mercurynews--2020-04-30--Months-old mystery solved: Driver identified in video of SUV sailing off Highway 1 cliff

SAN MATEO COUNTY – Five months after a dark green Lexus SUV was caught on camera hurtling over a cliff south of Gray Whale Cove in San Mateo County , authorities have finally identified the person they believe who was behind the wheel of the vehicle .
The California Highway Patrol on Wednesday said the driver was San Francisco resident Tracey Ivori Sinclair .
Mystery has long swirled around the incident , first reported to the California Highway Patrol the morning of Dec. 30 .
Some even questioned the authenticity of a dash-cam video from a passing motorist that showed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Highway 1 , driving up an embankment and briefly going airborne before plunging into the surf .
Authorities searched the area , but found no immediate trace of the SUV or the driver .
“ Although lacking sufficient information to positively identify the driver at the time of the incident , San Francisco CHP investigators remained determined and vigilant to solve the case and bring proper closure to surviving family and friends , ” the CHP said in a news release Wednesday .
The CHP said human remains and Sinclair ’ s driver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Montara State Beach over a period of several months .
A California Department of Motor Vehicles records check also revealed Sinclair was the registered owner of a 2007 Lexus SUV .
A missing persons report filed by Sinclair ’ s family and a DNA match confirmed by the San Mateo County Coroner ’ s Office provided the remaining circumstantial evidence to indicate Sinclair was the driver of the vehicle caught on camera , the CHP said .
“ The San Francisco area CHP would like to express our heartfelt condolences to the victim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the CHP said .
“ We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to our allied agencies whose efforts greatly contributed to the outcome of this investigation .
Finally , we would like to thank the public for your support , patience , and assistance throughout this ongoing process .
”

SAN MATEO COUNTY – Five months after a dark green Lexus SUV was caught on camera hurtling over a cliff south of Gray Whale Cove in San Mateo County, authorities have finally identified the person who they believe was behind the wheel of the vehicle.
The California Highway Patrol on Wednesday said the driver was San Francisco resident Tracey Ivori Sinclair.
Mystery has long swirled around the incident, first reported to the CHP the morning of Dec. 30. Some even questioned the authenticity of a dash-cam video from a passing motorist that showed the vehicle racing along the shoulder of Highway 1, driving up an embankment and briefly going airborne before plunging into the ocean below.
Authorities searched the area, but found no immediate trace of the SUV or the driver.
“Although lacking sufficient information to positively identify the driver at the time of the incident, San Francisco CHP investigators remained determined and vigilant to solve the case and bring proper closure to surviving family and friends,” the CHP said in a news release.
The CHP said human remains and Sinclair’s driver’s license were found at nearby Montara State Beach over a period of several months. A California Department of Motor Vehicles records check also revealed Sinclair was the registered owner of a 2007 Lexus SUV.
A missing persons report filed by Sinclair’s family and a DNA match confirmed by the San Mateo County Coroner’s Office provided the remaining circumstantial evidence to indicate Sinclair was the driver of the vehicle caught on camera, the CHP said.
“The San Francisco area CHP would like to express our heartfelt condolences to the victim’s family and friends,” the CHP said.
“We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to our allied agencies whose efforts greatly contributed to the outcome of this investigation. Finally, we would like to thank the public for your support, patience, and assistance throughout this ongoing process.”
Sinclair worked as an executive recruiter and earned a bachelor’s degree in biological and physical sciences from UC Davis in 1989, according to a LinkedIn page in her name.


mercurynews--2020-04-30--Trump blasts campaign team as his poll numbers drop

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump erupted at his top political advisers last week when they presented him with worrisome polling data that showed his support eroding in a series of battleground states as his response to the coronavirus comes under criticism .
As the virus takes its deadly toll and much of the nation ’ s economy remains shuttered , new surveys by the Republican National Committee and Trump ’ s campaign pointed to a harrowing picture for the president as he faces reelection .
While Trump saw some of the best approval ratings of his presidency during the early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the growing political cost of the crisis and the unforced errors by Trump in his freewheeling press briefings .
Trump reacted with defiance , incredulous that he could be losing to someone he viewed as a weak candidate .
“ I am not f—-ing losing to Joe Biden , ” he repeated in a series of heated conference calls with his top campaign officials , according to five people with knowledge of the conversations .
They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about private discussions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Trump was trailing the former Democratic vice president in many key battleground states , he was told , and would have lost the Electoral College if the election had been held earlier this month .
On the line from the White House , Trump snapped at the state of his polling during a series of calls with campaign manager Brad Parscale , who called in from Florida ; RNC chair Ronna McDaniel , on the line from her home in Michigan ; senior adviser Jared Kushner ; and other aides .
Echoing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside advisers , the political team urged Trump to curtail his daily coronavirus briefings , arguing that the combative sessions were costing him in the polls , particularly among seniors .
Trump initially pushed back , pointing to high television ratings .
But , at least temporarily , he agreed to scale back the briefings after drawing sharp criticism for raising the idea that Americans might get virus protection by injecting disinfectants .
Trump aides encouraged the president to stay out of medical issues and direct his focus toward more familiar and politically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Trump preaches optimism , the president has expressed frustration and even powerlessness as the dire economic statistics pile up .
It ’ s been a whiplash-inducing moment for the president , who just two months ago planned to run for reelection on the strength of an economy that was experiencing unprecedented employment levels .
Now , as the records mount in the opposite direction , Trump is feeling the pressure .
“ We built the greatest economy in the world , ” Trump has said publicly .
“ I ’ ll do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s political team warned that the president ’ s path to reelection depends on how quickly he can bring about a recovery .
“ I think you ’ ll see by June a lot of the country should be back to normal , and the hope is that by July the country ’ s really rocking again , ” Kushner told “ Fox & Friends ” on Wednesday morning .
But other aides , business leaders and economists predict a far longer road toward recovery .
Representatives for the RNC and the Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or last week ’ s phone calls .
According to people familiar with the incident , Trump vented much of his frustration at Parscale , who served as the bearer of bad news .
Trump has long distrusted negative poll numbers — telling aides for years that his gut was right about the 2016 race , when he insisted that he was ahead in the Midwest and Florida .
At the same time , Parscale and other Trump aides are talking up the sophistication of their data and voter outreach capabilities this time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had simmering frustrations with Parscale for a while , believing the campaign manager — a close Kushner ally — has enriched himself from his association with Trump and sought personal publicity .
Trump had previously been angered when Parscale was the subject of magazine profiles .
This latest episode flared before the campaign manager was featured in a New York Times Magazine profile this week .
Aides have grown particularly worried about Michigan — which some advisers have all but written off — as well as Florida , Wisconsin and Arizona .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next week — his first trip outside Washington in a month — as he looks to declare that much of the nation is ready to begin reopening after the virus .
• Trump says he has a ‘ good idea ’ about Kim ’ s fate • Trump may , or may not , hold an outbreak briefing today The president has mocked Biden , his presumptive general election rival , for being “ stuck in his basement ” in his Delaware home during the pandemic .
Trump said Wednesday that he hopes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state that Trump carried handily in 2016 but that aides see as growing slightly competitive in recent weeks .
Aides acknowledged that the president ’ s signature rallies would not be returning anytime soon .
Some have privately offered doubts that he would be able to hold any in his familiar format of jam-packed arenas before Election Day , Nov. 3 .

