mercurynews--2020-05-02--NY nursing home reports 98 deaths linked to coronavirus

NEW YORK — A New York City nursing home on Friday reported the deaths of 98 residents believed to have had the coronavirus — a staggering death toll that shocked public officials .
“ It ’ s absolutely horrifying , ” Mayor Bill de Blasio said .
“ It ’ s inestimable loss , and it ’ s just impossible to imagine so many people lost in one place.
” It is hard to say whether the spate of deaths at the Isabella Geriatric Center , in Manhattan , is the worst nursing home outbreak yet in the U.S. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chosen to report fatalities in different ways .
An official state tally of nursing home deaths listed only 13 at the home as of Friday .
But officials at the 705-bed center confirmed that through Wednesday 46 residents who tested positive for COVID-19 had died as well as an additional 52 people “ suspected ” to have the virus .
Some died at the nursing home and some died after being treated at hospitals .
The number of bodies became so overwhelming the home ordered a refrigerator truck to store them because funeral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up the deceased .
“ Isabella , like all other nursing homes in New York City , initially had limited access to widespread and consistent in-house testing to quickly diagnose our residents and staff , ” Audrey Waters , a spokeswoman for the nursing home , wrote in an email .
“ This hampered our ability to identify those who were infected and asymptomatic , despite our efforts to swiftly separate anyone who presented symptoms.
” Isabella also encountered staffing shortages , prompting it to hire from outside agencies and early challenges securing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the home finally is “ getting more access to testing ” now .
The nursing home ’ s death toll was first reported by local cable news station NY1 .
Nursing homes have been known since the earliest days of the outbreak as a trouble spot .
They have been particularly hard hit in New York , which has had at least 3,043 nursing home deaths — by far the most in the nation — as of Wednesday , according to an Associated Press count .
The state Department of Health said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 239 nursing homes , including at least six facilities with death tolls of 40 patients or more .
“ The one thing we now know about the nursing homes is the status quo can not continue to say the least , ” de Blasio said .
“ Something very different has to happen.
” City officials are “ trying to provide help in every way we can , ” the mayor added , saying the city had delivered thousands of respirator masks to the Washington Heights facility .
• Photos : Caravan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May Day The nursing home said it “ could not speculate ” as to why a state survey previously listed only 13 COVID-19 deaths at its facility .
It sent a lengthy statement to AP on Friday insisting it “ truthfully and accurately reported ” its death toll to state officials .
The nursing home also said it kept family members in the loop about changes in their loved ones ’ conditions despite the circumstances .
“ When we believe their loved one is nearing death , we do reach out to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they would like to say goodbye in person or via phone or an app , ” Waters said .
“ In-person goodbye visits were never interrupted and continue to happen.
” Associated Press writer Marina Villeneuve and investigative researcher Randy Herschaft contributed to this report .

By Jim Mustain | Associated Press
NEW YORK — A New York City nursing home on Friday reported the deaths of 98 residents believed to have had the coronavirus — a staggering death toll that shocked public officials.
“It’s absolutely horrifying,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said. “It’s inestimable loss, and it’s just impossible to imagine so many people lost in one place.”
It is hard to say whether the spate of deaths at the Isabella Geriatric Center, in Manhattan, is the worst nursing home outbreak yet in the U.S., because even within the city facilities have chosen to report fatalities in different ways. An official state tally of nursing home deaths listed only 13 at the home as of Friday.
But officials at the 705-bed center confirmed that through Wednesday 46 residents who tested positive for COVID-19 had died as well as an additional 52 people “suspected” to have the virus. Some died at the nursing home and some died after being treated at hospitals.
The number of bodies became so overwhelming the home ordered a refrigerator truck to store them because funeral homes have been taking days to pick up the deceased.
“Isabella, like all other nursing homes in New York City, initially had limited access to widespread and consistent in-house testing to quickly diagnose our residents and staff,” Audrey Waters, a spokeswoman for the nursing home, wrote in an email. “This hampered our ability to identify those who were infected and asymptomatic, despite our efforts to swiftly separate anyone who presented symptoms.”
Isabella also encountered staffing shortages, prompting it to hire from outside agencies and early challenges securing personal protective equipment for employees. Waters said the home finally is “getting more access to testing” now.
The nursing home’s death toll was first reported by local cable news station NY1.
Nursing homes have been known since the earliest days of the outbreak as a trouble spot. They have been particularly hard hit in New York, which has had at least 3,043 nursing home deaths — by far the most in the nation — as of Wednesday, according to an Associated Press count.
The state Department of Health said it has received “outbreak reports” from 239 nursing homes, including at least six facilities with death tolls of 40 patients or more.
“The one thing we now know about the nursing homes is the status quo cannot continue to say the least,” de Blasio said. “Something very different has to happen.”
City officials are “trying to provide help in every way we can,” the mayor added, saying the city had delivered thousands of respirator masks to the Washington Heights facility.
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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 The nursing home said it “could not speculate” as to why a state survey previously listed only 13 COVID-19 deaths at its facility. It sent a lengthy statement to AP on Friday insisting it “truthfully and accurately reported” its death toll to state officials.
The nursing home also said it kept family members in the loop about changes in their loved ones’ conditions despite the circumstances.
“When we believe their loved one is nearing death, we do reach out to a resident’s primary contact and ask if they would like to say goodbye in person or via phone or an app,” Waters said. “In-person goodbye visits were never interrupted and continue to happen.”
Associated Press writer Marina Villeneuve and investigative researcher Randy Herschaft contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-05-02--Ghost Ship’s leader due to be released on bail Monday, faces 36 involuntary manslaughter counts

OAKLAND — Ghost Ship master tenant Derick Almena , who is facing 36 counts of involuntary manslaughter for the deadly 2016 warehouse fire , is expected to be released from Santa Rita Jail on Monday .
Alameda County Superior Court Judge Trina Thompson held a teleconference hearing on Friday to discuss Almena ’ s release , according to information sent out to some victims ’ family members .
Almena had already posted $ 150,000 bail last month , but the court needed to approve an acceptable location for him to live once released .
Over the prosecution ’ s objection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released on bail in the city of Upper Lake , in Lake County , where his wife and children currently live .
Almena is to remain on an electronic ankle monitor and shelter in place during his release .
Almena is facing a retrial for his role in the Dec. 2 , 2016 , blaze , which killed 36 people , including one tenant who lived at the Fruitvale District warehouse with about 20 others .
Almena was the master tenant who signed the lease in 2013 with the understanding the building would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
David Gregory , whose daughter Michela Angelina Gregory was one of the 36 who perished in the fire , said his family is serving a life sentence waiting for justice to be served since Dec. 2 , 2016 .
“ It ’ s been super stressful for me and my family , and we just want justice and some kind of closure if that is even possible , ” he said Friday .
As a condition of Almena ’ s release , he is to have no contact with witnesses or any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , indirectly or through a third person .
After a hearing on Monday , he is expected to be released from jail .
Last month , Judge Thompson agreed to lower Almena ’ s bail amount from $ 750,000 to $ 150,000 after Almena ’ s attorneys ’ argued that the 50-year-old was vulnerable to contracting COVID-19 virus inside the Dublin jail .
Almena and former Ghost Ship tenant Max Harris were arrested in June 2017 and each were charged with 36 counts of involuntary manslaughter .
In September , a jury acquitted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10-2 in favor of guilt for Almena .
Following the verdict , Harris was released from Santa Rita Jail and is now living in Oregon .
Last month , one of Almena ’ s defense attorneys , Vincent Barrientos , told this news organization that a jail doctor who examined Almena determined his health had deteriorated during his time in jail .
He said that “ should a COVID outbreak occur in there , Almena would be in serious trouble.
” Since then , at least 35 inmates at Santa Rita have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has released about 900 other inmates since the shelter in place order went into effect March 17 .
The Alameda County District Attorney ’ s office and Almena ’ s defense attorneys are not able to comment on the case due to a gag order previously issued by Judge Thompson .

OAKLAND — Ghost Ship master tenant Derick Almena, who is facing 36 counts of involuntary manslaughter for the deadly 2016 warehouse fire, is expected to be released from Santa Rita Jail on Monday.
Alameda County Superior Court Judge Trina Thompson held a teleconference hearing on Friday to discuss Almena’s release, according to information sent out to some victims’ family members. Almena had already posted $150,000 bail last month, but the court needed to approve an acceptable location for him to live once released.
Over the prosecution’s objection, the court ordered that Almena be released on bail in the city of Upper Lake, in Lake County, where his wife and children currently live. Almena is to remain on an electronic ankle monitor and shelter in place during his release.
Almena is facing a retrial for his role in the Dec. 2, 2016, blaze, which killed 36 people, including one tenant who lived at the Fruitvale District warehouse with about 20 others. Almena was the master tenant who signed the lease in 2013 with the understanding the building would only be used as an art collective.
David Gregory, whose daughter Michela Angelina Gregory was one of the 36 who perished in the fire, said his family is serving a life sentence waiting for justice to be served since Dec. 2, 2016.
“It’s been super stressful for me and my family, and we just want justice and some kind of closure if that is even possible,” he said Friday.
As a condition of Almena’s release, he is to have no contact with witnesses or any of the victims’ family members directly, indirectly or through a third person. After a hearing on Monday, he is expected to be released from jail.
Last month, Judge Thompson agreed to lower Almena’s bail amount from $750,000 to $150,000 after Almena’s attorneys’ argued that the 50-year-old was vulnerable to contracting COVID-19 virus inside the Dublin jail.
Almena and former Ghost Ship tenant Max Harris were arrested in June 2017 and each were charged with 36 counts of involuntary manslaughter. In September, a jury acquitted Harris of all 36 counts but deadlocked 10-2 in favor of guilt for Almena. Following the verdict, Harris was released from Santa Rita Jail and is now living in Oregon.
Last month, one of Almena’s defense attorneys, Vincent Barrientos, told this news organization that a jail doctor who examined Almena determined his health had deteriorated during his time in jail. He said that “should a COVID outbreak occur in there, Almena would be in serious trouble.” Since then, at least 35 inmates at Santa Rita have been infected with the virus. The jail has released about 900 other inmates since the shelter in place order went into effect March 17.
The Alameda County District Attorney’s office and Almena’s defense attorneys are not able to comment on the case due to a gag order previously issued by Judge Thompson.


