mercurynews--2020-01-14--County to explore ‘safe parking’ lots for homeless living in cars

With more and more homeless people sleeping in cars and RVs , the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors agreed Tuesday to seek funding to create “ safe parking ” sites where they can stay overnight and possibly throughout the day .
The number of homeless people who live in their motor vehicles has risen from 8 percent in 2015 and 2017 to 18 percent in 2019 , according to survey results in a bi-annual homeless census count report .
At Supervisor Joseph Simitian suggestion , the board asked staff to find the money to support safe parking lots countywide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other ways the county can supports safe parking initiataives at a future meeting .
“ ( If ) we can provide one more option to give them a safe , permitted place to be , where there is case management that can lead them to a better place in their lives , then let ’ s get some of those obstacles out of the way , ” Simitian said .
Cities like San Jose , Morgan Hill and Mountain View already have safe parking programs , and on Monday the Palo Alto City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ church parking lots , with the goal of expanding safe parking to private and city-owned lots in the future .
Simitian said overnight programs at church parking lots is a start , but not enough to tackle the estimated 3,600 people living in cars and RVs on the streets countywide , according to the 2019 homeless census .
“ You can have all the services and nonprofit partners…but without sites , there ’ s not going to be the kind of larger response I think we ’ d like to see , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for county-funded lots to , ideally , operate 24-hours so RV owners don ’ t have to find places to re-park their vehicles during the day , a challenge many people cited with overnight programs .
Last year , the county pitched in $ 287,525 toward a two-year safe parking pilot program in Mountain View run by the nonprofit Move Mountain View .
The city also contributed $ 55,000 to the program .
But last week , Move Mountain View said its insurer will stop coverage of the city ’ s three safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 70 overnight RVs .
As a result , the city is seeking another provider .
Simitian ’ s proposal also calls for helping organizations with insurance coverage issues .
Supervisor Dave Cortese suggested the county even consider using its own parking lots for overnight programs , such as those at 70 .
W. Hedding St. in San Jose and at Elmwood Correctional Facility in Milpitas .
Though she supported the proposal , Supervisor Cindy Chavez said she ’ s concerned the funding could “ reward ” cities that exacerbate homeless problems or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pointed to ordinances in Mountain View , East Palo Alto and Berkeley that ban oversize vehicles from parking on some city streets .
“ Mountain View restricting RVs on their streets…they did that without having a place for the RVs to go , and I worry other cities will get impacted , ” Chavez said .
“ What I don ’ t want to do is reward behavior that isn ’ t aligned with what we ’ re trying to accomplish .
”

With more and more homeless people sleeping in cars and RVs, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors agreed Tuesday to seek funding to work with local cities and nonprofits to create “safe parking” sites where they can stay overnight and possibly throughout the day.
The number of homeless people who live in their motor vehicles has risen from 8 percent in 2015 and 2017 to 18 percent in 2019, according to survey results in a bi-annual homeless census count report.
At Supervisor Joseph Simitian’s suggestion, the board asked staff to find the money to support safe parking lots countywide and return with a detailed proposal for other ways the county can support local programs at a future meeting.
“(If) we can provide one more option to give them a safe, permitted place to be, where there is case management that can lead them to a better place in their lives, then let’s get some of those obstacles out of the way,” Simitian said.
Cities like San Jose, Morgan Hill and Mountain View already have safe parking programs, and on Monday the Palo Alto City Council called for a pilot program at church parking lots, with the goal of expanding safe parking to private and city-owned lots in the future.
Simitian said overnight programs at church parking lots is a start, but not enough to tackle the estimated 3,600 people living in cars and RVs on the streets countywide, according to the 2019 homeless census.
“You can have all the services and nonprofit partners…but without sites, there’s not going to be the kind of larger response I think we’d like to see,” Simitian said.
His proposal also calls for county-funded lots to, ideally, operate 24-hours so RV owners don’t have to find places to re-park their vehicles during the day, a challenge many people cited with overnight programs.
Last year, the county pitched in $287,525 toward a two-year safe parking pilot program in Mountain View run by the nonprofit Move Mountain View. The city also contributed $55,000 to the program.
But last week, Move Mountain View said its insurer will stop coverage of the city’s three safe parking lots that offer spaces for up to 70 overnight RVs. As a result, the city is seeking another provider.
Related Articles Local News | New San Jose law would ban homeless encampments and RVs near schools
New San Jose law would ban homeless encampments and RVs near schools Local News | Home sweet parking lot: Some hospitals welcome RV living for patients, families, and workers Simitian’s proposal also calls for helping organizations with insurance coverage issues.
Supervisor Dave Cortese suggested the county even consider using its own parking lots for overnight programs, such as those at 70. W. Hedding St. in San Jose and at Elmwood Correctional Facility in Milpitas.
Though she supported the proposal, Supervisor Cindy Chavez said she’s concerned the funding could “reward” cities that exacerbate homeless problems or push RVs into other cities. She pointed to ordinances in Mountain View, East Palo Alto and Berkeley that ban oversize vehicles from parking on some city streets.
“Mountain View restricting RVs on their streets…they did that without having a place for the RVs to go, and I worry other cities will get impacted,” Chavez said. “What I don’t want to do is reward behavior that isn’t aligned with what we’re trying to accomplish.”


mercurynews--2020-01-15--Behind enemy lines: Packers’ Aaron Rodgers, even at 36, is no ‘average quarterback’

For a second time in the last two months , the Packers are traveling to Santa Clara to face the 49ers .
The first time didn ’ t go so well for Green Bay , which lost 37-8 .
But that ’ s the most recent loss on the Packers ’ ledger .
So , for a third time this year ( the Raiders also played Green Bay ) , we turn to former Bay Area News Group writer Matt Schneidman to break down the hottest team in football .
Matt now covers the Packers for The Athletic — you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mattschneidman .
Now onto the questions : 1 .
Headlines across the NFL universe have proclaimed in recent weeks that Aaron Rodgers is now an “ average quarterback , ” but he showed some of that verve for the big moment Sunday evening against the Seahawks .
What has he lost , and what does he still have in his bag in this new offense ?
I ’ m hesitant to say he ’ s “ lost ” something because if you asked me that question last week , I would ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after having 16 overthrows for incompletions against the Lions in Week 17 , tied for the most ever since ESPN first tracked the stats in 2006 .
Then he makes absurdly accurate throws against the Seahawks to Jimmy Graham and Davante Adams , among others , and it seems Week 17 was just a fluke .
He ’ s hardly average , and he can clearly still will a team to victory as he did in the divisional round .
If anything , maybe some of his scrambling ability has waned , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I think he and the Packers still have some trickery in their bag in the new offense .
They haven ’ t used much of it this season , but we saw flashes of it against the Seahawks — a reverse handoff to return man Tyler Ervin , a jet sweep to wideout Allen Lazard — and I wouldn ’ t be surprised if Matt LaFleur and Rodgers drum up something we ’ re not expecting to see on Sunday .
2 .
The last time the Packers lost was Week 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Niners dominated them .
What has changed since then and what can the Packers glean from that loss to help them avoid a repeat ?
The biggest thing to change since that dreadful night for the Packers , as cliche as it sounds , is a reinforced belief the Packers belong among the NFL ’ s elites .
As you mentioned , they haven ’ t lost since , beating the Giants , Washington , Bears , Vikings , Lions and Seahawks .
After resembling pretenders more than contenders against the 49ers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the NFC ’ s best teams , but the results since have backed that up .
“ This isn ’ t something that ’ s happened out of nowhere , ” wideout Allen Lazard said .
“ We earned the right to be in this spot and we ’ re gon na take full advantage of it.
” The Packers realize they ’ re one win from the Super Bowl — not playing in a Week 12 game that won ’ t affect their position all that much — and that urgency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As for what they can take from the first bout between these teams , not much .
They probably want to forget anything that happened in that game .
If there ’ s one thing they should focus on , it ’ s striking first .
Adams cost the Packers 15 yards with a taunting penalty and Rodgers lost a fumble on the opening drive , which the 49ers swiftly turned into a touchdown .
Even if the Packers receive the opening kickoff and end up punting , that ’ s better than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Levi ’ s Stadium crowd .
In that game , the Packers didn ’ t stand a chance after that first drive .
This time , they need to throw the first punch .
3 .
The Packers have one elite receiver ( Davante Adams ) and the 49ers have one elite cornerback ( Richard Sherman ) .
Is it really as simple as Matt LaFleur keeping Adams away from Sherman ?
It ’ s probably not as simple as that , but LaFleur should spend every minute he ’ s awake this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away from Sherman .
Adams has been most effective out of the slot recently , so the Packers may continue starting him there and banking on the fact Sherman doesn ’ t pick Adams up on switches once he gets to the third level .
Of course that essentially negates whatever inferior receiver Sherman is guarding , and the Packers ’ best chance to beat Sherman is with Adams .
I ’ ll be intrigued to see what Robert Saleh does with Sherman and how LaFleur counters .
4 .
This defense has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brothers ” joining in free agency to lend some pass-rushing might .
Where ’ s the vulnerability on this unit ?
The Packers ’ biggest flaw on defense is probably defending the middle between the second and third tier .
Inside linebacker Blake Martinez is a staunch run defender , but he ’ s struggled at times this season in pass coverage , as has anyone responsible for tight ends over the middle .
George Kittle torched the Packers in Week 12 for six catches on six targets , 129 receiving yards and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t be surprised at all to see Kyle Shanahan scheme him open over the middle more than testing outside cornerbacks Jaire Alexander ( targeted once in Week 12 ) and Kevin King .
• 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh will do better than the data-obsessed Browns • Focus on Green Bay : Can Rodgers avenge worst career game vs. 49ers in NFC Championship ?
5 .
Despite missing Bryan Bulaga , the Packers ’ offensive line appeared totally in control against Seattle , but they ’ ll face a whole new test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Niners ’ D-line .
What do you see them doing to slow the 49ers ’ pass rush ?
They can only do so much , right ?
I will say that the Packers ’ offensive line is better off this time around because Bulaga will start and presumably play the whole game , whereas his backup , 2018 undraftee Alex Light , played 70 offensive snaps in Week 12 after Bulaga suffered an early knee injury .
Green Bay also has 32-year-old Jared Veldheer as a swing tackle now after GM Brian Gutekunst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the 49ers .
He played the entirety of last Sunday ’ s game and didn ’ t allow a hurry , hit or sack of Rodgers , so he ’ s a far better insurance policy than Light .
Maybe the Packers even use him as a sixth lineman in jumbo packages to protect against Nick Bosa or Dee Ford .

