mercurynews--2020-08-22--‘Do not worry about any firefighting’: Bay Area fire crews fight to rescue people as fires spread un

‘Do not worry about any firefighting’: Bay Area fire crews fight to rescue people as fires spread unchecked

VACAVILLE — Flames were chewing through a log cabin on Cherry Glen Road when Vallejo firefighter Wally Trujillo arrived .
The Engine 27 crew had responded to calls to help beat back a fast-moving blaze sweeping over Mount Vaca from Napa .
It was just before midnight on Wednesday , and the LNU Lightning Complex fires had jumped Pleasants Valley Road .
Calls of people trapped and desperate for help were stacking up .
Trujillo knew flames were headed to his English Hills home and to his mother-in-law ’ s house closer to the ridge .
Over the fire radio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was going to be on evacuations .
“ Do not worry about any firefighting , ” the broadcast said .
Firefighter and civilian safety “ were the only objective.
” The Engine 27 crew put down their fire hose and joined the scramble to evacuate homes .
Trujillo felt helpless .
“ Our job is to put out fire , ” he said .
“ It was chaos.
” The fire had ignited further north , one of 560 fires that ignited across the state this week .
In the Bay Area , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have driven three massive complex fires into every county except San Francisco , forcing thousands of people to evacuate and stretching fire crews thin from Sonoma and Napa County into the Santa Cruz Mountains and Monterey .
On Tuesday , residents in Vaca Valley could see the orange glow of the largest fire — the LNU Lightning Complex — at Lake Berryessa grow closer , as multiple fires converged across the county line in Napa took fuel in brush-filled canyons .
Though Vacaville lives every year under the distant threat of wildfires , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city since 1988 .
So when Sarah Hawkins ’ and her husband saw the fire creeping up the Blue Ridge , they never thought it would reach their five-acre English Hills home or their barn full of prized goats .
No fires had in their 17 years living there .
Just after 1 a.m. , a neighbor called to check on them and issue a warning : The fire was coming and fast .
They gathered some belongings into suitcases and went outside in 98-degree heat to see if they could save anything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the west .
They watered down the area , hoping the flames would burn out as they traveled along the low grass .
“ Then we heard this roar and it came out of the north — huge flames , ” Hawkins said .
The heat was so intense , bats started falling from the sky .
Only a sunken-in garage door and a chimney were left standing .
The tree under which they got married was a shell .
Their metal barn melted .
Twenty of her goats perished , their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the barn that held their hay .
The surviving ones from her dairy herd , which won national awards , are staying with her at a friend ’ s house nearby .
Hawkins sighed , sadly .
“ It just keeps coming in waves , realizing everything you ’ ve lost.
” In fact , no one was prepared for how quickly the complex fires swept into town , killing at least one and forcing others to run for their lives .
As firefighters and police ran door-to-door warning people to get out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A quadripelic woman on Putah Creek Road needed assistance .
A Carrington Lane couple was trapped , their car too hot to use .
Fire around Digger Pine Road was growing out of control , with one woman telling dispatch her house was engulfed in flames .
Dispatch advised one woman surrounded by fire to get in a pool of water near her home .
The blaze was moving south , in the direction of densely populated residential neighborhoods .
And with hundreds of other fires burning across the state , fewer outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the English Hills , the fire surrounded Sandra Over ’ s 10-acre property on three sides .
She and her husband stayed behind to wet their house and land .
“ There were two hours where we were not going to have a house by the end of the day .
Just mentally preparing myself while I was hosing it down , ” Over said .
“ The boots on the ground are doing everything they can .
There ’ s just not enough of them , ” she said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of these firefighters .
I can ’ t imagine being a firefighter and having to see a house go down that you just couldn ’ t save.
” Worsening conditions forced Vallejo ’ s Engine 27 onto Pleasants Valley Road .
Mandatory evacuations were ordered from Cherry Glen Road to Interstate 505 .
The evacuation orders eventually reached the area around the English Hills home where Trujillo lives with his wife and two young kids .
On the radio , CalFire scouting the area of Peaceful Glen Road and Olivas Lane called for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As it turned out , Trujillo was headed toward his property .
Fire crews managed to save several homes in his cul-de-sac .
An off-duty Vallejo battalion chief , who lives nearby , doused Trujillo ’ s propane tank with water , helping save his home .
“ It was the luck of the draw for all my neighbors , ” he said , although it was hard to feel lucky with all the destruction around him .
Crews were unable to get to his mother-in-law ’ s house and several others along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One Pleasants Valley Road resident died , the sheriff ’ s office said Thursday .
“ To see people ’ s beautiful homes burning to the ground .
It was like a bomb went off .
As a firefighter , it ’ s a frightening experience .
But in the back of your mind you feel helpless , ” he said .

VACAVILLE — Flames were chewing through a log cabin on Cherry Glen Road when Vallejo firefighter Wally Trujillo arrived. The Engine 27 crew had responded to calls to help beat back a fast-moving blaze sweeping over Mount Vaca from Napa.
It was just before midnight on Wednesday, and the LNU Lightning Complex fires had jumped Pleasants Valley Road. Calls of people trapped and desperate for help were stacking up. Trujillo knew flames were headed to his English Hills home and to his mother-in-law’s house closer to the ridge.
Over the fire radio, came the mandate: The focus was going to be on evacuations.
“Do not worry about any firefighting,” the broadcast said. Firefighter and civilian safety “were the only objective.”
The Engine 27 crew put down their fire hose and joined the scramble to evacuate homes.
Trujillo felt helpless. “Our job is to put out fire,” he said. “It was chaos.”
The fire had ignited further north, one of 560 fires that ignited across the state this week. In the Bay Area, lightning storms and dry, hot winds have driven three massive complex fires into every county except San Francisco, forcing thousands of people to evacuate and stretching fire crews thin from Sonoma and Napa County into the Santa Cruz Mountains and Monterey.
On Tuesday, residents in Vaca Valley could see the orange glow of the largest fire — the LNU Lightning Complex — at Lake Berryessa grow closer, as multiple fires converged across the county line in Napa took fuel in brush-filled canyons. Though Vacaville lives every year under the distant threat of wildfires, a destructive fire has not hit the city since 1988.
So when Sarah Hawkins’ and her husband saw the fire creeping up the Blue Ridge, they never thought it would reach their five-acre English Hills home or their barn full of prized goats. No fires had in their 17 years living there.
Just after 1 a.m., a neighbor called to check on them and issue a warning: The fire was coming and fast. They gathered some belongings into suitcases and went outside in 98-degree heat to see if they could save anything. The fire seemed to be coming from the west. They watered down the area, hoping the flames would burn out as they traveled along the low grass.
“Then we heard this roar and it came out of the north — huge flames,” Hawkins said. The heat was so intense, bats started falling from the sky.
Only a sunken-in garage door and a chimney were left standing. The tree under which they got married was a shell. Their metal barn melted. Twenty of her goats perished, their small bodies strewn, scorched, outside the barn that held their hay. The surviving ones from her dairy herd, which won national awards, are staying with her at a friend’s house nearby.
Hawkins sighed, sadly. “It just keeps coming in waves, realizing everything you’ve lost.”
In fact, no one was prepared for how quickly the complex fires swept into town, killing at least one and forcing others to run for their lives. As firefighters and police ran door-to-door warning people to get out, dispatch calls kept pouring in. A quadripelic woman on Putah Creek Road needed assistance. A Carrington Lane couple was trapped, their car too hot to use. Fire around Digger Pine Road was growing out of control, with one woman telling dispatch her house was engulfed in flames. Dispatch advised one woman surrounded by fire to get in a pool of water near her home.
The blaze was moving south, in the direction of densely populated residential neighborhoods. And with hundreds of other fires burning across the state, fewer outside fire departments were available to help.
In the English Hills, the fire surrounded Sandra Over’s 10-acre property on three sides. She and her husband stayed behind to wet their house and land.
“There were two hours where we were not going to have a house by the end of the day. Just mentally preparing myself while I was hosing it down,” Over said.
“The boots on the ground are doing everything they can. There’s just not enough of them,” she said. “You could tell, that affects all of these firefighters. I can’t imagine being a firefighter and having to see a house go down that you just couldn’t save.”
Worsening conditions forced Vallejo’s Engine 27 onto Pleasants Valley Road. Mandatory evacuations were ordered from Cherry Glen Road to Interstate 505. The evacuation orders eventually reached the area around the English Hills home where Trujillo lives with his wife and two young kids.
On the radio, CalFire scouting the area of Peaceful Glen Road and Olivas Lane called for units to break the fire there. As it turned out, Trujillo was headed toward his property. Fire crews managed to save several homes in his cul-de-sac. An off-duty Vallejo battalion chief, who lives nearby, doused Trujillo’s propane tank with water, helping save his home.
“It was the luck of the draw for all my neighbors,” he said, although it was hard to feel lucky with all the destruction around him. Crews were unable to get to his mother-in-law’s house and several others along Pleasants Valley Road that were destroyed. One Pleasants Valley Road resident died, the sheriff’s office said Thursday.
“To see people’s beautiful homes burning to the ground. It was like a bomb went off. As a firefighter, it’s a frightening experience. But in the back of your mind you feel helpless,” he said.


