mercurynews--2020-12-09--Jimmy Angel’s an 85-year-old teen idol with tales to tell of Pat Boone, a lucky teddy bear and the m

Jimmy Angel’s an 85-year-old teen idol with tales to tell of Pat Boone, a lucky teddy bear and the mob

It was the night a pair of mob gunmen stuck a shotgun to his neck that rock ‘ n ’ roll singer Jimmy Angel says he truly earned his name .
“ I ’ m singing at the Peppermint Lounge on 45th Street [ in New York City ] , ” the 85-year-old Angel says via Zoom from a recording studio in Reseda .
“ I just got through singing at like 2 o ’ clock in the morning .
“ I walked out — all of a sudden , oh my gosh , these two guys show up and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he says , pointing to his throat .
“ He says , ‘ Give our regards to Joe , Jimmy , ” Angel continues , with the Joe in question being Joseph Colombo , head of one of the five crime families of New York City , whose attempted assassination had kicked off a war with the rival Gallo family .
“ He pulled the trigger — and it jammed .
I swear to God , it jammed .
“ He looked at me and says , ‘ You must be an angel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across my face , right ?
They left , Fat Philly ( Angel ’ s bodyguard ) walks outside : ” What ’ s going on ?
What happened ?
’ “ I told him , ‘ Let ’ s get back to Brooklyn.
’ ” That ’ s one of many tales Angel spins over an hour while talking about his life , career and the release of the new album , “ Love Fever , ” on his friend Pat Boone ’ s record label , a package that comes with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , press clippings , and lyrics .
And yes , Angel ’ s way with a story may make you wonder if there ’ s been some embellishment of the facts over the years , but this much is true : Angel was close to Colombo , the Peppermint Lounge was at one time controlled by the mob , and Philip “ Fat Philly ” Dioguardi was a second-generation mafioso and Colombo family soldier .
And then there ’ s this : Jimmy Angel says he wouldn ’ t be here today were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his mob patron Joe Colombo , his squeaky-clean pop star pal Boone , and a teddy bear named Lucky .
Jimmy Angel was born James Oliver Tyler in 1935 to a Ziegfeld showgirl whose memory he still cherishes and a father he barely knew who died in World War II .
He was still Jimmy Tyler as he grew up in Memphis along with Elvis Presley , who was four months his senior and a neighbor and schoolmate , he says .
A minor league baseball career ended with an injury leaving Angel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earn a paycheck .
“ Can ’ t read or write , I didn ’ t do too much studying in high school , ” he says .
“ All I did was chase chicks and play baseball.
” One afternoon he was browsing record bins as an excuse to admire a young woman he knew when the store owner called him over .
“ He says , ‘ Hey Jimmy , I got some fat cats from New York City I was telling about your story , and they want to talk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his introduction to the songwriting-production team of Hugo Peretti and Luigi Creatore , who wrote “ Can ’ t Help Falling In Love ” for Elvis , and record label execs Ted Eddy Simonetti and Fred Fioto .
“ They came up to me and they said , ‘ Hey kid , you know you look like Elvis and Ricky Nelson , you want to be a singer ?
’ ” Angel says .
“ I says , ‘ I never sang in my life.
’ They said , ‘ We own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you sound any way you want to sound , and we hear you need a job.
” He asked them what he had to do for this job .
“ You just do what you ’ re told , we ’ ll take care of the rest , ” Angel says he was told .
“ Be a good guy .
That ’ s it.
” He took them home to meet his mom , who didn ’ t like the look of them and pulled Jimmy into the kitchen to ask , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do this ?
’ ” he says .
“ I said , ‘ Mom , I need to get a job to get you out of here.
” So Angel says they gave his mother $ 5,000 in cash and in the morning he left for New York City , pausing at some point in this timeline to sign a contract with the four men , a photo of which is reproduced in the CD booklet .
Angel still refers to Colombo as “ my father , ” or more often just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t meet the man he says was behind his career until after he ’ d been in New York City for a year or two , learning to perform by singing along to Elvis , Buddy Holly and Gene Vincent .
Eventually , after releasing a handful of singles and performing on package tours that were common in those days , he was summoned to the big man ’ s home in the Bensonhurst neighborhood in Brooklyn .
“ Pop says , ‘ I hear you ’ re doing good for us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you , ’ ” Angel says .
“ We ’ re going to move you into my home , Jimmy , to look after you.
’ ” His records started to get a little more airplay around then , too , he says .
“ I got records played , ” Angel says .
“ It was very simple .
They ’ d bring my 45 [ single ] to the radio station .
Look at the program director or the disc jockey and say , ‘ I know you ’ re gon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collateral : Your arms , your legs.
’ And that ’ s the truth , sir.
” “ People tell me , ‘ Why ’ d you do that ?
’ ” Angel says of the way his career was launched and nurtured .
“ Anybody would do anything to help their mother , buddy .
Wasn ’ t for the Colombo family I ’ d be washing dishes somewhere , and that ’ s the truth .
He was living on Easy Street , drawing a $ 500 paycheck every week “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million , ” Angel says .
“ And then , make a long story short , for 18 years of my life no one said no to me for food , money , girls , Broadway plays , ” he says .
“ Nobody would take five cents from me .
I go to dinner , go to pay the bill .
‘ Ah , Jimmy , forget about it.
’ If you ’ ve seen Martin Scorsese ’ s 2019 film “ The Irishman , ” you ’ ve seen a recreation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the start of the Unity Day Rally .
The event was organized by the Italian-American Civil Rights League , a political group that Colombo created to advocate against the stereotypical representation of Italian Americans as criminals in popular culture such as in “ The Godfather.
” Angel , who was featured on posters for the league , was outfitted with a buckskin jumpsuit in the red , green and white colors of the Italian flag .
He says he was by Colombo ’ s side when he was shot .
( The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event ’ s poster bearing his name and a photograph of Angel with Colombo at a banquet the night before . )
“ Pop comes up to me , he says , ‘ It ’ s going to be a beautiful day , ’ ” Angel says of the moment before a gunman with a fake media pass asked to take a photograph .
“ And that guy put three shells in the back of my pop ’ s head — bam , bam , bam — and he fell in my lap.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he lived another seven years .
During that time , Angel says he was shot at four different times , hounded by FBI agents who wanted to know what he knew about the Colombos , and shunned by most in a music industry leery of his mob ties .
In Nashville , though , Mary Reeves , the widow of country legend Jim Reeves , took Angel under her wing , giving him a place to live and encouraging his songwriting , sometimes writing with him .
In 1981 , they made a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Let ’ s Give the King a Rest.
” ( Many of the songs on Angel ’ s new release were also written years ago with Mary Reeves . )
Living in Nashville in 1985 , still dogged by the FBI and frustrated by the local music big-wigs , Angel ran into the singer Boone , who nudged him in a new direction — Tokyo , Japan — for the next chapter in his life .
“ I said , ‘ I can ’ t speak Japanese , ’ ” Angel says .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ t matter .
You look like Elvis .
You played baseball .
Japan knows baseball and oldies and you look like Elvis , that ’ s all you need.
’ ” Boone marvels today at how that simple suggestion turned out .
“ What a star he was , still is to a degree in Japan , ” he says .
“ When they couldn ’ t get Elvis , they got the next best thing in their estimation , and it ’ s Jimmy Angel .
“ Because he sings a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as best he can like Elvis .
And he ’ s got the raw , fun , unpolished , enthusiasm and musical ability like Elvis.
” While Boone only expected Angel to spend a few weeks , maybe a month or two , in Japan , Angel ended up living and performing there for 25 years , playing multiple shows a night in popular nightclubs or underground after-hours joints , often , he says , in the company or employ of yakuza organized crime figures .
“ Pop told me , ‘ In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a guy like me , ’ ” Angel says .
“ You find him , ask his permission if you ’ re singing someplace in their city .
You say I ’ m here to show respect and you share the wealth.
” The old-school rock ‘ n ’ roll and ’ 50s rocker look went down gangbusters there , leading not just to nightclub gigs but a long run at Tokyo Disneyland , Angel says .
He also describes performances at Japanese major league baseball games , ad campaigns , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2003 comedy about a yakuza who wants to kidnap James Brown only to end up with an impersonator from a troupe in which Angel played the Elvis .
“ So everything was fine , ” he says .
“ Until 2011 .
I was at Starbucks and I had my portfolio with me and my 45s and Lucky , my teddy bear , which I always had with me .
I ’ m going to do a tour for Cherry Coke and they wanted to take pictures .
“ At 2 o ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shaking and it didn ’ t stop for 10 minutes .
I started running , buildings are falling all over the place .
“ And as I ’ m running , I swear to God , I swear upon my mother ’ s grave , I dropped my teddy bear who ’ s been with me most of my life ; he ’ s my lucky bear , ” Angel says .
“ I went back to get him , and as I did , half a building fell right where I had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tsunami devastated a wide swath of Japan , leaving more than 20,000 dead .
His home destroyed , his career there wiped out , Angel flew to Los Angeles to start over again .
In the years since then , Angel established himself as a cult hero in a handful of bars and restaurants including long-running residencies at the Smokehouse Restaurant and Viva Rancho Cantina in Burbank where he lives .
Backed by the Jason Gutierrez 3 , who also made the new album with him , he still sings well while displaying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
( His jet-black sky-high pompadour deserves an ovation of its own . )
It ’ s an act both kitschy and authentic , that earned him honors as Lounge Act of the Year from the LA Weekly a few years ago .
Boone remains a supporter , having released two albums , including the new “ Love Fever ” on his Gold Label .
And Jimmy plans to keep on singing the oldies “ until I go bye-bye , ” he says .
Boone says it ’ s that raw , unpolished @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passion that makes Angel and the new album special .
“ We just felt he had something that needed to be heard , ” he says .
“ He exemplifies teen angst even though he ’ s way beyond his teen years .
“ I find myself driving along , listening to his album , saying , ‘ Way to go , Jimmy , ” Boone says .
“ He always says the ’ 50s are the best , and he ’ s captured some of what made the ’ 50s a turning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does , in fact , always say just that , praising the music — and his mom .
“ I don ’ t care nothing past 1964 , sir ; I care about the ’ 50s , ” Angel says .
“ I got to show respect to my mother , and I want to go out a winner .
I can ’ t go out a bum on my knees .
”

