mercurynews--2020-05-21--Ask Amy: My younger wife resents my common-sense rules

DEAR AMY : My wife and I have been self-isolating and practicing social distancing .
We both really miss our 3-year-old grandson .
I am 71 and in relatively good health , although I do have a couple of “ underlying conditions , ” ( in addition to my age ) that put me in a higher risk group , so I am holding firm about keeping my distance from other people , including my children and grandson .
The problem is , my wife is 64 and believes that she is not at high risk and “ has never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ babysitting our grandson .
Unfortunately , this has become a contentious issue between us , making a bad situation even worse .
While I would love to have our grandson stay with us , doing so would put us all at additional risk .
• Ask Amy : My neighbor ’ s invitation was nuts , but of course I can ’ t say that • Ask Amy : I won ’ t be intimate if she won ’ t wear a mask • Ask Amy : I forgot all about this anguished @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• Ask Amy : What I said about his boyfriend made my son irate • Ask Amy : My employee wants to be fired and is refusing to work I have suggested to her that I would not want her poor judgment to risk my well-being , and offered as an alternative for her to stay with my daughter ’ s family so she could spend time with our grandson without compromising my safety .
So far , she has declined this alternative , but seems to become more depressed every day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both .
I would appreciate your thoughts .
DEAR PERPLEXED : Your “ never-been-sick ” wife could be an asymptomatic carrier of COVID-19 ( so could you ) , and , if so , her desire to be with your grandson ( at either house ) could expose the little guy — and his family — to the virus .
I raise this possibility , because you should both be tested before you end your exile , and should only venture back out into the world on the go-ahead from your doctor .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be tested before mingling with you .
We are all lonely .
We all want this to end .
But each household should adjust their standards and behavior to the needs and risks of their most vulnerable family member .
In your household , that ’ s you .
Your wife has legitimate needs , too , and if her depression seems not to be lifting , or is worsening , please reach out to your family doctor for a referral to a therapist .
Support groups also offer free , nonjudgmental support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Social media is the most wide-reaching way to connect .
Search “ coronavirus support groups ” on Facebook and click on the “ groups ” tab at the top of the page .
There are many groups devoted to sharing information ( and virtual hugs ) in your state .
DEAR AMY : With great disappointment , our nephew has canceled his wedding reception next month due to COVID-19 , but will still tie the knot as scheduled , with only parents and siblings present .
The reception for family and friends is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Our families would like to know when to send wedding gifts to the couple .
This seems like more than an etiquette question in these strange times .
Sending them now would honor the event , let them know we are thinking of them , and celebrate their union with more immediacy .
If we wait until their reception next year , perhaps the thought of receiving gifts might be more celebratory for the couple .
These two folks don ’ t need anything , but we love them and want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can .
DEAR DEVOTED : When it comes to wedding etiquette , the pandemic seems to have opened up an entirely new set of challenges .
There is no one way to respond to a postponed wedding , but the best way is always to anchor to sincerity and kindness .
I suggest you send your gift ( along with a warmly written letter ) to coincide with their wedding ceremony .
You might also want to donate masks or other PPE in their honor to a nearby hospital or nursing home .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ response to “ Sad Dad , ” whose very accomplished daughter was missing her high school graduation ( along with the rest of her class , and so many others ) .
A family member had responded to this sadness by saying , basically , “ That ’ s life .
Buck up.
” I couldn ’ t believe that you agreed with this !
Wow , are you always this mean ?
DEAR UPSET : The family member didn ’ t say “ buck up , ” but , “ Welcome to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ luck and disappointment will determine your long-term success.
” I agreed with this statement , and said it should have been offered with more gentleness and compassion .
Then : “ My heart goes out to these kids .
I wish I could take each and every one of them to the prom.
” And I sincerely mean that .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @

DEAR AMY: My wife and I have been self-isolating and practicing social distancing. We both really miss our 3-year-old grandson.
I am 71 and in relatively good health, although I do have a couple of “underlying conditions,” (in addition to my age) that put me in a higher risk group, so I am holding firm about keeping my distance from other people, including my children and grandson.
The problem is, my wife is 64 and believes that she is not at high risk and “has never been sick.” She wants to resume babysitting our grandson.
Unfortunately, this has become a contentious issue between us, making a bad situation even worse.
While I would love to have our grandson stay with us, doing so would put us all at additional risk.
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So far, she has declined this alternative, but seems to become more depressed every day. Her negativity is toxic to us both.
I would appreciate your thoughts.
Perplexed Grampa in Florida
DEAR PERPLEXED: Your “never-been-sick” wife could be an asymptomatic carrier of COVID-19 (so could you), and, if so, her desire to be with your grandson (at either house) could expose the little guy — and his family — to the virus.
I raise this possibility, because you should both be tested before you end your exile, and should only venture back out into the world on the go-ahead from your doctor. Your grandson’s family should also be tested before mingling with you.
We are all lonely. We all want this to end. But each household should adjust their standards and behavior to the needs and risks of their most vulnerable family member. In your household, that’s you.
Your wife has legitimate needs, too, and if her depression seems not to be lifting, or is worsening, please reach out to your family doctor for a referral to a therapist.
Support groups also offer free, nonjudgmental support and guidance during this challenging time. Social media is the most wide-reaching way to connect. Search “coronavirus support groups” on Facebook and click on the “groups” tab at the top of the page. There are many groups devoted to sharing information (and virtual hugs) in your state.
DEAR AMY: With great disappointment, our nephew has canceled his wedding reception next month due to COVID-19, but will still tie the knot as scheduled, with only parents and siblings present.
The reception for family and friends is now scheduled for June of next year.
Our families would like to know when to send wedding gifts to the couple. This seems like more than an etiquette question in these strange times. Sending them now would honor the event, let them know we are thinking of them, and celebrate their union with more immediacy. If we wait until their reception next year, perhaps the thought of receiving gifts might be more celebratory for the couple.
These two folks don’t need anything, but we love them and want to show our support the best way we can.
Devoted Aunt
DEAR DEVOTED: When it comes to wedding etiquette, the pandemic seems to have opened up an entirely new set of challenges.
There is no one way to respond to a postponed wedding, but the best way is always to anchor to sincerity and kindness.
I suggest you send your gift (along with a warmly written letter) to coincide with their wedding ceremony. You might also want to donate masks or other PPE in their honor to a nearby hospital or nursing home.
DEAR AMY: I disagreed with your response to “Sad Dad,” whose very accomplished daughter was missing her high school graduation (along with the rest of her class, and so many others). A family member had responded to this sadness by saying, basically, “That’s life. Buck up.”
I couldn’t believe that you agreed with this! Wow, are you always this mean?
Upset
DEAR UPSET: The family member didn’t say “buck up,” but, “Welcome to adult life. How you handle bad luck and disappointment will determine your long-term success.”
I agreed with this statement, and said it should have been offered with more gentleness and compassion. Then: “My heart goes out to these kids. I wish I could take each and every one of them to the prom.”
And I sincerely mean that.
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--2020-05-21--Letter: Protesters spreading virus won’t help Livermore reopen

Re : “ Photos : Save our Town rally held in Livermore ” ( Eastbaytimes.com , May 16 ) : The protesters who rallied last Saturday in Livermore blatantly disrespected the rules of social distancing and wearing a mask when less than 6 feet apart .
We all want businesses to be open again and to go back to normal life , but how does potentially spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 help toward this common goal ?
The way to reopen businesses safely is by planning and organizing it with the city and the county Public Health Department , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done in other cities and countries where the virus has hit first .
• Letter : At curbside pickup , staff came to my car window , unmasked • Letter : Gains in global health are threatened by COVID-19 • Letter : Forecasting state expenses for budget is always a best guess • Letter : Newsom also cut help for maternal mental health I am very sad and worried that what I think is a minority of people in Livermore and surroundings might have badly harmed our dear city .
Submit your letter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more Letters to the Editor

Protesters spreading virus
won’t help Livermore reopen
Re: “Photos: Save our Town rally held in Livermore” (Eastbaytimes.com, May 16):
The protesters who rallied last Saturday in Livermore blatantly disrespected the rules of social distancing and wearing a mask when less than 6 feet apart.
We all want businesses to be open again and to go back to normal life, but how does potentially spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 help toward this common goal?
The way to reopen businesses safely is by planning and organizing it with the city and the county Public Health Department, and to consider what has been previously done in other cities and countries where the virus has hit first.
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Cristina Williams
Livermore
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mercurynews--2020-05-21--Harriette Cole: Why won’t they invite me to their online parties?

