mercurynews--2020-03-13--Coronavirus travel ban throws American tourists, H-1B workers into chaos

Katie DeCarlo found out she might not be able to come back to the Bay Area on just the second full day of her vacation in Bilbao , Spain .
“ I woke up and had a bunch of text messages and the first was from my boss , ” said DeCarlo , a tech worker who lives in San Francisco .
“ It kinda worried it me.
” President Donald Trump ’ s travel restrictions , which took effect Friday at 11:59 p.m. and prevent citizens from 26 European countries from traveling to the United States for 30 days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other Americans now in Europe as airlines changed schedules and tried to handle a flood of calls .
The unprecedented ban , intended to slow the spread of coronavirus in the country , also presents significant challenges for Bay Area companies that rely on large foreign workforces .
DeCarlo ’ s boss , coworkers and relatives all started texting her about the travel restrictions shortly after they were announced .
American citizens and permanent residents , plus their immediate relatives , are exempted , but DeCarlo said she and her partner were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back early , .
A friend traveling through Belgium at the same time was planning to the same .
DeCarlo , who works for a technology company in San Francisco , started looking for ways to come home .
She and her partner waited two hours on hold with United Airlines only to get disconnected when someone picked up .
They tried to call later but an automatic phone menu told them the volume of calls for flight changes was too high for their request .
They couldn ’ t change their flights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
They even looked into buying new tickets but $ 2,000 per ticket was more than they could afford .
“ At one point we were thinking … that we had a choice , ” she said .
“ We actually don ’ t have a choice .
We have to wait to see what the airline will do.
” After spending most of what they thought would be their first jet-lag-free day as tourists trying to figure out when they ’ d come home , DeCarlo said they ’ re going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back next week .
But with the number of cancellations , she ’ s preparing for the worst .
“ It ’ s a thing of dystopic movies , ” she said .
“ Worst case scenario , we stay in Spain for a long time.
” She ’ s already looked into how much it would cost to sublet an apartment .
United said travelers can change their flight reservations online , and in a statement posted on its website said it had capped prices on flights between the U.S. and countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s unclear what the cap is , but a search on Friday morning showed flights from several European cities including Bilbao , Barcelona and Madrid to San Francisco cost about $ 3,000 .
Other airlines are experiencing similar problems .
In an email to customers , American Airlines asked travelers whose flights were not in the next 72 hours “ to wait until closer to your trip to contact us ” so they can focus on customers with immediate needs .
Adding to the confusion , DeCarlo said , is that flights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will only be allowed into select U.S. airports .
The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement it would allow flights into 11 major airports where officials can conduct “ enhanced health screening.
” According to American Airlines , that includes San Francisco International , but not Oakland or San Jose .
The challenges are even greater for Bay Area technology companies that have global workforces , that include foreign workers , particularly those on H-1B and other work visas who aren ’ t permanent residents .
Those workers could have trouble @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be stopped from coming back to the U.S. if officials feel they ’ re coming from a high-risk area , according to Rebecca Bernhard , a partner at the international law firm Dorsey & Whitney .
Shev Dalal-Dheini , director of government relations at the American Immigration Lawyers Association , said that U.S .
Citizenship and Immigration Services has said it will make exemptions for late filings but lawyers are waiting for specifics .
• Rage Against the Machine postpones tour , Oakland shows , over COVID-19 fears “ I think it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sudden , ” Dalal-Dheini said .
“ No one was prepared for this to be coming down the pipeline.
” Her organization is already asking for clarification on how H-1B workers could be affected by working from home , as Santa Clara County health authorities have recommended for businesses here .
That ’ s because H-1B workers are required to inform the government where they ’ ll be working , and any significant changes could require filing additional paperwork with the U.S. Department of Labor .
In Bilbao , DeCarlo said she knows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and to be able to work remotely if needed .
Her partner , who manages a bar in San Francisco , has already heard two workdays have been cut because there aren ’ t any customers .
But through it all , she said one of her biggest concerns has been the lack of clear , official information.
” I ’ m very confused about my government right now , ” she said .

Katie DeCarlo found out she might not be able to come back to the Bay Area on just the second full day of her vacation in Bilbao, Spain.
“I woke up and had a bunch of text messages and the first was from my boss,” said DeCarlo, a tech worker who lives in San Francisco. “It kinda worried it me.”
President Donald Trump’s travel restrictions, which took effect Friday at 11:59 p.m. and prevent citizens from 26 European countries from traveling to the United States for 30 days, threw things into chaos for DeCarlo and other Americans now in Europe as airlines changed schedules and tried to handle a flood of calls. The unprecedented ban, intended to slow the spread of coronavirus in the country, also presents significant challenges for Bay Area companies that rely on large foreign workforces.
DeCarlo’s boss, coworkers and relatives all started texting her about the travel restrictions shortly after they were announced. American citizens and permanent residents, plus their immediate relatives, are exempted, but DeCarlo said she and her partner were worried enough that they wanted to fly back early. A friend traveling through Belgium at the same time was planning to do the same.
DeCarlo, who works for a technology company in San Francisco, started looking for ways to come home. She and her partner waited two hours on hold with United Airlines only to get disconnected when someone picked up. They tried to call later, but an automatic phone menu told them the volume of calls for flight changes was too high for their request. They couldn’t change their flights on the United Airlines website, she said. They even looked into buying new tickets but $2,000 per ticket was more than they could afford.
“At one point we were thinking … that we had a choice,” she said. “We actually don’t have a choice. We have to wait to see what the airline will do.”
After spending most of what they thought would be their first jet-lag-free day as tourists trying to figure out when they’d come home, DeCarlo said they’re going to try to take their original flight back next week. But with the number of cancellations, she’s preparing for the worst.
“It’s a thing of dystopic movies,” she said. “Worst case scenario, we stay in Spain for a long time.” She’s already looked into how much it would cost to sublet an apartment.
United said travelers can change their flight reservations online and, in a statement posted on its website, said it had capped prices on flights between the U.S. and countries on the travel restrictions list. It’s unclear what the cap is, but a search on Friday morning showed flights from several European cities including Bilbao, Barcelona and Madrid to San Francisco cost about $3,000.
Other airlines are experiencing similar problems. In an email to customers, American Airlines asked travelers whose flights were not in the next 72 hours “to wait until closer to your trip to contact us” so they can focus on customers with immediate needs.
If you're wondering how airlines are dealing rn, my flight home from Europe on Sunday was cancelled — but my @united app still says I'm good to go and I haven't gotten an official notification of the cancellation and the wait time to talk to a person about it is over 2 hours. — Emily Atkin (@emorwee) March 13, 2020
Hey @AmericanAir , how about lowering your fares on one way flights back to the U.S. from Europe ? My daughter is studying abroad in London and her program got cancelled so she has to fly home this weekend at its $2,000 one way! This is unethical! — Barbara Acker Moore (@barbmoore) March 12, 2020
@Delta… we are trying to get home from Europe and we cant get through. Our ticket is scheduled for Monday but we are hearing that you are dropping all Europe flights. Help! — Sean Morris (@DJ_SeanMorris) March 13, 2020
Adding to the confusion, DeCarlo said, is that flights from Europe once the ban takes effect will only be allowed into select U.S. airports. The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement it would allow flights into 11 major airports where officials can conduct “enhanced health screening.” According to American Airlines, that includes San Francisco International but not Oakland or San Jose.
The challenges are even greater for Bay Area technology companies that have global workforces that include foreign workers, particularly those on H-1B and other work visas who aren’t permanent residents. Those workers could have trouble renewing expired visas or passports or even be stopped from coming back to the U.S. if officials feel they’re coming from a high-risk area, according to Rebecca Bernhard, a partner at the international law firm Dorsey & Whitney.
Shev Dalal-Dheini, director of government relations at the American Immigration Lawyers Association, said that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has said it will make exemptions for late filings but lawyers are waiting for specifics.
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Her organization is already asking for clarification on how H-1B workers could be affected by working from home, as Santa Clara County health authorities have recommended for businesses here. That’s because H-1B workers are required to inform the government where they’ll be working, and any significant changes could require filing additional paperwork with the U.S. Department of Labor.
In Bilbao, DeCarlo said she knows she’s privileged to be traveling and to be able to work remotely if needed. Her partner, who manages a bar in San Francisco, has already heard two workdays have been cut because there aren’t any customers.
On Saturday, all that changed as Spain began placing heavy restrictions on movement within the country. DeCarlo and her partner paid $500 each to change their flights to leave early, saying that hotels were set to start closing Monday and she worried the country might begin restricting flights to the U.S.
Through it all, she said one of her biggest concerns has been the lack of clear, official information.”I’m very confused about my government right now,” she said.


mercurynews--2020-03-13--Bay Area’s farmers markets: Who is open, who is not during coronavirus outbreak

