mercurynews--2020-02-14--Kittle, Buckner, Armstead headline 49ers’ contracts to watch in 2020

It ’ s time to follow the 49ers ’ money in terms of how their 2020 roster takes shape .
Look for early signals as they meet with agents at the scouting combine in Indianapolis later this month .
Here are 10 contract situations to watch : 1 .
Tight end George Kittle .
Go ahead and rip up his rookie deal ’ s fourth and final year .
The 49ers better reward him with an extension that resets the market for tight ends , which has been stagnant the past couple years .
Kittle is not your normal tight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ production for catches and yards , so does he get wide receiver money ?
He ’ s arguably the 49ers ’ best blocker , so does he get left tackle dough ?
Negotiations haven ’ t started , nor has any hint of an offseason holdout .
This isn ’ t the 49ers ’ most urgent matter .
It is their most compelling , and it will only be as complicated as the 49ers make it for their offensive catalyst , two-time captain and Len Eshmont Award winner .
Look for Kittle to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 million annual salary .
The guess : a five-year , $ 62.5 million deal with over $ 26 million guaranteed .
2 .
Defensive lineman Arik Armstead .
His status is the most pressing , because he is the 49ers ’ most coveted free agent and might warrant the franchise tag .
After his career-best fifth season , he and the 49ers professed a desire to stay together .
He may have priced himself out of their range , and tied to that are their commitments to DeForest Buckner , Dee Ford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tag Armstead , either to pay him a steep raise ( nearly double his $ 9 million salary from 2019 ) or trade him for a second-day draft pick , and he noted last week the 49ers control that scenario .
He played out his contract year perfectly , with a career-high 10 sacks ( plus two in the playoffs ) and establishing himself as a versatile , every-down lineman who stayed healthy .
3 .
Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner .
Rather than pay out his fifth-year option at $ 14.36 million , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this season ’ s Bill Walsh Award winner , the coaches ’ choices for MVP .
He ’ s been a model pro since arriving as a 2016 first-round pick , earning second-team All-Pro honors this season after making his first Pro Bowl in 2018 .
Widely respected and a double-team magnet , Buckner should command a top-level contract .
He won ’ t get Aaron Donald money ( six years , $ 135 million ) but he merits more than what the 49ers gave Dee Ford last year ( five years , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders .
Last week , he professed his love last week for a 49ers organization he joined and uplifted at midseason .
This week , he boxed up his family ’ s belongings , moved back to Denver and began campaigning his free agency worth .
“ It ’ s crazy how people keep talking bout my age but I ’ m still flying past 23 year olds and only had 2 drops the entire year , ” Sanders tweeted Tuesday .
He turns 33 on March 17 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if Sanders had caught a 49-yard , game-winning touchdown pass with 1 1/2 minutes left in the Super Bowl ?
What if Garoppolo hadn ’ t overthrown it , and what if Sanders dived or gave one last burst for the ball ?
What younger options are available in free agency and the draft ?
5 .
Safety Jimmie Ward .
He expects more options than last year ’ s dip into free agency , which returned him to the 49ers on a $ 4.5 million , win-win deal .
His tackling ability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incomplete ( two interceptions , 67 career games ) .
If Ward leaves , look for Tarvarius Moore ( see : Super Bowl interception ) to compete with a free agent acquisition or draft pick .
6 .
Running back Jerick McKinnon .
He ’ ll likely get released if unwilling to restructure a contract that calls for a $ 6.5 million salary in 2020 .
He ’ s already pocketed over $ 16 million for two seasons of rehabilitating a fluke knee injury .
“ I ’ m willing to do whatever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ My teammates know I want to be a part of this organization .
When that time comes , there will be talk between both parties.
” 7 .
Wide receiver Marquise Goodwin .
His 49ers tenure appears finished after three years , and it came to a premature end last season with toe and knee surgeries .
His 2020 salary or $ 3.95 million becomes guaranteed April 1 if on the roster .
Will anyone trade for him ?
How dependable and durable can he be ?
Is he still focused on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Olympics long jump ?
He ’ s expecting to becoming a father next week , and everyone is rooting for him in that regard .
• A new project for ex-49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick : penning and publishing his memoir • What moves will the 49ers make this offseason ?
Six predictions • Santa Clara votes to kick 49ers out of managing Levi ’ s Stadium • 49ers mailbag : What is offseason plan after Super Bowl bust ?
8 .
Cornerback Richard Sherman .
His Pro Bowl selection reflected his renaissance , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 9 million in 2020 to close out his self-negotiated , three-year contract .
The 49ers must weigh how long he remains at left cornerback , if he should try switching to safety , or if his retirement date is too close .
Long receptions by the Packers ’ Davante Adams and the Chiefs ’ Sammy Watkins in the playoffs exposed Sherman ’ s mortality but he ’ s still a top-notch cornerback .
9 .
Fullback Kyle Juszczyk .
The fullback-record contract he signed in 2017 has only one season remaining ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A perennial Pro Bowler , he turns 29 in April .
He ’ s been invaluable as a lead blocker for arguably the league ’ s best rushing attack , and his versatility as a receiver showed in the Super Bowl by scoring the 49ers ’ first touchdown on a 15-yard catch-and-run .
To-do list : Re-up Juice .
10 .
Restricted free agents .
Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne and running back Matt Breida have been on the roster since arriving as 2017 undrafted free agents .
They will draw interest if the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ multi-year deals rather than just tendering them one-year , $ 2 million pacts .
Bourne is likely the higher priority , based on his third-down targets and Breida ’ s late-season benching .
Linebacker Elijah Lee also is a restricted free agent .
Nick Mullens is an exclusive rights free agent and the 49ers surely will protect the rights of their No .
2 quarterback .

It’s time to follow the 49ers’ money in terms of how their 2020 roster takes shape. Look for early signals as they meet with agents at the scouting combine in Indianapolis later this month. Here are 10 contract situations to watch:
1. Tight end George Kittle. Go ahead and rip up his rookie deal’s fourth and final year. The 49ers better reward him with an extension that resets the market for tight ends, which has been stagnant the past couple years.
Kittle is not your normal tight end. He has No. 1-receiver production for catches and yards, so does he get wide receiver money? He’s arguably the 49ers’ best blocker, so does he get left tackle dough?
Negotiations haven’t started, nor has any hint of an offseason holdout. This isn’t the 49ers’ most urgent matter. It is their most compelling, and it will only be as complicated as the 49ers make it for their offensive catalyst, two-time captain and Len Eshmont Award winner. Look for Kittle to easily surpass Jimmy Graham’s $10 million annual salary. The guess: a five-year, $62.5 million deal with over $26 million guaranteed.
2. Defensive lineman Arik Armstead. His status is the most pressing, because he is the 49ers’ most coveted free agent and might warrant the franchise tag. After his career-best fifth season, he and the 49ers professed a desire to stay together. He may have priced himself out of their range, and tied to that are their commitments to DeForest Buckner, Dee Ford and Nick Bosa.
They could franchise tag Armstead, either to pay him a steep raise (nearly double his $9 million salary from 2019) or trade him for a second-day draft pick, and he noted last week the 49ers control that scenario. He played out his contract year perfectly, with a career-high 10 sacks (plus two in the playoffs) and establishing himself as a versatile, every-down lineman who stayed healthy.
3. Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. Rather than pay out his fifth-year option at $14.36 million, a multi-year pact should be earmarked for this season’s Bill Walsh Award winner, the coaches’ choices for MVP.
He’s been a model pro since arriving as a 2016 first-round pick, earning second-team All-Pro honors this season after making his first Pro Bowl in 2018. Widely respected and a double-team magnet, Buckner should command a top-level contract. He won’t get Aaron Donald money (six years, $135 million) but he merits more than what the 49ers gave Dee Ford last year (five years, $85 million).
4. Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders. He professed his love last week for a 49ers organization he joined and uplifted at midseason. This week, he boxed up his family’s belongings, moved back to Denver and began campaigning his free agency worth. “It’s crazy how people keep talking bout my age but I’m still flying past 23 year olds and only had 2 drops the entire year,” Sanders tweeted Tuesday. He turns 33 on March 17, the same date Buckner turns 26.
What if Sanders had caught a 49-yard, game-winning touchdown pass with 1 1/2 minutes left in the Super Bowl? What if Garoppolo hadn’t overthrown it, and what if Sanders dived or gave one last burst for the ball? What younger options are available in free agency and the draft?
😂 Its crazy how people keep talking bout my age but I’m still flying past 23 year olds and only had 2 drops the entire year. 1 with the broncos and one with the niners. Keep bringing up my age to make yourself feel good but go look at the film. — Emmanuel Sanders (@ESanders_10) February 12, 2020
5. Safety Jimmie Ward. He expects more options than last year’s dip into free agency, which returned him to the 49ers on a $4.5 million, win-win deal. His tackling ability is exceptional. His ball-hawking ability is incomplete (two interceptions, 67 career games). If Ward leaves, look for Tarvarius Moore (see: Super Bowl interception) to compete with a free agent acquisition or draft pick.
6. Running back Jerick McKinnon. He’ll likely get released if unwilling to restructure a contract that calls for a $6.5 million salary in 2020. He’s already pocketed over $16 million for two seasons of rehabilitating a fluke knee injury. “I’m willing to do whatever,” McKinnon said last week. “My teammates know I want to be a part of this organization. When that time comes, there will be talk between both parties.”
The shit I had to go through man — Jerick Mckinnon (@JetMckinnon1) February 12, 2020
7. Wide receiver Marquise Goodwin. His 49ers tenure appears finished after three years, and it came to a premature end last season with toe and knee surgeries. His 2020 salary or $3.95 million becomes guaranteed April 1 if on the roster. Will anyone trade for him? How dependable and durable can he be? Is he still focused on the NFL or now on the 2020 Olympics long jump? He’s expecting to becoming a father next week, and everyone is rooting for him in that regard. Related Articles San Francisco 49ers | 49ers training camp: Talanoa Hufanga’s interception spoils Brock Purdy’s solid day
49ers training camp: Talanoa Hufanga’s interception spoils Brock Purdy’s solid day San Francisco 49ers | 49ers appear to have job openings among NFL’s No. 1-ranked defense
49ers appear to have job openings among NFL’s No. 1-ranked defense San Francisco 49ers | 49ers mailbag: Are rookie Moody’s kicking misses cause for concern?
49ers mailbag: Are rookie Moody’s kicking misses cause for concern? San Francisco 49ers | 49ers: Shanahan sees bright side of Trey Lance’s performance vs. Raiders
49ers: Shanahan sees bright side of Trey Lance’s performance vs. Raiders San Francisco 49ers | Kurtenbach: What’d I miss? A summer’s worth of takes on the Warriors, Giants, Niners, and Pac-12
8. Cornerback Richard Sherman. His Pro Bowl selection reflected his renaissance, and he’s poised to make $9 million in 2020 to close out his self-negotiated, three-year contract. The 49ers must weigh how long he remains at left cornerback, if he should try switching to safety, or if his retirement date is too close. Long receptions by the Packers’ Davante Adams and the Chiefs’ Sammy Watkins in the playoffs exposed Sherman’s mortality but he’s still a top-notch cornerback.
9. Fullback Kyle Juszczyk. The fullback-record contract he signed in 2017 has only one season remaining ($5.05 million base salary). A perennial Pro Bowler, he turns 29 in April. He’s been invaluable as a lead blocker for arguably the league’s best rushing attack, and his versatility as a receiver showed in the Super Bowl by scoring the 49ers’ first touchdown on a 15-yard catch-and-run. To-do list: Re-up Juice.
Related Articles San Francisco 49ers | 49ers training camp: Talanoa Hufanga’s interception spoils Brock Purdy’s solid day
49ers training camp: Talanoa Hufanga’s interception spoils Brock Purdy’s solid day San Francisco 49ers | 49ers appear to have job openings among NFL’s No. 1-ranked defense
49ers appear to have job openings among NFL’s No. 1-ranked defense San Francisco 49ers | 49ers mailbag: Are rookie Moody’s kicking misses cause for concern?
49ers mailbag: Are rookie Moody’s kicking misses cause for concern? San Francisco 49ers | 49ers: Shanahan sees bright side of Trey Lance’s performance vs. Raiders
49ers: Shanahan sees bright side of Trey Lance’s performance vs. Raiders San Francisco 49ers | Kurtenbach: What’d I miss? A summer’s worth of takes on the Warriors, Giants, Niners, and Pac-12 10. Restricted free agents. Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne and running back Matt Breida have been on the roster since arriving as 2017 undrafted free agents. They will draw interest if the 49ers don’t sign them to multi-year deals rather than just tendering them one-year, $2 million pacts. Bourne is likely the higher priority, based on his third-down targets and Breida’s late-season benching. Linebacker Elijah Lee also is a restricted free agent. Nick Mullens is an exclusive rights free agent and the 49ers surely will protect the rights of their No. 2 quarterback.
*Other unrestricted free agents: Defensive end Ronald Blair, tight end Levine Toilolo, center Ben Garland, wide receiver Jordan Matthews, offensive tackle Shon Coleman, cornerback Dontae Johnson, defensive end Damontre Moore, defensive tackle Sheldon Day, defensive end Anthony Zettel, cornerback Jason Verrett and nose tackle Earl Mitchell.
Other exclusive rights free agents: Guard Daniel Brunskill, cornerback Emmanuel Moseley, tight end Ross Dwelley, running back Jeff Wilson Jr. and offensive lineman Andrew Lauderdale.