mercurynews--2020-08-22--49ers’ Arik Armstead seizing media platform in 2020 to spread word on social injustices

SANTA CLARA — Arik Armstead took a seat in front of a microphone after 49ers practice , advised reporters to hold tight and insisted on having the first word .
So Armstead launched into what he said will be a routine before his media sessions this season .
He ’ s reserving that time to speak out against social injustices and hopefully create unity through dialogue .
“ We have to think about why this is happening and what biases and stereotypes are we continuing to allow to be a part of society , ” Armstead , a sixth-year defensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop spreading hate and start spreading love in a society were everything is divided black and white , rich and poor , gay/straight , immigrant/citizen ?
“ How can we knock down those walls instead of dividing our people and bring people closer together ?
” Friday ’ s opening pitch was about America ’ s rise in hate crimes , and Armstead cited the New York Times and FBI in stating that hate crimes were at its highest point in 16 years , such as those against Asians in the midst of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of immigration strife .
“ I challenge all of us to continue to spread love and understanding to people who don ’ t look like us and maybe have a different language than us , ” Armstead said .
“ That ’ s what I wanted to shed light on today .
Let ’ s talk football.
” Armstead ’ s ensuing media session did just stick to football , and the most relevant aspect of that end is his back feels fine and not so tight after missing the first four sessions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throughout the season is to continue this and bring up different topics , new things each time , things I ’ ve been reading and educating myself on and try to create dialogue and educate people with this platform and opportunity.
” Armstead was the 49ers ’ 2015 first-round draft pick , and , in the ensuing years , the Elk Grove native supported Colin Kaepernick and other teammates during protests against social inequality and police misconduct .
“ I ’ m trying to find ways to push the needle and educate people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ That ’ s my responsibility and my duty as a citizen , to be a better part of society , add value to society and the people around me .
“ Playing in the NFL gives me a platform .
People look up to me and care about what I say , so I decided to use that voice for good and positive things , and to continue to push that needle and try to educate people with my voice.
” Richard Sherman , perhaps the most outspoken of all 49ers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ favor of Armstead ’ s approach .
“ It ’ s one of the most important things in the world , especially during this time , ” Sherman said .
“ It ’ s past due time to arrest Breonna Taylor ’ s killers but that hasn ’ t happened .
It ’ s time for everybody to speak up and put pressure on things they see is wrong .
It ’ s been too long of everyone casting a blind eye .
“ These are wild times , ” Sherman added , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up and shed light on it , the better the world will be for our kids.
” Armstead capped off his media session with advice on how to eliminate stereotypes and create a more harmonious society : “ It ’ s simple encounters you can have with people walking down a street , in a store , saying hi , going out your way to be polite and nice , knocking down that invisible wall that may be there when someone doesn ’ t know you , ” Armstead said .
“ People @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a nice person.
’ Showing genuine care or want to learn about other people instead of being so self-absorbed .
Try to show interest in other things you don ’ t have experience on .
“ Those are simple ways you can knock down walls and create unity.
” • 49ers ’ Dante Pettis : Not suiting up for Super Bowl was ‘ final straw ’ , determined now ‘ to play free ’ • Coronavirus : 49ers ’ Nick Bosa reflects on his ‘ wash your hands , stay clean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Williams is such a tough matchup for Nick Bosa

SANTA CLARA — Arik Armstead took a seat in front of a microphone after 49ers practice, advised reporters to hold tight and insisted on having the first word.
So Armstead launched into what he said will be a routine before his media sessions this season. He’s reserving that time to speak out against social injustices and hopefully create unity through dialogue.
“We have to think about why this is happening and what biases and stereotypes are we continuing to allow to be a part of society,” Armstead, a sixth-year defensive lineman said. “How can we stop spreading hate and start spreading love in a society were everything is divided black and white, rich and poor, gay/straight, immigrant/citizen?
“How can we knock down those walls instead of dividing our people and bring people closer together?”
Friday’s opening pitch was about America’s rise in hate crimes, and Armstead cited the New York Times and FBI in stating that hate crimes were at its highest point in 16 years, such as those against Asians in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and against Latinos because of immigration strife.
“I challenge all of us to continue to spread love and understanding to people who don’t look like us and maybe have a different language than us,” Armstead said. “That’s what I wanted to shed light on today. Let’s talk football.”
Armstead’s ensuing media session did just stick to football, and the most relevant aspect of that end is his back feels fine and not so tight after missing the first four sessions of training camp.
“My plan throughout the season is to continue this and bring up different topics, new things each time, things I’ve been reading and educating myself on and try to create dialogue and educate people with this platform and opportunity.”
Armstead was the 49ers’ 2015 first-round draft pick, and, in the ensuing years, the Elk Grove native supported Colin Kaepernick and other teammates during protests against social inequality and police misconduct.
“I’m trying to find ways to push the needle and educate people with my platform,” Armstead said. “That’s my responsibility and my duty as a citizen, to be a better part of society, add value to society and the people around me.
“Playing in the NFL gives me a platform. People look up to me and care about what I say, so I decided to use that voice for good and positive things, and to continue to push that needle and try to educate people with my voice.”
Richard Sherman, perhaps the most outspoken of all 49ers on myriad topics, is all in favor of Armstead’s approach.
“It’s one of the most important things in the world, especially during this time,” Sherman said. “It’s past due time to arrest Breonna Taylor’s killers but that hasn’t happened. It’s time for everybody to speak up and put pressure on things they see is wrong. It’s been too long of everyone casting a blind eye.
“These are wild times,” Sherman added, “and the more we can speak up and shed light on it, the better the world will be for our kids.”
Armstead capped off his media session with advice on how to eliminate stereotypes and create a more harmonious society:
“It’s simple encounters you can have with people walking down a street, in a store, saying hi, going out your way to be polite and nice, knocking down that invisible wall that may be there when someone doesn’t know you,” Armstead said. “People can be pleasantly surprised. ‘That’s a nice person.’ Showing genuine care or want to learn about other people instead of being so self-absorbed. Try to show interest in other things you don’t have experience on.


mercurynews--2020-08-22--Horoscopes Aug. 22, 2020: James Corden, make peace and love your priorities

