The Legend of Zelda : Breath of the Wild ” was sure to inspire adventures in a similar vein .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ showed the potential of melding an open-world game with physics-based puzzles .
It was a revelation .
Ubisoft Quebec tried to create a similar experience and they mostly capture the foundation of that magic .
The studio infused it with more humor and built it around Greek mythology .
The world the developers created has the tactile elements of the puzzle design and better combat , but the Golden Isles , where “ Immortals Fenyx Rising ” takes place , feels strangely empty .
It doesn ’ t have the thoughtful landscape and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” but “ Immortals Fenyx Rising ” is still one of the better adventures of 2020 and scratches that “ Zelda ” itch for puzzles and exploration .
( Available on Xbox Series X|S , Xbox One , PlayStation 4 , PlayStation 5 , PC , Nintendo Switch )

The pandemic created one of the most unusual years for gaming, but also one of the most lucrative. As the movie and music industries hit pause over coronavirus concerns, video games kept chugging along, proving the industry’s resilience.
For some, gaming was a lifeline to normalcy while others used the medium as an escape when the world got too real. Whatever the case, gaming was a rock for many in 2020. It kept many of us sane in a rough year.
My choices for favorite games reflect the impact of the coronavirus. The life-altering pandemic amplified the importance of some projects. Other efforts were negatively impacted by the coronavirus as studios struggled to figure out the work-from-home scenario. Several games were released with bugs that required hot fixes and other emergency work. This list acknowledges and reflects that, but, overall, it was a strange but successful year.
Here are my top 10 video games.
Ellie has several flashback over the course of the campaign filling in the narrative gaps between the events of the sequel and the original in "The Last of Us Part II." It's my favorite game of the year. (Sony Interactive Entertainment)
This concept art shows Jin Sakai atop his horse in "Ghost of Tsushima." (Sony Interactive Entertainment)
Players can jump in the water with the "Animal Crossing: New Horizons." The life simulator offered a steady rhythm in an unsteady time and that made it my No. 3 game of the year. (Nintendo)
Obstacles courses are one of the first contests players will encounter in "Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout." The surprise title brought party game fun amid the pandemic and that made it my No. 4 game of the year. (Devolver Digital)
Keanu Reeves plays Johnny Silverhand, a pivotal character in "Cyberpunk 2077." Although it has its technical problems, the core game was fantastic and made it my No. 5 game of the year. (CD Projekt Red)
Aerith Gainsborough is one of the women that vies for Cloud Strife's affection in the "Final Fantasy VII Remake." Although it's a remake, it actually has surprising twists, making it my No. 6 game of the year. (Square Enix)
The "Demon's Souls" remake was the best launch title on the PlayStation 5. It was my No. 7 game of the year. (Sony Interactive Entertainment)
Players will sail up and down rivers in England and raid settlements along the banks in "Assassin's Creed Valhalla." The Viking epic was my No. 8 game of the year. (Ubisoft)
Players need to destroy the rifle on Arachnotron's back to weaken it before going in for the kill in "Doom Eternal." The follow-up to the 2017 reboot was my No. 9 game of the year. (Bethesda Softworks)
Fenyx relies on hammers, axes, bows and swords to battle against monsters in "Immortals Fenyx Rising." The "Breath of the Wild"-style adventure was my No. 10 game of the year. (Ubisoft)
1. “The Last of Us Part II”: Naughty Dog’s most ambitious work brings players back to a post-apocalyptic America, where a mysterious fungus has turned people into feral monstrosities. The sequel rebounds off the events of the original and explores the cycle of violence and revenge on the characters’ humanity.
The campaign mainly follows Ellie, a woman who is immune to the fungus as she travels to Seattle on a personal mission. Naughty Dog gives players a bigger playground to use the protagonists’ skills and creates engrossing stealth and survival opportunities as Ellie hunts down her enemies.
Although the gameplay is polished to a sheen, the groundbreaking part of “The Last of Us Part II” is how Naughty Dog unfurls its narrative and uses the video game medium to push empathy on players by telling another side of the story. (Available on PlayStation 4)
2. “Ghost of Tsushima”: For years, Sucker Punch Productions was a middle-tier developer that created good but not great games. That changed in 2020 with this samurai epic that takes place during the Mongol invasion of Japan.
Its mix of open-world gameplay and flexible combat made it a joy to play. This was an adventure that players could get lost in with just the right amount of content to keep players hooked without wearing down or distracting them with side quests.
Ultimately, it’s the lush visuals and art direction that moves this project and the studio to the next level. (Available on PlayStation 4)
3. “Animal Crossing: New Horizons”: When the pandemic began, this Nintendo title was the tether to a sense of normalcy in everyday life. The life simulator, in which players travel to a deserted island and establish a village, created a rhythm as players did chores, expanded their house and earned Bells.
Being able to redesign the island and decorate the surroundings made it much like “The Sims,” but where “Animal Crossing” deviates is that it takes place in real time. That detail played a profound role in how players counted days and structured them at a moment when the coronavirus made many lose track of time. (Available on Nintendo Switch)