The Bay Area ’ s open-air farmers markets are consulting with public health officials about the coronavirus situation and deciding on a case-by-case basis whether to open to customers this weekend .
Many certified operations want to remain a valuable source of fresh vegetables and fruit during this current crisis , so they ’ ll keep their usual Saturday or Sunday hours — with precautions .
“ Purchasing fresh food is a non-optional activity that should not be made scarce , ” Ron Pardini , executive director of the Urban Village Farmers Market Association , said in a statement Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certified farmers markets ) would only redirect a vast number of our customers toward online , or enclosed-space grocery stores , over-burdening those spaces , and further hurting the local economy of Northern Californian food sheds.
” The Pacific Coast Farmers ’ Market Association echoed those sentiments .
“ We believe that our farmers markets are essential food resources and we are committed to keeping them open for as long as possible , ” the website says .
In all cases , market organizers say food sampling will be suspended , all vendors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be available at the information booths .
Customers are reminded to wash all produce and wash bags after each shopping excursion .
MARKETS THAT WILL BE OPEN THIS WEEKEND — All Urban Village markets will remain open this weekend .
Those are the Saturday markets in Castro Valley , Santa Clara , Sunnyvale and San Jose/Willow Glen and the Sunday markets in Campbell , Palo Alto , Oakland/Montclair and Oakland/Temescal .
— These Pacific Coast association markets will be open : Saturday markets in Alameda , Brentwood , Pinole , Pittsburg , San @ @ @ @ @ @ @ San Francisco , Union City and Vacaville .
Sunday markets in Belmont , Fremont/Irvington , Livermore , Milpitas and San Jose/Evergreen .
MARKETS THAT WILL GO ON HIATUS — In the East Bay , the Pleasanton , Danville , Martinez and Oakland/Jack London Square markets will be closed .
— In the South Bay/Peninsula , the San Mateo and San Jose/Alum Rock markets will be closed .
— In Monterey County , the Marina farmers market operated by Everyone ’ s Harvest will be open Sunday , and the situation will be evaluated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has opted to close its market .

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During this coronavirus crisis, farmers markets and agricultural producers are exempted from the “shelter at home” edict because they feed Californians.
“We are happy that farmers markets have been deemed essential services, allowing for
customers to shop for the best local produce available in a safe, stress-free environment,” Gail Hayden, executive director of the California Farmers Market Association, said Friday in a statement. “It’s what our bodies and minds truly need during these trying times.”
In all cases, market organizers say food sampling has been suspended, all vendors will wear protective gloves and disinfectant will be available at the information booths. They are reminding their vendors to maintain social-distancing space and customers to wash all produce and bags after each shopping excursion.
Here are the markets still operating, according to the Urban Village Farmers Market Association, the Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association, the California Farmers Market Association, the Berkeley Ecology Center, Champ Farmer Markets and the Agricultural Institute of Marin.
NOTE: The weekend markets in Campbell, Concord, Danville, downtown Palo Alto, Pleasanton and San Jose’s Berryessa, Japantown and Santa Teresa neighborhoods are temporarily closed.
OPEN TUESDAY
Berkeley, 2 to 6:30 p.m., Adeline and 63rd streets
OPEN WEDNESDAY
San Jose/Princeton Plaza, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 1375 Blossom Hill Road
OPEN THURSDAY
Berkeley, 3 to 7 p.m., Shattuck Avenue at Vine Street
Marin/San Rafael, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Marin Civic Center
OPEN FRIDAY
Richmond, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Barrett Avenue at 25th Street
OPEN SATURDAY
Alameda, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Haight Avenue and Webster Street
Berkeley, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Center Street at Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Brentwood, 8 a.m. to noon, First and Oak streets
Castro Valley, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., BART station parking lot
Daly City, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Serramonte Center
Foster City, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m, 1010 Metro Center Blvd.
Fremont/Niles, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Niles Depot
Hayward, 9 a.m. 1 p.m., Watkins Street between B and C streets
Morgan Hill, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Caltrain station
Oakland, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Grand Lake/Lake Park Boulevard
Pinole, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Fernandez Avenue and Pear Street
San Jose/Cambrian Park Plaza, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 14900 Camden Ave.
San Jose/Rose Garden, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Lincoln High School lot, Dana Avenue
San Jose/Willow Glen, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m, Willow Glen Elementary School
San Leandro, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Bayfair Center
San Mateo, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m, College of San Mateo
Santa Clara, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m, Jackson Street and Homestead Road
Saratoga, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., West Valley College parking lot
Sunnyvale, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Murphy Avenue at Washington
Union City, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Old Alvarado Park
Vallejo, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Georgia and Marin streets
Walnut Creek, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Shadelands Business Park
OPEN SUNDAY
Alamo, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., 3157 Danville Blvd.
Belmont, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Caltrain parking lot
Cupertino, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Oaks center
Fremont, Irvington, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Bay Street & Trimboli Way
Livermore, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Third and J streets
Los Gatos, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Town Plaza Park
Marin/San Rafael, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Marin Civic Center
Martinez, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Estudillo and Main streets
Milpitas, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m, Great Mall Drive
Moraga, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Moraga Center
Mountain View, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Caltrain station
Newark, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., NewPark Mall
Oakland/Montclair, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., La Salle and Moraga avenues
Oakland/Temescal, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., North Oakland DMV lot, 5300 Claremont Ave.
Palo Alto, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., California Avenue
San Jose/Princeton Plaza, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 1375 Blossom Hill Road
San Jose/Alum Rock, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., 57 N. White Road
San Jose/Evergreen, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Evergreen Village Square
San Jose/Blossom Hill, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Oakridge Mall


mercurynews--2020-03-13--Coronavirus hammers dining out, especially Chinese food

Coronavirus is putting lots of paychecks under pressure , so it ’ s no surprise that the once-sizzling hot Southern California restaurant business is slow .
It ’ s a bit off-putting to see this retreat especially battering the Chinese food segment .
Few hard local numbers are yet available , but a new nationwide survey from USC says 25 % of people polled “ have avoided restaurants in general ” and 18 % “ specifically avoided Chinese restaurants.
” I ’ ve known Wing Lam , Wahoo ’ s Fish Taco marketing guru and co-owner , for three decades @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scene like him .
Yup , the coronavirus fallout is smacking his Mexico-meets-Asia-styled chain ’ s sales fairly hard , he told me .
Dining out is suddenly passé when avoiding contact with other humans is the latest health advice .
But Lam says the Wahoo ’ s dip is nothing like what ’ s happening at Chinese eateries .
How does he know ?
The often-told story of Lam , his family and restaurants spins around the Shanghai Pine Gardens restaurant on ritzy Balboa Island in Newport Beach that opened in 1971 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dad , a Chinese immigrant , got his boys hooked on the restaurant business .
Well , the family is still the landlord of that restaurant , so they know the Chinese food segment , too .
And Lam says things are so slow at Shanghai Pine Gardens that his 80-year-old dad has volunteered to go into the restaurant to help out his tenants so they can maximize their cash flow .
Note : Shanghai Pine Gardens is by no means alone .
The Southern California News Group has reported that several Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least temporarily , due to sharply dropping sales .
And media reports from New York says many popular dim sum houses have shut , with similar promises to reopen .
News-driven swings in restaurant sales are nothing new .
Lam recalled when Chipotle Mexican Grill had health-related problems .
Wahoo ’ s saw a sales dip even when a big competitor was hurting .
But Lam says the current avoidance of Chinese food doesn ’ t make much sense .
Lam ’ s being polite .
Yes , this virus has roots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggestion food can transmit this disease .
Plus , COVID-19 is a massive problem in Italy .
But there ’ s no evidence that people are avoiding spaghetti and pizza .
Irrationality is rearing its ugly head .
Try to explain the rush to buy toilet paper .
By the way , 22 % of folks polled admitted to stockpiling food and water .
The USC poll , a joint report from the school ’ s Dornsife Center for Economic and Social Research and the Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in general , are empty : Folks are worried about their own health and their checkbooks .
USC determined that 12 % of 2,436 U.S. residents polled said : “ there was a relatively high ( greater than 25 % ) chance they could lose their job.
” Meanwhile , 18 % saw “ a relatively high ( greater than 25 % ) chance they could run out of money.
” Few Southern California industries are immune from the virus fallout .
Total shutdowns and event cancellations are seen in a range of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — any business where large numbers of folks gather .
That translates to folks guessing how long their paychecks keep flowing .
Dining out had been a post-Great Recession hot spot .
Just look at what the trend has meant to the state job market : 379,000 new restaurant workers over eight years .
It added up to a 35 % hiring spurt vs. 22 % for all other private-sector employers .
And until the virus broke out , many eateries were having trouble finding new employees .
You can add restaurants to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be hiring anytime soon as coronavirus worries spread from medical to economic .
• Coronavirus updates : 9 key stories from the Bay Area and beyond on Friday , March 13 • Bay Area ’ s farmers markets : Who is open , who is not during coronavirus outbreak • Coronavirus : Bay Area courts curtail most hearings in wake of COVID-19 pandemic

