mercurynews--2020-02-07--Ask Amy: I’m worried about my neighbor, and I have a sneaky plan

DEAR AMY : My husband and I live next to a sweet elderly widower , “ Fred.
” We check in on him once or twice a week .
He has told us he has a brother and nieces and nephews who live a few hours away .
A few months ago , Fred asked for my help with “ something on the computer.
” I went inside his house and he handed me handwritten instructions , saying he needed help connecting his checking account to a money transfer app , so he could send money to his niece .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 500 , and then had me write out instructions .
I didn ’ t think it was my place to question this .
Yesterday , Fred and I were chatting , and he said that he was worried about this niece , as she was fired from her job , didn ’ t have a car , and might have a drug problem .
• Ask Amy : My mom went berserk at my wedding and refuses to apologize • Ask Amy : My son ’ s ex-girlfriend told me his shameful secret @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t think my niece ’ s fiancé knows the whole story • Ask Amy : She eats like a finicky child , and I ’ m mortified • Ask Amy : She got what she wanted , and now all she does is complain I immediately became concerned and asked if she was taking advantage of him .
He seemed slightly offended , became dismissive , and then changed the subject .
I can ’ t stop thinking about this .
My husband said I should disconnect his checking account from the app @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , but I feel like Fred would just ask for my help to connect it all again .
I don ’ t have the names or contact information for his brother or any family .
What should I do ?
DEAR WORRIED : Financial exploitation is a growing problem for elder Americans .
According to the National Adult Protective Services Association ( napsa-now.org ) , 1 in 9 elders are victims of financial abuse .
Because of the emotional factors involved , this crime is extremely underreported .
Yes , intervene .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ further .
His niece could be taking advantage of him .
A total stranger could also be taking advantage of him .
Has he been able to verify that the person asking for ( and receiving ) this money is actually his niece ?
You might be able to help him verify the identity of the person receiving the money .
If this is his niece , a red flag would be if she insists that he keep these transactions a secret from her other family members .
Encourage him to talk with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the niece does have a drug problem , money from Fred could make matters worse for her .
Don ’ t approach him as if he has made a mistake .
Tell him that just like he wants to help her , you want to help him .
Don ’ t press too hard .
He will likely feel embarrassed , and this may lead to more isolation .
If you become more alarmed and believe that he is being defrauded , disconnect the app .
The National Adult Protective Services Association has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspected fraud by calling your local hotline .
DEAR AMY : A friend of mine is in a hole of debt , denial , and inaction .
The person has debts growing at a rate that leads to foreclosure .
The individual ’ s circle of friends , many of whom have made personal loans , are getting angry that our friend refuses to recognize reality .
The sooner the house is sold and debts are paid off , the larger the remainder of money will be , and the loss of friends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friend always responds : “ You people need to trust me.
” These words are coming from someone who is an expert in failed plans that lead to financial ruin .
What approach do you think might work in trying to get our friend to see the light ?
DEAR WORRIED : You should assume that — no matter what — your friend will not see the light .
Nor should you trust him when he says he has a plan .
A group intervention would likely backfire and cause him to hide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should describe a reasonable plan for repayment , and attach a real consequence ( possibly legal , definitely relational ) if your friend doesn ’ t get a handle on his problem .
Each of you should urge him to attend Debtors Anonymous meetings ( debtorsanonymous.org ) .
DEAR AMY : Another anecdote about an older father being mistaken for a grandfather : My father was 57 when the youngest of my parents ’ 10 children was born .
One day , he had a group of us out at a park when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s so nice that you ’ re out with your grandchildren for a picnic !
” My father said , “ These are not my grandchildren , and believe me , this is no picnic !
” DEAR NANCY : With that many children , a quick wit is a necessity .
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy , P.O .
Box 194 , Freeville , NY 13068 .
You can also follow her on Twitter @ askingamy or Facebook .

DEAR AMY: My husband and I live next to a sweet elderly widower, “Fred.” We check in on him once or twice a week. He has told us he has a brother and nieces and nephews who live a few hours away.
A few months ago, Fred asked for my help with “something on the computer.”
I went inside his house and he handed me handwritten instructions, saying he needed help connecting his checking account to a money transfer app, so he could send money to his niece. He asked me to send her $500, and then had me write out instructions.
I didn’t think it was my place to question this.
Yesterday, Fred and I were chatting, and he said that he was worried about this niece, as she was fired from her job, didn’t have a car, and might have a drug problem.
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I can’t stop thinking about this. My husband said I should disconnect his checking account from the app (yes, I remember his password), but I feel like Fred would just ask for my help to connect it all again.
I don’t have the names or contact information for his brother or any family.
What should I do?
Worried Neighbor
DEAR WORRIED: Financial exploitation is a growing problem for elder Americans. According to the National Adult Protective Services Association (napsa-now.org), 1 in 9 elders are victims of financial abuse. Because of the emotional factors involved, this crime is extremely underreported. Yes, intervene.
Please, attempt to communicate about this further. His niece could be taking advantage of him. A total stranger could also be taking advantage of him. Has he been able to verify that the person asking for (and receiving) this money is actually his niece? You might be able to help him verify the identity of the person receiving the money. If this is his niece, a red flag would be if she insists that he keep these transactions a secret from her other family members. Encourage him to talk with his brother about this situation. If the niece does have a drug problem, money from Fred could make matters worse for her.
Don’t approach him as if he has made a mistake. Tell him that just like he wants to help her, you want to help him. Don’t press too hard. He will likely feel embarrassed, and this may lead to more isolation.
If you become more alarmed and believe that he is being defrauded, disconnect the app.
The National Adult Protective Services Association has a searchable database; you could report suspected fraud by calling your local hotline.
DEAR AMY: A friend of mine is in a hole of debt, denial, and inaction. The person has debts growing at a rate that leads to foreclosure.
The individual’s circle of friends, many of whom have made personal loans, are getting angry that our friend refuses to recognize reality. The sooner the house is sold and debts are paid off, the larger the remainder of money will be, and the loss of friends backing the person will be lessened
Our friend always responds: “You people need to trust me.” These words are coming from someone who is an expert in failed plans that lead to financial ruin.
What approach do you think might work in trying to get our friend to see the light?
Worried
DEAR WORRIED: You should assume that — no matter what — your friend will not see the light. Nor should you trust him when he says he has a plan.
A group intervention would likely backfire and cause him to hide.
Each person he is indebted to should describe a reasonable plan for repayment, and attach a real consequence (possibly legal, definitely relational) if your friend doesn’t get a handle on his problem. Each of you should urge him to attend Debtors Anonymous meetings (debtorsanonymous.org).
Want Ask Amy delivered to your inbox for free on weekdays?
DEAR AMY: Another anecdote about an older father being mistaken for a grandfather: My father was 57 when the youngest of my parents’ 10 children was born.
One day, he had a group of us out at a park when a woman said, “Oh, it’s so nice that you’re out with your grandchildren for a picnic!”
My father said, “These are not my grandchildren, and believe me, this is no picnic!”
Nancy, in Columbia MD
DEAR NANCY: With that many children, a quick wit is a necessity.
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.


mercurynews--2020-02-07--Letter: Paying teachers enough is the least we can do

Paying teachers enough is the least we can do As a parent of three kids in Alameda public schools , I can ’ t count the times I have witnessed our teachers dig into their own pockets , donate their free time and work tirelessly during the school day to help our kids .
So I was shocked and dismayed when I learned that our city ’ s teachers are among the lowest paid in the county .
I have so many things to thank each of my kids ’ teachers for : One ‘ s help turning around my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; another ’ s dedication to improving my kids ’ writing abilities ; the endless patience of our wonderful kindergarten staff at Otis Elementary School .
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That ’ s why I ’ m voting yes on Measure A on March 3 .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Paying teachers enough
is the least we can do
As a parent of three kids in Alameda public schools, I can’t count the times I have witnessed our teachers dig into their own pockets, donate their free time and work tirelessly during the school day to help our kids.
So I was shocked and dismayed when I learned that our city’s teachers are among the lowest paid in the county.
I have so many things to thank each of my kids’ teachers for: One‘s help turning around my distractible son’s attitude about school; another’s dedication to improving my kids’ writing abilities; the endless patience of our wonderful kindergarten staff at Otis Elementary School.
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Carrie Purins
Alameda
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mercurynews--2020-02-07--Harriette Cole: These stories about nannies horrify me