mercurynews--2020-05-02--Milpitas charity donates over 30,000 pieces of PPE to frontline workers

Amid the continuing fight against the COVID-19 pandemic , one local charity has donated over 30,000 pieces of personal protective equipment , or PPE , to frontline workers in the East Bay , South Bay , and Peninsula .
BAPS Charities in Milpitas , a local arm of the international charity foundation by the same name , donated 5,000 masks to Washington Hospital in Fremont and Seton Medical Center in Daly City last week .
The organization also gave Seton 1,000 mask containers , along with packaged food and drinks .
It also gave several cases full of packaged food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,000 masks to the Milpitas Police Department in the past two weeks .
The charity , which is active in nine countries across five continents , also gave 9,000 pieces of PPE , including 3,000 masks and 6,000 shoe coverings , to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose , and over 11,000 pieces to Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Fremont , including masks , gloves , and face shields , it said in a statement .
“ It is so important to ensure the safety of our patients and our staff and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kimberly Hartz , the CEO of Washington Hospital Healthcare System said in a statement .
“ We appreciate it so much , ” Hartz added .
“ We are all working together to accomplish the same goal .
Together as a city and as a country we will defeat this and together we will keep our communities safer , ” Milpitas Assistant Police Chief Kevin Moscuzza said in a statement after the donation .
“ We are all thankful to the entire police department and everyone working on the frontline , in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and throughout the world , ” Chirag Patel , a BAPS volunteer , said .
BAPS Charities , a non-religious offshoot of a Hindu denomination , is volunteer driven , and aims to “ express a spirit of selfless service , ” the organization said in a statement , and “ provides an opportunity for individuals wishing to serve locally and globally.
” The charity focuses on five areas of work , including health awareness , educational services , humanitarian relief , environmental protection and preservation , and community empowerment .
“ This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this difficult time .
We have doctors , nurses , therapists , and pharmacists going to work daily and putting their lives at risk to take care of all of us , ” Michael Elliott , the COO of Valley Medical Center Foundation said .
“ For them , the donation of this material is both practically very helpful , ” he said , “ but also it is a huge lift emotionally and spiritually to know that the community is behind us .
”

Amid the continuing fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, one local charity has donated over 30,000 pieces of personal protective equipment, or PPE, to frontline workers in the East Bay, South Bay, and Peninsula.
BAPS Charities in Milpitas, a local arm of the international charity foundation by the same name, donated 5,000 masks to Washington Hospital in Fremont and Seton Medical Center in Daly City last week. The organization also gave Seton 1,000 mask containers, along with packaged food and drinks.
It also gave several cases full of packaged food to the Milpitas Food Pantry, and 1,000 masks to the Milpitas Police Department in the past two weeks.
The charity, which is active in nine countries across five continents, also gave 9,000 pieces of PPE, including 3,000 masks and 6,000 shoe coverings, to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose, and over 11,000 pieces to Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Fremont, including masks, gloves, and face shields, it said in a statement.
“It is so important to ensure the safety of our patients and our staff and this donation helps a lot,” Kimberly Hartz, the CEO of Washington Hospital Healthcare System said in a statement.
“We appreciate it so much,” Hartz added.
“We are all working together to accomplish the same goal. Together as a city and as a country we will defeat this and together we will keep our communities safer,” Milpitas Assistant Police Chief Kevin Moscuzza said in a statement after the donation.
“We are all thankful to the entire police department and everyone working on the frontline, in the city of Milpitas, in the country and throughout the world,” Chirag Patel, a BAPS volunteer, said.
BAPS Charities, a non-religious offshoot of a Hindu denomination, is volunteer driven, and aims to “express a spirit of selfless service,” the organization said in a statement, and “provides an opportunity for individuals wishing to serve locally and globally.”
The charity focuses on five areas of work, including health awareness, educational services, humanitarian relief, environmental protection and preservation, and community empowerment.
“This is a community effort to get through this difficult time. We have doctors, nurses, therapists, and pharmacists going to work daily and putting their lives at risk to take care of all of us,” Michael Elliott, the COO of Valley Medical Center Foundation said.
“For them, the donation of this material is both practically very helpful,” he said, “but also it is a huge lift emotionally and spiritually to know that the community is behind us.”


