mercurynews--2020-03-16--Raiders free agency preview: 10 potential targets on offense

ALAMEDA — The Raiders have plenty of needs , but can be expected to be more selective on offense than on defense .
With the free agency negotiating period set to begin Monday and ample room under the salary cap , a look at 10 potential targets for the Raiders with the pros and cons of each : Pro : Has the ability to stretch the field , as evidenced by 11 touchdown receptions of 30 or more yards since 2016 .
Anderson trails only Tyreek Hill and Amari Cooper .
Had career-best 92-yard touchown last season .
Con : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yards ( both in 2017 ) for the Jets .
Has been called tempermental and hard to coach , something the Raiders will closely evaluate given their experience with Antonio Brown and difficulty identifying wide receivers .
Pro : The Raiders would like nothing better to steal from the Chiefs , and Robinson gave the Raiders an eyefull in Week 2 at the Coliseum with six receptions for 172 yards and two touchdowns .
Would in theory cost much less than Anderson and provide the same kind of threat .
Con : Robinson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had against a weak Raiders secondary against anyone else .
Didn ’ t play as a rookie and has 75 catches for 949 yards and eight touchdowns from 2017 through 2019 .
Pro : Flourished in Arizona after being dealt from Miami .
Finished with 643 yards rushing in eight games with the Cardinals , a 5.2 yards per carry average and eight touchdowns .
One of the NFL ’ s most productive backs over the second half of the season .
Con : May have got himself lead-back money somewhere , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ range .
The Raiders have plenty of money , but their lead back is Josh Jacobs .
Jalen Richard also returned to the fold with a contract extension .
Pro : Has one or two good years left , and if Raiders aren ’ t convinced Derek Carr is their guy beyond this year , finding someone who can win in the meantime before identifying the franchise quarterback of the future makes some sense .
Con : Things would go much smoother offensively for the entire unit with Carr back in the fold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Patriots is nothing like what Jon Gruden does with the Raiders .
Gruden wants more mobility at quarterback .
Brady would provide even less .
Pro : Played in nine games with five starts in place of injured Drew Brees and put himself in posiition to be a bridge starter for potentially big money .
Accurate passer , excellent leader , avoids turnovers .
Con : How good will Bridgewater be away from the magic made by Saints coach Sean Payton , one of the sports top play designers along with the Chiefs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ catches for 502 yards after joining 49ers from Broncos .
Was good enough Raiders probably wished they ’ d signed him instead of dealing for Trevor Davis and Zay Jones .
Con : Turns 33 this month , and while Jordy Nelson showed he could still catch the ball when he came to the Raiders in 2018 , his speed and playmaking ability was a thing of the past .
Raiders for the most part of been going younger instead of older .
Pro : Blazing fast downfield target who drew a Tyreek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Best stretch of his career over last three games with the Bucs with 17 recepetions for 349 yards and four touchdowns .
Has career average of 16.4 yards per catch .
Con : Two teams — Balitmore and Cleveland — have already sent Perriman packing and the Bucs didn ’ t lock him up after the strong finish .
Remains to be seen if he could quickly adapt to an offense that is one of the most challenging in the NFL to wide receivers .
Pro : If the Raiders are holding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still think is the most likely scenario , Mariota provides a far superior option to Mike Glennon or DeShone Kizer in terms of experience .
Gruden would love the mobility factor.. Con : The jury is till out on whether Mariota will ever be a good enough pure thrower to provide the kind of accuracy Gruden demands in his offense .
Pro : Hard-running back who could be the kind of people-mover Gruden likes at the position and allow the Raiders to keep Jacobs with a manageable workload .
Has 4,240 career yards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Held out to be paid like a feature back and reluctantly returned .
Might be reluctant to come in as a share-the-load back along with Jacobs and Jalen Richard with a salary that pays him in that regard .
Pro : One of the NFL ’ s most productive wide receivers from 2,011 through 2017 .
Has 602 career receptions for 8,907 and 62 touchdowns.Will turn 32 in training camp , so may have a year of two of productivity remaining .
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Here are our favorite sports movies to watch at home Con : Missed all of last season with ankle issues that began early and lingered throoughout 2019 until he was finally placed on injured reserve on Dec. 23 .
Toe miseies in 2018 landed Green on injured reserve and snapped a streak of eight straight Pro Bowl seasons .
Offensive players who have either been franchise tagged or expected to receive the tag , meaning they ’ re either staying put or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scherff , Washington : After playing 46 of 48 games through his first three seasons , limited to 19 in the past two because of pectoral , elbow and shoulder problems .
QB Dak Prescott , Cowboys : Not expected to go anywhere .
Will either get the biggest contract in NFL history or play ( or hold out ) under the franchise tag .
TE Hunter Henry , Chargers : Has yet to play a full season in three years , but if left unprotected would have received massive offer .