DEAR HARRIETTE : I have a young child , and I have been looking for a nanny to help me take care of her when I go back to work .
I know a few moms who have nannies , but I ’ m really at a loss for how to find someone I can trust to watch my child .
You hear horror stories about how other people take care of your children .
Those stories are getting under my skin , and I am not sure how I should proceed .
Do you have any recommendations ?
DEAR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , infant and child care is handled in different ways .
Sometimes a day care center that has been accredited by the city or state can work perfectly for you and can be more affordable than an individual coming to your home .
In other places , a nanny or a live-in au pair is common .
In all cases , you should rely heavily on referrals .
Look for someone who has been recommended by people you know and trust .
Research organizations that insure their staff and do background checks before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In many cities , people hire undocumented workers or people for whom they do not pay taxes in order to get a lower rate .
You should think twice about this .
In no way am I condemning these people as being untrustworthy .
But the downsides for you include your inability to get that legal background check and the liability that you will have for hiring someone illegally .
DEAR HARRIETTE : I have been freelancing in my field for about 10 years now .
I have built up a few key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me to make enough money to pay my bills , let alone create a cushion for retirement .
I learned about a full-time job opportunity that looks promising , but I am worried .
The salary is not very high , even though it does offer benefits .
I wonder if I get this job and have to walk away from my freelance clients , what happens if the job doesn ’ t last ?
Then I will have to start all over .
This makes me nervous .
Do you think I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TESTING THE WATERS : Consider this opportunity as a wonderful moment to evaluate where you are financially and in your business and to map out a plan for the future .
What do you need to be financially comfortable in 10 years ?
Are you on a trajectory now that will get you there ?
How viable are your current clients ?
What strategy can you put in place to grow your client base ?
Can this job be advantageous ?
Make a list of pros and cons of the job .
How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the included benefits be a financial relief for you ?
What is the potential for growth in this company ?
No matter what you ultimately decide , go for the interview .
This will help you to learn how valuable you are in the marketplace .
If you decide to accept the job , give it your all and don ’ t worry about how long it will last .
Your focus , expertise and enthusiasm will help you to succeed .
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS , an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their dreams .
You can send questions to askharriette @ harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have a young child, and I have been looking for a nanny to help me take care of her when I go back to work.
I know a few moms who have nannies, but I’m really at a loss for how to find someone I can trust to watch my child. You hear horror stories about how other people take care of your children. Those stories are getting under my skin, and I am not sure how I should proceed.
Do you have any recommendations?
Need a Nanny
DEAR NEED A NANNY: In different towns, infant and child care is handled in different ways. Sometimes a day care center that has been accredited by the city or state can work perfectly for you and can be more affordable than an individual coming to your home. In other places, a nanny or a live-in au pair is common.
In all cases, you should rely heavily on referrals. Look for someone who has been recommended by people you know and trust. Research organizations that insure their staff and do background checks before they present potential employees to you.
In many cities, people hire undocumented workers or people for whom they do not pay taxes in order to get a lower rate. You should think twice about this. In no way am I condemning these people as being untrustworthy. But the downsides for you include your inability to get that legal background check and the liability that you will have for hiring someone illegally.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I have been freelancing in my field for about 10 years now. I have built up a few key clients, but it is tough for me to make enough money to pay my bills, let alone create a cushion for retirement.
I learned about a full-time job opportunity that looks promising, but I am worried. The salary is not very high, even though it does offer benefits.
I wonder if I get this job and have to walk away from my freelance clients, what happens if the job doesn’t last? Then I will have to start all over. This makes me nervous. Do you think I should go for the interview?
Testing the Waters
DEAR TESTING THE WATERS: Consider this opportunity as a wonderful moment to evaluate where you are financially and in your business and to map out a plan for the future. What do you need to be financially comfortable in 10 years? Are you on a trajectory now that will get you there? How viable are your current clients? What strategy can you put in place to grow your client base?
Can this job be advantageous? Make a list of pros and cons of the job. How much money can you save? Will the included benefits be a financial relief for you? What is the potential for growth in this company?
No matter what you ultimately decide, go for the interview. This will help you to learn how valuable you are in the marketplace. If you decide to accept the job, give it your all and don’t worry about how long it will last. Your focus, expertise and enthusiasm will help you to succeed.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-02-08--CHP investigating death of man who ran after East Bay pursuit

The California Highway Patrol is investigating the death of a man Wednesday night following a pursuit in Contra Costa County @ @ @ @ @ man — identified Friday by the Contra Costa County Coroner ’ s Office as 24-year-old @ @ @ @ @ — tried to run from officers sometime Wednesday night following a vehicle pursuit , CHP @ @ @ @ @ .
The man was one of three suspects in the vehicle pursued by the CHP @ @ @ @ @ other two suspects were arrested , he said .
Details of what caused the chase @ @ @ @ @ onto what highways and/or road were not available immediately , but Fransen said it ended @ @ @ @ @ east part of the county and involved CHP officers on the ground and in a @ @ @ @ @ stopped , Thomas ran from officers .
No other details were available immediately .

The California Highway Patrol is investigating the death of a man Wednesday night following a pursuit in Contra Costa County, authorities said.
The man — identified Friday as 24-year-old Kenyon Thomas, of Pittsburg — was found dead Thursday morning, after trying to run from officers sometime Wednesday night following a vehicle pursuit, CHP spokesperson John Fransen said.
He was one of three suspects in the vehicle pursued by the CHP, Fransen said, adding that the other two men were arrested. It was not immediately clear what the men were suspected of, or whether the other two men in the vehicle have been charged.
The car chase ended near a canal in the eastern part of Contra Costa County and involved CHP officers on the ground and in a helicopter, Fransen said. After the chase stopped, Thomas ran from officers.
Further details were not immediately available Friday night.
Check back for updates.


mercurynews--2020-02-07--EPA ousts a California official; confusion ensues

WASHINGTON — The Environmental Protection Agency abruptly pushed out its top regional official for California and other points West , touching off an unusual public dispute between the two over the reason why .
Mike Stoker , the EPA ’ s chief for California and other far West states and territories since 2018 , said he got a call Wednesday from senior agency officials in Washington telling him to resign .
The flare-up marks the latest political road bump for the Trump administration in California , a Democratic stronghold leading the ranks of states fighting the president on environmental and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his farewell note to regional EPA staff , which Stoker provided to The Associated Press , Stoker said he believed his repeated clashes with the agency ’ s headquarters over unspecified “ policy and non-policy items ” helped prompt his removal .
But Stoker also wrote that he had been warned recently “ that it wasn ’ t going unnoticed how many Democrat members in Congress were commending me for the job I was doing ” on a contaminated site in San Francisco and other environmental issues in his region .
Aides for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrat , confirmed Friday that she had praised his work .
“ Many thanks for your commitment to the clean up and transfer of the former Hunters Point Naval Shipyard , ” Pelosi wrote in a June , 28 , 2018 letter to Stoker .
“ Your work to ensure public health , hold a transparent process that engages the public … is critical and greatly appreciated.
” EPA spokeswoman Corry Schiermeyer in Washington disputed Stoker ’ s account of the reason for his dismissal , however .
In a statement Friday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regional bosses to “ work in a bipartisan way.
” Instead , the EPA spokeswoman pointed to what she said was excessive travel and poor decision-making .
“ We … had to relieve him for severe neglect and incompetent administration of his duties .
His excuses and stories are simply all made up and we can not allow them to go without response , ” Schiermeyer said in the statement .
Democrats in California ’ s congressional delegation also had complained in the past about Stoker ’ s travel .
Stoker ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agriculture and in state and local government .
A supporter of candidate and then President Donald Trump , Stoker is credited with originating the chant “ Lock her up ” at Trump rallies , in regard to Hillary Clinton .
His stint at San Francisco-based EPA Region 9 came at a time when the Trump administration has been accused of trying to weaponize the EPA and some other federal agencies to punish California and other states for opposition to administration policies .
Last fall , for instance , Trump accused San Francisco of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drug addicts and homeless people to wash out into the Pacific Ocean .
San Francisco officials insisted that its sewage treatment system prevented any contamination , but the EPA followed up with warnings alleging violations of the Clean Water Act .
Stoker ’ s heavy travel in the EPA job had prompted a review by the agency ’ s independently funded Office of the Inspector General .
The EPA watchdog in 2019 tallied his 35 trips for an eight-month period throughout California and the West and as far as American Samoa , Guam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stoker was traveling on half of his work days for the period , the watchdog office said .
The EPA at the time defended Stoker ’ s trips , calling it normal for an official presiding over a far-flung region .
EPA spokespeople did not respond Friday when asked why they now objected to Stoker ’ s travel .
A senior attorney for an environmental group active in California on Friday said Stoker had been at the center of the Trump EPA ’ s efforts against the state .
“ This guy should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ environment , so good riddance , ” Hollin Kretzmann , senior attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity , said .
The region ’ s deputy administrator , Deborah Johnson , takes over as acting head .

