mercurynews--2020-05-08--California medical importer launched by well connected GOP consultants prompts complaints, federal i

California medical importer launched by well connected GOP consultants prompts complaints, federal investigation

As the coronavirus became a pandemic in late March , St. John ’ s Well Child and Family Center , a nonprofit that runs medical clinics for economically disadvantaged people in south Los Angeles County , was scrambling to find masks and other protective equipment .
Jim Mangia , St. John ’ s chief executive , said that ’ s when they heard about Blue Flame Medical , a Pasadena-based company launched a few weeks earlier by two well-known Republican political operatives .
Mangia said Blue Flame ’ s leaders — who have helped elect Orange County District Attorney Todd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others — seemed professional and confident about their ability to deliver quality products on deadline .
So on April 2 Mangia sent a $ 179,372 deposit to Blue Flame , for thousands of masks , gloves , gowns and hand sanitizer .
But on the eve of the April 23 delivery date , Mangia said Blue Flame Medical abruptly canceled most of the order , except for the disposable gloves , without explanation .
That sent St. John ’ s into a panic since they were days away from running out of other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ John ’ s was still trying to get a refund , with Mangia fearing they ’ d been scammed .
Then , last week , Mangia said the FBI called , asking questions that were part of a federal investigation into Blue Flame Medical .
St. John ’ s is one in a growing list of health , law and government agencies — including the state of California — that say Blue Flame Medical hasn ’ t lived up to promises to deliver critical protective gear .
That ’ s left those agencies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hundreds of millions of dollars in contracted purchases .
While Blue Flame co-founder and president John Thomas of Glendale — once touted as a rising star of GOP politics and still one of the National Republican Congressional Committee ’ s recommended consultants — was outspoken in an interview two weeks ago with the Southern California News Group about his company ’ s ability to get gear delivered in a timely fashion , he did not respond to requests to comment for this story .
Instead , he directed questions about the investigation and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ light in the past two weeks to Ethan Bearman , an attorney .
Bearman insists that Thomas and co-founder Mike Gula of Washington , D.C. have acted in good faith .
He says the pair have dealt with supply disruptions by the Chinese government and other chaos involved in starting a new company to import medical supplies during a global pandemic .
“ Obviously , Blue Flame Medical is deeply saddened and… sorry to not deliver products as initially estimated , ” Bearman said .
“ John and Mike… were relying on shipping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to customers , so that was all done in good faith and good intention.
” The focus of the Department of Justice probe isn ’ t clear .
The agency doesn ’ t confirm open investigations and Bearman declined to comment on that topic .
But companies failing to deliver goods as promised typically might trigger a civil case for breach of contract .
Two attorneys who are familiar with federal investigations said the DOJ generally gets involved if there ’ s suspicion that a company lied or improperly used government connections to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previous comments , plus interviews with more than a dozen people and a review of records related to his other business dealings , have raised questions about a potential pattern that he makes big promises , runs up big bills and doesn ’ t always deliver .
From the time Politico reported that Gula had abruptly abandoned his political candidates to launch Blue Flame Medical with Thomas , observers have raised concerns about two political operatives with no experience importing medical supplies getting into the business at a moment when customers are desperate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why Rep. Katie Porter , D-Irvine , wrote a letter April 8 to Department of Health and Human Services officials calling for an investigation into the company .
In an April 24 interview with the Southern California News Group , Thomas insisted they were working with suppliers all over the world , not just China , to ensure quality deliveries arrived on time at reasonable prices and that they hadn ’ t had any orders seized by authorities .
He said Blue Flame Medical even created a 20-page PDF with best practices for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to buy PPE .
“ While Katie Porter is trying to throw the book at us , we are literally writing the book on best practices on PPE to bring to America , ” Thomas said .
Those efforts led to Thomas being quoted in various media outlets as an expert in the PPE scene just days after he launched his company .
But Thomas continued to play his cards close to the vest , declining to share Blue Flame ’ s price lists or profit margins .
Thomas said Blue Flame Medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clients , and the company ’ s website now lists 2.4 million PPE supplies “ delivered or ordered.
” But when asked April 24 for examples of clients Blue Flame Medical has served , Thomas gave just three examples : the state of Maryland , St. John ’ s Well Child and Family Center , and UCR Health .
Now it appears that none of those deals were successful .
A week after Southern California News Group reported on Blue Flame ’ s deals , the Wall Street Journal broke the news that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12.5 million order with Blue Flame Medical , noting the state had waited more than 30 days for masks and ventilators .
That story also said Maryland had asked state authorities to investigate the company .
Bearman says Blue Flame Medical continues to try to fulfill that contract , and that some of Maryland ’ s PPE is in transit .
He said his clients stayed in touch with Maryland officials about delays , and that the final deadline for delivery is June 30 .
His clients , he added , were blindsided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanted its money back .
Officials with another client Blue Flame Medical claimed to be in business with last month , UC Riverside , said this week that they ’ ve never done business with the company .
Bearman said Thomas “ must have misspoke ” when touting UCR Health as a client , since he ’ s not aware of any contracts with the organization .
Mangia , of St. John ’ s Well Child and Family Center , said his group ’ s $ 179,372 deposit was refunded on Monday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we work with might say , ‘ Hey , your order might be a little delayed , ’ ” Mangia said .
“ But we haven ’ t had any other supplier completely cancel an order of tens of thousands of supplies.
” Bearman said he couldn ’ t get into details about that deal .
As of Wedneday , Blue Flame Medical ’ s website said they were “ able to deliver our between 18-21 days after the initial order is placed.
” That information was taken off the website shortly after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CalMatters also broke the news this week that the state of California ordered $ 456.9 million in gear from Blue Flame Medical , then asked for a refund hours later .
The Sacramento Bee reports via Treasurer Fiona Ma that the state ’ s bank flagged the deal as questionable .
Bearman said he couldn ’ t comment on that situation .
As more examples of disappointed clients continue to come out , Bearman also said he couldn ’ t name any Blue Flame Medical clients who have successfully received deliveries because he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their orders public .
On Blue Flame Medical ’ s original website , Thomas promoted himself as “ a healthcare specialist.
” When asked about this , Thomas said , “ I ’ ve run a healthcare real estate development company for seven or eight years , so I ’ ve built a lot of relationships with potential tenants and users from major healthcare systems all over the United States.
” Thomas registered Thomas Partners Properties with the California Secretary of State in 2013 and lists the firm on his LinkedIn page as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The state says the company ’ s business license is suspended .
A previous version of Blue Flame ’ s website touted Thomas ’ “ latest project ” as The Oasis , “ a $ 200 million , 420,000 square-foot wellness village at the Palmdale Regional Medical Center that focuses on injury and disease prevention through the encouragement of healthy lifestyle choices.
” Thomas Partners Properties announced that project in 2015 , with promises to break ground in 2016 .
Palmdale officials confirmed the project is still stalled , with no updates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Thomas ’ company was sued over that project in 2017 by Irvine-based Manarino Realty , which had been hired to consult on the development .
Manarino Realty claimed in the suit that Thomas Partners Properties was insolvent when it hired the firm , “ made false representations of material fact ” to land the deal and refused to pay on a nearly $ 400,000 bill .
The realty company didn ’ t respond to a request to discuss the project .
That lawsuit was later dismissed .
No information about any other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be found .
He declined to comment and Bearman said he had no knowledge of those dealings .
Thomas , whose parents are leaders of a Los Angeles County chapter of the influential GOP fundraising Lincoln Club , has been a political consultant since he was in his early 20s .
He helped Spitzer win his Orange County DA seat in 2018 and has helped Supervisor Andrew Do with his campaigns .
Spitzer ’ s office said he ’ s no longer working with Thomas , while Do didn ’ t respond to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it hasn ’ t done any deals with Blue Flame Medical .
And if any complaints come up in the county related to the company , Spitzer ’ s office said they ’ ll refer them to the state Attorney General .
Federal records show Thomas ’ firm was paid $ 429,259 by nine federal candidates this election cycle .
None of them made it through the primary .
That included Don Sedgwick , who was the favored Republican challenging Porter in CA-45 .
Sedgwick raised and spent more money than other challenger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or $ 307,746 , went to Thomas ’ consulting firm .
Sedgwick finished third in that race .
Two more of Thomas ’ clients didn ’ t make it through the primary .
A couple others dropped out of their races before the election .
And two others fired Thomas part-way through the cycle .
Eric Early , who ’ s challenging Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff , D-Burbank , fired Thomas for cause in December , according to Early ’ s new campaign manager , Alexander Avetoom .
He declined to elaborate .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ running in CA-33 , in Los Angeles , said he got Thomas ’ name on a list of recommended consultants from the NRCC .
But Bradley said he was unhappy soon after they started working together , claiming Thomas was attentive before he signed his consulting contract but was “ AWOL ” after he ’ d hired him .
The NRCC didn ’ t respond to questions about that list or whether Thomas is still on it .
• 75,000 Americans at risk of dying from overdose or suicide due to coronavirus despair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic is unleashing a ‘ tsunami of hate ’ • How does the government decide who gets remdesivir ?
Doctors have no idea Thomas ’ other federal client this cycle was Buzz Patterson , who advanced through the primary with Democratic Rep. Ami Bera in Sacramento County ’ s 7th District .
In February , Thomas sued that client for breach of contract — a move described as highly unusual by several other political consultants .
They noted that consulting deals typically include confidentiality agreements , and that it ’ s not uncommon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they can ’ t pay .
The lawsuit claims Patterson had promised to pay Thomas a $ 5,500 monthly retainer fee plus a 15 % commission on paid media made for the candidate .
If he advanced through the primary , Thomas ’ firm would get a $ 15,000 bonus .
And if he won the general election , Thomas ’ firm would get another $ 30,000 bonus .
Thomas ’ suit claims Patterson owes him nearly $ 50,000 in unpaid fees and also accuses Patterson of trying to pay himself out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alcohol .
Patterson has filed a demurer and called the suit “ frivolous.
” But he declined to comment further without an OK from his attorney .
A hearing on that case is set for August .