mercurynews--2020-05-02--Ex-Green Beret reportedly led effort to oust Maduro

MIAMI — The plan was simple , but perilous .
Some 300 heavily armed volunteers would sneak into Venezuela from the northern tip of South America .
Along the way , they would raid military bases in the socialist country and ignite a popular rebellion that would end in President Nicolás Maduro ’ s arrest .
What could go wrong ?
As it turns out , pretty much everything .
The ringleader of the plot is now jailed in the U.S. on narcotics charges .
Authorities in the U.S. and Colombia are asking questions about the role of his muscular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And dozens of desperate combatants who flocked to secret training camps in Colombia said they have been left to fend for themselves amid the coronavirus pandemic .
The failed attempt to start an uprising collapsed under the collective weight of skimpy planning , feuding among opposition politicians and a poorly trained force that stood little chance of beating the Venezuelan military .
“ You ’ re not going to take out Maduro with 300 hungry , untrained men , ” said Ephraim Mattos , a former U.S. Navy SEAL who trained some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This bizarre , untold story of a call to arms that crashed before it launched is drawn from interviews with more than 30 Maduro opponents and aspiring freedom fighters who were directly involved in or familiar with its planning .
Most spoke on condition of anonymity , fearing retaliation .
When hints of the conspiracy surfaced last month , the Maduro-controlled state media portrayed it as an invasion ginned up by the CIA , like the Cuban Bay of Pigs fiasco of 1961 .
An Associated Press investigation found no evidence of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nevertheless , interviews revealed that leaders of Venezuela ’ s U.S.-backed opposition knew of the covert force , even if they dismissed its prospects .
Planning for the incursion began after an April 30 , 2019 , barracks revolt by a cadre of soldiers who swore loyalty to Maduro ’ s would-be replacement , Juan Guaidó , the opposition leader recognized by the U.S. and some 60 other nations as Venezuela ’ s rightful leader .
Contrary to U.S. expectations at the time , key Maduro aides never joined with the opposition and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A few weeks later , some soldiers and politicians involved in the failed rebellion retreated to the JW Marriott in Bogota , Colombia .
The hotel was a center of intrigue among Venezuelan exiles .
For this occasion , conference rooms were reserved for what one participant described as the “ Star Wars summit of anti-Maduro goofballs ” — military deserters accused of drug trafficking , shady financiers and former Maduro officials seeking redemption .
Among those angling in the open lobby was Jordan Goudreau , an American citizen and three-time Bronze Star @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where he served as a medic in U.S. Army special forces , according to five people who met with the former soldier .
Those he interacted with in the U.S. and Colombia described him in interviews alternately as a freedom-loving patriot , a mercenary and a gifted warrior scarred by battle and in way over his head .
Two former special forces colleagues said Goudreau was always at the top of his class : a cell leader with a superb intellect for handling sources , an amazing shot and a devoted mixed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hair high and tight .
At the end of an otherwise distinguished military career , the Canadian-born Goudreau was investigated in 2013 for allegedly defrauding the Army of $ 62,000 in housing stipends .
Goudreau said the investigation was closed with no charges .
After retiring in 2016 , he worked as a private security contractor in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria .
In 2018 , he set up Silvercorp USA , a private security firm , near his home on Florida ’ s Space Coast to embed counter-terror agents in schools disguised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ website features photos and videos of Goudreau firing machine guns in battle , running shirtless up a pyramid , flying on a private jet and sporting a military backpack with a rolled-up American flag .
Silvercorp ’ s website touts operations in more than 50 countries , with an advisory team made up of former diplomats , experienced military strategists and heads of multinational corporations — none of them named .
It claims to have “ led international security teams ” for the president of the United States .
Goudreau , 43 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ written statement , he said that “ Silvercorp can not disclose the identities of its network of sources , assets and advisors due to the nature of our work ” and , more generally , “ would never confirm nor deny any activities in any operational realm .
No inference should be drawn from this response.
” Goudreau ’ s focus on Venezuela started in February 2019 , when he worked security at a concert in support of Guaidó organized by British billionaire Richard Branson on the Venezuelan-Colombian border .
“ Controlling chaos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looks on with apprehension , ” he wrote in a photo of himself on the concert stage posted to his Instagram account .
“ He was always chasing the golden BB , ” said Drew White , a former business partner at Silvercorp , using military slang for a one-in-a-million shot .
White said he broke with his former special forces comrade last fall when Goudreau asked for help raising money to fund his regime change initiative .
“ As supportive as you want to be as a friend , his head wasn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said White .
“ Nothing he said lined up.
” According to White , Goudreau came back from the concert looking to capitalize on the Trump administration ’ s growing interest in toppling Maduro .
He had been introduced to Keith Schiller , President Donald Trump ’ s longtime bodyguard , through someone who worked in private security .
Schiller attended a March 2019 event at the University Club in Washington for potential donors with activist Lester Toledo , then Guaidó ’ s coordinator for the delivery of humanitarian aid .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a meeting in Miami with representatives of Guaidó .
There was a lively discussion with Schiller about the need to beef up security for Guaidó and his growing team of advisers inside Venezuela and across the world , according to a person familiar with the meeting .
Schiller thought Goudreau was naive and in over his head .
He cut off all contact following the meeting , said a person close to the former White House official .
In Bogota , it was Toledo who introduced Goudreau to a rebellious former Venezuelan military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ above all others — Cliver Alcalá , ringleader of the Venezuelan military deserters .
Alcalá , a retired major general in Venezuela ’ s army , seemed an unlikely hero to restore democracy to his homeland .
In 2011 , he was sanctioned by the U.S. for allegedly supplying FARC guerrillas in Colombia with surface-to-air missiles in exchange for cocaine .
And last month , Alcalá was indicted by U.S. prosecutors alongside Maduro as one of the architects of a narcoterrorist conspiracy that allegedly sent 250 metric tons of cocaine every year to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ custody in New York awaiting trial .
But before his surrender in Colombia , where he had been living since 2018 , he had emerged as a forceful opponent of Maduro , not shy about urging military force .
Over two days of meetings with Goudreau and Toledo at the JW Marriott , Alcalá explained how he had selected 300 combatants from among the throngs of low-ranking soldiers who abandoned Maduro and fled to Colombia in the early days of Guaidó ’ s uprising , said three people who participated in the meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conversations .
Alcalá said several dozen men were already living in three camps he maintained in and around the desert-like La Guajira peninsula that Colombia shares with Venezuela , the three said .
Among the combatants in the camps was an exiled national guardsman accused of participating in a 2018 drone attack on Maduro .
Goudreau told Alcalá his company could prepare the men for battle , according to the three sources .
The two sides discussed weapons and equipment for the volunteer army , with Goudreau estimating a budget of around $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Goudreau told participants at the meeting that he had high-level contacts in the Trump administration who could assist the effort , although he offered few details , the three people said .
Over time , many of the people involved in the plan to overthrow Maduro would come to doubt his word .
From the outset , the audacious plan split an opposition coalition already sharply divided by egos and strategy .
There were concerns that Alcalá , with a murky past and ties to the regime through a brother who was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couldn ’ t be trusted .
Others worried about going behind the backs of their Colombian allies and the U.S. government .
But Goudreau didn ’ t share the concerns about Alcalá , according to two people close to the former American solider .
Over time , he would come to share Alcalá ’ s mistrust of the opposition , whose talk of restoring democracy was belied by what he saw as festering corruption and closed-door deal making with the regime , they said .
More importantly to Goudreau , Alcalá retained influence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s opponents , mostly civilian elites , lacked .
He also knew the terrain , having served as the top commander along the border .
“ We needed someone who knew the monster from the inside , ” recalled one exiled former officer who joined the plot .
Guaidó ’ s envoys , including Toledo , ended contact with Goudreau after the Bogota meeting because they believed it was a suicide mission , according to three people close to the opposition leader .
Undeterred , Goudreau returned to Colombia with four associates , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and begin working directly with Alcalá .
Alcalá and Goudreau revealed little about their military plans when they toured the camps .
Some of the would-be combatants were told by the two men that the rag-tag army would cross the border in a heavily armed convoy and sweep into Caracas within 96 hours , according to multiple soldiers at the camps .
Goudreau told the volunteers that — once challenged in battle — Maduro ’ s food-deprived , demoralized military would collapse like dominoes , several of the soldiers said .
Many saw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have been no serious attempt to seek U.S. military support .
“ There was no chance they were going to succeed without direct U.S. military intervention , ” said Mattos , the former Navy SEAL who spent two weeks in September training the volunteers in basic tactical medicine on behalf of his non-profit , which works in combat zones .
Mattos visited the camps after hearing about them from a friend working in Colombia .
He said he never met Goudreau .
Mattos said he was surprised by the barren conditions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ were sleeping on the floors , skipping meals and training with sawed-off broomsticks in place of assault rifles .
Five Belgian shepherds trained to sniff out explosives were as poorly fed as their handlers and had to be given away .
Mattos said he grew wary as the men recalled how Goudreau had boasted to them of having protected Trump and told them he was readying a shipment of weapons and arranging aerial support for an eventual assault of Maduro ’ s compound .
The volunteers also shared with Mattos a three-page document @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which he provided to AP .
Items included 320 M4 assault rifles , an anti-tank rocket launcher , Zodiac boats , $ 1 million in cash and state-of-the-art night vision goggles .
The document ’ s metadata indicates it was created by Goudreau on June 16 .
“ Unfortunately , there ’ s a lot of cowboys in this business who try to peddle their military credentials into a big pay day , ” said Mattos .
AP found no indication U.S. officials sponsored Goudreau ’ s actions nor that Trump has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that requires congressional notification .
But Colombian authorities were aware of his movements , as were prominent opposition politicians in Venezuela and exiles in Bogota , some of whom shared their findings with U.S. officials , according to two people familiar with the discussions .
True to his reputation as a self-absorbed loose cannon , Alcalá openly touted his plans for an incursion in a June meeting with Colombia ’ s National Intelligence Directorate and appealed for their support , said a former Colombian official familiar with the conversation .
Alcalá also boasted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him as a former CIA agent .
When the Colombians checked with their CIA counterparts in Bogota , they were told that the former Green Beret was never an agent .
Alcalá was then told by his hosts to stop talking about an invasion or face expulsion , the former Colombian official said .
It ’ s unclear where Alcalá and Goudreau got their backing , and whatever money was collected for the initiative appears to have been meager .
One person who allegedly promised support was Roen Kraft , an eccentric descendant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with former Trump bodyguard Schiller — was among those meeting with opposition envoys in Miami and Washington .
At some point , Kraft started raising money among his own circle of fellow trust-fund friends for what he described as a “ private coup ” to be carried out by Silvercorp , according to two businessman who he asked for money .
Kraft allegedly lured prospective donors with the promise of preferential access to negotiate deals in the energy and mining sectors with an eventual Guaidó government , said one of the businessmen .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ draft memorandum for a six-figure commitment he said was sent by Kraft in October in which he represents himself as the “ prime contractor ” of Venezuela .
But it was never clear if Kraft really had the inside track with the Venezuelans .
In a phone interview with AP , Kraft acknowledged meeting with Goudreau three times last year .
But he said the two never did any business together and only discussed the delivery of humanitarian aid for Venezuela .
He said Goudreau broke off all communications with him on Oct. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intent on a military action .
“ I never gave him any money , ” said Kraft .
Back in Colombia , more recruits were arriving to the three camps — even if the promised money didn ’ t .
Goudreau tried to bring a semblance of order .
Uniforms were provided , daily exercise routines intensified and Silvercorp instructed the would-be warriors in close quarter combat .
Goudreau is “ more of a Venezuelan patriot than many Venezuelans , ” said Hernán Alemán , a lawmaker from western Zulia state and one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the clandestine mission .
Alemán said in an interview that neither the U.S. nor the Colombian governments were involved in the plot to overthrow Maduro .
He claims he tried to speak several times to Guaidó about the plan but said the opposition leader showed little interest .
“ Lots of people knew about it , but they didn ’ t support us , ” he said .
“ They were too afraid.
” The plot quickly crumbled in early March when one of the volunteer combatants was arrested after sneaking across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after , Colombian police stopped a truck transporting a cache of brand new weapons and tactical equipment worth around $ 150,000 , including spotting scopes , night vision goggles , two-way radios and 26 American-made assault rifles with the serial numbers rubbed off .
Fifteen brown-colored helmets were manufactured by High-End Defense Solutions , a Miami-based military equipment vendor owned by a Venezuelan immigrant family .
High-End Defense Solutions is the same company that Goudreau visited in November and December , allegedly to source weapons , according to two former Venezuelan soldiers who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the gear but later had a bitter falling out with Goudreau amid accusations that they were moles for Maduro .
Company owner Mark Von Reitzenstein did not respond to repeated email and phone requests seeking comment .
Alcalá claimed ownership of the weapons shortly before surrendering to face the U.S. drug charges , saying they belonged to the “ Venezuelan people.
” He also lashed out against Guaidó , accusing him of betraying a contract signed between his “ American advisers ” and J.J. Rendon , a political strategist in Miami appointed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We had everything ready , ” lamented Alcalá in a video published on social media .
“ But circumstances that have plagued us throughout this fight against the regime generated leaks from the very heart of the opposition , the part that wants to coexist with Maduro.
” • Taliban attacks in Afghanistan spike after US deal Through a spokesman , Guaidó stood by comments made to Colombian media that he never signed any contract of the kind described by Alcalá , who he said he doesn ’ t know .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ confidential and he would be required to deny any contract , whether or not it exists .
Meanwhile , Alcalá has offered no evidence and the alleged contract has yet to emerge , though AP repeatedly asked Goudreau for a copy .
In the aftermath of Alcalá ’ s arrest , the would-be insurrection appears to have disbanded .
As the coronavirus spreads , several of the remaining combatants have fled the camps and fanned out across Colombia , reconnecting with loved ones and figuring out their next steps .
Most are broke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frustrated with Goudreau , who they blame for leading them astray .
Meanwhile , the socialist leadership in Caracas couldn ’ t help but gloat .
Diosdado Cabello , the No .
2 most powerful person in the country and eminence grise of Venezuela ’ s vast intelligence network , insisted that the government had infiltrated the plot for months .
“ We knew everything , ” said Cabello .
“ Some of their meetings we had to pay for .
That ’ s how infiltrated they were.
” Investigative researcher Randy Herschaft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LaPorta in Delray Beach , Florida , contributed to this report .