DEAR HARRIETTE : Now that people are hosting virtual parties all the time , there is a whole new social scene to worry about .
I just learned that a group of my co-workers who used to hang out on Friday nights after work sometimes host a virtual cocktail party , and they haven ’ t invited me .
Now , to be fair , I didn ’ t go every week to their gathering because I have a kid and I often had to get home early .
But now that I ’ m already home , I could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t want to be left out , but I ’ m not sure how to handle this .
Is it OK for me to ask if they would invite me the next time they get together ?
DEAR LEFT OUT : Now is the time for you to speak up and let the group know that you would love to get together with them .
Rather than making it a group ask , though , you should identify one team member with whom you have the closest relationship and tell that person that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them .
Be upfront about it , saying how it was difficult for you when the group would hang out after work and you had to get home to your child , but it is much easier now .
The other person you might want to contact is whomever you see as the organizer .
If one person stands out in that role , reach out to him or her , and ask to be included in the next virtual get-together .
• Harriette Cole : I walked in on my daughter and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cole : The women all turn off their video .
Is that OK ?
• Harriette Cole : Should I take the funeral home ’ s advice about my grandma ?
• Harriette Cole : I ’ ve started having flashbacks of my shameful behavior • Harriette Cole : My husband makes me feel stupid and inadequate If they are slow to invite you , consider creating your own one-on-one get-togethers with your co-workers where the two of you can use video streaming technology so that you can see each other .
Just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , they may decide to include you in the fold of the larger group .
DEAR HARRIETTE : My friend is having a small graduation party for his high school senior .
He says that the people invited will be sure to stay appropriately separated from one another , but I am skeptical .
How can you resist hugging people at a time like this ?
Also , if people drink alcohol , I think it will be even harder for them to stay socially distanced .
I don ’ t want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is such an important time in this family ’ s life , and we are very close .
What can I do ?
DEAR GRADUATION DURING COVID-19 : You may want to suggest that your friend add one more dimension to the party .
Some of the parties being planned these days for special events like graduations are drive-by parties .
While a small group of people may be together on the premises , many drive to the home and stay in their cars .
Sometimes people toot their horns to acknowledge the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gifts to the honoree without ever getting out of their cars .
A designated family member accepts the gifts , wearing gloves and masks .
The honoree gets to see the people who are coming to celebrate without ever running the risk of getting too close .
If your friend doesn ’ t like that idea , you can attend the party for a brief period , bring a gift , wear your mask and leave before people get tipsy and forget to follow the social distancing rules .
Harriette Cole is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initiative to help people access and activate their dreams .
You can send questions to askharriette @ harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

DEAR HARRIETTE: Now that people are hosting virtual parties all the time, there is a whole new social scene to worry about. I just learned that a group of my co-workers who used to hang out on Friday nights after work sometimes host a virtual cocktail party, and they haven’t invited me.
Now, to be fair, I didn’t go every week to their gathering because I have a kid and I often had to get home early. But now that I’m already home, I could easily join them.
I don’t want to be left out, but I’m not sure how to handle this. Is it OK for me to ask if they would invite me the next time they get together?
Left Out
DEAR LEFT OUT: Now is the time for you to speak up and let the group know that you would love to get together with them.
Rather than making it a group ask, though, you should identify one team member with whom you have the closest relationship and tell that person that you would love to get together with them. Be upfront about it, saying how it was difficult for you when the group would hang out after work and you had to get home to your child, but it is much easier now.
The other person you might want to contact is whomever you see as the organizer. If one person stands out in that role, reach out to him or her, and ask to be included in the next virtual get-together.
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Harriette Cole: I’m ashamed to tell people I forgave my childhood friend Advice | Harriette Cole: I’ve worked hard, and my poor siblings resent my success If they are slow to invite you, consider creating your own one-on-one get-togethers with your co-workers where the two of you can use video streaming technology so that you can see each other. Just spend some time getting reacquainted. Over time, they may decide to include you in the fold of the larger group.
DEAR HARRIETTE: My friend is having a small graduation party for his high school senior. He says that the people invited will be sure to stay appropriately separated from one another, but I am skeptical. How can you resist hugging people at a time like this? Also, if people drink alcohol, I think it will be even harder for them to stay socially distanced.
I don’t want to be a party pooper. This is such an important time in this family’s life, and we are very close. What can I do?
Graduation During COVID-19
DEAR GRADUATION DURING COVID-19: You may want to suggest that your friend add one more dimension to the party. Some of the parties being planned these days for special events like graduations are drive-by parties. While a small group of people may be together on the premises, many drive to the home and stay in their cars. Sometimes people toot their horns to acknowledge the festivities. Often, people drop off gifts to the honoree without ever getting out of their cars. A designated family member accepts the gifts, wearing gloves and masks. The honoree gets to see the people who are coming to celebrate without ever running the risk of getting too close.
If your friend doesn’t like that idea, you can attend the party for a brief period, bring a gift, wear your mask and leave before people get tipsy and forget to follow the social distancing rules.
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--2020-05-21--Miss Manners: This germ-spreading kid’s parents did nothing

DEAR MISS MANNERS : I was sitting in a government office ’ s waiting room and a child sneezed several times without covering her mouth .
Her parents did not remind her to sneeze into a tissue or her sleeve .
I was frozen between not wanting to be rude by chastising strangers and fearing that I might catch a disease , so I said nothing .
I can not always avoid public places .
With influenza , colds and now coronavirus menacing us , what polite thing can I say to remind people how not to spread their germs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reminded us all of the damage that can be inflicted by infectious diseases .
One can usually protect oneself in the situation you describe by moving out of range .
But your question is : At what point do we all become public health officials , who are not only allowed , but required , to override the etiquette dictate against correcting other people ’ s behavior ?
• Miss Manners : I ’ m hurt that the bride turned down my gift • Miss Manners : Why is my weight the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : The pandemic is no excuse for the way they ’ ve treated me • Miss Manners : I ’ m hurt that they rejected my movie of their broken marriage • Miss Manners : His wife is dying , and he ’ s suddenly very interested in me In the situation you describe , it is possible for you , as a private citizen , to satisfy the requirements of both safety and etiquette : Say “ Poor dear ” and tell the parents that you would be happy to give little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doubt correct Miss Manners , that public health is not to be trifled with by pausing to consider something as trivial as manners .
She reminds that reader that etiquette is never more important than in trying times .
And demanding that the family remove the sneezing child seems to her to violate another thing health professionals are telling us : Panic makes things worse .
DEAR MISS MANNERS : I ’ ll be receiving my degree soon .
Since I am in a competitive field , I am applying to a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are less desirable than others .
I don ’ t want to lose any job offers I may receive , but I don ’ t want to accept a position if a better one might come along .
What is the proper way to postpone accepting a job offer so that it still remains a viable option , while allowing time for other potential offers ?
How long can I reasonably expect an offer to stay on the table ?
GENTLE READER : This is a question of business etiquette , which , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your behavior should be businesslike : efficient , practical and honest .
You can reasonably expect a few days ’ grace — more , if your would-be employer already knows that it will require complex considerations such as negotiating with a spouse or moving to another city .
Just as with salary negotiations , you are free to ask for what you want or need , and the employer is free to reject the request or make a counter-offer .
There is no harm in explicitly saying that you are weighing it against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against untruths or going back on your word , but she promises not to inquire if those other offers have actually been made .
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website , www.missmanners.com ; to her email , dearmissmanners @ gmail.com ; or through postal mail to Miss Manners , Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I was sitting in a government office’s waiting room and a child sneezed several times without covering her mouth. Her parents did not remind her to sneeze into a tissue or her sleeve.
I was frozen between not wanting to be rude by chastising strangers and fearing that I might catch a disease, so I said nothing.
I cannot always avoid public places. With influenza, colds and now coronavirus menacing us, what polite thing can I say to remind people how not to spread their germs?
[vemba-video id=”health/2020/05/13/children-coronavirus-linked-syndrome-crn-vpx.cnn”]
GENTLE READER: Recent events have reminded us all of the damage that can be inflicted by infectious diseases. One can usually protect oneself in the situation you describe by moving out of range.
But your question is: At what point do we all become public health officials, who are not only allowed, but required, to override the etiquette dictate against correcting other people’s behavior?
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Someone will no doubt correct Miss Manners, that public health is not to be trifled with by pausing to consider something as trivial as manners. She reminds that reader that etiquette is never more important than in trying times. And demanding that the family remove the sneezing child seems to her to violate another thing health professionals are telling us: Panic makes things worse.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I’ll be receiving my degree soon. Since I am in a competitive field, I am applying to a lot of jobs. Naturally, some jobs are less desirable than others. I don’t want to lose any job offers I may receive, but I don’t want to accept a position if a better one might come along.
What is the proper way to postpone accepting a job offer so that it still remains a viable option, while allowing time for other potential offers? How long can I reasonably expect an offer to stay on the table?
GENTLE READER: This is a question of business etiquette, which, at least in this case, means your behavior should be businesslike: efficient, practical and honest.
You can reasonably expect a few days’ grace — more, if your would-be employer already knows that it will require complex considerations such as negotiating with a spouse or moving to another city. Just as with salary negotiations, you are free to ask for what you want or need, and the employer is free to reject the request or make a counter-offer.
There is no harm in explicitly saying that you are weighing it against other offers. Miss Manners warns strongly against untruths or going back on your word, but she promises not to inquire if those other offers have actually been made.
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-05-22--British PM wants to reduce dependence on Chinese imports

