mercurynews--2020-02-03--Five Super Bowl LIV plays that cost 49ers a victory over Kansas City

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The 49ers were so frustratingly close Sunday night .
They went from being poised to join the Patriots and Steelers for the most Super Bowl victories in history to a more ignominious fate — owners of the league ’ s worst Super Bowl record over the past 15 years .
And all it took was five plays for San Francisco ’ s fortunes to turn disastrous .
The game-changing fourth-quarter plays allowed the Chiefs to overcome a 10-point deficit while outscoring San Francisco @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 49ers 31-20 in Super Bowl LIV .
The 49ers and their fans don ’ t want to hear this , but their second Super Bowl loss in seven years also means since 2005 no other NFL team has lost as many as two Super Bowls without winning one .
Here ’ s a closer look at the five plays at Hard Rock Stadium that changed how history will view these 49ers : With the Chiefs trailing 20-10 and just seven minutes left in the game , the 49ers had a great opportunity to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bowl win .
But , with the Chiefs faced with a third-and-15 play , San Francisco ’ s defense couldn ’ t make the stop .
In what will likely be remembered as the most crucial play of the game , the speedy Tyreek Hill somehow got lost in coverage between cornerback Emmanuel Moseley and safety Jimmie Ward and was left wide open .
The Chiefs ’ receiver then hauled in Patrick Mahomes ’ pass for a game-altering first down at the 49ers ’ 21 .
It led to a touchdown that pulled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were trailing 24-20 with 1:33 left in the game , and on third-and-10 from midfield Jimmy Garoppolo missed a chance for Super Bowl immortality .
With Emmanuel Sanders having sped past Chiefs rookie nickel back Rashad Fenton by a couple steps , all the 49ers needed was a big-time throw from Garoppolo .
Jimmy G , though , couldn ’ t quite deliver .
His pass sailed five yards past Sanders and bounced harmlessly off the turf .
While Garoppolo made some early plays early on to help put San Francisco in front @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best in the final quarter , going just 3-of-11 for 36 yards and an interception .
Garoppolo finished 20-of-31 for 219 yards , one touchdown and a pair of interceptions for a suboptimal 69.2 passer rating .
Three plays after giving up Mahomes ’ big throw to Hill , the San Francisco defense faltered again on a third-and-10 from its own 21 .
Tarvarius Moore , who had an interception and a key pass break up earlier in the game , was called for pass interference on a key play .
While trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kelce at the goal line , Moore had his back to Mahomes and couldn ’ t help but run into the tight end and get called for a blatant foul .
The ball was placed at the 1 and , on the next play , Mahomes hit Kelce for the touchdown to pull Kansas City within 20-17 with 6:13 left .
On Kansas City ’ s late , game-winning drive , 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman ’ s speed was no match for the Chiefs ’ Sammy Watkins .
Sherman couldn ’ t keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past him to give Mahomes a chance to find him on a second-and-7 play from midfield .
Mahomes put a feathery touch on a pass that Watkins caught in stride down the right sideline for a 38-yard gain down to the San Francisco 10 .
Three plays later , Mahomes found Damien Williams on a 5-yard touchdown pass with 2:44 left for the eventual game-winning score and a 24-20 lead .
OK , so we cheated and gave you six plays , but the back-to-back pass plays on second-and-5 and the 49ers clinging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for many of the 49er Faithful to lump them together .
The 49ers , who came into the game having run the ball for 471 yards in their two playoff victories , seemingly had a chance to run some time off the clock and perhaps ice the game .
They had averaged 6.4 yards per carry against the Chiefs but instead chose to put the game in Garoppolo ’ s hands with 5:30 minutes remaining .
Garoppolo had a pass knocked down at the line by the Chiefs ’ Chris Jones and he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on third down .
“ We were grateful they got out of the run and started to throw the ball , ” Kansas City safety Tyrann Mathieu said of the 49ers ’ play-calling .
The three-and-out only took 1:03 off the clock and resulted in Mitch Wishnowsky ’ s first punt and gave Mahomes another opportunity he didn ’ t miss .

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The 49ers were so frustratingly close Sunday night. They went from being poised to join the Patriots and Steelers for the most Super Bowl victories in history to a more ignominious fate — owners of the league’s worst Super Bowl record over the past 15 years.
And all it took was five plays for San Francisco’s fortunes to turn disastrous.
The game-changing fourth-quarter plays allowed the Chiefs to overcome a 10-point deficit while outscoring San Francisco 21-0 on their way to beating the 49ers 31-20 in Super Bowl LIV.
The 49ers and their fans don’t want to hear this, but their second Super Bowl loss in seven years also means since 2005 no other NFL team has lost as many as two Super Bowls without winning one.
Here’s a closer look at the five plays at Hard Rock Stadium that changed how history will view these 49ers:
1. Mahomes’ 44-yard pass to Hill during Chiefs’ comeback
THAT WAS COMPLETE pic.twitter.com/RDdgrCYJAm — Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) February 3, 2020
With the Chiefs trailing 20-10 and just seven minutes left in the game, the 49ers had a great opportunity to get ever closer to their sixth Super Bowl win. But, with the Chiefs faced with a third-and-15 play, San Francisco’s defense couldn’t make the stop.
In what will likely be remembered as the most crucial play of the game, the speedy Tyreek Hill somehow got lost in coverage between cornerback Emmanuel Moseley and safety Jimmie Ward and was left wide open.
The Chiefs’ receiver then hauled in Patrick Mahomes’ pass for a game-altering first down at the 49ers’ 21. It led to a touchdown that pulled Kansas City to 20-17.
2. Garoppolo overthrows Sanders on potential game-winning play
The 49ers were trailing 24-20 with 1:33 left in the game, and on third-and-10 from midfield Jimmy Garoppolo missed a chance for Super Bowl immortality.
With Emmanuel Sanders having sped past Chiefs rookie nickel back Rashad Fenton by a couple steps, all the 49ers needed was a big-time throw from Garoppolo. Jimmy G, though, couldn’t quite deliver. His pass sailed five yards past Sanders and bounced harmlessly off the turf.
While Garoppolo made some early plays early on to help put San Francisco in front, he wasn’t at his best in the final quarter, going just 3-of-11 for 36 yards and an interception. Garoppolo finished 20-of-31 for 219 yards, one touchdown and a pair of interceptions for a suboptimal 69.2 passer rating.
3. Crucial pass interference on 49ers’ Tarvarius Moore
Three plays after giving up Mahomes’ big throw to Hill, the San Francisco defense faltered again on a third-and-10 from its own 21.
Tarvarius Moore, who had an interception and a key pass break up earlier in the game, was called for pass interference on a key play. While trying to cover Chiefs’ Pro Bowler Travis Kelce at the goal line, Moore had his back to Mahomes and couldn’t help but run into the tight end and get called for a blatant foul.
The ball was placed at the 1 and, on the next play, Mahomes hit Kelce for the touchdown to pull Kansas City within 20-17 with 6:13 left.
4. Richard Sherman gets beat deep in fourth quarter
On Kansas City’s late, game-winning drive, 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman’s speed was no match for the Chiefs’ Sammy Watkins.
Sherman couldn’t keep up with Watkins, who easily raced past him to give Mahomes a chance to find him on a second-and-7 play from midfield. Mahomes put a feathery touch on a pass that Watkins caught in stride down the right sideline for a 38-yard gain down to the San Francisco 10.
Three plays later, Mahomes found Damien Williams on a 5-yard touchdown pass with 2:44 left for the eventual game-winning score and a 24-20 lead.
5. Two costly 49ers incompletions with 5:30 left
OK, so we cheated and gave you six plays, but the back-to-back pass plays on second-and-5 and the 49ers clinging to a 20-17 lead were maddening enough for many of the 49er Faithful to lump them together.
The 49ers, who came into the game having run the ball for 471 yards in their two playoff victories, seemingly had a chance to run some time off the clock and perhaps ice the game. They had averaged 6.4 yards per carry against the Chiefs but instead chose to put the game in Garoppolo’s hands with 5:30 minutes remaining.
Garoppolo had a pass knocked down at the line by the Chiefs’ Chris Jones and he then misfired again while targeting Kendrick Bourne on third down.
“We were grateful they got out of the run and started to throw the ball,” Kansas City safety Tyrann Mathieu said of the 49ers’ play-calling.
The three-and-out only took 1:03 off the clock and resulted in a second straight series ending with a Mitch Wishnowsky punt and gave Mahomes another opportunity he didn’t miss.


mercurynews--2020-02-03--6 shot on Greyhound bus headed to San Francisco

Six people were shot early Monday on a Greyhound bus in Southern California , the California Highway Patrol said .
@ @ @ @ @ taken to hospitals , CHP spokesman Steve Loftus said .
Details on their conditions were @ @ @ @ @ shooting took place shortly before 1:30 a.m. in the Grapevine area of Interstate 5 .
@ @ @ @ @ Los Angeles to San Francisco and was carrying about 40 passengers , Loftus said .
@ @ @ @ @ on the bus , the CHP said .
The Kern County sheriff ’ s and @ @ @ @ @ scene near Lebec , in Kern County , according to local news outlets .
Photos @ @ @ @ @ bus parked at a Valero gas station at the base of the Grapevine section of @ @ @ @ @ bus is scheduled to leave downtown Los Angeles at 11:30 p.m. and arrive in San @ @ @ @ @