By Joshua Goodman | Associated Press
MIAMI — The plan was simple, but perilous. Some 300 heavily armed volunteers would sneak into Venezuela from the northern tip of South America. Along the way, they would raid military bases in the socialist country and ignite a popular rebellion that would end in President Nicolás Maduro’s arrest.
What could go wrong? As it turns out, pretty much everything.
The ringleader of the plot is now jailed in the U.S. on narcotics charges. Authorities in the U.S. and Colombia are asking questions about the role of his muscular American adviser, a former Green Beret. And dozens of desperate combatants who flocked to secret training camps in Colombia said they have been left to fend for themselves amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The failed attempt to start an uprising collapsed under the collective weight of skimpy planning, feuding among opposition politicians and a poorly trained force that stood little chance of beating the Venezuelan military.
“You’re not going to take out Maduro with 300 hungry, untrained men,” said Ephraim Mattos, a former U.S. Navy SEAL who trained some of the would-be combatants in first aid.
This bizarre, untold story of a call to arms that crashed before it launched is drawn from interviews with more than 30 Maduro opponents and aspiring freedom fighters who were directly involved in or familiar with its planning. Most spoke on condition of anonymity, fearing retaliation.
When hints of the conspiracy surfaced last month, the Maduro-controlled state media portrayed it as an invasion ginned up by the CIA, like the Cuban Bay of Pigs fiasco of 1961. An Associated Press investigation found no evidence of U.S. government involvement in the plot. Nevertheless, interviews revealed that leaders of Venezuela’s U.S.-backed opposition knew of the covert force, even if they dismissed its prospects.
Planning for the incursion began after an April 30, 2019, barracks revolt by a cadre of soldiers who swore loyalty to Maduro’s would-be replacement, Juan Guaidó, the opposition leader recognized by the U.S. and some 60 other nations as Venezuela’s rightful leader. Contrary to U.S. expectations at the time, key Maduro aides never joined with the opposition and the government quickly quashed the uprising.
A few weeks later, some soldiers and politicians involved in the failed rebellion retreated to the JW Marriott in Bogota, Colombia. The hotel was a center of intrigue among Venezuelan exiles. For this occasion, conference rooms were reserved for what one participant described as the “Star Wars summit of anti-Maduro goofballs” — military deserters accused of drug trafficking, shady financiers and former Maduro officials seeking redemption.
Among those angling in the open lobby was Jordan Goudreau, an American citizen and three-time Bronze Star recipient for bravery in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he served as a medic in U.S. Army special forces, according to five people who met with the former soldier.
Those he interacted with in the U.S. and Colombia described him in interviews alternately as a freedom-loving patriot, a mercenary and a gifted warrior scarred by battle and in way over his head.
Two former special forces colleagues said Goudreau was always at the top of his class: a cell leader with a superb intellect for handling sources, an amazing shot and a devoted mixed martial arts fighter who still cut his hair high and tight.
At the end of an otherwise distinguished military career, the Canadian-born Goudreau was investigated in 2013 for allegedly defrauding the Army of $62,000 in housing stipends. Goudreau said the investigation was closed with no charges.
After retiring in 2016, he worked as a private security contractor in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria. In 2018, he set up Silvercorp USA, a private security firm, near his home on Florida’s Space Coast to embed counter-terror agents in schools disguised as teachers. The company’s website features photos and videos of Goudreau firing machine guns in battle, running shirtless up a pyramid, flying on a private jet and sporting a military backpack with a rolled-up American flag.
Silvercorp’s website touts operations in more than 50 countries, with an advisory team made up of former diplomats, experienced military strategists and heads of multinational corporations — none of them named. It claims to have “led international security teams” for the president of the United States.
Goudreau, 43, declined to be interviewed. In a written statement, he said that “Silvercorp cannot disclose the identities of its network of sources, assets and advisors due to the nature of our work” and, more generally, “would never confirm nor deny any activities in any operational realm. No inference should be drawn from this response.”
“Controlling chaos”
Goudreau’s focus on Venezuela started in February 2019, when he worked security at a concert in support of Guaidó organized by British billionaire Richard Branson on the Venezuelan-Colombian border.
“Controlling chaos on the Venezuela border where a dictator looks on with apprehension,” he wrote in a photo of himself on the concert stage posted to his Instagram account.
“He was always chasing the golden BB,” said Drew White, a former business partner at Silvercorp, using military slang for a one-in-a-million shot. White said he broke with his former special forces comrade last fall when Goudreau asked for help raising money to fund his regime change initiative.
“As supportive as you want to be as a friend, his head wasn’t in the world of reality,” said White. “Nothing he said lined up.”
According to White, Goudreau came back from the concert looking to capitalize on the Trump administration’s growing interest in toppling Maduro.
He had been introduced to Keith Schiller, President Donald Trump’s longtime bodyguard, through someone who worked in private security. Schiller attended a March 2019 event at the University Club in Washington for potential donors with activist Lester Toledo, then Guaidó’s coordinator for the delivery of humanitarian aid.
Last May, Goudreau accompanied Schiller to a meeting in Miami with representatives of Guaidó. There was a lively discussion with Schiller about the need to beef up security for Guaidó and his growing team of advisers inside Venezuela and across the world, according to a person familiar with the meeting. Schiller thought Goudreau was naive and in over his head. He cut off all contact following the meeting, said a person close to the former White House official.
In Bogota, it was Toledo who introduced Goudreau to a rebellious former Venezuelan military officer the American would come to trust above all others — Cliver Alcalá, ringleader of the Venezuelan military deserters.
Alcalá, a retired major general in Venezuela’s army, seemed an unlikely hero to restore democracy to his homeland. In 2011, he was sanctioned by the U.S. for allegedly supplying FARC guerrillas in Colombia with surface-to-air missiles in exchange for cocaine. And last month, Alcalá was indicted by U.S. prosecutors alongside Maduro as one of the architects of a narcoterrorist conspiracy that allegedly sent 250 metric tons of cocaine every year to the U.S.
Alcalá is in now federal custody in New York awaiting trial. But before his surrender in Colombia, where he had been living since 2018, he had emerged as a forceful opponent of Maduro, not shy about urging military force.
Over two days of meetings with Goudreau and Toledo at the JW Marriott, Alcalá explained how he had selected 300 combatants from among the throngs of low-ranking soldiers who abandoned Maduro and fled to Colombia in the early days of Guaidó’s uprising, said three people who participated in the meeting and insisted on anonymity to discuss sensitive conversations.
Alcalá said several dozen men were already living in three camps he maintained in and around the desert-like La Guajira peninsula that Colombia shares with Venezuela, the three said. Among the combatants in the camps was an exiled national guardsman accused of participating in a 2018 drone attack on Maduro.
Goudreau told Alcalá his company could prepare the men for battle, according to the three sources. The two sides discussed weapons and equipment for the volunteer army, with Goudreau estimating a budget of around $1.5 million for a rapid strike operation.
Goudreau told participants at the meeting that he had high-level contacts in the Trump administration who could assist the effort, although he offered few details, the three people said. Over time, many of the people involved in the plan to overthrow Maduro would come to doubt his word.
From the outset, the audacious plan split an opposition coalition already sharply divided by egos and strategy. There were concerns that Alcalá, with a murky past and ties to the regime through a brother who was Maduro’s ambassador to Iran, couldn’t be trusted. Others worried about going behind the backs of their Colombian allies and the U.S. government.
But Goudreau didn’t share the concerns about Alcalá, according to two people close to the former American solider. Over time, he would come to share Alcalá’s mistrust of the opposition, whose talk of restoring democracy was belied by what he saw as festering corruption and closed-door deal making with the regime, they said.
More importantly to Goudreau, Alcalá retained influence in the armed forces that Maduro’s opponents, mostly civilian elites, lacked. He also knew the terrain, having served as the top commander along the border.
“We needed someone who knew the monster from the inside,” recalled one exiled former officer who joined the plot.
Guaidó’s envoys, including Toledo, ended contact with Goudreau after the Bogota meeting because they believed it was a suicide mission, according to three people close to the opposition leader.
Undeterred, Goudreau returned to Colombia with four associates, all of them U.S. combat veterans, and begin working directly with Alcalá.
Alcalá and Goudreau revealed little about their military plans when they toured the camps. Some of the would-be combatants were told by the two men that the rag-tag army would cross the border in a heavily armed convoy and sweep into Caracas within 96 hours, according to multiple soldiers at the camps. Goudreau told the volunteers that — once challenged in battle — Maduro’s food-deprived, demoralized military would collapse like dominoes, several of the soldiers said.
No chance to succeed
Many saw the plan as foolhardy and there appears to have been no serious attempt to seek U.S. military support.
“There was no chance they were going to succeed without direct U.S. military intervention,” said Mattos, the former Navy SEAL who spent two weeks in September training the volunteers in basic tactical medicine on behalf of his non-profit, which works in combat zones.
Mattos visited the camps after hearing about them from a friend working in Colombia. He said he never met Goudreau.
Mattos said he was surprised by the barren conditions. There was no running water and men were sleeping on the floors, skipping meals and training with sawed-off broomsticks in place of assault rifles. Five Belgian shepherds trained to sniff out explosives were as poorly fed as their handlers and had to be given away.
Mattos said he grew wary as the men recalled how Goudreau had boasted to them of having protected Trump and told them he was readying a shipment of weapons and arranging aerial support for an eventual assault of Maduro’s compound.
The volunteers also shared with Mattos a three-page document listing supplies needed for a three-week operation, which he provided to AP. Items included 320 M4 assault rifles, an anti-tank rocket launcher, Zodiac boats, $1 million in cash and state-of-the-art night vision goggles. The document’s metadata indicates it was created by Goudreau on June 16.
“Unfortunately, there’s a lot of cowboys in this business who try to peddle their military credentials into a big pay day,” said Mattos.
AP found no indication U.S. officials sponsored Goudreau’s actions nor that Trump has authorized covert operations against Maduro, something that requires congressional notification.
But Colombian authorities were aware of his movements, as were prominent opposition politicians in Venezuela and exiles in Bogota, some of whom shared their findings with U.S. officials, according to two people familiar with the discussions.
True to his reputation as a self-absorbed loose cannon, Alcalá openly touted his plans for an incursion in a June meeting with Colombia’s National Intelligence Directorate and appealed for their support, said a former Colombian official familiar with the conversation. Alcalá also boasted about his relationship with Goudreau, describing him as a former CIA agent.
When the Colombians checked with their CIA counterparts in Bogota, they were told that the former Green Beret was never an agent. Alcalá was then told by his hosts to stop talking about an invasion or face expulsion, the former Colombian official said.
It’s unclear where Alcalá and Goudreau got their backing, and whatever money was collected for the initiative appears to have been meager. One person who allegedly promised support was Roen Kraft, an eccentric descendant of the cheese-making family who — along with former Trump bodyguard Schiller — was among those meeting with opposition envoys in Miami and Washington.
At some point, Kraft started raising money among his own circle of fellow trust-fund friends for what he described as a “private coup” to be carried out by Silvercorp, according to two businessman who he asked for money.
Kraft allegedly lured prospective donors with the promise of preferential access to negotiate deals in the energy and mining sectors with an eventual Guaidó government, said one of the businessmen. He provided AP a two-page, unsigned draft memorandum for a six-figure commitment he said was sent by Kraft in October in which he represents himself as the “prime contractor” of Venezuela.
But it was never clear if Kraft really had the inside track with the Venezuelans.
In a phone interview with AP, Kraft acknowledged meeting with Goudreau three times last year. But he said the two never did any business together and only discussed the delivery of humanitarian aid for Venezuela. He said Goudreau broke off all communications with him on Oct. 14, when it seemed he was intent on a military action.
“I never gave him any money,” said Kraft.
“We knew everything”
Back in Colombia, more recruits were arriving to the three camps — even if the promised money didn’t. Goudreau tried to bring a semblance of order. Uniforms were provided, daily exercise routines intensified and Silvercorp instructed the would-be warriors in close quarter combat.
Goudreau is “more of a Venezuelan patriot than many Venezuelans,” said Hernán Alemán, a lawmaker from western Zulia state and one of a few politicians to openly embrace the clandestine mission.
Alemán said in an interview that neither the U.S. nor the Colombian governments were involved in the plot to overthrow Maduro. He claims he tried to speak several times to Guaidó about the plan but said the opposition leader showed little interest.
“Lots of people knew about it, but they didn’t support us,” he said. “They were too afraid.”
The plot quickly crumbled in early March when one of the volunteer combatants was arrested after sneaking across the border into Venezuela from Colombia.
Shortly after, Colombian police stopped a truck transporting a cache of brand new weapons and tactical equipment worth around $150,000, including spotting scopes, night vision goggles, two-way radios and 26 American-made assault rifles with the serial numbers rubbed off. Fifteen brown-colored helmets were manufactured by High-End Defense Solutions, a Miami-based military equipment vendor owned by a Venezuelan immigrant family.
High-End Defense Solutions is the same company that Goudreau visited in November and December, allegedly to source weapons, according to two former Venezuelan soldiers who claim to have helped the American select the gear but later had a bitter falling out with Goudreau amid accusations that they were moles for Maduro.
Company owner Mark Von Reitzenstein did not respond to repeated email and phone requests seeking comment.
Alcalá claimed ownership of the weapons shortly before surrendering to face the U.S. drug charges, saying they belonged to the “Venezuelan people.” He also lashed out against Guaidó, accusing him of betraying a contract signed between his “American advisers” and J.J. Rendon, a political strategist in Miami appointed by Guaidó to help force Maduro from power.
“We had everything ready,” lamented Alcalá in a video published on social media. “But circumstances that have plagued us throughout this fight against the regime generated leaks from the very heart of the opposition, the part that wants to coexist with Maduro.”
Through a spokesman, Guaidó stood by comments made to Colombian media that he never signed any contract of the kind described by Alcalá, who he said he doesn’t know. Rendon said his work for Guaidó is confidential and he would be required to deny any contract, whether or not it exists.
Meanwhile, Alcalá has offered no evidence and the alleged contract has yet to emerge, though AP repeatedly asked Goudreau for a copy.
In the aftermath of Alcalá’s arrest, the would-be insurrection appears to have disbanded. As the coronavirus spreads, several of the remaining combatants have fled the camps and fanned out across Colombia, reconnecting with loved ones and figuring out their next steps. Most are broke, facing investigation by Colombian police and frustrated with Goudreau, who they blame for leading them astray.
Meanwhile, the socialist leadership in Caracas couldn’t help but gloat.
Diosdado Cabello, the No. 2 most powerful person in the country and eminence grise of Venezuela’s vast intelligence network, insisted that the government had infiltrated the plot for months.
“We knew everything,” said Cabello. “Some of their meetings we had to pay for. That’s how infiltrated they were.”
Investigative researcher Randy Herschaft in New York and investigative reporter James LaPorta in Delray Beach, Florida, contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-05-02--Former A’s minor leaguer Miguel Marte dies of coronavirus complications