Zeke Miller and Jonathan Lemire | Associated Press
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump erupted at his top political advisers last week when they presented him with worrisome polling data that showed his support eroding in a series of battleground states as his response to the coronavirus comes under criticism.
As the virus takes its deadly toll and much of the nation’s economy remains shuttered, new surveys by the Republican National Committee and Trump’s campaign pointed to a harrowing picture for the president as he faces reelection.
While Trump saw some of the best approval ratings of his presidency during the early weeks of the crisis, aides highlighted the growing political cost of the crisis and the unforced errors by Trump in his freewheeling press briefings.
Trump reacted with defiance, incredulous that he could be losing to someone he viewed as a weak candidate.
“I am not f—-ing losing to Joe Biden,” he repeated in a series of heated conference calls with his top campaign officials, according to five people with knowledge of the conversations. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about private discussions.
The message to the president was sobering: Trump was trailing the former Democratic vice president in many key battleground states, he was told, and would have lost the Electoral College if the election had been held earlier this month.
On the line from the White House, Trump snapped at the state of his polling during a series of calls with campaign manager Brad Parscale, who called in from Florida; RNC chair Ronna McDaniel, on the line from her home in Michigan; senior adviser Jared Kushner; and other aides.
Echoing a number of White House aides and outside advisers, the political team urged Trump to curtail his daily coronavirus briefings, arguing that the combative sessions were costing him in the polls, particularly among seniors. Trump initially pushed back, pointing to high television ratings. But, at least temporarily, he agreed to scale back the briefings after drawing sharp criticism for raising the idea that Americans might get virus protection by injecting disinfectants.
Trump aides encouraged the president to stay out of medical issues and direct his focus toward more familiar and politically important ground: the economy.
Even as Trump preaches optimism, the president has expressed frustration and even powerlessness as the dire economic statistics pile up. It’s been a whiplash-inducing moment for the president, who just two months ago planned to run for reelection on the strength of an economy that was experiencing unprecedented employment levels. Now, as the records mount in the opposite direction, Trump is feeling the pressure.
“We built the greatest economy in the world,” Trump has said publicly. “I’ll do it a second time.”
Trump’s political team warned that the president’s path to reelection depends on how quickly he can bring about a recovery.
“I think you’ll see by June a lot of the country should be back to normal, and the hope is that by July the country’s really rocking again,” Kushner told “Fox & Friends” on Wednesday morning. But other aides, business leaders and economists predict a far longer road toward recovery.
Representatives for the RNC and the Trump campaign did not comment on the polling or last week’s phone calls.
According to people familiar with the incident, Trump vented much of his frustration at Parscale, who served as the bearer of bad news.
Trump has long distrusted negative poll numbers — telling aides for years that his gut was right about the 2016 race, when he insisted that he was ahead in the Midwest and Florida. At the same time, Parscale and other Trump aides are talking up the sophistication of their data and voter outreach capabilities this time.
The president and some aides have had simmering frustrations with Parscale for a while, believing the campaign manager — a close Kushner ally — has enriched himself from his association with Trump and sought personal publicity. Trump had previously been angered when Parscale was the subject of magazine profiles. This latest episode flared before the campaign manager was featured in a New York Times Magazine profile this week.
Aides have grown particularly worried about Michigan — which some advisers have all but written off — as well as Florida, Wisconsin and Arizona.
Trump announced Wednesday that he will visit Arizona next week — his first trip outside Washington in a month — as he looks to declare that much of the nation is ready to begin reopening after the virus.
The president has mocked Biden, his presumptive general election rival, for being “stuck in his basement” in his Delaware home during the pandemic.
Trump said Wednesday that he hopes to soon visit Ohio, a battleground state that Trump carried handily in 2016 but that aides see as growing slightly competitive in recent weeks.
Aides acknowledged that the president’s signature rallies would not be returning anytime soon. Some have privately offered doubts that he would be able to hold any in his familiar format of jam-packed arenas before Election Day, Nov. 3.


mercurynews--2020-04-30--Opinion: The wolf who was a rock star

Opinion: The wolf who was a rock star

Nearly a decade ago , the wolf known as OR-7 first set foot in California – the first wild gray wolf in the Golden State in 87 years .
Few knew then that this young traveler who trekked 700 miles from northeastern Oregon would go on to change the fate of his entire species here in California .
Dubbed OR-7 because he was the seventh wolf to be radio-collared by biologists in Oregon , the wolf would become like a celebrity in California and beyond .
By the time state biologists announced in April that he had likely died of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unwitting ambassador for his species .
Through his life and life story , the public learned that wolf packs are families .
We learned that wolves travel long distances in search of love .
We learned that all the old animosities that nearly eradicated wolves in the first place still exist and still carry political power .
And most importantly , OR-7 showed us that the only way to ensure wolves can return to lands they once called home is through the existence of strong federal and state laws to protect them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ wolves – they tend to either love them or hate them .
OR-7 was no exception .
If you appreciated wolves and were a writer or a filmmaker , he was a perfect subject .
At least two documentary films were made about him along with books , classroom lessons , social media posts and countless media articles .
A well-known newspaper cartoonist even depicted OR-7 as a presidential candidate .
Each year , I would check in with Oregon ’ s wolf biologists to see if they had evidence of OR-7 having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the biologist on the other end of the phone paused , then said in a slightly annoyed tone , “ He isn ’ t a rock star , you know .
He ’ s just a wolf.
” In one respect , that biologist was right .
OR-7 was just a wolf , living as a wolf does , doing ordinary wolf things .
But from my perspective , it was his impeccable timing that made him something more .
OR-7 ’ s arrival in California handed our state its own wolf conservation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little more than coincidental that he showed up on the 38th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act ) .
Two months after OR-7 wandered into Siskiyou County , my organization and allies petitioned the state to protect wolves under California ’ s own endangered species act .
Two years later , the state wildlife agency argued against this step , saying OR-7 had left the state .
But satellite records from his radio-collar revealed OR-7 had indeed been back in California that very day .
OR-7 ’ s next display of timing happened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the commission was to vote on whether to grant wolves state protections .
During day-long testimony from a packed room of 250+ members of the public , the U.S .
Fish and Wildlife Service announced it had photographic proof that OR-7 and his mate had produced at least three pups .
The room exploded into cheers .
A few hours later , the commission cast its vote to ensure any wolves coming to California would have the protections they need .
Those pups were part of OR-7 ’ s legacy .
Three have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breeding male of the Lassen pack , California ’ s only known pack today , and he sired three litters of his own .
There ’ s a final bit of timing here for OR-7 .
At this moment , as we celebrate his incredible life , the Trump administration is considering ending most national wolf protections , the very ones that allowed this species to regain a tiny foothold in California .
OR-7 may not be here to howl in protest , but the rest of us who loved him will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former attorney , and is a wolf advocate with the Center for Biological Diversity .

Nearly a decade ago, the wolf known as OR-7 first set foot in California – the first wild gray wolf in the Golden State in 87 years. Few knew then that this young traveler who trekked 700 miles from northeastern Oregon would go on to change the fate of his entire species here in California.
Dubbed OR-7 because he was the seventh wolf to be radio-collared by biologists in Oregon, the wolf would become like a celebrity in California and beyond. By the time state biologists announced in April that he had likely died of natural causes, OR-7 had become an unwitting ambassador for his species.
Through his life and life story, the public learned that wolf packs are families. We learned that wolves travel long distances in search of love. We learned that all the old animosities that nearly eradicated wolves in the first place still exist and still carry political power.
And most importantly, OR-7 showed us that the only way to ensure wolves can return to lands they once called home is through the existence of strong federal and state laws to protect them.
People generally aren’t agnostic about wolves – they tend to either love them or hate them. OR-7 was no exception.
If you appreciated wolves and were a writer or a filmmaker, he was a perfect subject. At least two documentary films were made about him along with books, classroom lessons, social media posts and countless media articles. A well-known newspaper cartoonist even depicted OR-7 as a presidential candidate.
Each year, I would check in with Oregon’s wolf biologists to see if they had evidence of OR-7 having another litter of pups. One time the biologist on the other end of the phone paused, then said in a slightly annoyed tone, “He isn’t a rock star, you know. He’s just a wolf.”
In one respect, that biologist was right. OR-7 was just a wolf, living as a wolf does, doing ordinary wolf things.
But from my perspective, it was his impeccable timing that made him something more.
OR-7’s arrival in California handed our state its own wolf conservation success opportunity (and it felt a little more than coincidental that he showed up on the 38th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act).
Two months after OR-7 wandered into Siskiyou County, my organization and allies petitioned the state to protect wolves under California’s own endangered species act. Two years later, the state wildlife agency argued against this step, saying OR-7 had left the state. But satellite records from his radio-collar revealed OR-7 had indeed been back in California that very day.
OR-7’s next display of timing happened on June 4, 2014, when the commission was to vote on whether to grant wolves state protections. During day-long testimony from a packed room of 250+ members of the public, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced it had photographic proof that OR-7 and his mate had produced at least three pups.
The room exploded into cheers. A few hours later, the commission cast its vote to ensure any wolves coming to California would have the protections they need.
Those pups were part of OR-7’s legacy. Three have come to California. One became the breeding male of the Lassen pack, California’s only known pack today, and he sired three litters of his own.
There’s a final bit of timing here for OR-7. At this moment, as we celebrate his incredible life, the Trump administration is considering ending most national wolf protections, the very ones that allowed this species to regain a tiny foothold in California.
OR-7 may not be here to howl in protest, but the rest of us who loved him will be.
Amaroq Weiss is a biologist and former attorney, and is a wolf advocate with the Center for Biological Diversity.


mercurynews--2020-04-30--What to stream? Brilliant ‘Mangos,’ City Lights, Shakespeare and Mister G

Here are four streaming options stage and music fans should know about Magic Theatre : The San Francisco troupe earlier this debuted one of the more enthusiastically received new plays the Bay Area had seen in some time , with Ricardo Pérez González ’ s gut-wrenching family drama , “ Don ’ t Eat the Mangos.
” The play focuses on a Puerto Rican family — father , wife and three grown daughters — gathers and deals with a cyclone of explosive issues : sickness , abuse , jealousies and dark secrets .
Our reviewer called it a stunning , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But in March , the production was halted amid the onset of COVID-19 shelter-at-home requirements .
Now it ’ s back as a streaming option at Magic Theatre ’ s website , and we suggest you don ’ t let it get away again .
Golden Gate Park shows : The iconic park ’ s 150th anniversary concert series has opted for more family-oriented fare of late .
Featured through Saturday , May 2 , is an Earth Day-themed concert from Mister G ( aka Ben Gundersheimer ) the Latin Grammy-winning singer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a host of kid-oriented albums .
Musicians Michael Franti and Narada Michael Walden are guest stars , and the show includes a virtual tour of the park .
On May 5 and 9 , the park site will live stream a show by titled “ Golden Gate Park — An A to Z Adventure ” by Bay Area children ’ s author Marta Lindsey .
A kids ’ art contest is part of the fun .
City Lights Theater : The San Jose stage company is streaming performances of its world premiere production @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wish from the Great War , ” a musical by Kit Wilder and Jeffrey Bracco based on a real events , and “ Coded , ” a recently debuted Gamergate-themed dark comedy .
The company also hosts live performances 8 p.m. Fridays on its Facebook page .
Cal Shakes : Maybe you have a bit of a hangover from last weekend ’ s California Shakespeare Theater ’ s Shakespeare birthday bash ?
If so , and you subscribe to the “ hair of the dog ” theory of hangover management , the Orinda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on its website , including a 24-hour Global Shakespeare Marathon , as well as several videos featuring Cal Shakes actors .

