mercurynews--2020-08-10--Ask Amy: This game we played in school was so wrong, and the teacher is still teaching

Dear Amy : With knowledge comes broader perspective .
I am a person of color .
While studying for my Ph.D. in clinical psychology , I have realized that many things about my upbringing were wrong .
In light of the social environment at the moment , the actions of one teacher hang heavy in my heart and mind .
In elementary school , we played a game in gym .
It was an obstacle course on floor scooters , and we played it in the dark .
It was a huge hit , and everyone loved it .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in February , Black History Month , and the game was called The Underground Railroad .
Everyone I mention this to says how wrong this was .
But I remain confused as to why it was allowed in a supposedly progressive community .
It minimized what this nation has put Black people through , and made it into a children ’ s game .
Most people don ’ t fully understand the profound impact that constant invalidation can have on the psyche .
The teacher who led the game now teaches high school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continues to minimize the suffering of those this nation has held down .
I don ’ t know the most effective way of dealing with this .
I know it needs to be addressed .
• Ask Amy : My wife is furious that these little kids don ’ t follow her tidy rules • Ask Amy : He ‘ only dates models.
’ Unfortunately , it ’ s me that he got pregnant .
• Ask Amy : My baby , my rules — but they got hostile and walked out • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t spend winters in Belize without her Dear Making Change : When I was a kid , we played “ Cowboys and Indians , ” featuring some truly outlandish , ignorant ( and , I assume despicable ) depictions of Native Americans .
Granted , this game wasn ’ t used as a teaching tool in the schools , but I use it as one example of how every generation in this country can look back — and cringe at the racism that has infused our culture , since way before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need only look at the pace of awareness and change over the last year or so to realize that we are in the midst of a reckoning .
It is real and it is painful , and while this change might seem sudden , it has been happening in incremental ways for several generations .
I ’ d like to return to Maya Angelou , whose wisdom turns up quite often in this space : “ I did then what I knew to do .
Now that I know better , I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ With knowledge comes broader perspective.
” I think it would be both helpful and useful if you wrote a letter to your alma mater , outlining your experience as a student there .
You could use this letter to call out this particular teacher for minimizing the experience of escaping slaves by turning it into a game , but — this is obviously a bigger , systemic issue .
The “ casual ” nature of this example does not make it any more acceptable , but perhaps this teacher has grown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others .
As a scholar , you have much to offer to guide this conversation .
Dear Amy : In the past month , I have gotten engaged to the love of my life !
With the ongoing COVID crisis happening , and my sister ’ s health deteriorating quickly , we are planning a small ceremony at the end of the summer .
The problem is , my future in-laws don ’ t seem to understand social distancing !
I spend time with my sister every day , and although I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect her .
How can I get my in-laws to understand ( without hurting anyone ’ s feelings ) that although I want them to be there to celebrate with us , if they are going to give us hugs , I would rather they stay home ?
Dear Confused : You should provide all of your guests with guidelines regarding how to manage this happy occasion , while minimizing risk to all of you ( including them , of course ) .
And I hate to be a killjoy , but you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hosting a completely private ceremony ( with just the two of you and clergy ) , with a larger inclusive celebration to be held after the greatest health risk has passed .
I have read too many accounts of benign celebration gatherings that have developed sometimes tragic and heartbreaking outcomes .
The risk is magnified when people travel and don ’ t adhere to mask wearing and distancing guidelines .
Dear Amy : “ Reluctant , ” who was concerned about traveling to her daughter ’ s wedding out of state , could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set up online viewing of the ceremony for mom and others who can ’ t attend in person .
It won ’ t replace the whole experience but would provide an opportunity to participate .
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 .

Dear Amy: With knowledge comes broader perspective. I am a person of color. While studying for my Ph.D. in clinical psychology, I have realized that many things about my upbringing were wrong.
In light of the social environment at the moment, the actions of one teacher hang heavy in my heart and mind.
In elementary school, we played a game in gym. It was an obstacle course on floor scooters, and we played it in the dark. It was a huge hit, and everyone loved it. The problem is that we would play it in February, Black History Month, and the game was called The Underground Railroad.
Everyone I mention this to says how wrong this was. But I remain confused as to why it was allowed in a supposedly progressive community. It minimized what this nation has put Black people through, and made it into a children’s game. Most people don’t fully understand the profound impact that constant invalidation can have on the psyche.
The teacher who led the game now teaches high school U.S. history. I fear that he continues to minimize the suffering of those this nation has held down.
I don’t know the most effective way of dealing with this. I know it needs to be addressed.
Making Change
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Ask Amy: I’ve told them they need therapy, and they refuse to do it. What now? Advice | Ask Amy: The man I love is my grandchild’s uncle, and things have gotten messy Dear Making Change: When I was a kid, we played “Cowboys and Indians,” featuring some truly outlandish, ignorant (and, I assume despicable) depictions of Native Americans. Granted, this game wasn’t used as a teaching tool in the schools, but I use it as one example of how every generation in this country can look back — and cringe at the racism that has infused our culture, since way before our nation’s founding.
We need only look at the pace of awareness and change over the last year or so to realize that we are in the midst of a reckoning. It is real and it is painful, and while this change might seem sudden, it has been happening in incremental ways for several generations.
I’d like to return to Maya Angelou, whose wisdom turns up quite often in this space: “I did then what I knew to do. Now that I know better, I do better.”
You said as much yourself: “With knowledge comes broader perspective.”
I think it would be both helpful and useful if you wrote a letter to your alma mater, outlining your experience as a student there. You could use this letter to call out this particular teacher for minimizing the experience of escaping slaves by turning it into a game, but — this is obviously a bigger, systemic issue. The “casual” nature of this example does not make it any more acceptable, but perhaps this teacher has grown over time — along with so many others.
As a scholar, you have much to offer to guide this conversation.
Dear Amy: In the past month, I have gotten engaged to the love of my life!
With the ongoing COVID crisis happening, and my sister’s health deteriorating quickly, we are planning a small ceremony at the end of the summer.
The problem is, my future in-laws don’t seem to understand social distancing! I spend time with my sister every day, and although I am not high-risk myself, I have to protect her.
How can I get my in-laws to understand (without hurting anyone’s feelings) that although I want them to be there to celebrate with us, if they are going to give us hugs, I would rather they stay home?
Engaged and Confused
Dear Confused: You should provide all of your guests with guidelines regarding how to manage this happy occasion, while minimizing risk to all of you (including them, of course).
And I hate to be a killjoy, but you and your intended should also seriously consider hosting a completely private ceremony (with just the two of you and clergy), with a larger inclusive celebration to be held after the greatest health risk has passed.
I have read too many accounts of benign celebration gatherings that have developed sometimes tragic and heartbreaking outcomes. The risk is magnified when people travel and don’t adhere to mask wearing and distancing guidelines.
Dear Amy: “Reluctant,” who was concerned about traveling to her daughter’s wedding out of state, could offer to pay for a videographer to set up online viewing of the ceremony for mom and others who can’t attend in person.
It won’t replace the whole experience but would provide an opportunity to participate.
A Reader
Dear Reader: Great suggestion!
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--2020-08-10--Harriette Cole: Dog mom defends ‘over-the-top’ pet funeral

DEAR HARRIETTE : I just read your advice to the woman whose dog passed away and wanted her neighbor to be there for the dog ’ s funeral .
As a “ mother ” of an almost-16-year-old dog , I just had to write a response to the neighbor who felt this was “ over the top.
” She should feel honored that she was invited to this funeral .
It shows what the dog mom thinks of her in wanting her to be there to share her grief .
I am glad the dog mom does not know how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am equally glad that you told her to keep it to herself .
My husband and I were never able to have children , and we decided against adoption for various reasons .
My dog has become my “ son , ” and I love him like any mother would love their human child .
I know I will lose him soon , and the loss will be tremendous .
I wonder to myself how am I going to go on without him .
He is truly the light of my life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ love between a parent and a child is different than a love between spouses .
I hope you will share this response with the neighbor who feels the dog funeral is “ over the top.
” I feel she needed a little more explanation .
DEAR PROUD TO BE A DOG MOM : Thank you for sharing your story .
You are right — for many people who do not have children , their pets take on that role .
And the love shared between pets and their owners can be strong .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ family and with friends and neighbors .
Back to the point of the original question : If you are invited to the funeral of a pet , consider it an honor to be included — and participate with respect , whether or not you understand it .
• Harriette Cole : Have I been blind to my white friends ’ true feelings ?
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Yes , I ’ m annoyed .
• Harriette Cole : I don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ date , no matter what year • Harriette Cole : She called out of the blue because ‘ she cares ’ ?
I ’ m suspicious • Harriette Cole : Why doesn ’ t he realize he should be with me instead ?
DEAR HARRIETTE : I just got out of a relationship not too long ago that I believe was toxic for both of us .
We took our time apart , but he has appeared again in my life asking to start over and be friends .
He says that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get to know the “ new ” him ; however , I am not sure what to do .
Should we be friends and see if there is a relationship for us in the future , or should I just leave it alone and move on and continue healing ?
I need some help .
DEAR A GIRL ON THE RISE : Trust your gut .
You say that you “ just got out of a relationship ” and that it was “ toxic.
” It probably took a lot for you to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relationship .
I suggest that you stay the course and build your life independent of your ex .
You can congratulate him on turning his life around and wish him well .
But don ’ t welcome him back so soon .
Even if he has had an “ aha !
” moment and is committed to being a better man , he needs time to practice that .
Encourage him to live his life as you live yours .
Don ’ t go backward .
Stay on the rise .
Harriette Cole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams .
You can send questions to askharriette @ harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

