mercurynews--2020-04-01--Harriette Cole: Since I gave money to this sick woman, I’d like updates on her health

DEAR HARRIETTE : I gave money to a crowdfunding campaign for a woman I know peripherally through work .
I often think about her and wonder whether she is OK .
I wish she had posted an update on her health .
Since she didn ’ t , do you think it would be all right to check in with her to see how she ’ s doing ?
I don ’ t want to be nosy , but she did a full-on campaign for money for what sounded like a life-threatening disease .
I ’ m not asking for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a sense of whether or not she is OK , or if she needs anything .
Can I check in with her ?
DEAR POST-CROWDFUNDING : It seems reasonable that you should be able to reach out to this woman to ask how she ’ s doing .
You can send her an email , text or note through the fundraising platform saying that you know she wasn ’ t feeling well .
Ask her how she is managing .
Tell her you are thinking of her and hope that she is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Now that we are living in this new reality of social distancing , I am already having a serious challenge with my teenage son .
• Harriette Cole : I ’ m afraid I ’ ll say something offensive at her baby shower • Harriette Cole : My new guy is beautiful , and I ’ m afraid he ’ s going to dump me • Harriette Cole : I ’ m tired of being mistaken for the other black woman • Harriette Cole : I will no longer be a doormat for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This long-ago acquaintance wants a big favor from me He is accustomed to being able to hang out with his friends as long as he comes home by his curfew .
School is out for the foreseeable future , and he does not understand why in the world he has to stay at home and can not hang with his friends .
His argument is that the government says people shouldn ’ t get together in large crowds .
If he is going to be with a couple of kids , he argues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Honestly , I don ’ t even know what the rule will be by the time this letter gets to you .
We could actually be quarantined by law .
Whatever the case , I feel like I can not allow my son to go out with his friends until we have some real sense that the danger is over .
No official has a sense of how long that will be , although recent reports said it could be as far away as the fall .
How do I control my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DEAR TEEN FRENZY : New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio was on the news recently ( as of this writing ) saying that it may be impossible for parents to control their teens for the foreseeable future .
He spoke of the nature of teens wanting to be together and the reality of trying to curb this virus being a convergence of opposing forces .
That said , medical professionals and civic leaders are urging all of us , including teens , to keep our distance from each other for weeks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying that they will take action against anyone , including young people , who gather in groups larger than 10 .
As far as hanging out with a couple of friends , unless your son is able to get to his friends without being in others ’ company and you are sure that the friend has been in limited company , exposure is still questionable .
How do you control this ?
Remind your son that this self-isolation is not forever .
If he does his part , more people will remain healthy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do .
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS , an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams .
You can send questions to askharriette @ harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

DEAR HARRIETTE: I gave money to a crowdfunding campaign for a woman I know peripherally through work. I often think about her and wonder whether she is OK. I wish she had posted an update on her health.
Since she didn’t, do you think it would be all right to check in with her to see how she’s doing? I don’t want to be nosy, but she did a full-on campaign for money for what sounded like a life-threatening disease. I’m not asking for details. I would just like to have a sense of whether or not she is OK, or if she needs anything.
Can I check in with her?
Post-Crowdfunding
DEAR POST-CROWDFUNDING: It seems reasonable that you should be able to reach out to this woman to ask how she’s doing.
You can send her an email, text or note through the fundraising platform saying that you know she wasn’t feeling well. Ask her how she is managing. Tell her you are thinking of her and hope that she is on the mend.
DEAR HARRIETTE: Now that we are living in this new reality of social distancing, I am already having a serious challenge with my teenage son.
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Harriette Cole: I’m ashamed to tell people I forgave my childhood friend Advice | Harriette Cole: I’ve worked hard, and my poor siblings resent my success He is accustomed to being able to hang out with his friends as long as he comes home by his curfew. School is out for the foreseeable future, and he does not understand why in the world he has to stay at home and cannot hang with his friends. His argument is that the government says people shouldn’t get together in large crowds. If he is going to be with a couple of kids, he argues, what’s the big deal?
Honestly, I don’t even know what the rule will be by the time this letter gets to you. We could actually be quarantined by law. Whatever the case, I feel like I cannot allow my son to go out with his friends until we have some real sense that the danger is over. No official has a sense of how long that will be, although recent reports said it could be as far away as the fall. How do I control my teenage son for all this time?
Teen Frenzy
DEAR TEEN FRENZY: New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio was on the news recently (as of this writing) saying that it may be impossible for parents to control their teens for the foreseeable future. He spoke of the nature of teens wanting to be together and the reality of trying to curb this virus being a convergence of opposing forces.
That said, medical professionals and civic leaders are urging all of us, including teens, to keep our distance from each other for weeks, if not months.
Government officials are saying that they will take action against anyone, including young people, who gather in groups larger than 10. As far as hanging out with a couple of friends, unless your son is able to get to his friends without being in others’ company and you are sure that the friend has been in limited company, exposure is still questionable.
How do you control this? Remind your son that this self-isolation is not forever. If he does his part, more people will remain healthy, even though it’s hard to do.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-04-01--Miss Manners: When a wife starts talking about her next husband

DEAR MISS MANNERS : Is it normal to make decisions in your current relationship based on the fact that you might not be together in the future ?
Example : I don ’ t want to have my tubes tied , in case this marriage does not last and my next husband wants to have kids with me .
I was having this discussion with my significant other , and they said I was being sensitive and I should not take it negatively — that “ it ’ s just real life.
” GENTLE READER : Say what ?
Miss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ example .
Certainly , if you do not think a relationship is going to last , no one can blame you for thinking about different possible futures .
Expressing those thoughts to a husband you are not so sure about is another matter .
Miss Manners got lost when the husband was demoted to a significant other and chided you for being overly sensitive .
If you were the husband on the receiving end of your wife ’ s unpleasant expression of doubt , it would be reasonable to be upset and concerned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ door — in thought , if not yet in deed .
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It has been my experience that I am often frustrated or angry with whatever circumstance has caused me to call a customer service department .
I become even more upset when the representative does not understand the details of my complaint .
There are so many Americanized phrases and terms that we use that may not be literally translated , which causes unavoidable confusion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it is not the representative ’ s fault .
She deserves to be commended for being able to speak another language so fluently ; I certainly can not !
However , when I am anxious to have an unpleasant situation resolved , I would simply appreciate not having a language barrier .
I don ’ t want to offend the person on the other end of the phone .
What do you suggest ?
GENTLE READER : There is no polite way to ask for an agent without an accent , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that you are having trouble understanding their answers — the connection must be bad — and hang up .
If there are intelligible agents to be found , you may get one on a second call .
Miss Manners realizes that you will now have to explain your problem again from the beginning , but she assures you that this would have happened anyway .
DEAR MISS MANNERS : A future house guest is insisting on coming for nine days , and also asked if they can do laundry while here .
Nine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I do not want them doing laundry at my house .
How do I tell them this ?
GENTLE READER : If you found it impossible to work up the courage to tell the guest not to move in , Miss Manners is not confident anything she advises will help .
You might place an “ out of order ” sign on the washing machine , but this will prevent you from doing your own laundry — and will make an unpleasant house guest even more so .
Please send your questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ www.missmanners.com ; to her email , dearmissmanners @ gmail.com ; or through postal mail to Miss Manners , Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Is it normal to make decisions in your current relationship based on the fact that you might not be together in the future? Example: I don’t want to have my tubes tied, in case this marriage does not last and my next husband wants to have kids with me.
I was having this discussion with my significant other, and they said I was being sensitive and I should not take it negatively — that “it’s just real life.”
GENTLE READER: Say what? Miss Manners was still following you through the example. Certainly, if you do not think a relationship is going to last, no one can blame you for thinking about different possible futures.
Expressing those thoughts to a husband you are not so sure about is another matter. Miss Manners got lost when the husband was demoted to a significant other and chided you for being overly sensitive.
If you were the husband on the receiving end of your wife’s unpleasant expression of doubt, it would be reasonable to be upset and concerned that you were being pushed out the door — in thought, if not yet in deed.
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Miss Manners: She wants to turn our music festival into a get-drunk weekend Advice | Miss Manners: My rule is no gift for a second wedding, no attendance for a third DEAR MISS MANNERS: Is there a polite, non-offensive way to ask a customer service agent to transfer my call to a representative who does not have a foreign accent?
It has been my experience that I am often frustrated or angry with whatever circumstance has caused me to call a customer service department. I become even more upset when the representative does not understand the details of my complaint. There are so many Americanized phrases and terms that we use that may not be literally translated, which causes unavoidable confusion in the conversation.
I completely understand that it is not the representative’s fault. She deserves to be commended for being able to speak another language so fluently; I certainly cannot! However, when I am anxious to have an unpleasant situation resolved, I would simply appreciate not having a language barrier.
I don’t want to offend the person on the other end of the phone. What do you suggest?
GENTLE READER: There is no polite way to ask for an agent without an accent, but there is a simple alternative: Apologize that you are having trouble understanding their answers — the connection must be bad — and hang up. If there are intelligible agents to be found, you may get one on a second call.
Miss Manners realizes that you will now have to explain your problem again from the beginning, but she assures you that this would have happened anyway.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: A future house guest is insisting on coming for nine days, and also asked if they can do laundry while here. Nine days is too long, and no, I do not want them doing laundry at my house. How do I tell them this?
GENTLE READER: If you found it impossible to work up the courage to tell the guest not to move in, Miss Manners is not confident anything she advises will help. You might place an “out of order” sign on the washing machine, but this will prevent you from doing your own laundry — and will make an unpleasant house guest even more so.
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-04-01--Adam Schlesinger dies of coronavirus complications