mercurynews--2020-02-14--Fourth suspect arrested in case involving torture and kidnapping of California jewelry store owner

A fourth suspect has been arrested in connection with the abduction , torture and robbery of a Costa Mesa jewelry store owner , police said Thursday , Feb. 13 .
San Bernardino residents Cedrick Reynolds , 28 , and Leonard Berry , 31 , as well as Marvin Brown 35 , of Diamond Bar , were each booked earlier on suspicion of crimes including kidnap for ransom , torture , robbery and battery with serious bodily injury , Costa Mesa police said in a news release .
The three men allegedly abducted the owner of Diamond and Jewelry Exchange at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police said .
They are suspected of forcing him into their vehicle , binding him in duct tape and torturing him over the course of several hours .
The alleged kidnappers then returned to his store to rob it .
They triggered an alarm on their way out , then drove to a parking lot in Santa Ana and booted the victim out of their vehicle .
A missing persons report had been filed after Costa Mesa police responded to the alarm at the store .
Santa Ana police found him early on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a hospital .
Personnel from the Costa Mesa police department , as well as the Orange County and San Bernardino County sheriffs ’ departments worked together to identify and arrest the suspects .
Authorties believe Berry ’ s wife , Veronica Berry , 25 , of San Bernardino , aided the men after the abduction , police said .
She was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of possession of stolen property and being an accessory to a crime .
Reynolds was arrested Wednesday , Dec. 18 , police said .
Berry had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a parole violation .
He was later booked in connection with the kidnapping on Dec. 24 .
Both were held on $ 1 million bail as of Thursday , Feb. 13 .
Brown was taken into custody four days after Berry ’ s arrest .
He was ineligible for bail .
All three suspects were due to appear in court March 10 , and also suspected in an earlier attempted kidnapping in Yorba Linda that happened Nov. 30 .

A fourth suspect has been arrested in connection with the abduction, torture and robbery of a Costa Mesa jewelry store owner, police said Thursday, Feb. 13.
San Bernardino residents Cedrick Reynolds, 28, and Leonard Berry, 31, as well as Marvin Brown 35, of Diamond Bar, were each booked earlier on suspicion of crimes including kidnap for ransom, torture, robbery and battery with serious bodily injury, Costa Mesa police said in a news release. The three men allegedly abducted the owner of Diamond and Jewelry Exchange at 1808 Newport Boulevard on Dec. 4, police said.
They are suspected of forcing him into their vehicle, binding him in duct tape and torturing him over the course of several hours. The alleged kidnappers then returned to his store to rob it. They triggered an alarm on their way out, then drove to a parking lot in Santa Ana and booted the victim out of their vehicle.
A missing persons report had been filed after Costa Mesa police responded to the alarm at the store. Santa Ana police found him early on Dec. 5., and he was taken to a hospital.
Personnel from the Costa Mesa police department, as well as the Orange County and San Bernardino County sheriffs’ departments worked together to identify and arrest the suspects.
Authorties believe Berry’s wife, Veronica Berry, 25, of San Bernardino, aided the men after the abduction, police said. She was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of possession of stolen property and being an accessory to a crime.
Reynolds was arrested Wednesday, Dec. 18, police said. Berry had been taken into custody Dec. 22 on suspicion of a parole violation. He was later booked in connection with the kidnapping on Dec. 24. Both were held on $1 million bail as of Thursday, Feb. 13.
Brown was taken into custody four days after Berry’s arrest. He was ineligible for bail. All three suspects were due to appear in court March 10, and also suspected in an earlier attempted kidnapping in Yorba Linda that happened Nov. 30.


mercurynews--2020-02-14--Officials urge Californians to obtain REAL IDs well before the October deadline

Hoping to avoid another crunch at the Department of Motor Vehicles later this year , transportation officials gathered at Los Angeles International Airport on Thursday , Feb. 13 , to remind Californians to get their Real IDs now if they want them .
Beginning Oct. 1 , those hoping to use their driver license to board domestic flights will need them to double as Real IDs , which requires at extra step , or have another federally approved ID .
Real IDs have been offered in California since January 2018 , and so far seven million have gotten them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ attempt to get theirs before Oct. 1 .
“ We ’ re hoping to get people in in an early fashion , that ’ s our design , ” said Steve Gordon , director of the California Department of Motor Vehicles .
“ That ’ s the only way we ’ re going to be able to serve this size of the community .
If we get people to act now , we ’ ll be in better shape.
” What the DMV doesn ’ t want is shades of early 2018 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the usual crush of drivers needing other services , created waits for some that stretched into four or five hours or more .
The DMV took measures to greatly reduce the public ’ s time spent at its offices , including hiring hundreds of employees and expanding office hours – and spreading out those who seek their Real IDs this year would greatly help .
If you want to get a Real ID , here is what you need to know : A .
In California , it is a driver license @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California bear and star in the top-right corner .
The program was approved in 2005 by the U.S. Congress , motivated by the Sept. 11 , 2001 attacks , to establish minimum security standards .
Q .
Why do I need a Real ID ?
A .
You might not .
It is one way to get onto a domestic flight , into federal facilities including courthouses and onto the grounds of nuclear power plants .
Q .
Will other forms of identification be accepted ?
A .
Yes .
They include a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government , a Department of Homeland Security traveler card , a permanent resident card and a U.S. Department of Defense ID .
A full list can be found at tsa.gov .
Q .
Can you obtain a Real ID after Oct. 1 ?
Q .
What do I need to obtain a Real ID ?
A .
This is what is required : •An identification document such as a birth certificate or passport .
•A document that has a Social Security Number , such as the Social Security Card or a W-2 form @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a utility bill , a vehicle registration , a rental or a lease agreement , a mortgage bill or a bank statement .
Q .
How long will it take to obtain a REAL ID at the DMV ?
A .
The DMV has streamlined the process to about 10 minutes , said Gordon , the DMV director .
Waits vary , though , and DMV officials recommend getting an apointment .
If you can ’ t get one to your liking , they suggest going to an office that is open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after 2 p.m. when crowds tend to be lighter .
Residents can reduce their time spent in a DMV office by filling out an application and uploading documents at the Real ID website .
Q .
How much does it cost to obtain a Real ID ?
A .
$ 37 , the same amount as a driver license .
Q .
Do those under 18 years old need a Real ID to travel on a domestic flight ?
But the minor must be traveling with a companion who has a Real ID @ @ @ @ @

