mercurynews--2020-09-21--49ers’ Nick Bosa, Solomon Thomas indeed out for season with torn ACLs

Nick Bosa ’ s senior year in high school was just five years ago , and it got ruined by an anterior cruciate ligament tear .
Same goes for his second year with the 49ers .
Medical tests confirmed that Bosa tore the ACL in his left knee during Sunday ’ s 31-13 win at the New York Jets , the 49ers announced Monday afternoon .
Fellow defensive line starter Solomon Thomas also tore his left knee ’ s ACL , two plays after Bosa .
Thomas , the No .
3 overall draft pick in 2017 out of Stanford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his rookie contract .
Raheem Mostert ( MCL sprain ) is most likely out for Sunday ’ s return trip to New York to face the Giants , and fellow running back Tevin Coleman will miss multiple weeks , ESPN reported .
Coach Kyle Shanahan has not ruled out Jimmy Garoppolo from playing against the Giants , even though a high ankle sprain forced him out at halftime .
Nick Mullens replaced Garoppolo and would start Sunday if Garoppolo can not .
To compensate for the loss of Bosa and Thomas , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spasms that sidelined Dee Ford , the 49ers are signing defensive end Ziggy Ansah to a one-year deal as he meets up with them in West Virginia , where they ’ re practicing this week at The Greenbrier Resort .
Bosa ’ s injury is especially hard-hitting considering he was a NFL Defensive Player of the Year candidate .
“ I ’ ve got all the faith in the world he ’ ll be back next year better than ever , ” left tackle Trent Williams said Sunday .
“ Good thing is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these before .
“ He ’ s as hard a worker as you ’ ll find .
He ’ ll overcome adversity and be the best player we expect him to be.
” Bosa overcame a 2015 ACL tear to his right knee by flourishing at Ohio State and then winning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors with the 49ers , who drafted him No .
2 overall last year .
On Oct. 30 , 2015 , Bosa was a five-star recruit when he tore his ACL eight games into his senior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fort Lauderdale , Fla. ) , and he missed out on their ensuing defense as Class 7A state champs .
On Sunday , Bosa ’ s left knee buckled while he engaged in a block with a New York Jets tight end in the first quarter .
Two snaps after Bosa got carted off MetLife Stadium ’ s new and allegedly sticky turf , defensive tackle Solomon Thomas also injured his left knee , and Thomas got carted , too .
“ It ’ s heartbreaking .
Nick is a cornerstone of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He ’ s part of the nucleus .
Not only that , he ’ s a shining star on the field with a bright future ahead of him.
” Bosa ’ s golden birthday is next month – he turns 23 on Oct. 23 .
Williams and Bosa went toe-to-toe in epic drills the first week of training camp last month , then Bosa missed the next 2 1/2 weeks with an unspecified injury to his upper right leg .
After undergoing core-muscle surgery to truncate his Ohio State career in 2016 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead of his 49ers rookie season .
He produced nine sacks in the regular season and four more in the playoffs , including one in their Super Bowl defeat .
“ Everyone ’ s got to step it up .
Everyone knows how great of a player Nick is , ” Shanahan said .
“ Teams do go through this .
We lost our quarterback at the beginning of the year two years ago .
You look at things like Denver , losing Von ( Miller ) before the season started .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ similar to losing a guy like Nick .
I think we all understand that , but the thing that makes you excited about that is that we do have a lot of good players on our team .
”

Nick Bosa’s senior year in high school was just five years ago, and it got ruined by an anterior cruciate ligament tear.
Same goes for his second year with the 49ers.
Medical tests confirmed that Bosa tore the ACL in his left knee during Sunday’s 31-13 win at the New York Jets, the 49ers announced Monday afternoon.
Fellow defensive line starter Solomon Thomas also tore his left knee’s ACL, two plays after Bosa. Thomas, the No. 3 overall draft pick in 2017 out of Stanford, is in the final year of his rookie contract.
Raheem Mostert (MCL sprain) is most likely out for Sunday’s return trip to New York to face the Giants, and fellow running back Tevin Coleman will miss multiple weeks, ESPN reported.
Coach Kyle Shanahan has not ruled out Jimmy Garoppolo from playing against the Giants, even though a high ankle sprain forced him out at halftime. Nick Mullens replaced Garoppolo and would start Sunday if Garoppolo can not.
To compensate for the loss of Bosa and Thomas, as well as last week’s neck spasms that sidelined Dee Ford, the 49ers are signing defensive end Ziggy Ansah to a one-year deal as he meets up with them in West Virginia, where they’re practicing this week at The Greenbrier Resort.
Bosa’s injury is especially hard-hitting considering he was a NFL Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
“I’ve got all the faith in the world he’ll be back next year better than ever,” left tackle Trent Williams said Sunday. “Good thing is he’s been through one of these before.
“He’s as hard a worker as you’ll find. He’ll overcome adversity and be the best player we expect him to be.”
Bosa overcame a 2015 ACL tear to his right knee by flourishing at Ohio State and then winning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors with the 49ers, who drafted him No. 2 overall last year.
On Oct. 30, 2015, Bosa was a five-star recruit when he tore his ACL eight games into his senior year at St. Thomas Aquinas High (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), and he missed out on their ensuing defense as Class 7A state champs.
Just got out feeling good pic.twitter.com/09DFIx301n — Nick Bosa (@nbsmallerbear) November 10, 2015
On Sunday, Bosa’s left knee buckled while he engaged in a block with a New York Jets tight end in the first quarter. Two snaps after Bosa got carted off MetLife Stadium’s new and allegedly sticky turf, defensive tackle Solomon Thomas also injured his left knee, and Thomas got carted, too.
“It’s heartbreaking. Nick is a cornerstone of this team,” Williams said. “He’s part of the nucleus. Not only that, he’s a shining star on the field with a bright future ahead of him.”
Bosa’s golden birthday is next month – he turns 23 on Oct. 23.
Williams and Bosa went toe-to-toe in epic drills the first week of training camp last month, then Bosa missed the next 2 1/2 weeks with an unspecified injury to his upper right leg.
After undergoing core-muscle surgery to truncate his Ohio State career in 2016, Bosa battled through hamstring and ankle injuries ahead of his 49ers rookie season. He produced nine sacks in the regular season and four more in the playoffs, including one in their Super Bowl defeat.
“Everyone’s got to step it up. Everyone knows how great of a player Nick is,” Shanahan said. “Teams do go through this. We lost our quarterback at the beginning of the year two years ago. You look at things like Denver, losing Von (Miller) before the season started.
“So, it’s all very similar to losing a guy like Nick. I think we all understand that, but the thing that makes you excited about that is that we do have a lot of good players on our team.”
Meanwhile, Shanahan drew a $100,000 fine and the 49ers got docked $250,000 from the NFL after he did not heed last week’s warning about not consistently wearing a mask on the sideline, ESPN reported. The same fines were tolled to Denver’s Vic Fangio and Seattle’s Pete Carroll.


mercurynews--2020-09-21--Raiders Trent Brown, Nick Kwiatkoski, Sam Young are inactive vs. Saints

Coach Jon Gruden said he was hopeful , but the Raiders ’ injury report for Monday night ’ s game against the New Orleans Saints served as a reminder that “ doubtful ” almost always means “ out.
” Right tackle Trent Brown ( calf ) , middle linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski ( pectoral ) and swing tackle Sam Young ( groin ) were among the six Raiders inactive players after missing practice all week for injuries sustained against a Week 1 win over Carolina .
All were listed as doubtful in Saturday ’ s injury report .
Brown , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missed six games dating back to last season in addition to three others where he played less than 10 snaps .
Brown signed a four-year , $ 66 million contract after playing 16 games at left tackle with the New England Patriots and also through their postseason run to the Super Bowl championship .
The good news for the Raiders is that Denzelle Good , the converted guard who stepped in against Carolina , had a week to prepare as a right tackle .
The bad news is his opposition is Cameron Jordan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the NFL ’ s top left defensive ends for the Saints .
With Young out , Brandon Parker , inactive in Week 1 , will be the swing tackle backing up Kolton Miller and Good .
Wide receiver Henry Ruggs III , listed as questionable with a knee injury , is expected to play against the Saints .
In Kwiatkoski ’ s absence last week , Nicholas Morrow got increased time while Cory Littleton played every snap .
Also available is Raekwon McMillan , who played six snaps against Carolina and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fourth-down stop .
Also inactive for the Raiders is wide receiver Rico Gafford , rookie cornerback Amik Robertson and defensive tackle Daniel Ross .
Javin White , the undrafted rookie out of McClymonds High and Nevada-Las Vegas , is among the 48 players active and will likely see time on special teams .
White was promoted Monday from the practice squad .
The most significant inactive player for New Orleans is wide receiver Michael Thomas , who set an NFL record last season with 149 receptions .
Thomas sustained a high ankle sprain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over Tampa Bay .
• Inside the Raiders : Win over Saints would mean validation as a playoff contender • Five keys for Raiders to open new home with win over Saints