4. “Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout”: Two surprise titles became hugely popular partly because of the pandemic. The first is “Among Us,” an online murder-mystery title that was released in 2018, and the second is “Fall Guys,” a battle royale game with a twist. With everyone social distancing, these games filled a niche emphasizing social interaction and fun.
“Fall Guys” took the battle royale formula, in which one player comes out on top from a field of 60, and melded it with party game elements. The product had all the raucousness of “Mario Party” or “Super Monkey Ball” but with plenty of chaos and randomness from dozens of competitors and levels. Like “Among Us,” it was a game that was infinitely streamable, but above all it made players feel a little less alone. (Available on PlayStation 4 and PC)
5. “Cyberpunk 2077”: Yes, this sci-fi role-playing game had plenty of hype behind it, but it was also released in a horrible state for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. If gamers managed to play it on PC or Stadia, they’d find an astoundingly beautiful and enthralling adventure.
CD Projekt Red takes its expertise in building open-world games and applies it to a first-person adventure where players have to solve the mystery behind a botched heist. It offers a deep progression system that accommodates several play styles, but it’s the mission design that’s top notch as the developer creates scenarios that force players to play detective and dig deeper because choice matters in many of them.
If it weren’t for the bugs, this would have been closer to the top of my list. (Available on PC, Stadia, Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5)
6. “Final Fantasy VII Remake”: This was another game that was years in the making. Square Enix poured plenty of resources into this RPG and it paid off spectacularly. Although it’s labeled a “remake,” this foray into Midgar plays with fans’ expectations and upends them.
The “Remake” gives tertiary characters more screen time, introduces new elements and adds more depth to the original narrative. It also introduces a revamped battle system that feels just right, giving players a mix of classic turn-based combat with visceral real-time action. The big question is if Square Enix can repeat the high quality of the game in the second part of this “Remake.” (Available on PlayStation 4)
7. “Demon’s Souls”: Before the legendary “Dark Souls” franchise, acclaimed director Hidetaka Miyazaki unveiled this PlayStation 3 exclusive. It introduced the unforgiving difficulty, dark fantasy and other online elements that made its successors famous.
Bluepoint Games did a phenomenal job remaking this classic. The team updated the visuals, taking advantage of PlayStation 5’s power, and the team added several quality-of-life improvements that make this adventure the best launch game on the system. (Available on PlayStation 5)
8. “Assassin’s Creed Valhalla”: The latest iteration of Ubisoft’s flagship series is its best in a long time. The constant refinement from “Origins” to “Odyssey” reaches an apogee as the team at Ubisoft Montreal finally gets the balance right between offering players a main mission and overdosing them with extra activities and side quests.
By reining in the loot and other excesses of the previous “Assassin’s Creed” titles, this entry following the Viking invasion of England feels more focused as the protagonist, Eivor, fights to establish a home in a foreign land. (Available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Stadia, PC)
9. “Doom Eternal”: The follow-up to the 2016 reboot was bigger and better, making demon slaying more of an art form. The developers, id Software, incentivize aggressive play even more as players must run and gun with different weapons to keep their ammo, armor and health stocked up.
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What to play: Enhanced ‘Quake II,’ ‘Stray’ for Xbox and ‘Stray Gods’ are the top picks Entertainment | Review: With ‘Pikmin 4,’ Nintendo finally nails the right controls for a strategy game
Review: With ‘Pikmin 4,’ Nintendo finally nails the right controls for a strategy game Entertainment | What to play: ‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ will keep gamers busy during August
What to play: ‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ will keep gamers busy during August Entertainment | ‘First Descendant’ crossplay beta delayed until September but will be open to all These refinements, along with a masterful level design, create an adrenaline-fueled adventure that tests players’ skills and strategy as they explore more of the mythology behind the Doom Slayer. It all leads to a satisfying campaign for franchise fans. (Available on PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows, Google Stadia)
10. “Immortals Fenyx Rising”: The success of “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” was sure to inspire adventures in a similar vein. The 2017 classic revolutionized the franchise and showed the potential of melding an open-world game with physics-based puzzles. It was a revelation.
Ubisoft Quebec tried to create a similar experience and mostly captured the foundation of that magic. The studio infused it with more humor and built it around Greek mythology. The world the developers created has the tactile elements of the puzzle design and better combat, but the Golden Isles, where “Immortals Fenyx Rising” takes place, feels strangely empty.
It doesn’t have the thoughtful landscape and design of “Breath of the Wild” but “Immortals Fenyx Rising” is still one of the better adventures of 2020 and scratches that “Zelda” itch for puzzles and exploration. (Available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, Nintendo Switch)