DEAR HARRIETTE: I just read your advice to the woman whose dog passed away and wanted her neighbor to be there for the dog’s funeral. As a “mother” of an almost-16-year-old dog, I just had to write a response to the neighbor who felt this was “over the top.”
She should feel honored that she was invited to this funeral. It shows what the dog mom thinks of her in wanting her to be there to share her grief. I am glad the dog mom does not know how the neighbor feels about this, and I am equally glad that you told her to keep it to herself.
My husband and I were never able to have children, and we decided against adoption for various reasons. My dog has become my “son,” and I love him like any mother would love their human child.
I know I will lose him soon, and the loss will be tremendous. I wonder to myself how am I going to go on without him. He is truly the light of my life. My husband knows this; a love between a parent and a child is different than a love between spouses.
I hope you will share this response with the neighbor who feels the dog funeral is “over the top.” I feel she needed a little more explanation.
Proud To Be a Dog Mom
DEAR PROUD TO BE A DOG MOM: Thank you for sharing your story. You are right — for many people who do not have children, their pets take on that role. And the love shared between pets and their owners can be strong. I have witnessed this in my own family and with friends and neighbors.
Back to the point of the original question: If you are invited to the funeral of a pet, consider it an honor to be included — and participate with respect, whether or not you understand it.
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He says that he is different and he wants me to get to know the “new” him; however, I am not sure what to do. Should we be friends and see if there is a relationship for us in the future, or should I just leave it alone and move on and continue healing? I need some help.
A Girl on the Rise
DEAR A GIRL ON THE RISE: Trust your gut. You say that you “just got out of a relationship” and that it was “toxic.” It probably took a lot for you to be able to extricate yourself from this relationship. I suggest that you stay the course and build your life independent of your ex.
You can congratulate him on turning his life around and wish him well. But don’t welcome him back so soon. Even if he has had an “aha!” moment and is committed to being a better man, he needs time to practice that. Encourage him to live his life as you live yours. Don’t go backward. Stay on the rise.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-08-10--Miss Manners: Do I have the right to feel hurt about their wedding?

DEAR MISS MANNERS : I was invited to a wedding before the pandemic broke out , and I accepted the invitation .
Then when the couple found out that they would not be able to have that wedding , they decided to have one on Zoom .
Well , when it came time for the wedding , I sat in front of my computer , logged into the account and waited — and waited and waited — for them to start .
Forty-five minutes later , still no wedding .
Now what I want to know is , do I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I didn ’ t say anything to them because I didn ’ t want to ruin their special day , but I did respond “ yes ” to the invite and sent them a wedding card and cash .
I just thought they should have made sure we were going to be able to celebrate with them .
I guess in the end , they didn ’ t really care if they shared the day with us at all .
I ’ m feeling very hurt .
GENTLE READER : If you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manners congratulates you .
Everyone else has , and some may even have learned not to take others ’ such problems personally .
Why would anyone , no matter how callous , cut a Zoom guest list ?
It is not as though it would enable them to avoid feeding you .
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Am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manners : How does one announce a previously unknown child ?
• Miss Manners : Wear a pathetic smile when you refuse to shake hands Please give your friends the benefit of the doubt .
It would be gracious of you to express regret to the couple that you missed the wedding , and ask if they would let you see any pictures or videos of the event .
DEAR MISS MANNERS : Due to the virus and my age , I am living in isolation , but a dear friend recently went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an order of clam linguini .
It was very good , but messy .
Please advise me on how to handle getting the clams out of the shell when eating out .
I ’ m afraid I made a mess at home by myself , so I have decided never to order clams or mussels in the future when dining with friends .
GENTLE READER : That seems too drastic a solution .
What you need is a seafood fork , which is small enough to spear those critters in their shells .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at home , as no one knows you made a mess — or wouldn ’ t , if you hadn ’ t told Miss Manners — but you should ask for one in a restaurant if it is not supplied .
DEAR MISS MANNERS : While etiquette dictates sending thank-you notes for significant gestures , such as sending flowers or bringing food to your home , is it not necessary to send thank-you notes for sympathy cards ?
Do you send them if there was money in the cards ?
My mother just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with how to address these issues .
I have never experienced a close , personal loss before now .
GENTLE READER : Giving anything , even money , counts as a significant gesture .
So does writing a thoughtful condolence letter .
Those require an expression of gratitude .
Miss Manners counts a mere signature on a pre-printed sympathy card as a minimal gesture , although perhaps better than nothing .
A response is optional .
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website , www.missmanners.com ; to her email , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mail to Miss Manners , Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I was invited to a wedding before the pandemic broke out, and I accepted the invitation. Then when the couple found out that they would not be able to have that wedding, they decided to have one on Zoom.
Well, when it came time for the wedding, I sat in front of my computer, logged into the account and waited — and waited and waited — for them to start. Forty-five minutes later, still no wedding.
Now what I want to know is, do I have the right to be upset? I didn’t say anything to them because I didn’t want to ruin their special day, but I did respond “yes” to the invite and sent them a wedding card and cash.
I just thought they should have made sure we were going to be able to celebrate with them. I guess in the end, they didn’t really care if they shared the day with us at all. I’m feeling very hurt.
GENTLE READER: If you have never had a computer glitch, Miss Manners congratulates you. Everyone else has, and some may even have learned not to take others’ such problems personally.
Why would anyone, no matter how callous, cut a Zoom guest list? It is not as though it would enable them to avoid feeding you.
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DEAR MISS MANNERS: Due to the virus and my age, I am living in isolation, but a dear friend recently went out to a restaurant and brought me an order of clam linguini. It was very good, but messy.
Please advise me on how to handle getting the clams out of the shell when eating out. I’m afraid I made a mess at home by myself, so I have decided never to order clams or mussels in the future when dining with friends.
GENTLE READER: That seems too drastic a solution. What you need is a seafood fork, which is small enough to spear those critters in their shells.
You don’t actually need it at home, as no one knows you made a mess — or wouldn’t, if you hadn’t told Miss Manners — but you should ask for one in a restaurant if it is not supplied.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: While etiquette dictates sending thank-you notes for significant gestures, such as sending flowers or bringing food to your home, is it not necessary to send thank-you notes for sympathy cards? Do you send them if there was money in the cards?
My mother just passed, and I am not familiar with how to address these issues. I have never experienced a close, personal loss before now.
GENTLE READER: Giving anything, even money, counts as a significant gesture. So does writing a thoughtful condolence letter. Those require an expression of gratitude.
Miss Manners counts a mere signature on a pre-printed sympathy card as a minimal gesture, although perhaps better than nothing. A response is optional.
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-08-10--Dear Abby: I suspect my wife is up to no good

DEAR ABBY : I found out a year ago that my wife of eight years had an affair for three years with my best friend .
Two months ago I realized she is still contacting him .
I found out because I went through her cell records .
She said she was just texting him about how he ruined our life .
Now I have no access to them , and I suspect she ’ s using a text app so I won ’ t know .
She keeps her phone with her all the time .
I can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t know what to do .
I always let her do what she wanted and never had a concern before this .
I was always laid-back , but now I can ’ t stop thinking she is up to no good .
• Dear Abby : Does my friend ’ s behavior warrant an intervention ?
• Dear Abby : Everyone thinks we should be a couple , but he won ’ t make a move • Dear Abby : I ’ m haunted by the fear that I cost her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ husband ’ s family says I should just ‘ get over it ’ • Dear Abby : Our teen was pretty and popular , and she threw it away to become ‘ they ’ How do I approach this with her ?
We have been to counseling .
Every time I bring up her affair , she says our marriage will never work because of trust issues , and I agree .
Please help .
OUT OF CHANCES IN FLORIDA DEAR OUT : Your wife and best friend betrayed you , so your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would like to stay married to you , she should not be hiding her cellphone and texts from you .
If she ’ s unwilling to cooperate , then what she said is 100 % correct — your marriage will never work , and your next step should be to talk to an attorney .
DEAR ABBY : I had a baby a year ago .
I ’ m 46 , and my son ’ s father just turned 50 .
We are looking to buy a house , but I am conflicted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it will be my money that we use for the down payment .
I have expressed that I would like to be married before we buy the house , but nothing has happened .
I have brought the subject up several times , but I now feel really nervous about his not following through .
How should I proceed from here ?
DOWN PAYMENT DILEMMA IN NEW YORK DEAR D.P.D .
: That the father of your baby keeps “ forgetting ” to address the fact that you want to be married is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is unwilling to make that commitment .
Before moving forward with buying property with someone who is reluctant to make a commitment , it is extremely important that you discuss this with a lawyer .
An attorney can help to ensure your financial interests will be protected .
Until you have done that , keep your checkbook firmly closed .
DEAR ABBY : I am about to be married to a wonderful man who has three teenagers from a previous marriage .
His boys are 18 and 16 , and his daughter is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manners , which seem to be encouraged by their grandfather .
My fiance has spoken to his dad regarding the unacceptable behavior , yet it continues .
When my fiance tries to enforce common table etiquette , the children ask why the change .
Table manners were not part of their upbringing , and they don ’ t see the importance .
How do I — or should I — attempt to undo 18 years of poor habits ?
DEAR EMBARRASSED : Table manners are important .
They reveal a lot about someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Not knowing the basics can negatively affect not only a person ’ s social life , but also his or her career .
You would be doing those young people a huge favor if you speak up and support your fiance in this .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .

DEAR ABBY: I found out a year ago that my wife of eight years had an affair for three years with my best friend.
Two months ago I realized she is still contacting him. I found out because I went through her cell records. She said she was just texting him about how he ruined our life.
Now I have no access to them, and I suspect she’s using a text app so I won’t know. She keeps her phone with her all the time.
I can’t live like this, and I don’t know what to do. I always let her do what she wanted and never had a concern before this. I was always laid-back, but now I can’t stop thinking she is up to no good.
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OUT OF CHANCES IN FLORIDA
DEAR OUT: Your wife and best friend betrayed you, so your trust issues are well-founded. If she would like to stay married to you, she should not be hiding her cellphone and texts from you. If she’s unwilling to cooperate, then what she said is 100% correct — your marriage will never work, and your next step should be to talk to an attorney.
DEAR ABBY: I had a baby a year ago. I’m 46, and my son’s father just turned 50. We are looking to buy a house, but I am conflicted.
We are not married, and it will be my money that we use for the down payment. I have expressed that I would like to be married before we buy the house, but nothing has happened. I have brought the subject up several times, but I now feel really nervous about his not following through. How should I proceed from here?
DOWN PAYMENT DILEMMA IN NEW YORK
DEAR D.P.D.: That the father of your baby keeps “forgetting” to address the fact that you want to be married is a red flag. It appears he is unwilling to make that commitment.
Before moving forward with buying property with someone who is reluctant to make a commitment, it is extremely important that you discuss this with a lawyer. An attorney can help to ensure your financial interests will be protected. Until you have done that, keep your checkbook firmly closed.
DEAR ABBY: I am about to be married to a wonderful man who has three teenagers from a previous marriage. His boys are 18 and 16, and his daughter is also 16. They have terrible table manners, which seem to be encouraged by their grandfather. My fiance has spoken to his dad regarding the unacceptable behavior, yet it continues.
When my fiance tries to enforce common table etiquette, the children ask why the change. Table manners were not part of their upbringing, and they don’t see the importance. How do I — or should I — attempt to undo 18 years of poor habits?
EMBARRASSED AT THE TABLE
DEAR EMBARRASSED: Table manners are important. They reveal a lot about someone’s upbringing or lack of it. Not knowing the basics can negatively affect not only a person’s social life, but also his or her career. You would be doing those young people a huge favor if you speak up and support your fiance in this.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.


mercurynews--2020-08-10--California’s top public health official leaves job five months into COVID-19 pandemic

California Department of Public Health Director Dr. Sonia Angell announced Sunday she is leaving her job , becoming the second top-ranking health official in Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s administration to depart during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Angell has been one of the most visible California officials during the pandemic , the public health crisis that has killed more than 10,000 Californians since March .
She frequently appears alongside Newsom during his press conferences .
In addition to leading the Department of Public Health , she also served as the State Public Health officer .
Newsom on Monday plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the nonprofit California Health Care Foundation , to replace Angell as acting director of the Department of Public Health , Health and Human Services Agency spokeswoman Kate Folmar wrote in an email to reporters .
Dr. Erica Pan , whom Newsom appointed state epidemiologist in June , will become the acting state public health officer .
Newsom released a one-sentence statement Sunday evening thanking Angell for her service during the pandemic and focus on health equity .
Angell did not give a reason for leaving in a note to her staff Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more information .
In the letter , Angell thanked her colleagues for their work fighting the coronavirus and said she was honored to be the first Latina to serve in her role .
“ Since I joined this department as director and state public health officer in October 2019 , we have been responding to emergencies , from E-cigarette and vaping associated lung injury , to the public safety power shutoffs and wildfires , and now to a global infectious disease pandemic , ” Angell wrote .
“ It is with deep appreciation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that I share with you my own plans to depart from my position , effective today.
” Angell previously served as deputy commissioner for prevention and primary care at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene from 2014 to 2019 .
“ I am grateful to Dr. Angell for her service to the people of California during this unprecedented public health crisis , ” Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly said in a written statement .
“ She has worked tirelessly for all Californians , always keeping health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instrumental as Californians flattened the curve once and in setting us on a path to do so again.
” Her departure follows that of Dr. Charity Dean , who served as assistant director of the Department of Public Health .
Dean announced her resignation in June and officially left her role in July .
In her resignation letter , Dean said she was moving on to a “ new adventure , ” but did not give further details .

BY Sophia Bollag | The Sacramento Bee
California Department of Public Health Director Dr. Sonia Angell announced Sunday she is leaving her job, becoming the second top-ranking health official in Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration to depart during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Angell has been one of the most visible California officials during the pandemic, the public health crisis that has killed more than 10,000 Californians since March.
She frequently appears alongside Newsom during his press conferences. In addition to leading the Department of Public Health, she also served as the State Public Health officer.
Newsom on Monday plans to appoint Sandra Shewry, an executive at the nonprofit California Health Care Foundation, to replace Angell as acting director of the Department of Public Health, Health and Human Services Agency spokeswoman Kate Folmar wrote in an email to reporters.
Dr. Erica Pan, whom Newsom appointed state epidemiologist in June, will become the acting state public health officer.
Newsom released a one-sentence statement Sunday evening thanking Angell for her service during the pandemic and focus on health equity.
Angell did not give a reason for leaving in a note to her staff Sunday and Health and Folmar declined to provide more information.
In the letter, Angell thanked her colleagues for their work fighting the coronavirus and said she was honored to be the first Latina to serve in her role.
“Since I joined this department as director and state public health officer in October 2019, we have been responding to emergencies, from E-cigarette and vaping associated lung injury, to the public safety power shutoffs and wildfires, and now to a global infectious disease pandemic,” Angell wrote. “It is with deep appreciation and respect for all of this work that I share with you my own plans to depart from my position, effective today.”
Angell previously served as deputy commissioner for prevention and primary care at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene from 2014 to 2019.
“I am grateful to Dr. Angell for her service to the people of California during this unprecedented public health crisis,” Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly said in a written statement. “She has worked tirelessly for all Californians, always keeping health equity in mind. Her leadership was instrumental as Californians flattened the curve once and in setting us on a path to do so again.”
Her departure follows that of Dr. Charity Dean, who served as assistant director of the Department of Public Health. Dean announced her resignation in June and officially left her role in July. In her resignation letter, Dean said she was moving on to a “new adventure,” but did not give further details.


mercurynews--2020-08-11--South Bay prosecutor’s past monkey anecdote raised amid debate over racial justice bill