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has instructed civil servants to make plans to end UK ’ s reliance on China for vital medical supplies and other strategic imports in light of the coronavirus outbreak , The Times newspaper reported on Friday .
The plans , which have been code named “ Project Defend , ” include identifying Britain ’ s main economic vulnerabilities to potentially hostile foreign governments as part of a broader new approach to national security , the newspaper reported , adding that the efforts are being led by Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab .
Two working groups have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ project , according to the report , with one source telling The Times that the aim was to diversify supply lines to no longer depend on individual countries for non-food essentials .
Johnson told lawmakers he would take steps to protect Britain ’ s technological base , with the government review also expected to include personal protective equipment and drugs , the report added .
The development comes as Beijing has been tackling mounting international criticism over its handling of the coronavirus outbreak , which began in China before spreading to the rest @ @ @ @

By Kanishka Singh | Reuters
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has instructed civil servants to make plans to end UK’s reliance on China for vital medical supplies and other strategic imports in light of the coronavirus outbreak, The Times newspaper reported on Friday.
The plans, which have been code named “Project Defend,” include identifying Britain’s main economic vulnerabilities to potentially hostile foreign governments as part of a broader new approach to national security, the newspaper reported, adding that the efforts are being led by Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab.
Two working groups have been set up as part of the project, according to the report, with one source telling The Times that the aim was to diversify supply lines to no longer depend on individual countries for non-food essentials.
Johnson told lawmakers he would take steps to protect Britain’s technological base, with the government review also expected to include personal protective equipment and drugs, the report added.
The development comes as Beijing has been tackling mounting international criticism over its handling of the coronavirus outbreak, which began in China before spreading to the rest of the world.


mercurynews--2020-05-22--Coronavirus: Curbside retail is a go in Santa Clara County, but some stores are hesitant

Santa Clara County will join the rest of the Bay Area on Friday in allowing shops to resume business on a very limited basis .
But don ’ t count on your favorite store rushing to throw the doors open .
Four days after the rest of the region , Santa Clara County is loosening its coronavirus shelter-in-place order to permit curbside pickup at local stores — as well as sanctioning car parades and allowing outdoor museums , historical sites and public gardens to reopen .
It ’ s a big step as the county makes progress in controlling its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tanking economy while gradually returning to a semblance of normalcy .
The shutdown already has had a crushing economic impact — 4.5 million Californians have applied for unemployment benefits since mid-March .
But even so , local retailers have mixed emotions about reopening .
Some worry that allowing customers to pick up orders in person presents logistical challenges , could put people at risk of getting sick , and isn ’ t likely to do much for their bottom line .
“ I think it will help some , but I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Judy Ohki , owner of Palo Alto boutique Leaf & Petal .
“ It ’ s not going to be what we ’ re used to.
” Gov .
Gavin Newsom allowed retailers in the rest of California to offer curbside pickup starting May 8 , but San Francisco , San Mateo and Alameda counties didn ’ t follow suit until this past Monday .
Contra Costa County joined the pack Tuesday .
As of Thursday , 88,207 Californians had tested positive for COVID-19 , and 3,597 had died of the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s analysis of county data .
In the Bay Area , 11,774 people had tested positive , and 418 had died .
Santa Clara County hadn ’ t updated its case totals as of Thursday evening , and Marin County hadn ’ t updated its death total .
Bay Area shops that opened earlier this week reported mixed results after scrambling to figure out how to sell without letting people into their stores .
For Oaklandish , famous for its screen-printed Oakland-pride T-shirts , allowing customers to pick up orders in-person adds complexity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said CEO and Creative Director Angela Tsay .
She ’ s been filling online delivery orders since the pandemic began and started offering curbside pickup as an option Wednesday .
Customers who have pre-ordered items drive up to the Oaklandish warehouse in the Jack London District , pop their trunk and wait for an employee to place their order inside , or they walk or bike up to the door while wearing a mask .
But sales are down 75 % , and until customers are able to come into her stores @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see her numbers improving .
“ Being able to offer curbside pickup is not any retail store ’ s salvation , ” she said .
Green Apple Books in San Francisco started curbside pickup in two of its three stores Monday .
It ’ s working , but it can be awkward , said co-owner Pete Mulvihill .
When customers walk up and try to order books on the spot , employees have to send them away and tell them to order by phone or online — they aren ’ t set up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s been a little tricky to figure out how best to do this , but it ’ s nice to have staff back in the store , ” Mulvihill said .
“ It ’ s really great to see regular customers again .
I ’ ve seen a fair amount of people taking selfies and posting them on Instagram.
” Ohki also struggled to adapt to the new coronavirus business model .
Before the pandemic , her women ’ s clothing boutique didn ’ t have a website that accepted online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while to get it up and going , and it was very stressful , ” she said .
“ But we did it.
” Yuri Kim , owner of plant and gift store Fractal Flora in downtown San Jose , will try opening for three hours on Friday , to see how it goes .
She plans to let people stand on the sidewalk in front of her small shop and point at the items they want .
Customers also will be able to pick up purchases they ordered online .
Though she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prop up her struggling business , Kim , who has family members at high risk of having severe symptoms if they catch COVID-19 , wonders if the county is moving too fast .
“ It does worry me a little bit , ” she said .
“ But I also understand that people really need to be able to come out again.
” Gussied Up Dog Boutique , in San Jose ’ s Willow Glen neighborhood , isn ’ t jumping at the chance to reopen — despite the fact that , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been open since the pandemic began .
Instead , owner Kim Lipsett wants to take her time .
She plans to open for curbside pickup in two or three-hour increments , a few days a week , for the next several weeks .
“ Even though they ’ re excited about everybody opening for curbside pickup , ” Lipsett said , “ I think people are still a little bit apprehensive about coming out .
”

Santa Clara County will join the rest of the Bay Area on Friday in allowing shops to resume business on a very limited basis. But don’t count on your favorite store rushing to throw the doors open.
Four days after the rest of the region, Santa Clara County is loosening its coronavirus shelter-in-place order to permit curbside pickup at local stores — as well as sanctioning car parades and allowing outdoor museums, historical sites and public gardens to reopen. It’s a big step as the county makes progress in controlling its COVID-19 cases and attempts to boost its tanking economy while gradually returning to a semblance of normalcy.
The shutdown already has had a crushing economic impact — 4.5 million Californians have applied for unemployment benefits since mid-March. But even so, local retailers have mixed emotions about reopening. Some worry that allowing customers to pick up orders in person presents logistical challenges, could put people at risk of getting sick, and isn’t likely to do much for their bottom line.
“I think it will help some, but I’m not going to kid myself,” said Judy Ohki, owner of Palo Alto boutique Leaf & Petal. “It’s not going to be what we’re used to.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom allowed retailers in the rest of California to offer curbside pickup starting May 8, but San Francisco, San Mateo and Alameda counties didn’t follow suit until this past Monday. Contra Costa County joined the pack Tuesday.
As of Thursday, 88,323 Californians had tested positive for COVID-19, and 3,599 had died of the virus, according to this news organization’s analysis of county data. In the Bay Area, 11,774 people had tested positive, and 418 had died. Santa Clara County hadn’t updated its numbers as of Thursday evening.
Bay Area shops that opened earlier this week reported mixed results after scrambling to figure out how to sell without letting people into their stores.
For Oaklandish, famous for its screen-printed Oakland-pride T-shirts, allowing customers to pick up orders in-person adds complexity but likely won’t boost sales, said CEO and Creative Director Angela Tsay. She’s been filling online delivery orders since the pandemic began and started offering curbside pickup as an option Wednesday. Customers who have pre-ordered items drive up to the Oaklandish warehouse in the Jack London District, pop their trunk and wait for an employee to place their order inside, or they walk or bike up to the door while wearing a mask.
But sales are down 75%, and until customers are able to come into her stores and browse, Tsay doesn’t see her numbers improving.
“Being able to offer curbside pickup is not any retail store’s salvation,” she said.
Green Apple Books in San Francisco started curbside pickup in two of its three stores Monday. It’s working, but it can be awkward, said co-owner Pete Mulvihill. When customers walk up and try to order books on the spot, employees have to send them away and tell them to order by phone or online — they aren’t set up for in-person orders right now.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA.- MAY 21: Martin Sorensen staffs the Green Apple Books curbside service table alongside the store's Murgatroyd statue in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, May 21, 2020. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA.- MAY 21: Lucy Gray picks up a copy of "War and Peace" from Martin Sorensen running Green Apple Books curbside service in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, May 21, 2020. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA.- MAY 21: No one knows when bookstores will reopen completely, but hopefully not as late as "The End of October," as in the title of a book being placed in a window display at Green Apple Books on their second day of curbside service in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, May 21, 2020. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA.- MAY 21: Lucy Gray picks up a copy of "War and Peace" from Martin Sorensen running Green Apple Books curbside service in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, May 21, 2020. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA.- MAY 21: Green Apple Books offers curbside service in San Francisco, Calif., as part of the coronavirus Phase 2 reopening, on Thursday, May 21, 2020. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
“It’s been a little tricky to figure out how best to do this, but it’s nice to have staff back in the store,” Mulvihill said. “It’s really great to see regular customers again. I’ve seen a fair amount of people taking selfies and posting them on Instagram.”
Ohki also struggled to adapt to the new coronavirus business model. Before the pandemic, her women’s clothing boutique didn’t have a website that accepted online orders.
“It took quite a while to get it up and going, and it was very stressful,” she said. “But we did it.”
Yuri Kim, owner of plant and gift store
SAN JOSE, CA - MAY 21: Fractal Flora owner Yuri Kim prepares her store on May 21, 2020, for the store's reopening on Friday in downtown San Jose, Calif. (Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE, CA - MAY 21: A various home decor items sit on the shelf inside the plant and gift shop Fractal Flora in San Jose, Calif., on May 21, 2020. The store will reopen on Friday but it's still curbside service only. (Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE, CA - MAY 21: A rope has been installed inside the plant and gift shop Fractal Flora in San Jose, Calif., to let the customers know that when the shop opens on Friday, it's still curbside service only. (Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE, CA - MAY 21: A various pins are displayed inside the plant and gift shop Fractal Flora in San Jose, Calif., on May 21, 2020. The store will reopen on Friday but it's still curbside service only. (Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group)
in downtown San Jose, will try opening for three hours on Friday, to see how it goes. She plans to let people stand on the sidewalk in front of her small shop and point at the items they want. Customers also will be able to pick up purchases they ordered online.
Though she’s hopeful the change will help prop up her struggling business, Kim, who has family members at high risk of having severe symptoms if they catch COVID-19, wonders if the county is moving too fast.
“It does worry me a little bit,” she said. “But I also understand that people really need to be able to come out again.”
Gussied Up Dog Boutique, in San Jose’s Willow Glen neighborhood, isn’t jumping at the chance to reopen — despite the fact that, as a pet store, it could have been open since the pandemic began. Instead, owner Kim Lipsett wants to take her time. She plans to open for curbside pickup in two or three-hour increments, a few days a week, for the next several weeks.
“Even though they’re excited about everybody opening for curbside pickup,” Lipsett said, “I think people are still a little bit apprehensive about coming out.”