By Ellen Knickmeyer | Associated Press
WASHINGTON — The Environmental Protection Agency abruptly pushed out its top regional official for California and other points West, touching off an unusual public dispute between the two over the reason why.
Mike Stoker, the EPA’s chief for California and other far West states and territories since 2018, said he got a call Wednesday from senior agency officials in Washington telling him to resign.
The flare-up marks the latest political road bump for the Trump administration in California, a Democratic stronghold leading the ranks of states fighting the president on environmental and climate rollbacks and immigration issues.
In his farewell note to regional EPA staff, which Stoker provided to The Associated Press, Stoker said he believed his repeated clashes with the agency’s headquarters over unspecified “policy and non-policy items” helped prompt his removal.
But Stoker also wrote that he had been warned recently “that it wasn’t going unnoticed how many Democrat members in Congress were commending me for the job I was doing” on a contaminated site in San Francisco and other environmental issues in his region.
Aides for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, confirmed Friday that she had praised his work.
“Many thanks for your commitment to the clean up and transfer of the former Hunters Point Naval Shipyard,” Pelosi wrote in a June, 28, 2018 letter to Stoker. “Your work to ensure public health, hold a transparent process that engages the public … is critical and greatly appreciated.”
EPA spokeswoman Corry Schiermeyer in Washington disputed Stoker’s account of the reason for his dismissal, however.
In a statement Friday, Schiermeyer said it was normal for EPA regional bosses to “work in a bipartisan way.”
Instead, the EPA spokeswoman pointed to what she said was excessive travel and poor decision-making.
“We … had to relieve him for severe neglect and incompetent administration of his duties. His excuses and stories are simply all made up and we cannot allow them to go without response,” Schiermeyer said in the statement.
Democrats in California’s congressional delegation also had complained in the past about Stoker’s travel.
Stoker’s work before the EPA included posts in agriculture and in state and local government. A supporter of candidate and then President Donald Trump, Stoker is credited with originating the chant “Lock her up” at Trump rallies, in regard to Hillary Clinton.
His stint at San Francisco-based EPA Region 9 came at a time when the Trump administration has been accused of trying to weaponize the EPA and some other federal agencies to punish California and other states for opposition to administration policies.
Last fall, for instance, Trump accused San Francisco of allowing used needles and human waste from drug addicts and homeless people to wash out into the Pacific Ocean. San Francisco officials insisted that its sewage treatment system prevented any contamination, but the EPA followed up with warnings alleging violations of the Clean Water Act.
Stoker’s heavy travel in the EPA job had prompted a review by the agency’s independently funded Office of the Inspector General. The EPA watchdog in 2019 tallied his 35 trips for an eight-month period throughout California and the West and as far as American Samoa, Guam and Japan, at $43,875. Stoker was traveling on half of his work days for the period, the watchdog office said.
The EPA at the time defended Stoker’s trips, calling it normal for an official presiding over a far-flung region.
EPA spokespeople did not respond Friday when asked why they now objected to Stoker’s travel.
A senior attorney for an environmental group active in California on Friday said Stoker had been at the center of the Trump EPA’s efforts against the state.
“This guy should not be in charge of protecting the environment, so good riddance,” Hollin Kretzmann, senior attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity, said.
The region’s deputy administrator, Deborah Johnson, takes over as acting head.
Lisa Mascaro contributed.


mercurynews--2020-02-07--Man killed in fatal traffic wreck in Pleasanton area

PLEASANTON — A 55-year-old Salida man was killed Friday morning when his station wagon went down an embankment and crashed @ @ @ @ @ California Highway Patrol said .
The man ’ s name has not been released .
@ @ @ @ @ inside his 2014 Volkswagen Jetta station wagon about 8:15 a.m. Friday near the intersection of @ @ @ @ @ just west of Interstate 680 , authorities said .
CHP Officer Tyler Hahn said the @ @ @ @ @ embankment and crashed into a tree .
The CHP is trying to determine exactly when @ @ @ @ @ caused it , Hahn said .
Anyone who may have witnessed the wreck is asked @ @ @ @ @ ’ s office at 925-828-0466 .

PLEASANTON — A 55-year-old Salida man killed Friday morning when his station wagon went down an embankment and crashed into a tree was identified by the coroner’s office Tuesday as David Davis.
He was found dead inside his 2014 Volkswagen Jetta station wagon about 8:15 a.m. Friday near the intersection of Pleasanton Sunol Road and Castlewood Drive just west of Interstate 680, the California Highway Patrol said.
CHP Officer Tyler Hahn said the vehicle went down a 30-foot embankment and crashed into a tree. The CHP is trying to determine exactly when the wreck happened and what caused it, Hahn said.
Anyone who may have witnessed the wreck is asked to call the CHP Dublin’s office at 925-828-0466.
Check back for updates.


mercurynews--2020-02-07--Trump fires two impeachment witnesses: Vindman and Sondland

President Donald Trump fired two key impeachment witnesses Friday , dismissing Lt. Col. Alex Vindman , the top Ukraine expert at the National Security Council , and US Ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland .
Vindman was pushed out of his role Friday months earlier than expected , according to a statement from his attorney .
Vindman was not slated to leave until July , but had been telling colleagues in recent weeks he would likely leave soon .
Sondland said in a statement Friday that he is being recalled from his post .
“ I was advised today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effective immediately as United States Ambassador to the European Union , ” Sondland said .
“ I am grateful to President Trump for having given me the opportunity to serve , to Secretary Pompeo for his consistent support , and to the exceptional and dedicated professionals at the U.S. Mission to the European Union .
I am proud of our accomplishments .
Our work here has been the highlight of my career.
” The dismissals appear to be retribution for Vindman and Sondland ’ s explosive testimonies to the House impeachment probe late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fume privately about Vindman ’ s testimony during the impeachment inquiry and foreshadowed his dismissal earlier Friday .
“ Well , I ’ m not happy with him , ” Trump said .
“ You think I ’ m supposed to be happy with him ?
I ’ m not.
” And Sondland ’ s ties to the White House and Trump had deteriorated since his testimony .
A person familiar with the situation says Sondland ’ s ties to the White House and Trump had frayed badly since he testified last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speed-dial , or the presidential equivalent of it , but since his appearance he hasn ’ t spoken with Trump .
He was also pulled from overseeing the Ukraine portfolio , which wasn ’ t directly related to his position as EU ambassador .
Vindman , a decorated veteran who was born in Ukraine , was escorted out of the White House by security and told his services were no longer needed , according to his lawyer , David Pressman .
His twin brother , Lt. Col. Yevgeny Vindman , a National Security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ suddenly and with no explanation , despite over two decades of loyal service to this country , ” Pressman said , and walked off the White House grounds alongside Alex Vindman .
Yevgeny Vindman had never testified or spoke publicly about the Ukraine saga .
“ He deeply regrets that he will not be able to continue his service at the White House , ” Pressman said in a statement .
Before the impeachment inquiry was launched , the Vindman brothers often arrived at work together .
National Security Council spokesman John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comment on personnel matters.
” Vindman is expected to return to the Pentagon , though it ’ s still unclear what his assignment will be until he ’ s expected to attend war college this summer .
“ We welcome back all of our service members , wherever they serve , to any assignment they are given , ” Defense Secretary Mark Esper had said Friday when asked about Vindman ’ s expected ouster .
“ We can confirm that both Lt. Cols .
Vindman have been reassigned to the Department of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ privacy , we will not be providing any further information at this time , ” an Army spokesperson said .
The vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , Gen. John Hyten , told CNN that “ it will be up to the Army ” to determine where Alex Vindman goes next .
“ But I ’ m sure there ’ s still room for his talents in the United States Army , it ’ s just not in the current job , ” he said .
Former US Ambassador to Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highly respected career diplomat who unwittingly became one of the central figures in the impeachment drama — retired from the State Department last month .
She was removed from her post in Kiev in May 2019 after a targeted campaign against her led by allies of Trump .
Yovanovitch testified both publicly and privately in the House impeachment inquiry .
She was repeatedly maligned by the President — including on a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky .
She said she was “ devastated ” to find out that Trump had discussed her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call with Zelensky in July .
She said Trump ’ s comments about her “ sounded like a threat.
” Recent evidence suggested she may have been surveilled while serving in Ukraine .
Taylor , the top US diplomat in Ukraine and a key witness in the hearings , departed his temporary post on January 2 .
The former ambassador had been brought out of retirement last year to take on duties in the embassy after Yovanovitch was abruptly recalled to Washington at the President ’ s direction .
As a pivotal witness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump telling his appointees to establish a quid pro quo with Ukraine , offering much-needed US military aid and an Oval Office meeting in exchange for personal political favors .
Taylor spoke exclusively with CNN ’ s Jake Tapper on Friday in his first interview since leaving Kiev last month .
Williams , the special adviser to Vice President Mike Pence on Europe and Russia , left her post last month — two months ahead of her planned departure at the end of March .
Williams , who served as a detailee to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department , has started another assignment as a deputy foreign policy adviser at US Central Command , which oversees US troops in the Middle East and Central Asia .
She ’ s had the assignment lined up since last fall , a White House official said last month , and she left the vice president ’ s office early to do some training before heading to Tampa , Florida , where CENTCOM is based .
The official did not dispute that Williams ’ role in the Ukraine saga had influenced her early departure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Russian affairs at the National Security Council before departing the Trump administration last summer ahead of her testimony in the impeachment inquiry .
Last month , Hill returned to the Brookings Institution , where she is a senior fellow at the Washington-based think tank ’ s Center on the United States and Europe .
Hill ’ s testimony corroborated several accounts offered by others about the events surrounding Trump ’ s July 25 call with the Ukrainian President , which occurred after she left her role at the National Security Council .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , saying she had grown concerned about his role on Ukraine only because things were shifting into a political realm .
She delivered a full-throated rebuttal to the “ fictional narrative ” pushed by Trump and his GOP allies , including during the impeachment inquiry hearings , that Ukraine had interfered in the 2016 US election .
And she warned the House Intelligence Committee that the Kremlin is prepared to strike again in 2020 and remains a serious threat to American democracy that the United States must seek to combat .
During her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boss , then-national security adviser John Bolton , referenced a “ drug deal ” when told of a linkage between US aid and investigations into Trump ’ s political rivals .
Morrison replaced Fiona Hill as the top Russia and Europe adviser on the National Security Council last summer only to leave the job months later , shortly after testifying in the House impeachment inquiry .
After departing the White House , Morrison joined a Washington-based think tank , the Hudson Institute , as a senior fellow .
In his closed-door deposition , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gordon Sondland that US aid to Ukraine was conditioned on the country announcing an investigation into former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden .
During his open hearing , Morrison was asked about the July 25 Trump-Ukraine phone call and said that nothing about the conversation worried him .
Kent , who has been in the foreign service since 1992 , remains in his post overseeing policy for a number of eastern European nations , including Ukraine .
He testified about the effort to oust Yovanovitch and his attempts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been told to “ keep my head down ” after Trump ’ s personal attorney Rudy Giuliani attacked him by name .
As the Ukraine scandal emerged last September , Volker stepped down from his post as the US special envoy for Ukraine .
Later , he resigned as executive director of the McCain Institute for International Leadership , saying the impeachment inquiry would be a distraction .
Despite his name being evoked at multiple junctures during the impeachment trial , Sondland remains in his post as US ambassador to the European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House and Trump have frayed , however , and administration officials sought to question his credibility during the trial .
While Sondland once oversaw Ukraine issues — despite the country not being in the EU — he no longer has purview in that area , officials have said .
Cooper remains in her post at the Pentagon as deputy assistant secretary of defense for Russia , Ukraine and Eurasia .
She testified that some Ukrainian officials seemed aware of a hold on US aid weeks before it was publicly reported .
Hale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s leaders declined to defend Yovanovitch in a statement , remains at the State Department as under secretary of state for political affairs , a position he ’ s held since 2018 .
It ’ s the third-highest position at the State Department .
He ’ s currently traveling on official business in Africa .
Holmes is a career foreign service officer who testified about a phone call he had overheard between Sondland and Trump at a restaurant in Kiev .
He remains posted at the US Embassy in the Ukrainian capital , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State Mike Pompeo held there during a visit last month .