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A man cursing and muttering incoherently opened fire aboard a packed Greyhound bus in Southern California early Monday, killing one person and wounding five others in a seemingly random attack before passengers disarmed him, authorities and a witness said.
The driver of the Los Angeles-to-San Francisco bus pulled off onto the shoulder, where some of those aboard led the killer off the vehicle, and he was quickly taken into custody, California Highway Patrol Sgt. Brian Pennings said. The driver continued on to the next exit as passengers performed first aid on the wounded, he said.
The motive for the shooting was not immediately known, and there was no indication the gunman knew any of the victims, Pennings said. He said several ammunition magazines were discovered along with the gun.
The bus was traveling on Interstate 5 near the small mountain community of Lebec, about 70 miles northwest of Los Angeles, when the passenger started shooting with a semi-automatic handgun shortly before 1:30 a.m. Forty-three people were aboard, including 6- and 8-year-old children, who were not hurt.
The dead passenger was identified as a 51-year-old woman from Colombia. Two victims were hospitalized with serious injuries, Pennings said.
Passenger Mark Grabban, 29, told The Associated Press that the gunman had been sitting with his leg sticking out into the aisle, muttering to himself incoherently.
“He was just saying weird stuff like ‘you don’t know me like that,’ ‘wait til we get to the station,’ ‘get away from the dude in the striped shirt,’ ” Grabban said in a series of Instagram messages.
Suddenly, the man started cursing and shooting, Grabban said. Grabban hid beneath the seat in front of him. He said the gunman seemed to fire eight or nine shots that “seemed to go on forever.” He added: “I was waiting for one to hit me.”
“I thought I was shot because I felt a rush of heat on the back of my head as I went down,” he said. “But I guess I just smashed my head on the seat as I went down to the floor.”
Then, silence fell. The injured passengers began moaning, and others started panicking. It was dark outside and they couldn’t see what the gunman was doing after he got off the bus. Grabban said the driver of the stopped vehicle asked over the loudspeaker if anyone had been hurt and did not immediately pull away. “Everyone was screaming at him to drive off,” Grabban said.
Pennings said the driver’s actions “were very appropriate and one could say heroic.” The officer gave no immediate details on how the passengers disarmed the killer or made him get off the bus.
Related Articles Crime and Public Safety | Maryland man held in San Francisco-bound bus shooting that killed 1, injured 5 No immediate charges were brought against the the suspect, whose name was not released.
Grabban, who was sitting near the back of the bus with his girlfriend, picked up the gun’s empty magazine clip and handed it to the driver. A casing ended up on Grabban’s lap, he told NBC News.
“I saw the blood on the floor of the aisle,” Grabban told the network. “I looked to the woman on the left, and she wasn’t responding, wasn’t moving or anything. She was lifeless.”
Authorities were looking into whether a video camera aboard the vehicle captured the attack, which happened when the bus was at the top of Tejon Pass. It rises to an elevation of more than 4,100 feet (1,250 meters) in Lebec.
Greyhound prohibits passengers from bringing guns, explosives or dangerous chemicals on board its buses or in their luggage, according to its website. The company declined to answer additional questions about security on its buses.


mercurynews--2020-02-03--Mind the achievement gap: California’s disparities in education, explained

Few goals in education have been as frustrating and urgent as the deep , generational disparity in achievement between the haves and the have-nots in California schools .
It is an article of faith in the K-12 school system that every student — regardless of race , creed , wealth or color — can and should be academically successful .
But in measures from standardized tests to dropout rates to college completion , the achievement gap has persisted in cities , rural communities and suburbs , a sign that opportunity is not yet equal for many children in California classrooms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in part by budget constraints in the aftermath of the recession , California has initiated sweeping reforms in an attempt to channel more resources to high-needs students and to better level the educational playing field .
These and other efforts have , to some extent , improved academic outcomes — but black , Latino and poor students still lag dramatically behind Asian American , white and wealthier students .
That challenge remains , not only a source of political tension , but also a looming economic problem for California .
Disparities associated with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country .
But as the civil rights laws and school desegregation mandates took hold in the 1960s , ‘ 70s and ‘ 80s , the academic performance of poor , black and Latino students improved significantly .
The National Assessment of Educational Progress , a longstanding standardized test measuring student achievement , showed , for example , that gaps in reading and math scores between black and white high school students nationally was roughly halved between 1971 and 1996 , Harvard social policy professor Christopher Jencks and UCLA public policy professor Meredith Phillips @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Black-White Test Score Gap.
” But by the late 1990s , as court orders to desegregate were lifted , schools quietly re-segregated , and test scores and metrics began showing diminishing progress .
As the 21st century began , education researchers were baffled .
When the “ No Child Left Behind Act ” was signed in 2001 by President George W. Bush , closing the achievement gap was its explicit aim — it was even in the title of the law .
The act focused states on the gap , but neither @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done much to move the needle .
President Barack Obama in 2010 tried “ Race to the Top ” financial incentives , states including California have initiated more rigorous Common Core standards , and Congress combined a number of approaches in 2015 with the “ Every Student Succeeds Act , ” but progress has been slow .
Massive and diverse , California struggles with formidable income disparities and complex demographics that don ’ t stop at its public school system .
When former Gov .
Jerry Brown took office after the last recession @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make decisions more local , and to steer more state resources to disadvantaged kids .
The state also adopted Common Core learning standards ; a tougher standardized exam to measure growth in achievement ; and an accountability system that gives schools not a one-dimensional grade , but a color-coded , report card-style dashboard that judges them based on multiple data points .
Since California students began taking the new standardized exam — known as “ Smarter Balanced ” — statewide reading and math scores have inched up an average of about 1 percentage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years .
In 2019 , about 51 % of students who took the exam — administered to high-school juniors and students in grades 3-8 — had mastered the state ’ s reading standards .
In math , about 40 % of students who took the exam earned a passing score .
UCLA researchers recently found that California was the most segregated state for Latinos , “ where 58 % attend intensely segregated schools , ” exacerbating inequities in educational opportunities .
More than half of the state ’ s black students are concentrated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s 1,000 school districts .
Of the students enrolled in K-12 public schools in California , less than 30 % are white , the researchers found .
Black and Latino students significantly trail white and Asian American students in meeting the state ’ s reading and math standards .
In some instances — say , performance in reading and math between white and black students — the difference in achievement is more than two-fold .
A recent study by Stanford researchers found student achievement gaps are mainly driven by school poverty — not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Racial segregation appears to be harmful because it concentrates minority students in high-poverty schools , which are , on average , less effective than lower-poverty schools , ” the study found .
Take , for instance , results in the key areas of third-grade reading and eighth-grade math .
Smarter Balanced results from 2019 showed all groups doing better and some gaps narrowing dramatically when poverty wasn ’ t an issue , though some disparities remained .
Test scores aren ’ t the only achievement gap measure .
Graduation and suspension rates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ improvements there are more positive .
Graduation rates have risen steadily in recent years — overall and for all groups — to 84.5 % in 2019 .
Calculation of those rates has been controversial , but a 2018 study credited the uptick to school funding reforms .
Suspension rates among students of color have also plummeted to record lows , in part due to recent legislation that tightened suspension and expulsion guidelines in an effort to reduce bias and disproportionate discipline for black and Latino students .
… College and career readiness , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of graduating seniors were deemed prepared for college or postsecondary careers in 2018-19 .
The state ’ s “ college and career indicator ” factors whether students passed the 11th grade Smarter Balanced reading and math exams or mastered advanced coursework , and whether students met the state ’ s A-G requirements to attend the University of California or California State University .
While overall college and career readiness is inching toward improvement , there remain yawning gaps in preparedness for the state ’ s most disadvantaged students .
English learners ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 13.3 % ) and students with disabilities ( 10.8 % ) have the lowest readiness rates in California .
Achievement gaps in earlier grades also play out as students leave the state ’ s public school system .
Researchers with The Education Trust-West in 2017 traced racial , ethnic and income disparities in which students had access and participated in advanced coursework , such as AP classes that let high school students earn college credits early .
More black and Latino high schoolers were taking AP courses , Ed Trust-West reported , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passing .
Successes are hard to scale , too Some school districts are bucking the statewide trend , narrowing achievement gaps with higher-than-average outcomes among disadvantaged groups of kids .
The Learning Policy Institute recently highlighted these “ positive outlier ” districts in which students of color are outperforming their racial , ethnic and socioeconomic peer groups .
In the Chula Vista Elementary School District , for example , reading and math scores have risen by double-digit percentage points for black , Latino and economically disadvantaged students .
But California public schools educate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s difficult to scale successes .
The state is home to the nation ’ s second-largest district ( Los Angeles Unified ) , dozens of other large districts each responsible for educating tens of thousands of kids , and hundreds of small districts spread throughout the state ’ s urban and rural areas .
Would different teachers help ?
California , like other states , is experiencing a persistent shortage of qualified teachers .
This disproportionately affects students who are black , Latino , economically disadvantaged or who have special needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Institute of California found that changes in California ’ s school funding law have lowered classroom sizes and added resources , such as extra teachers and support staff , for schools with high concentrations of disadvantaged students .
But those extra teachers , the analysis found , were still more likely to be inexperienced .
Research demonstrates the influence teachers of color have in lifting up academic achievement for students of color , and the effort has been a state focus over the last year .
But while America ’ s teaching corps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retaining qualified teachers of color has remained a challenge in California .
California ’ s 2013 Local Control Funding Formula was the linchpin of former Gov .
Jerry Brown ’ s school finance overhaul .
Under it , all school districts get a flat grant based on their enrollment .
Districts with higher concentrations of low-income students , English language learners and foster youth then receive additional funding through “ supplemental ” and “ concentration ” grants .
Legislators supported the law and its focus because they recognized that students with higher hurdles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now have more authority to decide how to spend their dollars , and they widely say the formula is an upgrade over the previous school finance method , which doled out funding to schools through dozens of “ categorical ” programs that specifically dictated how districts could use each category of funds .
Some schools have seen significant progress under the new system , with low income kids , for example .
But it ’ s been slow going , and with some groups , the extra money doesn ’ t seem to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have called for adjustments to the formula , to target , for example , more funding to black students , who are currently the state ’ s lowest-performing racial or ethnic group .
Recommendations by California State Auditor Elaine Howle would make it easier to track money distributed to schools .
Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters There ’ s another issue with the school funding formula : Following the money is hard .
A recent state audit found it was nearly impossible to determine whether school districts are spending their supplemental and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students for whom they ’ re intended .
It reignited calls for transparency .
Supporters of stronger oversight say it ’ s necessary if the state is to effectively close achievement gaps .
The audit also noted a loophole : Funding targeted for students in need loses its designation if it goes unspent in the year for which it ’ s earmarked , so that special needs money can actually be used for district-wide expenses if it rolls over into the following school year .
Lawmakers have introduced a pair of proposals that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ audit to track spending and require schools to report unspent supplemental and concentration funds .
The State Board of Education , meanwhile , has made changes intended to make school accountability documents easier to read for parents , and the state Department of Education is studying transparency .
Despite years of economic growth in California and record spending toward public education , study after recent study has warned that school districts are heading for long-term financial problems .
The Local Control Funding Funding formula has increased spending by about $ 24 billion since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in California , and fixed costs such as healthcare , special education programs and employee pension obligations have dramatically risen .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom included $ 3 billion in pension relief for districts last year in his inaugural budget .
However , districts ’ contribution rates toward the California State Teachers ’ Retirement System ( CalSTRS ) have increased from 8 % of their payroll in 2013 to 18.1 % in 2020 .
These cost pressures compete with achievement gap initiatives on district balance sheets .
In 2018 , researchers with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s spending the prior school year and calculated that , to educate all the state ’ s K-12 students to California ’ s learning standards , the state would have had to spend an extra $ 25.6 billion over the $ 66.7 billion it spent that year .
That figure — essentially a cost estimate for closing the achievement gap — varied by school district .
But overall , it worked out to about $ 16,800 per pupil , an increase of more than one-third .
Newsom ’ s proposed budget for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billion next fiscal year for public schools and community colleges .
But the governor , legislators , advocates , educators and experts agree that the state needs to commit even more to education , pointing to cost-of-living-adjusted rankings that place California 41st in education spending .
Education is already a massive line item , and lawmakers have been loath to make it bigger , given the traumatic cuts that had to be made during the last recession .
Ballot measures , however , could go before voters in November and in 2022 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public school dollars by raising taxes on corporations and wealthy Californians .