Coach Jon Gruden said he was hopeful, but the Raiders’ injury report for Monday night’s game against the New Orleans Saints served as a reminder that “doubtful” almost always means “out.”
Right tackle Trent Brown (calf), middle linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (pectoral) and swing tackle Sam Young (groin) were among the six Raiders inactive players after missing practice all week for injuries sustained against a Week 1 win over Carolina.
All were listed as doubtful in Saturday’s injury report.
Brown, who lasted just three plays, has now missed six games dating back to last season in addition to three others where he played less than 10 snaps. Brown signed a four-year, $66 million contract after playing 16 games at left tackle with the New England Patriots and also through their postseason run to the Super Bowl championship.
The good news for the Raiders is that Denzelle Good, the converted guard who stepped in against Carolina, had a week to prepare as a right tackle. The bad news is his opposition is Cameron Jordan, the former Cal star who is one of the NFL’s top left defensive ends for the Saints.
With Young out, Brandon Parker, inactive in Week 1, will be the swing tackle backing up Kolton Miller and Good.
Wide receiver Henry Ruggs III, listed as questionable with a knee injury, is expected to play against the Saints.
In Kwiatkoski’s absence last week, Nicholas Morrow got increased time while Cory Littleton played every snap. Also available is Raekwon McMillan, who played six snaps against Carolina and had a key assisted tackle a late fourth-down stop.
Also inactive for the Raiders is wide receiver Rico Gafford, rookie cornerback Amik Robertson and defensive tackle Daniel Ross.
Javin White, the undrafted rookie out of McClymonds High and Nevada-Las Vegas, is among the 48 players active and will likely see time on special teams. White was promoted Monday from the practice squad.
The most significant inactive player for New Orleans is wide receiver Michael Thomas, who set an NFL record last season with 149 receptions. Thomas sustained a high ankle sprain in the Saints’ Week 1 win over Tampa Bay.


mercurynews--2020-09-21--Manhattan DA says Trump may face fraud charges

NEW YORK – Manhattan ’ s district attorney said on Monday he might have grounds to investigate President Donald Trump and his businesses for tax fraud , as he seeks to persuade a federal appeals court to let him obtain Trump ’ s tax returns .
Lawyers for District Attorney Cyrus Vance made the assertion in a filing with the 2nd U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan , four days before it considers Trump ’ s request to block Vance ’ s August 2019 subpoena for the tax returns .
The lawyers said the “ mountainous ” public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business properties , could justify a grand jury probe into possible tax fraud , insurance fraud and falsifying business records .
“ Even if the grand jury were testing the truth of public allegations alone , such reports , taken together , fully justify the scope of the grand jury subpoena , ” Vance ’ s lawyers wrote , without accusing Trump or his businesses of wrongdoing .
Jay Sekulow , a lawyer for Trump , declined to comment on the filing .
Among the reports Vance ’ s office cited were allegations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that inflated his assets and omitted debt-laden properties , and from 2004 to 2014 paid $ 400 million in cash for “ five houses , eight golf courses and a winery ” despite billions of dollars in debt .
They also included the case of Trump ’ s former personal lawyer Michael Cohen , who pleaded guilty to campaign finance and other charges , and testified to Congress it was common for the Trump Organization to falsify records when seeking loans .
Vance had previously said his probe also related to reports of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” at the Trump Organization , including possible insurance and bank fraud by the company and its officers .
Trump , a Republican , has said the subpoena from Vance , a Democrat , to his accounting firm Mazars USA for eight years of his personal and corporate tax returns was “ wildly overbroad ” and issued in bad faith to harass him .
The president made that argument after the U.S. Supreme Court in July rejected his earlier claim of immunity from criminal investigations while in the White House .
Trump is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Aug. 20 ruling allowing the subpoena ’ s enforcement .
But lawyers for Vance said Trump ’ s arguments , including that the Mazars subpoena largely copied an earlier subpoena from Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives , were “ recycled ” from when he claimed immunity .
The lawyers called Marrero ’ s review “ meticulous , ” after Trump had accused the judge of dismissively rejecting his arguments as a “ back-door ” means to immunity .
Oral arguments are set for Sept. 25 before a panel of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidents .
Though the appeal was fast-tracked , it is unlikely the public will know what ’ s in Trump ’ s tax returns before the Nov. 3 election .
( Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York ; Additional reporting by Karen Freifeld ; editing by Jonathan Oatis and Tom Brown )

By Jonathan Stemel | Reuters
NEW YORK – Manhattan’s district attorney said on Monday he might have grounds to investigate President Donald Trump and his businesses for tax fraud, as he seeks to persuade a federal appeals court to let him obtain Trump’s tax returns.
Lawyers for District Attorney Cyrus Vance made the assertion in a filing with the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan, four days before it considers Trump’s request to block Vance’s August 2019 subpoena for the tax returns.
The lawyers said the “mountainous” public allegations of misconduct, including misstatements about business properties, could justify a grand jury probe into possible tax fraud, insurance fraud and falsifying business records.
“Even if the grand jury were testing the truth of public allegations alone, such reports, taken together, fully justify the scope of the grand jury subpoena,” Vance’s lawyers wrote, without accusing Trump or his businesses of wrongdoing.
Jay Sekulow, a lawyer for Trump, declined to comment on the filing.
Among the reports Vance’s office cited were allegations that Trump routinely sent lenders financial statements that inflated his assets and omitted debt-laden properties, and from 2004 to 2014 paid $400 million in cash for “five houses, eight golf courses and a winery” despite billions of dollars in debt.
They also included the case of Trump’s former personal lawyer Michael Cohen, who pleaded guilty to campaign finance and other charges, and testified to Congress it was common for the Trump Organization to falsify records when seeking loans.
Vance had previously said his probe also related to reports of “possibly extensive and protracted criminal conduct” at the Trump Organization, including possible insurance and bank fraud by the company and its officers.
Trump, a Republican, has said the subpoena from Vance, a Democrat, to his accounting firm Mazars USA for eight years of his personal and corporate tax returns was “wildly overbroad” and issued in bad faith to harass him.
The president made that argument after the U.S. Supreme Court in July rejected his earlier claim of immunity from criminal investigations while in the White House.
Trump is now appealing U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero’s Aug. 20 ruling allowing the subpoena’s enforcement.
But lawyers for Vance said Trump’s arguments, including that the Mazars subpoena largely copied an earlier subpoena from Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives, were “recycled” from when he claimed immunity.
The lawyers called Marrero’s review “meticulous,” after Trump had accused the judge of dismissively rejecting his arguments as a “back-door” means to immunity.
Oral arguments are set for Sept. 25 before a panel of three judges, all appointed by Democratic presidents.
Though the appeal was fast-tracked, it is unlikely the public will know what’s in Trump’s tax returns before the Nov. 3 election. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Additional reporting by Karen Freifeld; editing by Jonathan Oatis and Tom Brown)


mercurynews--2020-09-22--Wildfire-weary Californians, ‘tired of this being normal,’ consider uprooting their lives

It ’ s not just the nearly 7,900 wildfires that have consumed more than 3.4 million acres and claimed 26 lives in California that have Arthur Gies looking online for apartments in New York .
“ It ’ s not necessarily this year of wildfires so much as the dam breaking on the realization that this is not just the new normal but just a prelude to what ’ s coming , ” the 39-year-old Oakland resident says .
“ And just being sort of tired of this being normal.
” The website editor and video game consultant has lived @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life .
As a teenager in the San Diego area , he was familiar with the stench of smoke and flakes of ash that rained down after wildfires .
Lately , however , weeks of unhealthy air quality readings and thick shrouds of smoke that some days make it impossible to see the lagoon three blocks from his Lake Merritt home are becoming unbearable .
And he ’ s not alone .
“ I have one friend that recently moved to Idaho to take care of family and isn ’ t coming back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he and his wife and child had been living in San Francisco for more than a decade… I have other friends that work at dot-coms or tech companies in the Bay Area and have lived here for anywhere from seven to ten years and are talking about leaving very seriously.
” Gies himself is seriously considering a cross country move to Brooklyn or Manhattan to escape the anxiety of life in California .
The latest talk about people fleeing the California dream comes during an apocalyptic summer of record-breaking temperatures , raging fires @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homes up and down the West Coast , unprecedented lightning strikes , rolling blackouts that left millions in the dark , and ghostly orange and Martian-red skies .
And late Friday , another perennial threat , a 4.5-magnitude earthquake , struck Southern California .
No damage or injuries were reported but it jarred the sense of security of some already-rattled Californians .
Scientists have long acknowledged that the fingerprints of global warming are all over the wildfires and so many other disasters .
And far worse disasters could be on the horizon .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the greater the odds of hot , dry conditions conducive to fires .
The planet has warmed by a global average of roughly 2.1 degrees Fahrenheit since the 1880s , with human activity responsible for the bulk of that increase .
This past August was the warmest on record in California , according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration .
Each of the past six years were at least 1.8 to 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the historical average .
According to the National Climate Assessment , a major “ state-of-science ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impacts on the US , additional warming of about 2.5 degrees Fahrenheit can be expected over the next few decades regardless of future emissions .
“ It ’ s very important to be thinking about the fact that people will start making decisions about moving because of climate driven pressures , ” said University of Southern California professor Bistra Dilkina , who has modeled migration patterns from sea-level rise .
“ So far we ’ ve been kind of living very much in the world where movement , at least in the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic opportunities .
But , as the intensity of climate driven disasters is increasing , I think it will become an actual moving force , even within the US , for people to change their decision making in terms of relocating the whole family.
” Scientists have projected that 13 million Americans could be be forced to relocate by 2100 from rising sea levels submerging coastlines .
And that ’ s not taking into account the ongoing threat of wildfires , droughts and other disasters .
“ When there ’ s a tipping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s something that they need to integrate in their decision making about moving , we ’ re going to see more movements that are based partially on that reasoning as well , ” Dilkina said .
“ And so , from that perspective , I do believe that fires are going to start becoming one of the factors.
” Dilkina said she has only lived in the Los Angeles metro area for a couple of years .
Her family purchased a home in Rancho Palos Verdes in the beginning of the summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up mostly at home for the last four days , which is very difficult to do with my with two kids — a three-year-old and eight-year-old — going crazy , ” she said .
“ The air quality is really bad , and so that has basically made us just stay at home.
” LeRoy Westerling , a University of California Merced expert on wildfires and the weather that drives them , has had his home in Mariposa County threatened twice by fires in recent years .
The 2017 Detwiler Fire led to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The 2018 Ferguson Fire , which burned through 96,601 acres of the Sierra National Forest , Stanislaus National Forest , Yosemite National Park and state lands , also posed a risk to his community .
“ Right now , we ’ re being impacted pretty severely by the Creek Fire but it ’ s not in danger of burning the town , it ’ s just the air pollution is so bad that you can ’ t stay there right now , ” he said , referring to the ongoing fire that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Fresno and Madera counties .
Along with the threats to life and property , Westerling said , is the issue of insuring his two homes in Mariposa .
“ We can ’ t get decent fire insurance anymore , ” he said .
“ So if your house does burn down , you don ’ t have full coverage.
” He was able to find insurance to cover one home that was dropped by a company last year .
The coverage of his other home was dropped this month , he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lived in California for five generations , is contemplating a move .
“ I ’ ve had this conversation myself at home lately , ” he said of the possibility of relocating further north in the state , the Pacific Northwest or even Canada .
“ It ’ s like balancing different risk issues… It ’ s really just mind-numbingly common now that we get the smoke not just from the nearby fires but from all over the place.
” Gies , the website editor and video game consultant , said there was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ occasional temblors .
• Wildfires , coronavirus and an earthquake collided for California ’ s terrible week • A voice in the darkness : Volunteer radio station eases fears as wildfire nears remote Mendocino County town “ The entire time that I can remember being aware of anything is the idea that earthquakes are a thing we ’ re waiting for — huge earthquakes on multiple faults , ” said Gies , who has lived in Oakland for 13 years .
“ And that ’ s something that hangs over California all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not just that .
It ’ s that anytime it ’ s warm and it hasn ’ t rained for a couple months , the prospect of just really life altering wildfires are becoming not just possible but expected , ” he added .
“ Climate disaster is something that will affect almost everywhere but the ways in which it ’ s affecting places like the Eastern seaboard that are not in the direct path of hurricane season feels more manageable to me than the fires and earthquakes here .
”