[vemba-video id=”politics/2020/02/07/alexander-vindman-impeachment-witness-newday-collins-vpx.cnn”]
By Kaitlan Collins, Kristen Holmes, Katelyn Polantz, Gloria Borger and Kevin Liptak | CNN
President Donald Trump fired two key impeachment witnesses Friday, dismissing Lt. Col. Alex Vindman, the top Ukraine expert at the National Security Council, and US Ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland.
Vindman was pushed out of his role Friday months earlier than expected, according to a statement from his attorney. Vindman was not slated to leave until July, but had been telling colleagues in recent weeks he would likely leave soon.
Sondland said in a statement Friday that he is being recalled from his post.
“I was advised today that the President intends to recall me effective immediately as United States Ambassador to the European Union,” Sondland said.
“I am grateful to President Trump for having given me the opportunity to serve, to Secretary Pompeo for his consistent support, and to the exceptional and dedicated professionals at the U.S. Mission to the European Union. I am proud of our accomplishments. Our work here has been the highlight of my career.”
The dismissals appear to be retribution for Vindman and Sondland’s explosive testimonies to the House impeachment probe late last year.
Trump had continued to fume privately about Vindman’s testimony during the impeachment inquiry and foreshadowed his dismissal earlier Friday.
“Well, I’m not happy with him,” Trump said. “You think I’m supposed to be happy with him? I’m not.”
And Sondland’s ties to the White House and Trump had deteriorated since his testimony.
A person familiar with the situation says Sondland’s ties to the White House and Trump had frayed badly since he testified last year. He once had Trump effectively on speed-dial, or the presidential equivalent of it, but since his appearance he hasn’t spoken with Trump. He was also pulled from overseeing the Ukraine portfolio, which wasn’t directly related to his position as EU ambassador.
Vindman dismissed early
Vindman, a decorated veteran who was born in Ukraine, was escorted out of the White House by security and told his services were no longer needed, according to his lawyer, David Pressman.
His twin brother, Lt. Col. Yevgeny Vindman, a National Security Council attorney, was also fired, “suddenly and with no explanation, despite over two decades of loyal service to this country,” Pressman said, and walked off the White House grounds alongside Alex Vindman.
Yevgeny Vindman had never testified or spoke publicly about the Ukraine saga. “He deeply regrets that he will not be able to continue his service at the White House,” Pressman said in a statement.
Before the impeachment inquiry was launched, the Vindman brothers often arrived at work together.
National Security Council spokesman John Ullyot said: “We do not comment on personnel matters.”
Vindman is expected to return to the Pentagon, though it’s still unclear what his assignment will be until he’s expected to attend war college this summer.
“We welcome back all of our service members, wherever they serve, to any assignment they are given,” Defense Secretary Mark Esper had said Friday when asked about Vindman’s expected ouster.
“We can confirm that both Lt. Cols. Vindman have been reassigned to the Department of the Army, out of respect for their privacy, we will not be providing any further information at this time,” an Army spokesperson said.
The vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. John Hyten, told CNN that “it will be up to the Army” to determine where Alex Vindman goes next. “But I’m sure there’s still room for his talents in the United States Army, it’s just not in the current job,” he said.
Marie Yovanovich
Former US Ambassador to Ukraine Marie “Masha” Yovanovitch — a highly respected career diplomat who unwittingly became one of the central figures in the impeachment drama — retired from the State Department last month.
She was removed from her post in Kiev in May 2019 after a targeted campaign against her led by allies of Trump.
Yovanovitch testified both publicly and privately in the House impeachment inquiry. She was repeatedly maligned by the President — including on a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. She said she was “devastated” to find out that Trump had discussed her in such a negative way during his call with Zelensky in July. She said Trump’s comments about her “sounded like a threat.” Recent evidence suggested she may have been surveilled while serving in Ukraine.
Bill Taylor
Taylor, the top US diplomat in Ukraine and a key witness in the hearings, departed his temporary post on January 2.
The former ambassador had been brought out of retirement last year to take on duties in the embassy after Yovanovitch was abruptly recalled to Washington at the President’s direction.
As a pivotal witness, Taylor provided a damning account of Trump telling his appointees to establish a quid pro quo with Ukraine, offering much-needed US military aid and an Oval Office meeting in exchange for personal political favors.
Taylor spoke exclusively with CNN’s Jake Tapper on Friday in his first interview since leaving Kiev last month.
Jennifer Williams
Williams, the special adviser to Vice President Mike Pence on Europe and Russia, left her post last month — two months ahead of her planned departure at the end of March.
Williams, who served as a detailee to Pence’s staff from the State Department, has started another assignment as a deputy foreign policy adviser at US Central Command, which oversees US troops in the Middle East and Central Asia.
She’s had the assignment lined up since last fall, a White House official said last month, and she left the vice president’s office early to do some training before heading to Tampa, Florida, where CENTCOM is based.
The official did not dispute that Williams’ role in the Ukraine saga had influenced her early departure.
Fiona Hill
Hill served as the top official on Russian affairs at the National Security Council before departing the Trump administration last summer ahead of her testimony in the impeachment inquiry.
Last month, Hill returned to the Brookings Institution, where she is a senior fellow at the Washington-based think tank’s Center on the United States and Europe.
Hill’s testimony corroborated several accounts offered by others about the events surrounding Trump’s July 25 call with the Ukrainian President, which occurred after she left her role at the National Security Council. Hill mounted a forceful defense of Vindman, saying she had grown concerned about his role on Ukraine only because things were shifting into a political realm.
She delivered a full-throated rebuttal to the “fictional narrative” pushed by Trump and his GOP allies, including during the impeachment inquiry hearings, that Ukraine had interfered in the 2016 US election. And she warned the House Intelligence Committee that the Kremlin is prepared to strike again in 2020 and remains a serious threat to American democracy that the United States must seek to combat.
During her closed deposition, HIll said her former boss, then-national security adviser John Bolton, referenced a “drug deal” when told of a linkage between US aid and investigations into Trump’s political rivals.
Tim Morrison
Morrison replaced Fiona Hill as the top Russia and Europe adviser on the National Security Council last summer only to leave the job months later, shortly after testifying in the House impeachment inquiry.
After departing the White House, Morrison joined a Washington-based think tank, the Hudson Institute, as a senior fellow.
In his closed-door deposition, Morrison testified that he had heard from Gordon Sondland that US aid to Ukraine was conditioned on the country announcing an investigation into former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden.
During his open hearing, Morrison was asked about the July 25 Trump-Ukraine phone call and said that nothing about the conversation worried him.
George Kent
Kent, who has been in the foreign service since 1992, remains in his post overseeing policy for a number of eastern European nations, including Ukraine. He testified about the effort to oust Yovanovitch and his attempts to shield her from false allegations. Kent had been told to “keep my head down” after Trump’s personal attorney Rudy Giuliani attacked him by name.
Kurt Volker
As the Ukraine scandal emerged last September, Volker stepped down from his post as the US special envoy for Ukraine. Later, he resigned as executive director of the McCain Institute for International Leadership, saying the impeachment inquiry would be a distraction.
Gordon Sondland
Despite his name being evoked at multiple junctures during the impeachment trial, Sondland remains in his post as US ambassador to the European Union. His once-close ties to the White House and Trump have frayed, however, and administration officials sought to question his credibility during the trial. While Sondland once oversaw Ukraine issues — despite the country not being in the EU — he no longer has purview in that area, officials have said.
Laura Cooper
Cooper remains in her post at the Pentagon as deputy assistant secretary of defense for Russia, Ukraine and Eurasia. She testified that some Ukrainian officials seemed aware of a hold on US aid weeks before it was publicly reported.
David Hale
Hale, who testified that his agency’s leaders declined to defend Yovanovitch in a statement, remains at the State Department as under secretary of state for political affairs, a position he’s held since 2018. It’s the third-highest position at the State Department. He’s currently traveling on official business in Africa.
David Holmes
Holmes is a career foreign service officer who testified about a phone call he had overheard between Sondland and Trump at a restaurant in Kiev. He remains posted at the US Embassy in the Ukrainian capital, and attended a meet-and-greet that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo held there during a visit last month.


mercurynews--2020-02-07--Vegan foods company in North Bay ordered by California to stop saying its ‘vegan butter’ is butter