It was the night a pair of mob gunmen stuck a shotgun to his neck that rock ‘n’ roll singer Jimmy Angel says he truly earned his name.
“I’m singing at the Peppermint Lounge on 45th Street [in New York City],” the 85-year-old Angel says via Zoom from a recording studio in Reseda. “I just got through singing at like 2 o’clock in the morning.
“I walked out — all of a sudden, oh my gosh, these two guys show up and put a shotgun right there,” he says, pointing to his throat.
“He says, ‘Give our regards to Joe, Jimmy,” Angel continues, with the Joe in question being Joseph Colombo, head of one of the five crime families of New York City, whose attempted assassination had kicked off a war with the rival Gallo family. “He pulled the trigger — and it jammed. I swear to God, it jammed.
“He looked at me and says, ‘You must be an angel, kid.’ Bam, slapped me across my face, right? They left, Fat Philly (Angel’s bodyguard) walks outside: ”What’s going on? What happened?’
“I told him, ‘Let’s get back to Brooklyn.’”
That’s one of many tales Angel spins over an hour while talking about his life, career and the release of the new album, “Love Fever,” on his friend Pat Boone’s record label, a package that comes with a 68-page booklet of biography, photos, press clippings, and lyrics.
And yes, Angel’s way with a story may make you wonder if there’s been some embellishment of the facts over the years, but this much is true: Angel was close to Colombo, the Peppermint Lounge was at one time controlled by the mob, and Philip “Fat Philly” Dioguardi was a second-generation mafioso and Colombo family soldier.
And then there’s this: Jimmy Angel says he wouldn’t be here today were it not for the unlikely trinity of his mob patron Joe Colombo, his squeaky-clean pop star pal Boone, and a teddy bear named Lucky.
From tough times to teen idol
Jimmy Angel was born James Oliver Tyler in 1935 to a Ziegfeld showgirl whose memory he still cherishes and a father he barely knew who died in World War II.
He was still Jimmy Tyler as he grew up in Memphis along with Elvis Presley, who was four months his senior and a neighbor and schoolmate, he says. A minor league baseball career ended with an injury leaving Angel adrift in Memphis with few options to earn a paycheck.
“Can’t read or write, I didn’t do too much studying in high school,” he says. “All I did was chase chicks and play baseball.”
One afternoon he was browsing record bins as an excuse to admire a young woman he knew when the store owner called him over.
“He says, ‘Hey Jimmy, I got some fat cats from New York City I was telling about your story, and they want to talk to you,’” Angel says of his introduction to the songwriting-production team of Hugo Peretti and Luigi Creatore, who wrote “Can’t Help Falling In Love” for Elvis, and record label execs Ted Eddy Simonetti and Fred Fioto.
“They came up to me and they said, ‘Hey kid, you know you look like Elvis and Ricky Nelson, you want to be a singer?’” Angel says. “I says, ‘I never sang in my life.’ They said, ‘We own 10 record companies. We can make you sound any way you want to sound, and we hear you need a job.”
He asked them what he had to do for this job. “You just do what you’re told, we’ll take care of the rest,” Angel says he was told. “Be a good guy. That’s it.”
He took them home to meet his mom, who didn’t like the look of them and pulled Jimmy into the kitchen to ask, ‘You’re sure you want to do this?’” he says. “I said, ‘Mom, I need to get a job to get you out of here.”
So Angel says they gave his mother $5,000 in cash and in the morning he left for New York City, pausing at some point in this timeline to sign a contract with the four men, a photo of which is reproduced in the CD booklet.
Pop Life
Angel still refers to Colombo as “my father,” or more often just “Pop,” but he didn’t meet the man he says was behind his career until after he’d been in New York City for a year or two, learning to perform by singing along to Elvis, Buddy Holly and Gene Vincent.
Eventually, after releasing a handful of singles and performing on package tours that were common in those days, he was summoned to the big man’s home in the Bensonhurst neighborhood in Brooklyn.
“Pop says, ‘I hear you’re doing good for us. I’m pretty proud of you,’” Angel says. “We’re going to move you into my home, Jimmy, to look after you.’”
His records started to get a little more airplay around then, too, he says.
“I got records played,” Angel says. “It was very simple. They’d bring my 45 [single] to the radio station. Look at the program director or the disc jockey and say, ‘I know you’re gonna play this. You got good collateral: Your arms, your legs.’ And that’s the truth, sir.”
“People tell me, ‘Why’d you do that?’” Angel says of the way his career was launched and nurtured. “Anybody would do anything to help their mother, buddy. Wasn’t for the Colombo family I’d be washing dishes somewhere, and that’s the truth.
“They made me.”
He was living on Easy Street, drawing a $500 paycheck every week “whether I sold one 45 or a million,” Angel says.
“And then, make a long story short, for 18 years of my life no one said no to me for food, money, girls, Broadway plays,” he says. “Nobody would take five cents from me. I go to dinner, go to pay the bill. ‘Ah, Jimmy, forget about it.’
“Until Pop got shot.”
If you’ve seen Martin Scorsese’s 2019 film “The Irishman,” you’ve seen a recreation of the 1971 assassination attempt on Colombo at the start of the Unity Day Rally. The event was organized by the Italian-American Civil Rights League, a political group that Colombo created to advocate against the stereotypical representation of Italian Americans as criminals in popular culture such as in “The Godfather.”
Angel, who was featured on posters for the league, was outfitted with a buckskin jumpsuit in the red, green and white colors of the Italian flag. He says he was by Colombo’s side when he was shot. (The CD booklet includes a reproduction of the event’s poster bearing his name and a photograph of Angel with Colombo at a banquet the night before.)
“Pop comes up to me, he says, ‘It’s going to be a beautiful day,’” Angel says of the moment before a gunman with a fake media pass asked to take a photograph.
“And that guy put three shells in the back of my pop’s head — bam, bam, bam — and he fell in my lap.”
Next stop: Nashville
Colombo never fully recovered, but he lived another seven years. During that time, Angel says he was shot at four different times, hounded by FBI agents who wanted to know what he knew about the Colombos, and shunned by most in a music industry leery of his mob ties.
In Nashville, though, Mary Reeves, the widow of country legend Jim Reeves, took Angel under her wing, giving him a place to live and encouraging his songwriting, sometimes writing with him. In 1981, they made a splash with his Elvis tribute single “Let’s Give the King a Rest.” (Many of the songs on Angel’s new release were also written years ago with Mary Reeves.)
Living in Nashville in 1985, still dogged by the FBI and frustrated by the local music big-wigs, Angel ran into the singer Boone, who nudged him in a new direction — Tokyo, Japan — for the next chapter in his life.
“I said, ‘I can’t speak Japanese,’” Angel says. “Pat said, ‘Doesn’t matter. You look like Elvis. You played baseball. Japan knows baseball and oldies and you look like Elvis, that’s all you need.’”
Boone marvels today at how that simple suggestion turned out.
“What a star he was, still is to a degree in Japan,” he says. “When they couldn’t get Elvis, they got the next best thing in their estimation, and it’s Jimmy Angel.
“Because he sings a lot like Elvis. He makes himself look as best he can like Elvis. And he’s got the raw, fun, unpolished, enthusiasm and musical ability like Elvis.”
To Japan and back
While Boone only expected Angel to spend a few weeks, maybe a month or two, in Japan, Angel ended up living and performing there for 25 years, playing multiple shows a night in popular nightclubs or underground after-hours joints, often, he says, in the company or employ of yakuza organized crime figures.
“Pop told me, ‘In every city in the world, there’s a guy like me,’” Angel says. “You find him, ask his permission if you’re singing someplace in their city. You say I’m here to show respect and you share the wealth.”
The old-school rock ‘n’ roll and ’50s rocker look went down gangbusters there, leading not just to nightclub gigs but a long run at Tokyo Disneyland, Angel says. He also describes performances at Japanese major league baseball games, ad campaigns, even a small part in a popular 2003 comedy about a yakuza who wants to kidnap James Brown only to end up with an impersonator from a troupe in which Angel played the Elvis.
“So everything was fine,” he says. “Until 2011. I was at Starbucks and I had my portfolio with me and my 45s and Lucky, my teddy bear, which I always had with me. I’m going to do a tour for Cherry Coke and they wanted to take pictures.
“At 2 o’clock, bingo, this thing starts shaking and it didn’t stop for 10 minutes. I started running, buildings are falling all over the place.
“And as I’m running, I swear to God, I swear upon my mother’s grave, I dropped my teddy bear who’s been with me most of my life; he’s my lucky bear,” Angel says. “I went back to get him, and as I did, half a building fell right where I had been.”
The 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami devastated a wide swath of Japan, leaving more than 20,000 dead. His home destroyed, his career there wiped out, Angel flew to Los Angeles to start over again.
In the years since then, Angel established himself as a cult hero in a handful of bars and restaurants including long-running residencies at the Smokehouse Restaurant and Viva Rancho Cantina in Burbank where he lives.
Backed by the Jason Gutierrez 3, who also made the new album with him, he still sings well while displaying a showman’s flair for style. (His jet-black sky-high pompadour deserves an ovation of its own.) It’s an act both kitschy and authentic, that earned him honors as Lounge Act of the Year from the LA Weekly a few years ago.
Boone remains a supporter, having released two albums, including the new “Love Fever” on his Gold Label. And Jimmy plans to keep on singing the oldies “until I go bye-bye,” he says.
Boone says it’s that raw, unpolished sound of rock ‘n’ roll passion that makes Angel and the new album special.
“We just felt he had something that needed to be heard,” he says. “He exemplifies teen angst even though he’s way beyond his teen years.
“I find myself driving along, listening to his album, saying, ‘Way to go, Jimmy,” Boone says. “He always says the ’50s are the best, and he’s captured some of what made the ’50s a turning point in American music.”
And Angel does, in fact, always say just that, praising the music — and his mom.
“I don’t care nothing past 1964, sir; I care about the ’50s,” Angel says. “I got to show respect to my mother, and I want to go out a winner. I can’t go out a bum on my knees.”


