mercurynews--2020-04-22--73-year-old California woman convicted of killing her husband with a hammer to be released from pris

73-year-old California woman convicted of killing her husband with a hammer to be released from prison because of coronavirus concerns

VISTA — A 73-year-old Southern California woman who has spent nearly two decades in prison for killing her husband will be released while fighting her conviction because her health may be at risk from the coronavirus if she remains behind bars , a judge ruled .
A San Diego County Superior Court judge on Monday granted an emergency plea on behalf of Jane Dorotik , whose lawyers said she was at extreme risk of getting COVID-19 because of her age , a heart condition and the close quarters of prison that made it impossible to maintain social distancing .
Dorotik @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California Institution for Women in Chino this week .
As of Tuesday evening , two staff members and one inmate at the prison had tested positive for the coronavirus .
Dorotik was serving a sentence of 25 years to life for the death of her husband , Robert .
The 55-year-old was found beaten and strangled on a roadside in 2000 , near the Valley Center horse ranch the couple rented .
His body was discovered a day after his wife reported that he had vanished after going jogging .
Prosecutors contended that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a rope .
However , the Loyola Law School Project for the Innocent sought a new trial , contending that the police investigation was flawed , that the prosecution presented false blood and DNA evidence to the jury and that new DNA testing of the rope and the body didn ’ t find any link to Dorotik .
Dorotik ’ s lawyers filed a writ of habeus corpus challenging her detention .
A hearing was scheduled earlier this month but it was sidetracked by coronavirus concerns when the court was closed to all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday , however , the court issued a revised closure order allowing hearings like Dorotik ’ s to be heard , which led to Monday ’ s ruling .
“ We argued to the court that it would truly be a tragic outcome if , just as she ’ s about to prove her innocence , Jane were to contract the deadly coronavirus while in prison waiting for her hearing to take place , ” Paige McGrail , a student with the Project for the Innocent who has worked on the case for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay with her sister in Los Angeles County and will have to self-quarantine for two weeks and must wear an ankle monitor , Paula Mitchell , legal director of the innocence group , told the San Diego Union-Tribune .
The San Diego County district attorney ’ s office opposed Dorotik ’ s release , arguing that she didn ’ t qualify for the unusual step of releasing her , the Union-Tribune said , citing a statement from spokesman Steve Walker .

VISTA — A 73-year-old Southern California woman who has spent nearly two decades in prison for killing her husband will be released while fighting her conviction because her health may be at risk from the coronavirus if she remains behind bars, a judge ruled.
A San Diego County Superior Court judge on Monday granted an emergency plea on behalf of Jane Dorotik, whose lawyers said she was at extreme risk of getting COVID-19 because of her age, a heart condition and the close quarters of prison that made it impossible to maintain social distancing.
Dorotik was expected to be released from the California Institution for Women in Chino this week.
As of Tuesday evening, two staff members and one inmate at the prison had tested positive for the coronavirus.
Dorotik was serving a sentence of 25 years to life for the death of her husband, Robert. The 55-year-old was found beaten and strangled on a roadside in 2000, near the Valley Center horse ranch the couple rented. His body was discovered a day after his wife reported that he had vanished after going jogging.
Prosecutors contended that Dorotik killed him with a hammer and a rope.
However, the Loyola Law School Project for the Innocent sought a new trial, contending that the police investigation was flawed, that the prosecution presented false blood and DNA evidence to the jury and that new DNA testing of the rope and the body didn’t find any link to Dorotik.
Dorotik’s lawyers filed a writ of habeus corpus challenging her detention. A hearing was scheduled earlier this month but it was sidetracked by coronavirus concerns when the court was closed to all but a few emergency matters.
Last Friday, however, the court issued a revised closure order allowing hearings like Dorotik’s to be heard, which led to Monday’s ruling.
“We argued to the court that it would truly be a tragic outcome if, just as she’s about to prove her innocence, Jane were to contract the deadly coronavirus while in prison waiting for her hearing to take place,” Paige McGrail, a student with the Project for the Innocent who has worked on the case for two years.
Dorotik was expected to stay with her sister in Los Angeles County and will have to self-quarantine for two weeks and must wear an ankle monitor, Paula Mitchell, legal director of the innocence group, told the San Diego Union-Tribune.
The San Diego County district attorney’s office opposed Dorotik’s release, arguing that she didn’t qualify for the unusual step of releasing her, the Union-Tribune said, citing a statement from spokesman Steve Walker.


mercurynews--2020-04-22--California nursing home reports 50 cases of coronavirus among residents, two people have died

A nursing home in Huntington Beach has reported 74 cases of the coronavirus , 50 of them among its residents .
Two of the residents – a 77-year-old and a 79-year-old – died over the last two days , a Huntington Valley Healthcare Center official said on Tuesday , April 21 .
Fourteen other patients are hospitalized , the official said , although it ’ s unknown how many of them are in need of intensive care .
The remaining 34 patients are self-isolating in the Huntington Beach facility .
All of the 24 staff members who have tested positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the facility ’ s announcement said .
The center has about 100 patients and 100 staff .
“ Our thoughts and prayers go out to their family of those who lost their lives from COVID-19 .
Our top priority remains the health and well-being of everyone in our facility , ” said Sarah Bates of the center ’ s administration team .
“ This incident underscores the service and sacrifices made by our dedicated team every day .
We ’ re grateful for their continued efforts.
” The official reached Tuesday evening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every resident and staff member has been tested for the virus .
The facility “ has essentially been on lockdown , ” he said , with only authorized healthcare professionals allowed since March 12 .
Those professionals have been monitored for any possible signs of the virus , he said .
The first sign of the virus in the facility was about 10 days ago , he said .
Since then , the growth of the cases has been exponential .
As of April 17 , according to data collected by the California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homes in Orange County , including Huntington Valley Healthcare Center , had reported at least one case of the coronavirus .
However , no nursing homes had reported more than 20 cases at that time .

A nursing home in Huntington Beach has reported 74 cases of the coronavirus, 50 of them among its residents.
Two of the residents – a 77-year-old and a 79-year-old – died over the last two days, a Huntington Valley Healthcare Center official said on Tuesday, April 21.
Related: 12 nursing home facilities in O.C. have confirmed coronavirus cases
Fourteen other patients are hospitalized, the official said, although it’s unknown how many of them are in need of intensive care. The remaining 34 patients are self-isolating in the Huntington Beach facility.
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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 All of the 24 staff members who have tested positive have minor symptoms and are in self-isolation, the facility’s announcement said. The center has about 100 patients and 100 staff.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to their family of those who lost their lives from COVID-19. Our top priority remains the health and well-being of everyone in our facility,” said Sarah Bates of the center’s administration team. “This incident underscores the service and sacrifices made by our dedicated team every day. We’re grateful for their continued efforts.”
The official reached Tuesday evening said he wasn’t sure if every resident and staff member has been tested for the virus.
The facility “has essentially been on lockdown,” he said, with only authorized healthcare professionals allowed since March 12. Those professionals have been monitored for any possible signs of the virus, he said.
The first sign of the virus in the facility was about 10 days ago, he said. Since then, the growth of the cases has been exponential.
As of April 17, according to data collected by the California Department of Public Health, 12 nursing homes in Orange County, including Huntington Valley Healthcare Center, had reported at least one case of the coronavirus. However, no nursing homes had reported more than 20 cases at that time.


mercurynews--2020-04-23--New CDC report highlights coronavirus dangers in homeless shelters