Hoping to avoid another crunch at the Department of Motor Vehicles later this year, transportation officials gathered at Los Angeles International Airport on Thursday, Feb. 13, to remind Californians to get their Real IDs now if they want them.
Beginning Oct. 1, those hoping to use their driver license to board domestic flights will need them to double as Real IDs, which requires at extra step, or have another federally approved ID.
Real IDs have been offered in California since January 2018, and so far seven million have gotten them. Officials anticipate an additional 9 million will attempt to get theirs before Oct. 1.
“We’re hoping to get people in in an early fashion, that’s our design,” said Steve Gordon, director of the California Department of Motor Vehicles. “That’s the only way we’re going to be able to serve this size of the community. If we get people to act now, we’ll be in better shape.”
What the DMV doesn’t want is shades of early 2018, when those getting Real IDs, added to the usual crush of drivers needing other services, created waits for some that stretched into four or five hours or more.
The DMV took measures to greatly reduce the public’s time spent at its offices, including hiring hundreds of employees and expanding office hours – and spreading out those who seek their Real IDs this year would greatly help.
Officials with the California State Transportation Agency, DMV, LAX and TSA gave a press conference Thursday February 13, 2020 with information on obtaining a Real ID and the importance of doing so earlier rather than later. Real IDs will be required for domestic flights starting Oct. 1.(Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)
Officials with the California State Transportation Agency, DMV, LAX and TSA gave a press conference Thursday February 13, 2020 with information on obtaining a Real ID and the importance of doing so earlier rather than later. Real IDs will be required for domestic flights starting Oct. 1. Justin Erbacci, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Los Angeles World Airports addresses the media.(Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)
Officials with the California State Transportation Agency, DMV, LAX and TSA gave a press conference Thursday February 13, 2020 with information on obtaining a Real ID and the importance of doing so earlier rather than later. Real IDs will be required for domestic flights starting Oct. 1. David Kim,Secretary for the California State Transportation Agency addresses the media. (Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)
Officials with the California State Transportation Agency, DMV, LAX and TSA gave a press conference Thursday February 13, 2020 with information on obtaining a Real ID and the importance of doing so earlier rather than later. Real IDs will be required for domestic flights starting Oct. 1.(Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)
Officials with the California State Transportation Agency, DMV, LAX and TSA gave a press conference Thursday February 13, 2020 with information on obtaining a Real ID and the importance of doing so earlier rather than later. Real IDs will be required for domestic flights starting Oct. 1. Keith Jeffries, Federal Security Director, Los Angeles International Airport addresses the media. (Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)
Officials with the California State Transportation Agency, DMV, LAX and TSA gave a press conference Thursday February 13, 2020 with information on obtaining a Real ID and the importance of doing so earlier rather than later. Real IDs will be required for domestic flights starting Oct. 1. Keith Jeffries, Federal Security Director, Los Angeles International Airport addresses the media. (Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)
Officials with the California State Transportation Agency, DMV, LAX and TSA gave a press conference Thursday February 13, 2020 with information on obtaining a Real ID and the importance of doing so earlier rather than later. Real IDs will be required for domestic flights starting Oct. 1. Steve Gordon Director California Department of Motor Vehicles addresses the media. (Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)
Officials with the California State Transportation Agency, DMV, LAX and TSA gave a press conference Thursday February 13, 2020 with information on obtaining a Real ID and the importance of doing so earlier rather than later. Real IDs will be required for domestic flights starting Oct. 1. Steve Gordon Director California Department of Motor Vehicles addresses the media. (Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)
Officials with the California State Transportation Agency, DMV, LAX and TSA gave a press conference Thursday February 13, 2020 with information on obtaining a Real ID and the importance of doing so earlier rather than later. Real IDs will be required for domestic flights starting Oct. 1. David Kim,Secretary for the California State Transportation Agency addresses the media. (Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)
Officials with the California State Transportation Agency, DMV, LAX and TSA gave a press conference Thursday February 13, 2020 with information on obtaining a Real ID and the importance of doing so earlier rather than later. Real IDs will be required for domestic flights starting Oct. 1. Steve Gordon Director California Department of Motor Vehicles addresses the media. (Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)
Officials with the California State Transportation Agency, DMV, LAX and TSA gave a press conference Thursday February 13, 2020 with information on obtaining a Real ID and the importance of doing so earlier rather than later. Real IDs will be required for domestic flights starting Oct. 1. Steve Gordon Director California Department of Motor Vehicles addresses the media. (Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)
If you want to get a Real ID, here is what you need to know:
Q. What is Real ID?
A. In California, it is a driver license or DMV-issued ID Card but with a California bear and star in the top-right corner. The program was approved in 2005 by the U.S. Congress, motivated by the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, to establish minimum security standards.
Q. Why do I need a Real ID?
A. You might not. It is one way to get onto a domestic flight, into federal facilities including courthouses and onto the grounds of nuclear power plants.
Q. Will other forms of identification be accepted?
A. Yes. They include a passport issued by the U.S. or another government, a Department of Homeland Security traveler card, a permanent resident card and a U.S. Department of Defense ID. A full list can be found at tsa.gov.
Q. Can you obtain a Real ID after Oct. 1?
A. Yes.
Q. What do I need to obtain a Real ID?
A. This is what is required:
•An identification document such as a birth certificate or passport.
•A document that has a Social Security Number, such as the Social Security Card or a W-2 form.
•Two proof-of-residency documents; they can be a utility bill, a vehicle registration, a rental or a lease agreement, a mortgage bill or a bank statement.
(A full list of accepted documents are at realid.dmv.ca.gov.)
Q. How long will it take to obtain a REAL ID at the DMV?
A. The DMV has streamlined the process to about 10 minutes, said Gordon, the DMV director. Waits vary, though, and DMV officials recommend getting an appointment. If you can’t get one to your liking, they suggest going to an office that is open on Saturdays – not all are – after 2 p.m. when crowds tend to be lighter.
Residents can reduce their time spent in a DMV office by filling out an application and uploading documents at the Real ID website.
Q. How much does it cost to obtain a Real ID?
A. $37, the same amount as a driver license.
Q. Do those under 18 years old need a Real ID to travel on a domestic flight?
A. No.
But the minor must be traveling with a companion who has a Real ID or other accepted identification.


mercurynews--2020-02-14--Letter: The Senate should also do some work for the people

The Senate should also do some work for the people Re : “ Pelosi is angry because of of all @ @ @ @ @ Letter to the editor , Mercurynews.com , Feb. 10 ) : The letter-writer suggests that @ @ @ @ @ Pelosi should actually get something done for the people in her “ remaining ” days @ @ @ @ @ like to point out to him that the House has actually passed hundreds of bills @ @ @ @ @ that are stalled on Senate Leader Mitch McConnell ’ s desk .
• Letter : @ @ @ @ @ , more , more • Letter : My husband ’ s in tech support — @ @ @ @ @ s system failed Perhaps the letter-writer should encourage the Senate to do some work for @ @ @ @ @ letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

The Senate should also do
some work for the people
Re: “Pelosi is angry because of of all Trump has achieved” (Letter to the editor, Mercurynews.com, Feb. 10):
The letter-writer suggests that Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi should actually get something done for the people in her “remaining” days as speaker.
I would like to point out to him that the House has actually passed hundreds of bills and resolutions for the people that are stalled on Senate Leader Mitch McConnell’s desk.
Related Articles Letters to the Editor | Letters: Escape Bay Area | CASA program | Feinstein replacement | Faulty comparison | Not conservatives
Letters: Escape Bay Area | CASA program | Feinstein replacement | Faulty comparison | Not conservatives Letters to the Editor | Letters: Psychiatric beds | SJSU neglect | Squandering cash | Overdoing coverage | Pac-12 negotiations | For climate’s sake | Electric appliances
Letters: Psychiatric beds | SJSU neglect | Squandering cash | Overdoing coverage | Pac-12 negotiations | For climate’s sake | Electric appliances Letters to the Editor | Letters: Abandoning tenants | Deaf culture | Western contributions | Conservative alienation | Precise language
Letters: Abandoning tenants | Deaf culture | Western contributions | Conservative alienation | Precise language Letters to the Editor | Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path
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 Perhaps the letter-writer should encourage the Senate to do some work for the people.
Bobbi Finley
San Jose
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
Read more Letters to the Editor


Word Game: Feb. 14, 2020

Can you find 40 or more words in IRASCIBLY ?
The list will be published tomorrow .
To purchase the @ @ @ @ @ WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 while supplies last !
1 .
@ @ @ @ @ or more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four letters by the addition of @ @ @ @ @ as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” are not allowed .
3 .
@ @ @ @ @ a “ d ” or an “ s ” may not be used .
For @ @ @ @ @ ” is used , “ baked ” or “ bakes ” are not allowed , @ @ @ @ @ “ baking ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper nouns , slang words , or @ @ @ @ @ are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — IRASCIBLY (IRASCIBLY: ih-RAS-uh-blee: Angrily.)
Average mark 27 words
Time limit 45 minutes
Can you find 40 or more words in IRASCIBLY? The list will be published tomorrow.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — CREAMERY came care career carer carry cram
cream creamer creamy race racer racy rare ream reamer rear rearm eery
emery acme acre aery ameer army mace marc mare marry mercy mere
merry yare year
To purchase the Word Game book, visit WordGameBooks.com. Order it now for just $5 while supplies last!
RULES OF THE GAME:
1. Words must be of four or more letters.
2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.
3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” are not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible.
4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.
Contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe at kzsaxe@gmail.com.