Coronavirus is putting lots of paychecks under pressure, so it’s no surprise that the once-sizzling hot Southern California restaurant business is slow.
It’s a bit off-putting to see this retreat especially battering the Chinese food segment.
Few hard local numbers are yet available, but a new nationwide survey from USC says 25% of people polled “have avoided restaurants in general” and 18% “specifically avoided Chinese restaurants.”
I’ve known Wing Lam, Wahoo’s Fish Taco marketing guru and co-owner, for three decades. Few folks know the local business scene like him.
Yup, the coronavirus fallout is smacking his Mexico-meets-Asia-styled chain’s sales fairly hard, he told me. Dining out is suddenly passé when avoiding contact with other humans is the latest health advice.
But Lam says the Wahoo’s dip is nothing like what’s happening at Chinese eateries.
How does he know?
The often-told story of Lam, his family and restaurants spins around the Shanghai Pine Gardens restaurant on ritzy Balboa Island in Newport Beach that opened in 1971. It was there Lam’s dad, a Chinese immigrant, got his boys hooked on the restaurant business.
Well, the family is still the landlord of that restaurant, so they know the Chinese food segment, too. And Lam says things are so slow at Shanghai Pine Gardens that his 80-year-old dad has volunteered to go into the restaurant to help out his tenants so they can maximize their cash flow.
Note: Shanghai Pine Gardens is by no means alone.
The Southern California News Group has reported that several Chinese restaurants around the region have closed, at least temporarily, due to sharply dropping sales. And media reports from New York says many popular dim sum houses have shut, with similar promises to reopen.
News-driven swings in restaurant sales are nothing new. Lam recalled when Chipotle Mexican Grill had health-related problems. Wahoo’s saw a sales dip even when a big competitor was hurting.
But Lam says the current avoidance of Chinese food doesn’t make much sense.
“Every restaurant’s hurting,” Lam admits. “But don’t just penalize one restaurant category.”
Lam’s being polite. Yes, this virus has roots in China. But there is no suggestion food can transmit this disease. Plus, COVID-19 is a massive problem in Italy. But there’s no evidence that people are avoiding spaghetti and pizza. Irrationality is rearing its ugly head. Try to explain the rush to buy toilet paper. By the way, 22% of folks polled admitted to stockpiling food and water.
The USC poll, a joint report from the school’s Dornsife Center for Economic and Social Research and the Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics, gives a good reason why restaurants, in general, are empty: Folks are worried about their own health and their checkbooks.
USC determined that 12% of 2,436 U.S. residents polled said: “there was a relatively high (greater than 25%) chance they could lose their job.” Meanwhile, 18% saw “a relatively high (greater than 25%) chance they could run out of money.”
Few Southern California industries are immune from the virus fallout. Total shutdowns and event cancellations are seen in a range of businesses from tourism to entertainment to education — any business where large numbers of folks gather. That translates to folks guessing how long their paychecks keep flowing.
It’s terrible news for the state’s 1.5 million restaurant workers.
Dining out had been a post-Great Recession hot spot. Just look at what the trend has meant to the state job market: 379,000 new restaurant workers over eight years. It added up to a 35% hiring spurt vs. 22% for all other private-sector employers. And until the virus broke out, many eateries were having trouble finding new employees.


mercurynews--2020-03-13--Coronavirus: Poll shows how Americans are changing behavior

Many Americans already are making significant changes to their behavior as the coronavirus pandemic spreads , including cancelling trips , avoiding crowds and working from home — and nearly 40 % say they have felt anxious about it , a new poll out Friday from California researchers shows .
“ A majority of people are mobilizing , ” said Daniel Bennett , an assistant professor at the University of Southern California who helped lead the study .
“ People are taking action but we could be doing more.
” Overall , 85 % of those questioned in the USC poll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or using hand sanitizer more frequently because of the coronavirus , and 61 % said they have been practicing some kind of “ social distancing ” to help reduce their risk of infection .
That included 45 % who said they have been avoiding contact “ with people who could be high risk , ” and 42 % who said they have avoided large crowds and public events .
“ I was surprised with how many people are already implementing behaviors to protect themselves , ” said Wändi Bruine de Bruin , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Behavioral Science at USC , who also helped lead the research .
“ Two days ago , when we were taking this survey , there was still a lot of uncertainty about what to do.
” A smaller total — just 7 % — said they have worn a face mask due to the virus .
But 22 % — more than one in five Americans — said they have been stockpiling food and water .
Some products at grocery stores , particularly hand sanitizer , disinfecting wipes and in some places @ @ @ @ @ @ @ low as Americans prepare to spend more time at home in the coming weeks .
Many families already have made major lifestyle choices .
The survey found 25 % of Americans said they have avoided restaurants , 20 % have cancelled pleasure trips , and 18 % have begun working or studying from home due to the coronavirus .
Those numbers are likely to increase significantly as schools and universities continue to close across California and the rest of the United States , and private companies tell workers to work from home .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ including tech giants like Facebook , Google , Twitter , Microsoft and Amazon , have asked employees to work from home .
Other corporations , including Chevron , AT & T and the Washington Post have taken similar steps in some or all their locations .
Bennett noted that many people do not have the ability to work from home in their jobs , which makes it harder for them to keep a social distance .
But cancelling vacations , and avoiding restaurants , movies and sporting events has a major cost to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cited the popular South by Southwest film , music and media festival in Texas that was due to take place this month but was cancelled .
“ That ’ s millions of dollars that won ’ t go into Austin ’ s economy , ” he said .
“ It ’ s happening all over the country.
” The personal choices , recommended by doctors to slow the spread of the virus , could tip the country into a recession , some economists say .
“ We may be somewhat successful in controlling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economic ramifications can persist , ” said Bennett .
“ Once people lose money and their jobs , that takes a while to come out of.
” The coronavirus also has begun to affect the mood and mental health of Americans .
Asked how often they have felt “ nervous , anxious or on edge ” because of the outbreak , 24 % of Americans said they have felt that way on several days , while 7 % said they have during more than half the days , and 7 % said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said they have not felt that way .
The nation ’ s religious beliefs also came through in the responses .
When asked about the effectiveness of various ways to combat the virus , 91 % of Americans said washing hands frequently was either extremely or somewhat effective .
Half of Americans said that praying was either an extremely effective method ( 33 % ) or somewhat effective method ( 16 % ) of dealing with coronavirus , while 26 % called praying extremely ineffective , and 8 % said it was somewhat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents , funded by USC , is among the first in the nation to examine the extent of Americans ’ concerns about the outbreak .
It was taken earlier this week , between March 10 and 12 .
Both Bennett and Bruine de Bruin said the results are preliminary , and the survey is expected to be completed and published next week .
If they are able to secure funding , they said they hope to conduct similar surveys in the coming weeks and months .
As of Friday afternoon , the total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States was 2,006 , and there were 42 deaths .
On Friday President Trump declared a national emergency , as medical experts said a slow roll out of tests from the federal government has allowed the virus to spread widely across the nation , with many more cases expected to surface .

Many Americans already are making significant changes to their behavior as the coronavirus pandemic spreads, including cancelling trips, avoiding crowds and working from home — and nearly 40% say they have felt anxious about it, a new poll out Friday from California researchers shows.
“A majority of people are mobilizing,” said Daniel Bennett, an assistant professor at the University of Southern California who helped lead the study. “People are taking action but we could be doing more.”
Overall, 85% of those questioned in the USC poll said they have been washing their hands or using hand sanitizer more frequently because of the coronavirus, and 61% said they have been practicing some kind of “social distancing” to help reduce their risk of infection.
That included 45% who said they have been avoiding contact “with people who could be high risk,” and 42% who said they have avoided large crowds and public events.
“I was surprised with how many people are already implementing behaviors to protect themselves,” said Wändi Bruine de Bruin, the Provost Professor of Public Policy, Psychology and Behavioral Science at USC, who also helped lead the research. “Two days ago, when we were taking this survey, there was still a lot of uncertainty about what to do.”
A smaller total — just 7% — said they have worn a face mask due to the virus. But 22% — more than one in five Americans — said they have been stockpiling food and water. Some products at grocery stores, particularly hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes and in some places, toilet paper, have been running low as Americans prepare to spend more time at home in the coming weeks.
Many families already have made major lifestyle choices.
The survey found 25% of Americans said they have avoided restaurants, 20% have cancelled pleasure trips, and 18% have begun working or studying from home due to the coronavirus.
Those numbers are likely to increase significantly as schools and universities continue to close across California and the rest of the United States, and private companies tell workers to work from home.
In recent days, major employers, including tech giants like Facebook, Google, Twitter, Microsoft and Amazon, have asked employees to work from home. Other corporations, including Chevron, AT&T and the Washington Post have taken similar steps in some or all their locations.
Bennett noted that many people do not have the ability to work from home in their jobs, which makes it harder for them to keep a social distance.
But cancelling vacations, and avoiding restaurants, movies and sporting events has a major cost to the economy, Bennett said. He cited the popular South by Southwest film, music and media festival in Texas that was due to take place this month but was cancelled.
“That’s millions of dollars that won’t go into Austin’s economy,” he said. “It’s happening all over the country.”
The personal choices, recommended by doctors to slow the spread of the virus, could tip the country into a recession, some economists say.
“We may be somewhat successful in controlling the spread of the disease, but the economic ramifications can persist,” said Bennett. “Once people lose money and their jobs, that takes a while to come out of.”
The coronavirus also has begun to affect the mood and mental health of Americans.
Asked how often they have felt “nervous, anxious or on edge” because of the outbreak, 24% of Americans said they have felt that way on several days, while 7% said they have during more than half the days, and 7% said they have everyday. Another 61% said they have not felt that way.
The nation’s religious beliefs also came through in the responses.
When asked about the effectiveness of various ways to combat the virus, 91% of Americans said washing hands frequently was either extremely or somewhat effective.
Half of Americans said that praying was either an extremely effective method (33%) or somewhat effective method (16%) of dealing with coronavirus, while 26% called praying extremely ineffective, and 8% said it was somewhat ineffective.
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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 The survey of 2,436 U.S. residents, funded by USC, is among the first in the nation to examine the extent of Americans’ concerns about the outbreak. It was taken earlier this week, between March 10 and 12.
Both Bennett and Bruine de Bruin said the results are preliminary, and the survey is expected to be completed and published next week. If they are able to secure funding, they said they hope to conduct similar surveys in the coming weeks and months.
As of Friday afternoon, the total number of COVID-19 cases in the United States was 2,006, and there were 42 deaths.
On Friday President Trump declared a national emergency, as medical experts said a slow roll out of tests from the federal government has allowed the virus to spread widely across the nation, with many more cases expected to surface.


