mercurynews--2020-04-28--Letter: What is the president of our country doing?

What is the president of our country doing ?
A top administration official working on a vaccine claimed he was “ ousted ” after resisting efforts to push unproven drugs promoted by President Donald Trump and his conservative media cheerleaders as “ game changer ” treatments .
Trump had made extravagant claims for the unproven use of an anti-malarial drug ( unbelievable ) .
On Thursday , Trump added to his list of dubious or inaccurate coronavirus-related medical claims , dangerously suggesting at a White House briefing that injecting disinfectant could possibly be used to treat people who have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might be a treatment alternative .
• Letter : Plan to help homeless in Campbell raises concerns • Letter : Congress should fight for me , my family , not corporations • Letter : No one thinks about kids with special needs such as autism Thankfully , Trump ’ s comments have prompted doctors , and Lysol , to warn against injecting disinfectants .
I am embarrassed by his comments and actions .
This man needs to be voted out in November .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read @ @ @ @ @

What is the president of our country doing? A top administration official working on a vaccine claimed he was “ousted” after resisting efforts to push unproven drugs promoted by President Donald Trump and his conservative media cheerleaders as “game changer” treatments.
Trump had made extravagant claims for the unproven use of an anti-malarial drug (unbelievable). On Thursday, Trump added to his list of dubious or inaccurate coronavirus-related medical claims, dangerously suggesting at a White House briefing that injecting disinfectant could possibly be used to treat people who have the virus. And Trump also suggested sunlight might be a treatment alternative.
Related Articles Letters to the Editor | Letters: Escape Bay Area | CASA program | Feinstein replacement | Faulty comparison | Not conservatives
Letters: Escape Bay Area | CASA program | Feinstein replacement | Faulty comparison | Not conservatives Letters to the Editor | Letters: Psychiatric beds | SJSU neglect | Squandering cash | Overdoing coverage | Pac-12 negotiations | For climate’s sake | Electric appliances
Letters: Psychiatric beds | SJSU neglect | Squandering cash | Overdoing coverage | Pac-12 negotiations | For climate’s sake | Electric appliances Letters to the Editor | Letters: Abandoning tenants | Deaf culture | Western contributions | Conservative alienation | Precise language
Letters: Abandoning tenants | Deaf culture | Western contributions | Conservative alienation | Precise language Letters to the Editor | Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path
Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps Thankfully, Trump’s comments have prompted doctors, and Lysol, to warn against injecting disinfectants.
I am embarrassed by his comments and actions. This man needs to be voted out in November.
Howard Geifman
Walnut Creek
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
Read more Letters to the Editor


mercurynews--2020-04-28--49ers Jalen Hurd is ‘back’ as virtual offseason begins

Jalen Hurd was back in the mix with 49ers wide receivers Monday as they began their offseason program – in a virtual setting .
He bore the username “ iPadPlayer14 ” in the receivers ’ Zoom , video-conference room .
On the field , Hurd wore No .
17 for all of two exhibitions last August , then a back fracture wiped out his rookie season .
“ We ’ re ramping him up .
We are very optimistic , ” general manager John Lynch said Sunday .
“ I don ’ t want to be overly optimistic , because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then we had some setbacks .
“ So , I ’ ll let that thing continue to take its place .
He ’ s out , he ’ s running .
He ’ s doing really well and we ’ re excited by that.
” Hurd remains the 49ers ’ greatest unknown , all due respect to the incoming rookies and the tectonic shift of left tackles from Joe Staley to Trent Williams .
Most fans , however , are convinced he is the answer to any shortcomings in the passing game , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Dallas Cowboys in last year ’ s exhibition opener .
“ Jalen ’ s 14 days that we ’ ve seen him ( last August ) were lights out , ” Lynch said .
“ The problem is we ’ ve only seen him for 14 days .
Jalen knows full well that he needs to work his tail off , so that he can get back and be a contributor and try to earn opportunities to be a contributor for our team moving forward .
“ We love his skill set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s time to put it all to work.
” Hurd ’ s rehabilitation has allowed him to continue treatment at the 49ers ’ facility , which has been closed “ with limited exceptions ” since mid-March because of the COVID-19 pandemic .
Santa Clara County ’ s shelter-in-place was extended Monday through at least May .
“ He ’ s doing really well , ” Lynch said .
“ One of the benefits is that the rehab players have been able to be around the facility .
They ’ ve been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take great precaution with all those things but Jalen is doing really well .
He is cleared.
” Hurd ’ s rookie season got short-circuited because of a stress fracture in his lower back .
He rested it a few weeks , made a cameo on the practice field , then got placed on injured reserve Oct. 3 .
Some three weeks later , the 49ers traded for Emmanuel Sanders and got the receiving boost needed for their Super Bowl run .
Rookie Deebo Samuel , a second-round pick , also came on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a third-rounder , rehabilitated his back .
The 49ers invested even more equity in receivers this past draft , selecting Brandon Aiyuk in the first round and Jauan Jennings in the seventh round .
Aiyuk is a Reno native who played at Sierra College and Arizona State .
Jennings hails from Tennessee , where Hurd started his college career as a running back before transferring to Baylor .
Hurd ran for 2,635 yards and 20 touchdowns in his three season at Tennessee while also totaling 67 receptions from 2014-16 .
Upon switching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he had 69 receptions in 2018 .
Against the Cowboys in his 49ers exhibition debut , he totaled three catches for 31 yards and a touchdown .
Next • 49ers depth chart : Is this still a Super Bowl-caliber roster ?
• 49ers ’ Richard Sherman and Trent Williams once were enemies exhibition , he played just 15 snaps at Denver , then was done for 2019 .
Now that the 2020 roster is initially configured , Hurd will have added competition once it is safe to open training camp or the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only six wide receivers , and perhaps only three spots are available beyond Samuel , Aiyuk and Kendrick Bourne .
Hurd is among a group that also includes Trent Taylor , Travis Benjamin , Richie James Jr. and Jennings , their seventh-round draft pick .

Jalen Hurd was back in the mix with 49ers wide receivers Monday as they began their offseason program – in a virtual setting.
He bore the username “iPadPlayer14” in the receivers’ Zoom, video-conference room.
It’s a signal that Hurd has indeed switched his jersey to No. 14 from No. 17, which he wore for all of two exhibitions last August, before a back fracture wiped out his rookie season.
“We’re ramping him up. We are very optimistic,” general manager John Lynch said Sunday. “I don’t want to be overly optimistic, because last year we saw some progress and then we had some setbacks.
“So, I’ll let that thing continue to take its place. He’s out, he’s running. He’s doing really well and we’re excited by that.”
Hurd remains the 49ers’ greatest unknown, all due respect to the incoming rookies and the tectonic shift of left tackles from Joe Staley to Trent Williams.
Most fans, however, are convinced he is the answer to any shortcomings in the passing game, convinced merely by his two-touchdown debut against the Dallas Cowboys in last year’s exhibition opener.
“Jalen’s 14 days that we’ve seen him (last August) were lights out,” Lynch said. “The problem is we’ve only seen him for 14 days. Jalen knows full well that he needs to work his tail off, so that he can get back and be a contributor and try to earn opportunities to be a contributor for our team moving forward.
“We love his skill set. We love his mindset. Now it’s time to put it all to work.”
Hurd’s rehabilitation has allowed him to continue treatment at the 49ers’ facility, which has been closed “with limited exceptions” since mid-March because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Santa Clara County’s shelter-in-place was extended Monday through at least May.
“He’s doing really well,” Lynch said. “One of the benefits is that the rehab players have been able to be around the facility. They’ve been granted permission by the league. We take great precaution with all those things but Jalen is doing really well. He is cleared.”
Hurd’s rookie season got short-circuited because of a stress fracture in his lower back. He rested it a few weeks, made a cameo on the practice field, then got placed on injured reserve Oct. 3.
Some three weeks later, the 49ers traded for Emmanuel Sanders and got the receiving boost needed for their Super Bowl run. Rookie Deebo Samuel, a second-round pick, also came on strong, all while rookie classmate Hurd, a third-rounder, rehabilitated his back.
The 49ers invested even more equity in receivers this past draft, selecting Brandon Aiyuk in the first round and Jauan Jennings in the seventh round.
Aiyuk is a Reno native who played at Sierra College and Arizona State. Jennings hails from Tennessee, where Hurd started his college career as a running back before transferring to Baylor.
Hurd ran for 2,635 yards and 20 touchdowns in his three season at Tennessee while also totaling 67 receptions from 2014-16. Upon switching full-time to a wide receiver at Baylor, he had 69 receptions in 2018.
Against the Cowboys in his 49ers exhibition debut, he totaled three catches for 31 yards and a touchdown. Next Related Articles San Francisco 49ers | 49ers training camp: Talanoa Hufanga’s interception spoils Brock Purdy’s solid day
49ers training camp: Talanoa Hufanga’s interception spoils Brock Purdy’s solid day San Francisco 49ers | 49ers appear to have job openings among NFL’s No. 1-ranked defense
49ers appear to have job openings among NFL’s No. 1-ranked defense San Francisco 49ers | 49ers mailbag: Are rookie Moody’s kicking misses cause for concern?
49ers mailbag: Are rookie Moody’s kicking misses cause for concern? San Francisco 49ers | 49ers: Shanahan sees bright side of Trey Lance’s performance vs. Raiders
49ers: Shanahan sees bright side of Trey Lance’s performance vs. Raiders San Francisco 49ers | Kurtenbach: What’d I miss? A summer’s worth of takes on the Warriors, Giants, Niners, and Pac-12 exhibition, he played just 15 snaps at Denver, then was done for 2019.
Now that the 2020 roster is initially configured, Hurd will have added competition once it is safe to open training camp or the season. The 49ers likely will keep only six wide receivers, and perhaps only three spots are available beyond Samuel, Aiyuk and Kendrick Bourne. Hurd is among a group that also includes Trent Taylor, Travis Benjamin, Dante Pettis, Richie James Jr. and Jennings, their seventh-round draft pick.


