mercurynews--2020-08-19--Miss Manners: This dishwashing incident years ago still bugs me

DEAR MISS MANNERS : Several years ago , I had a small etiquette dilemma that I still wonder about occasionally .
Since it ’ s the kind of thing that could happen again in some other form , I ’ m curious what Miss Manners would recommend .
While in college , I spent a school break with my roommate , Jenna , and her family .
After dinner one evening , Jenna went to wash the dishes , and I joined her ( there was no dishwasher ) .
As we were finishing up , Jenna ’ s mother @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rack and scolded Jenna for not washing it properly .
Well , I was actually the one who ’ d washed the dish badly .
( I ’ d been spoiled most of my life by dishwashers and , more recently , the college meal service . )
I didn ’ t say so , though , and neither did Jenna .
Maybe I didn ’ t want to own up to my mistake , but I also thought it would embarrass Jenna ’ s mom to find out she ’ d accidentally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : The bride has something to say , and the wording is a little tricky • Miss Manners : Why is my co-worker suddenly shunning me ?
• Miss Manners : How do I warn her that her boyfriend is a jerk ?
• Miss Manners : I have problems with this co-worker , and I can ’ t tell our boss • Miss Manners : When a stranger shames a mask scofflaw , it doesn ’ t end well Was I right to keep quiet and let Jenna take the fall for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have admitted it was my fault ?
GENTLE READER : You did the right thing in the moment , and Miss Manners agrees it was not an easy call .
But she is sorry to say that you missed the extra credit : apologizing to Jenna privately later , and explaining why you did not come to her defense .
This would have diffused any betrayal Jenna might have been feeling .
But more importantly , it would have given her the satisfaction of then complaining to her mother that she embarrassed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when embarrassing her daughter evidently did not .
DEAR MISS MANNERS : At social gatherings , I often take photos .
I am an avid photographer , and spend time retouching to ensure dark photos are lightened and light photos are darkened so that the final image is better .
I often restore old photos to a better quality — removing dust , dirt , etc .
At a recent family event , I took many photos , which I brightened and enhanced to the best quality and posted on my social media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to their phones and reposted the photos as their own , instead of sharing a link to mine .
This got under my skin so much .
I know social media is a no-win situation , but I spend time to make the photos their best , and then someone else gets the credit .
I thought of watermarking the pics , but I ’ m sure my relatives would think I ’ m being high-maintenance .
GENTLE READER : There is good news and there is bad news : Your relatives already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is bad news , Miss Manners thinks you already know .
Why it is also good news : because you have nothing to lose by imprinting a photo credit ( “ By Gary Gummidge ” ) onto the image .
Such an insertion , unlike a watermark , does what you want — it gives you the credit — without the implication that it will be used later for legal purposes .
But beware : Instead of stopping the spread of your photos , it may only encourage distant acquaintances to request more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manners at her website , www.missmanners.com ; to her email , dearmissmanners @ gmail.com ; or through postal mail to Miss Manners , Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Several years ago, I had a small etiquette dilemma that I still wonder about occasionally. Since it’s the kind of thing that could happen again in some other form, I’m curious what Miss Manners would recommend.
While in college, I spent a school break with my roommate, Jenna, and her family. After dinner one evening, Jenna went to wash the dishes, and I joined her (there was no dishwasher).
As we were finishing up, Jenna’s mother picked up a dish from the drying rack and scolded Jenna for not washing it properly. Well, I was actually the one who’d washed the dish badly. (I’d been spoiled most of my life by dishwashers and, more recently, the college meal service.)
I didn’t say so, though, and neither did Jenna. Maybe I didn’t want to own up to my mistake, but I also thought it would embarrass Jenna’s mom to find out she’d accidentally scolded a guest.
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GENTLE READER: You did the right thing in the moment, and Miss Manners agrees it was not an easy call. But she is sorry to say that you missed the extra credit: apologizing to Jenna privately later, and explaining why you did not come to her defense.
This would have diffused any betrayal Jenna might have been feeling. But more importantly, it would have given her the satisfaction of then complaining to her mother that she embarrassed a guest — which might have stung, when embarrassing her daughter evidently did not.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: At social gatherings, I often take photos. I am an avid photographer, and spend time retouching to ensure dark photos are lightened and light photos are darkened so that the final image is better. I often restore old photos to a better quality — removing dust, dirt, etc.
At a recent family event, I took many photos, which I brightened and enhanced to the best quality and posted on my social media account. My relatives have saved them to their phones and reposted the photos as their own, instead of sharing a link to mine.
This got under my skin so much. I know social media is a no-win situation, but I spend time to make the photos their best, and then someone else gets the credit. I thought of watermarking the pics, but I’m sure my relatives would think I’m being high-maintenance.
GENTLE READER: There is good news and there is bad news: Your relatives already think you are high-maintenance.
Why this is bad news, Miss Manners thinks you already know. Why it is also good news: because you have nothing to lose by imprinting a photo credit (“By Gary Gummidge”) onto the image. Such an insertion, unlike a watermark, does what you want — it gives you the credit — without the implication that it will be used later for legal purposes. But beware:
Instead of stopping the spread of your photos, it may only encourage distant acquaintances to request more.
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-08-19--Dear Abby: I’m a teenage girl and I’m afraid I might be sick

DEAR ABBY : When I was a little girl , my mother died of breast cancer .
I always suspected that I might have the gene , too .
To make matters worse , my dad got skin cancer a couple of years ago , meaning my risk of getting cancer is higher because of both my parents having it .
I ’ m turning 18 in a couple of months , and I want to get tested to see what my risk is , but I ’ m terrified .
I sometimes feel a stabbing pain in my chest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m not sure if I ’ m imagining it due to my stress and fear or if it ’ s true .
I don ’ t want to tell my dad until after my appointment , which I plan on doing alone .
What do you think I should do ?
Should I tell him ?
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What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Abby : I wish I had known what my wife ’ s living will said • Dear Abby : I think about leaving my husband , but I ’ d lose this lifestyle • Dear Abby : How do we convince them that this woman ’ s behavior is not normal ?
DEAR AFRAID : Try to calm yourself .
The lump you felt may not be what you fear , but a cyst .
Breast cancer in teen girls is rare , but cysts are quite common .
( It might also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of your family history , you should be checked by a doctor .
I don ’ t believe in keeping secrets of this nature .
If you would like emotional support when you get the test for the BRCA gene , your father — or a female relative — would be a logical choice to go with you .
Please give it some thought .
DEAR ABBY : My husband ’ s mother recently told him he no longer matters to her because he is an atheist .
His mother is supposedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like one .
It has left my husband devastated and feeling more lonely than ever .
I can ’ t find the right words to comfort him when he ’ s going through something I haven ’ t got a clue about .
How do I empathize with him to let him know he did nothing wrong and that he never deserved to have those words thrown at him by his own mother ?
It infuriates me , but I don ’ t think it would be right for me to step in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do you deal with a narcissist who constantly plays the victim even after all the support you ’ ve given to her , financially and emotionally ?
DEAR WIFE : I ’ m glad you asked .
Explain to your husband that by emotionally abusing him this way , his mother is attempting to control him .
What she said is despicable , and if he is as emotionally dependent on her as you have described , he may need counseling to get past this .
The way to deal with her emotional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financially and emotionally , because she is manipulative and toxic .
DEAR ABBY : I have a medical alert service dog .
People at the store won ’ t leave him alone to do his job , and I don ’ t know what to do .
I don ’ t want to be rude to these people , but my life depends on his alerting .
Each time I must shop for groceries , I am very afraid .
Advice ?
DEAR NO PETTING : You are a nice person .
Too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attempts to distract your service animal , tell the person emphatically to stop immediately because he is on duty , working to ensure your safety , and being distracted could cost you your life .
It is the truth .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .

DEAR ABBY: When I was a little girl, my mother died of breast cancer. I always suspected that I might have the gene, too. To make matters worse, my dad got skin cancer a couple of years ago, meaning my risk of getting cancer is higher because of both my parents having it.
I’m turning 18 in a couple of months, and I want to get tested to see what my risk is, but I’m terrified. I sometimes feel a stabbing pain in my chest and think I feel a lump. I’m not sure if I’m imagining it due to my stress and fear or if it’s true.
I don’t want to tell my dad until after my appointment, which I plan on doing alone. What do you think I should do? Should I tell him?
AFRAID IN FLORIDA
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Dear Abby: Our teen’s messy breakup has had awkward repercussions for us Advice | Dear Abby: I was annoyed to discover why our friends picked this restaurant DEAR AFRAID: Try to calm yourself. The lump you felt may not be what you fear, but a cyst. Breast cancer in teen girls is rare, but cysts are quite common. (It might also be nothing.) That said, because of your family history, you should be checked by a doctor.
I don’t believe in keeping secrets of this nature. If you would like emotional support when you get the test for the BRCA gene, your father — or a female relative — would be a logical choice to go with you. Please give it some thought.
DEAR ABBY: My husband’s mother recently told him he no longer matters to her because he is an atheist. His mother is supposedly a Christian, but she rarely acts like one.
It has left my husband devastated and feeling more lonely than ever.
I can’t find the right words to comfort him when he’s going through something I haven’t got a clue about. How do I empathize with him to let him know he did nothing wrong and that he never deserved to have those words thrown at him by his own mother?
It infuriates me, but I don’t think it would be right for me to step in and talk to her directly. How do you deal with a narcissist who constantly plays the victim even after all the support you’ve given to her, financially and emotionally?
SUPPORTIVE WIFE IN ALABAMA
DEAR WIFE: I’m glad you asked. Explain to your husband that by emotionally abusing him this way, his mother is attempting to control him. What she said is despicable, and if he is as emotionally dependent on her as you have described, he may need counseling to get past this.
The way to deal with her emotional blackmail is to distance yourselves from her financially and emotionally, because she is manipulative and toxic.
DEAR ABBY: I have a medical alert service dog. People at the store won’t leave him alone to do his job, and I don’t know what to do. I don’t want to be rude to these people, but my life depends on his alerting. Each time I must shop for groceries, I am very afraid. Advice?
NO PETTING IN PENNSYLVANIA
DEAR NO PETTING: You are a nice person. Too nice, in fact. When someone attempts to distract your service animal, tell the person emphatically to stop immediately because he is on duty, working to ensure your safety, and being distracted could cost you your life. It is the truth.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.