A Petaluma vegan-foods company is suing California food regulators after being ordered to stop using the word “ butter ” on its packaging .
Miyoko ’ s Kitchen , owned by self-described “ Queen of Vegan Cheese ” Miyoko Schinner , claimed in the suit that California is violating the constitutional right to free speech as it kowtows to producers of meat and dairy goods .
“ California has bowed to pressure from industry lobbyists and taken sides in a heated national debate between proponents of plant-based and animal-based foods , ” the lawsuit filed Thursday claimed .
Miyoko ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from state regulators filed as evidence in the suit , to stop using the word “ butter ” on labeling for its “ cultured vegan butter.
” The company ’ s products are made from cultured cashew nuts , and according to the suit , vegan butter is the top seller .
“ The product is not butter , ” the California Department of Food & Agriculture said in a letter sent in December .
Butter , the agency asserted , is made exclusively from milk or cream and must contain at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countered that , “ products like peanut butter and apple butter , and all sorts of other fruit and nut butters have used the term ‘ butter ’ for well over a hundred years without any hint of consumers confusing them for butter from cow ’ s milk.
” A court filing by Miyoko ’ s shows product labeling for its butter , which says prominently , “ made from plants.
” The California Department of Food & Agriculture refused to comment on the lawsuit , or explain why “ vegan butter ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
California ’ s move against Miyako ’ s comes amid a nation-wide battle by dairy and meat producers to quash the growth of plant-based alternatives , with trade groups pressuring the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture , the suit said .
“ For the past two decades , the National Milk Producers Federation has petitioned the FDA to prevent plant-based dairy alternatives from using dairy terminology to describe their products , ” according to the suit , filed in Northern California U.S. District Court .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States Cattlemen ’ s Association petitioned the USDA to prevent plant-based alternatives to meat from using the terms ‘ beef ’ and ‘ meat . '
” The suit , which names as defendants California Department of Food & Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross and the agency ’ s dairy-foods-safety chief Stephen Beam , cites the popularity of meat substitutes made by Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods .
The agency also demanded that Miyoko ’ s strip from its website imagery it says represents “ animal agriculture , ” including a photo of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t be used to promote non-dairy goods that resemble dairy products , the agency said .
Miyoko ’ s also can ’ t promote its products through the use of the words “ cruelty free , ” “ hormone free ” and “ lactose free , ” because that language implies the products are made from dairy goods but without cruelty , hormones or lactose , the agency said in the letter .
The “ hormone free ” phrase is also a no-no , since plants naturally contain hormones , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in its suit , argued that the picture of the woman and the cow is “ emphatically not an ‘ image of animal agriculture , ’ but instead conveys the message that by choosing a vegan option , consumers are protecting cows from harm in the dairy industry .
The words “ lactose free ” and “ cruelty free ” are true descriptions of the products , the suit maintained .
As for the ban on claiming its products are “ hormone free , ” Miyoko ’ s argued that “ no reasonable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Miyoko ’ s plant-based butter is free of substances that occur in all plants.
” Obeying the state ’ s orders would cost well more than $ 1 million in new packaging , and “ significantly obstruct plant-based producers ’ ability to convey their message , ” Miyako ’ s claims .
The company is seeking a court order preventing California from imposing the restrictions , and an order that declares the agency ’ s letter a violation of the First Amendment right to free speech .

A Petaluma vegan-foods company is suing California food regulators after being ordered to stop using the word “butter” on its packaging.
Miyoko’s Kitchen, owned by self-described “Queen of Vegan Cheese” Miyoko Schinner, claimed in the suit that California is violating the constitutional right to free speech as it kowtows to producers of meat and dairy goods.
“California has bowed to pressure from industry lobbyists and taken sides in a heated national debate between proponents of plant-based and animal-based foods,” the lawsuit filed Thursday claimed.
Miyoko’s was told, in a letter from state regulators filed as evidence in the suit, to stop using the word “butter” on labeling for its “cultured vegan butter.” The company’s products are made from cultured cashew nuts, and according to the suit, vegan butter is the top seller.
“The product is not butter,” the California Department of Food & Agriculture said in a letter sent in December. Butter, the agency asserted, is made exclusively from milk or cream and must contain at least 80 percent milk fat.
The suit countered that, “products like peanut butter and apple butter, and all sorts of other fruit and nut butters have used the term ‘butter’ for well over a hundred years without any hint of consumers confusing them for butter from cow’s milk.” A court filing by Miyoko’s shows product labeling for its butter, which says prominently, “made from plants.”
The California Department of Food & Agriculture refused to comment on the lawsuit, or explain why “vegan butter” should be treated differently than peanut butter.
California’s move against Miyako’s comes amid a nation-wide battle by dairy and meat producers to quash the growth of plant-based alternatives, with trade groups pressuring the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the suit said.
“For the past two decades, the National Milk Producers Federation has petitioned the FDA to prevent plant-based dairy alternatives from using dairy terminology to describe their products,” according to the suit, filed in Northern California U.S. District Court. “Similarly, in February 2018 the United States Cattlemen’s Association petitioned the USDA to prevent plant-based alternatives to meat from using the terms ‘beef’ and ‘meat.'”
The suit, which names as defendants California Department of Food & Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross and the agency’s dairy-foods-safety chief Stephen Beam, cites the popularity of meat substitutes made by Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods.
The agency also demanded that Miyoko’s strip from its website imagery it says represents “animal agriculture,” including a photo of a woman hugging a cow. Dairy-related imagery can’t be used to promote non-dairy goods that resemble dairy products, the agency said. Miyoko’s also can’t promote its products through the use of the words “cruelty free,” “hormone free” and “lactose free,” because that language implies the products are made from dairy goods but without cruelty, hormones or lactose, the agency said in the letter. The “hormone free” phrase is also a no-no, since plants naturally contain hormones, the agency said.
Miyoko’s, in its suit, argued that the picture of the woman and the cow is “emphatically not an ‘image of animal agriculture,’ but instead conveys the message that by choosing a vegan option, consumers are protecting cows from harm in the dairy industry. The words “lactose free” and “cruelty free” are true descriptions of the products, the suit maintained.
As for the ban on claiming its products are “hormone free,” Miyoko’s argued that “no reasonable consumer would think the label implies that Miyoko’s plant-based butter is free of substances that occur in all plants.”
Obeying the state’s orders would cost well more than $1 million in new packaging, and “significantly obstruct plant-based producers’ ability to convey their message,” Miyako’s claims. The company is seeking a court order preventing California from imposing the restrictions, and an order that declares the agency’s letter a violation of the First Amendment right to free speech.


mercurynews--2020-02-07--Contra Costa Sheriff’s deputy resigns amid investigation over text messages

MARTINEZ — A Contra Costa Sheriff ’ s deputy under investigation for texting photos of jail inmates resigned this week .
The deputy , Chris Spadaro , had sent a photo of an inmate in an ambulance to his former girlfriend , who filed a complaint with the department after Spadaro broke up with her in January , according to a report from KTVU .
In addition to sending her a photo inside an ambulance of an inmate going to the hospital — a violation of federal medical privacy laws — Spadaro also sent a photo while on duty of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ messages called the inmates “ animals , ” “ vermin ” and “ dirtballs.
” Contra Costa Sheriff David Livingston confirmed to this news organization through his spokesman , Jimmy Lee , that Spadaro is not longer employed by the sheriff ’ s office and resigned as an internal investigation was being initiated .
“ This type of conduct will not be tolerated , ” Livingston said in an emailed statement , which also noted that Spadaro ’ s former girlfriend notified the press of Spadaro ’ s texts and then alerted the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigation .
That came as Spadaro was already on probation following previous investigations into questionable past behavior , according to documents obtained by this newspaper .
Spadaro was about to be fired for dishonesty in 2017 when Sheriff David Livingston offered him a “ last chance ” deal to keep his job , records released under the state ’ s law enforcement transparency law , Senate Bill 1421 , show .
Instead of termination , Spadaro ’ s pay was reduced by 5 percent for six months , documents show .
He agreed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three years and that he could not apply for promotion during that time .
The agreement also states he would be immediately fired if he committed any conduct unbecoming an officer .
Vacaville Police had arrested Spadaro on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol on Nov. 24 , 2016 after seeing him make an illegal turn out of the driveway of a bar .
He then ran a red light and sped off at what an officer who tailed him estimated was 70 mph , according to documents .
Spadaro then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and pulled into a parking lot .
When Vacaville Officer Julie Bailey asked him why he was in the parking lot , Spadaro replied he was looking for a “ Jack-in-the Box ” restaurant .
He said he had “ a beer ” that night .
Tests later showed his blood alcohol content was .14 , and eventually he admitted having five drinks before driving .
Vacaville Police also noticed that Spadaro also had paper license plates on his vehicle despite owning it for months .
He eventually admitted that he kept the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cross toll bridges on his commute to Contra Costa County without paying tolls .
“ We get ( that ) a lot with dirtbags , ” Bailey later told Contra Costa Sheriff ’ s internal affairs investigators .
Court records and archives from this newspaper also show that Spadaro was also accused of sexual harassment in 2006 by a female deputy .
The county settled the suit in 2008 for an unknown amount .