As COVID-19 outbreaks continue to threaten the Bay Area ’ s homeless communities , a new CDC report supports what activists have long feared — when it comes to coronavirus , crowded shelters are a tinderbox waiting to explode .
The report studied coronavirus outbreaks at a handful of homeless shelters around the U.S. — including MSC-South in San Francisco , where 106 people have tested positive for the virus .
The results , released in the “ Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report ” published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , alarmed local experts — even those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months .
Health workers attempted to test all residents and staff , regardless of whether they showed symptoms , at 19 homeless shelters in Seattle , Boston , San Francisco and Atlanta .
At those shelters , 25 % of residents tested positive , along with 11 % of staff .
The results were much worse in San Francisco — where 66 % of MSC-South residents had tested positive at the time the study was completed April 15 .
By Wednesday , infections had increased to 67 % .
“ It is terrifying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director of the UCSF Center for Vulnerable Populations at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital .
“ And I think it has huge implications when people start talking about reopening.
” The results show how quickly and extensively COVID-19 can spread through homeless shelters , where residents generally sleep close together and share bathrooms and dining facilities .
And they underscore another dangerous aspect of the virus — how it can move undetected through a community .
The study looked at shelters that had previously reported COVID-19 cases , as well as those that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that had reported two or more COVID-19 cases in the two weeks before the study , 37 % of residents tested positive .
But the study showed that even when a shelter hasn ’ t reported a coronavirus case , people can still be infected .
Health workers in Atlanta tested 249 residents and 59 staff members at two homeless shelters that had not reported any COVID-19 cases .
The results were surprising : 10 residents and one staff member tested positive .
“ We clearly need to do more testing , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to remove every single person we possibly can who ’ s vulnerable and get them to safety in a private room.
” Everyone who tested positive during the CDC study was transferred to a hospital or isolation area .
The CDC report suggests testing all residents and staff , regardless of symptoms , at any shelter that has reported COVID-19 cases .
If possible , the researchers recommend going a step further and testing everyone even before cases are reported .
San Francisco Supervisor Matt Haney is pushing for universal testing of residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ housing facilities and single-room-occupancy hotels ( SROs ) in his city .
But so far , the Bay Area ’ s testing of the homeless — and of everyone else — has been piecemeal , and , for the most part , tests only have been offered to people who have certain symptoms or have had known exposure to the virus .
The flaws with this testing strategy became apparent this week , when 22 residents and two staff members at Casa Quezada tested positive in San Francisco ’ s Mission district .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ housing site for the homeless tested positive April 13 after suffering from a fever and cough for two weeks .
Staff members immediately began pushing the city to test all residents , but it wasn ’ t until April 16 , when a second case was confirmed , that the city agreed , said Laura Valdéz , executive director of Dolores Street Community Services , which manages the facility .
“ Had ( the Department of Public Health ) started testing vulnerable populations in shelters , SROs and those who are unsheltered , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ we could have prevented the outbreak at MSC-South and at Casa Quezada , and more outbreaks that are happening now.
” Bay Area homeless shelters are trying to protect their residents by enforcing social distancing , but it ’ s a major challenge .
St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County transferred 26 residents from its West Oakland shelter into hotel rooms supplied by the county — allowing the shelter to thin its population and provide a little more space between residents .
Staff members arrange cots in a complicated game of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure no one ’ s head is closer than 6 feet to another person ’ s head — a move that only works if residents sleep head-to-foot .
Every other stool in the dining room is marked with an “ X ” in tape , discouraging residents from sitting too close to one another .
And signs outside encourage physical distancing while people are waiting in line to get in .
But by nature , congregate living facilities make it hard to enforce those rules .
• SJSU , Cal State East Bay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in-person classes for fall • Outbreak : Trump says he disagrees with Georgia ’ s reopening plan To address the problem , Bay Area counties have leased thousands of hotel rooms where homeless people who have COVID-19 , may have COVID-19 or are particularly vulnerable to the virus can self-isolate .
But only some of those rooms have been filled , and many more people remain in the region ’ s shelters and on the street .
“ Basically if we kind of pull away and look at what we ’ re doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying as a society we ’ re OK with losing the lives of the most destitute people , and we ’ re going to force them into close quarters , and we ’ re just going to wait , and then we ’ re just going to pull out the dead bodies as people pass away , ” said Jennifer Friedenbach , executive director of the Coalition on Homelessness .
“ And I don ’ t think that ’ s acceptable .
”

(If you’re having trouble viewing this gallery or video on a mobile device, click here.)
As COVID-19 outbreaks continue to threaten the Bay Area’s homeless communities, a new CDC report supports what activists have long feared — when it comes to coronavirus, crowded shelters are a tinderbox waiting to explode.
The report studied coronavirus outbreaks at a handful of homeless shelters around the U.S. — including MSC-South in San Francisco, where 106 people have tested positive for the virus. The results, released in the “Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report” published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, alarmed local experts — even those who have been following this issue for months.
Health workers attempted to test all residents and staff, regardless of whether they showed symptoms, at 19 homeless shelters in Seattle, Boston, San Francisco and Atlanta. At those shelters, 25% of residents tested positive, along with 11% of staff. The results were much worse in San Francisco — where 66% of MSC-South residents had tested positive at the time the study was completed April 15. By Wednesday, infections had increased to 67%.
“It is terrifying,” said Dr. Margot Kushel, director of the UCSF Center for Vulnerable Populations at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital. “And I think it has huge implications when people start talking about reopening.”
The results show how quickly and extensively COVID-19 can spread through homeless shelters, where residents generally sleep close together and share bathrooms and dining facilities.
And they underscore another dangerous aspect of the virus — how it can move undetected through a community. The study looked at shelters that had previously reported COVID-19 cases, as well as those that had no known cases. Among shelters that had reported two or more COVID-19 cases in the two weeks before the study, 37% of residents tested positive.
But the study showed that even when a shelter hasn’t reported a coronavirus case, people can still be infected. Health workers in Atlanta tested 249 residents and 59 staff members at two homeless shelters that had not reported any COVID-19 cases. The results were surprising: 10 residents and one staff member tested positive.
“We clearly need to do more testing,” Kushel said. “We clearly need to remove every single person we possibly can who’s vulnerable and get them to safety in a private room.”
Everyone who tested positive during the CDC study was transferred to a hospital or isolation area.
The CDC report suggests testing all residents and staff, regardless of symptoms, at any shelter that has reported COVID-19 cases. If possible, the researchers recommend going a step further and testing everyone even before cases are reported.
San Francisco Supervisor Matt Haney is pushing for universal testing of residents and staff at homeless shelters, supportive housing facilities and single-room-occupancy hotels (SROs) in his city. But so far, the Bay Area’s testing of the homeless — and of everyone else — has been piecemeal, and, for the most part, tests only have been offered to people who have certain symptoms or have had known exposure to the virus.
The flaws with this testing strategy became apparent this week, when 22 residents and two staff members at Casa Quezada tested positive in San Francisco’s Mission district. The first resident of the 52-unit supportive housing site for the homeless tested positive April 13 after suffering from a fever and cough for two weeks. Staff members immediately began pushing the city to test all residents, but it wasn’t until April 16, when a second case was confirmed, that the city agreed, said Laura Valdéz, executive director of Dolores Street Community Services, which manages the facility.
“Had (the Department of Public Health) started testing vulnerable populations in shelters, SROs and those who are unsheltered,” she wrote in a statement, “we could have prevented the outbreak at MSC-South and at Casa Quezada, and more outbreaks that are happening now.”
Bay Area homeless shelters are trying to protect their residents by enforcing social distancing, but it’s a major challenge.
St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County transferred 26 residents from its West Oakland shelter into hotel rooms supplied by the county — allowing the shelter to thin its population and provide a little more space between residents. Staff members arrange cots in a complicated game of Tetris each night, trying to make sure no one’s head is closer than 6 feet to another person’s head — a move that only works if residents sleep head-to-foot. Every other stool in the dining room is marked with an “X” in tape, discouraging residents from sitting too close to one another. And signs outside encourage physical distancing while people are waiting in line to get in.
But by nature, congregate living facilities make it hard to enforce those rules.
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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 To address the problem, Bay Area counties have leased thousands of hotel rooms where homeless people who have COVID-19, may have COVID-19 or are particularly vulnerable to the virus can self-isolate. But only some of those rooms have been filled, and many more people remain in the region’s shelters and on the street.
“Basically if we kind of pull away and look at what we’re doing in these shelters — we’re saying as a society we’re OK with losing the lives of the most destitute people, and we’re going to force them into close quarters, and we’re just going to wait, and then we’re just going to pull out the dead bodies as people pass away,” said Jennifer Friedenbach, executive director of the Coalition on Homelessness. “And I don’t think that’s acceptable.”


mercurynews--2020-04-23--US official says he was ousted in hydroxychloroquine battle

The ousted director of a key U.S. agency charged with developing drugs to fight the coronavirus pandemic said on Wednesday he was dismissed because he called for careful vetting of a treatment frequently touted by President Donald Trump .
Rick Bright said in a statement that he was replaced as director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority , or BARDA , and reassigned to a new role because he resisted efforts to push hydroxychloroquine and the related chloroquine as cures for COVID-19 , the respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus .
“ While I am prepared to look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside the box ’ for effective treatments , I rightly resisted efforts to provide an unproven drug on demand to the American public , ” Bright said in the statement , reported by multiple U.S. media outlets on Wednesday .
Bright said the U.S. government has promoted the medicines as a “ panacea ” even though they “ clearly lack scientific merit.
” Bright has retained a law firm , Katz , Marshall & Banks , known for representing whistleblowers .
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services , which oversees BARDA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been moved to a new public-private partnership under the National Institutes of Health announced last week .
U.S. top infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci said on Wednesday he had heard that in his new role , Bright would be responsible for the development of diagnostics , a “ very , very important ” issue .
BARDA officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday .
Bright , an expert in vaccines and therapeutics , was named BARDA ’ s director in 2016 before Trump took office as president .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as potential treatments for COVID-19 , including saying early this month , “ I may take it , ” even though doctors said the drugs ’ effectiveness were unproven and further tests were required .
When asked about Bright ’ s case at a media briefing on Tuesday , Trump said he was not familiar with the official .
“ I never heard of him .
A guy says he was pushed out of a job .
Maybe he was maybe , he wasn ’ t .
You ’ d have to hear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In the absence of any known effective treatments , doctors on the frontlines said they began using hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine on deteriorating patients based on a few small studies suggesting a possible benefit .
Some said they had come under pressure from patients to use the therapies widely touted by Trump and other supporters .
After Reuters reported on that pattern , the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention removed from its website highly unusual guidance informing doctors on how to prescribe the drugs .