mercurynews--2020-02-14--Horoscopes Feb. 14, 2020: Simon Pegg, shun the extravagances

Happy Birthday : Choose resourcefulness over extravagance .
A little will go a long way if you use your imagination .
Be happy with what you have , and strive to achieve peace of mind .
Don ’ t feel you have to keep up with anyone else .
Your only competition is yourself .
Believe in yourself , and put your talents to work .
Romance is on the rise .
Your numbers are 3 , 15 , 23 , 26 , 32 , 38 , 47 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Get serious about simple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come up with something that brings you greater joy and prosperity .
Interaction with a group that takes action and makes reforms will build confidence and enthusiasm .
Address emotional matters .
3 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : You don ’ t have to make a fuss to get attention .
In fact , in doing so , you will get a negative response , making your life more difficult .
Slide things past others reasonably and quietly .
3 stars GEMINI ( May 21-June 20 ) : Financial matters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that will help you fine-tune something you ’ ve been trying to achieve .
Romance and travel will interact well together .
Go in search of adventure .
3 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Someone trying to help will inadvertently offend you .
Know that whatever is said or done is because he or she cares enough to help you improve .
Love is in the picture , but don ’ t let it cost you .
You can not buy someone ’ s affection .
5 stars LEO ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relaxing , being pampered and enforcing greater comfort should be mandatory .
Changes you make to your surroundings will lift your spirits .
Ask questions if you feel uncertain or confused , and you will get the response you require .
2 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Take on a new task , and you will feel good about what you accomplish .
The people you love will be happy to tag along and share your success .
A challenge will help bump up your earning potential .
4 stars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Don ’ t give in to temptation or overreact to what ’ s going on around you .
Make love , not war ; plan outings and keep busy .
Positive thoughts will bring good results .
Recognize your talent , and master what you can do to be successful .
3 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Make some changes , expand your interests and follow your heart .
Determination and an industrious plan of attack will lead to good results .
Enjoy trying something new and different , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put you in debt .
3 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Live up to the promises you make .
Exaggeration will get you into trouble .
What you offer may get immediate gratification , but long-term , it will result in stress over what others expect of you .
Don ’ t do anything that might ruin your reputation .
3 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Someone will be uneasy with your suggestions .
Think matters through , look at every angle and listen to complaints .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lives of the people around you .
Act on behalf of everyone .
4 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Make your plan become reality .
Turn whatever you do into a fun project , and it will be easier to come up with new ways to use your skills , experience and knowledge to bring in more cash .
Set trends .
2 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Get serious about your future , partnership and professional direction .
Make adjustments , amendments and promises that will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the air , and you ’ ll be able to move forward without unwanted baggage .
A partnership looks promising .
5 stars Birthday Baby : You are passionate , creative and flexible .
You are serious , cautious and devoted .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Drew Bledsoe, 48; Simon Pegg, 50; Meg Tilly, 60; Terry Gross, 69.
Happy Birthday: Choose resourcefulness over extravagance. A little will go a long way if you use your imagination. Be happy with what you have, and strive to achieve peace of mind. Don’t feel you have to keep up with anyone else. Your only competition is yourself. Believe in yourself, and put your talents to work. Romance is on the rise. Your numbers are 3, 15, 23, 26, 32, 38, 47.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Get serious about simple details and ideas, and you will come up with something that brings you greater joy and prosperity. Interaction with a group that takes action and makes reforms will build confidence and enthusiasm. Address emotional matters. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You don’t have to make a fuss to get attention. In fact, in doing so, you will get a negative response, making your life more difficult. Slide things past others reasonably and quietly. 3 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Financial matters are featured. You will discover information that will help you fine-tune something you’ve been trying to achieve. Romance and travel will interact well together. Go in search of adventure. 3 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Someone trying to help will inadvertently offend you. Know that whatever is said or done is because he or she cares enough to help you improve. Love is in the picture, but don’t let it cost you. You cannot buy someone’s affection. 5 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Resting, relaxing, being pampered and enforcing greater comfort should be mandatory. Changes you make to your surroundings will lift your spirits. Ask questions if you feel uncertain or confused, and you will get the response you require. 2 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Take on a new task, and you will feel good about what you accomplish. The people you love will be happy to tag along and share your success. A challenge will help bump up your earning potential. 4 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Don’t give in to temptation or overreact to what’s going on around you. Make love, not war; plan outings and keep busy. Positive thoughts will bring good results. Recognize your talent, and master what you can do to be successful. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Make some changes, expand your interests and follow your heart. Determination and an industrious plan of attack will lead to good results. Enjoy trying something new and different, but don’t let what you do put you in debt. 3 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Live up to the promises you make. Exaggeration will get you into trouble. What you offer may get immediate gratification, but long-term, it will result in stress over what others expect of you. Don’t do anything that might ruin your reputation. 3 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Someone will be uneasy with your suggestions. Think matters through, look at every angle and listen to complaints. Consider how your intentions will influence the lives of the people around you. Act on behalf of everyone. 4 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Make your plan become reality. Turn whatever you do into a fun project, and it will be easier to come up with new ways to use your skills, experience and knowledge to bring in more cash. Set trends. 2 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Get serious about your future, partnership and professional direction. Make adjustments, amendments and promises that will help build a better future. Clear the air, and you’ll be able to move forward without unwanted baggage. A partnership looks promising. 5 stars
Birthday Baby: You are passionate, creative and flexible. You are serious, cautious and devoted.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


Bridge: Feb. 14, 2020

Cy the Cynic has gone through dozens of romantic relationships and treats them all with a dose of disdain .
I happen to know that Cy bought multi-packs of Valentine ’ s Day cards , all of which read “ I Love Only You.
” Cy is no less cynical about his partnerships at bridge ; his partners invariably let him down .
In today ’ s deal from a penny game , Cy was West and led his singleton spade against four hearts .
He struck gold in a way : East took the K-A and led a third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that defense was inadequate .
Declarer won the diamond return , drew trumps and discarded dummy ’ s remaining two diamonds on his good spades .
Making four .
Perhaps Cy ’ s opening lead — in South ’ s first suit — was questionable , but East misdefended .
East knows from the bidding that Cy ’ s opening lead is a singleton .
East beats the contract if he leads the eight of spades at Trick Two .
Cy ruffs and shifts to a diamond , and the defense cashes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his ace of spades .
You hold : S A K 8 2 H 7 D K 10 7 3 C J 9 6 2 .
Your partner opens one heart , you bid one spade , he rebids two hearts and you try 2NT .
Partner then bids three clubs .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : Partner suggests six hearts , probably four clubs and minimum opening values .
If he held a hand such as 4 , A Q 10 8 5 2 , A 4 , A Q @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been three hearts or two clubs .
Pass .
If you had A K 8 2 , 7 , 10 8 7 3 , A 9 6 2 , a raise to four clubs would be acceptable .

Cy the Cynic has gone through dozens of romantic relationships and treats them all with a dose of disdain. I happen to know that Cy bought multi-packs of Valentine’s Day cards, all of which read “I Love Only You.”
Cy is no less cynical about his partnerships at bridge; his partners invariably let him down. In today’s deal from a penny game, Cy was West and led his singleton spade against four hearts. He struck gold in a way: East took the K-A and led a third spade for Cy to ruff.
INADEQUATE
Alas, that defense was inadequate. Declarer won the diamond return, drew trumps and discarded dummy’s remaining two diamonds on his good spades. Making four.
Perhaps Cy’s opening lead — in South’s first suit — was questionable, but East misdefended. East knows from the bidding that Cy’s opening lead is a singleton. East beats the contract if he leads the eight of spades at Trick Two. Cy ruffs and shifts to a diamond, and the defense cashes a diamond when East gets in with his ace of spades.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S A K 8 2 H 7 D K 10 7 3 C J 9 6 2. Your partner opens one heart, you bid one spade, he rebids two hearts and you try 2NT. Partner then bids three clubs. What do you say?
ANSWER: Partner suggests six hearts, probably four clubs and minimum opening values. If he held a hand such as 4, A Q 10 8 5 2, A 4, A Q 5 3, his second bid would have been three hearts or two clubs. Pass. If you had A K 8 2, 7, 10 8 7 3, A 9 6 2, a raise to four clubs would be acceptable.
South dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S J 6 3
H A Q 8 3
D J 9 4
C Q 8 4
WEST
S 4
H 6 5 4
D Q 8 5 2
C K 10 7 5 3
EAST
S A K 8 2
H 7
D K 10 7 3
C J 9 6 2
SOUTH
S Q 10 9 7 5
H K J 10 9 2
D A 6
C A
South West North East
1 S Pass 2 S Pass
3 H Pass 4 H All Pass
Opening lead — S 4
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-02-14--Ask Amy: She won’t love me like I want her to