As the coronavirus became a pandemic in late March, St. John’s Well Child and Family Center, a nonprofit that runs medical clinics for economically disadvantaged people in south Los Angeles County, was scrambling to find masks and other protective equipment.
Jim Mangia, St. John’s chief executive, said that’s when they heard about Blue Flame Medical, a Pasadena-based company launched a few weeks earlier by two well-known Republican political operatives. Mangia said Blue Flame’s leaders — who have helped elect Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer and Supervisor Andrew Do, among others — seemed professional and confident about their ability to deliver quality products on deadline.
So on April 2 Mangia sent a $179,372 deposit to Blue Flame, for thousands of masks, gloves, gowns and hand sanitizer.
But on the eve of the April 23 delivery date, Mangia said Blue Flame Medical abruptly canceled most of the order, except for the disposable gloves, without explanation. That sent St. John’s into a panic since they were days away from running out of other gear.
A week later, St. John’s was still trying to get a refund, with Mangia fearing they’d been scammed. Then, last week, Mangia said the FBI called, asking questions that were part of a federal investigation into Blue Flame Medical.
St. John’s is one in a growing list of health, law and government agencies — including the state of California — that say Blue Flame Medical hasn’t lived up to promises to deliver critical protective gear. That’s left those agencies scrambling to get equipment and refunds on hundreds of millions of dollars in contracted purchases.
While Blue Flame co-founder and president John Thomas of Glendale — once touted as a rising star of GOP politics and still one of the National Republican Congressional Committee’s recommended consultants — was outspoken in an interview two weeks ago with the Southern California News Group about his company’s ability to get gear delivered in a timely fashion, he did not respond to requests to comment for this story. Instead, he directed questions about the investigation and other information that’s come to light in the past two weeks to Ethan Bearman, an attorney.
Bearman insists that Thomas and co-founder Mike Gula of Washington, D.C. have acted in good faith. He says the pair have dealt with supply disruptions by the Chinese government and other chaos involved in starting a new company to import medical supplies during a global pandemic.
“Obviously, Blue Flame Medical is deeply saddened and… sorry to not deliver products as initially estimated,” Bearman said. “John and Mike… were relying on shipping estimates from Chinese suppliers when they committed to customers, so that was all done in good faith and good intention.”
The focus of the Department of Justice probe isn’t clear. The agency doesn’t confirm open investigations and Bearman declined to comment on that topic.
But companies failing to deliver goods as promised typically might trigger a civil case for breach of contract. Two attorneys who are familiar with federal investigations said the DOJ generally gets involved if there’s suspicion that a company lied or improperly used government connections to land deals.
Meanwhile, Thomas’ previous comments, plus interviews with more than a dozen people and a review of records related to his other business dealings, have raised questions about a potential pattern that he makes big promises, runs up big bills and doesn’t always deliver.
Blue Flame leaves customers waiting
From the time Politico reported that Gula had abruptly abandoned his political candidates to launch Blue Flame Medical with Thomas, observers have raised concerns about two political operatives with no experience importing medical supplies getting into the business at a moment when customers are desperate for protective gear.
That’s why Rep. Katie Porter, D-Irvine, wrote a letter April 8 to Department of Health and Human Services officials calling for an investigation into the company.
In an April 24 interview with the Southern California News Group, Thomas insisted they were working with suppliers all over the world, not just China, to ensure quality deliveries arrived on time at reasonable prices and that they hadn’t had any orders seized by authorities. He said Blue Flame Medical even created a 20-page PDF with best practices for governments, healthcare agencies and others looking to buy PPE.
“While Katie Porter is trying to throw the book at us, we are literally writing the book on best practices on PPE to bring to America,” Thomas said.
Those efforts led to Thomas being quoted in various media outlets as an expert in the PPE scene just days after he launched his company.
But Thomas continued to play his cards close to the vest, declining to share Blue Flame’s price lists or profit margins.
Thomas said Blue Flame Medical had “dozens and dozens” of clients, and the company’s website now lists 2.4 million PPE supplies “delivered or ordered.” But when asked April 24 for examples of clients Blue Flame Medical has served, Thomas gave just three examples: the state of Maryland, St. John’s Well Child and Family Center, and UCR Health. Now it appears that none of those deals were successful.
A week after Southern California News Group reported on Blue Flame’s deals, the Wall Street Journal broke the news that the state Maryland had canceled a $12.5 million order with Blue Flame Medical, noting the state had waited more than 30 days for masks and ventilators. That story also said Maryland had asked state authorities to investigate the company.
Bearman says Blue Flame Medical continues to try to fulfill that contract, and that some of Maryland’s PPE is in transit. He said his clients stayed in touch with Maryland officials about delays, and that the final deadline for delivery is June 30. His clients, he added, were blindsided to read news reports that the state wanted its money back.
Officials with another client Blue Flame Medical claimed to be in business with last month, UC Riverside, said this week that they’ve never done business with the company.
Bearman said Thomas “must have misspoke” when touting UCR Health as a client, since he’s not aware of any contracts with the organization.
Mangia, of St. John’s Well Child and Family Center, said his group’s $179,372 deposit was refunded on Monday, May 4.
“Every other supplier we work with might say, ‘Hey, your order might be a little delayed,’” Mangia said. “But we haven’t had any other supplier completely cancel an order of tens of thousands of supplies.”
Bearman said he couldn’t get into details about that deal.
As of Wedneday, Blue Flame Medical’s website said they were “able to deliver our between 18-21 days after the initial order is placed.” That information was taken off the website shortly after the company was asked about it.
CalMatters also broke the news this week that the state of California ordered $456.9 million in gear from Blue Flame Medical, then asked for a refund hours later. The Sacramento Bee reports via Treasurer Fiona Ma that the state’s bank flagged the deal as questionable.
Bearman said he couldn’t comment on that situation.
As more examples of disappointed clients continue to come out, Bearman also said he couldn’t name any Blue Flame Medical clients who have successfully received deliveries because he didn’t have permission to make their orders public.
Background in health care?
On Blue Flame Medical’s original website, Thomas promoted himself as “a healthcare specialist.” When asked about this, Thomas said, “I’ve run a healthcare real estate development company for seven or eight years, so I’ve built a lot of relationships with potential tenants and users from major healthcare systems all over the United States.”
Thomas registered Thomas Partners Properties with the California Secretary of State in 2013 and lists the firm on his LinkedIn page as an active healthcare real estate development company. The state says the company’s business license is suspended.
A previous version of Blue Flame’s website touted Thomas’ “latest project” as The Oasis, “a $200 million, 420,000 square-foot wellness village at the Palmdale Regional Medical Center that focuses on injury and disease prevention through the encouragement of healthy lifestyle choices.”
Thomas Partners Properties announced that project in 2015, with promises to break ground in 2016. Palmdale officials confirmed the project is still stalled, with no updates on when or if will move forward.
Thomas’ company was sued over that project in 2017 by Irvine-based Manarino Realty, which had been hired to consult on the development. Manarino Realty claimed in the suit that Thomas Partners Properties was insolvent when it hired the firm, “made false representations of material fact” to land the deal and refused to pay on a nearly $400,000 bill. The realty company didn’t respond to a request to discuss the project. That lawsuit was later dismissed.
No information about any other healthcare real estate projects from Thomas could be found. He declined to comment and Bearman said he had no knowledge of those dealings.
Consultancy business disappoints this cycle
Thomas, whose parents are leaders of a Los Angeles County chapter of the influential GOP fundraising Lincoln Club, has been a political consultant since he was in his early 20s.
He helped Spitzer win his Orange County DA seat in 2018 and has helped Supervisor Andrew Do with his campaigns. Spitzer’s office said he’s no longer working with Thomas, while Do didn’t respond to requests for comment.
Orange County says it hasn’t done any deals with Blue Flame Medical. And if any complaints come up in the county related to the company, Spitzer’s office said they’ll refer them to the state Attorney General.
Federal records show Thomas’ firm was paid $429,259 by nine federal candidates this election cycle. None of them made it through the primary.
That included Don Sedgwick, who was the favored Republican challenging Porter in CA-45. Sedgwick raised and spent more money than other challenger. Nearly half of his expenses, or $307,746, went to Thomas’ consulting firm. Sedgwick finished third in that race.
Two more of Thomas’ clients didn’t make it through the primary. A couple others dropped out of their races before the election. And two others fired Thomas part-way through the cycle.
Eric Early, who’s challenging Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Burbank, fired Thomas for cause in December, according to Early’s new campaign manager, Alexander Avetoom. He declined to elaborate.
James P. Bradley, who’s running in CA-33, in Los Angeles, said he got Thomas’ name on a list of recommended consultants from the NRCC. But Bradley said he was unhappy soon after they started working together, claiming Thomas was attentive before he signed his consulting contract but was “AWOL” after he’d hired him.
The NRCC didn’t respond to questions about that list or whether Thomas is still on it.
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The lawsuit claims Patterson had promised to pay Thomas a $5,500 monthly retainer fee plus a 15% commission on paid media made for the candidate. If he advanced through the primary, Thomas’ firm would get a $15,000 bonus. And if he won the general election, Thomas’ firm would get another $30,000 bonus.
Thomas’ suit claims Patterson owes him nearly $50,000 in unpaid fees and also accuses Patterson of trying to pay himself out of campaign funds and of having issues with alcohol.
Patterson has filed a demurer and called the suit “frivolous.” But he declined to comment further without an OK from his attorney.
A hearing on that case is set for August.