mercurynews--2020-08-20--Democratic boundary breakers’ night: Obama, Clinton, Harris

WILMINGTON , Del .
( AP ) — The Democrats ’ historic boundary breakers joined forces Wednesday night at the party ’ s national convention in an urgent effort to rouse the diverse coalition Joe Biden will need to defeat President Donald Trump this fall .
Their overriding message : Vote this time ; don ’ t just complain later .
Your lives and democracy itself may be at stake .
Barack Obama , the nation ’ s first Black president , and Hillary Clinton , the first woman nominated for president by a major party , were speaking on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harris , Biden ’ s running mate and the first Black woman on a major party ticket , was delivering highly anticipated remarks that will serve as her first introduction to millions of voters .
American democracy might not survive another four years of Trump , Obama warns in excerpts released in advance .
He urges voters to “ embrace your own responsibility as citizens – to make sure that the basic tenets of our democracy endure .
Because that ’ s what is at stake right now .
Our democracy.
” In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. president by his predecessor , Obama declares , “ Donald Trump hasn ’ t grown into the job because he can ’ t. ” Just 76 days before the election , voters in both parties are as engaged as they have ever been , even while battling the coronavirus pandemic that has left more than 172,000 dead and millions more out of work .
Having formally been nominated by their party , the Biden-Harris ticket is now the Democrats ’ best and only hope to deny Trump a second term .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to abandon the traditional convention format in favor of an all-virtual affair that has eliminated much of the pomp and circumstance that typically defines political conventions .
It ’ s also produced opportunities to create new traditions , including a roll call vote for Biden ’ s formal nomination featuring a video montage of activists in every state in the nation .
The Democratic convention will build to a finale Thursday night when Biden will deliver his acceptance speech in a mostly empty convention hall near his Delaware home .
The president , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in North Carolina and Florida , is expected to break tradition and accept his nomination from the White House lawn .
Trump spent much of this week hosting campaign events in battleground states in an attempt to distract from the Democrats ’ virtual festivities .
While he did not travel on Wednesday , the Republican president railed against Biden and his party at a press conference while praising a conspiracy theory group that claims Trump ’ s opponents have links to satanism and child sex trafficking .
“ We ’ re saving the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will destroy this country , ” Trump said .
“ And when this country is gone , the rest of the world would follow.
” Hyperbole and praise for far-right extremists has become a hallmark of Trump ’ s presidency , which has inflamed tensions at home and alienated allies around the world .
Harris , in her prepared remarks , said the nation is at a critical point , struggling under Trump ’ s “ chaos , ” “ incompetence ” and “ callousness.
” “ We can do better and deserve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We must elect a president who will bring something different , something better , and do the important work .
A president who will bring all of us together — Black , White , Latino , Asian , Indigenous — to achieve the future we collectively want.
” Clinton , four years after her own nominating convention , looked back at her 2016 loss to Trump and saids that by now it must be clear that American lives and livelihoods are at risk .
“ For four years , people have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t realize how dangerous he was.
’ ‘ I wish I could go back and do it over.
’ Or worst , ‘ I should have voted , ’ ” she said .
“ Well , this can ’ t be another woulda coulda shoulda election.
” Obama , who remains perhaps the biggest star in the Democratic Party , was delivering a live address ahead of Harris , from the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia .
He hopes to serve as a bridge between those reassured by Biden ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and a younger generation of Democrats agitating for more dramatic change .
Obama confidants say that the former president ’ s support for Biden is unequivocal , but he does worry about enthusiasm among younger voters , particularly younger voters of color .
Democrats concede that one of the reasons Trump won the presidency in 2016 was because those voters didn ’ t show up in the same large numbers as when Obama was on the ballot .
In excerpts of his remarks , Obama calls Biden his “ brother.
” He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rare public rebuke from one president to his successor .
“ I have sat in the Oval Office with both of the men who are running for president , ” Obama says .
“ I never expected that my successor would embrace my vision or continue my policies .
I did hope , for the sake of our country , that Donald Trump might show some interest in taking the job seriously ; that he might come to feel the weight of the office and discover some reverence for the democracy that had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the carefully scripted confines of the virtual convention , there were modest signs of tension between the moderate and progressive wings of Biden ’ s Democratic Party .
In particular , some progressives complained that pro-Biden Republicans such as Ohio Gov .
John Kasich have been featured more prominently than the party ’ s younger progressive stars like New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez .
Climate activists also complained that the party appeared ready to drop a provision in the platform that calls for an end to fossil fuel industry subsidies and tax breaks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of progressives for demanding bold change , was expected to speak Wednesday night , but only for a few minutes .
It remains to be seen whether the unconventional convention will give Biden the momentum he ’ s looking for .
Preliminary estimates show that television viewership for the first night of the virtual convention was down compared with the opening of Hillary Clinton ’ s onsite nominating party four years ago .
Price reported from Las Vegas and Peoples from New York .
AP Washington Bureau Chief Julie Pace contributed to this @ @

By STEVE PEOPLES, MICHELLE L. PRICE and ALEXANDRA JAFFE
WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — Former President Barack Obama warned that American democracy could falter if President Donald Trump is reelected, a stunning rebuke of his successor that was echoed by Kamala Harris at the Democratic Convention Wednesday night as she embraced her historic role as the first Black woman on a national political ticket.
Obama, himself a barrier breaker as the nation’s first Black president, pleaded with voters to “embrace your own responsibility as citizens – to make sure that the basic tenets of our democracy endure. Because that’s what is at stake right now. Our democracy.”
Throughout their convention, the Democrats have summoned a collective urgency about the dangers of Trump as president. In 2016, they dismissed and sometimes trivialized him. Now they are casting him as an existential threat to the country. The tone signals anew that the fall campaign between Trump and Joe Biden, already expected to be among the most negative of the past half century, will be filled with rancor and recrimination.
Yet on the third night of the Democrats’ four-day convention, party leaders also sought to put forward a cohesive vision of their values and policy priorities, highlighting efforts to combat climate change and tighten gun laws. They drew a sharp contrast with Trump, portraying him as cruel in his treatment of immigrants, disinterested in the nation’s climate crisis and over his head on virtually all of the nation’s most pressing challenges.
Democrats also demonstrated a hope that Biden, a 77-year-old white man, can revive the coalition that helped put Obama into office, with minorities, younger voters and college-educated women blunting Trump’s lock on many white and rural voters.
The evening marked a celebration of the party’s leading women, including remarks from Hillary Clinton, the first woman to become a major ticket presidential nominee; House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who challenged Biden during the primary and is now supporting his campaign.
Harris, a 55-year-old California senator and the daughter of Jamaican and Indian immigrants, addressed race and equality in a personal way Biden cannot when he formally accepts his party’s presidential nomination on Thursday.
“There is no vaccine for racism. We have got to do the work,” Harris said, her words emphatic though she was speaking in a largely empty arena near Biden’s Delaware home.
“We’ve got to do the work to fulfill the promise of equal justice under law,” she added. “None of us are free until all of us are free.”
Just 76 days before the election, Biden must energize the disparate factions that make up the modern Democratic Party – a coalition that spans generation, race and ideology. And this fall voters must deal with concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic that has created health risks for those who want to vote in person — and postal slowdowns for mail-in ballots, which Democrats blame on Trump.
Democrats hope that Harris and Obama in particular can help bridge the divide between those reassured by Biden’s establishment credentials and those craving bolder change.
The pandemic forced Biden’s team to abandon the traditional convention format in favor of an all-virtual affair that has eliminated much of the pomp and circumstance that typically defines political conventions. It was completely silent, for example, as Harris took the stage to make history at the Chase Center in downtown Wilmington. She was flanked by American flags but no family, and her audience consisted of a few dozen reporters and photographers.
After two nights that featured several Republicans, the proceedings on Wednesday emphasized core Democratic values on areas like climate change and gun violence that particularly resonate with younger voters.
On guns, Biden wants to repeal a law shielding firearm manufacturers from liability lawsuits, impose universal background checks for purchases and ban the manufacture and sale of assault weapons and high capacity magazines. On climate, Biden has proposed a $2 trillion plan to invest in clean energy and end carbon emissions from U.S. power plants by 2035, even though his proposals don’t go as far as activists’ preferred “Green New Deal.”
Wednesday night, former Arizona Rep. Gabby Giffords reflected on her own journey of pain and recovery from a severe brain injury nearly a decade after being shot while meeting with constituents. She urged America to support Biden.
“I struggle to speak, but I have not lost my voice,” Giffords said. “Vote, vote, vote.”
It’s Trump’s turn next. The president, who abandoned plans to host his convention in North Carolina and Florida, is expected to break tradition and accept his nomination from the White House lawn.
In the meantime, he’s seeking to take attention from Biden. Trump will stop near his Democratic rival’s birthplace of Scranton, Pennsylvania on Thursday. He’s also participating in a prime-time interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity.
Hillary Clinton, Trump’s 2016 rival, implored Democrats to turn out in larger numbers in November to block the president’s reelection.
“For four years, people have said to me, ‘I didn’t realize how dangerous he was.’ ‘I wish I could go back and do it over.’ Or worst, ‘I should have voted,’” said Clinton, the first woman nominated president by a major party. “Well, this can’t be another woulda coulda shoulda election.”
“Vote like our lives and livelihoods are on the line,” she added, “because they are.”
Obama spoke harshly of Trump, too.
“Donald Trump hasn’t grown into the job because he can’t,” Obama said, speaking from the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, a backdrop chosen to reinforce what the former president sees as the dire stakes of the moment.
“I have sat in the Oval Office with both of the men who are running for president,” Obama continued, describing Biden as his brother. “I never expected that my successor would embrace my vision or continue my policies. I did hope, for the sake of our country, that Donald Trump might show some interest in taking the job seriously.”
Obama confidants say that the former president’s support for Biden is unequivocal, but he worries about enthusiasm among younger voters, particularly younger voters of color. Democrats concede that one of the reasons Trump won the presidency in 2016 was because those voters didn’t show up in the same large numbers as when Obama was on the ballot.
Beyond the carefully scripted confines of the virtual convention, there were modest signs of tension between the moderate and progressive wings of Biden’s Democratic Party.
In particular, some progressives complained that pro-Biden Republicans such as Ohio Gov. John Kasich have been featured more prominently than the party’s younger progressive stars like New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Climate activists also complained that the party appeared ready to drop a provision in the platform that calls for an end to fossil fuel industry subsidies and tax breaks.
Sen. Warren, a favorite of progressives for demanding bold change, spoke for around five minutes.
And While Warren urged people to vote for Biden and gave a hearty endorsement for several of his economic and child care plans, she hinted that she would not retreat from her push for a more progressive agenda should her party retake the White House.
“We all need to be in the fight to get Joe and Kamala elected,” Warren said. “And after November, we all need to stay in the fight to get big things done.”
___
Price reported from Las Vegas and Peoples from New York. AP Washington Bureau Chief Julie Pace contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-08-20--Trump says he ‘appreciates’ fringe QAnon conspiracy