Few goals in education have been as frustrating and urgent as the deep, generational disparity in achievement between the haves and the have-nots in California schools.
It is an article of faith in the K-12 school system that every student — regardless of race, creed, wealth or color — can and should be academically successful. But in measures from standardized tests to dropout rates to college completion, the achievement gap has persisted in cities, rural communities and suburbs, a sign that opportunity is not yet equal for many children in California classrooms.
Over the last decade, prompted in part by budget constraints in the aftermath of the recession, California has initiated sweeping reforms in an attempt to channel more resources to high-needs students and to better level the educational playing field. These and other efforts have, to some extent, improved academic outcomes — but black, Latino and poor students still lag dramatically behind Asian American, white and wealthier students.
That challenge remains, not only a source of political tension, but also a looming economic problem for California.
What’s the national picture? Disparities associated with race and class have long vexed this country. But as the civil rights laws and school desegregation mandates took hold in the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s, the academic performance of poor, black and Latino students improved significantly. The National Assessment of Educational Progress, a longstanding standardized test measuring student achievement, showed, for example, that gaps in reading and math scores between black and white high school students nationally was roughly halved between 1971 and 1996, Harvard social policy professor Christopher Jencks and UCLA public policy professor Meredith Phillips noted in their 1998 book, “The Black-White Test Score Gap.” But by the late 1990s, as court orders to desegregate were lifted, schools quietly re-segregated, and test scores and metrics began showing diminishing progress. As the 21st century began, education researchers were baffled. When the “No Child Left Behind Act” was signed in 2001 by President George W. Bush, closing the achievement gap was its explicit aim — it was even in the title of the law. The act focused states on the gap, but neither it nor subsequent bipartisan reform attempts have done much to move the needle. President Barack Obama in 2010 tried “Race to the Top” financial incentives, states including California have initiated more rigorous Common Core standards, and Congress combined a number of approaches in 2015 with the “Every Student Succeeds Act,” but progress has been slow.
What’s the California picture? Massive and diverse, California struggles with formidable income disparities and complex demographics that don’t stop at its public school system. When former Gov. Jerry Brown took office after the last recession, he overhauled school finance policy to make decisions more local, and to steer more state resources to disadvantaged kids. The state also adopted Common Core learning standards; a tougher standardized exam to measure growth in achievement; and an accountability system that gives schools not a one-dimensional grade, but a color-coded, report card-style dashboard that judges them based on multiple data points. Since California students began taking the new standardized exam — known as “Smarter Balanced” — statewide reading and math scores have inched up an average of about 1 percentage point each year for the past five years. In 2019, about 51% of students who took the exam — administered to high-school juniors and students in grades 3-8 — had mastered the state’s reading standards. In math, about 40% of students who took the exam earned a passing score.
California’s gap demographics UCLA researchers recently found that California was the most segregated state for Latinos, “where 58% attend intensely segregated schools,” exacerbating inequities in educational opportunities. More than half of the state’s black students are concentrated in just 25 of the state’s 1,000 school districts. Of the students enrolled in K-12 public schools in California, less than 30% are white, the researchers found. Black and Latino students significantly trail white and Asian American students in meeting the state’s reading and math standards. In some instances — say, performance in reading and math between white and black students — the difference in achievement is more than two-fold.
Poverty plus segregation A recent study by Stanford researchers found student achievement gaps are mainly driven by school poverty — not a school’s racial composition. “Racial segregation appears to be harmful because it concentrates minority students in high-poverty schools, which are, on average, less effective than lower-poverty schools,” the study found. Take, for instance, results in the key areas of third-grade reading and eighth-grade math. Smarter Balanced results from 2019 showed all groups doing better and some gaps narrowing dramatically when poverty wasn’t an issue, though some disparities remained.
Some metrics are improving … Test scores aren’t the only achievement gap measure. Graduation and suspension rates have also reflected disparities, and the improvements there are more positive. Graduation rates have risen steadily in recent years — overall and for all groups — to 84.5% in 2019. Calculation of those rates has been controversial, but a 2018 study credited the uptick to school funding reforms. Suspension rates among students of color have also plummeted to record lows, in part due to recent legislation that tightened suspension and expulsion guidelines in an effort to reduce bias and disproportionate discipline for black and Latino students.
… College and career readiness, less so In California, about 44% of graduating seniors were deemed prepared for college or postsecondary careers in 2018-19. The state’s “college and career indicator” factors whether students passed the 11th grade Smarter Balanced reading and math exams or mastered advanced coursework, and whether students met the state’s A-G requirements to attend the University of California or California State University. While overall college and career readiness is inching toward improvement, there remain yawning gaps in preparedness for the state’s most disadvantaged students. English learners (16.8% preparedness), foster youth (13.3%) and students with disabilities (10.8%) have the lowest readiness rates in California. Achievement gaps in earlier grades also play out as students leave the state’s public school system. Researchers with The Education Trust-West in 2017 traced racial, ethnic and income disparities in which students had access and participated in advanced coursework, such as AP classes that let high school students earn college credits early. More black and Latino high schoolers were taking AP courses, Ed Trust-West reported, but fewer than half of them were passing.
Successes are hard to scale, too Some school districts are bucking the statewide trend, narrowing achievement gaps with higher-than-average outcomes among disadvantaged groups of kids. The Learning Policy Institute recently highlighted these “positive outlier” districts in which students of color are outperforming their racial, ethnic and socioeconomic peer groups. In the Chula Vista Elementary School District, for example, reading and math scores have risen by double-digit percentage points for black, Latino and economically disadvantaged students. But California public schools educate more than 6 million students, so it’s difficult to scale successes. The state is home to the nation’s second-largest district (Los Angeles Unified), dozens of other large districts each responsible for educating tens of thousands of kids, and hundreds of small districts spread throughout the state’s urban and rural areas.
Would different teachers help? California, like other states, is experiencing a persistent shortage of qualified teachers. This disproportionately affects students who are black, Latino, economically disadvantaged or who have special needs. An analysis by the Public Policy Institute of California found that changes in California’s school funding law have lowered classroom sizes and added resources, such as extra teachers and support staff, for schools with high concentrations of disadvantaged students. But those extra teachers, the analysis found, were still more likely to be inexperienced. Research demonstrates the influence teachers of color have in lifting up academic achievement for students of color, and the effort has been a state focus over the last year. But while America’s teaching corps has become more diverse, recruiting and retaining qualified teachers of color has remained a challenge in California.
What about preschool? In 2018, Stanford researchers emphasized the importance of expanding low-income families’ access to subsidized childcare and preschool, noting that while the state’s students are learning at rates similar to their peers nationally, they’re starting at a disadvantage. “California’s lag in academic achievement,” the report said, “arises before children even enter the schoolhouse door.”
Tweak the funding formula? California’s 2013 Local Control Funding Formula was the linchpin of former Gov. Jerry Brown’s school finance overhaul. Under it, all school districts get a flat grant based on their enrollment. Districts with higher concentrations of low-income students, English language learners and foster youth then receive additional funding through “supplemental” and “concentration” grants. Legislators supported the law and its focus because they recognized that students with higher hurdles need more resources. Local school officials now have more authority to decide how to spend their dollars, and they widely say the formula is an upgrade over the previous school finance method, which doled out funding to schools through dozens of “categorical” programs that specifically dictated how districts could use each category of funds. Some schools have seen significant progress under the new system, with low income kids, for example. But it’s been slow going, and with some groups, the extra money doesn’t seem to be making as much difference. Critics have called for adjustments to the formula, to target, for example, more funding to black students, who are currently the state’s lowest-performing racial or ethnic group.
The transparency debate Recommendations by California State Auditor Elaine Howle would make it easier to track money distributed to schools. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters There’s another issue with the school funding formula: Following the money is hard. A recent state audit found it was nearly impossible to determine whether school districts are spending their supplemental and concentration dollars on services for the disadvantaged students for whom they’re intended. It reignited calls for transparency. Supporters of stronger oversight say it’s necessary if the state is to effectively close achievement gaps. The audit also noted a loophole: Funding targeted for students in need loses its designation if it goes unspent in the year for which it’s earmarked, so that special needs money can actually be used for district-wide expenses if it rolls over into the following school year. Lawmakers have introduced a pair of proposals that would take up two recommendations from the audit to track spending and require schools to report unspent supplemental and concentration funds. The State Board of Education, meanwhile, has made changes intended to make school accountability documents easier to read for parents, and the state Department of Education is studying transparency.
Rising costs threaten reforms Despite years of economic growth in California and record spending toward public education, study after recent study has warned that school districts are heading for long-term financial problems. The Local Control Funding Funding formula has increased spending by about $24 billion since 2013, but student enrollment has declined in California, and fixed costs such as healthcare, special education programs and employee pension obligations have dramatically risen. Gov. Gavin Newsom included $3 billion in pension relief for districts last year in his inaugural budget. However, districts’ contribution rates toward the California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS) have increased from 8% of their payroll in 2013 to 18.1% in 2020. These cost pressures compete with achievement gap initiatives on district balance sheets.