The rematch is set.
For a second time in the last two months, the Packers are traveling to Santa Clara to face the 49ers. The first time didn’t go so well for Green Bay, which lost 37-8. But that’s the most recent loss on the Packers’ ledger.
So, for a third time this year (the Raiders also played Green Bay), we turn to former Bay Area News Group writer Matt Schneidman to break down the hottest team in football. Matt now covers the Packers for The Athletic — you can find his work via Twitter at @mattschneidman.
Now onto the questions:
1. Headlines across the NFL universe have proclaimed in recent weeks that Aaron Rodgers is now an “average quarterback,” but he showed some of that verve for the big moment Sunday evening against the Seahawks. What has he lost, and what does he still have in his bag in this new offense?
I’m hesitant to say he’s “lost” something because if you asked me that question last week, I would’ve said Rodgers has lost some accuracy after having 16 overthrows for incompletions against the Lions in Week 17, tied for the most ever since ESPN first tracked the stats in 2006. Then he makes absurdly accurate throws against the Seahawks to Jimmy Graham and Davante Adams, among others, and it seems Week 17 was just a fluke.
He’s hardly average, and he can clearly still will a team to victory as he did in the divisional round. If anything, maybe some of his scrambling ability has waned, but even that is still pretty darn good. I think he and the Packers still have some trickery in their bag in the new offense. They haven’t used much of it this season, but we saw flashes of it against the Seahawks — a reverse handoff to return man Tyler Ervin, a jet sweep to wideout Allen Lazard — and I wouldn’t be surprised if Matt LaFleur and Rodgers drum up something we’re not expecting to see on Sunday.
2. The last time the Packers lost was Week 12 at Levi’s Stadium when the Niners dominated them. What has changed since then and what can the Packers glean from that loss to help them avoid a repeat?
The biggest thing to change since that dreadful night for the Packers, as cliche as it sounds, is a reinforced belief the Packers belong among the NFL’s elites. As you mentioned, they haven’t lost since, beating the Giants, Washington, Bears, Vikings, Lions and Seahawks. After resembling pretenders more than contenders against the 49ers, the Packers believed they were still one of the NFC’s best teams, but the results since have backed that up.
“This isn’t something that’s happened out of nowhere,” wideout Allen Lazard said. “We earned the right to be in this spot and we’re gonna take full advantage of it.”
The Packers realize they’re one win from the Super Bowl — not playing in a Week 12 game that won’t affect their position all that much — and that urgency should help them in the rematch. As for what they can take from the first bout between these teams, not much. They probably want to forget anything that happened in that game. If there’s one thing they should focus on, it’s striking first. Adams cost the Packers 15 yards with a taunting penalty and Rodgers lost a fumble on the opening drive, which the 49ers swiftly turned into a touchdown. Even if the Packers receive the opening kickoff and end up punting, that’s better than another utter collapse to rile up the Levi’s Stadium crowd. In that game, the Packers didn’t stand a chance after that first drive. This time, they need to throw the first punch.
3. The Packers have one elite receiver (Davante Adams) and the 49ers have one elite cornerback (Richard Sherman). Is it really as simple as Matt LaFleur keeping Adams away from Sherman?
It’s probably not as simple as that, but LaFleur should spend every minute he’s awake this week thinking of ways to scheme Adams away from Sherman. Adams has been most effective out of the slot recently, so the Packers may continue starting him there and banking on the fact Sherman doesn’t pick Adams up on switches once he gets to the third level. Of course that essentially negates whatever inferior receiver Sherman is guarding, and the Packers’ best chance to beat Sherman is with Adams. I’ll be intrigued to see what Robert Saleh does with Sherman and how LaFleur counters.
4. This defense has been revamped, with the Smith “brothers” joining in free agency to lend some pass-rushing might. Where’s the vulnerability on this unit?
The Packers’ biggest flaw on defense is probably defending the middle between the second and third tier. Inside linebacker Blake Martinez is a staunch run defender, but he’s struggled at times this season in pass coverage, as has anyone responsible for tight ends over the middle. George Kittle torched the Packers in Week 12 for six catches on six targets, 129 receiving yards and a 61-yard touchdown catch. I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see Kyle Shanahan scheme him open over the middle more than testing outside cornerbacks Jaire Alexander (targeted once in Week 12) and Kevin King.
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They can only do so much, right? I will say that the Packers’ offensive line is better off this time around because Bulaga will start and presumably play the whole game, whereas his backup, 2018 undraftee Alex Light, played 70 offensive snaps in Week 12 after Bulaga suffered an early knee injury. Green Bay also has 32-year-old Jared Veldheer as a swing tackle now after GM Brian Gutekunst claimed him the week after the loss to the 49ers. He played the entirety of last Sunday’s game and didn’t allow a hurry, hit or sack of Rodgers, so he’s a far better insurance policy than Light. Maybe the Packers even use him as a sixth lineman in jumbo packages to protect against Nick Bosa or Dee Ford.


mercurynews--2020-01-15--Letter: Moms 4 Housing spotlight companies fueling housing crises

Re : “ Taxpayers will leave if Oakland takes over house ” ( Eastbaytimes.com , Letter to the editor , @ @ @ @ @ am an Oakland homeowner and taxpayer .
I am thrilled by the Moms 4 Housing @ @ @ @ @ to bring attention to the corporate real estate speculators who are twisting an already unfair @ @ @ @ @ .
• Letter : Right to bear arms defined in context of a regulated militia @ @ @ @ @ live in Oakland doing fine without the critics • Letter : Obama hailed for Bin @ @ @ @ @ ’ t win war • Letter : Women are never told cosmetics can be this @ @ @ @ @ to live in a city in which the Moms 4 Housing are living and organizing @ @ @ @ @ Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Moms 4 Housing spotlight
firms fueling housing crisis
Re: “Taxpayers will leave if Oakland takes over house” (Eastbaytimes.com, Letter to the editor, Jan. 7):
I am an Oakland homeowner and taxpayer. I am thrilled by the Moms 4 Housing activists, as they organize to bring attention to the corporate real estate speculators who are twisting an already unfair housing market into a nightmare.
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Monique Doryland
Oakland
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mercurynews--2020-01-15--Watchdog, legislator offer plans to overhaul California’s recycling program