Happy Birthday : Look for the good in everything and everyone .
A positive attitude will encourage others to see life through your eyes .
The smiles and kind gestures you offer others will enrich your life as well .
Refuse to give in to negativity .
Put an end to bad habits , disruptive relationships and situations that stifle personal growth and happiness .
Make peace and love your priorities .
Your numbers are 4 , 15 , 22 , 26 , 31 , 40 , 47 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Emotions will take over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you jump to conclusions regarding a situation with someone you love or work alongside .
Take a moment to think matters through before you say or do something you ’ ll regret .
3 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Get involved in a project that moves you .
Use your imagination , and you will discover new ways to use your skills , knowledge and intelligence .
Romance is on the rise , and discussing plans with someone you love will lead to a positive change .
3 stars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Set your sights on self-improvement projects that will make you feel good and look spectacular .
Take the initiative to do something physical ; it will pump you up and encourage you to make positive adjustments to the way you live .
5 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Use discretion when discussing personal matters .
Listen attentively to what others have to contribute ; it will give you a sense of what ’ s doable .
You ’ ll be offered information that can help you make a profitable decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 22 ) : Look for the positive in whatever situation you face .
How you handle sensitive issues will make a difference in the way things unfold .
Put your time and energy where it counts .
Establish what you want to achieve , and prioritize your day .
4 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Go over any changes you want to make , and size up the expense involved before proceeding .
Sticking to a tight budget will put your mind at ease and gauge the best way to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Don ’ t give in to manipulative people .
Spend less time bickering and more time engaging in pastimes that are energetic and competitive .
Keeping busy will help you avoid letting others take advantage of your kindness and propensity to give in to maintain peace .
3 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Your secretive nature will pay off .
Make changes discreetly , and you will avoid interference .
Make plans with someone you love , and focus on romance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make .
A physical improvement will boost your confidence .
3 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : You ’ ll face opposition if you are too vocal about your likes and dislikes .
Don ’ t expect someone to play fair or give you an honest opinion .
Stick close to home , and make adjustments that will add to your comfort and convenience .
4 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Discuss the changes you want to make , the cost involved and the help you will need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in your life .
The response you receive will encourage you to collaborate and spend more time together .
2 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Check personal papers , and update any documents that are about to lapse .
Putting your finances in order will give you a better understanding of how best to spend and save your money .
Aggressive action regarding such matters will pay off .
5 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Pay more attention to the way you look and feel and to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help .
A change of attitude regarding work will encourage better relationships with the people who mean the most to you .
3 stars Birthday Baby : You are gentle , kind and engaging .
You are precise and helpful .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: James Corden, 42; Kristen Wiig, 47; Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, 53; Ty Burrell, 53.
Happy Birthday: Look for the good in everything and everyone. A positive attitude will encourage others to see life through your eyes. The smiles and kind gestures you offer others will enrich your life as well. Refuse to give in to negativity. Put an end to bad habits, disruptive relationships and situations that stifle personal growth and happiness. Make peace and love your priorities. Your numbers are 4, 15, 22, 26, 31, 40, 47.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Emotions will take over, and your temper will flare up if you jump to conclusions regarding a situation with someone you love or work alongside. Take a moment to think matters through before you say or do something you’ll regret. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Get involved in a project that moves you. Use your imagination, and you will discover new ways to use your skills, knowledge and intelligence. Romance is on the rise, and discussing plans with someone you love will lead to a positive change. 3 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Set your sights on self-improvement projects that will make you feel good and look spectacular. Take the initiative to do something physical; it will pump you up and encourage you to make positive adjustments to the way you live. 5 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Use discretion when discussing personal matters. Listen attentively to what others have to contribute; it will give you a sense of what’s doable. You’ll be offered information that can help you make a profitable decision. 2 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Look for the positive in whatever situation you face. How you handle sensitive issues will make a difference in the way things unfold. Put your time and energy where it counts. Establish what you want to achieve, and prioritize your day. 4 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Go over any changes you want to make, and size up the expense involved before proceeding. Sticking to a tight budget will put your mind at ease and gauge the best way to get the most for your money. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Don’t give in to manipulative people. Spend less time bickering and more time engaging in pastimes that are energetic and competitive. Keeping busy will help you avoid letting others take advantage of your kindness and propensity to give in to maintain peace. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Your secretive nature will pay off. Make changes discreetly, and you will avoid interference. Make plans with someone you love, and focus on romance and the lifestyle changes you want to make. A physical improvement will boost your confidence. 3 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You’ll face opposition if you are too vocal about your likes and dislikes. Don’t expect someone to play fair or give you an honest opinion. Stick close to home, and make adjustments that will add to your comfort and convenience. 4 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Discuss the changes you want to make, the cost involved and the help you will need with someone who plays a significant role in your life. The response you receive will encourage you to collaborate and spend more time together. 2 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Check personal papers, and update any documents that are about to lapse. Putting your finances in order will give you a better understanding of how best to spend and save your money. Aggressive action regarding such matters will pay off. 5 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Pay more attention to the way you look and feel and to the people you care about and want to help. A change of attitude regarding work will encourage better relationships with the people who mean the most to you. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are gentle, kind and engaging. You are precise and helpful.


Word Game: Aug. 22, 2020

Can you find 52 or more words in EBULLIENT ?
The list will be published Monday .
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 — EBULLIENT (EBULLIENT: ih-BUL-yent: Zestfully enthusiastic.)
Average mark 37 words
Time limit 60 minutes
Can you find 52 or more words in EBULLIENT? The list will be published Monday.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — ACROBATS abort actor aorta ascot carat carb cart cast
castor coast coat cobra cost costar crab roast orca boar boast boat bract brat tabor
taco taro tsar sabot sabra scab scar scarab scat soar sora sorb sort stab star
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: Aug. 22, 2020

Every partnership reaches speculative contracts ; world-class experts reach them quite often .
When the missing cards must lie a certain way for your contract to succeed , assume that they do .
In today ’ s deal , South scrapes up a 1NT response to his partner ’ s one-diamond opening bid , and North , with a balanced 19 points , raises to 3NT .
West leads the eight of spades , and South gulps when he see dummy .
How should South play to give himself the best chance ?
South needs four club tricks but is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He must win the first spade with dummy ’ s king , preserving his ace as an entry .
South next takes the ace of clubs and leads the jack , and East plays low .
South must assume that the clubs lie favorably .
If he plays low from his hand , he will fail no matter what ; if West has K-x-x , he will play low also .
So South must overtake the jack with his queen , hoping East started with K-x-x or K-x-x-x .
The actual lie of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You hold : S K 9 3 H A K 3 2 D A 7 6 3 C A J .
You open one diamond , your partner bids one spade , you jump to 2NT and he tries three hearts .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : Your bidding has shown about 19 points , balanced .
You can raise to four hearts , but your values are so slammish that stronger action is best : Bid four clubs .
You wouldn ’ t seek a trump suit at this stage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows a great heart fit , the ace of clubs and slam interest .

Every partnership reaches speculative contracts; world-class experts reach them quite often. When the missing cards must lie a certain way for your contract to succeed, assume that they do.
In today’s deal, South scrapes up a 1NT response to his partner’s one-diamond opening bid, and North, with a balanced 19 points, raises to 3NT. West leads the eight of spades, and South gulps when he see dummy.
How should South play to give himself the best chance?
ENTRIES
South needs four club tricks but is short of entries to his hand. He must win the first spade with dummy’s king, preserving his ace as an entry. South next takes the ace of clubs and leads the jack, and East plays low.
South must assume that the clubs lie favorably. If he plays low from his hand, he will fail no matter what; if West has K-x-x, he will play low also. So South must overtake the jack with his queen, hoping East started with K-x-x or K-x-x-x. The actual lie of the cards rewards the correct play.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S K 9 3 H A K 3 2 D A 7 6 3 C A J. You open one diamond, your partner bids one spade, you jump to 2NT and he tries three hearts. What do you say?
ANSWER: Your bidding has shown about 19 points, balanced. You can raise to four hearts, but your values are so slammish that stronger action is best: Bid four clubs. You wouldn’t seek a trump suit at this stage, so your “cue bid” shows a great heart fit, the ace of clubs and slam interest.
North dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S K 9 3
H A K 3 2
D A 7 6 3
C A J
WEST
S 8 7 6
H 10 8 6 4
D K J 9 8
C 10 4
EAST
S Q J 5 4 2
H Q J
D Q 5
C K 7 6 2
SOUTH
S A 10
H 9 7 5
D 10 4 2
C Q 9 8 5 3
North East South West
1 D Pass 1 NT Pass
3 NT All Pass
Opening lead — S 8
(C)2020 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-08-22--Ask Amy: One thing keeps me from leaving this mean drunk