mercurynews--2020-02-03--Relax and get comfortable, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am set to tee off

PEBBLE BEACH — The focus for organizers at this year ’ s AT & T Pebble Beach Pro-Am will be all about spectator comfort and enjoyment , according to Steve John , CEO of the Monterey Peninsula Foundation .
Practice rounds start Monday , with public events starting Tuesday and tournament play teeing up Thursday .
The final round is scheduled for Sunday at Pebble Beach Golf Links .
While last year marked the entrée of virtual reality experiences and the allowance of cell phones usage ( as long as they were silenced and flash disabled ) , this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ featuring theater-style , tip-up seats with backrests at all eight public grandstand locations .
The more comfortable and accommodating seating accompanied by better views from years past ( because of shifts in venue set-up ) is what makes the difference for those actually at the tournament and not watching from their TV sets at home , according to John .
“ Last year there were new grandstands and we really tried to spread them out , ” said John .
“ And this year we made the decision to spend extra money on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traditional bench support for the 2,300 plus or minus in the grandstands.
” Part of the new seating will also be in the form of some cozy Adirondack chairs at what is called “ The Turn ” debuting this year ( last year it was referred to as the Vineyard Vines deck ) .
Located on the 10th green , the lounge overlooks the green and Carmel Beach .
There , spectators can relax by fire pits on the open-air deck , select from a wide array of food options and purchase beer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s specialty “ s ’ mores ” concoction – an alcoholic cocoa drink of sorts .
John noted that locals have known about this spot with its “ incredible view of the Bay , ” which most access through the Carmel gate and by crossing over the 11th fairway to the landing .
“ It ’ s a great place to hang out with a beautiful view of the 11th tee shot and scoreboard , ” said John , also singling out the food options available this year .
That includes gourmet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Still , he emphasized the several other venues , special charity events and fan-friendly venues open and available for general admission ticketholders to take advantage of .
Single-day grounds access tickets during the four tournament rounds are priced from $ 60 per person if purchased before Tuesday .
Between holes six , eight and 14 is what ’ s dubbed “ Triangle Plaza , ” which is home to Club Patron , open to those 21 and older .
New this year is the two-story lounge known as The AT & T @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what so many over the years have described as “ one of the greatest meetings of land and sea ” in the world .
“ We looked at this location six years ago and decided it ’ s such a special place to watch holes 8 , 6 and 14 so we created a 10,000 square-foot deck , ” said John , describing the massive veranda as a great place for spectators to “ hang out and relax.
” It ’ s also the location of the new Meiomi Flavor Forward lounge – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Meiomi Wine Bar.
” “ It ’ s brand new and offers a very nice ( pinot noir ) in addition to the merchandise tent so there ’ s a lot going on there , ” said John .
Then there ’ s the outside covered area “ Patriots Outpost ” located along the 15th fairway geared toward active duty and retired military veterans that John said has been “ enhanced ” every year .
Military personnel receive a 50 percent discount , which can be redeemed at the concession stand 100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ along the 15th fairway is another brand-new offering , the Chevron Fan Energy Headquarters where spectators of all ages can drop in and play high-tech games , put their golf knowledge to the test and win prizes .
“ Everything I ’ ve spoken to is open to the public so you ’ re getting a lot as a general ticket holder , ” said John .
Because Peter Hay Golf Course is out of commission due to its current remake , spectators will get to these venues after crossing the street and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a path of decomposed granite , Monterey Peninsula Foundation Director of Marketing Lesley Varney explained .
This year , a Geico Tent putting area , Facebook experience and Lexus interactive display will be located inside the wide-shaped triangle area across from the Golf Academy .
Of course , there are still “ more exclusive ” venues for separate purchase like Clint ’ s Saloon – the western saloon experience focused around Clint Eastwood .
The attraction was a big hit last year , actually winning “ best hospitality venue ” by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media when Josh Duhamel showed up as guest bartender and was shown virally on a social media clip sauntering out the swinging saloon doors .
Most likely to become an AT & T staple , the venue was moved slightly from last year ’ s location .
“ Shifted 75 feet to the left towards the third tee box with a better view of the third hole , it ’ s enhanced with cocktails , wine and beer , ” said John , remarking on the “ very Western-themed decor.
” Speaking of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of PGA Tour competitors is led by defending champ and five-time event champion Phil Mickelson .
In honor of Michelson ’ s five victories , the Monterey Peninsula Foundation commissioned Carmel artist Ashley Bennett-Stoddard to create a genuine silver dollar coin , which will be presented to each member of the 2020 tournament ’ s amateur field .
Mickelson ’ s grandfather was an original caddie at Pebble Beach from the time he was 10 years old .
Once tipped with a silver dollar , he kept it in his pocket , eventually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who today uses it as a ball mark only when playing at Pebble Beach .
Joining Mickelson out on the golf links will be former winners Dustin Johnson , Brandt Snedeker and Jordan Spieth .
Practice rounds run Monday –Wednesday at Pebble Beach Golf Links , Spyglass Hill and Monterey Peninsula Country Club .
The Chevron Shoot-Out , “ Champions Vs.
Champions ” gets the golf action into swing on Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. before the traditional 3M Celebrity Challenge five-hole charity match on Wednesday featuring Team Eastwood and Team Murray .
Along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of celebs and golfers that will battle it out for a $ 100,000 charity purse on the famous “ Whiskey Run ” ( holes 1-2-3-17-18 at Pebble Beach ) include Clay Walker , Josh Duhamel and Ray Romano .
Also out on the course during Pebble Beach ’ s biggest week will be Laurent Hurtubise , an amateur golfer from Quebec , born with no right arm who just made a 151-yard hole-in-one during the PGA Tour tournament in La Quinta , California .
Children 15 and under are admitted free with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pretty obvious we ’ re making a very earnest effort with the ultimate result is ticket sales , ” said John , noting the $ 15.6 million that went to the local and surrounding communities last year .
“ We need the best product on the golf course for fans to be here live.
” Of course , some of the best news for organizers is that the forecast is for largely sunny skies , not the rain and hail that delayed last year ’ s tournament .
Daily ticket , shared hospitality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at www.attpbgolf.com