mercurynews--2020-12-24--Andrew Yang files paperwork to run for NY mayor

Former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang has filed paperwork to participate in New York ’ s 2021 mayoral race , according to city records .
Yang ’ s name appears on a list from the New York City Campaign Finance Board of candidates for the city ’ s 2021 elections .
CNN reported last week that Yang , a former tech executive , was planning to mount a bid for the mayor ’ s office in the coming weeks .
Yang ’ s presidential bid ended earlier this year , and he spent time as a CNN contributor after leaving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he ended his campaign , Yang had said he had no plans to run for mayor in New York , where he has lived for nearly 25 years .
Already , Yang is joining a field of dozens of mayoral candidates , according to the city records .
The contenders are all vying to take charge of a pandemic-stricken city , where unemployment is skyrocketing , poverty and hunger are growing , and a budget crunch on the horizon could force the next mayor to make deep cuts to public sector jobs and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ circles before the 2020 primary , Yang won the affection — if not always the votes — of Democrats who appreciated his happy warrior persona on the debate stage and campaign trail .
And he was backed by supporters branded the “ Yang Gang , ” who helped him raise $ 40 million over the course of his run — including a surprising $ 16.5 million as the race heated up in the final three months of 2019 .
• With video filmed in secret , president keeps sowing chaos • Newsom focused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Padilla , Shirley Weber for top roles The former tech executive pushed the idea of a Universal Basic Income into the mainstream of political conversation during his presidential run .
After leaving the race , he founded Humanity Forward , a nonprofit he used to test some of the ideas that animated his campaign , like UBI .
In March , he began giving hundreds of working families in New York $ 1,000 a month to determine the effectiveness of such a program .
The organization also endorsed down-ballot candidates across the country @

By Devan Cole | CNN
Former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang has filed paperwork to participate in New York’s 2021 mayoral race, according to city records.
Yang’s name appears on a list from the New York City Campaign Finance Board of candidates for the city’s 2021 elections. CNN reported last week that Yang, a former tech executive, was planning to mount a bid for the mayor’s office in the coming weeks.
Yang’s presidential bid ended earlier this year, and he spent time as a CNN contributor after leaving the campaign trail. At the time he ended his campaign, Yang had said he had no plans to run for mayor in New York, where he has lived for nearly 25 years.
[vemba-video id=”business/2019/09/30/andrew-yang-ubi-orig.cnn”]
Video: How $1,000 a month got Andrew Yang this far (2019)
Already, Yang is joining a field of dozens of mayoral candidates, according to the city records. The contenders are all vying to take charge of a pandemic-stricken city, where unemployment is skyrocketing, poverty and hunger are growing, and a budget crunch on the horizon could force the next mayor to make deep cuts to public sector jobs and services.
Largely unknown outside of tech circles before the 2020 primary, Yang won the affection — if not always the votes — of Democrats who appreciated his happy warrior persona on the debate stage and campaign trail. And he was backed by supporters branded the “Yang Gang,” who helped him raise $40 million over the course of his run — including a surprising $16.5 million as the race heated up in the final three months of 2019.


