mercurynews--2020-06-05--Experts: George Floyd’s medical issues don’t affect homicide ruling

George Floyd had drugs in his system and severe heart disease when a Minneapolis police officer put a knee to his neck , but independent experts said the medical problems revealed in the full autopsy report don ’ t change the conclusion that the handcuffed man ’ s death was a homicide .
“ He has some underlying conditions ” that made it more likely he would not fare well under stress , said Dr. Gregory Davis , medical examiner for Jefferson County , Ala. , and a pathology professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham .
But the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death are not ignored in Wednesday ’ s report , which said “ restraint and neck compression are part of why he died , ” Davis said .
Dr. Stephen Nelson , chairman of Florida ’ s medical examiners commission , agreed .
Even if someone with severe heart disease died of a heart attack during a purse-snatching , “ we ’ d still call it a homicide , ” he said .
“ Is this stress associated with his interaction with law enforcement enough to put him over the edge ?
Yes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Floyd ’ s death has sparked international protests about mistreatment of black people by police .
Bystander video showed officer Derek Chauvin pressing his knee on Floyd ’ s neck , ignoring Floyd ’ s “ I can ’ t breathe ” cries and staying on him even after he stopped moving .
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison on Wednesday upgraded charges against Chauvin to second-degree murder , and also charged the three other officers on the scene with aiding and abetting .
All four have since been fired .
A lawyer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the official autopsy — as described in the original complaint against Chauvin — for ruling out asphyxia .
An autopsy commissioned by the Floyd family concluded that he died of asphyxiation due to neck and back compression .
The experts who spoke with the Associated Press read the full government autopsy report but had no involvement with Floyd ’ s case .
Here are some of the key findings .
The report by Hennepin County Chief Medical Examiner Andrew Baker says Floyd , 46 , died of “ cardiopulmonary arrest , complicating law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compression.
” A previous statement by the examiner ’ s office says Floyd had “ a cardiopulmonary arrest while being restrained ” by police .
Cardiopulmonary arrest simply means his heart and breathing stopped , which happens when anyone dies .
“ It ’ s really a meaningless term , ” Nelson said .
In Florida , directions printed on death certificates tell doctors not to use it and to be more precise and descriptive .
“ I would use the word ‘ traumatic asphyxia ’ due to neck compression and restraint due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ I don ’ t think you can discount the video.
” “ No life-threatening injuries identified , ” the report says , although trauma to the face , elbows and hands , consistent with being handcuffed , are noted .
Finding no major bruising or damage to the muscles , cartilage or bones in the neck “ doesn ’ t in any way mean that asphyxia didn ’ t occur , ” just that there are no signs of that on the body , Davis said .
Several of Floyd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ narrowed — evidence of serious heart disease .
Several were 75 percent blocked and one was 90 percent blocked , and that was made worse by where the clogs occurred in terms of crimping the supply of blood to his heart , Nelson said .
Blockages of 70 percent or more usually cause chest pain , he added .
“ That degree of narrowing is sufficient to cause death , ” Davis said .
Floyd also had an enlarged heart — “ 48 percent bigger than it ought to be ” — likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease , Nelson said .
“ A heart that ’ s enlarged like this is more likely to develop an abnormal heart rhythm , ” Davis added .
The autopsy also found signs of tobacco use .
Smoking is a big risk factor for heart disease and many other health problems .
The autopsy notes signs of fentanyl , methamphetamine and THC — the ingredient that produces marijuana ’ s high — in Floyd ’ s body .
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid with heroin-like effects , said Bruce Goldberger , forensic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ College of Medicine .
“ People who use it regularly or chronically develop tolerance to it , ” and the amount reported in the autopsy could kill someone who has not used the drug in the past , Goldberger said .
However , “ we don ’ t know what Mr. Floyd ’ s use of fentanyl was , ” he stressed .
Methamphetamine , a stimulant often called “ speed , ” was found at a low level , Goldberger said .
“ I believe that the presence of these substances is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We know his death is not due to toxicological means ” because of the video of the circumstances , he said .
“ I don ’ t believe that these drugs played a significant role in causing Mr. Floyd to become unresponsive while being restrained by law enforcement officers.
” • Suspicious device found near California protest was ‘ designed to cause harm ’ but not explosive • Lawyers : 2 of 3 ex-cops charged in George Floyd ’ s killing were rookies ; 3rd cooperating with investigators • Letter : Oakland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Southern California protest : Man who brandished gun , another who drove through crowd arrested • Letter : Next chapter on peaceful protest must be written The autopsy says Floyd tested positive for the new coronavirus on April 3 and that a nose swab during the autopsy found signs of the virus .
Tests like these look for bits of genetic material and do not mean someone still has whole or viable virus .
It ’ s a concern for anyone who handled Floyd ’ s body , Nelson said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” although the autopsy found no signs of disease in Floyd ’ s lungs .
“ He certainly doesn ’ t have pneumonia or any of the other typical signs that go along with COVID-19 , ” Nelson said .
“ The coronavirus had nothing to do with his death , that ’ s the important thing , ”

George Floyd had drugs in his system and severe heart disease when a Minneapolis police officer put a knee to his neck, but independent experts said the medical problems revealed in the full autopsy report don’t change the conclusion that the handcuffed man’s death was a homicide.
“He has some underlying conditions” that made it more likely he would not fare well under stress, said Dr. Gregory Davis, medical examiner for Jefferson County, Ala., and a pathology professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. But the circumstances of Floyd’s May 25 death are not ignored in Wednesday’s report, which said “restraint and neck compression are part of why he died,” Davis said.
Dr. Stephen Nelson, chairman of Florida’s medical examiners commission, agreed. Even if someone with severe heart disease died of a heart attack during a purse-snatching, “we’d still call it a homicide,” he said.
“Is this stress associated with his interaction with law enforcement enough to put him over the edge? Yes, it is,” Nelson said.
Floyd’s death has sparked international protests about mistreatment of black people by police. Bystander video showed officer Derek Chauvin pressing his knee on Floyd’s neck, ignoring Floyd’s “I can’t breathe” cries and staying on him even after he stopped moving.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison on Wednesday upgraded charges against Chauvin to second-degree murder, and also charged the three other officers on the scene with aiding and abetting. All four have since been fired.
A lawyer for Floyd’s family earlier decried the official autopsy — as described in the original complaint against Chauvin — for ruling out asphyxia. An autopsy commissioned by the Floyd family concluded that he died of asphyxiation due to neck and back compression.
The experts who spoke with the Associated Press read the full government autopsy report but had no involvement with Floyd’s case.
Here are some of the key findings.
CAUSE OF DEATH
The report by Hennepin County Chief Medical Examiner Andrew Baker says Floyd, 46, died of “cardiopulmonary arrest, complicating law enforcement subdual, restraint, and neck compression.”
A previous statement by the examiner’s office says Floyd had “a cardiopulmonary arrest while being restrained” by police.
Cardiopulmonary arrest simply means his heart and breathing stopped, which happens when anyone dies.
“It’s really a meaningless term,” Nelson said. In Florida, directions printed on death certificates tell doctors not to use it and to be more precise and descriptive.
“I would use the word ‘traumatic asphyxia’ due to neck compression and restraint due to law enforcement subdual,” Nelson said. “I don’t think you can discount the video.”
INJURIES
“No life-threatening injuries identified,” the report says, although trauma to the face, elbows and hands, consistent with being handcuffed, are noted.
Finding no major bruising or damage to the muscles, cartilage or bones in the neck “doesn’t in any way mean that asphyxia didn’t occur,” just that there are no signs of that on the body, Davis said.
HEART DISEASE
Several of Floyd’s key heart arteries were severely narrowed — evidence of serious heart disease. Several were 75 percent blocked and one was 90 percent blocked, and that was made worse by where the clogs occurred in terms of crimping the supply of blood to his heart, Nelson said. Blockages of 70 percent or more usually cause chest pain, he added.
“That degree of narrowing is sufficient to cause death,” Davis said.
Floyd also had an enlarged heart — “48 percent bigger than it ought to be” — likely from his high blood pressure and heart disease, Nelson said.
“A heart that’s enlarged like this is more likely to develop an abnormal heart rhythm,” Davis added.
The autopsy also found signs of tobacco use. Smoking is a big risk factor for heart disease and many other health problems.
DRUGS
The autopsy notes signs of fentanyl, methamphetamine and THC — the ingredient that produces marijuana’s high — in Floyd’s body.
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid with heroin-like effects, said Bruce Goldberger, forensic medicine chief at the University of Florida College of Medicine.
“People who use it regularly or chronically develop tolerance to it,” and the amount reported in the autopsy could kill someone who has not used the drug in the past, Goldberger said.
However, “we don’t know what Mr. Floyd’s use of fentanyl was,” he stressed.
Methamphetamine, a stimulant often called “speed,” was found at a low level, Goldberger said.
“I believe that the presence of these substances is not relevant,” Goldberger said. “We know his death is not due to toxicological means” because of the video of the circumstances, he said.
“I don’t believe that these drugs played a significant role in causing Mr. Floyd to become unresponsive while being restrained by law enforcement officers.”
CORONAVIRUS
Related Articles Crime and Public Safety | Officer gets 4+ years for role in George Floyd killing
Officer gets 4+ years for role in George Floyd killing Crime and Public Safety | San Jose: Federal excessive force lawsuit from George Floyd protests is greenlit for trial The autopsy says Floyd tested positive for the new coronavirus on April 3 and that a nose swab during the autopsy found signs of the virus. Tests like these look for bits of genetic material and do not mean someone still has whole or viable virus.
It’s a concern for anyone who handled Floyd’s body, Nelson said.
“Potentially that body’s infectious,” although the autopsy found no signs of disease in Floyd’s lungs.
“He certainly doesn’t have pneumonia or any of the other typical signs that go along with COVID-19,” Nelson said. “The coronavirus had nothing to do with his death, that’s the important thing,”


mercurynews--2020-06-05--JCPenney to close 154 locations including 8 stores California