By Jan Wolfe | Reuters
The ousted director of a key U.S. agency charged with developing drugs to fight the coronavirus pandemic said on Wednesday he was dismissed because he called for careful vetting of a treatment frequently touted by President Donald Trump.
Rick Bright said in a statement that he was replaced as director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, or BARDA, and reassigned to a new role because he resisted efforts to push hydroxychloroquine and the related chloroquine as cures for COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus.
“While I am prepared to look at all options and to think ‘outside the box’ for effective treatments, I rightly resisted efforts to provide an unproven drug on demand to the American public,” Bright said in the statement, reported by multiple U.S. media outlets on Wednesday.
Bright said the U.S. government has promoted the medicines as a “panacea” even though they “clearly lack scientific merit.”
Bright has retained a law firm, Katz, Marshall & Banks, known for representing whistleblowers.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees BARDA, said on Tuesday that Bright had been moved to a new public-private partnership under the National Institutes of Health announced last week.
U.S. top infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci said on Wednesday he had heard that in his new role, Bright would be responsible for the development of diagnostics, a “very, very important” issue.
BARDA officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.
Bright, an expert in vaccines and therapeutics, was named BARDA’s director in 2016 before Trump took office as president.
Trump has repeatedly promoted chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine as potential treatments for COVID-19, including saying early this month, “I may take it,” even though doctors said the drugs’ effectiveness were unproven and further tests were required.
When asked about Bright’s case at a media briefing on Tuesday, Trump said he was not familiar with the official.
“I never heard of him. A guy says he was pushed out of a job. Maybe he was maybe, he wasn’t. You’d have to hear the other side,” he said.
In the absence of any known effective treatments, doctors on the frontlines said they began using hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine on deteriorating patients based on a few small studies suggesting a possible benefit. Some said they had come under pressure from patients to use the therapies widely touted by Trump and other supporters.
After Reuters reported on that pattern, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention removed from its website highly unusual guidance informing doctors on how to prescribe the drugs.


mercurynews--2020-04-23--DA: Man charged after alleged crime spree right after jail release

DUBLIN — The Alameda County District Attorney ’ s Office has charged a man accused of carjacking about 40 minutes after being released from Santa Rita Jail .
Rocky Lee Music , 32 , was charged Wednesday with felony carjacking , unlawful driving or taking of a vehicle , and receiving stolen property .
Music was first arrested at 7:50 a.m. Sunday in Oakland on suspicion of car theft when an officer saw him allegedly driving a stolen car almost into Lake Merritt , according to court documents .
But after being taken to Santa Rita Jail to be processed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 0 bail because of a court order meant to keep low-level offenders out of jail during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Police are not booking suspects at Santa Rita Jail unless they are arrested on suspicion of a serious or violent crimes .
Less than 40 minutes after his release from being processed at Santa Rita around 8 p.m. Sunday , Music allegedly physically assaulted and carjacked a man for his white Toyota Prius in the 5000 block of Campus Drive in Dublin — about a mile from the Santa Rita Jail near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drove to San Ramon , where the Prius was later found .
In San Ramon , Music also allegedly tried to carjack another victim , this time at a gas station at the Marketplace in San Ramon , according to Dublin police and the Alameda County Sheriff ’ s Office .
Police in San Ramon found Music allegedly trying to open the door of a building in the 6100 block of Bollinger Canyon Road .
He then ran down the Iron Horse Trail when he saw police , and a K-9 dog was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kicked the dog before he was taken into custody and was treated for bite wounds at an area clinic .
Music allegedly dropped a hat and mask found near where the Dublin carjacking took place .
They matched items Music was wearing when he was released from jail , according to police .
Music ’ s criminal history includes past convictions of felony unlawful driving or taking of a vehicle in December 2018 ; second-degree burglary in 2013 ; second-degree burglary in 2012 ; assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 .
Music remains in custody and is expected to be arraigned Friday at the East County Hall of Justice in Dublin .

DUBLIN — The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office has charged a man accused of carjacking about 40 minutes after being released from Santa Rita Jail.
Rocky Lee Music, 32, was charged Wednesday with felony carjacking, unlawful driving or taking of a vehicle, and receiving stolen property.
Music was first arrested at 7:50 a.m. Sunday in Oakland on suspicion of car theft when an officer saw him allegedly driving a stolen car almost into Lake Merritt, according to court documents. But after being taken to Santa Rita Jail to be processed, Music was cited and released on $0 bail because of a court order meant to keep low-level offenders out of jail during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Police are not booking suspects at Santa Rita Jail unless they are arrested on suspicion of a serious or violent crimes.
Less than 40 minutes after his release from being processed at Santa Rita around 8 p.m. Sunday, Music allegedly physically assaulted and carjacked a man for his white Toyota Prius in the 5000 block of Campus Drive in Dublin — about a mile from the Santa Rita Jail near the Dublin BART station.
Music allegedly drove to San Ramon, where the Prius was later found.
In San Ramon, Music also allegedly tried to carjack another victim, this time at a gas station at the Marketplace in San Ramon, according to Dublin police and the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office.
Police in San Ramon found Music allegedly trying to open the door of a building in the 6100 block of Bollinger Canyon Road. He then ran down the Iron Horse Trail when he saw police, and a K-9 dog was used to arrest him. Music allegedly kicked the dog before he was taken into custody and was treated for bite wounds at an area clinic.
Music allegedly dropped a hat and mask found near where the Dublin carjacking took place. They matched items Music was wearing when he was released from jail, according to police.
Music’s criminal history includes past convictions of felony unlawful driving or taking of a vehicle in December 2018; second-degree burglary in 2013; second-degree burglary in 2012; assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury in 2016; and second-degree burglary in 2018.
Music remains in custody and is expected to be arraigned Friday at the East County Hall of Justice in Dublin.
Staff Writer George Kelly contributed to this story.


mercurynews--2020-04-22--Dazzling online auction benefiting SF African art museum MoAD

San Francisco ’ s Museum of the African Diaspora remains closed during the coronavirus pandemic , but its supporters are keeping plenty busy .
The museum that features a wide range of African and African-American art has kicked off an auction featuring more than two dozen works — paintings , sculptures , photos and prints — donated to help the museum ’ s cause .
Like most museums and arts venues , MoAD faces as uncertain future as sheltering-at-home regulations halt the flow of visitors and revenue .
Oakland artist Adia Millett , who has shown works in previous MoAD @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the auction .
“ This unexpected cultural transition is not a time to isolate , but a time to observe and listen to the wisdom of our creative voices , ” she said .
“ We must remember that it is art which has not only taught us to see the beauty and the struggle of our past , but the wisdom and hope of our future.
” Other galleries and artists that contributing works include Mariane Ibrahim Gallery , James Fuentes Gallery , Raelis Vasquez , February James , Sikkema Jenkins , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ auction was created in collaboration with Artsy , the online fine arts marketing site .
Even if you can ’ t afford to buy a work of art , you ’ re invited to browse the works for free .
There is a link on the auction website that enables you to make a donation to the museum .
“ Arts institutions are important now , more than ever , as artists continue to teach us new ways of existing , ” said MoAD director Monetta White .
Details : Through May 5 @ @ @

San Francisco’s Museum of the African Diaspora remains closed during the coronavirus pandemic, but its supporters are keeping plenty busy.
The museum that features a wide range of African and African-American art has kicked off an auction featuring more than two dozen works — paintings, sculptures, photos and prints — donated to help the museum’s cause. Like most museums and arts venues, MoAD faces as uncertain future as sheltering-at-home regulations halt the flow of visitors and revenue.
Oakland artist Adia Millett, who has shown works in previous MoAD exhibits, is among those contributing to the auction.
“This unexpected cultural transition is not a time to isolate, but a time to observe and listen to the wisdom of our creative voices,” she said. “We must remember that it is art which has not only taught us to see the beauty and the struggle of our past, but the wisdom and hope of our future.”
Other galleries and artists that contributing works include Mariane Ibrahim Gallery, James Fuentes Gallery, Raelis Vasquez, February James, Sikkema Jenkins, Meliksetian Briggs, and more. The auction was created in collaboration with Artsy, the online fine arts marketing site.
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“Arts institutions are important now, more than ever, as artists continue to teach us new ways of existing,” said MoAD director Monetta White.
Details: Through May 5 at artsy.net/moad.