mercurynews--2020-05-08--California homeowners can get up to 10 months to make up missed payments or sell

Lori Devault survived and rebuilt her Julian home after it burned down in the 2003 Cedar Fire .
Now she is worried she might not survive her mortgage lender as she is already two months into a maximum six-month mortgage forbearance agreement with Irvine-based Rushmore Loan Management Services .
“ Rushmore requires the missed payments to be made up by the end of the forbearance period , ” said Devault .
“ I don ’ t have the money.
” Her Julian home is worth about $ 695,000 , with a mortgage balance of $ 329,000 and a total house @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about $ 366,000 in equity .
Substantial equity does not matter when house payments come due .
Devault is unable to work after hitting her head on a fire extinguisher and fracturing her skull .
Her ex-husband stopped paying spousal support because he lost his wages due to COVID-19 .
She has attempted to get additional relief from Rushmore .
“ We ’ ll help you sell your house or foreclose , ” said a Rushmore customer service person .
Rushmore would not confirm or deny Devault is a customer .
“ Whenever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forbearance plan and then , once the forbearance period ends , we will explore a range of repayment options , including a repayment plan … ( or ) a loan modification , ” said in a written statement .
Generally , mortgage loan servicers do not own your note and deed-of-trust ( California ’ s version of a mortgage ) .
The servicers ’ job is to bill you and accept your payment , calculate your new balance , distribute the portion owed to the investor ( true owner of your mortgage ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a very small portion for the work it performs .
Mortgage servicers do not have the authority to decide what can be offered to distressed borrowers .
Rather , they take their marching orders from the owner of your mortgage .
If you are in trouble , contact your mortgage servicer .
Find out who owns your mortgage .
Explain your plight .
Find out what forbearance , mortgage modification and other workout options are in play .
Bypass your servicer and contact your mortgage owner if you can ’ t negotiate a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is one sympathetic person in authority to say yes to your workout plan .
The California Department of Real Estate ( DRE ) said on April 16 you can access free loan modification counselors through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development .
If you hire an attorney or a licensed real estate agent to assist you in negotiating a forbearance or loan modification , it is illegal for them to ask you for or accept any type of retainer or advance fee , according to the DRE .
The DRE investigated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or advance fee violations between 2008 and 2013 .
According to real estate attorney Dennis Doss , no matter what your servicer offers , California borrowers have state and federal protections that buys you valuable time : • Gov .
Gavin Newsom reached an agreement with community banks requiring them to provide a minimum 90-day payment forbearance .
• California provides a moratorium of three months plus 21 days on a notice of intent to foreclose .
If you are in over your ( financial ) head , take these steps consecutively to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what is next .
Make your plan .
Put your plan in motion .
Maybe you have plenty of equity .
A good move might be to sell before credit report mortgage late payments are reported , late payment penalties and lender foreclosure charges start to eventually ruin your previously good credit and gobble up more of your equity .
What about filing for bankruptcy ?
Bankruptcy should be the option of last resort , said bankruptcy attorney Richard Golubow .
“ Be proactive in dealing with your lender .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ precisely , ” said Golubow .
Bankruptcy is leverage of last resort in the event you can ’ t consensually resolve the financial restructuring.
” Under Chapter 13 of the bankruptcy code , you may be able to keep your home indefinitely , said bankruptcy attorney Michael Nicastro .
But , he added , “ Treading water is not swimming .
It ’ s delayed drowning.
” Freddie Mac rate news : The 30-year fixed rate averaged 3.26 % , up 3 basis points from last week to the second-lowest rate on record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 3.23 % was the all-time low . )
The 15-year fixed rate averaged 2.73 % , down 4 basis points from last week .
The Mortgage Bankers Association reported the loan application volume was unchanged from one week earlier .
Bottom line : Assuming a borrower gets the average 30-year fixed rate on a conforming $ 510,400 loan , last year ’ s payment was $ 242 more than this week ’ s payment of $ 2,224 .
Eye catcher loan of the week : A jumbo 30-year mortgage , locked for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without points .
Jeff Lazerson is a mortgage broker and adjunct professor at Saddleback College .
He can be reached at 949-334-2424 or jlazerson @ mortgagegrader.com .
His website is www.mortgagegrader.com .
• Property tax relief on the way for Californians

Lori Devault survived and rebuilt her Julian home after it burned down in the 2003 Cedar Fire.
Now she is worried she might not survive her mortgage lender as she is already two months into a maximum six-month mortgage forbearance agreement with Irvine-based Rushmore Loan Management Services.
“Rushmore requires the missed payments to be made up by the end of the forbearance period,” said Devault. “I don’t have the money.”
Her Julian home is worth about $695,000, with a mortgage balance of $329,000 and a total house payment of $2,100. She has about $366,000 in equity.
Substantial equity does not matter when house payments come due.
Devault is unable to work after hitting her head on a fire extinguisher and fracturing her skull. Her ex-husband stopped paying spousal support because he lost his wages due to COVID-19.
She has attempted to get additional relief from Rushmore.
“We’ll help you sell your house or foreclose,” said a Rushmore customer service person.
Ugh!
Rushmore would not confirm or deny Devault is a customer.
“Whenever possible we are putting borrowers into a forbearance plan and then, once the forbearance period ends, we will explore a range of repayment options, including a repayment plan … (or) a loan modification,” said in a written statement.
Generally, mortgage loan servicers do not own your note and deed-of-trust (California’s version of a mortgage). The servicers’ job is to bill you and accept your payment, calculate your new balance, distribute the portion owed to the investor (true owner of your mortgage) along with taxes and insurance, keeping a very small portion for the work it performs.
Mortgage servicers do not have the authority to decide what can be offered to distressed borrowers. Rather, they take their marching orders from the owner of your mortgage.
If you are in trouble, contact your mortgage servicer. Find out who owns your mortgage. Explain your plight. Find out what forbearance, mortgage modification and other workout options are in play. Bypass your servicer and contact your mortgage owner if you can’t negotiate a mutually beneficial compromise.
All you need is one sympathetic person in authority to say yes to your workout plan.
The California Department of Real Estate (DRE) said on April 16 you can access free loan modification counselors through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
If you hire an attorney or a licensed real estate agent to assist you in negotiating a forbearance or loan modification, it is illegal for them to ask you for or accept any type of retainer or advance fee, according to the DRE. The DRE investigated roughly 8,089 entities for alleged loan modification or advance fee violations between 2008 and 2013.
According to real estate attorney Dennis Doss, no matter what your servicer offers, California borrowers have state and federal protections that buys you valuable time:
Gov. Gavin Newsom reached an agreement with community banks requiring them to provide a minimum 90-day payment forbearance. Federal law under Regulation Z requires a 120-day pre-foreclosure notice California provides a moratorium of three months plus 21 days on a notice of intent to foreclose.
If you are in over your (financial) head, take these steps consecutively to borrow roughly 321 days to figure out what is next.
Make your plan. Put your plan in motion. Maybe you have plenty of equity. A good move might be to sell before credit report mortgage late payments are reported, late payment penalties and lender foreclosure charges start to eventually ruin your previously good credit and gobble up more of your equity.
What about filing for bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy should be the option of last resort, said bankruptcy attorney Richard Golubow.
“Be proactive in dealing with your lender. It’s better to explain transparently, timely and precisely,” said Golubow. Bankruptcy is leverage of last resort in the event you can’t consensually resolve the financial restructuring.”
Under Chapter 13 of the bankruptcy code, you may be able to keep your home indefinitely, said bankruptcy attorney Michael Nicastro.
But, he added, “Treading water is not swimming. It’s delayed drowning.”
Freddie Mac rate news: The 30-year fixed rate averaged 3.26%, up 3 basis points from last week to the second-lowest rate on record. (Last week’s rate of 3.23% was the all-time low.) The 15-year fixed rate averaged 2.73%, down 4 basis points from last week.
The Mortgage Bankers Association reported the loan application volume was unchanged from one week earlier.
Bottom line: Assuming a borrower gets the average 30-year fixed rate on a conforming $510,400 loan, last year’s payment was $242 more than this week’s payment of $2,224.
Eye catcher loan of the week: A jumbo 30-year mortgage, locked for the first 10 years at 3.5% without points.


mercurynews--2020-05-08--Letter: Did drop in gas use spur Alameda County’s reusable bag ban?