mercurynews--2020-05-22--Judge tosses suit challenging Michigan governor’s authority

A Michigan judge on Thursday dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Republican leaders of the state ’ s Legislature challenging Democratic Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer ’ s use of emergency powers to extend Michigan ’ s state of emergency .
Court of Claims Judge Cynthia Diane Stephens ruled that while Whitmer ’ s action of re-declaring the same emergency violated the provisions of the state ’ s Emergency Management Act , the Legislature ’ s challenges to Whitmer ’ s use of the Emergency Powers of Governor Act to issue executive orders are meritless .
According to the judge ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ motion for immediate declaratory judgment has been denied and the case has been closed .
The ruling stands in stark contrast to a decision by the courts in one of the Great Lakes State ’ s neighbors .
Wisconsin ’ s Supreme Court ruled last week that Democratic Gov .
Tony Evers ’ stay-at-home order was “ unlawful ” and “ unenforceable , ” leading that state to be fully reopened .
Michigan , meanwhile , has had some of the strictest social distancing measures put in place across the country and Whitmer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Republican leaders of the Michigan state House and Senate had filed the lawsuit against the governor earlier this month , alleging Whitmer ’ s extension of the state of emergency had been unlawful and went against the Michigan Constitution .
Along with their complaint , the leaders filed a motion for immediate declaratory judgment , arguing that “ no statute or constitutional provision empowers the Governor to declare a statewide , indefinite state of emergency and then rely on that declaration to exercise unfettered lawmaking authority.
” But that argument was rejected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ through two distinct acts , stated in plain and certain terms , the Legislature has granted the governor broad but focused authority to respond to emergencies that affect the state and its people.
” Whitmer ’ s office said in a statement after the ruling that the decision “ recognizes that the Governor ’ s actions to save lives are lawful and her orders remain in place.
” “ She will continue to do what she ’ s always done : take careful , decisive actions to protect Michiganders from this unprecedented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to our front line heroes who have been putting their lives on the line to pull together as a state and work as one team to stop the spread of this virus.
” Still , Gideon D ’ Assandro , a spokesman for Republican Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield , noted that the court did rule that Whitmer had — in part — broken the law .
“ Although it kept the Governor ’ s emergency orders in place , the Court of Claims agreed with the Legislature that the Governor broke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of emergency without legislative consent , ” D ’ Assandro said in a statement .
“ The Speaker is reviewing the ruling in detail but he expects to continue standing up for the rule of law.
” Thursday ’ s ruling comes as the Democratic governor continues to hold steady on slowly reopening the state amid growing calls to relax social distancing measures and jump-start Michigan ’ s economy .
Whitmer has faced repeated demonstrations against her closure orders , including at her home .
Last month , protesters carrying firearms descended on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governor to issue more relaxed measures .
But Whitmer has been outspoken in her belief that the country must listen to medical professionals .
Earlier this month she unveiled a six-phase plan that she touted as critical to avoiding a second wave of infections .
“ We have to reengage like a dial , not a switch that goes on or off , but a dial that we can turn , ” she said .

[vemba-video id=”politics/2020/05/15/gretchen-whitmer-michigan-protests-legislature-sot-newday-vpx.cnn”]
By Rebekah Riess and Paul LeBlanc | CNN
A Michigan judge on Thursday dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Republican leaders of the state’s Legislature challenging Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s use of emergency powers to extend Michigan’s state of emergency.
Court of Claims Judge Cynthia Diane Stephens ruled that while Whitmer’s action of re-declaring the same emergency violated the provisions of the state’s Emergency Management Act, the Legislature’s challenges to Whitmer’s use of the Emergency Powers of Governor Act to issue executive orders are meritless.
According to the judge’s order, the Legislature’s motion for immediate declaratory judgment has been denied and the case has been closed.
The ruling stands in stark contrast to a decision by the courts in one of the Great Lakes State’s neighbors. Wisconsin’s Supreme Court ruled last week that Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ stay-at-home order was “unlawful” and “unenforceable,” leading that state to be fully reopened. Michigan, meanwhile, has had some of the strictest social distancing measures put in place across the country and Whitmer has moved slowly in reopening the state.
Republican leaders of the Michigan state House and Senate had filed the lawsuit against the governor earlier this month, alleging Whitmer’s extension of the state of emergency had been unlawful and went against the Michigan Constitution.
Along with their complaint, the leaders filed a motion for immediate declaratory judgment, arguing that “no statute or constitutional provision empowers the Governor to declare a statewide, indefinite state of emergency and then rely on that declaration to exercise unfettered lawmaking authority.”
But that argument was rejected by Stephens, who wrote Thursday that “through two distinct acts, stated in plain and certain terms, the Legislature has granted the governor broad but focused authority to respond to emergencies that affect the state and its people.”
Whitmer’s office said in a statement after the ruling that the decision “recognizes that the Governor’s actions to save lives are lawful and her orders remain in place.”
“She will continue to do what she’s always done: take careful, decisive actions to protect Michiganders from this unprecedented, global pandemic. We owe it to our front line heroes who have been putting their lives on the line to pull together as a state and work as one team to stop the spread of this virus.”
Still, Gideon D’Assandro, a spokesman for Republican Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield, noted that the court did rule that Whitmer had — in part — broken the law.
“Although it kept the Governor’s emergency orders in place, the Court of Claims agreed with the Legislature that the Governor broke the law in unilaterally declaring a state of emergency without legislative consent,” D’Assandro said in a statement. “The Speaker is reviewing the ruling in detail but he expects to continue standing up for the rule of law.”
Thursday’s ruling comes as the Democratic governor continues to hold steady on slowly reopening the state amid growing calls to relax social distancing measures and jump-start Michigan’s economy. Whitmer has faced repeated demonstrations against her closure orders, including at her home.
Last month, protesters carrying firearms descended on Michigan’s Capitol to pressure the governor to issue more relaxed measures. But Whitmer has been outspoken in her belief that the country must listen to medical professionals.
Earlier this month she unveiled a six-phase plan that she touted as critical to avoiding a second wave of infections.
“We have to reengage like a dial, not a switch that goes on or off, but a dial that we can turn,” she said.


mercurynews--2020-05-22--San Jose: Paraeducator arrested on suspicion of possessing child pornography

SAN JOSE – A 26-year-old paraeducator at San Jose ’ s Oak Grove High School was arrested Thursday on suspicion of possessing child pornography , authorities said .
On May 13 , the San Jose Police Department ’ s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force opened an investigation after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that Estevan Gerardo Carrillo was in possession of child pornography , said Officer Gina Tepoorten .
Tepoorten said the task force confirmed the tip and learned that Carrillo worked as a paraeducator at Oak Grove .
On Thursday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ served a search warrant at Carrillo ’ s home in San Jose and took him into custody without incident , Tepoorten said .
Carrillo was booked into Santa Clara County jail on a charge of possession of child pornography .
Authorities did not specify what materials were found in his possession .
A spokesperson for the East Side Union High School District did not immediately return a message seeking comment on the arrest .
The case remains under investigation .
Anyone with information can contact San Jose police Detective Christian Mendoza , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stoppers at 408-947-7867 or at svcrimestoppers.org .
Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward .

SAN JOSE – A 26-year-old staff member at San Jose’s Oak Grove High School was arrested Thursday on suspicion of possessing child pornography, authorities said.
On May 13, the San Jose Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force opened an investigation after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children passed on a tip from a social media platform that Estevan Gerardo Carrillo had files depicting child pornography, said San Jose police Officer Gina Tepoorten.
Tepoorten said the task force confirmed the tip and learned that Carrillo worked as a paraeducator at Oak Grove.
On Thursday, the police department’s MERGE Unit served a search warrant at Carrillo’s home in San Jose and took him into custody without incident, Tepoorten said.
Carrillo was booked into Santa Clara County jail on a charge of possession of child pornography.
Tepoorten said there is no evidence at this time that the child pornography involved any Oak Grove students.
Carrillo has worked as a paraeducator for the East Side Union High School District since October 2014, said Glenn Vander Zee, the district’s associate superintendent of human resources.
“The district has no additional comment at this time as it is cooperating with the investigation of the San Jose Police Department,” Vander Zee said.
The case remains under investigation. Anyone with information can contact San Jose police Detective Christian Mendoza, or leave a tip with Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers at 408-947-7867 or at svcrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.
Check back for updates.


mercurynews--2020-05-21--China takes steps to greater control over Hong Kong

HONG KONG – China is set to impose new national security legislation on Hong Kong after last year ’ s pro-democracy unrest , a Chinese official said on Thursday , drawing a warning from President Donald Trump that Washington would react “ very strongly ” against the attempt to gain more control over the former British colony .
The U.S. State Department also warned China , saying a high-degree of autonomy and respect for human rights were key to preserving the territory ’ s special status in U.S. law , which has helped it maintain its position as a world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could spark fresh protests in Hong Kong , which enjoys many freedoms not allowed on the mainland , after often violent demonstrations of 2019 plunged the city into its deepest turmoil since it returned to Beijing ’ s rule in 1997 .
Trump , who has ratcheted up his anti-China rhetoric as he seeks re-election in November , told reporters “ nobody knows yet ” the details of China ’ s plan .
“ If it happens we ’ ll address that issue very strongly , ” he said .
Zhang Yesui , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ People ’ s Congress , said details of the legislation would be given on Friday when the parliament holds its annual session .
“ In light of the new circumstances and need , the National People ’ s Congress ( NPC ) is exercising its constitutional power ” to establish a new legal framework and enforcement mechanism to safeguard national security in Hong Kong , he told a briefing .
The “ Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act ” approved by Trump last year requires the State Department to certify at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to justify favorable U.S. trading terms .
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on May 6 he was delaying this assessment to account for any NPC actions .
If the State Department decertifies the territory , it would still ultimately fall to Trump whether to decide to end some , all , or none of the privileges Hong Kong currently enjoys .
On Thursday , Democratic and Republican U.S. senators said they would introduce legislation to strengthen the Hong Kong act ’ s sanctions provisions .
Wall Street ended lower on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade deal reached this year between the world ’ s two largest economies .
Tensions have heightened significantly in recent weeks , with bitter exchanges over the coronavirus .
Pro-democracy demonstrators have for years opposed the idea of national security laws , arguing they could erode the city ’ s high degree of autonomy , guaranteed under the “ one country , two systems ” formula in place for two decades .
A senior Hong Kong government official said details on the move and its implementation remained unclear , but Hong Kong media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , foreign interference , terrorism and all seditious activities aimed at toppling the central government .
U.S. State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said any Chinese move to impose legislation that did not reflect the will of the people would be highly destabilizing and met with strong condemnation .
Ending Hong Kong ’ s special status would be a big blow for U.S. firms .
The State Department says 85,000 U.S. citizens lived in Hong Kong in 2018 and more than 1,300 U.S. companies operate there , including nearly every major U.S. financial firm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kong national security legislation , known as Article 23 , in 2003 was met with mass peaceful protests and shelved .
Online posts had urged people in Hong Kong to protest on Thursday night and dozens were seen shouting pro-democracy slogans in a shopping mall as riot police stood nearby .
Opposition lawmakers said the move would gravely wound Hong Kong ’ s reputation as a financial center and its autonomy .
“ If this move takes place , ‘ one country , two systems ’ will be officially erased , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the end of Hong Kong.
” Daniel Russel , the top U.S. diplomat for Asia until early in the Trump administration , suggested Chinese President Xi Jinping might see “ muscle-flexing ” on Hong Kong as a means to make up for a series of setbacks , most notably the coronavirus pandemic that began in China – despite the risk of severe economic consequences for Hong Kong , China and others .

[vemba-video id=”business/2020/05/21/luckin-coffee-delist-nasdaq.cnn-business”]
By James Pomfret, Yew Lun Tian and Steve Holland | Reuters
HONG KONG – China is set to impose new national security legislation on Hong Kong after last year’s pro-democracy unrest, a Chinese official said on Thursday, drawing a warning from President Donald Trump that Washington would react “very strongly” against the attempt to gain more control over the former British colony.
The U.S. State Department also warned China, saying a high-degree of autonomy and respect for human rights were key to preserving the territory’s special status in U.S. law, which has helped it maintain its position as a world financial center.
China’s action could spark fresh protests in Hong Kong, which enjoys many freedoms not allowed on the mainland, after often violent demonstrations of 2019 plunged the city into its deepest turmoil since it returned to Beijing’s rule in 1997.
Trump, who has ratcheted up his anti-China rhetoric as he seeks re-election in November, told reporters “nobody knows yet” the details of China’s plan. “If it happens we’ll address that issue very strongly,” he said.
Zhang Yesui, spokesman for the China’s National People’s Congress, said details of the legislation would be given on Friday when the parliament holds its annual session.
“In light of the new circumstances and need, the National People’s Congress (NPC) is exercising its constitutional power” to establish a new legal framework and enforcement mechanism to safeguard national security in Hong Kong, he told a briefing.
The “Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act” approved by Trump last year requires the State Department to certify at least annually that Hong Kong retains enough autonomy to justify favorable U.S. trading terms.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on May 6 he was delaying this assessment to account for any NPC actions.
If the State Department decertifies the territory, it would still ultimately fall to Trump whether to decide to end some, all, or none of the privileges Hong Kong currently enjoys.
On Thursday, Democratic and Republican U.S. senators said they would introduce legislation to strengthen the Hong Kong act’s sanctions provisions.
Wall Street ended lower on Thursday as U.S.-China tensions raised doubts about a trade deal reached this year between the world’s two largest economies. Tensions have heightened significantly in recent weeks, with bitter exchanges over the coronavirus.
Pro-democracy demonstrators have for years opposed the idea of national security laws, arguing they could erode the city’s high degree of autonomy, guaranteed under the “one country, two systems” formula in place for two decades.
A senior Hong Kong government official said details on the move and its implementation remained unclear, but Hong Kong media have reported the legislation would ban secession, foreign interference, terrorism and all seditious activities aimed at toppling the central government.
U.S. State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said any Chinese move to impose legislation that did not reflect the will of the people would be highly destabilizing and met with strong condemnation.
Ending Hong Kong’s special status would be a big blow for U.S. firms. The State Department says 85,000 U.S. citizens lived in Hong Kong in 2018 and more than 1,300 U.S. companies operate there, including nearly every major U.S. financial firm.
A previous attempt to introduce Hong Kong national security legislation, known as Article 23, in 2003 was met with mass peaceful protests and shelved.
Online posts had urged people in Hong Kong to protest on Thursday night and dozens were seen shouting pro-democracy slogans in a shopping mall as riot police stood nearby.
Opposition lawmakers said the move would gravely wound Hong Kong’s reputation as a financial center and its autonomy.
“If this move takes place, ‘one country, two systems’ will be officially erased,” said democratic lawmaker Dennis Kwok. “This is the end of Hong Kong.”
Daniel Russel, the top U.S. diplomat for Asia until early in the Trump administration, suggested Chinese President Xi Jinping might see “muscle-flexing” on Hong Kong as a means to make up for a series of setbacks, most notably the coronavirus pandemic that began in China – despite the risk of severe economic consequences for Hong Kong, China and others.


mercurynews--2020-05-21--Coronavirus: State DOJ and local DA probing Bay Area nursing home that had large COVID-19 outbreak