JCPenney is permanently closing 154 stores across 20 states this summer as part of its bankruptcy plan .
The company , one of the most high-profile retailers to file for bankruptcy protection after being hit hard by the coronavirus , said it expects store closing sales to last around three months , and it will announce additional closures in the coming weeks .
JCPenney filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on May 15 .
The pandemic ’ s hit on sales was the final blow to a 118-year-old company struggling to overcome a mountain of debt .
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• EDD unemployment backlog tops 1.7 million in two months in California • Coronavirus : Layoffs at Best Buy and Bed , Bath & Beyond • Stitch Fix says it will cut 1,400 jobs in California When the pandemic hit , JCPenney , like many other businesses , was forced to temporarily close stores .
The company said that as of Thursday it had reopened nearly 500 stores as coronavirus restrictions began to ease in some states .
“ While closing stores is always an extremely difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vital to ensuring we emerge from both Chapter 11 and the COVID-19 pandemic as a stronger retailer with greater financial flexibility to allow us to continue serving our loyal customers for decades to come , ” said Jill Soltau , chief executive officer of JCPenney , in a statement .
Here ’ s the list of the 154 store locations set to close… The JCPenney at 1228 Main Street , in Delano The JCPenney at 135 Bockman Drive , in Fort Collins The JCPenney at 504 N Adams Street , in Carroll The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Petoskey The Shoppes At Parma , in Parma

JCPenney is permanently closing 154 stores across 20 states this summer as part of its bankruptcy plan.
The company, one of the most high-profile retailers to file for bankruptcy protection after being hit hard by the coronavirus, said it expects store closing sales to last around three months, and it will announce additional closures in the coming weeks.
JCPenney filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on May 15. The pandemic’s hit on sales was the final blow to a 118-year-old company struggling to overcome a mountain of debt.
When the pandemic hit, JCPenney, like many other businesses, was forced to temporarily close stores. The company said that as of Thursday it had reopened nearly 500 stores as coronavirus restrictions began to ease in some states.
“While closing stores is always an extremely difficult decision, our store optimization strategy is vital to ensuring we emerge from both Chapter 11 and the COVID-19 pandemic as a stronger retailer with greater financial flexibility to allow us to continue serving our loyal customers for decades to come,” said Jill Soltau, chief executive officer of JCPenney, in a statement.
Here’s the list of the 154 store locations set to close…
Alabama:
Covington Mall, in Andalusia
Regency Square, in Florence
Jackson Square, in Scottsboro
Spanish Fort Town Center, in Spanish Fort
Arizona:
Little Creek Center, in Cottonwood
Christown Spectrum, in Phoenix
El Con Shopping Center, in Tucson
Arkansas:
Independence Center, in Batesville
Conway Towne Center, in Conway
Mellor Park Mall, in El Dorado
The Fashion Center, in Harrison
California:
Rancho Del Chino Shopping Center, in Chino
The JCPenney at 1228 Main Street, in Delano
San Luis Plaza, in Los Banos
Woodland Plaza, in Paso Robles
Inland Center, in San Bernardino
West Valley Mall, in Tracy
Countryside Plaza, in Turlock
Yreka Junction Mall, in Yreka
Colorado:
Durango Mall, in Durango
The JCPenney at 135 Bockman Drive, in Fort Collins
Greeley Mall, in Greeley
River Landing Shopping Center, in Montrose
Connecticut:
Torrington Commons, in Torrington
Florida:
Desoto Square Mall, in Bradenton
Coralwood Shopping Center, in Cape Coral
Gulf Coast Town Center, in Fort Myers
Regency Square Mall, in Jacksonville
Eagle Ridge Mall, in Lake Wales
Santa Rosa Shopping Center, in Mary Esther
Orlando Fashion Square, in Orlando
Lakeshore Mall, in Sebring
Westshore Plaza, in Tampa
Georgia:
Georgia Square, in Athens
Northlake Mall, in Atlanta
Arbor Place Mall, in Douglasville
Lakeshore Mall, in Gainesville
Mount Berry Mall, in Rome
Statesboro Mall, in Statesboro
Hatcher Point Mall, in Waycross
Idaho:
Lewiston Shopping Center, in Lewiston
Bonner Mall, in Ponderay
Illinois:
Northfield Square, in Bourbonnais
River Oaks Shopping Center, in Calumet City
University Mall, in Carbondale
Freeport Mall, in Freeport
Times Square Mall, in Mt. Vernon
Indiana:
Bedford Town Fair, in Bedford
Concord Mall, in Elkhart
NW Pavilion @ Michigan Road, in Indianapolis
Kokomo Mall, in Kokomo
River Point Mall, in Madison
Muncie Mall, in Muncie
Pilgrim Place Mall, in Plymouth
Richmond Square, in Richmond
Vincennes Plaza, in Vincennes
Iowa:
The JCPenney at 504 N Adams Street, in Carroll
Marshalltown Mall, in Marshalltown
Kansas:
Flint Hills Village, in Emporia
Liberal Plaza, in Liberal
Central Mall, in Salina
Kentucky:
Green River Plaza, in Campbellsville
Danville Manor Shopping Center, in Danville
Bradford Square, in Hopkinsville
Market Square, in Maysville
Middlesboro Mall, in Middlesboro
Town Square Mall, in Owensboro
Louisiana:
Acadiana Mall, in Lafayette
Lakeside Shopping Center, in Metairie
Regal Court Shopping Center, in Shreveport
Maryland:
Boulevard @ Box Hill, in Abingdon
Woodmore Towne Center, in Lanham
Country Club Mall, in La Vale
Michigan:
Alpena Mall, in Alpena
Cadillac Shopping Center, in Cadillac
The JCPenney at 408 E Mitchell St, in Petoskey
Minnesota:
Riverdale Village, in Coon Rapids
Eden Prairie Center, in Eden Prairie
Grove Square Shopping Center, in Maple Grove
Kandi Mall, in Willmar
Mississippi:
Sawmill Square Mall, in Laurel
Starkville Crossing, in Starkville
Missouri:
Bolger Square, in Independence
Kirksville Shopping Center, in Kirksville
Montana:
Gallatin Valley Mall, in Bozeman
Nebraska:
Conestoga Mall, in Grand Island
New Hampshire:
West Street Shopping Center, in Keene
Mountain Valley Mall, in North Conway
Lilac Mall, in Rochester
Upper Valley Plaza, in West Lebanon
New Mexico:
White Sands Mall, in Alamogordo
New York:
Finger Lakes Mall, in Auburn
Batavia City Centre, in Batavia
Roseland Shopping Center, in Canandaigua
Sangertown Square Mall, in New Hartford
Oswego Plaza, in Oswego
Freedom Mall, in Rome
Destiny USA, in Syracuse
North Carolina:
Henderson Square, in Henderson
Biggs Park Shopping Center, in Lumberton
Twin Rivers Mall, in New Bern
North Hills Shopping Center, in Raleigh
Richmond Plaza, in Rockingham
Ohio:
Chapel Hill Mall, in Akron
Tri County Plaza, in Akron
Carnation Mall, in Alliance
Ashtabula Mall, in Ashtabula
Governors Plaza, in Cincinnati
Northtowne Mall, in Defiance
Summit Square Shopping Center, in East Liverpool
The Shoppes At Parma, in Parma
Miami Valley Mall, in Piqua
Oklahoma:
Oakwood Mall, in Enid
Tandy Town Shopping Center, in McAlester
Town Center Plaza, in Midwest City
Arrowhead Mall, in Muskogee
Shawnee Mall, in Shawnee
Tulsa Promenade, in Tulsa
Oregon:
Cascade Village, in Bend
McMinnville Plaza, in McMinnville
Garden Valley Mall, in Roseburg
Salem Center, in Salem
Pennsylvania:
Clearview Mall, in Butler
North Hanover Mall, in Hanover
Beaver Valley Mall, in Monaca
Monroeville Mall, in Monroeville
Galleria @ Pittsburgh Mills, in Tarentum
South Carolina:
Anderson Mall, in Anderson
Cross Creek Mall, in Beaufort
Magnolia Mall, in Florence
Myrtle Beach Mall, in Myrtle Beach
Prince of Orange Mall, in Orangeburg
Rock Hill Galleria, in Rock Hill
South Dakota:
University Mall, in Brookings
Tennessee:
Bradley Square, in Cleveland
Columbia Mall, in Columbia
Dyersburg Mall, in Dyersburg
Kingsport Town Center, in Kingsport
Foothills Mall, in Maryville
Three Star Mall, in McMinnville
Texas:
Timber Creek Crossing, in Dallas
Crossroads Mall, in Greenville
West Hills Mall, in Huntsville
Music City Mall, in Lewisville
Lufkin Shopping Center, in Lufkin
Palestine Mall, in Palestine
Mirabeau Square, in Paris
Utah:
Layton Hills Mall, in Layton
Cache Valley Mall, in Logan
Vermont:
Bennington Square, in Bennington
Berlin Mall, in Berlin
Virginia:
Danville Mall, in Danville
Colonial Mall, in Staunton
Wisconsin:
Crossroads Shopping Center, in Menomonee Falls
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mercurynews--2020-06-05--Letter: Oakland citizens deserve better than Schaaf and OPD