mercurynews--2020-04-28--Word Game: April 28, 2020

Word Game: April 28, 2020

Can you find 24 or more words in INEDIBLE ?
The list will be published tomorrow .
To purchase the @ @ @ @ @ WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 while supplies last !
1 .
@ @ @ @ @ or more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four letters by the addition of @ @ @ @ @ as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” are not allowed .
3 .
@ @ @ @ @ a “ d ” or an “ s ” may not be used .
For @ @ @ @ @ ” is used , “ baked ” or “ bakes ” are not allowed , @ @ @ @ @ “ baking ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper nouns , slang words , or @ @ @ @ @ are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — INEDIBLE (INEDIBLE: in-ED-ih-bul: Unfit to be eaten.)
Average mark 17 words
Time limit 30 minutes
Can you find 24 or more words in INEDIBLE? The list will be published tomorrow.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — GRACIOUS guar auric cargo carious cigar coir corgi
cougar crag curio orca ours uric sago sari scar scour scrag soar sora sour
sugar
To purchase the Word Game book, visit WordGameBooks.com. Order it now for just $5 while supplies last!
RULES OF THE GAME:
1. Words must be of four or more letters.
2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.
3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” are not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible.
4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.
Contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe at kzsaxe@gmail.com.


mercurynews--2020-04-29--Biden wins Ohio’s mail-in primary delayed by coronavirus

By WILL WEISSERT and JULIE CARR SMYTH COLUMBUS , Ohio ( AP ) — Joe Biden won Ohio ’ s presidential primary Tuesday , clinching a contest that was less about the Democratic nomination and more about how states can conduct elections in the era of the coronavirus .
The primary was the first major test of statewide elections via mail amid an outbreak .
And the results were mixed .
There were reports of confusion but no widespread disruption .
It wasn ’ t like Wisconsin earlier this month , when voters were forced to overlook social distancing guidelines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cast a ballot .
Still , overall turnout appeared to be off .
The secretary of state ’ s office said that about 1.5 million votes had been cast as of midday Saturday , down sharply from the 3.2 million cast in Ohio ’ s 2016 presidential primary .
“ Within the context of the threat of the virus , it ’ s a decision that we will have made the best of , ” Republican Ken Blackwell , a former Ohio elections chief who chairs the bipartisan International Foundation for Electoral Systems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ primary , originally scheduled for March 17 , was delayed just hours before polls were supposed to open .
Citing a “ health emergency , ” Republican Gov .
Mike DeWine recommended that in-person balloting not be held until June 2 .
But amid legal challenges , officials moved balloting to this week while converting to a mail-in process since the state remains under a stay-at-home order .
Most Ohioans casting absentee ballots had to run at least three pieces of mail — an application , a blank ballot and a completed one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Only homeless and disabled people were initially encouraged to cast in-person ballots at county election board offices , though anyone not receiving ballots by mail in time to participate could also turn up in person .
Lynne Marshall , of Sylvania , near the Ohio-Michigan border , opened her mailbox Tuesday and was disappointed to see that her ballot had not arrived after waiting months and making countless calls to the state and local election offices .
She then agonized over whether to cast a vote in person at the election board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay home and skip an election for the first time that she can remember .
“ What should I do ?
” she asked .
“ I ’ m just really disgusted with it all .
Of course , I ’ ll feel guilty if I don ’ t vote.
” With his last competitor , Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders , leaving the race weeks ago , Biden has emerged as the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee , and the Ohio results were never in doubt .
Still , moving to a mail-in primary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country as states with upcoming elections grapple with how to fulfill one of the most basic functions of American democracy , voting , while battling coronavirus ’ s spread .
Some governors have suggested they would consider moving to an all-mail voting system for the November general election , something President Donald Trump has strongly opposed .
Polling suggests that Democrats are now more in favor of their states conducting elections exclusively by mail than Republicans are — a partisan divide that has grown amid the coronavirus outbreak and may have been exacerbated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states currently conduct all elections entirely by mail : Colorado , Hawaii , Oregon , Washington and Utah , but none had to adopt such practices amid a pandemic .
Maryland was also balancing balloting and voter safety on Tuesday as polling centers conducted a special election to finish the term of the late Democratic Rep. Elijah Cummings .
Democrat Kweisi Mfume , a former NAACP leader , defeated Republican Kimberly Klacik in the congressional district , returning to the seat that he held before Cummings .
Most of the focus , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ held congressional primaries .
It ’ s traditionally a battleground state that has shifted to more consistently Republican in recent cycles .
Trump won it by a surprisingly high 8 percentage points in 2016 , after Barack Obama , with Biden as his running mate , carried the state twice .
Jen Miller , the head of the League of Women Voters in Ohio , said it will be impossible to know how many people stayed home because they didn ’ t get a ballot in time .
“ We ’ ve had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Miller said .
Meanwhile , Ohio ’ s early voting began Feb. 19 , meaning Sanders was in a position to still pick up some of its delegates — despite no longer technically being in the race .
The senator has reminded his supporters that his name will be on the ballot in all upcoming races and urged them to vote for him so he can amass delegates and better shape the Democratic Party platform at its national convention in Milwaukee .
But Sanders has endorsed Biden , and a group of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forming an outside political committee to promote the former vice president and progressive values .
The efforts at unification of Democratic forces against Trump in November could defuse tensions heading into the party ’ s convention — which has already been delayed from June until August and may yet be further marred by the virus .
Blackwell , the former Ohio election chief , said he didn ’ t see Tuesday ’ s results setting a precedent .
He said the state ’ s in-person voting — run by 88 bipartisan county election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early voting window — lends “ a degree of almost guaranteed legitimacy ” that ’ s missing from mail-in balloting .
“ My opinion going forward is that no serious thought should be given to converting to mail-in balloting for the November election , ” Blackwell said .
“ You lick an envelope and mail in a ballot , there ’ s all kinds of evidence that would suggest that there would be ballots lost , and because you ’ ve taken out the bipartisan oversight at the basic community level , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Weissert reported from Washington .
Associated Press writers Dan Sewell in Cincinnati and John Seewer in Toledo contributed to this report .

