mercurynews--2020-06-20--Photos: President Donald Trump’s first campaign rally kicks off in Tulsa

CLICK HERE if you ’ re having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device .
The Trump campaign dismissed concerns about the ongoing coronavirus pandemic , moving forward with a scheduled rally in Tulsa , Oklahoma on Saturday , despite a rising infection rate in the state .
The president learned of six of his campaign staffers , including Secret Service agents , testing positive before he departed the White House for the rally .
Dr. Anthony Fauci , the nation ’ s top infectious disease expert and a key member of the President ’ s coronavirus task @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are very risky at this stage of the pandemic .
Those attending the rally must agree to not to sue the campaign if they contract coronavirus .
Originally scheduled for Friday evening , the rally was pushed back by a day to avoid coinciding with Juneteenth .
The original date sparked an uproar because of Tulsa ’ s history as the site of one of the worst incidents of racial violence in the nation ’ s history .
The Tulsa race massacre ( also called the Tulsa race riot , the Greenwood Massacre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) took place on May 31 and June 1 , 1921 , when mobs of white residents attacked black residents and businesses of the Greenwood District of Tulsa .

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The Trump campaign dismissed concerns about the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, moving forward with a scheduled rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Saturday, despite a rising infection rate in the state.
The president learned of six of his campaign staffers, including Secret Service agents, testing positive before he departed the White House for the rally. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert and a key member of the President’s coronavirus task force, warned that large-scale indoor events are very risky at this stage of the pandemic.
Those attending the rally must agree to not to sue the campaign if they contract coronavirus.


mercurynews--2020-06-20--Coronavirus: Contra Costa records most new cases ever; four counties report no new deaths

Contra Costa County reported 92 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday , the most ever reported in a single day in the county .
That comes on a day where at least four Bay Area counties reported no new fatalities from the virus .
Contra Costa County ’ s 92 new COVID-19 cases bring its total to 2,240 cases .
The second-highest single day case total in the county was on June 9 , when the county reported 68 new cases .
On Friday , the county also reported the most tests every — 2,448 , followed by 2,016 new tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate ticked up slightly to 3.2 percent .
It ’ s not clear how many of the tests reported on Friday were positive .
Contra Costa County has also had 56 deaths from COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic .
Alameda County , which since May 18 has had the most coronavirus cases in the Bay Area , reported 103 new cases on Saturday , the third day with more than 100 daily cases since June 16 .
The county has reported 4,805 total cases and 118 deaths — it reported no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rolling average of new tests conducted in Alameda County declined from a peak of 2,552 on Tuesday , to 1,994 on Friday , the most recent data available .
The seven-day average positivity rate for tests in the county dropped slightly on Friday to 3.4 percent .
• Six members of Trump campaign team positive for COVID-19 • Spain will allow Britons to visit without quarantine The East Bay counties rising case totals are in sharp contrast with San Francisco , which only reported one new case and no fatalities on Saturday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 47 deaths from the virus .
The county entered Saturday with a seven-day average of 25.6 new cases and 0.43 deaths .
On Wednesday , the most recent day available , the county 1,935 new tests with a positive rate of 2 percent .
Santa Clara County reported 60 new cases and no new deaths for a total of 3,458 cases and 152 fatalities .
The county entered Saturday averaging 40 new cases and 0.29 deaths and has only reported two new fatalities since Sunday , June 14 .
Only one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Friday was positive for COVID-19 , and the county has an overall positivity rate of 2.9 percent .

Contra Costa County reported 92 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday, the most ever reported in a single day in the county. That comes on a day where at least four Bay Area counties reported no new fatalities from the virus.
Contra Costa County’s 92 new COVID-19 cases bring its total to 2,240 cases. The second-highest single day case total in the county was on June 9, when the county reported 68 new cases. On Friday, the county also reported the most tests ever — 2,448, after reporting 2,016 new tests on June 19. The number of positive tests ticked up slightly to 3.2 percent. It’s not clear how many of the tests reported on Friday were positive.
Contra Costa County has also had 56 deaths from COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic.
Alameda County, which since May 18 has had the most coronavirus cases in the Bay Area, reported 103 new cases on Saturday, the third day with more than 100 daily cases since June 16. The county has reported 4,805 total cases and 118 deaths. There were no new fatalities reported on Saturday.
The seven-day rolling average of new tests conducted in Alameda County declined from a peak of 2,552 on Tuesday, to 1,994 on Friday, the most recent data available. The seven-day average positivity rate for tests in the county dropped slightly on Friday to 3.4 percent.
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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 rising case totals in East Bay counties are in sharp contrast with San Francisco, which only reported one new case and no fatalities on Saturday. The county has had 3,058 cases and 47 deaths from the virus. The county entered Saturday with a seven-day average of 25.6 new cases and 0.43 deaths.
On Wednesday, the most recent day available, the county reported 1,935 new tests with a positive rate of 2 percent.
Santa Clara County reported 60 new cases and no new deaths for a total of 3,458 cases and 152 fatalities. The county entered Saturday averaging 40 new cases and 0.29 deaths and has only reported two new fatalities since Sunday, June 14. Only one of the 783 people whose test results were released on Friday was positive for COVID-19, and the county has an overall positivity rate of 2.9 percent.


mercurynews--2020-06-20--Luce Douady dies at 16; French climber held world championship

( CNN ) — French climber Luce Douady has died at age 16 after falling from a cliff on Sunday , the French Federation of Mountaineering and Climbing has said .
Douady was a rising star in international competition climbing and was the reigning world champion in bouldering for her age group .
The 16-year-old was with friends when she fell from a cliff about 15 miles from her hometown , St. Bernard , in the Isère region of southeastern France , according to the statement .
Douady was not climbing at the time of the fall but was walking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Massif of the Alps .
She was on a trail with a handrail when she slipped and fell almost 500 feet , according to the FFME .
“ This terrible news has had a huge impact on her training partners , her coaches and her club , Chambéry Escalade , ” said the FFME .
“ But today , the whole federation is in mourning.
” “ Luce Douady left us yesterday , ” reads the statement .
“ She went as she lived , living life to the fullest.
” A standout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Douady vaulted into the international spotlight last June by finishing fifth at the International Federation of Sport Climbing Boulder World Cup in Vail , Colorado .
It was her debut in World Cup competition , against the best adult climbers in the world .
Two months later , at the IFSC Youth World Championships in Arco , Italy , she won her age group in bouldering and finished third in lead climbing .
At the European open championship in October , she placed third in lead climbing .
She was a favorite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 2024 Olympics , to be held in Paris .
Sport climbing — comprising the disciplines of lead climbing , speed and bouldering — will make its Olympic debut at the Tokyo Games , delayed until next year because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Douady ’ s death occurred 60 miles from the site of a 2013 accident that claimed another climbing prodigy .
Tito Traversa , 12 , died near Orpierre , France , when improperly assembled equipment failed and he fell 50 feet .

(CNN) — French climber Luce Douady has died at age 16 after falling from a cliff on Sunday, the French Federation of Mountaineering and Climbing has said.
Douady was a rising star in international competition climbing and was the reigning world champion in bouldering for her age group.
The 16-year-old was with friends when she fell from a cliff about 15 miles from her hometown, St. Bernard, in the Isère region of southeastern France, according to the statement.
Douady was not climbing at the time of the fall but was walking between two climbing areas in the Chartreuse Massif of the Alps. She was on a trail with a handrail when she slipped and fell almost 500 feet, according to the FFME.
“This terrible news has had a huge impact on her training partners, her coaches and her club, Chambéry Escalade,” said the FFME. “But today, the whole federation is in mourning.”
“Luce Douady left us yesterday,” reads the statement. “She went as she lived, living life to the fullest.”
A standout competitor on the European youth climbing circuit, Douady vaulted into the international spotlight last June by finishing fifth at the International Federation of Sport Climbing Boulder World Cup in Vail, Colorado. It was her debut in World Cup competition, against the best adult climbers in the world.
Two months later, at the IFSC Youth World Championships in Arco, Italy, she won her age group in bouldering and finished third in lead climbing. At the European open championship in October, she placed third in lead climbing.
She was a favorite to make France’s team for the 2024 Olympics, to be held in Paris.
Sport climbing — comprising the disciplines of lead climbing, speed and bouldering — will make its Olympic debut at the Tokyo Games, delayed until next year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Douady’s death occurred 60 miles from the site of a 2013 accident that claimed another climbing prodigy. Tito Traversa, 12, died near Orpierre, France, when improperly assembled equipment failed and he fell 50 feet.
The-CNN-Wire
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mercurynews--2020-06-20--Belmont Stakes: Homestate horse wins first leg of Triple Crown