fter skirting the issue for weeks , President Donald Trump offered an embrace Wednesday of the fringe internet phenomenon QAnon , praising its followers for supporting him and shrugging off its outlandish conspiracies .
His comments reflected the highest-profile endorsement to date of the group , which has infiltrated Republican circles even as party leaders attempt to distance themselves .
“ I don ’ t know much about the movement other than I understand they like me very much , which I appreciate , ” Trump said in the White House briefing room .
It was a striking nod to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a virtual cult and has been labeled a potential domestic terrorist threat by the FBI .
Trump admitted he wasn ’ t intimately familiar with some of the sprawling conspiracies offered by the group ’ s followers but said he understood it was becoming more widespread .
“ I have heard that it ’ s gaining in popularity , ” Trump said , suggesting QAnon followers approved of how he ’ d handled social unrest in places like Portland , Oregon .
“ I ’ ve heard these are people that love our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like seeing it.
” QAnon ’ s prevailing conspiracy theories — none based in fact — claim dozens of Satan-worshipping politicians and A-list celebrities work in tandem with governments around the globe to engage in child sex abuse .
Followers also believe there is a “ deep state ” effort to annihilate Trump .
But followers of the group have expanded from those beliefs and now allege baseless theories surrounding mass shootings and elections .
Followers have falsely claimed that 5G cellular networks are spreading the coronavirus .
The group has also peddled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Matter movement and vaccines — none grounded in reality .
Trump is revered among the conspiracy ’ s followers , who believe he was recruited to help eliminate the controlling criminal conspiracy they allege is gripping the world ’ s power structures .
Trump did not seem entirely familiar with all that on Wednesday .
Instead he focused on the group ’ s praise for him — which was enough , apparently , to overlook the cultish beliefs .
Asked if he believed the crux of the theory , described by a reporter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is secretly saving the world from this satanic cult of pedophiles and cannibals , ” Trump said : “ Well , I haven ’ t heard that , but is that supposed to be a bad thing or a good thing ?
” “ If I can help save the world from problems , I ’ m willing to do it , ” he went on .
“ I ’ m willing to put myself out there .
And we are , actually , we ’ re saving the world from a radical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” At the congressional level , Republicans have at least three nominees who have been sympathetic or supportive of the group : Jo Rae Perkins , the GOP nominee for a Senate seat in Oregon ; Marjorie Taylor Greene , who won a primary runoff for Georgia ’ s 14th District last week ; and Lauren Boebert , who beat a Trump-backed , five-term incumbent in the primary in Colorado ’ s 3rd District in June .
Greene and Boebert are running in districts where Republicans are favored .
 Asked earlier Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , his press secretary insisted it wasn ’ t a matter she ’ d ever heard him discuss .
• Facebook takes down some , but not all , QAnon accounts • After outcry , Postal Service halts reforms until after election “ I ’ ve never heard of that .
There ’ s a lot of media focus on that but certainly never heard of that from the President , ” press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said .
She described the President ’ s support for anti-Muslim candidates like Laura Loomer , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Greene as automatic because they are Republicans .
“ The President routinely congratulates people who officially get the Republican nomination for Congress , so he does that as a matter of course , ” McEnany said .
“ He hasn ’ t done a deep dive into the statements by these two particular women .
I don ’ t know if he ’ s even seen that .
But he supports the Muslim community , he supports the community of faith more broadly in this country .
”

[vemba-video id=”business/2020/08/16/gop-congressman-adam-kinzinger-takes-a-stand-against-qanon.cnn”]
By Kevin Liptak | CNN
fter skirting the issue for weeks, President Donald Trump offered an embrace Wednesday of the fringe internet phenomenon QAnon, praising its followers for supporting him and shrugging off its outlandish conspiracies.
His comments reflected the highest-profile endorsement to date of the group, which has infiltrated Republican circles even as party leaders attempt to distance themselves.
“I don’t know much about the movement other than I understand they like me very much, which I appreciate,” Trump said in the White House briefing room.
It was a striking nod to a group that has been likened to a virtual cult and has been labeled a potential domestic terrorist threat by the FBI.
Trump admitted he wasn’t intimately familiar with some of the sprawling conspiracies offered by the group’s followers but said he understood it was becoming more widespread.
“I have heard that it’s gaining in popularity,” Trump said, suggesting QAnon followers approved of how he’d handled social unrest in places like Portland, Oregon. “I’ve heard these are people that love our country and they just don’t like seeing it.”
QAnon’s prevailing conspiracy theories — none based in fact — claim dozens of Satan-worshipping politicians and A-list celebrities work in tandem with governments around the globe to engage in child sex abuse. Followers also believe there is a “deep state” effort to annihilate Trump.
But followers of the group have expanded from those beliefs and now allege baseless theories surrounding mass shootings and elections. Followers have falsely claimed that 5G cellular networks are spreading the coronavirus.
The group has also peddled conspiracies about coronavirus, the Black Lives Matter movement and vaccines — none grounded in reality.
Trump is revered among the conspiracy’s followers, who believe he was recruited to help eliminate the controlling criminal conspiracy they allege is gripping the world’s power structures.
Trump did not seem entirely familiar with all that on Wednesday. Instead he focused on the group’s praise for him — which was enough, apparently, to overlook the cultish beliefs.
Asked if he believed the crux of the theory, described by a reporter as the belief that the President “is secretly saving the world from this satanic cult of pedophiles and cannibals,” Trump said: “Well, I haven’t heard that, but is that supposed to be a bad thing or a good thing?”
“If I can help save the world from problems, I’m willing to do it,” he went on. “I’m willing to put myself out there. And we are, actually, we’re saving the world from a radical left philosophy that will destroy this country.”
At the congressional level, Republicans have at least three nominees who have been sympathetic or supportive of the group: Jo Rae Perkins, the GOP nominee for a Senate seat in Oregon; Marjorie Taylor Greene, who won a primary runoff for Georgia’s 14th District last week; and Lauren Boebert, who beat a Trump-backed, five-term incumbent in the primary in Colorado’s 3rd District in June. Greene and Boebert are running in districts where Republicans are favored.
Asked earlier Wednesday about Trump’s support for QAnon, his press secretary insisted it wasn’t a matter she’d ever heard him discuss.
“I’ve never heard of that. There’s a lot of media focus on that but certainly never heard of that from the President,” press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said.
She described the President’s support for anti-Muslim candidates like Laura Loomer, who won a primary in Florida on Tuesday, and Greene as automatic because they are Republicans.
“The President routinely congratulates people who officially get the Republican nomination for Congress, so he does that as a matter of course,” McEnany said. “He hasn’t done a deep dive into the statements by these two particular women. I don’t know if he’s even seen that. But he supports the Muslim community, he supports the community of faith more broadly in this country.”