Here are four streaming options stage and music fans should know about
Magic Theatre: The San Francisco troupe earlier this debuted one of the more enthusiastically received new plays the Bay Area had seen in some time, with Ricardo Pérez González’s gut-wrenching family drama, “Don’t Eat the Mangos.” The play focuses on a Puerto Rican family — father, wife and three grown daughters — gathers and deals with a cyclone of explosive issues: sickness, abuse, jealousies and dark secrets. Our reviewer called it a stunning, honest, disturbing and touching work.
But in March, the production was halted amid the onset of COVID-19 shelter-at-home requirements. Now it’s back as a streaming option at Magic Theatre’s website, and we suggest you don’t let it get away again.
Details: Through May 11; $15 (recommended donation); magictheatre.org.
Golden Gate Park shows: The iconic park’s 150th anniversary concert series has opted for more family-oriented fare of late. Featured through Saturday, May 2, is an Earth Day-themed concert from Mister G (aka Ben Gundersheimer) the Latin Grammy-winning singer, songwriter musician and teacher who has released a host of kid-oriented albums. Musicians Michael Franti and Narada Michael Walden are guest stars, and the show includes a virtual tour of the park. On May 5 and 9, the park site will live stream a show by titled “Golden Gate Park — An A to Z Adventure” by Bay Area children’s author Marta Lindsey. A kids’ art contest is part of the fun.
Details: All content is free; GoldenGatePark150.com.
City Lights Theater: The San Jose stage company is streaming performances of its world premiere production of “Truce: A Christmas Day Wish from the Great War,” a play with music by Kit Wilder and Jeffrey Bracco, based on a real events, and “Coded,” a recently debuted Gamergate-themed dark comedy. The company also hosts live performances 8 p.m. Fridays on its Facebook page.
Details: All shows are free; https://cltc.org.
Cal Shakes: Maybe you have a bit of a hangover from last weekend’s California Shakespeare Theater’s Shakespeare birthday bash? If so, and you subscribe to the “hair of the dog” theory of hangover management, the Orinda theater company has plenty of remaining content on its website, including a 24-hour Global Shakespeare Marathon, as well as several videos featuring Cal Shakes actors.
Details: All content is free; calshakes.org/blog.


mercurynews--2020-04-30--Battery suspect cited after East Bay BART train confrontation

After an incident captured on video and shared on social media , a male suspect was arrested and cited for battery in connection with a confrontation Wednesday morning aboard a BART train , authorities said .
The man was released from custody due to COVID-19 jail restrictions .
Police did not release his name on Wednesday afternoon .
The video , visible on a social media account called @ theblackbayarea , which said it was sourced from another social-media user , shows a young African-American woman yelling loudly at a white male wearing a mask and telling him not to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once in the head with his open hand , knocking her to the train ’ s floor .
In a statement , BART spokesman Jim Allison said BART police officers responded at 10:51 a.m. to a train at the Pittsburg-Bay Point station for a report of the battery .
“ According to parties involved the female , who is a juvenile , asked the male for money and began get close to the male ’ s face , ” Allison said in part .
“ He told our officers he felt threatened and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the female declined medical attention.
” Allison said officers placed the male under arrest before citing him for battery and releasing him because of jail restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Earlier this month , the state judicial council waived bail for low-level offenses to slow the influx of inmates at county jails .
Allison said the Contra Costa County District Attorney will determine whether the male should be charged or if the case was self-defense .
An e-mail to the district attorney ’ s office requesting information about the incident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

After an incident captured on video and shared on social media, a male suspect was arrested and cited for battery in connection with a confrontation Wednesday morning aboard a BART train, authorities said.
The man was released from custody due to COVID-19 jail restrictions. Police did not release his name on Wednesday afternoon.
The video, visible on a social media account called @theblackbayarea, which said it was sourced from another social-media user, shows a young African-American woman yelling loudly at a white male wearing a mask and telling him not to touch her before the male strikes her once in the head with his open hand, knocking her to the train’s floor.
In a statement, BART spokesman Jim Allison said BART police officers responded at 10:51 a.m. to a train at the Pittsburg-Bay Point station for a report of the battery.
“According to parties involved the female, who is a juvenile, asked the male for money and began get close to the male’s face,” Allison said in part.
“He told our officers he felt threatened and hit her. No weapons were involved, and the female declined medical attention.”
The man, identified Thursday morning as Roland Hinds, 24, of Discovery Bay, was detained under a citizen’s arrest and cited for battery before his release because of jail restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier this month, the state judicial council waived bail for low-level offenses to slow the influx of inmates at county jails. Hinds was also issued a prohibition order, forbidding him from BART property for at least 30 days.
Allison said the Contra Costa County District Attorney will determine whether he should be charged or if the case was self-defense. A district attorney’s spokesman said Thursday afternoon that Hinds’ case had not yet been presented for a filing decision.
Contact George Kelly at 408-859-5180.


mercurynews--2020-04-30--UK man, 72, rows alone across the Atlantic in 96 days

A 72-year-old rower has finished a solo trans-Atlantic crossing he started at the end of January — well before the coronavirus outbreak had spread around the globe .
Graham Walters set off from the Spanish island of Gran Canaria on January 25 and arrived in Antigua on Wednesday , a journey that took 96 days .
If certified , Walters will have beaten the Guinness world record for the oldest person to row across any ocean solo .
It was set by Frenchman Gerard Marie , who was 66 when he rowed across the Atlantic in 2015 .
Walters had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way .
“ At the start of the crossing , the weather was cold and wet and miserable so my spirits got quite low , but once the sun came out when I got to the Atlantic everything was fine , ” he told CNN in a statement .
But the weather did cause some problems later on .
Walters had to get towed toward the end of his trip by the Coast Guard after fighting against strong winds that were blowing him in the opposite direction of his destination .
Having aimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Walters realized he was going to miss the line .
“ As I was at such a critical point , I had to face the fact that if I didn ’ t take up their offer then I would miss Antigua , ” he said .
“ But I ’ m delighted to have arrived and it was great to have such a fantastic welcome.
” Having been in open water since January 25 , Walters has also missed much of the spread of the coronavirus pandemic .
When his wife updated him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with many dying or out of work — he was shocked .
“ Nothing like this has ever happened in our lifetime so it ’ s been hard to imagine what kind of world I would be returning to , ” he said .
Now that he ’ s landed in Antigua , he ’ s been wearing and mask , and there are restrictions , he said .
“ And of course , no one could give me a hug or a pat on the back when I arrived .
But so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things may be different when I return to the UK , ” he said .
Walters has now rowed the Atlantic five times — three times solo and twice in two-person boats — and recently rowed from the source of the River Thames to the sea .
This was Walters ’ last crossing before hanging up his oars , having rowed the Atlantic alone to raise funds for UK military veterans charity Help for Heroes .
Walters , a carpenter by trade , built his boat in his front garden 22 years ago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boat is named after his grandfather , a former Leicestershire and England cricketer who played in several Ashes tests and joined the Air Force during World War I. Walters plans to leave the boat in Antigua and hopes it will find a place in a museum in English Harbour .
“ Graham has always been an adventurer , so he ’ s had it in his mind for a while now to do one final journey , ” said Jean Walters , his wife , in a press statement .
“ To complete @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a massive personal achievement for him .
”