CLICK HERE if you ’ re having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device .
NEW YORK — Tiz the Law has won an unprecedented Belmont Stakes , claiming victory Saturday at the first race of a rejiggered Triple Crown schedule and crossing the finish line in front of eerily empty grandstands .
The 3-year-old colt from upstate New York charged to the lead turning to the frontstretch and now can set his sights on the Sept. 5 Kentucky Derby and Oct. 3 Preakness .
All three legs of this year ’ s Triple Crown schedule were postponed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , usually the series capper , was initially scheduled for June 6 .
Tiz the Law gave New York a hometown champion in its first major sporting event since the coronavirus pandemic seized the area .
He ’ s the first New York-bred horse to win the Belmont since Forrester in 1882 .
This Belmont States was unlike any of the 151 that preceded it .
The Long Island track can pack in nearly 100,000 , but this race had about 100 on hand , including jockeys , media and park staff .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ horses — even the jockeys wore face coverings .
Closed to the public since March , Belmont Park hardly resembled the summer soiree New Yorkers are used to .
Betting windows and gift shops were closed , no boozy Belmont Jewels shaken to order .
Foot traffic was so slow that a few weeds over a foot tall sprouted up between bricks paving the track-side pavilion .
Silence at the 115-year-old venue was broken when New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo issued the traditional “ riders , up !
” call remotely via @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his facemask to tap out “ Call to the Post , ” and racers strolled onto the track to a recording of Frank Sinatra ’ s “ New York , New York.
” A PA announcer introduced them to empty grandstands .
Signs outside the locked down venue instructed gamblers that if they wanted to wager on this Belmont Stakes , their best bet was to download an app and do it on their phones .
Perhaps welcome harbinger for Tap It to Win , who led out of the gates and seemed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third straight Triple Crown race victory .
Instead , Tiz the Law powered past him on the outside and cruised to a four-length victory .
Tiz the Law owner Jack Knowlton of New York ’ s Sackatoga Stable was set to watch from a restaurant patio in upstate Saratoga Springs .
A little different than 17 years ago , when the Sackatoga crew took a school bus to watch their colt Funny Cide try to wrap a Triple Crown sweep at Belmont Park .
Funny Cide finished third .
It was also a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who completed a career Triple Crown after also training Funny Cide .
“ I ’ m just glad I lived long enough that I got another horse like this , ” Tagg said .
Manny Franco , a 25-year-old jockey from Puerto Rico , entered the winner ’ s circle in his first career Belmont Stakes .
He called Tiz the Law a “ versatile ” horse in the run-up to the race , and what he showed Saturday was typical — stalk the pacemakers early , then pounce on the home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ famed trainer Todd Pletcher , finished second .
Max Player finished third , among the highest finishes by a woman-trained horse — Linda Rice was trying to become the first woman to ever send a horse to victory at a Triple Crown race .
The track Saturday was shortened to 1 1/8 miles instead of the grueling 1 ½-mile standard to account for competitors ’ unusual training schedules .
Racers kicked off from a starting gate placed atop the backstretch , rather than in front of the grandstands .
Plenty remained on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the top share of a $ 1 million purse , and the top four horses earned Kentucky Derby qualifying points .
Tiz the Law took advantage of a 10-horse field weakened by injuries .
Among the casualties were two potential entrants from famed trainer Bob Baffert , who ended up without a horse in this race — one of then , Charlatan , is expected to run the Kentucky Derby .
Earlier Saturday , Gamine led all the way in winning the $ 300,000 Acorn Stakes for 3-year-old fillies by 18 3/4 lengths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one mile in 1:32.55 , fastest in the 90-year history of the race .
Her time was just off the track record of 1:32.24 set by Najran in 2003 .
Gamine earned 50 qualifying points for the Kentucky Oaks on Sept. 4 at Churchill Downs .
Gamine is one of two horses trained by Baffert that tested positive for a banned substance at Oaklawn Park in Arkansas .
She won a race there on May 2 .
Published reports said Gamine , along with Charlatan , tested positive for lidocaine , a regulated @ @ @ @ @ @ @

CLICK HERE if you’re having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device.
NEW YORK — Tiz the Law has won an unprecedented Belmont Stakes, claiming victory Saturday at the first race of a rejiggered Triple Crown schedule and crossing the finish line in front of eerily empty grandstands.
The 3-year-old colt from upstate New York charged to the lead turning to the frontstretch and now can set his sights on the Sept. 5 Kentucky Derby and Oct. 3 Preakness. All three legs of this year’s Triple Crown schedule were postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Belmont, usually the series capper, was initially scheduled for June 6.
Tiz the Law gave New York a hometown champion in its first major sporting event since the coronavirus pandemic seized the area. He’s the first New York-bred horse to win the Belmont since Forrester in 1882.
This Belmont States was unlike any of the 151 that preceded it. The Long Island track can pack in nearly 100,000, but this race had about 100 on hand, including jockeys, media and park staff.
Masks were mandated for all but the horses — even the jockeys wore face coverings.
Closed to the public since March, Belmont Park hardly resembled the summer soiree New Yorkers are used to. Betting windows and gift shops were closed, no boozy Belmont Jewels shaken to order.
Foot traffic was so slow that a few weeds over a foot tall sprouted up between bricks paving the track-side pavilion.
Silence at the 115-year-old venue was broken when New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued the traditional “riders, up!” call remotely via video. Bugler Sam Grossman pulled down his facemask to tap out “Call to the Post,” and racers strolled onto the track to a recording of Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York.” A PA announcer introduced them to empty grandstands.
Signs outside the locked down venue instructed gamblers that if they wanted to wager on this Belmont Stakes, their best bet was to download an app and do it on their phones.
Perhaps welcome harbinger for Tap It to Win, who led out of the gates and seemed poised to give trainer Mark Casse a third straight Triple Crown race victory.
Instead, Tiz the Law powered past him on the outside and cruised to a four-length victory.
Tiz the Law owner Jack Knowlton of New York’s Sackatoga Stable was set to watch from a restaurant patio in upstate Saratoga Springs. A little different than 17 years ago, when the Sackatoga crew took a school bus to watch their colt Funny Cide try to wrap a Triple Crown sweep at Belmont Park. Funny Cide finished third.
It was also a breakthrough win for 82-year-old trainer Barclay Tagg, who completed a career Triple Crown after also training Funny Cide.
“I’m just glad I lived long enough that I got another horse like this,” Tagg said.
Manny Franco, a 25-year-old jockey from Puerto Rico, entered the winner’s circle in his first career Belmont Stakes. He called Tiz the Law a “ versatile” horse in the run-up to the race, and what he showed Saturday was typical — stalk the pacemakers early, then pounce on the home stretch.
Dr Post, owned by famed trainer Todd Pletcher, finished second. Max Player finished third, among the highest finishes by a woman-trained horse — Linda Rice was trying to become the first woman to ever send a horse to victory at a Triple Crown race.
The track Saturday was shortened to 1 1/8 miles instead of the grueling 1 ½-mile standard to account for competitors’ unusual training schedules. Racers kicked off from a starting gate placed atop the backstretch, rather than in front of the grandstands.
Plenty remained on the line. Tiz the Law earned Knowlton the top share of a $1 million purse, and the top four horses earned Kentucky Derby qualifying points.
Tiz the Law took advantage of a 10-horse field weakened by injuries. Among the casualties were two potential entrants from famed trainer Bob Baffert, who ended up without a horse in this race — one of then, Charlatan, is expected to run the Kentucky Derby.
Earlier Saturday, Gamine led all the way in winning the $300,000 Acorn Stakes for 3-year-old fillies by 18 3/4 lengths.
Trained by Baffert, Gamine ran one mile in 1:32.55, fastest in the 90-year history of the race. Her time was just off the track record of 1:32.24 set by Najran in 2003. Gamine earned 50 qualifying points for the Kentucky Oaks on Sept. 4 at Churchill Downs.
Gamine is one of two horses trained by Baffert that tested positive for a banned substance at Oaklawn Park in Arkansas. She won a race there on May 2. Published reports said Gamine, along with Charlatan, tested positive for lidocaine, a regulated anesthetic widely used in equine medicine.


mercurynews--2020-06-20--Three dead in knife attack in Reading, England

LONDON – Several people were stabbed in the southern English town of Reading on Saturday , according to media reports , and the Telegraph newspaper said that three people had died .
Two people were rushed to a hospital in the area , a spokeswoman for the hospital said .
Police said they arrested a man at the scene and Britain ’ s interior minister , Priti Patel , said she was deeply concerned to hear reports of the incident .
The Telegraph said police were treating the incident as a random attack .
Sky News said the stabbings took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Matter protest in the town earlier in the day .
A BLM supporter said on Facebook that the incident happened a few hours after the protest and people who attended the demonstration were unharmed .
Video footage posted on Twitter showed paramedics rushing to help at least three people who were bleeding on the ground in a park .
Reuters was unable to verify the footage independently .
The head of the local council authority in Reading , Jason Brock urged people to stay away from the town center .
The National Police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers , urged people on Twitter to avoid speculation about the incident and to refrain from sharing of video or images of it .