By WILL WEISSERT and JULIE CARR SMYTH
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Joe Biden won Ohio’s presidential primary Tuesday, clinching a contest that was less about the Democratic nomination and more about how states can conduct elections in the era of the coronavirus.
The primary was the first major test of statewide elections via mail amid an outbreak. And the results were mixed.
There were reports of confusion but no widespread disruption. It wasn’t like Wisconsin earlier this month, when voters were forced to overlook social distancing guidelines to stand in line wearing masks to cast a ballot.
Still, overall turnout appeared to be off. The secretary of state’s office said that about 1.5 million votes had been cast as of midday Saturday, down sharply from the 3.2 million cast in Ohio’s 2016 presidential primary.
“Within the context of the threat of the virus, it’s a decision that we will have made the best of,” Republican Ken Blackwell, a former Ohio elections chief who chairs the bipartisan International Foundation for Electoral Systems, said of mail-in balloting.
The primary, originally scheduled for March 17, was delayed just hours before polls were supposed to open. Citing a “health emergency,” Republican Gov. Mike DeWine recommended that in-person balloting not be held until June 2. But amid legal challenges, officials moved balloting to this week while converting to a mail-in process since the state remains under a stay-at-home order.
Most Ohioans casting absentee ballots had to run at least three pieces of mail — an application, a blank ballot and a completed one — through the U.S. Postal Service. Only homeless and disabled people were initially encouraged to cast in-person ballots at county election board offices, though anyone not receiving ballots by mail in time to participate could also turn up in person.
Lynne Marshall, of Sylvania, near the Ohio-Michigan border, opened her mailbox Tuesday and was disappointed to see that her ballot had not arrived after waiting months and making countless calls to the state and local election offices. She then agonized over whether to cast a vote in person at the election board and put her health at risk or stay home and skip an election for the first time that she can remember.
“What should I do?” she asked. “I’m just really disgusted with it all. Of course, I’ll feel guilty if I don’t vote.”
With his last competitor, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, leaving the race weeks ago, Biden has emerged as the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, and the Ohio results were never in doubt. Still, moving to a mail-in primary on the fly was watched around the country as states with upcoming elections grapple with how to fulfill one of the most basic functions of American democracy, voting, while battling coronavirus’s spread.
Some governors have suggested they would consider moving to an all-mail voting system for the November general election, something President Donald Trump has strongly opposed. Polling suggests that Democrats are now more in favor of their states conducting elections exclusively by mail than Republicans are — a partisan divide that has grown amid the coronavirus outbreak and may have been exacerbated by Trump’s opposition.
Five states currently conduct all elections entirely by mail: Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington and Utah, but none had to adopt such practices amid a pandemic.
Maryland was also balancing balloting and voter safety on Tuesday as polling centers conducted a special election to finish the term of the late Democratic Rep. Elijah Cummings. Democrat Kweisi Mfume, a former NAACP leader, defeated Republican Kimberly Klacik in the congressional district, returning to the seat that he held before Cummings.
Most of the focus, though, was on Ohio, which also held congressional primaries. It’s traditionally a battleground state that has shifted to more consistently Republican in recent cycles. Trump won it by a surprisingly high 8 percentage points in 2016, after Barack Obama, with Biden as his running mate, carried the state twice.
Jen Miller, the head of the League of Women Voters in Ohio, said it will be impossible to know how many people stayed home because they didn’t get a ballot in time.
“We’ve had people waiting weeks and weeks,” Miller said.
Meanwhile, Ohio’s early voting began Feb. 19, meaning Sanders was in a position to still pick up some of its delegates — despite no longer technically being in the race. The senator has reminded his supporters that his name will be on the ballot in all upcoming races and urged them to vote for him so he can amass delegates and better shape the Democratic Party platform at its national convention in Milwaukee.
But Sanders has endorsed Biden, and a group of his top advisers announced Tuesday that they were forming an outside political committee to promote the former vice president and progressive values. The efforts at unification of Democratic forces against Trump in November could defuse tensions heading into the party’s convention — which has already been delayed from June until August and may yet be further marred by the virus.
Blackwell, the former Ohio election chief, said he didn’t see Tuesday’s results setting a precedent. He said the state’s in-person voting — run by 88 bipartisan county election boards and offering a wide, 30-day early voting window — lends “a degree of almost guaranteed legitimacy” that’s missing from mail-in balloting.
“My opinion going forward is that no serious thought should be given to converting to mail-in balloting for the November election,” Blackwell said. “You lick an envelope and mail in a ballot, there’s all kinds of evidence that would suggest that there would be ballots lost, and because you’ve taken out the bipartisan oversight at the basic community level, you lose a degree of almost guaranteed legitimacy.”
___
Weissert reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Dan Sewell in Cincinnati and John Seewer in Toledo contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-04-29--Kerr: NBA season is over as far as Warriors are concerned

There ’ s still hope in some circles that the COVID-19 pandemic hasn ’ t wiped out the remainder of the NBA season .
But as far as Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is concerned , this season is over .
“ It feels like the offseason , ” Kerr said Tuesday on a video conference call coordinated by the University of San Francisco .
“ And in fact we had a Zoom call , ( general manager ) Bob Myers and I got on a Zoom with our players , our whole roster last week .
And it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it was also a chance for Bob to update the players on his contact with the league and the latest news , but it also kind of felt like our annual team exit meeting .
“ Our coaching staff and I have been undergoing staff evaluations , offseason plans , so we are absolutely in offseason mode right now.
” Kerr conceded that it ’ s a little easier for the Warriors to focus on the 2020-21 season since this one has been a dud .
Stars Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the team ’ s return season to San Francisco .
The Warriors ’ 15-50 is the worst in the NBA , and Golden State was the only team officially eliminated from playoff contention when the coronavirus threat brought everything to a grinding halt .
“ The suspension came at an interesting time , and it really made a difference , depending on where your team stood in the standings , ” Kerr said .
“ So I ’ ve talked to some of my fellow coaches who are coaching teams that are right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They ’ re trying desperately to stay in touch with their team , some of them are even doing group workouts on Zoom with their training staff , and they ’ re trying to find hoops for their players to shoot at where they ’ re able to do so .
“ It ’ s different for us because we were down to 17 games , but we were out of the playoffs .
It feels like the end of the season for our team .
It just does .
But the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the NBA draft later this spring to look forward to if games do not resume this spring .
“ We don ’ t know anything officially , ” Kerr said .
“ There ’ s still a chance the league could ask us to come back and play some games , but given what we went through this season , with all the injuries and the tough record , it ’ s been more of the case of we ’ re staying in touch with guys , but everybody is just sort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
We ’ re not going to be involved much anymore .
The hour-long conversation , led by Jennifer Azzi , USF ’ s Associate Vice President for Alumni Engagement and University Special Events , also included Warriors COO Rick Welts .
Not surprisingly , Kerr and the Warriors staff have been busy during the break gearing up for what almost certainly figures to be another run at an NBA title in 2020-21 .
“ It ’ s been really productive for me and for our staff , ” Kerr said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ much deeper conversations amongst the staff to try to come up with better ways to coach our players and better ways to approach next season and really take advantage of the time that we do have.
” Kerr added , ” I think what we ’ ve tried to do as a staff is take more time than we ’ ve ever had before to really self-reflect , to really examine what we ’ ve done , what we ’ d like to do going forward , ” Kerr said .
“ And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ position because we ’ ve come off an incredible five-year run and then this season , where we had the worst record in the NBA and we went through all kinds of injuries and everything else .
And so this whole experience , this last six years for us , as a coaching staff , as an organization , we ’ ve pretty much seen everything , and yet what I realize now is very rarely have we had the chance to actually sit down and examine everything.
” The league announced Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facilities as early as May 8 in states where that would be permitted , though that date could be pushed back , and a number of restrictions will apply .
• Gabrielle Union once told Steph and Ayesha Curry to break up , have sex with other people • A Q & A with Klay ’ s uncle : On filming Jordan ’ s Bulls , Warriors ’ dynasty and more • Sleepy Floyd on the game that almost ended Michael Jordan ’ s career : ‘ You didn ’ t know the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been no indications whether the season will resume at some point after it was suspended March 11 due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Commissioner Adam Silver has said multiple times there is no timetable to make a decision .
Kerr said he has been social distancing with eight other family members — including a dog — in San Diego since the NBA season was halted .
“ Just trying to ride it out like everyone else , ” Kerr said .