mercurynews--2020-12-09--Krugman: Republicans can’t handle the truth

President Donald Trump ’ s continuing attempts to overturn an election he lost decisively more than a month ago is , like so much of what he ’ s done in office , shocking but not surprising .
Who imagined that he would go quietly ?
What some people may not have been fully prepared for is the way Trump ’ s party as a whole has backed his dangerous delusions .
According to a survey by The Washington Post , only 27 Republican members of Congress are willing to say that Joe Biden won .
Despite the complete lack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of self-identified Republicans said in a Reuters/Ipsos poll that the election was rigged .
But you really shouldn ’ t be surprised by this willingness to indulge malicious , democracy-endangering lies .
After all , when was the last time Republicans accepted a politically inconvenient fact ?
It has been clear for years that the modern GOP is a party that can ’ t handle the truth .
Most obviously , Republican refusal to accept the election results follows months of refusal to acknowledge the dangers of the coronavirus , even as COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cause of death , and even as a startling number of people in Trump ’ s orbit have been infected .
Sure enough , virus denial and vote denial converged almost perfectly Saturday , when Trump addressed a large , mostly unmasked crowd in Georgia — creating a potential superspreader event — and demanded that the governor overturn the state ’ s election results .
The next day Rudy Giuliani , who has been directing Trump ’ s efforts to cling to office , was hospitalized with the virus .
The thing is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t start in 2020 , or even with the Trump era .
Climate change denial — including claims that global warming is a hoax perpetrated by an international cabal of scientists — has been a badge of partisan identity for many years .
Crazy conspiracy theories about the Clintons were mainstream on the right through much of the 1990s .
And one half-forgotten episode in particular seems to me to have foreshadowed much of what we ’ re seeing right now : Republican reactions to the mostly successful introduction of Obamacare .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2014 , amid dire predictions by Republicans .
The act , they claimed , would drive insurance premiums sky-high , fail to reduce the number of uninsured , and have a devastating effect on employment .
None of that happened .
Instead , millions of Americans gained health insurance coverage .
Job creation continued , with 3 million jobs added in the year following the ACA ’ s implementation .
Obamacare may have fallen somewhat short of its sponsors ’ hopes ( although nobody expected it to yield universal coverage ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans , and was nothing like the disaster opponents predicted .
As far as I can tell , however , no prominent Republican was willing to admit that the party ’ s apocalyptic warnings had been proved false , let alone talk about why they were wrong .
Nor , of course , did Republicans make any effort to come up with a better health plan .
( It has been almost 11 years since Obamacare was signed into law , and we ’ re still waiting . )
Instead , party leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in fact , materialized .
For example , John Boehner , the speaker of the House at the time , insisted that there had been a “ net loss ” of people with health insurance .
After that 3 million-job gain , Jeb Bush ( remember him ? )
insisted that Obamacare was “ the greatest job suppressor in the so-called recovery.
” And in a move that prefigured the Trump team ’ s desperate attempts to find evidence for election fraud , right-wing groups went in search of health care horror @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Obamacare .
To be fair , while there is no evidence of significant electoral fraud , some people really were hurt by health reform — mainly young , healthy individuals who previously had cheap policies and made too much money to be eligible for subsidies .
But these weren ’ t the victims Republicans were looking for .
Instead , they peddled tales of older , working-class Americans who supposedly had lost access to affordable insurance .
None of these tales stood up to scrutiny .
But that didn ’ t matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the time , Republicans had already — pre-Trump — entered the era of post-truth politics .
Now , there ’ s obviously a big difference in immediate impact between refusing to accept evidence that contradicts your policy preconceptions and refusing to accept the results of an election .
But the mindset is the same .
The point is that once a party gets into the habit of rejecting facts it doesn ’ t want to hear , one fact it ’ s bound to reject sooner or later is the fact that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sense there ’ s a straight line from , say , the Republican embrace of climate denial to the party ’ s willingness to go along with Trump ’ s attempts to retain power .
And the Republican Party ’ s previous history of dealing with inconvenient reality gives us a pretty good idea about when it will accept Joe Biden as the legitimate winner of the 2020 election — namely , never .

President Donald Trump’s continuing attempts to overturn an election he lost decisively more than a month ago is, like so much of what he’s done in office, shocking but not surprising. Who imagined that he would go quietly?
What some people may not have been fully prepared for is the way Trump’s party as a whole has backed his dangerous delusions. According to a survey by The Washington Post, only 27 Republican members of Congress are willing to say that Joe Biden won. Despite the complete lack of evidence of significant fraud, two-thirds of self-identified Republicans said in a Reuters/Ipsos poll that the election was rigged.
But you really shouldn’t be surprised by this willingness to indulge malicious, democracy-endangering lies. After all, when was the last time Republicans accepted a politically inconvenient fact? It has been clear for years that the modern GOP is a party that can’t handle the truth.
Most obviously, Republican refusal to accept the election results follows months of refusal to acknowledge the dangers of the coronavirus, even as COVID-19 has become the nation’s leading cause of death, and even as a startling number of people in Trump’s orbit have been infected.
Sure enough, virus denial and vote denial converged almost perfectly Saturday, when Trump addressed a large, mostly unmasked crowd in Georgia — creating a potential superspreader event — and demanded that the governor overturn the state’s election results. The next day Rudy Giuliani, who has been directing Trump’s efforts to cling to office, was hospitalized with the virus.
The thing is, Republican rejection of reality didn’t start in 2020, or even with the Trump era. Climate change denial — including claims that global warming is a hoax perpetrated by an international cabal of scientists — has been a badge of partisan identity for many years. Crazy conspiracy theories about the Clintons were mainstream on the right through much of the 1990s.
And one half-forgotten episode in particular seems to me to have foreshadowed much of what we’re seeing right now: Republican reactions to the mostly successful introduction of Obamacare.
The Affordable Care Act went into full effect in 2014, amid dire predictions by Republicans. The act, they claimed, would drive insurance premiums sky-high, fail to reduce the number of uninsured, and have a devastating effect on employment.
None of that happened. Instead, millions of Americans gained health insurance coverage. Job creation continued, with 3 million jobs added in the year following the ACA’s implementation. Obamacare may have fallen somewhat short of its sponsors’ hopes (although nobody expected it to yield universal coverage), but from the beginning it helped many Americans, and was nothing like the disaster opponents predicted.
As far as I can tell, however, no prominent Republican was willing to admit that the party’s apocalyptic warnings had been proved false, let alone talk about why they were wrong. Nor, of course, did Republicans make any effort to come up with a better health plan. (It has been almost 11 years since Obamacare was signed into law, and we’re still waiting.) Instead, party leaders simply pretended that the promised catastrophe had, in fact, materialized.
For example, John Boehner, the speaker of the House at the time, insisted that there had been a “net loss” of people with health insurance. After that 3 million-job gain, Jeb Bush (remember him?) insisted that Obamacare was “the greatest job suppressor in the so-called recovery.”
And in a move that prefigured the Trump team’s desperate attempts to find evidence for election fraud, right-wing groups went in search of health care horror stories, tales of ordinary Americans devastated by Obamacare.
To be fair, while there is no evidence of significant electoral fraud, some people really were hurt by health reform — mainly young, healthy individuals who previously had cheap policies and made too much money to be eligible for subsidies. But these weren’t the victims Republicans were looking for. Instead, they peddled tales of older, working-class Americans who supposedly had lost access to affordable insurance.
None of these tales stood up to scrutiny. But that didn’t matter to the GOP. As I wrote at the time, Republicans had already — pre-Trump — entered the era of post-truth politics.
Now, there’s obviously a big difference in immediate impact between refusing to accept evidence that contradicts your policy preconceptions and refusing to accept the results of an election. But the mindset is the same.
The point is that once a party gets into the habit of rejecting facts it doesn’t want to hear, one fact it’s bound to reject sooner or later is the fact that it lost an election. In that sense there’s a straight line from, say, the Republican embrace of climate denial to the party’s willingness to go along with Trump’s attempts to retain power.
And the Republican Party’s previous history of dealing with inconvenient reality gives us a pretty good idea about when it will accept Joe Biden as the legitimate winner of the 2020 election — namely, never.


mercurynews--2020-12-09--Dodgers scout Jairo Castillo dies at 31 from COVID-19

Dodgers international scout Jairo Castillo has died due to complications from contracting COVID-19 .
Castillo is the second Dodgers scout @ @ @ @ @ .
Long-time amateur scout Lon Joyce passed away last week .
Castillo , 31 , @ @ @ @ @ York Mets as a 16-year-old from San Cristobal in the Dominican Republic .
He played @ @ @ @ @ and Venezuelan Summer Leagues in the New York Mets ’ system before going into scouting @ @ @ @ @ Toronto Blue Jays and Milwaukee Brewers as a scout before joining the Dodgers ’ organization @ @ @ @ @ a crosschecker in his native Dominican Republic for the Dodgers .
He is survived by @ @ @ @ @ .
A GoFundMe account has been set up to help Castillo ’ s family .