MARTINEZ — A Contra Costa County sheriff’s deputy under investigation for texting photos of jail inmates resigned this week.
The deputy, Chris Spadaro, had sent a photo of an inmate inside an ambulance to his former girlfriend, who filed a complaint with the Sheriff’s Office after Spadaro broke up with her in January, according to a report by KTVU.
In addition to sending her that photo — a violation of federal medical privacy laws — Spadaro sent a photo while on duty of inmates inside the jail and in messages called the inmates “animals,” “vermin” and “dirtballs,” according to the report.
Contra Costa Sheriff David Livingston confirmed to this news organization through his spokesman, Jimmy Lee, that Spadaro is no longer employed by the Sheriff’s Office, saying he resigned as an internal investigation was being initiated.
“This type of conduct will not be tolerated,” Livingston said in an emailed statement, which also noted that Spadaro’s former girlfriend notified the press of Spadaro’s texts and then alerted the Sheriff’s Office, prompting the investigation.
That came as Spadaro was already on probation following previous investigations into questionable past behavior, according to documents obtained by this news organization.
Spadaro was about to be fired for dishonesty in 2017 when Livingston offered him a “last chance” deal to keep his job, records released under the state’s law enforcement transparency law, Senate Bill 1421, show.
Instead of termination, Spadaro’s pay was reduced by 5 percent for six months, documents show. He agreed to random drug and alcohol testing for three years and was barred from applying for promotion during that time. The agreement also states he would be immediately fired if he committed any conduct unbecoming of an officer.
Vacaville police had arrested Spadaro on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol on Nov. 24, 2016 after seeing him make an illegal turn out of a bar’s driveway. He then ran a red light and sped off at what an officer who tailed him estimated was 70 mph, according to documents.
Spadaro then turned off his vehicle’s lights and pulled into a parking lot. When Vacaville police Officer Julie Bailey asked him why he was in the parking lot, Spadaro replied he was looking for a “Jack-in-the Box” restaurant. He said he had “a beer” that night. Tests later showed his blood alcohol content was .14, and eventually he admitted having five drinks before driving.
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Judge rules retrial of ex-Philadelphia officer in 2020 protest actions should be held outside city Crime and Public Safety | Michigan trooper who ordered dog on injured motorist is acquitted of assault Vacaville police also noticed that Spadaro had paper license plates on his vehicle despite owning it for months. He eventually admitted that he kept the paper plates because they allowed him to cross toll bridges on his commute to Contra Costa County without paying tolls.
“We get (that) a lot with dirtbags,” Bailey later told Sheriff’s Office internal affairs investigators.
Court records and archives from this news organization show that Spadaro also was accused of sexual harassment in 2006 by a female deputy. The county settled the suit in 2008 for an unknown amount.


mercurynews--2020-02-07--Theater review: ACT’s ‘Wakey Wakey’ brings Tony Hale to the spotlight

This was all supposed to be something else – something different .
Or so we ’ re told by the only person in the room who is speaking .
But what this is and why we ’ re here isn ’ t clear , and that ’ s exactly how it ’ s supposed to be .
Confusing ?
Yes , absolutely .
Delightful and moving ?
Yes , even more so .
That ’ s the conundrum of Will Eno ’ s “ Wakey , Wakey , ” a triumph of spacious playwriting now on stage at American Conservatory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whose work has been produced all over the Bay Area , is the kind of writer who doesn ’ t fill in all the blanks .
He leaves room for his audience to interpret , to feel and to question .
Some audience members don ’ t like that approach .
They want to know the whos , whats and whys so they can relax and enjoy the show .
In much of Eno ’ s work , there ’ s mystery and practicality around the notion of what it means to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You could argue his approach is direct and insightful — or perhaps obfuscating and unfinished .
In the case of the quietly moving and gently funny “ Wakey , Wakey , ” the best possible approach is to relax and let it wash over you without worrying too much about the details .
This isn ’ t a play in the conventional sense – it ’ s an offbeat musing on life and death that aims more for the glorious than the gloomy .
What you need to know is that there ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Emmy Award-winner Tony Hale of “ Arrested Development ” and “ Veep ” fame , and he ’ s going to speak for about 70 minutes .
Sitting in a wheelchair in front of a giant screen , he wears a sports coat and pajama bottoms and makes a rambling sort of presentation that could be called , he suggests , “ Elegy for the Eulogist.
” Guy says things like , “ We ’ re here to say good-bye and maybe hopefully also get better at saying hello .
To celebrate life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too passive-aggressive.
” Or , “ Time is your friend and time is your enemy .
We can choose which , ” then he pauses before adding ruefully , “ for a while.
” Everything Guy says has a life-and-death heft to it .
Perhaps in this vague setting he ’ s somewhere between life and death himself or is in some sort of care facility where he will soon make a transition ( the institutional set by Kimie Nishikawa is so nondescript it could be anytime and anyplace ) .
Whatever the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone we warm to immediately .
The highly strung , oddball humor we ’ re used to seeing Hale perform on TV is replaced with warmth , kindness and bemusement .
Under the delicately precise guidance of director Anne Kauffman , Guy becomes an every-human attempting to make sense of time , mortality and why we ’ re here — in the broad existentialist sense and the smaller “ why are we in this theater together ” sense .
• Beyond Dear Abby : Cheryl Strayed contemplates the art of giving advice • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this weekend • The ‘ SpongeBob ’ interview : What does it take to be Mr. SquarePants ?
• Review : Marie stands out in long , complicated , but relevant ‘ Oslo ’ At a certain point , Guy is joined by Lisa ( Kathryn Smith-McGlynn ) , whom we met in the short play that opens the evening , “ The Substitution , ” which Eno created just for this ACT run .
Again , who she is and what she ’ s doing there remains vague .
She could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grim Reaper herself , but what she is to Guy is kind and helpful .
In its unconventional way , “ Wakey , Wakey ” is highly theatrical , almost surreal , and at the same time grounded in the emotional weight of life in transition .
At one point , Lisa says , almost as if she ’ s talking about the act of watching a play itself , “ Pretend that none of this is pretend , because it isn ’ t. ” Yet somehow , for a play about death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even hope – that lingers .
The everyday has ascended to the profound .
Chad Jones is a Bay Area freelance writer who blogs at www.theaterdogs.net .
By Will Eno , presented by American Conservatory Theater

This was all supposed to be something else – something different. Or so we’re told by the only person in the room who is speaking. But what this is and why we’re here isn’t clear, and that’s exactly how it’s supposed to be.
Confusing? Yes, absolutely. Delightful and moving? Yes, even more so. That’s the conundrum of Will Eno’s “Wakey, Wakey,” a triumph of spacious playwriting now on stage at American Conservatory Theater’s Geary Theater.
Eno, whose work has been produced all over the Bay Area, is the kind of writer who doesn’t fill in all the blanks. He leaves room for his audience to interpret, to feel and to question. Some audience members don’t like that approach. They want to know the whos, whats and whys so they can relax and enjoy the show. In much of Eno’s work, there’s mystery and practicality around the notion of what it means to be a human in the world. You could argue his approach is direct and insightful — or perhaps obfuscating and unfinished.
In the case of the quietly moving and gently funny “Wakey, Wakey,” the best possible approach is to relax and let it wash over you without worrying too much about the details. This isn’t a play in the conventional sense – it’s an offbeat musing on life and death that aims more for the glorious than the gloomy.
What you need to know is that there’s a guy named Guy played by Emmy Award-winner Tony Hale of “Arrested Development” and “Veep” fame, and he’s going to speak for about 70 minutes. Sitting in a wheelchair in front of a giant screen, he wears a sports coat and pajama bottoms and makes a rambling sort of presentation that could be called, he suggests, “Elegy for the Eulogist.”
Guy says things like, “We’re here to say good-bye and maybe hopefully also get better at saying hello. To celebrate life, if that doesn’t sound too passive-aggressive.” Or, “Time is your friend and time is your enemy. We can choose which,” then he pauses before adding ruefully, “for a while.”
Everything Guy says has a life-and-death heft to it. Perhaps in this vague setting he’s somewhere between life and death himself or is in some sort of care facility where he will soon make a transition (the institutional set by Kimie Nishikawa is so nondescript it could be anytime and anyplace). Whatever the situation, the masterful Hale makes Guy someone we warm to immediately. The highly strung, oddball humor we’re used to seeing Hale perform on TV is replaced with warmth, kindness and bemusement.
Under the delicately precise guidance of director Anne Kauffman, Guy becomes an every-human attempting to make sense of time, mortality and why we’re here — in the broad existentialist sense and the smaller “why are we in this theater together” sense. Related Articles Entertainment | Review: High-flying ‘Corteo’ finds Cirque du Soleil wrestling with somber themes
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At a certain point, Guy is joined by Lisa (Kathryn Smith-McGlynn), whom we met in the short play that opens the evening, “The Substitution,” which Eno created just for this ACT run. Again, who she is and what she’s doing there remains vague. She could be anything from a hospice worker to the Grim Reaper herself, but what she is to Guy is kind and helpful.
In its unconventional way, “Wakey, Wakey” is highly theatrical, almost surreal, and at the same time grounded in the emotional weight of life in transition. At one point, Lisa says, almost as if she’s talking about the act of watching a play itself, “Pretend that none of this is pretend, because it isn’t.” Yet somehow, for a play about death, there’s abundant joy – even hope – that lingers. The everyday has ascended to the profound.
Chad Jones is a Bay Area freelance writer who blogs at www.theaterdogs.net.
‘WAKEY, WAKEY’
By Will Eno, presented by American Conservatory Theater
Dates: through Feb. 16
Where: Geary Theater, 415 Geary St., San Francisco
Running time: 70 minutes
Tickets: $15-$110 www.act-sf.org


mercurynews--2020-02-07--Oscars to pay tribute to Kobe Bryant — but it’s complicated