mercurynews--2020-03-13--Coronavirus: Bay Area courts curtail most hearings in wake of COVID-19 pandemic

In a stunning development that dramatically shakes up the criminal-justice system , several Bay Area courts are either closing , postponing trials or sharply scaling back legal proceedings in an effort to stem the spread of coronavirus .
Until the Friday announcements , the state ’ s court system signaled no intention to curtail their access to the public or significantly disrupt court hearings , but that changed following a multitude of declarations from public health officials banning or strongly advising against large and now even medium-sized gatherings .
Now the various stakeholders in the court system will have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on due process in the form of case and trial delays , which in some caes could mean longer jail stays for defendants in custody .
Curtailing court hearings and availability could also quickly trickle down to baseline law-enforcement , since some arrests could now amount to a 48-hour detention if a criminal charge and arraignment can not occur within that period .
The Contra Costa County Superior Court on Friday requested from state Supreme Court Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye “ an emergency order providing that , at least until April 1 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the effect of being a public holiday as far as statutory or other timelines.
” “ The court appreciates the careful balance that must be maintained between the timely administration of justice and the protection of public health and safety , ” the Contra Costa court said in a statement Friday .
“ Importantly , this closure is not in response to a specific notice of exposure at any court facility or to any court staff .
Instead , it is in an abundance of caution to help limit the spread of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” According to the Contra Costa Superior Court , one courtroom will be available , but not to the public , for any in-custody arraignments , for both adult and juvenile defendants and their attorneys .
The court added that jurors ordered to appear in court March 16 for a criminal trial still have to report , at which time “ judges in those cases will provide guidance as to any further proceedings.
” But attorneys involved in ongoing murder trials told this news organization that on Friday afternoon , clerks were calling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up .
There are four such trials in Contra Costa County , including two that were in the late stages of jury selection .
It is presumed the trials will start up again at the end of the two weeks , but details are unclear .
In Santa Clara County , starting Monday and lasting until April 5 , the Superior Court is rescheduling most cases save for a select number of criminal cases .
Cases affected by the rescheduling include civil , probate jury and court trials , except those that have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trials and appeals , non-trial traffic matters , most family hearings , guardianship and adoption proceedings , and “ many ” criminal trials , according to the court .
“ Although court proceedings are an essential service of government , the court has decided to limit the number of non-mandatory proceedings for this time in an effort to minimize the risk to all court users , court staff and judicial officers , ” reads a statement from the Santa Clara County Superior Court .
Tani Cantil-Sakauye said in a statement Friday that any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with each jurisdiction .
“ Each court has different challenges and is working with local stakeholders to craft the best protections .
Many courts are using their authority to modify practices or extend timelines , and some are appropriately requesting emergency orders from me to support their local needs , ” the chief justice said .
Public defender ’ s offices across the region have lobbying for law-enforcement and the courts to ease the congestion of both the jails and the courthouses by releasing people whose jail sentences were ending imminently , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ probation violation to stem the flow of people into these institutions .
The increasing reach of the public-health emergency into the criminal-justice system was evident in the South Bay on Friday with the announcement that two Santa Clara County jail inmates were in quarantine after they were visited and interviewed by an attorney with the county Public Defender ’ s Office who tested positive for COVID-19 .
On Friday , the San Francisco Sheriff ’ s Office announced that it was suspending all jail visits starting 5 p.m. Friday .
The growing alarm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call for even more drastic measures .
Silicon Valley De-Bug , for whom inmate advocacy is one of their primary missions , issued a letter Friday to Smith and the Board of Supervisors to come up with a plan for releasing jail inmates and issuing a moratorium on new bookings and jail sentences .
“ The county jails are institutional opposites of what the public is told to do so slowdown the spread — and is essentially a combustible crisis waiting to happen , ” the letter states .
“ Medical experts say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if , but when , the virus will enter jails and prisons.
” Check back later for updates to this story .
Staff writers Nate Gartrell , Angela Ruggiero , Jason Green and Fiona Kelliher contributed to this report .

This story has been updated.
In a stunning development that dramatically shakes up the criminal justice system, several Bay Area courts are either closing, postponing trials or sharply scaling back legal proceedings to help stem the spread of coronavirus.
Until the Friday announcements, the state’s court system signaled no intention to curtail their access to the public or disrupt court hearings, but that changed following a multitude of declarations from public health officials banning or strongly advising against large and now even medium-sized gatherings.
With the courts becoming the latest casualty of the coronavirus, it could have significant ripple effects. As cases and trials are delayed, defendants could be forced to stay in custody longer, and police officers may end up making arrests for only the most severe crimes to avoid crowding the jails with inmates who might not be able to be arraigned in the time frame required by law. Several Bay Area legal experts were astonished by the news of the court slowdowns because of COVID-19 (coronavirus) concerns.
“This is uncharted territory for the modern American court system,” said David Ball, an associate law professor at Santa Clara University. “Any historical analogy is going to be kind of strained.”
The Contra Costa County Superior Court on Friday requested from state Supreme Court Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye “an emergency order providing that, at least until April 1, 2020, the court closure will have the effect of being a public holiday as far as statutory or other timelines.”
“The court appreciates the careful balance that must be maintained between the timely administration of justice and the protection of public health and safety,” the Contra Costa court said in a statement Friday. “Importantly, this closure is not in response to a specific notice of exposure at any court facility or to any court staff. Instead, it is in an abundance of caution to help limit the spread of the virus and the potential for future exposure.”
According to the Contra Costa Superior Court, one courtroom will be available for in-custody arraignments for adult and juvenile defendants and their attorneys but will remain closed to the public. The court added that jurors ordered to appear in court March 16 for a criminal trial still have to report, at which time “judges in those cases will provide guidance as to any further proceedings.”
But attorneys involved in ongoing murder trials told this news organization that on Friday afternoon, clerks were calling jurors to inform them not to show up. There are four such trials in Contra Costa County, including two that were in the late stages of jury selection. The trials may resume at the end of the two weeks, but details are unclear.
In Santa Clara County, starting Monday and lasting until April 5, the Superior Court is rescheduling most cases save for a select number of criminal cases. Cases affected by the rescheduling include civil, probate jury and court trials — except those that already have begun — as well as small-claims motions, trials and appeals, nontrial traffic matters, most family hearings, guardianship and adoption proceedings, and “many” criminal trials, according to the court.
“Although court proceedings are an essential service of government, the court has decided to limit the number of non-mandatory proceedings for this time in an effort to minimize the risk to all court users, court staff and judicial officers,” reads a statement from the Santa Clara County Superior Court.
Late Friday afternoon, the San Mateo County Superior Court requested an emergency order from the chief justice to suspend all civil and criminal trial proceedings starting next Wednesday through April 14th, according to Court Executive Officer Neal Taniguchi. In the meantime, the court will continue to operate in a limited capacity — with reduced staff and teleworking — but all jury trials would be put on hold, including three now underway, if the order goes into effect.
On Saturday, the Alameda County Superior Court announced a series of postponements and continuances for proceedings scheduled between Monday, March 16 and April 3 to reduce the number of people coming to courthouses. The start of jury trials for civil and misdemeanor cases, and felony cases with an out-of-custody defendant, are being pushed back eight weeks.
A statement from the court said that jurors will still be summoned for “essential” trials, and that trials already underway will continue, though jurors will be distributed throughout a courtroom as opposed to sitting alongside each other in the jury box.
Most traffic hearings in Alameda County scheduled between March 23 and April 3 will be postponed for 60 days; walk-in appearances have been suspended. Appearance dates for citations are being pushed back six months. Other court services, like the self-help centers, will also be shuttered starting Monday.
Cantil-Sakauye said in a statement Friday that any court closures or similar measures will vary with the needs of each jurisdiction.
Contra Costa County deputy district attorney Aron DeFerrari, who is also president of his prosecutors’ union, said his colleagues are “monitoring the situation closely” and are working to ensure “critical public-safety tasks are accomplished.”
Robin Lipetzsky, Contra Costa County’s chief public defender, said “less drastic measures” could have been taken that would not have adversely affected jailed defendants as much, especially since most of the jail population have not yet been convicted of a crime.
“Many of those cases will not be heard during this court closure and these individuals may now languish in custody as we wait for the courts to reopen,” Lipetzsky said in a statement. “We appreciate that we must take drastic steps to protect public health, but we must also be mindful to safeguard the due process rights and health and safety needs of those who are incarcerated, many of whom already suffer from chronic serious medical conditions and would be at a high risk were they to contract COVID-19.”
Ball said the court slowdown could also have a significant effect on defendants trying to resolve their cases through plea agreements that would release them from jail.
“If you don’t have people pleading out to time served because there aren’t court sessions, then our jails are going to get really crowded,” he said. “You do have the right to be present at your trial, and there is also a right to have the trial be public, and that extends to things like sentencing. It’s not clear to me what the limits of that are, because, again, we’re in uncharted territory.”
Steven Clark, a legal analyst and former Santa Clara County prosecutor, said he “absolutely” anticipates legal challenges to both Contra Costa County’s and Santa Clara County’s moves on the grounds that it could delay criminal defendants’ right to a speedy trial.
“This idea of ‘Let’s just call it a court holiday’ is really Constitutionally questionable — it’s not a one-day hiatus,” Clark said.
The increasing reach of the public-health emergency into the criminal-justice system was evident in the South Bay on Friday with the announcement that two Santa Clara County jail inmates were in quarantine after they were visited and interviewed by an attorney with the county Public Defender’s Office who tested positive for COVID-19.
The growing alarm prompted Silicon Valley De-Bug, a key advocacy group for inmates, to issue a letter Friday to Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith and the Board of Supervisors to begin releasing jail inmates and issue a moratorium on new bookings and jail sentences.
San Jose police Chief Eddie Garcia, whose department protects the Bay Area’s largest city, was surprised to hear the court news and criticized how it was handled, noting that many law enforcement agencies were not consulted or notified even though the decisions significantly affect officers.
“I know it’s difficult to mitigate this, but we all have a mission to do,” he said. “Our officers are not going to stop arresting people. It’s unfair for the rest of the system to come to a screeching halt while the rest of us can’t.”
Staff writers Nate Gartrell, Jason Green, Fiona Kelliher and Angela Ruggiero contributed to this report.
GET COURT INFORMATION AMID CLOSURES AND POSTPONEMENTS
Santa Clara County: www.scscourt.org/online_services/case_info.shtml
Contra Costa County: www.cc-courts.org
Alameda County: www.alameda.courts.ca.gov/Pages.aspx/COVID-19
Update: March 16, 2020 This story has been updated to add information about court postponements and other reductions in services in the Alameda County Superior Court.