LOS ANGELES – Adam Schlesinger , a musician and songwriter highly regarded for his work as a member of Fountains of Wayne and an Emmy-winning songwriter for TV ’ s “ Crazy Ex-Girlfriend , ” has died as a result of coronavirus complications .
He was 52 .
Schlesinger passed away Wednesday morning .
He was divorced and is survived by two daughters .
Schlesinger had previously been reported Tuesday morning as “ very sick and heavily sedated ” by his attorney of 25 years , Josh Grier .
Schlesinger had been in an upstate New York hospital for more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grier said .
An EGOT contender , Schlesinger has been nominated for Oscars , Tonys , Grammys and Emmys and won the latter two awards .
At the 2018 Emmys , he was up for two trophies for his “ Crazy Ex-Girlfriend ” work and picked up one , winning in the outstanding original music and lyrics category for the song “ Antidepressants Are So Not A Big Deal ” ( shared with the show ’ s star , Rachel Bloom , and Jack Dolgen ) .
He was a 10-time Emmy nominee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Crazy Ex-Girlfriend , ” for which he served as executive music producer .
Five more nominations came for his contributions to the Tony Awards , “ Sesame Street ” and a Stephen Colbert Christmas special .
His Oscar nomination in 1997 was for co-writing the theme song for the Tom Hanks-directed film “ That Thing You Do !
, ” one of his first successful forays outside the realm of his own music-making with Fountains of Wayne .
He was also nominated for a Golden Globe at that time .
Fountains of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chris Collingwood , earned two Grammy nominations in 2003 , for best new artist ( many years after the band ’ s actual recording debut ) and for best pop performance by a group for the Top 40 single “ Stacy ’ s Mom , ” a cheeky MTV staple that became the band ’ s biggest hit .
His lone Grammy win , though , came for best comedy album for his work on “ A Stephen Colbert Christmas.
” His two Tony nominations were both for the musical “ Cry-Baby , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ film , in 2008 .
He had recently collaborated with Sarah Silverman on his first full stage score since then , for an off-Broadway musical , “ The Bedwetter , ” which had been scheduled to open at the Atlantic Theater Company this spring .
Tony winners Linda Lavin and Stephanie J .
Block had been set to star in the limited-run production from April 25 through May 20 before pandemic-related shutdowns put a halt to New York theater efforts .
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Dissent between him and Collingwood during the recording of “ Sky Full of Holes ” led to that being their apparent swan song , although reviews for that final album were , typically for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Managers ” in 2003 , the album that generated “ Stacey ’ s Mom ” ( and its Rachel Hunter-starring video ) , remained their most popular work .

Adam Schlesinger, the cofounder of the pop-rock band Fountains of Wayne and an Emmy-winning songwriter for TV’s “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” died Wednesday from complications related to COVID-19.
He was 52.
The musician was hospitalized earlier this week and tested positive for the coronavirus. At the time, he was placed on a ventilator, which left him heavily sedated.
Schlesinger was divorced and is survived by two daughters.
“As many of you are aware, Adam had been hospitalized with COVID-19 and although he had been making some small improvements over the last few days, Adam’s condition was critical and he was ultimately unable to recover from COVID-19 complications,” read a statement from the band’s attorney, provided to CNN. “He was truly a prolific talent and even more so, a loving and devoted father, son and friend.”
It added: “We are terribly sorry to convey this loss.”
A highly accomplished — and prolific — songwriter, Schlesinger has been nominated for Oscars, Tonys, Grammys and Emmys and won the latter two awards. At the 2018 Emmys, he was up for two trophies for his “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” work and picked up one, winning for outstanding original music and lyrics on “Anti-Depressants Are So Not a Big Deal.”
He was a 10-time Emmy nominee in all, five of those for “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” an acclaimed musical-comedy series on which he served as executive music producer. Five more nominations came for his contributions to the Tony Awards, “Sesame Street” and a Stephen Colbert Christmas special.
Schlesinger’s Oscar nomination in 1997 was for writing the theme song for the Tom Hanks-directed film “That Thing You Do!” He was also nominated for a Golden Globe for his work on that film.
Fountains of Wayne, the band he co-founded with Chris Collingwood, earned two Grammy nominations in 2003, for best new artist (many years after the band’s actual recording debut) and for best pop performance by a group for “Stacy’s Mom,” a catchy pop anthem about a young boy who has a crush on his friend’s mother. The song became the band’s biggest hit.
But his lone Grammy triumph came for best comedy album for his work on “A Stephen Colbert Christmas.”
His two Tony nominations were both for the musical “Cry-Baby,” an adaptation of the John Waters film, in 2008. He had recently collaborated with Sarah Silverman on his first full stage score since then, for an off-Broadway musical, “The Bedwetter,” which had been set to open at the Atlantic Theater Company this spring.
Per Rolling Stone, Schlesinger had “one of the most unique and busiest careers in pop.” With Fountains of Wayne — a group that blended power-pop delight with indie and alt-rock sensibilities — he released five albums between 1996 and 2011. During the same period, he released six albums with his other group, Ivy, all the while building a portfolio of TV and film music.
Schlesinger was especially prolific in the TV world. In addition to his work on “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” he composed songs for “The Dana Carvey Show” and the Amazon comedy series “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” NBC’s Late Night With Seth Meyers, the 2013 Emmy Awards, the 2012 Tony Awards, “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno,” “My Name Is Earl” and “One Tree Hill.”
Schlesinger was born on Oct. 31, 1967, and grew up in Manhattan before his family moved to New Jersey. While at Williams College in Massachusetts, he met Collingwood and they formed a band.
By 2011, however, a rift had grown between the two men and “Sky Full of Holes” would be the last album from Fountains of Wayne.
“Adam and I just fought constantly making that record,” Collingwood said in a 2016 interview.


mercurynews--2020-04-01--Coronavirus: First look at hospitalization data

Santa Clara County trails San Diego and Los Angeles counties when it comes to the number of confirmed coronavirus patients who have been hospitalized .
That ’ s according to a new searchable dashboard from the state , which offers a first look at how intensely COVID-19 is hitting hospitals in counties across the state .
As of Wednesday , hospitals reported a total of 1,855 patients confirmed to have the virus .
Los Angeles County , by far the hardest hit , reported 713 hospitalizations , followed by San Diego at 158 and Santa Clara at 155 .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comprising 95 percent of the state ’ s total beds — had responded by Wednesday afternoon .
Elsewhere in the Bay Area , San Francisco reported 67 hospitalizations , followed by San Mateo at 60 , Alameda at 56 , and Contra Costa at 27 .
Statewide , 774 confirmed coronavirus patients were in intensive care unit beds , with clusters in the Bay Area and Southern California .
While coronavirus hotspots appear clustered around the state ’ s most populous regions , the Tahoe Forest Hospital District along the Nevada border was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have the disease , as of Wednesday .
In addition to confirmed coronavirus patients in hospitals across the state , the data set showed that 3,773 people suspected to have the virus were hospitalized , as of Wednesday .
That includes 642 additional ICU patients suspected to have the virus .
Los Angeles had more suspected patients hospitalized than any other county , followed by San Diego , Fresno , Orange and San Bernardino .
In the Bay Area , Santa Clara County came in highest — with 98 suspected coronavirus patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to shift day to day and as more hospitals report to the state .