California lawmakers will consider legislation Wednesday , Jan. 15 to revamp the state ’ s struggling recycling program for bottles and cans — a program Consumer Watchdog fears may collapse unless significant changes are made .
The Santa Monica-based nonprofit held a press conference Tuesday , Jan. 14 to highlight findings of its new report , “ Trashed : How California Recycling Failed and How to Fix It.
” The study was released as Sacramento lawmakers debate an overhaul of the state ’ s recycling programs .
The report notes that redemption centers are closing at an alarming rate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ half of the $ 1.5 billion worth of nickel and dime deposits they pay each year .
California consumers receive 5 cents for most glass bottles , plastic bottles or aluminum cans that hold less than 24 ounces and 10 cents for containers of 24 ounces or more , according to CalRecycle , the state department that oversees California ’ s recycling programs .
The state took a major hit in August when rePlanet closed 284 redemption centers .
rePlanet CEO David Lawrence linked the closure to a reduction in state fees , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plastic , and the rise in operating costs resulting from minimum wage increases and required health and workers compensation insurance .
“ Half of our recycling centers have closed over the last six years , ” Consumer Watchdog President Jamie Court said .
“ Anywhere you buy a bottle or can … you should be able to take it back right there .
You shouldn ’ t have to go under a freeway or go miles away.
” The problem , Consumer Watchdog says , has been compounded by the fact that supermarket @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legally obligated to be recyclers of last resort — are often refusing to redeem consumer deposits .
CalRecycle has only recently begun policing its program and punishing retailers who fail to comply , the report said .
CalRecycle spokesman Lance Klug said his agency has stepped up enforcement of its recycling program .
“ We have conducted 2,500 inspections of obligated retailers to ensure they are providing take-back of containers in-store , ” he said via email .
“ The department continues to prioritize the most egregious cases against retailers refusing to comply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million enforcement action against CVS.
” Klug said $ 1.05 billion was paid out in CRV ( California Refund Value ) redemptions in 2019 .
That ’ s the amount paid to consumers when they recycle beverage containers at certified recycling centers .
Beverage distributors paid out another $ 1.35 billion in redemption fees .
“ Last year Californians recycled approximately 18 billion containers through the program , a similar amount to how many were recycled the year before , ” Klug said .
On Wednesday , Jan. 15 , the Senate Environmental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 372 .
Authored by Sen. Bob Wieckowski , D-Fremont , the measure would make the beverage industry accountable for recycling and redemption of its containers .
Distributors of beverage containers in California would be required to form a stewardship organization , developing and submitting a plan and budget for the recovery and recycling of empty beverage containers .
Distributors in the new organization also would have to establish a stewardship fee paid by its members to assist in covering the costs of implementing the program .
Lack of access to redemption centers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boosted the CalRecycle ’ s available funds to about $ 345 million , Consumer Watchdog said , but beverage distributors , retailers and waste haulers are siphoning off hundreds of millions of dollars that should go to consumers .
The report says California ’ s recycling rate for empty plastic , glass , and aluminum beverage containers has fallen from 85 % to 75 % , leaving the redemption rate at just 66 % .
But curbside waste haulers take away 12 % of redeemable bottles and cans that are thrown in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state ’ s real redemption rate is closer to 56 % .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom , lawmakers and recycling stakeholders agreed late last year that a major reform of the bottle-deposit system should be undertaken in 2020 .
Consumer Watchdog recommends the following changes : • Mandate that all major grocery store , big box , convenience and drugstore chains selling beverages take back empties and redeem deposits • Require CalRecycle to enforce the existing bottle deposit law by levying meaningful fines on retail stores for each day , including retroactively , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Add wine and distilled spirits to beverages with bottle deposits , including soda , juice and water , to raise the amount of money for the program by roughly $ 100 million annually • If needed , raise consumer deposits to incentivize consumers to recycle empties • Eliminate unjustified subsidies to waste haulers that are allowed to collect consumers ’ deposits from recycling bins on top of other state payments not shown to improve the quality of recycling • Shift the responsibility of container recycling onto the beverage industry with the Legislature setting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial penalties to be levied onto the beverage industry if the target is missed Liza Tucker , Consumer Watchdog ’ s consumer advocate and author of the report , said redemption rates are much higher in other states that have recycling programs for bottles and cans .
“ Everybody else is a whole lot higher because retailers in those other states are required to redeem , ” she said .
“ In Michigan , you just go back to the store where you got your bottle .
When I looked at all redemption @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the middle .
There is no way we are a leader , and we should be .
”

California lawmakers on Wednesday, Jan. 15 were considering legislation to revamp the state’s struggling recycling program for bottles and cans — a program Consumer Watchdog fears may collapse unless significant changes are made.
The Los Angeles-based nonprofit held a press conference Tuesday, Jan. 14 to highlight findings of its new report, “Trashed: How California Recycling Failed and How to Fix It.” The study was released as Sacramento lawmakers debate an overhaul of the state’s recycling programs.
The report notes that redemption centers are closing at an alarming rate, and consumers are getting back only about half of the $1.5 billion worth of nickel and dime deposits they pay each year.
Lance Klug, a spokesman for CalRecycle, the state department that oversees California’s recycling programs, said consumers paid in $1.35 billion in CRV (California Refund Value) deposits last year.
California consumers receive 5 cents for most glass bottles, plastic bottles or aluminum cans that hold less than 24 ounces and 10 cents for containers of 24 ounces or more, according to CalRecycle.
The state took a major hit in August when rePlanet closed 284 redemption centers. rePlanet CEO David Lawrence linked the closure to a reduction in state fees, the depressed pricing of recycled aluminum and plastic, and the rise in operating costs resulting from minimum wage increases and required health and workers compensation insurance.
“Half of our recycling centers have closed over the last six years,” Consumer Watchdog President Jamie Court said. “Anywhere you buy a bottle or can … you should be able to take it back right there. You shouldn’t have to go under a freeway or go miles away.”
Retailers aren’t picking up the slack
The problem, Consumer Watchdog says, has been compounded by the fact that supermarket chains and other beverage retailers — although legally obligated to be recyclers of last resort — are often refusing to redeem consumer deposits. CalRecycle has only recently begun policing its program and punishing retailers who fail to comply, the report said.
Klug said his agency has stepped up enforcement of its recycling program.
“We have conducted 2,500 inspections of obligated retailers to ensure they are providing take-back of containers in-store,” he said via email. “The department continues to prioritize the most egregious cases against retailers refusing to comply with responsibilities, including a $3.6 million enforcement action against CVS.”
Klug said distributors paid $1.35 billion into the Beverage Container Recycling Fund in fiscal year 2018-19 based on the number of containers they sold to retailers. Distributors recovered that $1.35 billion from retailers, who recover it from California consumers.
“Last year Californians recycled approximately 18 billion containers through the program, a similar amount to how many were recycled the year before,” Klug said.
SB 372
On Wednesday, Jan. 15, the Senate Environmental Quality Committee will take up Senate Bill 372.
Authored by Sen. Bob Wieckowski, D-Fremont, the measure would make the beverage industry accountable for recycling and redemption of its containers. Distributors of beverage containers in California would be required to form a stewardship organization, developing and submitting a plan and budget for the recovery and recycling of empty beverage containers.
Distributors in the new organization also would have to establish a stewardship fee paid by its members to assist in covering the costs of implementing the program.
Lack of access to redemption centers and the resulting wave of unclaimed deposits have boosted the CalRecycle’s available funds to about $345 million, Consumer Watchdog said, but beverage distributors, retailers and waste haulers are siphoning off hundreds of millions of dollars that should go to consumers.
The report says California’s recycling rate for empty plastic, glass, and aluminum beverage containers has fallen from 85% to 75%, leaving the redemption rate at just 66%. But curbside waste haulers take away 12% of redeemable bottles and cans that are thrown in the trash, Court said, so the state’s real redemption rate is closer to 56%.
Klug said the actual recycling rate is 76%.
Recommended changes
Gov. Gavin Newsom, lawmakers and recycling stakeholders agreed late last year that a major reform of the bottle-deposit system should be undertaken in 2020.
Consumer Watchdog recommends the following changes:
Mandate that all major grocery store, big box, convenience and drugstore chains selling beverages take back empties and redeem deposits
Require CalRecycle to enforce the existing bottle deposit law by levying meaningful fines on retail stores for each day, including retroactively, that they shirk their recycling responsibilities
Add wine and distilled spirits to beverages with bottle deposits, including soda, juice and water, to raise the amount of money for the program by roughly $100 million annually
If needed, raise consumer deposits to incentivize consumers to recycle empties
Eliminate unjustified subsidies to waste haulers that are allowed to collect consumers’ deposits from recycling bins on top of other state payments not shown to improve the quality of recycling
Shift the responsibility of container recycling onto the beverage industry with the Legislature setting a redemption target of 90% and financial penalties to be levied onto the beverage industry if the target is missed
Liza Tucker, Consumer Watchdog’s consumer advocate and author of the report, said redemption rates are much higher in other states that have recycling programs for bottles and cans.
“Everybody else is a whole lot higher because retailers in those other states are required to redeem,” she said. “In Michigan, you just go back to the store where you got your bottle. When I looked at all redemption rates, California is right smack dead in the middle. There is no way we are a leader, and we should be.”


mercurynews--2020-01-15--Letter: Right to bear arms defined in context of a regulated militia

Right to bear arms defined in the context of a militia In his letter titled “ Is free speech a right only if petitioning government ?
” ( Letter to the editor , Mercurynews.com , Jan. 9 ) , the letter-writer argues that if a well-regulated militia limits the ownership of arms , it could equally be argued that the right to free speech is limited to petitioning government .
This argument is specious because while the right to bear arms is defined in the context of a well-regulated militia , the right to free speech is not defined in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ letter-writer further states : “ Stay in your lane and out of constitutional law.
” • Letter : We who live in Oakland doing fine without the critics • Letter : Obama hailed for Bin Laden killing but still didn ’ t win war • Letter : Women are never told cosmetics can be this dangerous • Letter : So if an owner isn ’ t using something , we can use it ?
Sorry , the Constitution is the lawful democratic purview of every U.S. citizen .
Nobody has the right to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we won ’ t .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Right to bear arms defined
in the context of a militia
In his letter titled “Is free speech a right only if petitioning government?” (Letter to the editor, Mercurynews.com, Jan. 9), the letter-writer argues that if a well-regulated militia limits the ownership of arms, it could equally be argued that the right to free speech is limited to petitioning government.
This argument is specious because while the right to bear arms is defined in the context of a well-regulated militia, the right to free speech is not defined in the context of petitioning government.
The letter-writer further states: “Stay in your lane and out of constitutional law.”
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Rajiv Bhateja
Los Altos Hills
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Bridge: Jan. 15, 2020

Cy the Cynic is no fan of matrimony .
He says it ’ s no coincidence that “ engagement ” can mean either an intention to wed or an impending battle .
Cy ’ s least favorite holding is a K-Q doubleton .
It reminds him of marriage and invariably presages disaster .
Cy was today ’ s South — and paled when he saw his spades .
At four hearts , he won the diamond opening lead and took the A-K of trumps .
When West discarded , the Cynic tried the A-K of clubs .
East ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next club with the jack and led another diamond .
The defense got one trick in each suit .
“ I had to try to draw trumps , ” Cy mumbled .
Cy brought it all on himself .
He can take the king of trumps but should continue with three rounds of clubs .
Say West wins and leads another diamond .
Cy wins , goes to the ace of trumps and throws his last diamond on the high club , losing a trump , a spade and a club .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he will always succeed when the contract is indeed makable .
You hold : S A J 9 4 3 H Q 10 9 D Q 8 5 C Q 5 .
Your partner opens one diamond , you respond one spade and he bids two clubs .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : You have options , depending in part on your partnership ’ s agreements .
If a jump-preference to three diamonds would be invitational , not forcing , that call would be reasonable .
If three diamonds would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not sure , bid 2NT to invite game .
Partner need not pass if his hand is shapely .