When Alameda County banned reusable bags in grocery stores , my first thought was : Plastic !
The plastic industry must be behind this .
As Ivy Schlegel of Greenpeace USA pointed out in her article , the plastic industry cynically exploited people ’ s fears and uncertainty during the COVID-19 crisis to push single-use plastic bags as “ safe.
” How are reusable bags not safe ?
There have been exactly zero documented cases of COVID-19 via someone touching a reusable grocery bag .
Why couldn ’ t shoppers just pack their own groceries so the grocery checker wouldn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if their welfare is the concern ?
The fossil fuel industry is suffering from less use of gasoline so profits have to be found somewhere .
• Letter : Nations with mass testing in a position to reopen • Letter : We can defeat virus by working as ‘ one in mind ’ • Letter : Federal employees vital to U.S. , especially now My advice : Just load your groceries into your cart , then pack into bags in your car .
One problem solved .
Submit your letter to the editor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Editor

Did drop in gas revenue spur reusable bag bans?
Re: “COVID-19 plastic bag revival relies on industry spin” (Opinion section, May 5):
When Alameda County banned reusable bags in grocery stores, my first thought was: Plastic! The plastic industry must be behind this.
As Ivy Schlegel of Greenpeace USA pointed out in her article, the plastic industry cynically exploited people’s fears and uncertainty during the COVID-19 crisis to push single-use plastic bags as “safe.”
How are reusable bags not safe? There have been exactly zero documented cases of COVID-19 via someone touching a reusable grocery bag.
Why couldn’t shoppers just pack their own groceries so the grocery checker wouldn’t have to even touch them if their welfare is the concern?
The fossil fuel industry is suffering from less use of gasoline so profits have to be found somewhere.
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Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps My advice: Just load your groceries into your cart, then pack into bags in your car. One problem solved.
Leslie Pahl
Oakland
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
Read more Letters to the Editor


mercurynews--2020-05-08--TV tonight: ‘Magnum P.I.’ wraps things up with back-to-back episodes

It ’ s time to say “ aloha ” to Season 2 of “ Magnum P.I.
” The sun-drenched crime series doubles up with back-to-back final episodes ( 9 and 10 p.m. May 8 , CBS ) .
In the first , Magnum and Higgins are each hired by a different spouse who are in the middle of a contentious divorce to dig up dirt on the other , and Thomas and Higgins soon find themselves competing over resources .
Also , Rick and TC look into the death of an unidentified man and must share the news with his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Phillips ) .
In the second hour , Magnum and Higgins help Rick when his father figure , Icepick ( Corbin Bernsen ) , just out of prison and battling terminal cancer , gets double crossed on one last score .
Also , Magnum makes one last bold move to help Higgins stay in the countr when he visa expires .
“ Magnum P.I.
” is among the number of series renewed this week by CBS for the upcoming fall season .
— “ In This Together : A PBS American Portrait Story @ @ @ @ @ @ @ check local listings ) : Through personal stories , photographs and videos posted on the “ PBS American Portrait ” website , people across America share firsthand accounts of how the global coronavirus pandemic has affected their lives and the nation as a whole .
“ PBS American Portrait ” is the signature content initiative of PBS ’ s 50th anniversary .
It ’ s a national crowdsourced storytelling project that gathers self-shot video , photos and written submissions from the public digitally with the intention of exploring what it means to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the website has gathered thousands of submissions and continues to accept them .
— “ Regular Heroes ” ( Amazon Prime ) : This eight-episode documentary series highlights the contributions and personal sacrifices of generous individuals who are going above and beyond to support their communities during the COVID-19 crisis .
In addition to shining the spotlight on the heroes ’ tireless work and amplifying their efforts in cities including New York City , Los Angeles , New Orleans , Chicago , and Seattle among others , the series will offer support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services and more so that they can continue to pay it forward and help their communities .
— “ The Eddy ” ( Netflix ) : From “ La La Land ” director Damien Chazelle comes this music-infused drama set in modern-day Paris .
It follows a once-celebrated jazz pianist ( Andre Holland ) who now runs a struggling nightclub .
Things become complicated when he gets tangled up with dangerous criminals while trying to protect his business .
— “ Dead to Me ” ( Netflix ) : One of last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second season .
and the lies that entwine them are back .
Picking up in the aftermath of that bloody backyard reveal , Jen ( Christina Applegate ) and Judy ( Linda Cardellini ) again struggle to keep their secrets buried .
With a surprising new visitor in town and Detective Perez ( Diana Maria Riva ) hot on their heels , they take drastic measures to protect their loved ones and each other — no matter the cost .

It’s time to say “aloha” to Season 2 of “Magnum P.I.”
The sun-drenched crime series doubles up with back-to-back final episodes (9 and 10 p.m. May 8, CBS).
In the first, Magnum and Higgins are each hired by a different spouse who are in the middle of a contentious divorce to dig up dirt on the other, and Thomas and Higgins soon find themselves competing over resources. Also, Rick and TC look into the death of an unidentified man and must share the news with his estranged daughter, Suzy Madison (Betsy Phillips).
In the second hour, Magnum and Higgins help Rick when his father figure, Icepick (Corbin Bernsen), just out of prison and battling terminal cancer, gets double crossed on one last score. Also, Magnum makes one last bold move to help Higgins stay in the countr when he visa expires.
“Magnum P.I.” is among the number of series renewed this week by CBS for the upcoming fall season.
Other Friday highlights:
— “In This Together: A PBS American Portrait Story” (9 p.m., PBS; check local listings): Through personal stories, photographs and videos posted on the “PBS American Portrait” website, people across America share firsthand accounts of how the global coronavirus pandemic has affected their lives and the nation as a whole.
“PBS American Portrait” is the signature content initiative of PBS’s 50th anniversary. It’s a national crowdsourced storytelling project that gathers self-shot video, photos and written submissions from the public digitally with the intention of exploring what it means to be an American today. Since early January, the website has gathered thousands of submissions and continues to accept them.
— “Regular Heroes” (Amazon Prime): This eight-episode documentary series highlights the contributions and personal sacrifices of generous individuals who are going above and beyond to support their communities during the COVID-19 crisis.
In addition to shining the spotlight on the heroes’ tireless work and amplifying their efforts in cities including New York City, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Chicago, and Seattle among others, the series will offer support and assistance with donations of goods, services and more so that they can continue to pay it forward and help their communities.
— “The Eddy” (Netflix): From “La La Land” director Damien Chazelle comes this music-infused drama set in modern-day Paris. It follows a once-celebrated jazz pianist (Andre Holland) who now runs a struggling nightclub. Things become complicated when he gets tangled up with dangerous criminals while trying to protect his business.
— “Dead to Me” (Netflix): One of last year’s best shows returns for a second season. and the lies that entwine them are back. Picking up in the aftermath of that bloody backyard reveal, Jen (Christina Applegate) and Judy (Linda Cardellini) again struggle to keep their secrets buried. With a surprising new visitor in town and Detective Perez (Diana Maria Riva) hot on their heels, they take drastic measures to protect their loved ones and each other — no matter the cost.


mercurynews--2020-05-08--Letter: SCC jails quick COVID-19 response was wise and humane

The Santa Clara County Department of Corrections deserves recognition for its responsible actions beginning in early March in response to coronavirus .
It has been working hard to safely release incarcerated people with fewer than 60 days remaining on their sentences , people being held for non-violent offences who could safely be held at home under monitoring or other supervision and medically vulnerable people .
The jail population has dropped by about 30 % from pre-pandemic levels .
Newly arrested people are screened and held apart from others for 14 days to prevent the possibility of in-jail transmission .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have tested positive .
• Letter : Did drop in gas use spur Alameda County ’ s reusable bag ban ?
• Letter : Nations with mass testing in a position to reopen • Letter : We can defeat virus by working as ‘ one in mind ’ • Letter : Federal employees vital to U.S. , especially now Over the last two months 30 % of the inmates have been released , which keeps the jails from becoming hotspots .
I am grateful for these wise and humane decisions carried out with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

SCC jails quick COVID-19
response wise, humane
The Santa Clara County Department of Corrections deserves recognition for its responsible actions beginning in early March in response to coronavirus.
It has been working hard to safely release incarcerated people with fewer than 60 days remaining on their sentences, people being held for non-violent offences who could safely be held at home under monitoring or other supervision and medically vulnerable people.
The jail population has dropped by about 30% from pre-pandemic levels.
Newly arrested people are screened and held apart from others for 14 days to prevent the possibility of in-jail transmission. As of last week, only three people have tested positive.
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Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps Over the last two months 30% of the inmates have been released, which keeps the jails from becoming hotspots. I am grateful for these wise and humane decisions carried out with precision timing.
Rani Fischer
Sunnyvale
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
Read more Letters to the Editor


mercurynews--2020-05-08--Horoscopes May 8, 2020: Julio Iglesias, stick to the truth.