There’s still hope in some circles that the COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t wiped out the remainder of the NBA season. But as far as Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is concerned, this season is over.
“It feels like the offseason,” Kerr said Tuesday on a video conference call coordinated by the University of San Francisco. “And in fact we had a Zoom call, (general manager) Bob Myers and I got on a Zoom with our players, our whole roster last week. And it was just a chance to check in, but it was also a chance for Bob to update the players on his contact with the league and the latest news, but it also kind of felt like our annual team exit meeting.
“Our coaching staff and I have been undergoing staff evaluations, offseason plans, so we are absolutely in offseason mode right now.”
Kerr added, “What we’re doing now is planning for that moment when our practice facility is opened back up. Once that happens, we want to be ready with a plan. And the plan has to include all the guidelines will be put in place. … We’ve got to have all the safety and health precautions mapped out.”
Kerr conceded that it’s a little easier for the Warriors to focus on the 2020-21 season since this one has been a dud. Stars Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson werew injured for most or all of the team’s return season to San Francisco. The Warriors’ 15-50 is the worst in the NBA, and Golden State was the only team officially eliminated from playoff contention when the coronavirus threat brought everything to a grinding halt.
“The suspension came at an interesting time, and it really made a difference, depending on where your team stood in the standings,” Kerr said. “So I’ve talked to some of my fellow coaches who are coaching teams that are right in the thick of the playoff hunt. They’re trying desperately to stay in touch with their team, some of them are even doing group workouts on Zoom with their training staff, and they’re trying to find hoops for their players to shoot at where they’re able to do so.
“It’s different for us because we were down to 17 games, but we were out of the playoffs. It feels like the end of the season for our team. It just does.
But the team almost certainly will have a top five pick in the upcoming NBA draft to look forward to if games do not resume this spring.
“We don’t know anything officially,” Kerr said. “There’s still a chance the league could ask us to come back and play some games, but given what we went through this season, with all the injuries and the tough record, it’s been more of the case of we’re staying in touch with guys, but everybody is just sort of assuming that this is kind of it. We’re not going to be involved much anymore.
The hour-long conversation, led by Jennifer Azzi, USF’s Associate Vice President for Alumni Engagement and University Special Events, also included Warriors COO Rick Welts.
Not surprisingly, Kerr and the Warriors staff have been busy during the break gearing up for what almost certainly figures to be another run at an NBA title in 2020-21.
“It’s been really productive for me and for our staff,” Kerr said. “I think we’ve had much deeper conversations amongst the staff to try to come up with better ways to coach our players and better ways to approach next season and really take advantage of the time that we do have.”
Kerr added,”I think what we’ve tried to do as a staff is take more time than we’ve ever had before to really self-reflect, to really examine what we’ve done, what we’d like to do going forward. And we’re in a pretty unique position because we’ve come off an incredible five-year run and then this season, where we had the worst record in the NBA and we went through all kinds of injuries and everything else. And so this whole experience, this last six years for us, as a coaching staff, as an organization, we’ve pretty much seen everything, and yet what I realize now is very rarely have we had the chance to actually sit down and examine everything.”
The league announced Monday it would allow teams to reopen their facilities as early as May 8 in states where that would be permitted, though that date could be pushed back, and a number of restrictions will apply. Related Articles Golden State Warriors | Here’s the Warriors’ schedule for NBA’s inaugural in-season tournament
Here’s the Warriors’ schedule for NBA’s inaugural in-season tournament Golden State Warriors | Kurtenbach: What’d I miss? A summer’s worth of takes on the Warriors, Giants, Niners, and Pac-12
Kurtenbach: What’d I miss? A summer’s worth of takes on the Warriors, Giants, Niners, and Pac-12 Golden State Warriors | Former Warriors president Bob Myers joins ESPN as analyst
Former Warriors president Bob Myers joins ESPN as analyst Golden State Warriors | Report: Bob Myers returning to NBA in a different role
Report: Bob Myers returning to NBA in a different role Golden State Warriors | Warriors to face Suns on NBA Opening Night, per report
There have been no indications whether the season will resume at some point after it was suspended March 11 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Commissioner Adam Silver has said multiple times there is no timetable to make a decision.
Kerr said he has been social distancing with eight other family members — including a dog — in San Diego since the NBA season was halted.
“Just trying to ride it out like everyone else,” Kerr said.
Welts said he has been in steady contact with Warriors employees via email as well as virtual town hall meetings. Kerr, Warriors primary owners Peter Guber and Joe Lacob, and NBA commissioner Adam Silver have been among the guests. Welts said in addition to keeping everyone in the organization updated, the meetings are meant to provide physical and mental support.
” We have a lot of 20-somethings who are living alone right now, who aren’t like Steve or me, when we’re home with our families every day and have some space, but are really isolated socially,” Welts said. “It’s kind of the untold story, I think, we focus on the truly medical side of the virus. The mental health side, I think, is increasingly important to address because we as human beings, we were not wired to operate this way. And you can start to see the frustration that people are having in following guidelines as best we can, but we need more than that as human beings.”


mercurynews--2020-04-29--Longtime San Jose Sharks employee dies of bacterial infection

SAN JOSE — Richard Perez , a well-known and beloved member of the Sharks organization for over two decades , died Tuesday after he fell ill earlier this month with a bacterial infection .
Perez , a Gilroy native , became ill on April 2 and had been in intensive care for the last three weeks .
An April 21 post on a GoFundMe page that had been set up by friends of Perez stated that the infection had attacked his brain .
At that time , Perez , who did not have any previous underlying conditions , had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nephew , A.J .
Perez , Rich twice tested negative for the coronavirus and needed two spinal tap procedures to determine the cause of the illness .
He was later diagnosed with encephalitis .
Using social distancing guidelines , members of Rich ’ s his family and several of his friends came to see him over the weekend at the hospital he was at in Fremont .
Like our Sharks Facebook page for more San Jose Sharks news , commentary and conversation .
“ My dad and ( Rich ) were very close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before he fell ill , ” A.J .
Perez said .
“ He said he had a headache , but that was it .
He wouldn ’ t go to the doctor , didn ’ t think anything of it.
” According to a 2011 article in the Gilroy Dispatch , Perez , nicknamed “ The Mayor , ” attended Gilroy High School and Gavilan College before he went to Heald College , where he studied to become a field engineer technician .
He worked in that field for over a decade before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Texas .
Perez instead remained in California , and soon applied for a job at San Jose ’ s new downtown arena .
Perez would first work as an usher in the building for roughly three years before in 1996 he became a mail room coordinator for the Sharks , two positions that allowed him to get to know almost everyone in the organization .
“ He literally was engaged with everybody who came into that building , ” said Jim Sparaco , the Sharks ’ director of public relations , who knew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employee who came in over the last 25 years , there was no way that you could get around knowing Rich Perez.
” For complete Sharks coverage follow us on Flipboard .
As an usher , Perez was assigned to watch the Sharks ’ locker room , which gave him a chance to meet coaches , players and their families .
According to the Dispatch , in 1995 , believing Perez was a good luck charm , then-coach Kevin Constantine brought Perez with the team on the road for the postseason .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ round , winning the decisive Game 7 in Calgary in double overtime on a goal by Ray Whitney .
Before Joe Thornton played his first home game for the Sharks in 2005 , Thornton ’ s parents , Mary and Wayne , arrived at the arena several hours early and were hoping to get a look inside the building .
After they were initially turned away , Perez stepped in and gave the couple a tour .
“ Richie showed them around , ” Thornton told the Dispatch .
“ Ever since then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday afternoon , the GoFundMe account set up to help Perez ’ family pay out-of-pocket medical expenses had raised over $ 77,000 , well past the initial goal of $ 20,000 .
Several current and past Sharks players were among the over 400 people who donated to the fund , which was created April 17 .
“ Pretty much almost every former coach , a lot of former players and current players donated , ” A.J .
Perez said .
“ I was shocked .
He was my godfather and I didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” An avid golfer and a diehard fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers , Perez grew up as the 14th of 15 children in Gilroy , where he was proud to call home .
The Perez ’ s were one of the first families that worked on a farm to also own a home in town .
After three people were killed and several others injured in a mass shooting at the Gilroy Garlic Festival in July 2019 , the Sharks , led by captain Logan Couture , helped raise more than $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was involved , helping to raise awareness and gather items that could be auctioned off at the fundraiser .
• Ex-Shark Joel Ward explains how he ’ d like to stay involved in hockey • On this date , April 25 : Owen Nolan ’ s scintillating shot powers Sharks to Game 7 victory “ Not only was Rich a Gilroy resident that was proud to work for the Sharks , Rich was a Sharks employee that was proud to be from Gilroy , ” said Scott Emmert , Sharks ’ vice-president of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a badge of honor.
” Richard Perez is survived by siblings Carmen Herman , Ralph Perez , Frankie Perez , Annie Arellano , Margaret Luna , Linda Miramontes , Nestor Perez , Gabriel Perez , Peter Perez , Andrew Perez and Steven Perez .