ORINDA — The Contra Costa County District Attorney ’ s Office and the state Department of Justice are investigating an Orinda nursing home where at least four patients have died from COVID-19 and more than 50 people have been infected , according to a prosecutor in charge of the probe .
Melissa Smith , a deputy district attorney with the county , confirmed in an email Thursday that investigators were working with regulators to probe “ multiple COVID-19 related deaths of elderly residents of the Orinda Care Center ” but provided no other details .
A source close to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instances of neglect .
The Contra Costa County Health Department announced in early April that 30 patients and staff at the Orinda Care Center were infected with the virus — one of the first large outbreaks in a senior care facility to be made public in the state .
Nursing homes have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic , accounting for more than 40 % of the COVID-19 deaths in California , as state and local officials struggle to contain the outbreaks .
An outbreak this month at a Vallejo nursing home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least 46 .
No charges have been filed against the Orinda nursing home or its owners .
A spokesperson for the California Department of Justice said the office could not comment on a “ potential or ongoing investigation.
” The investigation comes after Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O ’ Malley revealed in April that they are investigating another nursing facility , the Gateway Rehabilitation and Care Center in Hayward , where at least 17 people have died and more than 100 patients and staff were infected .
Civil rights lawyer John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behalf of the family of Costell Akrie , 87 , of Oakland , who died at the facility in early April .
On Thursday , a spokesman for the Orinda Care Center said the home was “ not aware of any investigation.
” “ Nurses and staff at Orinda continue to care for our residents and have been successful mitigating ” the outbreak , Dan Kramer said in a written statement .
The latest list of outbreaks provided by the state , which rely on data reported by each nursing home , showed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as of May 19 .
Kramer disputed those numbers , claiming the facility has been “ COVID-19 free ” since May 7 .
Last month this news organization reported a history of problems at nursing homes run by the owner of the Orinda Care Center , Crystal Solorzano , and the owners of the Gateway Care and Rehabilitation Center , Prema and Antony Thekkek .
A state inspection in August found the Orinda Care Center did not meet minimum staffing requirements on 16 out of 24 days that were monitored .
Last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the facility could not describe or demonstrate the correct procedures for sanitizing cookware and tableware and that staff was storing expired and current medications together — sometimes without refrigerating those that required it .
“ We believe these were unacceptable , but isolated , incidents , ” Kramer said last month .
“ We ’ re doing everything we can to ensure they won ’ t happen again.
” In December , the California Department of Public Health denied three applications submitted by Solorzano to operate skilled nursing facilities in San Jose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found 97 federal regulatory violations in facilities she owned , managed or operated between October 2016 and October 2019 , as well as 46 violations of state requirements and three administrative penalties for failing to meet minimum staffing requirements .
The Orinda investigation comes as Gov .
Gavin Newsom is considering a request by the owners of nursing homes and other health care facilities across the state to grant them civil and criminal immunity for patient care and coronavirus deaths during the crisis .
In an April 9 letter , health care lobbyists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that would make facilities , plans , doctors and healthcare employees “ immune from any administrative sanction or criminal or civil liability or claim for any injury , death , or loss ” that is alleged to have come from the care they provide during the state of emergency .
Newsom has not publicly revealed whether he will grant the request .
Health care industry groups say such a move would be an important protection for their strained workers — even one that would save lives , as organizations make difficult decisions about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of crisis .
“ The prospect of being subjected to future lawsuits would burden and slow these decisions , threatening greater loss of life throughout California , ” the group argues .
But patient advocates worry it would remove protections for patients .
In a subsequent letter to Newsom , a coalition of legal and advocacy groups wrote that “ many California nursing facilities have a long history of providing poor care — they should not be given absolute immunity at precisely the time at which high-quality care is more crucial than ever.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Office staff are encouraging anyone with information about the outbreak at the Orinda Care Center to contact Contra Costa County Senior Inspector Sean Eriksen at ( 925 ) 957-8760 .
< em > Please help us shed light on senior care by providing details by scrolling down and filling out the form below or email us at < a href= “ mailto : seniorcareinquiries @ bayareanewsgroup.com ” > seniorcareinquiries @ bayareanewsgroup.com < /a > .
Your information will reach reporters who are covering the impact coronavirus is having on nursing homes and assisted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a phone message at 510-208-6458 .
Thank you for your help.
< /em >

Annie Sciacca, Thomas Peele, David DeBolt

ORINDA — The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and the state Department of Justice are investigating an Orinda nursing home where at least four patients have died from COVID-19 and more than 50 people have been infected, according to a prosecutor in charge of the probe.
Melissa Smith, a deputy district attorney with the county, confirmed in an email Thursday that investigators were working with regulators to probe “multiple COVID-19-related deaths of elderly residents of the Orinda Care Center” but provided no other details. A source close to the investigation said they are looking for possible instances of neglect. The Contra Costa County Health Department announced in early April that 30 patients and staff at the Orinda Care Center were infected with the virus — one of the first large outbreaks in a senior care facility to be made public in the state.
Nursing homes have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, accounting for more than 40% of the COVID-19 deaths in California, as state and local officials struggle to contain the outbreaks. An outbreak this month at a Vallejo nursing home left 13 patients dead and infected at least 46. No charges have been filed against the Orinda nursing home or its owners. A spokesperson for the California Department of Justice said the office could not comment on a “potential or ongoing investigation.”
The investigation comes after Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O’Malley revealed in April that her staff is investigating another nursing facility, the Gateway Rehabilitation and Care Center in Hayward, where at least 17 people have died and more than 100 patients and staff were infected. Civil rights lawyer John Burris had called for that investigation on behalf of the family of Costell Akrie, 87, of Oakland, who died at the facility in early April. The Gateway investigation is ongoing, a spokesperson for O’Malley said Friday.
On Thursday, a spokesman for the Orinda Care Center said the home was “not aware of any investigation.”
“Nurses and staff at Orinda continue to care for our residents and have been successful mitigating” the outbreak, Dan Kramer said in a written statement.
The latest list of outbreaks provided by the state, which rely on data reported by each nursing home, showed 30 patient infections at the Orinda Care Center as of May 19. Kramer disputed those numbers, claiming the facility has been “COVID-19-free” since May 7.
Last month this news organization reported a history of problems at nursing homes run by the owner of the Orinda Care Center, Crystal Solorzano, and the owners of the Gateway Care and Rehabilitation Center, Prema and Antony Thekkek.
A state inspection in August found the Orinda Care Center did not meet minimum staffing requirements on 16 out of 24 days that were monitored. Last year, state inspectors found that dietary staff at the facility could not describe or demonstrate the correct procedures for sanitizing cookware and tableware and that staff were storing expired and current medications together — sometimes without refrigerating those that required it.
“We believe these were unacceptable, but isolated, incidents,” Kramer said last month. “We’re doing everything we can to ensure they won’t happen again.”
In December, the California Department of Public Health denied three applications submitted by Solorzano to operate skilled nursing facilities in San Jose, Canoga Park and Glendora because inspectors found 97 federal regulatory violations in facilities she owned, managed or operated between October 2016 and October 2019, as well as 46 violations of state requirements and three administrative penalties for failing to meet minimum staffing requirements.
The Orinda investigation comes as Gov. Gavin Newsom is considering a request by the owners of nursing homes and other health care facilities across the state to grant them civil and criminal immunity for patient care and coronavirus deaths during the crisis. In an April 9 letter, health care lobbyists asked him to issue an executive order that would make facilities, plans, doctors and healthcare employees “immune from any administrative sanction or criminal or civil liability or claim for any injury, death or loss” that is alleged to have come from the care they provide during the state of emergency.
Newsom has not publicly revealed whether he will grant the request. Health care industry groups say such a move would be an important protection for their strained workers — even one that would save lives, as organizations make difficult decisions about how to focus care in a time of crisis.
“The prospect of being subjected to future lawsuits would burden and slow these decisions, threatening greater loss of life throughout California,” the group argues.
But patient advocates worry it would remove protections for patients. In a subsequent letter to Newsom, a coalition of legal and advocacy groups wrote that “many California nursing facilities have a long history of providing poor care — they should not be given absolute immunity at precisely the time at which high-quality care is more crucial than ever.”
Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office staff are encouraging anyone with information about the outbreak at the Orinda Care Center to contact Contra Costa County Senior Inspector Sean Eriksen at 925-957-8760.
Please help us shed light on senior care by providing details by scrolling down and filling out the form below or email us at seniorcareinquiries@bayareanewsgroup.com. Your information will reach reporters who are covering the impact coronavirus is having on nursing homes and assisted living facilities. You can also leave a phone message at 510-208-6458. Thank you for your help.


mercurynews--2020-05-21--Three Bay Area CEOs’ wealth grows by $44 billion during coronavirus pandemic: report

Times aren ’ t tough for everyone , financially speaking .
In the two months that have seen America ’ s economy ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic and tens of millions losing their jobs , Bay Area CEOs Elon Musk , Mark Zuckerberg and Larry Ellison have seen their wealth grow by a combined $ 44 billion , according to a new report by two left-leaning groups .
Tesla CEO Musk reaped the largest percentage gain of the three , with his net worth expanding by 48 % to more than $ 36 billion , a gain of almost $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 19 , according to Americans for Tax Fairness and the Institute for Policy Studies .
Facebook CEO Zuckerberg ’ s wealth skyrocketed by more than $ 25 billion to $ 80 billion , putting him just behind Musk in percentage gained , said the groups , which based their findings on Forbes data .
Oracle CEO Ellison saw a $ 7 billion wealth increase , to $ 66 billion — only a 12 % expansion of his $ 59 billion net worth in mid-March , the groups reported .
Across America , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s 600-plus billionaires increased by $ 434 billion to $ 3.4 trillion , a 15 % jump , the groups said .
During the pandemic , the number of billionaires in the U.S. rose by 16 to 630 , according to the groups .
“ The surge in billionaire wealth during a global pandemic underscores the grotesque nature of unequal sacrifice , ” said Chuck Collins , an Institute for Policy Studies director .
“ While millions risk their lives and livelihoods as first responders and front-line workers , these billionaires benefit from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wired to funnel wealth to the top.
” • Manjoo : How the world ’ s richest country ran out of face masks • Amid a national shortage of Covid-19 tests , California ’ s wealthy can still get tested Musk , Zuckerberg and Ellison did not immediately respond to requests for comment sent to their companies .