By Michael Holden, Guy Faulconbridge and Kanishka Singh | Reuters
LONDON – Several people were stabbed in the southern English town of Reading on Saturday, according to media reports, and the Telegraph newspaper said that three people had died.
Two people were rushed to a hospital in the area, a spokeswoman for the hospital said.
Police said they arrested a man at the scene and Britain’s interior minister, Priti Patel, said she was deeply concerned to hear reports of the incident.
The Telegraph said police were treating the incident as a random attack.
Sky News said the stabbings took place at the site of Black Lives Matter protest in the town earlier in the day.
A BLM supporter said on Facebook that the incident happened a few hours after the protest and people who attended the demonstration were unharmed.
Video footage posted on Twitter showed paramedics rushing to help at least three people who were bleeding on the ground in a park. Reuters was unable to verify the footage independently.
Police minister Kit Malthouse called the incident “horrific, dreadful” in a Twitter message.
The head of the local council authority in Reading, Jason Brock urged people to stay away from the town center.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council, representing senior police officers, urged people on Twitter to avoid speculation about the incident and to refrain from sharing of video or images of it.


mercurynews--2020-06-20--San Mateo: Man killed after car flies off freeway and onto El Camino Real

SAN MATEO — A 22-year-old man was killed early Saturday morning when the car he was driving crashed off of @ @ @ @ @ El Camino Real below , authorities said .
The man was driving east on the @ @ @ @ @ , for reasons the California Highway Patrol said are still under investigation , his 2017 @ @ @ @ @ The car struck a dirt embankment , flipped over and then crashed into El Camino @ @ @ @ @ , authorities said .
The driver , who has not been publicly identified , died @ @ @ @ @ other cars were involved .
El Camino was closed in both directions for about an @ @ @ @ @ authorities investigated the crash .

SAN MATEO — A 22-year-old man was killed early Saturday morning when the car he was driving crashed off of Highway 92 and landed on El Camino Real below, authorities said.
The man was driving east on the freeway around 1 a.m. when, for reasons the California Highway Patrol said are still under investigation, his 2017 Acura left the road.
The car struck a dirt embankment, flipped over and then crashed into El Camino’s concrete center divide, authorities said.
The driver, who has not been publicly identified, died at the scene.
No other cars were involved.
El Camino was closed in both directions for about an hour and a half as authorities investigated the crash.


mercurynews--2020-06-20--Letter: We need reporters to keep our public officials honest

I am writing regarding the NewsGuild ’ s “ Save the News ” campaign .
In these times , when @ @ @ @ @ by claims of “ fake news , ” we need to have more local newspaper @ @ @ @ @ officials honest .
Local news reporting is hard work .
Unless local reporters are present @ @ @ @ @ and subject to online rumors .
Bit by bit our democracy becomes undermined .
• @ @ @ @ @ , the US flies asylum-seekers there • Letter : Humans at PG & E made @ @ @ @ @ • Letter : The benefits to California of high-speed rail are real I know there @ @ @ @ @ staff , but we can not afford to lose any more reporters on the job @ @ @ @ @ the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

I am writing regarding the NewsGuild’s “Save the News” campaign.
In these times, when the public is being barraged by claims of “fake news,” we need to have more local newspaper reporters to keep our public officials honest.
Local news reporting is hard work. Unless local reporters are present, the public becomes ill-informed and subject to online rumors. Bit by bit our democracy becomes undermined.
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Ed Chiera
Oakland
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mercurynews--2020-06-21--Word Game: June 21, 2020

Word Game: June 21, 2020

Can you find 54 or more words in CHASUBLE ?
TODAY ’ S WORD — CHASUBLE cable case cash cause chase chub clash clause club clue cube hale haul heal hula able abuse ache sable sale sauce scab scale scuba seal shale slab slub slue suable such usable bale bascule base bash beach beau belch blah blase bleach blues blush bush bushel lace lase lash leach leash lues lush each To purchase the Word Game book , visit WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 while supplies last !
1 .
Words must be of four or more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @

TODAY’S WORD — CHASUBLE (CHASUBLE: CHAZ-uh-bul: A long, sleeveless garment worn by a priest.)
Average mark 40 words
Time limit 60 minutes
Can you find 54 or more words in CHASUBLE?
TODAY’S WORD — CHASUBLE cable case cash cause chase chub clash clause club
clue cube hale haul heal hula able abuse ache sable sale sauce scab scale scuba seal
shale slab slub slue suable such usable bale bascule base bash beach beau belch
blah blase bleach blues blush bush bushel lace lase lash leach leash lues lush each
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.


Bridge: June 21, 2020

“ Did you hear about the semicolon who broke one of the laws of grammar ?
” my friend the English professor asked me in the club lounge .
“ Was he tried and convicted ?
” “ He was given two consecutive sentences , ” the prof said blandly .
Some of the bridge “ rules ” you hear about — “ cover an honor with an honor , ” for instance — are questionable at best , but most do have some sort of logical basis .
Others are undeniably valid .
In today ’ s deal , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at three hearts .
After East ’ s overcall of two spades , North discounted the value of his queen , and South didn ’ t like his three low spades .
As it turned out , even the three level was too high because East-West defended accurately .
West led the king of spades , East signaled with the jack , and West led a second spade for East to take the ten and ace .
East could see one more trick with his ace of clubs , but since he placed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his opening bid — probably the queen as well — the defense needed a trump trick to prevail .
At the fourth trick , East cashed his ace of clubs .
He then led a spade , and West ruffed with the jack of trumps , obliging dummy to overruff with the queen and promoting East ’ s 10-9-8 .
Down one .
It ’ s a rule of defensive play that defenders should cash their side-suit winners before they try to manufacture a trump trick with an “ uppercut ” or trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Trick Four , South can counter effectively by pitching his club loser .

“Did you hear about the semicolon who broke one of the laws of grammar?” my friend the English professor asked me in the club lounge.
“Was he tried and convicted?”
“He was given two consecutive sentences,” the prof said blandly.
Some of the bridge “rules” you hear about — “cover an honor with an honor,” for instance — are questionable at best, but most do have some sort of logical basis. Others are undeniably valid.
In today’s deal, North-South did well to hit the brakes at three hearts. After East’s overcall of two spades, North discounted the value of his queen, and South didn’t like his three low spades.
As it turned out, even the three level was too high because East-West defended accurately. West led the king of spades, East signaled with the jack, and West led a second spade for East to take the ten and ace.
East could see one more trick with his ace of clubs, but since he placed South with the ace of diamonds for his opening bid — probably the queen as well — the defense needed a trump trick to prevail. At the fourth trick, East cashed his ace of clubs. He then led a spade, and West ruffed with the jack of trumps, obliging dummy to overruff with the queen and promoting East’s 10-9-8. Down one.
It’s a rule of defensive play that defenders should cash their side-suit winners before they try to manufacture a trump trick with an “uppercut” or trump promotion. If East leads another spade at Trick Four, South can counter effectively by pitching his club loser.
South dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S Q 7 3
H Q 7 3
D K 4
C K Q 9 3 2
WEST
S K 2
H J
D 10 9 8 6 3 2
C 10 8 6 5
EAST
S A J 10 9 5
H 10 9 8
D J 5
C A J 7
SOUTH
S 8 6 4
H A K 6 5 4 2
D A Q 7
C 4
South West North East
1 H Pass 2 C 2 S
Pass Pass 3 H All Pass
Opening lead — S K
(C)2020 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-06-21--Horoscopes June 21, 2020: Lana Del Rey and Chris Pratt share advice