Once again , a progressive Democrat mayor of Oakland has allowed anarchists to destroy the property of downtown merchants with wanton disregard for consequences or public safety .
Mayor Libby Schaaf ’ s heretofore poor judgement and pacifist rhetoric , in combination with the farcical , agenda-riddled oversight of the Community Police Review Agency has inadvertently tied the hands of officers and fomented the riotous behavior of dissident radicals .
Too many days and nights of destruction , civil unrest and insurrection without aid from the National Guard exhibit pathetic leadership qualities by Schaaf , Oakland Police Chief Susan Manheimer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hours of media footage portray Oakland Police Department officers acting reactively as opposed to proactively , and collectively ; their inaction is contrary to the mores of civil society .
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We law-abiding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with financial ruination from the COVID-19 pandemic and an exorbitant tax structure , deserve far better leadership qualities .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Once again, a progressive Democrat mayor of Oakland has allowed anarchists to destroy the property of downtown merchants with wanton disregard for consequences or public safety.
Mayor Libby Schaaf’s heretofore poor judgement and pacifist rhetoric, in combination with the farcical, agenda-riddled oversight of the Community Police Review Agency has inadvertently tied the hands of officers and fomented the riotous behavior of dissident radicals.
Too many days and nights of destruction, civil unrest and insurrection without aid from the National Guard exhibit pathetic leadership qualities by Schaaf, Oakland Police Chief Susan Manheimer and the whole of the CPRA. Hours of media footage portray Oakland Police Department officers acting reactively as opposed to proactively, and collectively; their inaction is contrary to the mores of civil society.
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Dennis Brown
Oakland
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mercurynews--2020-06-05--Where NBA players will eat, sleep and play at Disney World

NBA players resuming their coronavirus-shortened season at Walt Disney World will find a state-of-the-art professional sports facility , a sprawling hotel complex to call home and maybe even a chance to ride a roller coaster once the teams step inside their basketball bubble .
The NBA ’ s Board of Governors has approved restarting the league season in late July at Disney World in Florida , according to the Associated Press .
The NBA will stage the remainder of its season with a 22-team format at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex at Disney World .
Teams will play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8 per team — as well as a few potential play-in games before beginning the postseason , according to the New York Times .
Games are expected to start July 31 with the playoffs running until mid-October .
Players would report to the Orlando area in early July after training camps at their home facilities .
NBA teams would play several games daily in three arenas at the 220-acre ESPN Wide World of Sports complex , according to the New York Times .
The idea for playing the remainder of the season at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporter Keith Smith in a column he wrote in mid-April .
According to Smith , a former Disney World cast member , Disney ’ s sprawling theme park resort offered three key elements the NBA needed to finish out the season : Extensive basketball facilities , abundant housing and the ability to create a bubble campus for the league .
The ESPN Wide World of Sports complex offers more than a dozen basketball courts with broadcast-ready facilities , according to Yahoo Sports .
The HP Field House hosts televised college basketball tournaments each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to six full-sized basketball courts and can be reconfigured in a stadium-style setup with one court .
The Arena , primarily used for national cheer and dance championships , can be configured for six basketball courts ideal for NBA practice sessions .
Under the NBA bubble campus plan , games would be closed to the public with only teams , broadcast crews and essential personnel allowed in the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex .
So how will NBA players spend the other 20-plus hours of their day in their new Disney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ games at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex ?
Disney and the NBA have agreed to use the Coronado Springs Resort as the primary housing area during the Disney World-based season , according to Yahoo Sports .
The Coronado Springs Resort is less than 4 miles from the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex and approximately 10 minutes away by bus or car .
The newly re-imagined Coronado Springs Resort offers more than 1,900 rooms .
The 545-room Gran Destino Tower was added to the Disney resort in 2019 .
The resort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The hotel ’ s grand , two-story lobby is filled with Moorish hanging lanterns and Spanish tile-inspired decorative bronze screens that accentuate the hotel ’ s blend of Spanish , Mexican and Southwest American cultural themes .
Most of the rooms at the moderately priced Disney resort are fairly standard hotel fare .
Waterfront rooms with a view of the 22-acre Lago Dorado are more desirable .
The Coronado Springs Resort offers executive and one-bedroom suites for the marquee players on each team .
The Gran Destino has a presidential suite for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After a tough game , NBA players can take a dip in the 90- by 120-foot pool built around a 50-foot-tall replica of a Mayan pyramid that features water streaming down the steps .
For players looking for a cool plunge during the humid Orlando summer , the pool offers a slide with a jaguar at the top spitting water .
The resort also features Disney World ’ s largest outdoor hot tub that holds 22 people — enough room for four NBA starting lineups and a sixth-man or two .
In addition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ World of Sports complex , players can work out between games in the 24-hour hotel gyms at the Coronado Springs Resort and Gran Destino Tower .
A mile-long jogging trail encircles the shimmering Lago Dorado .
On-site spa services include Swedish messages and intensive leg and foot treatments .
A salon offers haircuts for men as well as beard and mustache trims .
The best place to eat inside the bubble will be at Toledo — the tapas , steak and seafood restaurant atop the Gran Destino Tower .
The fine-dining restaurant offers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California and views of the theme park fireworks shows ( once the nighttime spectaculars resume ) .
Other dining options at the resort include the Maya Grill ( Mexican ) , Three Bridges Bar & Grill ( sandwiches ) and El Mercado del Coronado ( food court ) .
The Barcelona Lounge hybrid bakery-bar serves espresso by day and cocktails by night .
Players can catch up on all the day ’ s NBA action at Rix Sports Bar & Grill .
The surrealist Dahlia Lounge rooftop bar with its dandelion chandeliers will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a long day .
If NBA stars need to unwind on the links , the league can block off some tee times at Disney World ’ s Palm , Magnolia , Lake Buena Vista or Oak Trail golf courses .
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A trip to the Disney Springs outdoor shopping mall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interactions with the outside world .
But renting out a restaurant like the Boathouse or Enzo ’ s Hideaway for the night wouldn ’ t be out of the question .
Visiting Disney ’ s theme parks would likely burst the NBA ’ s bubble .
But an after-hours ride on Space Mountain for a VIP player or two might be possible .
The Walt Disney World resort plans to fully reopen to the public in mid-July after extended coronavirus closures of its four Florida theme parks .
Disney ’ s Magic Kingdom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on July 11 while the Epcot and Disney ’ s Hollywood Studios parks will reopen on July 15 .

NBA players resuming their coronavirus-shortened season at Walt Disney World will find a state-of-the-art professional sports facility, a sprawling hotel complex to call home and maybe even a chance to ride a roller coaster once the teams step inside their basketball bubble.
The NBA’s Board of Governors has approved restarting the league season in late July at Disney World in Florida, according to the Associated Press.
The NBA will stage the remainder of its season with a 22-team format at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex at Disney World. Teams will play a total 88 regular season games — 8 per team — as well as a few potential play-in games before beginning the postseason, according to the New York Times.
Games are expected to start July 31 with the playoffs running until mid-October. Players would report to the Orlando area in early July after training camps at their home facilities.
NBA teams would play several games daily in three arenas at the 220-acre ESPN Wide World of Sports complex, according to the New York Times.
The idea for playing the remainder of the season at Disney World was sparked by Yahoo Sports reporter Keith Smith in a column he wrote in mid-April. According to Smith, a former Disney World cast member, Disney’s sprawling theme park resort offered three key elements the NBA needed to finish out the season: Extensive basketball facilities, abundant housing and the ability to create a bubble campus for the league.
The ESPN Wide World of Sports complex offers more than a dozen basketball courts with broadcast-ready facilities, according to Yahoo Sports.
The HP Field House hosts televised college basketball tournaments each year. The Visa Center can house up to six full-sized basketball courts and can be reconfigured in a stadium-style setup with one court. The Arena, primarily used for national cheer and dance championships, can be configured for six basketball courts ideal for NBA practice sessions.
Under the NBA bubble campus plan, games would be closed to the public with only teams, broadcast crews and essential personnel allowed in the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex.
So how will NBA players spend the other 20-plus hours of their day in their new Disney bubble once they are done playing basketball games at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex?
Disney and the NBA have agreed to use the Coronado Springs Resort as the primary housing area during the Disney World-based season, according to Yahoo Sports.
The Coronado Springs Resort is less than 4 miles from the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex and approximately 10 minutes away by bus or car.
The newly re-imagined Coronado Springs Resort offers more than 1,900 rooms. The 545-room Gran Destino Tower was added to the Disney resort in 2019. The resort boasts approximately 100,000-square-feet of convention center space.
The hotel’s grand, two-story lobby is filled with Moorish hanging lanterns and Spanish tile-inspired decorative bronze screens that accentuate the hotel’s blend of Spanish, Mexican and Southwest American cultural themes.
Most of the rooms at the moderately priced Disney resort are fairly standard hotel fare. Waterfront rooms with a view of the 22-acre Lago Dorado are more desirable. The Coronado Springs Resort offers executive and one-bedroom suites for the marquee players on each team. The Gran Destino has a presidential suite for the league’s biggest star.
After a tough game, NBA players can take a dip in the 90- by 120-foot pool built around a 50-foot-tall replica of a Mayan pyramid that features water streaming down the steps. For players looking for a cool plunge during the humid Orlando summer, the pool offers a slide with a jaguar at the top spitting water.
The resort also features Disney World’s largest outdoor hot tub that holds 22 people — enough room for four NBA starting lineups and a sixth-man or two.
In addition to exercise facilities at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex, players can work out between games in the 24-hour hotel gyms at the Coronado Springs Resort and Gran Destino Tower. A mile-long jogging trail encircles the shimmering Lago Dorado.
On-site spa services include Swedish messages and intensive leg and foot treatments. A salon offers haircuts for men as well as beard and mustache trims.
The best place to eat inside the bubble will be at Toledo — the tapas, steak and seafood restaurant atop the Gran Destino Tower. The fine-dining restaurant offers Spanish-inspired cuisine, wines from Spain and California and views of the theme park fireworks shows (once the nighttime spectaculars resume).
Other dining options at the resort include the Maya Grill (Mexican), Three Bridges Bar & Grill (sandwiches) and El Mercado del Coronado (food court).
The Barcelona Lounge hybrid bakery-bar serves espresso by day and cocktails by night. Players can catch up on all the day’s NBA action at Rix Sports Bar & Grill. The surrealist Dahlia Lounge rooftop bar with its dandelion chandeliers will be the perfect place to chill after a long day.
If NBA stars need to unwind on the links, the league can block off some tee times at Disney World’s Palm, Magnolia, Lake Buena Vista or Oak Trail golf courses.
A trip to the Disney Springs outdoor shopping mall would almost certainly involve too many potential interactions with the outside world. But renting out a restaurant like the Boathouse or Enzo’s Hideaway for the night wouldn’t be out of the question.
Visiting Disney’s theme parks would likely burst the NBA’s bubble. But an after-hours ride on Space Mountain for a VIP player or two might be possible.
The Walt Disney World resort plans to fully reopen to the public in mid-July after extended coronavirus closures of its four Florida theme parks. Disney’s Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom theme parks will reopen on July 11 while the Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios parks will reopen on July 15.