PEBBLE BEACH — The focus for organizers at this year’s AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am will be all about spectator comfort and enjoyment, according to Steve John, CEO of the Monterey Peninsula Foundation.
Practice rounds start Monday, with public events starting Tuesday and tournament play teeing up Thursday. The final round is scheduled for Sunday at Pebble Beach Golf Links.
While last year marked the entrée of virtual reality experiences and the allowance of cell phones usage (as long as they were silenced and flash disabled), this year denotes the debut of comfortable grandstand seating featuring theater-style, tip-up seats with backrests at all eight public grandstand locations.
The more comfortable and accommodating seating accompanied by better views from years past (because of shifts in venue set-up) is what makes the difference for those actually at the tournament and not watching from their TV sets at home, according to John.
“Last year there were new grandstands and we really tried to spread them out,” said John. “And this year we made the decision to spend extra money on brand new tip up grandstands rather tan traditional bench support for the 2,300 plus or minus in the grandstands.”
Part of the new seating will also be in the form of some cozy Adirondack chairs at what is called “The Turn” debuting this year (last year it was referred to as the Vineyard Vines deck). Located on the 10th green, the lounge overlooks the green and Carmel Beach. There, spectators can relax by fire pits on the open-air deck, select from a wide array of food options and purchase beer, wine and cocktails including this year’s specialty “s’mores” concoction – an alcoholic cocoa drink of sorts.
John noted that locals have known about this spot with its “incredible view of the Bay,” which most access through the Carmel gate and by crossing over the 11th fairway to the landing.
“It’s a great place to hang out with a beautiful view of the 11th tee shot and scoreboard,” said John, also singling out the food options available this year. That includes gourmet food trucks at Monterey Peninsula Country Club.
Still, he emphasized the several other venues, special charity events and fan-friendly venues open and available for general admission ticketholders to take advantage of. Single-day grounds access tickets during the four tournament rounds are priced from $60 per person if purchased before Tuesday.
Between holes six, eight and 14 is what’s dubbed “Triangle Plaza,” which is home to Club Patron, open to those 21 and older. New this year is the two-story lounge known as The AT&T Loft, which offers panoramic views of what so many over the years have described as “one of the greatest meetings of land and sea” in the world.
“We looked at this location six years ago and decided it’s such a special place to watch holes 8, 6 and 14 so we created a 10,000 square-foot deck,” said John, describing the massive veranda as a great place for spectators to “hang out and relax.” It’s also the location of the new Meiomi Flavor Forward lounge – or as John simply called it “the Meiomi Wine Bar.”
“It’s brand new and offers a very nice (pinot noir) in addition to the merchandise tent so there’s a lot going on there,” said John.
Then there’s the outside covered area “Patriots Outpost” located along the 15th fairway geared toward active duty and retired military veterans that John said has been “enhanced” every year. Military personnel receive a 50 percent discount, which can be redeemed at the concession stand 100 feet from the venue.
Also located along the 15th fairway is another brand-new offering, the Chevron Fan Energy Headquarters where spectators of all ages can drop in and play high-tech games, put their golf knowledge to the test and win prizes.
“Everything I’ve spoken to is open to the public so you’re getting a lot as a general ticket holder,” said John.
Because Peter Hay Golf Course is out of commission due to its current remake, spectators will get to these venues after crossing the street and walking down the perimeter of Peter Hay on a path of decomposed granite, Monterey Peninsula Foundation Director of Marketing Lesley Varney explained. This year, a Geico Tent putting area, Facebook experience and Lexus interactive display will be located inside the wide-shaped triangle area across from the Golf Academy.
Of course, there are still “more exclusive” venues for separate purchase like Clint’s Saloon – the western saloon experience focused around Clint Eastwood. The attraction was a big hit last year, actually winning “best hospitality venue” by the PGA, and making waves across social media when Josh Duhamel showed up as guest bartender and was shown virally on a social media clip sauntering out the swinging saloon doors. Most likely to become an AT&T staple, the venue was moved slightly from last year’s location.
“Shifted 75 feet to the left towards the third tee box with a better view of the third hole, it’s enhanced with cocktails, wine and beer,” said John, remarking on the “very Western-themed decor.”
Speaking of celebrities, this year’s list of PGA Tour competitors is led by defending champ and five-time event champion Phil Mickelson. In honor of Michelson’s five victories, the Monterey Peninsula Foundation commissioned Carmel artist Ashley Bennett-Stoddard to create a genuine silver dollar coin, which will be presented to each member of the 2020 tournament’s amateur field. Mickelson’s grandfather was an original caddie at Pebble Beach from the time he was 10 years old. Once tipped with a silver dollar, he kept it in his pocket, eventually giving it to his grandson Phil, who today uses it as a ball mark only when playing at Pebble Beach. Joining Mickelson out on the golf links will be former winners Dustin Johnson, Brandt Snedeker and Jordan Spieth.
Practice rounds run Monday –Wednesday at Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill and Monterey Peninsula Country Club. The Chevron Shoot-Out, “Champions Vs. Champions” gets the golf action into swing on Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. before the traditional 3M Celebrity Challenge five-hole charity match on Wednesday featuring Team Eastwood and Team Murray. Along with Eastwood and Murray, the list of celebs and golfers that will battle it out for a $100,000 charity purse on the famous “Whiskey Run” (holes 1-2-3-17-18 at Pebble Beach) include Clay Walker, Josh Duhamel and Ray Romano.
Also out on the course during Pebble Beach’s biggest week will be Laurent Hurtubise, an amateur golfer from Quebec, born with no right arm who just made a 151-yard hole-in-one during the PGA Tour tournament in La Quinta, California.
Children 15 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult.
“It’s pretty obvious we’re making a very earnest effort with the ultimate result is ticket sales,” said John, noting the $15.6 million that went to the local and surrounding communities last year. “We need the best product on the golf course for fans to be here live.”
Of course, some of the best news for organizers is that the forecast is for largely sunny skies, not the rain and hail that delayed last year’s tournament.
Daily ticket, shared hospitality tickets, and more information is available at www.attpbgolf.com


mercurynews--2020-02-03--The Warriors’ 4 biggest questions for the NBA trade deadline

When the Warriors traded Willie Cauley-Stein for a late second-round pick two weeks before the trade deadline , they announced to the NBA that they are , indeed , sellers .
Golden State is trying to make the most of a lottery-bound season and , with several other teams in the mix to make the playoffs , have players who could be of league-wide interest .
Really , the Warriors have been in asset-collection mode since Kevin Durant ’ s decision to sign with the Brooklyn Nets last summer .
Upon Durant ’ s decision , they executed a sign-and-trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a move that triggered a hard cap , preventing the Warriors from maximum salary cap flexibility this season .
That salary cap restriction has forced the Warriors to get creative in filling out their roster ( signing , waiving and re-signing Marquese Chriss to a two-way contract , for example ) but it ’ s not as if they were planning to spend much more .
On track to pay the luxury tax , ownership may cringe at paying extra for a team with the league ’ s worst record .
So , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Warriors have two objectives : acquire assets ( young players , draft picks , etc . )
to help in their rebuild and , potentially , reduce payroll .
But first , what will they do with Russell ?
What is the plan for D ’ Angelo Russell ?
It ’ s widely known that Minnesota is still in hot pursuit of Russell , who they view as an ideal pick-and-pop partner with Karl-Anthony Towns , the Timberwolves ’ star center and one of Russell ’ s best friends .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called about the 23-year-old point guard during this season , but the Warriors have shut down trade conversations .
The Warriors want to see Russell play alongside Stephen Curry before making a decision on his future , multiple team sources have told Bay Area News Group .
After all , young , All-Star caliber point guards with shot creating ability are a commodity .
Russell and Curry have played only 74 minutes together and the results were clunky .
However , midway through the season , head coach Steve Kerr has been encouraged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play off the ball .
His burgeoning two-man game with Draymond Green — similar to Curry and Green ’ s partnership — is helping the organization project how Russell may fit into the framework of a championship contender .
“ I think D ’ Angelo ’ s been great , ” Kerr said following Golden State ’ s loss in Philadelphia .
“ D ’ Angelo and Draymond were really good together , and I think that has been something that we ’ ve seen improvement with over the last few games.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this season , that will provide a valuable sample size .
While Russell ’ s fit with Curry on offense ( and the inherent limitations of that backcourt on defense ) are worth monitoring , it ’ s also important to note how Russell can help buoy the offense when Curry is on the bench — minutes that have long been a negative during the Kerr era .
While teams like the Timberwolves are interested now , it ’ s more likely the Warriors would trade Russell this summer , when there should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely build a package around Robert Covington or Andrew Wiggins and draft picks but , if the Warriors aren ’ t interested now , why would they be over the summer ?
Some regard Covington as a better fit .
He would allow Thompson to play the 2 and provide versatile defense , but he struggles to take players off the dribble and has a track record of fading in the postseason : limitations that would make him a clunky fit in Kerr ’ s go-go motion offense .
Golden State isn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They ’ d rather get players who help in the near-term .
They think their championship window is open for the next four years .
Other teams that could be interested included the Pistons ( if Andre Drummond opts into his player option ) , the Magic ( though they are encouraged by Markelle Fultz ) and the Suns ( in a package centered around Kelly Oubre ) .
• Would the Pelicans be willing to trade Jrue Holiday in order to align their point guard ’ s age with that of Zion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LaMarcus Aldridge and another young guard to pair Russell with Dejounte Murray ?
How Russell plays the rest of the season will determine how much the Warriors would ask for in return .
If a clear roster upgrade isn ’ t available , they ’ ll just keep him .
Will they move Alec Burks ?
• 4 takeaways from the Warriors ’ win over the Cavaliers , including Draymond Green playing the villain • Steph Curry re-evaluated , Warriors hopeful he can play in March • Steve Kerr hasn ’ t met @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like to The Warriors determined Cauley-Stein wasn ’ t a long-term fit , so they traded him ( and his player option for next season ) to create more immediate flexibility .
Golden State is higher on Burks , who has emerged as a valuable bench scorer on a team-friendly $ 2.3 minimum contract .
Though he ’ s a limited playmaker and defender , he could also provide a scoring punch that Golden State ’ s bench has lacked over the last several years if he re-signs next season .
His padded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offer this summer — more than the $ 3 million or mid-level exception they can offer — but , after the Cauley-Stein trade , the Warriors don ’ t have a sense of urgency to move him before the deadline .
If they don ’ t find value in return , they could just roll the dice in free agency .
It could take a high second-round pick to pry him away .
Would the 76ers , Clippers or Thunder part with a pick ?
Who else could be traded ?
Glenn Robinson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is a “ 3-and-D ” player who could draw a surprising amount of interest .
Quietly , he ’ s third on the team in scoring over the last month , and has been the Warriors ’ most trusted wing defender , guarding the likes of LeBron James , Kawhi Leonard and James Harden this season .
Interestingly enough , it ’ s the teams who are led by those stars — both Los Angeles teams and Houston — that make the most sense for Robinson .
However , the Warriors like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season and are bullish on his ability to play alongside Curry , Thompson and Green next season .
He runs the floor well , makes open shots , and has proven he can hold his own defensively .
The Warriors are willing to listen to offers but , at this point , may value him more than other teams do .
The only wrinkle is whether or not they think Robinson will return as a free agent .
Both sides have been happy with the partnership so far .
Worth monitoring is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today , Feb. 3 , six months after he signed his four-year , $ 100 million extension on Aug. 3 .
And what about the luxury tax ?
If the Warriors try to avoid paying the luxury tax , it would take trading away several players and more cap gymnastics .
In addition to Burks and Robinson , they could look to trade second-year players Jacob Evans and Omari Spellman .
Evans , in particular , seems poised to be squeezed out of next season ’ s backcourt rotation .
The Warriors would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possibly from another trade ) to get another team to take him .
Spellman is under contract for next season after the Warriors picked up his third-year option early this season , and Kerr likes his ability to space the floor .
He is less likely to get traded , but if ownership sees a way to duck what will be nearly a $ 40 million repeater tax bill , his contract makes sense to move .
One way to avoid the tax is by trading Kevon Looney , who signed a three-year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But because he ’ s missed 40 games with various injuries and a complicated neuropathic condition , it ’ ll be hard to move him .
Plus , the Warriors are still high on his long-term fit .