Santa Clara County trails San Diego and Los Angeles counties when it comes to the number of confirmed coronavirus patients who have been hospitalized.
That’s according to a new searchable dashboard from the state, which offers a first look at how intensely COVID-19 is hitting hospitals in counties across the state.
As of Wednesday, hospitals reported a total of 1,855 patients confirmed to have the virus. Los Angeles County, by far the hardest hit, reported 713 hospitalizations, followed by San Diego at 158 and Santa Clara at 155. A total of 92 percent of facilities — comprising 95 percent of the state’s total beds — had responded by Wednesday afternoon.
Elsewhere in the Bay Area, San Francisco reported 67 hospitalizations, followed by San Mateo at 60, Alameda at 56, and Contra Costa at 27.
Statewide, 774 confirmed coronavirus patients were in intensive care unit beds, with clusters in the Bay Area and Southern California. That means patients currently occupy about 10 percent of the state’s roughly 7,345 ICU beds.
While coronavirus hotspots appear clustered around the state’s most populous regions, the Tahoe Forest Hospital District along the Nevada border was also reporting more than 80 patients confirmed to have the disease, as of Wednesday.
The state has been bracing for a surge of patients and racing against time to stock up on supplies and add hospital beds. Temporary hospitals have sprung up at the Santa Clara Convention Center and the San Mateo County Event Center. A Navy hospital ship with more than 1,000 beds is stationed near Los Angeles.
Gov. Newsom has also urged retired health care workers and students set to enter the industry to register to help through a new program called Health Corps, announced Monday.
“34,000 strong in just 48 hours is another example of people just meeting the moment,” Newsom said Wednesday.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge In addition to confirmed coronavirus patients in hospitals across the state, the data set showed that 3,773 people suspected to have the virus were hospitalized, as of Wednesday. That includes 642 additional ICU patients suspected to have the virus.
Los Angeles had more suspected patients hospitalized than any other county, followed by San Diego, Fresno, Orange and San Bernardino. In the Bay Area, Santa Clara County came in highest — with 98 suspected coronavirus patients in hospital beds.
Expect the numbers to shift day to day and as more hospitals report to the state. If the dashboard doesn’t appear at the bottom of this article, you can view it here.


mercurynews--2020-04-01--Then-employees of historical Clayton Club Saloon charged with cocaine sales

CLAYTON — The Contra Costa District Attorney has charged two men with cocaine sales , stemming from last year when they worked at a historical saloon in town .
Michael Garner , and Zachary Bednarz , both 32 , were charged in late February with possession of cocaine for sale , prosecutors said .
The charges stem from an undercover investigation by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control .
Garner worked as a bouncer and Bednarz was a bartender at the Clayton Club Saloon , an Old West-style bar at 6096 Main Street in Clayton .
According to court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cocaine purchases on or near the bar ’ s property .
In one , Garner allegedly sold the officer $ 40 of cocaine , slipping it to him in a cigarette box .
In another one , the officer pulled up out front of the bar , and Garner allegedly came out through the front door , made the exchange , and returned to the bar .
The officer and Garner also allegedly discussed the purchase of other drugs , like “ molly ” and meth .
Both times , Garner said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not the other drugs , explaining that “ my guy is out of town , ” according to authorities .
The Clayton Club Saloon dates back to when Clayton was known as a mining town .
It was founded in the 1870s , then-known as the National Saloon .
At first , it was located in a two-story building , which contained a brothel on the second floor .
After a fire destroyed that building , it was rebuilt in its present location in 1873 .
In 2002 , a historical marker was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A 1999 story by the Contra Costa Times about the saloon says that it harkens back to a time when downtown was proliferated with bars , noting , “ In its early heyday , Clayton had saloons , hotels , a blacksmith , dance hall , saloons , a church , and saloons.
” In the 1920s , during Prohibition , the saloon was rebranded as a “ social club ” and family restaurant .

CLAYTON — The Contra Costa District Attorney has charged two men with cocaine sales, stemming from last year when they worked at a historical saloon in town.
Michael Garner and Zachary Bednarz, both 32, were charged in late February with possession of cocaine for sale, prosecutors said. The charges stem from an undercover investigation by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
Garner worked as a bouncer and Bednarz was a bartender at the Clayton Club Saloon, an Old West-style bar at 6096 Main Street in Clayton. According to court records, an undercover officer did controlled cocaine purchases on or near the bar’s property.
In one, Garner allegedly sold the officer $40 of cocaine, slipping it to him in a cigarette box. In another one, the officer pulled up out front of the bar, and Garner allegedly came out through the front door, made the exchange, and returned to the bar.
The officer and Garner also allegedly discussed the purchase of other drugs, like MDMA or “molly,” and methamphetamine. Both times, Garner said he would be able to supply cocaine but not the other drugs, explaining that “my guy is out of town,” according to authorities.
The Clayton Club Saloon dates back to when Clayton was known as a mining town. It was founded in the 1870s, then-known as the National Saloon. At first, it was located in a two-story building, which contained a brothel on the second floor. After a fire destroyed that building, it was rebuilt in its present location in 1873.
In 2002, a historical marker was set in stone at its front. A 1999 story by the Contra Costa Times about the saloon says that it harkens back to a time when downtown was proliferated with bars, noting, “In its early heyday, Clayton had saloons, hotels, a blacksmith, dance hall, saloons, a church, and saloons.” In the 1920s, during Prohibition, the saloon was rebranded as a “social club” and family restaurant.


mercurynews--2020-04-01--Coronavirus: Songwriter Adam Schlesinger dead at 52

Adam Schlesinger , the cofounder of the pop-rock band Fountains of Wayne and an Emmy-winning songwriter for TV ’ s “ Crazy Ex-Girlfriend , ” died Wednesday from complications related to COVID-19 .
His lawyer , Josh Grier , confirmed Schlesinger ’ s death .
The musician was hospitalized in March and tested positive for the coronavirus .
At the time , he was placed on a ventilator , which left him heavily sedated .
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Schlesinger has been nominated for Oscars , Tonys , Grammys and Emmys and won the latter two awards .
At the 2018 Emmys , he was up for two trophies for his “ Crazy Ex-Girlfriend ” work and picked up one , winning for outstanding original music and lyrics on “ Anti-Depressants Are So Not a Big Deal.
” He was a 10-time Emmy nominee in all , five of those for “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ series on which he served as executive music producer .
Five more nominations came for his contributions to the Tony Awards , “ Sesame Street ” and a Stephen Colbert Christmas special .
Schlesinger ’ s Oscar nomination in 1997 was for writing the theme song for the Tom Hanks-directed film “ That Thing You Do !
” He was also nominated for a Golden Globe for his work on that film .
Fountains of Wayne , the band he co-founded with Chris Collingwood , earned two Grammy nominations in 2003 , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the band ’ s actual recording debut ) and for best pop performance by a group for the Top 40 single “ Stacy ’ s Mom , ” a MTV staple that became the band ’ s biggest hit .
But his lone Grammy win came for best comedy album for his work on “ A Stephen Colbert Christmas.
” His two Tony nominations were both for the musical “ Cry-Baby , ” an adaptation of the John Waters film , in 2008 .
He had recently collaborated with Sarah Silverman on his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for an off-Broadway musical , “ The Bedwetter , ” which had been set to open at the Atlantic Theater Company this spring .
Per Rolling Stone , Schlesinger had “ one of the most unique and busiest careers in pop.
” With Fountains of Wayne — a group that blended power-pop delight with indie and alt-rock sensibilities — he released five albums between 1996 and 2011 .
During the same period , he released six albums with his other group , Ivy , all the while building a portfolio of TV and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the TV world .
In addition to his work on “ Crazy Ex-Girlfriend , ” he composed songs for “ The Dana Carvey Show ” and the Amazon comedy series “ The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel , ” NBC ’ s Late Night With Seth Meyers , the 2013 Emmy Awards , the 2012 Tony Awards , “ The Tonight Show With Jay Leno , ” “ My Name Is Earl ” and “ One Tree Hill .
”


mercurynews--2020-04-01--Coronavirus: California drops restrictions on free alcoholic beverage delivery

Bars and restaurants are closed for dine-in service around the state of California , but customers are now allowed to have alcoholic beverages dropped off at their doorsteps .
A notice of regulatory relief for Alcoholic Beverage Control ( ABC ) licensed businesses issued Wednesday has suspended restrictions on free delivery of alcoholic beverages .
The notice will also extend delivery hours for retailers to midnight , allow certain charitable promotions related to the sale of alcohol and allow distilled spirit manufacturers to provide high-proof spirits for disinfection services .
“ It is estimated that the 93,000 businesses the California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said California Department of ABC director Jacob Appelsmith .
“ Those industry employees need paychecks to support themselves , their families , and loved ones .
Many Californians have filed for unemployment recently , and this temporary regulatory relief could ease some of the state ’ s economic stress.
” After California instituted a statewide shelter-in-place order on March 19 , the ABC issued its first notice of regulatory relief for licensed businesses .
That notice granted eight temporary prohibitions that dropped restrictions on the following activities : The ABC said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ designed to support the alcoholic beverage industry in its efforts to help California slow the spread of the virus while assisting the industry deal with the economic challenges it is facing as a result.
” Which bars and restaurants are able to provide free delivery of alcoholic beverages to customers ?
According to a FAQ on the ABC ’ s website , establishments with “ on-sale ” and “ off-sale ” licenses will be able to deliver alcohol for free and places with “ on-sale ” licenses will be able to use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on-sale ” license is an establishment where alcohol can be bought and consumed on-site ( Think a restaurant ) while an “ off-sale ” license is an establishment that sells packaged and closed alcohol containers required to be consumed off-site ( Think a grocery or liquor store ) .
For customers interested in ordering drinks delivered from their favorite restaurant , keep in mind that to-go sales of alcohol can only be made in the same transaction as food sales for pick-up or delivery .
The ABC specifies that licensees are responsible for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if alcohol is delivered “ to minors or obviously intoxicated persons .
”