mercurynews--2020-04-22--‘American Idol’ coming to you from San Ramon, Daly City and …  all over the place

“ American Idol ” will look very different this Sunday when the show moves into its Top 20 phase of the competition .
Normally , we ’ d see the contestants performing under the lights and in front of a boisterous live audience in Los Angeles as host Ryan Seacrest pumps up the volume .
• ‘ American Idol ’ Top 20 : Grace Leer vs. Lauren Mascitti — who made it ?
Not this time .
Adhering to the shelter-in-place and social-distancing edicts brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic , the 20 remaining contestants instead will come to viewers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ performances in their homes and shot on iPhones .
Meanwhile , judges Katy Perry , Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie , along with mentor Bobby Bones and Seacrest , will also be scattered elsewhere .
“ The show must go on , ” says Grace Leer .
“ And ‘ Idol ’ is going above and beyond to keep it going.
” Leer , a Danville native who secured the final spot in the Top 20 after beating fellow country singer Lauren Mascitti in a tense vote-off , now lives in Nashville .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Bay Area for this “ historic ” round of “ Idol ” as she performs from the San Ramon home of her mother , Kristi .
Let ’ s hope it has awesome acoustics .
… and the wi-fi works .
“ Sure it would be great experience to be up on the ‘ Idol ’ stage .
And the energy of the crowd undeniably feeds you , ” Leer says .
“ On the other hand , it ’ s a little comforting to be home , with your family supporting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exciting challenge .
I want to connect with that camera — and the millions of people on the other side — even if it is just an iPhone.
” While Leer greets the audience from San Ramon , fellow Bay Area contestant Francisco Martin will beam in from Daly City .
Martin , a student at College of San Mateo , has been singled out by “ Idol ” judges as a top contender in the singing competition .
But in the early rounds , Francisco was plagued by nervous jitters .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would actually benefit someone like him — a strong singer , but one who doesn ’ t have a lot of live stage experience .
Seven other members of the Top 20 will perform in California locales , including Dillon James , who will be in Bakersfield .
But several singers will be situated across the country , on the opposite coast .
And some will be in places you might not have ever heard of .
For example , Cyniah Elise and Louis Knight will be in Jonesboro , Ga. and Narberth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5,000 .
And Lauren Spencer-Smith won ’ t even be on U.S. soil — coming to viewers from Port Alberni , British Columbia , Cananda .
That doesn ’ t mean they ’ re not getting support from the “ Idol ” team .
Leer says the contestants have been in constant phone contact with vocal coaches , stage managers and lighting directors working to make the performances — and production values — as best as they can be , given the circumstances .
Leer , who played soccer at San Ramon Valley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the “ Idol ” challenge to those faced by an athlete .
“ You play the same way if there are five people in the stands — or thousands , ” she says .
“ You still have to show up and play hard .
You still have to win the game.
” At least the logistics figure to get easier .
After Sunday ’ s installment of “ American Idol ” ( 8 p.m. , ABC ) , the group of singers will be trimmed in half — down to 10 .

“American Idol” will look very different this Sunday when the show moves into its Top 20 phase of the competition.
Normally, we’d see the contestants performing under the lights and in front of a boisterous live audience in Los Angeles as host Ryan Seacrest pumps up the volume.
Related Articles Entertainment | ‘American Idol’: While fans await Grace Leer’s fate, some Top 20 rankings
‘American Idol’: While fans await Grace Leer’s fate, some Top 20 rankings Entertainment | ‘American Idol’ Top 20: Grace Leer vs. Lauren Mascitti — who made it? Not this time. Adhering to the shelter-in-place and social-distancing edicts brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 20 remaining contestants instead will come to viewers from all over the country, delivering performances in their homes and shot on iPhones.
Meanwhile, judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, along with mentor Bobby Bones and Seacrest, will also be scattered elsewhere.
“The show must go on,” says Bay Area contestant Grace Leer. “And ‘Idol’ is going above and beyond to keep it going.”
Leer, a Danville native who secured the final spot in the Top 20 after beating fellow country singer Lauren Mascitti in a tense vote-off, now lives in Nashville. But she’ll be back in the Bay Area for this “historic” round of “Idol” as she performs from the San Ramon home of her mother, Kristi.
Let’s hope it has awesome acoustics. … and the wi-fi works.
“Sure it would be a great experience to be up on the ‘Idol’ stage. And the energy of the crowd undeniably feeds you,” Leer says. “On the other hand, it’s a little comforting to be home, with your family supporting you. And it makes for an exciting challenge. I want to connect with that camera — and the millions of people on the other side — even if it is just an iPhone.”
While Leer greets the audience from San Ramon, fellow Bay Area contestant Francisco Martin will beam in from Daly City. Martin, a student at College of San Mateo, has been singled out by “Idol” judges as a top contender in the singing competition.
But in the early rounds, Francisco was plagued by nervous jitters. So you might think that the homebound performances would actually benefit him — a strong singer, but one who doesn’t have a lot of live stage experience.
Seven other members of the Top 20 will perform in California locales, including Dillon James, who will be in Bakersfield. But several singers will be situated across the country. Some will be in places you might not have ever heard of. For example, Cyniah Elise and Louis Knight will be in Jonesboro, Georgia, and Narberth, Pennsylvania, respectively, towns with populations under 5,000. And Lauren Spencer-Smith won’t even be on U.S. soil. She’ll be coming to viewers from Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada.
That doesn’t mean they’re not getting support from the “Idol” team. Leer says the contestants have been in constant phone contact with vocal coaches, stage managers and lighting directors working to make the performances — and production values — as best as they can be, given the circumstances.
Leer, who played soccer at San Ramon Valley High School and UC Berkeley, likens the “Idol” challenge to those faced by an athlete.
“You play the same way if there are five people in the stands — or thousands,” she says. “You still have to show up and play hard. You still have to win the game.”
At least the logistics figure to get easier. After Sunday’s installment of “American Idol” (8 p.m., ABC), the group of singers will be trimmed in half — down to 10.


mercurynews--2020-04-22--SJSU, Cal State East Bay considering ‘hybrid’ of online and in-person classes for fall

San Jose State and Cal State East Bay universities confirmed this week they ’ re planning to offer some small in-person classes and a big dose of online courses in the next academic year as uncertainty about the spread of the coronavirus persists .
Santa Clara University , on the other hand , says it intends to hold regular physical classes during the next academic year , although it ’ s keeping some options open .
Meanwhile , Stanford , UC Berkeley and San Francisco State University are still mulling what to do .
California State University Fullerton announced Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online classes only , one of the first universities to signal its intention to keep the doors shut .
But even at San Jose State and Cal State East Bay , students hoping to return to giant lecture halls filled with hundreds of classmates will be disappointed .
It ’ s not going to happen .
Those lessons will continue to be offered online , just as they ’ ve been this spring after shelter-in-place orders were issued in mid-March .
As for tuition , it ’ s likely to be the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our goal is a hybrid , ” San Jose State Provost Vincent Del Casino said in an interview Wednesday .
“ But it ’ s hybrid in two ways because face-to-face will be there for some online classes .
Even though we move online , a portion of the curriculum will still be where everyone meets together.
” Because social distancing likely will remain in effect long after the shelter orders are lifted , Del Casino said “ most of our lecture-related classes ” will be fully online in the fall .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , particularly the performance-based ones such as art and dance , as well as labs , the school is “ trying to figure out how to offer them face-to-face but with the parameters required for physical distancing ” and for “ masks to protect people ” if necessary , Del Casino said .
At Cal State East Bay in Hayward , Provost Edward Inch envisions a similar approach .
He said it ’ s “ likely that the campus would have a limited physical opening ” in the fall , with officials currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ held in-person and which online .
Large lecture classes “ are going to be recommended to be entirely online , ” Inch said .
That would free up space in those big rooms to allow for roughly 30 socially-distanced students .
He said a priority will be given to classes necessary for graduation and graduate-level courses .
“ Those are the ones trying to hone their skills in the physical environment , ” Inch said .
“ Things like nursing and education .
Nurses need access to equipment and educators need access to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certain facilities open on a much longer basis , including Saturday and Sunday , to allow more student access.
” But not all universities are on the same page ; most are still waiting on local public health officials to give the green light to reopen .
University of California System spokesman Andrew Gordon said in a written statement that all UC “ campuses will reopen for on-site instruction when it is safe to do so — in coordination with federal , state and local health departments and authorities.
” San Francisco State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in separate statements they are not ready to release information about the fall semester yet .
Having already experienced about two months of online learning with another month to go before the end of the year , students who have clamored for lower tuition and reimbursements based on the “ lower cost ” of providing education are not likely to get it next year .
San Jose State ’ s Del Casino said “ we have no plans to change ( tuition ) , and I don ’ t think the system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been petitioning for tuition reimbursements on the assumption that online classes are cheaper to administer don ’ t have their facts straight .
“ When you look at overall costs , the costs don ’ t go down in an online environment , ” said Del Casino , who while working at the University of Arizona launched its Arizona Online learning system .
“ Faculty and staff support , none of that changes .
If anything it ’ s the flip , it costs more on the initial front end in terms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right assets in place than often face-to-face instruction.
” Those aren ’ t the only costs universities must grapple with .
They ’ re still trying to determine the financial impact of COVID-19 on their workforce .
Inch said Cal State East Bay has temporarily frozen hiring and will not be replacing recently vacated positions because it expects a 6 % to 8 % drop in enrollment next year , though the school isn ’ t planning any furloughs or layoffs yet .
“ Diminished resources is the assumption , ” Inch said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we would be able to manage with the resources we have available to teach the students we expect to be here.
” Not all universities are in the same boat , though .
Santa Clara University Provost Kloppenberg said the school hasn ’ t seen “ an increase in students deferring their enrollment for Fall.
” San Jose State ’ s Del Casino said he doesn ’ t know what enrollment will look like and the question will “ probably live with us up until the start of the semester.
” However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspects students will want to go to school and not defer .
“ Gap years historically have been used to work and to travel , ” Del Casino said .
“ Well , you can ’ t travel and the job market is not strong , so where are people going to go in a gap year ?
The best option is to continue your education.
” Lori Martinson , a guidance counselor for seniors at Santa Teresa High School in San Jose , said she believes more students are going to attend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I still have seen that students are going to college all over California , but my hunch is that more of our students are going to stay in the area , ” Martinson said .
“ If I was the parent of a senior right now , I would encourage them to stay local because I would want them to be home .
”