DEAR AMY : I am a first-time mother-in- law .
We are a close family .
We have always kept in touch with one another on a regular basis , even after the kids left home .
My son and new daughter-in-law live about 90 minutes away .
My daughter-in-law seems content to keep contact to a minimum .
This includes discussing/celebrating important events — both happy and sad .
For example , I am going through a difficult separation from my husband .
I have told my daughter-in-law that it would mean a lot to me to hear from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerned about me .
When I expressed my feelings to her , she claimed I was telling her “ how ” to love me .
I told her that a loving family should be able to express their needs to each other .
• Ask Amy : She texted hearts to my husband , and he won ’ t address it • Ask Amy : I like dogs more than babies .
What is wrong with me ?
• Ask Amy : I feel such rage when I see her picture on Facebook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t afford more daycare , and my mom won ’ t help us • Ask Amy : He turns every conversation into a lecture , and it ’ s infuriating I was not allowed a mother/son dance at their wedding because she lost her father and I was told it would be too difficult for her to watch us dance .
I did dance with my son at the end of the evening , and she mumbled to me that she didn ’ t mean to be “ an ass… ” about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first child , and my son called to tell me the baby will be born with a heart defect and will need surgery at some point .
He asked me to wait a day before calling his wife .
I called her and left a message .
She didn ’ t return the call or text me .
I don ’ t understand why she keeps me at arm ’ s length .
She knows I hold them close to my heart .
She is not close to her mother .
They rarely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is fine with both of them , but I am not that kind of mom !
How can I bring her closer to me ?
DEAR HEARTBROKEN : First , you need to figure out how to be less heartbroken , and more patient and understanding toward a young woman who might not know how to be intimate in the way that you are intimate .
It is inappropriate for you to share details of your separation from your husband with this new family member , and to ask for ( or expect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the husband you are separated from is her new father-in-law .
Your emotional needs feel like a demand ; this puts a lot of pressure on her .
She has no father and a distant relationship with her mother .
You should not tell her how to love you .
Instead , you should show her how a patient , compassionate , loving and good-humored mother behaves .
You should not expect a call back from an anxious , pregnant daughter-in-law with a frightening diagnosis who has already admitted that she doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Approach her with the goal to build a friendship .
Don ’ t pressure her to be a daughter to you .
She ’ s not ready !
Your DIL needs to be able to trust that you won ’ t overreact or transfigure her dramas into yours .
This requires that you both learn to behave differently .
DEAR AMY : Is there an acceptable way to ask people on the plane or in a waiting room if they are contagious ?
I ’ m not sure what I ’ d do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but perhaps they would make more of an effort to cover up their coughs — or use cough drops !
Rather Not Get Sick DEAR RATHER NOT : As of this writing , the coronavirus , which originated in China , is spreading .
Children are ( quite appropriately ) taught to cough and sneeze into their elbows .
This technique is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( cdc.gov ) .
The CDC also recommends coughing into a tissue and then throwing the tissue away .
If you are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you should assume that someone near you who is coughing is contagious .
This is from the CDC website : “ Cough etiquette is especially important for infection control measures in healthcare settings , such as emergency departments , doctor ’ s offices , and clinics.
” A polite way to remind someone to cover their cough would be to say , “ It seems that you are sick .
Would you mind covering your cough ?
” DEAR AMY : In a previous column , you recommended “ relocating ” a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new homeowner .
In many states , it is illegal to relocate wild animals .
The squirrels were there before the homeowner .
They get first dibs .
DEAR LOVER : Thank you .
These squirrels were being fed by a neighbor .
The U.S. Department of Agriculture strongly discourages feeding wild animals .
If these neighbors didn ’ t feed the squirrels , they might relocate themselves .
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy , P.O .
Box 194 , Freeville , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her on Twitter @ askingamy or Facebook .

DEAR AMY: I am a first-time mother-in- law. We are a close family. We have always kept in touch with one another on a regular basis, even after the kids left home. My son and new daughter-in-law live about 90 minutes away.
My daughter-in-law seems content to keep contact to a minimum. This includes discussing/celebrating important events — both happy and sad.
For example, I am going through a difficult separation from my husband. I have told my daughter-in-law that it would mean a lot to me to hear from her, to know that she is concerned about me.
When I expressed my feelings to her, she claimed I was telling her “how” to love me. I told her that a loving family should be able to express their needs to each other.
Related Articles Advice | Ask Amy: I found the videos she posted about me, with all the demeaning comments
Ask Amy: I found the videos she posted about me, with all the demeaning comments Advice | Ask Amy: My fiance wants me to stay home. Should I bolt?
Ask Amy: My fiance wants me to stay home. Should I bolt? Advice | Ask Amy: Why did she react that way? It was a compliment!
Ask Amy: Why did she react that way? It was a compliment! Advice | Ask Amy: I’ve told them they need therapy, and they refuse to do it. What now?
Ask Amy: I’ve told them they need therapy, and they refuse to do it. What now? Advice | Ask Amy: The man I love is my grandchild’s uncle, and things have gotten messy I was not allowed a mother/son dance at their wedding because she lost her father and I was told it would be too difficult for her to watch us dance. I did dance with my son at the end of the evening, and she mumbled to me that she didn’t mean to be “an ass…” about the dance.
They are now expecting their first child, and my son called to tell me the baby will be born with a heart defect and will need surgery at some point. He asked me to wait a day before calling his wife. I called her and left a message. She didn’t return the call or text me.
I don’t understand why she keeps me at arm’s length.
She knows I hold them close to my heart. She is not close to her mother. They rarely speak, and she has said this is fine with both of them, but I am not that kind of mom! How can I bring her closer to me?
Heartbroken Mom
DEAR HEARTBROKEN: First, you need to figure out how to be less heartbroken, and more patient and understanding toward a young woman who might not know how to be intimate in the way that you are intimate.
It is inappropriate for you to share details of your separation from your husband with this new family member, and to ask for (or expect) her emotional support. Presumably, the husband you are separated from is her new father-in-law. Your emotional needs feel like a demand; this puts a lot of pressure on her.
She has no father and a distant relationship with her mother.
You should not tell her how to love you. Instead, you should show her how a patient, compassionate, loving and good-humored mother behaves.
You should not expect a call back from an anxious, pregnant daughter-in-law with a frightening diagnosis who has already admitted that she doesn’t always know how to behave.
Approach her with the goal to build a friendship. Don’t pressure her to be a daughter to you. She’s not ready!
Your DIL needs to be able to trust that you won’t overreact or transfigure her dramas into yours. This requires that you both learn to behave differently.
DEAR AMY: Is there an acceptable way to ask people on the plane or in a waiting room if they are contagious?
I’m not sure what I’d do if they said “yes,” but perhaps they would make more of an effort to cover up their coughs — or use cough drops!
Rather Not Get Sick
DEAR RATHER NOT: As of this writing, the coronavirus, which originated in China, is spreading.
Children are (quite appropriately) taught to cough and sneeze into their elbows. This technique is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov). The CDC also recommends coughing into a tissue and then throwing the tissue away.
If you are in a physician’s waiting room, you should assume that someone near you who is coughing is contagious.
This is from the CDC website: “Cough etiquette is especially important for infection control measures in healthcare settings, such as emergency departments, doctor’s offices, and clinics.”
A polite way to remind someone to cover their cough would be to say, “It seems that you are sick. Would you mind covering your cough?”
Want Ask Amy delivered to your inbox for free on weekdays?
DEAR AMY: In a previous column, you recommended “relocating” a trio of squirrels that were tormenting a new homeowner.
In many states, it is illegal to relocate wild animals. The squirrels were there before the homeowner. They get first dibs.
Squirrel Lover
DEAR LOVER: Thank you. These squirrels were being fed by a neighbor. The U.S. Department of Agriculture strongly discourages feeding wild animals.
If these neighbors didn’t feed the squirrels, they might relocate themselves.
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.


mercurynews--2020-02-14--New York Mayor De Blasio endorses Bernie Sanders

WASHINGTON – New York Mayor Bill de Blasio endorsed U.S .
Senator Bernie Sanders in the 2020 Democratic presidential race on Friday , the Sanders campaign said .
De Blasio , a liberal who dropped out of the Democratic contest in September , will travel with Sanders on Sunday and Monday to Nevada , which holds its caucuses on Feb. 22 , a campaign announcement said .
The endorsement comes after Sanders , who was born in New York but represents Vermont in the U.S. Senate , came out of the first nominating contests in Iowa and New Hampshire as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenge Republican President Donald Trump in the Nov. 3 election .
“ New Yorkers know all too well the damage caused by Donald Trump ’ s xenophobia , bigotry and recklessness , and Bernie is the candidate to take him on and take him down , ” the announcement quoted de Blasio as saying .
“ I have called for a bold , progressive agenda , and that ’ s exactly what Senator Sanders has championed for decades.
” Before exiting his campaign , de Blasio emphasized his accomplishments as mayor , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as stop-and-frisk , which ensnared disproportionate numbers of blacks and Latinos .
The strategy was supported by his predecessor as mayor , Michael Bloomberg , who apologized for it a few days before announcing his own candidacy for the 2020 Democratic race .
Sanders has criticized Bloomberg , who is outspending all the other candidates in his self-funded campaign , as trying to buy the election .

