mercurynews--2020-02-04--Delivery-only chicken wings ‘restaurant’ makes its debut

Wing Squad has never had a food truck .
No brick-and-mortar either .
The chicken wings purveyor launched Monday as a virtual restaurant with delivery-only service in 16 U.S. cities — including Palo Alto .
Owner Robert Earl , who is the founder of Planet Hollywood , aims to save on overhead costs by using existing commercial kitchens and third-party delivery companies — DoorDash , Grubhub , Uber Eats and PostMates — to bring wings , snacks and desserts directly to customers .
“ Food delivery has quickly become an everyday occurrence for many people , ” he said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be delivery only , which allows us to launch from a wide range of locations .
With this business model , the sky is the limit.
” Besides Palo Alto , Monday ’ s virtual-restaurant roll-out includes the cities of Baltimore , Boston , Chicago , Columbus , Dallas , Detroit , Houston , Indianapolis , Las Vegas , Los Angeles , Minneapolis , Orlando , San Diego , Seattle and Washington , D.C. Additional locations will be added , company representatives said .
• Another Shake Shack opens in the Bay Area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s stylish new dessert and cocktail bar , Viridian • Denny ’ s offering free Beyond Burgers today at all locations The inaugural menu , found online at www.wingsquad.com , offers wings in six flavors ( barbecue , honey garlic , sweet chile , garlic parmesan , Buffalo and Cajun ) along with macaroni and cheese , Caesar and mixed green salads , snacks ( chips , celery and carrots ) , chocolate cake , brownies and chocolate chip cookies .

Wing Squad has never had a food truck. No brick-and-mortar either.
The chicken wings purveyor launched Monday as a virtual restaurant with delivery-only service in 16 U.S. cities — including Palo Alto.
Owner Robert Earl, who is the founder of Planet Hollywood, aims to save on overhead costs by using existing commercial kitchens and third-party delivery companies — DoorDash, Grubhub, Uber Eats and PostMates — to bring wings, snacks and desserts directly to customers.
“Food delivery has quickly become an everyday occurrence for many people,” he said in a statement. “Wing Squad will be delivery only, which allows us to launch from a wide range of locations. With this business model, the sky is the limit.”
Besides Palo Alto, Monday’s virtual-restaurant roll-out includes the cities of Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Orlando, San Diego, Seattle and Washington, D.C. Additional locations will be added, company representatives said.


mercurynews--2020-02-03--‘It was like a battle scene’: Gruesome Oakland double-murder case begins

OAKLAND — Carlton Broussard stood over the man he had just shot with an assault rifle , called him a derogatory name and began shooting him again , a prosecutor said Monday in his opening arguments of a double-murder trial .
The victim ’ s right leg was so severely wounded by the bullets that shreds of his bones mixed into the blood spilled on the ground beside him .
Broussard , 34 , is charged with two counts of murder with special circumstances in the shooting of Marcus Sims , 29 , and Donald Ward , 22 at 10th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 20 , 2015 .
If convicted , he faces life in prison without the possibility of parole .
Police found a beige-colored van , its driver ’ s side window shot out , and two men shot multiple times suffering from gunshot wounds .
Both were shot as they sat in the van , parked in the 1600 block of 10th Street .
In video shown to the jury , Sims was just outside the driver ’ s side door as people from the neighborhood tried to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ van .
Wilson said the motive was revenge : An informant had told police that Ward and Sims were committing robberies in the area and one person they robbed was supposedly close to Broussard .
Just days after the fatal shooting , the prosecution alleges that Broussard robbed a smoke shop in Brentwood after beating and bounding the store clerk , then used the stolen money to flee to Florida .
And that ’ s where he was arrested two months later , on March 21 , 2015 .
He confessed to one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s not clear which one , according to court documents .
Wilson said in his opening statements that Broussard was the leader of the Campbell Village gang in West Oakland .
His nickname was “ Head Honcho.
” “ It ’ s sad because they ’ re killing their own… they ’ re committing violence towards people of their own community , ” Wilson said .
Prosecutors say Broussard shot and killed the two men in broad daylight , not hiding his appearance .
In a police body camera video shown to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ driver ’ s side window shattered can be scene as people try to attend Sims on the ground .
Police found evidence of seven bullet casings from an assault rifle , and one single casing from a .40 caliber handgun .
Sims was allegedly shot execution style in the leg and neck , and multiple times in the back .
Ward , who was in the back of the van , also had gunshot wounds to his torso , back and his leg .
Both men died from their injuries .
Although there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only Broussard has been charged in the homicides .
Broussard ’ s defense attorney , Stephen Avilla , said in his opening statements that although his client admitted to shooting the handgun once , he was also in fear for his life .
Avilla said the evidence will show Broussard had received a phone call from someone who warned him that Sims and Ward were going to kill him .
“ Broussard had a genuine fear for his life , ” Avilla said .
Broussard felt as if Sims and Ward were going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to that , his attorney said .
Avilla also said fingerprint evidence only tied Broussard to the handgun , not the assault rifle .
Police wiretaps on Broussard ’ s phone calls and those of his associates caught Broussard hinting he would harm a female witness who may have seen the fatal shooting .
“ I want her gone , ” Broussard states in the recording , played for the jury Monday .
“ …I call the shots .
But the shot supposed to be done , I call it.
” Avilla asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meant he wanted her dead , or just to go away .
He also asked the jury to be patient , and not rush to judgement until the end of the trial when all evidence has been presented .
Broussard himself is expected to testify in his own defense .
The trial continues Tuesday in the courtroom of Alameda County Superior Court Judge C. Don Clay .

OAKLAND — Carlton Broussard stood over the man he had just shot with an assault rifle, called him a derogatory name and began shooting him again, a prosecutor said Monday in his opening arguments of a double-murder trial.
The victim’s right leg was so severely wounded by the bullets that shreds of his bones mixed into the blood spilled on the ground beside him.
“It was like a battle scene” Alameda County Deputy District Attorney Jimmie Wilson told jurors.
Broussard, 34, is charged with two counts of murder with special circumstances in the shooting of Marcus Sims, 29, and Donald Ward, 22 at 10th and Willow streets in West Oakland at about 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 20, 2015. If convicted, he faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Police found a beige-colored van, its driver’s side window shot out, and two men shot multiple times suffering from gunshot wounds. Both were shot as they sat in the van, parked in the 1600 block of 10th Street.
In video shown to the jury, Sims was just outside the driver’s side door as people from the neighborhood tried to help him. Ward was still inside the van.
Wilson said the motive was revenge: An informant had told police that Ward and Sims were committing robberies in the area and one person they robbed was supposedly close to Broussard.
Just days after the fatal shooting, the prosecution alleges that Broussard robbed a smoke shop in Brentwood after beating and bounding the store clerk, then used the stolen money to flee to Florida.
And that’s where he was arrested two months later, on March 21, 2015. He confessed to one of the murders, although it’s not clear which one, according to court documents.
Wilson said in his opening statements that Broussard was the leader of the Campbell Village gang in West Oakland. His nickname was “Head Honcho.”
“It’s sad because they’re killing their own… they’re committing violence towards people of their own community,” Wilson said.
Prosecutors say Broussard shot and killed the two men in broad daylight, not hiding his appearance. In a police body camera video shown to the jury Monday, a van with its driver’s side window shattered can be scene as people try to attend Sims on the ground. Police found evidence of seven bullet casings from an assault rifle, and one single casing from a .40 caliber handgun.
Sims was allegedly shot execution style in the leg and neck, and multiple times in the back. Ward, who was in the back of the van, also had gunshot wounds to his torso, back and his leg. Both men died from their injuries.
Although there’s evidence of two shooters, only Broussard has been charged in the homicides.
Broussard’s defense attorney, Stephen Avilla, said in his opening statements that although his client admitted to shooting the handgun once, he was also in fear for his life. Avilla said the evidence will show Broussard had received a phone call from someone who warned him that Sims and Ward were going to kill him.
“Broussard had a genuine fear for his life,” Avilla said.
Broussard felt as if Sims and Ward were going to harm him, and he responded to that, his attorney said.
Avilla also said fingerprint evidence only tied Broussard to the handgun, not the assault rifle.
Police wiretaps on Broussard’s phone calls and those of his associates caught Broussard hinting he would harm a female witness who may have seen the fatal shooting.
“I want her gone,” Broussard states in the recording, played for the jury Monday. “…I call the shots. But the shot supposed to be done, I call it.”
Avilla asked the jury to interpret whether Broussard really meant he wanted her dead, or just to go away. He also asked the jury to be patient, and not rush to judgement until the end of the trial when all evidence has been presented.
Broussard himself is expected to testify in his own defense.
The trial continues Tuesday in the courtroom of Alameda County Superior Court Judge C. Don Clay.


mercurynews--2020-02-03--Warriors’ D’Angelo Russell (right quad) out vs. Wizards, day-to-day going forward

WASHINGTON , D.C. — D ’ Angelo Russell is considered day-to-day with a right quadriceps injury , head coach Steve @ @ @ @ @ out for Monday night ’ s game against the Wizards , suffered the injury in @ @ @ @ @ the Cavaliers in Cleveland .
He had 19 points , eight assists and seven rebounds @ @ @ @ @ Evans III will replace Russell in the starting lineup , and Draymond Green will continue @ @ @ @ @ on the heels of a career-high tying 16 assist performance in Cleveland .
Without Russell @ @ @ @ @ with the worst rated offense in the league , will be missing its top scorer @ @ @ @ @ season ( all starts ) , Russell averaged 23.8 points and 6.3 assists in 32.1 @ @ @ @ @ , along with Alec Burks and rookie Jordan Poole , will soak up some of @ @ @ @ @ takeaways from the Warriors ’ win over the Cavaliers , including Draymond Green playing the @ @ @ @ @ , Warriors hopeful he can play in March