On Sunday night , former NBA superstar Kobe Bryant will be honored at the Academy Awards .
Producers say he will be included in the show ’ s annual “ In Memoriam ” segment of the program , which commemorates the stars , directors , producers and other notables in the film industry who have died in the past year .
“ We can confirm that Kobe Bryant will be acknowledged in the telecast , ” the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Science said in a statement to Entertainment Tonight , Thursday .
This sort of tribute to Bryant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NBA great was awarded an Oscar in 2018 .
The former Los Angeles Laker won for best animated short for “ Dear Basketball , ” which was based on a poem he wrote .
The tribute may also offer some comfort to Kobe ’ s family , friends and fans .
His Jan. 26 death in a helicopter crash , which also killed his 13-year-old daughter , Gianna , and seven others , was shocking , tragic and devastating .
It prompted an outpouring of grief from people from around the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , presidents and ordinary people , including those who embraced his public image as a devoted husband and proud “ girldad ” father of four daughters .
But Bryant ’ s death at 41 also has sparked a fierce debate about if and how the public and media should discuss the complicated personal histories of widely beloved figures .
As The Root reported , that debate reached a fever pitch this week when CBS This Morning anchor Gayle King was blasted by Snoop Dogg and others on social media for asking WNBA veteran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the 2003 sexual assault allegations against Bryant , her longtime friend .
Dogg went on an expletive-laced rant on Instagram , saying he expected better of King and accusing her and friend Oprah Winfrey of trying to denigrate the reputations of black men , The Root said .
The rapper and TV personality also threateningly said King should “ respect the family and back off.
” He and others said people who loved Bryant shouldn ’ t have to be reminded of this dark period in his life , when they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the family mourn in peace , ” Dogg wrote .
Judging from previous Oscars ceremonies , the In Memoriam tribute probably will only amount to a second or two , when Bryant ’ s name and image will likely appear in a montage that includes a number of other people .
But as short and uncomplicated as this tribute probably will be , the fact is , Bryant ’ s relationship with the Oscars wasn ’ t so simple .
Bryant has often said he was profoundly moved to receive the statute at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interview with USA Today days before his death , Bryant said that his Oscar and Sports Emmy for “ Dear Basketball ” were among the prizes he treasured most in a lifetime of accomplishments that included winning five NBA championships .
“ They ’ re at the top for me , ” Bryant told USA Today .
“ It ’ s not something that was expected .
As a kid , you kind of have the goal of winning championships and all these sorts of things .
… It wasn ’ t something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oscar.
” But Bryant ’ s rape case also became a talking point during the 2018 awards season .
The ceremony took place in the months after the launch of the # MeToo movement and Time ’ s Up initiative .
Some # MeToo advocates questioned whether the 2003 case should have made him ineligible for the Oscar .
A 19-year-old hotel employee at a Colorado hotel accused Bryant of rape .
Bryant denied the allegations , saying the encounter was consensual .
The case was dropped after Bryant ’ s accuser refused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ critics point to his defense team ’ s efforts to publicize his accuser ’ s promiscuity , her struggles with depression and her enthusiasm to meet a legend , according to the Washington Post .
Bryant and his accuser settled a civil suit out of court , and the athlete publicly apologized , saying “ I now understand how she feels that she did not consent to this encounter.
” The 2003 allegations didn ’ t just resurface in the runup to the 2018 Oscars .
They also may have come up later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reviewing whether he should be admitted to the elite organization , Variety reported .
Individuals who win Oscars are usually considered for inclusion .
Bryant was considered , but the Academy ’ s governors ruled against it .
Variety said there was speculation that the 2003 case played a role in Bryant being rejected , but that the governors also may have felt he needed to show a longer track record of working in the industry .
Since Bryant ’ s death , the 2003 case has been featured in a number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ultimately , how we choose to look at Bryant — and it is a choice — is both an open and personal question , ” Anne Branigan , a staff writer for The Root , wrote .
But her essay argues that it “ would be deeply dishonest ” to say the case has no bearing on Bryant ’ s legacy or on how he fashioned his public persona in the years going forward .
The Academy has made its choice on how it wants to look at Bryant : It will honor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own .
“ I think the In Memoriam segment has always been an important part of the show and this year is no different in that we ’ re honoring all of our community that we ’ ve lost , ” the show ’ s producer Stephanie Allain told Entertainment Tonight .
“ I think what ’ s really appropriate is that Kobe was part of the film community , and as such , he will be embraced within the In Memoriam segment .
”

On Sunday night, former NBA superstar Kobe Bryant will be honored at the Academy Awards. Producers say he will be included in the show’s annual “In Memoriam” segment of the program, which commemorates the stars, directors, producers and other notables in the film industry who have died in the past year.
“We can confirm that Kobe Bryant will be acknowledged in the telecast,” the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Science said in a statement to Entertainment Tonight, Thursday.
This sort of tribute to Bryant seems necessary and appropriate, given that the NBA great was awarded an Oscar in 2018. The former Los Angeles Laker won for best animated short for “Dear Basketball,” which was based on a poem he wrote.
The tribute may also offer some comfort to Kobe’s family, friends and fans. His Jan. 26 death in a helicopter crash, which also killed his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others, was shocking, tragic and devastating. It prompted an outpouring of grief from people from around the world — from other sports stars and celebrities, presidents and ordinary people, including those who embraced his public image as a devoted husband and proud “girldad” father of four daughters.
But Bryant’s death at 41 also has sparked a fierce debate about if and how the public and media should discuss the complicated personal histories of widely beloved figures. As The Root reported, that debate reached a fever pitch this week when CBS This Morning anchor Gayle King was blasted by Snoop Dogg and others on social media for asking WNBA veteran Lisa Leslie, during an interview, about the 2003 sexual assault allegations against Bryant, her longtime friend.
Dogg went on an expletive-laced rant on Instagram, saying he expected better of King and accusing her and friend Oprah Winfrey of trying to denigrate the reputations of black men, The Root said. The rapper and TV personality also threateningly said King should “respect the family and back off.” He and others said people who loved Bryant shouldn’t have to be reminded of this dark period in his life, when they are just beginning to mourn. “Let the family mourn in peace,” Dogg wrote.
Judging from previous Oscars ceremonies, the In Memoriam tribute probably will only amount to a second or two, when Bryant’s name and image will likely appear in a montage that includes a number of other people.
But as short and uncomplicated as this tribute probably will be, the fact is, Bryant’s relationship with the Oscars wasn’t so simple.
Bryant has often said he was profoundly moved to receive the statute at the 2018 awards show. In an interview with USA Today days before his death, Bryant said that his Oscar and Sports Emmy for “Dear Basketball” were among the prizes he treasured most in a lifetime of accomplishments that included winning five NBA championships.
“They’re at the top for me,” Bryant told USA Today. “It’s not something that was expected. As a kid, you kind of have the goal of winning championships and all these sorts of things. … It wasn’t something that was thought of me winning an Oscar.”
But Bryant’s rape case also became a talking point during the 2018 awards season. The ceremony took place in the months after the launch of the #MeToo movement and Time’s Up initiative. Some #MeToo advocates questioned whether the 2003 case should have made him ineligible for the Oscar.
A 19-year-old hotel employee at a Colorado hotel accused Bryant of rape. Bryant denied the allegations, saying the encounter was consensual. The case was dropped after Bryant’s accuser refused to testify, though Bryan’s critics point to his defense team’s efforts to publicize his accuser’s promiscuity, her struggles with depression and her enthusiasm to meet a legend, according to the Washington Post.
Bryant and his accuser settled a civil suit out of court, and the athlete publicly apologized, saying “I now understand how she feels that she did not consent to this encounter.”
The 2003 allegations didn’t just resurface in the runup to the 2018 Oscars. They also may have come up later that year, when the Academy was reviewing whether he should be admitted to the elite organization, Variety reported.
Individuals who win Oscars are usually considered for inclusion. Bryant was considered, but the Academy’s governors ruled against it. Variety said there was speculation that the 2003 case played a role in Bryant being rejected, but that the governors also may have felt he needed to show a longer track record of working in the industry.
Since Bryant’s death, the 2003 case has been featured in a number of think pieces on his legacy.
“Ultimately, how we choose to look at Bryant — and it is a choice — is both an open and personal question,” Anne Branigan, a staff writer for The Root, wrote. But her essay argues that it “would be deeply dishonest” to say the case has no bearing on Bryant’s legacy or on how he fashioned his public persona in the years going forward.
The Academy has made its choice on how it wants to look at Bryant: It will honor the athlete-turned-fledging-media mogul as one of its own.
“I think the In Memoriam segment has always been an important part of the show and this year is no different in that we’re honoring all of our community that we’ve lost,” the show’s producer Stephanie Allain told Entertainment Tonight. “I think what’s really appropriate is that Kobe was part of the film community, and as such, he will be embraced within the In Memoriam segment.”


mercurynews--2020-02-07--D’Angelo Russell finally receives a fitting welcoming — from Timberwolves

Shed no tears for D ’ Angelo Russell .
He made out just fine .
Not so much at the beginning of his Warriors experience .
That couldn ’ t be helped .
A magnificent basketball team was being dismantled , one ligament at a time .
Figuratively speaking , as Russell first walked into the team ’ s locker room , Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson were being wheeled out .
Shaun Livingston had retired .
Andre Iguodala was placed in stasis .
I don ’ t recall many banners in Russell ’ s honor when he reached the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laurel and hardy handshake ?
I do remember the question of the week that was first articulated his first week in town : Does he stay , or does he go ?
In the end it was little of both , wouldn ’ t you say ?
He played in 33 of the team ’ s 52 games , averaged 23.6 points , got to know the Chase Center , dropped 52 points on his future teammates .
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But hey , you can ’ t have everything .
From here , it appeared like an arranged marriage that both parties — player and team — merely endured .
If you ’ re into historical precedent , spend a little time on the basketball-reference.com page of Tom Gugliotta .
A serviceable 6-10 , Gugliotta was the best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1994 , Chris Webber forced a trade to Washington before his second season with Golden State .
Googs endured 40 unremarkable games for a team bereft of talent and charisma .
Come to think of it , the Warriors pawned him off on the Timberwolves before the season was up that year , same as they did Russell .
At least this time Russell got the welcome he deserved .
USA Today reported that when Russell ’ s plane landed in Minnesota on Thursday night , not too long after he ’ d @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Karl-Anthony Towns , the Timberwolves ’ alpha wolf , met him on the runway with a jersey and a jacket .
Even better — Russell ’ s max contract is transferable .
What ’ s not to love ?
This video has been viewed 1.7 million times , by the way .
D ’ Angelo Russell is now the darling of a fan base that is thrilled to meet him .