Cy the Cynic is no fan of matrimony. He says it’s no coincidence that “engagement” can mean either an intention to wed or an impending battle. Cy’s least favorite holding is a K-Q doubleton. It reminds him of marriage and invariably presages disaster.
Cy was today’s South — and paled when he saw his spades. At four hearts, he won the diamond opening lead and took the A-K of trumps. When West discarded, the Cynic tried the A-K of clubs. East’s queen fell, but West won the next club with the jack and led another diamond. The defense got one trick in each suit.
DRAW TRUMPS?
“I had to try to draw trumps,” Cy mumbled.
Cy brought it all on himself. He can take the king of trumps but should continue with three rounds of clubs. Say West wins and leads another diamond. Cy wins, goes to the ace of trumps and throws his last diamond on the high club, losing a trump, a spade and a club.
If declarer keeps an entry to dummy, he will always succeed when the contract is indeed makable.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S A J 9 4 3 H Q 10 9 D Q 8 5 C Q 5. Your partner opens one diamond, you respond one spade and he bids two clubs. What do you say?
ANSWER: You have options, depending in part on your partnership’s agreements. If a jump-preference to three diamonds would be invitational, not forcing, that call would be reasonable. If three diamonds would be forcing, or if you’re not sure, bid 2NT to invite game. Partner need not pass if his hand is shapely.
South dealer
Both sides vulnerable
NORTH
S 5 2
H A J 6 5
D 7 6 4
C 10 9 4 3
WEST
S 10 8 7 6
H 3
D J 10 9 2
C J 8 7 6
EAST
S A J 9 4 3
H Q 10 9
D Q 8 5
C Q 5
SOUTH
S K Q
H K 8 7 4 2
D A K 3
C A K 2
South West North East
2 NT Pass 3 C Pass
3 H Pass 4 H All Pass
Opening lead — D J
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-01-15--Horoscopes Jan. 15, 2020: Dove Cameron, reach for the stars.

Happy Birthday : Reach for the stars .
Don ’ t be afraid to show how passionate you feel about what you do professionally or personally .
Make your words count , live up to your promises and show others that you mean business .
Turn this into a year filled with success , expansion and high expectations .
Embrace change , and take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way .
Your numbers are 7 , 10 , 16 , 24 , 28 , 33 , 42 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Keep a level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll make matters worse .
Rely on your skills and your ability to pull things together quickly .
Collaborating with a peer will make you twice as powerful when presenting what you have to offer .
3 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Set the standard , and follow through with your plans .
You can impress someone , but don ’ t do so if it will affect your reputation .
At some point , you ’ ll be forced to say no .
Cut your losses , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3 stars GEMINI ( May 21-June 20 ) : Times are changing , but are you willing to make a move ?
Opportunities coupled with your creative ideas should help you make a positive change in your life .
Someone you meet through education , traveling or networking will attract your attention .
5 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Resolving an emotional issue will be much easier if you offer an enticing incentive .
Aesthetic changes to your home will cheer you up and encourage you to host a gathering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spirits as well as your confidence .
2 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Take action and do your own thing to get ahead .
Talks won ’ t amount to anything if you can ’ t demonstrate the result .
Empty promises are likely if you trust someone who tends to say what you want to hear .
4 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : You may have to reinvent your strategy to fit current economic trends .
Don ’ t hold back ; be articulate , detailed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stand by you and your decision , even if those closest to you give you a hard time .
3 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : You have to play to win .
Don ’ t count on friends and people in high positions to help you .
It ’ s best to take the initiative and go it alone .
A problem at home may leave you speechless .
Don ’ t give in to threats .
3 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Start putting your ideas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and you ’ ll stay ahead of the competition .
Use your creative genius to cut corners .
Make contributions to groups you feel have something to offer in return .
Make plans with someone you love .
3 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : You can get by on charm and capture your audience , but don ’ t exaggerate , or someone will question you .
If you leave something unfinished , the repercussions will be detrimental in moving forward .
A lesson you experience will help you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Dominate whatever situation you face .
If change is what you desire , start the ball rolling .
Make a point to engage in talks that will encourage others to respond favorably to your plans .
Romance is on the rise .
5 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : You ’ ll have a great idea , and if properly executed , you stand to make some cash .
You ’ ll be able to get your point heard and make a difference .
Work quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on finishing what you start .
3 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Keep your thoughts a secret .
Take time to help others by providing a service or offering your time .
Be a team player , and someone will offer you valuable information that will come in handy .
Personal gain is apparent .
3 stars Birthday Baby : You are charismatic , intense and passionate .
You are innovative and tenacious .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Dove Cameron, 24; Regina King, 49; Chad Lowe, 52; Mario Van Peebles, 63.
Happy Birthday: Reach for the stars. Don’t be afraid to show how passionate you feel about what you do professionally or personally. Make your words count, live up to your promises and show others that you mean business. Turn this into a year filled with success, expansion and high expectations. Embrace change, and take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. Your numbers are 7, 10, 16, 24, 28, 33, 42.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Keep a level head. If you overreact, you’ll make matters worse. Rely on your skills and your ability to pull things together quickly. Collaborating with a peer will make you twice as powerful when presenting what you have to offer. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Set the standard, and follow through with your plans. You can impress someone, but don’t do so if it will affect your reputation. At some point, you’ll be forced to say no. Cut your losses, and walk away from a bad deal. 3 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Times are changing, but are you willing to make a move? Opportunities coupled with your creative ideas should help you make a positive change in your life. Someone you meet through education, traveling or networking will attract your attention. 5 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Resolving an emotional issue will be much easier if you offer an enticing incentive. Aesthetic changes to your home will cheer you up and encourage you to host a gathering. A little romance will lift your spirits as well as your confidence. 2 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Take action and do your own thing to get ahead. Talks won’t amount to anything if you can’t demonstrate the result. Empty promises are likely if you trust someone who tends to say what you want to hear. 4 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You may have to reinvent your strategy to fit current economic trends. Don’t hold back; be articulate, detailed and persistent. Someone you respect will stand by you and your decision, even if those closest to you give you a hard time. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): You have to play to win. Don’t count on friends and people in high positions to help you. It’s best to take the initiative and go it alone. A problem at home may leave you speechless. Don’t give in to threats. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Start putting your ideas out to the universe. Move fast, and you’ll stay ahead of the competition. Use your creative genius to cut corners. Make contributions to groups you feel have something to offer in return. Make plans with someone you love. 3 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You can get by on charm and capture your audience, but don’t exaggerate, or someone will question you. If you leave something unfinished, the repercussions will be detrimental in moving forward. A lesson you experience will help you move on. 4 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Dominate whatever situation you face. If change is what you desire, start the ball rolling. Make a point to engage in talks that will encourage others to respond favorably to your plans. Romance is on the rise. 5 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You’ll have a great idea, and if properly executed, you stand to make some cash. You’ll be able to get your point heard and make a difference. Work quickly, leave nothing to chance and focus on finishing what you start. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Keep your thoughts a secret. Take time to help others by providing a service or offering your time. Be a team player, and someone will offer you valuable information that will come in handy. Personal gain is apparent. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are charismatic, intense and passionate. You are innovative and tenacious.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


Word Game: Jan. 15, 2020

TODAY ’ S WORD — REACTOR ( REACTOR : ree-AK-ter : A device for the controlled release of nuclear energy @ @ @ @ @ 38 or more words in REACTOR ?
The list will be published tomorrow .
To @ @ @ @ @ , visit WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 while supplies last !
@ @ @ @ @ of four or more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four letters by the @ @ @ @ @ ” such as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” are not allowed .
@ @ @ @ @ by adding a “ d ” or an “ s ” may not be used @ @ @ @ @ “ bake ” is used , “ baked ” or “ bakes ” are not @ @ @ @ @ ” and “ baking ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper nouns , slang words @ @ @ @ @ explicit words are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — REACTOR (REACTOR: ree-AK-ter: A device for the controlled release of nuclear energy.)
Average mark 26 words
Time limit 40 minutes
Can you find 38 or more words in REACTOR? The list will be published tomorrow.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — QUATRAIN quaint quart quint quirt quit unit
anti aqua aria aunt aura tarn tiara train tuna turn rain rani rant riata ruin
runt nutria
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--2020-01-15--Ask Amy: Am I a jerk for finding their stories unpleasant?