Times aren’t tough for everyone, financially speaking. In the two months that have seen America’s economy ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic and tens of millions losing their jobs, Bay Area CEOs Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and Larry Ellison have seen their wealth grow by a combined $44 billion, according to a new report by two left-leaning groups.
Tesla CEO Musk reaped the largest percentage gain of the three, with his net worth expanding by 48% to more than $36 billion, a gain of almost $12 billion from March 18 to May 19, according to Americans for Tax Fairness and the Institute for Policy Studies.
Facebook CEO Zuckerberg’s wealth skyrocketed by more than $25 billion to $80 billion, putting him just behind Musk in percentage gained, said the groups, which based their findings on Forbes data.
Oracle CEO Ellison saw a $7 billion wealth increase, to $66 billion — only a 12% expansion of his $59 billion net worth in mid-March, the groups reported.
Across America, the total net worth of the country’s 600-plus billionaires increased by $434 billion to $3.4 trillion, a 15% jump, the groups said. During the pandemic, the number of billionaires in the U.S. rose by 16 to 630, according to the groups.
“The surge in billionaire wealth during a global pandemic underscores the grotesque nature of unequal sacrifice,” said Chuck Collins, an Institute for Policy Studies director. “While millions risk their lives and livelihoods as first responders and front-line workers, these billionaires benefit from an economy and tax system that is wired to funnel wealth to the top.”


mercurynews--2020-05-21--California repays $1.4B loan for unemployment benefits

California has quickly repaid a nearly $ 1.4 billion loan from the federal government used to fund a massive increase in unemployment claims amid the coronavirus pandemic .
The state had borrowed $ 348 million in April and nearly $ 1.1 billion in early May , according to US Department of Treasury and Department of Labor data .
But the balance is now $ 0 , according to the federal agencies .
During severe economic downturns , it ’ s not unusual for states to turn to the federal government for loans to cover their share of unemployment insurance , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Nearly three dozen states borrowed funds during and after the Great Recession .
By the time California fully repaid the federal government in 2018 , the tab totaled $ 65 billion with $ 1.4 billion in interest .
The jobless are guaranteed to get their benefits regardless of whether the money comes from a state ’ s unemployment trust fund or from a federal loan if the trust fund runs dry .
California was able to pay back the loan with revenue from employer-paid taxes to cover unemployment , said a state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this being the highest period for receiving annual employer contributions , we will continue to bounce up and down with solvency for a little while until the contributions slow down and benefit payments outpace that revenue on a more permanent basis , ” she said .
The department has requested authority to borrow up to $ 10 billion between April and June .
It only draws down what it needs at any given time and will not pay interest on any loans in 2020 , thanks to a coronavirus relief bill Congress passed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the only state that has requested borrowing authority from the federal government .
It ’ s one of 10 states , along with New York , Illinois , Ohio and Massachusetts , that have asked for the ability to draw down a total of $ 42.8 billion between May and July , said a US Department of Labor spokeswoman .
At the moment , only New York is borrowing , after taking a loan of nearly $ 51 million this week .
About 38.6 million Americans have filed first-time unemployment claims since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay-at-home orders and to shutter non-essential businesses in mid-March .
The Golden State has processed 4.7 million claims since outbreak started and paid a total of $ 12.3 billion in benefits , though not all of that bill is footed by the state .
It includes the extra $ 600 weekly boost and benefits paid to gig workers and others that are both funded by the federal government as part of the $ 2 trillion Congressional relief package passed in late March .
However , the state is projecting that unemployment benefits will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fiscal year , which begins July 1 , up from its original $ 5.8 billion estimate .
They payments will be primarily supported by federal funding , federal loans and employer taxes .
Federal and state spending on unemployment benefits totaled just under $ 126 billion , as of May 19 , up from $ 12.7 billion at the beginning of March , according to Treasury Department data .

[vemba-video id=”us/2020/05/12/los-angeles-stay-at-home-coronavirus-vpx.cnn”]
By Tami Luhby | CNN
California has quickly repaid a nearly $1.4 billion loan from the federal government used to fund a massive increase in unemployment claims amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The state had borrowed $348 million in April and nearly $1.1 billion in early May, according to US Department of Treasury and Department of Labor data. But the balance is now $0, according to the federal agencies.
During severe economic downturns, it’s not unusual for states to turn to the federal government for loans to cover their share of unemployment insurance, which typically lasts up to 26 weeks. Nearly three dozen states borrowed funds during and after the Great Recession. By the time California fully repaid the federal government in 2018, the tab totaled $65 billion with $1.4 billion in interest.
The jobless are guaranteed to get their benefits regardless of whether the money comes from a state’s unemployment trust fund or from a federal loan if the trust fund runs dry.
California was able to pay back the loan with revenue from employer-paid taxes to cover unemployment, said a state Employment Development Department spokeswoman.
“With this being the highest period for receiving annual employer contributions, we will continue to bounce up and down with solvency for a little while until the contributions slow down and benefit payments outpace that revenue on a more permanent basis,” she said.
The department has requested authority to borrow up to $10 billion between April and June. It only draws down what it needs at any given time and will not pay interest on any loans in 2020, thanks to a coronavirus relief bill Congress passed in mid-March.
California isn’t the only state that has requested borrowing authority from the federal government. It’s one of 10 states, along with New York, Illinois, Ohio and Massachusetts, that have asked for the ability to draw down a total of $42.8 billion between May and July, said a US Department of Labor spokeswoman. At the moment, only New York is borrowing, after taking a loan of nearly $51 million this week.
About 38.6 million Americans have filed first-time unemployment claims since the coronavirus pandemic began prompting states to issue stay-at-home orders and to shutter non-essential businesses in mid-March.
The Golden State has processed 4.7 million claims since outbreak started and paid a total of $12.3 billion in benefits, though not all of that bill is footed by the state. It includes the extra $600 weekly boost and benefits paid to gig workers and others that are both funded by the federal government as part of the $2 trillion Congressional relief package passed in late March.
However, the state is projecting that unemployment benefits will total $43.8 billion for the 2020-21 fiscal year, which begins July 1, up from its original $5.8 billion estimate. They payments will be primarily supported by federal funding, federal loans and employer taxes.
Federal and state spending on unemployment benefits totaled just under $126 billion, as of May 19, up from $12.7 billion at the beginning of March, according to Treasury Department data.


mercurynews--2020-05-21--Saratoga: Move to annex Mountain Winery fails amid staunch local opposition