Happy Birthday : Keep an open mind , but don ’ t let anyone meddle in your personal or professional business .
Stick to the truth , and focus on what you want and what you are willing to give in return .
Honesty will make a difference in the outcome this year .
Before making a change , be sure it ’ s what you want .
Put more merit on rules , regulations and accuracy .
Your numbers are 7 , 18 , 22 , 27 , 35 , 42 , 44 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you will be ready for whatever comes your way .
Be willing and prepared to jump at an opportunity and to make whatever adjustments are necessary to reach your goal .
Romance is in the stars .
5 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Reach out to someone you love .
A shopping spree will be satisfying as long as you stick to your budget .
Walk away from unsavory situations .
Now is not the time to argue over something you can not change .
3 stars GEMINI ( May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regarding skills , knowledge and what ’ s trending in your area will help you head in a direction that shows economic promise .
Instead of worrying about the future , be proactive and adjust to social requirements .
Self-improvement is encouraged .
3 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Put time and effort into what you can do to improve your situation .
Use your imagination , and pull your resources together .
Don ’ t let negativity set in when you should be open to positive change .
Use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Keep your opinions to yourself , and you ’ ll avoid unwanted repercussions .
Look at what you can do that will make your life easier , finances healthier and relationships with others better .
Diplomacy will help you get your way .
Romance is favored .
5 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Online art exhibits and tours , educational pursuits and social media events will enhance your life .
Collaborate with someone who complements what you have to offer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a plan that will encourage a positive lifestyle change .
Let go of what ’ s no longer working for you .
2 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Help a cause or someone you love .
It ’ s up to you to determine what ’ s important to you and how best to funnel your energy .
Refuse to let someone ’ s selfish or demanding attitude ruin your day .
Follow your heart , and satisfy your soul .
4 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your way .
Pay attention to detail , the people who share your beliefs and interests , and the changes you want to make to the way you live or do things .
Limit emotional spending or trying to buy affection .
3 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Handle gossip carefully .
Don ’ t let confusion set in because one person tells you one thing and another just the opposite .
When in doubt , go directly to the source , and make up your mind based on facts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Discuss your feelings and intentions .
The higher the transparency , the easier it will be to get others on board .
A partnership will need an adjustment if it ’ s going to maintain equilibrium .
A change at home will lead to a force play .
3 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Put in the effort and reap the rewards .
Finish what you start , and honor your promises .
Don ’ t bend to someone ’ s whims .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ you the most joy .
Self-improvement , romance and entertainment should be priorities .
4 stars .
PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Don ’ t let jealousy or someone from your past cause problems between you and someone close to you .
If change is what you want , be the one to instigate plans to ensure you get the results you want .
Be direct , honest and fair .
2 stars Birthday Baby : You are engaging , adaptable and opportunistic .
You are curious and personable .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Stephen Amell, 39; Enrique Iglesias, 45; Melissa Gilbert, 56; David Keith, 66.
Happy Birthday: Keep an open mind, but don’t let anyone meddle in your personal or professional business. Stick to the truth, and focus on what you want and what you are willing to give in return. Honesty will make a difference in the outcome this year. Before making a change, be sure it’s what you want. Put more merit on rules, regulations and accuracy. Your numbers are 7, 18, 22, 27, 35, 42, 44.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Expect the unexpected, and you will be ready for whatever comes your way. Be willing and prepared to jump at an opportunity and to make whatever adjustments are necessary to reach your goal. Romance is in the stars. 5 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Reach out to someone you love. A shopping spree will be satisfying as long as you stick to your budget. Walk away from unsavory situations. Now is not the time to argue over something you cannot change. 3 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): A positive attitude regarding skills, knowledge and what’s trending in your area will help you head in a direction that shows economic promise. Instead of worrying about the future, be proactive and adjust to social requirements. Self-improvement is encouraged. 3 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Put time and effort into what you can do to improve your situation. Use your imagination, and pull your resources together. Don’t let negativity set in when you should be open to positive change. Use your talents to subsidize your income. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Keep your opinions to yourself, and you’ll avoid unwanted repercussions. Look at what you can do that will make your life easier, finances healthier and relationships with others better. Diplomacy will help you get your way. Romance is favored. 5 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Online art exhibits and tours, educational pursuits and social media events will enhance your life. Collaborate with someone who complements what you have to offer, and you’ll come up with a plan that will encourage a positive lifestyle change. Let go of what’s no longer working for you. 2 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Help a cause or someone you love. It’s up to you to determine what’s important to you and how best to funnel your energy. Refuse to let someone’s selfish or demanding attitude ruin your day. Follow your heart, and satisfy your soul. 4 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Arguing won’t help you get your way. Pay attention to detail, the people who share your beliefs and interests, and the changes you want to make to the way you live or do things. Limit emotional spending or trying to buy affection. 3 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Handle gossip carefully. Don’t let confusion set in because one person tells you one thing and another just the opposite. When in doubt, go directly to the source, and make up your mind based on facts. Romance is favored. 3 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Discuss your feelings and intentions. The higher the transparency, the easier it will be to get others on board. A partnership will need an adjustment if it’s going to maintain equilibrium. A change at home will lead to a force play. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Put in the effort and reap the rewards. Finish what you start, and honor your promises. Don’t bend to someone’s whims. Spend time doing the things that bring you the most joy. Self-improvement, romance and entertainment should be priorities. 4 stars.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Don’t let jealousy or someone from your past cause problems between you and someone close to you. If change is what you want, be the one to instigate plans to ensure you get the results you want. Be direct, honest and fair. 2 stars
Birthday Baby: You are engaging, adaptable and opportunistic. You are curious and personable.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


Bridge: May 8, 2020

“ I thought my dryer was shrinking my clothes .
The problem was actually my refrigerator.
” — graffiti Today ’ s West leads the queen of diamonds against four hearts , and South faces four losers : a trump and three spades .
If he draws trumps , leaving none in dummy , he surely loses three spades .
If he doesn ’ t draw any trumps and tries to ruff a spade in dummy , East overruffs .
And if South takes the A-K of trumps and attacks the spades , West will get in to cash his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Can South shrink four losers into three ?
Four hearts is cold .
South takes the ace of diamonds , ruffs a diamond and cashes the A-K of trumps .
When East-West follow low , South leads a club to dummy , ruffs a diamond , leads a club to dummy and ruffs a diamond .
If West overruffs , South still wins three more tricks : another club , the ace of spades and dummy ’ s remaining trump .
If instead West discards , South scores the ace of spades @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in dummy .
You hold : S A 6 2 H 8 5 3 D A 9 6 4 C A J 10 .
You open one diamond , your partner responds one heart , you bid 1NT and he next tries three clubs .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : Your partner surely has five or more hearts and probably has four clubs .
Bid three hearts , showing three-card support for his first suit , which he may want to hear about .
To persist to 3NT would be undisciplined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ notrump if he deems it wise .

“I thought my dryer was shrinking my clothes. The problem was actually my refrigerator.” — graffiti
Today’s West leads the queen of diamonds against four hearts, and South faces four losers: a trump and three spades. If he draws trumps, leaving none in dummy, he surely loses three spades. If he doesn’t draw any trumps and tries to ruff a spade in dummy, East overruffs. And if South takes the A-K of trumps and attacks the spades, West will get in to cash his queen of trumps. Down one regardless.
Can South shrink four losers into three?
DIAMOND RUFF
Four hearts is cold. South takes the ace of diamonds, ruffs a diamond and cashes the A-K of trumps. When East-West follow low, South leads a club to dummy, ruffs a diamond, leads a club to dummy and ruffs a diamond.
If West overruffs, South still wins three more tricks: another club, the ace of spades and dummy’s remaining trump. If instead West discards, South scores the ace of spades plus either a club or a trump in dummy.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S A 6 2 H 8 5 3 D A 9 6 4 C A J 10. You open one diamond, your partner responds one heart, you bid 1NT and he next tries three clubs. What do you say?
ANSWER: Your partner surely has five or more hearts and probably has four clubs. Bid three hearts, showing three-card support for his first suit, which he may want to hear about. To persist to 3NT would be undisciplined. Partner can always go back to notrump if he deems it wise.
North dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S A 6 2
H 8 5 3
D A 9 6 4
C A J 10
WEST
S K J 10 9 3
H Q 9 2
D Q J 10
C 9 4
EAST
S Q
H 10 6
D K 8 7 3 2
C 8 7 6 3 2
SOUTH
S 8 7 5 4
H A K J 7 4
D 5
C K Q 5
North East South West
1 D Pass 1 H Pass
1 NT Pass 2 S Pass
3 H Pass 4 H All Pass
Opening lead — D Q
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-05-08--Word Game: May 8, 2020

Word Game: May 8, 2020

Can you find 39 or more words in PORTFOLIO ?
The list will be published tomorrow .
To purchase the @ @ @ @ @ WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 while supplies last !
1 .
@ @ @ @ @ or more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four letters by the addition of @ @ @ @ @ as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” are not allowed .
3 .
@ @ @ @ @ a “ d ” or an “ s ” may not be used .
For @ @ @ @ @ ” is used , “ baked ” or “ bakes ” are not allowed , @ @ @ @ @ “ baking ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper nouns , slang words , or @ @ @ @ @ are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — PORTFOLIO (PORTFOLIO: port-FOH-lee-oh: A portable case for holding drawings, photographs, etc.)
Average mark 30 words
Time limit 40 minutes
Can you find 39 or more words in PORTFOLIO? The list will be published tomorrow.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — HAUGHTILY hail halt haughty haul high highly hilt hula alight
alit aught ugly gaily gait ghat gilt glut guilt guilty tail thigh thug laity lath laugh light
To purchase the Word Game book, visit WordGameBooks.com. Order it now for just $5 while supplies last!
RULES OF THE GAME:
1. Words must be of four or more letters.
2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.
3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” are not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible.
4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.
Contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe at kzsaxe@gmail.com.


mercurynews--2020-05-08--Ask Amy: Must I ask permission to use this name for my baby?