San Jose State and Cal State East Bay universities confirmed this week they’re planning to offer some small in-person classes and a big dose of online courses in the next academic year as uncertainty about the spread of the coronavirus persists.
Santa Clara University, on the other hand, says it intends to hold regular physical classes during the next academic year, although it’s keeping some options open.
Meanwhile, Stanford, UC Berkeley and San Francisco State University are still mulling what to do.
California State University Fullerton announced Tuesday it would begin the fall semester with online classes only, one of the first universities to signal its intention to keep the doors shut.
But even at San Jose State and Cal State East Bay, students hoping to return to giant lecture halls filled with hundreds of classmates will be disappointed. It’s not going to happen. Those lessons will continue to be offered online, just as they’ve been this spring after shelter-in-place orders were issued in mid-March.
As for tuition, it’s likely to be the same — online classes or not.
“Our goal is a hybrid,” San Jose State Provost Vincent Del Casino said in an interview Wednesday. “But it’s hybrid in two ways because face-to-face will be there for some online classes. Even though we move online, a portion of the curriculum will still be where everyone meets together.”
Because social distancing likely will remain in effect long after the shelter orders are lifted, Del Casino said “most of our lecture-related classes” will be fully online in the fall.
For classes that cannot be held online, particularly the performance-based ones such as art and dance, as well as labs, the school is “trying to figure out how to offer them face-to-face but with the parameters required for physical distancing” and for “masks to protect people” if necessary, Del Casino said.
At Cal State East Bay in Hayward, Provost Edward Inch envisions a similar approach. He said it’s “likely that the campus would have a limited physical opening” in the fall, with officials currently trying to determine which classes should be held in-person and which online.
Large lecture classes “are going to be recommended to be entirely online,” Inch said. That would free up space in those big rooms to allow for roughly 30 socially-distanced students. He said a priority will be given to classes necessary for graduation and graduate-level courses.
“Those are the ones trying to hone their skills in the physical environment,” Inch said. “Things like nursing and education. Nurses need access to equipment and educators need access to students. We’re exploring keeping certain facilities open on a much longer basis, including Saturday and Sunday, to allow more student access.”
But not all universities are on the same page; most are still waiting on local public health officials to give the green light to reopen.
University of California System spokesman Andrew Gordon said in a written statement that all UC “campuses will reopen for on-site instruction when it is safe to do so — in coordination with federal, state and local health departments and authorities.”
San Francisco State University, Stanford University and UC Berkeley said in separate statements they are not ready to release information about the fall semester yet.
Having already experienced about two months of online learning with another month to go before the end of the year, students who have clamored for lower tuition and reimbursements based on the “lower cost” of providing education are not likely to get it next year.
San Jose State’s Del Casino said “we have no plans to change (tuition), and I don’t think the system does either.” He said students who have been petitioning for tuition reimbursements on the assumption that online classes are cheaper to administer don’t have their facts straight.
“When you look at overall costs, the costs don’t go down in an online environment,” said Del Casino, who while working at the University of Arizona launched its Arizona Online learning system.
“Faculty and staff support, none of that changes. If anything it’s the flip, it costs more on the initial front end in terms of training and development and getting the right assets in place than often face-to-face instruction.”
Those aren’t the only costs universities must grapple with. They’re still trying to determine the financial impact of COVID-19 on their workforce.
Inch said Cal State East Bay has temporarily frozen hiring and will not be replacing recently vacated positions because it expects a 6% to 8% drop in enrollment next year, though the school isn’t planning any furloughs or layoffs yet.
“Diminished resources is the assumption,” Inch said. “We’re preparing how we would be able to manage with the resources we have available to teach the students we expect to be here.”
Not all universities are in the same boat, though. Santa Clara University Provost Lisa Kloppenberg said the school hasn’t seen “an increase in students deferring their enrollment for Fall.”
Related Articles Education | San Jose office building wobbles into default — again
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Education | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge San Jose State’s Del Casino said he doesn’t know what enrollment will look like and the question will “probably live with us up until the start of the semester.” However, he said in the near term he suspects students will want to go to school and not defer.
“Gap years historically have been used to work and to travel,” Del Casino said. “Well, you can’t travel and the job market is not strong, so where are people going to go in a gap year? The best option is to continue your education.”
Lori Martinson, a guidance counselor for seniors at Santa Teresa High School in San Jose, said she believes more students are going to attend local colleges than in the past.
“I still have seen that students are going to college all over California, but my hunch is that more of our students are going to stay in the area,” Martinson said. “If I was the parent of a senior right now, I would encourage them to stay local because I would want them to be home.”


mercurynews--2020-04-22--Trump signs order limiting green cards for 60 days

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump signed an executive order Wednesday that will temporarily halt the issuance of certain green cards as he uses the coronavirus pandemic to push long-stalled immigration measures during an election year .
While Trump says the move is designed to preserve jobs for American workers in an economy ravaged by the coronavirus , it is widely viewed by partisans on both sides of the immigration battle as driven more by politics than policy .
The 60-day pause , which Trump announced he had signed before his daily briefing Wednesday , leaves untouched the hundreds of thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each year .
And it includes a long list of exemptions , including for those who are currently in the country and those seeking entry to work as physicians and nurses , as well as the spouses and minor children of American citizens .
Trump nonetheless characterized the move as a sweeping “ temporary suspension of immigration into the United States.
” That will be popular with Trump ’ s most loyal political supporters as he heads into what is expected to be a brutal reelection fight .
“ This will ensure that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first in line for jobs as our economy reopens , ” he said Wednesday .
Trump ran in 2016 promising to crack down on both illegal and legal immigration , making the case — disputed by many — that foreign workers compete with Americans for jobs and drive down wages because they are willing to accept lower pay .
While many of Trump ’ s efforts to dramatically upend the nation ’ s immigration system , from travel bans to asylum restrictions , had been stymied by Congress and the courts , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on certain changes .
Like other world leaders , Trump has restricted travel from much of the globe , including China and large swaths of Europe .
The borders with Mexico and Canada have been closed to all but “ essential ” travel .
With consulates closed , almost all visa processing by the State Department has been suspended for weeks .
And Trump has used the virus to effectively end asylum at U.S. borders , turning away migrants , including children , by invoking a rarely used 1944 law aimed at preventing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ green card measure is likely to limit the ability of current green card holders to sponsor their extended families — a practice Trump has derided as “ chain immigration ” and tried to restrict .
Trump ’ s order is certain to be challenged in court .
But the final version was far less drastic than advocates on both sides of the issue had expected after Trump posted a tweet late Monday that sent businesses , would-be immigrants and administration officials scrambling .
“ In light of the attack from the Invisible Enemy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect the jobs of our GREAT American Citizens , I will be signing an Executive Order to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States !
” Trump wrote .
Mark Krikorian , executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies , said the change “ will have some very modest policy effect , ” but he said “ it ’ s actually not even that big a deal.
” He said “ the primary function was political , to respond to people ’ s concern that at this point , with maybe 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work , they had to do something.
” “ This announcement is more about grabbing a headline than changing immigration policy , ” he said Wednesday .
“ To me , it smacks of an electoral strategy , not a policy change , and it smacks of desperation and panic.
” It ’ s a strategy Trump has used before .
He often turns to immigration when he feels backed into a corner and is looking for an issue to rev up his base .
Ahead of the 2018 midterm elections , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forefront , using migrant caravans in Latin America as a rallying cry as he ordered thousands of U.S. troops to the southern border to stop an “ invasion.
” He also floated ending the Constitution ’ s guarantee of birthright citizenship .
In recent days , officials bolstered by their successful efforts to restrict travel at the country ’ s borders had been discussing how they might seize the opportunity to enact additional immigration restrictions .
Trump ’ s tweet nonetheless took many across the administration by surprise .
During the coronavirus crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pivot to immigration .
He used one of his task force briefings to highlight enhanced counternarcotics efforts to prevent smugglers from taking advantage of the pandemic — though he said there was no evidence of that — and has repeatedly invoked his border wall .
“ In the meantime , even without this order , our Southern Border , aided substantially by the 170 miles of new Border Wall & 27,000 Mexican soldiers , is very tight – including for human trafficking !
” he tweeted Wednesday .
Trump ’ s team on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using the virus to make good on a long-standing campaign promise during an election year .
“ This is common sense the American people can very well understand : When Americans need jobs , Americans must come first , ” said White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany .
“ The president ’ s immigration policy just makes sense , ” agreed Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh .
With 22 million Americans applying for unemployment , he asked , “ Why would you in good conscience introduce brand-new competition for them ?
” Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ email blast to supporters that read : “ PRESIDENT TRUMP WILL SIGN AN EXECUTIVE ORDER TO TEMPORARILY SUSPEND IMMIGRATION .
”