DEAR AMY : I will be turning 60 this year , and have noticed a sort of trend among many of my friends , acquaintances and co-workers .
It seems like every time we get together , someone starts to talk about a loved one who is very ill , dying , or has died .
This often sets off a morbid competition of who can come up with the most heartbreaking — and graphic — details .
Obviously , we ’ re all at an age where we ’ ve experienced this type of loss .
Both my parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on , but I would never reveal details of their deaths in a casual , mixed-company setting .
If we ’ re out having drinks before a concert , at a baby shower , or in the lunchroom at work , I ’ d rather not hear about a beloved aunt ’ s courageous but losing battle with cancer .
• Ask Amy : I found my birth family , and they threatened me • Dear Abby : It ’ s a deal-breaker that he won ’ t tell me about his father @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free , but she would find it sinful • Ask Amy : He has his hooks in his college girlfriend .
Should I tell her what I know ?
I ’ m not an unsympathetic person — quite the opposite .
But there is a time and place to reveal this sort of personal information .
My question is : How would you handle this tricky social situation without coming across as a callous jerk ?
My next question : Am I being a callous jerk ?
DEAR BUZZ-KILLED : I don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a callous jerk , mainly because you got there before me .
I exaggerate , but I do believe you sound … intolerant .
Perhaps you remember your own life about three decades ago , when your peers ( and possibly you , also ) were all talking about pregnancy , childbirth , the terrible twos , or your terrible bosses .
Yes , back in those days there were probably people who laid on too much graphic detail in recounting their childbirth stories .
I ’ d venture that these might be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much detail ( for you ) regarding their loved ones ’ illness or death stories .
However , what your cohorts are doing is not mindless , tactless talk .
They are narrating their lives .
What you describe as a “ morbid competition ” might otherwise be seen as “ relating.
” You may declare that reporting on , recounting and remembering your loved ones is bad form , but ( in my view ) this is a matter of opinion .
I agree that going on and on in a larger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical details about a perfect stranger is not polite or pro-social behavior .
But — anyone who wants to talk about and/or remember a loved-one is welcome to sit by me ( and that includes you ) .
If someone is engaged in a topic that makes you genuinely uncomfortable , you can gently try to change the subject by saying , “ I ’ m so sorry to hear all of this .
I seem to remember that you are planning a long trip this summer .
Will you still be able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you could pull the person off of sharing medical details by asking pointed questions about the subject ’ s life , such as where ( and how ) they lived , versus how they are dying .
DEAR AMY : My sister-in-law had minor surgery .
I made a few frozen casserole “ comfort food ” dishes for her and my brother-in-law to consume during her recovery .
Generally , it is acknowledged that I am a good cook .
When I next saw them , they returned one of the casseroles , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they don ’ t care for .
I know that it is something they eat .
Am I wrong to think it would have been kinder to simply regift the dish , or simply dispose of it , rather than returning it to me ?
DEAR CASSEROLLED : Because a casserole is a word describing both a baked dish and also the dish it is baked in , I take it that this dish was returned to you , food intact .
I agree with you that this is strange , and rude @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gesture on your part .
When receiving gifts of food , there is no rule that this food must be consumed and enjoyed , but the dish ( sans food ) should be returned , clean , and the giver should be thanked .
DEAR AMY : This is for “ Disappointed , ” your reader who thinks that a man grabbing a woman ’ s crotch is a minor infraction .
Any form of sexual misconduct should be called out .
Public cases show how long an abuser gets away with this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event can help to prevent this conduct from being forced onto others .
DEAR UPSET : Many readers have reacted to the question similarly .
If this sort of behavior goes unchallenged , then it continues .
In a worst-case scenario , this sort of drunken groping could escalate into a more serious assault .
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy , P.O .
Box 194 , Freeville , NY 13068 .
You can also follow her on Twitter @ askingamy or Facebook @

DEAR AMY: I will be turning 60 this year, and have noticed a sort of trend among many of my friends, acquaintances and co-workers.
It seems like every time we get together, someone starts to talk about a loved one who is very ill, dying, or has died.
This often sets off a morbid competition of who can come up with the most heartbreaking — and graphic — details.
Obviously, we’re all at an age where we’ve experienced this type of loss. Both my parents and three of my siblings have passed on, but I would never reveal details of their deaths in a casual, mixed-company setting.
If we’re out having drinks before a concert, at a baby shower, or in the lunchroom at work, I’d rather not hear about a beloved aunt’s courageous but losing battle with cancer.
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My question is: How would you handle this tricky social situation without coming across as a callous jerk?
My next question: Am I being a callous jerk?
Buzz-killed in Boston
DEAR BUZZ-KILLED: I don’t know if I would call you a callous jerk, mainly because you got there before me. I exaggerate, but I do believe you sound … intolerant.
Perhaps you remember your own life about three decades ago, when your peers (and possibly you, also) were all talking about pregnancy, childbirth, the terrible twos, or your terrible bosses.
Yes, back in those days there were probably people who laid on too much graphic detail in recounting their childbirth stories. I’d venture that these might be the same people who offer up too much detail (for you) regarding their loved ones’ illness or death stories.
However, what your cohorts are doing is not mindless, tactless talk. They are narrating their lives. What you describe as a “morbid competition” might otherwise be seen as “relating.”
You may declare that reporting on, recounting and remembering your loved ones is bad form, but (in my view) this is a matter of opinion. I agree that going on and on in a larger social setting and describing (private) medical details about a perfect stranger is not polite or pro-social behavior.
But — anyone who wants to talk about and/or remember a loved-one is welcome to sit by me (and that includes you).
If someone is engaged in a topic that makes you genuinely uncomfortable, you can gently try to change the subject by saying, “I’m so sorry to hear all of this. I seem to remember that you are planning a long trip this summer. Will you still be able to do that?” Or, you could pull the person off of sharing medical details by asking pointed questions about the subject’s life, such as where (and how) they lived, versus how they are dying.
DEAR AMY: My sister-in-law had minor surgery. I made a few frozen casserole “comfort food” dishes for her and my brother-in-law to consume during her recovery.
Generally, it is acknowledged that I am a good cook.
When I next saw them, they returned one of the casseroles, saying that it is a dish that they don’t care for. I know that it is something they eat.
Am I wrong to think it would have been kinder to simply regift the dish, or simply dispose of it, rather than returning it to me?
Casserolled
DEAR CASSEROLLED: Because a casserole is a word describing both a baked dish and also the dish it is baked in, I take it that this dish was returned to you, food intact.
I agree with you that this is strange, and rude. This was a kind and generous gesture on your part. When receiving gifts of food, there is no rule that this food must be consumed and enjoyed, but the dish (sans food) should be returned, clean, and the giver should be thanked.
Want Ask Amy delivered to your inbox for free on weekdays?
DEAR AMY: This is for “Disappointed,” your reader who thinks that a man grabbing a woman’s crotch is a minor infraction.
Any form of sexual misconduct should be called out.
Public cases show how long an abuser gets away with this behavior when not reported.
Reporting an event can help to prevent this conduct from being forced onto others.
Upset
DEAR UPSET: Many readers have reacted to the question similarly. If this sort of behavior goes unchallenged, then it continues. In a worst-case scenario, this sort of drunken groping could escalate into a more serious assault.
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.


mercurynews--2020-01-15--Letter: We who live in Oakland doing fine without the critics

Re : “ I have no desire to shop or eat in Oakland or SF for this reason ” ( @ @ @ @ @ Eastbaytimes.com , Jan. 8 ) : The letter-writer writes that she is not surprised that @ @ @ @ @ .
But she neglects to also write that homicides still remain at historic lows in @ @ @ @ @ imagine why she slandered Oakland since the implications of her words speak for themselves .
@ @ @ @ @ bear arms defined in context of a regulated militia • Letter : Obama hailed for @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t win war • Letter : Women are never told cosmetics can be @ @ @ @ @ So if an owner isn ’ t using something , we can use it ?
@ @ @ @ @ in Oakland are doing fine without her .
I am sure the fabulous cultural offering @ @ @ @ @ her plenty entertained .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more @ @ @ @

Homicides still remain at
historic lows in Oakland
Re: “I have no desire to shop or eat in Oakland or SF for this reason” (Letter to the editor, Eastbaytimes.com, Jan. 8):
The letter-writer writes that she is not surprised that homicides are up in Oakland. But she neglects to also write that homicides still remain at historic lows in Oakland. I can only imagine why she slandered Oakland since the implications of her words speak for themselves.
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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 Frankly, we who live in Oakland are doing fine without her. I am sure the fabulous cultural offering in Walnut Creek will keep her plenty entertained.
Angel Macedon
Oakland
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
Read more Letters to the Editor


mercurynews--2020-01-15--Harriette Cole: I went crazy on gifts and now I’m thousands in debt