Dear Amy : I am 68 and have been married to a 75-year-old alcoholic for 20 years .
My husband continues to drink .
I am his only friend .
He can be a kind thoughtful man , and also a rude and socially inept jerk .
When he is drunk , he is extremely rude to me .
All attempts at sobriety are short-lived .
Through the years , I have left him and then returned .
I have seen three attorneys and considered divorce .
Each attorney has let me know that for a variety of reasons I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I divorce my husband .
This is because our home was purchased with assets he gained before the marriage , yet he is entitled to half my saved income from my business .
• Ask Amy : Why would someone be so cruel in a funeral notice ?
• Ask Amy : She denies it happened , but I saw the proof on her phone • Ask Amy : I ’ m angry that the hostess didn ’ t tell me who this man was • Ask Amy : He was way out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friendship • Ask Amy : If I ’ m ‘ lucky to have a job , ’ why am I miserable ?
I also have a fairly benign but chronic health-care issue , which is in remission but flares up from time to time .
I go to Al-Anon , which has helped me , as I have built a wonderful life .
I also know that alcoholism is a progressive disease and that his drinking and behavior can get much worse .
Do you have any advice for me ?
Waiting for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : I can ’ t tell you what choice to make , just as your support system from Al-Anon can ’ t direct you .
Your lawyers can only deliver sound legal advice concerning the financial consequences of divorce .
I will say this : Waiting for the other shoe to drop is pretty much the definition of mental torture .
I think it is vital that , at the very least , you have a “ safe place ” to retreat to if/when things get bad .
Your husband has a serious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a high and negative impact on you .
Dear Amy : I am a widow and have started dating again .
I am currently seeing a man who gets up early to go online .
He is always complimenting women online , even telling them that he loves them .
He and I dated before , and I walked away because of his online activities .
He got back in touch , saying that he missed me .
He asked if we could try again .
During the time we were broken up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dates with another woman .
He promised that she would be gone !
Nope .
He still keeps her number and has her on his Facebook account .
I am not on his Facebook account , and his page still says that he is single , even though he tells me that we are in a relationship .
I have told him I will not be second to a computer and a bunch of single women .
I got married at 18 and was married for 32 years when my husband passed away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do at this point .
Should I walk away ?
I have told him that I do not think it is right to keep old baggage hanging around because it doesn ’ t give us a chance to move forward as a couple .
I have had a lot of other men interested in taking me out , but I have turned them down because I don ’ t believe in playing these games .
Please help .
I ’ m thinking of just being alone !
Dear Worried : You say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right to keep old baggage around .
Has it occurred to you that in this scenario , you might be the baggage that he is keeping around ?
You had a very long marriage , followed by a huge loss .
Surely during your marriage , you learned that you are important .
You should be the most important person in your world , certainly much more important than a skeevy guy who can yank you back into his orbit just by asking .
Please don ’ t “ move forward as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is showing you exactly who he is .
You need to believe him .
You don ’ t want to play games , so stop playing this one .
If you walk away from this person , you will ( without question ) be the winner .
As a registered nurse who worked with brain-injured in ICU and as a certified rehabilitation RN , I have witnessed many changes that can occur after a brain injury .
There are many ways strokes affect people .
I ’ ve heard a preacher ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toes .
It would be of benefit to all to meet with the neurologist to discuss the aberrant behavior .
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: I am 68 and have been married to a 75-year-old alcoholic for 20 years. My husband continues to drink. I am his only friend. He can be a kind thoughtful man, and also a rude and socially inept jerk.
When he is drunk, he is extremely rude to me. All attempts at sobriety are short-lived.
Through the years, I have left him and then returned. I have seen three attorneys and considered divorce. Each attorney has let me know that for a variety of reasons I will be substantially worse off financially if I divorce my husband. This is because our home was purchased with assets he gained before the marriage, yet he is entitled to half my saved income from my business.
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I go to Al-Anon, which has helped me, as I have built a wonderful life. I also know that alcoholism is a progressive disease and that his drinking and behavior can get much worse.
Do you have any advice for me?
Waiting for the Other Shoe to Drop
Dear Waiting: I can’t tell you what choice to make, just as your support system from Al-Anon can’t direct you. Your lawyers can only deliver sound legal advice concerning the financial consequences of divorce.
I will say this: Waiting for the other shoe to drop is pretty much the definition of mental torture. I think it is vital that, at the very least, you have a “safe place” to retreat to if/when things get bad. Your husband has a serious, untreated illness, which unfortunately has a high and negative impact on you.
Dear Amy: I am a widow and have started dating again.
I am currently seeing a man who gets up early to go online. He is always complimenting women online, even telling them that he loves them.
He and I dated before, and I walked away because of his online activities.
He got back in touch, saying that he missed me. He asked if we could try again. During the time we were broken up, he went on a couple of dates with another woman. He promised that she would be gone! Nope. He still keeps her number and has her on his Facebook account.
I am not on his Facebook account, and his page still says that he is single, even though he tells me that we are in a relationship.
I have told him I will not be second to a computer and a bunch of single women.
I got married at 18 and was married for 32 years when my husband passed away. I don’t know what to do at this point.
Should I walk away? I have told him that I do not think it is right to keep old baggage hanging around because it doesn’t give us a chance to move forward as a couple.
I have had a lot of other men interested in taking me out, but I have turned them down because I don’t believe in playing these games.
Please help. I’m thinking of just being alone!
Worried Widow
Dear Worried: You say you don’t think it is right to keep old baggage around. Has it occurred to you that in this scenario, you might be the baggage that he is keeping around?
You had a very long marriage, followed by a huge loss. Surely during your marriage, you learned that you are important. You should be the most important person in your world, certainly much more important than a skeevy guy who can yank you back into his orbit just by asking.
Please don’t “move forward as a couple” with this dude. He is showing you exactly who he is. You need to believe him.
You don’t want to play games, so stop playing this one. If you walk away from this person, you will (without question) be the winner.
Dear Amy: “Confused” was upset when a recent stroke victim made a sexually inappropriate comment.
As a registered nurse who worked with brain-injured in ICU and as a certified rehabilitation RN, I have witnessed many changes that can occur after a brain injury.
There are many ways strokes affect people. I’ve heard a preacher’s son use language that would curl your toes.
It would be of benefit to all to meet with the neurologist to discuss the aberrant behavior.
RN
Dear RN: Great advice. Thank you.
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--2020-08-22--Harriette Cole: My kids took ancestry tests, and their father is going to be furious

DEAR HARRIETTE : My ex-husband was the product of an extramarital interracial relationship .
Both of his parents — the ones who raised him — are white , and he has always denied he was biracial , despite the obvious physical characteristics that say otherwise .
We have two beautiful teenage children who have been raised believing they are white .
We recently took ancestry tests , and what I believed to be true has been confirmed : My children have 25 % African DNA .
Since our divorce 12 years ago , my children have been raised very open-minded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t believe they will struggle with this new information , but I ’ m concerned about the questions they will ask , how much information to give them about their grandmother ’ s choices and how to deal with their father , who I know will be furious when he finds out .
Please help !
DEAR WHITE MOM : Your children should know their true identity .
Start by sharing with them the results of the DNA test .
Tell them what you know and that you suspected their father @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revealed to you .
• Harriette Cole : Being a generous guest costs me too much • Harriette Cole : I ’ m different , and my boss won ’ t accept that • Harriette Cole : My young siblings want to live with me , not with our parents • Harriette Cole : My shy roommate now has four virtual boyfriends on a string • Harriette Cole : I regret my decision about the family dog Make it clear to them that your father ’ s family chose to have him live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will likely be unhappy about this revelation .
Families have secrets ; that doesn ’ t make them bad people .
Prepare your teenagers to understand that they may not get all of the answers that they may want .
They can ask their father about his roots , but who knows what he will share , especially since he wouldn ’ t tell you ?
If it is true that his mother had an extramarital affair that produced your ex-husband , that is a complicated situation that his mother chose not to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ satisfaction that they will desire when they start their research , but it is worth a try to learn more about their heritage .
DEAR HARRIETTE : I am 77 now .
Forty-six years ago , I had the opportunity to have a nose job .
To this day , I have no regrets .
My nose had a large hump that lowered my self-esteem .
Later , when I found a picture of my grandmother , I realized that , unknowingly , the doctor had configured my new nose to the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ God opportunity ” afforded to me .
May your reader — of course after having a doctor check the person ’ s health — feel the relief and comfort that my nose job has given me .
Thanks for allowing me to share my story .
DEAR NOSE JOB : Your story is an inspiration for many who grapple with the question of whether or not to have elective surgery , especially something that can so dramatically change your appearance .
I agree with you that if you make the choice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your new nose have a natural look that is reflective of your family lineage , if at all possible .
Then it is easier for you to enjoy your refresh without creating the need for too many questions and unnecessary input .
As you point out , having this type of surgery can mean the world to a patient .
You are living proof that it can improve your self-esteem .
Thank you for sharing .
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS , an initiative to help people access and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questions to askharriette @ harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

DEAR HARRIETTE: My ex-husband was the product of an extramarital interracial relationship. Both of his parents — the ones who raised him — are white, and he has always denied he was biracial, despite the obvious physical characteristics that say otherwise. We have two beautiful teenage children who have been raised believing they are white.
We recently took ancestry tests, and what I believed to be true has been confirmed: My children have 25% African DNA.
Since our divorce 12 years ago, my children have been raised very open-minded, and for this reason, I don’t believe they will struggle with this new information, but I’m concerned about the questions they will ask, how much information to give them about their grandmother’s choices and how to deal with their father, who I know will be furious when he finds out. Please help!
White Mom
DEAR WHITE MOM: Your children should know their true identity. Start by sharing with them the results of the DNA test. Tell them what you know and that you suspected their father was biracial, though it was never revealed to you.
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Make it clear to them that your father’s family chose to have him live as a white man, so he will likely be unhappy about this revelation. Families have secrets; that doesn’t make them bad people.
Prepare your teenagers to understand that they may not get all of the answers that they may want. They can ask their father about his roots, but who knows what he will share, especially since he wouldn’t tell you?
If it is true that his mother had an extramarital affair that produced your ex-husband, that is a complicated situation that his mother chose not to address. They may not get the satisfaction that they will desire when they start their research, but it is worth a try to learn more about their heritage.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I am 77 now. Forty-six years ago, I had the opportunity to have a nose job. To this day, I have no regrets. My nose had a large hump that lowered my self-esteem. Later, when I found a picture of my grandmother, I realized that, unknowingly, the doctor had configured my new nose to the same pleasant shape. I think this was a “God opportunity” afforded to me.
May your reader — of course after having a doctor check the person’s health — feel the relief and comfort that my nose job has given me. Thanks for allowing me to share my story.
Nose Job
DEAR NOSE JOB: Your story is an inspiration for many who grapple with the question of whether or not to have elective surgery, especially something that can so dramatically change your appearance. I agree with you that if you make the choice for rhinoplasty, it is best that your new nose have a natural look that is reflective of your family lineage, if at all possible. Then it is easier for you to enjoy your refresh without creating the need for too many questions and unnecessary input.
As you point out, having this type of surgery can mean the world to a patient. You are living proof that it can improve your self-esteem. Thank you for sharing.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-08-22--Miss Manners: Here’s the email I sent to explain why I hid from my guests