WASHINGTON, D.C. — D’Angelo Russell is considered day-to-day with a right quadriceps injury, head coach Steve Kerr said.
Russell, out for Monday night’s game against the Wizards, suffered the injury in Saturday’s win over the Cavaliers in Cleveland. He had 19 points, eight assists and seven rebounds in 29 minutes.
Jacob Evans III will replace Russell in the starting lineup, and Draymond Green will continue to see more ball-handling responsibilities on the heels of a career-high tying 16 assist performance in Cleveland.
Without Russell, Golden State, already with the worst rated offense in the league, will be missing its top scorer. In 32 games this season (all starts), Russell averaged 23.8 points and 6.3 assists in 32.1 minutes per game.
Evans, along with Alec Burks and rookie Jordan Poole, will soak up some of those minutes.


mercurynews--2020-02-03--DoJ releases 300 more pages of Mueller probe documents

The Justice Department has released another 300 pages of notes from major witness interviews in former special counsel Robert Mueller ’ s investigation .
The documents , include memos — called 302s by the FBI — from Andrew McCabe , Sean Spicer , Reince Priebus , Rick Gates , Michael Cohen and Steve Bannon .
This is the fifth time CNN has gotten documents like these from the Justice Department regarding the Mueller investigation , as part of a lawsuit in conjunction with BuzzFeed News .
So far , the previous releases have fleshed out details that Mueller summarized in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Donald Trump and his campaign .
The memos have revealed , for instance , how top Trump campaign officials witnessed the President and other Trump campaign officials pushing for the release of stolen Democratic emails and supported a conspiracy theory that Ukraine hacked the Democrats in 2016 .
The memos were typed up by agents or prosecutors after they questioned each witness .
The Justice Department has kept many of the memos heavily redacted as they continue to release them this year .
The Justice Department released , for the first time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their interview with Trump ’ s son-in-law Jared Kushner .
But the five-page document is almost completely redacted , revealing nothing more about Kushner ’ s role in the Russia scandal .
There are a few snippets of text visible in the memo .
“ A few weeks after the election [ REDACTED ] Kushner , Flynn and Kislyak met together at Trump Tower , ” an apparent reference to the December 2016 meeting between senior Trump aides and then-Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak .
The rest of that section is fully redacted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mueller report delve into the details of the meeting .
Another snippet says , “ Kushner [ REDACTED ] vaguely remembers Flynn handling Russia on the issue.
” The rest of the section is redacted , but it could refer to the efforts within the Trump transition team to reach out to diplomats from around the world , as they moved on from their unexpected election victory and prepared to take the reins of government in 2017 .
Nothing else is revealed in the memo , which describes the interview Kushner did with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
At the time , CNN reported that investigators primarily asked about former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn , who pleaded guilty to a lying charge weeks later .
This was one of two voluntary interviews that Kushner , who now serves as a senior White House adviser , did with Mueller .
A 17-page memo from an October 2017 interview with Spicer was almost entirely redacted , with the exception of five sentences or partial sentences of information that Spicer provided investigators .
The interview covers the former White House press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Trump ’ s interactions with or views on former FBI Director James Comey , including the private dinner where Trump demanded Comey ’ s loyalty , Comey ’ s March 2017 congressional testimony and Comey ’ s firing .
An “ Administrative note ” at the top of the Spicer memo seems to indicate that , after an earlier interview , investigators felt compelled to remind Spicer not to lie .
“ This interview followed a separate interview conducted on the same day by FBI Special Agents and Attorneys from the Special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ separate interview , SA ( REDACTED ) informed Spicer of his duty only to provide truthful information , ” the memo states .

By Katelyn Polaantz, Marshall Cohen and Sara Murray | CNN
The Justice Department has released another 300 pages of notes from major witness interviews in former special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation.
The documents, include memos — called 302s by the FBI — from Andrew McCabe, Sean Spicer, Reince Priebus, Rick Gates, Michael Cohen and Steve Bannon. This is the fifth time CNN has gotten documents like these from the Justice Department regarding the Mueller investigation, as part of a lawsuit in conjunction with BuzzFeed News.
So far, the previous releases have fleshed out details that Mueller summarized in his final report regarding the actions of President Donald Trump and his campaign. The memos have revealed, for instance, how top Trump campaign officials witnessed the President and other Trump campaign officials pushing for the release of stolen Democratic emails and supported a conspiracy theory that Ukraine hacked the Democrats in 2016.
The memos were typed up by agents or prosecutors after they questioned each witness. The Justice Department has kept many of the memos heavily redacted as they continue to release them this year.
Highly redacted Kushner memo reveals nothing
The Justice Department released, for the first time, notes from Mueller’s team of their interview with Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. But the five-page document is almost completely redacted, revealing nothing more about Kushner’s role in the Russia scandal.
There are a few snippets of text visible in the memo.
“A few weeks after the election [REDACTED] Kushner, Flynn and Kislyak met together at Trump Tower,” an apparent reference to the December 2016 meeting between senior Trump aides and then-Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak. The rest of that section is fully redacted, even though several pages of the Mueller report delve into the details of the meeting.
Another snippet says, “Kushner [REDACTED] vaguely remembers Flynn handling Russia on the issue.” The rest of the section is redacted, but it could refer to the efforts within the Trump transition team to reach out to diplomats from around the world, as they moved on from their unexpected election victory and prepared to take the reins of government in 2017.
Nothing else is revealed in the memo, which describes the interview Kushner did with Mueller’s team in November 2017. At the time, CNN reported that investigators primarily asked about former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn, who pleaded guilty to a lying charge weeks later. This was one of two voluntary interviews that Kushner, who now serves as a senior White House adviser, did with Mueller.
Five sentences from Spicer
A 17-page memo from an October 2017 interview with Spicer was almost entirely redacted, with the exception of five sentences or partial sentences of information that Spicer provided investigators.
The interview covers the former White House press secretary’s knowledge of a number of Trump’s interactions with or views on former FBI Director James Comey, including the private dinner where Trump demanded Comey’s loyalty, Comey’s March 2017 congressional testimony and Comey’s firing.
An “Administrative note” at the top of the Spicer memo seems to indicate that, after an earlier interview, investigators felt compelled to remind Spicer not to lie.
“This interview followed a separate interview conducted on the same day by FBI Special Agents and Attorneys from the Special Counsel’s Office. During the separate interview, SA (REDACTED) informed Spicer of his duty only to provide truthful information,” the memo states.


mercurynews--2020-02-03--Third suspect charged in fatal laptop theft, linked by DNA evidence

OAKLAND — A third man has been arrested in connection with the killing of a man who tried to retrieve his laptop after thieves snatched it away from him at a Starbucks in Oakland ’ s Montclair district .
Kejuan Wiggins , 18 , was arrested Thursday in San Francisco and charged Monday with murder with special circumstances , a month after Shuo Zeng was killed as he chased the thieves who took his laptop .
Wiggins also faces a felony count of second-degree robbery .
According to court documents , Wiggins was the one who actually grabbed Zeng ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovering the BMW X3 car associated with the theft and murder , finding his DNA near the handle of a rear passenger door .
Zeng was working on his laptop at a Starbucks in the 2000 block of Mountain Boulevard around 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 31 , his birthday , when someone grabbed his laptop and fled .
A second person held open the front door of the Starbucks to help with the escape , according to court documents .
Both men ran into the awaiting car on Antioch Street .
Zeng chased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took the laptop kicked him away from the BMW as it sped away , sending him crashing into a parked car , according to court documents .
Zeng was later pronounced dead at the hospital .
Prosecutors already charged two men in connection with Zeng ’ s death on Jan. 3 – Javon Lee , 21 , and Byron Reed , 22 , both of San Francisco .
Lee is suspected of being one of the two men who helped snatch the laptop , and Reed is accused of driving the car that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he took Zeng ’ s laptop , according to court documents .
Both Reed and Wiggins were charged with special circumstance murder and second-degree robbery .
Reed was on parole for robbery .
Both men could face life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted of their felony murder charges .
Lee was charged with involuntary manslaughter and second-degree robbery .
He also has a prior robbery conviction , according to court records .
Zeng ’ s death rocked the busy Montclair community , where residents covered the window of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ love to Zeng ’ s family and friends .
A vigil held in the days following his death was attended by hundreds of mourners .
• Two men charged in killing of Oakland man who chased after his stolen laptop A LinkedIn profile for Zeng said he was a research engineer and scientist for Aspera in Emeryville , working on deep-learning and computer-network research and development projects since 2015 .
Before then , he had earned a bachelor ’ s degree in physics from Sichuan University in China and a doctorate from Kansas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected to appear in court on Feb. 11 to enter pleas .
It ’ s not clear when Wiggins will next appear in court .