ALAMEDA — The Raiders have plenty of needs, but can be expected to be more selective on offense than on defense.
With the free agency negotiating period set to begin Monday and ample room under the salary cap, a look at 10 potential targets for the Raiders with the pros and cons of each:
WR Robby Anderson, Jets
Pro: Has the ability to stretch the field, as evidenced by 11 touchdown receptions of 30 or more yards since 2016. Anderson trails only Tyreek Hill and Amari Cooper. Had career-best 92-yard touchown last season.
Con: Never more than 63 receptions and 941 yards (both in 2017) for the Jets. Has been called tempermental and hard to coach, something the Raiders will closely evaluate given their experience with Antonio Brown and difficulty identifying wide receivers.
WR Demarcus Robinson, Chiefs
Pro: The Raiders would like nothing better to steal from the Chiefs, and Robinson gave the Raiders an eyefull in Week 2 at the Coliseum with six receptions for 172 yards and two touchdowns. Would in theory cost much less than Anderson and provide the same kind of threat.
Con: Robinson didn’t approach the numbers he had against a weak Raiders secondary against anyone else. Didn’t play as a rookie and has 75 catches for 949 yards and eight touchdowns from 2017 through 2019.
RB Kenyan Drake, Cardinals
Pro: Flourished in Arizona after being dealt from Miami. Finished with 643 yards rushing in eight games with the Cardinals, a 5.2 yards per carry average and eight touchdowns. One of the NFL’s most productive backs over the second half of the season.
Con: May have got himself lead-back money somewhere, which would put him out of Raiders price range. The Raiders have plenty of money, but their lead back is Josh Jacobs. Jalen Richard also returned to the fold with a contract extension.
Note: Drake was given the transition tag by the Cardinals, making compensation likely too steep for teams to consider.
QB Tom Brady, Patriots
Pro: Has one or two good years left, and if Raiders aren’t convinced Derek Carr is their guy beyond this year, finding someone who can win in the meantime before identifying the franchise quarterback of the future makes some sense.
Con: Things would go much smoother offensively for the entire unit with Carr back in the fold. Brady’s system with the Patriots is nothing like what Jon Gruden does with the Raiders. Gruden wants more mobility at quarterback. Brady would provide even less.
QB Teddy Bridgewater, Saints
Pro: Played in nine games with five starts in place of injured Drew Brees and put himself in posiition to be a bridge starter for potentially big money. Accurate passer, excellent leader, avoids turnovers.
Con: How good will Bridgewater be away from the magic made by Saints coach Sean Payton, one of the sports top play designers along with the Chiefs Andy Reid?
WR Emmanuel Sanders, 49ers
Pro: Had 36 catches for 502 yards after joining 49ers from Broncos. Was good enough Raiders probably wished they’d signed him instead of dealing for Trevor Davis and Zay Jones.
Con: Turns 33 this month, and while Jordy Nelson showed he could still catch the ball when he came to the Raiders in 2018, his speed and playmaking ability was a thing of the past. Raiders for the most part of been going younger instead of older.
WR Breshad Perriman, Bucs
Pro: Blazing fast downfield target who drew a Tyreek Hill comparison coming out of Central Florida. Best stretch of his career over last three games with the Bucs with 17 recepetions for 349 yards and four touchdowns. Has career average of 16.4 yards per catch.
Con: Two teams — Balitmore and Cleveland — have already sent Perriman packing and the Bucs didn’t lock him up after the strong finish. Remains to be seen if he could quickly adapt to an offense that is one of the most challenging in the NFL to wide receivers.
QB Marcus Mariota, Titans
Pro: If the Raiders are holding on to Derek Carr, which I still think is the most likely scenario, Mariota provides a far superior option to Mike Glennon or DeShone Kizer in terms of experience. Gruden would love the mobility factor..
Con: The jury is till out on whether Mariota will ever be a good enough pure thrower to provide the kind of accuracy Gruden demands in his offense.
RB Melvin Gordon, RB, Chargers
Pro: Hard-running back who could be the kind of people-mover Gruden likes at the position and allow the Raiders to keep Jacobs with a manageable workload. Has 4,240 career yards and 36 touchdowns since 2016.
Con: Held out to be paid like a feature back and reluctantly returned. Might be reluctant to come in as a share-the-load back along with Jacobs and Jalen Richard with a salary that pays him in that regard.
WR A.J. Green, Bengals
Pro: One of the NFL’s most productive wide receivers from 2,011 through 2017. Has 602 career receptions for 8,907 and 62 touchdowns.Will turn 32 in training camp, so may have a year of two of productivity remaining.
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Note: Green was given the franchise tag by the Bengals.
Franchise players
Offensive players who have either been franchise tagged or expected to receive the tag, meaning they’re either staying put or available through a sign-and-trade:
RB Derrick Henry, Titans: Carried Tennessee into the postseason and the AFC championship game and retained along with Tannehill.
G Brandon Scherff, Washington: After playing 46 of 48 games through his first three seasons, limited to 19 in the past two because of pectoral, elbow and shoulder problems.
QB Dak Prescott, Cowboys: Not expected to go anywhere. Will either get the biggest contract in NFL history or play (or hold out) under the franchise tag.
TE Hunter Henry, Chargers: Has yet to play a full season in three years, but if left unprotected would have received massive offer.
Note: G Joe Thuney was given the franchise tag by New England.
Raiders entering free agency
Salary cap room: $56,080,596 (12th in the NFL)
Unrestricted free agents (16): CB Daryl Worley, S Karl Joseph, LB Vontaze Burfict, QB Mike Glennon, WR-KR Dwayne Harris, DE Josh Mauro, LB Kyle Wilber, DE Benson Mayowa, RB Isaiah Crowell, G Jordan Devey, S Curtis Riley, RB Rod Smith, LB Will Compton, TE Eric Tomlinson, DE Olson Pierre, RB DeAndre Washington.
Restricted free agents (3): QB Nathan Peterman, T David Sharpe, LB Nicholas Morrow.


mercurynews--2020-03-16--Letter: 3 things that have helped us overcome national crises before

Show leaders how to put our nation before politics Re : “ Trump clamps limits on travel from Europe to US for 30 days ” ( Eastbaytimes.com , March 12 ) : Courage , clarity and commitment are three attributes that have helped our country and our citizens overcome national crises and tribulation .
Want proof ?
Recall our effective response to the 2001 attack on the World Trade Center and the 2003 SARS pandemic .
The incredible resilience of our great country lies in the capacity of its citizens to respond to crises like COVID-19 united in the knowledge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overcome .
When we are united , our country demonstrates the type of resolve that is the envy and wonder of the world community .
Now is the time to unite ; now is the time to resolve to work together as Americans for Americans .
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Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Show leaders how to put
our nation before politics
Re: “Trump clamps limits on travel from Europe to US for 30 days” (Eastbaytimes.com, March 12):
Courage, clarity and commitment are three attributes that have helped our country and our citizens overcome national crises and tribulation.
Want proof? Recall our effective response to the 2001 attack on the World Trade Center and the 2003 SARS pandemic.
The incredible resilience of our great country lies in the capacity of its citizens to respond to crises like COVID-19 united in the knowledge that we can, shall and have overcome.
When we are united, our country demonstrates the type of resolve that is the envy and wonder of the world community. Now is the time to unite; now is the time to resolve to work together as Americans for Americans.
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Ernesto Avila
Clayton
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
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mercurynews--2020-03-16--49ers free agency primer: Who can help for Super Bowl return?