mercurynews--2020-08-19--Mexico slams Trump plan to tax border-crossing cars

CIUDAD JUAREZ , Mexico – Mexican officials and border town residents criticized U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday for threatening to levy a tax on cars crossing into the United States to fund his signature border wall .
The mayor of Ciudad Juarez , Armando Cabada , slammed Trump ’ s proposed car tax as a political stunt aimed at garnering support ahead of the U.S. election in November .
“ It was an issue that gave him votes in the last election , and now he ’ s using it again , in a desperate manner , to try @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Cabada , whose city lies across from the Texas city of El Paso .
About 73 million personal vehicles crossed from Mexico into the United States last year , according to data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics , an average of 200,000 cars every day .
Trump made the suggestion during a speech in Yuma , Arizona , on Tuesday , in which he vowed Mexico is “ 100 percent ” paying for the wall .
“ They going to pay at the border…cars going through .
We ’ re going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Cuidad Juarez resident Hector Escobado accused Trump of misrepresenting the plan , saying that instead of forcing Mexico to pay , the toll would tax U.S. citizens like himself .
“ Many of us are U.S. citizens who live here in Mexico and cross back and forth almost every day .
He would be charging us , ” he said .
The thousands of Mexicans and dual citizens who cross into the United States daily include essential workers who help keep U.S. hospitals running amid the pandemic .
During his speech @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threats to tax the remittances sent by millions Mexicans living in the United States to their family members at home .
Mexico received $ 3.54 billion in remittances in June , the second-highest level since records began in 1995 .

By Jose Luis Gonzalez | Reuters
CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico – Mexican officials and border town residents criticized U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday for threatening to levy a tax on cars crossing into the United States to fund his signature border wall.
The mayor of Ciudad Juarez, Armando Cabada, slammed Trump’s proposed car tax as a political stunt aimed at garnering support ahead of the U.S. election in November.
“It was an issue that gave him votes in the last election, and now he’s using it again, in a desperate manner, to try to secure these same votes,” said Cabada, whose city lies across from the Texas city of El Paso.
About 73 million personal vehicles crossed from Mexico into the United States last year, according to data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, an average of 200,000 cars every day.
Trump made the suggestion during a speech in Yuma, Arizona, on Tuesday, in which he vowed Mexico is “100 percent” paying for the wall.
“They going to pay at the border…cars going through. We’re going to do a toll,” he said.
Cuidad Juarez resident Hector Escobado accused Trump of misrepresenting the plan, saying that instead of forcing Mexico to pay, the toll would tax U.S. citizens like himself.
“Many of us are U.S. citizens who live here in Mexico and cross back and forth almost every day. He would be charging us,” he said.
The thousands of Mexicans and dual citizens who cross into the United States daily include essential workers who help keep U.S. hospitals running amid the pandemic.
During his speech Tuesday, Trump also reiterated his previous threats to tax the remittances sent by millions Mexicans living in the United States to their family members at home.
Mexico received $3.54 billion in remittances in June, the second-highest level since records began in 1995.


mercurynews--2020-08-19--California’s fire fighting resources stretched thin by hundreds of blazes

With hundreds of blazes raging throughout the Bay Area and across California , firefighting crews are stretched so thin that authorities have put out a call for help from other states .
By Wednesday afternoon California had already seen 367 fires , including 23 major ones , burn up tens of thousands of acres in recent days amid the onslaught of a record-setting heat wave and 10,800 lightning strikes , forcing evacuations and destroying numerous structures , officials said .
Despite having almost 7,000 firefighters scattered around the state and more help on the way , the sheer number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suppression efforts , fire officials say .
“ What has occurred over the last 72 hours has certainly stretched the resources of this state , ” Gov .
Gavin Newsom said Wednesday during a briefing .
“ There ’ s no question while last year we experienced some acuity of fires — the Kincade Fire , the Getty Fire and some others in Southern California — the total number of fires last year was substantially lower than the activity we are experiencing this year , ” Newsom added .
To date , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fires compared to 4,007 at this time in 2019 .
Newsom said he has asked for 375 fire engine crews from other Western states including Arizona , Nevada , and Texas .
Although California has beefed up its ground and airborne firefighting equipment arsenal in recent years , including $ 85.6 million worth this year , that hasn ’ t been enough .
“ We ’ re definitely dealing with a significant uptick in fire activity not only in Northern California , but also in Southern California , and because of that…our resources @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bertucelli , a captain with the Santa Barbara County Fire Department , who is part of Cal Fire ’ s incident management team on the Carmel and River Fires .
“ The first priority will always be life safety of the public .
After that , property conservation , and then we go with incident stabilization , ” he said .
“ Being the fact that we have several large , complex fires just burning in Northern California makes it very difficult for us to effectively attack these fires strictly due to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the resources , ” he added .
And unlike past years when firefighters were aided by teams of inmates who dig containment lines , those ranks have been reduced because thousands of prisoners were released over the past few months in an effort to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks inside jails .
“ When you lose a large number of those hand crews , you have to rely on other sources to make it up , ” Bertucelli said .
Newsom ’ s state budget this year allocated $ 72 million to help make up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seasonal firefighters .
He said Wednesday almost all have been hired .
As if the scorching heat and number of fires weren ’ t enough to deal with , firefighters also have to battle the potential danger of getting COVID-19 .
Officials say although the risk of being infected by the coronavirus is low when they ’ re fighting blazes outside and generally at least 10 feet apart , firefighters have to be vigilant inside fire engines and at base camps .
“ COVID is definitely not an afterthought during a wildland fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We understand that we have a job to do , but we also owe it to ourselves and those that we work with to do it safely so we do not spread this virus , ” he said .
Despite all the challenges , Newsom said Wednesday he ’ s confident about beating back the blazes with a “ world-class firefighting force.
” “ This is what this state does .
We are quite familiar with these challenges , ” Newsom said .
The fire season is months from ending , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another active fire season and it is early in the fire season , so I think it ’ s going to be very busy , ” said Jake Miller , a Cal Fire spokesman for the SCU Lightning Complex fires burning through several Bay Area counties .
“ We have experience from those last couple of years with all the fire activity and we ’ re ready to handle the current fire season here as well.
” “ We do recognize the fact that we are stretched thin on resources , but we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do and the public has their expectations of us , ” he said .
“ We ’ re going to live up to that expectation .
”

With hundreds of blazes raging throughout the Bay Area and across California, firefighting crews are stretched so thin that authorities have put out a call for help from other states.
By Wednesday afternoon California had already seen 367 fires, including 23 major ones, burn up tens of thousands of acres in recent days amid the onslaught of a record-setting heat wave and 10,800 lightning strikes, forcing evacuations and destroying numerous structures, officials said.
Despite having almost 7,000 firefighters scattered around the state and more help on the way, the sheer number of fires is stressing mutual aid and hampering suppression efforts, fire officials say.
“What has occurred over the last 72 hours has certainly stretched the resources of this state,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday during a briefing.
“There’s no question while last year we experienced some acuity of fires — the Kincade Fire, the Getty Fire and some others in Southern California — the total number of fires last year was substantially lower than the activity we are experiencing this year,” Newsom added.
To date, he said, the state has had 6,754 fires compared to 4,007 at this time in 2019 .
Newsom said he has asked for 375 fire engine crews from other Western states including Arizona, Nevada, and Texas.
Although California has beefed up its ground and airborne firefighting equipment arsenal in recent years, including $85.6 million worth this year, that hasn’t been enough.
“We’re definitely dealing with a significant uptick in fire activity not only in Northern California, but also in Southern California, and because of that…our resources are very stretched,” said Daniel Bertucelli, a captain with the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, who is part of Cal Fire’s incident management team on the Carmel and River Fires.
“The first priority will always be life safety of the public. After that, property conservation, and then we go with incident stabilization,” he said.
“Being the fact that we have several large, complex fires just burning in Northern California makes it very difficult for us to effectively attack these fires strictly due to the fact that we don’t have the resources,” he added.
And unlike past years when firefighters were aided by teams of inmates who dig containment lines, those ranks have been reduced because thousands of prisoners were released over the past few months in an effort to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks inside jails.
“When you lose a large number of those hand crews, you have to rely on other sources to make it up,” Bertucelli said.
Newsom’s state budget this year allocated $72 million to help make up some of that loss by hiring 858 seasonal firefighters. He said Wednesday almost all have been hired.
As if the scorching heat and number of fires weren’t enough to deal with, firefighters also have to battle the potential danger of getting COVID-19.
Officials say although the risk of being infected by the coronavirus is low when they’re fighting blazes outside and generally at least 10 feet apart, firefighters have to be vigilant inside fire engines and at base camps.
“COVID is definitely not an afterthought during a wildland fire response like this,” Bertucelli said.
“We understand that we have a job to do, but we also owe it to ourselves and those that we work with to do it safely so we do not spread this virus,” he said.
Despite all the challenges, Newsom said Wednesday he’s confident about beating back the blazes with a “world-class firefighting force.”
“This is what this state does. We are quite familiar with these challenges,” Newsom said.
The fire season is months from ending, however.
“It’s just another active fire season and it is early in the fire season, so I think it’s going to be very busy,” said Jake Miller, a Cal Fire spokesman for the SCU Lightning Complex fires burning through several Bay Area counties.
“We have experience from those last couple of years with all the fire activity and we’re ready to handle the current fire season here as well.”
Bertucelli agreed.
“We do recognize the fact that we are stretched thin on resources, but we also recognize that we have a task to do and the public has their expectations of us,” he said.
“We’re going to live up to that expectation.”