mercurynews--2020-06-05--Open, closed, or doing takeout: What’s going on with restaurant chains

When restaurants started getting clearance to reopen their dining rooms in the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic , most @ @ @ @ @ the opportunity .
Those companies were hit particularly hard by the COVID-19 health crisis .
@ @ @ @ @ , most attempted to shift their business to takeout and delivery , but some shut @ @ @ @ @ of reopening when the situation improved .
One chain , San Diego-based Souplantation , went @ @ @ @ @ few chains remain shut down , and some are still relying on takeout and delivery @ @ @ @ @ And even chains that have open dining rooms are still offering products they created to @ @ @ @ @ such as family meals , grocery packs , and alcohol to go .
Two weeks @ @ @ @ @ to reopen dining rooms , here are how things stand , according to restaurant chains @ @ @ @ @ June 4 .

When restaurants started getting clearance to reopen their dining rooms in the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic, most full-service chains took advantage of the opportunity.
Those companies were hit particularly hard by the COVID-19 health crisis. When restrictions begin in mid-March, most attempted to shift their business to takeout and delivery, but some shut down entirely with the intention of reopening when the situation improved.
One chain, San Diego-based Souplantation, went out of business.
A few chains remain shut down, and some are still relying on takeout and delivery without their dining rooms. And even chains that have open dining rooms are still offering products they created to cope with the crisis, such as family meals, grocery packs, and alcohol to go.
Two weeks after California started permitting counties to reopen dining rooms, here are how things stand, according to restaurant chains websites and social media on June 4.
Temporarily closed
Black Angus Steakhouse, blackangus.com
Dave and Buster’s, daveandbusters.com
Hometown Buffet, hometownbuffet.com
Some locations open
Coco’s Bakery, cocosbakery.com
Eureka! Burger, eurekarestaurantgroup.com
Golden Corral, goldencorral.com
Mimi’s Bistro & Bakery, mimiscafe.com
Panini Kabob Grill, paninikabobgrill.com
Slater’s 50/50, slaters5050.com
Open for pickup and delivery
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, crackerbarrel.com
Romano’s Macaroni Grill, macaronigrill.com
Reopening dining rooms
Applebee’s, applebees.com
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, bjsrestaurants.com
Black Bear Diner, blackbeardiner.com
Buffalo Wild Wings, buffalowildwings.com
Chili’s Grill & Bar, chilis.com
Claim Jumper, claimjumper.com
Corky’s Kitchen and Bakery, corkyskitchenandbakery.com
Denny’s, dennys.com
El Torito, eltorito.com
IHOP, ihop.com
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar, lazydogrestaurants.com
LongHorn Steakhouse, longhornsteakhouse.com
Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ, lucillesbbq.com
Marie Callender’s, mariecallenders.com
Norms, norms.com
Olive Garden, olivegarden.com
Outback Steakhouse, www.outback.com
P.F. Chang’s, pfchangs.com
Rainforest Cafe, rainforestcafe.com
Red Lobster, redlobster.com
Red Robin, redrobin.com
Sizzler, sizzler.com
TGI Fridays, tgifridays.com
The Cheesecake Factory, thecheesecakefactory.com
The Old Spaghetti Factory, osf.com
Yard House, yardhouse.com


mercurynews--2020-06-05--Southern California protest: Man who brandished gun, another who drove through crowd arrested

A man suspected of brandishing a handgun during a peaceful protest in Newport Beach and a motorist accused of driving his car through a group of demonstrators near the pier have both been arrested on suspicion of crimes including assault with a deadly weapon , authorities said Thursday , June 4 .
Police stopped 58-year-old Don Wallace of Newport Beach shortly after he drove his Mini Cooper through a crowd of protesters walking in the westbound lanes of Balboa Boulevard about 4:30 p.m. Wednesday , June 3 , Newport Beach police spokeswoman Heather Rangel said .
The car did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she said , but at least one of them told a reporter he had to push someone else out of the way to keep them from possibly being hit .
The protest was one of four in Newport Beach Wednesday , with about 150 demonstrators gathering near the front of the Newport Beach pier for one of the events about 2 p.m. About an hour earlier Wednesday , about 3:23 p.m. , another man was caught on video brandishing a handgun near 30th Street and Newport Boulevard , according to police .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ one other person when he grabbed a gun from a backpack before leaving the area , police said .
The incident occurred near the protest taking place at the pier .
Tips from the public helped investigators identify the armed man as Travis Patrick White , 48 , of Newport Beach .
He was arrested Thursday and booked on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and making criminal threats .
Video taken by a passerby in a vehicle showed several people running toward a man before suddenly stopping and taking cover .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen holding a black handgun in the air while walking backwards away from a small group of people .
“ Through the involvement of media and local citizens , a positive identification was made leading to the ultimate arrest of Travis White , ” police said in a news release .
“ The NBPD would like to thank everyone that provided information to detectives about the event .
”

A man suspected of brandishing a handgun during a peaceful protest in Newport Beach and a motorist accused of driving his car through a group of demonstrators near the pier have both been arrested on suspicion of crimes including assault with a deadly weapon, authorities said Thursday, June 4.
Police stopped 58-year-old Don Wallace of Newport Beach shortly after he drove his Mini Cooper through a crowd of protesters walking in the westbound lanes of Balboa Boulevard about 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, Newport Beach police spokeswoman Heather Rangel said.
The car did not make contact with any of the protesters, she said, but at least one of them told a reporter he had to push someone else out of the way to keep them from possibly being hit.
The driver of the white Mini Cooper in this video has been arrested by Newport Beach police. https://t.co/K8He5Jo4p6 — Mayor Will O'Neill (@ONeill4Newport) June 4, 2020
The protest was one of four in Newport Beach Wednesday, with about 150 demonstrators gathering near the front of the Newport Beach pier for one of the events about 2 p.m.
About an hour earlier Wednesday, about 3:23 p.m., another man was caught on video brandishing a handgun near 30th Street and Newport Boulevard, according to police.
The suspect was arguing with at least one other person when he grabbed a gun from a backpack before leaving the area, police said. The incident occurred near the protest taking place at the pier.
Tips from the public helped investigators identify the armed man as Travis Patrick White, 48, of Newport Beach. He was arrested Thursday and booked on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and making criminal threats.
Video taken by a passerby in a vehicle showed several people running toward a man before suddenly stopping and taking cover. Moments later, the shirtless man is seen holding a black handgun in the air while walking backwards away from a small group of people.
No, just now in NPB. This is not my video pic.twitter.com/QW1ucgnMnr — Oliver (@OllyPO) June 4, 2020
“Through the involvement of media and local citizens, a positive identification was made leading to the ultimate arrest of Travis White,” police said in a news release. “The NBPD would like to thank everyone that provided information to detectives about the event.”


mercurynews--2020-06-05--Letter: Next chapter on peaceful protest must be written

Any side that uses violence is wrong , and Colin Kaepernick is right .
Our country should have given Colin a medal .
To act in violence is to be disrespectful of the memory of Martin Luther King , Jr. who gave his life to the cause of nonviolence .
He gave his life in the name of civil disobedience , with the emphasis on the word “ civil ” to mean peaceful and nonviolent resistance to unjust actions .
The word “ civil ” also applies to police officers , who are civil servants .
When they use the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to them to kill civilians , then we need to sentence them for the crime of murder .
The American writer Henry David Thoreau wrote the book on civil disobedience , and Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. King wrote their own chapters .
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• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump or with Biden ?
Now it is time for our generation to write an equally powerful and moving chapter of peaceful and nonviolent protest .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Re: “Curfews set as protests rage on” (Page A1, June 1):
Any side that uses violence is wrong, and Colin Kaepernick is right. Our country should have given Colin a medal.
To act in violence is to be disrespectful of the memory of Martin Luther King, Jr. who gave his life to the cause of nonviolence. He gave his life in the name of civil disobedience, with the emphasis on the word “civil” to mean peaceful and nonviolent resistance to unjust actions.
The word “civil” also applies to police officers, who are civil servants. When they use the authority and weapons that we have granted to them to kill civilians, then we need to sentence them for the crime of murder.
The American writer Henry David Thoreau wrote the book on civil disobedience, and Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. King wrote their own chapters.
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Curtis Panasuk
Santa Cruz
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mercurynews--2020-06-06--ACE train delayed due to Altamont area fire

Altamont Corridor Express passengers are being advised to expect delays Friday afternoon for trains No .
4 and possibly No @ @ @ @ @ active fire in the Altamont area .
No other details were immediately available .