After testimony was given to a state Senate committee Friday over the merits of a bill that would open up criminal charges and sentences to unprecedented scrutiny for possible racial bias , Alameda County Chief Public Defender Brendon Woods took to Twitter with an online discovery about the prosecutor who voiced opposition to the bill on behalf of the state ’ s district attorneys .
Woods posted Jeff Rubin ’ s introductory biography , which had been published online by the Santa Clara County District Attorney ’ s Office in 2015 , when Rubins took a prosecutor job in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the biography , Rubin recalled a past job working at a Pennsylvania zoo and befriending a monkey there , and the monkey eventually using him as a literal to escape his cage .
Rubin is quoted as saying , “ The monkey ’ s escape put all the zoo visitors at the risk of harm .
I wasn ’ t able to make amends because my employment was terminated shortly after the fact that I had been outsmarted by a monkey became apparent.
” That is followed by an unquoted sentence , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mr. Rubin has tried to compensate for his mistake by helping prevent the escape of those who represent a risk of harm to the public.
” Woods seized on that in his tweet , asserting that the passage was comparing criminal defendants — who are disproportionately people of color — to monkeys .
“ He ’ s exactly why we need it , ” Woods posted , referring to Assembly Bill 2542.
” It ’ s such an obvious link to the monkey and the person he ’ s preventing from escaping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interview Monday .
“ Maybe your average person who is not sensitive to race won ’ t see that , ” said Woods , his county ’ s first Black chief public defender and the only Black person in that role in California .
“ Almost every Black person is going to see that.
” In a statement , Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen said his office has since taken down the biography page from it website .
“ We agree that this section of a 2015 posting of Mr. Rubin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we have removed it , ” Rosen said .
“ I apologize .
Everyone in the criminal justice system – from victims to inmates – deserves dignity.
” Defenders of Rubin are characterizing the tweet as unfair and a political smear intended to distract from legitimate issues with AB 2542 , whose lead author is San Jose-based Assemblyman Ash Kalra .
Through the DA ’ s office , Rubin declined comment for this story .
But the morning after Woods ’ tweet was posted , Rubin ’ s wife Kay Rubin , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m his wife .
I ’ m black .
Our sons are black .
He was relating a funny story from his youth .
It is not related to his work , ” she tweeted .
“ You are stretching to make this comparison and to paint him as racist .
The system may be flawed , but that doesn ’ t make everyone who works in it a racist.
” Woods ’ response to her said Rubin ’ s family life does not exempt him from scrutiny , and added that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one recognized how problematic it was .
That is the problem .
You can ’ t fix what you don ’ t see.
” AB 2542 , dubbed the California Racial Justice Act , aims to root out racial bias in criminal prosecutions by allowing defendants to challenge convictions and sentences by showing that racial bias factored into a charging decision , the running of a trial , or the severity of a sentence .
Evidence that can be used to show racial bias at any of those stages , according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aggregate data , expert testimony , and the sworn testimony of witnesses .
The court may also appoint an independent expert , and any “ exhibited ” racial animus by a judge or other court officers could also be cited as evidence to mount a challenge under the bill .
Furthermore , language in the bill — which passed the state Senate ’ s Public Safety Committee on Friday — would allow sentences to be challenged based on racial disparities in charges and sentences for similar offenses .
Woods has heavily championed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ race-based peremptory challenges during jury selection .
The bill ’ s committee passage Friday was lauded by Kalra and reform groups including Californians United for a Responsible Budget , the Oakland-based Ella Baker Center for Human Rights , and Smart Justice California .
Opposition to the bill , led by the California District Attorneys Association , includes objections to the “ imprecise ” language they argue would open the floodgates to countless instances of fruitless but lengthy and expensive case work and litigation .
AB 2542 “ creates an impractical , unfair , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reaching a goal fervently shared by CDAA of providing equal justice for all regardless of race , ethnicity , or national origin , ” Rubin , speaking on behalf of the association , said Friday .
Rubin argued that the absence of definition in determining similarity in offenses , and creating comparable racial benchmarks to make the statistical comparisons outlined in the bill , make it unworkable .
The current language of the bill , he added , would create wide latitude for criminal charges or sentences to be dismissed or overturned without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Rubin also argued that the Fifth and Fourteenth amendments to the US Constitution already bar racial bias in prosecutions and that existing law bars convictions if there is proven racial prejudice by a judge , defense attorney or juror .
In a statement Friday , Kalra said , “ Those in opposition say that this bill is impractical ; I say that injustice is impractical .
We can not ignore what is happening in our society and continue to allow the court system to reflect racial biases that punish our Black and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the five-year-old biography for Rubin was emblematic of the broader problems he contends the bill aims to repair .
“ What will be the biggest immediate impact of this bill , is it will force prosecutors , moving forward , to think about their practices , and if they are intentionally or subconsciously showing bias , ” he said .
“ Looking at it from all lenses , from charging to jury trial to sentencing .
”

After testimony was given to a state Senate committee Friday over the merits of a bill that would open up criminal charges and sentences to unprecedented scrutiny for possible racial bias, Alameda County Chief Public Defender Brendon Woods took to Twitter with an online discovery about the prosecutor who voiced opposition to the bill on behalf of the state’s district attorneys.
Woods posted Jeff Rubin’s introductory biography, which had been published online by the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office in 2015, when Rubin took a prosecutor job in the South Bay after years in Alameda County.
DA Rubin opposed #AB2542 for @Jeff_Rosen & CDAA. He's exactly why we need it. He talks about working at a zoo and playing w/ a monkey that used him to escape. He now compensates by preventing the escape of those who represent a risk to public harm. Yup, they made that analogy pic.twitter.com/AjYO4yInQb — Brendon Woods (@BrendonWoodsPD) August 8, 2020
In the biography, Rubin recalled a past job working at a Pennsylvania zoo and befriending a monkey there, and the monkey eventually using him as a literal springboard to escape his cage. Rubin is quoted as saying, “The monkey’s escape put all the zoo visitors at the risk of harm. I wasn’t able to make amends because my employment was terminated shortly after the fact that I had been outsmarted by a monkey became apparent.”
That is followed by an unquoted sentence, of unclear authorship: “Ever since, Mr. Rubin has tried to compensate for his mistake by helping prevent the escape of those who represent a risk of harm to the public.”
Woods seized on that in his tweet, asserting that the passage was comparing criminal defendants — who are disproportionately people of color — to monkeys.
“He’s exactly why we need it,” Woods posted, referring to Assembly Bill 2542. “It’s such an obvious link to the monkey and the person he’s preventing from escaping now,” he added in an interview Monday.
“Maybe your average person who is not sensitive to race won’t see that,” said Woods, his county’s first Black chief public defender and the only Black person in that role in California. “Almost every Black person is going to see that.”
In a statement, Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen said his office has since taken down the paragraph from Rubin’s biography page on its website.
“We agree that this section of a 2015 posting of Mr. Rubin’s impressive accomplishments could be misinterpreted and we have removed it,” Rosen said. “I apologize. Everyone in the criminal justice system – from victims to inmates – deserves dignity.”
Defenders of Rubin are characterizing the tweet as unfair and a political smear intended to distract from legitimate issues with AB 2542, whose lead author is San Jose-based Assemblyman Ash Kalra.
Through the DA’s office, Rubin declined comment for this story. But the morning after Woods’ tweet was posted, Rubin’s wife Kay Rubin defended him on Twitter.
“I’m his wife. I’m black. Our sons are black. He was relating a funny story from his youth. It is not related to his work,” she tweeted. “You are stretching to make this comparison and to paint him as racist. The system may be flawed, but that doesn’t make everyone who works in it a racist.”
Woods’ response to her said Rubin’s family life does not exempt him from scrutiny, and added that “several people saw this and no one recognized how problematic it was. That is the problem. You can’t fix what you don’t see.”
AB 2542, dubbed the California Racial Justice Act, aims to root out racial bias in criminal prosecutions by allowing defendants to challenge convictions and sentences by showing that racial bias factored into a charging decision, the running of a trial, or the severity of a sentence. Evidence that can be used to show racial bias at any of those stages, according to the bill, includes “statistical evidence, aggregate data, expert testimony, and the sworn testimony of witnesses. The court may also appoint an independent expert,” and any “exhibited” racial animus by a judge or other court officers could also be cited as evidence to mount a challenge under the bill.
Furthermore, language in the bill — which passed the state Senate’s Public Safety Committee on Friday — would allow sentences to be challenged based on racial disparities in charges and sentences for similar offenses.
Woods has heavily championed the component of the bill that would disallow race-based peremptory challenges during jury selection. The bill’s committee passage Friday was lauded by Kalra and reform groups including Californians United for a Responsible Budget, the Oakland-based Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, and Smart Justice California.
Opposition to the bill, led by the California District Attorneys Association, includes objections to the “imprecise” language they argue would open the floodgates to countless instances of fruitless but lengthy and expensive case work and litigation. AB 2542 “creates an impractical, unfair, unnecessary, and incredibly costly means of reaching a goal fervently shared by CDAA of providing equal justice for all regardless of race, ethnicity, or national origin,” Rubin, speaking on behalf of the association, said Friday.
Rubin argued that the absence of definition in determining similarity in offenses, and creating comparable racial benchmarks to make the statistical comparisons outlined in the bill, make it unworkable. The current language of the bill, he added, would create wide latitude for criminal charges or sentences to be dismissed or overturned without proof that a case was negatively impacted.
Rubin also argued that the Fifth and Fourteenth amendments to the U.S. Constitution already bar racial bias in prosecutions and that existing law bars convictions if there is proven racial prejudice by a judge, defense attorney or juror.
In a statement Friday, Kalra said, “Those in opposition say that this bill is impractical; I say that injustice is impractical. We cannot ignore what is happening in our society and continue to allow the court system to reflect racial biases that punish our Black and Latinx communities.”
Woods added Monday that the five-year-old biography for Rubin was emblematic of the broader problems he contends the bill aims to repair.
“What will be the biggest immediate impact of this bill, is it will force prosecutors, moving forward, to think about their practices, and if they are intentionally or subconsciously showing bias,” he said. “Looking at it from all lenses, from charging to jury trial to sentencing.”


mercurynews--2020-08-11--Clarkson will fill in for Cowell on ‘America’s Got Talent’

Simon Cowell will be sitting out Tuesday and Wednesday ’ s episodes of “ America ’ s Got Talent ” due to an injury , but thankfully , the talent competition knew just who to call for a moment like this .
Singer and recent Daytime Emmy winner Kelly Clarkson , whom Cowell once had a hand in crowning the winner of “ American Idol , ” is set to serve as a guest judge on this week ’ s live telecasts , according to NBC and a statement posted on Clarkson ’ s social media .
“ My friend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now but was in an accident and won ’ t be able to make Tuesday and Wednesday ’ s live shows for AGT , but no worries America , someone far wiser , cooler , and hotter is taking his seat !
” Clarkson wrote .
“ The unbelievably amazing Kelly Clarkson .
You ’ re welcome in advance !
” Cowell injured his back while riding an electric bike and required surgery .
Cowell thanked well-wishers for their “ kind messages ” in a tweet on Monday .
Clarkson will join fellow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sofia Vergara .
Terry Crews hosts the program .
“ America ’ s Got Talent ” airs Tuesday and Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on NBC .