mercurynews--2020-08-19--NCAA recommendation: Fall sport athletes will get free year of eligibility due to coronavirus

College athletes who play fall sports , including football , will be given a free year of eligibility no matter how much they compete over the next 10 months if an NCAA recommendation is approved later this week .
Two people with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press the NCAA Division I Council voted Wednesday to recommend all athletes whose fall seasons will be altered by the pandemic should get the year of eligibility back .
The people spoke on condition of anonymity because the council was still meeting and an official announcement had not yet been made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Division I Board of Directors , which meets Friday .
If the board signs off , all athletes , whether they play or opt out because of concerns about COVID-19 , will not be docked one of their four years of eligibility .
The NCAA made a similar decision earlier in the year when spring sports had their seasons cut short by the pandemic .
All of those athletes were permitted to get an extra year of eligibility , with seniors who wanted to return not counting against roster or scholarship limits .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ get back the year of eligibility if they want during their careers , but will count against roster and scholarship limits .
• Hotline newsletter : NBA postseason loaded with former Pac-12 players , Under Armour vs Cal , TV money and more • COVID Sports Daily : Chiefs plan NFL opener with some fans , Nick Saban weighs in on spring season • Details emerge in Under Armour ’ s legal dispute with Cal , and they stretch the imagination COVID-19 concerns have led to all but six Division I leagues , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Atlantic Conferences , to postpone fall sports , with the hope of making them up in the spring semester .
But even those conferences that are moving toward a fall sports season have decreased the number of games scheduled to be played and built in extra time in anticipation of disruptions caused by COVID-19 .
The Big Ten and Pac-12 are among the conferences looking into an alternative football season , starting maybe as soon as January .
The Mid-American Conference and Mountain West have also postponed fall sports among those in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In the second tier of Division I , which has an NCAA playoff , all the conferences have postponed fall sports , though a few schools are scheduled to play nonconference football games .
Other fall sports include men ’ s and women ’ s soccer , volleyball and cross country .

By RALPH D. RUSSO
College athletes who play fall sports, including football, will be given a free year of eligibility no matter how much they compete over the next 10 months if an NCAA recommendation is approved later this week.
Two people with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press the NCAA Division I Council voted Wednesday to recommend all athletes whose fall seasons will be altered by the pandemic should get the year of eligibility back. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because the council was still meeting and an official announcement had not yet been made.
The proposal needs approval by the Division I Board of Directors, which meets Friday. If the board signs off, all athletes, whether they play or opt out because of concerns about COVID-19, will not be docked one of their four years of eligibility.
The NCAA made a similar decision earlier in the year when spring sports had their seasons cut short by the pandemic. All of those athletes were permitted to get an extra year of eligibility, with seniors who wanted to return not counting against roster or scholarship limits.
Underclassmen will be guaranteed a waiver to get back the year of eligibility if they want during their careers, but will count against roster and scholarship limits.
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But even those conferences that are moving toward a fall sports season have decreased the number of games scheduled to be played and built in extra time in anticipation of disruptions caused by COVID-19.
The Big Ten and Pac-12 are among the conferences looking into an alternative football season, starting maybe as soon as January.
The Mid-American Conference and Mountain West have also postponed fall sports among those in the NCAA’s highest-tier of football. In the second tier of Division I, which has an NCAA playoff, all the conferences have postponed fall sports, though a few schools are scheduled to play nonconference football games.
Other fall sports include men’s and women’s soccer, volleyball and cross country.
___


mercurynews--2020-08-19--Gilroy: Suspect arrested in beating death of woman

GILROY – A 49-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of fatally beating his girlfriend at a home in Gilroy earlier this week , authorities said .
Officers were called to the 7700 block of Murray Avenue , near San Ysidro Park , at 6 a.m. Monday for a report of a woman screaming for help , the Gilroy Police Department said in a news release .
They arrived to find a severely beaten woman inside a home .
Police said the woman was taken to a trauma center , where she died as a result of her injuries .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Office will release the woman ’ s identity once it has been confirmed and her next of kin is notified .
The suspect , identified as Izaak Ruben Bermea , was found and arrested at a home in Merced on Tuesday , police said .
Police said Bermea was booked into the Santa Clara County jail on a charge of murder .
Anyone with information about the killing can contact Gilroy police detectives at 408-846-0335 or the anonymous tip line at 408-846-0330 .
HELP IS AVAILABLE The Santa Clara County Domestic Violence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 408-279-2962 .

GILROY – A 49-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of fatally beating his girlfriend at a home in Gilroy earlier this week, authorities said.
Officers were called to the 7700 block of Murray Avenue, near San Ysidro Park, at 6 a.m. Monday for a report of a woman screaming for help, the Gilroy Police Department said in a news release. They arrived to find a severely beaten woman inside a home.
Police said the woman was taken to a trauma center, where she died as a result of her injuries. The Santa Clara County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s Office will release the woman’s identity once it has been confirmed and her next of kin is notified.
The suspect, identified as Izaak Ruben Bermea, was found and arrested at a home in Merced on Tuesday, police said.
Police said Bermea was booked into the Santa Clara County jail on a charge of murder.
Anyone with information about the killing can contact Gilroy police detectives at 408-846-0335 or the anonymous tip line at 408-846-0330.
HELP IS AVAILABLE
The Santa Clara County Domestic Violence Hotline is available around the clock at 408-279-2962.


mercurynews--2020-08-19--NFL coronavirus committee will decide on postponing games, consider playoff bubble

The NFL will consult an advisory committee made up of former coaches , general managers and players on such issues as postponing , moving or even canceling games this season due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Troy Vincent , the league ’ s football operations chief , said Wednesday that the advisers , who will report to Commissioner Roger Goodell , will help avoid any “ inequities ” in those decisions .
Vincent did not identify any members of the panel , saying he was awaiting their approval to do so .
Vincent acknowledged that using the competition committee for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The inequities — we hope it doesn ’ t occur , but just based on what we have seen , we must have the flexibility , ” Vincent said , noting that teams might not play the same number of games and that would affect playoff seeding as examples of what the advisers might address .
Vincent also said the league will consider playoff games in a bubble environment , noting that “ all options are on the table.
” Saints coach Sean Payton recently brought up that possibility during a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ itself where players could do it if they choose to do it , to form some kind of bubble , that secure environment , the concept was discussed , ” Vincent added .
Dr. Allen Sills , the league ’ s chief medical officer , noted that setting firm schedules for anything during the pandemic is foolhardy .
“ We ’ re going to have to be flexible and adaptable , ” Sills said .
“ I think that ’ s something we ’ ll continue to track and monitor .
If this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down the road is a hazardous business.
” The league sent game-day and travel protocols to the 32 teams this week .
The extensive in-stadium specifics include rules for the field , sidelines , locker rooms , tunnels , entrances and training rooms .
Allowed in the bench area will be active players , coaches ; club-designated personnel with game-day working functions ( maximum of 65 ) ; game officials ( maximum of 7 ) ; chain crew ( maximum 5 ) ; one coach-to-coach technician ; the unaffiliated neurotrauma consultants ; an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team medical liaison .
Ownership is allowed on the field , but not in the bench area .
As Sills noted , the sidelines will not look like anything in the past , with people spread out for social distancing , PPE required , and non-essential personnel barred .
“ It ’ s safe to say the field will look very different this year , there will be markedly fewer people in and around the field , certainly very restricted access , ” Sills said .
Also required on game day will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food for players , club and game-day personnel and game officials ; frequent cleaning and sanitizing procedures ; coordinated and staggered arrival and departures for teams ; and physical distancing measures .
Players not dressed for the game are advised to remain in the locker room or “ some other designated stadium location separated from other non-team personnel during pregame and throughout the game.
” Travel protocols call for a maximum of 110 people in a team ’ s traveling party , with face masks required during travel .
All travel partners such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must meet NFL and players ’ union standards for COVID-19 protection .
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Team members are not permitted to leave hotels to eat or otherwise use any restaurants open to the public .
No takeout meals will be allowed .
Sills noted the need for hotels to ensure they have proper air flow and filtration as well .
Teams are instructed to ask for private entrances and check-in facilities , and when possible , to be provided rooms on lower floors to avoid the need for elevator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does not make it safe , ” he said .
“ We must follow protocols and wear PPE .
… There is a delicate balance to have there.
” Sills announced that any NFL personnel who had a previous confirmed positive COVID-19 test is being removed from the testing pool for 90 days , in accordance with CDC data .
The CDC has said anyone who has had and recovered from the coronavirus still could have low levels of virus in the body for up to 90 days after being diagnosed .