Former Oakland Athletics minor league player Miguel Marte has died from complications related to the coronavirus , the team announced Friday .
Marte , 30 , played first base , catcher and right field in the A ’ s minor league system from 2008-2012 .
He played three seasons in the Dominican Summer League , two in the Arizona Fall League and eventually rose to short-season Single-A with the Vermont Lake Monsters in 2012 .
The A ’ s announced the news on Twitter , saying their thoughts and prayers were with those close to Marte .
They did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States , his native Dominican Republic , or elsewhere when he died .
• Photos : Caravan protesters rally at Port of Oakland for May Day The MLB Players ’ Association also shared its condolences with the Marte family .
According to a GoFundMe link shared by the Athletics , Marte is survived by his wife and children .
The fund aims to support them .
Marte hit .251 with 16 home runs over his minor-league career with the Athletics , including a .230 average with three home runs at the Single-A level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the club .

Former Oakland Athletics minor league player Miguel Marte has died from complications related to the coronavirus, the team announced Friday.
Marte, 30, played first base, catcher and right field in the A’s minor league system from 2008-2012. He played three seasons in the Dominican Summer League, two in the Arizona Fall League and eventually rose to short-season Single-A with the Vermont Lake Monsters in 2012.
The A’s announced the news on Twitter, saying their thoughts and prayers were with those close to Marte. They did not specify whether Marte was in the United States, his native Dominican Republic, or elsewhere when he died.
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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 The MLB Players’ Association also shared its condolences with the Marte family.
According to a GoFundMe link shared by the Athletics, Marte is survived by his wife and children. The fund aims to support them.
Marte hit .251 with 16 home runs over his minor-league career with the Athletics, including a .230 average with three home runs at the Single-A level in 2012, his final year with the club.


mercurynews--2020-05-02--After six weeks of stay-at-home restrictions, resistance erupts across California