OAKLAND — A third man has been arrested in connection with the killing of a man who tried to retrieve his laptop after thieves snatched it away from him at a Starbucks in Oakland’s Montclair district.
Kejuan Wiggins, 18, was arrested Thursday in San Francisco and charged Monday with murder with special circumstances, a month after Shuo Zeng was killed as he chased the thieves who took his laptop. Wiggins also faces a felony count of second-degree robbery.
According to court documents, Wiggins was the one who actually grabbed Zeng’s laptop. Police identified Wiggins after recovering the BMW X3 car associated with the theft and murder, finding his DNA near the handle of a rear passenger door.
Zeng was working on his laptop at a Starbucks in the 2000 block of Mountain Boulevard around 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 31, his birthday, when someone grabbed his laptop and fled. A second person held open the front door of the Starbucks to help with the escape, according to court documents.
Both men ran into the awaiting car on Antioch Street. Zeng chased after them, but the man who took the laptop kicked him away from the BMW as it sped away, sending him crashing into a parked car, according to court documents. Zeng was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Prosecutors already charged two men in connection with Zeng’s death on Jan. 3 – Javon Lee, 21, and Byron Reed, 22, both of San Francisco. Lee is suspected of being one of the two men who helped snatch the laptop, and Reed is accused of driving the car that hit Zeng.
Wiggins confessed to police that he took Zeng’s laptop, according to court documents.
Both Reed and Wiggins were charged with special circumstance murder and second-degree robbery. Reed was on parole for robbery. Both men could face life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted of their felony murder charges.
Lee was charged with involuntary manslaughter and second-degree robbery. He also has a prior robbery conviction, according to court records.
Zeng’s death rocked the busy Montclair community, where residents covered the window of the Starbucks with sticky notes conveying their love to Zeng’s family and friends. A vigil held in the days following his death was attended by hundreds of mourners.
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Friends, colleagues remember Oakland man killed in laptop robbery Crime and Public Safety | Two men charged in killing of Oakland man who chased after his stolen laptop A LinkedIn profile for Zeng said he was a research engineer and scientist for Aspera in Emeryville, working on deep-learning and computer-network research and development projects since 2015. Before then, he had earned a bachelor’s degree in physics from Sichuan University in China and a doctorate from Kansas State University.
Reed and Lee are expected to appear in court on Feb. 11 to enter pleas. It’s not clear when Wiggins will next appear in court.


mercurynews--2020-02-03--Sen. Manchin, D-WV, calls for Senate to censure Trump

Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia on Monday advocated for censuring President Donald Trump for the behavior exhibited in the two articles of impeachment passed by the House as opposed to voting to remove Trump for office .
In comments made on the Senate floor , Manchin said that he believes that a “ bipartisan majority of this body would vote to censure President Trump , ” as opposed to voting to remove the President , which would require 67 votes , or at least 20 Republicans joining all 47 members who caucus with the Democrats .
Manchin , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ red or purple who could side with Republicans on impeachment , would not say which way he plans to go at Wednesday ’ s scheduled vote on whether to acquit the President .
“ I remain undecided on how I will vote , ” he said Monday .
Manchin suggested censure as an option to prevent Trump ’ s behavior from going “ unchecked by the Senate.
” “ Censure would allow this body to unite across party lines and as an equal branch of government to formally denounce the President ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manchin said .
Manchin called the argument from Trump ’ s lawyer that the President can do no wrong if it ’ s good for his reelection , “ false , ” “ dangerous , ” “ troubling ” and “ simply preposterous.
” “ The most dangerous , the most troubling to me , is the false claim that the President can do no wrong , that he is above the law and if it ’ s good for the reelection of the President that it ’ s good for our country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manchin said .

By Ali Zaslav | CNN
Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia on Monday advocated for censuring President Donald Trump for the behavior exhibited in the two articles of impeachment passed by the House as opposed to voting to remove Trump for office.
In comments made on the Senate floor, Manchin said that he believes that a “bipartisan majority of this body would vote to censure President Trump,” as opposed to voting to remove the President, which would require 67 votes, or at least 20 Republicans joining all 47 members who caucus with the Democrats.
Manchin, who is among a few Democrats from red or purple who could side with Republicans on impeachment, would not say which way he plans to go at Wednesday’s scheduled vote on whether to acquit the President.
“I remain undecided on how I will vote,” he said Monday.
Manchin suggested censure as an option to prevent Trump’s behavior from going “unchecked by the Senate.”
“Censure would allow this body to unite across party lines and as an equal branch of government to formally denounce the President’s actions and hold him accountable,” Manchin said.
Manchin called the argument from Trump’s lawyer that the President can do no wrong if it’s good for his reelection, “false,” “dangerous,” “troubling” and “simply preposterous.”
“The most dangerous, the most troubling to me, is the false claim that the President can do no wrong, that he is above the law and if it’s good for the reelection of the President that it’s good for our country. That is simply preposterous,” Manchin said.


mercurynews--2020-02-03--Milpitas music teacher accused of sexually assaulting student will stand trial

Nearly two years after he was arrested and charged with sexually assaulting one of his students , a former Milpitas High School music teacher has been ordered to stand trial in the case .
Christopher Kaldy — who has been charged with various sexual assault crimes — will go on trial on May 4 , a Santa Clara County Superior Court judge has decided .
In May 2018 , a student at Milpitas High said Kaldy lifted and held her against a wall while he kissed and caressed her at the school in the early morning of June 1 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The former student , who was 15 at the time of the alleged assault , also said Kaldy performed oral sex on her .
She told police it was the last day of school , and her mother had dropped her off at the campus so she could pick up her instrument .
When she arrived in the band room , she said Kaldy was there alone and told her he had been “ waiting for her.
” During the alleged assault , which lasted several minutes , Kaldy didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The student told police she was “ not expecting that.
” “ She did not want him to assault her , but did not know how to tell him to stop either , ” the report states , noting she feared Kaldy would treat her differently or change her grade if she did .
“ Before the incident , she looked up to him and respected him , ” the report continued .
“ He was her teacher.
” Kaldy , 45 , was arrested in May 2018 on charges of sexual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ copulation with a minor under age 16 , and lewd or lascivious acts on a child aged 14 or 15 , all felonies .
He also will stand trial for one misdemeanor charge of sexual battery against a former female employee at Milpitas High School , which has been combined into the same court case as the felony charges .
That employee alleged that on Sept. 7 , 2017 , she and another co-worker were setting up chairs with Kaldy for a music booster club meeting at the school .
When the co-worker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and her alone , she told police that Kaldy groped her buttocks and said “ You ’ re such a tease.
” She left immediately , but did not know what to do because Kaldy was her boss , police reports said .
She , Kaldy and the school ’ s principal met to discuss the situation later that year , but she said Kaldy denied the allegation and “ nothing was fixed , ” and she later resigned from the school because “ she was having a hard time being around Kaldy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Raj Maharaj of the Milpitas Police Department previously told this news organization the initial investigation into Kaldy was prompted by a former student who told police in March 2018 that Kaldy made inappropriate contact with her several times in 2011 and 2012 .
In one instance , she alleged Kaldy exposed himself to her while they were alone in a room of the theater building at the high school .
He pushed her hand toward his genitals and pushed her downward while asking for oral sex , which she refused , police reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office did not file charges against Kaldy in that case , however , because the statute of limitations had run out , Maharaj said .
Kaldy , a Fremont resident , was hired by Milpitas High in 1998 and was working as the school ’ s music director at the time he was placed on administrative leave in March 2018 , according to Milpitas Unified School District Superintendent Cheryl Jordan .
A district spokesman said in an email last week that Kaldy “ is no longer an employee of ours , ” but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working for the school district .
Voicemails left for Kaldy seeking comment for this story were not returned , and Kaldy ’ s attorney , Megan Burns , declined to comment on the case when reached by phone last week .
Deputy District Attorney Robert Philbrook , the lead prosecutor in the case , and said he expects the trial to last about three weeks .
After his arrest , Kaldy posted $ 50,000 bail on May 30 , 2018 , and has been out of police custody since , according to court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s office and Burns also attempted to negotiate a plea deal to avoid a trial , but could not reach an agreement , Philbrook said .
“ Our position was this is definitely a case where the defendant should go to state prison , and that ’ s a non-starter with the defense ” Philbrook said .
“ We ’ re dealing with someone who was in a position of power and authority over these students , so it ’ s important to have people in positions of authority held accountable.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Philbrook said Kaldy could face a maximum sentence of six years and four months in prison .