By BARRY WILNER
The NFL will consult an advisory committee made up of former coaches, general managers and players on such issues as postponing, moving or even canceling games this season due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Troy Vincent, the league’s football operations chief, said Wednesday that the advisers, who will report to Commissioner Roger Goodell, will help avoid any “inequities” in those decisions. Vincent did not identify any members of the panel, saying he was awaiting their approval to do so.
Vincent acknowledged that using the competition committee for such decisions could create conflicts of interest.
“The inequities — we hope it doesn’t occur, but just based on what we have seen, we must have the flexibility,” Vincent said, noting that teams might not play the same number of games and that would affect playoff seeding as examples of what the advisers might address.
Vincent also said the league will consider playoff games in a bubble environment, noting that “all options are on the table.” Saints coach Sean Payton recently brought up that possibility during a competition committee meeting.
“The concept itself where players could do it if they choose to do it, to form some kind of bubble, that secure environment, the concept was discussed,” Vincent added.
Dr. Allen Sills, the league’s chief medical officer, noted that setting firm schedules for anything during the pandemic is foolhardy.
“We’re going to have to be flexible and adaptable,” Sills said. “I think that’s something we’ll continue to track and monitor. If this taught us anything, projecting three/four weeks down the road is a hazardous business.”
The league sent game-day and travel protocols to the 32 teams this week. The extensive in-stadium specifics include rules for the field, sidelines, locker rooms, tunnels, entrances and training rooms.
Allowed in the bench area will be active players, coaches; club-designated personnel with game-day working functions (maximum of 65); game officials (maximum of 7); chain crew (maximum 5); one coach-to-coach technician; the unaffiliated neurotrauma consultants; an airway management physician; and the visiting team medical liaison.
Ownership is allowed on the field, but not in the bench area.
As Sills noted, the sidelines will not look like anything in the past, with people spread out for social distancing, PPE required, and non-essential personnel barred.
“It’s safe to say the field will look very different this year, there will be markedly fewer people in and around the field, certainly very restricted access,” Sills said.
Also required on game day will be pregame medical screening; only individually pre-packaged food for players, club and game-day personnel and game officials; frequent cleaning and sanitizing procedures; coordinated and staggered arrival and departures for teams; and physical distancing measures.
Players not dressed for the game are advised to remain in the locker room or “some other designated stadium location separated from other non-team personnel during pregame and throughout the game.”
Travel protocols call for a maximum of 110 people in a team’s traveling party, with face masks required during travel. All travel partners such as airlines, hotels and buses, must meet NFL and players’ union standards for COVID-19 protection.
Whenever possible, teams are requested to arrange through airline partners using fixed crews with limited commercial flight exposure and frequent testing.
Team members are not permitted to leave hotels to eat or otherwise use any restaurants open to the public. No takeout meals will be allowed. Sills noted the need for hotels to ensure they have proper air flow and filtration as well. Teams are instructed to ask for private entrances and check-in facilities, and when possible, to be provided rooms on lower floors to avoid the need for elevator use.
“We know testing alone does not make it safe,” he said. “We must follow protocols and wear PPE. … There is a delicate balance to have there.”
Sills announced that any NFL personnel who had a previous confirmed positive COVID-19 test is being removed from the testing pool for 90 days, in accordance with CDC data. The CDC has said anyone who has had and recovered from the coronavirus still could have low levels of virus in the body for up to 90 days after being diagnosed.


mercurynews--2020-08-19--Vallejo man who allegedly sold stolen guns in Richmond gets federal prison term

OAKLAND — A Vallejo man who prosecutors say sold two firearms — including a stolen weapon — despite being banned from possessing guns because of previous felony convictions received 77 months in federal prison this week .
Last year , Lorenzo Preston , 36 , arranged to meet gun buyers in Richmond , texting them that while he was worried about “ federales ” he would go through with the gun deal because , “ this is what I do , ” prosecutors wrote in court records .
Prosecutors called for the lengthy prison term despite noting that Preston was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and endured other personal tragedies including the loss of his brother to gun violence .
“ The government ’ s recommended sentence accounts for ( Preston ’ s ) serious criminal history , his multiple prison terms , including a term of eight years for rape , and the dangerousness of the current conduct , while recognizing the implications of the Defendant ’ s personal history , ” prosecutors wrote in court records .
Preston couldn ’ t possess guns because of convictions that also included a charge of pimping , prosecutors said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felon in possession of a firearm , as part of a plea deal with federal prosecutors .
In a letter to the court , Preston said he acknowledges how “ stupid and careless ” he was and that “ there is no justification for what I ’ ve done.
” He accepted the prison term , his attorney wrote .
“ Mr .
Preston takes full responsibility for his actions and acknowledges that his background is not an excuse for the crime he committed , ” his attorneys wrote in court records .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to his failure to grasp that his offense conduct exposed his community to some of the same experiences he endured as a child .
”

OAKLAND — A Vallejo man who prosecutors say sold two firearms — including a stolen weapon — despite being banned from possessing guns because of previous felony convictions received 77 months in federal prison this week.
Last year, Lorenzo Preston, 36, arranged to meet gun buyers in Richmond, texting them that while he was worried about “federales” he would go through with the gun deal because, “this is what I do,” prosecutors wrote in court records. Prosecutors called for the lengthy prison term despite noting that Preston was forced to ingest marijuana as a 4-year-old and endured other personal tragedies including the loss of his brother to gun violence.
“The government’s recommended sentence accounts for (Preston’s) serious criminal history, his multiple prison terms, including a term of eight years for rape, and the dangerousness of the current conduct, while recognizing the implications of the Defendant’s personal history,” prosecutors wrote in court records.
Preston couldn’t possess guns because of convictions that also included a charge of pimping, prosecutors said. He was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, as part of a plea deal with federal prosecutors.
In a letter to the court, Preston said he acknowledges how “stupid and careless” he was and that “there is no justification for what I’ve done.” He accepted the prison term, his attorney wrote.
“Mr. Preston takes full responsibility for his actions and acknowledges that his background is not an excuse for the crime he committed,” his attorneys wrote in court records. “The significant punishment awaiting him is due to his failure to grasp that his offense conduct exposed his community to some of the same experiences he endured as a child.”


mercurynews--2020-08-19--Two Santa Cruz County fires threaten cluster of wineries

Raging fires sparked by lightning in Santa Cruz County prompted widespread evacuations Wednesday , including a cluster of wineries located in Santa Cruz , Boulder Creek , Ben Lomond and Pescadero .
Part of the CZU August Lightning Complex fires , the Warrenella and Waddell fires started Monday morning and have since left three firefighters injured and burned more than 2,600 acres , according to Cal Fire .
Warrenella is five percent contained ; Waddell , zero percent .
In an email Wednesday , Marcella Thompkins , spokesperson for Wines of the Santa Cruz Mountains , said that five wineries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Doon and Woodside/Skyline AVAs were in or near evacuation zones , including Big Basin Estate Vineyards & Winery , Beauregard Vineyards , McHenry Vineyard , Saison Winery and Pescadero Creek Vineyard .
In an email , Bradley Brown , owner-winemaker of the timber-framed Big Basin winery in Boulder Creek , said he evacuated Tuesday and that flames are burning within a half a mile of the property .
“ I believe since the vineyard provides lots of defensible space , ( Cal Fire ) might have a fire crew stationed there to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ west and hopefully protect our winery and my house , ” Brown says .
Brown says fire season in the Santa Cruz Mountains wine region is always a risk , but he thought that the neighboring forest and Big Basin Redwood State Park to the west would help protect his property in the event of a major wildfire , as would all the fire-proofing he did this summer .
Brown planted vineyards around the house and one side of the winery .
A large transmission line that runs west of the winery was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fire break .
“ We have also trimmed trees and cut brush , ” he says .
But one of his biggest concerns is that he has no crop insurance .
And if the smoke becomes too dense over the vineyard for any length of time , his grapes will be ruined due to smoke taint .
“ If the smoke ruins our grapes , this would put yet another strain on our already pandemic-affected business , ” he says .
“ It would mean a huge , irrecoverable loss , and an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our greatest risk right now.
” • Evacuating during a coronavirus pandemic : The scramble to keep people safe from fires and a deadly virus • Short hundreds of firefighters , California calls on other states for help • 7 tips for staying healthy and surviving fire season in the Bay Area The contents of the redwood-sided winery — the worst construction for fire risk — includes 1,500 cases that Brown and his team finished bottling yesterday but would be covered by insurance .
“ We would lose the 2019 vintage , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possibility that we would have to try to cobble together a winemaking set up at another winery with lesser equipment and barrels.
” Check back for updates on Big Basin and the other wineries .