After six weeks of forgoing work and paychecks , keeping children home from school and canceling life events big and small , Californians are growing restless with the uncertainty of when they will regain some semblance of normalcy .
From the lawn in front of the state capitol building to the streets of Huntington Beach , protests erupted Friday against the statewide stay-at-home order , which has helped slow the spread of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic but also led 3.9 million Californians — or about 10 % of the state ’ s population — to file for unemployment in less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — mostly packed into tight crowds and largely without masks — held American flags and waved signs urging Gov .
Gavin Newsom to reopen the state .
Although most evidence indicates their sentiments are shared by only a small minority of their fellow California residents , their passions ran strong .
“ We are fighting for our freedom , ” Aimee Barber , of Seal Beach , said at the protest in Huntington Beach , organized a day after the governor issued a decree to close temporarily all Orange County beaches because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there last weekend .
“ The beaches are as much an essential business as liquor stores.
” In Sacramento , demonstrators scuffled with California Highway Patrol officers who ordered them to disperse , getting within a few inches of the officers ’ faces in some instances and calling them “ traitors ” for defending the state order .
Officers dressed head-to-toe in riot gear used batons to push protestors away from the building , and at least three people were detained .
“ I think it ’ s time for us to send @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he needs to roll back this shutdown , ” protester Stefanie Fetzer , of San Clemente , told the Sacramento Bee outside the Capitol building on Friday .
“ We ’ re not advocating for people to go out and lick other people .
We ’ re responsible adults .
We can interact and be safe.
” As Newsom assured residents in a Friday press conference that California was “ many days , not weeks ” away from starting to reopen , Americans in nearly a dozen states across the country — including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beginning to resume some of their normal activities , such as returning to a gym , sitting down at a restaurant and getting a haircut .
Health officials have warned that many of those states may be imperiling their residents by moving too soon .
For his part , Newsom urged residents to “ hold the line ” and “ avoid the temptation to get back and congregate with people , ” noting California ’ s coronavirus death toll just Thursday passed a bracing total of more than 2,000 .
“ If we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re going to get to the other side of this with modifications a lot quicker — and I just hope people will consider that , ” he said .
Though some of Friday ’ s protests were sizable , a new poll released by the Berkeley Institute of Government Studies on Friday found as earlier polls have that nearly three of four Californians want the stay-home order to continue as long as it ’ s needed to ensure public health .
Still , local officials in more rural and Republican-leaning areas of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s statewide directive .
Modoc County , a rural county of just 9,000 residents tucked away in far Northern California , permitted all businesses , schools and churches to reopen on Friday , as long as people maintained six feet between one another , according to a statement from county officials .
The county is one of only four in California that have not reported any cases of coronavirus .
“ This reopening plan was made in the best interest of residents ’ physical , mental and economic health , ” said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health officer , sheriff-coroner and the chair of the Board of Supervisors .
In response to an executive order issued by Newsom on Thursday to close all state and local beaches in Orange County , leaders in the cities of Dana Point and Huntington Beach voted to file for an injunction to block Newsom ’ s newly announced directive .
A judge blocked the Huntington Beach request late Friday afternoon .
The officials argue that Orange County has done a far superior job of slowing the spread of the virus compared to its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state ’ s coronavirus crisis — and that a trip to the beach could promote good mental health for its residents during these uncertain times .
But others , like Newsom , worry that keeping the county ’ s beaches open when neighboring beaches are closed encourages residents across the region to flock there , as was seen last weekend .
During his daily news briefing , Newsom addressed the agitation his orders have caused by acknowledging that “ we ’ re all impatient.
” “ We ’ re all deeply anxious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the page and turn the corner , ” he said .
“ The data is starting to give us more confidence in our ability to begin very , very deliberative modifications in the progress of getting the guidance ready to deliver to counties , cities and regions across the state.
” He promised more news on modifications next week .
Larry Gerston , public policy professor emeritus at San Jose State University , said the governor ’ s tone on Friday appeared to veer from his strict demeanor in recent weeks , indicating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ He may never say it publicly , but actions speak louder than words , and its clear from his statements that the governor feels his options are becoming limited , ” Gerston said .
Earlier this week , the governor ’ s office laid out a four-stage plan for letting lower-risk businesses and workplaces reopen in the next few weeks — as long as social distancing continues to push down the number of new cases .
But which restrictions Newsom decides to loosen and in what areas of the state will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” according to Gerston .
As of Friday , more than 50,000 cases of COVID-19 had been reported across the state .
Santa Clara County — the hardest hit in the Bay Area — has reached 2,179 confirmed cases of the virus and 113 deaths .
In San Francisco , 1,523 people have been diagnosed with the virus , and 28 people have died .
San Mateo County has confirmed 1,197 cases and 51 deaths , Alameda County has 1,636 cases and 62 deaths , and Contra Costa County has 907 cases and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the state dropped 2 % from Thursday to Friday , and the number of confirmed coronavirus patients in ICU beds remained stagnant , according to Newsom .
The number of people under investigation for potential COVID-19 cases in the hospital and in ICU beds both declined by nearly 14 % overnight , he said .
Newsom called those declines “ slightly encouraging ” but cautioned that “ we can set all that back by making bad decisions .
”

After six weeks of forgoing work and paychecks, keeping children home from school and canceling life events big and small, Californians are growing restless with the uncertainty of when they will regain some semblance of normalcy.
From the lawn in front of the state capitol building to the streets of Huntington Beach, protests erupted Friday against the statewide stay-at-home order, which has helped slow the spread of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic but also led 3.9 million Californians — or about 10% of the state’s population — to file for unemployment in less than two months.
Thousands of protesters — mostly packed into tight crowds and largely without masks — held American flags and waved signs urging Gov. Gavin Newsom to reopen the state. Although most evidence indicates their sentiments are shared by only a small minority of their fellow California residents, their passions ran strong.
“We are fighting for our freedom,” Aimee Barber, of Seal Beach, said at the protest in Huntington Beach, organized a day after the governor issued a decree to close temporarily all Orange County beaches because of concerns about the lack of social distancing there last weekend. “The beaches are as much an essential business as liquor stores.”
In Sacramento, demonstrators scuffled with California Highway Patrol officers who ordered them to disperse, getting within a few inches of the officers’ faces in some instances and calling them “traitors” for defending the state order. Officers dressed head-to-toe in riot gear used batons to push protestors away from the building, and at least three people were detained.
“I think it’s time for us to send a message to Gov. Newsom that he needs to roll back this shutdown,” protester Stefanie Fetzer, of San Clemente, told the Sacramento Bee outside the Capitol building on Friday. “We’re not advocating for people to go out and lick other people. We’re responsible adults. We can interact and be safe.”
As Newsom assured residents in a Friday press conference that California was “many days, not weeks” away from starting to reopen, Americans in nearly a dozen states across the country — including Texas, Alabama and Colorado — were beginning to resume some of their normal activities, such as returning to a gym, sitting down at a restaurant and getting a haircut. Health officials have warned that many of those states may be imperiling their residents by moving too soon.
For his part, Newsom urged residents to “hold the line” and “avoid the temptation to get back and congregate with people,” noting California’s coronavirus death toll just Thursday passed a bracing total of more than 2,000.
“If we can avoid that, then we’re going to get to the other side of this with modifications a lot quicker — and I just hope people will consider that,” he said.
Though some of Friday’s protests were sizable, a new poll released by the Berkeley Institute of Government Studies on Friday found as earlier polls have that nearly three of four Californians want the stay-home order to continue as long as it’s needed to ensure public health.
Still, local officials in more rural and Republican-leaning areas of the state have begun to defy Newsom’s statewide directive.
Modoc County, a rural county of just 9,000 residents tucked away in far Northern California, permitted all businesses, schools and churches to reopen on Friday, as long as people maintained six feet between one another, according to a statement from county officials. The county is one of only four in California that have not reported any cases of coronavirus.
“This reopening plan was made in the best interest of residents’ physical, mental and economic health,” said the statement, signed by officials including its health officer, sheriff-coroner and the chair of the Board of Supervisors.
In response to an executive order issued by Newsom on Thursday to close all state and local beaches in Orange County, leaders in the cities of Dana Point and Huntington Beach voted to file for an injunction to block Newsom’s newly announced directive. A judge blocked the Huntington Beach request late Friday afternoon.
The officials argue that Orange County has done a far superior job of slowing the spread of the virus compared to its neighbor L.A. County — the epicenter of the state’s coronavirus crisis — and that a trip to the beach could promote good mental health for its residents during these uncertain times. But others, like Newsom, worry that keeping the county’s beaches open when neighboring beaches are closed encourages residents across the region to flock there, as was seen last weekend.
During his daily news briefing, Newsom addressed the agitation his orders have caused by acknowledging that “we’re all impatient.”
“We’re all deeply anxious and deeply desirous to start to turn the page and turn the corner,” he said. “The data is starting to give us more confidence in our ability to begin very, very deliberative modifications in the progress of getting the guidance ready to deliver to counties, cities and regions across the state.” He promised more news on modifications next week.
Larry Gerston, public policy professor emeritus at San Jose State University, said the governor’s tone on Friday appeared to veer from his strict demeanor in recent weeks, indicating that he’s “under pressure.”
“He may never say it publicly, but actions speak louder than words, and its clear from his statements that the governor feels his options are becoming limited,” Gerston said.
Earlier this week, the governor’s office laid out a four-stage plan for letting lower-risk businesses and workplaces reopen in the next few weeks — as long as social distancing continues to push down the number of new cases. But which restrictions Newsom decides to loosen and in what areas of the state will be like “walking a tightrope,” according to Gerston.
As of Friday, more than 50,000 cases of COVID-19 had been reported across the state. Santa Clara County — the hardest hit in the Bay Area — has reached 2,179 confirmed cases of the virus and 113 deaths.
In San Francisco, 1,523 people have been diagnosed with the virus, and 28 people have died. San Mateo County has confirmed 1,197 cases and 51 deaths, Alameda County has 1,636 cases and 62 deaths, and Contra Costa County has 907 cases and 28 deaths.
Hospitalizations of COVID-19 patients across the state dropped 2% from Thursday to Friday, and the number of confirmed coronavirus patients in ICU beds remained stagnant, according to Newsom. The number of people under investigation for potential COVID-19 cases in the hospital and in ICU beds both declined by nearly 14% overnight, he said.
Newsom called those declines “slightly encouraging” but cautioned that “we can set all that back by making bad decisions.”


mercurynews--2020-05-02--Breaking: Judge throws out U.S. women’s soccer team’s pay lawsuit

A federal judge threw out the unequal pay claim by players on the U.S. women ’ s national soccer team but allowed their allegation of discriminatory travel accommodations and medical support services to go to trial .
Players led by Cal ’ s Alex Morgan claim they have not been paid equally under their collective bargaining agreement to what the men ’ s national team receives under its labor deal and asked for more than $ 66 million in damages under the Equal Pay Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 .
In a 32-page decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Klausner granted in part a motion for summary judgment by the U.S. Soccer Federation .
He threw out the Equal Pay Act allegations but left intact the Civil Rights Act claims .
“ The history of negotiations between the parties demonstrates that the WNT rejected an offer to be paid under the same pay-to-play structure as the MNT , and the WNT was willing to forgo higher bonuses for benefits , such as greater base compensation and the guarantee of a higher number of contracted players , ” Klausner wrote .
“ Accordingly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their CBA worse than the MNT CBA by reference to what they would have made had they been paid under the MNT ’ s pay-to-play terms structure when they themselves rejected such a structure , ” he said .
Klausner left intact claims the USSF discriminated in its use of charter flights , hotel accommodations , medical support services and training support services .
A trial is scheduled for June 16 in federal court in Los Angeles .
“ We are shocked and disappointed with today ’ s decision , but we will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equal pay , ” Molly Levinson , spokeswoman for the women ’ s players , said in a statement .
“ We are confident in our case and steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that girls and women who play this sport will not be valued as lesser just because of their gender.
” Players intend to ask the 9th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn Klausner ’ s decision , a move that could delay the trial .
• Ex-Cal athletic director who oversaw big changes at school has died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he paid close attention to NFL Draft • NBA postpones draft lottery and combine , forcing Warriors to wait on pick position “ We have learned that there are tremendous obstacles to change ; we know that it takes bravery and courage and perseverance to stand up to them , ” Levinson said .