Happy Birthday : You ’ ll want to make some adjustments to the ways you do things this year .
Look at a different approach to the way you earn your living or how you live .
An optimistic attitude will lead to input from people who have valuable information and knowledge to share with you .
Working closely with authority figures and institutions will help you excel .
Your numbers are 4 , 9 , 16 , 22 , 26 , 38 , 43 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Stay calm , listen carefully and refrain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discipline .
Don ’ t start something you can not finish .
Concentrate on making self-improvements , reaching personal goals and achieving peace of mind .
A new approach to an old idea looks promising .
4 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : You ’ ll crave change , but unless you have everything in place , sit tight .
A little time spent organizing and preparing will ensure your success .
Fond memories will lead to searching online for someone from your past .
4 stars GEMINI ( May 21-June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the stamina and discipline to get things done .
Declutter your space to make room for the changes you want to make to your lifestyle .
Cutting down on the amount of stuff you have will also reduce your responsibilities .
3 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Check to make sure all your documents are updated .
Be prepared to make a move regarding your investments , pending settlements or legal issues , or a health concern that needs your attention .
Clear vision , facts and figures will lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Emotional decisions will not turn out as planned .
Take a step back , and concentrate on personal goals you can make in the confines of your own space .
Aiming for perfection will raise self-awareness and a greater understanding of what it is you want .
3 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : You ’ ll come up with a plan that works well .
Time and energy will be all it takes to put your plan into motion .
There will be plenty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you have mastered preliminary groundwork .
4 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Take care of your responsibilities .
Your words won ’ t mean much if you don ’ t follow through .
Letting emotions take over and turn an uneasy situation into utter chaos will set you back .
Leave no room for error or criticism .
2 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Take care of money matters , contracts and documents that need updating .
Consider creative ways to lower your overhead and to invest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you want to pursue next .
Monitor an unexpected change regarding a partnership very carefully .
5 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Take care of pressing matters at home .
Listen to everyone ’ s concerns , and monitor the situation before putting rules in place .
A good deed will be appreciated and rewarded .
Take care of your health , and nurture meaningful relationships .
3 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Share the changes you want to make to your home or lifestyle with someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to accomplish a common goal will make it that much easier .
Honesty will ensure that everyone is happy with the outcome .
3 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Keeping busy will help you avoid an argument with someone who lives with you .
Making physical and personal changes that encourage looking and feeling your best are worth considering .
Start a fitness program .
3 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Keep your emotions tucked away someplace safe .
Offer compassion and understanding , and you will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to yourself .
A positive attitude will encourage others to pitch in and help you improve your current situation .
2 stars Birthday Baby : You are kind , considerate and affectionate .
You are creative and opportunistic .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Lana Del Rey, 34; Prince William, 38; Brandon Flowers, 30; Chris Pratt, 41.
Happy Birthday: You’ll want to make some adjustments to the ways you do things this year. Look at a different approach to the way you earn your living or how you live. An optimistic attitude will lead to input from people who have valuable information and knowledge to share with you. Working closely with authority figures and institutions will help you excel. Your numbers are 4, 9, 16, 22, 26, 38, 43.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Stay calm, listen carefully and refrain from overreacting. Getting along will require discipline. Don’t start something you cannot finish. Concentrate on making self-improvements, reaching personal goals and achieving peace of mind. A new approach to an old idea looks promising. 4 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You’ll crave change, but unless you have everything in place, sit tight. A little time spent organizing and preparing will ensure your success. Fond memories will lead to searching online for someone from your past. 4 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You’ll have the stamina and discipline to get things done. Declutter your space to make room for the changes you want to make to your lifestyle. Cutting down on the amount of stuff you have will also reduce your responsibilities. 3 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Check to make sure all your documents are updated. Be prepared to make a move regarding your investments, pending settlements or legal issues, or a health concern that needs your attention. Clear vision, facts and figures will lead to positive change. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Emotional decisions will not turn out as planned. Take a step back, and concentrate on personal goals you can make in the confines of your own space. Aiming for perfection will raise self-awareness and a greater understanding of what it is you want. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You’ll come up with a plan that works well. Time and energy will be all it takes to put your plan into motion. There will be plenty of time and room for expansion once you have mastered preliminary groundwork. 4 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Take care of your responsibilities. Your words won’t mean much if you don’t follow through. Letting emotions take over and turn an uneasy situation into utter chaos will set you back. Leave no room for error or criticism. 2 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Take care of money matters, contracts and documents that need updating. Consider creative ways to lower your overhead and to invest in you, your skills and whatever you want to pursue next. Monitor an unexpected change regarding a partnership very carefully. 5 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Take care of pressing matters at home. Listen to everyone’s concerns, and monitor the situation before putting rules in place. A good deed will be appreciated and rewarded. Take care of your health, and nurture meaningful relationships. 3 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Share the changes you want to make to your home or lifestyle with someone you love. Working as a team to accomplish a common goal will make it that much easier. Honesty will ensure that everyone is happy with the outcome. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Keeping busy will help you avoid an argument with someone who lives with you. Making physical and personal changes that encourage looking and feeling your best are worth considering. Start a fitness program. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Keep your emotions tucked away someplace safe. Offer compassion and understanding, and you will find it easier to keep your opinions to yourself. A positive attitude will encourage others to pitch in and help you improve your current situation. 2 stars
Birthday Baby: You are kind, considerate and affectionate. You are creative and opportunistic.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-06-21--Ask Amy: My wife says this question about our dog is insulting

Dear Amy : My wife and I have been married for over 20 years and have three boys at home .
We recently adopted a 3-year-old rescue dog after our previous dog died .
This might seem like a silly question , but my wife is annoyed because sometimes at dinnertime I will ask whether or not our new dog has been fed .
Initially ( unbeknownst to me ) she assumed the job of dog feeder and says that others ( me ) checking to see if the dog has been fed is insulting .
Feeding our previous dog @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asking whether he was fed was relatively common .
We have other animals for whom inquiries about their feeding status are not insulting .
• Ask Amy : If the neighbors haven ’ t forgiven him , maybe his apology was flimsy • Ask Amy : The rumor I heard about my mom turned out to be true • Ask Amy : I want to cut my grandson ’ s hair but his mom says he ’ s a girl • Ask Amy : My friend was outed as transgender , and now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ask Amy : They sit on the sofa and watch me do their chores My wife wants me to stop asking or to take over all feeding of the new dog .
I have agreed to try to stop asking , but , realistically , it will probably slip my mind ( the dog is huge and skinny ) .
This really isn ’ t a terribly big issue , but I am bewildered by it .
Dear Confused : Just spit-balling here , but I ’ m going to take a stab @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When you ask , “ Has the dog been fed ?
” this is what your wife hears : “ Why haven ’ t you fed the dog ?
” Her interior monologue then goes something like this : “ Of course I fed the dog , because I do everything around here .
I feed the kids , the other animals , you , the neighbors , my folks , my co-workers … I ’ m quite the feeding machine , in fact .
So don ’ t you waltz in here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , because you know damn well that I did .
Oh , and by the way , did we really have to get a huge dog who , have you noticed , is an eating machine ?
” Your family ’ s life has changed since your last dog died : A pandemic came along and forced the kids out of school and ( I assume ) you and your wife into an entirely different home environment .
Although I have read ( and seen ) that the extended home-time has brought many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it has also tripled the work for many women .
So this really is not a trivial issue .
Sit with your wife privately .
Look into her eyes .
Hold her hand .
Ask her if this dog ’ s presence has put her over the edge .
Don ’ t merely offer to , but ( yes ) do take total responsibility for the dog ’ s feeding and care .
Total responsibility .
You will then be in charge of assigning various dog-related jobs to your three sons .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the dog should be to pet him and to coax him off the couch .
Dear Amy : My husband is a pastor of a church .
We are about to officially reopen for services after being closed for months during COVID-19 .
As the pastor ’ s wife , my husband wants me to go to church .
I don ’ t want to .
I see he is very careless in social distancing , especially when he runs into people from the church .
They are also careless , I tell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and have no physical contact , but I always end up being the bad person .
Just seeing them act this way makes me anxious .
That is the reason I don ’ t want to go .
This is causing lots of problems in my marriage .
I don ’ t know what to do .
Dear Wife : I just attended re-opening training for my own house of worship , and the training was extremely specific and very strict .
Churches are considered to be potential hot spots for the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a duty to his congregation to adhere to mask-wearing , social distancing , and disinfecting guidelines .
Your own denomination should have guidelines , and your husband ’ s inability ( or refusal ) to understand and adhere to them is irresponsible , to say the least .
I do think it is possible for you to attend and to stay safe ( keep your distance , wear a mask , don ’ t sing , don ’ t share printed material , pass the collection plate , or “ pass the peace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you don ’ t want to attend , then you absolutely should not .
These guidelines are for everyone ’ s safety .
And remember – this , too , shall pass .
Dear Amy : “ Upset ” was concerned that her parents weren ’ t respecting CDC guidelines concerning COVID .
She wanted to control them from 3,000 miles away !
What is it with this generation of controlling bratty adult children ?
Dear Disgusted : These adult children are anxious , and they don ’ t know how to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brats , ” anyway ?
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy , P.O .
Box 194 , Freeville , NY 13068 .
You can also follow her on Twitter @ askingamy or Facebook .

Dear Amy: My wife and I have been married for over 20 years and have three boys at home.
We recently adopted a 3-year-old rescue dog after our previous dog died.
This might seem like a silly question, but my wife is annoyed because sometimes at dinnertime I will ask whether or not our new dog has been fed.
Initially (unbeknownst to me) she assumed the job of dog feeder and says that others (me) checking to see if the dog has been fed is insulting.
Feeding our previous dog was generally a shared responsibility, so asking whether he was fed was relatively common. We have other animals for whom inquiries about their feeding status are not insulting.
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Ask Amy: I’ve told them they need therapy, and they refuse to do it. What now? Advice | Ask Amy: The man I love is my grandchild’s uncle, and things have gotten messy My wife wants me to stop asking or to take over all feeding of the new dog.
I have agreed to try to stop asking, but, realistically, it will probably slip my mind (the dog is huge and skinny).
This really isn’t a terribly big issue, but I am bewildered by it.
Any thoughts?
Confused Husband
Dear Confused: Just spit-balling here, but I’m going to take a stab at what might be going on.
When you ask, “Has the dog been fed?” this is what your wife hears: “Why haven’t you fed the dog?”
Her interior monologue then goes something like this: “Of course I fed the dog, because I do everything around here. I feed the kids, the other animals, you, the neighbors, my folks, my co-workers … I’m quite the feeding machine, in fact. So don’t you waltz in here and ask if I fed the dog, because you know damn well that I did. Oh, and by the way, did we really have to get a huge dog who, have you noticed, is an eating machine?”
Your family’s life has changed since your last dog died: A pandemic came along and forced the kids out of school and (I assume) you and your wife into an entirely different home environment. Although I have read (and seen) that the extended home-time has brought many previously less-involved men into the domestic fold, it has also tripled the work for many women. So this really is not a trivial issue.
Sit with your wife privately. Look into her eyes. Hold her hand. Ask her if this dog’s presence has put her over the edge. Don’t merely offer to, but (yes) do take total responsibility for the dog’s feeding and care. Total responsibility. You will then be in charge of assigning various dog-related jobs to your three sons. Your wife’s only responsibility concerning the dog should be to pet him and to coax him off the couch.
Dear Amy: My husband is a pastor of a church. We are about to officially reopen for services after being closed for months during COVID-19.
As the pastor’s wife, my husband wants me to go to church. I don’t want to.
I see he is very careless in social distancing, especially when he runs into people from the church. They are also careless, I tell him that they need to social distance and have no physical contact, but I always end up being the bad person.
Just seeing them act this way makes me anxious. That is the reason I don’t want to go. This is causing lots of problems in my marriage. I don’t know what to do.
Pastor’s Wife
Dear Wife: I just attended re-opening training for my own house of worship, and the training was extremely specific and very strict. Churches are considered to be potential hot spots for the spread of COVID, and your husband has a duty to his congregation to adhere to mask-wearing, social distancing, and disinfecting guidelines.
Your own denomination should have guidelines, and your husband’s inability (or refusal) to understand and adhere to them is irresponsible, to say the least.
I do think it is possible for you to attend and to stay safe (keep your distance, wear a mask, don’t sing, don’t share printed material, pass the collection plate, or “pass the peace,” etc.), but if you don’t want to attend, then you absolutely should not.
These guidelines are for everyone’s safety. And remember – this, too, shall pass.
Dear Amy: “Upset” was concerned that her parents weren’t respecting CDC guidelines concerning COVID. She wanted to control them from 3,000 miles away!
What is it with this generation of controlling bratty adult children?
Disgusted
Dear Disgusted: These adult children are anxious, and they don’t know how to let go. Who raised these “brats,” anyway?
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.