mercurynews--2020-12-24--California passes 2 million coronavirus cases, doubling its total in just six weeks

It took more than nine months for California to record 1 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 .
It has taken less than six weeks to see 1 million more .
Once regarded as a model for stopping the spread of COVID-19 , California on Wednesday passed 2 million recorded cases of the deadly illness , reaching the milestone as Christmas approaches in the midst of the darkest and most dangerous days of the pandemic .
Hundreds of people are dying from the virus in California each day .
A crush of new patients is threatening to overwhelm hospitals .
Even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and local health officials cling to signs in testing data that this devastating surge of the virus may be cresting , they are bracing for more deaths and fear that Christmas and New Year ’ s , like Thanksgiving before them , will fuel another devastating surge of cases as people unwittingly spread the virus among their friends and family members .
“ Our hospitals are at the brink — just about to be pushed over , ” said Dr. Ahmad Kamal , director of health care preparedness for Santa Clara County , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remained available Tuesday .
“ Pick up your phone right now .
Cancel any gathering with people who do not live with you .
More than 2.5 percent of California ’ s 39.5 million residents have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past six weeks .
California recorded its millionth coronavirus case on Nov. 12 , according to data compiled by this news organization ; it likely hit that mark sooner , but limited testing especially in the pandemic ’ s early days meant many cases were never officially confirmed .
Forty-one days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health offices showed the state pushed past the 2 million case mark late Wednesday afternoon , with some counties yet to report their daily totals .
On Nov. 12 , the state was averaging just under 7,000 new coronavirus cases per day , and just over 4,000 people were being treated for the virus in hospitals .
By Tuesday , California was averaging more than 45,000 cases per day over the past week , and the number of COVID patients in hospitals had climbed past 19,000 .
More patients are being treated for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than were hospitalized during the spring peak of the virus in New York .
Just 1.1 percent of beds in intensive care units across California were available as of Wednesday , Gov .
Gavin Newsom said .
In the hard-hit Central Valley , San Joaquin County health officials reported all ICUs were operating at or above — some well above — their licensed capacity .
California ’ s Community Vaccine Advisory Committee met Wednesday to continue the debate over how the state should distribute the millions of doses of COVID-19 vaccine it expects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health care workers began receiving the vaccine last week .
Residents and staff in nursing homes and assisted living facilities are expected to receive it over the coming days and weeks .
The state has zeroed in on three categories of front-line employees — educators , first responders and essential workers in the farm and grocery industries — to be next in line .
Officials are now weighing whether to add people who are 75 and older , whose age puts them at risk for severe or deadly COVID-19 cases , to this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group is set to take up the issue at a meeting next week .
In the meantime , there were faint glimmers of hope that the current surge may be slowing down .
Newsom and Acting State Health Officer Erica Pan said Wednesday the percentage of coronavirus tests that are positive has declined slightly in recent days .
But as she spoke before the vaccine committee , Pan warned that with so many people newly infected , the situation in California ’ s hospitals “ might get worse before it gets better.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rutherford said the key measure known as effective reproduction — the number of people each infected person is passing the virus onto — has been trending downward in the Bay Area in recent days .
“ I think we my be heading toward turning the curve , ” Rutherford said .
“ We haven ’ t turned it yet but there are some signs of deceleration.
” Still , any progress could be wiped out if family gatherings during Christmas lead to the kind of increase in new cases California has experienced in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t take that much , ” Rutherford said .
Another surge in COVID-19 patients will put hospitals in horrific situations , Santa Clara County health officials said , such as turning people away from care and rationing resources .
County Health Officer Dr. Sara Cody warned people away from a false sense of security when planning Christmas get-togethers , noting that because the disease is so widespread and so many COVID-19 patients are asymptomatic , all gatherings with people outside one ’ s home are unsafe .
“ To say you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ‘ know it ’ s safe ’ is false , ” Cody said .
“ It ’ s wrong .
I urge , urge , urge anyone who is considering gathering to stop , take a deep breath , think — and don ’ t do it .
”