SAN JOSE — Richard Perez, a well-known and beloved member of the Sharks organization for over two decades, died Tuesday after he fell ill earlier this month with a bacterial infection.
He was 64.
Perez, a Gilroy native, became ill on April 2 and had been in intensive care for the last three weeks. An April 21 post on a GoFundMe page that had been set up by friends of Perez stated that the infection had attacked his brain. At that time, Perez, who did not have any previous underlying conditions, had been on a ventilator.
According to his nephew, A.J. Perez, Rich twice tested negative for the coronavirus and needed two spinal tap procedures to determine the cause of the illness. He was later diagnosed with encephalitis.
Using social distancing guidelines, members of Rich’s family and several of his friends came to see him over the weekend at the hospital he was at in Fremont.
Like our Sharks Facebook page for more San Jose Sharks news, commentary and conversation.
“My dad and (Rich) were very close, and they talked a couple days before he fell ill,” A.J. Perez said. “He said he had a headache, but that was it. He wouldn’t go to the doctor, didn’t think anything of it.”
According to a 2011 article in the Gilroy Dispatch, Perez, nicknamed “Mr. Mayor,” attended Gilroy High School and Gavilan College before he went to Heald College, where he studied to become a field engineer technician. He worked in that field for over a decade before the company he worked for relocated to Texas.
Perez instead remained in California, and soon applied for a job at San Jose’s new downtown arena. Perez would first work as an usher in the building for roughly three years before in 1996 he became a mail room coordinator for the Sharks, two positions that allowed him to get to know almost everyone in the organization.
“He literally was engaged with everybody who came into that building,” said Jim Sparaco, the Sharks’ director of public relations, who knew Perez for 25 years. “Every employee who came in over the last 25 years, there was no way that you could get around knowing Rich Perez.”
For complete Sharks coverage
follow us on Flipboard.
As an usher, Perez was assigned to watch the Sharks’ locker room, which gave him a chance to meet coaches, players and their families.
Sharks broadcaster Jamie Baker, who played 186 regular season games for the team in the 1990s, said Perez would keep his family company while they waited for him to come out of the locker room after games.
“I used to come out and he’d be holding my daughter Reilly,” Baker said.
Baker said Perez would also take care of his friends and the friends of other players when they came to a game. Ever now and then, Baker would try to show his appreciation with a small tip.
“And he would always say no,” Baker said. “I feel a little nick in my soul today. Rich never cared about stature. He greeted everybody the same. He was always happy to see you.”
Former Sharks coach Kevin Constantine thought Perez was a good luck charm, and brought him with the team on the road for the 1995 postseason. The Sharks beat the Flames in the first round, winning the decisive Game 7 in Calgary in double overtime on a goal by Ray Whitney.
“It was kind of like he had two families. The Sharks and his own personal family down in Gilroy,” Baker said. “He carved out a life that he loved, that he was proud of. He didn’t have a desire for more, because he had everything he needed. I loved him.”
Before Joe Thornton played his first home game for the Sharks in 2005, Thornton’s parents, Mary and Wayne, arrived at the arena several hours early and were hoping to get a look inside the building. After they were initially turned away, Perez stepped in and gave the couple a tour.
“Richie showed them around,” Thornton told the Dispatch. “Ever since then, they love Richie.”
As of Tuesday afternoon, the GoFundMe account set up to help Perez’ family pay out-of-pocket medical expenses had raised over $77,000, well past the initial goal of $20,000. Several current and past Sharks players were among the over 400 people who donated to the fund, which was created April 17.
“Pretty much almost every former coach, a lot of former players and current players donated,” A.J. Perez said. “I was shocked. He was my godfather and I didn’t know what he meant to everybody.”
Late Tuesday afternoon, fund organizer Bob Sweeney posted that after medical related costs are paid, “the balance of the funds will be contributed to the (soon to be formed) Rich Perez Memorial Fund.”
I lost a dear friend today. He was beloved by many of us in Sharks Territory and beyond and we will all miss him dearly. RIP "Mr. Mayor!" We love you. @SanJoseSharks @NBCSSharks https://t.co/IVvLb8IpIy — Randy Hahn (@sharkvoice) April 28, 2020
An avid golfer and a diehard fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Perez grew up as the 14th of 15 children in Gilroy, where he was proud to call home. The Perez’s were one of the first families that worked on a farm to also own a home in town.
After three people were killed and several others injured in a mass shooting at the Gilroy Garlic Festival in July 2019, the Sharks, led by captain Logan Couture, helped raise more than $42,000 for the Gilroy Foundation.
Perez was involved, helping to raise awareness and gather items that could be auctioned off at the fundraiser.
Related Articles San Jose Sharks | Projecting the (Karlsson-less) Sharks’ 23-man roster: Better team or better lottery odds?
Projecting the (Karlsson-less) Sharks’ 23-man roster: Better team or better lottery odds? San Jose Sharks | New San Jose Sharks saw changes coming to Pittsburgh Penguins
New San Jose Sharks saw changes coming to Pittsburgh Penguins San Jose Sharks | Erik Karlsson trade analysis: On the Sharks’ return, filling the void, and how does this affect the prospects?
Erik Karlsson trade analysis: On the Sharks’ return, filling the void, and how does this affect the prospects? San Jose Sharks | Karlsson traded to Penguins, ending uneven era with San Jose Sharks
Karlsson traded to Penguins, ending uneven era with San Jose Sharks San Jose Sharks | Why the Sharks’ ongoing Erik Karlsson situation could be clarified soon “Not only was Rich a Gilroy resident that was proud to work for the Sharks, Rich was a Sharks employee that was proud to be from Gilroy,” said Scott Emmert, Sharks’ vice-president of communications. “He wore that like a badge of honor.”
Richard Perez is survived by siblings Carmen Herman, Ralph Perez, Frankie Perez, Annie Arellano, Margaret Luna, Linda Miramontes, Nestor Perez, Gabriel Perez, Peter Perez, Andrew Perez and Steven Perez.


mercurynews--2020-04-28--PHOTOS: Municipal Rose Garden in San Jose in full bloom

CLICK HERE , if you are unable to view these photos on your mobile device .
One of the gems @ @ @ @ @ might be taking a walk through the Municipal Rose Garden when it ’ s in @ @ @ @ @ can enjoy the scent and sight of thousands of roses .
Some big and pink @ @ @ @ @ as if wine were spilt on them , others freckled and some tight and shy @ @ @ @ @ .
According to Sanjose.org the garden has over 3,500 rose shrubs with nearly 200 varieties @ @ @ @ @ lot of uncertainties due to the COVID-19 pandemic some found out it hard to resist @ @ @ @ @ .
Some walked in and around the rows of flowers , others rode their bikes @ @ @ @ @ and enjoyed the sight .