DEAR MISS MANNERS : I have been having trouble setting boundaries with my mother-in-law .
Our county is currently under a stay-at-home order .
This weekend , she invited her two sisters and two nieces over to my house for a socially distanced al fresco dinner — one to which I had originally only invited her , her son and her son ’ s girlfriend ( a single household ) .
I found out about the extra guests only a half-hour before they arrived .
I ended up locking myself in my bedroom and refusing to participate .
My husband @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come out to say goodbye .
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I sent everyone this email @ @ @ @ @ @ @ glad you enjoyed yourselves on Saturday .
I stayed in my room .
I was given 30 minutes to come to terms with the idea that the number of the people on my property was going to quintuple .
I am an introverted rule-follower , and that is not enough time for me to become comfortable with this idea , especially during the stay-at-home order .
“ What I was originally told , and I was given over a week to consider and become comfortable with , is that two to three people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — a small , socially distanced group , from one household .
This is something I was willing to try as a test run for my mother ’ s birthday .
What I got was more than double the number of guests with only a 30-minute warning .
“ ( Mother-in-law ) is impulsive and unable to consider the consequences of her actions .
I do not expect and am not asking that anything change there .
The rest of you , however , know this .
You also know that ( Husband @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during normal times , much less during a pandemic .
“ So here is what I propose : Next time you are invited to my house and the invitation comes from someone other than me or ( Husband ) directly , please confirm with us .
It could be a simple ‘ Hey , what time should I be over on Saturday ?
’ or ‘ Do you want me to bring anything for the party ?
’ or ‘ Can I bring my new boyfriend with me ?
’ “ You all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should have my cell , because I ’ ve been on a number of text strings , but here it is again .
Thank you for your respectful consideration.
” Did I overstep ?
How can I set boundaries without being rude ?
GENTLE READER : Well , you probably won ’ t be troubled with family visits again soon .
While your exasperation is understandable , no good is likely to come from the way you expressed it .
Miss Manners agrees with your husband that locking yourself in was inhospitable , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even from behind a glass door , would have softened the edge .
And your email could have explained your reaction by saying you were discombobulated by the radically altered plans , and would have welcomed them with advance agreement about guests and precautions .
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website , www.missmanners.com ; to her email , dearmissmanners @ gmail.com ; or through postal mail to Miss Manners , Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have been having trouble setting boundaries with my mother-in-law.
Our county is currently under a stay-at-home order. This weekend, she invited her two sisters and two nieces over to my house for a socially distanced al fresco dinner — one to which I had originally only invited her, her son and her son’s girlfriend (a single household). I found out about the extra guests only a half-hour before they arrived.
I ended up locking myself in my bedroom and refusing to participate. My husband is mad that I did not even come out to say goodbye.
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“Hi Family — I am glad you enjoyed yourselves on Saturday. I stayed in my room. I was given 30 minutes to come to terms with the idea that the number of the people on my property was going to quintuple. I am an introverted rule-follower, and that is not enough time for me to become comfortable with this idea, especially during the stay-at-home order.
“What I was originally told, and I was given over a week to consider and become comfortable with, is that two to three people would be picnicking in my front yard — a small, socially distanced group, from one household. This is something I was willing to try as a test run for my mother’s birthday. What I got was more than double the number of guests with only a 30-minute warning.
“(Mother-in-law) is impulsive and unable to consider the consequences of her actions. I do not expect and am not asking that anything change there. The rest of you, however, know this. You also know that (Husband) and I rarely have guests over during normal times, much less during a pandemic.
“So here is what I propose: Next time you are invited to my house and the invitation comes from someone other than me or (Husband) directly, please confirm with us. It could be a simple ‘Hey, what time should I be over on Saturday?’ or ‘Do you want me to bring anything for the party?’ or ‘Can I bring my new boyfriend with me?’
“You all have my email address now. You should have my cell, because I’ve been on a number of text strings, but here it is again. Thank you for your respectful consideration.”
Did I overstep? How can I set boundaries without being rude?
GENTLE READER: Well, you probably won’t be troubled with family visits again soon. While your exasperation is understandable, no good is likely to come from the way you expressed it.
Miss Manners agrees with your husband that locking yourself in was inhospitable, when a wave and apologetic smile, even from behind a glass door, would have softened the edge. And your email could have explained your reaction by saying you were discombobulated by the radically altered plans, and would have welcomed them with advance agreement about guests and precautions.
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-08-22--Five arrested on suspicion of looting in CZU fire evacuation zone

FELTON – Five people were arrested on suspicion of looting in the CZU Lightning Complex Fire evacuation zone after residents with home security cameras reported suspicious behavior , authorities said .
Deputies went to Fall Creek Road in Felton and tried to stop two vehicles , said Santa Cruz County Sheriff ’ s Office spokesperson Ashley Keehn .
The driver of one vehicle stopped , but the other allegedly tried to drive away and crashed into a ditch .
The sheriff ’ s office identified the suspects as Jose Gandarilla , Susana Luna , Crystal Araujo , Sara Loretz and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspicion of charges including looting , grand theft , conspiracy to commit a crime and burglary .
“ I can say that there are people out there , unfortunately , that are looking to victimize people who have left and have been displaced , ” said Chief Deputy Chris Clark .
“ It ’ s terrible and it ’ s disgusting.
” Clark said dozens of deputies are patrolling Scotts Valley and the San Lorenzo Valley to prevent looting .
Anyone who witnesses looting or suspicious activity on a security camera can call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 831-471-1121 .

FELTON – Five people were arrested on suspicion of looting in the CZU Lightning Complex Fire evacuation zone after residents with home security cameras reported suspicious behavior, authorities said.
Deputies went to Fall Creek Drive in Felton and tried to stop two vehicles, said Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Ashley Keehn. The driver of one vehicle stopped, but the other allegedly tried to drive away and crashed into a ditch.
Keehn said the suspects “hit multiple houses.”
The sheriff’s office identified the suspects as Jose Gandarilla, Susana Luna, Crystal Araujo, Sara Loretz and Crystle Parstch-Lucchesi. They were arrested on suspicion of charges including looting, grand theft, conspiracy to commit a crime and burglary.
“I can say that there are people out there, unfortunately, that are looking to victimize people who have left and have been displaced,” said Chief Deputy Chris Clark. “It’s terrible and it’s disgusting.”
Clark said dozens of deputies are patrolling Scotts Valley and the San Lorenzo Valley to prevent looting.
Anyone who witnesses looting or suspicious activity on a security camera can call the sheriff’s office dispatch center at 831-471-1121.


mercurynews--2020-08-23--Bay Area air quality forecast: dismal and worse

Raging wildfires and high temperatures are expected choke the Bay Area with unhealthy air through at least Wednesday .
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District on Saturday issued a Spare the Air alert through the weekend , banning wood and other fuel fires .
The forecast calls for unhealthy outdoor conditions for sensitive groups in most of the Bay Area , and unhealthy conditions for all residents in the Santa Clara Valley and much of the East Bay .
The worst conditions are expected in San Jose and much of the Alameda and Contra Costa counties through Wednesday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particulate pollution have surged through the region from major wildfires , and air quality is not expected to improve to a moderate risk until Thursday , forecasters said .
Officials encourage people to limit time spent outdoors .
The National Weather Service has also issued a red flag warning Sunday and Monday for Northern California .
The warning comes as dry thunderstorms are expected to strike Sunday , with little rain in the forecast .
The warning means weather may set off extreme fire behavior within 24 hours , according to Cal Fire @

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Raging wildfires and high temperatures are expected to choke the Bay Area with unhealthy air through at least Wednesday.
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District on Saturday issued a Spare the Air alert through the weekend, banning wood and other fuel fires.
The forecast calls for unhealthy outdoor conditions for sensitive groups in most of the Bay Area, and unhealthy conditions for all residents in the Santa Clara Valley and much of the East Bay. The worst conditions are expected in San Jose and much of the Alameda and Contra Costa counties through Wednesday, according to the agency.
Smoke and particulate pollution have surged through the region from major wildfires, and air quality is not expected to improve to a moderate risk until Thursday, forecasters said. Officials encourage people to limit time spent outdoors.
The National Weather Service has also issued a red flag warning Sunday and Monday for Northern California. The warning comes as dry thunderstorms are expected to strike Sunday, with little rain in the forecast.
The warning means weather may set off extreme fire behavior within 24 hours, according to Cal Fire.