It took more than nine months for California to record 1 million confirmed cases of COVID-19.
It has taken less than six weeks to see 1 million more.
Once regarded as a model for stopping the spread of COVID-19, California on Wednesday passed 2 million recorded cases of the deadly illness, reaching the milestone as Christmas approaches in the midst of the darkest and most dangerous days of the pandemic.
Hundreds of people are dying from the virus in California each day. A crush of new patients is threatening to overwhelm hospitals. Even as vaccinations begin rolling out more widely and local health officials cling to signs in testing data that this devastating surge of the virus may be cresting, they are bracing for more deaths and fear that Christmas and New Year’s, like Thanksgiving before them, will fuel another devastating surge of cases as people unwittingly spread the virus among their friends and family members.
“Our hospitals are at the brink — just about to be pushed over,” said Dr. Ahmad Kamal, director of health care preparedness for Santa Clara County, where just 35 intensive care unit beds remained available Tuesday. “Pick up your phone right now. Cancel any gathering with people who do not live with you.
“Please,” Kamal added, “I implore you.”
More than 2.5 percent of California’s 39.5 million residents have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past six weeks.
California recorded its millionth coronavirus case on Nov. 12, according to data compiled by this news organization; it likely hit that mark sooner, but limited testing especially in the pandemic’s early days meant many cases were never officially confirmed.
Forty-one days later, data assembled from local public health offices showed the state pushed past the 2 million case mark late Wednesday afternoon, with some counties yet to report their daily totals.
On Nov. 12, the state was averaging just under 7,000 new coronavirus cases per day, and just over 4,000 people were being treated for the virus in hospitals. By Tuesday, California was averaging more than 45,000 cases per day over the past week, and the number of COVID patients in hospitals had climbed past 19,000. More patients are being treated for COVID-19 in California’s hospitals today than were hospitalized during the spring peak of the virus in New York.
Just 1.1 percent of beds in intensive care units across California were available as of Wednesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom said. In the hard-hit Central Valley, San Joaquin County health officials reported all ICUs were operating at or above — some well above — their licensed capacity.
California’s Community Vaccine Advisory Committee met Wednesday to continue the debate over how the state should distribute the millions of doses of COVID-19 vaccine it expects to receive over the coming months. Health care workers began receiving the vaccine last week. Residents and staff in nursing homes and assisted living facilities are expected to receive it over the coming days and weeks.
The state has zeroed in on three categories of front-line employees — educators, first responders and essential workers in the farm and grocery industries — to be next in line. Officials are now weighing whether to add people who are 75 and older, whose age puts them at risk for severe or deadly COVID-19 cases, to this group; a separate state vaccine work group is set to take up the issue at a meeting next week.
In the meantime, there were faint glimmers of hope that the current surge may be slowing down.
Newsom and Acting State Health Officer Erica Pan said Wednesday the percentage of coronavirus tests that are positive has declined slightly in recent days. But as she spoke before the vaccine committee, Pan warned that with so many people newly infected, the situation in California’s hospitals “might get worse before it gets better.”
University of California San Francisco epidemiologist George Rutherford said the key measure known as effective reproduction — the number of people each infected person is passing the virus onto — has been trending downward in the Bay Area in recent days.
“I think we my be heading toward turning the curve,” Rutherford said. “We haven’t turned it yet but there are some signs of deceleration.”
Still, any progress could be wiped out if family gatherings during Christmas lead to the kind of increase in new cases California has experienced in the weeks since Thanksgiving.
“We can’t take that much,” Rutherford said.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge Another surge in COVID-19 patients will put hospitals in horrific situations, Santa Clara County health officials said, such as turning people away from care and rationing resources. County Health Officer Dr. Sara Cody warned people away from a false sense of security when planning Christmas get-togethers, noting that because the disease is so widespread and so many COVID-19 patients are asymptomatic, all gatherings with people outside one’s home are unsafe.
“To say you’re having a large gathering and you ‘know it’s safe’ is false,” Cody said. “It’s wrong. I urge, urge, urge anyone who is considering gathering to stop, take a deep breath, think — and don’t do it.”
Staff writers Harriet Blair Rowan, Emily DeRuy and Julia Prodis Sulek contributed reporting.