Bars and restaurants are closed for dine-in service around the state of California, but customers are now allowed to have alcoholic beverages dropped off at their doorsteps.
A notice of regulatory relief for Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) licensed businesses issued Wednesday has suspended restrictions on free delivery of alcoholic beverages.
The notice will also extend delivery hours for retailers to midnight, allow certain charitable promotions related to the sale of alcohol and allow distilled spirit manufacturers to provide high-proof spirits for disinfection services.
“It is estimated that the 93,000 businesses the California ABC licenses employ over a million Californians,” said California Department of ABC director Jacob Appelsmith. “Those industry employees need paychecks to support themselves, their families, and loved ones. Many Californians have filed for unemployment recently, and this temporary regulatory relief could ease some of the state’s economic stress.”
After California instituted a statewide shelter-in-place order on March 19, the ABC issued its first notice of regulatory relief for licensed businesses.
That notice granted eight temporary prohibitions that dropped restrictions on the following activities:
Return of alcoholic beverages
Retail to retail transactions
Extension on credit
On-sale retailers exercising off-sale privileges
Sales of alcohol to-go
Off-sale transactions
Hours of operation for retail sales
Deliveries to consumers
The ABC said both notices issued to licensed businesses are “designed to support the alcoholic beverage industry in its efforts to help California slow the spread of the virus while assisting the industry deal with the economic challenges it is facing as a result.”
Which bars and restaurants are able to provide free delivery of alcoholic beverages to customers?
According to a FAQ on the ABC’s website, establishments with “on-sale” and “off-sale” licenses will be able to deliver alcohol for free and places with “on-sale” licenses will be able to use a third-party delivery company.
An “on-sale” license is an establishment where alcohol can be bought and consumed on-site (Think a restaurant) while an “off-sale” license is an establishment that sells packaged and closed alcohol containers required to be consumed off-site (Think a grocery or liquor store).
For customers interested in ordering drinks delivered from their favorite restaurant, keep in mind that to-go sales of alcohol can only be made in the same transaction as food sales for pick-up or delivery.
The ABC specifies that licensees are responsible for delivery and may be subject to discipline if alcohol is delivered “to minors or obviously intoxicated persons.”


mercurynews--2020-04-01--Bay Area’s essential businesses scramble to implement new coronavirus regulations

Essential businesses throughout the Bay Area scrambled Wednesday to implement new social distancing protocols required under the region ’ s expanded shelter in place orders , with bike shops , grocery stores , car repair shops and others working to make sure they had guidelines posted by Friday morning .
Some small business owners said that while they hadn ’ t reviewed all the details of the new requirements for businesses yet , they have already taken many of the required steps , like limiting customers and disinfecting payment areas after each use .
Akin Atak , who owns Akin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jose , said he has already put up signs with the guidance that ’ s become a Bay Area mantra — stay six feet apart , wash your hands regularly , and don ’ t touch your face .
He ’ s stepped up cleaning to “ maybe five to six times a day.
” And if employees get in a customer ’ s car , they wipe it down before they leave .
He ’ s also limited capacity at his waiting room , which normally sits eight people , to three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s been an issue .
“ Because of the pandemic , we have no customers anyway , ” he said , adding that instead of 40 to 45 cars a day the business is now getting about five .
The new regulations , issued Tuesday , require companies to shut down any non-essential part of their business , limit the number of customers inside a store at any one time , put tape down in areas where customers line up to make sure they stay 6 feet apart from each other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , among other changes .
Businesses have until 11:59 p.m. on Thursday to put up signs at all entrances explaining their social distancing protocols .
Atak said he hasn ’ t read the new regulations too closely yet , but he thinks what he ’ s already done covers it .
Other Bay Area businesses said they have already gone beyond the new recommendations to protect employees and customers and help stop the spread of the deadly coronavirus .
Matt Laureano , acting manager at the family-owned Orinda True Value Hardware in Contra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t reviewed the new rules in detail but the business already has signs up telling customers to keep their distance , including limits of one person per aisle , and advising them to restrict their shopping to essential needs .
Employees have also been cleaning as often as possible , including wiping down the cash register between transactions , he said .
“ The exchange of money could actually transfer the coronavirus as well , so we ’ re asking customers to pay with credit or debit cards , ” Laureano said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue at the store , which Laureano estimates gets 200 to 300 customers a day .
But he expects the owner to put up any additional signage that ’ s needed .
And yes , they have hand sanitizer available — but no N95 masks or toilet paper .
Many of the new rules are aimed at grocery stores , which have become a hotspot for potential infection as one of the few places people can go .
Employees at two San Jose grocery stores have already tested positive for coronavirus .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-service checkout and bulk foods , and require that hand sanitizer be stocked at checkouts and other key points .
Big chain grocery stores , like Safeway , Trader Joe ’ s and Save Mart , have already begun installing see-through plastic barriers at checkout stands to help prevent transmission of coronavirus between shoppers and cashier and in some cases , limiting the number of people inside .
At Mi Tierra Foods , an independent grocery store in Berkeley that specializes in Mexican and South American products , employees have been cleaning baskets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stations where shoppers can clean them again if they want to , according to owner Jesus Mendez del Rio .
Employees are wearing gloves and are trying to make any extras available to shoppers .
They ’ ve also been giving away shopping bags so people don ’ t bring their own .
“ Normally we ’ re keeping a flow of about 15 people to keep appropriate distance , ” Mendez del Rio said .
“ So far we haven ’ t had issues with crowds , but we ’ re very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had only recently learned of the new regulations and was going to keep following any rules set by the city — Berkeley has its own public health department and joined those of Alameda , Contra Costa , Marin , San Francisco , San Mateo , and Santa Clara counties in the new , expanded shelter in place orders that will remain in effect until May 3 .
“ We ’ ve adapted , ” he said .
“ This is a problem bigger than any I ’ ve seen in my life and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coronavirus : Volunteers create face shields for doctors and nurses with 3D printers • Coronavirus Q & A : How the Bay Area ’ s extended stay-at-home order changes the rules • Coronavirus : Source says national stockpile is about empty For most businesses , crowded shops are not an issue now .
Fred Cheng , owner of The Bicycle Garage in Fremont , said no one came in during the first hour he was open Wednesday .
He ’ s allowing about 10 customers at a time inside the 6,500 square foot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of those little bike shops that have really congested walkways , ” Cheng said .
“ Our store is very , very open.
” As he talked , he measured out the space between counters — about 10.5 feet , well beyond the 6-foot standard .
The store also has tape to space out shoppers at the register and is busy printing up signs with social distancing information that they plan to put up tomorrow in Fremont and at a second location in San Francisco .
“ We never wanted a crowded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so we ’ re not as concerned , ” he said .
“ You could almost say we ’ re perfect for this .
”