DEAR AMY : My husband and I are expecting our first child — a daughter .
We are over the moon and have begun planning baby names .
Right now , my heart and soul are stuck on the classically beautiful name “ Juliette.
” I have a deceased aunt named Julie , who has left behind two daughters .
We ’ re not very close but catch up occasionally .
I am sure some family might assume the name Juliette would be in honor of my aunt Julie , but truth be told , I just really love that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ names ( although my future daughter could choose to go by Julie if she wanted ) .
I would feel terrible if this hurt my cousins in any way or made them feel they couldn ’ t name their potential future daughters Julie , but I could see myself getting into a bind if I ask their permission and they say no .
I am , of course , open to other names but was wondering if you might have some advice on this ?
• Ask Amy : I know my sex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I can ’ t change • Ask Amy : Is it mean to keep my kid away from someone who won ’ t get shots ?
• Ask Amy : Why did she have to call me out about my mask ?
• Ask Amy : My neighbor shamed me for what I was doing in my own yard • Ask Amy : I was scared by what I overheard when I called my elderly aunt DEAR EXCITED : Juliette and Julie are different names ( much as Amelie and Amy are ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is a lovely name .
I think the kindest way to frame this is to say , “ We love the French name Juliette .
One bonus is that it will always remind us of Aunt Julie.
” DEAR AMY : I am 63 and my husband ( of six years ) is 67 .
He drinks every night .
Most nights he drinks to the point of stumbling and not recalling what he says or does .
He says he doesn ’ t remember his actions because he was so tired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In recent years he gets so negative and grumpy in the evening , it really is quite difficult to ignore , and takes a toll on me — emotionally and physically .
He refuses to admit he has a problem , let alone seek help .
I am at a loss as to how to stay focused on me , and on keeping healthy and happy in my own life , despite the choices he ’ s making for his life .
Divorce , right now , seems very difficult due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resulting large losses of our retirement funds .
Is there anything I can do to work on getting and keeping myself happy , despite my environment at home ?
DEAR WORRIED : I ’ m so sorry you are trapped with a husband who is both in the grip of alcohol and in a state of denial regarding the impact his drinking has on both of you .
Obviously , if he is drinking to the point of intoxication every night , he is at increased risk for accidents and falls , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking on his marriage — and , I assume , other relationships .
You should do your very best to steer clear of him when he ’ s drinking .
Retreat to another room with some reading , crafts or entertainment .
Connect with friends and family .
Do not engage with him when he is drunk .
Given that he seems to forget what he has said and done , he is quite conveniently also absent from acknowledging and accepting the consequences of his actions .
Detachment is the art of lovingly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to cope .
Read “ Let Go Now : Embrace Detachment as a Path to Freedom , ” by Karen Casey ( 2019 , Conari Press ) .
This is a book of meditations , lessons and anecdotes ( mainly with a Christian focus ) , that could help you to reflect on changes you can make — in your own life — to detach from your husband ’ s drinking .
Wisdom I ’ ve returned to often in my own life is delivered by Buddhist nun Pema Chodron , in her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lectures on detachment : “ Don ’ t Bite the Hook : Finding Freedom from Anger , Resentment , and other Destructive Emotions ” ( 2007 , Shambhala ) .
Al-Anon is the 12-step change agent for countless concerned “ friends and family ” of alcoholics .
During the pandemic , the organization is hosting “ electronic meetings ” to substitute for physical meetings .
Check al-anon.org .
I hope you notice that all of this information is pointed toward you .
Clarity on where you stand — in your own life — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should do next .
DEAR AMY : “ Curb Appeal ” was wondering how to cope with neighbors who let their dogs poop on her lawn .
I couldn ’ t believe you suggested fencing .
Why should the homeowner pay the price ( and go to the trouble ) to protect their own property ?
DEAR UPSET : Honestly , this solution seemed easier than constant surveillance and/or rage .
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy , P.O .
Box 194 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also follow her on Twitter @ askingamy or Facebook .

DEAR AMY: My husband and I are expecting our first child — a daughter. We are over the moon and have begun planning baby names. Right now, my heart and soul are stuck on the classically beautiful name “Juliette.”
I have a deceased aunt named Julie, who has left behind two daughters. We’re not very close but catch up occasionally. I am sure some family might assume the name Juliette would be in honor of my aunt Julie, but truth be told, I just really love that name and I see them as different names (although my future daughter could choose to go by Julie if she wanted).
I would feel terrible if this hurt my cousins in any way or made them feel they couldn’t name their potential future daughters Julie, but I could see myself getting into a bind if I ask their permission and they say no.
I am, of course, open to other names but was wondering if you might have some advice on this?
Excited Mom
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Ask Amy: I’ve told them they need therapy, and they refuse to do it. What now? Advice | Ask Amy: The man I love is my grandchild’s uncle, and things have gotten messy DEAR EXCITED: Juliette and Julie are different names (much as Amelie and Amy are). And yes, I agree that it is a lovely name.
I think the kindest way to frame this is to say, “We love the French name Juliette. One bonus is that it will always remind us of Aunt Julie.”
DEAR AMY: I am 63 and my husband (of six years) is 67. He drinks every night. Most nights he drinks to the point of stumbling and not recalling what he says or does.
He says he doesn’t remember his actions because he was so tired, not because he was so drunk.
In recent years he gets so negative and grumpy in the evening, it really is quite difficult to ignore, and takes a toll on me — emotionally and physically.
He refuses to admit he has a problem, let alone seek help.
I am at a loss as to how to stay focused on me, and on keeping healthy and happy in my own life, despite the choices he’s making for his life.
Divorce, right now, seems very difficult due to the virus and stock market losses and resulting large losses of our retirement funds.
Is there anything I can do to work on getting and keeping myself happy, despite my environment at home?
Worried
DEAR WORRIED: I’m so sorry you are trapped with a husband who is both in the grip of alcohol and in a state of denial regarding the impact his drinking has on both of you. Obviously, if he is drinking to the point of intoxication every night, he is at increased risk for accidents and falls, in addition to the toll his drinking is taking on his marriage — and, I assume, other relationships.
You should do your very best to steer clear of him when he’s drinking. Retreat to another room with some reading, crafts or entertainment. Connect with friends and family. Do not engage with him when he is drunk.
Given that he seems to forget what he has said and done, he is quite conveniently also absent from acknowledging and accepting the consequences of his actions.
Detachment is the art of lovingly letting go. Detachment will help you to cope.
Read “Let Go Now: Embrace Detachment as a Path to Freedom,” by Karen Casey (2019, Conari Press). This is a book of meditations, lessons and anecdotes (mainly with a Christian focus), that could help you to reflect on changes you can make — in your own life — to detach from your husband’s drinking.
Wisdom I’ve returned to often in my own life is delivered by Buddhist nun Pema Chodron, in her practical, wise (and funny) lectures on detachment: “Don’t Bite the Hook: Finding Freedom from Anger, Resentment, and other Destructive Emotions” (2007, Shambhala).
Al-Anon is the 12-step change agent for countless concerned “friends and family” of alcoholics. During the pandemic, the organization is hosting “electronic meetings” to substitute for physical meetings. Check al-anon.org.
I hope you notice that all of this information is pointed toward you.
Clarity on where you stand — in your own life — will help you to discern what you should do next.
DEAR AMY: “Curb Appeal” was wondering how to cope with neighbors who let their dogs poop on her lawn.
I couldn’t believe you suggested fencing. Why should the homeowner pay the price (and go to the trouble) to protect their own property?
Upset
DEAR UPSET: Honestly, this solution seemed easier than constant surveillance and/or rage.
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--2020-05-08--Letter: Nations with mass testing in a position to reopen

Nations with mass testing in a position to reopen Re : “ Chris Christie says the country will just have to accept more deaths ” ( Eastbaytimes.com , May 4 ) : Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie is not wrong that wrenching trade-offs may have to be made between restarting the economy and lowering the risk of illness and death from COVID-19 .
However , his statement that the epidemiologists “ don ’ t want us to be doing anything other than staying in our homes until there is a vaccine ” is false .
Virtually every public health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with effective contact tracing , after a period of physical distancing , is the key to reviving the economy while minimizing loss of life .
Countries that have fought the coronavirus most successfully , such as Germany , South Korea and Taiwan , set up these testing and tracing systems right from the start .
• Letter : Did drop in gas use spur Alameda County ’ s reusable bag ban ?
• Letter : We can defeat virus by working as ‘ one in mind ’ • Letter : Federal employees vital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United States , which failed to do so and has the most active cases in the world , they are in a favorable place to reopen .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Nations with mass testing in a position to reopen
Re: “Chris Christie says the country will just have to accept more deaths” (Eastbaytimes.com, May 4):
Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie is not wrong that wrenching trade-offs may have to be made between restarting the economy and lowering the risk of illness and death from COVID-19.
However, his statement that the epidemiologists “don’t want us to be doing anything other than staying in our homes until there is a vaccine” is false.
Virtually every public health specialist has argued that mass testing combined with effective contact tracing, after a period of physical distancing, is the key to reviving the economy while minimizing loss of life.
Countries that have fought the coronavirus most successfully, such as Germany, South Korea and Taiwan, set up these testing and tracing systems right from the start.
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Leif Wellington Haase
Kensington
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
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mercurynews--2020-05-09--Outbreak: Coronavirus found in semen, report claims

The new coronavirus can persist in men ’ s semen even after they have begun to recover , a finding that raises the possibility the virus could be sexually transmitted , Chinese researchers said Thursday .
A team at Shangqiu Municipal Hospital tested 38 male patients treated there at the height of the pandemic in China , in January and February .
About 16 % of them had evidence of the coronavirus in their semen , the team reported in the journal JAMA Network Open .
About a quarter of them were in the acute stage of infection and nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the team reported .
“ We found that SARS-CoV-2 can be present in the semen of patients with COVID-19 , and SARS-CoV-2 may still be detected in the semen of recovering patients , ” Diangeng Li of Chinese People ’ s Liberation Army General Hospital in Beijing and colleagues wrote .
“ Even if the virus can not replicate in the male reproductive system , it may persist , possibly resulting from the privileged immunity of testes , ” the team added .
Privileged immunity means the immune system can not fully reach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s not a surprising finding .
Many viruses can live in the male reproductive tract .
Ebola and Zika virus were both found to spread in semen , sometimes months after a male patient had recovered .
It ’ s not yet clear if coronavirus can spread this way .
Finding evidence of virus does not necessarily mean it ’ s infectious .
“ If it could be proved that SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted sexually in future studies , sexual transmission might be a critical part of the prevention of transmission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Abstinence or condom use might be considered as preventive means for these patients .
In addition , it is worth noting that there is a need for studies monitoring fetal development .
Therefore , to avoid contact with the patient ’ s saliva and blood may not be enough , since the survival of SARS-CoV-2 in a recovering patient ’ s semen maintains the likelihood to infect others .
”