DEAR HARRIETTE : I spent too much money on Christmas gifts , even though I promised myself that I would stick to a budget .
Now I ’ m saddled with several thousand dollars ’ worth of credit card bills exactly at the time when I wanted to be starting fresh financially .
How can I change my habits given that I already messed up and the year is just starting ?
DEAR BECOMING DEBT-FREE : Kudos to you for recognizing your folly .
That is the first step to changing your behavior .
Consider several options for clearing up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not your strong suit , get help .
You may want to download a simple financial planning tracker app into which you log every penny you spend and why .
You can get one that helps you to budget the resources that you have .
For a small monthly fee , you can hire a bookkeeper to help you to get your affairs in order .
Ask your friends or co-workers for recommendations .
You can also find a financial adviser who will review all of your financial information and help you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial future .
The point is for you to get help from people who know more than you and who have the ability to help guide you to healthier behavior .
• Harriette Cole : Mom ’ s upset because I want absentee dad at wedding • Harriette Cole : I think the school is handling these racist incidents wrong • Harriette Cole : Her life is a Hallmark movie , and I ’ m worried • Harriette Cole : Does my dog deserve a better owner than me ?
• Harriette Cole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his attitude ?
You may also want and need ongoing support .
Consider joining Debtors Anonymous .
Just like Alcoholics Anonymous , you can go to free meetings for people who are struggling to manage their money and who come together to talk about their concerns and help one another make smarter choices .
To find a meeting near you , visit debtorsanonymous.org .
DEAR HARRIETTE : Like the person who wrote in about having chest pains and heart palpitations , I had the same symptoms for years , and no doctor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with me .
Finally a cardiologist diagnosed my problem as microvascular angina , which is common in women .
The small vessels around the heart constrict , giving the same symptoms as a heart attack .
Medications are available to treat this condition .
I ’ d suggest your reader call a cardiologist .
My life has been transformed .
DEAR NO MORE HEART PAIN : Thank you for sharing your story and how you were able to be helped by your cardiologist .
One of the greatest accomplishments of modern medicine is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of health conditions .
For people who have not figured out what ’ s wrong , don ’ t give up .
Go to specialists until you find a doctor who can help you to determine what ’ s wrong and how to restore your health .
It can be easy to give up when you reach a few dead ends .
Hopefully , this reader ’ s story will help you to keep searching for answers .
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS , an initiative to help people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can send questions to askharriette @ harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

DEAR HARRIETTE: I spent too much money on Christmas gifts, even though I promised myself that I would stick to a budget. Now I’m saddled with several thousand dollars’ worth of credit card bills exactly at the time when I wanted to be starting fresh financially.
How can I change my habits given that I already messed up and the year is just starting?
Becoming Debt-Free
DEAR BECOMING DEBT-FREE: Kudos to you for recognizing your folly. That is the first step to changing your behavior. Consider several options for clearing up your debt situation.
Since financial savvy is not your strong suit, get help. You may want to download a simple financial planning tracker app into which you log every penny you spend and why. You can get one that helps you to budget the resources that you have.
For a listing of highly recommended apps, visit doughroller.net/budgeting/10-tablet-apps-that-manage-your-money.
For a small monthly fee, you can hire a bookkeeper to help you to get your affairs in order. Ask your friends or co-workers for recommendations. You can also find a financial adviser who will review all of your financial information and help you to get on course for a healthy financial future. The point is for you to get help from people who know more than you and who have the ability to help guide you to healthier behavior.
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Harriette Cole: What does it mean that my boyfriend’s sister called me by this name? Advice | Harriette Cole: Our guest walked through a closed screen door. Is it our problem?
Harriette Cole: Our guest walked through a closed screen door. Is it our problem? Advice | Harriette Cole: I’m ashamed to tell people I forgave my childhood friend
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 You may also want and need ongoing support. Consider joining Debtors Anonymous. Just like Alcoholics Anonymous, you can go to free meetings for people who are struggling to manage their money and who come together to talk about their concerns and help one another make smarter choices. To find a meeting near you, visit debtorsanonymous.org.
DEAR HARRIETTE: Like the person who wrote in about having chest pains and heart palpitations, I had the same symptoms for years, and no doctor could ever figure out what was wrong with me.
Finally a cardiologist diagnosed my problem as microvascular angina, which is common in women. The small vessels around the heart constrict, giving the same symptoms as a heart attack. Medications are available to treat this condition.
I’d suggest your reader call a cardiologist. My life has been transformed.
No More Heart Pain
DEAR NO MORE HEART PAIN: Thank you for sharing your story and how you were able to be helped by your cardiologist. One of the greatest accomplishments of modern medicine is doctors’ ability to diagnose a multitude of health conditions.
For people who have not figured out what’s wrong, don’t give up. Go to specialists until you find a doctor who can help you to determine what’s wrong and how to restore your health. It can be easy to give up when you reach a few dead ends. Hopefully, this reader’s story will help you to keep searching for answers.
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--2020-01-16--Watch: Moms 4 Housing founder discusses Oakland group’s next steps

CLICK HERE if you ’ re having trouble viewing media on a mobile device .
What ’ s next for Moms 4 Housing ?
Founder Misty Cross says the organization will mobilize concerned residents and protesters to the ballot box this election year and focus their attention on gubernatorial and local races central to California ’ s affordable housing crisis .
Moments before the group held a barbecue outside the so-called Mom House in West Oakland — where Cross was evicted and arrested Tuesday — she specifically called out Gov .
Gavin Newsom , Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf and District @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who oversees the West Oakland neighborhood where the moms squatted inside a home for 58 days before a court-ordered eviction led to four arrests .
“ Now we ’ re outside , we can make more noise , ” she said , surrounded by reporters and protesters following her release from jail Tuesday .
“ For all of those who don ’ t stand by us , these representatives who we voted into office , I think the next action will be there.
” Cross hinted the group ’ s next action could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McElhaney , adding that Gov .
Gavin Newsom could also be targeted during campaign stops to the area this election year .
“ If Gov .
Newsom is not a visit to Mom ’ s House when he comes through here to do his tour , there is a problem with this city , ” Cross said .
“ When this has hit national news , it ’ s a problem.
” Earlier that day , Schaaf addressed her concerns about the 58-day squatting protest that started at the West Oakland home Nov. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to those mothers , ” she said , speaking at an unrelated news conference in Oakland , “ and I was pretty shocked to see the tactics that were used to take them out of the home in the early dawn hours this morning.
” Moms 4 Housing members , who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless , hoped to call attention to Oakland ’ s homelessness crisis when they moved into the empty , investor-owned house without the owner ’ s permission .
Wedgewood , a real estate investment company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , served the squatters with an eviction notice , which they then fought in court .
An Alameda County judge ruled Jan. 10 that the women had no right to the home , then ordered the sheriff ’ s office to evict them within five days .
Following the eviction , the sheriff ’ s office acknowledged the unusual nature of the eviction , which it estimated to cost tens of thousands of dollars .
The sheriff ’ s office told reporters it is considering sending a bill to Wedgewood next .

Dylan Bouscher, Doug Duran, Marisa Kendall

CLICK HERE if you’re having trouble viewing media on a mobile device.
What’s next for Moms 4 Housing? Founder Misty Cross says the organization will mobilize concerned residents and protesters to the ballot box this election year and focus their attention on gubernatorial and local races central to California’s affordable housing crisis.
Moments before the group held a barbecue outside the so-called Mom House in West Oakland — where Cross was evicted and arrested Tuesday — she specifically called out Gov. Gavin Newsom, Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf and District 3 City Councilmember Lynette Gibson McElhaney, who oversees the West Oakland neighborhood where the moms squatted inside a home for 58 days before a court-ordered eviction led to four arrests.
“Now we’re outside, we can make more noise,” she said, surrounded by reporters and protesters following her release from jail Tuesday. “For all of those who don’t stand by us, these representatives who we voted into office, I think the next action will be there.”
Cross hinted the group’s next action could be at the offices of Schaaf and McElhaney, adding that Gov. Gavin Newsom could also be targeted during campaign stops to the area this election year.
“If Gov. Newsom is not a visit to Mom’s House when he comes through here to do his tour, there is a problem with this city,” Cross said. “When this has hit national news, it’s a problem.”
Earlier that day, Schaaf addressed her concerns about the 58-day squatting protest that started at the West Oakland home Nov. 18: “My heart goes out to those mothers,” she said, speaking at an unrelated news conference in Oakland, “and I was pretty shocked to see the tactics that were used to take them out of the home in the early dawn hours this morning.”
Moms 4 Housing members, who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, hoped to call attention to Oakland’s homelessness crisis when they moved into the empty, investor-owned house without the owner’s permission.
Wedgewood, a real estate investment company listed as the owner of the home, served the squatters with an eviction notice, which they then fought in court. An Alameda County judge ruled Jan. 10 that the women had no right to the home, then ordered the sheriff’s office to evict them within five days.
Following the eviction, the sheriff’s office acknowledged the unusual nature of the eviction, which it estimated to cost tens of thousands of dollars. The sheriff’s office told reporters it is considering sending a bill to Wedgewood next.


mercurynews--2020-01-16--The 49ers’ most overlooked advantage in the NFC Championship Game [Kurtenbach]