Dodgers international scout Jairo Castillo has died due to complications from contracting COVID-19.
Castillo is the second Dodgers scout to die in recent days. Long-time amateur scout Lon Joyce passed away last week.
Castillo, 31, was signed by the New York Mets as a 16-year-old from San Cristobal in the Dominican Republic. He played three seasons in the Dominican and Venezuelan Summer Leagues in the New York Mets’ system before going into scouting.
Castillo worked for the Toronto Blue Jays and Milwaukee Brewers as a scout before joining the Dodgers’ organization. He was working as a crosschecker in his native Dominican Republic for the Dodgers. He is survived by a wife and two children. A GoFundMe account has been set up to help Castillo’s family.


mercurynews--2020-12-09--Solano County not in lockdown yet despite falling ICU capacity

While many surrounding counties went to stricter guidelines on Sunday and Monday , Solano County stayed with the status quo despite the county and its East Bay region seeing a tumble in ICU capacity over the weekend .
That being said , a shelter-in-place order for the county could be right around the corner .
As COVID-19 case rates and hospitalizations continue to rise tremendously and threaten to overwhelm the hospitals and its workers , California health officials earlier last week announced a regional stay-at-home order that will be triggered if Intensive Care Unit ( ICU ) capacity drops below @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The state is divided into five regions — Northern California , Bay Area , Greater Sacramento , San Joaquin Valley and Southern California .
Although Solano County is under the 15 percent capacity at 12.5 , the county has not yet gone into a shelter in place order as it cited that its region — Bay Area — was still still above the 15 percent threshold at 25.7 percent as of Monday at 3 p.m. “ Solano County continues to follow the State ’ s current guidelines for addressing the recent surge in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , public health administrator for Solano County Health and Social Services told the Times-Herald on Monday .
“ To add additional restrictions on top of what the State has already issued limits local businesses even further when they are not the cause of spread in Solano County .
The primary contributor of spread in Solano County is personal behavior and people gathering with others outside of the household without following safety measures , like masking and physical distancing .
We do not want to cause even more hardship to our local businesses.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tier of the COVID-19 levels .
Solano is at 22.4 percent new COVID cases per day per 100,000 and is at 17.8 percent adjusted case rate for tier assignment .
There is a 6.8 positivity rate ( 7-day average ) .
Despite the belief by some that only older people can get the coronavirus , 59 percent of the cases in Solano County have been with people aged between 18 and 49 , according to Solano County public health records .
Twenty percent of the cases in the county have come from people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while 11 percent of the cases are with people aged 65 years and older .
The hospitalizations in the county are similar with 32 percent being between the age of 18-49 , 27 percent between the ages of 50 and 64 , while 39 percent are 65 years of age or older .
Deaths in Solano County are a little different story .
Only six percent of deaths have come from people aged 18-49 , while 74 percent of deaths have come from people aged 65 and older .
Yet despite these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 35 in the state that has not yet adhered to a shelter-in-place order .
Twenty three counties have decided to go into lockdown , including nearby San Francisco , Alameda , Contra Costa , Marin , Santa Clara and the City of Berkeley .
These counties closed despite the Bay Area region not being under the 15 percent ICU capacity threshold just yet .
While some counties like Solano are below the 15 percent capacity ( 12.5 ) , some nearby counties are doing much better , like Napa County , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is at 45 percent , and Sonoma , which is at 21 percent capacity .
San Francisco is at 23.6 capacity .
However , some stats may be a little flawed as many Napa residents go to Solano County for their hospitals stays .
Other numbers between Napa and Solano aren ’ t too far apart as Napa is at 19.7 percent new COVID cases a day per 100,000 , while it has a 9.9 percent adjusted case rate .
However , Napa ’ s 3.5 percent positivity case rate is way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter what , hospital workers need all the help they can get .
“ Like most health care providers in the state , Kaiser Permanente is seeing an increase in the number of patients with COVID-19 , ” said Michael Vollmer , MD , Infectious Disease Specialist , Kaiser Permanente Vacaville in an email to the Times-Herald earlier this week .
“ While we wait for a vaccine , we encourage everyone to practice healthy habits to protect themselves , their families , and others .
These include wearing a mask , maintaining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , avoiding crowded indoor spaces , and monitoring yourself for any COVID-19 symptoms .
“ The increase in COVID-19 cases are creating an increased demand for testing and turnaround times for results may vary , ” Vollmer continued .
“ It ’ s important to keep in mind that receiving a negative COVID-19 test in advance of a holiday gathering does not lower your risk of getting COVID-19 during the gathering .
In fact , indoor gatherings have been one of the biggest driving factors of COVID-19 spikes in our region and nationwide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negative status at the time of the test and doesn ’ t prevent you from getting and spreading the virus while interacting with others outside your household.
” Vollmer said that as cases have gone up , Kaiser has adapted .
“ As the science regarding COVID-19 care has evolved , we have modified our practices to improve outcomes which can translate into reduced length of stay , ” Vollmer said .
“ These interventions include using high flow oxygen , dexamethasone for patients requiring high levels of oxygen , remdesivir based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if a patient requires mechanical ventilation .
We also have a COVID-19 monitoring program where patients receive follow up at home based on their risk level without necessarily requiring hospitalization.
” Although Solano County is not at the stay at home order level yet , that day is fast approaching .
“ Currently the state projects that the Bay Area region would fall below 15 percent ICU capacity in mid-December or early next week , ” Richards said .
“ Solano Public Health is urging residents to stay home and stop the surge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the household , and wear a mask in public settings .
Solano Public Health continue to monitor the situation closely with our local hospital partners and the state.
” Once the region does go under 15 percent , that area and its counties will have to go into a shelter in place order at 11:59 p.m. that day .
• Coronavirus : Here ’ s each county ’ s tier assignment and what regions are in stay at home orders on Dec. 8 • California sheriff says honor system , not handcuffs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay-at-home edict This means that private gatherings of any size are prohibited .
Restaurants have to close to both indoor and outdoor dining .
Takeout or delivery is still available .
Bars and wineries , both indoor and outdoor will have to close.Restaurants will close to both indoor and outdoor dining .
They can only do takeout or delivery .
All retail stores can stay open , but must drop its capacity to just 20 percent .
Hair salons , barbershops and gyms have to close .
Last month Vallejo Mayor Bob Sampayan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if there was to be another shutdown .
“ Look … I get it and I understand what people want , ” Sampayan told the Times-Herald in November .
“ But we have to get rid of the virus soon .
Yes we could have a vaccine , but we don ’ t know that for sure … I ’ m very worried about our economy and the small business person .
They really have to struggle and they still have bills to pay , insurance to pay .
”