By Sandra Gonzales | CNN
Simon Cowell will be sitting out Tuesday and Wednesday’s episodes of “America’s Got Talent” due to an injury, but thankfully, the talent competition knew just who to call for a moment like this.
Singer and recent Daytime Emmy winner Kelly Clarkson, whom Cowell once had a hand in crowning the winner of “American Idol,” is set to serve as a guest judge on this week’s live telecasts, according to NBC and a statement posted on Clarkson’s social media.
“My friend, Simon Cowell, is doing better now but was in an accident and won’t be able to make Tuesday and Wednesday’s live shows for AGT, but no worries America, someone far wiser, cooler, and hotter is taking his seat!” Clarkson wrote. “The unbelievably amazing Kelly Clarkson. You’re welcome in advance!”
Cowell injured his back while riding an electric bike and required surgery.
Cowell thanked well-wishers for their “kind messages” in a tweet on Monday.
Clarkson will join fellow judges Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum and Sofia Vergara. Terry Crews hosts the program.
“America’s Got Talent” airs Tuesday and Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on NBC.


mercurynews--2020-08-11--East Bay man arrested in connection with Peninsula stabbing

PRINCETON-BY-THE-SEA – An argument over a bicycle being ridden on a sidewalk in Princeton-by-the-Sea on Sunday culminated in a stabbing , authorities said .
Deputies were called to the 200 block of Capistrano Road about 6:40 p.m. for a report of an assault in progress , said San Mateo County sheriff ’ s Sgt .
James Goulart in a news release .
Goulart said the victim reported that the suspect got into a physical altercation with him over an argument related to him riding his bicycle on a sidewalk .
The victim was allegedly stabbed numerous times with a 4-inch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deputies found the suspect , identified as 30-year-old El Cerrito resident Zackery Greenberg , riding in a vehicle traveling westbound on Capistrano Road , Goulart said .
Goulart said witnesses identified Greenberg as the suspect and deputies found the knife used in the attack .
Greenberg was arrested and booked into the Maguire Correctional Facility in Redwood City on an assault with a deadly weapon charge .
The victim , meanwhile , was taken to San Francisco General Hospital , where he underwent surgery and was listed in stable condition .
Anyone with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sheriff ’ s office anonymous tip line at 800-547-2700 .

PRINCETON-BY-THE-SEA – An argument over a bicycle being ridden on a sidewalk in Princeton-by-the-Sea on Sunday led to a stabbing, authorities said.
Deputies were called to the 200 block of Capistrano Road at about 6:40 p.m. by a report of an assault in progress, said San Mateo County sheriff’s Sgt. James Goulart in a news release.
Goulart said the victim reported that the suspect got into a physical altercation with him during an argument over his riding a bicycle on the sidewalk. The victim was allegedly stabbed numerous times with a 4-inch folding pocket knife.
Minutes later, deputies found the suspect, identified as 30-year-old El Cerrito resident Zackery Greenberg, riding in a vehicle traveling westbound on Capistrano Road, Goulart said.
Goulart said witnesses identified Greenberg as the suspect and deputies found the knife used in the attack.
Greenberg was arrested and booked into the Maguire Correctional Facility in Redwood City on a charge of assault with a deadly weapon.
The victim was taken to San Francisco General Hospital, where he underwent surgery and was listed in stable condition.
Anyone with information about the alleged assault can contact the sheriff’s office anonymous tip line at 800-547-2700.


mercurynews--2020-08-11--French experts: Dangerous chemicals remain at Beirut port

BEIRUT — Chemical experts and firefighters are working to secure at least 20 potentially dangerous chemical containers at the explosion-shattered port of Beirut , after finding one that was leaking , according to a member of a French cleanup team .
Some of the containers were punctured when last week ’ s deadly blast ripped through the port and the Lebanese capital , said Lt. Anthony , a French chemical expert at the site who was not authorized to be identified by his full name according to government policy .
French and Italian chemical experts working amid the remains of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 20 containers carrying dangerous chemicals , Anthony said .
“ We noted the presence of containers with the chemical danger symbol .
And then noted that one of the containers was leaking , ” he told The Associated Press in a TV interview on Monday .
The experts are working with Lebanese firefighters to secure all of the containers and analyze their contents , he said .
“ We need to clean everything and put all in security.
” He didn ’ t identify what chemicals were involved or provide further details @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the potential chemical risks at the port .
“ There are also other flammable liquids in other containers , there are also batteries , or other kind of products which could increase the risk of potential explosion , ” Anthony said , describing huge containers tossed around the port by the powerful force of the blast .
It is unclear whether there could be additional potentially dangerous containers in other zones of the port .
The French and Italian experts were assigned to a specific zone to examine and secure that section , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the port killed at least 160 people and injured about 6,000 others .
It is believed to have been caused by a fire that ignited a 2,750-ton stockpile of highly volatile ammonium nitrate .
The material had been stored at the port since 2013 with few safeguards despite numerous warnings of the danger .
The chemical experts are among scores of French emergency workers who arrived to help search for bodies , aid the sick and clean up after the blast .
Nearly 50 French police are also in Beirut helping investigate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Charlton in Paris contributed to this report .

By Nadine Achoui-Lesage | Associated Press
BEIRUT — Chemical experts and firefighters are working to secure at least 20 potentially dangerous chemical containers at the explosion-shattered port of Beirut, after finding one that was leaking, according to a member of a French cleanup team.
Some of the containers were punctured when last week’s deadly blast ripped through the port and the Lebanese capital, said Lt. Anthony, a French chemical expert at the site who was not authorized to be identified by his full name according to government policy.
French and Italian chemical experts working amid the remains of the port have so far identified more than 20 containers carrying dangerous chemicals, Anthony said.
“We noted the presence of containers with the chemical danger symbol. And then noted that one of the containers was leaking,” he told The Associated Press in a TV interview on Monday.
The experts are working with Lebanese firefighters to secure all of the containers and analyze their contents, he said. “We need to clean everything and put all in security.”
He didn’t identify what chemicals were involved or provide further details. Lebanese officials have not commented on the potential chemical risks at the port.
“There are also other flammable liquids in other containers, there are also batteries, or other kind of products which could increase the risk of potential explosion,” Anthony said, describing huge containers tossed around the port by the powerful force of the blast.
It is unclear whether there could be additional potentially dangerous containers in other zones of the port. The French and Italian experts were assigned to a specific zone to examine and secure that section, Anthony said.
The explosion last Tuesday in the port killed at least 160 people and injured about 6,000 others. It is believed to have been caused by a fire that ignited a 2,750-ton stockpile of highly volatile ammonium nitrate. The material had been stored at the port since 2013 with few safeguards despite numerous warnings of the danger.
The chemical experts are among scores of French emergency workers who arrived to help search for bodies, aid the sick and clean up after the blast. Nearly 50 French police are also in Beirut helping investigate what happened.
Associated Press writer Angela Charlton in Paris contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-08-11--Oakland: Vigil Monday night to mark shooting victim’s life

OAKLAND — A park in the city ’ s Lakeshore business district will host a vigil Monday evening honoring the life of a 55-year-old man fatally shot over the weekend , and re-open a conversation around gun violence and public safety .
According to authorities , Darius Brazell was waiting for a bus on Lakeshore Avenue at Mandana Boulevard when he was fatally shot Saturday evening .
Brazell was pronounced dead at the scene , and a suspect was last seen running west along Mandana .
In a social-media post , Oakland City Councilmember Nikki Fortunato Bas decried the latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mandana Park Plaza , where residents posted multiple signs last month intending to memorialize Black lives .
“ We are so saddened by this tragedy and hope for peace and healing for our entire community , ” Fortunato Bas said in part , asking mourners to come “ with masks ( and ) physical distancing to mourn the victim and offer prayers to his family , grieve together as a community , and commit to end gun violence.
” Rev .
Jim Hopkins , the pastor of nearby Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the grim news .
“ We decided we needed to call this vigil tonight , ” Hopkins said .
“ The shooting of a 55-year-old man doesn ’ t fit any curve or paradigm I can think of.
” Hopkins acknowledged that some might have concerns about participation during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic .
“ The homebound can put their shoulder to the wheel of reducing violence in our community , by talking to your city councilperson and voicing your support for Ceasefire , ” he said , adding that his church has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s intent to intervene among community members to limit cycles of violence .
“ It ’ s a vulnerable program .
It does involve the police , and the police have sometimes been part of the problem in our community , but it ’ s one where police and policing are part of the answer .
In all the talk of defunding the police , certainly community programs like this are worthy of support and among those most likely to be impacted.
” Hopkins said he found two Biblical references resonant in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ What ’ s coming to mind right now is Genesis [ 1:27 ] , where it is said we are all created in the image of God , with the capacity to learn and grow and love .
We are imbued with eternal significance , and our death matters .
There ’ s also Jeremiah 29:7 : ‘ seek the peace of the city you are in , for in its peace you will find your own.
’ ” The vigil will begin at 6 p.m .