Nearly two years after he was arrested and charged with sexually assaulting one of his students, a former Milpitas High School music teacher has been ordered to stand trial in the case.
Christopher Kaldy — who has been charged with various sexual assault crimes — will go on trial on May 4, a Santa Clara County Superior Court judge has decided.
In May 2018, a student at Milpitas High said Kaldy lifted and held her against a wall while he kissed and caressed her at the school in the early morning of June 1, 2017, according to a police report.
The former student, who was 15 at the time of the alleged assault, also said Kaldy performed oral sex on her.
She told police it was the last day of school, and her mother had dropped her off at the campus so she could pick up her instrument. When she arrived in the band room, she said Kaldy was there alone and told her he had been “waiting for her.”
During the alleged assault, which lasted several minutes, Kaldy didn’t say anything, the police report stated. The student told police she was “not expecting that.”
“She did not want him to assault her, but did not know how to tell him to stop either,” the report states, noting she feared Kaldy would treat her differently or change her grade if she did.
“Before the incident, she looked up to him and respected him,” the report continued. “He was her teacher.”
Kaldy, 45, was arrested in May 2018 on charges of sexual battery of a restrained victim, oral copulation with a minor under age 16, and lewd or lascivious acts on a child aged 14 or 15, all felonies.
He also will stand trial for one misdemeanor charge of sexual battery against a former female employee at Milpitas High School, which has been combined into the same court case as the felony charges.
That employee alleged that on Sept. 7, 2017, she and another co-worker were setting up chairs with Kaldy for a music booster club meeting at the school. When the co-worker went to the restroom, leaving Kaldy and her alone, she told police that Kaldy groped her buttocks and said “You’re such a tease.”
She left immediately, but did not know what to do because Kaldy was her boss, police reports said.
She, Kaldy and the school’s principal met to discuss the situation later that year, but she said Kaldy denied the allegation and “nothing was fixed,” and she later resigned from the school because “she was having a hard time being around Kaldy,” the reports said.
Lt. Raj Maharaj of the Milpitas Police Department previously told this news organization the initial investigation into Kaldy was prompted by a former student who told police in March 2018 that Kaldy made inappropriate contact with her several times in 2011 and 2012.
In one instance, she alleged Kaldy exposed himself to her while they were alone in a room of the theater building at the high school.
He pushed her hand toward his genitals and pushed her downward while asking for oral sex, which she refused, police reports said.
The district attorney’s office did not file charges against Kaldy in that case, however, because the statute of limitations had run out, Maharaj said.
Kaldy, a Fremont resident, was hired by Milpitas High in 1998 and was working as the school’s music director at the time he was placed on administrative leave in March 2018, according to Milpitas Unified School District Superintendent Cheryl Jordan.
A district spokesman said in an email last week that Kaldy “is no longer an employee of ours,” but did not elaborate on when he stopped working for the school district.
Voicemails left for Kaldy seeking comment for this story were not returned, and Kaldy’s attorney, Megan Burns, declined to comment on the case when reached by phone last week.
Deputy District Attorney Robert Philbrook, the lead prosecutor in the case, and said he expects the trial to last about three weeks.
After his arrest, Kaldy posted $50,000 bail on May 30, 2018, and has been out of police custody since, according to court records and officials.
The district attorney’s office and Burns also attempted to negotiate a plea deal to avoid a trial, but could not reach an agreement, Philbrook said.
“Our position was this is definitely a case where the defendant should go to state prison, and that’s a non-starter with the defense” Philbrook said. “We’re dealing with someone who was in a position of power and authority over these students, so it’s important to have people in positions of authority held accountable.”
If convicted of all four charges, Philbrook said Kaldy could face a maximum sentence of six years and four months in prison.


mercurynews--2020-02-03--Theater review: A throwback “Fantasticks” at San Jose’s 3Below

The rules for “ The Fantasticks ” have always been simple : As the narrator — El Gallo — tells us from the start , this is a play , these are the characters and this is the situation .
It ’ s the story of a boy , a girl and the fence that divides them .
Nothing in this piece is designed to be literal – snow , rain and that fence are all just ideas .
A mute actor pushes the story forward .
Three large , foliage-lined arches dominate the space .
And a trunk at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ propel the action in this 1960s-era musical , built around Tom Jones ’ book and lyrics and Harvey Schmidt ’ s nostalgic music .
Guggenheim Entertainment ’ s newest production of the much-performed musical at San Jose ’ s 3Below Theaters and Lounge is entirely faithful to the play ’ s original vibe .
But while the production certainly includes components that remind us why the show has achieved such lofty status in its 60-year history — and director Scott Evan Guggenheim ’ s staging is solid and clean — the script has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a relic of a book that provides warmth aplenty , but also some moments modern audiences may find problematic .
The show begins with a lovely rendition of signature song “ Try to Remember , ” a tune that frames the entire show .
The five principals introduced in this moment include dastardly El Gallo ( Stephen Guggenheim ) , the Boy ’ s mother Hucklebee ( Krista Wigle ) and the Girl ’ s father Bellomy ( Jackson Davis ) , and sweet , young lovers Matt ( Jackson Glenn ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ along with the Mute ( Isai Centeno ) .
The silly plot is musical theater comfort food .
The parents want their children to fall in love , so they pretend to engage in a Capulet-style feud , reasoning that children will do the opposite of what they ’ re told .
What they don ’ t know is Luisa and Matt are already secretly in love .
With the help of El Gallo , the parents agree to have Luisa abducted so Matt can save her .
And El Gallo gets an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ witty Stewart Slater ) and his sidekick Mortimer ( energetic and jovial Rick Haffner ) .
Setting aside the obvious — we ’ re not sure child abduction would play well in any era — the biggest issue is with Jones ’ outdated script and some of the lyrics .
Take “ It Depends on What You Pay , ” which includes the line : “ An abduction done with Indians : a truly charming sight.
” Also cringe-worthy : A character does a hand-over-mouth Indian war cry — and having the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feathered Native American headband is a poor choice .
That said , the hallmark of this production is its musicianship .
Guggenheim , who doubles as the music director , possesses a rich , deep timbre .
He ’ s mesmerizing in that opening number and commands the stage in other moments , elevating the vocalizations of everyone who sings around him .
The velvety smooth vocal blends among the five leads is divine .
Glenn and Hunt often lift each other up in the many duets they share , including “ Soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and “ They Were You.
” Wigle and Davis charm the pants off everyone in “ Never Say No ” and “ Plant a Radish.
” The vocalists are assisted greatly by the musicians — pianist Tom Tomasello and harpist Ruthanne Martinez — on a solid set designed by Julie Engelbrecht .
“ The Fantasticks ” script may not always play perfectly , despite Jones ’ tinkering with the show even years after its debut .
But the music is timeless .
David John Chávez writes for Bayareaplays.com and serves on the executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
By Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt , presented by 3Below Theaters and Lounge Where : 3Below Theaters and Lounge , 288 S. Second St. , San Jose

The rules for “The Fantasticks” have always been simple: As the narrator — El Gallo — tells us from the start, this is a play, these are the characters and this is the situation.
It’s the story of a boy, a girl and the fence that divides them. Nothing in this piece is designed to be literal – snow, rain and that fence are all just ideas. A mute actor pushes the story forward. Three large, foliage-lined arches dominate the space. And a trunk at stage right houses any props necessary to propel the action in this 1960s-era musical, built around Tom Jones’ book and lyrics and Harvey Schmidt’s nostalgic music.
Guggenheim Entertainment’s newest production of the much-performed musical at San Jose’s 3Below Theaters and Lounge is entirely faithful to the play’s original vibe. But while the production certainly includes components that remind us why the show has achieved such lofty status in its 60-year history — and director Scott Evan Guggenheim’s staging is solid and clean — the script has not always aged well. It’s a relic of a book that provides warmth aplenty, but also some moments modern audiences may find problematic.
The show begins with a lovely rendition of signature song “Try to Remember,” a tune that frames the entire show. The five principals introduced in this moment include dastardly El Gallo (Stephen Guggenheim), the Boy’s mother Hucklebee (Krista Wigle) and the Girl’s father Bellomy (Jackson Davis), and sweet, young lovers Matt (Jackson Glenn) and Luisa (Annie Hunt) — along with the Mute (Isai Centeno).
The silly plot is musical theater comfort food. The parents want their children to fall in love, so they pretend to engage in a Capulet-style feud, reasoning that children will do the opposite of what they’re told. What they don’t know is Luisa and Matt are already secretly in love.
With the help of El Gallo, the parents agree to have Luisa abducted so Matt can save her. And El Gallo gets an assist from an old actor Henry (witty Stewart Slater) and his sidekick Mortimer (energetic and jovial Rick Haffner).
Setting aside the obvious — we’re not sure child abduction would play well in any era — the biggest issue is with Jones’ outdated script and some of the lyrics. Take “It Depends on What You Pay,” which includes the line: “An abduction done with Indians: a truly charming sight.” Also cringe-worthy: A character does a hand-over-mouth Indian war cry — and having the same actor do his curtain call in a feathered Native American headband is a poor choice.
That said, the hallmark of this production is its musicianship. Guggenheim, who doubles as the music director, possesses a rich, deep timbre. He’s mesmerizing in that opening number and commands the stage in other moments, elevating the vocalizations of everyone who sings around him.
The velvety smooth vocal blends among the five leads is divine. Glenn and Hunt often lift each other up in the many duets they share, including “Soon it’s Gonna Rain” and “They Were You.” Wigle and Davis charm the pants off everyone in “Never Say No” and “Plant a Radish.” The vocalists are assisted greatly by the musicians — pianist Tom Tomasello and harpist Ruthanne Martinez — on a solid set designed by Julie Engelbrecht.
“The Fantasticks” script may not always play perfectly, despite Jones’ tinkering with the show even years after its debut. But the music is timeless.
David John Chávez writes for Bayareaplays.com and serves on the executive committee for the American Theatre Critics Association.
‘THE FANTASTICKS’
By Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt, presented by 3Below Theaters and Lounge
Through: Feb. 23
Where: 3Below Theaters and Lounge, 288 S. Second St., San Jose
Running time: Two hours with a 15-minute intermission
Tickets: $45-$55 https://3belowtheaters.com


mercurynews--2020-02-03--Facebook’s Sheryl Sandberg says she’s engaged to Tom Bernthal

Facebook Chief Operating Office Sheryl Sandberg said Monday that she is engaged to businessman Tom Bernthal after being set up with the Los Angeles-based consultant by her late-husband ’ s brother .
Sandberg made the engagement public by posting photos of her and Bernthal on her Facebook and Instagram pages .
“ Engaged !
!
Tom Bernthal , you are my everything .
I could not love you more , ” Sandberg wrote in her Facebook post .
Sandberg didn ’ t give any other details about her and Bernthal ’ s engagement .
It will be third marriage for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Brian Kraff from 1993 to 1994 , and to David Goldberg , from 2004 until his death from a heart attack on a family vacation in 2015 .
Goldberg had been an executive at Yahoo , and later , chief exective of SurveyMonday .
Bernthal and Sandberg made their relationship public in July 2019 when the two attended a Garth Brooks concert in Idaho .
In addition to running consumer strategy firm Kelton Global , Bernthal used to work as a producer for NBC News , where he won an Emmy award @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best friends with Rob Goldberg , the brother of Sandberg ’ s late husband , and the person who initially set up Sandberg and Bernthal .
Bernthal is also the brother of actor Jon Bernthal , who is best known for his roles on “ The Walking Dead ” and the Marvel TV series “ The Punisher ” , on Netflix .
• Facebook VP of engineering Jay Parikh is leaving the company • Facebook debuts new privacy feature to manage being tracked online • Facebook says technical error caused vulgar translation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Facebook page filled up with congratulatory messages , including one from the man who is officially her boss at the social media giant .
“ Congrats !
You ’ re wonderful for each other and I ’ m so happy for both of you , ” wrote Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg .

Facebook Chief Operating Office Sheryl Sandberg said Monday that she is engaged to businessman Tom Bernthal after being set up with the Los Angeles-based consultant by her late husband’s brother.
Sandberg made the engagement public by posting photos of her and Bernthal on her Facebook and Instagram pages.
“Engaged!! Tom Bernthal, you are my everything. I could not love you more,” Sandberg wrote in her Facebook post.
Sandberg didn’t give any other details about the engagement.
It will be the third marriage for Sandberg, 50, who was married to Brian Kraff from 1993 to 1994 and to David Goldberg from 2004 until his death from a heart attack on a family vacation in 2015. Goldberg had been an executive at Yahoo, and later, chief executive of SurveyMonkey.
Bernthal and Sandberg made their relationship public in July 2019 when the two attended a Garth Brooks concert in Idaho. In addition to running consumer strategy firm Kelton Global, Bernthal used to work as a producer for NBC News, where he won an Emmy award for his work. Bernthal is best friends with Rob Goldberg, the brother of Sandberg’s late husband and the person who initially set up Sandberg and Bernthal.
Bernthal is the brother of actor Jon Bernthal, who is best known for his roles on “The Walking Dead” and the Marvel TV series “The Punisher” on Netflix.
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“Congrats! You’re wonderful for each other and I’m so happy for both of you,” wrote Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg.
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mercurynews--2020-02-03--Woman wounded in Oakland drive-by shooting

OAKLAND — A 28-year-old woman was wounded multiple times Monday morning in an apparent drive-by shooting in East Oakland , @ @ @ @ @ , an Oakland resident , was in stable condition at a hospital .
The woman @ @ @ @ @ in the area of 86th Avenue and B Street about 5:10 a.m. Monday after leaving @ @ @ @ @ shot by a man in a car which kept going after the shooting .
The @ @ @ @ @ a ride to the hospital from friends .
The woman told police she could not @ @ @ @ @ anyone would want to harm her , authorities said .
No arrests have been made @ @ @ @ @ of Oakland are offering up to $ 5,000 in reward money for information leading to @ @ @ @ @ .
Anyone with information may call police at 510-238-3426 or Crime Stoppers at 510-777-8572 .

OAKLAND — A 28-year-old woman was wounded multiple times Monday morning in an apparent drive-by shooting in East Oakland, authorities said.
The woman, an Oakland resident, was in stable condition at a hospital.
The woman told police she was walking in the area of 86th Avenue and B Street about 5:10 a.m. Monday after leaving a party when she was shot by a man in a car which kept going after the shooting.
The woman was able to get a ride to the hospital from friends.
The woman told police she could not think of any reason why anyone would want to harm her, authorities said. No arrests have been made.
Police and Crime Stoppers of Oakland are offering up to $5,000 in reward money for information leading to the arrest of the shooter. Anyone with information may call police at 510-238-3426 or Crime Stoppers at 510-777-8572.


mercurynews--2020-02-04--Letter: Concord project: Maintaining profit for owners brings us here

Re : “ Fate of Concord Naval Weapons Station uncertain as council weighs in on struggle between labor , developer ” ( Eastbaytimes.com , Jan. 5 ) : Maintaining profit for our owners has brought us here — to the devastation of so much life on the earth most of us so dearly love and enjoy when we get the time and money , or just when we go outside or even open a window .
This report details those not wanting to use more union labor and pay all those union workers to do their work — an idea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ living in a social structure where we ’ d do what we need or want seems out of our reach .
Profit constrains us at every turn .
Where we should be working together , we are instead forced into labor that makes profit for our owners .
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• Letter : Kobe Bryant a sports hero but these are the true heroes We are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what ’ s necessary and pleasant to maintain ourselves together on earth .
Instead we are separated into being very unnatural workers and consumers .
Childhood is robbed .
We all are robbed .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Maintaining profit for
owners brings us here
Re: “Fate of Concord Naval Weapons Station uncertain as council weighs in on struggle between labor, developer” (Eastbaytimes.com, Jan. 5):
Maintaining profit for our owners has brought us here — to the devastation of so much life on the earth most of us so dearly love and enjoy when we get the time and money, or just when we go outside or even open a window.
This report details those not wanting to use more union labor and pay all those union workers to do their work — an idea foundational to controlling profit.
Instead, living in a social structure where we’d do what we need or want seems out of our reach.
Profit constrains us at every turn. Where we should be working together, we are instead forced into labor that makes profit for our owners.
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Norma J.F. Harrison
Berkeley
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
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mercurynews--2020-02-04--In embarrassing twist, Democrats have no Iowa caucus results

DES MOINES , Iowa ( AP ) — Democratic party officials in Iowa worked furiously Tuesday to deliver the delayed results of their first-in-the-nation caucus , as frustrated presidential candidates claimed momentum and plowed ahead in their quest for the White House .
Technology problems and reporting “ inconsistencies ” kept Iowa Democratic Party officials from releasing results from Monday ’ s caucus , the much-hyped kickoff to the 2020 primary .
It was an embarrassing twist after months of promoting the contest as a chance for Democrats to find some clarity in a jumbled field with no clear front-runner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no winner , no official results and many fresh questions about whether Iowa can retain its coveted “ first ” status .
State party officials said final results would be released later Tuesday and offered assurances that the problem was not a result of “ a hack or an intrusion.
” Officials were conducting quality checks and verifying results , prioritizing the integrity of the results , the party said in a statement .
The statement came after tens of thousands of voters spent hours Monday night sorting through a field of nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the previous year fighting to win the opening contest of the 2020 campaign and , ultimately , the opportunity to take on President Donald Trump this fall .
The candidates didn ’ t wait for the party to resolve its issues before claiming , if not victory , progress and moving on to next-up New Hampshire .
“ It looks like it ’ s going to be a long night , but we ’ re feeling good , ” former Vice President Joe Biden said , suggesting the final results would “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he had “ a good feeling we ’ re going to be doing very , very well here in Iowa ” once results were posted .
“ Today marks the beginning of the end for Donald Trump , ” he predicted .
“ Listen , it ’ s too close to call , ” Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren said .
“ The road won ’ t be easy .
But we are built for the long haul.
” And Pete Buttigieg , the former mayor of South Bend , Indiana , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t know all the results , but we know by the time it ’ s all said and done , Iowa , you have shocked the nation , ” he said .
“ By all indications , we are going on to New Hampshire victorious.
” Democrats faced the possibility that whatever numbers they ultimately released would be questioned .
And beyond 2020 , critics began wondering aloud whether the Iowa caucuses , a complicated set of political meetings staged in a state that is whiter and older than the Democratic Party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passed .
The party has tried to accommodate critics , this year by promising to report three different data points about voters ’ preferences , presumably improving transparency .
But the new system created new headaches .
State party spokeswoman Mandy McClure said it had “ found inconsistencies in the reporting of three sets of results , ” forcing officials to try to verify results with “ underlying data ” and the paper trail .
Some of the trouble stemmed from issues with a new mobile app developed to report results to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the app and other glitches .
Des Moines County Democratic Chair Tom Courtney said the new app created “ a mess.
” As a result , Courtney said precinct leaders were phoning in results to the state party headquarters , which was too busy to answer their calls in some cases .
Organizers were still looking for missing results several hours after voting concluded .
Shortly before 2 a.m. , the state party was making plans to dispatch people to the homes of precinct captains who hadn ’ t reported their numbers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ party official in the room who was not authorized to share internal discussions publicly .
Earlier in the night , Iowa Democrats across the state cast their votes , balancing a strong preference for fundamental change with an overwhelming desire to defeat Trump .
At least four high-profile candidates vied for the lead in a contest that offered the opening test of who and what the party stands for in the turbulent age of Trump .
It ’ s just the first in a primary season that will span all 50 states and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party ’ s national convention in mid-July .
For Democrats , the moment was thick with promise for a party that has seized major gains in states since Trump won the White House in 2016 .
But instead of clear optimism , a growing cloud of uncertainty and intraparty resentment hung over the election as the prospect of an unclear result raised fears of a long and divisive primary fight in the months ahead .
One unsurprising development : Trump won the Republican caucus , a largely symbolic victory given that he faced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seized on the Democrats ’ problems .
“ The Democrat Caucus is an unmitigated disaster , ” Trump tweeted early Tuesday .
“ Nothing works , just like they ran the Country.
” He added : “ The only person that can claim a very big victory in Iowa last night is ‘ Trump.
’ ” Pre-caucus polls suggested Sanders entered the night with a narrow lead , but any of the top four candidates — Sanders , Biden , Warren and Buttigieg — was positioned to score a victory .
Sen. Amy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was also claiming momentum , while outsider candidates including entrepreneur Andrew Yang , billionaire activist Tom Steyer and Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard could be factors .
“ We know one thing : We are punching above our weight , ” Klobuchar said late Monday , promising to keep fighting in New Hampshire .
About one-quarter of all voters reported that they were caucusing for the first time , according to AP VoteCast , a survey of voters who said they planned to take part in Monday ’ s Democratic caucuses .
The first-timers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Warren or Buttigieg , compared with other candidates .
At the same time , VoteCast found that roughly two-thirds of caucusgoers said supporting a candidate who would fundamentally change how the system in Washington works was important to their vote .
That compared to about a third of caucusgoers who said it was more important to support a candidate who would restore the political system to how it was before Trump ’ s election in 2016 .
Not surprisingly , nearly every Iowa Democrat said the ability to beat Trump was an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ VoteCast found that measure outranked others as the most important quality for a nominee .
The 2020 fight has already played out over myriad distractions , particularly congressional Democrats ’ push to impeach Trump , which has often overshadowed the primary and effectively pinned several leading candidates to Washington at the pinnacle of the early campaign season .
Meanwhile , ultrabillionaire Mike Bloomberg , the former mayor of New York City , is running a parallel campaign that ignored Iowa as he prepares to pounce on any perceived weaknesses in the field come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ building toward what could be a murky Iowa finale before the race pivoted quickly to New Hampshire , which votes Feb. 11 .
For the first time , the Iowa Democratic Party planned to report three sets of results : a tally of caucusgoers ’ initial candidate preference ; vote totals from the “ final alignment ” after supporters of lower-ranking candidates were able to make a second choice ; and the total number of State Delegate Equivalents each candidate receives .
There is no guarantee that all three will show the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Associated Press will declare a winner based on the number of state delegates each candidate wins , which has been the traditional standard .
Catch up on the 2020 election campaign with AP experts on our weekly politics podcast , “ Ground Game .
”