While many surrounding counties went to stricter guidelines on Sunday and Monday, Solano County stayed with the status quo despite the county and its East Bay region seeing a tumble in ICU capacity over the weekend.
That being said, a shelter-in-place order for the county could be right around the corner.
As COVID-19 case rates and hospitalizations continue to rise tremendously and threaten to overwhelm the hospitals and its workers, California health officials earlier last week announced a regional stay-at-home order that will be triggered if Intensive Care Unit (ICU) capacity drops below 15 percent in a given region.
The state is divided into five regions — Northern California, Bay Area, Greater Sacramento, San Joaquin Valley and Southern California. Although Solano County is under the 15 percent capacity at 12.5, the county has not yet gone into a shelter in place order as it cited that its region — Bay Area — was still still above the 15 percent threshold at 25.7 percent as of Monday at 3 p.m.
“Solano County continues to follow the State’s current guidelines for addressing the recent surge in COVID-19 cases,” said Jayleen Richaards, public health administrator for Solano County Health and Social Services told the Times-Herald on Monday. “To add additional restrictions on top of what the State has already issued limits local businesses even further when they are not the cause of spread in Solano County. The primary contributor of spread in Solano County is personal behavior and people gathering with others outside of the household without following safety measures, like masking and physical distancing. We do not want to cause even more hardship to our local businesses.”
Solano County is currently in the purple tier of the COVID-19 levels. Solano is at 22.4 percent new COVID cases per day per 100,000 and is at 17.8 percent adjusted case rate for tier assignment. There is a 6.8 positivity rate (7-day average).
Despite the belief by some that only older people can get the coronavirus, 59 percent of the cases in Solano County have been with people aged between 18 and 49, according to Solano County public health records. Twenty percent of the cases in the county have come from people aged 50 to 64 years of age, while 11 percent of the cases are with people aged 65 years and older. The hospitalizations in the county are similar with 32 percent being between the age of 18-49, 27 percent between the ages of 50 and 64, while 39 percent are 65 years of age or older.
Deaths in Solano County are a little different story. Only six percent of deaths have come from people aged 18-49, while 74 percent of deaths have come from people aged 65 and older.
Yet despite these statistics, Solano County is one of 35 in the state that has not yet adhered to a shelter-in-place order. Twenty three counties have decided to go into lockdown, including nearby San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Santa Clara and the City of Berkeley. These counties closed despite the Bay Area region not being under the 15 percent ICU capacity threshold just yet.
While some counties like Solano are below the 15 percent capacity (12.5), some nearby counties are doing much better, like Napa County, which is currently at 47.8 capacity, Marin, which is at 45 percent, and Sonoma, which is at 21 percent capacity. San Francisco is at 23.6 capacity.
However, some stats may be a little flawed as many Napa residents go to Solano County for their hospitals stays. Other numbers between Napa and Solano aren’t too far apart as Napa is at 19.7 percent new COVID cases a day per 100,000, while it has a 9.9 percent adjusted case rate. However, Napa’s 3.5 percent positivity case rate is way below the 6.8 of Solano.
No matter what, hospital workers need all the help they can get.
“Like most health care providers in the state, Kaiser Permanente is seeing an increase in the number of patients with COVID-19,” said Michael Vollmer, MD, Infectious Disease Specialist, Kaiser Permanente Vacaville in an email to the Times-Herald earlier this week. “While we wait for a vaccine, we encourage everyone to practice healthy habits to protect themselves, their families, and others. These include wearing a mask, maintaining physical distance, practicing healthy hand hygiene, avoiding crowded indoor spaces, and monitoring yourself for any COVID-19 symptoms.
“The increase in COVID-19 cases are creating an increased demand for testing and turnaround times for results may vary,” Vollmer continued. “It’s important to keep in mind that receiving a negative COVID-19 test in advance of a holiday gathering does not lower your risk of getting COVID-19 during the gathering. In fact, indoor gatherings have been one of the biggest driving factors of COVID-19 spikes in our region and nationwide. A negative test only confirms your negative status at the time of the test and doesn’t prevent you from getting and spreading the virus while interacting with others outside your household.”
Vollmer said that as cases have gone up, Kaiser has adapted.
“As the science regarding COVID-19 care has evolved, we have modified our practices to improve outcomes which can translate into reduced length of stay,” Vollmer said. “These interventions include using high flow oxygen, dexamethasone for patients requiring high levels of oxygen, remdesivir based on current national guidance, and proning techniques if a patient requires mechanical ventilation. We also have a COVID-19 monitoring program where patients receive follow up at home based on their risk level without necessarily requiring hospitalization.”
Although Solano County is not at the stay at home order level yet, that day is fast approaching.
“Currently the state projects that the Bay Area region would fall below 15 percent ICU capacity in mid-December or early next week,” Richards said. “Solano Public Health is urging residents to stay home and stop the surge, limit gatherings with people outside of the household, and wear a mask in public settings. Solano Public Health continue to monitor the situation closely with our local hospital partners and the state.”
Once the region does go under 15 percent, that area and its counties will have to go into a shelter in place order at 11:59 p.m. that day.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge This means that private gatherings of any size are prohibited. Restaurants have to close to both indoor and outdoor dining. Takeout or delivery is still available. Bars and wineries, both indoor and outdoor will have to close.Restaurants will close to both indoor and outdoor dining. They can only do takeout or delivery. All retail stores can stay open, but must drop its capacity to just 20 percent. Hair salons, barbershops and gyms have to close.
Last month Vallejo Mayor Bob Sampayan said he was worried about the economy if there was to be another shutdown.
“Look … I get it and I understand what people want,” Sampayan told the Times-Herald in November. “But we have to get rid of the virus soon. Yes we could have a vaccine, but we don’t know that for sure … I’m very worried about our economy and the small business person. They really have to struggle and they still have bills to pay, insurance to pay.”


mercurynews--2020-12-09--Former UC researcher, a Chinese national charged with visa fraud, gets a trial date in federal court

A judge on Tuesday set a February jury trial date for a 38-year-old former University of California , Davis , researcher charged with visa fraud and lying to the FBI about being a member of the Chinese military , a case that made national headlines .
Tang Juan , of Xi ’ an , China , who has pleaded not guilty to the charges after being indicted in August , appeared remotely in a federal courtroom in Sacramento for a status conference among District Judge John A. Mendez , her three attorneys — Malcolm S. Segal , Patrick Wong , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. Attorney Heiko P. Coppola , who leads the prosecution .
During the online proceeding , according to the court reporter ’ s minutes , Mendez set the jury trial for 9 a.m. Feb. 8 , as Tang , out of custody on $ 750,000 bond , listened with the help of a Mandarin interpreter , Richard Shek .
Tang ’ s bond , promised by an attorney , Steven X. Cui , is not cash , but it means that if Tang skips her court dates , he will have to sell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Cui and his wife have agreed to let Tang live with them and make sure she attends all court hearings , court records indicate .
U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott on Sept. 10 filed a motion to revoke U.S. Magistrate Judge Kendall J. Newman ’ s pretrial release of Tang .
In the motion , Scott and Coppola referred to Tang ’ s July 23 arrest by federal agents , who had observed her leaving the Chinese consulate in San Francisco .
Coppola also noted the Department of Homeland Security ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. State Department ’ s revocation of her J-1 visa , a non-immigrant visa for people approved to participate in work-study-based programs in the United States .
Tang is alleged to have received the visa after making false statements during the application process about her military service , concealing her ties to China ’ s military so she could work in the United States .
When later interviewed by FBI agents , Tang reportedly made false statements about her military service .
Specifically , U.S. authorities allege that Tang is a current member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about serving in the Asian nation ’ s armed forces .
If convicted of visa fraud , she could face as much as 10 years in federal prison and a $ 250,000 fine .
If also convicted of making false statements , she could face a maximum of five years in prison and another $ 250,000 fine .
Her pending court date comes after Tang and three other Chinese nationals were charged with visa fraud in connection with a scheme to lie about their status as members of the Chinese military .
Xin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were either previously arrested or indicted , Department of Justice officials have said .
If convicted at trial for visa fraud , each of the others , like Tang , face a maximum term of 10 years in federal prison and a fine of $ 250,000 .
Tang was the last of the four to be arrested after the Justice Department accused the Chinese consulate in San Francisco , where she took brief refuge , of harboring a known fugitive .
Wang , who stated on his visa application that he would conduct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ San Francisco , was arrested on June 7 and appeared in federal court the next day .
A grand jury in the Northern District of California indicted him on June 22 .
Court documents indicated Wang was instructed by his military supervisor to observe the layout of the UCSF lab and bring back information on how to replicate it in China .
Song , who is in her late 30s , entered the United States on Dec. 23 , 2018 , and indicated on her visa application that she came to the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Song was arrested July 18 .
According to a complaint filed in the Southern District of Indiana on July 17 , Zhao , a graduate student studying machine learning and artificial intelligence at Indiana University , applied for a nonimmigrant visa in June 2018 .
DOJ officials believe Zhao served in the National University of Defense Technology , the People ’ s Liberation Army ’ s premier school for scientific research and education and attended a Chinese military academy that can be compared to the U.S. Air Force Academy .
.
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million in suspected unemployment fraud by local inmates • Former San Mateo County Sheriff ’ s Activities League director arrested on suspicion of embezzlement • One partner attempted bizarre underwater escape .
The other just admitted everything .
UC Davis officials , according to a July Associated Press report , indicated Tang left her job as a visiting researcher in the Department of Radiation Oncology in June .
Her work was funded by a study-based exchange program affiliated with China ’ s Ministry of Education , the university noted in a written statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said they believe Tang sought refuge at the consulate after they interviewed her on June 20 at her Davis apartment , at 920 Cranbrook Court , where , with a warrant , they later seized electronic media and her Chinese passport .
During the past several months , FBI agents interviewed visa holders in more than 25 American cities suspected of hiding their ties to the Chinese military .
The allegations against Tang and the others come as U.S.-China relations continue to deteriorate , particularly over allegations of Chinese theft of U.S. intellectual @ @