mercurynews--2020-12-24--Bob Boughner’s most important job for Sharks this season may come off the ice

The San Jose Sharks will no doubt be working on fundamentals , implementing new systems , evaluating young players and improving their power play when they begin training camp in Scottsdale , Arizona in a week ’ s time .
Just as critical to coach Bob Boughner will be rebuilding the team ’ s cohesion , which fell apart during a turbulent 2019-20 season .
The Sharks , in their first year without former captain Joe Pavelski , were rarely on the same page as they stumbled to a 29-36-5 record and last-place finish in the Western Conference .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things became , with goalie Martin Jones saying in May that , “ when it started to spiral , we went our own ways instead of coming together.
” Now also without another emotional leader in Joe Thornton , who signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs , the Sharks have to find a way to re-establish a winning culture .
“ I think that ’ s one of the most important things I can do as a head coach this year , ” said Boughner , who was named the Sharks ’ full-time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ re going to miss ( Thornton ) just like as we missed ( Pavelski ) , but it ’ s a way to pass a torch on to other guys.
” The last time the Sharks ’ team chemistry came into question was after the playoff-less 2014-15 season .
Tensions between Thornton and Doug Wilson had bubbled to the surface a month before the season ended , with Thornton accusing the general manager of lying to season ticket holders about the circumstances under which Thornton lost the captaincy .
Although the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it was clear at the end of the season that Thornton ’ s relationship with then-coach Todd McLellan had soured .
That offseason , McLellan and the Sharks parted ways , and Wilson went about trying to improve the chemistry in the room by signing free agents Joel Ward and Paul Martin — two team-first guys — to multi-year contracts .
Pavelski was named the captain by new coach Pete DeBoer , and everyone , it seemed , was able to get a fresh start .
This offseason , the Sharks did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ via trade , and signed the affable Matt Nieto and franchise icon Patrick Marleau to one-year contracts .
But Boughner is looking for other players already on the roster to now fully establish themselves as the team ’ s leaders .
Logan Couture will be in his second season as the Sharks ’ captain this year and Brent Burns , Erik Karlsson and Tomas Hertl will continue to be the alternates , with one more alternate to be named before the regular season starts Jan. 13 .
Younger players , too , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past , have to also take ownership of the team .
“ I think that the guys realize that when things weren ’ t going our way last year , that maybe we tried to fix everything individually and we went on our own page and it didn ’ t work , ” Boughner said .
“ The good thing about coming back this year is they realize you learn from your mistakes and you learn from things that didn ’ t work .
“ I ’ ve already addressed a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and it ’ s something that I ’ m really going to key on and address when we get back together as a group .
That ’ s a work in progress .
But I know we have really good people and guys that really care , and guys that are out to prove everybody wrong and get back to where we belong.
” The Sharks will no doubt get a chance to be up close and personal with each other throughout January .
After staying in a hotel together for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starts Dec. 31 , the Sharks will be on the road for at least their first eight games of the season .
The Sharks will remain in the Phoenix area to play the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena in Glendale on Jan. 14 and 16 , then travel to play two games each against St. Louis , Minnesota and Colorado .
The Sharks ’ first scheduled game at SAP Center , should it be allowed to take place by Santa Clara County health authorities , is Feb. 1 against the Vegas Golden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season opener next month will have fans in attendance • Coronavirus : Doug Wilson says some San Jose Sharks players who were overseas tested positive • San Jose Sharks officially relocating to Arizona for training camp , and possibly longer • Drop the puck : NHL finalizes agreement with players to play 56-game season From Boughner ’ s perspective , maybe all this time together can be a good thing .
“ If you had asked me last season what this team probably could have used from a chemistry standpoint , from a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a training camp where we all get away together , and then have no distractions , and probably a good , long road trip to start the season , ” Boughner said .
“ I think that this is a little more than I wish for , but I think it ’ s going to be a good thing for us .
”