mercurynews--2020-06-21--Dear Abby: My girlfriend won’t let me tell anyone we broke up

DEAR ABBY : My girlfriend and I split up , but she doesn ’ t want to tell anyone or change stuff on Facebook .
When I told her that , for now , I just want to be friends , she got mad at me for changing the password on my account .
She can get mean and hateful when she doesn ’ t get her way , and she keeps bringing up my past and won ’ t let it go .
She wants to get back together .
We have broken up and gotten back together several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m not sure I want to .
I love her , but I don ’ t know how much more I can take .
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How do I tell my wife ?
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When I told her it wouldn ’ t , she threatened to block me if I put “ single ” on my profile .
Please give me some advice .
I don ’ t think this is healthy , and I don ’ t know what to do .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which is telling you this romance isn ’ t healthy .
There ’ s a reason the two of you have broken up repeatedly .
Your ex-girlfriend is verbally abusive and controlling , and she threatens you .
Go ahead and post on your profile that you are single , and if she blocks you , so be it .
The first step to healing your wounded heart will be to start meeting others .
Give it a try , and you will find it ’ s very effective .
DEAR ABBY @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hand-washing on the internet as well as video clips that have been aired on television demonstrating the proper technique .
But just about everyone I have seen leaves the water running the whole time they are washing their hands .
I don ’ t think it is a good idea to try to teach people , especially young children , a technique that is so wasteful .
There ’ s no reason for the water to be running all the time someone is washing their hands or brushing their teeth , because that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
While it ’ s very important that everybody wash their hands to prevent viruses from spreading , it is also important to recognize that water is a precious resource .
Care should be taken not to waste it .
DEAR ENVIRONMENTALIST : You are right , which is why I am printing your timely reminder .
In the Southwest , where drought is common , the importance of water conservation is a fact of life .
Because I was surprised to receive a letter from New Jersey on this subject , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that starting in 2001-2002 , there was a drought that lasted 55 weeks in your state .
Folks , because water is not an infinite resource , be prudent .
And I ’ m not just suggesting you be mindful when washing your hands and brushing your teeth .
It ’ s also important to consider when rinsing dishes and — men — shaving once the quarantine is lifted .
DEAR READERS : Today I wish a Happy Father ’ s Day to fathers everywhere — birth fathers , stepfathers , adoptive and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those caring men who mentor children and fill the role of absent dads .
P.S .
And a big shout-out to dual-role moms .
I applaud you all .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .

DEAR ABBY: My girlfriend and I split up, but she doesn’t want to tell anyone or change stuff on Facebook.
When I told her that, for now, I just want to be friends, she got mad at me for changing the password on my account. She can get mean and hateful when she doesn’t get her way, and she keeps bringing up my past and won’t let it go.
She wants to get back together. We have broken up and gotten back together several times. This time, though, I’m not sure I want to. I love her, but I don’t know how much more I can take.
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Please give me some advice. I don’t think this is healthy, and I don’t know what to do.
CONFUSED IN KENTUCKY
DEAR CONFUSED: Listen to your gut, which is telling you this romance isn’t healthy. There’s a reason the two of you have broken up repeatedly. Your ex-girlfriend is verbally abusive and controlling, and she threatens you.
Go ahead and post on your profile that you are single, and if she blocks you, so be it. The first step to healing your wounded heart will be to start meeting others. Give it a try, and you will find it’s very effective.
DEAR ABBY: There are many videos about proper hand-washing on the internet as well as video clips that have been aired on television demonstrating the proper technique. But just about everyone I have seen leaves the water running the whole time they are washing their hands. I don’t think it is a good idea to try to teach people, especially young children, a technique that is so wasteful.
There’s no reason for the water to be running all the time someone is washing their hands or brushing their teeth, because that water just goes right down the drain. While it’s very important that everybody wash their hands to prevent viruses from spreading, it is also important to recognize that water is a precious resource. Care should be taken not to waste it.
ENVIRONMENTALIST IN NEW JERSEY
DEAR ENVIRONMENTALIST: You are right, which is why I am printing your timely reminder. In the Southwest, where drought is common, the importance of water conservation is a fact of life. Because I was surprised to receive a letter from New Jersey on this subject, I went online and learned to my surprise that starting in 2001-2002, there was a drought that lasted 55 weeks in your state.
Folks, because water is not an infinite resource, be prudent. And I’m not just suggesting you be mindful when washing your hands and brushing your teeth. It’s also important to consider when rinsing dishes and — men — shaving once the quarantine is lifted.
DEAR READERS: Today I wish a Happy Father’s Day to fathers everywhere — birth fathers, stepfathers, adoptive and foster fathers, grandfathers and all of those caring men who mentor children and fill the role of absent dads.
P.S. And a big shout-out to dual-role moms. I applaud you all.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.