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OAKLAND — Dozens of residents joined business owners, clergy and police officers gathered at a park in the city’s Lakeshore business district for a vigil Monday evening honoring the life of a 55-year-old man fatally shot over the weekend.
As asked, everyone who came to re-open a conversation around gun violence and public safety under tragic circumstances wore masks and practiced social distancing, but neither space between people nor masks could hide deep wells of feeling and, for some, tears.
According to authorities, Darius Brazell was waiting for a bus on Lakeshore Avenue at Mandana Boulevard when he was fatally shot Saturday evening. Brazell was pronounced dead at the scene, and a suspect was last seen running west along Mandana.
In a social-media post Sunday, Oakland City Councilmember Nikki Fortunato Bas decried the latest shooting and noted that it happened beside Mandana Park Plaza, where residents posted multiple signs last month intending to memorialize Black lives.
“We are so saddened by this tragedy and hope for peace and healing for our entire community,” Fortunato Bas said in part.
At the vigil Monday, she said that “every single member of our community should feel safe, should be able to thrive and that gun violence is completely unacceptable,” adding that “as a city, we need to continue to invest in the things that help to reduce gun violence, not only things like the Ceasefire program, but the things that are foundational to keeping each one of us safe: the ability to have a home, to have a job, to have health services, to have the support we each need to be part of a community.”
Rev. Jim Hopkins, the pastor of nearby Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church, said someone texted him Saturday evening with the grim news.
“We decided we needed to call this vigil tonight,” Hopkins said. “The shooting of a 55-year-old man doesn’t fit any curve or paradigm I can think of.”
Hopkins acknowledged that some might have concerns about participation during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, also mentioning the city’s anti-violence program.
“The homebound can put their shoulder to the wheel of reducing violence in our community, by talking to your city councilperson and voicing your support for Ceasefire,” he said, adding that his church has been a supporter of the program’s intent to intervene among community members to limit cycles of violence.
“It’s a vulnerable program. It does involve the police, and the police have sometimes been part of the problem in our community, but it’s one where police and policing are part of the answer. In all the talk of defunding the police, certainly community programs like this are worthy of support and among those most likely to be impacted.”
Hopkins said he found two Biblical references resonant in the wake of the weekend’s tragedy.
“What’s coming to mind right now is Genesis [1:27], where it is said we are all created in the image of God, with the capacity to learn and grow and love. We are imbued with eternal significance, and our death matters. There’s also Jeremiah [29:7]: ‘seek the peace of the city you are in, for in its peace you will find your own.’”
Brazell’s sister-in-law Katrina Williams, who drove directly from her Stockton home as soon as she learned of the vigil, passionately recalled his devotion to family. “Whenever we needed a door fixed in our home, whenever we needed our car worked on … if we had a table that needed to be fixed, everybody called Uncle Darius,” she said, “and for him to have his life taken like that, and to die on these streets with nobody with him? He got up and walked our kids to school every morning. The last thing he did for my daughter was he went to the store and got her a bottle of water.”
Brazell’s son Darian, 22, called his father “a good, loving person who took care of all of his kids” and said he didn’t wish whoever shot him any harm: “We hope he’ll do something and turn himself in. We don’t have any hatred toward anybody. We just want to know what would make somebody want to kill a 55-year-old innocent man.”
Oakland police Capt. Chris Bolton, one of several officers present, thanked community members for showing their support for Brazell’s family.
“He put out love into the world, and deserves respect in life as he does now in death. My thoughts are with his family and him,” Bolton said. “It was my officers, police Area Two, who responded to the scene on a report of gunshots and an armed individual. It was my officers who attempted to render aid, who looked for the suspect and continue to look for the suspect today. And it will be Oakland police officers who bring this suspect to justice.”
In a statement on social media Monday, police asked for residents to continue to partner with them to solve violent crimes, and said that shootings and homicides had been cut by 50 percent in just five years.
“Our model for crime reduction has been recognized as a national model, and we will continue to work closely and diligently with our trusted community partners to reduce the violence that traumatizes too many families in Oakland,” Oakland Interim Police Chief Susan E. Manheimer said. “All of us, working together, can help stop the tragic loss of life in our city, and ensure that all Oaklanders can live in a safe community.”
Manheimer also on Monday visited the scene of one of several weekend homicides in the city, vowing that police “stand with this community and we will interrupt this violence.”
Contact George Kelly at 408-859-5180.


mercurynews--2020-08-11--Pelosi holds firm in negotiations over relief bill

WASHINGTON — Speaker Nancy Pelosi is not about to blink .
The Democratic leader has been here before , negotiating a deal with the White House to save the U.S. economy , and lessons from the Great Recession are now punctuating the coronavirus talks .
With Republicans again balking at big government bailouts , the Democrats believe they have the leverage , forcing President Donald Trump into a politically risky standoff over help for millions of Americans .
“ It ’ s impossible to know whether she has overplayed her hand until we see if there is a COVID package @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former top aide to then-Speaker John Boehner .
Monday brought no new talks between Trump ’ s team and negotiators on Capitol Hill as the president tries a go-it-alone strategy .
Over the weekend , he launched a series of executive actions that give the appearance of a White House taking charge but may end up providing little help for ordinary Americans .
The president ’ s orders seek to reverse the devastating fallout from unemployment assistance , eviction protections and other aid that has expired .
But there are limits , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an end run around the legislative branch .
Pelosi dismissed Trump ’ s proposals Monday as an “ illusion ” in an interview on MSNBC .
Trump acknowledged he ’ s still quite open to a deal with Congress .
“ So now Schumer and Pelosi want to meet to make a deal .
Amazing how it all works , isn ’ t it , ” he tweeted Monday .
“ They know my phone number.
” With Trump now having played his hand , however , Democrats appear in no rush to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if not weeks , to sort out what Trump intended with his executive actions , as guidance from the administration is sent to the states .
Already , the Department of Labor is telling governors that Trump ’ s promised $ 400 weekly jobless benefit boost will actually amount to just $ 300 if states are unable to provide the rest , according to information obtained Monday by The Associated Press .
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer dismissed the Trump ’ s administrative actions as “ all sizzle and no steak , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ glue.
” In the meantime , countless Americans are already feeling the squeeze .
What had been a $ 600 weekly unemployment benefit boost is gone , as are federal eviction protections .
Schools that had been eyeing federal help now face the prospect of reopening on shoestring budgets .
The virus shows no signs of easing , with more than 5 million infections and 160,000 deaths nationwide and stark new evidence that many Americans ’ jobs may never return .
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin , on a conference call with governors on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the administration ’ s “ first choice.
” Mnuchin and Vice President Mike Pence urged the governors to reach out to congressional leaders and push for legislation , according to audio of the call obtained by AP .
“ Anytime they want to meet — and they ’ re wiling to negotiate and have a new proposal — we ’ re more than happy to meet , ” Mnuchin said later at the White House .
He confirmed he has not spoken to the Democratic leaders since talks collapsed Friday .
Pelosi has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the last recession , when George W. Bush ’ s Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson dropped to a knee at the White House and all but begged her not to let a financial rescue plan fail in Congress .
Democrats provided the bulk of the votes in 2008 for Bush ’ s bank bailout and , with the majority in both the House and Senate , they also approved President Barack Obama ’ s economic recovery plan in 2009 .
They often see that era as mopping up after a Republican president .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ — the raging virus and economic shutdown — Pelosi is standing firm .
She told The Associated Press earlier this year that Mnuchin is a “ good listener ” and they have a good rapport , having negotiated a relief package in March .
But she said , “ When President Bush was president he would say to me , ‘ Secretary Paulson speaks for me.
’ This case , I don ’ t – I ’ m not sure.
” Negotiations over the latest coronavirus bill shifted with the arrival of Mark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief of staff , a conservative former head of the House Freedom Caucus who is widely seen as a counter-force to Mnuchin .
During days of closed-door talks , Meadows often declares one issue after another a “ nonstarter , ” according to an aide granted anonymity to discuss the private sessions .
Another aide said both Meadows and Mnuchin used that phrase several times as they pushed back against the Democratic proposals .
Pelosi has said repeatedly that Trump and the Republicans don ’ t grasp the gravity of the situation facing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put their latest compromise offer on the table , dropping their $ 3 trillion-plus package of relief by $ 1 trillion to $ 2.5 trillion , and asking the White House to do the same , raising its $ 1 trillion proposal to at least $ 2 trillion .
That was rejected last week .
The GOP leader , who has chosen to stay on the sidelines in the talks , has a weakened hand because unlike the Democratic leaders , who have most of their rank-and-file behind them , his Republican majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senators prefer no new aid at all .
“ Democrats think they smell an opening , ” he said .
McConnell nevertheless can play an influential role if and when he decides to bring the votes he ’ s sure of to the table .
That could lead to one path for an eventual deal .
Associated Press writers Alan Suderman in Richmond , Virginia , , contributed to this report .