mercurynews--2020-08-23--‘You just got to keep living life:’ In Sonoma County, taking out the trash, getting ice cream and wa

‘You just got to keep living life:’ In Sonoma County, taking out the trash, getting ice cream and waiting for disaster

HEALDSBURG — Stores were open , if emptier than usual , in downtown Healdsburg on Saturday — a normal day if not for the evacuation warnings and the smoke and falling ash heralding the approach of a massive wildfire threatening 30,500 homes and businesses in Sonoma , Napa , Solano counties and beyond .
Healdsburg and Guerneville , in Sonoma County , are on the path of the LNU Complex Fire , the most destructive of the three major complex fires that have ravaged Northern California since Sunday .
The fire has burned 314,207 acres already , claiming four lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some residents in the North Bay towns on the path of their third major wildfire since 2017 , all they wanted was some sense of normalcy .
Bryan Menegon and his wife , Stephanie Quirk , were spending a relaxing Saturday in Healdsburg Plaza with their daughters , even though their home is under an evacuation order and ash has been raining from the sky all day .
“ We ’ re just over panicking , ” 42-year-old Quirk said .
“ We came to get ice cream and kind of do our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The family lives in Middletown , in Lake County , which is under threat from the Hennessey Fire .
But their home is in town , where they don ’ t think the fire will reach .
So they took a day trip to Healdsburg , which is under threat from a different fire — the Walbridge — and also is under an evacuation warning .
The family came to visit the town of some 12,000 residents just as the 50,069-acre Walbridge fire , part of the LNU Complex , became the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the area .
Fire officials have ordered evacuations for many communities south of the Russian River area , but so far downtown Healdsburg east of Highway 101 remains under an evacuation warning , as do parts of Windsor to the south .
Though the Walbridge Fire reportedly has made it into the north edge of Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve , the old-growth trees in the main area of the park were undamaged Saturday .
That includes the park ’ s crown jewel — the more than 1,400-year-old Colonel Armstrong .
Firefighters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
Crews have made progress on the other side of the Sonoma County line , however , and have lifted some evacuation orders in Yolo County , according to Cal Fire Chief Chris Waters .
Fires near the winery-rich Atlas Peak area in Napa are likewise “ starting to look a lot better , ” he said .
Some residents were even trying to go about life as usual in Guerneville , to the southwest of Healdsburg and downwind from the approaching fire .
The town , which is under an evacuation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a quarter of which are 65 and older .
Despite the looming catastrophic threat , Keary and Sally Sorensen were focused on a more manageable nuisance — littering .
The two run a cleaning business called Everclean North , and on Saturday were emptying public trash cans in an otherwise mostly empty downtown .
“ If we allow our town to get trashed , then we have a trashy town , ” said Keary Sorenson , who was wearing a tie-dye face mask .
“ So we ’ re not going anywhere.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where Keary moved from Santa Cruz after losing everything in the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake .
Now , they ’ re worried about themselves and their friends in Guerneville losing their businesses as one natural disaster after another — the 2017 Tubbs Fire , the Kincade Fire last year , the floods — dry up tourist dollars .
“ We lose this , we lose everything , ” Keary said .
Quirk and Menegon in Healdsburg took a similar philosophy , saying they ’ d gotten used to the nearly annual evacuations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oldest daughter — 5-year-old Stella — when they evacuated from the Valley Fire .
Stella was born two days later .
“ I guess they all are now , ” Menegon said , watching 9-month-old Ruby play on the grass .
The couple also lost a cannabis farm in the Kincade Fire last year , which they replaced with a new one in Lake County , under the name Menegon Farms .
After so many close brushes with fire , they ’ ve learned some lessons .
Number one , stay off social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ What can you do ?
” Menegon asked .
“ You just got to keep living life.
” Fiona Kelliher and Ray Chavez contributed to this report

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HEALDSBURG — Stores were open, if emptier than usual, in downtown Healdsburg on Saturday — a normal day if not for the evacuation warnings and the smoke and falling ash heralding the approach of a massive wildfire threatening 30,500 homes and businesses in Sonoma, Napa, Solano counties and beyond.
Healdsburg and Guerneville, in Sonoma County, are on the path of the LNU Complex Fire, the most destructive of the three major complex fires that have ravaged Northern California since Sunday. The blaze grew on Saturday, and sent officials scrambling to send new evacuation orders and warnings throughout the region.
As of Saturday night, the fire was 15 percent contained, burning through 325,000 acres, claiming four lives and destroying 845 buildings.
Evacuation orders and warnings have spread across wine country. The fire has taken three lives in Napa County and one in Solano County, according to Cal Fire. No first responders have been injured.
In Lake County Saturday afternoon, the sheriff’s department ordered evacuations of residents living near Hidden Valley Lake and Jerusalem Valley.
It could get worse. An incoming, dry thunderstorm is forecasted to strike the area Sunday, bringing unpredictable winds capable of spreading the blazes and lightning strikes able to ignite new fires.
But for some residents in the North Bay towns on the path of their third major wildfire since 2017, all they wanted Saturday was some sense of normalcy.
Bryan Menegon and his wife, Stephanie Quirk, were spending a relaxing day in Healdsburg Plaza with their daughters, even though their home is under an evacuation order and ash has been raining from the sky all day.
“We’re just over panicking,” 42-year-old Quirk said. “We came to get ice cream and kind of do our normal weekend thing in all this chaos.”
The family lives in Middletown, in Lake County, which is under threat from the Hennessey Fire. But their home is in town, where they don’t think the fire will reach. So they took a day trip to Healdsburg, which is under threat from a different fire — the Walbridge — and also is under an evacuation warning.
The family came to visit the town of some 12,000 residents just as the 50,069-acre Walbridge fire, part of the LNU Complex, became the top priority for firefighters anticipating southwesterly winds in the area. Fire officials have ordered evacuations for many communities south of the Russian River area, but so far downtown Healdsburg east of Highway 101 remains under an evacuation warning, as do parts of Windsor to the south.
Though the Walbridge Fire reportedly has made it into the north edge of Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, the old-growth trees in the main area of the park were undamaged Saturday. That includes the park’s crown jewel — the more than 1,400-year-old Colonel Armstrong. Firefighters were deployed through the forest to protect it.
Crews have made progress on the other side of the Sonoma County line, however, and have lifted some evacuation orders in Yolo County, according to Cal Fire Chief Chris Waters. Fires near the winery-rich Atlas Peak area in Napa are likewise “starting to look a lot better,” he said.
Some residents were even trying to go about life as usual in Guerneville, to the southwest of Healdsburg and downwind from the approaching fire. The town, which is under an evacuation order, has fewer than 5,000 residents, a quarter of which are 65 and older. Despite the looming catastrophic threat, Keary and Sally Sorensen were focused on a more manageable nuisance — littering.
The two run a cleaning business called Everclean North, and on Saturday were emptying public trash cans in an otherwise mostly empty downtown.
“If we allow our town to get trashed, then we have a trashy town,” said Keary Sorenson, who was wearing a tie-dye face mask. “So we’re not going anywhere.”
The couple lives in Monte Rio, where Keary moved from Santa Cruz after losing everything in the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake. Now, they’re worried about themselves and their friends in Guerneville losing their businesses as one natural disaster after another — the 2017 Tubbs Fire, the Kincade Fire last year, the floods — dry up tourist dollars.
“We lose this, we lose everything,” Keary said.
Quirk and Menegon in Healdsburg took a similar philosophy, saying they’d gotten used to the nearly annual evacuations. Quirk was in labor with their oldest daughter — 5-year-old Stella — when they evacuated from the Valley Fire. Stella was born two days later.
“She’s our fire baby,” Quirk said.
“I guess they all are now,” Menegon said, watching 9-month-old Ruby play on the grass. The couple also lost a cannabis farm in the Kincade Fire last year, which they replaced with a new one in Lake County, under the name Menegon Farms. After so many close brushes with fire, they’ve learned some lessons. Number one, stay off social media and avoid reading panic-inducing posts.
“What can you do?” Menegon asked. “You just got to keep living life.”
Fiona Kelliher, Louis Hansen and Ray Chavez contributed to this report


mercurynews--2020-08-23--Report: Trump administration to block proposed Alaska mine