mercurynews--2020-06-21--Walters: CalPERS gambles on risky investment move

The California Public Employees Retirement System , the nation ’ s largest pension trust , benefited greatly from the runup in stocks and other investments during the last few years , topping $ 400 billion early this year .
CalPERS needed it because it was still reeling from a $ 100 billion decline in its investment portfolio during the previous decade ’ s Great Recession and was tapping state and local governments for ever-increasing , mandatory “ contributions ” to keep pensions flowing and reduce its immense “ unfunded liability.
” But it faced a backlash from local officials who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make their CalPERS payments .
Just when CalPERS appeared to be climbing out of its hole , the COVID-19 pandemic erupted early this year , sending the economy into a tailspin .
Virtually overnight , the fund saw its value take a $ 69 billion hit as the stock market — CalPERS ’ biggest investment sector — tanked .
Stocks have since recovered , but CalPERS is still down about $ 13 billion from its high early this year .
Further investment erosions would , almost automatically , trigger even greater CalPERS demands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the recession is also eating into their tax revenues , creating substantial budget deficits .
It underscores CalPERS ’ vulnerability to capital market gyrations .
Investments more immune to fluctuations would be safer but they offer very low returns and CalPERS could not safely meet its lofty earnings goal — an average of 7 % a year .
It ’ s a vicious circle of conflicting demands and priorities , driven by an official policy of providing generous , inflation-adjusted pensions for government workers , bolstered by the political clout of public employee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ route and has chosen the perilous path of debt .
It plans to borrow billions of dollars — as much as $ 80 billion — to fatten its investment portfolio in fingers-crossed hopes that earnings gains will outstrip borrowing costs .
It mirrors the recent and risky practice of local governments borrowing heavily to pay their pension bills via “ pension obligation bonds.
” “ More assets refers to a plan to use leverage , or borrowing , to increase the base of the assets generating returns in the portfolio , ” the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ben Meng , wrote in the Wall Street Journalrecently .
“ Leverage allows CalPERS to take advantage of low interest rates by borrowing and using those funds to acquire assets with potentially higher returns.
” What could possibly go wrong ?
The new scheme is an implicit admission that CalPERS can ’ t meet its 7 % mark without increasing its exposure to the vagaries of the market .
“ There are only a few asset classes with a long-term expected return clearing the 7 % hurdle , ” Meng wrote .
Perhaps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 7 % goal , much higher than those of private industry pension plans .
CalPERS and other public systems use higher earnings projections because they need them to pay for the expensive pensions that politicians have awarded .
Inferentially , if they fall short of the mark , they can tap employers — i.e .
taxpayers — to close the gap .
However , that option is pretty much maxed out , which may explain why the very risky borrow-and-invest approach is being adopted .
This is serious stuff , so risky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hands-off policy toward CalPERS and order up a comprehensive and independent examination of the system ’ s assets , liabilities and long-term prospects of meeting its pension obligations .
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The California Public Employees Retirement System, the nation’s largest pension trust, benefited greatly from the runup in stocks and other investments during the last few years, topping $400 billion early this year.
CalPERS needed it because it was still reeling from a $100 billion decline in its investment portfolio during the previous decade’s Great Recession and was tapping state and local governments for ever-increasing, mandatory “contributions” to keep pensions flowing and reduce its immense “unfunded liability.” But it faced a backlash from local officials who said vital services were being cut to make their CalPERS payments.
Just when CalPERS appeared to be climbing out of its hole, the COVID-19 pandemic erupted early this year, sending the economy into a tailspin. Virtually overnight, the fund saw its value take a $69 billion hit as the stock market — CalPERS’ biggest investment sector — tanked. Stocks have since recovered, but CalPERS is still down about $13 billion from its high early this year.
Further investment erosions would, almost automatically, trigger even greater CalPERS demands for contributions from government employers, but the recession is also eating into their tax revenues, creating substantial budget deficits.
It underscores CalPERS’ vulnerability to capital market gyrations. Investments more immune to fluctuations would be safer but they offer very low returns and CalPERS could not safely meet its lofty earnings goal — an average of 7% a year.
It’s a vicious circle of conflicting demands and priorities, driven by an official policy of providing generous, inflation-adjusted pensions for government workers, bolstered by the political clout of public employee unions.
CalPERS desperately needs an escape route and has chosen the perilous path of debt. It plans to borrow billions of dollars — as much as $80 billion — to fatten its investment portfolio in fingers-crossed hopes that earnings gains will outstrip borrowing costs. It mirrors the recent and risky practice of local governments borrowing heavily to pay their pension bills via “pension obligation bonds.”
“More assets refers to a plan to use leverage, or borrowing, to increase the base of the assets generating returns in the portfolio,” the system’s chief investment officer, Ben Meng, wrote in the Wall Street Journalrecently. “Leverage allows CalPERS to take advantage of low interest rates by borrowing and using those funds to acquire assets with potentially higher returns.”
What could possibly go wrong?
The new scheme is an implicit admission that CalPERS can’t meet its 7% mark without increasing its exposure to the vagaries of the market. “There are only a few asset classes with a long-term expected return clearing the 7% hurdle,” Meng wrote.
Perhaps, then, the real problem is the 7% goal, much higher than those of private industry pension plans.
CalPERS and other public systems use higher earnings projections because they need them to pay for the expensive pensions that politicians have awarded. Inferentially, if they fall short of the mark, they can tap employers — i.e. taxpayers — to close the gap. However, that option is pretty much maxed out, which may explain why the very risky borrow-and-invest approach is being adopted.
This is serious stuff, so risky that the Legislature should dump its informal hands-off policy toward CalPERS and order up a comprehensive and independent examination of the system’s assets, liabilities and long-term prospects of meeting its pension obligations.


mercurynews--2020-06-21--Assemblyman Phil Ting admits to having an affair, denies influence over legislation

California Democratic Assemblyman Phil Ting admitted Saturday to having an extramarital affair , one day after a conservative online news organization reported that claim and other allegations against him .
“ I violated my family ’ s trust and I must now work , to the extent that I am able , to heal the wounds I have caused them and all of you , ” Ting , the Assembly ’ s budget committee chair , said in a tweet Saturday morning .
The woman quoted in the Communities Digital News report , Carmel Foster , confirmed to this news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a years-long affair with Ting , and it only ended recently .
Ting denied any allegations that “ personal consideration ” was ever a motivation for any bills he worked on or votes he made , which the news article suggests .
“ I have fought for the rights of working people my entire adult life , ” he said .
“ But I was not faithful to my marriage vows and for that , I am deeply , deeply sorry , ” Ting said .
Ting ’ s 19th Assembly District represents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City and Colma , and parts of South San Francisco .
“ I am making my apologies to my family directly and privately and ask , for their sake , the private space to do so , ” he added .
Ting did not immediately respond to calls and emails seeking comment from this news organization .
CDN first reported Friday Ting had an affair with Foster , who claims she was used “ as a prop to bolster support for a number of ballot measures and bills , including AB5.
” Foster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill Ting supported — while seated next to the bill ’ s author , Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez , from the state ’ s 80th District in Southern California , including Chula Vista and parts of San Diego .
It is unclear how Gonzalez met Foster .
Foster told this news organization that she and Ting had “ a long and close relationship , ” but it was beginning to deteriorate over disagreements about his work on AB5 , just before the COVID-19 pandemic gripped the U.S. “ Technically , the coronavirus ended our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in his tweets Saturday , did not name the person with whom he had an affair .
Foster claims that while she and Ting were dating in 2018 , she would tell him of her experiences as a caregiver for a wealthy man , who was mistreating his other domestic workers .
She claims it was because of his relationship with her that Ting crafted AB 2314 , which would have created a domestic work enforcement pilot program to protect workers and set standards for them and the people who employ them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill , however .
In the story from CDN , Foster claims Ting withheld his true identity from her for months after they met on a dating site called “ What ’ s Your Price , ” using a photo of another man on his profile and a different name .
California Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon , of Los Angeles County , said in a tweet Saturday that he had “ personally accepted ” Ting ’ s “ sincere apology to his constituents and colleagues for his mistake.
” Rendon , who along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill that codifies which workers can and can not be classified as independent contractors in the state — criticized the online news site ’ s article .
“ The allegations in a right-wing blog appear designed to undermine our efforts to bring greater economic justice to working people .
Rest assured , we will not be distracted or deterred from our mission , ” Rendon said .

California Democratic Assemblyman Phil Ting admitted Saturday to having an extramarital affair, one day after a conservative online news organization reported that claim and other allegations against him.
“I violated my family’s trust and I must now work, to the extent that I am able, to heal the wounds I have caused them and all of you,” Ting, the Assembly’s budget committee chair, said in a tweet Saturday morning.
The woman quoted in the Communities Digital News report, Carmel Foster, confirmed to this news organization Saturday evening that she was in a years-long affair with Ting, and it only ended recently.
Ting denied any allegations that “personal consideration” was ever a motivation for any bills he worked on or votes he made, which the news article suggests.
“I have fought for the rights of working people my entire adult life,” he said.
“But I was not faithful to my marriage vows and for that, I am deeply, deeply sorry,” Ting said.
Ting’s 19th Assembly District represents western San Francisco, all of Daly City and Colma, and parts of South San Francisco.
“I am making my apologies to my family directly and privately and ask, for their sake, the private space to do so,” he added.
Ting did not immediately respond to calls and emails seeking comment from this news organization.
CDN first reported Friday Ting had an affair with Foster, who claims she was used “as a prop to bolster support for a number of ballot measures and bills, including AB5.”
To My Family, Constituents and Colleagues:
I am writing to offer each and every one of you a direct apology that my personal behavior has hurt you.
Some of you might have seen a report in a right-wing online site alleging that my advocacy for workers was motivated — Phil Ting (@PhilTing) June 20, 2020
Foster testified in favor of AB5 — a bill Ting supported — while seated next to the bill’s author, Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, from the state’s 80th District in Southern California, including Chula Vista and parts of San Diego. It is unclear how Gonzalez met Foster.
Foster told this news organization that she and Ting had “a long and close relationship,” but it was beginning to deteriorate over disagreements about his work on AB5, just before the COVID-19 pandemic gripped the U.S.
“Technically, the coronavirus ended our affair,” Foster said.
Ting, in his tweets Saturday, did not name the person with whom he had an affair.
Foster claims that while she and Ting were dating in 2018, she would tell him of her experiences as a caregiver for a wealthy man, who was mistreating his other domestic workers.
She claims it was because of his relationship with her that Ting crafted AB 2314, which would have created a domestic work enforcement pilot program to protect workers and set standards for them and the people who employ them. Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed the bill, however.
In the story from CDN, Foster claims Ting withheld his true identity from her for months after they met on a dating site called “What’s Your Price,” using a photo of another man on his profile and a different name.
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Rendon, who along with Gonzalez sponsored AB 5 — a bill that codifies which workers can and cannot be classified as independent contractors in the state — criticized the online news site’s article.
“The allegations in a right-wing blog appear designed to undermine our efforts to bring greater economic justice to working people. Rest assured, we will not be distracted or deterred from our mission,” Rendon said.


mercurynews--2020-06-22--Photos: Annular “Ring of Fire” solar eclipse seen across the world

CLICK HERE if you ’ re having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device .
An annular solar eclipse appeared just after Sunday ’ s summer solstice to delight skywatchers across several continents .
It was visible over Central Africa , the Southern Arabian Peninsula , Pakistan , Northern India and South Central China , with a partial eclipse seen over most of Asia , Africa , Southern and Eastern Europe , Northern Australia and parts of the Pacific and Indian Oceans .
North and South America missed out on this heavenly phenomenon , as the moon covered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sun .
The entire eclipse lasted about 3.75 hours , but the duration over individual locations was about a minute and a half .
During its peak , it lasted just over 30 seconds .
The eclipse is a rare eclipse that occurs once every one or two years , and coincides with the northern hemisphere ’ s longest day of the year .
It happens when the moon is the farthest from the Earth , looks smaller and doesn ’ t block the entire view of the Sun creating the “ ring @ @ @ @ @