By Jack Guy and Leah Asmelash | CNN
A 72-year-old rower has finished a solo trans-Atlantic crossing he started at the end of January — well before the coronavirus outbreak had spread around the globe.
Graham Walters set off from the Spanish island of Gran Canaria on January 25 and arrived in Antigua on Wednesday, a journey that took 96 days.
If certified, Walters will have beaten the Guinness world record for the oldest person to row across any ocean solo. It was set by Frenchman Gerard Marie, who was 66 when he rowed across the Atlantic in 2015.
Walters had to contend with some difficulties along the way.
“At the start of the crossing, the weather was cold and wet and miserable so my spirits got quite low, but once the sun came out when I got to the Atlantic everything was fine,” he told CNN in a statement.
But the weather did cause some problems later on.
Walters had to get towed toward the end of his trip by the Coast Guard after fighting against strong winds that were blowing him in the opposite direction of his destination. Having aimed for Antigua’s English Harbour, Walters realized he was going to miss the line.
“As I was at such a critical point, I had to face the fact that if I didn’t take up their offer then I would miss Antigua,” he said. “But I’m delighted to have arrived and it was great to have such a fantastic welcome.”
Having been in open water since January 25, Walters has also missed much of the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. When his wife updated him on how badly things had gotten — with many dying or out of work — he was shocked.
“Nothing like this has ever happened in our lifetime so it’s been hard to imagine what kind of world I would be returning to,” he said.
Now that he’s landed in Antigua, he’s been wearing and mask, and there are restrictions, he said.
“And of course, no one could give me a hug or a pat on the back when I arrived. But so far, so good. I guess things may be different when I return to the UK,” he said.
Walters has now rowed the Atlantic five times — three times solo and twice in two-person boats — and recently rowed from the source of the River Thames to the sea.
This was Walters’ last crossing before hanging up his oars, having rowed the Atlantic alone to raise funds for UK military veterans charity Help for Heroes.
Walters, a carpenter by trade, built his boat in his front garden 22 years ago.
Called the George Geary, the boat is named after his grandfather, a former Leicestershire and England cricketer who played in several Ashes tests and joined the Air Force during World War I.
Walters plans to leave the boat in Antigua and hopes it will find a place in a museum in English Harbour.
“Graham has always been an adventurer, so he’s had it in his mind for a while now to do one final journey,” said Jean Walters, his wife, in a press statement. “To complete the challenge and take the record will be a massive personal achievement for him.”


mercurynews--2020-04-29--Beach brawl! California wrestles over beach access amid coronavirus pandemic

Few things are more California than its sandy beaches .
The Golden State gave us Gidget and the Beach Boys , two towns that boast of being the real “ Surf City , ” and declared surfing its official sport .
But the coronavirus pandemic is proving a major bummer for beachgoers — and now it ’ s inciting a bit of a brawl between some Southern California officials and Gov .
Gavin Newsom .
Newsom has been publicly scolding sunbathers and surfers who are increasingly seeking big waves and fun in the sun in defiance of social distancing measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While local officials in Northern California have been mostly shutting beaches or limiting parking and activities , the Orange County city of Newport Beach — scenes of the biggest crowds last weekend — largely ignored the governor ’ s finger-wagging Tuesday and sided with residents to keep their beaches open .
“ Obviously this is a very serious issue and we have to stay ahead of it , ” Councilman Kevin Muldoon said .
“ But it ’ s no cause for panic to close our beaches , to be afraid of others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Although a recent poll found most Californians support the state ’ s lockdown to fight the pandemic , cooperation is fraying at the beaches in more than just Orange County .
San Diego opened its beaches for activities this week , but won ’ t let you just lie back on the sand .
In the Bay Area , Santa Cruz County , which had reopened beaches after closing them for a week around Easter , announced Wednesday they will be closed from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. except for water-based activities such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only open for activities like walking or running .
The situation has been a quandary for beach access advocates like the Surfrider Foundation .
The group that fought for public access to billionaire Vinod Khosla ’ s Martins Beach is encouraging surfers and other beach lovers to abide by local rules limiting beach activity or closing them in hopes it will lead to a quicker reopening .
“ Extraordinary times require different thinking , ” said Surfrider CEO Chad Nelsen .
“ Normally we want to be clear that beaches are a public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shouldn ’ t take precedence over the health and safety of the public .
We want to make sure as we climb out of this thing that ultimately we can get back to a place where beaches are open to the public again.
” Newsom ’ s first-in-the-nation March 19 statewide stay-home order allows for people to go outside for exercise and fresh air so long as they observe social-distancing guidance and keep six feet away from others who aren ’ t members of their households .
So far it has largely left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state beaches — up to local health authorities , noting conditions are different around the state .
But after Newport Beach ’ s decision Tuesday , the governor said that may change .
He noted in his daily news briefing that Orange County has been a hot spot in the coronavirus outbreak , with the fourth-highest number hospitalized in the state from COVID-19 .
And he said he has spoken with state parks and the Coastal Commission to “ figure out what our next steps are.
” “ I can assure you that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , ” Newsom added .
Those remarks came as Bay Area health officials announced a slight easing of their “ shelter-in-place ” order extended earlier this week through the end of May .
Santa Cruz County ’ s new rule allows only water activities and walking or running — and bans umbrellas , barbecues , coolers , beach chairs , shade structures , tents or other equipment .
San Mateo County , home of Martins Beach , also bans umbrellas , shade structures , tents , BBQs , grills , coolers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parking at and around beaches .
It also threatens any visitors who don ’ t live within 10 miles with a ticket .
An earlier order required visitors to live within five miles .
In San Francisco , parking is blocked along Ocean Beach , but the beach itself remains open with the social-distancing rules .
Marin County allows access to beaches by foot or bicycle but not cars , effectively limiting them to nearby residents , with social distancing for those on the sand .
In Sonoma County , after out-of-town crowds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the county closed access to its beaches altogether .
That is expected to remain as the shelter-in-place order is revised this week .
Spokesman Rohish Lal said it ’ s in the interest of fairness not to favor those fortunate enough to live close to the beach .
“ We want to be fair , ” Lal said .
“ We do this in the interest of protecting the pubic .
Shelter in place is for everyone to stay home , wherever they are.
” In Newport Beach , after tens of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the weekend , city officials spent four hours Tuesday debating whether to close beaches on weekends and other measures to keep crowds thinned out .
Ultimately , they decided only to step up police and lifeguard patrols to enforce beach parking restrictions and social distancing .
Correspondence to city leaders was two-to-one against closing beaches .
“ Our beach is so big , that I feel people can distance themselves , ” Robin Ford , who was at Newport Beach on Saturday with her husband , told the Orange County Register .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ more crowded today.
” The science of coronavirus risk at the beach is an open target .
A recent study out of China found that out of 318 outbreaks , 254 occurred at home , 108 in transportation and only one in an outdoor environment , suggesting the greater risk is sharing space indoors .
Dr. George Rutherford , a University of California San Francisco epidemiologist , said that may be because ultraviolet light tends to degrade viruses .
But he said crowds are a problem in any setting .
“ It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Rutherford said .
“ I think it ’ s fine to walk on the beaches .
You can ’ t have them packed.
” Nelsen , from the Surfrider Foundation , said the patchwork of beach policies up and down the state is frustrating , concentrating those who want to go to the beach into a few available options .
He admits no one has mastered the balance of public access and crowd management , and that it ’ s hard telling fellow surfers to abide by restrictions when the see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surfer thinks they ’ re the exception , ” Nelsen said .
“ But there ’ s a million of them , and if one person wants the exception , that just opens the floodgates .
”