By Lisa Mascaro | Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Speaker Nancy Pelosi is not about to blink.
The Democratic leader has been here before, negotiating a deal with the White House to save the U.S. economy, and lessons from the Great Recession are now punctuating the coronavirus talks. With Republicans again balking at big government bailouts, the Democrats believe they have the leverage, forcing President Donald Trump into a politically risky standoff over help for millions of Americans.
“It’s impossible to know whether she has overplayed her hand until we see if there is a COVID package,” says Michael Steel, a former top aide to then-Speaker John Boehner.
Monday brought no new talks between Trump’s team and negotiators on Capitol Hill as the president tries a go-it-alone strategy. Over the weekend, he launched a series of executive actions that give the appearance of a White House taking charge but may end up providing little help for ordinary Americans.
The president’s orders seek to reverse the devastating fallout from unemployment assistance, eviction protections and other aid that has expired. But there are limits, and legal pitfalls, in trying to make an end run around the legislative branch.
Pelosi dismissed Trump’s proposals Monday as an “illusion” in an interview on MSNBC.
Trump acknowledged he’s still quite open to a deal with Congress. “So now Schumer and Pelosi want to meet to make a deal. Amazing how it all works, isn’t it,” he tweeted Monday. “They know my phone number.”
With Trump now having played his hand, however, Democrats appear in no rush to show theirs.
It will take days, if not weeks, to sort out what Trump intended with his executive actions, as guidance from the administration is sent to the states. Already, the Department of Labor is telling governors that Trump’s promised $400 weekly jobless benefit boost will actually amount to just $300 if states are unable to provide the rest, according to information obtained Monday by The Associated Press.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer dismissed the Trump’s administrative actions as “all sizzle and no steak,” held together by “spit and glue.”
In the meantime, countless Americans are already feeling the squeeze. What had been a $600 weekly unemployment benefit boost is gone, as are federal eviction protections. Schools that had been eyeing federal help now face the prospect of reopening on shoestring budgets.
The virus shows no signs of easing, with more than 5 million infections and 160,000 deaths nationwide and stark new evidence that many Americans’ jobs may never return.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, on a conference call with governors on Monday, said action by Congress remains the administration’s “first choice.”
Mnuchin and Vice President Mike Pence urged the governors to reach out to congressional leaders and push for legislation, according to audio of the call obtained by AP.
“Anytime they want to meet — and they’re wiling to negotiate and have a new proposal — we’re more than happy to meet,” Mnuchin said later at the White House. He confirmed he has not spoken to the Democratic leaders since talks collapsed Friday.
Pelosi has been here before, at the start of the last recession, when George W. Bush’s Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson dropped to a knee at the White House and all but begged her not to let a financial rescue plan fail in Congress.
Democrats provided the bulk of the votes in 2008 for Bush’s bank bailout and, with the majority in both the House and Senate, they also approved President Barack Obama’s economic recovery plan in 2009. They often see that era as mopping up after a Republican president.
Now, facing a far greater crisis — the raging virus and economic shutdown — Pelosi is standing firm.
She told The Associated Press earlier this year that Mnuchin is a “good listener” and they have a good rapport, having negotiated a relief package in March.
But she said, “When President Bush was president he would say to me, ‘Secretary Paulson speaks for me.’ This case, I don’t – I’m not sure.”
Negotiations over the latest coronavirus bill shifted with the arrival of Mark Meadows, the president’s new chief of staff, a conservative former head of the House Freedom Caucus who is widely seen as a counter-force to Mnuchin.
During days of closed-door talks, Meadows often declares one issue after another a “nonstarter,” according to an aide granted anonymity to discuss the private sessions.
Another aide said both Meadows and Mnuchin used that phrase several times as they pushed back against the Democratic proposals.
Pelosi has said repeatedly that Trump and the Republicans don’t grasp the gravity of the situation facing the nation.
She and Schumer have put their latest compromise offer on the table, dropping their $3 trillion-plus package of relief by $1 trillion to $2.5 trillion, and asking the White House to do the same, raising its $1 trillion proposal to at least $2 trillion. That was rejected last week.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell accused the Democrats of “hostage taking.”
The GOP leader, who has chosen to stay on the sidelines in the talks, has a weakened hand because unlike the Democratic leaders, who have most of their rank-and-file behind them, his Republican majority is fractured. Almost half the GOP senators prefer no new aid at all.
“Democrats think they smell an opening,” he said.
McConnell nevertheless can play an influential role if and when he decides to bring the votes he’s sure of to the table. That could lead to one path for an eventual deal.
Associated Press writers Alan Suderman in Richmond, Virginia,, contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-08-11--Ramón Laureano on Alex Cintrón: “I wasted my time with that guy”

Even though he heard Alex Cintrón make vile remarks about his mother , A ’ s outfielder Ramón Laureano said Monday he regrets charging at the Houston Astros hitting coach and now seems prepared to face whatever punishment may be forthcoming from Major League Baseball .
“ It was a waste of time , ” Laureano said of the incident to local reporters .
Both Laureano and Cintrón may be facing lengthy suspensions for their roles in the altercation , which cleared both the A ’ s and Astros benches and bullpens .
Both Laureano and catcher Austin Allen were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A ’ s captured 7-2 to extend their winning streak to nine .
Laureano was in the A ’ s lineup for Monday ’ s road game with the Los Angeles Angels , hitting second and playing center field .
A ’ s manager Bob Melvin said he wasn ’ t sure when MLB will make its decision on whether to suspend Laureano , although it could come Tuesday .
“ That ’ s all out of my control .
I ’ ve already moved on , ” Laureano said of a possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thinking about today ’ s game right away since I woke up today .
“ Obviously whenever the decision comes , it comes .
Hopefully it ’ s not as many games as people think.
” Laureano said he should have kept his cool even after he heard Cintrón ’ s comments about his mother shortly after he reached first base .
Laureano told ESPN in an article posted Monday afternoon that Cintrón , “ said in Spanish something you don ’ t say about my mother.
” Laureano , a native of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ child of Nina and Ramon .
In the same article , Laureano said , “ So for ( Cintrón ) to say that to me about my mom , it doesn ’ t sit well .
I ’ ve got a fire inside me right away in that second.
” ESPN reported that , through an Astros spokesman , Cintrón denied talking about Laureano ’ s mother .
“ Obviously , I don ’ t take that very lightly , ” Laureano later said about the insults , “ and I don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Just a tough situation .
I reacted that way .
When it comes to social distancing during a pandemic I look like not a very smart guy , but you ’ re emotional , especially about when it ’ s about your mother.
” Astros manager Dusty Baker told reporters Monday that Cintrón regretted what took place .
“ He was remorseful that the whole thing happened , and we hope it doesn ’ t happen again , ” Baker said .
Laureano was hit by a Humberto Castellanos pitch but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ motioning to the Astros pitcher the proper hand action needed to throw an effective slider .
Laureano had already been hit twice in the series , including earlier in the game by former A ’ s farmhand Brandon Bailey .
“ They ’ re not intentional , and I know that , ” Laureano said of being hit so often .
“ If you really want to go deeper , they have a lot of arms that haven ’ t reached the Triple-A level , so the command might not be there with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pitchers .
Don ’ t get me wrong .
Great talent .
But because of the situation , they got called up a little quicker .
Some of them are legit big leaguers .
It ’ s just hard when you get thrown at pretty aggressively.
” Laureano was standing beside A ’ s first base coach Mike Aldrete when he started to hear Cintrón from the Astros dugout .
Cintrón then waved at Laureano to come toward him , seemingly challenging him to a fight .
Laureano waved back with a dismissive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top step of the dugout and walked toward the A ’ s outfielder .
“ He was ( like ) come get it , and them I ’ m like , ‘ Get out of here , ' ” Laureano said .
“ And then he said it again , and that ’ s what happened .
“ I guess it ’ s an unwritten rule that you can ’ t be doing that , as a coach , ” Laureano said later when asked about hearing these things from a coach .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fun for him to do that .
But I ’ m a man , I ’ m a freaking man .
Whatever happens , happens .
I ’ ll take it .
I couldn ’ t keep my cool , and I should have .
I wasted my time with that guy.
” “ I know I ’ ve always , for the most part , talked to my coaches about ( how ) getting on the players is not our place , ” Melvin said of his staff .
“ It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game .
That seems fair to me and I think that ’ s been the case.
” • A ’ s players come to defense of Ramón Laureano • The Deets : Ramon Laureano is a hero , Alex Cintron is a coward , and Rob Manfred is going to screw this up again Laureano said looking back , he appreciated Astros catcher Dustin Garneau stepping in between him and Cintrón .
“ Huge credit to him .
He protected me while we were in the pile down there , ” Laureano said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for that because it would have been worse .
”