The San Jose Sharks will no doubt be working on fundamentals, implementing new systems, evaluating young players and improving their power play when they begin training camp in Scottsdale, Arizona in a week’s time.
Just as critical to coach Bob Boughner will be rebuilding the team’s cohesion, which fell apart during a turbulent 2019-20 season.
The Sharks, in their first year without former captain Joe Pavelski, were rarely on the same page as they stumbled to a 29-36-5 record and last-place finish in the Western Conference. The more the Sharks struggled, the worse things became, with goalie Martin Jones saying in May that, “when it started to spiral, we went our own ways instead of coming together.”
Now also without another emotional leader in Joe Thornton, who signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Sharks have to find a way to re-establish a winning culture.
“I think that’s one of the most important things I can do as a head coach this year,” said Boughner, who was named the Sharks’ full-time coach in September. “Obviously, you’re going to miss (Thornton) just like as we missed (Pavelski), but it’s a way to pass a torch on to other guys.”
The last time the Sharks’ team chemistry came into question was after the playoff-less 2014-15 season.
Tensions between Thornton and Doug Wilson had bubbled to the surface a month before the season ended, with Thornton accusing the general manager of lying to season ticket holders about the circumstances under which Thornton lost the captaincy.
Although the issues between the two were soon resolved, it was clear at the end of the season that Thornton’s relationship with then-coach Todd McLellan had soured.
That offseason, McLellan and the Sharks parted ways, and Wilson went about trying to improve the chemistry in the room by signing free agents Joel Ward and Paul Martin — two team-first guys — to multi-year contracts. Pavelski was named the captain by new coach Pete DeBoer, and everyone, it seemed, was able to get a fresh start.
This offseason, the Sharks did bring in Devan Dubnyk and Ryan Donato via trade, and signed the affable Matt Nieto and franchise icon Patrick Marleau to one-year contracts. But Boughner is looking for other players already on the roster to now fully establish themselves as the team’s leaders.
Logan Couture will be in his second season as the Sharks’ captain this year and Brent Burns, Erik Karlsson and Tomas Hertl will continue to be the alternates, with one more alternate to be named before the regular season starts Jan. 13. Younger players, too, who have been in support roles in the past, have to also take ownership of the team.
“I think that the guys realize that when things weren’t going our way last year, that maybe we tried to fix everything individually and we went on our own page and it didn’t work,” Boughner said. “The good thing about coming back this year is they realize you learn from your mistakes and you learn from things that didn’t work.
“I’ve already addressed a lot of this during the offseason through video calls, and it’s something that I’m really going to key on and address when we get back together as a group. That’s a work in progress. But I know we have really good people and guys that really care, and guys that are out to prove everybody wrong and get back to where we belong.”
The Sharks will no doubt get a chance to be up close and personal with each other throughout January.
After staying in a hotel together for the duration of a two-week training camp that starts Dec. 31, the Sharks will be on the road for at least their first eight games of the season. The Sharks will remain in the Phoenix area to play the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena in Glendale on Jan. 14 and 16, then travel to play two games each against St. Louis, Minnesota and Colorado.
The Sharks’ first scheduled game at SAP Center, should it be allowed to take place by Santa Clara County health authorities, is Feb. 1 against the Vegas Golden Knights.
From Boughner’s perspective, maybe all this time together can be a good thing.
“If you had asked me last season what this team probably could have used from a chemistry standpoint, from a culture standpoint. I would have said a training camp where we all get away together, and then have no distractions, and probably a good, long road trip to start the season,” Boughner said. “I think that this is a little more than I wish for, but I think it’s going to be a good thing for us.”