By Jill Colvin | Associated Press
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump signed an executive order Wednesday that will temporarily halt the issuance of certain green cards as he uses the coronavirus pandemic to push long-stalled immigration measures during an election year.
While Trump says the move is designed to preserve jobs for American workers in an economy ravaged by the coronavirus, it is widely viewed by partisans on both sides of the immigration battle as driven more by politics than policy.
The 60-day pause, which Trump announced he had signed before his daily briefing Wednesday, leaves untouched the hundreds of thousands of temporary work visas the country issues each year. And it includes a long list of exemptions, including for those who are currently in the country and those seeking entry to work as physicians and nurses, as well as the spouses and minor children of American citizens.
Trump nonetheless characterized the move as a sweeping “temporary suspension of immigration into the United States.” That will be popular with Trump’s most loyal political supporters as he heads into what is expected to be a brutal reelection fight.
“This will ensure that unemployed Americans of all backgrounds will be first in line for jobs as our economy reopens,” he said Wednesday.
Trump ran in 2016 promising to crack down on both illegal and legal immigration, making the case — disputed by many — that foreign workers compete with Americans for jobs and drive down wages because they are willing to accept lower pay. While many of Trump’s efforts to dramatically upend the nation’s immigration system, from travel bans to asylum restrictions, had been stymied by Congress and the courts, the pandemic has allowed him to move forward on certain changes.
Like other world leaders, Trump has restricted travel from much of the globe, including China and large swaths of Europe. The borders with Mexico and Canada have been closed to all but “essential” travel.
With consulates closed, almost all visa processing by the State Department has been suspended for weeks. And Trump has used the virus to effectively end asylum at U.S. borders, turning away migrants, including children, by invoking a rarely used 1944 law aimed at preventing the spread of communicable diseases.
The green card measure is likely to limit the ability of current green card holders to sponsor their extended families — a practice Trump has derided as “chain immigration” and tried to restrict.
Trump’s order is certain to be challenged in court. But the final version was far less drastic than advocates on both sides of the issue had expected after Trump posted a tweet late Monday that sent businesses, would-be immigrants and administration officials scrambling.
“In light of the attack from the Invisible Enemy, as well as the need to protect the jobs of our GREAT American Citizens, I will be signing an Executive Order to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States!” Trump wrote.
Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies, said the change “will have some very modest policy effect,” but he said “it’s actually not even that big a deal.” He said “the primary function was political, to respond to people’s concern that at this point, with maybe 15% of the labor force out of work, they had to do something.”
Frank Sharry, executive director of America’s Voice, a liberal immigration reform group, agreed in part.
“This announcement is more about grabbing a headline than changing immigration policy,” he said Wednesday. “To me, it smacks of an electoral strategy, not a policy change, and it smacks of desperation and panic.”
It’s a strategy Trump has used before. He often turns to immigration when he feels backed into a corner and is looking for an issue to rev up his base.
Ahead of the 2018 midterm elections, for instance, Trump put immigration at the forefront, using migrant caravans in Latin America as a rallying cry as he ordered thousands of U.S. troops to the southern border to stop an “invasion.” He also floated ending the Constitution’s guarantee of birthright citizenship.
In recent days, officials bolstered by their successful efforts to restrict travel at the country’s borders had been discussing how they might seize the opportunity to enact additional immigration restrictions. Trump’s tweet nonetheless took many across the administration by surprise.
During the coronavirus crisis, Trump has found other ways to pivot to immigration. He used one of his task force briefings to highlight enhanced counternarcotics efforts to prevent smugglers from taking advantage of the pandemic — though he said there was no evidence of that — and has repeatedly invoked his border wall.
“In the meantime, even without this order, our Southern Border, aided substantially by the 170 miles of new Border Wall & 27,000 Mexican soldiers, is very tight – including for human trafficking!” he tweeted Wednesday.
Trump’s team on Tuesday, however, denied he was using the virus to make good on a long-standing campaign promise during an election year.
“This is common sense the American people can very well understand: When Americans need jobs, Americans must come first,” said White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany.
“The president’s immigration policy just makes sense,” agreed Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh. With 22 million Americans applying for unemployment, he asked, “Why would you in good conscience introduce brand-new competition for them?”
Trump’s campaign showcased the move in an email blast to supporters that read: “PRESIDENT TRUMP WILL SIGN AN EXECUTIVE ORDER TO TEMPORARILY SUSPEND IMMIGRATION.”


mercurynews--2020-04-22--Video: San Leandro police release officer-involved shooting footage

SAN LEANDRO — In a video released Wednesday afternoon by San Leandro police , audio recordings of dispatcher conversation and officers ’ body-worn video footage reveal the moments that led up to and after the fatal weekend shooting of a 33-year-old man .
The video ’ s release followed statements by a lawyer representing the man ’ s family , as well as one Sunday by San Leandro police Chief Jeff Tudor promising to release footage of the incident .
Just before 3:15 p.m. Saturday at Walmart , 15555 Hesperian Blvd .
a store security staffer ’ s call alerted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was trying to steal items while waving a baseball bat and threatening customers and other employees .
“ When officers arrived , they found Steven Taylor near the front of the store , holding the baseball bat , ” Tudor says in the video .
“ Mr .
Taylor was ordered multiple times to put down the weapon , but he did not comply .
When an officer deployed a taser , it was ineffective , and Mr. Taylor continued to approach the officer , while wielding the baseball bat .
Ultimately , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service weapon and tragically , Mr. Taylor died at the scene .
“ Now this incident has gotten much attention in our community , ” Tudor said .
“ And that ’ s why we ’ re releasing this video now before the investigation is complete , so that we can provide as much information as possible to our community , as the process continues.
” The video does not identify the two officers , referring to them instead as “ Officer A ” and “ Officer B.
” “ This step was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our officers .
The names will ultimately be released in another forum , ” a statement in the video said .
In a separate video shared to social media , San Leandro Mayor Paulene Russo Cutter said she was committed to keeping residents informed , and insisted investigations ’ findings would be made public before thanking residents for their patience .
“ I want you to know that as your mayor , I promise that our city will be transparent with the findings and you can hold me accountable to give you the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ This is why we have opted to release the body camera footage and the recordings of the original 911 call .
What happened is truly tragic and our thoughts and prayers are withthe family and friends of Steven Taylor .
”