By Maggie Fox | CNN
The new coronavirus can persist in men’s semen even after they have begun to recover, a finding that raises the possibility the virus could be sexually transmitted, Chinese researchers said Thursday.
A team at Shangqiu Municipal Hospital tested 38 male patients treated there at the height of the pandemic in China, in January and February.
About 16% of them had evidence of the coronavirus in their semen, the team reported in the journal JAMA Network Open. About a quarter of them were in the acute stage of infection and nearly 9% of them were recovering, the team reported.
Related Articles Health | Can coronavirus be spread through sweat, tears, urine? “We found that SARS-CoV-2 can be present in the semen of patients with COVID-19, and SARS-CoV-2 may still be detected in the semen of recovering patients,” Diangeng Li of Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital in Beijing and colleagues wrote.
“Even if the virus cannot replicate in the male reproductive system, it may persist, possibly resulting from the privileged immunity of testes,” the team added. Privileged immunity means the immune system cannot fully reach the region to attack viral invaders.
It’s not a surprising finding. Many viruses can live in the male reproductive tract. Ebola and Zika virus were both found to spread in semen, sometimes months after a male patient had recovered.
It’s not yet clear if coronavirus can spread this way. Finding evidence of virus does not necessarily mean it’s infectious.
“If it could be proved that SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted sexually in future studies, sexual transmission might be a critical part of the prevention of transmission,” the team wrote.
“Abstinence or condom use might be considered as preventive means for these patients. In addition, it is worth noting that there is a need for studies monitoring fetal development. Therefore, to avoid contact with the patient’s saliva and blood may not be enough, since the survival of SARS-CoV-2 in a recovering patient’s semen maintains the likelihood to infect others.”
[vemba-video id=”health/2020/05/08/coronavirus-mens-semen-baldwin-intv-nr-vpx.cnn”]


mercurynews--2020-05-09--Check out the new BART map: Redesign makes room for Milpitas, Berryessa stations

The BART map is getting its biggest refresh in a decade , as officials Friday rolled out a new map for the system to incorporate the soon-to-open Milpitas and Berryessa stations .
The new map will become a fixture of trains and stations whenever the new stops start welcoming passengers .
Officials have not set a date for when the long-delayed extension into Santa Clara County will open , but BART and VTA have indicated that service could start next month .
The new South Bay stops required BART to rework the entire map design , rescaling it to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new stations , most of the design changes will take a keen eye to spot .
But officials say the redesign is generally geared toward making the map easier to read , and highlighting the stops where BART connects with other public transit systems , such as Caltrain and Muni .
To that end , the map continues BART ’ s trend of smoothing out less significant details , like the route its trains take through the East Bay or the shoreline of San Francisco Bay .
The current BART map , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best known for ironing out the squiggly lines of the previous map , which the system had used since the mid-1990s .
The new map also shows the proposed route for the next phase of BART ’ s Silicon Valley extension — the multi-billion-dollar project bringing trains through downtown San Jose and on to Santa Clara — as well as the proposed new Irvington station between the Fremont and Warm Springs stops that could open in 2026 .

The BART map is getting its biggest refresh in a decade, as officials Friday rolled out a new map for the system to incorporate the soon-to-open Milpitas and Berryessa stations.
The new map will become a fixture of trains and stations whenever the new stops start welcoming passengers. Officials have not set a date for when the long-delayed extension into Santa Clara County will open, but BART and VTA have indicated that service could start next month.
Let's talk maps. 🗺 BART staff finalized its new system map in preparation for the future Milpitas and Berryessa station opening and will present it to the Board of Directors next week. Left: current map
Right: finalized new map once Milpitas & Berryessa opens pic.twitter.com/PsozXKpbMN — SFBART (@SFBART) May 8, 2020
The new South Bay stops required BART to rework the entire map design, rescaling it to make room for the 10-mile extension.
Beyond the new stations, most of the design changes will take a keen eye to spot. But officials say the redesign is generally geared toward making the map easier to read, and highlighting the stops where BART connects with other public transit systems, such as Caltrain and Muni.
To that end, the map continues BART’s trend of smoothing out less significant details, like the route its trains take through the East Bay or the shoreline of San Francisco Bay.
The current BART map, which was introduced in 2010, was best known for ironing out the squiggly lines of the previous map, which the system had used since the mid-1990s.
The new map also shows the proposed route for the next phase of BART’s Silicon Valley extension — the multi-billion-dollar project bringing trains through downtown San Jose and on to Santa Clara — as well as the proposed new Irvington station between the Fremont and Warm Springs stops that could open in 2026.


mercurynews--2020-05-09--Coronavirus: State agents field complaints about dine-in restaurant service

California ’ s Alcoholic Beverage Control agency says it has received more than 100 reports from across the state of restaurants and bars re-opening dine-in service in violation of coronavirus-closure orders .
Complaints in recent weeks of illegal openings of licensed restaurants and bars spanned 43 counties — including Santa Clara , San Mateo , Alameda , Contra Costa , Santa Cruz and San Francisco — and 111 establishments were reported to have been serving dine-in food or alcohol despite various state and local public-health orders banning on-premises service , an agency spokesman said .
Agents from the ABC contacted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shift to take-out dining and quit serving food or alcohol on-site , spokesman John Carr said in an email .
“ Most have complied with the requests made by ABC agents , ” Carr said .
“ ABC ’ s preference is education over enforcement .
However , we are prepared to move forward with disciplinary action against those businesses that are in violation of stay-at-home orders.
” • We all miss them amid the coronavirus quarantine .
But what will it take for Bay Area restaurants to reopen ?
• Gov .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ make , deliver meals to senior citizens The agency has begun disciplinary action against three establishments , Carr said .
He declined to provide any additional details and said information would be released later .
Disciplinary actions can result in suspension or revocation of alcohol licenses .
Because of the “ great economic stress ” the pandemic has imposed on restaurants and bars , the agency has suspended enforcement of a number of prohibitions , including a ban on to-go sales of alcoholic beverages , Carr said .
The agency could not provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bars in which counties were reported to be operating illegally , Carr said .
Agents this week contacted restaurants in Sutter County , the location of Yuba City , where some restaurants opened this week after Sutter and Yuba counties jointly adopted an order allowing dine-in service in defiance of state closures .
Agents told businesses to switch back to take-out and curb-side pickup .
“ Everyone is being told the same thing , ” Carr said .
“ The stay at home order is still in place .
So far compliance around @ @ @ @ @ @

California’s Alcoholic Beverage Control agency says it has received more than 100 reports from across the state of restaurants and bars re-opening dine-in service in violation of coronavirus-closure orders.
Complaints in recent weeks of illegal openings of licensed restaurants and bars spanned 43 counties — including Santa Clara, San Mateo, Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Cruz and San Francisco — and 111 establishments were reported to have been serving dine-in food or alcohol despite various state and local public-health orders banning on-premises service, an agency spokesman said.
Agents from the ABC contacted all 111 businesses to tell them to shift to take-out dining and quit serving food or alcohol on-site, spokesman John Carr said in an email. “Most have complied with the requests made by ABC agents,” Carr said. “ABC’s preference is education over enforcement. However, we are prepared to move forward with disciplinary action against those businesses that are in violation of stay-at-home orders.”
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Inside two California counties’ anti-Newsom open-for-business coronavirus rebellion Restaurants, Food and Drink | Gov. Newsom: California will pay restaurants to make, deliver meals to senior citizens The agency has begun disciplinary action against three establishments, Carr said. He declined to provide any additional details and said information would be released later. Disciplinary actions can result in suspension or revocation of alcohol licenses.
Because of the “great economic stress” the pandemic has imposed on restaurants and bars, the agency has suspended enforcement of a number of prohibitions, including a ban on to-go sales of alcoholic beverages, Carr said.
The agency could not provide a breakdown of how many restaurants and bars in which counties were reported to be operating illegally, Carr said.
Agents this week contacted restaurants in Sutter County, the location of Yuba City, where some restaurants opened this week after Sutter and Yuba counties jointly adopted an order allowing dine-in service in defiance of state closures. Agents told businesses to switch back to take-out and curb-side pickup.
“Everyone is being told the same thing,” Carr said. “The stay at home order is still in place. So far compliance around California has been good.”


mercurynews--2020-05-09--Stranded onboard during pandemic, cruise crews beg to go home