SANTA CLARA – Just think how far the 49ers have come in three years .
Their roster is no longer talent-starved , nor does their salary cap allow for anything like the spending spree of 2017 .
“ Those days aren ’ t happening any more , ” general manager John Lynch said last month .
“ We can ’ t go to the grocery store and say , ‘ I ’ ll have that , I ’ ll have that , I ’ ll have that.
’ ” To have a shot at a Super Bowl return , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while also rewarding incumbents with new deals .
How promptly must that happen ?
Who knows in this climate , where uncertainty is fueled by the coronavirus outbreak , Wall Street volatility and a just-approved labor pact with the players ’ union .
The 49ers , at least in a roster sense , see themselves as an oasis for title-hunting players .
“ I suspect in free agency , whether we ’ re big players or not , we ’ re a place where people want to be , ” Lynch added .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We ’ ve worked hard for that .
Because of that , there ’ s a lot of things that are fluid.
” Fluid , as in the roster they want to keep intact still will undergo some change .
Here are items to keep in mind the coming weeks : Salary cap room : Projected at $ 10 million , by overthecap.com .
Analysis : The next labor pact might give them more room if they restructure deals such as earlier ones with Kwon Alexander and Weston Richburg .
Their top-10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( $ 24 million salary ) , Dee Ford ( $ 13.6M ) , DeForest Buckner ( $ 12.4M ) , Joe Staley ( $ 10.6M ) , Richard Sherman ( $ 8M ) , Jerick McKinnon ( $ 6.5 million ) , Kyle Juszczyk ( $ 5M ) , Tevin Coleman ( $ 4.6M ) , Robbie Gould ( $ 4.4M ) and Jaquiski Tartt ( $ 4.3M ) .
Franchise/transition tag : Unassigned ( Monday 9 a.m. deadline ) .
Analysis : Retaining Arik Armstead on a franchise tag could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ projected $ 18 million price tag , if a multi-year deal can ’ t immediately be brokered or if they want to trade him for draft capital .
Kicker Robbie Gould got tagged last year before working out a multi-year deal .
Top unrestricted free agents : DE Arik Armstead , FS Jimmie Ward , WR Emmanuel Sanders .
Analysis : Armstead , based on his recent production and durability , should be the top priority , and the 49ers reportedly were making “ significant headway ” on a deal Sunday night , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sanders could be too expensive , and Ward again could test the market if the 49ers are comfortable with Tarvarious Moore as his successor .
Other unrestricted free agents : DE Ronald Blair , TE Levine Toilolo , C/G Ben Garland , DT Sheldon Day , CB Jason Verrett , OL Shon Coleman , DE Damontre Moore , WR Jordan Matthews , CB Dontae Johnson , DE Anthony Zettel , TE Garrett Celek , NT Earl Mitchell .
Analysis : These mostly are complementary players rather than vital ones .
Blair is beloved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ store .
Toilolo , Day and Garland were unheralded depth players last season worth re-signing to compete .
Restricted free agents : WR Kendrick Bourne , RB Matt Breida , LB Elijah Lee .
Analysis : Bourne ’ s third-down productivity and team-high six touchdown catches could earn him a high tender , if not a multi-year deal .
Breida , their leading rusher in 2017-18 , fell out of favor as last season ensued and his 49ers ’ future is no lock , nor is Lee ’ s .
Positions worth hunting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cornerback , safety , defensive end .
Analysis : The 49ers have young options at all those spots , and adding veteran competition can only enhance their talent and depth , especially in the trenches .
Names to watch : High-market items are likely beyond the 49ers ’ price point , including franchise-tagged players .
Accomplished veterans include safeties Anthony Harris guard Joe Thuney and cornerbacks Byron Jones and Chris Harris .
Other names to watch include wide receiver Taylor Gabriel , guard/center Graham Glasgow and center Connor McGovern .
Analysis : The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years , but they could use a similar strategy of reuniting coaches or front-office members with familiar players .
Positions to draft : Cornerback , tight end , offensive line , defensive end .
Analysis : Rather than shuffle Emmanuel Moseley and Ahkello Witherspoon again , the 49ers could use their top pick on a top cornerback , one who might replace Richard Sherman down the road .
Finding a complement to George Kittle is necessary , as are interior linemen to better protect Garoppolo .
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Here are our favorite sports movies to watch at home Success stories : Past free agency investments paid off with the additions of , in 2017 , Kyle Juszczyk , K ’ Waun Williams , Marquise Goodwin and Robbie Gould ; in 2018 , Richard Sherman and Mike Person ; and , in 2019 , Kwon Alexander ( when healthy ) , Tevin Coleman and Daniel Brunskill .
Sunk costs : Free agents who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brian Hoyer , Jerick McKinnon , Malcolm Smith , David Mayo , Jonathan Cooper , Jason Verrett and Jeremiah Attaochu .
Upcoming draft picks : First round ( No .
31 ) , fifth round ( Nos .
156 , 176 ) , sixth round ( No .
210 ) , seventh round ( Nos .
217 , 245 ) .
Their second-round pick was dealt to the Kansas City Chiefs for Dee Ford .
Their third- and fourth-round picks went to the Denver Broncos for Emmanuel Sanders and a fifth-round pick ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seventh-round pick ( No .
217 ) came from the Detroit Lions for a 2018 trade of Eli Harold .

SANTA CLARA – Just think how far the 49ers have come in three years. Their roster is no longer talent-starved, nor does their salary cap allow for anything like the spending spree of 2017.
“Those days aren’t happening any more,” general manager John Lynch said last month. “We can’t go to the grocery store and say, ‘I’ll have that, I’ll have that, I’ll have that.’ ”
To have a shot at a Super Bowl return, the 49ers need to sprinkle in some talent while also rewarding incumbents with new deals.
How promptly must that happen? Who knows in this climate, where uncertainty is fueled by the coronavirus outbreak, Wall Street volatility and a just-approved labor pact with the players’ union.
The 49ers, at least in a roster sense, see themselves as an oasis for title-hunting players.
“I suspect in free agency, whether we’re big players or not, we’re a place where people want to be,” Lynch added. “That’s a great thing. We’ve worked hard for that. Because of that, there’s a lot of things that are fluid.”
Fluid, as in the roster they want to keep intact still will undergo some change. Here are items to keep in mind the coming weeks:
Salary cap room: Projected at $10 million, by overthecap.com. Analysis: The next labor pact might give them more room if they restructure deals such as earlier ones with Kwon Alexander and Weston Richburg. Their top-10 base salaries for 2020 are Jimmy Garoppolo ($24 million salary), Dee Ford ($13.6M), DeForest Buckner ($12.4M), Joe Staley ($10.6M), Richard Sherman ($8M), Jerick McKinnon ($6.5 million), Kyle Juszczyk ($5M), Tevin Coleman ($4.6M), Robbie Gould ($4.4M) and Jaquiski Tartt ($4.3M).
Franchise/transition tag: Unassigned (Monday 9 a.m. deadline). Analysis: Retaining Arik Armstead on a franchise tag could be the smart play, albeit at a projected $18 million price tag, if a multi-year deal can’t immediately be brokered or if they want to trade him for draft capital. Kicker Robbie Gould got tagged last year before working out a multi-year deal.
Top unrestricted free agents: DE Arik Armstead, FS Jimmie Ward, WR Emmanuel Sanders. Analysis: Armstead, based on his recent production and durability, should be the top priority, and the 49ers reportedly were making “significant headway” on a deal Sunday night, CBS’ Jason La Canfora reported. Sanders could be too expensive, and Ward again could test the market if the 49ers are comfortable with Tarvarious Moore as his successor.
Other unrestricted free agents: DE Ronald Blair, TE Levine Toilolo, C/G Ben Garland, DT Sheldon Day, CB Jason Verrett, OL Shon Coleman, DE Damontre Moore, WR Jordan Matthews, CB Dontae Johnson, DE Anthony Zettel, TE Garrett Celek, NT Earl Mitchell. Analysis: These mostly are complementary players rather than vital ones. Blair is beloved, but an ACL comeback is in store. Toilolo, Day and Garland were unheralded depth players last season worth re-signing to compete.
Restricted free agents: WR Kendrick Bourne, RB Matt Breida, LB Elijah Lee. Analysis: Bourne’s third-down productivity and team-high six touchdown catches could earn him a high tender, if not a multi-year deal. Breida, their leading rusher in 2017-18, fell out of favor as last season ensued and his 49ers’ future is no lock, nor is Lee’s.
Positions worth hunting: Wide receiver, offensive line, cornerback, safety, defensive end. Analysis: The 49ers have young options at all those spots, and adding veteran competition can only enhance their talent and depth, especially in the trenches.
Names to watch: High-market items are likely beyond the 49ers’ price point,including franchise-tagged players. Accomplished veterans include safeties Anthony Harris guard Joe Thuney and cornerbacks Byron Jones and Chris Harris. Other names to watch include wide receiver Taylor Gabriel, guard/center Graham Glasgow and center Connor McGovern. Analysis: The 49ers must be more selective than past years, but they could use a similar strategy of reuniting coaches or front-office members with familiar players.
Positions to draft: Cornerback, tight end, offensive line, defensive end. Analysis: Rather than shuffle Emmanuel Moseley and Ahkello Witherspoon again, the 49ers could use their top pick on a top cornerback, one who might replace Richard Sherman down the road. Finding a complement to George Kittle is necessary, as are interior linemen to better protect Garoppolo. Related Articles San Francisco 49ers | 49ers training camp: Talanoa Hufanga’s interception spoils Brock Purdy’s solid day
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Success stories: Past free agency investments paid off with the additions of, in 2017, Kyle Juszczyk, K’Waun Williams, Marquise Goodwin and Robbie Gould; in 2018, Richard Sherman and Mike Person; and, in 2019, Kwon Alexander (when healthy), Tevin Coleman and Daniel Brunskill.
Sunk costs: Free agents who didn’t pay off include quarterback Brian Hoyer, Jerick McKinnon, Malcolm Smith, David Mayo, Jonathan Cooper, Jason Verrett and Jeremiah Attaochu.
Upcoming draft picks: First round (No. 31), fifth round (Nos. 156, 176), sixth round (No. 210), seventh round (Nos. 217, 245). Their second-round pick was dealt to the Kansas City Chiefs for Dee Ford. Their third- and fourth-round picks went to the Denver Broncos for Emmanuel Sanders and a fifth-round pick (No. 156). Their extra seventh-round pick (No. 217) came from the Detroit Lions for a 2018 trade of Eli Harold.