SAN LEANDRO — In a video released Wednesday afternoon by San Leandro police, audio recordings of dispatcher conversation and officers’ body-worn video footage reveal the moments that led up to and after the fatal weekend shooting of a 33-year-old man.
The video’s release followed statements by a lawyer representing the man’s family, as well as one Sunday by San Leandro police Chief Jeff Tudor promising to release footage of the incident. Just before 3:15 p.m. Saturday at Walmart, 15555 Hesperian Blvd. a store security staffer’s call alerted police to a man the staffer said was trying to steal items while waving a baseball bat and threatening customers and other employees.
“When officers arrived, they found Steven Taylor near the front of the store, holding the baseball bat,” Tudor says in the video. “Mr. Taylor was ordered multiple times to put down the weapon, but he did not comply. When an officer deployed a taser, it was ineffective, and Mr. Taylor continued to approach the officer, while wielding the baseball bat. Ultimately, (the officer) also deployed a service weapon and tragically, Mr. Taylor died at the scene.
“Now this incident has gotten much attention in our community,” Tudor said. “And that’s why we’re releasing this video now before the investigation is complete, so that we can provide as much information as possible to our community, as the process continues.”
The video does not identify the two officers, referring to them instead as “Officer A” and “Officer B.” “This step was taken due to threats of violence against our officers. The names will ultimately be released in another forum,” a statement in the video said.
Please see the below message to the community from Mayor Cutter regarding the April 18 officer-involved shooting. A link to the critical incident footage may be found at: https://t.co/BveOS658zU pic.twitter.com/HmTFTAzTKA — City of San Leandro (@CitySanLeandro) April 22, 2020
In a separate video shared to social media, San Leandro Mayor Paulene Russo Cutter said she was committed to keeping residents informed, and insisted investigations’ findings would be made public before thanking residents for their patience.
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“This is why we have opted to release the body camera footage and the recordings of the original 911 call. What happened is truly tragic and our thoughts and prayers are withthe family and friends of Steven Taylor.”
Check back for updates.
Contact George Kelly at 408-859-5180.


mercurynews--2020-04-22--Protesters rally from their cars, call for end to ICE notifications and transfers from San Mateo Cou

Protesters rally from their cars, call for end to ICE notifications and transfers from San Mateo County jails

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With large gatherings banned @ @ @ @ @ prevent the spread of coronavirus , protesters found a way to get their message across @ @ @ @ @ County Coalition for Immigrant Rights protested from their cars Wednesday , calling on San Mateo @ @ @ @ @ improve decarceration protocols .
They also sought to stop all notifications and transfers to U.S. @ @ @ @ @ an effort to prevent further spread of the coronavirus .
About 11 a.m. , the @ @ @ @ @ Winslow Street honking their horns and waving their signs from outside of their car windows @ @ @ @ @ Roughly a dozen sheriff ’ s deputies watched nearby as the long line of protesters @ @ @

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With large gatherings banned across the state to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, protesters found a way to get their message across.
From their cars.
Members of San Mateo County Coalition for Immigrant Rights protested from their cars Wednesday, calling on San Mateo County Sheriff Carlos Bolanos to improve decarceration protocols. They also sought to stop all notifications and transfers to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in an effort to prevent further spread of the coronavirus.
About 11 a.m., the demonstrators drove up and down Winslow Street honking their horns and waving their signs from outside of their car windows near Maguire Correctional Facility. Roughly a dozen sheriff’s deputies watched nearby as the long line of protesters drove by.
Click here for more on the protest and the state of the jail populations in the county.


mercurynews--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Napa County eases some shelter-at-home restrictions ahead of schedule

Napa County announced Wednesday it is extending the shelter-at-home order originally issued on March 18 and updated April 2 , but the fine print on the updated order reveals certain activities previously banned will now be permitted .
The updated order issued by the county will now allow for all types of construction , in-person real estate viewings , landscaping and gardening maintenance and more .
Drive-in religious services and outings to golf courses and driving ranges are among the activities allowed under the new order , which does not have a finite expiration date .
The county said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expire May 3 , is effective immediately and is “ subject to review and further amendment after the governor issues further guidance ” or upon any changes to the statewide shelter-in-place order .
Napa County has recorded 57 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus to date and two people have died in the county after testing positive for COVID-19 .
According to data made public by the county ’ s Health and Human Services Department , 22 of the 57 people have made full recoveries .
Of the 10 Bay Area counties , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fewer than 100 confirmed cases to date .
The announcement comes a day after Napa County recorded six new cases of the coronavirus , its most since tracking six new cases on March 28 .
All activities now permitted under the updated shelter-at-home order by Napa County are only allowed to take place as long as participants are adhering to proper social and physical distancing protocols .
The updated order issued Wednesday also “ strongly encourages ” but does not require the use of cloth face coverings when people are outside of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says the use of face coverings is encouraged “ to prevent the asymptomatic transmission of COVID-19 from the wearer to others .
This includes workplaces , particularly in areas visited by the public or shared with co-workers.
” Some of the activities now permitted also have oversight in place to ensure physical distancing protocols .
At drive-in faith-based services , people are asked to refrain from direct and indirect physical touching .
At golf courses , the owner and manager of each site must provide security or patrol the course to ensure golfers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is encouraging residential real estate viewings to occur virtually as much as possible and in-person viewings must be by appointment only .
In-person viewings are restricted to a maximum of two visitors and are not allowed when the occupant is still residing in the residence unless gloves , masks and shoe coverings are worn during the visit .
A full text of the updated order is available here .

Napa County announced Wednesday it is extending the shelter-at-home order originally issued on March 18 and updated April 2, but the fine print on the updated order reveals certain activities previously banned will now be permitted.
The updated order issued by the county will now allow for all types of construction, in-person real estate viewings, landscaping and gardening maintenance and more.
Drive-in religious services and outings to golf courses and driving ranges are among the activities allowed under the new order, which does not have a finite expiration date.
The county said the order, which was originally set to expire May 3, is effective immediately and is “subject to review and further amendment after the governor issues further guidance” or upon any changes to the statewide shelter-in-place order.
Napa County has recorded 57 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus to date and two people have died in the county after testing positive for COVID-19. According to data made public by the county’s Health and Human Services Department, 22 of the 57 people have made full recoveries.
Of the 10 Bay Area counties, Napa County is the only one with fewer than 100 confirmed cases to date.
The announcement comes a day after Napa County recorded six new cases of the coronavirus, its most since tracking six new cases on March 28.
All activities now permitted under the updated shelter-at-home order by Napa County are only allowed to take place as long as participants are adhering to proper social and physical distancing protocols.
The updated order issued Wednesday also “strongly encourages” but does not require the use of cloth face coverings when people are outside of their homes. The order’s text says the use of face coverings is encouraged “to prevent the asymptomatic transmission of COVID-19 from the wearer to others. This includes workplaces, particularly in areas visited by the public or shared with co-workers.”
Some of the activities now permitted also have oversight in place to ensure physical distancing protocols.
At drive-in faith-based services, people are asked to refrain from direct and indirect physical touching. At golf courses, the owner and manager of each site must provide security or patrol the course to ensure golfers are compliant with requirements.
The county is encouraging residential real estate viewings to occur virtually as much as possible and in-person viewings must be by appointment only. In-person viewings are restricted to a maximum of two visitors and are not allowed when the occupant is still residing in the residence unless gloves, masks and shoe coverings are worn during the visit.
A full text of the updated order is available here.


mercurynews--2020-04-23--Live NFL Draft updates: Who will 4ers, Raiders take in 1st round?

Both the 49ers and Raiders will head into the start of the unique NFL Draft Thursday night well-armed and ready for business , as they each have two picks in the first round .
They ’ ll make those picks during an NFL Draft like no other .
That ’ s because with the social distancing in response to the COVID-19 coronavirus , the league and its teams will conduct the 2020 NFL Draft drastically different beginning at 5 p.m. Thursday night .
The draft , originally scheduled for near the Raiders ’ new Las Vegas home , will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Goodell reading the names off as usual — but he ’ ll be alone , since public gatherings are not possible right now .
( Yes , this means Goodell will not be booed on sight — or on site — this year ) .
Team reps will mostly be making their selections from their homes through video conferencing .
The 49ers and Raiders both seem to need the same thing coming into the draft — an impact wide receiver .
With Alabama ’ s Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs and Oklahoma ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , look for both teams to target one of them , if available when the Raiders pick at No .
12 and 49ers at No .
13 .
The 49ers also have the 31st pick in the first round while the Raiders own the 19th pick .
We ’ ll provide tweets from our reporters as well as national reporters , so if a trade is in the works or a player appears headed to either the 49ers or Raiders , you ’ ll read about it here first .
For other 49ers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here .
And here ’ s where you can find the Raiders needs

Both the 49ers and Raiders will head into the start of the unique NFL Draft Thursday night well-armed and ready for business, as they each have two picks in the first round.
They’ll make those picks during an NFL Draft like no other. That’s because with the social distancing in response to the COVID-19 coronavirus, the league and its teams will conduct the 2020 NFL Draft drastically different beginning at 5 p.m. Thursday night.
The draft, originally scheduled for near the Raiders’ new Las Vegas home, will be headquartered in New York with Commissioner Roger Goodell reading the names off as usual — but he’ll be alone, since public gatherings are not possible right now. (Yes, this means Goodell will not be booed on sight — or on site — this year). Team reps will mostly be making their selections from their homes through video conferencing.
The 49ers and Raiders both seem to need the same thing coming into the draft — an impact wide receiver. With Alabama’s Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs and Oklahoma’s CeeDee Lamb the top receiving targets, look for both teams to target one of them, if available when the Raiders pick at No. 12 and 49ers at No. 13.
The 49ers also have the 31st pick in the first round while the Raiders own the 19th pick.
We’ll provide tweets from our reporters as well as national reporters, so if a trade is in the works or a player appears headed to either the 49ers or Raiders, you’ll read about it here first.
For other 49ers needs heading into the draft, check here. And here’s where you can find the Raiders needs
To view the live updates feed on your mobile device click here.