A judge on Tuesday set a February jury trial date for a 38-year-old former University of California, Davis, researcher charged with visa fraud and lying to the FBI about being a member of the Chinese military, a case that made national headlines.
Tang Juan, of Xi’an, China, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges after being indicted in August, appeared remotely in a federal courtroom in Sacramento for a status conference among District Judge John A. Mendez, her three attorneys — Malcolm S. Segal, Patrick Wong, and Thomas A. Johnson — and Assistant U.S. Attorney Heiko P. Coppola, who leads the prosecution.
During the online proceeding, according to the court reporter’s minutes, Mendez set the jury trial for 9 a.m. Feb. 8, as Tang, out of custody on $750,000 bond, listened with the help of a Mandarin interpreter, Richard Shek.
Tang’s bond, promised by an attorney, Steven X. Cui, is not cash, but it means that if Tang skips her court dates, he will have to sell his home or muster the $750,000. Cui and his wife have agreed to let Tang live with them and make sure she attends all court hearings, court records indicate.
U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott on Sept. 10 filed a motion to revoke U.S. Magistrate Judge Kendall J. Newman’s pretrial release of Tang.
In the motion, Scott and Coppola referred to Tang’s July 23 arrest by federal agents, who had observed her leaving the Chinese consulate in San Francisco. Coppola also noted the Department of Homeland Security’s lodging of an immigration detainer and the U.S. State Department’s revocation of her J-1 visa, a non-immigrant visa for people approved to participate in work-study-based programs in the United States.
Tang is alleged to have received the visa after making false statements during the application process about her military service, concealing her ties to China’s military so she could work in the United States.
When later interviewed by FBI agents, Tang reportedly made false statements about her military service. Specifically, U.S. authorities allege that Tang is a current member of the Chinese Air Force and lied about serving in the Asian nation’s armed forces.
If convicted of visa fraud, she could face as much as 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. If also convicted of making false statements, she could face a maximum of five years in prison and another $250,000 fine.
Her pending court date comes after Tang and three other Chinese nationals were charged with visa fraud in connection with a scheme to lie about their status as members of the Chinese military.
Xin Wang, Chen Song and Kaikai Zhao were either previously arrested or indicted, Department of Justice officials have said.
If convicted at trial for visa fraud, each of the others, like Tang, face a maximum term of 10 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.
Tang was the last of the four to be arrested after the Justice Department accused the Chinese consulate in San Francisco, where she took brief refuge, of harboring a known fugitive.
Wang, who stated on his visa application that he would conduct research at the University of California, San Francisco, was arrested on June 7 and appeared in federal court the next day. A grand jury in the Northern District of California indicted him on June 22. Court documents indicated Wang was instructed by his military supervisor to observe the layout of the UCSF lab and bring back information on how to replicate it in China.
Song, who is in her late 30s, entered the United States on Dec. 23, 2018, and indicated on her visa application that she came to the U.S. to conduct brain-related research at Stanford University. Song was arrested July 18.
According to a complaint filed in the Southern District of Indiana on July 17, Zhao, a graduate student studying machine learning and artificial intelligence at Indiana University, applied for a nonimmigrant visa in June 2018.
DOJ officials believe Zhao served in the National University of Defense Technology, the People’s Liberation Army’s premier school for scientific research and education and attended a Chinese military academy that can be compared to the U.S. Air Force Academy. .
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San Jose preservationists focus on “endangered eight” historic buildings Crime and Public Safety | Former Sacramento Kings player gets 10 years in prison for NBA benefit fraud UC Davis officials, according to a July Associated Press report, indicated Tang left her job as a visiting researcher in the Department of Radiation Oncology in June. Her work was funded by a study-based exchange program affiliated with China’s Ministry of Education, the university noted in a written statement.
As previously reported, federal investigators said they believe Tang sought refuge at the consulate after they interviewed her on June 20 at her Davis apartment, at 920 Cranbrook Court, where, with a warrant, they later seized electronic media and her Chinese passport.
During the past several months, FBI agents interviewed visa holders in more than 25 American cities suspected of hiding their ties to the Chinese military.
The allegations against Tang and the others come as U.S.-China relations continue to deteriorate, particularly over allegations of Chinese theft of U.S. intellectual property.


mercurynews--2020-12-09--Sunday’s sideshow activity exploded all over Vallejo, taxing police resources

Vallejo continues to have an ongoing and expanding sideshow issue .
And , like a car doing donuts , the city has been left spinning its wheels as it attempts to redress the difficult problem with an understaffed police department and a legion of tenacious , intrepid joyriders .
The Vallejo Police Department has raised the issue a handful of times this year , warning the public that the impromptu stunts are increasing in both frequency and numbers of participants .
Police Chief Shawny Williams says he is concerned not only about the events themselves , but about how they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when they are needed elsewhere .
“ Not only are the sideshows themselves a danger to the people who participate , they drain our department of resources needed to provide public safety to our residents , ” he said in a statement released by his spokesperson .
“ The impact of a single sideshow can mean the difference between life and death for a resident who needs immediate assistance.
” His concern came to a dangerous crescendo on Sunday , when more than 75 vehicles blocked in two American Canyon officers sent to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intersection of Flosden Road and Corcoran Avenue .
The officers radioed for assistance and every available VPD officer arrived , police said .
The officers dispersed the assembly , which promptly fanned out to other areas of the city — north , south , and east , as well as downtown and the intersection of Columbus Parkway and Georgia Street.
, police said .
VPD says they logged in more than 470 calls about the subsequent sideshows , some of which reported gunshots fired .
Williams says that several “ high priority calls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to deal with the sideshows , including calls about domestic abuse , sexual battery , and a firearm being pulled during an argument .
Eventually , Benicia Police , California Highway Patrol air and ground units , and sheriff ’ s deputies provided mutual aid and the last participants were dispersed by 1 a.m. , police said .
Mayor-Elect Robert McConnell told the Times-Herald that he has received myriad emails and calls from residents who want something done about the sideshows , but he recognizes how difficult the problem is to control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police don ’ t have a really effective methodology with dealing with these organized criminal activities — and that is what they are , ” he said .
“ There are not enough officers to deal with them all.
” McConnell says the city needs to start thinking “ outside the box ” about how to approach the problem .
As of now , cars are impounded , but , as he points out , many of the cars used for these events are taken as scrap from tow yards or perhaps even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effect .
“ It is probably going to take legislation , ” he said .
“ Increased penalties , loss of license , jail time , fines , things like that.
” In August , VPD said it was working with the city attorney to create a spectator ordinance that will make it a crime to watch and block roadways to facilitate a “ sideshow take over.
” Councilmember Hakeem Brown has suggested that areas be set aside for sanctioned activity , and McConnell said he agrees with the idea , but that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ participants want to do that.
” Certainly part of the “ thrill ” of a sideshow is the fact that it isn ’ t legal , after all .
Which means there will be no easy solution .
“ I want to send a clear message that sideshows will not be tolerated in the City of Vallejo , by neither our residents nor our police department , ” Williams said .
“ Vallejo PD , along with our partner agencies , are working together to determine how to prevent sideshows and fully enforce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public safety .
”

Vallejo continues to have an ongoing and expanding sideshow issue. And, like a car doing donuts, the city has been left spinning its wheels as it attempts to redress the difficult problem with an understaffed police department and a legion of tenacious, intrepid joyriders.
The Vallejo Police Department has raised the issue a handful of times this year, warning the public that the impromptu stunts are increasing in both frequency and numbers of participants. Police Chief Shawny Williams says he is concerned not only about the events themselves, but about how they can monopolize the time of the police when they are needed elsewhere.
“Not only are the sideshows themselves a danger to the people who participate, they drain our department of resources needed to provide public safety to our residents,” he said in a statement released by his spokesperson. “The impact of a single sideshow can mean the difference between life and death for a resident who needs immediate assistance.”
His concern came to a dangerous crescendo on Sunday, when more than 75 vehicles blocked in two American Canyon officers sent to try to break it up near the intersection of Flosden Road and Corcoran Avenue.
The officers radioed for assistance and every available VPD officer arrived, police said. The officers dispersed the assembly, which promptly fanned out to other areas of the city — north, south, and east, as well as downtown and the intersection of Columbus Parkway and Georgia Street., police said.
VPD says they logged in more than 470 calls about the subsequent sideshows, some of which reported gunshots fired.
Williams says that several “high priority calls” came through while the department was trying to deal with the sideshows, including calls about domestic abuse, sexual battery, and a firearm being pulled during an argument.
Eventually, Benicia Police, California Highway Patrol air and ground units, and sheriff’s deputies provided mutual aid and the last participants were dispersed by 1 a.m., police said.
Mayor-Elect Robert McConnell told the Times-Herald that he has received myriad emails and calls from residents who want something done about the sideshows, but he recognizes how difficult the problem is to control.
“The reality is, the police don’t have a really effective methodology with dealing with these organized criminal activities — and that is what they are,” he said. “There are not enough officers to deal with them all.”
McConnell says the city needs to start thinking “outside the box” about how to approach the problem. As of now, cars are impounded, but, as he points out, many of the cars used for these events are taken as scrap from tow yards or perhaps even stolen, so impounding them has no effect.
“It is probably going to take legislation,” he said. “Increased penalties, loss of license, jail time, fines, things like that.”
In August, VPD said it was working with the city attorney to create a spectator ordinance that will make it a crime to watch and block roadways to facilitate a “sideshow take over.”
Councilmember Hakeem Brown has suggested that areas be set aside for sanctioned activity, and McConnell said he agrees with the idea, but that “only 20 or 30 percent of participants want to do that.”
Certainly part of the “thrill” of a sideshow is the fact that it isn’t legal, after all. Which means there will be no easy solution.
“I want to send a clear message that sideshows will not be tolerated in the City of Vallejo, by neither our residents nor our police department,” Williams said. “Vallejo PD, along with our partner agencies, are working together to determine how to prevent sideshows and fully enforce the law when anyone dares to risk public safety.”


mercurynews--2020-12-09--Mysterious monolith appears in Vallejo

Mysterious monolith appears in Vallejo

A monolith appeared in Vallejo on Tuesday .
It was an addition to the ever-changing art piece ‘ Dodo Wisdom @ @ @ @ @ ’ Hare , which provides commentary to current events on top of Obtainium Works in @ @

A monolith appeared in Vallejo on Tuesday. It was an addition to the ever-changing art piece ‘Dodo Wisdom’ created by Shannon O’Hare, which provides commentary to current events on top of Obtainium Works in Vallejo.


mercurynews--2020-12-09--Sponsored: New Menlo Park home delivers work-learn space, an exquisite kitchen, abundant natural lig

Sponsored: New Menlo Park home delivers work-learn space, an exquisite kitchen, abundant natural light, great access to Stanford