It’s not just the nearly 7,900 wildfires that have consumed more than 3.4 million acres and claimed 26 lives in California that have Arthur Gies looking online for apartments in New York.
“It’s not necessarily this year of wildfires so much as the dam breaking on the realization that this is not just the new normal but just a prelude to what’s coming,” the 39-year-old Oakland resident says. “And just being sort of tired of this being normal.”
The website editor and video game consultant has lived in Northern and Southern California his entire life. As a teenager in the San Diego area, he was familiar with the stench of smoke and flakes of ash that rained down after wildfires.
Lately, however, weeks of unhealthy air quality readings and thick shrouds of smoke that some days make it impossible to see the lagoon three blocks from his Lake Merritt home are becoming unbearable. And he’s not alone.
“I have one friend that recently moved to Idaho to take care of family and isn’t coming back,” Gies said. “And he and his wife and child had been living in San Francisco for more than a decade… I have other friends that work at dot-coms or tech companies in the Bay Area and have lived here for anywhere from seven to ten years and are talking about leaving very seriously.”
Gies himself is seriously considering a cross country move to Brooklyn or Manhattan to escape the anxiety of life in California.
The latest talk about people fleeing the California dream comes during an apocalyptic summer of record-breaking temperatures, raging fires that have forced thousands to flee their homes up and down the West Coast, unprecedented lightning strikes, rolling blackouts that left millions in the dark, and ghostly orange and Martian-red skies.
And late Friday, another perennial threat, a 4.5-magnitude earthquake, struck Southern California. No damage or injuries were reported but it jarred the sense of security of some already-rattled Californians.
Climate driven disasters becoming ‘actual moving force’ for relocation
Scientists have long acknowledged that the fingerprints of global warming are all over the wildfires and so many other disasters. And far worse disasters could be on the horizon. The more humans heat up the planet, the greater the odds of hot, dry conditions conducive to fires. The planet has warmed by a global average of roughly 2.1 degrees Fahrenheit since the 1880s, with human activity responsible for the bulk of that increase.
This past August was the warmest on record in California, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Each of the past six years were at least 1.8 to 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the historical average.
According to the National Climate Assessment, a major “state-of-science” review of climate change and its projected impacts on the US, additional warming of about 2.5 degrees Fahrenheit can be expected over the next few decades regardless of future emissions.
“It’s very important to be thinking about the fact that people will start making decisions about moving because of climate driven pressures,” said University of Southern California professor Bistra Dilkina, who has modeled migration patterns from sea-level rise.
“So far we’ve been kind of living very much in the world where movement, at least in the US, is really based on more about economic opportunities. But, as the intensity of climate driven disasters is increasing, I think it will become an actual moving force, even within the US, for people to change their decision making in terms of relocating the whole family.”
Scientists have projected that 13 million Americans could be be forced to relocate by 2100 from rising sea levels submerging coastlines. And that’s not taking into account the ongoing threat of wildfires, droughts and other disasters.
“When there’s a tipping point where people really understand that that’s something that they need to integrate in their decision making about moving, we’re going to see more movements that are based partially on that reasoning as well,” Dilkina said. “And so, from that perspective, I do believe that fires are going to start becoming one of the factors.”
Dilkina said she has only lived in the Los Angeles metro area for a couple of years. Her family purchased a home in Rancho Palos Verdes in the beginning of the summer.
“We have been basically locked up mostly at home for the last four days, which is very difficult to do with my with two kids — a three-year-old and eight-year-old — going crazy,” she said. “The air quality is really bad, and so that has basically made us just stay at home.”
Fire, smoke become ‘mind-numbingly common’
LeRoy Westerling, a University of California Merced expert on wildfires and the weather that drives them, has had his home in Mariposa County threatened twice by fires in recent years. The 2017 Detwiler Fire led to the evacuation of Westerling and his neighbors. The 2018 Ferguson Fire, which burned through 96,601 acres of the Sierra National Forest, Stanislaus National Forest, Yosemite National Park and state lands, also posed a risk to his community.
“Right now, we’re being impacted pretty severely by the Creek Fire but it’s not in danger of burning the town, it’s just the air pollution is so bad that you can’t stay there right now,” he said, referring to the ongoing fire that has so far consumed nearly 250,000 acres in Fresno and Madera counties.
Along with the threats to life and property, Westerling said, is the issue of insuring his two homes in Mariposa.
“We can’t get decent fire insurance anymore,” he said. “So if your house does burn down, you don’t have full coverage.”
He was able to find insurance to cover one home that was dropped by a company last year. The coverage of his other home was dropped this month, he said.
Now Westerling, whose family has lived in California for five generations, is contemplating a move.
“I’ve had this conversation myself at home lately,” he said of the possibility of relocating further north in the state, the Pacific Northwest or even Canada. “It’s like balancing different risk issues… It’s really just mind-numbingly common now that we get the smoke not just from the nearby fires but from all over the place.”
Gies, the website editor and video game consultant, said there was a time when Californians mainly worried about occasional temblors.
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Living with air pollution, especially from wildfires or agriculture, raises risk of dementia, US study finds Crashes and Disasters | Cadaver dogs are in Maui to help find the dead. Here’s how it works and why it’s difficult “The entire time that I can remember being aware of anything is the idea that earthquakes are a thing we’re waiting for — huge earthquakes on multiple faults,” said Gies, who has lived in Oakland for 13 years.
“And that’s something that hangs over California all the time. And now it’s not just that. It’s that anytime it’s warm and it hasn’t rained for a couple months, the prospect of just really life altering wildfires are becoming not just possible but expected,” he added.
“Climate disaster is something that will affect almost everywhere but the ways in which it’s affecting places like the Eastern seaboard that are not in the direct path of hurricane season feels more manageable to me than the fires and earthquakes here.”
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mercurynews--2020-09-22--Editorial: After weapons station fiasco, Concord needs new leaders