By Doina Chiacu and Simon Lewis | Reuters
WASHINGTON – New York Mayor Bill de Blasio endorsed U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders in the 2020 Democratic presidential race on Friday, the Sanders campaign said.
De Blasio, a liberal who dropped out of the Democratic contest in September, will travel with Sanders on Sunday and Monday to Nevada, which holds its caucuses on Feb. 22, a campaign announcement said.
The endorsement comes after Sanders, who was born in New York but represents Vermont in the U.S. Senate, came out of the first nominating contests in Iowa and New Hampshire as a front-runner among the Democrats vying to challenge Republican President Donald Trump in the Nov. 3 election.
“New Yorkers know all too well the damage caused by Donald Trump’s xenophobia, bigotry and recklessness, and Bernie is the candidate to take him on and take him down,” the announcement quoted de Blasio as saying. “I have called for a bold, progressive agenda, and that’s exactly what Senator Sanders has championed for decades.”
Before exiting his campaign, de Blasio emphasized his accomplishments as mayor, including the end of the policing practice known as stop-and-frisk, which ensnared disproportionate numbers of blacks and Latinos.
The strategy was supported by his predecessor as mayor, Michael Bloomberg, who apologized for it a few days before announcing his own candidacy for the 2020 Democratic race.
Sanders has criticized Bloomberg, who is outspending all the other candidates in his self-funded campaign, as trying to buy the election.


mercurynews--2020-02-14--Mountain View: DNA match leads to arrest in 2004 sexual assault

MOUNTAIN VIEW — A New Mexico man has been arrested and extradited back to California 16 years after leaving DNA on a pillow while assaulting a woman inside a motel , police said .
Investigators homed in on Albuquerque resident Van Overton , Jr. , 45 , last month after an Albuquerque rape kit from 1997 was finally tested and proved to match DNA from the 2004 Mountain View sexual assault .
“ After 16 years , you either think your suspect is deceased or they ’ re already serving a prison term where it wasn ’ t required to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ View Police Capt .
Jessica Nowaski in an interview Friday .
“ I ’ m just really excited that we were able to bring closure to our victim.
” At around 4 a.m. one February morning in 2004 , Mountain View police officers — including Nowaski , then in the Crimes Against Persons Unit — responded to a disturbing call .
A 42-year-old woman was asleep in Lucky U Motel , located on Fairchild Drive just off of Bayshore Freeway , when a man snuck in through the first-floor window and sexually assaulted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking off , she told Nowaski ’ s team .
Police scoured the neighborhood , knocking doors and talking to suspects that matched the description , but it proved fruitless .
They also collected DNA from the motel room pillow , coming up with a profile for the national DNA database known as Combined DNA Index System , or CODIS .
But over the next decade and a half , no matches arose in the database — even as Nowaski checked in with the woman each year around the anniversary of her assault @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when you don ’ t know — ‘ Who did this to me ?
’ — and it just creates a complete void , ” Nowaski said .
“ To go year after year knowing that person is not being held accountable is very , very difficult.
” In the meantime , Albuquerque police were dealing with their own problem : A years-long backlog of rape kits .
In 2018 , Mayor Tim Keller signed an executive order — along with funding — so that the city could begin working its way through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dating back to the 1980s .
One of those kits proved a match .
In late January 2020 , Nowaski got a call : An unknown sample from a 1997 Albuquerque assault , newly entered into CODIS , appeared to match the DNA from her 2004 case .
The next few weeks were a whirlwind .
As Albuquerque and Mountain View police pored over the two cases , tips initially led them to a suspect in Tuscon , who they ruled out .
Help from the Tuscon department ultimately led them back to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Feb. 7 , Albuquerque police served a search warrant to obtain a DNA sample from Overton , which Mountain View detectives flew out to pick up in person .
Two days later on Feb. 9 , Santa Clara County District Attorney ’ s Crime Lab confirmed his sample matched the DNA profiles for the two cases .
Records show that Overton lived in the Bay Area between 2002 and 2006 , Nowaski said , bookended by his time in Albuquerque .
Overton was extradited back to California and arraigned Santa Clara County Superior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charged with various crimes related to sexual assault , including forced oral copulation and burglary with the intention to commit rape , and is being held without bail .
Although the proliferation of DNA testing sites like 23andMe and GEDmatch have allowed investigators to crack various cold cases — including that of the Golden State Killer — the key to Overton ’ s arrest was simply Albuquerque working its way through the backlog , Nowaski said .
As of Friday , the city had just 27 of the 5,418 backlogged kits left to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , Nowaski and other members of the Mountain View team sat down with the victim to explain the sudden developments in the case — leaving her in what the police captain described as a state of relieved shock .
“ She said she can finally get a good night ’ s sleep , ” Nowaski said .

MOUNTAIN VIEW — A New Mexico man has been arrested and extradited back to California 16 years after leaving DNA on a pillow while assaulting a woman inside a motel, police said.
Investigators homed in on Albuquerque resident Van Overton, Jr., 45, last month after an Albuquerque rape kit from 1997 was finally tested and proved to match DNA from the 2004 Mountain View sexual assault.
“After 16 years, you either think your suspect is deceased or they’re already serving a prison term where it wasn’t required to collect their DNA,” said Mountain View Police Capt. Jessica Nowaski in an interview Friday. “I’m just really excited that we were able to bring closure to our victim.”
At around 4 a.m. one February morning in 2004, Mountain View police officers — including Nowaski, then in the Crimes Against Persons Unit — responded to a disturbing call.
A 42-year-old woman was asleep in Lucky U Motel, located on Fairchild Drive just off of Bayshore Freeway, when a man snuck in through the first-floor window and sexually assaulted her for at least 30 minutes before taking off, she told Nowaski’s team.
Police scoured the neighborhood, knocking doors and talking to suspects that matched the description, but it proved fruitless. They also collected DNA from the motel room pillow, coming up with a profile for the national DNA database known as Combined DNA Index System, or CODIS.
But over the next decade and a half, no matches arose in the database — even as Nowaski checked in with the woman each year around the anniversary of her assault.
“It’s very difficult when you don’t know — ‘Who did this to me?’ — and it just creates a complete void,” Nowaski said. “To go year after year knowing that person is not being held accountable is very, very difficult.”
In the meantime, Albuquerque police were dealing with their own problem: A years-long backlog of rape kits. In 2018, Mayor Tim Keller signed an executive order — along with funding — so that the city could begin working its way through over 5,000 untested rape kits, some dating back to the 1980s.
One of those kits proved a match. In late January 2020, Nowaski got a call: An unknown sample from a 1997 Albuquerque assault, newly entered into CODIS, appeared to match the DNA from her 2004 case.
The next few weeks were a whirlwind. As Albuquerque and Mountain View police pored over the two cases, tips initially led them to a suspect in Tuscon, who they ruled out. Help from the Tuscon department ultimately led them back to Albuquerque, where Overton lives.
On Feb. 7, Albuquerque police served a search warrant to obtain a DNA sample from Overton, which Mountain View detectives flew out to pick up in person. Two days later on Feb. 9, Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Crime Lab confirmed his sample matched the DNA profiles for the two cases.
Records show that Overton lived in the Bay Area between 2002 and 2006, Nowaski said, bookended by his time in Albuquerque.
Overton was extradited back to California and arraigned Santa Clara County Superior Court on Thursday. He has been charged with various crimes related to sexual assault, including forced oral copulation and burglary with the intention to commit rape, and is being held without bail.
Although the proliferation of DNA testing sites like 23andMe and GEDmatch have allowed investigators to crack various cold cases — including that of the Golden State Killer — the key to Overton’s arrest was simply Albuquerque working its way through the backlog, Nowaski said.
As of Friday, the city had just 27 of the 5,418 backlogged kits left to test, police said.
Earlier this week, Nowaski and other members of the Mountain View team sat down with the victim to explain the sudden developments in the case — leaving her in what the police captain described as a state of relieved shock.
“She said she can finally get a good night’s sleep,” Nowaski said.


mercurynews--2020-02-14--‘Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist’: San Anselmo’s Jane Levy shines in musical series