(Update: The governor stopped short of closing down all coastal parks statewide as some had speculated. He announced Thursday that only Orange County beaches will be closed.)
Few things are more California than its sandy beaches. The Golden State gave us Gidget and the Beach Boys, two towns that boast of being the real “Surf City,” and declared surfing its official sport.
But the coronavirus pandemic is proving a major bummer for beachgoers — and now it’s inciting a bit of a brawl between some Southern California officials and Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Newsom has been publicly scolding sunbathers and surfers who are increasingly seeking big waves and fun in the sun in defiance of social distancing measures to keep the contagion from spreading. While local officials in Northern California have been mostly shutting beaches or limiting parking and activities, the Orange County city of Newport Beach — scenes of the biggest crowds last weekend — largely ignored the governor’s finger-wagging Tuesday and sided with residents to keep their beaches open.
“Obviously this is a very serious issue and we have to stay ahead of it,” Councilman Kevin Muldoon said. “But it’s no cause for panic to close our beaches, to be afraid of others especially if they keep their distance.”
Although a recent poll found most Californians support the state’s lockdown to fight the pandemic, cooperation is fraying at the beaches in more than just Orange County. San Diego opened its beaches for activities this week, but won’t let you just lie back on the sand.
In the Bay Area, Santa Cruz County, which had reopened beaches after closing them for a week around Easter, announced Wednesday they will be closed from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. except for water-based activities such as surfing or swimming, and otherwise only open for activities like walking or running.
The situation has been a quandary for beach access advocates like the Surfrider Foundation. The group that fought for public access to billionaire Vinod Khosla’s Martins Beach is encouraging surfers and other beach lovers to abide by local rules limiting beach activity or closing them in hopes it will lead to a quicker reopening.
“Extraordinary times require different thinking,” said Surfrider CEO Chad Nelsen. “Normally we want to be clear that beaches are a public resource open to everyone. But that shouldn’t take precedence over the health and safety of the public. We want to make sure as we climb out of this thing that ultimately we can get back to a place where beaches are open to the public again.”
Newsom’s first-in-the-nation March 19 statewide stay-home order allows for people to go outside for exercise and fresh air so long as they observe social-distancing guidance and keep six feet away from others who aren’t members of their households. So far it has largely left decisions on access to beaches — including state beaches — up to local health authorities, noting conditions are different around the state.
But after Newport Beach’s decision Tuesday, the governor said that may change. He noted in his daily news briefing that Orange County has been a hot spot in the coronavirus outbreak, with the fourth-highest number hospitalized in the state from COVID-19. And he said he has spoken with state parks and the Coastal Commission to “figure out what our next steps are.”
“I can assure you that clarity will come very short period of time,” Newsom added.
Wednesday evening, the California Police Chiefs Association sent a memo to its members saying it had learned Newsom will order all beaches and state parks closed starting Friday. The memo said Newsom would announce the move Thursday morning.
Those developments came as Bay Area health officials announced a slight easing of their “shelter-in-place” order extended earlier this week through the end of May.
Santa Cruz County’s new rule allows only water activities and walking or running — and bans umbrellas, barbecues, coolers, beach chairs, shade structures, tents or other equipment.
San Mateo County, home of Martins Beach, also bans umbrellas, shade structures, tents, BBQs, grills, coolers, chairs and hammocks, and has closed parking at and around beaches. It also threatens any visitors who don’t live within 10 miles with a ticket. An earlier order required visitors to live within five miles.
In San Francisco, parking is blocked along Ocean Beach, but the beach itself remains open with the social-distancing rules.
Marin County allows access to beaches by foot or bicycle but not cars, effectively limiting them to nearby residents, with social distancing for those on the sand.
In Sonoma County, after out-of-town crowds flocked to popular Doran Beach weeks ago, the county closed access to its beaches altogether. That is expected to remain as the shelter-in-place order is revised this week. Spokesman Rohish Lal said it’s in the interest of fairness not to favor those fortunate enough to live close to the beach.
“We want to be fair,” Lal said. “We do this in the interest of protecting the pubic. Shelter in place is for everyone to stay home, wherever they are.”
In Newport Beach, after tens of thousands of beachgoers flocked to the shores over the weekend, city officials spent four hours Tuesday debating whether to close beaches on weekends and other measures to keep crowds thinned out. Ultimately, they decided only to step up police and lifeguard patrols to enforce beach parking restrictions and social distancing.
Correspondence to city leaders was two-to-one against closing beaches.
“Our beach is so big, that I feel people can distance themselves,” Robin Ford, who was at Newport Beach on Saturday with her husband, told the Orange County Register. “But it’s a lot more crowded today.”
The science of coronavirus risk at the beach is an open target. A recent study out of China found that out of 318 outbreaks, 254 occurred at home, 108 in transportation and only one in an outdoor environment, suggesting the greater risk is sharing space indoors.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge Dr. George Rutherford, a University of California San Francisco epidemiologist, said that may be because ultraviolet light tends to degrade viruses. But he said crowds are a problem in any setting.
“It’s all just a function of crowding,” Rutherford said. “I think it’s fine to walk on the beaches. You can’t have them packed.”
Nelsen, from the Surfrider Foundation, said the patchwork of beach policies up and down the state is frustrating, concentrating those who want to go to the beach into a few available options. He admits no one has mastered the balance of public access and crowd management, and that it’s hard telling fellow surfers to abide by restrictions when the see tasty, uncrowded waves.
“Every surfer thinks they’re the exception,” Nelsen said. “But there’s a million of them, and if one person wants the exception, that just opens the floodgates.”


mercurynews--2020-04-29--Commerce restarts as debate flares over legal protections