mercurynews--2020-03-16--Mailbag: What are the Warriors’ offseason priorities?

Well , a lot has changed since the last mailbag .
The NBA is on hiatus , the store is out of toilet paper and I ’ ve finished two streaming series and a book .
So not all bad .
Anyway , while you read through the questions , please be safe : stay inside , wash your hands , and find a hobby .
Thanks as always to everyone who asked questions .
You can send questions for future mailbags to wgoldberg @ bayareanewsgroup.com or on Twitter to @ wcgoldberg .
Q : What ’ s the worst-case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – Chuckl8899 NBA commissioner Adam Silver ordered a 30-day hiatus , but it seems highly unlikely the league reconvenes at that point .
We ’ ve already seen sporting events as far off as April being canceled or postponed .
According to ESPN , there is an increasing belief that the best-case scenario is a return to play in mid-to-late June , but with no fans .
The worst-case scenario is that the coronavirus crisis in this country is not controlled , and that the season is canceled altogether — something unprecedented in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a major American sport when MLB canceled its season after a labor strike during the 1994-95 season .
A canceled season , at this point , would have little impact on the Warriors , but could affect the legacy of all-timers like LeBron James , Kawhi Leonard or Giannis Antetokounmpo .
Q : What ’ s there to write about at this point ?
That ’ s got to be rough .
How are members of the media ( esp .
beat writers and whatnot ) navigating this situation ?
– dnesdnal17 That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a mailbag !
Honestly , it ’ s tough .
We are cutting back two pages from our printed sports section , rightly giving those pages to the news desk .
There will be updates , I will continue my reporting on a daily basis and I ’ m working on a few projects , but the day-to-day is much less predictable , and way more reactive .
In the meantime… you got any book recommendations ?
Q : If you had to guess what position the Warriors prioritize most this off-season , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward/wing that would keep them finishing games with small lineups ?
– TallnFrosty Undoubtedly , they will prioritize adding length , ball-handling and versatile defense .
Andrew Wiggins was only a start .
They will sign a free-agent center — a more traditional 7-footer — but those can be found .
They will also likely need a primary backup ball-handler who can run offense when Steph Curry and Draymond Green are on the bench , though I believe they would look for a more versatile player to do that — an Andre Iguodala-type @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Q : Who will the Warriors draft ?
– Mongoloin Along with the suspension of the NBA season , college basketball has also been halted .
Plus , because of the travel bans due to COVID-19 , international scouting is next-to-impossible .
So the Warriors — and every other team picking near the top of the draft — will have to make their with very little information .
Still , it ’ s long been the same three players discussed for the No .
1 pick : Georgia guard Anthony Edwards , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and former Memphis center James Wiseman .
Among those prospects , Edwards may have the highest upside .
He has an impressive physical skill set , projects as a decent shooter and above-average perimeter defender , and his efficiency should improve when playing more off the ball .
Q : I really like Brandon Ingram .
He reminds me of Kevin Durant .
If you are New Orleans , would you take the 2021 Wolves pick and Wiggins for him ?
And if Ben Simmons comes available this summer , do you think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
– @ NoCap757 Brandon Ingram is a bonafide 20-point-plus-per-game scorer and just made his first All-Star game this season .
At 22 , he ’ s within Zion Williamson ’ s age range .
The Pelicans view him as a building block .
It would take a lot more than Wiggins ( at his salary ) and a likely lottery pick to pry Ingram away .
If Ben Simmons becomes available , a lot of general managers will be making calls , including Myers .
It ’ s his job to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take Wiggins and picks ?
Maybe .
It depends on just how untenable the situation in Philadelphia becomes , if Simmons even wants to play for Golden State and , if so , how much he can leverage that Klutch Sports influence .
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• The Warriors will have to make key roster decisions with limited information • Self-isolating ?
Here are our favorite sports movies to watch at home • Steph and Ayesha Curry pledge to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ask others to join in

Well, a lot has changed since the last mailbag. The NBA is on hiatus, the store is out of toilet paper and I’ve finished two streaming series and a book. So not all bad. Anyway, while you read through the questions, please be safe: stay inside, wash your hands, and find a hobby.
Thanks as always to everyone who asked questions. You can send questions for future mailbags to wgoldberg@bayareanewsgroup.com or on Twitter to @wcgoldberg.
Q: What’s the worst-case scenario for the current NBA season? – Chuckl8899
NBA commissioner Adam Silver ordered a 30-day hiatus, but it seems highly unlikely the league reconvenes at that point. We’ve already seen sporting events as far off as April being canceled or postponed. According to ESPN, there is an increasing belief that the best-case scenario is a return to play in mid-to-late June, but with no fans.
The worst-case scenario is that the coronavirus crisis in this country is not controlled, and that the season is canceled altogether — something unprecedented in NBA history, and last happened in a major American sport when MLB canceled its season after a labor strike during the 1994-95 season. A canceled season, at this point, would have little impact on the Warriors, but could affect the legacy of all-timers like LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard or Giannis Antetokounmpo.
CDC recommendation of no events of 50-plus people for next two months comes as a number of NBA owners and executives increasingly believe a best case scenario is a mid-to-late June return to play — with no fans. League's scouting for possible arena dates all the way thru August. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 15, 2020
Q: What’s there to write about at this point? That’s got to be rough. How are members of the media (esp. beat writers and whatnot) navigating this situation? – dnesdnal17
That’s why I’m doing a mailbag! Honestly, it’s tough. We are cutting back two pages from our printed sports section, rightly giving those pages to the news desk. There will be updates, I will continue my reporting on a daily basis and I’m working on a few projects, but the day-to-day is much less predictable, and way more reactive. In the meantime… you got any book recommendations?
Q: If you had to guess what position the Warriors prioritize most this off-season, would it be a big or another forward/wing that would keep them finishing games with small lineups? – TallnFrosty
Undoubtedly, they will prioritize adding length, ball-handling and versatile defense. Andrew Wiggins was only a start. They will sign a free-agent center — a more traditional 7-footer — but those can be found. They will also likely need a primary backup ball-handler who can run offense when Steph Curry and Draymond Green are on the bench, though I believe they would look for a more versatile player to do that — an Andre Iguodala-type — than a traditional backup point guard.
Q: Who will the Warriors draft? – Mongoloin
Along with the suspension of the NBA season, college basketball has also been halted. Plus, because of the travel bans due to COVID-19, international scouting is next-to-impossible. So the Warriors — and every other team picking near the top of the draft — will have to make their with very little information.
Still, it’s long been the same three players discussed for the No. 1 pick: Georgia guard Anthony Edwards, Australian National Basketball League guard LaMelo Ball and former Memphis center James Wiseman.
Among those prospects, Edwards may have the highest upside. He has an impressive physical skill set, projects as a decent shooter and above-average perimeter defender, and his efficiency should improve when playing more off the ball.
Q: I really like Brandon Ingram. He reminds me of Kevin Durant. If you are New Orleans, would you take the 2021 Wolves pick and Wiggins for him? And if Ben Simmons comes available this summer, do you think Bob Myers calls with a trade scenario? – @NoCap757
Brandon Ingram is a bonafide 20-point-plus-per-game scorer and just made his first All-Star game this season. At 22, he’s within Zion Williamson’s age range. The Pelicans view him as a building block. It would take a lot more than Wiggins (at his salary) and a likely lottery pick to pry Ingram away.
If Ben Simmons becomes available, a lot of general managers will be making calls, including Myers. It’s his job to do so. Now, would the 76ers take Wiggins and picks? Maybe. It depends on just how untenable the situation in Philadelphia becomes, if Simmons even wants to play for Golden State and, if so, how much he can leverage that Klutch Sports influence.