Jane Levy , the San Anselmo native who stars in “ Zoey ’ s Extraordinary Playlist , ” doesn ’ t have a musical theater background .
Nor is she a trained singer or dancer .
• Oakland ’ s Russell Hornsby ‘ choked up ’ over his big break in ‘ Lincoln Rhyme ’ • Berkeley authors Chabon and Waldman embrace TV in a big way No matter .
Levy is the leading lady of NBC ’ s offbeat new musical drama series and she ’ s having an absolute blast .
“ Sometimes you feel like you are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be , ” she says .
“ That ’ s how I feel right now with this show.
” Levy , 30 , plays its title character , Zoey Clark .
She ’ s a smart and driven computer coder forging her way through the Bay Area ’ s tech industry .
But after a weird experience during an MRI , she suddenly starts to hear the innermost thoughts , secrets and desires of the people around her — through popular songs and colorful musical numbers .
That includes her co-worker ( Skylar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ love for her , and her boss ( Lauren Graham ) who croons about her marriage .
Initially , Zoey fears that she ’ s going bonkers .
But she soon realizes that this unwanted curse just might be some kind of amazing gift — one that could allow her to connect with her father Mitch ( Peter Gallagher ) , who suffers from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy ( PSP ) .
It ’ s a rare neurological disease that renders him unable to communicate with his daughter , his wife Maggie ( Mary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Levy is no stranger to the stage or television .
She was bitten by the acting bug as a youngster , performing in plays as a student at Brookside School and Drake High School .
Her previous TV credits include “ Shameless , ” “ Suburgatory ” and “ Castle Rock , ” among others .
Through it all , she has displayed impressive versatility via roles that range from comedic to highly dramatic .
But a high-concept musical series that , like “ Glee ” and “ Crazy Ex-Girlfriend , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choreography ?
That ’ s completely new territory .
“ I thought the script was lovely and that I had an opportunity to do something I ’ d never done before on television , ” she says .
“ And it has blossomed into something so much bigger.
” “ Zoey ’ s Extraordinary Playlist ” debuted with a sneak preview in January .
But the show ’ s season is finally launching in earnest on Sunday , Feb. 16 .
In the early episodes , including a pilot partially shot in San @ @ @ @ @ @ @ observes the musical performances happening around her .
Eventually , though , she joins the fun .
In the eighth episode , in fact , she takes over with a command performance that had her leading seven song-and-dance numbers .
“ I might have had a nervous breakdown in preparation for it , maybe , ” she admits .
“ …I was terrified.
” But Levy , who trained with a vocal instructor for much of last summer , powered her way through it and she gives some of the credit to her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high school .
“ Learning to sing and dance is really fun .
It ’ s also really humbling , ” she says .
“ I ’ m very competitive .
I come from a sports background and failing makes me feel like s— .
And I failed many times , but I just keep persevering.
” And she did so with what “ Zoey ” creator Austin Winsberg calls a “ tour de force ” effort .
“ She does everything ( in Episode 8 ) .
She ’ s funny .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he says .
“ This is not me selling it .
The fact that this is not a person who sings and dances normally , it ’ s incredible .
She really gives an unbelievable , I think , Emmy-winning performance.
” Winsberg insists that he had no qualms casting someone with limited singing-and-dancing experience .
He told Entertainment Weekly that there wasn ’ t even an audition process for the lead role .
“ We offered it to Jane , ” he said .
“ This part was going to require a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ singing and dancing .
I also needed somebody who felt a little quirky and was someone that could belong in that computer coding world , someone who was really smart as well .
To have that razor-sharp comedic timing to be as expressive as she is for all the musical numbers , Jane was the first person we thought of that checked all those boxes.
” The show , which mixes upbeat tunes with plenty of touching , emotional moments , is inspired by Winsberg ’ s own experiences .
His father died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ For the last six months he was alive , he was very much in the state that Peter is in the show , ” he says .
“ We didn ’ t know what he was processing , how much he was processing .
He would show us moments , and we felt like the brain was still working , but the body was betraying him .
… This whole idea generated from me thinking , ‘ What if we could see what was going on in my dad ’ s head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because I have a little bit of a musical background , it all was about that idea of ‘ What if he could see the world as a musical ?
’ … It came from wanting to see my dad sing , and see my parents dance again.
” Asked why much of TV has a musical bent these days , Winsberg says it ’ s “ because people are looking for joy and hope in the world right now .
And I think that musicals can touch upon deep emotions and can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard to say in words.
” That ’ s something Levy has definitely discovered since taking on the role of Zoey .
“ It ’ s the magic of musicals , ” she says .
“ It ’ s a different tool .
It ’ s a different way of storytelling .
… Plus , it ’ s just a real joy to to be on a set where , every day , people break out into song .
”

Jane Levy, the San Anselmo native who stars in “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist,” doesn’t have a musical theater background. Nor is she a trained singer or dancer.
She’s not even a big Broadway nerd.
Related Articles Entertainment | Oakland’s MLK Oratorical fest celebrated at HBO premiere
Oakland’s MLK Oratorical fest celebrated at HBO premiere Entertainment | Oakland’s Russell Hornsby ‘choked up’ over his big break in ‘Lincoln Rhyme’
Oakland’s Russell Hornsby ‘choked up’ over his big break in ‘Lincoln Rhyme’ Entertainment | Berkeley authors Chabon and Waldman embrace TV in a big way No matter. Levy is the leading lady of NBC’s offbeat new musical drama series and she’s having an absolute blast.
“Sometimes you feel like you are exactly where you’re supposed to be,” she says. “That’s how I feel right now with this show.”
Levy, 30, plays its title character, Zoey Clarke. She’s a smart and driven computer coder forging her way through the Bay Area’s tech industry. But after a weird experience during an MRI, she suddenly starts to hear the innermost thoughts, secrets and desires of the people around her — through popular songs and colorful musical numbers. That includes her co-worker (Skylar Astin), who sings about his love for her, and her boss (Lauren Graham) who croons about her marriage.
Think “Glee” on hallucinogens.
Initially, Zoey fears she’s going bonkers. But she soon realizes that this unwanted curse just might be some kind of amazing gift — one that could allow her to connect with her father Mitch (Peter Gallagher), who suffers from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). It’s a devastating neurological disease that renders him unable to communicate with his daughter, his wife Maggie (Mary Steenburgen) and everyone else around him.
Levy is no stranger to the stage or television. She was bitten by the acting bug as a youngster, performing in plays as a student at Brookside School and Drake High School. Her previous TV credits include “Shameless,” “Suburgatory” and “Castle Rock,” among others. Through it all, she has displayed impressive versatility via roles that range from comedic to highly dramatic.
But a whimsical, high-concept series that, like “Glee” and “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” is stuffed with toe-tapping tunes and show-stopping choreography? That’s completely new territory.
“I thought the script was lovely and that I had an opportunity to do something I’d never done before on television,” she says. “And it has blossomed into something so much bigger.”
“Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” debuted with a sneak preview in January. But the show’s season is finally launching in earnest on Sunday, Feb. 16. In the early episodes, including a pilot partially shot in San Francisco, Levy’s character mostly observes the musical performances happening around her. Eventually, though, she joins the fun.
In the eighth episode, in fact, she takes over with a command performance that had her leading seven song-and-dance numbers.
“I might have had a nervous breakdown in preparation for it, maybe,” she admits. “…I was terrified.”
But Levy, who trained with a vocal instructor for much of last summer, powered her way through it and she gives some of the credit to her days as a standout soccer player in high school.
“Learning to sing and dance is really fun. It’s also really humbling,” she says. “I’m very competitive. I come from a sports background and failing makes me feel like s—. And I failed many times, but I just keep persevering.”
And she did so with what “Zoey” creator Austin Winsberg calls a “tour de force” effort.
“She does everything (in Episode 8). She’s funny. She’s incredibly emotional,” he says. “This is not me selling it. The fact that this is not a person who sings and dances normally, it’s incredible. She really gives an unbelievable, I think, Emmy-winning performance.”
Winsberg insists that he had no qualms casting someone with limited singing-and-dancing experience. He told Entertainment Weekly that there wasn’t even an audition process for the lead role.
“We offered it to Jane,” he said. “This part was going to require a wide range of comedy and drama and singing and dancing. I also needed somebody who felt a little quirky and was someone that could belong in that computer coding world, someone who was really smart as well. To have that razor-sharp comedic timing to be as expressive as she is for all the musical numbers, Jane was the first person we thought of that checked all those boxes.”
The show, which mixes upbeat tunes with plenty of touching, emotional moments, is inspired by Winsberg’s own experiences. His father died in 2011 after suffering from PSP.
“For the last six months he was alive, he was very much in the state that Peter is in the show,” he says. “We didn’t know what he was processing, how much he was processing. He would show us moments, and we felt like the brain was still working, but the body was betraying him. … This whole idea generated from me thinking, ‘What if we could see what was going on in my dad’s head during this time?’
“And because I have a little bit of a musical background, it all was about that idea of ‘What if he could see the world as a musical?’ … It came from wanting to see my dad sing, and see my parents dance again.”
Asked why much of TV has a musical bent these days, Winsberg says it’s “because people are looking for joy and hope in the world right now. And I think that musicals can touch upon deep emotions and can bring about stuff that’s sometimes hard to say in words.”
That’s something Levy has definitely discovered since taking on the role of Zoey.
“It’s the magic of musicals,” she says. “It’s a different tool. It’s a different way of storytelling. … Plus, it’s just a real joy to to be on a set where, every day, people break out into song.”


mercurynews--2020-02-14--Watch: Astronaut Christina Koch is greeted by her very happy dog

When NASA astronaut Christina Koch returned from her record-breaking 328 days in outer space , one of the first things @ @ @ @ @ her Earth-bound dog , Sadie Lou , who was over the moon to see her @ @ @ @ @ away .
The video , posted on Instagram , had the world uttering a collective @ @ @ @ @ dog ’ s sheer joy at seeing Koch .
The video showed that our dogs @ @ @ @ @ are some other videos of dogs — and cats — greeting their owners after absences @ @ @ @ @ be aloof in their joy

When NASA astronaut Christina Koch returned from her record-breaking 328 days in outer space, one of the first things she did was reunite with her Earth-bound dog, Sadie Lou, who was over the moon to see her owner after almost a year away.
The video, posted on Instagram, had the world uttering a collective “aw” over the dog’s sheer joy at seeing Koch.
The video showed that our dogs never forget us. Here are some other videos of dogs — and cats — greeting their owners after absences.
Vacation welcome home
Compilation of happy dogs
Cats, forgetting to be aloof in their joy


mercurynews--2020-02-14--Warriors’ top All-Star moments: From Steph vs. Klay to J-Rich’s dunk dominance