Bay City News Service
Altamont Corridor Express passengers are being advised to expect delays Friday afternoon for trains No. 4 and possibly No. 8 due to an active fire in the Altamont area.
No other details were immediately available.
Check back for updates.


mercurynews--2020-06-06--Commissioner Roger Goodell: NFL was wrong for not listening to players’ concerns

NEW YORK – NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said the league made mistakes in not listening to players , in a video on Friday denouncing racism in the United States amid widespread protests over police brutality against black people .
“ We , the National Football League , admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest , ” said Goodell .
“ We , the National Football League , believe black lives matter.
” The NFL has been locked in an ongoing debate with players over kneeling protests during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anthem .
The practice was popularized by quarterback Colin Kaepernick , who is black , in 2016 to protest racial injustice and police brutality .
Kaepernick , who in 2013 led the San Francisco 49ers to the Super Bowl but lost to the Baltimore Ravens , filed a grievance against the league in 2017 , claiming collusion as no teams signed him after he parted ways with the 49ers .
The NFL and Kaepernick settled in 2019 .
“ Protests around the country are emblematic of the centuries of silence , inequality and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fans and staff , ” said Goodell .
“ I will be reaching out to players who have raised their voices and others on how we can improve.
” The NFL sent the video out just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump renewed his call for an end to kneeling protests during the national anthem .
“ We should be standing up straight and tall , ideally with a salute , or a hand on heart , ” Trump wrote on Twitter .
“ There are other things you can protest , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ KNEELING !
” The statement was a response to quarterback Drew Brees , who apologized this week for equating the kneeling protest with disrespecting the American flag .
On Thursday , several players , including reigning Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs , appeared in a video on social media calling for the league to “ admit wrong in silencing ” players and to support protests .
“ How many times do we need to ask you to listen to your players ?
” Chiefs player Tyrann Mathieu said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faced criticism earlier this year when just one of five head-coaching vacancies went to a non-white candidate in the most recent hiring cycle , and last month the NFL introduced rules designed to boost racial diversity among coaching staffs .

NEW YORK – NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said the league made mistakes in not listening to players, in a video on Friday denouncing racism in the United States amid widespread protests over police brutality against black people.
“We, the National Football League, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest,” said Goodell. “We, the National Football League, believe black lives matter.”
The NFL has been locked in an ongoing debate with players over kneeling protests during the customary pregame playing of the national anthem. The practice was popularized by quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who is black, in 2016 to protest racial injustice and police brutality.
Kaepernick, who in 2013 led the San Francisco 49ers to the Super Bowl but lost to the Baltimore Ravens, filed a grievance against the league in 2017, claiming collusion as no teams signed him after he parted ways with the 49ers. The NFL and Kaepernick settled in 2019.
“Protests around the country are emblematic of the centuries of silence, inequality and oppression of black players, coaches, fans and staff,” said Goodell. “I will be reaching out to players who have raised their voices and others on how we can improve.”
The NFL sent the video out just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump renewed his call for an end to kneeling protests during the national anthem.
“We should be standing up straight and tall, ideally with a salute, or a hand on heart,” Trump wrote on Twitter. “There are other things you can protest, but not our Great American Flag – NO KNEELING!”
The statement was a response to quarterback Drew Brees, who apologized this week for equating the kneeling protest with disrespecting the American flag.
On Thursday, several players, including reigning Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs, appeared in a video on social media calling for the league to “admit wrong in silencing” players and to support protests.
“How many times do we need to ask you to listen to your players?” Chiefs player Tyrann Mathieu said in the video.
The league also faced criticism earlier this year when just one of five head-coaching vacancies went to a non-white candidate in the most recent hiring cycle, and last month the NFL introduced rules designed to boost racial diversity among coaching staffs.


mercurynews--2020-06-06--Oakland A’s reinstate minor league stipends. John Fisher: ‘The truth is that we got this decision wr

Oakland A’s reinstate minor league stipends. John Fisher: ‘The truth is that we got this decision wrong.’

After taking backlash for furloughing most of its baseball and business operations and cutting weekly stipends for its minor leaguers , the Oakland A ’ s are reversing course and making amends .
Reclusive owner John Fisher penned in a statement that the decision to cut off minor league stipends at the end of May was “ a mistake.
” “ After spending the last few days listening to the important input from our fans and others , we will immediately begin paying our minor league players , ” Fisher said in the statement .
“ These players represent our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay them was a mistake .
The truth is that we got this decision wrong , and I apologize to our minor league players and others involved.
” The players will now receive the weekly stipend for the rest of what would have been the minor league season .
Baseball America reported that , prior to Fisher ’ s announcement , the A ’ s were the only MLB team not to commit the $ 400 weekly stipend to its minor league players .
A revamped , five-round MLB Draft leaves behind a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A ’ s decision could have hindered the signing of remaining un-drafted players .
The decision also revitalized a demoralized minor league system , who heard the news as it was reported by the media .
“ It was very important .
It shows that they realized they made a mistake initially and apologized and corrected it , ” said Peter Bayer , a pitcher for the Stockton Ports who said in light of the initial decision that it would be difficult to return to the team that claims to care for its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of the minor leaguers are going to be relieved and regain trust in the organization .
I also think that all of us now can spend more time training and preparing for when a season does start with a clear mind .
I also wanted to take back all of my comments that I previously made and start focusing on what is important.
” • Former A ’ s catcher Bruce Maxwell on protests : “ Where was this three years ago ?
” • A bad week for Oakland A ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will mean for team • How ex-A ’ s pitcher went from All-Star to imprisoned drug dealer “ Respect to the A ’ s organization for reversing their decision to pay the minor leaguers !
!
!
This will play a very crucial role in the future of our franchise , ” A ’ s minor leaguer JJ Schwarz said in a tweet .
“ I don ’ t know about y ’ all , but I ’ m ready for some baseball !
!
” The minor league season , though , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus shutdown .
The A ’ s will also be setting up an emergency assistance fund for its furloughed employees , Fisher said in the statement .
More than half of the organization ’ s employees , including scouts , coaches , front office and business operations , will be furloughed through Oct. 31 .
“ There is no question that this is a painful time period for our employees , and we want to do everything possible to assist them during this time .
”

After taking backlash for furloughing most of its baseball and business operations and cutting weekly stipends for its minor leaguers, the Oakland A’s are reversing course and making amends.
Reclusive owner John Fisher penned in a statement that the decision to cut off minor league stipends at the end of May was “a mistake.”
“After spending the last few days listening to the important input from our fans and others, we will immediately begin paying our minor league players,” Fisher said in the statement. “These players represent our future and clearly our decision to not pay them was a mistake. The truth is that we got this decision wrong, and I apologize to our minor league players and others involved.”
The players will now receive the weekly stipend for the rest of what would have been the minor league season.
Baseball America reported that, prior to Fisher’s announcement, the A’s were the only MLB team not to commit the $400 weekly stipend to its minor league players. A revamped, five-round MLB Draft leaves behind a large pool of un-drafted players. The A’s decision could have hindered the signing of remaining un-drafted players.
The decision also revitalized a demoralized minor league system, who heard the news as it was reported by the media.
“It was very important. It shows that they realized they made a mistake initially and apologized and corrected it,” said Peter Bayer, a pitcher for the Stockton Ports who said in light of the initial decision that it would be difficult to return to the team that claims to care for its own.
“I’m sure all of the minor leaguers are going to be relieved and regain trust in the organization. I also think that all of us now can spend more time training and preparing for when a season does start with a clear mind. I also wanted to take back all of my comments that I previously made and start focusing on what is important.”
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The minor league season, though, is expected to be cancelled due to the coronavirus shutdown.
The A’s will also be setting up an emergency assistance fund for its furloughed employees, Fisher said in the statement. More than half of the organization’s employees, including scouts, coaches, front office and business operations, will be furloughed through Oct. 31.
“There is no question that this is a painful time period for our employees, and we want to do everything possible to assist them during this time.”


mercurynews--2020-06-06--Letter: Every police force has a ‘blue wall of silence’

If you see something , say something .
Every police force has a certain degree of “ blue wall of silence ” — good cops who see bad behavior by fellow officers , and say nothing .
The high school bully that becomes a cop and applies just a little more force than necessary against a minority or vulnerable citizen .
The cop that speaks with just a little more hostility than necessary when stopping a black or brown driver .
It can be very subtle , but not to black and brown folks .
They understand it , because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speak up against the bad cops when they see something .
If they do not , the bad cop becomes emboldened , escalating aggressive behavior sometimes to a level of violence we witnessed in Minneapolis .
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Submit your letter to the editor via @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Editor