Essential businesses throughout the Bay Area scrambled Wednesday to implement new social distancing protocols required under the region’s expanded shelter in place orders, with bike shops, grocery stores, car repair shops and others working to make sure they had guidelines posted by Friday morning.
Some small business owners said that while they hadn’t reviewed all the details of the new requirements for businesses yet, they have already taken many of the required steps, like limiting customers and disinfecting payment areas after each use.
Akin Atak, who owns Akin’s Auto Repair near downtown San Jose, said he has already put up signs with the guidance that’s become a Bay Area mantra — stay six feet apart, wash your hands regularly, and don’t touch your face. He’s stepped up cleaning to “maybe five to six times a day.” And if employees get in a customer’s car, they wipe it down before they leave.
He’s also limited capacity at his waiting room, which normally sits eight people, to three customers at a time. Not that that’s been an issue.
“Because of the pandemic, we have no customers anyway,” he said, adding that instead of 40 to 45 cars a day the business is now getting about five.
The new regulations, issued Tuesday, require companies to shut down any non-essential part of their business, limit the number of customers inside a store at any one time, put tape down in areas where customers line up to make sure they stay 6 feet apart from each other, and disinfect any high-contact areas regularly, among other changes. Businesses have until 11:59 p.m. on Thursday to put up signs at all entrances explaining their social distancing protocols.
Atak said he hasn’t read the new regulations too closely yet, but he thinks what he’s already done covers it.
Other Bay Area businesses said they have already gone beyond the new recommendations to protect employees and customers and help stop the spread of the deadly coronavirus.
Matt Laureano, acting manager at the family-owned Orinda True Value Hardware in Contra Costa County, said he also hadn’t reviewed the new rules in detail but the business already has signs up telling customers to keep their distance, including limits of one person per aisle, and advising them to restrict their shopping to essential needs. Employees have also been cleaning as often as possible, including wiping down the cash register between transactions, he said.
“The exchange of money could actually transfer the coronavirus as well, so we’re asking customers to pay with credit or debit cards,” Laureano said.
Crowds have never been a big issue at the store, which Laureano estimates gets 200 to 300 customers a day. But he expects the owner to put up any additional signage that’s needed. And yes, they have hand sanitizer available — but no N95 masks or toilet paper.
Many of the new rules are aimed at grocery stores, which have become a hotspot for potential infection as one of the few places people can go. Employees at two San Jose grocery stores have already tested positive for coronavirus. The new rules ban reusable bags, prohibit self-service checkout and bulk foods, and require that hand sanitizer be stocked at checkouts and other key points.
Big chain grocery stores, like Safeway, Trader Joe’s and Save Mart, have already begun installing see-through plastic barriers at checkout stands to help prevent transmission of coronavirus between shoppers and cashier and in some cases, limiting the number of people inside.
At Mi Tierra Foods, an independent grocery store in Berkeley that specializes in Mexican and South American products, employees have been cleaning baskets after each customer and have set up stations where shoppers can clean them again if they want to, according to owner Jesus Mendez del Rio. Employees are wearing gloves and are trying to make any extras available to shoppers. They’ve also been giving away shopping bags so people don’t bring their own.
“Normally we’re keeping a flow of about 15 people to keep appropriate distance,” Mendez del Rio said. “So far we haven’t had issues with crowds, but we’re very attentive.”
Mendez del Rio said he had only recently learned of the new regulations and was going to keep following any rules set by the city — Berkeley has its own public health department and joined those of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties in the new, expanded shelter in place orders that will remain in effect until May 3.
“We’ve adapted,” he said. “This is a problem bigger than any I’ve seen in my life and I’m almost 60.”
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Business | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge For most businesses, crowded shops are not an issue now. Fred Cheng, owner of The Bicycle Garage in Fremont, said no one came in during the first hour he was open Wednesday. He’s allowing about 10 customers at a time inside the 6,500 square foot shop.
“We’re not one of those little bike shops that have really congested walkways,” Cheng said. “Our store is very, very open.”
As he talked, he measured out the space between counters — about 10.5 feet, well beyond the 6-foot standard. The store also has tape to space out shoppers at the register and is busy printing up signs with social distancing information that they plan to put up tomorrow in Fremont and at a second location in San Francisco.
“We never wanted a crowded space, even before this all happened, so we’re not as concerned,” he said. “You could almost say we’re perfect for this.”


mercurynews--2020-04-01--49ers bid adieu to guard Mike Person’s ‘fire and grit’

Nearly two weeks after news broke of guard Mike Person ’ s expected release , the 49ers made the move official Wednesday , and did so with a thank-you note attached .
“ Over the last two years , Mike proved to be a selfless player whose passion for the game was respected by everyone in our organization , ” general manager John Lynch said in a statement .
“ His character and professionalism was a great influence in our locker room , while his fire and grit on the field added to the physical nature of our team .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ his wife , Kelly , and their children nothing but the best in the future.
” Person served most of the past two seasons as the starting right guard , and never was his image as an old-school lineman more upheld than in iconic pictures with a mud-covered face after last season ’ s win at Washington .
Person , 31 , was hindered by a neck injury since the midway mark of last season , but he still started 14 games and all the postseason contests , including the 49ers ’ Super @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a 2011 seventh-round draft pick by the 49ers before spending time with five other franchises .
He rejoined the 49ers in 2018 and beat out Joshua Garnett for a starting job .
Person won the linemen ’ s Bobb McKittrick Award last season .
• How might expanded NFL playoffs help 49ers ’ encore ?
• On this date , March 30 : Giants trade Vida Blue one week before opening day Shortly after ESPN reported on March 19 that Person would be released , the 49ers came to terms the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a one-year deal that has yet to be signed or announced by the club .
Compton and Daniel Brunskill likely will compete for Person ’ s former spot .
Other 49ers to leave since free agency began two weeks ago : defensive linemen DeForest Buckner ( traded ; Indianapolis Colts ) , Sheldon Day ( Indianapolis Colts ) and Anthony Zettel ( Minnesota Vikings ) ; wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders ( New Orleans Saints ) ; tight end Levine Toilolo ( New York Giants ) ; and , linebacker Elijah Lee ( Detroit @ @ @

Nearly two weeks after news broke of guard Mike Person’s expected release, the 49ers made the move official Wednesday, and did so with a thank-you note attached.
“Over the last two years, Mike proved to be a selfless player whose passion for the game was respected by everyone in our organization,” general manager John Lynch said in a statement.
“His character and professionalism was a great influence in our locker room, while his fire and grit on the field added to the physical nature of our team. We thank Mike and wish him, his wife, Kelly, and their children nothing but the best in the future.”
Person served most of the past two seasons as the starting right guard, and never was his image as an old-school lineman more upheld than in iconic pictures with a mud-covered face after last season’s win at Washington.
Person, 31, was hindered by a neck injury since the midway mark of last season, but he still started 14 games and all the postseason contests, including the 49ers’ Super Bowl loss to Kansas City. Person was a 2011 seventh-round draft pick by the 49ers before spending time with five other franchises. He rejoined the 49ers in 2018 and beat out Joshua Garnett for a starting job.
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Shortly after ESPN reported on March 19 that Person would be released, the 49ers came to terms the same day with journeyman guard Tom Compton, a one-year deal that has yet to be signed or announced by the club.
Compton and Daniel Brunskill likely will compete for Person’s former spot.
Other 49ers to leave since free agency began two weeks ago: defensive linemen DeForest Buckner (traded; Indianapolis Colts), Sheldon Day (Indianapolis Colts) and Anthony Zettel (Minnesota Vikings); wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (New Orleans Saints); tight end Levine Toilolo (New York Giants); and, linebacker Elijah Lee (Detroit Lions).


mercurynews--2020-04-01--Coronavirus: Former ‘Bachelor’ Colton Underwood credits Cassie Underwood in recovery

Former “ Bachelor ” Colton Underwood apparently couldn ’ t be more grateful for girlfriend Cassie Randolph .
On Wednesday , Underwood gave “ Daily Pop ” co-host Justin Sylvester an update on his coronavirus battle .
The former NFL player , who had a brief stint with the Oakland Raiders , revealed he ’ s “ feeling so much better.
” He added that wouldn ’ t be on the mend without Randolph , a Walnut Creek native , and her family .
“ It ’ s been going well , I can ’ t say enough good things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve helped me so much.
” Underwood , 24 , shared that he has been quarantined at Randolph ’ s family home in Huntington Beach .
“ ‘ Without them , I don ’ t know where I ’ d be right now .
So I can ’ t thank them enough , ” he said .
• Coronavirus : Volunteers create face shields for doctors and nurses with 3D printers • Coronavirus Q & A : How the Bay Area ’ s extended stay-at-home order changes the rules • Coronavirus : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On March 20 , Underwood revealed via Instagram that he had tested positive for the coronavirus .
Fortunately , Randolph is a nurse and was able to give proper care to the man she met on ABC ’ s reality series ( Remember how she prompted his infamous fence-jumping routine ? )
.
Per Underwood , Cassie wore gloves and a mask when delivering supplies to his bedside .
“ I think getting ill and dealing with this situation has only made us stronger , ” Underwood added .
“ Cass is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and everything , so I can ’ t say enough good things about her.
” Furthermore , Underwood said he felt “ so blessed ” that Cassie and her family haven ’ t displayed any symptoms .
“ I definitely owe her , ” he said .
“ For sure !
” In a recent Instagram post , Randolph said , “ … I ’ m taking care of him by bringing him anything he needs ( food , medicine , water , blankets , games ) .
Then I disinfect myself every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released his memoir , titled “ The First Time , ” Underwood also opened up to Sylvester about why he wanted to share his journey .
The book addresses a number of topics , including his path to “ The Bachelor , ” mental health , his sexuality and more .
“ We have such a hyper-masculine community — that I was , at least , a part of with the locker room environment .
Sometimes it ’ s not ‘ manly ’ or ‘ not cool ’ to go to therapy or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things because that ’ s not what football players do , ” Underwood said .
“ For me , it was very therapeutic to write about it and I hope that it just helps one or two people , at least.
” In regards to his internal struggle about his sexuality , Underwood expressed that the constant speculation about his personal life made him confused .
“ The rumors were going around , the rumors were spreading like crazy , and I didn ’ t have anybody to really talk to or address @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ And once you start hearing something so many times , you start believing it.
” Since he internalized this situation “ for the longest time , ” Underwood said it caused him to have a “ constant struggle.
” “ For me , it wasn ’ t so much so , ‘ I need to be this way or I need to be that way , ' ” Underwood relayed .
“ I just wanted the peace of mind , I wanted the freedom , I didn ’ t want to feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ address it .
”