By STEVE PEOPLES, THOMAS BEAUMONT and ALEXANDRA JAFFE
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Iowa Democratic Party released partial results of its kickoff presidential caucus after a daylong delay late Tuesday showing former Midwestern mayor Pete Buttigieg with a slight lead over progressive Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders in the opening contest of the party’s 2020 primary season.
The results followed 24 hours of chaos as technical problems marred the complicated caucus process, forcing state officials to apologize and raising questions about Iowa’s traditional place atop the presidential primary calendar.
It was too early to call a winner based on the initial results, but Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, former Vice President Joe Biden and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar were trailing in the tally of State Delegate Equivalents, according to data released for the first time by the Iowa Democratic Party nearly 24 hours after voting concluded.
The results reflected 71% of precincts in the state.
The two early leaders, Buttigieg and Sanders, were separated by 40 years in age, conflicting ideology and more.
Sanders, a 78-year-old self-described democratic socialist, has been a progressive powerhouse for decades, while the 38-year-old Buttigieg’s early standing cemented his transformation from a little-known Indiana mayor to a legitimate force in the 2020 contest. Buttigieg is also the first openly gay candidate to earn presidential primary delegates.
“We don’t know all of the numbers, but we know this much: A campaign that started a year ago with four staff members, no name recognition, no money, just a big idea — a campaign that some said should have no business even making this attempt — has taken its place at the front of this race,” Buttigieg, declared, his voice filled with emotion, as he campaigned in next-up New Hampshire with his husband looking on.
Buttigieg’s early rise was rivaled for possible importance by the struggle of another moderate, Biden.
One of his party’s most accomplished figures, the former two-term vice president and longtime senator was mired in the second tier of Iowa candidates with almost two-thirds of precincts reporting. Biden’s campaign sought to downplay the caucus results even before they were released, hardly a measure of strength for a high-profile contender who has led national polls for most of the last year.
“We believe we will emerge with the delegates we need to continue on our path to nomination,” said Symone Sanders, a senior adviser.
While all campaigns were eager to spin the Iowa results to their advantage, there was little immediate indication that the incomplete results erased the confusion and concern that loomed over the caucuses. It was unclear when the full results would be released.
During a private conference call with campaigns earlier in the day, state state party chairman Troy Price declined to answer pointed questions about the timeline — even whether it would be days or weeks.
“We have been working day and night to make sure these results are accurate,” Price said at a subsequent press conference.
The leading candidates pressed on in New Hampshire, which votes in just seven days. And billionaire Democrat Michael Bloomberg sensed opportunity, saying he would double his already massive advertising campaign and expand his sprawling staff focused on a series of delegate-rich states voting next month.
The party’s caucus crisis was an embarrassing twist after months of promoting Iowa as a chance for Democrats to find some clarity in a jumbled field. Instead, after a buildup that featured seven rounds of debates, nearly $1 billion spent nationwide and a year of political jockeying, caucus day ended with no winner, no official results and many fresh questions about whether Iowa can retain its coveted “first” status.
Iowa marked the first contest in a primary season that will span all 50 states and several U.S. territories, ending at the party’s national convention in July.
Before he left Iowa late Monday, Sanders said, “Today marks the beginning of the end for Donald Trump.”
Facing New Hampshire voters a day later, Sanders said thank you to Iowa and, tongue in cheek, expressed confidence that New Hampshire election officials would have more success counting votes.
“And when you count those votes, I look forward to winning here,” he said.
For the first time, the Iowa Democratic Party reported three sets of results this year: a tally of caucusgoers’ initial candidate preference; vote totals from the “final alignment” after supporters of lower-ranking candidates were able to make a second choice, and the total number of State Delegate Equivalents each candidate received.
The Associated Press will declare a winner based on the number of state delegates each candidate wins, which has been the traditional standard.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who represents Iowa neighbor Minnesota, was also in the early running, while outsider candidates including entrepreneur Andrew Yang, billionaire activist Tom Steyer and Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard lagged behind.
Campaigning in New Hampshire on Tuesday, Warren also said she was “feeling good” about her performance in Iowa.
The state party told campaigns Tuesday the problem was a result of a “coding issue in the reporting system” that it said had since been fixed. It said it had verified the accuracy of the collected data and said the problem was not a result of “a hack or an intrusion.”
A Biden campaign representative objected to the party’s plan to release partial results before checking them against paper records, saying in the conference call that the plan didn’t address “growing reports” about problems on caucus night, such as precinct captains unable to get through on the phone to report results.
Sanders adviser Jeff Weaver thanked party officials, and encouraged other campaigns not to undermine the party.
“Folks who are just trying to delay the return of this because of their relative positioning in the results last night, I think that’s a bit disingenuous,” Weaver said.
Bloomberg announced plans to double his national television advertising spending — which has already exceeded $100 million — as he expands his paid staff to more than 2,000 people.
Bloomberg is looking to next month, having decided to bypass Iowa’s contest and the three other states voting this month in favor of the delegate-rich states in March.
“After more than a year of this primary, the field is as unsettled as ever,” Bloomberg spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said. “No one has made the sale or even come close to it.”
Beyond 2020, Monday’s debacle invited fresh criticism about Iowa caucuses, a complicated set of political meetings staged in a state that is whiter and older than the Democratic Party in general. Many questioned anew whether it was a quaint political tradition whose time had passed.
“I think Iowa is a dumpster fire,” said Dick Harpootlian, a South Carolina state senator and longtime Biden supporter, who served as an Iowa precinct captain for Biden on Monday.
___
Catch up on the 2020 election campaign with AP experts on our weekly politics podcast, “Ground Game.”


mercurynews--2020-02-04--Letter: Santa Clara County must get real on coronavirus

I read with dismay about the first case of coronavirus in Santa Clara County .
This was easily predictable given the rapid spread of the virus in China and the heavy population movement between the Bay Area and China .
County health officials seem not to be doing anything to be transparent about the risk in the Bay Area and it is a travesty that San Jose and Oakland airport were still not screening passengers .
The Santa Clara County Health Department is aware that this potential coronavirus carrier arrived at the San Jose airport from Wuhan , China , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t been a peep about screening persons coming into San Jose airport .
• Letter : Concord project : Maintaining profit for owners brings us here • Letter : Am I alone in seeing mob meaning in ‘ take her out ’ ?
• Letter : Kobe Bryant a sports hero but these are the true heroes When will Santa Clara County take San Francisco ’ s lead and get real about protecting the health of our community ?
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to @ @

Santa Clara County must
get real on coronavirus
Re: “Coronavirus: First case confirmed in Santa Clara County” (Mercurynews.com, Jan. 31):
I read with dismay about the first case of coronavirus in Santa Clara County. This was easily predictable given the rapid spread of the virus in China and the heavy population movement between the Bay Area and China.
County health officials seem not to be doing anything to be transparent about the risk in the Bay Area and it is a travesty that San Jose and Oakland airport were still not screening passengers.
The Santa Clara County Health Department is aware that this potential coronavirus carrier arrived at the San Jose airport from Wuhan, China, on Jan. 24, yet there hasn’t been a peep about screening persons coming into San Jose airport.
Related Articles Letters to the Editor | Letters: Escape Bay Area | CASA program | Feinstein replacement | Faulty comparison | Not conservatives
Letters: Escape Bay Area | CASA program | Feinstein replacement | Faulty comparison | Not conservatives Letters to the Editor | Letters: Psychiatric beds | SJSU neglect | Squandering cash | Overdoing coverage | Pac-12 negotiations | For climate’s sake | Electric appliances
Letters: Psychiatric beds | SJSU neglect | Squandering cash | Overdoing coverage | Pac-12 negotiations | For climate’s sake | Electric appliances Letters to the Editor | Letters: Abandoning tenants | Deaf culture | Western contributions | Conservative alienation | Precise language
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Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps When will Santa Clara County take San Francisco’s lead and get real about protecting the health of our community?
Elisabeth Ericson
Mountain View
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
Read more Letters to the Editor