mercurynews--2020-03-16--Letter: This is a rare firsthand account of our mental health system

Re : “ Preempted from greatness : Public should rethink perception of mentally ill people ” ( Opinion section , Mercurynews.com , March 8 ) : One rarely hears from firsthand accounts of the poverty of our mental health system .
I have been a mental health professional for 30 years and I can clearly see through the pain and suffering that a mental health patient goes through inside the system and society .
Author Jack Bragen has painted a mild picture of the mistreatment of the mentally ill. Society at large is cruel , ignorant and dismissive of mental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small cut is more important than a schizophrenic hallucinating on a street corner .
Citizens on the street just walk away and law enforcement wants no part of it .
• Letter : We face being homebound like people in Italy • Letter : Two more fatalities in Iraq — when will it all end ?
• Letter : Kudos to jurors for making the judicial system work • Letter : Some Bay Area workers need a doctor ’ s note to stay home ?
Jack is right that society has a dual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it through the lens of Hollywood .
I applaud Jack for highlighting mental health .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Society is ignorant and
cruel of mental illness
Re: “Preempted from greatness: Public should rethink perception of mentally ill people” (Opinion section, Mercurynews.com, March 8):
One rarely hears from firsthand accounts of the poverty of our mental health system.
I have been a mental health professional for 30 years and I can clearly see through the pain and suffering that a mental health patient goes through inside the system and society.
Author Jack Bragen has painted a mild picture of the mistreatment of the mentally ill.
Society at large is cruel, ignorant and dismissive of mental health disease. For society, a small cut is more important than a schizophrenic hallucinating on a street corner. Citizens on the street just walk away and law enforcement wants no part of it.
Related Articles Letters to the Editor | Letters: Escape Bay Area | CASA program | Feinstein replacement | Faulty comparison | Not conservatives
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Letters: Psychiatric beds | SJSU neglect | Squandering cash | Overdoing coverage | Pac-12 negotiations | For climate’s sake | Electric appliances Letters to the Editor | Letters: Abandoning tenants | Deaf culture | Western contributions | Conservative alienation | Precise language
Letters: Abandoning tenants | Deaf culture | Western contributions | Conservative alienation | Precise language Letters to the Editor | Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path
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 Jack is right that society has a dual perception of the mentally ill and sees it through the lens of Hollywood. I applaud Jack for highlighting mental health.
Kohli Singh
San Jose
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
Read more Letters to the Editor


mercurynews--2020-03-16--Bridge: March 16, 2020

Bridge: March 16, 2020

Second-hand play on defense seems easy : You obey the rule of “ second hand low , ” sit back and wait .
Your partner gets to play last .
Still , some situations are demanding and require judgment .
Today ’ s West leads the queen of hearts against four spades , and East signals with the nine .
Declarer wins , draws trumps and leads a club toward dummy .
West may feel compelled to grab his ace and cash what heart tricks he can , but he won ’ t beat the contract .
South will pitch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of clubs .
To have a chance , West must assume his partner has the K-J of diamonds .
If West ducks the first club , he loses his ace but gains two tricks .
South loses two diamonds ( and two hearts ) .
Such positions are common : A defender must decide whether to win or duck .
Take your ace if you have the setting trick to cash or if you have no prospect of other tricks .
But duck if winning will set up vital tricks for declarer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : as second hand on defense .
You hold : S Q 10 3 H 7 6 3 D A Q 5 C K Q 10 5 .
Your partner opens one heart , you respond two clubs and he bids two diamonds .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : In Standard methods , jump to three hearts to force .
The alternative is to take a position and bid 3NT .
The modern style in which a two-level response is game-forcing is helpful here : You could bid two hearts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your best contract .
That style has drawbacks as well as advantages .

Second-hand play on defense seems easy: You obey the rule of “second hand low,” sit back and wait. Your partner gets to play last. Still, some situations are demanding and require judgment.
Today’s West leads the queen of hearts against four spades, and East signals with the nine. Declarer wins, draws trumps and leads a club toward dummy. West may feel compelled to grab his ace and cash what heart tricks he can, but he won’t beat the contract. South will pitch two diamonds on dummy’s K-Q of clubs.
TWO TRICKS
To have a chance, West must assume his partner has the K-J of diamonds. If West ducks the first club, he loses his ace but gains two tricks. South loses two diamonds (and two hearts).
Such positions are common: A defender must decide whether to win or duck. Take your ace if you have the setting trick to cash or if you have no prospect of other tricks. But duck if winning will set up vital tricks for declarer, as in this deal.
This week: as second hand on defense.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S Q 10 3 H 7 6 3 D A Q 5 C K Q 10 5. Your partner opens one heart, you respond two clubs and he bids two diamonds. What do you say?
ANSWER: In Standard methods, jump to three hearts to force. The alternative is to take a position and bid 3NT. The modern style in which a two-level response is game-forcing is helpful here: You could bid two hearts, forcing, leaving room to look for your best contract. That style has drawbacks as well as advantages.
North dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S Q 10 3
H 7 6 3
D A Q 5
C K Q 10 5
WEST
S 8 4
H Q J 10 2
D 10 9 7
C A 8 7 4
EAST
S 7 2
H K 9 8
D K J 4 2
C J 9 3 2
SOUTH
S A K J 9 6 5
H A 5 4
D 8 6 3
C 6
North East South West
1 C Pass 1 S Pass
1 NT Pass 4 S All Pass
Opening lead — H Q
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-03-16--Word Game: March 16, 2020

Word Game: March 16, 2020

Can you find 22 or more words in ASLEEP ?
The list will be published tomorrow .
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 — ASLEEP (ASLEEP: uh-SLEEP: Inactive; dormant; sleeping.)
Average mark 18 words
Time limit 25 minutes
Can you find 22 or more words in ASLEEP? The list will be published tomorrow.
SATURDAY’S WORD — DILUTES deist deli diet duel duet dulse dust
duties ides idle isle islet istle lest lied lieu list lite lues lust lute used
utile tide tied tilde tile tule edit etui side sidle silt site sled slid slide
slit slue stile stud suet suit suite
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--2020-03-16--Horoscopes March 16, 2020: Alexandra Daddario, set goals that are realistic.