Former “Bachelor” Colton Underwood apparently couldn’t be more grateful for girlfriend Cassie Randolph.
On Wednesday, Underwood gave “Daily Pop” co-host Justin Sylvester an update on his coronavirus battle. The former NFL player, who had a brief stint with the Oakland Raiders, revealed he’s “feeling so much better.”
He added that wouldn’t be on the mend without Randolph, a Walnut Creek native, and her family.
“It’s been going well, I can’t say enough good things,” he said. “They’ve helped me so much.”
Underwood, 24, shared that he has been quarantined at Randolph’s family home in Huntington Beach.
“‘Without them, I don’t know where I’d be right now. So I can’t thank them enough,” he said.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge On March 20, Underwood revealed via Instagram that he had tested positive for the coronavirus. Fortunately, Randolph is a nurse and was able to give proper care to the man she met on ABC’s reality series (Remember how she prompted his infamous fence-jumping routine?). Per Underwood, Cassie wore gloves and a mask when delivering supplies to his bedside.
“I think getting ill and dealing with this situation has only made us stronger,” Underwood added. “Cass is a great nurse and followed all the guidelines and everything, so I can’t say enough good things about her.”
Furthermore, Underwood said he felt “so blessed” that Cassie and her family haven’t displayed any symptoms. “I definitely owe her,” he said. “For sure!”
In a recent Instagram post, Randolph said, “… I’m taking care of him by bringing him anything he needs (food, medicine, water, blankets, games). Then I disinfect myself every time I leave him.”
Having just released his memoir, titled “The First Time,” Underwood also opened up to Sylvester about why he wanted to share his journey. The book addresses a number of topics, including his path to “The Bachelor,” mental health, his sexuality and more.
“We have such a hyper-masculine community — that I was, at least, a part of with the locker room environment. Sometimes it’s not ‘manly’ or ‘not cool’ to go to therapy or you can’t talk about specific things because that’s not what football players do,” Underwood said. “For me, it was very therapeutic to write about it and I hope that it just helps one or two people, at least.”
In regards to his internal struggle about his sexuality, Underwood expressed that the constant speculation about his personal life made him confused.
“The rumors were going around, the rumors were spreading like crazy, and I didn’t have anybody to really talk to or address it with,” he detailed. “And once you start hearing something so many times, you start believing it.”
Since he internalized this situation “for the longest time,” Underwood said it caused him to have a “constant struggle.”
“For me, it wasn’t so much so, ‘I need to be this way or I need to be that way,'” Underwood relayed. “I just wanted the peace of mind, I wanted the freedom, I didn’t want to feel captive and I just didn’t address it.”


mercurynews--2020-04-01--Coronavirus: Are 3D printers the Silicon Valley solution to shortage of hospital supplies?

CLICK HERE if you are having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device As they brace for a surge in coronavirus patients , Bay Area hospitals are turning to Silicon Valley in a bid to stock up on badly needed protective gear for doctors and nurses .
The nonprofit Maker Nexus in Sunnyvale was abuzz on Wednesday , as a laser cutter spit out sheets of plastic and a row of 3D printers spun colorful spools of material into adjustable straps .
A cadre of tech-savvy volunteers has been churning out thousands of face shields for doctors and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 pandemic , in response to a plea for help from area hospitals and foundations .
And they are not alone .
Across the country , “ maker spaces ” have transformed into mini factories , sending shields , masks and other personal protective equipment ( PPE ) to nearby hospitals .
Eric Hess , general manager of Maker Nexus , said it represented “ one of the most tremendous mobilizations ” of makers he ’ s seen in his life .
It ’ s not just makers in the area offering to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jose-based green energy company , has refurbished a stockpile of broken ventilators sent by the federal government and sent them to Los Angeles , an area hit hard by the deadly virus .
HP and IBM have donated masks and Lumileds , a lighting company , has contributed more than 1,000 respirators .
“ The tech community has risen to meet this crisis together , donating critically needed resources to combat the COVID-19 pandemic , ” Carl Guardino , CEO of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group , said in a statement .
Already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 13,000 requests for its face shields , Hess said .
But even with about 300 people volunteering their help , and in some cases the use of their 3D printers at home , the nonprofit can only produce between 500-1,000 shields a day at the moment .
“ The scope of the problem was way bigger than we could handle ourselves , ” Hess said .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom has rushed to bring supplies to the state , saying California needs an eye-popping billion gloves , hundreds of millions of masks and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even turning to Tesla CEO Elon Musk for help producing more of the breathing devices .
But nurses across the Bay Area are staging protests , saying they lack enough protective gear and accusing hospitals of being ill-prepared to respond the crisis .
On Wednesday , engineer and 3D printing hobbyist Bill Wang pulled up to deliver a box of dozens of the adjustable straps that go into the shields that he ’ d manufactured at home .
His friend is a nurse , Wang said , and didn ’ t have access @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do something and saw a Facebook post calling for volunteers .
“ Every little thing helps , ” the Union City resident , who was on his way to bring groceries to his parents nearby , said .
“ I think these guys are great.
” The shields , he said , help protect doctors and nurses from disease-carrying droplets while they ’ re treating patients who may have the coronavirus , and crucially , can be easily disinfected and reused .
Each patient , he said , can require medical workers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
While the hospital is still doing OK on supplies , he said , “ what we want is a good stockpile in case we get into a surge situation.
” Getting supplies through normal avenues , Kurani said , has been difficult , so Silicon Valley has provided a lifeline — one that he hopes will continue into the future .
“ This could be a potential brand new supply chain for us , ” he said .
“ It ’ s a great symbiotic relationship.
” He thanked the nonprofit and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their collaborative effort in the face of the virus was boosting morale among nurses and doctors on the front lines .
“ What is driving a lot of the fear is the uncertainty , ” Kurani said .
“ We ’ re not going to beat a disease through fear.
” • Coronavirus Q & A : How the Bay Area ’ s extended stay-at-home order changes the rules • Coronavirus : Source says national stockpile is about empty Already , Hess said , Maker Nexus is looking at what other needs they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks .
“ You have a huge wealth of talent here , ” he said .
Michael Elliott , chief operating officer of Valley Medical Center Foundation , echoed the doctor , calling the work “ a huge testament to that spirit ” of innovation in Silicon Valley .
“ This is a crisis we will get through together , ” Elliott said .
“ It ’ s an incredible community-wide effort .
”