CLICK HERE, if you are unable to view these photos on your mobile device.
One of the gems of spring in San Jose might be taking a walk through the Municipal Rose Garden when it’s in full bloom. Where people can enjoy the scent and sight of thousands of roses. Some big and pink, others white and red as if wine were spilt on them, others freckled and some shy still in their bulb state.
According to Sanjose.org the garden has over 3,500 rose shrubs with nearly 200 varieties of roses.


mercurynews--2020-04-28--Joe Staley on 49ers exit: ‘Oh man, I’m going to miss football a lot’

Joe Staley ’ s retirement press conference hummed for 30 minutes with the graceful blend of humility and humor everyone came to know in his 13 years as the 49ers ’ left tackle .
Then came the end .
Staley wanted to get in the final words in the Zoom room .
“ This feels really weird right now .
Oh boy , ” Staley began , with emotion overtaking him .
“ You guys have meant a lot to me .
It ’ s been really , really , really cool getting to know every one of you guys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , talking about different things that deal with football and don ’ t deal with football .
“ I ’ m going to miss it .
Staley paused .
The video conference could have ended there .
Two days after announcing his retirement in an expansive , thank-you letter on social media , his closing remarks kept coming .
“ I came from Central Michigan and didn ’ t know anything about media and talking to people .
I was super nervous about talking to our local student-newspaper guy who ’ d interview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Staley added .
“ But coming into an NFL locker room and having cameras in your face and getting asked about a lot of different things , you guys always treated me with a ton of respect and treated my family with a lot of respect .
“ Oh man , I ’ m going to miss football a lot .
I love football a ton .
It was really cool .
I don ’ t know what else to say .
I ’ m going to ramble on .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really appreciate every one of you and hopefully I ’ ll see you all soon.
” And that simply sums up Staley , a person looking out for others and appreciating their efforts .
As for Staley the left tackle , former teammates and coaches took time Tuesday to praise his impact on their lives , the game of football and the 49ers , all of which make him worthy in their minds for a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame as soon as 2025 .
“ He ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dame coach Brian Kelly , who was Staley ’ s coach at Central Michigan .
“ That kind of durability and consistency , I think , with six or seven head coaches .
It ’ s a testament to him and his character and who he is as a person.
” Added tight end George Kittle : “ He embodies absolutely everything about football that football should be about : The hard working , the grit , how much fun he has playing the game , the work he puts into it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ position that a lot of people in the league , how much he just loves the game of football.
” Staley , 35 , professed that love five times during his press conference .
“ This is all so fresh , and I ’ ll take time , enjoy my family and be used to not being a football player anymore , ” Staley said .
“ I still have a huge love for football.
” His greater love is his family with wife , Carrie , and their daughters , Grace and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is paramount , and his health deteriorated last season , from a Week 2 broken leg to a busted knuckle at midseason to a neck issue that progressively worsened all the way through to the Super Bowl .
Losing that Super Bowl , 31-20 to the Kansas City Chiefs , obviously made for a crushing end to a career that included six Pro Bowl honors and a spot on the NFL ’ s All-Decade Team for the 2000s .
As much as Staley appreciated that All-Decade honor as a respectful tribute to his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never drove him , and he was taught that by his parents , Butch and Jan. “ It ’ s not about accolades , it ’ s not about doing stuff to get noticed , ” Staley said .
“ Whatever you ’ re doing , you ’ re trying to give your best at .
You ’ re trying to win and be the best you can be .
The Super Bowl is the best thing you can do , to win a Super Bowl .
It sucks , it really does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that .
“ I ’ ve been watching since 5 and I saw the joy it brings players to win that and hoist that trophy in the air .
To reflect on the journey and how meaningful that would have been for me and the team .
But it wasn ’ t in the cards .
“ I gave everything I have to the game of football .
I definitely don ’ t leave my head hung in that respect .
I did everything I could do but for whatever reason it just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for us .
It ’ s frustrating but it won ’ t torment me for the rest of my life.
” What ’ s next in his life ?
Staley said he faces no imminent surgeries but acknowledged some procedures likely await down the road like most NFL veterans , although most never make it 13 years in the trenches like he did .
He ’ s had preliminary discussions about working with the 49ers in some capacity .
Media organizations have reached out to gauge his interest .
And , of course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well wishes from former teammates .
Staley had a “ special conversation ” with Frank Gore , the 49ers ’ all-time leading rusher and the standard bearer Staley tried to emulate since arriving as a 2007 first-round draft pick .
“ To watch him work and how he approached every single day , it was special for me as a rookie , that this is what it takes to be a stud in the NFL , ” Staley said .
“ It was just special to block for him for so long.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven-time Pro Bowler Trent Williams .
The 49ers traded for him Sunday after Staley relayed his retirement commitment to coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch a couple days before the draft .
“ I couldn ’ t be more excited for trent to be with the 49ers , knowing a player with his ability is going to take over that left side , ” Staley said .
Remaining at right tackle is Mike McGlinchey , the 49ers ’ 2018 top draft pick who became best friends with Staley through their offensive-line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ became best friends with this 35 year old that I wasn ’ t expecting him to treat me that way , ” McGlinchey said .
McGlinchey ’ s admiration for Staley ’ dated to his junior year at Philadelphia ’ s Penn Charter .
He switched his jersey number to 74 as he transitioned from tight end to tackle .
Once at Notre Dame , McGlinchey spent weeks studying Staley ’ s 49ers film , which was in the database because of Coach Kelly .
“ To be the guy that generations of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learn things the right way , on film and in real life , that ’ s somebody to me that ’ s a Hall of Famer , ” McGlinchey said .
“ He affected 15 years worth of offensive linemen , ” McGlinchey added .
“ When you turn on how a left tackle is supposed to play football in a complete game – not just the fancy pass-pro and a great athlete – Joe was the most complete offensive tackle of his generation and that is something that should be ( enshrined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Staley recalled how the first time he visited McGlinchey ’ s San Jose home , he razzed him about a framed No .
74 jersey from McGlinchey ’ s days at Penn Charter High in Philly .
Staley had no idea that McGlinchey indeed idolized him since switching his junior year from tight end to offensive tackle , a switch Staley made himself at Central Michigan .
“ I was giving him crap , not even knowing .
… .
‘ Your hero is in your house .
You wore my jersey number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ‘ Yeah , I was nervous for you to see that.
’ I was , ‘ Oh , you ’ re serious ?
You really did .
I didn ’ t understand all that stuff .
“ There ’ s not a lot of guys in the NFL that choose an offensive lineman to be their favorite players .
Mike is one of them .
Because Mike ’ s a weird guy.
” McGlinchey is not alone .
The 49ers Faithul is full of Staley-loving weirdos , too .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the franchise dating to Feb. 28 , 2006 .
The next day brought linebacker Patrick Willis ’ first and favorite memory of Staley .
They met at San Francisco International airport upon flying in as first-round draft picks ; Willis ( No .
11 overall ) preceded Staley ( No .
28 ) in the draft and then at SFO .
“ He wasn ’ t too far behind me coming up the escalator at SFO , ” Willis said .
“ I remember turning around , seeing him and I thought to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure they got a guy who ’ s big enough I could go against in practice.
’ Just seeing his presence , you could tell right there he was about business.
” “ He was the first player I met coming off the plane and almost being in awe , I knew all about him , ” Staley said .
“ I thought it was the coolest , being in the presence like that.
” Willis beat Staley to retirement by five years .
Staley ’ s retirement plan took shape a month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Really ecxited that everything kind of worked out on all ends , ” Staley said .
“ I ’ m happy with the decision I made for me and my family .
I ’ m happy about the decision the Niners made for the franchise .
And I can ’ t wait to watch what they do this upcoming year.
” • Kurtenbach : Which undrafted free agents could make the 49ers ?
• Take a number : 49ers top draft picks swoop in on Nos .
11 , 99