mercurynews--2020-03-13--Coronavirus: Eight more Alameda firefighters quarantined

Eight more Alameda firefighters have been quarantined after being exposed to another firefighter who was confirmed to have it , officials said Friday .
In a statement , city spokeswoman Sarah Henry said investigators from the city ’ s health department identified the eight after an investigation into whether anyone had been exposed through direct contact to the firefighter who tested positive for COVID-19 .
The eight firefighters are awaiting test results and are being kept away from others .
Alameda ’ s fire stations remain fully staffed , according to Henry , who added the city has “ no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calls.
” The firefighter who tested positive was quarantined somewhere outside Alameda County , city officials said .
City officials revealed the positive test on Wednesday , but they have not disclosed any details about when symptoms first became apparent or where the virus may have originated .
They also have not divulged the station that housed the firefighter .
In the South Bay , four San Jose firefighters have tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus and dozens of other firefighters have been quarantined .
Two of the city ’ s fire stations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because that ’ s where the four firefighters were assigned or came in contact with others .

Eight more Alameda firefighters have been quarantined after being exposed to another firefighter who was confirmed to have it, officials said Friday.
In a statement, city spokeswoman Sarah Henry said investigators from the city’s health department identified the eight after an investigation into whether anyone had been exposed through direct contact to the firefighter who tested positive for COVID-19.
The eight firefighters are awaiting test results and are being kept away from others.
Alameda’s fire stations remain fully staffed, according to Henry, who added the city has “no reduction in our ability to respond to calls.”
The firefighter who tested positive was quarantined somewhere outside Alameda County, city officials said. City officials revealed the positive test on Wednesday, but they have not disclosed any details about when symptoms first became apparent or where the virus may have originated. They also have not divulged the station that housed the firefighter.
In the South Bay, four San Jose firefighters have tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus and dozens of other firefighters have been quarantined. Two of the city’s fire stations and a training center received deep cleaning because that’s where the four firefighters were assigned or came in contact with others.


mercurynews--2020-03-13--Coronavirus: Bay Area churches, temple and mosque closures and live streams

The coronavirus threat and state and county-imposed cap on large gatherings hasn ’ t just impacted the Bay Area ’ s museums , sports arenas , businesses and schools .
Churches , temples and mosques are canceling services and shabbat , postponing events and livestreaming services , prayers and dharma talks .
Calvary Church in Los Gatos is closed to the public through April 1 .
Pastors will livestream sermons at 10 a.m. on Sunday , which can be watched live or viewed at a later date at calvarylg.com .
Cathedral of Faith is still holding services ( 5 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11:45 a.m. Sundays ; 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays ) but limiting San Jose sanctuary gatherings to 250 people .
Other viewing spaces will be available on that campus .
People can also attend the campuses in East San Jose , Gilroy , Milpitas , or Morgan Hill .
The church will livestream all weekend and midweek services at http : //live.cathedraloffaith.org/ , on Facebook @ CathedralofFaithLive , and on Apple TV .
Saratoga ’ s St. Andrew ’ s Episcopal Church has suspended in-person worship services for March 15 and 22 , but will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ www.st-andrews-saratoga.org/Worship .
San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin has canceled its Sunday services for March 15 , 22 , 29 and April 2 , and will be livestreaming virtual services at 9:30 and 10 a.m. this Sunday , and 10 a.m. for the next three Sundays , broadcasting its SJBetsuin dharma talks on YouTube .
Find details at www.sjbetsuin.com .
Venture Christian Church in Los Gatos will be closed to general public through April 9 , but will be livestreaming its services at 5 p.m. Saturdays , 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. Sundays ; https @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jose is offering online-only services at 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Sundays ; 7 p.m. Wednesdays at https : //awakeningchurch.com/live and will not meet in-person through April 4 .
Vive Church locations in Morgan Hill and San Jose will be closed to the public on March 15 but livestreaming services at 9:30 a.m. , 11:30 a.m. , 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m at https : //live.vivechurch.org .
Temple Emanu-El in San Jose is streaming services at https : //www.templesanjose.org/livestreaming and canceling some programs .
Congregation Sinai in San Jose is canceling shabbat , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; www.sinai-sj.org .
The South Bay Islamic Association mosque in San Jose is open for daily prayer , but salat al-Jumuah has been canceled and group classes and events have been canceled .
The Al-Isra wa al-Meraj event planned for March 21 will either be cancel or held online ; http : //sbia.info The Diocese of San José has suspended public masses , classes and gatherings at all its parishes , missions and chapels beginning March 14 until further notice ; www.dsj.org .
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has suspended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be holding services via livestream only at 10 a.m. March 15 and 22 , https : //www.thisisstoryline.com/live .
Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church has temporarily canceled services , but sermons can be seen online at www.mvpctoday.org/ .
Oak Life Church in Oakland is hosting online-only 10 a.m. Sunday services until at least Easter ( April 12 ) .
Video services will be available on its YouTube page .
There will also be watch parties each Sunday morning on its Facebook group page .
Find more information at www.oaklifechurch.com .
Temple Isaiah in Lafayette @ @ @ @ @ @ @ p.m. March 13 , 10:30 a.m. March 14 , 6:30 p.m. March 20 at https : //temple-isaiah.org/ .
Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church will not be holding its large worship gatherings on March 15 and 22 , but there will be several smaller , 45-minute gatherings of 40 people or less in the sanctuary , multipurpose room and parlor , rooms large enough for social distancing , at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. ; www.wcpres.org .
Vive Church in Oakland will be closed to the public on March 15 but livestreaming services at 9:30 a.m. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3:30 p.m. at https : //live.vivechurch.org/ .
Temple Israel of Alameda is postponing shabbat and Passover seder services ; www.templeisraelalameda.org Islamic Cultural Center of Northern California in Oakland has temporary canceled all events , including Friday prayers ( Jumma ) on March 6 , 13 and 20 ; https : //iccnc.org .
Regeneration Church in Oakland is not listing any cancellations or postponements at this time , but checking https : //www.regenerationweb.com/ for updates before going .
Hillside Covenant Church will not be hosting its regular services on March 15 and 22 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members ’ homes .
The church will also be streaming its 10 a.m. Sunday service on the website , Facebook page and YouTube .
First Lutheran Church in Palo Alto has canceled some events , but will continue to host in-person worship services at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. ; https : //flcpa.org .
Mountain View Church is encouraging people to consider attending either the 8:30 or 11:30 a.m. services , as opposed to the 10 a.m. service ( which traditionally draws the largest crowd ) .
Also , the Sunnyside campus will join @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 13 .
Find details at www.mountainview.org .
True North Church in Palo Alto is suspending in-person Sunday services for at least the month of March , but will livestream worship services at 11 a.m. on those Sundays through its Facebook page , www.facebook.com/truenorthsv/ .
Kol Emeth in Mountain View is canceling some programs and livestreaming its services ; https : //kolemeth.org .
First Congregational Church in Palo Alto will be livestreaming its 10 a.m. Sunday service at https : //zoom.us/j/670796753 St. Mark ’ s Episcopal Church in Palo Alto will be livestreaming its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ //saint-marks.com/ .
Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto will be limiting in-person attendance to 50 people for each of its services .
Find details on its livestream services at www.uucpa.org/whats-happening/covid-19-faq/ .
Services can also be heard at 88.7 FM .
Vive Church in Palo Alto will be closed to the public on March 15 but livestreaming services at 9:30 a.m. , 11:30 a.m. , 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. ; https : //live.vivechurch.org/ .
Grace Pres in Palo Alto services at 9 and 10:45 a.m. will be livestreamed only ; https : //gracepres.com @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Latter-day Saints has suspended all gatherings .
Reality church will not be meeting at its regular location on March 15 and 22 , but rather at its House to House community groups ; https : //realitysf.com .
CornerstoneSF plans to have its Mission campus open to the public ( at least for March 15 ) , but will also be livestreaming its services at 9 and 11 a.m. , https : //cornerstonesf.churchonline.org/ .
Congregation Emanu-El is suspending all in-person programming until April 5th .
Find information on how to livestream Friday night services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 9 key stories from the Bay Area and beyond on Friday , March 13 • Bay Area ’ s farmers markets : Who is open , who is not during coronavirus outbreak Vive Church in San Francisco will be closed to the public on March 15 but livestreaming services at 9:30 a.m. , 11:30 a.m. , 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m , https : //live.vivechurch.org/ .
Congregation Sherith Israel is suspending all in-person programming until March 24 , but will be livestreaming shabbat at 6 p.m. March 13 at www.sherithisrael.org/3-13-shabbat # .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has suspended all gatherings .