CLICK HERE if you’re having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device.
An annular solar eclipse appeared just after Sunday’s summer solstice to delight skywatchers across several continents.
It was visible over Central Africa, the Southern Arabian Peninsula, Pakistan, Northern India and South Central China, with a partial eclipse seen over most of Asia, Africa, Southern and Eastern Europe, Northern Australia and parts of the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
North and South America missed out on this heavenly phenomenon, as the moon covered most, but not all of the sun. The entire eclipse lasted about 3.75 hours, but the duration over individual locations was about a minute and a half. During its peak, it lasted just over 30 seconds.
The eclipse is a rare eclipse that occurs once every one or two years, and coincides with the northern hemisphere’s longest day of the year. It happens when the moon is the farthest from the Earth, looks smaller and doesn’t block the entire view of the Sun creating the “ring of fire” effect.


mercurynews--2020-06-21--Bay Area CalFire captain, a young father, dies in off-duty hiking accident

Cal Fire officials confirmed Saturday that a captain for the San Mateo-Santa Cruz unit had died in an off-duty hiking accident earlier in the week .
Capt .
David William Lutz , 33 , a Los Gatos native , died on Wednesday in the accident near Big Sur .
He was just two weeks shy of his 34th birthday .
The accident happened while he and his family were visiting Pfeiffer Burns State Park , near Big Sur , according to a CalFire statement .
“ It ’ s a big loss for us , ” said Capt .
Jordan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ representative for the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 2881 .
Lutz had recently returned to the El Granada fire station as the captain of Engine 41 , Motta said .
The young father — he and his wife had three children , with a fourth on the way — was most passionate about training his fellow firefighters , Motta said , a role he had taken on enthusiastically in his previous assignment as battalion training caption .
“ We will feel it more and more as the months go by and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s not there , ” Motta said .
“ His passion was not just serving the public by responding to calls , but serving by having the best-trained firefighters working with him.
” Lutz ’ s “ fire family ” had organized a memorial fund that raised more than $ 40,000 by mid-day Sunday .
Fellow firefighters told Motta that Lutz had been talking about looking forward to taking time off to be with his family this summer , when the newest addition to the family is expected .
Lutz was born in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Corralitos , where he started his career as a volunteer firefighter .
Lutz is survived by his wife , Tisha Lutz , his step-daughter Alyssa , young children Bailey , Caleb and Hope ( due in July ) , his parents Michael and Mary Anne Lutz , siblings Leah Lutz , Joshua Lutz ( Stephanie ) , Erin ( Lutz ) Adams ( Scott ) , Krista ( Lutz ) Sobrak-Seaton ( Nick ) , Anna ( Lutz ) Anton ( Willy ) , Daniel Lutz , Matthew Lutz , Elizabeth Lutz , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nephews .
Memorial arrangements have not yet been announced .

Cal Fire officials confirmed Saturday that a captain for the San Mateo-Santa Cruz unit had died in an off-duty hiking accident earlier in the week.
Capt. David William Lutz, 33, a Los Gatos native, died on Wednesday in the accident near Big Sur. He was just two weeks shy of his 34th birthday. The accident happened while he and his family were visiting Pfeiffer Burns State Park, near Big Sur, according to a CalFire statement.
“It’s a big loss for us,” said Capt. Jordan Motta, a colleague of Lutz and representative for the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 2881. Lutz had recently returned to the El Granada fire station as the captain of Engine 41, Motta said.
The young father — he and his wife had three children, with a fourth on the way — was most passionate about training his fellow firefighters, Motta said, a role he had taken on enthusiastically in his previous assignment as battalion training caption.
“We will feel it more and more as the months go by and we have these refresher training and David’s not there,” Motta said. “His passion was not just serving the public by responding to calls, but serving by having the best-trained firefighters working with him.”
Lutz’s “fire family” had organized a memorial fund that raised more than $40,000 by mid-day Sunday.
Fellow firefighters told Motta that Lutz had been talking about looking forward to taking time off to be with his family this summer, when the newest addition to the family is expected.
Lutz was born in Los Gatos, and was raised in Corralitos, where he started his career as a volunteer firefighter.
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Young woman killed in rope swing accident at Folsom Lake Crashes and Disasters | Private jet came ‘within 100 feet’ of colliding with Southwest plane at California airport, NTSB says Lutz is survived by his wife, Tisha Lutz, his step-daughter Alyssa, young children Bailey, Caleb and Hope (due in July), his parents Michael and Mary Anne Lutz, siblings Leah Lutz, Joshua Lutz (Stephanie), Erin (Lutz) Adams (Scott), Krista (Lutz) Sobrak-Seaton (Nick), Anna (Lutz) Anton (Willy), Daniel Lutz, Matthew Lutz, Elizabeth Lutz, Jacob Lutz, and his nieces and nephews.
Memorial arrangements have not yet been announced.


mercurynews--2020-06-21--Oakland: Laney College professor put on leave after allegedly asking student to “Anglicize” her name

OAKLAND — Laney College ’ s president confirmed that the school has placed a faculty member on administrative leave after a social-media post alleged that the faculty member had asked a Vietnamese-American student to “ Anglicize ” her name for his personal comfort .
The college ’ s student body of more than 16,000 is about 29 percent Asian-American .
In a statement , President Tammeil Gilkerson said that an unnamed faculty member had been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation as soon as campus leaders learned of the racist comments .
“ On the surface this incident is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discussing and working to combat structural racism , xenophobia , and violence in both the Black and Asian Pacific Islander community , ” Gilkerson said in a statement .
“ While our mission has been bold and unrelenting , we also recognize that our college and its community is a reflection of broader society and we must actively fight ignorance with education .
We do not tolerate racism , discrimination or oppression of any kind.
” A post on Instagram contains screenshots of emails alleged to be sent from a Laney faculty member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the professor during a video conference .
In the emails , the faculty member says that the student ’ s name , which is Vietnamese , sounds like a common English vulgarity and asks her to “ Anglicize ” it .
The student declines in response , saying that the request “ feels discriminatory ” and that she will forward a complaint to the school ’ s Title IX office , in charge of investigating discrimination , “ if you can not refer to me by my given birth name.
” In a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states the vulgarity he claims her name resembles , and tells her that though he understands she is offended , “ you need to understand your name is an offensive sound in my language , ” telling her that “ If I lived in Vietnam and my name in your language sounded like ( vulgarity ) , I would change it to avoid embarrassment both on my part and on the part of the people who say it.
” In the attached video , a person , presumably the faculty member , refers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , seemingly avoiding pronouncing the student ’ s correct name .
The woman who made the post , who identified herself as the student ’ s sister , wrote that she was “ disgusted ” and “ disappointed.
” “ As a professor , he should be trying to learn her name and culture and not try to white wash her name , ” she said .
“ My sister graduated high school thinking she can finally be able to use her name .
He ’ s calling my sister ’ s name @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sounds like an insult .
I love that my parents want to keep my culture alive by keeping our Vietnamese name .
If you can ’ t say it then ask .
”

OAKLAND — Laney College’s president confirmed that the school has placed a faculty member on administrative leave after a social-media post alleged that the faculty member had asked a Vietnamese-American student to “Anglicize” her name for his personal comfort.
The college’s student body of more than 16,000 is about 29 percent Asian-American. In a statement, President Tammeil Gilkerson said that an unnamed faculty member had been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation as soon as campus leaders learned of the racist comments.
“On the surface this incident is obviously disturbing and comes after decades of discussing and working to combat structural racism, xenophobia, and violence in both the Black and Asian Pacific Islander community,” Gilkerson said in a statement. “While our mission has been bold and unrelenting, we also recognize that our college and its community is a reflection of broader society and we must actively fight ignorance with education. We do not tolerate racism, discrimination or oppression of any kind.”
A post on Instagram contains screenshots of emails alleged to be sent from a Laney faculty member to a student and a video of the professor during a video conference. In the emails, the faculty member says that the student’s name, which is Vietnamese, sounds like a common English vulgarity and asks her to “Anglicize” it.
The student declines in response, saying that the request “feels discriminatory” and that she will forward a complaint to the school’s Title IX office, in charge of investigating discrimination, “if you can not refer to me by my given birth name.”
In a follow-up email, the faculty member explicitly states the vulgarity he claims her name resembles, and tells her that though he understands she is offended, “you need to understand your name is an offensive sound in my language,” telling her that “If I lived in Vietnam and my name in your language sounded like (vulgarity), I would change it to avoid embarrassment both on my part and on the part of the people who say it.”
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Hair relaxers have been linked to cancer among Black women, litigation says. ‘Nobody cares except us.’ Education | Contra Costa DA attempts to block publicization of new racist texts by Antioch cops In the attached video, a person, presumably the faculty member, refers to a student by an abbreviated name, seemingly avoiding pronouncing the student’s correct name.
The woman who made the post, who identified herself as the student’s sister, wrote that she was “disgusted” and “disappointed.”
“As a professor, he should be trying to learn her name and culture and not try to white wash her name,” she said. “My sister graduated high school thinking she can finally be able to use her name. He’s calling my sister’s name an embarrassment and that it’s sounds like an insult. I love that my parents want to keep my culture alive by keeping our Vietnamese name. If you can’t say it then ask.”