CLICK HERE if you are having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device
As they brace for a surge in coronavirus patients, Bay Area hospitals are turning to Silicon Valley in a bid to stock up on badly needed protective gear for doctors and nurses.
The nonprofit Maker Nexus in Sunnyvale was abuzz on Wednesday, as a laser cutter spit out sheets of plastic and a row of 3D printers spun colorful spools of material into adjustable straps.
A cadre of tech-savvy volunteers has been churning out thousands of face shields for doctors and nurses on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, in response to a plea for help from area hospitals and foundations.
And they are not alone. Across the country, “maker spaces” have transformed into mini factories, sending shields, masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) to nearby hospitals.
Eric Hess, general manager of Maker Nexus, said it represented “one of the most tremendous mobilizations” of makers he’s seen in his life.
It’s not just makers in the area offering to help. Bloom Energy, the San Jose-based green energy company, has refurbished a stockpile of broken ventilators sent by the federal government and sent them to Los Angeles, an area hit hard by the deadly virus. HP and IBM have donated masks and Lumileds, a lighting company, has contributed more than 1,000 respirators.
“The tech community has risen to meet this crisis together, donating critically needed resources to combat the COVID-19 pandemic,” Carl Guardino, CEO of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, said in a statement.
Already, Maker Nexus has been inundated with 13,000 requests for its face shields, Hess said. But even with about 300 people volunteering their help, and in some cases the use of their 3D printers at home, the nonprofit can only produce between 500-1,000 shields a day at the moment.
“The scope of the problem was way bigger than we could handle ourselves,” Hess said.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has rushed to bring supplies to the state, saying California needs an eye-popping billion gloves, hundreds of millions of masks and gowns, and thousands of ventilators, even turning to Tesla CEO Elon Musk for help producing more of the breathing devices. But nurses across the Bay Area are staging protests, saying they lack enough protective gear and accusing hospitals of being ill-prepared to respond the crisis.
On Wednesday, engineer and 3D printing hobbyist Bill Wang pulled up to deliver a box of dozens of the adjustable straps that go into the shields that he’d manufactured at home. His friend is a nurse, Wang said, and didn’t have access to a shield. He wanted to do something and saw a Facebook post calling for volunteers.
“Every little thing helps,” the Union City resident, who was on his way to bring groceries to his parents nearby, said. “I think these guys are great.”
Sanjay Kurani, medical director at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, agreed.
The shields, he said, help protect doctors and nurses from disease-carrying droplets while they’re treating patients who may have the coronavirus, and crucially, can be easily disinfected and reused. Each patient, he said, can require medical workers to use up to 15 sets of PPE.
While the hospital is still doing OK on supplies, he said, “what we want is a good stockpile in case we get into a surge situation.”
Getting supplies through normal avenues, Kurani said, has been difficult, so Silicon Valley has provided a lifeline — one that he hopes will continue into the future.
“This could be a potential brand new supply chain for us,” he said. “It’s a great symbiotic relationship.”
He thanked the nonprofit and volunteers for stepping forward, and said their collaborative effort in the face of the virus was boosting morale among nurses and doctors on the front lines.
“What is driving a lot of the fear is the uncertainty,” Kurani said. “We’re not going to beat a disease through fear.”
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“You have a huge wealth of talent here,” he said.
Michael Elliott, chief operating officer of Valley Medical Center Foundation, echoed the doctor, calling the work “a huge testament to that spirit” of innovation in Silicon Valley.
“This is a crisis we will get through together,” Elliott said. “It’s an incredible community-wide effort.”


mercurynews--2020-04-01--Coronavirus Q&A: How the Bay Area’s extended stay-at-home order changes the rules

This week ’ s extension of the Bay Area ’ s shelter-in-place order added new clarifications and restrictions to the mix .
Here ’ s what you need to know about the new order — signed by Alameda , Contra Costa , Marin , San Francisco , San Mateo , and Santa Clara counties and in effect until May 3 — that replaces the previous order that kicked off March 17 .
Will it really end on May 3 ?
The order was originally instituted as a three-week mandate that was set to expire on April 7 , but officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for a total of seven weeks of isolation .
When asked how officials will decide whether to extend it again , Santa Clara County Public Health Officer Sara Cody said it depends on a lot of factors that all tie back to hospital capacity .
“ What we need to see is that our demand source — how many people are ill and requiring hospitalization — comes to a place where it ’ s comfortably nestled under our supply curve to care for them in the way they need to be cared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two weeks of the region ’ s stay-at-home order , Cody said that “ early indications show that the actions we ’ ve taken have started to slow the spread ” but that more time and additional resources are still needed .
Gov .
Newsom is now using a 12-week time frame when he talks of the need for Californians to adhere to stay-home orders .
May I still go outside or to a park for exercise ?
Although the order restricts “ non-essential travel ” by foot , bicycle , scooter and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get fresh air , walk their dog or go for a run .
Most trails and parks across the region remain open , but many have closed parking lots to limit the number of visitors .
And everyone must maintain six feet between one another when outside of their home .
One county , however , has now put tighter restrictions on resident ’ s exercise and time outside .
San Mateo County public health officials have clarified in an FAQ on their website that residents may exercise — including walking , running @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if within 5 miles of your residence.
” “ There ’ s real danger when a person from one area visits another area , ” said Preston Merchant , a spokesperson for San Mateo County Health .
“ Your need for exercise and walking the dog should really be limited to your immediate surroundings — that ’ s the intent of the order .
And that ’ s why many parks and beaches have essentially just shut down.
” Santa Clara County Counsel James Williams said that those residing outside San Mateo County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exercise .
“ It is the one significant difference I ’ m aware of between the orders , ” Williams said in an email .
“ The Santa Clara County and other orders do not include any mile-based limitation on outdoor activity.
” When am I required to adhere to social distancing rules ?
Social distancing requirements are now mandatory under all circumstances , from walking in the park to going to the grocery store to working at an essential business .
Everyone must maintain at least six feet between themselves and others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times .
“ That ’ s a minimum .
More distance is better , smaller groups are better , the less time you ’ re in contact with others is better , ” Cody said .
May I go see my friends or significant other if I stay inside a home ?
Not legally .
Even if you maintain six feet of distance , traveling to visit a friend or significant other is not considered an essential activity .
You are permitted to leave your home only for essential activities ( such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a family member , etc . )
, essential government functions or to work at an essential business .
For a list of essential businesses , click here .
May I take my dog to the dog park ?
Not any more .
Under the newly extended order , dog parks must be shut down .
Public health officials say that dog parks promote social gathering , which the order is attempting to stop .
What is closed now that wasn ’ t before ?
All dog parks ; tennis , pickleball @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outdoor gym equipment and playgrounds ; picnic and barbecue areas ; drinking fountains ; public restrooms ; disc golf areas and sports fields are now closed across the region .
Although many cities had already closed these facilities , the order which went into effect on Wednesday prohibits them outright .
What are the new requirements for businesses that remain open ?
The list of essential businesses has primarily remained the same , although there are tighter restrictions on construction projects .
The “ essential ” list includes grocers , pharmacies , gas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those businesses now must adhere to some additional regulations .
By Friday , April 3 , businesses that remain open must create a “ Social Distancing protocol ” for their facility that customers and employees can view easily , and they must implement it in their day-to-day operations .
The counties have each provided businesses with a template to use .
The protocol stipulates that essential businesses should check employees for symptoms before they enter the workplace , set up work stations at least six feet apart , and ensure hand sanitizer and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Businesses must also maximize the number of employees who work from home , excepting only those employees who can not perform their job duties from home .
And they must scale down operations to the essential portion of what they normally do .
How will this be enforced ?
This new , extended mandate will be enforced the same as before , by local law enforcement agencies that appear to be stepping up their activities after an initial grace period .
Contacts for violations could lead to misdemeanor citations — the strongest legal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and business license and health code sanctions .
My home needs some maintenance .
Can I still get it done ?
Home improvement service providers , such as plumbers , electricians and exterminators , may keep working only to help residents maintain a “ livable , sanitary , and functional household , ” according to Santa Clara County ’ s order FAQ page .
Other maintenance is prohibited .
“ Purely cosmetic or other non-essential home services for general upkeep are not allowed and should be put off , ” according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ landscapers or gardeners are not permitted to provide services for general upkeep or that are cosmetic .
What kind of construction is allowed under the new order ?
Most commercial construction was already prohibited , and the new order extends the rules to most residential building .
Only residential construction that includes at least 10 % affordable units is permitted to continue .
Construction on a single-family home may continue only if the home was already being built and the work is necessary to put it in a safe condition for the rest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other construction permitted to continue includes : • Projects immediately necessary to the maintenance , operation , or repair of essential infrastructure • Public works projects if specifically designated as an essential governmental function by the lead governmental agency • Shelters and temporary housing , but not including hotels or motels • Construction or repair necessary to ensure that residences and buildings containing essential businesses are safe , sanitary or habitable Have a question about the Bay Area ’ s extended stay-at-home order ?
Give us details and we ’ ll try to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ & A .