mercurynews--2020-12-24--Pacifica pier and seawall to undergo emergency repairs

PACIFICA – Emergency repair work on the pier and seawall in Pacifica was set to begin Wednesday , city officials said .
The work will focus on a void underneath the sidewalk near the pier , the city said in a news release .
Revealed by recent king tides and large swells , the void was created by an opening at the bottom of the seawall where the seawall meets the pier abutment .
The city said a local contractor , MRC , will first position large rocks to prevent seawater from entering the void .
That step is expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Once the breach area is safe to enter , the city will work with its team to determine an effective repair for the breach , ” the city said , adding that the void has been temporarily stabilized .
During the work , Beach Boulevard will be closed to vehicle traffic and be limited to residents only , the city said .
Pedestrian traffic will also be limited to residents only and may be rerouted .
Residents should expect noise , equipment and trucks in the area .
The city said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intermittently during the work for safety reasons .
Anyone with questions or concerns about the work can contact the Pacifica Department of Public Works Field Services Division at 650-738-3760 or dpwassistance @ ci.pacifica.ca.us .

PACIFICA – Emergency repair work on the pier and seawall in Pacifica was set to begin Wednesday, city officials said.
The work will focus on a void underneath the sidewalk near the pier, the city said in a news release. Revealed by recent king tides and large swells, the void was created by an opening at the bottom of the seawall where the seawall meets the pier abutment.
The city said a local contractor, MRC, will first position large rocks to prevent seawater from entering the void. That step is expected to take roughly two days to complete.
“Once the breach area is safe to enter, the city will work with its team to determine an effective repair for the breach,” the city said, adding that the void has been temporarily stabilized.
During the work, Beach Boulevard will be closed to vehicle traffic and be limited to residents only, the city said. Pedestrian traffic will also be limited to residents only and may be rerouted. Residents should expect noise, equipment and trucks in the area.
The city said the pier may need to be closed intermittently during the work for safety reasons.
Anyone with questions or concerns about the work can contact the Pacifica Department of Public Works Field Services Division at 650-738-3760 or dpwassistance@ci.pacifica.ca.us.


mercurynews--2020-12-24--No one hurt in Fremont commercial building fire; authorities investigating possibility of marijuana

No one hurt in Fremont commercial building fire; authorities investigating possibility of marijuana grow

FREMONT — Authorities are investigating whether a commercial building that caught fire Wednesday afternoon in Fremont was being used as @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ We are investigating a suspicious fire on Christy Street as a possible @ @ @ @ @ , a Fremont Police Department spokeswoman said around 4 p.m. Wednesday .
The fire broke @ @ @ @ @ the 43000 block of Christy Street just off Auto Mall Parkway , not far from @ @ @ @ @ .
No injuries were reported .
Bosques said fire crews alerted police to the possible @ @ @ @ @ p.m. Fire crews were still at the building later in the afternoon , and had @ @ @ @ @ Hazardous Materials team to assist with safely securing the building , Bosques said police would @ @ @ @ @ search the building once safe to do so .
No further information was immediately available @

FREMONT — Authorities are investigating whether a commercial building that caught fire Wednesday afternoon in Fremont was being used as a marijuana growhouse, police said.
“We are investigating a suspicious fire on Christy Street as a possible grow,” Geneva Bosques, a Fremont Police Department spokeswoman said around 4 p.m. Wednesday.
The fire broke out in a building in the 43000 block of Christy Street just off Auto Mall Parkway, not far from the Pacific Commons Shopping Center. No injuries were reported.
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Cannabis company buying Redhook, HiBall Energy and 6 other brands from Anheuser Busch Marijuana | 60 smuggled people found working in ‘horrible’ conditions at illegal Central Valley marijuana plant Bosques said fire crews alerted police to the possible illegal growing operation around 2:40 p.m. Fire crews were still at the building later in the afternoon, and had called in the Alameda County Hazardous Materials team to assist with safely securing the building,
Bosques said police would be pursuing a warrant to search the building once safe to do so.
No further information was immediately available.
Check back here for updates.