When the Warriors traded Willie Cauley-Stein for a late second-round pick two weeks before the trade deadline, they announced to the NBA that they are, indeed, sellers.
Golden State is trying to make the most of a lottery-bound season and, with several other teams in the mix to make the playoffs, have players who could be of league-wide interest.
Really, the Warriors have been in asset-collection mode since Kevin Durant’s decision to sign with the Brooklyn Nets last summer. Upon Durant’s decision, they executed a sign-and-trade to acquire D’Angelo Russell, a move that triggered a hard cap, preventing the Warriors from maximum salary cap flexibility this season.
That salary cap restriction has forced the Warriors to get creative in filling out their roster (signing, waiving and re-signing Marquese Chriss to a two-way contract, for example) but it’s not as if they were planning to spend much more.
On track to pay the luxury tax, ownership may cringe at paying extra for a team with the league’s worst record.
So, as the Feb. 6 trade deadline approaches, the Warriors have two objectives: acquire assets (young players, draft picks, etc.) to help in their rebuild and, potentially, reduce payroll. But first, what will they do with Russell?
What is the plan for D’Angelo Russell?
It’s widely known that Minnesota is still in hot pursuit of Russell, who they view as an ideal pick-and-pop partner with Karl-Anthony Towns, the Timberwolves’ star center and one of Russell’s best friends.
According to The Athletic, the Timberwolves have called about the 23-year-old point guard during this season, but the Warriors have shut down trade conversations.
The Warriors want to see Russell play alongside Steph Curry before making a decision on his future, multiple team sources have told Bay Area News Group.
After all, young, All-Star caliber point guards with shot creating ability are a commodity. Russell and Curry have played only 74 minutes together and the results were clunky. However, midway through the season, head coach Steve Kerr has been encouraged by Russell’s developing ability to play off the ball.
His burgeoning two-man game with Draymond Green — similar to Curry and Green’s partnership — is helping the organization project how Russell may fit into the framework of a championship contender.
“I think D’Angelo’s been great,” Kerr said following Golden State’s loss in Philadelphia. “D’Angelo and Draymond were really good together, and I think that has been something that we’ve seen improvement with over the last few games.”
If Curry can return for 20-or-so games this season, that will provide a valuable sample size. While Russell’s fit with Curry on offense (and the inherent limitations of that backcourt on defense) are worth monitoring, it’s also important to note how Russell can help buoy the offense when Curry is on the bench — minutes that have long been a negative during the Kerr era.
While teams like the Timberwolves are interested now, it’s more likely the Warriors would trade Russell this summer, when there should be more options. The Timberwolves would likely build a package around Robert Covington or Andrew Wiggins and draft picks but, if the Warriors aren’t interested now, why would they be over the summer?
Some regard Covington as a better fit. He would allow Thompson to play the 2 and provide versatile defense, but he struggles to take players off the dribble and has a track record of fading in the postseason: limitations that would make him a clunky fit in Kerr’s go-go motion offense.
Golden State isn’t interested in hoarding draft picks. The Warriors would rather get players who help in the near term. They think their championship window is open for the next four years.
Other teams that could be interested included the Pistons (if Andre Drummond opts into his player option), the Magic (though they are encouraged by Markelle Fultz) and the Suns (in a package centered around Kelly Oubre).
Some stretch possibilities:
Would the Pelicans be willing to trade Jrue Holiday in order to align their point guard’s age with that of Zion Williamson?
Would the Spurs package LaMarcus Aldridge and another young guard to pair Russell with Dejounte Murray?
How Russell plays the rest of the season will determine how much the Warriors would ask for in return. If a clear roster upgrade isn’t available, they’ll just keep him.
The Warriors determined Cauley-Stein wasn’t a long-term fit, so they traded him (and his player option for next season) to create more immediate flexibility. Golden State is higher on Burks, who has emerged as a valuable bench scorer on a team-friendly $2.3 minimum contract.
Though he’s a limited playmaker and defender, he could also provide a scoring punch that Golden State’s bench has lacked over the last several years if he re-signs next season.
His padded stats could earn him a more lucrative offer this summer — more than the $3 million or mid-level exception they can offer — but, after the Cauley-Stein trade, the Warriors don’t have a sense of urgency to move him before the deadline. If they don’t find value in return, they could just roll the dice in free agency.
It could take a high second-round pick to pry him away. Would the 76ers, Clippers or Thunder part with a pick?
Who else could be traded?
Glenn Robinson III, also on a minimum contract, is a “3-and-D” player who could draw a surprising amount of interest. Quietly, he’s third on the team in scoring over the last month, and has been the Warriors’ most trusted wing defender, guarding the likes of LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard and James Harden this season.
Interestingly enough, it’s the teams who are led by those stars — both Los Angeles teams and Houston — that make the most sense for Robinson.
However, the Warriors like how Robinson has raised his game this season and are bullish on his ability to play alongside Curry, Thompson and Green next season. He runs the floor well, makes open shots, and has proven he can hold his own defensively.
The Warriors are willing to listen to offers but, at this point, may value him more than other teams do. The only wrinkle is whether or not they think Robinson will return as a free agent. Both sides have been happy with the partnership so far.
Worth monitoring is that Green’s trade restriction is lifted today, Feb. 3, six months after he signed his four-year, $100 million extension on Aug. 3.
And what about the luxury tax?
If the Warriors try to avoid paying the luxury tax, it would take trading away several players and more cap gymnastics.
In addition to Burks and Robinson, they could look to trade one of their second-year players, Jacob Evans or Omari Spellman.
Evans, in particular, seems poised to be squeezed out of next season’s backcourt rotation. The Warriors would likely have to attack a pick (possibly from another trade) to get another team to take him.
Spellman is under contract for next season after the Warriors picked up his third-year option early this season, and Kerr likes his ability to space the floor.
If ownership sees a way to duck what will be nearly a $40 million repeater tax bill, one of their contracts makes sense to move, with the more ideal player being Evans.
Another way to avoid the tax is by trading Kevon Looney, who signed a three-year, $15 million contract last summer. But because he’s missed 40 games with various injuries and a complicated neuropathic condition, teams will be wary. Plus, the Warriors are still high on his long-term fit.


mercurynews--2020-02-03--Time Is Ripe: Learn and teach the benefits of seasonal eating

As a result of our population becoming increasingly urbanized , going to the grocery store has become part of most people ’ s weekly routine .
Because of that we have lost touch with where our food comes from .
Recent informal polls have shown that almost half of children surveyed don ’ t know that carrots grow in the ground !
Teaching children — and their parents — to eat seasonally and learn where their food comes from should be made a priority .
Farmers ’ markets are an excellent place to make them aware of this and show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and eating healthy .
Eating in season means purchasing and consuming fruits and vegetables as they naturally become available , directly after harvest — oranges , root vegetables and leafy greens during the winter months ; peaches , tomatoes , corn and peppers during summer ; winter squash , grapes and apples in the fall ; and asparagus and peas in the spring .
Better-tasting produce : Why shouldn ’ t I buy a tomato in winter or an apple in spring ?
Fruits and vegetables just taste better when they ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , fresh off the vine ; spring peas just plucked from their pods ; or a crisp apple fresh off the tree have much better flavor and nutrition than fruits and vegetables that have been stored for several months .
Helping the environment : We need to reduce the energy — and carbon emissions — needed to transport food .
Be aware of “ food miles ” when making your produce choices .
A food mile is the distance food travels and the energy consumed to get it from the place of production @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can bring you a far fresher product while producing fewer carbon emissions .
Lower cost : Food bought in season costs less because the fruits and vegetables are readily available .
Farmers bring what ’ s recently been harvested to your farmers ’ market which costs less than purchasing produce that ’ s been stored when not in season .
Wait until produce is in season , and your enjoyment will be sweeter .
Supporting local economies : Local farmers bring what they grow to the farmers ’ market , directly from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ From farm to table ” should be your motto with almost everything you consume .
The local economy , your community and your local farmers all benefit from your seasonal purchases .
Connecting to seasons : Be aware of the seasons and the passage of time .
Connect with your local farmers at your farmers ’ market , talk to them about their produce , enjoy the seasons as they pass and the produce that they provide .
Visit your farmers ’ market throughout the changing seasons , and you ’ ll be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Teach your children where their next meal comes from .
Just think , when one product goes out of season , another delicious one comes in !
February features amazing citrus , flowers and root vegetables .
Sunrise Nursery in Watsonville has wonderful fresh-cut flowers ; Diaz Farms in Fowler has lovely sweet citrus ; and First Generation Farmers from Brentwood offer amazing fresh vegetables .
Shopping the farmers ’ market assures you a quality and flavor that you won ’ t find anywhere else — and you ’ re supporting your farmers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a promotions coordinator for the Pacific Coast Farmers ’ Market Association and writes the Time Is Ripe column .
Contact her at debramorris @ pcfma.com .
a handful of fresh mixed salad greens or spinach1 orange , peeled and segmented½ avocado , peeled , sliced¼ red onion , thinly sliced3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil2 tablespoons balsamic vinegarSalt and pepper , to taste Plate salad greens .
Add orange segments , avocado , and red onion .
Mix olive oil , balsamic vinegar , and salt and pepper together and drizzle on salad @