The coronavirus threat and state and county-imposed cap on large gatherings hasn’t just impacted the Bay Area’s museums, sports arenas, businesses and schools. Churches, temples and mosques are canceling services and shabbat, postponing events and livestreaming services, prayers and dharma talks.
Among them:
South Bay
Calvary Church in Los Gatos is closed to the public through April 1. Pastors will livestream sermons at 10 a.m. on Sunday, which can be watched live or viewed at a later date at calvarylg.com.
Cathedral of Faith in San Jose has canceled in-person gatherings, but is livestreaming all of its services — 5 p.m. Saturdays; 8:30, 10 and 11:45 a.m. Sundays; 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays — at http://live.cathedraloffaith.org/, on Facebook @CathedralofFaithLive, and on Apple TV.
Saratoga’s St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church has suspended in-person worship services for March 15 and 22, but will livestream services at 10 a.m. Sundays at www.st-andrews-saratoga.org/Worship.
San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin has canceled its Sunday services for March 15, 22, 29 and April 2, and will be livestreaming virtual services at 9:30 and 10 a.m. this Sunday, and 10 a.m. for the next three Sundays, broadcasting its SJBetsuin dharma talks on YouTube. Find details at www.sjbetsuin.com.
Venture Christian Church in Los Gatos will be closed to general public through April 9, but will be livestreaming its services at 5 p.m. Saturdays, 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. Sundays; https://venture.cc.
Awakening Church in San Jose is offering online-only services at 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Sundays; 7 p.m. Wednesdays at https://awakeningchurch.com/live and will not meet in-person through April 4.
Vive Church locations in Morgan Hill and San Jose will be closed to the public on March 15 but livestreaming services at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m at https://live.vivechurch.org.
Temple Emanu-El in San Jose is streaming services at https://www.templesanjose.org/livestreaming and canceling some programs.
Congregation Sinai in San Jose is canceling shabbat, a retreat and various talks and programs; www.sinai-sj.org.
The South Bay Islamic Association mosque in San Jose is open for daily prayer, but salat al-Jumuah has been canceled and group classes and events have been canceled. The Al-Isra wa al-Meraj event planned for March 21 will either be cancel or held online; http://sbia.info
The Diocese of San José has suspended public masses, classes and gatherings at all its parishes, missions and chapels beginning March 14 until further notice; www.dsj.org.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has suspended all gatherings.
Community Christian is hosting in-person Sunday services at 8:40, 10 and 11:20 a.m. at the Morgan Hill location. All of those services will be livestreamed as well, www.community-christian.us. Also, the Campbell location will be meeting at Foxworthy Baptist Church in San Jose at 9 a.m. Sunday, while the Gilroy location meets at 5 p.m. Sunday.
Foxworthy Baptist Church in San Jose is canceling all gatherings for two weeks (beginning March 13) but will livestream Sunday services at 10:30 a.m. at http://foxworthy.org/watch-live.html.
Echo.Church, which has several locations in the South Bay, is livestreaming services at https://live.echo.church.
East Bay
Storyline Church in Oakland will be holding services via livestream only at 10 a.m. March 15 and 22, https://www.thisisstoryline.com/live.
Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church has temporarily canceled services, but sermons can be seen online at www.mvpctoday.org/.
Oak Life Church in Oakland is hosting online-only 10 a.m. Sunday services until at least Easter (April 12). Video services will be available on its YouTube page. There will also be watch parties each Sunday morning on its Facebook group page. Find more information at www.oaklifechurch.com.
Temple Isaiah in Lafayette is livestreaming its shabbat services at 8 p.m. March 13, 10:30 a.m. March 14, 6:30 p.m. March 20 at https://temple-isaiah.org/.
Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church will not be holding its large worship gatherings on March 15 and 22, but there will be several smaller, 45-minute gatherings of 40 people or less in the sanctuary, multipurpose room and parlor, rooms large enough for social distancing, at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.; www.wcpres.org.
Vive Church in Oakland will be closed to the public on March 15 but livestreaming services at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. at https://live.vivechurch.org/.
Temple Israel of Alameda is postponing shabbat and Passover seder services; www.templeisraelalameda.org
Islamic Cultural Center of Northern California in Oakland has temporary canceled all events, including Friday prayers (Jumma) on March 6, 13 and 20; https://iccnc.org.
Regeneration Church in Oakland is not listing any cancellations or postponements at this time, but checking https://www.regenerationweb.com/ for updates before going.
Hillside Covenant Church will not be hosting its regular services on March 15 and 22, but instead meeting in smaller groups in members’ homes. The church will also be streaming its 10 a.m. Sunday service on the website, Facebook page and YouTube.
Community Presbyterian Church in Danville livestreams all of its services — 5 p.m. Saturdays, 9 and 10:45 a.m. Sundays — at cpcdanville.online.church. But the church will not be holding in-person services for the rest of March.
Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church is offering online-only worship services through March. The church will be livestreaming its 9 a.m. Sunday service at livestream.com/lopc, then rebroadcasting it at 11 a.m.
The Realm Church in Oakland, CA streams live each Sunday at 10 a.m. at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVga6zI1uo5lBQx9qeVik3A. For more information, visit www.therealmchurch.com.
Saint Albert’s Priory in Oakland livestreams Sunday services at 9:30 a.m. For more information, visit https://www.opwest.org/sap/.
Peninsula
First Lutheran Church in Palo Alto has canceled some events, but will continue to host in-person worship services at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.; https://flcpa.org.
Mountain View Church is encouraging people to consider attending either the 8:30 or 11:30 a.m. services, as opposed to the 10 a.m. service (which traditionally draws the largest crowd). Also, the Sunnyside campus will join the main campus through at least April 13. Find details at www.mountainview.org.
True North Church in Palo Alto is suspending in-person Sunday services for at least the month of March, but will livestream worship services at 11 a.m. on those Sundays through its Facebook page, www.facebook.com/truenorthsv/.
Kol Emeth in Mountain View is canceling some programs and livestreaming its services; https://kolemeth.org.
First Congregational Church in Palo Alto will be livestreaming its 10 a.m. Sunday service at https://zoom.us/j/670796753
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Palo Alto will be livestreaming its 10 a.m. Sunday service; https://saint-marks.com/.
Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto will be limiting in-person attendance to 50 people for each of its services. Find details on its livestream services at www.uucpa.org/whats-happening/covid-19-faq/. Services can also be heard at 88.7 FM.
Vive Church in Palo Alto will be closed to the public on March 15 but livestreaming services at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.; https://live.vivechurch.org/.
Grace Pres in Palo Alto services at 9 and 10:45 a.m. will be livestreamed only; https://gracepres.com.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has suspended all gatherings.
San Francisco
Reality church will not be meeting at its regular location on March 15 and 22, but rather at its House to House community groups; https://realitysf.com.
CornerstoneSF plans to have its Mission campus open to the public (at least for March 15), but will also be livestreaming its services at 9 and 11 a.m., https://cornerstonesf.churchonline.org/.
Congregation Emanu-El is suspending all in-person programming until April 5th. Find information on how to livestream Friday night services at www.emanuelsf.org/staying-healthy/. Related Articles News | San Jose office building wobbles into default — again
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Vive Church in San Francisco will be closed to the public on March 15 but livestreaming services at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m, https://live.vivechurch.org/.
Congregation Sherith Israel is suspending all in-person programming until March 24, but will be livestreaming shabbat at 6 p.m. March 13 at www.sherithisrael.org/3-13-shabbat#.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has suspended all gatherings.
Check back for updates.