SARATOGA — After deliberating for nearly eight hours , the Saratoga City Council decided not to move forward with talks to annex the Mountain Winery , an entertainment complex on the Santa Cruz Mountain foothills that has been under Santa Clara County control for decades .
Any chance that Saratoga had of locally controlling the future development of the winery is all but gone as council members split over the issue voted to end talks with the winery ’ s owners and return the money the winery spent to study the annexation .
More than 140 people tuned into Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voice nearly unanimous opposition to bringing the winery under the control of the city , which would have meant the addition of millions of dollars in tax revenue to its coffers but also the potential for unwanted development on the hillside .
Bill Hirschman , managing partner of the winery , said during a brief interview Thursday that he was disappointed with the outcome .
“ What the hell happened ?
” Hirschman said .
“ It was a disappointing decision .
There ’ s so much work that went into this both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got caught up in a situation that was quite strange.
” The political divide in the city made clear by the hundreds of letters and comments made to the council by concerned residents apparently swayed the council to vote 3-2 to halt the two-year-long annexation process and leave it for a future council to revisit or abandon altogether .
For Mayor Howard Miller , a longtime advocate of bringing the winery under the control of the city , the conversation around annexation careened off a hill when it was impossible for him to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the main question : What is the city willing to give up to take the winery under its control ?
“ That question is unanswerable , ” Miller said early Thursday morning .
“ Nobody has offered an answer to that fundamental question .
What happened is we ’ ve slipped off that question , and in that way we ’ ve clearly failed our citizens .
I don ’ t see a viable path for us to even move forward on this particular annexation.
” The annexation would have seen the winery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since its inception — become part of the city of Saratoga , giving the City Council oversight over its expansion plans .
Fixated over a hypothetical 300-room hotel the council offered as an example in planning for the site , many Saratoga residents staunchly against annexation favor the winery ’ s limitations to expand under the county ’ s supervision .
Many feared striking a deal with the city would make the massive hotel project an inevitability .
For years Saratoga residents already have seen the winery — built in 1878 at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undergo major expansions that included the addition of an amphitheater in the 1950s and other amenities throughout the last half of the century , making the site a mainstay for retreats , weddings , business meetings and special events attracting thousands .
It was music to the ears of council member Rishi Kumar — who is running for U.S. Congress to replace current Peninsula representative Anna Eshoo — when it appeared the votes were finally there to end a conversation he thought from the very beginning was unacceptable .
Voicing the major concerns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frequently butted heads with the mayor and other council members as he presented his case for discontinuing the annexation process , arguing it would allow future massive development of the area , disrupt the natural environment and also threaten the quality of life of those living near the winery .
“ I don ’ t think this is the best use of our time , ” Kumar said .
“ We should be focusing on water issues , crime and working on COVID-19 issues .
Let ’ s work on the important challenges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t agree having more meetings will solve this issue.
” Kumar subsequently introduced a motion to stop all annexation proceedings , pay outstanding expenses and shut the project down .
The motion initially was not taken up by the council , although ultimately it decided to do just that , including giving money back to Cheateu Masson , LLC , the owner and operator of the Mountain Winery .
After a 4-1 vote , with Kumar dissenting , the council decided to pay back half of the about $ 247,000 the company already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Hirschman said he would have preferred that the annexation move forward than get the money back .
“ We wanted to have the project heard and have a discussion and get all the uncertainty that existed in the community out there so there could be a public discussion about what the issues were , ” Hirschman said , adding that the annexation process failed largely due to “ misinformation.
” Hirschman said his company was already hesitant to give money to the city for various annexation proposals over the years essentially “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” because of the lack of control Saratoga had over the winery .
His company wasn ’ t a developer or applicant for a project because there wasn ’ t one , Hirschman said .
The city ran the whole process , he added .
Asked what the winery intends to do now , Hirschman said it will continue on a current project to build four new facilities for the winery ’ s various functions as an events space .
Any future plans will go through the county board , a body with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working relationship .
“ We ’ re going to finish up what we ’ ve got , ” Hirschman said .
“ If we ’ re going to do some more improvements , we ’ ll go to the county and they ’ ll say it ’ s good or not .
If we decide we want to build lodging , we ’ ll go to the county .
It makes no difference at all who we ask.
” For Glenda Aune , who lives on Pierce Road just downhill from the winery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encouraging .
She said she was happy to see the mayor change his mind about the process after hearing from the dozens of residents who are against it .
“ I think that took a lot of courage and strength of character for him to stop this annexation when he was so committed to it and believed it was the right thing to do for the city , ” Aune said .

SARATOGA — After deliberating for nearly eight hours, the Saratoga City Council decided not to move forward with talks to annex the Mountain Winery, an entertainment complex on the Santa Cruz Mountain foothills that has been under Santa Clara County control for decades.
Any chance that Saratoga had of locally controlling the future development of the winery is all but gone as council members split over the issue voted to end talks with the winery’s owners and return the money the winery spent to study the annexation.
More than 140 people tuned into Wednesday evening’s Zoom council meeting to voice nearly unanimous opposition to bringing the winery under the control of the city, which would have meant the addition of millions of dollars in tax revenue to its coffers but also the potential for unwanted development on the hillside.
Bill Hirschman, managing partner of the winery, said during a brief interview Thursday that he was disappointed with the outcome.
“What the hell happened?” Hirschman said. “It was a disappointing decision. There’s so much work that went into this both by the city and us. We got caught up in a situation that was quite strange.”
The political divide in the city made clear by the hundreds of letters and comments made to the council by concerned residents apparently swayed the council to vote 3-2 to halt the two-year-long annexation process and leave it for a future council to revisit or abandon altogether.
For Mayor Howard Miller, a longtime advocate of bringing the winery under the control of the city, the conversation around annexation careened off a hill when it was impossible for him to get answers for what he said is the main question: What is the city willing to give up to take the winery under its control?
“That question is unanswerable,” Miller said early Thursday morning. “Nobody has offered an answer to that fundamental question. What happened is we’ve slipped off that question, and in that way we’ve clearly failed our citizens. I don’t see a viable path for us to even move forward on this particular annexation.”
The annexation would have seen the winery — which has been under county control since its inception — become part of the city of Saratoga, giving the City Council oversight over its expansion plans.
Fixated over a hypothetical 300-room hotel the council offered as an example in planning for the site, many Saratoga residents staunchly against annexation favor the winery’s limitations to expand under the county’s supervision. Many feared striking a deal with the city would make the massive hotel project an inevitability.
For years Saratoga residents already have seen the winery — built in 1878 at the top of the winding Pierce Road — undergo major expansions that included the addition of an amphitheater in the 1950s and other amenities throughout the last half of the century, making the site a mainstay for retreats, weddings, business meetings and special events attracting thousands.
It was music to the ears of council member Rishi Kumar — who is running for U.S. Congress to replace current Peninsula representative Anna Eshoo — when it appeared the votes were finally there to end a conversation he thought from the very beginning was unacceptable.
Voicing the major concerns of residents he spoke with, Kumar frequently butted heads with the mayor and other council members as he presented his case for discontinuing the annexation process, arguing it would allow future massive development of the area, disrupt the natural environment and also threaten the quality of life of those living near the winery.
“I don’t think this is the best use of our time,” Kumar said. “We should be focusing on water issues, crime and working on COVID-19 issues. Let’s work on the important challenges. Simply stated, I don’t agree having more meetings will solve this issue.”
Kumar subsequently introduced a motion to stop all annexation proceedings, pay outstanding expenses and shut the project down. The motion initially was not taken up by the council, although ultimately it decided to do just that, including giving money back to Cheateu Masson, LLC, the owner and operator of the Mountain Winery.
After a 4-1 vote, with Kumar dissenting, the council decided to pay back half of the about $247,000 the company already spent on consultants for the annexation project. Hirschman said he would have preferred that the annexation move forward than get the money back.
“We wanted to have the project heard and have a discussion and get all the uncertainty that existed in the community out there so there could be a public discussion about what the issues were,” Hirschman said, adding that the annexation process failed largely due to “misinformation.”
Hirschman said his company was already hesitant to give money to the city for various annexation proposals over the years essentially “begging us to come into the city” because of the lack of control Saratoga had over the winery. His company wasn’t a developer or applicant for a project because there wasn’t one, Hirschman said. The city ran the whole process, he added.
Asked what the winery intends to do now, Hirschman said it will continue on a current project to build four new facilities for the winery’s various functions as an events space. Any future plans will go through the county board, a body with whom the winery has had a 22-year working relationship.
“We’re going to finish up what we’ve got,” Hirschman said. “If we’re going to do some more improvements, we’ll go to the county and they’ll say it’s good or not. If we decide we want to build lodging, we’ll go to the county. It makes no difference at all who we ask.”
For Glenda Aune, who lives on Pierce Road just downhill from the winery, the decision early Thursday morning was encouraging. She said she was happy to see the mayor change his mind about the process after hearing from the dozens of residents who are against it.
“I think that took a lot of courage and strength of character for him to stop this annexation when he was so committed to it and believed it was the right thing to do for the city,” Aune said.


mercurynews--2020-05-21--Letter: As virus takes toll, bill offering monthly payouts is promising

Re : “ It ’ s time to start thinking about a post-pandemic vision ” ( Opinion section , Mercurynews.com , May 15 ) : “ Nothing will be the same.
” Like many others , I ’ ve grappled with this thought for the past few months .
Seeing people lose family and friends , familiar businesses declare bankruptcy , and life milestones pass by , it ’ s easy to feel helpless as our old lives disappear .
As we mourn the unequivocal tragedy brought by this pandemic , we should also take care to look toward the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we must address as we recover .
One such issue is climate change .
• Letter : I used to be attracted to the populist philosophy • Letter : The US has confined citizens , guilty of nothing , before • Letter : Stronger bans on plastics after crisis will be needed • Letter : Santa Clara County jail releases are key to this vision While total economic shutdown is unsustainable , we ’ ve seen the benefits of carbon-emission reductions as traffic and industrial activity has slowed .
Additionally , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus takes its economic toll , another bill with similar promises could help tackle climate change : the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act , HR 763 , which will tax carbon emissions and return the revenue to the American people .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Bill giving monthly payouts
promising as virus takes toll
Re: “It’s time to start thinking about a post-pandemic vision” (Opinion section, Mercurynews.com, May 15):
“Nothing will be the same.”
Like many others, I’ve grappled with this thought for the past few months. Seeing people lose family and friends, familiar businesses declare bankruptcy, and life milestones pass by, it’s easy to feel helpless as our old lives disappear.
As we mourn the unequivocal tragedy brought by this pandemic, we should also take care to look toward the future. COVID-19 has revealed institutional shortcomings that we must address as we recover. One such issue is climate change.
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Lucia Li
Fremont
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