Click here for a complete list of our election recommendations .
Earlier this year , the master developer chosen for the massive Concord Naval Weapons Station project bailed after the City Council refused to shield the company from trade unions ’ excessive demands for labor concessions .
It ’ s the second time a developer has bailed on Concord because it couldn ’ t deal with the city ’ s backroom politics .
It should have been an embarrassing moment for the council .
The loss of the master developer sets the $ 1 billion-plus project , which covers an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Pleasant Hill , back nearly seven years , when Concord officials started the laborious selection process .
Then , last week , came the jaw-dropping moment when Concord City Councilwoman Carlyn Obringer , who joined the unanimous decision to let the deal collapse , told us that she should be reelected because she had “ a track record of problem solving , “ and had “ protected the community vision for a world-class project at the Concord Naval Weapons Station.
” It wasn ’ t the community ’ s vision she and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her construction-union supporters ’ delusional expectations .
Obringer is the only council member up for reelection this year who faces a challenger .
Residents in District 2 deserve a representative of their interests who can fairly and independently balance competing factions — unions and developers — and is not beholden to either .
That ’ s why voters should oust Obringer and replace her with Hope Johnson , a smart and articulate candidate seeking to end the city ’ s special-interest politics .
Of the field of four candidates , she is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paul Wood , regional manager for a dental services company , and clinical psychologist Harmesh Kumar — are nowhere near as conversant and clear about what the city must do to right itself .
Johnson , a paralegal who grew up in Concord , recognizes the importance of government transparency after serving on San Francisco ’ s Sunshine Ordinance Task Force when she previously lived there .
She has carefully followed the city ’ s seriously eroding finances , which have been undermined not only by the coronavirus economic downturn but also eye-popping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a decade .
She recognizes that the City Council overreached with its proposed budget remedy , a permanent doubling of the city sales tax on the Nov. 3 ballot .
As for the weapons station project , Johnson is clear that city officials should not be pawns for any special interest .
The loss of the master developer , Lennar , is not the first debacle for the project .
Indeed , Lennar should have never been picked .
The selection process had been tainted from the onset .
The original plan had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firms and then let them compete in a transparent process .
But then-Councilman Tim Grayson took campaign contributions from Lennar associates , a form of lobbying prohibited under the selection-process rules .
Meanwhile his political consultant , Mary Jo Rossi , meddled by telling a competing firm , Catellus , that it could improve its chances if it aligned with local developers .
Grayson also sought political advice from Willie Brown after the former San Francisco mayor had just made a pitch on Lennar ’ s behalf .
Concord ’ s reputation for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manager Valerie Barone schemed in illegal private meetings with council members to withhold the staff recommendation favoring Catellus .
The backroom tactics were too much Catellus , which withdrew from competition , leaving only Lennar .
Later that year , 2016 , when Obringer first ran for City Council , she said , as we did , that the council should have re-started the selection process when the abuses were uncovered .
But for all her sanctimonious protestations , she endorsed Grayson , the most ethically challenged council member , in his successful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear then that Obringer ’ s first allegiance was to her political allies , which includes labor unions .
Then came this year ’ s fiasco .
For construction on the weapons station site , the building trades unions wanted to lock in union wage rates for infrastructure such as utilities and public buildings , a so-called project labor agreement like those that have become increasingly common in California .
But the unions also wanted to expand the agreement to include locked-in wage rates for residential homes in the project — what would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The labor unions kept insisting that Lennar had agreed to the same terms for its San Francisco projects .
It ’ s a claim Obringer parroted during her interview with us last week .
But San Francisco is an entirely different housing market and that city has contributed redevelopment tax income that ’ s not available in Concord .
Lennar said the unions ’ residential demands would have sucked up all the company ’ s potential profits , a claim corroborated by the city ’ s independent consultant .
The council was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the city must restart its search for a developer .
For that , Concord needs not only fresh developer applicants , but fresh city leaders .
Electing Johnson is a good place to start .

Click here for a complete list of our election recommendations.
Earlier this year, the master developer chosen for the massive Concord Naval Weapons Station project bailed after the City Council refused to shield the company from trade unions’ excessive demands for labor concessions.
It’s the second time a developer has bailed on Concord because it couldn’t deal with the city’s backroom politics. It should have been an embarrassing moment for the council. The loss of the master developer sets the $1 billion-plus project, which covers an area half the size of the city of Pleasant Hill, back nearly seven years, when Concord officials started the laborious selection process.
Then, last week, came the jaw-dropping moment when Concord City Councilwoman Carlyn Obringer, who joined the unanimous decision to let the deal collapse, told us that she should be reelected because she had “a track record of problem solving,“ and had “protected the community vision for a world-class project at the Concord Naval Weapons Station.”
It wasn’t the community’s vision she and her colleagues were protecting; it was her construction-union supporters’ delusional expectations.
Obringer is the only council member up for reelection this year who faces a challenger. Residents in District 2 deserve a representative of their interests who can fairly and independently balance competing factions — unions and developers — and is not beholden to either.
Elect Hope Johnson
That’s why voters should oust Obringer and replace her with Hope Johnson, a smart and articulate candidate seeking to end the city’s special-interest politics. Of the field of four candidates, she is the standout. The other two candidates — Paul Wood, regional manager for a dental services company, and clinical psychologist Harmesh Kumar — are nowhere near as conversant and clear about what the city must do to right itself.
Johnson, a paralegal who grew up in Concord, recognizes the importance of government transparency after serving on San Francisco’s Sunshine Ordinance Task Force when she previously lived there.
She has carefully followed the city’s seriously eroding finances, which have been undermined not only by the coronavirus economic downturn but also eye-popping pension debt that has gone unaddressed for a decade.
She recognizes that the City Council overreached with its proposed budget remedy, a permanent doubling of the city sales tax on the Nov. 3 ballot. As for the weapons station project, Johnson is clear that city officials should not be pawns for any special interest.
City’s prior fiasco
The loss of the master developer, Lennar, is not the first debacle for the project. Indeed, Lennar should have never been picked. The selection process had been tainted from the onset.
The original plan had been to narrow the field to two firms and then let them compete in a transparent process. But then-Councilman Tim Grayson took campaign contributions from Lennar associates, a form of lobbying prohibited under the selection-process rules. Meanwhile his political consultant, Mary Jo Rossi, meddled by telling a competing firm, Catellus, that it could improve its chances if it aligned with local developers.
Grayson also sought political advice from Willie Brown after the former San Francisco mayor had just made a pitch on Lennar’s behalf. Concord’s reputation for sleazy maneuvering was further reinforced when City Manager Valerie Barone schemed in illegal private meetings with council members to withhold the staff recommendation favoring Catellus.
The backroom tactics were too much Catellus, which withdrew from competition, leaving only Lennar.
Later that year, 2016, when Obringer first ran for City Council, she said, as we did, that the council should have re-started the selection process when the abuses were uncovered. But for all her sanctimonious protestations, she endorsed Grayson, the most ethically challenged council member, in his successful bid for state Assembly. It was clear then that Obringer’s first allegiance was to her political allies, which includes labor unions.
Unions’ overreach
Then came this year’s fiasco. For construction on the weapons station site, the building trades unions wanted to lock in union wage rates for infrastructure such as utilities and public buildings, a so-called project labor agreement like those that have become increasingly common in California. But the unions also wanted to expand the agreement to include locked-in wage rates for residential homes in the project — what would have been unusual and a vast overreach.
The labor unions kept insisting that Lennar had agreed to the same terms for its San Francisco projects. It’s a claim Obringer parroted during her interview with us last week. But San Francisco is an entirely different housing market and that city has contributed redevelopment tax income that’s not available in Concord.
Lennar said the unions’ residential demands would have sucked up all the company’s potential profits, a claim corroborated by the city’s independent consultant. The council was unmoved. So, Lennar is out, and the city must restart its search for a developer.
For that, Concord needs not only fresh developer applicants, but fresh city leaders. Electing Johnson is a good place to start.


mercurynews--2020-09-22--Bobcat fire forces more evacuations; 29 structures damaged or destroyed