By The Associated Press The Trump administration plans to block a proposed copper and gold mine near the headwaters of a major U.S. salmon fishery in Alaska , six people described as familiar with its plans told Politico on Saturday .
The administration ’ s rejection of the Pebble Mine project is expected to come after Trump faced pressure to stop it from GOP mega-donor Andy Sabin , Bass Pro Shops CEO Johnny Morris and his eldest son , Donald Trump Jr. , Politico reported .
“ With any government , whether it be Obama or Trump , nothing is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s just the nature of this beast , ” Sabin , who has spoken with the president about the proposed mine , said in an interview with Politico .
“ But I ’ m fairly certain that you ’ re going to get good news.
” “ We firmly believe that the implication pushed by Politico that the White House is going to kill the project is clearly in error , likely made by a rush to publish rather than doing the necessary diligence to track down the full story , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We categorically deny any reports that the Trump Administration is going to return to an Obama-like approach that allowed politics to interfere with the normal , traditional permitting process .
This president clearly believes in keeping politics out of permitting – something conservatives and the business community fully support.
” The head of one of the nation ’ s biggest environmentalist groups said he believes the Trump administration will stop the project .
“ Pebble Mine has always been the wrong mine in the wrong place , ” Collin O ’ Mara , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Federation , said in a statement , “ This decision marks a key step to save Alaska ’ s Bristol Bay — the world ’ s most important salmon fishery which supports more than 14,000 jobs — from billions of gallons of toxic tailings inevitably leaching into its pristine waters .
Stopping Pebble Mine was the right decision by the Obama administration in 2014 and we thank the Trump administration for making the right decision today.
” Politico reports that three officials say the Army Corps of Engineers office in Alaska plans to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups connected to the proposed mine to discuss the decision .
Politico says an administration official confirmed the call .
The report of a decision to stop the project comes despite an environmental review the developer of the Pebble Mine saw as strongly in its favor .
The corps ’ final environmental review of the project in southwest Alaska , released in late July , stated that under normal operations , the alternatives it looked at “ would not be expected to have a measurable effect on fish numbers and result in long-term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fisheries in Bristol Bay.
” The corps stressed the review was not a decision document .
Pebble critics had blasted the corps ’ review as deficient , while the Pebble Limited Partnership , which is seeking to develop the mine and is owned by Canada-based Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. , saw it as laying the groundwork for approval .
Pebble critics saw last-minute public support for their cause from Donald Trump Jr. and Nick Ayers , a former aide to Vice President Mike Pence and a senior adviser to the Trump campaign , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has played up the president ’ s efforts to promote development .
“ Every other major project developer and investor in the world is watching whether this administration delivers on its promise to eliminate political influence from permitting , ” Collier said in early August .
The mine , long a source of controversy and litigation , was seen by many as getting a second wind under the Trump administration .
The U.S. Environmental Protection , under the preceding Obama administration , proposed restricting development in southwest Alaska ’ s Bristol Bay region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largest sockeye salmon fishery in the world and containing significant mineral resources .
Salmon also is a key part of the culture of Alaska Natives who call the region home .
• See ash falling ?
Take a picture to help scientists track California wildfires like never before • Two tropical storms could threaten Gulf Coast at the same time • Milpitas community briefs for the week of Aug. 21 • Letters : Carrying the load | Facebook ethics | Keep deaths down | Democracy on ballot But the agency never finalized the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , allowed the Pebble partnership to go through permitting .
Pebble lauded the shift , arguing its project should be allowed to be vetted through a permitting process and not pre-emptively vetoed .
Mine critics , however , feared politics were getting in the way of science .

By The Associated Press
The Trump administration plans to block a proposed copper and gold mine near the headwaters of a major U.S. salmon fishery in Alaska, six people described as familiar with its plans told Politico on Saturday.
The administration’s rejection of the Pebble Mine project is expected to come after Trump faced pressure to stop it from GOP mega-donor Andy Sabin, Bass Pro Shops CEO Johnny Morris and his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., Politico reported.
“With any government, whether it be Obama or Trump, nothing is certain until it happens, and that’s just the nature of this beast,” Sabin, who has spoken with the president about the proposed mine, said in an interview with Politico. “But I’m fairly certain that you’re going to get good news.”
Pebble Limited Partnership CEO Tom Collier disputed the Politico report,
“We firmly believe that the implication pushed by Politico that the White House is going to kill the project is clearly in error, likely made by a rush to publish rather than doing the necessary diligence to track down the full story,” Collier said in a statement. “We categorically deny any reports that the Trump Administration is going to return to an Obama-like approach that allowed politics to interfere with the normal, traditional permitting process. This president clearly believes in keeping politics out of permitting – something conservatives and the business community fully support.”
The head of one of the nation’s biggest environmentalist groups said he believes the Trump administration will stop the project.
“Pebble Mine has always been the wrong mine in the wrong place,” Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation, said in a statement, “This decision marks a key step to save Alaska’s Bristol Bay — the world’s most important salmon fishery which supports more than 14,000 jobs — from billions of gallons of toxic tailings inevitably leaching into its pristine waters. Stopping Pebble Mine was the right decision by the Obama administration in 2014 and we thank the Trump administration for making the right decision today.”
Politico reports that three officials say the Army Corps of Engineers office in Alaska plans to hold a conference call on Monday with groups connected to the proposed mine to discuss the decision. Politico says an administration official confirmed the call.
The report of a decision to stop the project comes despite an environmental review the developer of the Pebble Mine saw as strongly in its favor.
The corps’ final environmental review of the project in southwest Alaska, released in late July, stated that under normal operations, the alternatives it looked at “would not be expected to have a measurable effect on fish numbers and result in long-term changes to the health of the commercial fisheries in Bristol Bay.” The corps stressed the review was not a decision document.
Pebble critics had blasted the corps’ review as deficient, while the Pebble Limited Partnership, which is seeking to develop the mine and is owned by Canada-based Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd., saw it as laying the groundwork for approval.
Pebble critics saw last-minute public support for their cause from Donald Trump Jr. and Nick Ayers, a former aide to Vice President Mike Pence and a senior adviser to the Trump campaign, who promoted the conservation angle. Collier has played up the president’s efforts to promote development.
“Every other major project developer and investor in the world is watching whether this administration delivers on its promise to eliminate political influence from permitting,” Collier said in early August.
The mine, long a source of controversy and litigation, was seen by many as getting a second wind under the Trump administration. The U.S. Environmental Protection, under the preceding Obama administration, proposed restricting development in southwest Alaska’s Bristol Bay region, which it described as supporting the largest sockeye salmon fishery in the world and containing significant mineral resources. Salmon also is a key part of the culture of Alaska Natives who call the region home.
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Castle Rock State Park to expand in size due to rare state land purchase Politics | Cupertino quarry won’t restart cement production after entering into legal agreement with Santa Clara County But the agency never finalized the restrictions and, under the Trump administration, allowed the Pebble partnership to go through permitting.
Pebble lauded the shift, arguing its project should be allowed to be vetted through a permitting process and not pre-emptively vetoed. Mine critics, however, feared politics were getting in the way of science.


mercurynews--2020-08-22--House passes bill to reverse changes blamed for mail delays