A federal judge threw out the unequal pay claim by players on the U.S. women’s national soccer team but allowed their allegation of discriminatory travel accommodations and medical support services to go to trial.
Players led by Cal’s Alex Morgan claim they have not been paid equally under their collective bargaining agreement to what the men’s national team receives under its labor deal and asked for more than $66 million in damages under the Equal Pay Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
In a 32-page decision Friday, U.S. District Judge R. Gary Klausner granted in part a motion for summary judgment by the U.S. Soccer Federation. He threw out the Equal Pay Act allegations but left intact the Civil Rights Act claims.
“The history of negotiations between the parties demonstrates that the WNT rejected an offer to be paid under the same pay-to-play structure as the MNT, and the WNT was willing to forgo higher bonuses for benefits, such as greater base compensation and the guarantee of a higher number of contracted players,” Klausner wrote.
“Accordingly, plaintiffs cannot now retroactively deem their CBA worse than the MNT CBA by reference to what they would have made had they been paid under the MNT’s pay-to-play terms structure when they themselves rejected such a structure,” he said.
Klausner left intact claims the USSF discriminated in its use of charter flights, hotel accommodations, medical support services and training support services.
A trial is scheduled for June 16 in federal court in Los Angeles.
“We are shocked and disappointed with today’s decision, but we will not give up our hard work for equal pay,” Molly Levinson, spokeswoman for the women’s players, said in a statement. “We are confident in our case and steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that girls and women who play this sport will not be valued as lesser just because of their gender.”
Players intend to ask the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn Klausner’s decision, a move that could delay the trial. Related Articles Sports | San Jose State football: Jenkins twins two of a kind in Spartans defense
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“We have learned that there are tremendous obstacles to change; we know that it takes bravery and courage and perseverance to stand up to them,” Levinson said.


mercurynews--2020-05-01--Watch live: Tour the San Jose Municipal Rose Garden

CLICK HERE if you are having a problem viewing the video on a mobile device Join us as we go for a tour of the Municipal Rose Garden in San Jose , a historic landmark park first opened in 1937 .
The 5½-acre park boasts 4,000 rose bushes in 189 varieties .
The garden was designed in the early 1930s by famed architect John McLaren , who also designed San Francisco ’ s Golden Gate Park .
In 2010 , the garden was named “ America ’ s Best Rose Garden ” by the All-America Rose Selections , a nonprofit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out more than 130 public rose gardens nationwide .
The Municipal Rose Garden is actually one of two rose gardens in San Jose .
The Heritage Rose Garden , located at Guadalupe River Park , is less than three miles away and includes a collection of 4,000 roses representing more than 3,000 rare , endangered or “ found ” varieties .
Officially opened on Sept. 9 , 1995 , the Heritage Rose Garden was initially planted by more than 750 volunteers in March of that year .
Volunteers continue to propagate , plant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ catalog and care for the flowers .
The garden was made possible through a combined effort by the city of San Jose , the Guadalupe River Park Conservancy , the South Bay Heritage Rose Group and a group of volunteers .
The Heritage Rose Garden was the first inductee into the Great Rosarians of the World Rose Garden Hall of Fame .
Learn more about the Municipal Rose Garden at the city ’ s website .
CLICK HERE if you are having a problem viewing the video on a mobile device

CLICK HERE if you are having a problem viewing the video on a mobile device
Join us as we go for a tour of the Municipal Rose Garden in San Jose, a historic landmark park first opened in 1937.
The 5½-acre park boasts 4,000 rose bushes in 189 varieties. The garden was designed in the early 1930s by famed architect John McLaren, who also designed San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park.
In 2010, the garden was named “America’s Best Rose Garden” by the All-America Rose Selections, a nonprofit association of rose growers; it beat out more than 130 public rose gardens nationwide.
The Municipal Rose Garden is actually one of two rose gardens in San Jose. The Heritage Rose Garden, located at Guadalupe River Park, is less than three miles away and includes a collection of 4,000 roses representing more than 3,000 rare, endangered or “found” varieties.
Officially opened on Sept. 9, 1995, the Heritage Rose Garden was initially planted by more than 750 volunteers in March of that year. Volunteers continue to propagate, plant, fertilize, prune, weed, catalog and care for the flowers. The garden was made possible through a combined effort by the city of San Jose, the Guadalupe River Park Conservancy, the South Bay Heritage Rose Group and a group of volunteers.
The Heritage Rose Garden was the first inductee into the Great Rosarians of the World Rose Garden Hall of Fame.
Learn more about the Municipal Rose Garden at the city’s website.
SAN JOSE - APRIL 27: People take photos of the roses at the Municipal Rose Garden in San Jose, Calif., on Monday, April 27, 2020. (Randy Vazquez / Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE - APRIL 27: Sunlight illuminates one of the roses at the Municipal Rose Garden in San Jose, Calif., on Monday, April 27, 2020. (Randy Vazquez / Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE - APRIL 27: Some of the roses at the Municipal Rose Garden in San Jose, Calif., on Monday, April 27, 2020. (Randy Vazquez / Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE - APRIL 27: The Municipal Rose Garden in San Jose, Calif., on Monday, April 27, 2020. (Randy Vazquez / Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE - APRIL 27: Some of the roses at the Municipal Rose Garden in San Jose, Calif., on Monday, April 27, 2020. (Randy Vazquez / Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE - APRIL 27: A rose bulb at the Municipal Rose Garden in San Jose, Calif., on Monday, April 27, 2020. (Randy Vazquez / Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE - APRIL 27: Sunlight hits some of the roses at the Municipal Rose Garden in San Jose, Calif., on Monday, April 27, 2020. (Randy Vazquez / Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE - APRIL 27: The Municipal Rose Garden in San Jose, Calif., on Monday, April 27, 2020. (Randy Vazquez / Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE - APRIL 27: The fountain at the Municipal Rose Garden in San Jose, Calif., on Monday, April 27, 2020. (Randy Vazquez / Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE - APRIL 27: One of the roses at the Municipal Rose Garden in San Jose, Calif., on Monday, April 27, 2020. (Randy Vazquez / Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE - APRIL 27: People take photos at the Municipal Rose Garden in San Jose, Calif., on Monday, April 27, 2020. (Randy Vazquez / Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE - APRIL 27: Some of the roses at the Municipal Rose Garden in San Jose, Calif., on Monday, April 27, 2020. (Randy Vazquez / Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE - APRIL 27: Sunlight illuminates one of the roses at the Municipal Rose Garden in San Jose, Calif., on Monday, April 27, 2020. (Randy Vazquez / Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE - APRIL 27: People take photos at the Municipal Rose Garden in San Jose, Calif., on Monday, April 27, 2020. (Randy Vazquez / Bay Area News Group)
Randy Vazquez / Bay Area News Group SAN JOSE - APRIL 27: Sunlight leaks through a cluster of roses at the Municipal Rose Garden in San Jose, Calif., on Monday, April 27, 2020. (Randy Vazquez / Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE - APRIL 27: One of the rose arches at the Municipal Rose Garden in San Jose, Calif., on Monday, April 27, 2020. (Randy Vazquez / Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE - APRIL 27: People walk around the Municipal Rose Garden in San Jose, Calif., on Monday, April 27, 2020. (Randy Vazquez / Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE - APRIL 27: Some of the roses at the Municipal Rose Garden in San Jose, Calif., on Monday, April 27, 2020. (Randy Vazquez / Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE - APRIL 27: Sunlight hits a group of roses at the Municipal Rose Garden in San Jose, Calif., on Monday, April 27, 2020. (Randy Vazquez / Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE - APRIL 27: Some of the roses at the Municipal Rose Garden in San Jose, Calif., on Monday, April 27, 2020. (Randy Vazquez / Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE - APRIL 27: Some of the roses at the Municipal Rose Garden in San Jose, Calif., on Monday, April 27, 2020. (Randy Vazquez / Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE - APRIL 27: People walk around the Municipal Rose Garden in San Jose, Calif., on Monday, April 27, 2020. (Randy Vazquez / Bay Area News Group)
Randy Vazquez / Bay Area News Group Archives SAN JOSE - APRIL 27: Some of the roses at the Municipal Rose Garden in San Jose, Calif., on Monday, April 27, 2020. (Randy Vazquez / Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE - APRIL 27: The Municipal Rose Garden in San Jose, Calif., on Monday, April 27, 2020. (Randy Vazquez / Bay Area News Group)
CLICK HERE if you are having a problem viewing the video on a mobile device


mercurynews--2020-05-02--Letter: Post-virus, Bay Area renters who scrape by will owe back rent

While we all as renters appreciate the freeze on evictions , what is going to happen when all of this @ @ @ @ @ owe back rent and bills ?
The $ 1,200 stimulus check was a nice gesture @ @ @ @ @ a lot of people make in a day here in the valley and we still @ @ @ @ @ So adding another bill on top of that is undoable .
Should we be using @ @ @ @ @ stuff and scope out a piece of outdoor living ?
Or is there a plan @ @ @ @ @ Letter : I thought the Bay Area was safe for Asian Americans • Letter : @ @ @ @ @ back our president in eyes of the world Submit your letter to the editor via @ @ @ @ @ to the Editor

While we all as renters appreciate the freeze on evictions, what is going to happen when all of this has calmed down and we owe back rent and bills?
The $1,200 stimulus check was a nice gesture, but that is what a lot of people make in a day here in the valley and we still live paycheck to paycheck. So adding another bill on top of that is undoable.
Should we be using this time to pack our stuff and scope out a piece of outdoor living? Or is there a plan in the works?
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Kerri Coil
San Jose
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
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mercurynews--2020-05-02--Letter: Care to put a price on incompetence, stupidity?