The Bobcat fire grew to 106,179 acres by Monday , evening Sept. 21 , and containment fell to 13 % as firefighters fought to contain the blaze and push it away from neighborhoods .
Containment , an established fire break at the perimeter of a wildfire , was measured at 15 % Sunday night when the fire had spread to 103,135 acres .
The fire was most active around Mount Wilson , Chilao and Little Rock Creek , according to an Angeles National Forest update , adding it will continue to spread from the foothills into the communities of Juniper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ On the east side , ( the ) fire continues to threaten containment lines north of the Ranch 2 fire and threatens the Hwy 39 corridor , ” an update said .
MAP : Where the Bobcat fire is burning in the San Gabriel Mountains A column of smoke near Mount Wilson was visible Monday because the winds changed , said Larry Smith , a spokesman for the multiagency team handling the Bobcat fire .
Firefighters late Monday were working on flareups there .
Separately , officials said initial reports showed Bobcat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including seven homes that were damaged and nine that were destroyed .
About 4,000 people have been forced to flee their communities and the fire has threatened 6,000 residences .
A fixed-wing aircraft had to be grounded Monday for a half-hour due to two drones .
The drones were flying above Mount Wilson just after 11 a.m. , Smith said .
“ We never found the pilots ( of the drones ) and the drones are gone , ” he said .
He said the Bobcat fire was heading northeast , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afternoon .
Authorities predicted the blaze would affect Littlerock and Wrightwood .
Winds were expected to blow in those areas at around 10 to 15 miles per hour , according to the National Weather Service .
Shops and restaurants were still open in Wrightwood on Monday , despite warnings from fire officials that the Bobcat fire could roll through town if winds in the area pick up .
An ominous column of white smoke was visible just over the tree line from the center of Wrightwood .
Further west , the entrance to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Angeles Crest and Big Pines highways meet .
The resort , which closed in spring due to concerns over coronavirus , was shut down again as a result of the Bobcat fire .
But some workers , who could be seen driving around the area in their pickup trucks , were still at the resort , waiting to see if the fire would get any closer .
Billy Jaite , 49 , lives in Pinon Hills and was passing by the resort entrance Monday .
He said he ’ s been watching the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fire crested the San Gabriel Mountains on its path north over the last week .
Jaite hasn ’ t been evacuated yet but said he was prepared to flee if it came to that .
“ I wouldn ’ t be surprised if the fire ripped through all the woods behind my house , ” he said .
Authorities issued an evacuation order for residents south and west of Upper Big Tujunga , east of Angeles Forest Highway and north of Angeles Crest Highway .
Officials advised those living in the path @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave at a moment ’ s notice .
“ Please ensure that you do all that you can to create defensible space around your property , enabling our firefighters to get in there safely to protect your structure , ” Los Angeles County Fire Chief Daryl Osby said to potential evacuees during a virtual town hall meeting Monday evening .
“ And also recognize that we can ’ t put a fire engine in every single home.
” Cheryl Poindexter of Juniper Hills was among the residents who evacuated Friday due to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find the remains of the house she called home for 27 years .
The structure burned to the ground , all that stands now is the wrought iron arch that led to her front yard .
“ People had no idea how fast it would come here , ” Poindexter said .
“ It hit us like a freight train.
” From what used to be a koi pond , her friends Dale Burton and Bob Wise hauled ashy water back and forth in a blue bucket to a hole in the ground @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A koi the size of a forearm laid lifeless among charred debris , its orange scales shimmering as the two men pulled water from its former home .
No matter how much water they dumped in the hole , it just kept smoldering .
“ It ’ s because of all that creosote in the ground , ” Poindexter said , referring to a tar-like substance left from burning wood .
As she said that , Poindexter pointed to trees around her property in Juniper Hills , left black and twisted , victims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through the foothills of the northern slopes of the San Gabriel Mountains .
Pointdexter said her home was built in the 1950s .
Her property included a 1920s turkey farm that was a California protected historical resource .
The barn was destroyed .
She kept dozens of animals there .
She ran a rescue that housed creatures of all types — horses , dogs , cats , goats and a parrot .
A crew of around 12 animal rescue volunteers descended on Poindexter ’ s home Friday ahead of the approaching fire .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ home in Leona Valley .
The horses and other animals went to Palmdale .
But around a dozen koi who lived in the pond in her front yard died in the fire .
One of the cats died , too .
They saved the parrot , Burton said .
Poindexter said her home used to be a gathering spot for animal lovers , her back porch the perfect spot to have drinks and gaze out over the valley .
That ’ s all gone now .
She said she doesn ’ t know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I can ’ t think that far ahead right now , ” Poindexter said .
“ These clothes are all I have left.
” Teams will continue the process of assessing the damage wrought by the fire , Osby said .
They will be in communication with insurance companies as they estimate losses suffered by property owners .
After emerging from deep within the mountains , the Bobcat fire descended into the Antelope Valley and swept west across Valyermo and Juniper Hills over the weekend .
Several homes appeared to be destroyed along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ southeast of Palmdale is remote ; neighbors are spread out among the fields and hills on ranch properties .
Poindexter and Wise , next-door neighbors , had just minutes to leave on Friday after sheriff ’ s deputies ordered them out .
“ I have a circular driveway — he came up , rolled down his window and said , ‘ Get out , ’ ” Wise said .
He and his wife were all packed up by then .
“ We heard that , ’ ” Wise said , clicking his tongue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wise came back Monday to find his home untouched .
He said most people living in the area are retired , looking for peace and quiet .
• Wildfires , coronavirus and an earthquake collided for California ’ s terrible week • A voice in the darkness : Volunteer radio station eases fears as wildfire nears remote Mendocino County town The Bobcat fire started Sept. 6 near Cogswell Dam and the West Fork day-use area in the Angeles National Forest , north of Azusa .
Firefighters have not yet determined the cause of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Smith said four people , which includes firefighters and residents , suffered minor injuries .
Officials confirmed the Bobcat fire destroyed the nature center at the Devil ’ s Punchbowl Natural Area .
A smoke advisory from the South Coast Air Quality Management District was extended through Tuesday afternoon because of the Bobcat fire as well as the Snow fire in the Cabazon area and the El Dorado fire in the San Bernardino Mountains .
“ South Coast AQMD encourages people who smell smoke or see ash to limit exposure by remaining indoors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seek alternate shelter , and to avoid vigorous physical activity , ” the agency said in a Monday afternoon statement .

Josh Cain, Ruby Gonzales, Alma Fausto, Eric Licas

The Bobcat fire grew to 106,179 acres by Monday, evening Sept. 21, and containment fell to 13% as firefighters fought to contain the blaze and push it away from neighborhoods.
Containment, an established fire break at the perimeter of a wildfire, was measured at 15% Sunday night when the fire had spread to 103,135 acres.
#BobcatFire A map of evacuation orders and warnings can be viewed at the following sites:
– Los Angeles County, visit https://t.co/AoN634LoHy
– San Bernardino County, visit https://t.co/8N23SEfzgp#LACoFD
📸 Landon Jensen pic.twitter.com/jboMn157OM — L.A. County Fire Department (@LACoFDPIO) September 22, 2020
The #BobcatFire is approximately 106,179 acres with 13% containment. There are currently 1,513 personnel assigned to the incident. New evacuations were ordered near Colby Ranch and Hidden Springs.#LACoFD pic.twitter.com/XY6hZsBF1E — L.A. County Fire Department (@LACoFDPIO) September 22, 2020
The fire was most active around Mount Wilson, Chilao and Little Rock Creek, according to an Angeles National Forest update, adding it will continue to spread from the foothills into the communities of Juniper Hills, Valyermo and Big Pine.
“On the east side, (the) fire continues to threaten containment lines north of the Ranch 2 fire and threatens the Hwy 39 corridor,” an update said.
MAP: Where the Bobcat fire is burning in the San Gabriel Mountains
A column of smoke near Mount Wilson was visible Monday because the winds changed, said Larry Smith, a spokesman for the multiagency team handling the Bobcat fire.
Firefighters late Monday were working on flareups there.
Separately, officials said initial reports showed Bobcat flames have scorched 29 structures so far, including seven homes that were damaged and nine that were destroyed. About 4,000 people have been forced to flee their communities and the fire has threatened 6,000 residences.
A fixed-wing aircraft had to be grounded Monday for a half-hour due to two drones.
The drones were flying above Mount Wilson just after 11 a.m., Smith said.
“We never found the pilots (of the drones) and the drones are gone,” he said.
He said the Bobcat fire was heading northeast, but had not reached Wrightwood as of Monday afternoon.
Authorities predicted the blaze would affect Littlerock and Wrightwood. Winds were expected to blow in those areas at around 10 to 15 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service.
Shops and restaurants were still open in Wrightwood on Monday, despite warnings from fire officials that the Bobcat fire could roll through town if winds in the area pick up. An ominous column of white smoke was visible just over the tree line from the center of Wrightwood.
Further west, the entrance to Mountain High Resort sits right where the Angeles Crest and Big Pines highways meet.
The resort, which closed in spring due to concerns over coronavirus, was shut down again as a result of the Bobcat fire. But some workers, who could be seen driving around the area in their pickup trucks, were still at the resort, waiting to see if the fire would get any closer.
Billy Jaite, 49, lives in Pinon Hills and was passing by the resort entrance Monday. He said he’s been watching the dark grey smoke cloud getting closer as the fire crested the San Gabriel Mountains on its path north over the last week.
Jaite hasn’t been evacuated yet but said he was prepared to flee if it came to that.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if the fire ripped through all the woods behind my house,” he said.
Authorities issued an evacuation order for residents south and west of Upper Big Tujunga, east of Angeles Forest Highway and north of Angeles Crest Highway. Officials advised those living in the path of the fire to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
“Please ensure that you do all that you can to create defensible space around your property, enabling our firefighters to get in there safely to protect your structure,” Los Angeles County Fire Chief Daryl Osby said to potential evacuees during a virtual town hall meeting Monday evening. “And also recognize that we can’t put a fire engine in every single home.”
Cheryl Poindexter of Juniper Hills was among the residents who evacuated Friday due to the Bobcat Fire. She returned Monday to find the remains of the house she called home for 27 years.
The structure burned to the ground, all that stands now is the wrought iron arch that led to her front yard.
“People had no idea how fast it would come here,” Poindexter said. “It hit us like a freight train.”
From what used to be a koi pond, her friends Dale Burton and Bob Wise hauled ashy water back and forth in a blue bucket to a hole in the ground that wouldn’t stop smoking. A koi the size of a forearm laid lifeless among charred debris, its orange scales shimmering as the two men pulled water from its former home.
No matter how much water they dumped in the hole, it just kept smoldering.
“It’s because of all that creosote in the ground,” Poindexter said, referring to a tar-like substance left from burning wood.
As she said that, Poindexter pointed to trees around her property in Juniper Hills, left black and twisted, victims of the Bobcat fire’s march through the foothills of the northern slopes of the San Gabriel Mountains.
Pointdexter said her home was built in the 1950s. Her property included a 1920s turkey farm that was a California protected historical resource. The barn was destroyed.
She kept dozens of animals there. She ran a rescue that housed creatures of all types — horses, dogs, cats, goats and a parrot.
A crew of around 12 animal rescue volunteers descended on Poindexter’s home Friday ahead of the approaching fire. The dogs went to Burton’s home in Leona Valley. The horses and other animals went to Palmdale.
But around a dozen koi who lived in the pond in her front yard died in the fire. One of the cats died, too. They saved the parrot, Burton said.
Poindexter said her home used to be a gathering spot for animal lovers, her back porch the perfect spot to have drinks and gaze out over the valley.
That’s all gone now. She said she doesn’t know what she’ll do.
“I can’t think that far ahead right now,” Poindexter said. “These clothes are all I have left.”
Teams will continue the process of assessing the damage wrought by the fire, Osby said. They will be in communication with insurance companies as they estimate losses suffered by property owners.
After emerging from deep within the mountains, the Bobcat fire descended into the Antelope Valley and swept west across Valyermo and Juniper Hills over the weekend.
Several homes appeared to be destroyed along Juniper Hills Road. The rural community southeast of Palmdale is remote; neighbors are spread out among the fields and hills on ranch properties.
Poindexter and Wise, next-door neighbors, had just minutes to leave on Friday after sheriff’s deputies ordered them out.
“I have a circular driveway — he came up, rolled down his window and said, ‘Get out,’” Wise said.
He and his wife were all packed up by then. “We heard that,’” Wise said, clicking his tongue, “and we were gone.”
Wise came back Monday to find his home untouched. He said most people living in the area are retired, looking for peace and quiet.
“Just good, home grown folks,” Wise said.
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Living with air pollution, especially from wildfires or agriculture, raises risk of dementia, US study finds Crashes and Disasters | Cadaver dogs are in Maui to help find the dead. Here’s how it works and why it’s difficult The Bobcat fire started Sept. 6 near Cogswell Dam and the West Fork day-use area in the Angeles National Forest, north of Azusa.
Firefighters have not yet determined the cause of the fire.
Since Sept. 6, Smith said four people, which includes firefighters and residents, suffered minor injuries.
Officials confirmed the Bobcat fire destroyed the nature center at the Devil’s Punchbowl Natural Area.
A smoke advisory from the South Coast Air Quality Management District was extended through Tuesday afternoon because of the Bobcat fire as well as the Snow fire in the Cabazon area and the El Dorado fire in the San Bernardino Mountains.
“South Coast AQMD encourages people who smell smoke or see ash to limit exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed or to seek alternate shelter, and to avoid vigorous physical activity,” the agency said in a Monday afternoon statement.