Brand-new construction in the heart of the vibrant University Heights/West Menlo Park neighborhood showcases a chic and sophisticated design with all the comforts and desired features for today ’ s lifestyle .
You can ’ t beat the location at 2101 Valparaiso Ave. , less than 3 miles from Stanford University , the Stanford Shopping Center , and a variety of shopping and dining options along University Avenue and the surrounding area .
Enjoy a true neighborhood feeling and the convenient proximity to everything you need , including top-rated schools within a mile .
Built by Kips Kustom Homes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 25 years , this home reflects Kip DuPuis ’ master craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail .
Gorgeous finishes flow throughout the almost 2,800 square feet of living space on two levels .
There are five bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms , including a main-level guest suite or ideal work-from-home accommodations .
The floor plan is drenched in natural light and features hardwood and tile flooring , dual-pane windows , smooth textured walls , high ceilings , decorative iron stair railing , and architectural detailing .
The chef ’ s kitchen is well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tile backsplash and a farmhouse apron sink with a front-facing view .
An oversize island/breakfast bar with seating for six has a gorgeous waterfall edge and is illuminated by a trio of designer pendants .
Sleek European-style cabinetry with custom pullouts wraps around the kitchen with additional floating shelves .
Stainless appliances include a Thermador dual-fuel range with two ovens and six-burners plus a grill and refrigerator , and a Dacor microwave and warming drawer .
French doors open to a side garden .
The kitchen is open to the spacious living room @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decorative marble surround .
This room also has a box beam detailed ceiling .
Slide open the glass door for a seamless flow to the backyard space .
Create a romantic outdoor dining area under the canopy of the apple tree , or enjoy the spacious lawn to play and relax .
Designer-inspired wall coverings and a stylish chandelier enhance the formal dining room , a spacious area with both front- and rear-facing views .
Four bedrooms and three bathrooms are located upstairs , including the master bedroom suite that enjoys a picture-perfect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Motion sensor lights under the floating dual-sink vanity are a fabulous detail to this spa-inspired master bathroom .
It also includes a honed marble counter , brushed nickel faucets , Lucite pulls and knobs , and an oversize curbless shower with a floor-to-ceiling marble tile surround .
The walk-in closet features custom built-ins and a window for natural light .
Three additional bedrooms upstairs include one with an en suite bathroom .
An additional full bathroom has a tub/shower combination .
All bathrooms have floating vanities , including the powder room located @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include a detached two-car garage with an epoxy floor and an electric car hookup , a tankless water heater , an Energy Star HVAC and a Nest thermostat .
The laundry room is located upstairs and features a sink and cabinetry .
The generous paver driveway offers off-street parking .

Brand-new construction in the heart of the vibrant University Heights/West Menlo Park neighborhood showcases a chic and sophisticated design with all the comforts and desired features for today’s lifestyle.
You can’t beat the location at 2101 Valparaiso Ave., less than 3 miles from Stanford University, the Stanford Shopping Center, and a variety of shopping and dining options along University Avenue and the surrounding area. Enjoy a true neighborhood feeling and the convenient proximity to everything you need, including top-rated schools within a mile.
Built by Kips Kustom Homes, a renowned Peninsula South homebuilder for more than 25 years, this home reflects Kip DuPuis’ master craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail.
Gorgeous finishes flow throughout the almost 2,800 square feet of living space on two levels. There are five bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms, including a main-level guest suite or ideal work-from-home accommodations.
The floor plan is drenched in natural light and features hardwood and tile flooring, dual-pane windows, smooth textured walls, high ceilings, decorative iron stair railing, and architectural detailing.
The chef’s kitchen is well appointed with quartz counters, a custom-designed tile backsplash and a farmhouse apron sink with a front-facing view. An oversize island/breakfast bar with seating for six has a gorgeous waterfall edge and is illuminated by a trio of designer pendants. Sleek European-style cabinetry with custom pullouts wraps around the kitchen with additional floating shelves. Stainless appliances include a Thermador dual-fuel range with two ovens and six-burners plus a grill and refrigerator, and a Dacor microwave and warming drawer. French doors open to a side garden.
The kitchen is open to the spacious living room anchored by a gas fireplace with a decorative marble surround. This room also has a box beam detailed ceiling. Slide open the glass door for a seamless flow to the backyard space. Create a romantic outdoor dining area under the canopy of the apple tree, or enjoy the spacious lawn to play and relax.
Designer-inspired wall coverings and a stylish chandelier enhance the formal dining room, a spacious area with both front- and rear-facing views.
Four bedrooms and three bathrooms are located upstairs, including the master bedroom suite that enjoys a picture-perfect view of the backyard and apple tree. Motion sensor lights under the floating dual-sink vanity are a fabulous detail to this spa-inspired master bathroom. It also includes a honed marble counter, brushed nickel faucets, Lucite pulls and knobs, and an oversize curbless shower with a floor-to-ceiling marble tile surround. The walk-in closet features custom built-ins and a window for natural light.
Three additional bedrooms upstairs include one with an en suite bathroom. An additional full bathroom has a tub/shower combination. All bathrooms have floating vanities, including the powder room located on the main level.
Additional features include a detached two-car garage with an epoxy floor and an electric car hookup, a tankless water heater, an Energy Star HVAC and a Nest thermostat. The laundry room is located upstairs and features a sink and cabinetry. The generous paver driveway offers off-street parking.
Price: $3,950,000
Where: 2101 Valparaiso Ave., Menlo Park
Shown by appointment only.
Virtual tour: www.tourfactory.com/2781849
Listing agent: Compass, Rick Zea, DRE# 408-205-8050, rick.zea@compass.com


mercurynews--2020-12-10--Golden State Warriors lose appeal over arena debt; must pay Oakland, Alameda County

The California Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected the Golden State Warriors ’ appeal of a ruling ordering the team to pay Oakland and Alameda County nearly $ 50 million in debt leftover from 1996 renovations at the Oakland arena .
In denying a request to review the petition , the state Supreme Court issued another legal blow against the team in their dispute with the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Authority , which is run jointly by the city and county .
After the construction was completed , the Warriors made annual payments toward the $ 140 million in bonds issued by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ renovations .
The team ’ s contract to play at the arena , formerly known as Oracle , required the team to continue paying off the bonds , even if the contract was “ terminated.
” When the team departed for Chase Center in San Francisco in 2019 , attorneys for the Warriors argued they had not “ terminated ” the contract but exercised an option in the agreement to leave .
The matter headed to the courts .
An arbitrator and a California Superior Court judge ruled in favor of the Coliseum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up .
In August , a state appeals court panel reaffirmed that decision .
The Warriors then appealed to the state ’ s high court .
The appeal was denied Wednesday , without comment .
“ While we are disappointed in the Supreme Court ’ s decision to deny our petition , we will , as we ’ ve always indicated , pay the debt obligation in accordance with the ruling , ” Warriors spokesman Raymond Ridder said Wednesday .
Last month , Coliseum Authority Executive Director Henry Gardner said the debt is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City Council President Rebecca Kaplan , who has called the Warriors ownership “ deadbeat billionaires , ” on Wednesday said it is time for them to pay what is owed to taxpayers .
“ I ’ ve been saying this for years and the Warriors have been saying things that turned out to be wrong , ” Kaplan said .
“ So sleazy for billionaires to try to stick their longterm fans with their debts .
I ’ m so glad I pushed to fight this .
Our taxpayers deserve to be protected @ @

The California Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected the Golden State Warriors’ appeal of a ruling ordering the team to pay Oakland and Alameda County nearly $50 million in debt leftover from 1996 renovations at the Oakland arena.
In denying a request to review the petition, the state Supreme Court issued another legal blow against the team in their dispute with the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Authority, which is run jointly by the city and county.
After the construction was completed, the Warriors made annual payments toward the $140 million in bonds issued by the city and county to finance the renovations. The team’s contract to play at the arena, formerly known as Oracle, required the team to continue paying off the bonds, even if the contract was “terminated.”
When the team departed for Chase Center in San Francisco in 2019, attorneys for the Warriors argued they had not “terminated” the contract but exercised an option in the agreement to leave.
The matter headed to the courts. An arbitrator and a California Superior Court judge ruled in favor of the Coliseum Authority, concluding the Warriors must pay up. In August, a state appeals court panel reaffirmed that decision.
The Warriors then appealed to the state’s high court. The appeal was denied Wednesday, without comment.
“While we are disappointed in the Supreme Court’s decision to deny our petition, we will, as we’ve always indicated, pay the debt obligation in accordance with the ruling,” Warriors spokesman Raymond Ridder said Wednesday.
Last month, Coliseum Authority Executive Director Henry Gardner said the debt is currently about $47 million.
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Clendaniel: Oakland A’s John Fisher: the worst owner in MLB history? Golden State Warriors | Photos: The Coliseum goes to the dogs as Oakland A’s host “Bark in the Park” Oakland City Council President Rebecca Kaplan, who has called the Warriors ownership “deadbeat billionaires,” on Wednesday said it is time for them to pay what is owed to taxpayers.
“I’ve been saying this for years and the Warriors have been saying things that turned out to be wrong,” Kaplan said. “So sleazy for billionaires to try to stick their longterm fans with their debts. I’m so glad I pushed to fight this. Our taxpayers deserve to be protected.”


mercurynews--2020-12-10--Irvine, Orange and other cities use ‘bait bikes’ to catch thieves