SALT LAKE CITY — The effort to reopen the economy in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic has set off a conflict at the state and federal level that is escalating by the day over how much legal protection companies should get if their returning workers get sick .
The White House , governors , members of congress and state lawmakers are all getting pressured by business leaders who want to be shielded from potential lawsuits brought by sick workers .
They are also feeling heat on the other side from unions who want bolstered safety at workplaces and from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hopes to preserve legal protections to go after corporations in court if people are sickened on the job .
The issue has vaulted to the forefront of the debate in Congress over the next , and fifth , coronavirus relief bill that ’ s still in its infancy .
The safety of returning workers has dominated union negotiations between casino workers and their employers in Las Vegas .
And governors in some states are imposing restrictions on the ability of people to collect unemployment if they choose not to return to work out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debate has put policy makers on the hot seat at the same time that they are moving forward with reopening their states .
Utah lawmakers have moved to protect businesses from being sued if a customer or employee is exposed to the coronavirus after reopening , with supporters like Republican Rep .
Norm Thurston saying establishments need to be rewarded for being willing to open their doors again .
The proposal passed the Republican-controlled Legislature the day before Gov .
Gary Herbert announced the state would allow the reopening of restaurants , gyms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has not yet signed it .
Skeptics like Democratic Rep. Brian King called the legislation a “ get out of liability free card.
” “ If a business wants to get open and make some money , that means they have to be responsible for the safety of both their employees and the public , ” King said Wednesday .
“ They don ’ t get it both ways .
They don ’ t get to both make money and be insulated from their negligent decision-making.
” The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to expand protections from liability lawsuits to manufacturers , businesses , health care workers and first responders .
Mississippi and North Carolina are considering similar protections for businesses .
“ They don ’ t need to be concerned about liability from opportunistic people that might be trying to find a chink in their armor , to sue them for trying to do the right thing , ” said chamber president Dan Mehan on Tuesday .
“ Lawsuit protection is paramount for this recovery.
” President Donald Trump ’ s executive action Tuesday ordering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerns about the nation ’ s food supply also put a spotlight on the delicate balance between protecting companies without leaving workers unfairly exposed .
The order , which was developed in consultation with industry leaders including Tyson and Smithfield , is designed , in part , to provide companies with additional liability protections in case workers get sick .
Unions fired back at Trump ’ s action , saying the White House was jeopardizing lives and prioritizing cold cuts over workers ’ health .
As Congress prepares the next coronavirus relief bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made the issue a top priority .
He has portrayed the protections as necessary to fend off opportunistic trial lawyers .
“ Just as soon as the pandemic recedes , the lawyers will come in , and this is the important part of getting our country back to business , ” McConnell said Wednesday on Fox News ’ “ The Brian Kilmeade Show.
” The casino workers ’ Culinary Union in Las Vegas said it is negotiating reopening protocols with casino companies to ensure there are stronger safety standards .
Nevada Gov .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not said when he will allow casinos to reopen .
John Whiting isn ’ t going to rely on an employer to keep him safe .
He was working at the Children ’ s Museum of Atlanta when the pandemic hit and had been planning to find a summer job until he returns to his job as a teacher next school year .
But the 26-year-old is intentionally staying away from public-facing jobs out of fear he ’ ll get sick and infect the aunt and uncle he ’ s staying with .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a job where he can telecommute in a field like tech support .
“ I have to think about them as well .
I ’ d rather not risk that because we only go out for groceries , in terms of being out in the public like that .
So I thought it was better to find something virtual , ” Whiting said .
States are also focusing on unemployment rules as some leaders fret that workers ’ fears of getting the virus or comfort with expanded unemployment benefits could keep them home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warned furloughed workers that they will lose their unemployment benefits if they refuse to return when their employer calls them back to work , which is considered a “ voluntary quit.
” Restaurants , some bars , malls and retail stores will reopen in 77 of the state ’ s 99 counties Friday .
Iowa Workforce Development urged employers to report workers who don ’ t return for a good reason as soon as possible and warned that the federal law providing an additional $ 600 weekly in benefits contains “ serious consequences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , several groups representing workers sent a letter Wednesday calling on state regulators to change unemployment rules to allow people who can ’ t go back to work because they or their family member face a high risk of contracting the coronavirus to still get unemployment benefits .
Gov .
Greg Abbott , a Republican , on Monday outlined a plan to allow the state ’ s restaurants , retailers , movie theaters and malls to start letting customers trickle into their establishments starting Friday .
He didn ’ t address whether employees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t return to work , but said he understands the concerns and that no worker or business is required to return to work .
“ You have every right to choose your own pathway in life and you have ultimate control over your own personal safety , ” Abbott said .
The recent suggestion by an Oklahoma official that the state might ask the federal government to stop the $ 600-a-week federal government payments to unemployed people raised eyebrows , but the state ’ s Department of Commerce spokeswoman Leslie Blair said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan to stop those federal payments .
• Coronavirus Q & A : Here ’ s what you need to know about the Bay Area ’ s new shelter in place order She did acknowledge , however , that there is “ legitimate concern ” that people won ’ t go back to work because they can make more money in unemployment with the added federal stimulus fund than at their jobs .
“ We really do need them to return so our economy can get started again , ” Blair said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lieb , Sean Murphy , Gary Robertson , Emily Wagster , Lindsay Whitehurst , Ryan Foley , Paul Weber , Michelle L. Price , Andrew Taylor and Kimberlee Kruesi contributed to this report .
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[vemba-video id=”politics/2020/04/29/governor-ron-desantis-florida-plan-to-reopen-businesses-coronavirus-tsr-vpx.cnn”]
By Brady McCombs | Associated Press
SALT LAKE CITY — The effort to reopen the economy in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic has set off a conflict at the state and federal level that is escalating by the day over how much legal protection companies should get if their returning workers get sick.
The White House, governors, members of congress and state lawmakers are all getting pressured by business leaders who want to be shielded from potential lawsuits brought by sick workers. They are also feeling heat on the other side from unions who want bolstered safety at workplaces and from the influential trial lawyers lobby, which hopes to preserve legal protections to go after corporations in court if people are sickened on the job.
The issue has vaulted to the forefront of the debate in Congress over the next, and fifth, coronavirus relief bill that’s still in its infancy. The safety of returning workers has dominated union negotiations between casino workers and their employers in Las Vegas. And governors in some states are imposing restrictions on the ability of people to collect unemployment if they choose not to return to work out of fear for their safety.
The debate has put policy makers on the hot seat at the same time that they are moving forward with reopening their states.
Utah lawmakers have moved to protect businesses from being sued if a customer or employee is exposed to the coronavirus after reopening, with supporters like Republican Rep. Norm Thurston saying establishments need to be rewarded for being willing to open their doors again.
The proposal passed the Republican-controlled Legislature the day before Gov. Gary Herbert announced the state would allow the reopening of restaurants, gyms and salons starting Friday. The governor has not yet signed it.
Skeptics like Democratic Rep. Brian King called the legislation a “get out of liability free card.”
“If a business wants to get open and make some money, that means they have to be responsible for the safety of both their employees and the public,” King said Wednesday. “They don’t get it both ways. They don’t get to both make money and be insulated from their negligent decision-making.”
The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is pushing the Republican-led state Legislature to expand protections from liability lawsuits to manufacturers, businesses, health care workers and first responders. Mississippi and North Carolina are considering similar protections for businesses.
“They don’t need to be concerned about liability from opportunistic people that might be trying to find a chink in their armor, to sue them for trying to do the right thing,” said chamber president Dan Mehan on Tuesday. “Lawsuit protection is paramount for this recovery.”
President Donald Trump’s executive action Tuesday ordering meat processing plants to stay open amid concerns about the nation’s food supply also put a spotlight on the delicate balance between protecting companies without leaving workers unfairly exposed.
The order, which was developed in consultation with industry leaders including Tyson and Smithfield, is designed, in part, to provide companies with additional liability protections in case workers get sick.
Unions fired back at Trump’s action, saying the White House was jeopardizing lives and prioritizing cold cuts over workers’ health.
As Congress prepares the next coronavirus relief bill, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has made the issue a top priority. He has portrayed the protections as necessary to fend off opportunistic trial lawyers.
“Just as soon as the pandemic recedes, the lawyers will come in, and this is the important part of getting our country back to business,” McConnell said Wednesday on Fox News’ “The Brian Kilmeade Show.”
The casino workers’ Culinary Union in Las Vegas said it is negotiating reopening protocols with casino companies to ensure there are stronger safety standards. Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak, a Democrat, has not said when he will allow casinos to reopen.
John Whiting isn’t going to rely on an employer to keep him safe. He was working at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta when the pandemic hit and had been planning to find a summer job until he returns to his job as a teacher next school year. But the 26-year-old is intentionally staying away from public-facing jobs out of fear he’ll get sick and infect the aunt and uncle he’s staying with. He’s instead trying to find a job where he can telecommute in a field like tech support.
“I have to think about them as well. I’d rather not risk that because we only go out for groceries, in terms of being out in the public like that. So I thought it was better to find something virtual,” Whiting said.
States are also focusing on unemployment rules as some leaders fret that workers’ fears of getting the virus or comfort with expanded unemployment benefits could keep them home.
State officials in Iowa this week warned furloughed workers that they will lose their unemployment benefits if they refuse to return when their employer calls them back to work, which is considered a “voluntary quit.” Restaurants, some bars, malls and retail stores will reopen in 77 of the state’s 99 counties Friday.
Iowa Workforce Development urged employers to report workers who don’t return for a good reason as soon as possible and warned that the federal law providing an additional $600 weekly in benefits contains “serious consequences” for fraudulent claims.
In Texas, several groups representing workers sent a letter Wednesday calling on state regulators to change unemployment rules to allow people who can’t go back to work because they or their family member face a high risk of contracting the coronavirus to still get unemployment benefits.
Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, on Monday outlined a plan to allow the state’s restaurants, retailers, movie theaters and malls to start letting customers trickle into their establishments starting Friday. He didn’t address whether employees might lose their jobs if they didn’t return to work, but said he understands the concerns and that no worker or business is required to return to work.
“You have every right to choose your own pathway in life and you have ultimate control over your own personal safety,” Abbott said.
The recent suggestion by an Oklahoma official that the state might ask the federal government to stop the $600-a-week federal government payments to unemployed people raised eyebrows, but the state’s Department of Commerce spokeswoman Leslie Blair said in a statement Wednesday there is no plan to stop those federal payments.
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Tech companies, bank chop hundreds of Bay Area jobs in fresh layoffs National News | Google will activate downtown San Jose village sites ahead of project She did acknowledge, however, that there is “legitimate concern” that people won’t go back to work because they can make more money in unemployment with the added federal stimulus fund than at their jobs.
“We really do need them to return so our economy can get started again,” Blair said.
Associated Press writers Charles Odum, David Lieb, Sean Murphy, Gary Robertson, Emily Wagster, Lindsay Whitehurst, Ryan Foley, Paul Weber, Michelle L. Price, Andrew Taylor and Kimberlee Kruesi contributed to this report.
+


mercurynews--2020-04-30--FAA investigates after Harrison Ford is involved in another runway incident at a Southern California

FAA investigates after Harrison Ford is involved in another runway incident at a Southern California airport

Actor Harrison Ford is again the subject of a Federal Aviation Administration investigation after he crossed a runway while another plane was approaching for a touch-and-go landing last week at Hawthorne Municipal Airport , authorities said .
Ford was piloting an Aviat Husky and preparing to take off Friday afternoon , April 24 , when a tower operator told him to hold short of the runway , according to archived audio from the tower .
Ford , however , told the tower he was crossing , prompting a stern reply from the operator to “ get across that runway now.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ short , you need to listen up , ” the operator said .
“ Excuse me , sir , I thought exactly the opposite .
I ’ m terribly sorry , ” Ford replied .
Though not as serious as other mishaps in the 77-year-old actor ’ s aviation ventures , the FAA was still looking into the incident , a spokesperson said .
What might come of the investigation wasn ’ t immediately known and the spokesperson said Wednesday , April 29 , that there was no time frame for the investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replays and an interview with the pilot .
The FAA spokesperson could not say where the investigation may lead .
The other aircraft was approximately 3,600 feet to the east when Ford crossed the runway and there was no danger of a crash , the spokesperson said .
“ Mr .
Ford crossed the airport ’ s only runway in his aircraft after he misheard a radio instruction from ATC , ” a representative said in a statement .
“ He immediately acknowledged the mistake and apologized to ATC for the error .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ maintain currency and proficiency in the aircraft.
” The incident wasn ’ t Ford ’ s first involving aircraft in Southern California .
In 2015 , Ford had to perform an emergency landing at a Penmar Golf Course in Venice near the Santa Monica Airport due to a loss of engine power .
Ford suffered a broken arm and minor head injuries as a result of the crash .
In February 2017 , an FAA investigation was launched after Ford flew an Aviat Husky directly over a taxiing passenger jet at John Wayne @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the runway .
Ford was cleared to land on the runway by air traffic controllers .
No restrictions were placed on Ford ’ s pilot ’ s license following another investigation by the FAA .