mercurynews--2020-09-22--2nd California deputy wounded in ambush shooting is released from hospital

A second Los Angeles County Sheriff ’ s Department deputy was released Monday , Sept. 21 , from a hospital after the two were shot in Compton this month , authorities said .
The wounded deputies were resting Monday after they were treated following an ambush at the Metro Blue Line Station Saturday , Sept. 12 , Los Angeles County Sheriff ’ s officials said on social media at about 6:15 p.m .
Both have “ a long road to recovery , ” Sheriff ’ s officials said .
One of the injured deputies is a 24-year-old man who left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lynwood Wednesday , Sept. 16 , four days after the shooting .
The other is a 31-year-old mother of a six-year-old .
Both were sworn into service just 14 months before they were wounded .
It wasn ’ t immediately known if the injured female deputy , who was also treated at St. Francis , would receive long-term care elsewhere or if she could go home .
In the days after the shooting , Sheriff Alex Villanueva had said the department was trying to see if it could have the deputies transferred to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care .
Donors have pledged over $ 800,000 to pay for their medical expenses .
A reward of over $ 500,000 has been offered for information leading to the arrest of whoever was responsible for the shooting .
On social media over the weekend , the LASD Transit Services Bureau posted photos of the injured female deputy in the hospital communicating with President Donald Trump , who the LASD said “ called both of our deputies to check on their spirits , wish them a speedy recovery and remind them that the # @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coward that harmed them will be brought to # justice !
!
” Presidential candidate Joe Biden also contacted the department to offer support for the deputies .
• President Trump calls injured California cops , one of whom can ’ t speak and wrote out her responses • Man armed with handgun and rifle shoots at mobile homes in Half Moon Bay • Officers ’ response to East Bay apartment complex tied to earlier double shooting , police say • Reward climbs past $ 500,000 for tips leading to suspect who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Services deputies were seated in a marked Sheriff ’ s Department vehicle when a person was seen walking past them in surveillance footage recorded at the Metro Station .
The suspect then turned and fired into the passenger side of the SUV before fleeing the scene .
No arrest had been announced as of Monday evening .
A detailed description of any possible suspect was not immediately released .
Officials have not identified the deputies , and both wish to remain anonymous , Sheriff ’ s Deputy Joana Warren said Monday evening .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ when they got into this profession , and then something like this happens , ” Warren said .
“ They want to protect their families , especially considering all the attention this has gotten .
”

A second Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputy was released Monday, Sept. 21, from a hospital after the two were shot in Compton this month, authorities said.
Great News… both of our Deputies from the #ComptonAmbush have been discharged from the hospital and are resting. They both have a long road to recovery and #LASD appreciates your continued prayers and all the support. #LASDStrong pic.twitter.com/FAXt1yalmp — LA County Sheriffs (@LASDHQ) September 22, 2020
The wounded deputies were resting Monday after they were treated following an ambush at the Metro Blue Line Station Saturday, Sept. 12, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s officials said on social media at about 6:15 p.m. Both have “a long road to recovery,” Sheriff’s officials said.
One of the injured deputies is a 24-year-old man who left treatment at St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood Wednesday, Sept. 16, four days after the shooting. The other is a 31-year-old mother of a six-year-old. Both were sworn into service just 14 months before they were wounded.
It wasn’t immediately known if the injured female deputy, who was also treated at St. Francis, would receive long-term care elsewhere or if she could go home.
In the days after the shooting, Sheriff Alex Villanueva had said the department was trying to see if it could have the deputies transferred to a place where they could get long-term care.
(1 of 2)While our deputies are continuing to recover from being ambushed & shot multiple times Saturday night, the nation has truly shown how wonderful they are. It is heartwarming to receive letters/emails of support, cards, donations & flowers every day since the shooting #LASD pic.twitter.com/LQXi6hLx0n — LA County Sheriffs (@LASDHQ) September 16, 2020
Donors have pledged over $800,000 to pay for their medical expenses. A reward of over $500,000 has been offered for information leading to the arrest of whoever was responsible for the shooting.
On social media over the weekend, the LASD Transit Services Bureau posted photos of the injured female deputy in the hospital communicating with President Donald Trump, who the LASD said “called both of our deputies to check on their spirits, wish them a speedy recovery and remind them that the #american people are behind them and that the coward that harmed them will be brought to #justice!!”
Presidential candidate Joe Biden also contacted the department to offer support for the deputies.
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Three people wounded in East Oakland shootings Crime and Public Safety | Redwood City drug deal ends in double shooting The Transit Services deputies were seated in a marked Sheriff’s Department vehicle when a person was seen walking past them in surveillance footage recorded at the Metro Station. The suspect then turned and fired into the passenger side of the SUV before fleeing the scene.
No arrest had been announced as of Monday evening. A detailed description of any possible suspect was not immediately released.
Officials have not identified the deputies, and both wish to remain anonymous, Sheriff’s Deputy Joana Warren said Monday evening.
“Their loved ones were already worried when they got into this profession, and then something like this happens,” Warren said. “They want to protect their families, especially considering all the attention this has gotten.”


mercurynews--2020-09-22--California businessman is latest to plead guilty in college admissions bribery scheme

A California businessman said to have steered “ Full House ” star Lori Loughlin and her fashion designer husband , Mossimo Giannulli , to the ringleader of the college admissions bribery scheme admitted Monday to paying $ 40,000 to rig his daughter ’ s ACT score .
Mark Hauser , who was once head of the board at the high school the famous couple ’ s daughters attended , and is also a private equity and insurance executive in the Cincinnati area , became the 29th parent to plead guilty to participating in the scandal involving top universities across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said at their sentencing hearings last month that Hauser was the one who recommended they work with the admissions consultant at the center of the scheme .
Prosecutors unveiled the charge against Hauser hours after Loughlin and Giannulli ’ s sentencing hearings ended .
Loughlin was ordered to serve two months behind bars for paying half a million dollars to get her two daughters into the University of Southern California as crew recruits even though neither girl was a rower .
Giannulli was sentenced to five months .
They are supposed to report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 59 , of Los Angeles , paid Singer $ 40,000 to have someone pose as his daughter ’ s ACT proctor and secretly correct her answers in 2016 , authorities said in court documents .
The proctor , Mark Riddell , has also pleaded guilty in the scheme .
Riddell got Hauser ’ s daughter a score of 31 out of 36 , prosecutors said .
Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Rosen said prosecutors believe Hauser ’ s daughter was unaware of the cheating scheme .
• Actress Lori Loughlin to serve prison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Two coaches hit with more charges in college admissions scandal Hauser pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud .
Prosecutors have said they will ask for a sentence of six months in prison .
He is scheduled to be sentenced in January .
Hauser appeared before a Boston federal court judge a via videoconference from California because of the coronavirus pandemic .
He said little aside from answering yes or no questions from the judge about his decision to plead guilty .
An @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawyer for Hauser after the hearing .