It ’ s going to be weird this weekend for Warriors fans .
Then again , weird is the new normal for this Golden State season .
Not so long ago , the Warriors dominated the NBA ’ s All-Star weekend with four players selected for the game in 2017 and 2018 .
Even last year , they had three representatives , and they haven ’ t had fewer than two since Steph Curry was the only Warrior on the West ’ s 2014 roster .
But this year is different : Rookie second-rounder Eric Paschall is the only Warrior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event this weekend .
He ’ s on the Team USA roster for Friday night ’ s Rising Stars game , which features first- and second-year players .
With Curry and Klay Thompson injured , reigning All-Star MVP Kevin Durant rehabbing his Achilles with the Brooklyn Nets and Draymond Green diminished by the lack of talent around him , the Warriors won ’ t have any representation in Sunday ’ s game .
Let ’ s remember some of the top moments of All-Star weekends past , starting with the most recent .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Steph Curry ’ s hometown of Charlotte , North Carolina .
Curry was supposed to be coronated in the 3-point contest , but had that title stolen by Durant ’ s new teammate , Joe Harris .
He did show well in the All-Star Game itself , though , boasting a connection ( and possible recruitment ? )
with league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo , including a bounce-pass alley-oop over Durant that got the crowd amped .
Steph and Klay did battle , and Klay ended up on top with Team LeBron beating Team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was Durant who won the game ’ s MVP for his 31-point performance as he took over for Team LeBron in the fourth quarter .
Last season wasn ’ t the first time the Splash Brothers did battle during All-Star weekend .
Back in 2016 , Curry was defending his 3-point championship title as the pre-eminent long-range marksman in the NBA , having recently dazzled the basketball world on the Warriors ’ run to the 2015 championship .
But Klay reminded the NBA that there are in fact two members of the hottest-shooting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in position to win with 23 final-round points , but Klay surpassed him on the moneyball rack to secure the victory and a Warriors repeat .
As we head backwards through history , we have to note the Warriors ’ All-Star drought , which extended from 1997 ( Latrell Sprewell ) until 2013 ( David Lee ) .
During that stretch , though , there was Jason Richardson ’ s two-year run of dominating the dunk contest .
Richardson won the 2002 contest in Philadelphia with a tribute to Dominique Wilkins and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repeat effort in Atlanta featured three bounce alley-oop dunks , including the capper : A lefty reverse between-the-legs jam .
My words clearly don ’ t do it justice — watch the dunks as J-Rich explains how they came about : Richardson and Dubs teammate Gilbert Arenas , who gave him dunk advice in both contests , split the 2002 and 2003 Rising Stars MVPs .
Best ( and worst ) of the rest The only post-Philly Warrior to win an All-Star MVP was Rick Barry in 1967 at San Francisco ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All-Star Game and poured in 38 points on 16-of-27 shooting .
That was before the 3-point line entered the NBA , and before there was much video of the event .
• Marquese Chriss continues to impress and 3 more thoughts from the Warriors ’ loss to Suns • D ’ Angelo Russell lashes out at reporter after first loss with Timberwolves • Steph Curry treats students from rough backgrounds to suite life at a Warriors game Perhaps the most memorable moment for Dubs fans during their All-Star drought was in 2000 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Arena in Oakland ) hosted festivities .
Video of this notable All-Star moment is also difficult to find , but then-owner Chris Cohan , who oversaw 16 years of terrible Warriors basketball , was reportedly booed during his introduction .
Wonder where that video went .
Cohan owned the team for only two All-Star appearances , both by Sprewell before he choked coach P.J .
Carlesimo and was traded to the Knicks .
Since buying the team in 2010 , Lacob has seen 18 All-Star seasons from Warriors players , though Curry @ @ @ @ @ @

It’s going to be a weird All Star Game for Warriors fans Sunday. Then again, weird is the new normal for this Golden State season.
Not so long ago, the Warriors dominated the NBA’s All-Star weekend with four players selected for the game in 2017 and 2018. Even last year, they had three representatives, and they haven’t had fewer than two since Steph Curry was the only Warrior on the West’s 2014 roster.
But this year is different: Rookie second-rounder Eric Paschall is the only Warrior who will take the court for any event this weekend. He played in the Rising Stars game on Friday night, scoring 23 points in the game that features first- and second-year players.
With Curry and Klay Thompson injured, reigning All-Star MVP Kevin Durant rehabbing his Achilles with the Brooklyn Nets and Draymond Green diminished by the lack of talent around him, the Warriors won’t have any representation in Sunday’s game.
Let’s remember some of the top moments of All-Star weekends past, starting with the most recent.
Curry homecoming, Durant MVP
Last season, the NBA descended on Steph Curry’s hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina. Curry was supposed to be coronated in the 3-point contest, but had that title stolen by Durant’s new teammate, Joe Harris.
He did show well in the All-Star Game itself, though, boasting a connection (and possible recruitment?) with league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, including a bounce-pass alley-oop over Durant that got the crowd amped.
Steph and Klay did battle, and Klay ended up on top with Team LeBron beating Team Giannis.
In the end, it was Durant who won the game’s MVP for his 31-point performance as he took over for Team LeBron in the fourth quarter.
Klay unseats Steph
Last season wasn’t the first time the Splash Brothers did battle during All-Star weekend.
Back in 2016, Curry was defending his 3-point championship title as the pre-eminent long-range marksman in the NBA, having recently dazzled the basketball world on the Warriors’ run to the 2015 championship.
But Klay reminded the NBA that there are in fact two members of the hottest-shooting backcourt in history.
Steph put himself in position to win with 23 final-round points, but Klay surpassed him on the moneyball rack to secure the victory and a Warriors repeat.
J-Rich’s dunk domination
As we head backwards through history, we have to note the Warriors’ All-Star drought, which extended from 1997 (Latrell Sprewell) until 2013 (David Lee). During that stretch, though, there was Jason Richardson’s two-year run of dominating the dunk contest.
Richardson won the 2002 contest in Philadelphia with a tribute to Dominique Wilkins and a powerful reverse bounce windmill slam. The repeat effort in Atlanta featured three bounce alley-oop dunks, including the capper: A lefty reverse between-the-legs jam.
My words clearly don’t do it justice — watch the dunks as J-Rich explains how they came about:
Richardson and Dubs teammate Gilbert Arenas, who gave him dunk advice in both contests, split the 2002 and 2003 Rising Stars MVPs.
Best (and worst) of the rest
The only post-Philly Warrior to win an All-Star MVP was Rick Barry in 1967 at San Francisco’s Cow Palace.
Barry started that home All-Star Game and poured in 38 points on 16-of-27 shooting. That was before the 3-point line entered the NBA, and before there was much video of the event.
Related Articles Golden State Warriors | Here’s the Warriors’ schedule for NBA’s inaugural in-season tournament
Here’s the Warriors’ schedule for NBA’s inaugural in-season tournament Golden State Warriors | Kurtenbach: What’d I miss? A summer’s worth of takes on the Warriors, Giants, Niners, and Pac-12
Kurtenbach: What’d I miss? A summer’s worth of takes on the Warriors, Giants, Niners, and Pac-12 Golden State Warriors | Former Warriors president Bob Myers joins ESPN as analyst
Former Warriors president Bob Myers joins ESPN as analyst Golden State Warriors | Report: Bob Myers returning to NBA in a different role
Report: Bob Myers returning to NBA in a different role Golden State Warriors | Warriors to face Suns on NBA Opening Night, per report Perhaps the most memorable moment for Dubs fans during their All-Star drought was in 2000, when Oracle Arena (then known as The Arena in Oakland) hosted festivities.
Video of this notable All-Star moment is also difficult to find, but then-owner Chris Cohan, who oversaw 16 years of terrible Warriors basketball, was reportedly booed during his introduction. Wonder where that video went.
Cohan owned the team for only two All-Star appearances, both by Sprewell before he choked coach P.J. Carlesimo and was traded to the Knicks. Since buying the team in 2010, Lacob has seen 18 All-Star seasons from Warriors players, though Curry was drafted before his time.


mercurynews--2020-02-14--Coronavirus fears lead Facebook to cancel San Francisco conference

Facebook said Friday it is has cancelled its annual global marketing summit , which had been scheduled for next month in San Francisco , due to concerns about the spread of coronavirus .
The event , which typically attracts more than 4,000 attendees , had been set for March 9 to March 12 at San Francisco ’ s Moscone Center .
But , Facebook said the continuing spread of coronavirus out from China has created a better-safe-than-sorry situation for the company with regards to its marketing summit .
• Two weeks later , first Santa Clara County coronavirus victim still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plagues are out and new disease is ‘ COVID-19 ’ • Should we be worried about bats in San Jose making us sick ?
• Quarantined evacuees in California wanted to be tested for coronavirus .
Here ’ s why the CDC said no • Coronavirus : The inside story of global race to patent a remedy “ Our priority is the health and safety of our teams , ” said Facebook spokesman Anthony Harrison , in a statement given to this news organization .
“ So out of an abundance of caution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to evolving public health risks related to coronavirus.
” This is the second notable tech industry conference to be cancelled this week due to precautions over the spread of coronavirus .
On Wednesday , organizers of the Mobile World Congress , the mobile communications industry ’ s biggest annual conference , cancelled the show after several attendees , including Facebook and Cisco Systems , withdrew from the event over coronavirus fears .
So far , there have been 15 confirmed cases of coronavirus in California and six other states .
Two of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clara County .

Facebook said Friday it is has cancelled its annual global marketing summit, which had been scheduled for next month in San Francisco, due to concerns about the spread of coronavirus.
The event, which typically attracts more than 4,000 attendees, had been set for March 9 to March 12 at San Francisco’s Moscone Center. But, Facebook said the continuing spread of coronavirus out from China has created a better-safe-than-sorry situation for the company with regards to its marketing summit.
Related Articles Health | San Jose office building wobbles into default — again
San Jose office building wobbles into default — again Health | College students blocked from campus when COVID hit want money back. Some are getting refunds
College students blocked from campus when COVID hit want money back. Some are getting refunds Health | One controversial East Bay parklet reveals dilemmas of pandemic dining
One controversial East Bay parklet reveals dilemmas of pandemic dining Health | Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms
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 “Our priority is the health and safety of our teams,” said Facebook spokesman Anthony Harrison, in a statement given to this news organization. “So out of an abundance of caution, we cancelled our global marketing summit due to evolving public health risks related to coronavirus.”
This is the second notable tech industry conference to be cancelled this week due to precautions over the spread of coronavirus. On Wednesday, organizers of the Mobile World Congress, the mobile communications industry’s biggest annual conference, cancelled the show after several attendees, including Facebook and Cisco Systems, withdrew from the event over coronavirus fears.
So far, there have been 15 confirmed cases of coronavirus in California and six other states. Two of those cases have been reported in Santa Clara County.