Happy Birthday : Set goals that are realistic but also stretch your intelligence , motivation and expectations .
Reach for the stars , and be willing to take on whatever challenge comes your way .
You will see new situations this year , but when it comes to your reactions , control will be necessary .
Getting involved in gossip , rumors or secret matters will work against you .
Your numbers are 4 , 12 , 20 , 27 , 33 , 36 , 42 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Consider the challenges you face and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ precise and leave nothing to chance .
Protect your reputation and your personal information and passwords .
Learn from whatever experience you encounter , and push forward with greater enthusiasm and drive .
2 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : A change will take place if you are honest regarding your intentions .
Gather information , and prepare to discuss your plans .
Gaining knowledge , traveling and nurturing meaningful relationships are favored .
An attitude adjustment will help you infiltrate something that eluded you in the past .
5 stars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Don ’ t be fooled by what someone says .
Uncertainty will set in if you fall for someone ’ s fast talk .
Added responsibility at home will put you in a vulnerable position .
Wait for a better time to express your feelings or your plans .
3 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Share your thoughts .
Put your imagination to work for you , and you ’ ll come up with a unique idea that will raise interest as well as awareness .
Look for a way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Personal gain is favored .
3 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Let go of a grudge , and move on .
A new approach or attitude will help you revise relationships that have undergone stressful or sensitive times .
A personal change may not be something you want , but it will be in your best interest .
3 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Embark on a new task , hobby or pastime .
Explore the possibilities , and open your mind to new activities .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Evaluate your situation , and modify what isn ’ t working for you anymore .
5 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Make a reasonable suggestion , and you ’ ll get your way .
Thinking too big or taking on too much should be stopped before you begin .
A timeout to rest and rethink your objectives and motives will help clear your vision .
2 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : A surprise will lead to an unexpected opportunity .
You ’ ll discover something you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Visiting a retreat or a place offering unfamiliar surroundings will inspire you .
Romance is encouraged ; set the mood and enjoy .
4 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Sharing will make or break you today .
Keeping things equal will be the challenge , especially if you are dealing with someone you are trying to impress or please .
Don ’ t take on a project you can ’ t afford .
Empty promises will disrupt your plans .
3 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You can win a settlement or get what ’ s owed to you if you state your case and refuse to budge .
Be prepared to disclose the information that will prove your position , losses or claims .
3 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Someone experienced will show you the ropes .
Learn all you can , and venture out on your own .
Using new skills and knowledge will help you bring about a worthwhile change based on what you have to offer .
3 stars PISCES ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ let your emotions rule your life .
Make decisions based on facts , not on what others do or say .
Sensitive information will become public if you are too open or opinionated .
Don ’ t let anyone disrupt your plans .
2 stars Birthday Baby : You are enthusiastic , imaginative and reliable .
You are diligent and convincing .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Alexandra Daddario, 34; Lauren Graham, 53; Victor Garber, 71; Chuck Woolery, 79.
Happy Birthday: Set goals that are realistic but also stretch your intelligence, motivation and expectations. Reach for the stars, and be willing to take on whatever challenge comes your way. You will see new situations this year, but when it comes to your reactions, control will be necessary. Getting involved in gossip, rumors or secret matters will work against you. Your numbers are 4, 12, 20, 27, 33, 36, 42.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Consider the challenges you face and who is involved. Be direct, precise and leave nothing to chance. Protect your reputation and your personal information and passwords. Learn from whatever experience you encounter, and push forward with greater enthusiasm and drive. 2 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): A change will take place if you are honest regarding your intentions. Gather information, and prepare to discuss your plans. Gaining knowledge, traveling and nurturing meaningful relationships are favored. An attitude adjustment will help you infiltrate something that eluded you in the past. 5 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Don’t be fooled by what someone says. Uncertainty will set in if you fall for someone’s fast talk. Added responsibility at home will put you in a vulnerable position. Wait for a better time to express your feelings or your plans. 3 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Share your thoughts. Put your imagination to work for you, and you’ll come up with a unique idea that will raise interest as well as awareness. Look for a way to masterfully put your plans in motion. Personal gain is favored. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Let go of a grudge, and move on. A new approach or attitude will help you revise relationships that have undergone stressful or sensitive times. A personal change may not be something you want, but it will be in your best interest. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Embark on a new task, hobby or pastime. Explore the possibilities, and open your mind to new activities. Relationships will cause you to question motives. Evaluate your situation, and modify what isn’t working for you anymore. 5 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Make a reasonable suggestion, and you’ll get your way. Thinking too big or taking on too much should be stopped before you begin. A timeout to rest and rethink your objectives and motives will help clear your vision. 2 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): A surprise will lead to an unexpected opportunity. You’ll discover something you are good at if you explore possibilities. Visiting a retreat or a place offering unfamiliar surroundings will inspire you. Romance is encouraged; set the mood and enjoy. 4 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Sharing will make or break you today. Keeping things equal will be the challenge, especially if you are dealing with someone you are trying to impress or please. Don’t take on a project you can’t afford. Empty promises will disrupt your plans. 3 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Don’t reveal secret information. You can win a settlement or get what’s owed to you if you state your case and refuse to budge. Be prepared to disclose the information that will prove your position, losses or claims. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Someone experienced will show you the ropes. Learn all you can, and venture out on your own. Using new skills and knowledge will help you bring about a worthwhile change based on what you have to offer. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Refuse to let your emotions rule your life. Make decisions based on facts, not on what others do or say. Sensitive information will become public if you are too open or opinionated. Don’t let anyone disrupt your plans. 2 stars
Birthday Baby: You are enthusiastic, imaginative and reliable. You are diligent and convincing.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-03-16--Ask Amy: I don’t like the color of his teddy bears