mercurynews--2020-04-23--Disney to stop paying 100,000 workers but is still on track to give shareholders $1.5 billion

Abigail Disney is flabbergasted over the Walt Disney Co. ’ s decision to furlough hundreds of thousands low-paid workers after paying its executives millions of dollars .
“ WHAT THE ACTUAL F*** ?
?
?
?
?
” tweeted Disney , the granddaughter of Walt Disney ’ s brother , Roy Disney .
In a Twitter thread Tuesday , the outspoken family heiress slammed Disney ’ s decision to furlough theme park employees after the company paid dividends to shareholders and gave executives big bonuses .
Disney hasn ’ t revealed dividend plans for 2020 , and the company ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of Covid-19 .
The Walt Disney Co. announced earlier this month it ’ s furloughing employees “ whose jobs aren ’ t necessary at this time.
” The coronavirus pandemic has forced a major chunk of Disney ’ s businesses to temporarily suspend operations , including its parks , resorts and entertainment productions .
More than 75 % of the company ’ s 223,000 employees work for the Parks and Products division .
Tens of thousands of park workers fought for and won a $ 15-an-hour minimum wage in 2018 .
Abigail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ executive compensation — particularly at Disney — slammed the company for failing to take care of its low-paid workers when bosses have been “ collecting egregious bonuses for years.
” She has previously called former Disney CEO Bob Iger salary ’ s “ insane.
” Iger stepped down in February and was replaced by Bob Chapek .
Iger remains Disney ’ s chairman .
Last year , Iger made $ 47,525,560 , which was 911 times the median worker ’ s pay .
“ What kind of person is comfortable with this ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ asking Chapek and Iger to reconsider their pay and return some of their money to the company .
“ Disney faces a rough couple of years , to be sure , ” she wrote .
“ But that does not constitute permission to continue pillaging and rampaging by management.
” Chapek took a 50 % pay cut while Iger said he would forgo all of his salary during the pandemic .
The company didn ’ t immediately return CNN Business ’ request for comment .
• How this moment in history could allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come true • Disneyland coronavirus closure could stretch to June with attendance slump through 2021 , analysts warn • Disneyland might check your temperature before letting you in after coronavirus shutdown • Take a # StayAtHome virtual tour of Disneyland with these 88 movies and shows during coronavirus shutdown • 10 things you don ’ t know about Disneyland ’ s sort-of-secret Club 33 Abigail Disney doesn ’ t have a role within the company .
She has previously blasted worker conditions at Disneyland and its pay .
“ I ’ m just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that makes me free to say what I believe , ” she said Tuesday .
“ But I am an heir .
And I do carry this name with me everywhere .
And I have a conscience which makes it very difficult for me to sit by when I see abuses taking place with that name attached to them .
”

Abigail Disney is flabbergasted over the Walt Disney Co.’s decision to furlough hundreds of thousands low-paid workers after paying its executives millions of dollars.
“WHAT THE ACTUAL F***?????” tweeted Disney, the granddaughter of Walt Disney’s brother, Roy Disney.
In a Twitter thread Tuesday, the outspoken family heiress slammed Disney’s decision to furlough theme park employees after the company paid dividends to shareholders and gave executives big bonuses. Disney hasn’t revealed dividend plans for 2020, and the company’s top executives took substantial pay cuts because of Covid-19.
The Walt Disney Co. announced earlier this month it’s furloughing employees “whose jobs aren’t necessary at this time.” The coronavirus pandemic has forced a major chunk of Disney’s businesses to temporarily suspend operations, including its parks, resorts and entertainment productions. More than 75% of the company’s 223,000 employees work for the Parks and Products division.
Tens of thousands of park workers fought for and won a $15-an-hour minimum wage in 2018.
Abigail Disney, a fierce critic of outsized executive compensation — particularly at Disney — slammed the company for failing to take care of its low-paid workers when bosses have been “collecting egregious bonuses for years.”
She has previously called former Disney CEO Bob Iger salary’s “insane.” Iger stepped down in February and was replaced by Bob Chapek. Iger remains Disney’s chairman. Last year, Iger made $47,525,560, which was 911 times the median worker’s pay.
“What kind of person is comfortable with this???,” Disney tweeted, asking Chapek and Iger to reconsider their pay and return some of their money to the company.
“Disney faces a rough couple of years, to be sure,” she wrote. “But that does not constitute permission to continue pillaging and rampaging by management.”
Chapek took a 50% pay cut while Iger said he would forgo all of his salary during the pandemic. The company didn’t immediately return CNN Business’ request for comment.
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“I’m just a citizen who cares and I think that makes me free to say what I believe,” she said Tuesday. “But I am an heir. And I do carry this name with me everywhere. And I have a conscience which makes it very difficult for me to sit by when I see abuses taking place with that name attached to them.”
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mercurynews--2020-04-23--California got the most money but more Texas businesses got coronavirus relief than anywhere else

More small businesses in Texas were approved for money from the federal government ’ s initial coronavirus emergency lending program than in any other state — including harder-hit New York , California and Florida .
Nearly 135,000 loans were approved for businesses in Texas in the first wave , totaling almost $ 28.5 billion , according to data released by the Small Business Administration .
Texas was trailed closely by California , where 112,967 loans were granted , totaling about $ 33.4 billion — ahead of Texas and any other state .
California has about 1.4 million more small businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It was one of the first states to put a shelter in place order into effect in March .
In Texas , where the outbreak has been less widespread , statewide stay-at-home orders didn ’ t take effect until early April .
Florida received the third highest number of loans , 88,997 , followed by New York where 81,075 business owners were approved .
The Small Business Administration gave out 1.6 million loans , worth more than $ 342 billion through the Paycheck Protection Program — until it ran out of money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Congress is set to approve a fourth coronavirus relief package that will provide an additional $ 310 billion for the small business lending program .
It ’ s unclear how quickly those funds would become available , or how long they will last .
Small business owners are desperate for cash and while the government rolled out the paycheck program quickly , it was riddled with glitches and difficulties .
Many small business owners who submitted applications for the first-come first-served program have yet to be approved .
They apply online and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lender .
Generally , any small business with 500 or fewer employees is eligible .
The money is meant to help owners continue to pay their employees and their overhead costs in order to stay afloat for the next two months .
The loan will be forgiven if the funds are used to pay those kinds of expenses .
Only one loan is permitted per business .
They are made in an amount equal to two-and-a-half months of average monthly payroll costs in 2019 .
In recent days , the program has come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and hotels to receive sizable loans while small mom and pop shops are still waiting to see any money .
Shake Shack has since announced it would return the $ 10 million loan .

More small businesses in Texas were approved for money from the federal government’s initial coronavirus emergency lending program than in any other state — including harder-hit New York, California and Florida.
Nearly 135,000 loans were approved for businesses in Texas in the first wave, totaling almost $28.5 billion, according to data released by the Small Business Administration.
[vemba-video id=”van/batchfeed/2020/04/22/kabctv_555b7c50-843a-11ea-9eb7-7f59b5fade04″]
Texas was trailed closely by California, where 112,967 loans were granted, totaling about $33.4 billion — ahead of Texas and any other state.
California has about 1.4 million more small businesses than Texas, according to the SBA. It was one of the first states to put a shelter in place order into effect in March. In Texas, where the outbreak has been less widespread, statewide stay-at-home orders didn’t take effect until early April.
Florida received the third highest number of loans, 88,997, followed by New York where 81,075 business owners were approved.
The Small Business Administration gave out 1.6 million loans, worth more than $342 billion through the Paycheck Protection Program — until it ran out of money last Thursday, after just two weeks.
Congress is set to approve a fourth coronavirus relief package that will provide an additional $310 billion for the small business lending program. It’s unclear how quickly those funds would become available, or how long they will last.
Small business owners are desperate for cash and while the government rolled out the paycheck program quickly, it was riddled with glitches and difficulties. Many small business owners who submitted applications for the first-come first-served program have yet to be approved. They apply online and the loan is made by a SBA-approved lender.
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Only one loan is permitted per business. They are made in an amount equal to two-and-a-half months of average monthly payroll costs in 2019.
In recent days, the program has come under attack for allowing big chain restaurants and hotels to receive sizable loans while small mom and pop shops are still waiting to see any money. Shake Shack has since announced it would return the $10 million loan.
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