Joe Staley’s retirement press conference hummed for 30 minutes with the graceful blend of humility and humor everyone came to know in his 13 years as the 49ers’ left tackle.
Then came the end. Staley wanted to get in the final words in the Zoom room.
“This feels really weird right now. Oh boy,” Staley began, with emotion overtaking him. “You guys have meant a lot to me. It’s been really, really, really cool getting to know every one of you guys over the years and develop personal relationships, talking about different things that deal with football and don’t deal with football.
“I’m going to miss it.
“It’s been really cool.”
Staley paused. The video conference could have ended there. Two days after announcing his retirement in an expansive, thank-you letter on social media, his closing remarks kept coming.
“I came from Central Michigan and didn’t know anything about media and talking to people. I was super nervous about talking to our local student-newspaper guy who’d interview me about the upcoming year in 2004,” Staley added. “But coming into an NFL locker room and having cameras in your face and getting asked about a lot of different things, you guys always treated me with a ton of respect and treated my family with a lot of respect.
“Oh man, I’m going to miss football a lot. I love football a ton. It was really cool. I don’t know what else to say. I’m going to ramble on. I just want you all to know I really appreciate every one of you and hopefully I’ll see you all soon.”
And that simply sums up Staley, a person looking out for others and appreciating their efforts.
As for Staley the left tackle, his former teammates and coaches took time Tuesday to praise his impact on their lives, the game of football and the 49ers, all of which make him worthy in their minds for a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame as soon as 2025.
“He’s a first-ballot Hall of Famer,” Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly, who was Staley’s coach at Central Michigan. “That kind of durability and consistency, I think, with six or seven head coaches. It’s a testament to him and his character and who he is as a person.”
Added tight end George Kittle: “He embodies absolutely everything about football that football should be about: The hard working, the grit, how much fun he has playing the game, the work he puts into it, how much better he is playing that position that a lot of people in the league, how much he just loves the game of football.”
Staley, 35, professed that love five times during his press conference.
“This is all so fresh, and I’ll take time, enjoy my family and be used to not being a football player anymore,” Staley said. “I still have a huge love for football.”
His greater love is his family with wife, Carrie, and their daughters, Grace and Audrey. Being healthy enough for them is paramount, and his health deteriorated last season, from a Week 2 broken leg to a busted knuckle at midseason to a neck issue that progressively worsened all the way through to the Super Bowl.
Losing that Super Bowl, 31-20 to the Kansas City Chiefs, obviously made for a crushing end to a career that included six Pro Bowl honors and a spot on the NFL 2010’s All-Decade Team (ahead of Williams).
As much as Staley appreciated that All-Decade honor as a respectful tribute to his career, he also noted how awards never drove him, and he was taught that by his parents, Butch and Jan.
“It’s not about accolades, it’s not about doing stuff to get noticed,” Staley said. “Whatever you’re doing, you’re trying to give your best at. You’re trying to win and be the best you can be. The Super Bowl is the best thing you can do, to win a Super Bowl. It sucks, it really does, to not be able to win that.
“I’ve been watching since 5 and I saw the joy it brings players to win that and hoist that trophy in the air. To reflect on the journey and how meaningful that would have been for me and the team. But it wasn’t in the cards.
“I gave everything I have to the game of football. I definitely don’t leave my head hung in that respect. I did everything I could do but for whatever reason it just didn’t happen for me or for us. It’s frustrating but it won’t torment me for the rest of my life.”
What’s next in his life? Staley said he faces no imminent surgeries but acknowledged some procedures likely await down the road like most NFL veterans, although most never make it 13 years in the trenches like he did.
He’s had preliminary discussions about working with the 49ers in some capacity. Media organizations have reached out to gauge his interest. And, of course, he’s been busy fielding well wishes from former teammates.
Staley had a “special conversation” with Frank Gore, the 49ers’ all-time leading rusher and the standard bearer Staley tried to emulate since arriving as a 2007 first-round draft pick.
“To watch him work and how he approached every single day, it was special for me as a rookie, that this is what it takes to be a stud in the NFL,” Staley said. “It was just special to block for him for so long.”
Now blocking in his place will be seven-time Pro Bowler Trent Williams. The 49ers traded for him Sunday after Staley relayed his retirement commitment to coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch a couple days before the draft.
“I couldn’t be more excited for trent to be with the 49ers, knowing a player with his ability is going to take over that left side,” Staley said.
Remaining at right tackle is Mike McGlinchey, the 49ers’ 2018 top draft pick who became best friends with Staley through their offensive-line discussions and karaoke duets.
“I became best friends with this 35 year old that I wasn’t expecting him to treat me that way,” McGlinchey said.
McGlinchey’s admiration for Staley’ dated to his junior year at Philadelphia’s Penn Charter. He switched his jersey number to 74 as he transitioned from tight end to tackle. Once at Notre Dame, McGlinchey spent weeks studying Staley’s 49ers film, which was in the database because of Coach Kelly.
“To be the guy that generations of offensive linemen look to so they can learn things the right way, on film and in real life, that’s somebody to me that’s a Hall of Famer,” McGlinchey said.
“He affected 15 years worth of offensive linemen,” McGlinchey added. “When you turn on how a left tackle is supposed to play football in a complete game – not just the fancy pass-pro and a great athlete – Joe was the most complete offensive tackle of his generation and that is something that should be (enshrined) in the Hall of Fame.”
Staley recalled how the first time he visited McGlinchey’s San Jose home, he razzed him about a framed No. 74 jersey from McGlinchey’s days at Penn Charter High in Philly. Staley had no idea that McGlinchey indeed idolized him since switching his junior year from tight end to offensive tackle, a switch Staley made himself at Central Michigan.
“I was giving him crap, not even knowing. …. ‘Your hero is in your house. You wore my jersey number in high school.’ He was like, ‘Yeah, I was nervous for you to see that.’ I was, ‘Oh, you’re serious? You really did. I didn’t understand all that stuff.
“There’s not a lot of guys in the NFL that choose an offensive lineman to be their favorite players. Mike is one of them. Because Mike’s a weird guy.”
McGlinchey is not alone. The 49ers Faithul is full of Staley-loving weirdos, too.
It’s been a love affair between Staley and the franchise dating to Feb. 28, 2006. The next day brought linebacker Patrick Willis’ first and favorite memory of Staley. They met at San Francisco International airport upon flying in as first-round draft picks; Willis (No. 11 overall) preceded Staley (No. 28) in the draft and then at SFO.
“He wasn’t too far behind me coming up the escalator at SFO,” Willis said. “I remember turning around, seeing him and I thought to myself, ‘Man, they made sure they got a guy who’s big enough I could go against in practice.’ Just seeing his presence, you could tell right there he was about business.”
The feeling was mutual.
“He was the first player I met coming off the plane and almost being in awe, I knew all about him,” Staley said. “I thought it was the coolest, being in the presence like that.”
Willis beat Staley to retirement by five years. Staley’s retirement plan took shape a month ago before getting finalized last week.
“Really ecxited that everything kind of worked out on all ends,” Staley said. “I’m happy with the decision I made for me and my family. I’m happy about the decision the Niners made for the franchise. And I can’t wait to watch what they do this upcoming year.”


mercurynews--2020-04-28--Preview: ‘Retroit’ has ambitious plans to reimagine MMO for mobile