Care to put a price on incompetence and stupidity ?
How about over $ 2 trillion in desperately needed government expenditures and 55,000 lives lost all for no good reason .
Sound harsh ?
Well , the same information was available to just about every nation since January .
Taiwan , with a population of around 24 million people , has recorded several hundred cases and deaths in just double digits .
All accomplished without the lockdowns or prolonged school and business closures .
Their economy is ready and raring to go , unlike ours .
How can we account @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has high-quality universal health care and obviously more intelligent leaders .
• Letter : Post-virus , Bay Area renters who scrape by will owe back rent • Letter : I thought the Bay Area was safe for Asian Americans • Letter : Embarrassed we don ’ t back our president in eyes of the world Add to this the fact that seven nations headed by women are among the nations which have handled the crisis far far better than just about all the others : Taiwan , Iceland , Germany , Finland , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thoughts anyone ?
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Care to put a price on incompetence and stupidity? How about over $2 trillion in desperately needed government expenditures and 55,000 lives lost all for no good reason.
Sound harsh? Well, the same information was available to just about every nation since January. Taiwan, with a population of around 24 million people, has recorded several hundred cases and deaths in just double digits. All accomplished without the lockdowns or prolonged school and business closures.
Their economy is ready and raring to go, unlike ours.
How can we account for such vastly different outcomes? Taiwan has high-quality universal health care and obviously more intelligent leaders.
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Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps Add to this the fact that seven nations headed by women are among the nations which have handled the crisis far far better than just about all the others: Taiwan, Iceland, Germany, Finland, New Zealand, Norway and Denmark. Thoughts anyone?
Mike Caggiano
San Mateo
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
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mercurynews--2020-05-02--Horoscopes May 2, 2020: Ellie Kemper, emotional matters will escalate.

Happy Birthday : Precision , detail and a persistent attitude will help you reach your destination this year .
The changes you want to make should be well-thought-out and executed with confidence .
Emotional matters will escalate , leading to an overdue force play .
Refuse to let anyone stand in your way or confuse you with information that isn ’ t verified .
Your numbers are 2 , 9 , 15 , 21 , 26 , 37 , 41 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Don ’ t hold back .
Say what ’ s on your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that arise before they have a chance to grow into something too hard to handle .
A change in location , job or the way you do things will be beneficial .
3 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Reconsider something you took a pass on a while back .
The timing is better now to pursue a lifestyle change .
You can fix an emotional issue that ’ s challenging you if you set new ground rules .
Speak up about the way you feel .
5 stars GEMINI ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but don ’ t make a decision based on hearsay .
Get the facts , consider your position and put your time and effort where it benefits you the most .
Time spent on self-improvement , personal growth and personal relationships are favored , and romance is encouraged .
2 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Participate and make a difference .
Offer your expertise or time to a group or organization of choice , and you will make new connections and distinguish yourself as a doer in your community .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s time to move forward .
4 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Don ’ t jump into a tempting offer without considering the risks as well as the people involved .
If someone pressures you , it ’ s best to back away .
Don ’ t jeopardize what you have due to boredom or trying to impress someone .
3 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Do something exhilarating .
A physical challenge will ease stress and encourage you to take better care of your health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outlook and promote positive change .
3 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Size up situations you face at home or with a loved one .
Consider the changes you would have to make to accommodate others before you commit to added responsibilities .
Someone you love will help put things in perspective .
Romance is favored .
3 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Do something unique or unfamiliar in order to encounter someone who has a positive effect on you .
Avoid sensitive issues with someone you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want and how you plan to proceed .
4 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Gullibility will be your downfall .
Don ’ t make excuses for someone who is not being fair or honest .
Concentrate on your health , emotional well-being and keeping your assets and passwords in a safe place .
Avoid impulsive actions and purchases .
2 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Follow your heart , and do something that motivates you to make a positive change at home .
An unusual option will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before you make a decision .
Don ’ t spend more than what you can afford .
3 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Be reluctant to make an impulsive move based on what someone else does .
Stick to what makes you feel at ease and the people you know you can trust .
You ’ ll get the most back if you leave nothing to chance .
3 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Your involvement in activities or causes that benefit those less fortunate will give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A lifestyle change or getting back to basics will result in less stress and greater happiness .
Walk away from unstable situations .
3 stars Birthday Baby : You are curious , unpredictable and original .
You are sensitive and charming .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Ellie Kemper, 40; David Beckham, 45; Dwayne Johnson, 48; Christine Baranski, 68.
Happy Birthday: Precision, detail and a persistent attitude will help you reach your destination this year. The changes you want to make should be well-thought-out and executed with confidence. Emotional matters will escalate, leading to an overdue force play. Refuse to let anyone stand in your way or confuse you with information that isn’t verified. Your numbers are 2, 9, 15, 21, 26, 37, 41.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Don’t hold back. Say what’s on your mind, and sort out any problems that arise before they have a chance to grow into something too hard to handle. A change in location, job or the way you do things will be beneficial. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Reconsider something you took a pass on a while back. The timing is better now to pursue a lifestyle change. You can fix an emotional issue that’s challenging you if you set new ground rules. Speak up about the way you feel. 5 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Listen, but don’t make a decision based on hearsay. Get the facts, consider your position and put your time and effort where it benefits you the most. Time spent on self-improvement, personal growth and personal relationships are favored, and romance is encouraged. 2 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Participate and make a difference. Offer your expertise or time to a group or organization of choice, and you will make new connections and distinguish yourself as a doer in your community. Let go of the past; it’s time to move forward. 4 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Don’t jump into a tempting offer without considering the risks as well as the people involved. If someone pressures you, it’s best to back away. Don’t jeopardize what you have due to boredom or trying to impress someone. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Do something exhilarating. A physical challenge will ease stress and encourage you to take better care of your health. An educational pursuit will broaden your outlook and promote positive change. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Size up situations you face at home or with a loved one. Consider the changes you would have to make to accommodate others before you commit to added responsibilities. Someone you love will help put things in perspective. Romance is favored. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Do something unique or unfamiliar in order to encounter someone who has a positive effect on you. Avoid sensitive issues with someone you live with until you know what you want and how you plan to proceed. 4 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Gullibility will be your downfall. Don’t make excuses for someone who is not being fair or honest. Concentrate on your health, emotional well-being and keeping your assets and passwords in a safe place. Avoid impulsive actions and purchases. 2 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Follow your heart, and do something that motivates you to make a positive change at home. An unusual option will tempt you. Thoroughly research the possibilities before you make a decision. Don’t spend more than what you can afford. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Be reluctant to make an impulsive move based on what someone else does. Stick to what makes you feel at ease and the people you know you can trust. You’ll get the most back if you leave nothing to chance. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Your involvement in activities or causes that benefit those less fortunate will give you a new lease on life. A lifestyle change or getting back to basics will result in less stress and greater happiness. Walk away from unstable situations. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are curious, unpredictable and original. You are sensitive and charming.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-05-02--Word Game: May 2, 2020

Word Game: May 2, 2020

TODAY ’ S WORD — LANGUISH ( LANGUISH : LAN-gwish : To become feeble , weak or enervated . )
Can you find 46 or more words in LANGUISH ?
The list will be published Monday .
YESTERDAY ’ S WORD — RUTHLESS rest result rhesus rule ruse rush russet rust rustle ulster user usher thus tress true truss tussle hers hurl hurt hurtle hustle hustler less lest lues lure lush lust luster lute erst shut sleuth slue slur slush suer suet sure surest sutler To purchase the Word Game book , visit WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Words must be of four or more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “ s , ” such as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” are not allowed .
3 .
Additional words made by adding a “ d ” or an “ s ” may not be used .
For example , if “ bake ” is used , “ baked ” or “ bakes ” are not allowed , but “ bake ” and “ baking ” are admissible .
4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — LANGUISH (LANGUISH: LAN-gwish: To become feeble, weak or enervated.)
Average mark 33 words
Time limit 45 minutes
Can you find 46 or more words in LANGUISH? The list will be published Monday.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — RUTHLESS rest result rhesus rule ruse rush russet rust
rustle ulster user usher thus tress true truss tussle hers hurl hurt hurtle hustle hustler
less lest lues lure lush lust luster lute erst shut sleuth slue slur slush suer suet
sure surest sutler
To purchase the Word Game book, visit WordGameBooks.com. Order it now for just $5 while supplies last!
RULES OF THE GAME:
1. Words must be of four or more letters.
2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.
3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” are not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible.
4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.
Contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe at kzsaxe@gmail.com.