As a result of our population becoming increasingly urbanized, going to the grocery store has become part of most people’s weekly routine. Because of that we have lost touch with where our food comes from. Recent informal polls have shown that almost half of children surveyed don’t know that carrots grow in the ground!
Teaching children — and their parents — to eat seasonally and learn where their food comes from should be made a priority. Farmers’ markets are an excellent place to make them aware of this and show them that it means supporting their farmers and eating healthy. Eating in season means purchasing and consuming fruits and vegetables as they naturally become available, directly after harvest — oranges, root vegetables and leafy greens during the winter months; peaches, tomatoes, corn and peppers during summer; winter squash, grapes and apples in the fall; and asparagus and peas in the spring.
Better-tasting produce: Why shouldn’t I buy a tomato in winter or an apple in spring? Fruits and vegetables just taste better when they’re freshly picked. A luscious ripe tomato, fresh off the vine; spring peas just plucked from their pods; or a crisp apple fresh off the tree have much better flavor and nutrition than fruits and vegetables that have been stored for several months.
Helping the environment: We need to reduce the energy — and carbon emissions — needed to transport food. Be aware of “food miles” when making your produce choices. A food mile is the distance food travels and the energy consumed to get it from the place of production to our tables. A local farmer can bring you a far fresher product while producing fewer carbon emissions.
Lower cost: Food bought in season costs less because the fruits and vegetables are readily available. Farmers bring what’s recently been harvested to your farmers’ market which costs less than purchasing produce that’s been stored when not in season. Wait until produce is in season, and your enjoyment will be sweeter.
Supporting local economies: Local farmers bring what they grow to the farmers’ market, directly from the farm to you the consumer. “From farm to table” should be your motto with almost everything you consume. The local economy, your community and your local farmers all benefit from your seasonal purchases.
Connecting to seasons: Be aware of the seasons and the passage of time. Connect with your local farmers at your farmers’ market, talk to them about their produce, enjoy the seasons as they pass and the produce that they provide.
Visit your farmers’ market throughout the changing seasons, and you’ll be surprised at what’s available. Teach your children where their next meal comes from. Just think, when one product goes out of season, another delicious one comes in! February features amazing citrus, flowers and root vegetables. Sunrise Nursery in Watsonville has wonderful fresh-cut flowers; Diaz Farms in Fowler has lovely sweet citrus; and First Generation Farmers from Brentwood offer amazing fresh vegetables. Shopping the farmers’ market assures you a quality and flavor that you won’t find anywhere else — and you’re supporting your farmers and local community.
Debra Morris is a promotions coordinator for the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association and writes the Time Is Ripe column. Contact her at debramorris@pcfma.com.
Recipe: Citrus, Avocado and Red Onion Salad
ingredients
a handful of fresh mixed salad greens or spinach1 orange, peeled and segmented½ avocado, peeled, sliced¼ red onion, thinly sliced3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil2 tablespoons balsamic vinegarSalt and pepper, to taste
instructions
Plate salad greens. Add orange segments, avocado, and red onion. Mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and salt and pepper together and drizzle on salad.


mercurynews--2020-02-03--US travel restrictions go into effect to combat coronavirus spread

The United States began implementing stringent travel restrictions Sunday evening in an effort to contain the novel coronavirus outbreak that has so far killed more than 300 people in China and infected more than 16,600 worldwide .
The plan , which went into effect at 5 p.m .
ET , includes temporarily denying entry to foreign nationals who visited China in the 14 days prior to their arrival to the United States , Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said Friday .
Restrictions also apply to US citizens who have been in China ’ s Hubei province , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the two weeks prior to their return to the United States .
Upon their return , those citizens will be subject to a mandatory quarantine of up to 14 days , he said .
US citizens returning from the rest of mainland China in the 14 days prior will undergo health screenings at selected ports of entry and face up to 14 days of self-monitored quarantine .
Azar outlined the restrictions Friday as he declared the coronavirus a public health emergency in the United States , stressing that “ the risk to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and we are working to keep this risk low.
” That sentiment was echoed by national security adviser Robert O ’ Brien , who told CBS ’ “ Face the Nation ” on Sunday , “ Right now there is no reason for Americans to panic ” regarding the coronavirus .
O ’ Brien added , “ This is something that is a low risk , we think , in the US.
” The Department of Homeland Security announced it would begin enforcing the restrictions Sunday .
Initially , DHS said Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be rerouted to one of seven airports — John F. Kennedy in New York , Atlanta , Chicago O ’ Hare , San Francisco , Seattle-Tacoma , Los Angeles and Honolulu — where the CDC will conduct health screenings .
DHS later expanded the list to include four more airports — Dallas , Detroit , Newark and Washington ’ s Dulles .
Acting DHS Secretary Chad F. Wolf said air carriers and Customs and Border Protection are working to identify such passengers before their scheduled flights .
If travelers who spent time in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they will be sent to their final destination and asked to quarantine themselves for up to 14 days in their homes .
The Transportation Security Administration also took steps to combat the spread of the coronavirus .
The agency issued a new directive this weekend that requires airlines to ask passengers on flights from outside the United States whether they ’ ve been to mainland China in the past 14 days .
All frontline employees will also be permitted to wear surgical masks .
Three more cases confirmed in California , 11 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the novel coronavirus have been confirmed in California , officials said Sunday .
A husband and wife , both 57 , were the latest confirmed cases , according to the San Benito County Public Health Services .
That brings the total number of confirmed cases to six in California and 11 in the US .
The husband recently traveled from Wuhan , China , and the wife did not , health officials said .
It is the second case of person-to-person transmission in US , officials said .
Public health officials have provided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and are closely monitoring their medical condition .
The patients are not currently hospitalized .
Earlier , the Santa Clara County Public Health Department identified the ninth confirmed case as an adult woman who recently traveled to Wuhan .
The patient is a visitor in Santa Clara County , health officials said , and arrived on January 23 to visit family .
She has remained at home ever since , except to seek medical care twice .
“ She has been regularly monitored and was never sick enough to be hospitalized , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the second case in Santa Clara County — though officials said the two cases were unrelated — and the fourth coronavirus case in the state of California .
The eighth confirmed case was identified Saturday as a student in his 20s at the Boston campus of the University of Massachusetts .
The student had returned from Wuhan on January 29 .
He sought medical treatment after his return and has been isolated ever since .
The few close contacts he had have been identified and monitored for symptoms .
The case poses no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools ’ campus , the medical director of the Boston Public Health Commission told reporters Saturday .
He ’ s “ doing quite well ” in quarantine at his home and is being monitored by public health nurses .
Other coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Washington state , Arizona and Illinois .
In total , according to the CDC , at least 241 patients in 36 states are under investigation .
Among those , 114 tested negative and 121 had results pending .
Outside the United States , at least 362 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of them in China .
The Philippines on Sunday announced the first reported death outside mainland China , a 44-year-old Chinese man who had flown into the country from Wuhan .
There are 173 confirmed cases in more than 20 countries outside of China .
Second evacuation of US citizens planned A second evacuation flight is set to carry US citizens out of of Wuhan , a US official with knowledge of the matter told CNN .
The flight should be ready for departure Monday , according to the official , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ email to American citizens who are still in the central Chinese city where the virus originated .
The official said there might be an additional evacuation flight due to continued high demand from US citizens in Wuhan .
“ I can ’ t confirm the numbers yet , but this upcoming evacuation might not be the last , ” the official said said .
Last week the first chartered plane carrying nearly 200 US citizens — including diplomats and their families — arrived at March Air Reserve Base in Southern California .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those citizens — the first such order in more than 50 years .
The US travel restrictions prompted some airlines to expedite or expand their plans to suspend flights between the United States and China .
Delta Air Lines decided to suspended flights until April 30 beginning Sunday — four days earlier than initially planned .
Its last China-bound flight left Saturday and the last returning flight from China to the United States was due to leave Sunday .
• Three new cases of coronavirus confirmed in Santa Clara , San Benito counties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bay one of four U.S. bases to house coronavirus evacuees • UC Berkeley faces backlash after stating ‘ xenophobia ’ is ‘ common ’ or ‘ normal ’ reaction to coronavirus • Chinese communities in California rattled by coronavirus , cancel new year events • They said it : A new health threat arrives In the meantime , American Airlines , which canceled all flights to mainland China on Friday , said Saturday it was canceling flights to Hong Kong through Monday and would make daily decisions on Hong Kong flights depending on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it would suspend flights from its hub cities in the United States and Beijing , Chengdu and Shanghai from February 6 to March 28 .
Select flights will operate until next week to “ help ensure our US-based employees , as well as customers , have options to return home , ” it said in a statement .