As we approach Sunday ’ s NFC Championship Game between the 49ers and Packers , there ’ s a big , glaring mismatch that I don ’ t believe we ’ re talking about enough .
No , it ’ s not George Kittle vs. Packers linebacker Blake Martinez , or Nick Bosa ’ s power rush against Green Bay left tackle David Bakhtiari .
It ’ s not even between the lines on the field .
We know that 49ers ’ head coach Kyle Shanahan is one of the best in the NFL , if for no other reason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arguably the best offensive coordinator in the league .
But are we sure that Packers first-year coach Matt LaFleur is anywhere near Shanahan ’ s level ?
Yes , LaFleur ’ s team went 13-3 — now 14-3 — this campaign , but there ’ s no evidence to suggest that the man who is in his second season as an NFL play-caller was really the difference between the team not making the playoffs in 2018 and being in the NFC Championship Game this season .
To be fair , it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , because quarterback Aaron Rodgers so often changes the play at the line of scrimmage .
But the data more than suggests that once the Packers have to go off script — when LaFleur has to think on his feet — they struggle .
And that ’ s bad news for Green Bay with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line Sunday .
• How bad is ankle issue that kept 49ers ’ Kittle from practice ?
• LaFleur brothers deflect talk of sibling rivalry in advance of Packers vs. 49ers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Garoppolo ’ s link to Bosa ’ s arrival keyed turnaround • Another day , another 49ers defensive assistant targeted by the Browns Some context : Offensive coordinators often script the first 10 , 15 , 25 plays of a game .
Both Shanahan and LaFleur do this .
And those predetermined plays work pretty well for Green Bay .
The Packers are third in the NFL in first-quarter points ( 6.8 ) , and seventh in third-quarter scoring ( 6.4 ) .
What ’ s that tell us ?
Well , when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to scheme — even if it ’ s only a few minutes at half-time — he ’ s pretty darn good at calling plays that move the ball down the field for Green Bay .
But the Packers are also 26th in second-quarter points and 28th in fourth-quarter scoring .
As Mike Tyson once said — everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth .
When LaFleur is proverbially punched , his offenses don ’ t respond .
We saw this play out in the Packers ’ playoff game against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unlike their opponent , had a bye week , jumped out to an early 21-3 lead last Sunday .
Then Russell Wilson started doing his magic act — what ’ s a defense to do ?
The Packers , after scoring a touchdown a little past the halfway mark of the third quarter , didn ’ t score again the rest of the contest , winning 28-23 .
Rodgers — the future Hall of Fame and one of the greatest quarterbacks of a generation — was 3-for-8 in the fourth quarter against Seattle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throws to ice the game .
For reference , the 49ers ’ scoring ranks this year , by quarter , are fourth , eighth , second , and fifth .
Shanahan and Garoppolo not only have a great game plan that ’ s well-executed to start a game , but they ’ ve also proven — and this is beyond debate — that they can respond well to the dynamic changes of a game , too .
Per Football Outsiders , the 49ers had the best offense in the NFL this year when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though that was only 48 plays ) .
Pair the 49ers ’ steady offensive output ( second in the NFL in points this season ) with a strong defense and you have an outstanding team .
But pair the Packers ’ inconsistent offense with a defense that is aggressively average — and has glaring weaknesses that will be surely targeted by Shanahan early and often to the point that you might sense malice — and you ’ re looking at a team that understandably needed all 60 minutes to hold off a gassed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a positive point differential this season .
• How bad is ankle issue that kept 49ers ’ Kittle from practice ?
• LaFleur brothers deflect talk of sibling rivalry in advance of Packers vs. 49ers • Wednesday at 49ers HQ : How Garoppolo ’ s link to Bosa ’ s arrival keyed turnaround • Another day , another 49ers defensive assistant targeted by the Browns It ’ s not like a breakout is looming , either .
There ’ s no evidence that LaFleur has appreciably made Rodgers or the Packers ’ offense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charge .
Last year , Rodgers had a career-worst Total QBR ( ESPN ’ s proprietary quarterback stat ) of 58 .
That season cost Mike McCarthy his head coaching job and prompted the notoriously conservative Packers to go out and hire a young Shanahan disciple — a supposed quarterback whisperer — in LaFleur .
Yet this year , Rodgers posted a QBR of 50.4 and the Packers offensive DVOA went from seventh… to eighth , regressing mostly in the run game — which was the team ’ s strongest offensive characteristic most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the defense ( though not enough of an improvement to make the unit anything more than 16th in weighted DVOA this season ) and a weak division that brought about the Packers ’ regular-season record .
One could argue that they ’ re the least impressive 13-3 team in NFL history .
But hey , they beat the tired and hardly-impressive Seahawks at home , after a bye week .
Now , LaFleur is no chump — though Rodgers might treat him like one in the media , sometimes .
The Packers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and later Sean McVay , after all .
( Matt ’ s brother , Mike , is the 49ers ’ passing game coordinator . )
But there ’ s a big difference between theory and practice .
And that difference can only be gapped through experience or preternatural talent .
LaFleur has neither , but this week he ’ ll have to keep up with someone who has both in the biggest game of the year .
The players on the field might determine games , but the coaches on the sideline have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too , and the 49ers look to have a marked advantage there .

As we approach Sunday’s NFC Championship Game between the 49ers and Packers, there’s a big, glaring mismatch that I don’t believe we’re talking about enough.
No, it’s not George Kittle vs. Packers linebacker Blake Martinez, or Nick Bosa’s power rush against Green Bay left tackle David Bakhtiari.
It’s not even between the lines on the field.
It’s the showdown of head coaches.
We know that 49ers’ head coach Kyle Shanahan is one of the best in the NFL, if for no other reason than the fact that he’s arguably the best offensive coordinator in the league.
But are we sure that Packers first-year coach Matt LaFleur is anywhere near Shanahan’s level?
I’m not.
Yes, LaFleur’s team went 13-3 — now 14-3 — this campaign, but there’s no evidence to suggest that the man who is in his second season as an NFL play-caller was really the difference between the team not making the playoffs in 2018 and being in the NFC Championship Game this season.
(Kyle Shanahan, also 40 years old, has 12 years of experience calling plays at an NFL level.)
To be fair, it’s tough to judge LaFleur’s play-calling, because quarterback Aaron Rodgers so often changes the play at the line of scrimmage. But the data more than suggests that once the Packers have to go off script — when LaFleur has to think on his feet — they struggle.
And that’s bad news for Green Bay with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line Sunday.
Some context: Offensive coordinators often script the first 10, 15, 25 plays of a game. Both Shanahan and LaFleur do this.
And those predetermined plays work pretty well for Green Bay. The Packers are third in the NFL in first-quarter points (6.8), and seventh in third-quarter scoring (6.4).
What does that tell us? Well, when LaFleur has time to think; time to scheme — even if it’s only a few minutes at halftime — he’s pretty darn good at calling plays that move the ball down the field for Green Bay.
But the Packers are also 26th in second-quarter points and 28th in fourth-quarter scoring.
Wha does that say?
As Mike Tyson famously said — everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth. When LaFleur is proverbially punched, his offenses don’t respond.
We saw this play out in the Packers’ playoff game against the Seahawks last Sunday. Green Bay, which unlike its opponent, had a bye week, jumped out to an early 21-3 lead.
Then Russell Wilson started doing his magic act — what’s a defense to do? The Packers, after scoring a touchdown a little past the halfway mark of the third quarter, didn’t score again the rest of the contest, winning 28-23.
Rodgers — the future Hall of Fame and one of the greatest quarterbacks of a generation — was 3-for-8 in the fourth quarter against Seattle, though he did make two strong throws to ice the game.
For reference, the 49ers’ scoring ranks this year, by quarter, are fourth, eighth, second, and fifth. Shanahan and Garoppolo not only have a great game plan that’s well-executed to start a game, but they’ve also proven — and this is beyond debate — they can respond effectively to the dynamic changes of a game. Per Football Outsiders, the 49ers had the best offense in the NFL this year when trailing by more than a touchdown (though that was only 48 plays).
Pair the 49ers’ steady offensive output (second in the NFL in points this season) with a strong defense and you have an outstanding team.
But pair the Packers’ inconsistent offense with a defense that is aggressively average — and has glaring weaknesses that will be surely targeted by Shanahan — and you’re looking at a team that understandably needed all 60 minutes to hold off a gassed and injured Seahawks squad that barely had a positive point differential this season.
It’s not like a breakout is looming, either. There’s no evidence that LaFleur has appreciably made Rodgers or the Packers’ offense better in his first year in charge.
Last year, Rodgers had a career-worst Total QBR (ESPN’s proprietary quarterback stat) of 58. That season cost Mike McCarthy his head coaching job and prompted the notoriously conservative Packers to go out and hire a young Shanahan disciple — a supposed quarterback whisperer — in LaFleur.
Yet this year, Rodgers posted a QBR of 50.4 and the Packers offensive DVOA went from seventh… to eighth, regressing mostly in the run game — which was the team’s strongest offensive characteristic most of the season.
It was improvements to the defense (though not enough of an improvement to make the unit anything more than 16th in weighted DVOA this season) and a weak division that brought about the Packers’ regular-season record. One could argue that they’re the least impressive 13-3 team in NFL history.
But hey, they beat the tired and hardly-impressive Seahawks at home, after a bye week.
Now, LaFleur is no chump, although Rodgers might treat him like one in the media, sometimes. The Packers’ coach was brought up by Shanahan and later Sean McVay, after all. (Matt’s brother, Mike, is the 49ers’ passing game coordinator.) But there’s a big difference between theory and practice.
And that difference can only be bridged through experience or preternatural talent.
LaFleur has neither, but this week in the biggest game of the year he’ll have to keep up with someone who has both.
The players on the field might determine games, but the coaches on the sideline have a say in this huge game, too, and the 49ers look to have a marked advantage there.