The CZU Lightning Complex Fire that started Aug. 16 has destroyed at least 231 structures, including one of the oldest family-run estate wineries in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
The winery of McHenry Vineyard, located in Bonny Doon, burned in the fire on Monday, according to third-generation owner Annie McHenry. The family, which started the winery 42 years ago, also lost its on-site cabin, known as the Caboose. It was hand-built by Annie’s grandfather, Dean McHenry, and, later, her mother, Linda McHenry.
“It is a huge sentimental loss for the family,” she said. “We are grateful to whichever crew saved the big house and the vineyard. It was clear there was a big effort to save what could be saved. Responders even entered the winery while it was burning to save a few mementos.”
Although the small pinot noir vineyard is largely intact, McHenry reports that roughly 5 percent of the vineyard has burned. The fire also destroyed the McHenry family’s winemaking equipment, library of old wines and the majority of the 2018 and 2019 vintages.
In an email on Monday, Keikilani McKay, the executive director of the Santa Cruz Mountains winery association, also reported that owner-winemaker Bradley Brown of Big Basin Vineyards lost his home but not his winery and vineyards in the raging fire. The fire has been 13 percent contain.
“We mourn with Bradley and others who have lost their homes while having renewed hope that harvest can go on,” said a post on the winery’s Facebook page Sunday. “We’re not out of the woods yet and the fires are still raging, but we are united as a team and a communit
Other wineries that have had to evacuate their properties or homes include Armitage Wines, Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard, Kissed by an Angel, Saison Winery, Mindego Ridge Vineyard and Rhys Vineyard.
Meanwhile, harvest has begun for wineries that make sparkling wines. Aptos’ Lester Estate Wines has tested their early-pick chardonnay and found zero smoke taint, but will re-test as harvest for still wines grows closer. So will everyone else.
“The fear is that the smoke will sink and hang around, thus having time to impact the grapes,” McKay says.
Currently, the winds have shifted and the air quality is improving in most of Santa Cruz County, McKay said. However, the smoke has blown over to the Saratoga foothills, which means that it will need to be monitored on that side now, she added.
Check back for updates.
August 19:
Raging fires sparked by lightning in Santa Cruz County prompted widespread evacuations Wednesday, including a cluster of wineries located in Santa Cruz, Boulder Creek, Ben Lomond and Pescadero.
Part of the CZU Lightning Complex fires, the Warrenella and Waddell fires started Monday morning and have since left three firefighters injured and burned more than 2,600 acres, according to Cal Fire. Warrenella is five percent contained; Waddell, zero percent.
In an email Wednesday, Marcella Thompkins, spokesperson for Wines of the Santa Cruz Mountains, said that five wineries in the San Lorenzo Valley, Bonny Doon and Woodside/Skyline AVAs were in or near evacuation zones, including Big Basin Estate Vineyards & Winery, Beauregard Vineyards, McHenry Vineyard, Saison Winery and Pescadero Creek Vineyard.
In an email, Bradley Brown, owner-winemaker of the timber-framed Big Basin winery in Boulder Creek, said he evacuated Tuesday and that flames are burning within a half a mile of the property.
“I believe since the vineyard provides lots of defensible space, (Cal Fire) might have a fire crew stationed there to keep an eye on the fire to the west and hopefully protect our winery and my house,” Brown says.
Brown says fire season in the Santa Cruz Mountains wine region is always a risk, but he thought that the neighboring forest and Big Basin Redwood State Park to the west would help protect his property in the event of a major wildfire, as would all the fire-proofing he did this summer.
Brown planted vineyards around the house and one side of the winery. A large transmission line that runs west of the winery was cleared of all brush to provide additional fire break. “We have also trimmed trees and cut brush,” he says.
But one of his biggest concerns is that he has no crop insurance. And if the smoke becomes too dense over the vineyard for any length of time, his grapes will be ruined due to smoke taint.
“If the smoke ruins our grapes, this would put yet another strain on our already pandemic-affected business,” he says. “It would mean a huge, irrecoverable loss, and an entire estate vintage lost. That is our greatest risk right now.” Related Articles Crashes and Disasters | Map: Lightning fires prompt evacuation order west of Yreka
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The contents of the redwood-sided winery — the worst construction for fire risk — includes 1,500 cases that Brown and his team finished bottling yesterday but would be covered by insurance. “We would lose the 2019 vintage, but that somehow seems less daunting than the possibility that we would have to try to cobble together a winemaking set up at another winery with lesser equipment and barrels.”
As of Wednesday evening, with the fire only one mile away, winemaker Mark Bright of Saison Winery (formerly Partage) had equipped his Ben Lomond property with a fire hydrant holding 10,000 gallons of water and a firebreak of at least 150 feet in all directions from all structures.
“I have been working on the evacuation and prep over the last 32 hours,” Bright said. “I’ve only had three hours of sleep. Cal Fire has told us as much as they can, but it’s hard as they don’t have enough resources and the fire is moving fast. I’m most concerned about my family and the safety of everyone in the mountains.”
Like Brown, Bright is very concerned about smoke taint and the destruction of his estate vines. “We’d also have a loss of all barrel inventory in the event of structure loss,” he says. “We have not had a huge fire like this is forever, especially in the Ben Lomond Mountain AVA. We are always nervous but have been lucky every year. When that storm hit that was all I could think about.”
Check back for updates on Big Basin and the other wineries.


mercurynews--2020-08-19--Evacuating during a coronavirus pandemic: The scramble to keep people safe from fires and a deadly v

Evacuating during a coronavirus pandemic: The scramble to keep people safe from fires and a deadly virus

Fleeing a wildfire is daunting enough .
But finding a safe place to evacuate amid an ongoing coronavirus pandemic is adding another layer of stress .
Dozens of out-of-control blazes have consumed houses and forced residents across the Bay Area , from Santa Cruz to Vacaville and beyond , to leave the safe confines of their homes where they ’ ve been hunkered down for months .
Typically , cities , counties or partners like the Red Cross will set up evacuation centers at school gymnasiums or recreation centers and provide tables and chairs , food and other necessities for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ride out a wildfire .
Now , those organizers are scrambling to enforce social distancing , requiring masks and even setting up individual tents where families can isolate from others .
“ It really creates a whole new level of complication , ” said Mary Prunicki , director of Air Pollution and Health Research at the Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research at Stanford University .
Wildfires can make people more susceptible to the virus , Prunicki said , and for people who are ill , cause more severe symptoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Creek arrived at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds evacuation center in Watsonville early Tuesday morning after being ordered to evacuate .
They were able to secure one of about a dozen large tents set up inside a large warehouse-like building for families fleeing the wildfire .
The couple , both around the age of 60 , have been self isolating for the past few months due to the pandemic but knew they needed to leave their home when they woke up in the middle of the night to an evacuation order and foothills @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s no problem .
We know what we ’ re doing , ” Susan Powell , who has COPD , a condition that can make it difficult to breathe , said Wednesday .
“ They ’ ve been wonderful .
Friendly people too.
” The tents , each spread out by at least six feet , were set up with cots and sleeping bags for evacuees .
Site organizers , swathed in protective masks , goggles , face shields and gloves , took temperatures before evacuees were allowed into the building and once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ required .
An announcement Wednesday that lunch was ready came with a reminder to stay at least six feet from others .
Before securing a small cabin in Boulder Creek in February , the Powells spent nearly 15 years homeless and living in tents .
This one was far nicer than what they were used too , they said .
“ These are big .
We ’ ve lived in a lot of tents… all much smaller , ” she said .
Outside , Russ Mackey , 72 , sat in his truck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 23 chickens , turkeys and ducks he and his wife , Dawn , evacuated with early Monday morning.This is the third time in the past 12 years that the Mackeys have been ordered to evacuate due to raging wildfires near their Bonny Doon home .
“ I ’ m not sure that makes any difference at all in what we do for an evacuation , ” Russ said of the pandemic .
“ It just comes with a whole different way of being careful.
” The couple are staying in a trailer in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evacuation center .
When he sees a neighbor or friend , he keeps his mask on and asks them to talk to him on the other side of his truck bed .
At Pescadero High School , an evacuation site in southern San Mateo County west of the fires that have ripped through the Santa Cruz Mountains , two couples were waiting in an outdoor breezeway for hotel vouchers — only entering the building to use the restroom after having their temperature taken .
Video : Vacaville evacuee describes arrival at Ulatis Community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re having trouble viewing the video .
At the Ulatis Community Center in Vacaville , where a fast-moving fire forced hundreds of people to flee their homes , evacuees sat at tables and chairs spaced apart , watching Gov .
Gavin Newsom speak at a press conference projected onto the wall .
“ Stuff has changed in a lot of different ways , ” said Larry Whitney of the Red Cross .
“ All geared toward their safety and our safety.
” Evacuees , Whitney said , were required to wear masks at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gloves and using plenty of hand sanitizer .
Instead of serving lunch Wednesday , volunteers asked which kind of personal pizza each person wanted , set it on the edge of a table , stepped back and then invited people to step forward from a blue line taped on the floor to collect their meal .
In previous years , overnight emergency shelters have held dozens of cots lined up just a couple feet apart .
• Short hundreds of firefighters , California calls on other states for help • 7 tips for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Bay Area “ You can ’ t do that in COVID and expect a pure result , ” Whitney said .
In Sonoma County , officials scrambled to set up an alternate evacuation center for anyone with symptoms of the virus to avoid spreading the disease .
And a number of evacuation centers across the Bay Area were scrambling to provide hotel rooms to people without a safe place to shelter .
Some counties are encouraging people to stay with friends , even after months of urging residents to avoid prolonged contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vacaville , many residents appeared to be opting for personal RVs and trailers .
Several evacuees ended up in the Walmart parking lot , where employees handed out water , snacks and masks .
“ Go where you can congregate with the smallest amount of people you can — that would be preferable , ” Prunicki , the Stanford doctor , said .
“ It ’ s not going to be ideal no what matter what we do .
”