Bridge: Feb. 4, 2020

When I watched today ’ s deal at the club , West was John Underwood , known as “ the Undertaker ” because he tries to beat contracts by three tricks — and therefore may not beat them at all .
John is never willing to accept a small profit on defense .
When North-South got to 3NT , John doubled : He had a solid diamond suit plus two fast entries .
North had enough strength to chance a redouble .
John led the queen of diamonds , and declarer took dummy ’ s king and had no trouble @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his king of hearts and led the six of spades .
John had to play low ; if he put up the ace , South would have four spades , three hearts and two diamonds .
When dummy won , South forced out the ace of clubs and had three clubs , three hearts , a spade and two diamonds .
North-South were plus 1,000 .
John ’ s double backfired .
If he passes , South may still take nine tricks , but the winning line of play won ’ t be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to his king at Trick Two , he will fail .
You hold : S Q J 5 3 2 H A 7 3 D K C Q 10 7 3 .
Your partner opens one heart , you respond one spade and he bids two diamonds .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : This is a judgment call .
Experts might support bids of 2NT , 3NT , three clubs and four hearts .
I could accept any of those actions , but my instinct would be to support partner ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game because some of the black-suit honors may be wasted .
I would jump to three hearts , invitational .

When I watched today’s deal at the club, West was John Underwood, known as “the Undertaker” because he tries to beat contracts by three tricks — and therefore may not beat them at all.
John is never willing to accept a small profit on defense. When North-South got to 3NT, John doubled: He had a solid diamond suit plus two fast entries. North had enough strength to chance a redouble.
John led the queen of diamonds, and declarer took dummy’s king and had no trouble visualizing the deal. He came to his king of hearts and led the six of spades. John had to play low; if he put up the ace, South would have four spades, three hearts and two diamonds.
ACE OF CLUBS
When dummy won, South forced out the ace of clubs and had three clubs, three hearts, a spade and two diamonds. North-South were plus 1,000.
John’s double backfired. If he passes, South may still take nine tricks, but the winning line of play won’t be clear. If South leads a spade to his king at Trick Two, he will fail.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S Q J 5 3 2 H A 7 3 D K C Q 10 7 3. Your partner opens one heart, you respond one spade and he bids two diamonds. What do you say?
ANSWER: This is a judgment call. Experts might support bids of 2NT, 3NT, three clubs and four hearts. I could accept any of those actions, but my instinct would be to support partner’s first suit but not to bid game because some of the black-suit honors may be wasted. I would jump to three hearts, invitational.
South dealer
Both sides vulnerable
NORTH
S Q J 5 3 2
H A 7 3
D K
C Q 10 7 3
WEST
S A 10 9 8
H J 10 6
D Q J 10 9 8
C A
EAST
S 7 4
H 9 8 4 2
D 6 4 2
C 9 8 4 2
SOUTH
S K 6
H K Q 5
D A 7 5 3
C K J 6 5
South West North East
1 NT Pass 3 S Pass
3 NT Dbl Redbl All Pass
Opening lead — D Q
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-02-04--Horoscopes Feb. 4, 2020: Oscar De La Hoya, change what’s necessary.

Happy Birthday : Change what ’ s necessary .
Be willing to walk away from people who don ’ t share your views and situations that do not fit into your plans .
Prepare to put in the energy required to infuse your ideas and intentions into the lifestyle you want to adopt , and a marked improvement will unfold .
Trust your intelligence , skills and experience , and you will reach your goal .
Your numbers are 3 , 14 , 21 , 26 , 32 , 44 , 48 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outlook .
Participate in an event or start a hobby that brings you in contact with people who can enrich your life .
If something different is what you want , it ’ s up to you to make it happen .
4 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Practicality will be necessary when dealing with career or financial prospects .
Refrain from investing in someone other than yourself .
Focus on what you are doing , and do the best job possible .
Don ’ t buy into a scam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stars GEMINI ( May 21-June 20 ) : You ’ ll get the wrong impression about someone if you make assumptions or act in haste .
Choose to respond with affection and kindness instead of criticism , and you will offset a situation that can lead to a loss .
Avoid joint ventures .
3 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Concentrating on home , money and following your path will keep you out of trouble .
Don ’ t let everyone in on your secrets .
The more you reveal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worry about the information being used against you .
3 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Take part in what ’ s going on in your community , and it will broaden your perspective regarding new possibilities .
Offer leadership , and take on the position with vigor and determination .
Someone will admire you for your investment of time and energy .
4 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Keep your thoughts to yourself .
Some opposition will surface if you are too demanding .
Interfering or meddling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be a waste of time and energy .
Do your own thing , and avoid sharing personal information or ideas .
2 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Interact with people who know more than you .
Traveling or participating in meetings will lead to new friendships , possible job opportunities and knowledge that will help you get ahead .
Reconnect with an old colleague .
5 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Handle money matters with care .
Make sure you have the funds before making a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave you short of cash .
Someone you trust will offer you sound advice and assistance .
3 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Small but essential problems will surface .
Be careful when dealing with others , or you will end up involved in a debate .
Expect to receive complaints ; compassion and patience will be required .
Personal challenges will build character .
3 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Getting along with others will be the key to getting things done on time .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone in your plans .
Your confidence will give you the edge you need to lead others and help you raise your profile .
3 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Brainstorming with a friend will lead to emotional issues .
Take care of your own needs if a situation spins out of control .
Do something that will be relaxing and help you put your life in perspective .
Personal growth is favored .
5 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Proceed with caution , especially if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will face problems with a loved one if you complain or are too demanding .
Costly changes or purchases will not bring good results .
Choose love over discord .
2 stars Birthday Baby : You are curious , energetic and adaptable .
You are insightful and spontaneous .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Oscar De La Hoya, 47; Gabrielle Anwar, 50; Clint Black, 58; Alice Cooper, 72.
Happy Birthday: Change what’s necessary. Be willing to walk away from people who don’t share your views and situations that do not fit into your plans. Prepare to put in the energy required to infuse your ideas and intentions into the lifestyle you want to adopt, and a marked improvement will unfold. Trust your intelligence, skills and experience, and you will reach your goal. Your numbers are 3, 14, 21, 26, 32, 44, 48.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Make a constructive change that improves your outlook. Participate in an event or start a hobby that brings you in contact with people who can enrich your life. If something different is what you want, it’s up to you to make it happen. 4 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Practicality will be necessary when dealing with career or financial prospects. Refrain from investing in someone other than yourself. Focus on what you are doing, and do the best job possible. Don’t buy into a scam or look for easy money. 3 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You’ll get the wrong impression about someone if you make assumptions or act in haste. Choose to respond with affection and kindness instead of criticism, and you will offset a situation that can lead to a loss. Avoid joint ventures. 3 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Concentrating on home, money and following your path will keep you out of trouble. Don’t let everyone in on your secrets. The more you reveal, the more you will have to worry about the information being used against you. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Take part in what’s going on in your community, and it will broaden your perspective regarding new possibilities. Offer leadership, and take on the position with vigor and determination. Someone will admire you for your investment of time and energy. 4 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Keep your thoughts to yourself. Some opposition will surface if you are too demanding. Interfering or meddling in situations that you know little about will be a waste of time and energy. Do your own thing, and avoid sharing personal information or ideas. 2 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Interact with people who know more than you. Traveling or participating in meetings will lead to new friendships, possible job opportunities and knowledge that will help you get ahead. Reconnect with an old colleague. 5 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Handle money matters with care. Make sure you have the funds before making a big-ticket purchase. An outstanding bill will leave you short of cash. Someone you trust will offer you sound advice and assistance. 3 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Small but essential problems will surface. Be careful when dealing with others, or you will end up involved in a debate. Expect to receive complaints; compassion and patience will be required. Personal challenges will build character. 3 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Getting along with others will be the key to getting things done on time. You’ll attract attention if you include everyone in your plans. Your confidence will give you the edge you need to lead others and help you raise your profile. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Brainstorming with a friend will lead to emotional issues. Take care of your own needs if a situation spins out of control. Do something that will be relaxing and help you put your life in perspective. Personal growth is favored. 5 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Proceed with caution, especially if you have to work alongside others. You will face problems with a loved one if you complain or are too demanding. Costly changes or purchases will not bring good results. Choose love over discord. 2 stars
Birthday Baby: You are curious, energetic and adaptable. You are insightful and spontaneous.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-02-04--Word Game: Feb. 4, 2020