Black Block CEO Robin Squire has a vision of what the future of MMOs looks like .
It won ’ t be exclusively be played on PCs nor will it be on only on consoles .
The idea is that persistent world games will live in the cloud and be played everywhere .
They will be accessible in different ways through smartphones , PCs and other services .
As proof of the idea , he and his studio created “ Retroit , ” a top-down driving mobile game that looks like the original “ Grand Theft Auto.
” That should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the chief product officer , worked on the franchise early on .
“ The idea is that it ’ s a massive open world and it ’ s online , ” he said .
“ All the cars are driven by players.
” With that activity , players should expect world building and a politics system .
The best way to explain the ambitious project is that it ’ s a mix of “ Eve Online ” and “ Grand Theft Auto.
” Players will pick a job that relies on a vehicle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two roles — racers and officers .
The racers drive toward checkpoints as quickly as possible and the officers bust racers and other criminals .
It has a “ Need for Speed ” flair but Black Block aims to expand those interconnected jobs .
They plan on adding roles such as tow trucks that haul away wrecks and garbage trucks that will take away trash from restaurants .
The success of those jobs will depend on the bigger dynamics of “ Retroit ” because along with driving cars , players will have control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Players can get together to zone areas for businesses .
In fact , Black Block plans to add a political element to the game .
The idea is that players can elect a mayor of the titular city of Retroit and that person can set up tax rates and rules .
That will play into the overall systems into the game and the different roles for players .
The way Squire and Kurowski talk about it , “ Retroit ” appears to borrow from “ Eve Online.
” The developers intend to create @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players develop their own norms and society .
Because “ Retroit ” will take place in one city , land and how people develop their districts will have importance .
The mayor or players can decide if they want to put money into developing junkyards for two truck drivers or more restaurants for garbage trucks .
Those decisions can determine how busy those jobs are .
“ Players can create political microsystems , ” Squires said .
“ They can have a low-tax economy or be socialistic and spend money on socialist utopia.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the game , it sounds like it could devolve into a “ GTA ” dystopia , the developers said they want to keep “ Retroit ” safe for everyone .
They ’ re aiming for mass appeal without the over-the-top crime and mayhem .
They want to give players several avenues of play and reward them through elements such car cosmetics .
At the moment , Black Block is testing their systems and the game world itself is a half kilometer by half kilometer .
The districts can hold 400 concurrent users who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Retroit ” itself still feels early in its development process .
The drive controls need some tweaking on my iOS device , but beyond that , Black Block is looking at adding interactive elements via streaming .
This is where “ Retroit ” gets interesting .
The developer wants to create another avenue to get into the game via live streams .
On Twitch , they can switch cameras on different parts of the city .
They can also interact with its drivers by tossing in a soccer ball , an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pinata .
The way it ’ s set up the streaming aspect of the game feels like fishbowl or an ant farm .
When players look at the city , they realize they ’ re watching real players and it could potentially be fascinating to watch how they all interact .
Although some of the core mechanics such as the driving and the interactive Twitch streams are functional , “ Retroit ” is still a big work in progress .
It ’ s a highly ambitious game but the future that Black Block @ @ @ @ @ @

Black Block CEO Robin Squire has a vision of what the future of MMOs looks like. It won’t be exclusively be played on PCs nor will it be on only on consoles. The idea is that persistent world games will live in the cloud and be played everywhere. They will be accessible in different ways through smartphones, PCs and other services.
As proof of the idea, he and his studio created “Retroit,” a top-down driving mobile game that looks like the original “Grand Theft Auto.” That should be no surprise as Paul Kurowski, the chief product officer, worked on the franchise early on.
“The idea is that it’s a massive open world and it’s online,” he said. “All the cars are driven by players.” With that activity, players should expect world building and a politics system.
The best way to explain the ambitious project is that it’s a mix of “Eve Online” and “Grand Theft Auto.” Players will pick a job that relies on a vehicle. At the moment, there are two roles — racers and officers. The racers drive toward checkpoints as quickly as possible and the officers bust racers and other criminals. It has a “Need for Speed” flair but Black Block aims to expand those interconnected jobs.
They plan on adding roles such as tow trucks that haul away wrecks and garbage trucks that will take away trash from restaurants. The success of those jobs will depend on the bigger dynamics of “Retroit” because along with driving cars, players will have control over districts in the singular city. Players can get together to zone areas for businesses.
In fact, Black Block plans to add a political element to the game. The idea is that players can elect a mayor of the titular city of Retroit and that person can set up tax rates and rules. That will play into the overall systems into the game and the different roles for players.
The way Squire and Kurowski talk about it, “Retroit” appears to borrow from “Eve Online.” The developers intend to create the systems for the game and let players develop their own norms and society. Because “Retroit” will take place in one city, land and how people develop their districts will have importance.
The mayor or players can decide if they want to put money into developing junkyards for two truck drivers or more restaurants for garbage trucks. Those decisions can determine how busy those jobs are.
“Players can create political microsystems,” Squires said. “They can have a low-tax economy or be socialistic and spend money on socialist utopia.”
With so much unpredictability built into the game, it sounds like it could devolve into a “GTA” dystopia, the developers said they want to keep “Retroit” safe for everyone. They’re aiming for mass appeal without the over-the-top crime and mayhem. They want to give players several avenues of play and reward them through elements such car cosmetics.
At the moment, Black Block is testing their systems and the game world itself is a half kilometer by half kilometer. The districts can hold 400 concurrent users who either racing or being chased by officers.
“Retroit” itself still feels early in its development process. The drive controls need some tweaking on my iOS device, but beyond that, Black Block is looking at adding interactive elements via streaming.
This is where “Retroit” gets interesting. The developer wants to create another avenue to get into the game via live streams. On Twitch, they can switch cameras on different parts of the city. They can also interact with its drivers by tossing in a soccer ball, an armored truck with money or an exploding pinata. The way it’s set up the streaming aspect of the game feels like fishbowl or an ant farm. When players look at the city, they realize they’re watching real players and it could potentially be fascinating to watch how they all interact.
Although some of the core mechanics such as the driving and the interactive Twitch streams are functional, “Retroit” is still a big work in progress. It’s a highly ambitious game but the future that Black Block paints is an intriguing one.


mercurynews--2020-04-28--Gabrielle Union once told Steph and Ayesha Curry to break up, have sex with other people

From our less-than up-close-and-personaI vantage , Steph and Ayesha Curry appear to be the perfect couple .
Three adorable children .
NBA championship glory .
A culinary media empire .
A partnership bolstered by a strong sense of faith .
… And lots and lots of money .
But it all might not have happened had they listened to Gabrielle Union .
Turns out that she once actually encouraged Ayesha to break up with Steph — and , gasp , have sex with other people Union , who grew up in the Bay Area and also married an NBA player @ @ @ @ @ @ @ husband Dwyane Wade and Steph and Ayesha , and recalled that very bad piece of advice .
“ I was like , ‘ You guys , the likelihood of this working out is very low and you should just break up now and have sex with other people , ' ” she said .
“ I used a little different language but is that not what I told y ’ all both ?
” Ayesha replied , “ You looked at me and said , ‘ How old are you ?
OK … @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Precisely , because I was a THOT.
” Obviously , Gabrielle feels much different about it now — after observing Ayesha and Steph , who started their journey as high school sweethearts .
“ There are very , very few people that I have met who have been consistent , ” Gabrielle said .
“ I ’ ve known you guys for well over a decade and there are a lot of people who talk about faith and there ’ s a lot of people who talk about moving the culture forward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ somewhere .
“ And when people are like , ‘ Are they real ?
’ And I ’ m like ‘ yes ’ !
” Wade later chimed in to apologize to Ayesha and Stephen saying , “ That ’ s not who we are anymore.
” However , Union doesn ’ t exactly regret what she said .
“ Uh … I still might give the same advice , ” she offered .
Union obviously knows hoops .
She was an all-league point guard at Foothill High School in Pleasanton , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But couples therapy ?
Uh , maybe she should leave that to someone else .

From our less-than up-close-and-personaI vantage, Steph and Ayesha Curry appear to be the perfect couple.
Three adorable children. NBA championship glory. A culinary media empire. A partnership bolstered by a strong sense of faith. … And lots and lots of money.
But it all might not have happened had they listened to Gabrielle Union. Turns out that she once actually encouraged Ayesha to break up with Steph — and, gasp, have sex with other people
Union, who grew up in the Bay Area and also married an NBA player, went live on Instagram with her husband Dwyane Wade and Steph and Ayesha, and recalled that very bad piece of advice.
“I was like, ‘You guys, the likelihood of this working out is very low and you should just break up now and have sex with other people,'” she said. “I used a little different language but is that not what I told y’all both?”
Ayesha replied, “You looked at me and said, ‘How old are you? OK …'” And Union responded with, “Precisely, because I was a THOT.”
Obviously, Gabrielle feels much different about it now — after observing Ayesha and Steph, who started their journey as high school sweethearts.
“There are very, very few people that I have met who have been consistent,” Gabrielle said. “I’ve known you guys for well over a decade and there are a lot of people who talk about faith and there’s a lot of people who talk about moving the culture forward, but something isn’t real somewhere.
“And when people are like, ‘Are they real?’ And I’m like ‘yes’!”
Wade later chimed in to apologize to Ayesha and Stephen saying, “That’s not who we are anymore.”
However, Union doesn’t exactly regret what she said.
“Uh … I still might give the same advice,” she offered.
Union obviously knows hoops. She was an all-league point guard at Foothill High School in Pleasanton, and she grew up a huge Warriors fan.
But couples therapy? Uh, maybe she should leave that to someone else.