mercurynews--2020-03-14--Letter: The economy pushed Trump to act, not compassion

The nation just listened to Donald Trump speak about steps the nation will take in response to the COVID-19 coronavirus , which included steps to assist people who might otherwise defer appropriate medical treatment because of financial concerns .
These steps are unquestionably necessary .
But this president and his sudden compassion is disingenuous .
What prompted him to act was not concern for people , but his concern to preserve his hallowed economy , which he hopes will be his path to reelection .
Donald Trump has never cared that tens of millions of people who can not afford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crises on a regular basis .
The personal and financial cost to them , and the loss of productivity to our society from their inability to obtain care , is different for the coronavirus primarily because it now grabs headlines .
• Letter : The world could avoid much COVID-19 misery and death • Letter : It ’ s rare to find someone whose roots began in the Bay Area • Letter : The Delta project has had many aliases to obscure its origins • Letter : Avoid using fireplaces to keep everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broadly affordable health care .
Where was his compassion then ?
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Economy pushed Trump
to act, not compassion
The nation just listened to Donald Trump speak about steps the nation will take in response to the COVID-19 coronavirus, which included steps to assist people who might otherwise defer appropriate medical treatment because of financial concerns.
These steps are unquestionably necessary. But this president and his sudden compassion is disingenuous.
What prompted him to act was not concern for people, but his concern to preserve his hallowed economy, which he hopes will be his path to reelection.
Donald Trump has never cared that tens of millions of people who cannot afford health care face similar medical and medical-cost crises on a regular basis. The personal and financial cost to them, and the loss of productivity to our society from their inability to obtain care, is different for the coronavirus primarily because it now grabs headlines.
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Eliot Hudson
Lafayette
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mercurynews--2020-03-14--Letter: We may face a demoralizing choice: Biden or Trump?

We ’ re likely faced with a demoralizing choice It is disappointing , but not surprising that the establishment — spooked about overdue changes to diminish excessive wealth — easily torpedoed Bernie Sanders ’ presidential bid .
Despite most Democrats supporting Sanders ’ policies — taxing the filthy rich , providing health care for all , making college free , eliminating student debt , restricting the amount of campaign financing , cutting military spending — most do not support him , because they are easily manipulated by mainstream media and pundits into fearing his “ electability.
” Sanders hurt himself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promoting “ political revolution ” in a country steeped in anti-Communism .
Not doing so may not have been enough , but doing so sealed his fate .
Again , we are likely faced with a demoralizing choice for president : the out-of-control , constantly lying , power-at-all-costs , dangerous-to-all , cognitively-impaired Donald Trump , and the chained-to-corporations , won ’ t-rock-the-boat , cognitively impaired Joe Biden .
• Letter : The world could avoid much COVID-19 misery and death • Letter : It ’ s rare to find someone whose roots began @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Delta project has had many aliases to obscure its origins • Letter : Avoid using fireplaces to keep everyone healthier Restricted to such choices in the “ world ’ s greatest democracy ” indicates that only by sustained , popular uprisings can conditions for the masses improve .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

We’re likely faced with a
demoralizing choice
It is disappointing, but not surprising that the establishment — spooked about overdue changes to diminish excessive wealth — easily torpedoed Bernie Sanders’ presidential bid.
Despite most Democrats supporting Sanders’ policies — taxing the filthy rich, providing health care for all, making college free, eliminating student debt, restricting the amount of campaign financing, cutting military spending — most do not support him, because they are easily manipulated by mainstream media and pundits into fearing his “electability.”
Sanders hurt himself by identifying as a Democratic socialist and promoting “political revolution” in a country steeped in anti-Communism. Not doing so may not have been enough, but doing so sealed his fate.
Again, we are likely faced with a demoralizing choice for president: the out-of-control, constantly lying, power-at-all-costs, dangerous-to-all, cognitively-impaired Donald Trump, and the chained-to-corporations, won’t-rock-the-boat, cognitively impaired Joe Biden.
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Keith Nakatani
Oakland
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mercurynews--2020-03-14--Letter: What’s Wiener’s issue with single-family homes?

Re : “ ‘ Light touch density : ’ New proposal to bring more apartments in California neighborhoods ” ( Mercurynews.com , March 9 ) : Regarding state Sen. Scott Wiener ’ s latest still-not-affordable housing bill , what does he have against single-family homes and single-family homeowners ?
He and his supporters have claimed that zoning for single-family homes has a “ racist ” history .
Does he know that 55 % of California households own and live in a single-family home ?
Is he aware that the state of California has the smallest average-sized single-family lots in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he realize that changing single-family zoning to quadplex zoning may quadruple the value of those lots , putting home ownership further out of reach for Californians ?
And still , bill after bill , no affordable housing , and no housing subsidies , though we are in an affordability crisis , and though the state just had a surplus $ 7 billion , with $ 21 billion in reserves .
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Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

What’s Wiener’s issue
with single-family homes?
Re: “‘Light touch density:’ New proposal to bring more apartments in California neighborhoods” (Mercurynews.com, March 9):
Regarding state Sen. Scott Wiener’s latest still-not-affordable housing bill, what does he have against single-family homes and single-family homeowners?
He and his supporters have claimed that zoning for single-family homes has a “racist” history.
Does he know that 55% of California households own and live in a single-family home?
Is he aware that the state of California has the smallest average-sized single-family lots in the nation, aside from Nevada?
Does he realize that changing single-family zoning to quadplex zoning may quadruple the value of those lots, putting home ownership further out of reach for Californians?
And still, bill after bill, no affordable housing, and no housing subsidies, though we are in an affordability crisis, and though the state just had a surplus $7 billion, with $21 billion in reserves.
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Kathryn Jordan
Palo Alto
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mercurynews--2020-03-14--Letter: The world could avoid much COVID-19 misery and death

The world could avoid much COVID-19 misery and death If we all self-quarantined around the world , COVID-19 could essentially be gone in three weeks !
We should swallow hard and put up with the inconvenience regarding travel , business and pre-arranged meetings .
Imagine all the misery and death we could avoid .
If the whole world can ’ t do it , then smaller jurisdictions should attempt it .
Stop everything , except essential services : food , water , utilities , acute health care , police and fire .
Not everyone can afford to pause working , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needy directly .
Forget about tax credits .
We only need three , or up to six weeks to dramatically reduce disease , and give our overwhelmed public health services time to catch up , do case-based follow up , prevention and vaccine/antiviral development .
• Letter : It ’ s rare to find someone whose roots began in the Bay Area • Letter : The Delta project has had many aliases to obscure its origins • Letter : Avoid using fireplaces to keep everyone healthier • Letter : I worked at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elated Remember , it only works if virtually everyone does quarantine !
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

The world could avoid much
COVID-19 misery and death
If we all self-quarantined around the world, COVID-19 could essentially be gone in three weeks!
We should swallow hard and put up with the inconvenience regarding travel, business and pre-arranged meetings.
Imagine all the misery and death we could avoid.
If the whole world can’t do it, then smaller jurisdictions should attempt it. Stop everything, except essential services: food, water, utilities, acute health care, police and fire.
Not everyone can afford to pause working, so the government should subsidize the truly needy directly. Forget about tax credits. We only need three, or up to six weeks to dramatically reduce disease, and give our overwhelmed public health services time to catch up, do case-based follow up, prevention and vaccine/antiviral development.
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Len Doberne, MD
Mountain View
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mercurynews--2020-03-14--Bridge: March 14, 2020

Bridge: March 14, 2020

“ Simple Saturday ” columns are meant to help aspiring players improve technique and develop logical thinking .
I ’ ve heard that many pessimists got that way by financing an optimist .
Do you approach the play as an optimist or a pessimist ?
Either way may be correct .
At four spades , South took the ace of diamonds and needed nine more tricks .
He had five trumps and four hearts , if he could take them .
South drew trumps , then cashed the K-Q of hearts .
He next overtook his jack with dummy ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ break .
When West discarded , South ’ s nine tricks became eight .
Sometimes declarer must be a pessimist and cater to foul breaks .
In this deal , South must be an optimist .
He cashes only the K-Q of trumps , then the K-Q-J of hearts .
If hearts broke 3-3 , South could draw the last trump with the ace and take the ace of hearts .
East actually has four hearts but also has the missing trump .
So South can still take the ace of trumps and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You hold : S A 6 2 H A 5 4 2 D A J C J 10 9 6 .
Your partner opens one diamond , you respond one heart and he bids two clubs .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : You might bid 3NT ; you have balanced pattern with a stopper in the unbid suit .
Still , I would be reluctant to commit to notrump with three aces , a useful jack of diamonds and four-card club support .
Bid two spades , the “ fourth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another bid .
He might hold 7 4 , 3 , K Q 10 8 7 , A K Q 5 4 .