A California businessman said to have steered “Full House” star Lori Loughlin and her fashion designer husband, Mossimo Giannulli, to the ringleader of the college admissions bribery scheme admitted Monday to paying $40,000 to rig his daughter’s ACT score.
Mark Hauser, who was once head of the board at the high school the famous couple’s daughters attended, and is also a private equity and insurance executive in the Cincinnati area, became the 29th parent to plead guilty to participating in the scandal involving top universities across the country.
Lawyers for the famous couple said at their sentencing hearings last month that Hauser was the one who recommended they work with the admissions consultant at the center of the scheme.
Prosecutors unveiled the charge against Hauser hours after Loughlin and Giannulli’s sentencing hearings ended.
Loughlin was ordered to serve two months behind bars for paying half a million dollars to get her two daughters into the University of Southern California as crew recruits even though neither girl was a rower. Giannulli was sentenced to five months. They are supposed to report to prison on Nov. 19.
Hauser, 59, of Los Angeles, paid Singer $40,000 to have someone pose as his daughter’s ACT proctor and secretly correct her answers in 2016, authorities said in court documents. The proctor, Mark Riddell, has also pleaded guilty in the scheme. Riddell got Hauser’s daughter a score of 31 out of 36, prosecutors said.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Rosen said prosecutors believe Hauser’s daughter was unaware of the cheating scheme.
Hauser pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud. Prosecutors have said they will ask for a sentence of six months in prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced in January.
Hauser appeared before a Boston federal court judge a via videoconference from California because of the coronavirus pandemic. He said little aside from answering yes or no questions from the judge about his decision to plead guilty.
An email seeking comment was sent to a lawyer for Hauser after the hearing.


mercurynews--2020-09-22--SF Giants Gameday podcast: Time is running out for the Giants to take control of NL wild card race

After rebounding from back-to-back shutout losses with one of their best performances of the season on Sunday in Oakland , the Giants believed a 14-2 win over the first-place A ’ s was the start of a push to take control of the National League wild card race .
The Giants had won 13 of their last 16 at Oracle Park and returned home Monday with a huge sense of optimism as they opened a four-game set against the Colorado Rockies .
That sense , and nearly every good feeling about the Giants ’ playoff chances , disappeared early as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his worst outings as a member of the organization in a 7-2 loss .
Cueto didn ’ t have command of his pitches and the Giants ’ offense didn ’ t trouble Rockies right-hander German Márquez in a disappointing series-opening defeat .
The loss won ’ t crush the Giants ’ playoff chances as they ’ ll wake up on Tuesday 0.5 games behind the Philadelphia Phillies for the second wild card spot , but they ’ re running out of time to take control of the race .
Manager Gabe Kapler @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and play some of its best baseball of the season during the final seven games of the year while also hoping none of the other teams vying for a playoff spot gets too hot .
With three games left against a sub-.500 Rockies team and four against a Padres team that ’ s given San Francisco plenty of trouble this year , the Giants know they can ’ t waste any opportunities before the weekend .
If they do , their hopes of playing into October will disappear as quickly as their chances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did .
SF Giants Gameday : Listen to the Bay Area News Group ’ s daily San Francisco Giants podcast , hosted by our beat reporter Kerry Crowley .
We give you an all-access look at the 2020 regular season with soundbites from manager Gabe Kapler and your favorite Giants players plus the latest analysis on every move during an unprecedented season .
We Need Your Support !
Several Giants articles will remain free every 30 days – and I ’ ve launched a free newsletter and podcast that come Monday-Friday – but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ ll need to subscribe to MercuryNews.com or EastBayTimes.com .
Click here for our latest Mercury News offer and here for the latest East Bay Times offer .
Thank you !
— Kerry Crowley

After rebounding from back-to-back shutout losses with one of their best performances of the season on Sunday in Oakland, the Giants believed a 14-2 win over the first-place A’s was the start of a push to take control of the National League wild card race.
The Giants had won 13 of their last 16 at Oracle Park and returned home Monday with a huge sense of optimism as they opened a four-game set against the Colorado Rockies. That sense, and nearly every good feeling about the Giants’ playoff chances, disappeared early as starting pitcher Johnny Cueto turned in one of his worst outings as a member of the organization in a 7-2 loss.
Cueto didn’t have command of his pitches and the Giants’ offense didn’t trouble Rockies right-hander German Márquez in a disappointing series-opening defeat.
The loss won’t crush the Giants’ playoff chances as they’ll wake up on Tuesday 0.5 games behind the Philadelphia Phillies for the second wild card spot, but they’re running out of time to take control of the race. Manager Gabe Kapler’s squad now has to try and play some of its best baseball of the season during the final seven games of the year while also hoping none of the other teams vying for a playoff spot gets too hot.
With three games left against a sub-.500 Rockies team and four against a Padres team that’s given San Francisco plenty of trouble this year, the Giants know they can’t waste any opportunities before the weekend. If they do, their hopes of playing into October will disappear as quickly as their chances of winning Monday’s series opener did.
SF Giants Gameday: Listen to the Bay Area News Group’s daily San Francisco Giants podcast, hosted by our beat reporter Kerry Crowley. We give you an all-access look at the 2020 regular season with soundbites from manager Gabe Kapler and your favorite Giants players plus the latest analysis on every move during an unprecedented season.
We Need Your Support!
Several Giants articles will remain free every 30 days – and I’ve launched a free newsletter and podcast that come Monday-Friday – but for access to all of my coverage you’ll need to subscribe to MercuryNews.com or EastBayTimes.com. Click here for our latest Mercury News offer and here for the latest East Bay Times offer. Thank you! — Kerry Crowley


mercurynews--2020-09-22--Here’s one California school district’s plan for a safe return of students to classrooms

Capistrano Unified School District grabbed a plethora of supplies and guidance in constructing its $ 25 million strategy for the worrisome enemy .
Orange County ’ s schools are expected to be cleared en mass to reopen for in-person instruction as of Sept. 22 , as local progress in curbing the spread of the coronavirus shows the required improvement .
Capistrano Unified ’ s plans , approved by its school board on Sept. 2 , provide a glimpse at what students and families throughout the county might experience as they prepare to make their own transition back to the classroom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the work of two reopening committees , Orange County ’ s largest public school district has devised a wide-ranging blueprint for resuming in-person instruction amid this challenging coronavirus pandemic .
“ COVID is the villain , ” Trustee Gila Jones said during a recent board meeting where the community heard how staff would limit transmission while providing education .
“ We are in a situation that is horrible .
There are many parts of the situation where there is no perfect solution and in other parts , there is not even a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to offer an online-only option to families , but also a hybrid option when the first phase of its in-person instruction begins Sept. 28 with students in select special education programs .
In-person instruction for kindergarten and first grades is set for Sept. 29 , with second- and third-graders returning on Oct. 1 .
Parents could choose to have their young students – along with grades four and five returning Oct. 5 – be part of the district ’ s elementary school model that offers 100 % full attendance as an option .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ instruction centers on several components , but the areas of health and safety and education have generated the most questions and emotion from families and teachers .
Capistrano Unified ’ s health and safety measures are guided by the California Department of Public Health and Orange County Health Care Agency , officials said , and social distancing tops most checklists .
Capistrano Unified has reconfigured classrooms to provide six feet of distance between the teacher ’ s desk , or station , and the students .
Schools now display signs , distance dots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Plexi-glass sneeze guards have been placed throughout .
The number of students assigned to each class has been cut in about half to 16 .
Excess furniture has been removed to create more space for students to distance .
“ There is no six-feet rule between desks per the department of public health , instead it is to distance and clear out that excess furniture , ” Greg Merwin , associate superintendent for student support services , said at the recent board meeting .
“ There will be distancing between students , however @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between the students themselves.
” With full in-person instruction as an option for elementary school , students will be spending about half their day inside with a teacher and the other half outside or in another area such as a multi-purpose room with a teacher or staff member .
The large undertaking to offer a full day on campus is rooted , in part , in a desire to help working parents with childcare , district officials said .
But the exercise in a district of about 47,000 students will require flexibility .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while art , music , lunch and recess will be held outside or in a secondary location .
“ It looks very different , ” district chief communications officer Ryan Burris said of the model .
To help accommodate the plan , the district has so far acquired 978 small shade coverings or E-Z Ups .
“ There ’ s a lot of challenges with that , ” Trustee Amy Hanacek said .
“ I talked with an elementary school the other day – fairly large population , small footprint for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 outdoor ‘ classrooms.
’ ” Learning outdoors could face its own hurdles : weather , wildlife and air quality , as the recent fires have shown .
District leaders said school principals will prepare options for when students need to be inside – like when it is raining .
“ Being able to manage all those kids on campus is going to be the difficult part , ” said Marc Popovich , the father of two elementary school students and a teacher at San Clemente High .
“ I just hope our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Masks are going to be mandatory for all students , teachers and staff members , though exceptions are being explored for some students with special needs .
The masks can be removed during lunch and outdoor activities .
The district has so far purchased 118,000 facial coverings , or two for each student and employee .
Capistrano Unified appears to be taking the facial coverings seriously – it has developed a discipline formula for students who don ’ t wear them .
Per the district ’ s plan , elementary students could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receive four warnings about not wearing masks .
Middle school and high school students would be allowed three warnings before their education plan could change .
“ This is not a plan to punish students , ” Merwin said .
“ This is a plan to protect students and staff.
” The district also has so far delivered almost 3,000 gallons of hand sanitizer to campuses and 240 hand-washing stations .
District custodians have been trained in the state health department ’ s expectations .
The district recently switched to a faster-working cleaner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Burris said .
And campuses have been outfitted with upgraded air filters , Clark Hampton , deputy superintendent for business and support services , recently told school board members .
The district has been able to use CARES Act funding to pay for all of these upgrades , Burris said .
Capistrano Unified staff members will take the temperatures of students before classes .
A student with a temperature of 100.4 F or higher will be sent home .
Students that test positive for COVID-19 will be kept from school for 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a classmate with COVID-19 will have their level of contact investigated and could be quarantined for 14 days and recommended to be tested .
Andrew Noymer , an epidemiologist and an associate professor of public health at UC Irvine , said with the improving health conditions in the county , he ’ s comfortable with campuses opening , but he still has some concerns with students being asymptomatic – meaning they have the virus , but aren ’ t showing symptoms .
“ My biggest fear is actually not the children , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t get sick from this bug .
They get infected , so they test positive , but illness is quite rare .
“ I ’ m worried the role infection can play in transmission.
” Noymer said the role of asymptomatic individuals in the spread of the pandemic is still being researched .
“ That ’ s the question we still don ’ t know the answer to.
” He is more worried about transmission to parents , teachers and staff members , he said .
“ It ’ s super-tricky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
” Merwin said the district is following the guidance of health officials in reopening its classrooms .
The California Department of Public Health has made the criteria “ two weeks on the red tier as the indicator for being safe to return to in-person learning , ” he said .
“ That was not our unilateral decision.
” High school students in Capistrano Unified could experience one of the biggest adjustments to their academic schedules .
With the smaller class sizes needed and the introduction of a hybrid education model as an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some face-to-face time with their teachers as they rotate between in-person and online learning .
Starting Oct. 13 , students in the hybrid plan will see each teacher once in-person and at least once online per week .
• More of Bay Area reaps rewards from state ’ s ‘ Project Homekey ’ to buy motels for homeless • NIH official to ‘ retire ’ after being ID ’ d as anti-Fauci author There is some distress among teachers about the quality of education they can deliver .
Dana Hills High School math @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a whole session weekly with each student .
“ It ’ s difficult for us get to the next concept because I only see them twice a week.
” Rosa said it ’ s frustrating because of the progress teachers have made with making the challenging distance learning model work .
“ They ’ re going to take this groove that all these teachers are in and blow it up and make this , in my opinion , exponentially harder , and it ’ s not for the benefit of the education , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand the difference between a hybrid high school model and the 100 % virtual , they ’ re starting to question it , ” she said .
• More of Bay Area reaps rewards from state ’ s ‘ Project Homekey ’ to buy motels for homeless • NIH official to ‘ retire ’ after being ID ’ d as anti-Fauci author The debate for the high school plan isn ’ t over .
A proposal for high school students to continue their academic courses online through the first semester will be voted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting , Sept. 23 , Burris said .
“ That would be a significant , ” Burris said of the potential for replacing the hybrid model .
But parents also want their children to have opportunities to develop social skills .
Public schools have been physically shuttered since mid-March , creating isolation for many young children , they say .
“ I personally would to love to see more chances to do more in-person because I think that social interaction is so important , only if it can be done in a safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who has two daughters attending Capistrano Valley High School .
“ I think the risks are worth it with all the conditions and all the precautions they ’ re going to take to get kids out-and-about and get that socialization happening .
”