mercurynews--2020-01-16--Letter: Trump more desperate as impeachment trial looms

We can see that the president is becoming more desperate as the possible impeachment trial looms over him .
The idea that the United States had pinpointed 52 targets , including “ cultural sites ” in Iran to be struck if and when they retaliate for the killing of Gen. Soleimani is deplorable and is widely seen as a war crime .
His thinking seems to be that if they ( which seems to imply Iranians ) are “ allowed to torture and maim our people ” then it is okay to destroy their cultural sites .
• Letter : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they ’ d be praising him • Letter : Grateful for random act of kindness in Union City parking lot • Letter : A way to save Americans from Australia ’ s tragic fate • Letter : Carl Guardino was always of and for the people • Letter : Come to Oakland ; let ’ s press forward together This is poor justification for what may be a war crime .
Or is all this just more Trumpian rhetoric to distract from said impeachment ?
Submit your letter to the editor via this @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Trump more desperate as
impeachment trial looms
Re: “Killing general upends Mideast” (Page A1, Jan. 6):
We can see that the president is becoming more desperate as the possible impeachment trial looms over him. The idea that the United States had pinpointed 52 targets, including “cultural sites” in Iran to be struck if and when they retaliate for the killing of Gen. Soleimani is deplorable and is widely seen as a war crime.
His thinking seems to be that if they (which seems to imply Iranians) are “allowed to torture and maim our people” then it is okay to destroy their cultural sites.
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Morris Soublet
Hayward
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mercurynews--2020-01-16--Whicker: Football coaching trees still don’t have much color

There is no formula , no prescribed curriculum vitae , that turns you into a head football coach .
Ed Orgeron was 10-25 in his first full-time head coaching chance at Mississippi .
He was not a defensive coordinator when LSU gave him his second .
Dabo Swinney was merely the receivers coach at Clemson when the Tigers fired Tommy Bowden and elevated him .
He had been working in commercial real estate less than six years before .
They get hired in different ways .
Not like coaches of color , who get shunned the same old way .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ shade of pale .
There are two African-American head coaches in the 32-team NFL , down from eight at the end of 2017 .
There are 12 black head coaches in the 130-team FBS .
Eric Bieniemy is Kansas City ’ s offensive coordinator , running the NFL ’ s most dynamic unit .
He also works for Andy Reid .
Seven of Reid ’ s assistants , including Super Bowl champs Doug Pederson and John Harbaugh , are NFL head coaches .
But the leaves on Reid ’ s coaching tree don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change color .
This year , Bieniemy has missed the train again .
The excuse is that Bieniemy ’ s team is still in the playoffs , which is a wheelbarrow full of malarkey with some Vigoro thrown in .
Last year , Rams assistants Zac Taylor and Matt LaFleur had already taken the Cincinnati and Green Bay jobs , on an unofficial basis , and the Rams were still playing .
Chris Grier of Miami is the only black general manager in the NFL .
There have been at least two in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the NFL a country for old coaches .
Matt Ruhle ( Carolina ) is 44 , Kevin Stefanski ( Cleveland ) is 37 and Joe Judge ( Giants ) is 38 .
The Rams “ parted ways ” with defensive coordinator Wade Phillips , who in his 72nd year oversaw a defense that ranked fourth in sacks , 12th in interceptions , eighth in forced fumbles and 11th in opposing QB rating .
The Rams gave up 20 or fewer points in nine of 16 games although their implosions , to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that Phillips ’ defense isn ’ t why the Rams aren ’ t playing .
There was talk McVay wanted less predictability on defense , but the Rams run the same offensive formation more often than anyone .
You knew McVay , 30 at the time , was sharp and secure when he hired Phillips three years ago .
Now Phillips is being asked to make room via the Don Henley Rule ( “ You ’ re looking for a younger man , not me.
” ) .
There once was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interview minority candidates , but Oakland trashed that one when it hired Jon Gruden .
Besides , too many teams were just using it as a box to check .
But how much bias is involved ?
It ’ s more complicated than you think , according to Dameon Porter , the Crespi High coach .
“ There ’ s no doubt race is a component , ” he said .
“ But I can honestly say that I ’ ve never been denied an opportunity based on that .
I also think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like any other Fortune 500 company .
Look at their executive boards and you can say the same thing .
“ Most NFL coaches , with Mike Vrabel an exception , did not play much in the NFL , or at all .
They worked their way up through the grad assistant jobs , the intern jobs , working for nearly nothing .
Most African-American players don ’ t do that .
I played Arena Football nine years and never heard a black player say he wanted to coach .
They ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to go back and start over for no money ?
It doesn ’ t happen.
” Porter also points out a basic fact of employment : You hire who you know .
Porter had coached and taught at Crespi before , so he was known .
With few black NFL executives or college athletic directors , black candidates are outside the circle of contact .
“ I ’ m not saying there isn ’ t bias , ” Porter said .
“ I wonder why more African-Americans are defensive coordinators , because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You have to worry about the assignments on offense , but on defense it ’ s assignments , plus reading the offense .
Dennis Green was the only black NFL head coach with a play-calling background in offense .
“ But people have a tendency to say race-race-race .
It isn ’ t always.
” Bruce Arians made it less complicated when he took over Tampa Bay .
He thought there should be more black coordinators , so he hired Bryan Leftwich and Steve Wilks .
More of that , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

There is no formula, no prescribed curriculum vitae, that turns you into a head football coach.
Ed Orgeron was 10-25 in his first full-time head coaching chance at Mississippi. He was not a defensive coordinator when LSU gave him his second.
Dabo Swinney was merely the receivers coach at Clemson when the Tigers fired Tommy Bowden and elevated him. He had been working in commercial real estate less than six years before.
They get hired in different ways. Not like coaches of color, who get shunned the same old way.
The business is taking on a whiter shade of pale. There are two African-American head coaches in the 32-team NFL, down from eight at the end of 2017. There are 12 black head coaches in the 130-team FBS.
Eric Bieniemy is Kansas City’s offensive coordinator, running the NFL’s most dynamic unit. He also works for Andy Reid. Seven of Reid’s assistants, including Super Bowl champs Doug Pederson and John Harbaugh, are NFL head coaches.
But the leaves on Reid’s coaching tree don’t get swept up when they change color. This year, Bieniemy has missed the train again.
The excuse is that Bieniemy’s team is still in the playoffs, which is a wheelbarrow full of malarkey with some Vigoro thrown in.
Last year, Rams assistants Zac Taylor and Matt LaFleur had already taken the Cincinnati and Green Bay jobs, on an unofficial basis, and the Rams were still playing.
Chris Grier of Miami is the only black general manager in the NFL. There have been at least two in every season since 2006.
But neither is the NFL a country for old coaches. Matt Ruhle (Carolina) is 44, Kevin Stefanski (Cleveland) is 37 and Joe Judge (Giants) is 38.
The Rams “parted ways” with defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, who in his 72nd year oversaw a defense that ranked fourth in sacks, 12th in interceptions, eighth in forced fumbles and 11th in opposing QB rating. The Rams gave up 20 or fewer points in nine of 16 games although their implosions, to be fair, were thunderous.
The point is that Phillips’ defense isn’t why the Rams aren’t playing. There was talk McVay wanted less predictability on defense, but the Rams run the same offensive formation more often than anyone.
You knew McVay, 30 at the time, was sharp and secure when he hired Phillips three years ago. Now Phillips is being asked to make room via the Don Henley Rule (“You’re looking for a younger man, not me.”).
There once was a Rooney Rule that required NFL teams to interview minority candidates, but Oakland trashed that one when it hired Jon Gruden. Besides, too many teams were just using it as a box to check.
But how much bias is involved?
It’s more complicated than you think, according to Dameon Porter, the Crespi High coach.
“There’s no doubt race is a component,” he said. “But I can honestly say that I’ve never been denied an opportunity based on that. I also think the NFL’s racial makeup is like any other Fortune 500 company. Look at their executive boards and you can say the same thing.
“Most NFL coaches, with Mike Vrabel an exception, did not play much in the NFL, or at all. They worked their way up through the grad assistant jobs, the intern jobs, working for nearly nothing. Most African-American players don’t do that. I played Arena Football nine years and never heard a black player say he wanted to coach. They’ve made money. Now they’re going to go back and start over for no money? It doesn’t happen.”
Porter also points out a basic fact of employment: You hire who you know. Porter had coached and taught at Crespi before, so he was known. With few black NFL executives or college athletic directors, black candidates are outside the circle of contact.
“I’m not saying there isn’t bias,” Porter said. “I wonder why more African-Americans are defensive coordinators, because defense is harder to coach than offense. You have to worry about the assignments on offense, but on defense it’s assignments, plus reading the offense. Dennis Green was the only black NFL head coach with a play-calling background in offense.
“But people have a tendency to say race-race-race. It isn’t always.”
Bruce Arians made it less complicated when he took over Tampa Bay. He thought there should be more black coordinators, so he hired Byron Leftwich and Todd Bowles.
More of that, and the problem will be more manageable than second-and-32.