If you see something, say something.
Every police force has a certain degree of “blue wall of silence” — good cops who see bad behavior by fellow officers, and say nothing.
The high school bully that becomes a cop and applies just a little more force than necessary against a minority or vulnerable citizen. The cop that speaks with just a little more hostility than necessary when stopping a black or brown driver. It can be very subtle, but not to black and brown folks. They understand it, because they live it.
Good cops must speak up against the bad cops when they see something. If they do not, the bad cop becomes emboldened, escalating aggressive behavior sometimes to a level of violence we witnessed in Minneapolis.
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Larry Stone
Assessor
Santa Clara County
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mercurynews--2020-06-05--Video: Richmond police hit with lawsuit alleging wrongful arrest, falsified police report

RICHMOND — A city resident is filing a federal lawsuit against four Richmond police officers , alleging that they arrested him under false pretenses and wrote an inaccurate police report to cover their tracks .
The civil complaint , filed Friday by Lafayette-based attorney Daniel Horowitz , doesn ’ t deny that the plaintiff , Dejon Brown , told a Richmond officer , “ I ’ ll beat yo a– ” while berating the officers for conducting a traffic stop .
But the complaint says the officers wrote reports claiming that Brown was advancing toward officers when he did so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ camera footage shows Brown had his back turned and was walking away .
The complaint lists Richmond officers Ahmed Khalfan , Brandon Hodges , Jesse Sousa and Kristian Palma as defendants , and identifies Khalfan as the officer who grabs Brown after Brown made the threatening remark .
Dejon Brown ’ s brother , Dareron Brown , then shoved Khalfan off of Dejon and ran from police , before a pursuing officer used a stun gun on Dareron and arrested him .
Horowitz wrote in the complaint that the incident was part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ practice to allow officer excesses , officer civil rights violations , excessive use of force , escalation of situations to be perpetrated against residents of the City of Richmond.
” A Richmond police spokesman did not respond to a request for comment .
The video , posted to Youtube by Horowitz , shows Dejon Brown yelling profanity at the officers , who had pulled the car over and were questioning its occupants about whether there was marijuana inside .
An officer first tells Brown , “ Keep talking , we ’ ll come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done.
” Brown then gets out of his car and walks to the edge of the sidewalk , while the officers remain in the middle of the street .
He says things like , “ I ain ’ t got s— to do with y ’ all ” and “ F— ‘ s wrong with you ?
” The lawsuit describes Brown ’ s conduct as him exercising “ his constitutional right to express his outrage ” under the First Amendment .
An officer , identified in the police report as Khalfan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to chill out ?
” When Brown makes the , “ I ’ ll beat yo a– ” remark , Khalfan says , “ You ’ ll what ?
” He moves an officer out of his way and rushes to Brown , who at this point has his back turned and is walking away .
The two struggle as Brown protests , and Khalfan and another officer wrestle him to the ground .
While they ’ re attempting to handcuff him , Brown ’ s brother attempts to shove Khalfan off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pursues .
Khalfan chases Dareron Brown , following him through a gate and deploying a Taser for several seconds as he does so .
Dareron Brown is hit and he falls to the ground , as several angry onlookers surround the officer .
That ’ s where the video ends .
The police report says Dejon Brown “ continued to close the distance ” as he yelled , “ I ’ ll beat yo a–.
” The civil complaint , though , notes that Brown “ was walking away from the scene and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and accuses the officers of lying about Brown ’ s conduct so that county prosecutors would charge him with a felony .
“ The body worn camera shows the truth , ” the civil complaint says .
“ The coordinated misstatements show that there was collusion in fabricating the false narrative to hide the police violence.
” Richmond police have not responded to the lawsuit in court , but they have several weeks to do so .
The body camera video can be seen below .
It contains profanity and violence :

RICHMOND — A city resident is filing a federal lawsuit against four Richmond police officers, alleging that they arrested him under false pretenses and wrote an inaccurate police report to cover their tracks.
The civil complaint, filed Friday by Lafayette-based attorney Daniel Horowitz, doesn’t deny that the plaintiff, Dejon Brown, told a Richmond officer, “I’ll beat yo a–” while berating the officers for conducting a traffic stop. But the complaint says the officers wrote reports claiming that Brown was advancing toward officers when he did so, though an officer’s body camera footage shows Brown had his back turned and was walking away.
The complaint lists Richmond officers Ahmed Khalfan, Brandon Hodges, Jesse Sousa and Kristian Palma as defendants, and identifies Khalfan as the officer who grabs Brown after Brown made the threatening remark. Dejon Brown’s brother, Dareron Brown, then shoved Khalfan off of Dejon and ran from police, before a pursuing officer used a stun gun on Dareron and arrested him.
Horowitz wrote in the complaint that the incident was part of “systemic, deliberate, policy and practice to allow officer excesses, officer civil rights violations, excessive use of force, escalation of situations to be perpetrated against residents of the City of Richmond.” A Richmond police spokesman did not respond to a request for comment.
But Richmond police union president Ben Therriault said that when the case plays out, “Horowitz will find he picked a dud.”
“Cops take a lot of verbal abuse and we accept that disrespect as part of the job,” Therriault wrote in an email. “Officers never lose the right to self-defense and threatening to beat a police officer is a crime plain and simple.”
The video, posted to Youtube by Horowitz, shows Dejon Brown yelling profanity at the officers, who had pulled the car over and were questioning its occupants about whether there was marijuana inside. An officer first tells Brown, “Keep talking, we’ll come deal with you when we’re done.”
Brown then gets out of his car and walks to the edge of the sidewalk, while the officers remain in the middle of the street. He says things like, “I ain’t got s— to do with y’all” and “F—‘s wrong with you?” The lawsuit describes Brown’s conduct as him exercising “his constitutional right to express his outrage” under the First Amendment.
An officer, identified in the police report as Khalfan, asks Brown repeatedly, “Are you going to chill out?” When Brown makes the, “I’ll beat yo a–” remark, Khalfan says, “You’ll what?” He moves an officer out of his way and rushes to Brown, who at this point has his back turned and is walking away.
Therriault, though, pointed to the 1:36 minute mark of the video, where Brown takes a step toward police.
“We call that, ‘closing the distance,'” he said Friday.
The video then shows Khalfan and Brown struggling, as Brown protests. Khalfan and another officer wrestle him to the ground. While they’re attempting to handcuff him, Brown’s brother attempts to shove Khalfan off, then takes off running as Khalfan pursues.
Khalfan chases Dareron Brown, following him through a gate and deploying a Taser for several seconds as he does so. Dareron Brown is hit and he falls to the ground, as several angry onlookers surround the officer. That’s where the video ends.
The police report says Dejon Brown “continued to close the distance” as he yelled, “I’ll beat yo a–.” The civil complaint, though, notes that Brown “was walking away from the scene and muttering” when he said it, and accuses the officers of lying about Brown’s conduct so that county prosecutors would charge him with a felony.
“The body worn camera shows the truth,” the civil complaint says. “The coordinated misstatements show that there was collusion in fabricating the false narrative to hide the police violence.”
Richmond police have not responded to the lawsuit in court, but they have several weeks to do so.
The body camera video can be seen below. It contains profanity and violence:


mercurynews--2020-06-05--Coronavirus: California to allow schools, gyms and bars to reopen as state moves to Phase 3

On the same day California topped 125,000 coronavirus cases , state officials released guidance allowing individual counties to reopen a wide range of businesses .
After the seven-day new case average in the state reached a new peak Thursday at 2,681.14 cases , officials paved the way for schools , gyms , bars and many other businesses to resume operations beginning Friday , June 12 .
The guidance also includes details on reopening campgrounds , RV Parks and casinos operated by sovereign tribal nations .
According to data compiled by the Bay Area News Group , more than 3,000 new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s totals Friday and the death toll crossed 4,500 , but surges in case numbers can be attributed in part to increased testing around the state .
Many local counties including Alameda County and Contra Costa County announced guidance to move deeper into Phase 2 of reopening Friday , but state officials went a step further and offered detailed plans for counties that wish to move into Phase 3 of a four-phase plan for loosening California ’ s stay-at-home order restrictions .
“ Just because some businesses are opening doesn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Dr. Sonia Angell , State Public Health Officer , said in a press release .
“ We all need to continue to keep physical distancing , wash our hands and wear face coverings in public.
” Most Bay Area counties have expressed a desire to move more slowly through Phase 2 than other counties around the state , including in Santa Clara County where outdoor dining reopened Friday and in San Francisco where outdoor dining won ’ t reopen until June 15 .
The updated health order released by Alameda County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” of up to 12 individuals in outdoor spaces beginning Monday , June 8 .
Social bubbles are required to be maintained for a minimum of three weeks and members of a social bubble are only allowed to participate in one bubble at a time .
Alameda County , which tops the Bay Area with 3,725 coronavirus cases , also followed San Francisco ’ s lead and announced it will begin requiring face coverings to be worn at all times by all members of the public .
The order includes people who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within 30 feet of people outside of their household to wear a face covering .
“ Face coverings protect everyone because people may have COVID-19 and not realize it , ” county Health Officer Dr. Erica Pan said .
“ My face covering protects you and your face covering protects me.
” In Contra Costa County , outdoor dining and outdoor religious services are allowed to reopen , but the guidance on religious services includes a requirement for places of worship to keep a record of attendance that includes the name and contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or ceremony and preserve the log for 14 days .
During a Friday press briefing , Gov .
Gavin Newsom said the state will continue to provide guidance for “ how ” to reopen certain sectors of local economies , but it ’ s up to individual counties to file attestation forms that will determine “ when ” businesses can resume operations .
The California Department of Public Health made an exception for schools as it released statewide guidance that includes a list of best practices for the practical realities of managing school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The state has committed to providing no-touch thermometers for every school and childcare facility , face shields for approximately 2.4 million teachers and childcare providers , more than 14 million cloth face coverings for students and 143,000 gallons of hand sanitizer .
Before schools reopen , day camps will operate during the summer .
The state ’ s Department of Public Health encourages small groups of campers to stay together all day , every day and for camps to prioritize outdoor activities .
Businesses allowed to resume operating in Phase 2 of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” workplaces such as retail , manufacturing and limited personal services such as hair salons .
Businesses in Phase 3 are considered “ higher-risk ” spaces .
Music , film and television production are also permitted to resume operating with county approval on June 12 , but cast and crew members must abide by safety protocols agreed by labor and management that are subject to review by county health officers .
Phase 4 marks the end of California ’ s stay-at-home order and will permit concert venues and sports stadiums to reopen with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the state is not close to issuing guidance on Phase 4 .