Fleeing a wildfire is daunting enough. But finding a safe place to evacuate amid an ongoing coronavirus pandemic is adding another layer of stress.
Dozens of out-of-control blazes have consumed houses and forced residents across the Bay Area, from Santa Cruz to Vacaville and beyond, to leave the safe confines of their homes where they’ve been hunkered down for months.
Typically, cities, counties or partners like the Red Cross will set up evacuation centers at school gymnasiums or recreation centers and provide tables and chairs, food and other necessities for people who need a safe place to ride out a wildfire. Now, those organizers are scrambling to enforce social distancing, requiring masks and even setting up individual tents where families can isolate from others.
“It really creates a whole new level of complication,” said Mary Prunicki, director of Air Pollution and Health Research at the Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research at Stanford University.
Wildfires can make people more susceptible to the virus, Prunicki said, and for people who are ill, cause more severe symptoms.
Susan and Donald Powell of Boulder Creek arrived at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds evacuation center in Watsonville early Tuesday morning after being ordered to evacuate. They were able to secure one of about a dozen large tents set up inside a large warehouse-like building for families fleeing the wildfire.
The couple, both around the age of 60, have been self isolating for the past few months due to the pandemic but knew they needed to leave their home when they woke up in the middle of the night to an evacuation order and foothills glowing from flames.
“It’s no problem. We know what we’re doing,” Susan Powell, who has COPD, a condition that can make it difficult to breathe, said Wednesday. “They’ve been wonderful. Friendly people too.”
The tents, each spread out by at least six feet, were set up with cots and sleeping bags for evacuees. Site organizers, swathed in protective masks, goggles, face shields and gloves, took temperatures before evacuees were allowed into the building and once inside, masks and social distancing were required. An announcement Wednesday that lunch was ready came with a reminder to stay at least six feet from others.
Before securing a small cabin in Boulder Creek in February, the Powells spent nearly 15 years homeless and living in tents. This one was far nicer than what they were used too, they said.
“These are big. We’ve lived in a lot of tents… all much smaller,” she said.
Outside, Russ Mackey, 72, sat in his truck with the air conditioning on and the 23 chickens, turkeys and ducks he and his wife, Dawn, evacuated with early Monday morning.This is the third time in the past 12 years that the Mackeys have been ordered to evacuate due to raging wildfires near their Bonny Doon home.
“I’m not sure that makes any difference at all in what we do for an evacuation,” Russ said of the pandemic. “It just comes with a whole different way of being careful.”
The couple are staying in a trailer in the parking lot rather than in the evacuation center. When he sees a neighbor or friend, he keeps his mask on and asks them to talk to him on the other side of his truck bed.
At Pescadero High School, an evacuation site in southern San Mateo County west of the fires that have ripped through the Santa Cruz Mountains, two couples were waiting in an outdoor breezeway for hotel vouchers — only entering the building to use the restroom after having their temperature taken.
Video: Vacaville evacuee describes arrival at Ulatis Community Center. CLICK HERE if you’re having trouble viewing the video.
At the Ulatis Community Center in Vacaville, where a fast-moving fire forced hundreds of people to flee their homes, evacuees sat at tables and chairs spaced apart, watching Gov. Gavin Newsom speak at a press conference projected onto the wall.
“Stuff has changed in a lot of different ways,” said Larry Whitney of the Red Cross. “All geared toward their safety and our safety.”
Evacuees, Whitney said, were required to wear masks at the center, and volunteers were wearing gloves and using plenty of hand sanitizer. Instead of serving lunch Wednesday, volunteers asked which kind of personal pizza each person wanted, set it on the edge of a table, stepped back and then invited people to step forward from a blue line taped on the floor to collect their meal.
In previous years, overnight emergency shelters have held dozens of cots lined up just a couple feet apart.
Related Articles Crashes and Disasters | Map: Lightning fires prompt evacuation order west of Yreka
Map: Lightning fires prompt evacuation order west of Yreka Crashes and Disasters | Evacuations ordered as Northern California fire roars through forest near site of 2022 deadly blaze
Evacuations ordered as Northern California fire roars through forest near site of 2022 deadly blaze Crashes and Disasters | Did powerlines cause Maui fire?
Did powerlines cause Maui fire? Crashes and Disasters | Living with air pollution, especially from wildfires or agriculture, raises risk of dementia, US study finds
Living with air pollution, especially from wildfires or agriculture, raises risk of dementia, US study finds Crashes and Disasters | Cadaver dogs are in Maui to help find the dead. Here’s how it works and why it’s difficult “You can’t do that in COVID and expect a pure result,” Whitney said.
In Sonoma County, officials scrambled to set up an alternate evacuation center for anyone with symptoms of the virus to avoid spreading the disease. And a number of evacuation centers across the Bay Area were scrambling to provide hotel rooms to people without a safe place to shelter. Some counties are encouraging people to stay with friends, even after months of urging residents to avoid prolonged contact with those outside their household.
In Vacaville, many residents appeared to be opting for personal RVs and trailers. Several evacuees ended up in the Walmart parking lot, where employees handed out water, snacks and masks.
“Go where you can congregate with the smallest amount of people you can — that would be preferable,” Prunicki, the Stanford doctor, said. “It’s not going to be ideal no what matter what we do.”
Staff writers David DeBolt and Evan Webeck contributed reporting.


mercurynews--2020-08-20--SF Giants Gameday podcast: How would the Giants fare in the American League West?

SAN FRANCISCO — With a second consecutive blowout win over the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday , the San Francisco Giants will wake up Thursday with a chance to secure their first series win of the month .
Times have been tough for a Giants team that ’ s blown three ninth-inning leads in the last week , but Gabe Kapler ’ s club has consistently demonstrated resilience and it ’ s paid off with back-to-back victories over an American League West foe .
The Giants last won a series against the Texas Rangers and despite being swept by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in position to take the first two games of their three-game set over the weekend .
Kapler ’ s team remains in last place in the NL West , but it ’ s worth considering how the Giants would fare if they played the 2020 season in the AL West instead .
When the coronavirus pandemic began , there were all sorts of ideas tossed out about how to build a condensed schedule and while the interleague play ultimately consists of one-third of this year ’ s games , it ’ s interesting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ view their chances of contending if they matched up more frequently with teams such as the Mariners and Angels .
With 40 total games against their four NL West peers ( all of which are above .500 ) , it ’ s hard to see a path for the Giants to reenter a playoff race no one expected them to be in anyway .
If the 10 teams in the two West divisions formed a super conference , it ’ s much easier to see how the Giants could push for a postseason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but given how much better the club has performed against AL West teams , it ’ s interesting to think what the 2020 Giants could accomplish in another division or over the course of a full 162-game season .
SF Giants Gameday : Listen to the Bay Area News Group ’ s daily San Francisco Giants podcast , hosted by our beat reporter Kerry Crowley .
We give you an all-access look at the 2020 regular season with soundbites from manager Gabe Kapler and your favorite Giants players plus the latest analysis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We Need Your Support !
Several Giants articles will remain free every 30 days – and I ’ ve launched a free newsletter and podcast that come Monday-Friday – but for access to all of my coverage you ’ ll need to subscribe to MercuryNews.com or EastBayTimes.com .
Click here for our latest Mercury News offer and here for the latest East Bay Times offer .
Thank you !
— Kerry Crowley

SAN FRANCISCO — With a second consecutive blowout win over the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday, the San Francisco Giants will wake up Thursday with a chance to secure their first series win of the month.
Times have been tough for a Giants team that’s blown three ninth-inning leads in the last week, but Gabe Kapler’s club has consistently demonstrated resilience and it’s paid off with back-to-back victories over an American League West foe.
The Giants last won a series against the Texas Rangers and despite being swept by the A’s, the Giants were in position to take the first two games of their three-game set over the weekend.
Kapler’s team remains in last place in the NL West, but it’s worth considering how the Giants would fare if they played the 2020 season in the AL West instead.
When the coronavirus pandemic began, there were all sorts of ideas tossed out about how to build a condensed schedule and while the interleague play ultimately consists of one-third of this year’s games, it’s interesting to think about how the Giants would view their chances of contending if they matched up more frequently with teams such as the Mariners and Angels.
With 40 total games against their four NL West peers (all of which are above .500), it’s hard to see a path for the Giants to reenter a playoff race no one expected them to be in anyway. If the 10 teams in the two West divisions formed a super conference, it’s much easier to see how the Giants could push for a postseason berth.
Realignment isn’t happening, but given how much better the club has performed against AL West teams, it’s interesting to think what the 2020 Giants could accomplish in another division or over the course of a full 162-game season.
SF Giants Gameday: Listen to the Bay Area News Group’s daily San Francisco Giants podcast, hosted by our beat reporter Kerry Crowley. We give you an all-access look at the 2020 regular season with soundbites from manager Gabe Kapler and your favorite Giants players plus the latest analysis on every move during an unprecedented season.
We Need Your Support!
Several Giants articles will remain free every 30 days – and I’ve launched a free newsletter and podcast that come Monday-Friday – but for access to all of my coverage you’ll need to subscribe to MercuryNews.com or EastBayTimes.com. Click here for our latest Mercury News offer and here for the latest East Bay Times offer. Thank you! — Kerry Crowley