Even though he heard Alex Cintrón make vile remarks about his mother, A’s outfielder Ramón Laureano said Monday he regrets charging at the Houston Astros hitting coach and now seems prepared to face whatever punishment may be forthcoming from Major League Baseball.
“It was a waste of time,” Laureano said of the incident to local reporters.
Both Laureano and Cintrón may be facing lengthy suspensions for their roles in the altercation, which cleared both the A’s and Astros benches and bullpens. Both Laureano and catcher Austin Allen were ejected from the game, which the A’s captured 7-2 to extend their winning streak to nine.
Laureano was in the A’s lineup for Monday’s road game with the Los Angeles Angels, hitting second and playing center field. A’s manager Bob Melvin said he wasn’t sure when MLB will make its decision on whether to suspend Laureano, although it could come Tuesday.
“That’s all out of my control. I’ve already moved on,” Laureano said of a possible suspension. “I’m just thinking about today’s game right away since I woke up today.
“Obviously whenever the decision comes, it comes. Hopefully it’s not as many games as people think.”
Laureano said he should have kept his cool even after he heard Cintrón’s comments about his mother shortly after he reached first base.
Laureano told ESPN in an article posted Monday afternoon that Cintrón, “said in Spanish something you don’t say about my mother.”
Laureano, a native of the Dominican Republic, is the only child of Nina and Ramon. In the same article, Laureano said, “So for (Cintrón) to say that to me about my mom, it doesn’t sit well. I’ve got a fire inside me right away in that second.”
ESPN reported that, through an Astros spokesman, Cintrón denied talking about Laureano’s mother.
“Obviously, I don’t take that very lightly,” Laureano later said about the insults, “and I don’t think anybody would take it lightly.
“Just a tough situation. I reacted that way. When it comes to social distancing during a pandemic I look like not a very smart guy, but you’re emotional, especially about when it’s about your mother.”
Astros manager Dusty Baker told reporters Monday that Cintrón regretted what took place.
“He was remorseful that the whole thing happened, and we hope it doesn’t happen again,” Baker said.
Laureano was hit by a Humberto Castellanos pitch but instead of charging the mound, was motioning to the Astros pitcher the proper hand action needed to throw an effective slider. Laureano had already been hit twice in the series, including earlier in the game by former A’s farmhand Brandon Bailey.
“They’re not intentional, and I know that,” Laureano said of being hit so often. “If you really want to go deeper, they have a lot of arms that haven’t reached the Triple-A level, so the command might not be there with some pitches.
“They are great pitchers. Don’t get me wrong. Great talent. But because of the situation, they got called up a little quicker. Some of them are legit big leaguers. It’s just hard when you get thrown at pretty aggressively.”
Laureano was standing beside A’s first base coach Mike Aldrete when he started to hear Cintrón from the Astros dugout.
Cintrón then waved at Laureano to come toward him, seemingly challenging him to a fight. Laureano waved back with a dismissive hand motion before Cintrón moved onto the top step of the dugout and walked toward the A’s outfielder.
“He was (like) come get it, and them I’m like, ‘Get out of here,'” Laureano said. “And then he said it again, and that’s what happened.
“I guess it’s an unwritten rule that you can’t be doing that, as a coach,” Laureano said later when asked about hearing these things from a coach. “So, yeah, it was fun for him to do that. But I’m a man, I’m a freaking man. Whatever happens, happens. I’ll take it. I couldn’t keep my cool, and I should have. I wasted my time with that guy.”
“I know I’ve always, for the most part, talked to my coaches about (how) getting on the players is not our place,” Melvin said of his staff. “It’s the players that are playing the game. That seems fair to me and I think that’s been the case.”
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“Huge credit to him. He protected me while we were in the pile down there,” Laureano said. “I thank him a lot for that because it would have been worse.”


mercurynews--2020-08-10--California judge rules Uber, Lyft drivers are employees

SACRAMENTO — A judge on Monday ordered ride-hailing giants Uber and Lyft to treat their California drivers as employees instead of independent contractors , a shift that would guarantee benefits like overtime , sick leave and expense reimbursement for workers who make up much of the freewheeling gig economy .
But the ruling from San Francisco Superior Court Judge Ethan P. Schulman won ’ t take effect right away as both Uber and Lyft said Monday they will immediately appeal to a higher court , which could put the ruling on hold as the case continues .
Still , advocates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their fight to apply traditional worker protections to a fast-growing segment of the labor force .
But the companies criticized the decision , saying it threatens to shut them down during a pandemic-induced economic downturn where many people who have lost their jobs turn to the ride-hailing companies to make money .
“ Our elected leaders should be focused on creating work , not trying to shut down an entire industry during an economic depression , ” Uber spokesperson Davis White said .
The lawsuit was filed by California Attorney General Xavier Becerra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , San Diego and San Francisco under a new California law that says companies can only classify workers as contractors if they perform work “ outside the usual course ” of their business .
The law has wide-reaching implications across a number of sectors , but none more so than the ride-hailing industry .
The companies have already challenged the law in federal court , where their efforts to stop it from taking effect have , so far , failed .
And they have pledged to spend more than a hundred million dollars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , if approved by voters , would exempt them from the law .
Lawyers for Uber and Lyft say drivers are not fundamental to the business , arguing the companies are “ multi-sided platforms ” whose activities encompass much more than transportation .
But Schulman rejected those arguments , writing in a 34-page opinion that the argument “ flies in the face of economic reality and common sense.
” “ To state the obvious , drivers are central , not tangential , to Uber and Lyft ’ s entire ride-hailing business , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ argued Uber and Lyft ’ s behavior hurts more than just drivers , noting the companies don ’ t pay into the state ’ s unemployment insurance fund that covers benefits for people when they lose their jobs .
The state ’ s fund was quickly depleted following huge job losses because of the pandemic , resulting in the state borrowing billions of dollars from the federal government .
“ Our state and workers shouldn ’ t have to foot the bill when big businesses try to skip out on their responsibilities , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attorney general , said “ We ’ re going to keep working to make sure Uber and Lyft play by the rules.
” But ride-haling companies have been hurt by the pandemic , too .
Uber announced last week it lost $ 1.78 billion in the past three months as millions of people stayed home during the pandemic .
Uber said it did not anticipate any immediate disruptions because of the ruling for its more than 100,000 drivers in California .
Lyft , meanwhile , turned its attention to the November ballot initiative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue will be decided by California voters and that they will side with drivers , ” Lyft spokesperson Julie Wood said .

SACRAMENTO — A judge on Monday ordered ride-hailing giants Uber and Lyft to treat their California drivers as employees instead of independent contractors, a shift that would guarantee benefits like overtime, sick leave and expense reimbursement for workers who make up much of the freewheeling gig economy.
But the ruling from San Francisco Superior Court Judge Ethan P. Schulman won’t take effect right away as both Uber and Lyft said Monday they will immediately appeal to a higher court, which could put the ruling on hold as the case continues.
Still, advocates praised the ruling as a milestone in their fight to apply traditional worker protections to a fast-growing segment of the labor force. But the companies criticized the decision, saying it threatens to shut them down during a pandemic-induced economic downturn where many people who have lost their jobs turn to the ride-hailing companies to make money.
“Our elected leaders should be focused on creating work, not trying to shut down an entire industry during an economic depression,” Uber spokesperson Davis White said.
The lawsuit was filed by California Attorney General Xavier Becerra and the city attorneys of Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco under a new California law that says companies can only classify workers as contractors if they perform work “outside the usual course” of their business.
The law has wide-reaching implications across a number of sectors, but none more so than the ride-hailing industry. The companies have already challenged the law in federal court, where their efforts to stop it from taking effect have, so far, failed. And they have pledged to spend more than a hundred million dollars to support a ballot measure in November that, if approved by voters, would exempt them from the law.
Lawyers for Uber and Lyft say drivers are not fundamental to the business, arguing the companies are “multi-sided platforms” whose activities encompass much more than transportation. But Schulman rejected those arguments, writing in a 34-page opinion that the argument “flies in the face of economic reality and common sense.”
“To state the obvious, drivers are central, not tangential, to Uber and Lyft’s entire ride-hailing business,” Schulman wrote.
State officials have argued Uber and Lyft’s behavior hurts more than just drivers, noting the companies don’t pay into the state’s unemployment insurance fund that covers benefits for people when they lose their jobs. The state’s fund was quickly depleted following huge job losses because of the pandemic, resulting in the state borrowing billions of dollars from the federal government.
“Our state and workers shouldn’t have to foot the bill when big businesses try to skip out on their responsibilities,” Becerra, California’s Democratic attorney general, said “We’re going to keep working to make sure Uber and Lyft play by the rules.”
But ride-haling companies have been hurt by the pandemic, too. Uber announced last week it lost $1.78 billion in the past three months as millions of people stayed home during the pandemic.
Uber said it did not anticipate any immediate disruptions because of the ruling for its more than 100,000 drivers in California. Lyft, meanwhile, turned its attention to the November ballot initiative.
“Ultimately, we believe this issue will be decided by California voters and that they will side with drivers,” Lyft spokesperson Julie Wood said.