Actor Harrison Ford is again the subject of a Federal Aviation Administration investigation after he crossed a runway while another plane was approaching for a touch-and-go landing last week at Hawthorne Municipal Airport, authorities said.
Ford was piloting an Aviat Husky and preparing to take off Friday afternoon, April 24, when a tower operator told him to hold short of the runway, according to archived audio from the tower.
Ford, however, told the tower he was crossing, prompting a stern reply from the operator to “get across that runway now.”
“I told you to hold short, you need to listen up,” the operator said.
“Excuse me, sir, I thought exactly the opposite. I’m terribly sorry,” Ford replied.
Though not as serious as other mishaps in the 77-year-old actor’s aviation ventures, the FAA was still looking into the incident, a spokesperson said.
What might come of the investigation wasn’t immediately known and the spokesperson said Wednesday, April 29, that there was no time frame for the investigation, which could include audio, radar replays and an interview with the pilot.
The FAA spokesperson could not say where the investigation may lead.
The other aircraft was approximately 3,600 feet to the east when Ford crossed the runway and there was no danger of a crash, the spokesperson said.
“Mr. Ford crossed the airport’s only runway in his aircraft after he misheard a radio instruction from ATC,” a representative said in a statement. “He immediately acknowledged the mistake and apologized to ATC for the error. The purpose of the flight was to maintain currency and proficiency in the aircraft.”
The incident wasn’t Ford’s first involving aircraft in Southern California. In 2015, Ford had to perform an emergency landing at a Penmar Golf Course in Venice near the Santa Monica Airport due to a loss of engine power.
Ford suffered a broken arm and minor head injuries as a result of the crash.
In February 2017, an FAA investigation was launched after Ford flew an Aviat Husky directly over a taxiing passenger jet at John Wayne Airport and landed on the taxiway instead of the runway. Ford was cleared to land on the runway by air traffic controllers.
No restrictions were placed on Ford’s pilot’s license following another investigation by the FAA.


mercurynews--2020-04-30--California claims it can’t usurp local law enforcement power over inmate releases amid coronavirus

Rebuffing a lawsuit from the American Civil Liberties Union , the state of California insists it can not usurp the power of local authorities and order the release of more incarcerated inmates and juvenile wards from custody due to the coronavirus threat .
The suit was one of two filed by the ACLU with the state Supreme Court on April 24 , seeking emergency orders no later than May 4 to further reduce prison , jail and juvenile ward populations and freeze all ICE transfers due to the coronavirus outbreak .
The lawsuits allege violation of Eighth Amendment guarantees against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guarantees of due process .
In its response to the lawsuit regarding jails , prisons and juvenile detention facilities , the Attorney General ’ s Office argued Tuesday that , under the state Emergency Services Act , it is not within its purview to assume the role of local authorities such as sheriffs and probation departments , which operate county jails and juvenile detention facilities .
The Emergency Services Act gives the governor authority to declare an emergency and have broad and discretionary powers over state agencies , but not local law enforcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Attorney General Xavier Becerra and Deputy Attorney General Jose A. Zelidon-Zepeda .
The ACLU , they said , failed to cite any provision “ imposing on the State the broad responsibility of displacing local authority over county jails and juvenile detention facilities.
” Therefore , the Supreme Court should deny the ACLU ’ s request , On March 24 , Gov .
Gavin Newsom announced steps already were being taken to halt the intake and/or transfer of inmates and youth into the state ’ s 35 prisons and four youth corrections facilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to extend the ceasing of transfers , if needed .
Additionally , Newsom last month authorized the early release of 3,500 inmates to help alleviate jail and youth detention facility overcrowding during the pandemic .
The ACLU , however , maintains prisoners are still confined in close quarters and more needs to be done .
Newsom press secretary Vicky Waters said a response to the second lawsuit regarding ICE transfers will be released “ soon.
” In its second lawsuit , the ACLU cited the experiences of three current or former ICE detainees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Roman was recently released from Theo Lacy Jail in Orange County and transferred to an ICE detention facility in Adelanto , where he was “ crammed into a dorm of 70-80 people , without any protective equipment or adequate sanitation to ward against COVID-19.
” He fell ill with a fever , cough and body aches , and did not receive medical treatment , according to the lawsuit .
“ Up and down the state , California ’ s jails and prisons are continuing to voluntarily transfer individuals to ICE custody in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are not legally required to do so , ” according to the lawsuit .
“ By transferring individuals to ICE custody , California agencies are delivering the individuals in their care to dangerous conditions of confinement in ICE ’ s five detention centers in California.
” The ACLU did not comment Wednesday on the attorney general ’ s response , but agency spokesman David Colker said the civil rights group plans to respond later this week .

Rebuffing a lawsuit from the American Civil Liberties Union, the state of California insists it cannot usurp the power of local authorities and order the release of more incarcerated inmates and juvenile wards from custody due to the coronavirus threat.
The suit was one of two filed by the ACLU with the state Supreme Court on April 24, seeking emergency orders no later than May 4 to further reduce prison, jail and juvenile ward populations and freeze all ICE transfers due to the coronavirus outbreak. The lawsuits allege violation of Eighth Amendment guarantees against cruel and unusual punishment and 14th Amendment guarantees of due process.
In its response to the lawsuit regarding jails, prisons and juvenile detention facilities, the Attorney General’s Office argued Tuesday that, under the state Emergency Services Act, it is not within its purview to assume the role of local authorities such as sheriffs and probation departments, which operate county jails and juvenile detention facilities.
The Emergency Services Act gives the governor authority to declare an emergency and have broad and discretionary powers over state agencies, but not local law enforcement, said a 32-page response released Tuesday by Attorney General Xavier Becerra and Deputy Attorney General Jose A. Zelidon-Zepeda.
The ACLU, they said, failed to cite any provision “imposing on the State the broad responsibility of displacing local authority over county jails and juvenile detention facilities.” Therefore, the Supreme Court should deny the ACLU’s request,
On March 24, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced steps already were being taken to halt the intake and/or transfer of inmates and youth into the state’s 35 prisons and four youth corrections facilities for 30 days, with an option to extend the ceasing of transfers, if needed. Additionally, Newsom last month authorized the early release of 3,500 inmates to help alleviate jail and youth detention facility overcrowding during the pandemic.
The ACLU, however, maintains prisoners are still confined in close quarters and more needs to be done.
Newsom press secretary Vicky Waters said a response to the second lawsuit regarding ICE transfers will be released “soon.”
In its second lawsuit, the ACLU cited the experiences of three current or former ICE detainees, including Kelvin Hernandez Roman. Hernandez Roman was recently released from Theo Lacy Jail in Orange County and transferred to an ICE detention facility in Adelanto, where he was “crammed into a dorm of 70-80 people, without any protective equipment or adequate sanitation to ward against COVID-19.”
He fell ill with a fever, cough and body aches, and did not receive medical treatment, according to the lawsuit.
“Up and down the state, California’s jails and prisons are continuing to voluntarily transfer individuals to ICE custody in the midst of the pandemic, even though they are not legally required to do so,” according to the lawsuit. “By transferring individuals to ICE custody, California agencies are delivering the individuals in their care to dangerous conditions of confinement in ICE’s five detention centers in California.”
The ACLU did not comment Wednesday on the attorney general’s response, but agency spokesman David Colker said the civil rights group plans to respond later this week.


mercurynews--2020-04-30--California’s neon blue waves move south, here are tips on how to view, shoot images

With each wave that crashed on shore , an bright blue flash lit up the whitewash on the dark beach – like a pulse of electricity zapping the surf just off shore .
The bioluminescent waves that have been putting on surprise shows at select beaches is a mesmerizing sight , a rare phenom that has been moving around Southern California ’ s coastline and drawing fans when word spreads that a red tide – a funky copper color during the day – is turning the waves neon after the sun goes down .
The fact that some beaches are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beach and other areas of the South Bay , makes seeing it even more challenging .
For two weeks , I ’ ve been writing about the rare show off the coast , last seen locally in 2018 off San Diego .
It hasn ’ t been seen farther north for years .
I had first , and last , witnessed the phenomenon about a decade ago during a camping trip at Doheny State Beach , a moment I ’ ll never forget as our footsteps in the wet sand left a trail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ ve had the chance to witness this , it ’ s a memory you won ’ t forget .
One video by Torrance photographer Patrick Coyne captured National Geographic-worthy footage that has gone viral , with millions of views showing glowing dolphins swimming alongside a small Newport Coastal Adventure boat , lighting up the dark ocean in a memorizing scene .
So when I heard the glowing waves were near my home in San Clemente on Tuesday night , April 28 , it was something I had to see , rushing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in tow so we could witness nature ’ s magnificence .
Others had gotten word of its arrival in South County , where it showed up at Poche Beach , Capistrano and in San Clemente at T-Street , the pier and the north end of the beach town .
The illuminated waves were especially bright as we reached the sand , where footprints made for a glowing ground .
We grabbed sticks to dig into the sandy surface , which lit up for moments before our artwork vanished .
After about 20 minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friend Monica Cameron decided it was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to take a dip in glowing waters .
We were at a beach we know well , just that morning surfing the waves at the same spot .
We knew we ’ d be OK with the small waves if we stayed close to shore .
We were about waist deep when our wiggling fingers underwater created a glowing effect , making it look like we had superpowers shooting from our hands .
Shaking our shirts made our clothing illuminate and we could see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us .
We ducked underwater to allow the neon whitewash to pass over our bodies .
The thought of a glowing great white coming toward us definitely crossed my mind .
We screamed and hollered and laughed and marveled at the moment .
Nature sure is magnificent , isn ’ t it ?
It ’ s unknown how long this phenom will last off the Southern California coast – sometimes it sticks around for just hours and sometimes as long as a month .
What is it ?
Julianne Steers , a marine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ecology Coalition , was one of many who showed up at the shoreline on Tuesday evening to see the glowing waves .
She breaks down what makes it so unique : It is large patches of microorganisms ( Noctiluca scintillans ) , rusty red by day , that are glowing electric blue at night , she said .
“ Events in small form occur more regularly , the stronghold of this red tide event is a rarer phenomenon multiplied by ecological forces aligning at once : red tide , proximity to shore , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Together they are producing the “ optimal conditions to view these critters who are naturally endowed to produce bioluminescence.
” How to photograph it : Orange County Outdoors photographer Mark Girardeau , one of the first to document the phenomenon when it showed up off Newport Beach earlier this month , has chased glowing waves across Southern California nearly every night since .
He has taken images from a boat off Newport Beach , up in Manhattan Beach , and places in between in recent weeks , he said .
“ Some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up on photo mode if it ’ s bright enough , but video is really tough .
“ Newer phones can do night mode , which works very well for this , ” he said .
He recommends doing a slightly longer exposure , but not to the point where waves look blurry .
He also said to use a very high ISO so the camera can capture the fainter light of the blue glow .
“ And you ’ ll need a camera lens with as low of an aperture as possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shot with a 70-200mm 2.8 lens , ” he said .
“ But if you really want the best shots , a mirrorless camera is great for this , because they allow so much more light in.
” A good indicator is a reddish tone in the water during the day .
But even that can be tricky with currents changing and sometimes pushing the red tide further offshore at night .
There ’ s also the added challenge of finding beaches that are still open to watch the waves , with several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic .
Newport Beach is still open , and that ’ s where it ’ s shown up the strongest since it started .
There have been several reports of it showing up in Huntington Beach and Surfside .
Manhattan Beach and El Segundo have had sightings in recent days , but be warned those beaches are closed , so you might have to watch from a public sidewalk that has a view .
San Clemente beaches have limited parking with lot closures , but if you can ride a bike or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spot , the best viewing areas were T-Street , the pier , the north stretch of beach town and at Capistrano Beach .
Remember to adhere to curfew laws and if you show up where the crowds are , maintain social distancing and be prepared with masks for extra safeguards .