Shed no tears for D’Angelo Russell. He made out just fine.
Not so much at the beginning of his Warriors experience. That couldn’t be helped. A magnificent basketball team was being dismantled, one ligament at a time. Figuratively speaking, as Russell first walked into the team’s locker room, Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson were being wheeled out. Shaun Livingston had retired. Andre Iguodala was placed in stasis.
I don’t recall many banners in Russell’s honor when he reached the Bay Area. Did he receive a laurel and hardy handshake? I do remember the question of the week that was first articulated his first week in town: Does he stay, or does he go?
In the end it was little of both, wouldn’t you say? He played in 33 of the team’s 52 games, averaged 23.6 points, got to know the Chase Center, dropped 52 points on his future teammates.
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From here, it appeared like an arranged marriage that both parties — player and team — merely endured. If you’re into historical precedent, spend a little time on the basketball-reference.com page of Tom Gugliotta. A serviceable 6-10, Gugliotta was the best the Warriors could do when, in 1994, Chris Webber forced a trade to Washington before his second season with Golden State. Googs endured 40 unremarkable games for a team bereft of talent and charisma. Come to think of it, the Warriors pawned him off on the Timberwolves before the season was up that year, same as they did Russell.
At least this time Russell got the welcome he deserved. USA Today reported that when Russell’s plane landed in Minnesota on Thursday night, not too long after he’d been traded from Golden State to Minnesota, Karl-Anthony Towns, the Timberwolves’ alpha wolf, met him on the runway with a jersey and a jacket. Even better — Russell’s max contract is transferable. What’s not to love?
𝙇𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙂𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣, 𝙬𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙩 𝙝𝙞𝙢. pic.twitter.com/8vqpq10Jxq — Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) February 7, 2020
This video has been viewed 1.7 million times, by the way. D’Angelo Russell is now the darling of a fan base that is thrilled to meet him.


mercurynews--2020-02-07--Oakridge shopping center buys property at south San Jose mall site amid upgrades

SAN JOSE — The principal owner of Westfield Oakridge shopping center has bought a site next to the south San Jose mall in a deal that could bolster a wide-ranging and dramatic revival and upgrade of the big retail hub .
Oakridge Mall has bought a property on a site that ’ s adjacent to the San Jose shopping center .
“ As part of the center ’ s continuing evolution , Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield , Oakridge ’ s owner and operator , has also acquired the adjacent 2,500-square-foot parcel located on Blossom Hill Road and is determining future plans for it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emailed to this news organization .
The transaction represents a swift profit for local developer Don Imwalle , who had bought the site just last August through an affiliate .
In August , the Imwalle affiliate paid $ 3 million for the property , according to Santa Clara County public documents .
Oakridge Mall paid Imwalle $ 3.34 million for the parcel , property records filed on Jan. 22 show .
The deal was all-cash .
“ We did sell it for more , we made a little bit of money on it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out the property was quite popular when it was put up for sale last summer .
“ There were 16 bidders on the property , ” Imwalle said .
“ We were the most aggressive on the terms and offered a higher price .
We found out afterward that Oakridge was one of the bidders.
” Before long , it made sense to Imwalle that the ultimate best move would be to sell the property to the mall owners , according to Imwalle .
“ Oakridge has visions for the property , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t want to get in their way , once we found out Oakridge was one of the bidders that wanted the property .
They were willing to come in and cover all of our transactional costs .
We made a little money on the way out.
” The deal represented an 11 percent jump in the property ’ s value in about five months .
The upgrade will add several new merchants , including a mattress retailer and game and entertainment site .
The revival replaces a former Sears department store and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fresh example of how shopping centers can combat the challenges posed by the forbidding retail apocalypse in the United States .
Sleep Number , GameWorks , Wheel Works , and Meet Fresh are opening during 2020 , according to Westfield Oakridge , one of the Bay Area ’ s major regional shopping centers .
Last November , Living Spaces opened a 100,000-square-foot-plus store at the site of the old Sears outlet .
“ You often hear about the demise of retail , but many of the large malls in the Bay Area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as evidenced by all the investment in them , ” Imwalle said .
“ Santana Row , Valley Fair , Oakridge , Stanford are all examples of that .
”

SAN JOSE — The principal owner of Westfield Oakridge shopping center has bought a site next to the south San Jose mall in a deal that could bolster a wide-ranging and dramatic revival and upgrade of the big retail hub.
Oakridge Mall has bought a property on a site that’s adjacent to the San Jose shopping center.
“As part of the center’s continuing evolution, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, Oakridge’s owner and operator, has also acquired the adjacent 2,500-square-foot parcel located on Blossom Hill Road and is determining future plans for it,” Oakridge Mall stated in comments emailed to this news organization.
The transaction represents a swift profit for local developer Don Imwalle, who had bought the site just last August through an affiliate.
In August, the Imwalle affiliate paid $3 million for the property, according to Santa Clara County public documents.
Oakridge Mall paid Imwalle $3.34 million for the parcel, property records filed on Jan. 22 show. The deal was all-cash.
“We did sell it for more, we made a little bit of money on it,” Imwalle said.
It turns out the property was quite popular when it was put up for sale last summer.
“There were 16 bidders on the property,” Imwalle said. “We were the most aggressive on the terms and offered a higher price. We found out afterward that Oakridge was one of the bidders.”
Before long, it made sense to Imwalle that the ultimate best move would be to sell the property to the mall owners, according to Imwalle.
“Oakridge has visions for the property,” Imwalle said. “We didn’t want to get in their way, once we found out Oakridge was one of the bidders that wanted the property. They were willing to come in and cover all of our transactional costs. We made a little money on the way out.”
The deal represented an 11 percent jump in the property’s value in about five months.
The property purchase arrived amid a major improvement effort at Westfield Oakridge.
The upgrade will add several new merchants, including a mattress retailer and game and entertainment site.
Related Articles Real Estate | Oakridge Mall in San Jose adds new merchants in shopping center refresh The revival replaces a former Sears department store and a shuttered Sears automotive repair outlet and is a fresh example of how shopping centers can combat the challenges posed by the forbidding retail apocalypse in the United States.
Sleep Number, GameWorks, Wheel Works, and Meet Fresh are opening during 2020, according to Westfield Oakridge, one of the Bay Area’s major regional shopping centers. Last November, Living Spaces opened a 100,000-square-foot-plus store at the site of the old Sears outlet.
“You often hear about the demise of retail, but many of the large malls in the Bay Area seem to be doing very well, as evidenced by all the investment in them,” Imwalle said. “Santana Row, Valley Fair, Oakridge, Stanford are all examples of that.”


mercurynews--2020-02-09--Valentine’s Day dinner with a creepy, crawly twist

Is the memory of your ex buggin ’ you ?
The San Antonio Zoo has a solution… For just $ @ @ @ @ @ name a cockroach after your former lover and feed it to an animal at their @ @ @ @ @ ” event on Valentine ’ s Day .
And if your ex-boo was an especially @ @ @ @ @ 20 more to have them name a rat and feed it to a reptile instead @ @ @ @ @ the deal ?
You don ’ t have to be at the zoo to watch @ @ @ @ @ .
The zoo plans to stream the feedings on Facebook Live .
You ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ share on social media .
If you ’ re feeling brave enough , post it @ @ @ @ @ .
You have until February 13 at 5 p.m. ( 6 p.m .
ET ) @ @ @ @ @ the zoo ’ s website .
Only first names will be displayed during the event @

By Alaa Elassar | CNN
Is the memory of your ex buggin’ you? The San Antonio Zoo has a solution…
For just $5, zoo staff will name a cockroach after your former lover and feed it to an animal at their “Cry Me a Cockroach” event on Valentine’s Day.
And if your ex-boo was an especially snakey one, pay $20 more to have them name a rat and feed it to a reptile instead.
The best part of the deal? You don’t have to be at the zoo to watch your ex-turned-pest get eaten up. The zoo plans to stream the feedings on Facebook Live.
You’ll even receive a certificate to share on social media. If you’re feeling brave enough, post it and tag that unlucky someone.
You have until February 13 at 5 p.m. (6 p.m. ET) to submit a name through the zoo’s website. Only first names will be displayed during the event.
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