mercurynews--2020-06-21--TikTok users, K-pop fans say they helped sabotage Trump rally with false registrations

June 21 ( Reuters ) – TikTok users and fans of Korean pop music took partial credit for inflating attendance expectations at a less-than-full arena at President Donald Trump ’ s first political rally in months , held in Tulsa , Oklahoma , on Saturday .
Social media users on platforms including the popular video-sharing app have said they completed the free online registration for the rally with no intention of going .
Prior to the event , Trump ’ s campaign manager Brad Parscale said there had been more than one million requests to attend .
However , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seats on Saturday evening and Trump and Vice President Mike Pence canceled speeches to an expected “ overflow ” area outside .
The Tulsa Fire Department tallied the crowd at about 6,200 people .
Trump ’ s campaign advisers had seen the rally as a way to rejuvenate his base and demonstrate support when opinion polls have shown him trailing his Democratic rival , former vice president Joe Biden .
Oklahoma has reported a surge in new coronavirus cases , and the state ’ s department of health had warned those planning on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increased risk of catching the virus .
The Trump campaign said entry was on a ‘ first-come-first-served ’ basis and no one was issued an actual ticket .
“ Leftists always fool themselves into thinking they ’ re being clever .
Registering for a rally only means you ’ ve RSVPed with a cellphone number , ” Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh said in a statement .
“ But we thank them for their contact information.
” Parscale said in a statement the campaign weeds out bogus phone numbers and did this with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tulsa event in calculating possible attendance .
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , a Democrat , responded with derision to a Twitter post by Parscale that blamed the media for discouraging attendees and cited bad behavior by demonstrators outside .
“ Actually you just got ROCKED by teens on TikTok who flooded the Trump campaign w/ fake ticket reservations & tricked you into believing a million people wanted your white supremacist open mic enough to pack an arena during COVID , ” she tweeted on Saturday .
“ KPop allies , we see and appreciate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too , ” she added .
CNN had reported Tuesday that a TikTok video posted by Mary Jo Laupp , who uses the hashtag # TikTokGrandma , was helping lead the charge .
The video now has more than 700,000 likes .
Two K-pop fans who spoke to Reuters in Skype and phone interviews on Sunday said they had each registered for two spots , not using their real names and numbers .
Raq , a 22-year-old student and Democratic voter in Minnesota who only wanted to be identified by her nickname , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was that the rally was in Tulsa , the site of the country ’ s bloodiest outbreaks of racist violence against Black Americans some 100 years ago .
“ I heard it first from just BTS fans and then once I saw that it got to TikTok , I was like , oh yeah , this is going to blow up , ” she said , referring to a popular South Korean boy-band .
Em , a 17-year-old student in Kansas who only wanted to be identified by her username , said she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TikTok .
She said many of the original tweets sharing information about the rally had been deleted .
“ I think it was partially the TikTokers and the K-pop fans but also people are not as interested in Trump as he thinks they are , ” she said .
Fans of K-pop have rallied around the Black Lives Matter movement on social media in recent weeks , taking over hashtags that opposed the movement and spamming a Dallas police department app that asked for evidence of illegal activity during the protests .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and scuffles outside the event between around 30 Black Lives Matter demonstrators and some Trump supporters waiting to enter .
A Reuters reporter said police did temporarily close the access gates after protesters arrived at the rally perimeter , but state troopers helped clear the area and the gates were reopened some three hours before the rally began .
The Biden campaign denied having any role in the social media registration effort .
“ Donald Trump has abdicated leadership and it is no surprise that his supporters have responded by abandoning him , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bates .
( Reporting by Elizabeth Culliford ; Editing by Nick Zieminski and Daniel Wallis )

By Elizabeth Culliford
June 21 (Reuters) – TikTok users and fans of Korean pop
music took partial credit for inflating attendance expectations
at a less-than-full arena at President Donald Trump’s first
political rally in months, held in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Saturday.
Social media users on platforms including the popular
video-sharing app have said they completed the free online
registration for the rally with no intention of going.
Prior to the event, Trump’s campaign manager Brad Parscale
said there had been more than one million requests to attend.
However, the 19,000-seat BOK Center arena had many empty seats
on Saturday evening and Trump and Vice President Mike Pence
canceled speeches to an expected “overflow” area outside.
The Tulsa Fire Department tallied the crowd at about 6,200
people.
Trump’s campaign advisers had seen the rally as a way to
rejuvenate his base and demonstrate support when opinion polls
have shown him trailing his Democratic rival, former vice
president Joe Biden.
Oklahoma has reported a surge in new coronavirus cases, and
the state’s department of health had warned those planning on
attending the event that they faced an increased risk of
catching the virus.
The Trump campaign said entry was on a
‘first-come-first-served’ basis and no one was issued an actual
ticket.
“Leftists always fool themselves into thinking they’re being
clever. Registering for a rally only means you’ve RSVPed with a
cellphone number,” Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh said in
a statement. “But we thank them for their contact information.”
Parscale said in a statement the campaign weeds out bogus
phone numbers and did this with “tens of thousands” at the Tulsa
event in calculating possible attendance.
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Democrat,
responded with derision to a Twitter post by Parscale that
blamed the media for discouraging attendees and cited bad
behavior by demonstrators outside.
“Actually you just got ROCKED by teens on TikTok who flooded
the Trump campaign w/ fake ticket reservations & tricked you
into believing a million people wanted your white supremacist
open mic enough to pack an arena during COVID,” she tweeted on
Saturday. “KPop allies, we see and appreciate your contributions
in the fight for justice too,” she added.
CNN had reported Tuesday that a TikTok video posted by Mary
Jo Laupp, who uses the hashtag #TikTokGrandma, was helping lead
the charge. The video now has more than 700,000 likes.
Two K-pop fans who spoke to Reuters in Skype and phone
interviews on Sunday said they had each registered for two
spots, not using their real names and numbers.
Raq, a 22-year-old student and Democratic voter in Minnesota
who only wanted to be identified by her nickname, said a key
reason she took part was that the rally was in Tulsa, the site
of the country’s bloodiest outbreaks of racist violence against
Black Americans some 100 years ago.
“I heard it first from just BTS fans and then once I saw
that it got to TikTok, I was like, oh yeah, this is going to
blow up,” she said, referring to a popular South Korean
boy-band.
Em, a 17-year-old student in Kansas who only wanted to be
identified by her username, said she had first heard about the
effort on TikTok. She said many of the original tweets sharing
information about the rally had been deleted.
“I think it was partially the TikTokers and the K-pop fans
but also people are not as interested in Trump as he thinks they
are,” she said.
Fans of K-pop have rallied around the Black Lives Matter
movement on social media in recent weeks, taking over hashtags
that opposed the movement and spamming a Dallas police
department app that asked for evidence of illegal activity
during the protests.
On Saturday, there were some shouting matches and scuffles
outside the event between around 30 Black Lives Matter
demonstrators and some Trump supporters waiting to enter.
A Reuters reporter said police did temporarily close the
access gates after protesters arrived at the rally perimeter,
but state troopers helped clear the area and the gates were
reopened some three hours before the rally began.
The Biden campaign denied having any role in the social
media registration effort.
“Donald Trump has abdicated leadership and it is no surprise
that his supporters have responded by abandoning him,” said a
campaign spokesman, Andrew Bates.
(Reporting by Elizabeth Culliford; Editing by Nick Zieminski
and Daniel Wallis)


mercurynews--2020-06-21--Sunnyvale: Suspected drunk driver injures two people after plowing car into house

SUNNYVALE — A drunk driver plowed his car into a house and injured two sleeping residents early Sunday morning , @ @ @ @ @ to the 300 block of North Murphy Avenue just after midnight Sunday , according to @ @ @ @ @ Lyons .
Lyons said the driver was traveling at high speeds down Borregas Avenue and @ @ @ @ @ before crashing into the house .
One resident was pinned under the vehicle and was @ @ @ @ @ The resident and the driver were transported to the hospital ; both were released by @ @ @ @ @ was arrested under suspicion of DUI and the incident remains under investigation .
Police did @ @ @ @ @ .
Anyone with information is asked to call the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety at @ @

SUNNYVALE — A drunk driver plowed his car into a house and injured two sleeping residents early Sunday morning, police said.
Officers responded to the 300 block of North Murphy Avenue just after midnight Sunday, according to Sunnyvale Public Safety Lieutenant Todd Lyons. Lyons said the driver was traveling at high speeds down Borregas Avenue and lost control of the vehicle before crashing into the house.
One resident was pinned under the vehicle and was removed by Sunnyvale firefighters. The resident and the driver were transported to the hospital; both were released by midday Sunday.
Another resident had minor injuries.
The driver was arrested under suspicion of DUI and the incident remains under investigation. Police did not immediately identify the driver.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety at 408-730-7100.