The United States began implementing stringent travel restrictions Sunday evening in an effort to contain the novel coronavirus outbreak that has so far killed more than 300 people in China and infected more than 16,600 worldwide.
The plan, which went into effect at 5 p.m. ET, includes temporarily denying entry to foreign nationals who visited China in the 14 days prior to their arrival to the United States, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said Friday.
Restrictions also apply to US citizens who have been in China’s Hubei province, the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak, in the two weeks prior to their return to the United States. Upon their return, those citizens will be subject to a mandatory quarantine of up to 14 days, he said.
US citizens returning from the rest of mainland China in the 14 days prior will undergo health screenings at selected ports of entry and face up to 14 days of self-monitored quarantine.
Azar outlined the restrictions Friday as he declared the coronavirus a public health emergency in the United States, stressing that “the risk to the American public remains low at this time, and we are working to keep this risk low.”
That sentiment was echoed by national security adviser Robert O’Brien, who told CBS’ “Face the Nation” on Sunday, “Right now there is no reason for Americans to panic” regarding the coronavirus. O’Brien added, “This is something that is a low risk, we think, in the US.”
The Department of Homeland Security announced it would begin enforcing the restrictions Sunday.
Initially, DHS said Americans who have recently been to China would be rerouted to one of seven airports — John F. Kennedy in New York, Atlanta, Chicago O’Hare, San Francisco, Seattle-Tacoma, Los Angeles and Honolulu — where the CDC will conduct health screenings. DHS later expanded the list to include four more airports — Dallas, Detroit, Newark and Washington’s Dulles.
Acting DHS Secretary Chad F. Wolf said air carriers and Customs and Border Protection are working to identify such passengers before their scheduled flights.
If travelers who spent time in China show no symptoms, DHS said, they will be sent to their final destination and asked to quarantine themselves for up to 14 days in their homes.
The Transportation Security Administration also took steps to combat the spread of the coronavirus. The agency issued a new directive this weekend that requires airlines to ask passengers on flights from outside the United States whether they’ve been to mainland China in the past 14 days. All frontline employees will also be permitted to wear surgical masks.
Three more cases confirmed in California, 11 total in the US
Three cases of the novel coronavirus have been confirmed in California, officials said Sunday.
A husband and wife, both 57, were the latest confirmed cases, according to the San Benito County Public Health Services. That brings the total number of confirmed cases to six in California and 11 in the US.
The husband recently traveled from Wuhan, China, and the wife did not, health officials said. It is the second case of person-to-person transmission in US, officials said.
Public health officials have provided guidance to the couple for home isolation and are closely monitoring their medical condition.
The patients are not currently hospitalized.
Earlier, the Santa Clara County Public Health Department identified the ninth confirmed case as an adult woman who recently traveled to Wuhan.
The patient is a visitor in Santa Clara County, health officials said, and arrived on January 23 to visit family. She has remained at home ever since, except to seek medical care twice. “She has been regularly monitored and was never sick enough to be hospitalized,” the statement said.
The woman is the second case in Santa Clara County — though officials said the two cases were unrelated — and the fourth coronavirus case in the state of California.
The eighth confirmed case was identified Saturday as a student in his 20s at the Boston campus of the University of Massachusetts. The student had returned from Wuhan on January 29. He sought medical treatment after his return and has been isolated ever since. The few close contacts he had have been identified and monitored for symptoms.
The case poses no increased risk to other students on the schools’ campus, the medical director of the Boston Public Health Commission told reporters Saturday. He’s “doing quite well” in quarantine at his home and is being monitored by public health nurses.
Other coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Washington state, Arizona and Illinois. In total, according to the CDC, at least 241 patients in 36 states are under investigation. Among those, 114 tested negative and 121 had results pending.
Outside the United States, at least 362 people have died of the coronavirus, nearly all of them in China. The Philippines on Sunday announced the first reported death outside mainland China, a 44-year-old Chinese man who had flown into the country from Wuhan. There are 173 confirmed cases in more than 20 countries outside of China.
Second evacuation of US citizens planned
A second evacuation flight is set to carry US citizens out of of Wuhan, a US official with knowledge of the matter told CNN.
The flight should be ready for departure Monday, according to the official, as indicated in US Embassy Beijing’s email to American citizens who are still in the central Chinese city where the virus originated.
The official said there might be an additional evacuation flight due to continued high demand from US citizens in Wuhan.
“I can’t confirm the numbers yet, but this upcoming evacuation might not be the last,” the official said said.
Last week the first chartered plane carrying nearly 200 US citizens — including diplomats and their families — arrived at March Air Reserve Base in Southern California.
The CDC ordered a federal 14-day quarantine for those citizens — the first such order in more than 50 years.
Airlines expand their flight cancellations
The US travel restrictions prompted some airlines to expedite or expand their plans to suspend flights between the United States and China.
Delta Air Lines decided to suspended flights until April 30 beginning Sunday — four days earlier than initially planned. Its last China-bound flight left Saturday and the last returning flight from China to the United States was due to leave Sunday.
Related Articles Travel | San Jose office building wobbles into default — again
San Jose office building wobbles into default — again Travel | 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 Travel | One controversial East Bay parklet reveals dilemmas of pandemic dining
One controversial East Bay parklet reveals dilemmas of pandemic dining Travel | 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 Travel | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge In the meantime, American Airlines, which canceled all flights to mainland China on Friday, said Saturday it was canceling flights to Hong Kong through Monday and would make daily decisions on Hong Kong flights depending on the situation.
United Airlines announced Friday it would suspend flights from its hub cities in the United States and Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai from February 6 to March 28. Select flights will operate until next week to “help ensure our US-based employees, as well as customers, have options to return home,” it said in a statement.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2020 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.


mercurynews--2020-02-03--Donald Trump gets his US geography wrong with Super Bowl tweet

Much of the United States stopped to watch the Super Bowl Sunday and it was an event that delivered in every conceivable way .
Kansas City Chiefs ’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes led his side to a stunning fourth-quarter comeback to beat the San Francisco 49ers 31-20 in Super Bowl LIV .
US President Donald Trump was quick to congratulate Mahomes ’ team on their win , though initially he had a few geographical problems .
“ Congratulations to the Kansas City Chiefs on a great game , and a fantastic comeback , under immense pressure , ” tweeted Trump .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kansas and , in fact , the entire USA , so very well .
Our Country is PROUD OF YOU !
” The Chiefs aren ’ t from Kansas .
They have always hailed from Kansas ’ neighboring state of Missouri .
Trump then deleted the tweet , re-posting a new one congratulating Missouri , though he wasn ’ t quick enough for the keen-eyed on social media to point out his error .
In contrast , the 24-year-old Mahomes knew exactly what he was doing , though it took some cajoling to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fourth quarter , with 12 minutes on the clock , Mahomes had thrown his second interception of the game .
It seemed almost certain at that point that the Vince Lombardi trophy would be heading to San Francisco for a record-equaling sixth time .
But the Chiefs ’ quarterback had other ideas .
He drove his side on , and completed two touchdown passes to send the Chiefs charging into the lead .
A rushing touchdown by Damien Williams took their tally to 31 and they sealed their first Super Bowl victory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inspired revival , but Mahomes had already made a habit of dragging his team back from the brink in this year ’ s NFL Playoffs .
Against the Texans in the Divisional Round , the Chiefs trailed 24-0 but went on to win 51-31 .
In the AFC Championship , they trailed 17-7 but triumphed 35-24 .
It seems Mahomes just has a knack for inspiring those around him to believe and play positively , just like him .
Wide receiver Tyreek Hill gave a glimpse into the boost Mahomes gives the team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ telling us to believe .
You know , we were down 20-10 and he was telling us to believe in the fourth quarter .
He ( saw ) it in some guys ’ eyes , they were getting down , including myself .
I was like , ‘ Man , how are we going to pull this off ?
’ “ And he was like , ‘ ( No . )
10 ( Hill ’ s jersey number ) , you ’ ve got to believe , brother .
Like the same faith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ career , you ’ ve got to believe right now .
It ’ s going to happen , man .
I can feel it . '
” “ We know that , as a defense , ‘ Look , get Pat the ball back and he can do things that are really special.
’ He can score in a hurry , and that ’ s what we were able to do , ” said Sorensen .
Mahomes is the youngest quarterback ever to win both the Super Bowl and NFL MVP award , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 23-year-old .
He is also only the third African-American quarterback to win a Super Bowl , joining Doug Williams ( with Washington in Super Bowl XXII in 1988 ) and Russell Wilson ( Seattle , Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014 ) .
• Five Super Bowl LIV plays that cost 49ers a victory over Kansas City • What might ’ ve been : 49ers ’ would-be unsung heroes in wake of Super Bowl collapse • 49ers report card : Who failed most in Super Bowl collapse to Chiefs ?
• Video : Bay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dieter Kurtenbach break down the San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl loss • Where did the 49ers ’ offensive stars go in the fourth quarter ?
Speaking about this feat , Mahomes told CNN : “ I think it just means , no matter where you come from , now matter how you were raised or what race you are , you can go out and follow your dreams .
“ That ’ s what I ’ ve always believed .
No one thought I was going to be a football player .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a baseball player , but I followed my dreams and now I ’ m here , winning the Super Bowl with all my teammates .
”

[vemba-video id=”politics/2020/02/03/trump-congratulates-wrong-state-super-bowl-win-avlon-bts-newday-vpx.cnn”]
VIDEO: Avlon: This is another time Trump is setting a bad example
Much of the United States stopped to watch the Super Bowl Sunday and it was an event that delivered in every conceivable way.
Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes led his side to a stunning fourth-quarter comeback to beat the San Francisco 49ers 31-20 in Super Bowl LIV.
US President Donald Trump was quick to congratulate Mahomes’ team on their win, though initially he had a few geographical problems.
“Congratulations to the Kansas City Chiefs on a great game, and a fantastic comeback, under immense pressure,” tweeted Trump. “You represented the Great State of Kansas and, in fact, the entire USA, so very well. Our Country is PROUD OF YOU!”
The Chiefs aren’t from Kansas. They have always hailed from Kansas’ neighboring state of Missouri.
Trump then deleted the tweet, re-posting a new one congratulating Missouri, though he wasn’t quick enough for the keen-eyed on social media to point out his error.
In contrast, the 24-year-old Mahomes knew exactly what he was doing, though it took some cajoling to persuade his teammates.
Magic Mahomes
Trailing 20-10 in the fourth quarter, with 12 minutes on the clock, Mahomes had thrown his second interception of the game.
It seemed almost certain at that point that the Vince Lombardi trophy would be heading to San Francisco for a record-equaling sixth time.
But the Chiefs’ quarterback had other ideas.
He drove his side on, and completed two touchdown passes to send the Chiefs charging into the lead. A rushing touchdown by Damien Williams took their tally to 31 and they sealed their first Super Bowl victory in 50 years.
It was an inspired revival, but Mahomes had already made a habit of dragging his team back from the brink in this year’s NFL Playoffs.
Against the Texans in the Divisional Round, the Chiefs trailed 24-0 but went on to win 51-31.
In the AFC Championship, they trailed 17-7 but triumphed 35-24.
It seems Mahomes just has a knack for inspiring those around him to believe and play positively, just like him.
Wide receiver Tyreek Hill gave a glimpse into the boost Mahomes gives the team: “He was encouraging us, telling us to believe. You know, we were down 20-10 and he was telling us to believe in the fourth quarter. He (saw) it in some guys’ eyes, they were getting down, including myself. I was like, ‘Man, how are we going to pull this off?’
“And he was like, ‘(No.) 10 (Hill’s jersey number), you’ve got to believe, brother. Like the same faith you’ve had all of your career, you’ve got to believe right now. It’s going to happen, man. I can feel it.'”
Safety Daniel Sorensen said Mahomes’ talent helps, too.
“We know that, as a defense, ‘Look, get Pat the ball back and he can do things that are really special.’ He can score in a hurry, and that’s what we were able to do,” said Sorensen.
Mahomes is the youngest quarterback ever to win both the Super Bowl and NFL MVP award, which he did last year as a 23-year-old.
He is also only the third African-American quarterback to win a Super Bowl, joining Doug Williams (with Washington in Super Bowl XXII in 1988) and Russell Wilson (Seattle, Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014).
Speaking about this feat, Mahomes told CNN: “I think it just means, no matter where you come from, now matter how you were raised or what race you are, you can go out and follow your dreams.
“That’s what I’ve always believed. No one thought I was going to be a football player.
“Everyone thought I was going to be a baseball player, but I followed my dreams and now I’m here, winning the Super Bowl with all my teammates.”
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2020 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.