This week’s extension of the Bay Area’s shelter-in-place order added new clarifications and restrictions to the mix.
Here’s what you need to know about the new order — signed by Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties and in effect until May 3 — that replaces the previous order that kicked off March 17.
Will it really end on May 3?
Probably not.
The order was originally instituted as a three-week mandate that was set to expire on April 7, but officials on Tuesday extended it another four weeks, for a total of seven weeks of isolation.
When asked how officials will decide whether to extend it again, Santa Clara County Public Health Officer Sara Cody said it depends on a lot of factors that all tie back to hospital capacity.
“What we need to see is that our demand source — how many people are ill and requiring hospitalization — comes to a place where it’s comfortably nestled under our supply curve to care for them in the way they need to be cared for,” Cody said.
After two weeks of the region’s stay-at-home order, Cody said that “early indications show that the actions we’ve taken have started to slow the spread” but that more time and additional resources are still needed. Gov. Newsom is now using a 12-week time frame when he talks of the need for Californians to adhere to stay-home orders.
May I still go outside or to a park for exercise?
Although the order restricts “non-essential travel” by foot, bicycle, scooter and vehicles, residents can go outside to get fresh air, walk their dog or go for a run.
Most trails and parks across the region remain open, but many have closed parking lots to limit the number of visitors. And everyone must maintain six feet between one another when outside of their home.
One county, however, has now put tighter restrictions on resident’s exercise and time outside.
San Mateo County public health officials have clarified in an FAQ on their website that residents may exercise — including walking, running or riding a bike — only “if within 5 miles of your residence.”
“There’s real danger when a person from one area visits another area,” said Preston Merchant, a spokesperson for San Mateo County Health. “Your need for exercise and walking the dog should really be limited to your immediate surroundings — that’s the intent of the order. And that’s why many parks and beaches have essentially just shut down.”
Santa Clara County Counsel James Williams said that those residing outside San Mateo County are still permitted to range farther for exercise.
“It is the one significant difference I’m aware of between the orders,” Williams said in an email. “The Santa Clara County and other orders do not include any mile-based limitation on outdoor activity.”
When am I required to adhere to social distancing rules?
Social distancing requirements are now mandatory under all circumstances, from walking in the park to going to the grocery store to working at an essential business. Everyone must maintain at least six feet between themselves and others outside of their immediate household at all times.
“That’s a minimum. More distance is better, smaller groups are better, the less time you’re in contact with others is better,” Cody said.
May I go for a car ride around town? Or see my friends or significant other if I stay inside a home?
Not legally. Even if you maintain six feet of distance, driving around town to see some scenery or traveling to visit a friend or significant other is not considered an essential activity.
You are permitted to leave your home only for essential activities (such as grocery shopping, medical needs, caring for a family member, etc.), essential government functions or to work at an essential business. For a list of essential businesses, click here.
May I take my dog to the dog park?
Not any more. Under the newly extended order, dog parks must be shut down. Public health officials say that dog parks promote social gathering, which the order is attempting to stop.
What is closed now that wasn’t before?
All dog parks; tennis, pickleball, futsal, and basketball courts; outdoor gym equipment and playgrounds; picnic and barbecue areas; drinking fountains; public restrooms; disc golf areas and sports fields are now closed across the region.
Although many cities had already closed these facilities, the order which went into effect on Wednesday prohibits them outright.
What are the new requirements for businesses that remain open?
The list of essential businesses has primarily remained the same, although there are tighter restrictions on construction projects. The “essential” list includes grocers, pharmacies, gas stations, and healthcare facilities.
But those businesses now must adhere to some additional regulations.
By Friday, April 3, businesses that remain open must create a “Social Distancing protocol” for their facility that customers and employees can view easily, and they must implement it in their day-to-day operations. The counties have each provided businesses with a template to use.
The protocol stipulates that essential businesses should check employees for symptoms before they enter the workplace, set up work stations at least six feet apart, and ensure hand sanitizer and disinfectants are available throughout the facility.
Businesses must also maximize the number of employees who work from home, excepting only those employees who cannot perform their job duties from home. And they must scale down operations to the essential portion of what they normally do.
How will this be enforced?
This new, extended mandate will be enforced the same as before, by local law enforcement agencies that appear to be stepping up their activities after an initial grace period. Contacts for violations could lead to misdemeanor citations — the strongest legal penalty authorized by the sheltering order — and business license and health code sanctions.
In Santa Clara County, reports of businesses operating in violation of the order can be sent to pubhealthreferral@dao.sccgov.org. A voicemail can also be left by calling 408-792-2300 in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.
Can I travel to my second home?
No, driving to a secondary residence would not be considered essential travel. To fight the spread of COVID-19 to additional communities, public health officials are asking you to stay in your primary residence. However, travel to a temporary residence is allowed if necessary to avoid potentially exposing others to COVID-19, according to the San Mateo County FAQ page.
My home needs some maintenance. Can I still get it done?
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge Home improvement service providers, such as plumbers, electricians and exterminators, may keep working only to help residents maintain a “livable, sanitary, and functional household,” according to Santa Clara County’s order FAQ page. Other maintenance is prohibited.
“Purely cosmetic or other non-essential home services for general upkeep are not allowed and should be put off,” according to the county’s FAQ, clarifying that landscapers or gardeners are not permitted to provide services for general upkeep or that are cosmetic.
What kind of construction is allowed under the new order?
Most commercial construction was already prohibited, and the new order extends the rules to most residential building. Only residential construction that includes at least 10% affordable units is permitted to continue. Construction on a single-family home may continue only if the home was already being built and the work is necessary to put it in a safe condition for the rest of the stay-at-home order.
The only other construction permitted to continue includes:
Projects immediately necessary to the maintenance, operation, or repair of essential infrastructure
Projects associated with healthcare operations
Public works projects if specifically designated as an essential governmental function by the lead governmental agency
Shelters and temporary housing, but not including hotels or motels
Construction or repair necessary to ensure that residences and buildings containing essential businesses are safe, sanitary or habitable
Have a question about the Bay Area’s extended stay-at-home order? Give us details and we’ll try to provide an answer in a future Q&A.


mercurynews--2020-04-02--Letter: COVID-19 crisis a massive experiment in teleworking

The coronavirus pandemic is a difficult time , but it ’ s one we can learn from .
It ’ s a massive experiment in teleworking .
Outside of affecting traffic congestion , the shift to remote employment might mean more-flexible standard work hours , changes in the office landscape and , of course , better business for Zoom .
Most notably , fewer commuting employees would mean decreased carbon emissions in the Bay Area .
When Brookings Institution Fellow Tracy Hadden Loh , who studies urban life , work and transportation , suggests in the article that we need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for fixing traffic , let ’ s not forget to tackle one of the largest problems that traffic contributes to : climate change .
• Letter : This gives us critical time to reflect on our society • Letter : Should we thank Trump for making US No .
1 in cases ?
While the current traffic decrease is caused by less-than-ideal conditions , the environmental benefits can at least be appreciated .
It shows how quickly the earth can recover with the right actions .
To continue those benefits , we must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act ( HR 763 ) , which taxes carbon emissions and returns the money to the American people .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

COVID-19 crisis a massive
experiment in teleworking
Re: “Will coronavirus spur a traffic-solving remote-work revolution? Don’t count on it” (Eastbaytimes.com, March 22):
The coronavirus pandemic is a difficult time, but it’s one we can learn from. It’s a massive experiment in teleworking. Outside of affecting traffic congestion, the shift to remote employment might mean more-flexible standard work hours, changes in the office landscape and, of course, better business for Zoom.
Most notably, fewer commuting employees would mean decreased carbon emissions in the Bay Area. When Brookings Institution Fellow Tracy Hadden Loh, who studies urban life, work and transportation, suggests in the article that we need a “comprehensive set of reforms” for fixing traffic, let’s not forget to tackle one of the largest problems that traffic contributes to: climate change.
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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 While the current traffic decrease is caused by less-than-ideal conditions, the environmental benefits can at least be appreciated. It shows how quickly the earth can recover with the right actions. To continue those benefits, we must all urge our representatives to support the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act (HR 763), which taxes carbon emissions and returns the money to the American people.
Alison Zhang
Fremont
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
Read more Letters to the Editor


mercurynews--2020-04-02--Letter: Retired health care personnel working is a suicide mission

Re : “ Graduating California nursing students want to help , but told to stay home instead ” ( Mercurynews.com , March 27 ) : It is good to see that our young , newly minted nurses and medical students are being recruited to work , but asking retired health care personnel to work on COVID-19 patients is too risky .
Based on averaged data from Italy and China , the death rate for COVID-19 is about 0.1 % for someone age 25 , 3.6 % for someone age 65 and 18 % for someone age 80 or older .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in is a suicide mission .
Asking the youngest to come in is prudent , when done with requisite care .
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1 in cases ?
• Letter : These machines should be banned due to COVID-19 These mortality statistics should guide our workforce response to COVID-19 , whether at the hospital , grocery or factory .
The risk for our youngest is not zero , but we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young workers as one near-retirement worker .
People over 55 should exercise extreme caution .
Leaders , please take note .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Let mortality rates guide
our COVID-19 workforce
Re: “California to recruit health workers” (Mercurynews.com, March 31):
It is good to see that our young, newly minted nurses and medical students are being recruited to work, but asking retired health care personnel to work on COVID-19 patients is too risky.
Based on averaged data from Italy and China, the death rate for COVID-19 is about 0.1% for someone age 25, 3.6% for someone age 65 and 18% for someone age 80 or older.
Asking retired health care workers to come in is a suicide mission. Asking the youngest to come in is prudent, when done with requisite care.
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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 These mortality statistics should guide our workforce response to COVID-19, whether at the hospital, grocery or factory. The risk for our youngest is not zero, but we are taking the same death risk for 30 young workers as one near-retirement worker. People over 55 should exercise extreme caution. Leaders, please take note.
Adam Brand
Palo Alto
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