Capistrano Unified School District grabbed a plethora of supplies and guidance in constructing its $25 million strategy for the worrisome enemy.
Orange County’s schools are expected to be cleared en mass to reopen for in-person instruction as of Sept. 22, as local progress in curbing the spread of the coronavirus shows the required improvement. Capistrano Unified’s plans, approved by its school board on Sept. 2, provide a glimpse at what students and families throughout the county might experience as they prepare to make their own transition back to the classroom.
From facial coverings to pop-up tents to the work of two reopening committees, Orange County’s largest public school district has devised a wide-ranging blueprint for resuming in-person instruction amid this challenging coronavirus pandemic.
“COVID is the villain,” Trustee Gila Jones said during a recent board meeting where the community heard how staff would limit transmission while providing education. “We are in a situation that is horrible. There are many parts of the situation where there is no perfect solution and in other parts, there is not even a good solution.”
Capistrano Unified will continue to offer an online-only option to families, but also a hybrid option when the first phase of its in-person instruction begins Sept. 28 with students in select special education programs. In-person instruction for kindergarten and first grades is set for Sept. 29, with second- and third-graders returning on Oct. 1.
Parents could choose to have their young students – along with grades four and five returning Oct. 5 – be part of the district’s elementary school model that offers 100% full attendance as an option.
The district’s strategy for in-person instruction centers on several components, but the areas of health and safety and education have generated the most questions and emotion from families and teachers.
Social distancing
Capistrano Unified’s health and safety measures are guided by the California Department of Public Health and Orange County Health Care Agency, officials said, and social distancing tops most checklists.
Capistrano Unified has reconfigured classrooms to provide six feet of distance between the teacher’s desk, or station, and the students.
Schools now display signs, distance dots and arrows to direct walking traffic, Plexi-glass sneeze guards have been placed throughout.
The number of students assigned to each class has been cut in about half to 16. Excess furniture has been removed to create more space for students to distance.
“There is no six-feet rule between desks per the department of public health, instead it is to distance and clear out that excess furniture,” Greg Merwin, associate superintendent for student support services, said at the recent board meeting. “There will be distancing between students, however, it is not always six feet between the students themselves.”
With full in-person instruction as an option for elementary school, students will be spending about half their day inside with a teacher and the other half outside or in another area such as a multi-purpose room with a teacher or staff member.
The large undertaking to offer a full day on campus is rooted, in part, in a desire to help working parents with childcare, district officials said.
But the exercise in a district of about 47,000 students will require flexibility.
Academic instruction will be in the classroom, while art, music, lunch and recess will be held outside or in a secondary location.
“It looks very different,” district chief communications officer Ryan Burris said of the model.
To help accommodate the plan, the district has so far acquired 978 small shade coverings or E-Z Ups.
“There’s a lot of challenges with that,” Trustee Amy Hanacek said. “I talked with an elementary school the other day – fairly large population, small footprint for the school – they are going to have 11 outdoor ‘classrooms.’”
Learning outdoors could face its own hurdles: weather, wildlife and air quality, as the recent fires have shown.
District leaders said school principals will prepare options for when students need to be inside – like when it is raining.
“Being able to manage all those kids on campus is going to be the difficult part,” said Marc Popovich, the father of two elementary school students and a teacher at San Clemente High. “I just hope our district gives them the support they need.”
More precautions
Masks are going to be mandatory for all students, teachers and staff members, though exceptions are being explored for some students with special needs.
The masks can be removed during lunch and outdoor activities.
The district has so far purchased 118,000 facial coverings, or two for each student and employee.
Capistrano Unified appears to be taking the facial coverings seriously – it has developed a discipline formula for students who don’t wear them.
Per the district’s plan, elementary students could be reassigned to distance learning if they receive four warnings about not wearing masks. Middle school and high school students would be allowed three warnings before their education plan could change.
“This is not a plan to punish students,” Merwin said. “This is a plan to protect students and staff.”
The district also has so far delivered almost 3,000 gallons of hand sanitizer to campuses and 240 hand-washing stations.
District custodians have been trained in the state health department’s expectations. The district recently switched to a faster-working cleaner that requires just one minute to disinfectant, Burris said.
And campuses have been outfitted with upgraded air filters, Clark Hampton, deputy superintendent for business and support services, recently told school board members.
The district has been able to use CARES Act funding to pay for all of these upgrades, Burris said.
Tracking COVID-19
Capistrano Unified staff members will take the temperatures of students before classes. A student with a temperature of 100.4 F or higher will be sent home.
Students that test positive for COVID-19 will be kept from school for 10 days. Children who come in contact with a classmate with COVID-19 will have their level of contact investigated and could be quarantined for 14 days and recommended to be tested.
Andrew Noymer, an epidemiologist and an associate professor of public health at UC Irvine, said with the improving health conditions in the county, he’s comfortable with campuses opening, but he still has some concerns with students being asymptomatic – meaning they have the virus, but aren’t showing symptoms.
“My biggest fear is actually not the children,” he said. “Kids really don’t get sick from this bug. They get infected, so they test positive, but illness is quite rare.
“I’m worried the role infection can play in transmission.”
Noymer said the role of asymptomatic individuals in the spread of the pandemic is still being researched. “That’s the question we still don’t know the answer to.”
He is more worried about transmission to parents, teachers and staff members, he said. “It’s super-tricky. Will kids make their parents sick?”
Merwin said the district is following the guidance of health officials in reopening its classrooms.
The California Department of Public Health has made the criteria “two weeks on the red tier as the indicator for being safe to return to in-person learning,” he said. “That was not our unilateral decision.”
Education concerns
High school students in Capistrano Unified could experience one of the biggest adjustments to their academic schedules.
With the smaller class sizes needed and the introduction of a hybrid education model as an option, the older students will lose some face-to-face time with their teachers as they rotate between in-person and online learning. Starting Oct. 13, students in the hybrid plan will see each teacher once in-person and at least once online per week.
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Dana Hills High School math teacher Matt Rosa said he will lose a whole session weekly with each student. “It’s difficult for us get to the next concept because I only see them twice a week.”
Rosa said it’s frustrating because of the progress teachers have made with making the challenging distance learning model work.
“They’re going to take this groove that all these teachers are in and blow it up and make this, in my opinion, exponentially harder, and it’s not for the benefit of the education,” Rosa said.
Trustee Hanacek has heard similar concerns from parents.
“As parents understand the difference between a hybrid high school model and the 100% virtual, they’re starting to question it,” she said.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Education | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge The debate for the high school plan isn’t over. A proposal for high school students to continue their academic courses online through the first semester will be voted on at Wednesday’s school board meeting, Sept. 23, Burris said.
“That would be a significant,” Burris said of the potential for replacing the hybrid model.
But parents also want their children to have opportunities to develop social skills. Public schools have been physically shuttered since mid-March, creating isolation for many young children, they say.
“I personally would to love to see more chances to do more in-person because I think that social interaction is so important, only if it can be done in a safe manner,” said Tim Manning, who has two daughters attending Capistrano Valley High School.
“I think the risks are worth it with all the conditions and all the precautions they’re going to take to get kids out-and-about and get that socialization happening.”