DEAR READERS : Every year , I step away from the Ask Amy column for two weeks in order to work on other writing projects .
My two memoirs , “ The Mighty Queens of Freeville : A Story of Surprising Second Chances , ” ( 2010 , Hachette ) and “ Strangers Tend to Tell Me Things : A Memoir of Love , Loss , and Coming Home ” ( 2018 , Hachette ) are available from your favorite bookseller or library .
Today ’ s ( 2010 ) “ Best Of ” column contains one of my most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the original question and answer , as well as a sample of the lovely and supportive responses I received from readers who were touched by the story of a child ’ s connection to his stuffed animals .
I ’ ll be back with fresh Ask Amy columns next week .
DEAR AMY : I have a friend who is the father of a 12-year-old son .
My friend ’ s son ’ s bedroom is filled with stuffed animals .
These are not “ guy ” toys , but pink , yellow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We have tried to tell the dad that this is not appropriate for a young man , but he just scoffs at us .
There are hundreds of these stuffed animals in this child ’ s room .
What are your thoughts ?
DEAR WONDERING : My thoughts are that hundreds of any toy is too much for a child to possess , but it ’ s not for you to judge the type of toys this child collects .
It ’ s also not for you to judge whether stuffed animals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s child to play with .
If this dad seeks out your counsel on the quantity and quality of his son ’ s toys , then go for it .
Otherwise , you should keep your views to yourself .
DEAR AMY : We have a grandson who , when he was 12 , not only had lots of stuffed animals but also carried one around with him everywhere .
This drove my husband crazy .
I taught elementary school students for 42 years .
I told him to leave the boy alone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teacher and a fine young man .
DEAR BARBARA : “ Leave the boy alone ” is sage advice for many parents and grandparents — in many different contexts .
You are a wise woman .
Thank you .
DEAR AMY : When I was in high school , the boy I had begun dating handed me a closed paper lunch bag .
Shyly , he said he knew I could sew and wondered if I could fix what was in the bag .
It was a stuffed panda bear , badly worn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attachment to the bear and thought , “ This guy will make a great daddy someday.
” Recently we celebrated our 29th wedding anniversary .
He ’ s been a kind , loving and gentle husband and father to our two daughters , who are now grown and married .
And the stuffed panda bear ?
We still have it .
DEAR SHIRLEY : This is lovely .
Thank you .
DEAR AMY : I had to hop on the bandwagon and respond to the letter about the 12-year-old boy who had lots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24-year-old woman , and I ’ ve had a big teddy bear since I was an infant .
I had a somewhat rough childhood , and the only constant friend was my bear .
I semi-jokingly tell people that “ he has the smell of my life on him.
” A few years ago , I was on a second or third date with a man and somehow this topic came up .
I told him about my bear , and I thought his eyes were going to pop out of his head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had a bear since he was an infant as well and he kept it in the trunk of his car the whole time he was in college so people wouldn ’ t make fun of him .
He is now my fiance , and our bears don ’ t have to be hidden .
It warms my heart to hear from other people who kept something that others might think is silly close to them through the years .
DEAR HUGGER : I love the testimonials to the stuffed friends who hold the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A bear can be a child ’ s most intimate friend .
DEAR AMY : Your discussion about a boy who had a collection of stuffed animals made me smile .
Mine was named Muffin .
He was a duck that helped me get through law school .
DEAR GREG : Here ’ s to Muffin , and all the other stuffed or inanimate friends who help their keepers to cope with life ’ s challenges .
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , NY 13068 .
You can also follow her on Twitter @ askingamy or Facebook .

DEAR READERS: Every year, I step away from the Ask Amy column for two weeks in order to work on other writing projects.
My two memoirs, “The Mighty Queens of Freeville: A Story of Surprising Second Chances,”(2010, Hachette) and “Strangers Tend to Tell Me Things: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Coming Home” (2018, Hachette) are available from your favorite bookseller or library.
Today’s (2010) “Best Of” column contains one of my most memorable questions. I’m running the original question and answer, as well as a sample of the lovely and supportive responses I received from readers who were touched by the story of a child’s connection to his stuffed animals.
I’ll be back with fresh Ask Amy columns next week.
DEAR AMY: I have a friend who is the father of a 12-year-old son. My friend’s son’s bedroom is filled with stuffed animals. These are not “guy” toys, but pink, yellow, orange, etc., stuffed animals. We have tried to tell the dad that this is not appropriate for a young man, but he just scoffs at us. There are hundreds of these stuffed animals in this child’s room.
What are your thoughts?
Wondering Friend
DEAR WONDERING: My thoughts are that hundreds of any toy is too much for a child to possess, but it’s not for you to judge the type of toys this child collects. It’s also not for you to judge whether stuffed animals are sufficiently masculine for someone else’s child to play with.
If this dad seeks out your counsel on the quantity and quality of his son’s toys, then go for it. Otherwise, you should keep your views to yourself.
July 2010
DEAR AMY: We have a grandson who, when he was 12, not only had lots of stuffed animals but also carried one around with him everywhere. This drove my husband crazy.
I taught elementary school students for 42 years. I told him to leave the boy alone.
The grandson is now a music teacher and a fine young man.
Barbara
DEAR BARBARA: “Leave the boy alone” is sage advice for many parents and grandparents — in many different contexts. You are a wise woman. Thank you.
July 2010
DEAR AMY: When I was in high school, the boy I had begun dating handed me a closed paper lunch bag. Shyly, he said he knew I could sew and wondered if I could fix what was in the bag. It was a stuffed panda bear, badly worn.
I was touched by his sentimental attachment to the bear and thought, “This guy will make a great daddy someday.”
Recently we celebrated our 29th wedding anniversary. He’s been a kind, loving and gentle husband and father to our two daughters, who are now grown and married.
And the stuffed panda bear? We still have it.
Shirley
DEAR SHIRLEY: This is lovely. Thank you.
August 2010
Want Ask Amy delivered to your inbox for free on weekdays?
DEAR AMY: I had to hop on the bandwagon and respond to the letter about the 12-year-old boy who had lots of stuffed animals.
I am a 24-year-old woman, and I’ve had a big teddy bear since I was an infant. I had a somewhat rough childhood, and the only constant friend was my bear.
I semi-jokingly tell people that “he has the smell of my life on him.”
A few years ago, I was on a second or third date with a man and somehow this topic came up. I told him about my bear, and I thought his eyes were going to pop out of his head!
He then explained that he has had a bear since he was an infant as well and he kept it in the trunk of his car the whole time he was in college so people wouldn’t make fun of him.
He is now my fiance, and our bears don’t have to be hidden.
It warms my heart to hear from other people who kept something that others might think is silly close to them through the years.
Teddy-Hugger
DEAR HUGGER: I love the testimonials to the stuffed friends who hold the “smell” of our lives. A bear can be a child’s most intimate friend.
August 2010
DEAR AMY: Your discussion about a boy who had a collection of stuffed animals made me smile. Mine was named Muffin. He was a duck that helped me get through law school.
Greg
DEAR GREG: Here’s to Muffin, and all the other stuffed or inanimate friends who help their keepers to cope with life’s challenges.
August 2010
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--2020-03-16--Letter: We face being homebound like people in Italy

We face stressful isolation if we don ’ t stop COVID-19 We need support for the House Democrats ’ Families First Coronavirus Response Bill .
It features common sense approaches to this health emergency .
It needs to pass both chambers of Congress .
People are getting nervous .
What will happen to our elderly , our jobs and our homes ?
Already friends are losing work and trying to start threads and documents and funds to help support each other .
The messages of a friend in Italy have grown increasingly more strained .
He ’ s been staying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gotten worse , and now they can not leave at all .
He is suffering mentally , but thankfully is healthy .
• Letter : This is a rare firsthand account of our mental health system • Letter : Two more fatalities in Iraq — when will it all end ?
• Letter : Kudos to jurors for making the judicial system work • Letter : Some Bay Area workers need a doctor ’ s note to stay home ?
We have to stop the spread of the virus here in America before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the GOP can stop being selfish long enough to help America , instead of trying to ruin us .
I fear that they will not , and people will die because of their selfish inaction .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