When thieves in Irvine snapped loose a locked bike and left with their valuable haul on a Sunday in late November , police tracked them .
As soon as the bike was moved , a GPS device hidden on the bike sent an alert to Irvine officers who followed the signal to the area of Barranca Parkway and Paseo Westpark .
There , officers found the bike in the trunk of a Ford Fusion and arrested a couple , two 31-year-old residents , one from Fullerton , the other from Buena Park , who were booked on suspicion of felony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lock and the GPS device were a part of a strategy used by police agencies across the nation called “ bait bikes , ” which gained popularity five years ago and provide a simple and high-tech way to curb bike thefts .
In Irvine , which offers more than 300 miles of bike paths , the number of cyclists continues to grow – and so does the potential for bike thefts .
About five years ago , Irvine police responded by buying bait bikes and placing them around the city .
“ Thefts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said Sgt .
Karie Davies , a spokesperson for Irvine police .
“ We know that when we deploy the bait bikes and we make an arrest , it reduces those crimes for a period of time.
” Last year , 306 bikes were reported stolen in Irvine , according to police statistics , which is in line with an average year since 2015 .
This year , police have recorded more than 700 bike thefts so far .
Davies thinks the explosion is , in part , because residents are buying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outdoors to cope with COVID-19 restrictions .
UC Irvine also deploys its own bait bikes around campus .
Many students and faculty members rely on bikes to commute to the university , making them an easy target for thieves , UCI Lt. Mike Hallinan said .
“ They take them and ride away on them.
” Bike thefts on campus have also increased , from 173 in 2019 to more than 210 so far this year .
Supervisors with several law enforcement agencies characterize bike thieves as often individuals who have been arrested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Career criminals , ” Davies calls them .
Police are also aware that the persistent thefts are likely a symptom of larger issues , such as addiction to drugs and alcohol , mental illness , and a growing population of people experiencing homelessness .
“ The people that are stealing , they ’ re stealing it ’ cause they possibly might not have money , whether to buy drugs or alcohol or shelter , ” said Sgt .
Phil McMullin , a spokesman for Orange police , which deploys bait bikes around their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campus .
Police departments such as Orange ’ s will often plant bikes valued at that more than $ 950 so the officers can file felony grand-theft charges , which can lead to incarceration , as opposed to misdemeanor theft .
“ As far as targeting the poor , we ’ re targeting criminals , ” McMullin said when asked about such concerns .
“ We ’ re targeting people who break locks , who steal property from members of our community .
And just because somebody is poor doesn ’ t mean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steal , ” the sergeant said .
“ There ’ s lots of outreach groups that provide food and shelter.
” McMullin said when officers plant the department ’ s two bikes , they are stolen within several days – sometimes within hours .

When thieves in Irvine snapped loose a locked bike and left with their valuable haul on a Sunday in late November, police tracked them.
As soon as the bike was moved, a GPS device hidden on the bike sent an alert to Irvine officers who followed the signal to the area of Barranca Parkway and Paseo Westpark.
There, officers found the bike in the trunk of a Ford Fusion and arrested a couple, two 31-year-old residents, one from Fullerton, the other from Buena Park, who were booked on suspicion of felony grand theft.
The bike, the lock and the GPS device were a part of a strategy used by police agencies across the nation called “bait bikes,” which gained popularity five years ago and provide a simple and high-tech way to curb bike thefts.
In Irvine, which offers more than 300 miles of bike paths, the number of cyclists continues to grow – and so does the potential for bike thefts.
About five years ago, Irvine police responded by buying bait bikes and placing them around the city.
Has the program worked?
“Thefts of bicycles are an ebb-and-flow business,” said Sgt. Karie Davies, a spokesperson for Irvine police. “We know that when we deploy the bait bikes and we make an arrest, it reduces those crimes for a period of time.”
Last year, 306 bikes were reported stolen in Irvine, according to police statistics, which is in line with an average year since 2015.
This year, police have recorded more than 700 bike thefts so far.
Davies thinks the explosion is, in part, because residents are buying more bikes as many turn to the outdoors to cope with COVID-19 restrictions.
UC Irvine also deploys its own bait bikes around campus. Many students and faculty members rely on bikes to commute to the university, making them an easy target for thieves, UCI Lt. Mike Hallinan said. “They take them and ride away on them.”
Bike thefts on campus have also increased, from 173 in 2019 to more than 210 so far this year.
Supervisors with several law enforcement agencies characterize bike thieves as often individuals who have been arrested multiple times for property crimes. “Career criminals,” Davies calls them.
Police are also aware that the persistent thefts are likely a symptom of larger issues, such as addiction to drugs and alcohol, mental illness, and a growing population of people experiencing homelessness.
“The people that are stealing, they’re stealing it ’cause they possibly might not have money, whether to buy drugs or alcohol or shelter,” said Sgt. Phil McMullin, a spokesman for Orange police, which deploys bait bikes around their city and on Chapman University’s campus.
Police departments such as Orange’s will often plant bikes valued at that more than $950 so the officers can file felony grand-theft charges, which can lead to incarceration, as opposed to misdemeanor theft.
“As far as targeting the poor, we’re targeting criminals,” McMullin said when asked about such concerns. “We’re targeting people who break locks, who steal property from members of our community.
And just because somebody is poor doesn’t mean they have to break the law and steal,” the sergeant said. “There’s lots of outreach groups that provide food and shelter.”
McMullin said when officers plant the department’s two bikes, they are stolen within several days – sometimes within hours.


mercurynews--2020-12-10--A’s realign minor league affiliations, extend invite to new High-A team

Short-season baseball won ’ t return to the minor league baseball scene in 2021 .
For the Oakland A ’ s , that means the Vermont Lake Monsters are no longer affiliated with the organization .
But , in a minor league realignment , the A ’ s extended an invite to the Lansing Lugnuts to be their High-A team .
Every MLB team extended invites to their minor league affiliates to as part of the realignment Wednesday , and the changes won ’ t be too drastic .
The Stockton Ports , the A ’ s former High-A team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their Low-A team .
The entire California League is moving from High-A to Low-A .
The Las Vegas Aviators remain their Triple-A affiliate and the Midland ( Texas ) RockHounds their Double-A affiliate .
The Lugnuts , based in Lansing , Mich. , spent the past 12 years as a Toronto Blue Jays affiliate .
The Lugnuts play at Jackson Field , which opened in 1996 .
• How will the pandemic impact the A ’ s offseason ?
David Forst provides insights • Four new free agent position players that could fit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Kotsay promoted to third base coach ; Why the A ’ s are thrilled to keep him in Oakland • Can the A ’ s keep both Matt Chapman and Matt Olson beyond 2021 ?
• Oakland A ’ s agree to terms with key player , tender contracts to all those arb-eligible “ It turned out Lansing was a really good fit based on the reclassification of the California League and the geography of Lansing and Midland , ” A ’ s general manager David Forst said on a Zoom call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than anything , it ’ s a great organization .
“ As long as we ’ ve been in the Midwest League , Lansing ’ s really been a desirable spot .
It ’ s a great ballpark .
It ’ s a college town .
It ’ s a really great city for players to be.
” The A ’ s will keep their Arizona Fall League operating and extended spring training for their minor league prospects .
Elimination of the short-season teams puts newly drafted prospects and players out of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change the scope of how and where younger prospects are developed .
The A ’ s 2020 first-round pick Tyler Soderstrom , 19 , and 17-year-old international prospect Robert Puason and 22-year-old shortstop Logan Davidson could be playing low-A ball sooner than expected .
But the timeline is still unclear , Forst said , and will be “ ironed out as we get to the spring.
” “ It ’ s going to be a different way of developing players , ” Forst said .
“ There ’ s so many things that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missing an entire year is going to affect the development of some of these players .
”

Short-season baseball won’t return to the minor league baseball scene in 2021. For the Oakland A’s, that means the Vermont Lake Monsters are no longer affiliated with the organization. But, in a minor league realignment, the A’s extended an invite to the Lansing Lugnuts to be their High-A team.
Every MLB team extended invites to their minor league affiliates to as part of the realignment Wednesday, and the changes won’t be too drastic. The Stockton Ports, the A’s former High-A team since 2005, would be reclassified as their Low-A team. The entire California League is moving from High-A to Low-A.
The Las Vegas Aviators remain their Triple-A affiliate and the Midland (Texas) RockHounds their Double-A affiliate. The Lugnuts, based in Lansing, Mich., spent the past 12 years as a Toronto Blue Jays affiliate. The Lugnuts play at Jackson Field, which opened in 1996.
“It turned out Lansing was a really good fit based on the reclassification of the California League and the geography of Lansing and Midland,” A’s general manager David Forst said on a Zoom call with reporters Wednesday. “But more than anything, it’s a great organization.
“As long as we’ve been in the Midwest League, Lansing’s really been a desirable spot. It’s a great ballpark. It’s a college town. It’s a really great city for players to be.”
The A’s will keep their Arizona Fall League operating and extended spring training for their minor league prospects.
Elimination of the short-season teams puts newly drafted prospects and players out of their typical landing spot. So this could change the scope of how and where younger prospects are developed. The A’s 2020 first-round pick Tyler Soderstrom, 19, and 17-year-old international prospect Robert Puason and 22-year-old shortstop Logan Davidson could be playing low-A ball sooner than expected. But the timeline is still unclear, Forst said, and will be “ironed out as we get to the spring.”
“It’s going to be a different way of developing players,” Forst said. “There’s so many things that we don’t know how basically missing an entire year is going to affect the development of some of these players.”