On the same day California topped 125,000 coronavirus cases, state officials released guidelines allowing individual counties to begin reopening gyms, bars, campgrounds, professional sports and a wide range of businesses as early as next Friday.
Several Bay Area counties including Alameda County and Contra Costa County also announced guidance to move deeper into Phase 2 of reopening Friday, but state officials went a step further and offered detailed plans for counties that wish to move into Phase 3 of a four-phase plan for loosening California’s stay-at-home order restrictions.
“Just because some businesses are opening doesn’t mean your risk for COVID-19 is gone,” Dr. Sonia Angell, State Public Health Officer, said in a statement. “We all need to continue to keep physical distancing, wash our hands and wear face coverings in public.”
The move to reopen comes as the seven-day new case average in the state reached a new peak Thursday at 2,681.14 cases.
According to data compiled by the Bay Area News Group, more than 3,000 new coronavirus cases were added to the state’s totals Friday, and the death toll crossed 4,500, but surges in case numbers can be attributed in part to increased testing around the state.
The new guidance also includes details on reopening RV Parks, casinos operated by sovereign tribal nations, and schools. The state plan also suggests specific guidelines for the reopening this fall of schools, which have been shuttered for in-person learning since March.
Most Bay Area counties have expressed a desire to move more slowly through Phase 2 than other counties around the state, including in Santa Clara County where outdoor dining reopened Friday and in San Francisco where outdoor dining won’t reopen until June 15.
The updated health order released by Alameda County permits people to form “social bubbles” of up to 12 individuals in outdoor spaces beginning Monday, June 8. Social bubbles are required to be maintained for a minimum of three weeks, and members of a social bubble are only allowed to participate in one bubble at a time.
Alameda County, which tops the Bay Area with 3,725 coronavirus cases, also followed San Francisco’s lead and announced it will begin requiring face coverings to be worn at all times by all members of the public. The order includes people who are outdoors, engaged in physical activities and within 30 feet of people outside of their household.
“Face coverings protect everyone because people may have COVID-19 and not realize it,” county Health Officer Dr. Erica Pan said. “My face covering protects you and your face covering protects me.”
In Contra Costa County, outdoor dining and outdoor religious services are allowed to reopen, but the guidance on religious services includes a requirement for places of worship to keep a record of attendance that includes the name and contact information for each person at a service or ceremony and preserve the log for 14 days.
During a Friday press briefing, Gov. Gavin Newsom said the state will continue to provide guidance for “how” to reopen certain sectors of local economies, but it’s up to individual counties to file attestation forms that will determine “when” businesses can resume operations.
The California Department of Public Health made an exception for schools, with statewide guidance that includes a list of best practices for the practical realities of managing school operations for the upcoming academic year.
The state has committed to providing no-touch thermometers for every school and childcare facility, face shields for approximately 2.4 million teachers and childcare providers, more than 14 million cloth face coverings for students and 143,000 gallons of hand sanitizer.
Day camps also will be allowed to operate during the summer. The state’s Department of Public Health encourages small groups of campers to stay together all day, every day and for camps to prioritize outdoor activities.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge Businesses allowed to resume operating in Phase 2 of the reopening process were designated as “lower-risk” workplaces such as retail, manufacturing and limited personal services such as hair salons. Businesses in Phase 3 are considered “higher-risk” spaces.
Music, film and television production also are permitted to resume operating with county approval on June 12, but cast and crew members must abide by safety protocols agreed by labor and management that are subject to review by county health officers.
Phase 4 marks the end of California’s stay-at-home order and will permit concert venues and sports stadiums to reopen with fans in attendance. Newsom has repeatedly said the state is not yet ready to issue guidance on Phase 4.


mercurynews--2020-06-05--Letter: I didn’t choose to be born white

I didn ’ t choose to be born white and don ’ t think I have a right to be treated better than anybody with a different skin color .
From a genetic standpoint , I share 99.9 % of DNA with the rest of humanity .
I don ’ t condone the violence and the looting that have sullied the recent peaceful protests against the killing by police of George Floyd , an unarmed African American .
I can understand the feelings that have brought thousands to the streets .
It ’ s another straw on the back of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broken too many times .
• Letter : Every police force has a ‘ blue wall of silence ’ • Letter : What about the lives of looted car- , shop-owners ?
• Letter : Let ’ s stand to help our black brothers and sisters • Letter : Oakland citizens deserve better than Schaaf and OPD After slavery , Jim Crow and the Civil Rights movement , it is hardly conceivable how racism persists in our society .
Morality can not be legislated ; we know it instinctively or we can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through grade 12 , should be educated to reject intolerance in any form and embrace the family of man .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

I didn’t choose to be born white and don’t think I have a right to be treated better than anybody with a different skin color.
From a genetic standpoint, I share 99.9% of DNA with the rest of humanity.
I don’t condone the violence and the looting that have sullied the recent peaceful protests against the killing by police of George Floyd, an unarmed African American. I can understand the feelings that have brought thousands to the streets. It’s another straw on the back of the proverbial camel, a back already broken too many times.
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Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps After slavery, Jim Crow and the Civil Rights movement, it is hardly conceivable how racism persists in our society. Morality cannot be legislated; we know it instinctively or we can be educated to it. Children, kindergarten through grade 12, should be educated to reject intolerance in any form and embrace the family of man.
Glauco Romeo
Fremont
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
Read more Letters to the Editor


mercurynews--2020-06-05--Santa Clara County, site of nation’s first COVID-19 case, reopens restaurants for outdoor dining

June 5 may go down in Santa Clara County history as Alfresco Friday .
After nearly three months , this county — site of the nation ’ s first COVID-19 case — eased the restrictions ordered to help contain the spread of the virus , allowing restaurants to offer outside dining so long as strict health , safety and social distancing guidelines are followed .
Residents took ample advantage of the opportunity .
From Mountain View to Morgan Hill , people eager for a meal that they didn ’ t cook themselves or have delivered to the front door packed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Bay Area will be doing the same , with Contra Costa County officials on Friday afternoon declaring a Friday night start , and San Mateo County opening up Saturday .
“ It ’ s been a wicked 12 weeks , ” said Ernesto Moreno of Moreno & Associates , who was lunching at Palermo in San Jose with employees from his building services and janitorial company — an essential business during the health crisis — who have worked under the same roof with careful protocols and plenty of disinfectants .
Daughter Kyleigh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the occasion “ a team-building lunch that we haven ’ t been able to have for a long time.
” They were among the first groups at this restaurant in San Jose ’ s historic cannery district , where three years ago Renato and Diane Cusimano took over the old Paradiso Deli — and then started transforming the parking lot and other property along Los Gatos Creek into outdoor dining rooms .
“ It ’ s the best thing we ever did — even before COVID .
People love to dine outside , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ options .
“ We have the front patio , the front deck , the side patio , the garden room patio and the back , back patio.
” Even with tables spaced six feet apart , there is room for about 200 customers .
By midday , they had notched 186 reservations for Friday dinner .
“ It ’ s the largest outdoor dining space in the city , ” proclaimed a knowledgeable customer , land-use consultant Erik Schoennauer , who was eating with his father , Gary Schoennauer , the city ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It ’ s perfect for the situation we face right now.
” A trio from Los Gatos — Carol Musser and Tim and Carolyn DuClos — sat at a table spaced more than a dozen feet away from the Schoennauer family .
“ It feels good to be socializing , ” Musser said .
Even restaurants whose interiors have never been open to the public are setting up outdoor dining .
Scott ’ s Seafood , which just reopened for takeout and delivery in its new downtown San Jose digs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their new sidewalk and paseo tables .
In Santa Cruz , the restaurant Mentone — the newest enterprise from noted Los Gatos chef David Kinch — will open its patio for the first time Saturday and will remain open for weekends in June , according to general manager Chris Sullivan .
Campbell ’ s downtown , which just days ago looked eerily quiet , again was bustling with business with virtually every restaurant on Campbell Avenue setting up the sidewalk tables they had stowed for months .
“ We need this , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearby Water Tower Kitchen .
“ The takeout business was a bridge to get us to this point.
” San Jose resident Brandt Chacon , who sat on the patio with his contractor buddies , said he ’ s been waiting too — for a chance to get out and for an end to what he called “ the greatest hoax in American history.
” “ You feel good .
You feel healthy outside , ” he said .
Across the patio sat San Carlos roommates Ali Palermo and Kelly McDonald , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sunshine .
“ We ’ re from San Mateo ( County ) .
We heard that Santa Clara County was open , ” McDonald said .
And on Saturday , when their county opens up , they ’ ll be outside again .
Among the rules set by Santa Clara County health officials : Tables must be set at least six feet apart , and no more than six people may be seated at any single table .
Face coverings must be worn by personnel at all times and by customers “ while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from their table , while ordering their meals , while inside the food facility , and at other times food facilities may require to keep personnel and patrons safe.
” Dining is limited to outdoor areas only .
Patrons dining at the facility may only enter indoor areas of the facility to use the restroom or hand-washing stations , to order and pick up food from a quick-service operation , or to access outdoor seating areas. For details , go to sccgov.org .