By Adriana Gomez Licon and Guillermo Garat | Associated Press MIAMI — Carolina Vásquez lost track of days and nights , unable to see the sunlight while stuck for two weeks in a windowless cruise ship cabin as a fever took hold of her body .
On the worst night of her encounter with COVID-19 , the Chilean woman , a line cook on the Greg Mortimer ship , summoned the strength to take a cold shower fearing the worst : losing consciousness while isolated from others .
Vásquez , 36 , and tens of thousands of other crew members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of cruise ships around the world — long after governments and cruise lines negotiated their passengers ’ disembarkation .
Some have gotten ill and died ; others have survived but are no longer getting paid .
Both national and local governments have stopped crews from disembarking in order to prevent new cases of COVID-19 in their territories .
Some of the ships , including 20 in U.S. waters , have seen infections and deaths among the crew .
But most ships have had no confirmed cases .
“ I never thought this would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ story , ” Vásquez told The Associated Press in an interview through a cellphone app from the Greg Mortimer , an Antarctic cruise ship floating off Uruguay .
Thirty-six crew members have fallen ill on the ship .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said last month that about 80,000 crew members remained on board ships off the U.S. coast after most passengers had disembarked .
The Coast Guard said Friday that there were still 70,000 crew members in 102 ships either anchored near or at U.S. ports or underway in U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members stranded worldwide was not immediately available .
But thousands more are trapped on ships outside the U.S. , including in Uruguay and the Manila Bay , where 16 cruise ships are waiting to test about 5,000 crew members before they will be allowed to disembark .
As coronavirus cases and deaths have risen worldwide , the CDC and health officials in other countries have expanded the list of conditions that must be met before crews may disembark .
Cruise companies must take each crew member straight home via charter plane or private @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Complicating that mission , the CDC requires company executives to agree to criminal penalties if crew members fail to obey health authorities ’ orders to steer clear of public transportation and restaurants on their way home .
“ The criminal penalties gave us ( and our lawyers ) pause , ” Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley wrote in a letter to crew members earlier this week , but he added that company executives ultimately agreed to sign .
Melinda Mann , 25 , a youth program manager for Holland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without stepping on dry land before finally disembarking from the Koningsdam ship Friday in Los Angeles .
Before she was transferred to the Koningsdam , she tried to walk off another ship with other U.S. crew members last week but the ship ’ s security guards stopped them .
For 21 hours a day , Mann remained isolated in a 150-square-foot cruise cabin that is smaller than her bedroom in her Midland , Georgia , home .
She read 30 books and was only able to leave her room three times a day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contract ended April 18 , so she was not paid for weeks .
“ Keeping me in close captivity for so long is absolutely ridiculous , ” Mann said in a telephone interview .
Earlier this week in Nassau , Bahamas , crew members from Canada aboard the Emerald Princess were told to prepare to be flown home in a charter plane .
But the Bahamian government did not allow the ship to dock in the end .
Leah Prasad ’ s husband is among the stranded crew members .
Prasad said she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help her husband , a Maitre D ’ Hotel for Carnival .
“ He is getting discouraged .
He is stuck in a cabin , ” Prasad said .
“ It is not good for his mental health.
” Angela Savard , a spokeswoman for Canada ’ s foreign affairs , said the government was continuing to explore options to bring Canadians home .
For those aboard the Greg Mortimer in Montevideo , desperation is setting in , crew members told the AP .
The Antarctic cruise set sail from Argentina on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already been declared .
The ship ’ s physician , Dr. Mauricio Usme , said that when the first passenger fell ill , on March 22 , he was pressured by the captain , the cruise operator and owners to modify the health conditions that had to be met for the ship to be admitted into ports .
Dr. Usme refused .
The boat anchored in the port of Montevideo on March 27 .
More than half of its passengers and crew tested positive for COVID-19 .
Finally , on April 10 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infected , were allowed to disembark and fly home to Australia , New Zealand , the U.S. , Canada and Europe .
Crew members were told to stay on board .
The doctor was hospitalized in an intensive care unit in Montevideo , along with a Filipino crew member , who later died .
“ People are exhausted and mentally drained , ” said Dr. Usme , now recovered and back on the Greg Mortimer .
“ It ’ s a complex situation .
You feel very vulnerable and at imminent risk of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that manages the boat , said it has been “ unable to get the necessary permissions ” to let crew members of 22 nationalities go home , but said they were all still under contract receiving pay .
Marvin Paz Medina , a Honduran man who works as the ship ’ s storekeeper , sent a video to the AP of his tiny cabin of about 70 square feet , where he has been confined for more than 35 days .
“ It ’ s hard being locked up all day , staring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
• Bay Area counties far from Gov .
Newsom ’ s bar for easing coronavirus lockdown • Trump : ‘ No rush ’ on more financial assistance Paz Medina says his children keep asking him when he ’ s coming home , but he doesn ’ t have an answer .
“ We are trapped , feeling this anxiety that at any moment we can get seriously ill , ” said Paz Medina .
“ We do not want this anymore .
We want to go home.
” Garat reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ writers Dee-Ann Durbin in Detroit , and Rob Gillies in Toronto , contributed to this report .

By Adriana Gomez Licon and Guillermo Garat | Associated Press
MIAMI — Carolina Vásquez lost track of days and nights, unable to see the sunlight while stuck for two weeks in a windowless cruise ship cabin as a fever took hold of her body.
On the worst night of her encounter with COVID-19, the Chilean woman, a line cook on the Greg Mortimer ship, summoned the strength to take a cold shower fearing the worst: losing consciousness while isolated from others.
Vásquez, 36, and tens of thousands of other crew members have been trapped for weeks aboard dozens of cruise ships around the world — long after governments and cruise lines negotiated their passengers’ disembarkation. Some have gotten ill and died; others have survived but are no longer getting paid.
Both national and local governments have stopped crews from disembarking in order to prevent new cases of COVID-19 in their territories. Some of the ships, including 20 in U.S. waters, have seen infections and deaths among the crew. But most ships have had no confirmed cases.
“I never thought this would turn into a tragic and terrifying horror story,” Vásquez told The Associated Press in an interview through a cellphone app from the Greg Mortimer, an Antarctic cruise ship floating off Uruguay. Thirty-six crew members have fallen ill on the ship.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said last month that about 80,000 crew members remained on board ships off the U.S. coast after most passengers had disembarked. The Coast Guard said Friday that there were still 70,000 crew members in 102 ships either anchored near or at U.S. ports or underway in U.S. waters.
The total number of crew members stranded worldwide was not immediately available. But thousands more are trapped on ships outside the U.S., including in Uruguay and the Manila Bay, where 16 cruise ships are waiting to test about 5,000 crew members before they will be allowed to disembark.
As coronavirus cases and deaths have risen worldwide, the CDC and health officials in other countries have expanded the list of conditions that must be met before crews may disembark.
Cruise companies must take each crew member straight home via charter plane or private car without using rental vehicles or taxis. Complicating that mission, the CDC requires company executives to agree to criminal penalties if crew members fail to obey health authorities’ orders to steer clear of public transportation and restaurants on their way home.
“The criminal penalties gave us (and our lawyers) pause,” Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley wrote in a letter to crew members earlier this week, but he added that company executives ultimately agreed to sign.
Melinda Mann, 25, a youth program manager for Holland America, spent more than 50 days without stepping on dry land before finally disembarking from the Koningsdam ship Friday in Los Angeles. Before she was transferred to the Koningsdam, she tried to walk off another ship with other U.S. crew members last week but the ship’s security guards stopped them.
For 21 hours a day, Mann remained isolated in a 150-square-foot cruise cabin that is smaller than her bedroom in her Midland, Georgia, home. She read 30 books and was only able to leave her room three times a day to walk around the ship. Her contract ended April 18, so she was not paid for weeks.
“Keeping me in close captivity for so long is absolutely ridiculous,” Mann said in a telephone interview.
Earlier this week in Nassau, Bahamas, crew members from Canada aboard the Emerald Princess were told to prepare to be flown home in a charter plane. But the Bahamian government did not allow the ship to dock in the end.
Leah Prasad’s husband is among the stranded crew members. Prasad said she has spent hours tracking down government agencies to help her husband, a Maitre D’Hotel for Carnival.
“He is getting discouraged. He is stuck in a cabin,” Prasad said. “It is not good for his mental health.”
Angela Savard, a spokeswoman for Canada’s foreign affairs, said the government was continuing to explore options to bring Canadians home.
For those aboard the Greg Mortimer in Montevideo, desperation is setting in, crew members told the AP.
The Antarctic cruise set sail from Argentina on March 15, after a pandemic had already been declared. The ship’s physician, Dr. Mauricio Usme, said that when the first passenger fell ill, on March 22, he was pressured by the captain, the cruise operator and owners to modify the health conditions that had to be met for the ship to be admitted into ports.
Dr. Usme refused. The boat anchored in the port of Montevideo on March 27. More than half of its passengers and crew tested positive for COVID-19. Finally, on April 10, 127 passengers, including some who were infected, were allowed to disembark and fly home to Australia, New Zealand, the U.S., Canada and Europe. Crew members were told to stay on board.
The doctor was hospitalized in an intensive care unit in Montevideo, along with a Filipino crew member, who later died.
“People are exhausted and mentally drained,” said Dr. Usme, now recovered and back on the Greg Mortimer. “It’s a complex situation. You feel very vulnerable and at imminent risk of death.”
CMI, the Miami-based company that manages the boat, said it has been “unable to get the necessary permissions” to let crew members of 22 nationalities go home, but said they were all still under contract receiving pay.
Marvin Paz Medina, a Honduran man who works as the ship’s storekeeper, sent a video to the AP of his tiny cabin of about 70 square feet, where he has been confined for more than 35 days. “It’s hard being locked up all day, staring at the same four walls,” he said.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge Paz Medina says his children keep asking him when he’s coming home, but he doesn’t have an answer.
“We are trapped, feeling this anxiety that at any moment we can get seriously ill,” said Paz Medina. “We do not want this anymore. We want to go home.”
Garat reported from Montevideo, Uruguay. Associated Press writers Dee-Ann Durbin in Detroit, and Rob Gillies in Toronto, contributed to this report.