With each wave that crashed on shore, an bright blue flash lit up the whitewash on the dark beach – like a pulse of electricity zapping the surf just off shore.
The bioluminescent waves that have been putting on surprise shows at select beaches is a mesmerizing sight, a rare phenom that has been moving around Southern California’s coastline and drawing fans when word spreads that a red tide – a funky copper color during the day – is turning the waves neon after the sun goes down.
The fact that some beaches are shut down, such as in Manhattan Beach and other areas of the South Bay, makes seeing it even more challenging.
For two weeks, I’ve been writing about the rare show off the coast, last seen locally in 2018 off San Diego. It hasn’t been seen farther north for years.
I had first, and last, witnessed the phenomenon about a decade ago during a camping trip at Doheny State Beach, a moment I’ll never forget as our footsteps in the wet sand left a trail of bright, glowing marks. If you’ve had the chance to witness this, it’s a memory you won’t forget.
One video by Torrance photographer Patrick Coyne captured National Geographic-worthy footage that has gone viral, with millions of views showing glowing dolphins swimming alongside a small Newport Coastal Adventure boat, lighting up the dark ocean in a memorizing scene.
So when I heard the glowing waves were near my home in San Clemente on Tuesday night, April 28, it was something I had to see, rushing down to the beach with my family in tow so we could witness nature’s magnificence.
Others had gotten word of its arrival in South County, where it showed up at Poche Beach, Capistrano and in San Clemente at T-Street, the pier and the north end of the beach town.
The illuminated waves were especially bright as we reached the sand, where footprints made for a glowing ground. We grabbed sticks to dig into the sandy surface, which lit up for moments before our artwork vanished.
After about 20 minutes of watching the waves, myself and friend Monica Cameron decided it was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to take a dip in glowing waters. We were at a beach we know well, just that morning surfing the waves at the same spot. We knew we’d be OK with the small waves if we stayed close to shore.
We were about waist deep when our wiggling fingers underwater created a glowing effect, making it look like we had superpowers shooting from our hands. Shaking our shirts made our clothing illuminate and we could see the glowing waves as they rolled toward us.
We ducked underwater to allow the neon whitewash to pass over our bodies. The thought of a glowing great white coming toward us definitely crossed my mind.
We screamed and hollered and laughed and marveled at the moment. Nature sure is magnificent, isn’t it?
It’s unknown how long this phenom will last off the Southern California coast – sometimes it sticks around for just hours and sometimes as long as a month.
What is it?
Julianne Steers, a marine biologist and board member with the Beach Ecology Coalition, was one of many who showed up at the shoreline on Tuesday evening to see the glowing waves. She breaks down what makes it so unique:
It is large patches of microorganisms (Noctiluca scintillans), rusty red by day, that are glowing electric blue at night, she said.
“Events in small form occur more regularly, the stronghold of this red tide event is a rarer phenomenon multiplied by ecological forces aligning at once: red tide, proximity to shore, new moon,” she said.
Together they are producing the “optimal conditions to view these critters who are naturally endowed to produce bioluminescence.”
How to photograph it:
Orange County Outdoors photographer Mark Girardeau, one of the first to document the phenomenon when it showed up off Newport Beach earlier this month, has chased glowing waves across Southern California nearly every night since. He has taken images from a boat off Newport Beach, up in Manhattan Beach, and places in between in recent weeks, he said.
“Some of the newer phone cameras can pick it up on photo mode if it’s bright enough, but video is really tough.
“Newer phones can do night mode, which works very well for this,” he said.
He recommends doing a slightly longer exposure, but not to the point where waves look blurry. He also said to use a very high ISO so the camera can capture the fainter light of the blue glow.
“And you’ll need a camera lens with as low of an aperture as possible. My photos from Manhattan Beach were shot with a 70-200mm 2.8 lens,” he said. “But if you really want the best shots, a mirrorless camera is great for this, because they allow so much more light in.”
Tips for seeing
A good indicator is a reddish tone in the water during the day. But even that can be tricky with currents changing and sometimes pushing the red tide further offshore at night.
There’s also the added challenge of finding beaches that are still open to watch the waves, with several closures still in place due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Newport Beach is still open, and that’s where it’s shown up the strongest since it started. There have been several reports of it showing up in Huntington Beach and Surfside. Manhattan Beach and El Segundo have had sightings in recent days, but be warned those beaches are closed, so you might have to watch from a public sidewalk that has a view.
San Clemente beaches have limited parking with lot closures, but if you can ride a bike or walk in, or find a parking spot, the best viewing areas were T-Street, the pier, the north stretch of beach town and at Capistrano Beach.
Remember to adhere to curfew laws and if you show up where the crowds are, maintain social distancing and be prepared with masks for extra safeguards.


mercurynews--2020-04-30--Free coronavirus tests now available to all residents of Los Angeles county

Any Los Angeles County resident , whether or not they have symptoms , will be able to sign up for a free COVID-19 test , according to Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti .
“ Those with symptoms will of course have the priority , but we have the capacity , I believe , to move forward with that starting tonight , ” he said , during his daily briefing Wednesday .
Over the last week , Garcetti and city officials have been gradually opening up testing to different categories of “ essential workers , ” as public health officials raised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play a key role in spreading the novel coronavirus .
Online , Garcetti declared that L.A. is now the first major city in America to offer free COVID-19 testing .
Angelenos and county residents can sign up for the test here .
More than 30 testing sites have been set up around the county since March 20 , when the first location was set up to test first responders , according to Garcetti .
The testing sites that are in the city of Los Angeles will be handling the expanded group of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Initially the tests had only been available to people age 65 and over and other at-risk people , with symptoms .
The tests were then widened to include people of any age with symptoms — and then to essential workers .
• Photos : Amid pandemic , these gestures keep seniors at top of mind • Trump says China wants him to lose re-election bid The issue of whether to make widespread testing available has also become more acute in recent weeks , as public officials log more and more deaths of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ settings , and as more asymptomatic people in other group settings test positive .
Los Angeles officials are also aiming to lay the foundation for potentially loosening up stay-at-home orders , which may include reopening businesses and workplaces .
In order to take those steps , public officials have said that widespread testing , as well as increased capacity to trace contacts is first needed .

Any Los Angeles County resident, whether or not they have symptoms, will be able to sign up for a free COVID-19 test, according to Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.
“Those with symptoms will of course have the priority, but we have the capacity, I believe, to move forward with that starting tonight,” he said, during his daily briefing Wednesday.
Over the last week, Garcetti and city officials have been gradually opening up testing to different categories of “essential workers,” as public health officials raised more concern that those without symptoms may play a key role in spreading the novel coronavirus.
Online, Garcetti declared that L.A. is now the first major city in America to offer free COVID-19 testing.
Angelenos and county residents can sign up for the test here.
More than 30 testing sites have been set up around the county since March 20, when the first location was set up to test first responders, according to Garcetti. The testing sites that are in the city of Los Angeles will be handling the expanded group of people who may sign up for the tests.
Initially the tests had only been available to people age 65 and over and other at-risk people, with symptoms.
The tests were then widened to include people of any age with symptoms — and then to essential workers.
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Los Angeles officials are also aiming to lay the foundation for potentially loosening up stay-at-home orders, which may include reopening businesses and workplaces. In order to take those steps, public officials have said that widespread testing, as well as increased capacity to trace contacts is first needed.