June 5 may go down in Santa Clara County history as Alfresco Friday.
After nearly three months, this county — site of the nation’s first COVID-19 death — eased the restrictions ordered to help contain the spread of the virus, allowing restaurants to offer outside dining so long as strict health, safety and social distancing guidelines are followed.
Residents took ample advantage of the opportunity. From Mountain View to Morgan Hill, people eager for a meal that they didn’t cook themselves or have delivered to the front door packed restaurant patios.
Soon, others in the Bay Area will be doing the same, with Contra Costa County officials on Friday afternoon declaring a Friday night start, and San Mateo County opening up Saturday.
“It’s been a wicked 12 weeks,” said Ernesto Moreno of Moreno & Associates, who was lunching at Palermo in San Jose with employees from his building services and janitorial company — an essential business during the health crisis — who have worked under the same roof with careful protocols and plenty of disinfectants. Daughter Kyleigh Moreno, director of sales, called the occasion “a team-building lunch that we haven’t been able to have for a long time.”
They were among the first groups at this restaurant in San Jose’s historic cannery district, where three years ago Renato and Diane Cusimano took over the old Paradiso Deli — and then started transforming the parking lot and other property along Los Gatos Creek into outdoor dining rooms.
“It’s the best thing we ever did — even before COVID. People love to dine outside,” Diane said, ticking off the options. “We have the front patio, the front deck, the side patio, the garden room patio and the back, back patio.”
Even with tables spaced six feet apart, there is room for about 200 customers. By midday, they had notched 186 reservations for Friday dinner.
“It’s the largest outdoor dining space in the city,” proclaimed a knowledgeable customer, land-use consultant Erik Schoennauer, who was eating with his father, Gary Schoennauer, the city’s director of planning for 17 years. “It’s perfect for the situation we face right now.”
A trio from Los Gatos — Carol Musser and Tim and Carolyn DuClos — sat at a table spaced more than a dozen feet away from the Schoennauer family. “It feels good to be socializing,” Musser said.
Even restaurants whose interiors have never been open to the public are setting up outdoor dining.
Scott’s Seafood, which just reopened for takeout and delivery in its new downtown San Jose digs, on Friday welcomed diners to try out their new sidewalk and paseo tables.
In Aptos, the restaurant Mentone — the newest enterprise from noted Los Gatos chef David Kinch — will open its patio for the first time Saturday and will remain open for weekends in June, according to general manager Chris Sullivan.
Campbell’s downtown, which just days ago looked eerily quiet, again was bustling with business with virtually every restaurant on Campbell Avenue setting up the sidewalk tables they had stowed for months.
“We need this,” said Russ Fukushima, co-owner of the nearby Water Tower Kitchen. “The takeout business was a bridge to get us to this point.”
San Jose resident Brandt Chacon, who sat on the patio with his contractor buddies, said he’s been waiting too — for a chance to get out and for an end to what he called “the greatest hoax in American history.”
“You feel good. You feel healthy outside,” he said.
Across the patio sat San Carlos roommates Ali Palermo and Kelly McDonald, who wanted badly to get out in the sunshine. “We’re from San Mateo (County). We heard that Santa Clara County was open,” McDonald said.
And on Saturday, when their county opens up, they’ll be outside again.
OUTDOOR DINING RULES FOR CUSTOMERS, RESTAURANTS
Among the rules set by Santa Clara County health officials:
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Face coverings must be worn by personnel at all times and by customers “while waiting in line, going to or from their table, while ordering their meals, while inside the food facility, and at other times food facilities may require to keep personnel and patrons safe.”
Dining is limited to outdoor areas. “Patrons dining at the facility may only enter indoor areas of the facility to use the restroom or hand-washing stations, to order and pick up food from a quick-service operation, or to access outdoor seating areas.”
For details, go to sccgov.org.


mercurynews--2020-06-05--Oakland NAACP, ministers lead George Floyd protest

OAKLAND — Outside a boarded-up City Hall on Friday , Mayor Libby Schaff led a crowd in dropping to one knee in solidarity with people protesting around the nation over the death of George Floyd .
“ It is time to put our knees on the ground because we must take them off the necks of black Americans , ” Schaff told about 500 people who were gathered outside the locked and graffitied building at Frank H. Ogawa Plaza .
About two dozen speakers condemned racism — and urged people to vote and complete their census forms to help bring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May 25 , Floyd , a 46-year-old black man , was killed when a Minneapolis white police officer knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes while Floyd was handcuffed and facedown in the street .
Witnesses took video of the police action , during which Floyd can be heard saying , “ I can ’ t breathe.
” “ We are done dying , ” said Patrice Waugh , an executive board member of the Oakland chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People , one of the sponsors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer who put his knee to Floyd ’ s neck has been fired and is facing murder charges .
Three other officers who were there also have lost their jobs and face criminal charges .
Floyd ’ s death has led to protests , including in Oakland , and demands for changes in how police treat black people .
“ This is not just one life we are mourning , ” Meredith Brown , a trustee with the Peralta Community College District , told those at the peaceful protest outside City Hall .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost souls.
” Schaff said the circumstances of Floyd ’ s death mirrored the beating by Los Angeles police officers of Rodney King in March 1991 , which was also caught on video and sparked widespread civil unrest .
“ We have risen up to say no more , ” said Lynette Gibson McElhaney , an Oakland councilwoman whose district includes West Oakland , Pill Hill and the Port of Oakland .
At times , Friday ’ s gathering seemed a mix of a political rally and religious meeting , as ministers from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ask participants to pray and songs were sung , including “ Amazing Grace.
” “ I think it ’ s important to show solidarity , ” said Robyn Payne , 26 , of Oakland , who sat listening to the speeches .
“ What happened to George Floyd was wrong and people need to speak out.
” Many in the crowd held makeshift signs that said , “ Black Lives Matter.
” Janice Lee , 22 , another Oakland resident , said she was passing by when she noticed the gathering and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do something , ” Lee said .
“ This is my small part.
” But she also said she was saddened by the looting and vandalism that took place in the city following Floyd ’ s death .
There was no visible police presence at Friday ’ s event , which also was sponsored by the Oakland African-American Chamber of Commerce and local representatives of 100 Black Men of America , which works to improve the quality of life in black communities .
Those taking part and speakers alike wore masks , required @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around hand sanitizers .
“ Systematic racism runs rampant in this country , ” Congresswoman Barbara Lee , D-Oakland , told those outside City Hall .
“ I am heartbroken and sad about Mr. Floyd ’ s murder.
” Lee urged people to vote in the national election in November as a way to bring change in how the police interact with communities .

OAKLAND — Outside a boarded-up City Hall on Friday, Mayor Libby Schaaf led a crowd in dropping to one knee in solidarity with people protesting around the nation over the death of George Floyd.
“It is time to put our knees on the ground because we must take them off the necks of black Americans,” Schaaf told about 500 people who were gathered outside the locked and graffitied building at Frank H. Ogawa Plaza.
About two dozen speakers condemned racism — and urged people to vote and complete their census forms to help bring federal dollars into the city.
On May 25, Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, was killed when a Minneapolis white police officer knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes while Floyd was handcuffed and facedown in the street. Witnesses took video of the police action, during which Floyd can be heard saying, “I can’t breathe.”
“We are done dying,” said Patrice Waugh, an executive board member of the Oakland chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, one of the sponsors of the rally.
The Minneapolis police officer who put his knee to Floyd’s neck has been fired and is facing murder charges. Three other officers who were there also have lost their jobs and face criminal charges.
Floyd’s death has led to protests, including in Oakland, and demands for changes in how police treat black people.
“This is not just one life we are mourning,” Meredith Brown, a trustee with the Peralta Community College District, told those at the peaceful protest outside City Hall. “Today, there are generations of lost souls.”
Schaaf said the circumstances of Floyd’s death mirrored the beating by Los Angeles police officers of Rodney King in March 1991, which was also caught on video and sparked widespread civil unrest.
“We have risen up to say no more,” said Lynette Gibson McElhaney, an Oakland councilwoman whose district includes West Oakland, Pill Hill and the Port of Oakland.
At times, Friday’s gathering seemed a mix of a political rally and religious meeting, as ministers from local churches took turns at the podium to ask participants to pray and songs were sung, including “Amazing Grace.”
“I think it’s important to show solidarity,” said Robyn Payne, 26, of Oakland, who sat listening to the speeches. “What happened to George Floyd was wrong and people need to speak out.”
Many in the crowd held makeshift signs that said, “Black Lives Matter.”
Janice Lee, 22, another Oakland resident, said she was passing by when she noticed the gathering and decided to stop.
“Everyone can do something,” Lee said. “This is my small part.”
But she also said she was saddened by the looting and vandalism that took place in the city following Floyd’s death.
There was no visible police presence at Friday’s event, which also was sponsored by the Oakland African-American Chamber of Commerce and local representatives of 100 Black Men of America, which works to improve the quality of life in black communities.
Those taking part and speakers alike wore masks, required under Alameda County guidelines. Some passed around hand sanitizers.
“Systematic racism runs rampant in this country,” Congresswoman Barbara Lee, D-Oakland, told those outside City Hall. “I am heartbroken and sad about Mr. Floyd’s murder.”
Lee urged people to vote in the national election in November as a way to bring change in how the police interact with communities.