Word Game: Feb. 4, 2020

TODAY ’ S WORD — ACCRUING ( ACCRUING : uh-KROO-ing : Increasing or accumulating as a result of growth .
@ @ @ @ @ or more words in ACCRUING ?
The list will be published tomorrow .
To purchase @ @ @ @ @ visit WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 while supplies last !
1 @ @ @ @ @ four or more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four letters by the addition @ @ @ @ @ such as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” are not allowed .
3 @ @ @ @ @ adding a “ d ” or an “ s ” may not be used .
@ @ @ @ @ bake ” is used , “ baked ” or “ bakes ” are not allowed @ @ @ @ @ and “ baking ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper nouns , slang words , @ @ @ @ @ words are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — ACCRUING (ACCRUING: uh-KROO-ing: Increasing or accumulating as a result of growth.)
Average mark 17 words
Time limit 35 minutes
Can you find 24 or more words in ACCRUING? The list will be published tomorrow.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — FACTORY fact factor faro foray fort forty fray
actor arty cart coat craft crafty taco taro tray troy tyro orca racy raft
To purchase the Word Game book, visit WordGameBooks.com. Order it now for just $5 while supplies last!
RULES OF THE GAME:
1. Words must be of four or more letters.
2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.
3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” are not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible.
4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.
Contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe at kzsaxe@gmail.com.


mercurynews--2020-02-04--Ask Amy: I don’t think my niece’s fiancé knows the whole story

DEAR AMY : When our niece was a young , single mother of two , we took her and her young children into our home , and — with the understanding that it was a loan — helped her financially .
She has made no effort to repay the near $ 20,000 she owes ( for car repairs , etc. )
.
She ’ s now engaged to a wonderful man , and pregnant again .
We want to warn her betrothed of her debts owed , but at the same time , we feel it ’ s not our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So , WWAD ( What Would Amy Do ? )
.
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• Ask Amy : Fat mom makes her teen run stairs and log calories DEAR CONFLICTED : Here ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I wouldn ’ t “ warn ” a fiancé of a debt unless I had tried mightily to collect from the person who owes it .
Your loan “ understanding ” might not even be a loan .
Was this acknowledged in writing , or did you — out of the goodness of your hearts — take in a needy relative and her children and help this family to survive , with a vague understanding that you would be repaid some day ?
You should communicate with your niece about this .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , review it with her and tell her that you expect to be repaid .
Depending on what state the couple lives in , her debt will carry over into her new marriage and become the couple ’ s debt , and , yes , her fiance should be told .
Communicate respectfully and attempt to negotiate a reasonable repayment schedule for this substantial amount .
There are online services that could help you to formalize this loan , with promissory notes and repayment tracking .
DEAR AMY : My boyfriend and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we are still going strong .
We have talked about marriage and want to marry one day .
I believe that we will be married soon .
I will graduate from medical school this year .
It was always my plan to live in a small town or very small city closer to beautiful nature , as soon as I graduate .
I despise life in the big city and have always looked forward to the day when I would escape it .
My boyfriend doesn ’ t want to live in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ career relies on him living in a city .
He loves city life .
This is the biggest of several differences between us .
I ’ m ready to give up my dreams to be with him , and even though I love him deeply , I think I ’ ll be miserable .
I don ’ t want to lose him .
Will this doom us ?
What can we do ?
DEAR DESPERATE : A doomed relationship could be your liberation .
According to the Association of American Medical Colleges , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a shortfall of up to 121,300 physicians by 2030 , owing to older doctors retiring , and the increased needs of a rising number of elders requiring more doctors .
The physician shortage is most acute in rural areas .
In small towns and small cities , your ability to provide health care will quite literally be a lifesaver .
You will get to know your patients and their families .
The fact that you are seeking a small-town lifestyle means that you will be personally happier , once you land in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I left the big city and moved back to my rural hometown .
Unlike you , I enjoyed life in the city — but this morning I walked through the snowy woods as the sun came up .
Life in the country , and being around others who also embrace this ( sometimes challenging ) lifestyle , is a daily tonic .
Marrying someone you love while believing that you will be miserable is not a rational , healthy , or adult choice .
You ’ ve already been together for seven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your personal preferences or your life ’ s goals .
Perhaps you two could agree to a year of a long-distance relationship , where you each live where you want to live .
You could also research cities with outdoorsy reputations ( like Boston , Portland , Seattle , Vancouver , and Denver ) that might give you each the lifestyle you want .
DEAR AMY : “ Going Nuts in Niagara ” complained about the neighbors feeding squirrels , resulting in a large amount of empty peanut shells on their property .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ feed the squirrels shelled peanuts .
Why didn ’ t you ?
DEAR WONDERING : Mainly , I didn ’ t think of it .
Feeding the squirrels at all was the true “ nut ” of the problem , but I agree that offering them peanuts out of the shell would have eliminated some of the mess .
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy , P.O .
Box 194 , Freeville , NY 13068 .
You can also follow her on Twitter @ @ @ @ @

DEAR AMY: When our niece was a young, single mother of two, we took her and her young children into our home, and — with the understanding that it was a loan — helped her financially.
She has made no effort to repay the near $20,000 she owes (for car repairs, etc.). She’s now engaged to a wonderful man, and pregnant again.
We want to warn her betrothed of her debts owed, but at the same time, we feel it’s not our place to “rat” on her. So, WWAD (What Would Amy Do?).
Conflicted in CA
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Ask Amy: I’ve told them they need therapy, and they refuse to do it. What now? Advice | Ask Amy: The man I love is my grandchild’s uncle, and things have gotten messy DEAR CONFLICTED: Here’s what I wouldn’t do: I wouldn’t “warn” a fiancé of a debt unless I had tried mightily to collect from the person who owes it.
Your loan “understanding” might not even be a loan. Was this acknowledged in writing, or did you — out of the goodness of your hearts — take in a needy relative and her children and help this family to survive, with a vague understanding that you would be repaid some day?
You should communicate with your niece about this. If you have a valid agreement in place, review it with her and tell her that you expect to be repaid. Depending on what state the couple lives in, her debt will carry over into her new marriage and become the couple’s debt, and, yes, her fiance should be told.
Communicate respectfully and attempt to negotiate a reasonable repayment schedule for this substantial amount. There are online services that could help you to formalize this loan, with promissory notes and repayment tracking.
DEAR AMY: My boyfriend and I have been together for seven years, and we are still going strong. We have talked about marriage and want to marry one day. I believe that we will be married soon.
I will graduate from medical school this year. It was always my plan to live in a small town or very small city closer to beautiful nature, as soon as I graduate. I despise life in the big city and have always looked forward to the day when I would escape it.
My boyfriend doesn’t want to live in a small town — ever. His career relies on him living in a city. He loves city life.
This is the biggest of several differences between us.
I’m ready to give up my dreams to be with him, and even though I love him deeply, I think I’ll be miserable.
I don’t want to lose him.
Will this doom us? What can we do?
Desperate
DEAR DESPERATE: A doomed relationship could be your liberation.
According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the United States is projected to have a shortfall of up to 121,300 physicians by 2030, owing to older doctors retiring, and the increased needs of a rising number of elders requiring more doctors.
The physician shortage is most acute in rural areas. In small towns and small cities, your ability to provide health care will quite literally be a lifesaver. You will get to know your patients and their families. The fact that you are seeking a small-town lifestyle means that you will be personally happier, once you land in the right spot.
Over a decade ago, I left the big city and moved back to my rural hometown. Unlike you, I enjoyed life in the city — but this morning I walked through the snowy woods as the sun came up. Life in the country, and being around others who also embrace this (sometimes challenging) lifestyle, is a daily tonic.
Marrying someone you love while believing that you will be miserable is not a rational, healthy, or adult choice. You’ve already been together for seven years. Marriage will not magically transform your personal preferences or your life’s goals. Perhaps you two could agree to a year of a long-distance relationship, where you each live where you want to live. You could also research cities with outdoorsy reputations (like Boston, Portland, Seattle, Vancouver, and Denver) that might give you each the lifestyle you want.
Want Ask Amy delivered to your inbox for free on weekdays?
DEAR AMY: “Going Nuts in Niagara” complained about the neighbors feeding squirrels, resulting in a large amount of empty peanut shells on their property.
You should have suggested that the neighbors feed the squirrels shelled peanuts. Why didn’t you?
Wondering
DEAR WONDERING: Mainly, I didn’t think of it. Feeding the squirrels at all was the true “nut” of the problem, but I agree that offering them peanuts out of the shell would have eliminated some of the mess.
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.


mercurynews--2020-02-04--Letter: Changing Boalt Hall name won’t alter what happened

Re : “ Boalt Hall renamed The Law Building to avoid ties with racist namesake ” ( Mercurynews.com , Jan. 30 ) : Boalt Hall is now The Law Building at UC Berkeley .
The name has been changed because a lecturer at the university discovered John Boalt ’ s racist 19th century writings in a campus library and published his findings in 2017 .
So , I guess by removing his name , it will be like he never existed and , eventually , no one will be the wiser .
I certainly do not uphold his ideas , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 1882 , but is it right to try to erase history by tearing down statues , painting over murals or removing names ?
• Letter : Concord project : Maintaining profit for owners brings us here • Letter : Santa Clara County must get real on coronavirus • Letter : Am I alone in seeing mob meaning in ‘ take her out ’ ?
• Letter : Kobe Bryant a sports hero but these are the true heroes It doesn ’ t change what happened , it ’ s part of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Changing Boalt Hall name
won’t alter what happened
Re: “Boalt Hall renamed The Law Building to avoid ties with racist namesake” (Mercurynews.com, Jan. 30):
Boalt Hall is now The Law Building at UC Berkeley. The name has been changed because a lecturer at the university discovered John Boalt’s racist 19th century writings in a campus library and published his findings in 2017.
So, I guess by removing his name, it will be like he never existed and, eventually, no one will be the wiser.
I certainly do not uphold his ideas, which led to the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1882, but is it right to try to erase history by tearing down statues, painting over murals or removing names?
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Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps It doesn’t change what happened, it’s part of our history in America.
Barbara Nielsen
Dublin
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
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