“Simple Saturday” columns are meant to help aspiring players improve technique and develop logical thinking.
I’ve heard that many pessimists got that way by financing an optimist. Do you approach the play as an optimist or a pessimist? Either way may be correct.
At four spades, South took the ace of diamonds and needed nine more tricks. He had five trumps and four hearts, if he could take them. South drew trumps, then cashed the K-Q of hearts. He next overtook his jack with dummy’s ace, hoping for a 3-3 break. When West discarded, South’s nine tricks became eight.
LAST TRUMP
Sometimes declarer must be a pessimist and cater to foul breaks. In this deal, South must be an optimist. He cashes only the K-Q of trumps, then the K-Q-J of hearts. If hearts broke 3-3, South could draw the last trump with the ace and take the ace of hearts.
East actually has four hearts but also has the missing trump. So South can still take the ace of trumps and ace of hearts to make his game.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S A 6 2 H A 5 4 2 D A J C J 10 9 6. Your partner opens one diamond, you respond one heart and he bids two clubs. What do you say?
ANSWER: You might bid 3NT; you have balanced pattern with a stopper in the unbid suit. Still, I would be reluctant to commit to notrump with three aces, a useful jack of diamonds and four-card club support. Bid two spades, the “fourth suit,” and let partner make another bid. He might hold 7 4, 3, K Q 10 8 7, A K Q 5 4.
North dealer
Both sides vulnerable
NORTH
S A 6 2
H A 5 4 2
D A J
C J 10 9 6
WEST
S 8 4
H 7 3
D K Q 10 9 6 2
C A Q 5
EAST
S 9 7 3
H 10 9 8 6
D 8 5 3
C K 8 4
SOUTH
S K Q J 10 5
H K Q J
D 7 4
C 7 3 2
North East South West
1 C Pass 1 S 2 D
2 S Pass 4 S All Pass
Opening lead — D K
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-03-14--Word Game: March 14, 2020

Word Game: March 14, 2020

Can you find 44 or more words in DILUTES ?
The list will be published Monday .
To purchase the @ @ @ @ @ WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 while supplies last !
1 .
@ @ @ @ @ or more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four letters by the addition of @ @ @ @ @ as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” are not allowed .
3 .
@ @ @ @ @ a “ d ” or an “ s ” may not be used .
For @ @ @ @ @ ” is used , “ baked ” or “ bakes ” are not allowed , @ @ @ @ @ “ baking ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper nouns , slang words , or @ @ @ @ @ are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — DILUTES (DILUTES: dye-LOOTS: Makes thinner by adding a liquid.)
Average mark 30 words
Time limit 40 minutes
Can you find 44 or more words in DILUTES? The list will be published Monday.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — MONTAGE magnet mane mange mango mate mean
meant meat megaton moan moat monte mote oaten omega omen name neat
note tame tang tango team toga tome tone tong aeon agent amen among
ante atom atone game gate genoa gnat gnome goat gone
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--2020-03-14--Horoscopes March 14, 2020: Billy Crystal and Quincy Jones share advice.

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY : Betsy Brandt , 47 ; Megan Follows , 52 ; Billy Crystal , 72 ; Quincy Jones , 87 .
Happy Birthday : Don ’ t settle for less when you can have more .
Put your emotions to rest , and let common sense and practicality help you maneuver your way to victory .
Be realistic when dealing with red-tape issues , and you will be able to take advantage of a situation that you might overlook if you let your emotions lead the way .
Choose moderation over excess .
Your numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 26 , 34 , 37 , 41 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Consider what ’ s possible , and look into the best way to bring about positive change .
Figure out how to fit into a lifestyle that ’ s different from what you currently have , and find the best way to use your skills to reach your objective .
5 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Stop laboring over what you should and shouldn ’ t be doing .
It ’ s up to you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Business meetings or educational pursuits are favored and can be the first step to bringing about a positive lifestyle change .
3 stars GEMINI ( May 21-June 20 ) : Exaggeration or being dishonest is apparent .
Whether it ’ s you or someone you are dealing with who doesn ’ t want to disclose the truth , the result will be regretted .
If you put in a friendly reminder , someone will repay you .
3 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Sometimes aggressive action is required to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to accomplish more .
A responsible approach to whatever you do will be repaid twofold .
Do what you do best , and leave time to play .
Romance is featured .
3 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Travel will entice you , and an adventure will end up costing more than you can afford .
Take a step back , and consider what ’ s necessary .
You can not buy love , and you should be suspicious of anyone asking for too much .
5 stars VIRGO ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change will make you feel good .
A day trip will give you a fresh perspective regarding someone or something you want to pursue .
Don ’ t let your emotions get in the way of an opportunity .
Romance is on the rise .
2 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Keep your plans simple .
If someone offers you something that sounds too good to be true , take a pass .
Use your imagination , and you ’ ll come up with a good plan .
Don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of your responsibilities .
4 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Give your all in order to gain the most .
You will benefit from the comments made and the questions asked .
Changes to your living arrangements will pay off , and an investment that involves property will entice you .
Follow your heart .
3 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Take on whatever challenge you face with enthusiasm .
You will gain confidence and popularity .
A visit from someone will enrich your life if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial adjustment will change your life .
3 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Dive in and take over .
Your enthusiasm and willingness to pitch in and help will make others follow suit .
An encounter you have will get you thinking about doing something you ’ ve never done .
Romance is in the stars .
4 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Evaluate your life , and consider the changes you want to make .
You are in a better position than you realize .
Go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan in place that will add comfort and convenience to the way you live .
2 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Don ’ t give in to someone uncompromising .
A poor decision will leave you at a loss .
Question motives , friendships and how you plan to get ahead .
Make a move that will rid you of anyone or anything that is bringing you down .
5 stars Birthday Baby : You are entertaining , intelligent and open-minded .
You are thoughtful and resilient .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Betsy Brandt, 47; Megan Follows, 52; Billy Crystal, 72; Quincy Jones, 87.
Happy Birthday: Don’t settle for less when you can have more. Put your emotions to rest, and let common sense and practicality help you maneuver your way to victory. Be realistic when dealing with red-tape issues, and you will be able to take advantage of a situation that you might overlook if you let your emotions lead the way. Choose moderation over excess. Your numbers are 7, 18, 20, 26, 34, 37, 41.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Consider what’s possible, and look into the best way to bring about positive change. Figure out how to fit into a lifestyle that’s different from what you currently have, and find the best way to use your skills to reach your objective. 5 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Stop laboring over what you should and shouldn’t be doing. It’s up to you to make whatever you want available. Business meetings or educational pursuits are favored and can be the first step to bringing about a positive lifestyle change. 3 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Exaggeration or being dishonest is apparent. Whether it’s you or someone you are dealing with who doesn’t want to disclose the truth, the result will be regretted. If you put in a friendly reminder, someone will repay you. 3 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Sometimes aggressive action is required to get things done. Work alone in order to accomplish more. A responsible approach to whatever you do will be repaid twofold. Do what you do best, and leave time to play. Romance is featured. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Travel will entice you, and an adventure will end up costing more than you can afford. Take a step back, and consider what’s necessary. You cannot buy love, and you should be suspicious of anyone asking for too much. 5 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): A personal change will make you feel good. A day trip will give you a fresh perspective regarding someone or something you want to pursue. Don’t let your emotions get in the way of an opportunity. Romance is on the rise. 2 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Keep your plans simple. If someone offers you something that sounds too good to be true, take a pass. Use your imagination, and you’ll come up with a good plan. Don’t rely on others to take care of your responsibilities. 4 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Give your all in order to gain the most. You will benefit from the comments made and the questions asked. Changes to your living arrangements will pay off, and an investment that involves property will entice you. Follow your heart. 3 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Take on whatever challenge you face with enthusiasm. You will gain confidence and popularity. A visit from someone will enrich your life if you listen to the advice offered. A financial adjustment will change your life. 3 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Dive in and take over. Your enthusiasm and willingness to pitch in and help will make others follow suit. An encounter you have will get you thinking about doing something you’ve never done. Romance is in the stars. 4 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Evaluate your life, and consider the changes you want to make. You are in a better position than you realize. Go over your finances, and put a plan in place that will add comfort and convenience to the way you live. 2 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Don’t give in to someone uncompromising. A poor decision will leave you at a loss. Question motives, friendships and how you plan to get ahead. Make a move that will rid you of anyone or anything that is bringing you down. 5 stars
Birthday Baby: You are entertaining, intelligent and open-minded. You are thoughtful and resilient.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.