By Lisa Mascaro and Matthew Daly | Associated Press WASHINGTON — With heated debate over mail delays , the House approved legislation in a rare Saturday session that would reverse recent changes in U.S .
Postal Service operations and send $ 25 billion to shore up the agency ahead of the November election .
Speaker Nancy Pelosi recalled lawmakers to Washington over objections from Republicans dismissing the action as a stunt .
President Donald Trump urged a no vote , including in a Saturday tweet , railing against mail-in ballots expected to surge in the COVID-19 crisis .
He has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Postal Service .
“ Don ’ t pay any attention to what the president is saying , because it is all designed to suppress the vote , ” Pelosi said at the Capitol .
Pelosi called the Postal Service the nation ’ s “ beautiful thread ” connecting Americans and said voters should “ ignore ” the president ’ s threats .
The daylong session came as an uproar over mail disruptions puts the Postal Service at the center of the nation ’ s tumultuous election year , with Americans rallying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oldest and more popular institutions .
Millions of people are expected to opt for mail-in ballots to avoid polling places during the coronavirus pandemic .
Ahead of voting the president tweeted , “ This is all another HOAX.
” More than two dozen Republicans broke with the president and backed the bill , which passed 257-150 .
Democrats led approval , but the legislation is certain to stall in the GOP-held Senate .
The White House said the president would veto it .
Facing a backlash over operational changes , new Postmaster General @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that his “ No .
1 priority ” is to ensure election mail arrives on time .
But the new postal leader , a Trump ally , said he would not restore the cuts to mailboxes and sorting equipment that have already been made .
He could not provide senators with a plan for handling the ballot crush for the election .
DeJoy is set to return Monday to testify before the House Oversight Committee .
“ The American people don ’ t want anyone messing with the post office , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chair of the Oversight Committee and author of the bill .
“ They just want their mail.
” But Republicans countered that complaints about mail delivery disruptions are overblown , and no emergency funding is needed right now .
Despite the postmaster general ’ s vow election mail will arrive on time , Democrats remain skeptical .
They produced new reports showing declines in postal service since he took over in June .
DeJoy acknowledged at the Senate hearing there has been a “ dip ” in service , but disputed reports of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Postal Service announced a bipartisan committee to oversee mail voting .
The bill would reverse the cuts by prohibiting any changes made after January , and provide funds to the agency .
In a memo to House Republicans , leaders derided the legislation as a postal “ conspiracy theory ” act .
Many GOP lawmakers echoed such sentiments during a lively floor debate .
“ I like the post office , I really do , ” said Rep. Glenn Grothman , R-Wis .
But he said , “ We have no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader Mitch McConnell is eyeing a $ 10 billion postal rescue as part of the next COVID-19 relief package .
While Trump has said he wants to block emergency funding for the agency , the White House has said it would be open to more postal funding as part of a broader bill .
Hundreds of lawmakers returned to Washington for the weekend session , but dozens cast votes by proxy under House rules that allow them to stay away during the COVID-19 crisis .
Another lawmaker , Rep. Dan Meuser , R-Pa. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the virus .
Trump ’ s chief of staff , Mark Meadows , was on Capitol Hill meeting Saturday with GOP House leader Kevin McCarthy and other lawmakers , according to a Republican aide granted anonymity to discuss the private sessions .
The Postal Service has been struggling financially under a decline in mail volume , COVID-19-related costs and a rare and cumbersome congressional requirement to fund in advance its retiree health care benefits .
For many , the Postal Service provides a lifeline , delivering not just cards and letters but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other items that are especially needed by mail during the pandemic .
The postal board of governors , appointed by Trump , selected DeJoy to take the job as postmaster general .
A GOP donor , he previously owned a logistics business that was a longtime Postal Service contractor .
He maintains significant financial stakes in companies that do business or compete with the agency , raising conflict of interest questions .
In a statement , the Postal Service said DeJoy has made all required financial disclosures , but he might have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republicans have long sought changes to have the agency run more like a private company , and Trump often complains the Postal Service should be charging Amazon and other companies higher rates for package deliveries .
The founder of Amazon , Jeff Bezos , also owns The Washington Post , a publication that Trump frequently derides as “ fake news ” over critical stories of him .
• Q & A : What does the Postal Service kerfuffle mean for California voters ?
Others say the Postal Service is not expected to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to far-flung places where it is not efficient to operate .
Associated Press writers Anthony Izaguirre in Charleston , W.Va. , and Christina A. Cassidy in Atlanta contributed to this report .

By Lisa Mascaro and Matthew Daly | Associated Press
WASHINGTON — With heated debate over mail delays, the House approved legislation in a rare Saturday session that would reverse recent changes in U.S. Postal Service operations and send $25 billion to shore up the agency ahead of the November election.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi recalled lawmakers to Washington over objections from Republicans dismissing the action as a stunt. President Donald Trump urged a no vote, including in a Saturday tweet, railing against mail-in ballots expected to surge in the COVID-19 crisis. He has said he wants to block extra funds to the Postal Service.
“Don’t pay any attention to what the president is saying, because it is all designed to suppress the vote,” Pelosi said at the Capitol.
Pelosi called the Postal Service the nation’s “beautiful thread” connecting Americans and said voters should “ignore” the president’s threats.
The daylong session came as an uproar over mail disruptions puts the Postal Service at the center of the nation’s tumultuous election year, with Americans rallying around one of the nation’s oldest and more popular institutions. Millions of people are expected to opt for mail-in ballots to avoid polling places during the coronavirus pandemic.
Ahead of voting the president tweeted, “This is all another HOAX.”
Representatives of the Post Office have repeatedly stated that they DO NOT NEED MONEY, and will not make changes. This is all another HOAX by the Democrats to give 25 Billion unneeded dollars for political purposes, without talking about the Universal Mail-In Ballot Scam…. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 22, 2020
More than two dozen Republicans broke with the president and backed the bill, which passed 257-150. Democrats led approval, but the legislation is certain to stall in the GOP-held Senate. The White House said the president would veto it.
Facing a backlash over operational changes, new Postmaster General Louis DeJoy testified Friday in the Senate that his “No. 1 priority” is to ensure election mail arrives on time.
But the new postal leader, a Trump ally, said he would not restore the cuts to mailboxes and sorting equipment that have already been made. He could not provide senators with a plan for handling the ballot crush for the election. DeJoy is set to return Monday to testify before the House Oversight Committee.
“The American people don’t want anyone messing with the post office,” said Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., the chair of the Oversight Committee and author of the bill. “They just want their mail.”
But Republicans countered that complaints about mail delivery disruptions are overblown, and no emergency funding is needed right now.
“It’s a silly, silly bill,” said Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla.
Despite the postmaster general’s vow election mail will arrive on time, Democrats remain skeptical. They produced new reports showing declines in postal service since he took over in June. DeJoy acknowledged at the Senate hearing there has been a “dip” in service, but disputed reports of widespread problems. The Board of Governors of the Postal Service announced a bipartisan committee to oversee mail voting.
The bill would reverse the cuts by prohibiting any changes made after January, and provide funds to the agency.
In a memo to House Republicans, leaders derided the legislation as a postal “conspiracy theory” act. Many GOP lawmakers echoed such sentiments during a lively floor debate.
“I like the post office, I really do,” said Rep. Glenn Grothman, R-Wis. But he said, “We have no crisis here.”
Nevertheless, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell is eyeing a $10 billion postal rescue as part of the next COVID-19 relief package. While Trump has said he wants to block emergency funding for the agency, the White House has said it would be open to more postal funding as part of a broader bill.
Hundreds of lawmakers returned to Washington for the weekend session, but dozens cast votes by proxy under House rules that allow them to stay away during the COVID-19 crisis. Another lawmaker, Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Pa., announced Saturday he had tested positive for the virus.
Trump’s chief of staff, Mark Meadows, was on Capitol Hill meeting Saturday with GOP House leader Kevin McCarthy and other lawmakers, according to a Republican aide granted anonymity to discuss the private sessions.
The Postal Service has been struggling financially under a decline in mail volume, COVID-19-related costs and a rare and cumbersome congressional requirement to fund in advance its retiree health care benefits.
For many, the Postal Service provides a lifeline, delivering not just cards and letters but also prescription drugs, financial statements and other items that are especially needed by mail during the pandemic.
The postal board of governors, appointed by Trump, selected DeJoy to take the job as postmaster general. A GOP donor, he previously owned a logistics business that was a longtime Postal Service contractor. He maintains significant financial stakes in companies that do business or compete with the agency, raising conflict of interest questions.
In a statement, the Postal Service said DeJoy has made all required financial disclosures, but he might have to divest some holdings if conflicts arise.
Republicans have long sought changes to have the agency run more like a private company, and Trump often complains the Postal Service should be charging Amazon and other companies higher rates for package deliveries. The founder of Amazon, Jeff Bezos, also owns The Washington Post, a publication that Trump frequently derides as “fake news” over critical stories of him.
Others say the Postal Service is not expected to be solely a money-making enterprise, often delivering to far-flung places where it is not efficient to operate.
Associated Press writers Anthony Izaguirre in Charleston, W.Va., and Christina A. Cassidy in Atlanta contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-08-22--San Mateo police seize 40 pounds of drugs

OAKLAND -- A 67-year-old man was fatally stabbed at his East Oakland home early Saturday and a suspect was later @ @ @ @ @ The name of the man killed was not released pending notification of family .
The @ @ @ @ @ , an Oakland resident who police said knew the victim , was also not released @ @ @ @ @ about ...

A traffic stop yielded almost 40 pounds of methamphetamine in San Mateo Friday, police said.
San Mateo police stopped a vehicle shortly after 2 p.m. Friday on the 2900 block of S. Norfolk Street. A search of the vehicle turned up several bricks and bags of drugs, police said. Two people in the vehicle were taken into custody. Police are continuing to investigate.


mercurynews--2020-08-22--San Ramon: Major injury crash closes Crow Canyon Road

Crow Canyon Road west of Bollinger Canyon Road in San Ramon is closed Saturday afternoon due to a collision , @ @ @ @ @ .
The crash involves major injuries , police said in a release about 3:15 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ was immediately available .
The collision occurred on Crow Canyon near the Contra Costa-Alameda County @ @ @ @ @

Bay City News Service
Crow Canyon Road west of Bollinger Canyon Road in San Ramon is closed Saturday afternoon due to a collision, according to San Ramon police.
The crash involves major injuries, police said in a release about 3:15 p.m., but no other information was immediately available.
The collision occurred on Crow Canyon near the Contra Costa-Alameda County line, police said.