We face stressful isolation
if we don’t stop COVID-19
We need support for the House Democrats’ Families First Coronavirus Response Bill.
It features common sense approaches to this health emergency. It needs to pass both chambers of Congress.
People are getting nervous. What will happen to our elderly, our jobs and our homes?
Already friends are losing work and trying to start threads and documents and funds to help support each other. The messages of a friend in Italy have grown increasingly more strained. He’s been staying in for weeks. The crisis has gotten worse, and now they cannot leave at all. He is suffering mentally, but thankfully is healthy.
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Letters: Psychiatric beds | SJSU neglect | Squandering cash | Overdoing coverage | Pac-12 negotiations | For climate’s sake | Electric appliances Letters to the Editor | Letters: Abandoning tenants | Deaf culture | Western contributions | Conservative alienation | Precise language
Letters: Abandoning tenants | Deaf culture | Western contributions | Conservative alienation | Precise language Letters to the Editor | Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path
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 We have to stop the spread of the virus here in America before it gets to that. I hope the GOP can stop being selfish long enough to help America, instead of trying to ruin us. I fear that they will not, and people will die because of their selfish inaction.
Dave Davila
Oakland
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mercurynews--2020-03-16--Coronavirus: 24 new cases announced in Santa Clara County

SANTA CLARA COUNTY – The Santa Clara County Public Health Department on Monday afternoon announced an additional 24 cases of @ @ @ @ @ to 138 .
Of that number , 52 are hospitalized , according to the agency @ @ @ @ @ woman in her 60s with chronic health conditions and a woman in her 80s – @ @ @ @ @ for the disease .
The number of cases in Contra Costa County grew by five @ @ @ @ @ its total to 34 .
Officials say they expect the numbers to continue to climb @ @ @ @ @ spread , the Santa Clara County Public Health Department , along with its counterparts around @ @ @ @ @ increasingly aggressive measures , including limiting gatherings and telling residents to shelter in place .

SANTA CLARA COUNTY – The Santa Clara County Public Health Department on Monday announced 24 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total to 138, the highest in California.
At least 52 people have been hospitalized with the disease in the county and four have died – a man in his 50s, a woman in her 60s with chronic health conditions, a man in his 80s and a woman in her 80s.
Elsewhere in the Bay Area, Contra Costa County reported five new cases, bringing its total to 34. As of Monday, the number of cases in San Mateo and Alameda counties stood at 42 and 18, respectively.
Some 392 people in California had tested positive for COVID-19 as of 6 p.m. Sunday, according to the California Department of Public Health. At least six have died from the disease.
The number of cases is expected to keep climbing. To help slow the spread, public health departments around Bay have taken increasingly aggressive measures, including limiting gatherings and instructing residents to shelter in place for the next three weeks.
Check back for updates.


mercurynews--2020-03-16--Multiple charges filed against Berkeley father in shooting that led to standoff, guns and drugs seiz

Multiple charges filed against Berkeley father in shooting that led to standoff, guns and drugs seizures

BERKELEY — A man suspected of firing a gun outside his apartment Thursday morning where his 9-month old child was and then failing to surrender to police for several hours was charged Monday with eight felony and misdemeanor counts , including firearms and drug crimes and child cruelty , according to authorities and court documents .
According to court documents , the suspect , Eduardo Valdez , 23 , a convicted robber , admitted he fired a gun about six times in the air outside his apartment and said the guns , ammunition and drugs found inside were his .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of unlawful firearm activity , possession of ammunition by a prohibited person , possession for sale of methamphetamine , possession for sale of ecstasy , two counts of possession of a controlled substance with a Glock semi-automatic firearm , discharge of a firearm with gross negligence and a misdemeanor count of cruelty to a child by endangering health .
According to court records , Valdez was convicted at age 17 in Santa Clara County of second degree robbery .
Valdez is accused of firing the shots about 12:43 a.m. Thursday outside his apartment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and then going back inside where his 9-month old child and another adult man were .
Shell casings were found outside the apartment when police arrived and Valdez initially refused to come out .
After lengthy negotiations with police he came outside holding the baby in his arms , police said .
The other man surrendered as well and was arrested but not charged .
According to the documents , police served a search warrant on the apartment and found multiple firearms and a BB gun , ammunition , methamphetamine and ecstasy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The child was turned over to its mother who came to the scene .

BERKELEY — A man suspected of firing a gun outside his apartment Thursday morning where his 9-month old child was and then failing to surrender to police for several hours was charged Monday with eight felony and misdemeanor counts, including firearms and drug crimes and child cruelty, according to authorities and court documents.
According to court documents, the suspect, Eduardo Valdez, 23, a convicted robber, admitted he fired a gun about six times in the air outside his apartment and said the guns, ammunition and drugs found inside were his.
He was charged Monday with felony counts of unlawful firearm activity, possession of ammunition by a prohibited person, possession for sale of methamphetamine, possession for sale of ecstasy, two counts of possession of a controlled substance with a Glock semi-automatic firearm, discharge of a firearm with gross negligence and a misdemeanor count of cruelty to a child by endangering health.
According to court records, Valdez was convicted at age 17 in Santa Clara County of second degree robbery.
Valdez is accused of firing the shots about 12:43 a.m. Thursday outside his apartment in the 1300 block of Berkeley Way and then going back inside where his 9-month old child and another adult man were.
Shell casings were found outside the apartment when police arrived and Valdez initially refused to come out. After lengthy negotiations with police he came outside holding the baby in his arms, police said. The other man surrendered as well and was arrested but not charged.
According to the documents, police served a search warrant on the apartment and found multiple firearms and a BB gun, ammunition, methamphetamine and ecstasy and packaging materials for selling the drugs.
The child was turned over to its mother who came to the scene.


mercurynews--2020-03-16--Editorial: Bay Area can slow COVID-19 pandemic if we remain united

OK , Bay Area residents , take a deep breath .
This coronavirus pandemic just got real for all of us .
For our health and to save lives , we need everyone to keep calm and remain united .
We can do this .
On Monday afternoon , health officers from six Bay Area counties — Alameda , Contra Costa , Marin , San Francisco , San Mateo and Santa Clara — ordered us to stay home for the next 22 days unless we ’ re conducting essential activities or providing essential services .
You can take the dog @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hike or leave to care for a family member .
Police and firefighters will remain on the job .
Grocery stores , gas stations , hardware stories , banks and health care providers can remain open .
Restaurants can only serve take-out .
Many businesses will be forced to close their doors .
Sound draconian ?
Perhaps .
But it ’ s necessary .
And it ’ s essential that we all cooperate .
To stop the coronavirus from turning into an uncontrolled crisis that overwhelms our health care systems , we must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” For those of you who haven ’ t yet heard the expression , let us explain why it ’ s such a critical concept : The virus spreads in social settings .
It ’ s not just multiplying , it is expanding exponentially .
That means , for example , that you might have 5 cases in Week 1 , 25 in Week 2 and 125 in Week 3 .
Graph that and it ’ s a line that curves upward at a pace that our health care providers — doctors , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
People will literally die because they can ’ t get the help they need .
At the current pace , without intervention , according to one model developed by the New York Times working with infectious disease epidemiologists , roughly a third of Americans — more than 100 million people — could become infected with the virus .
More than 9 million people would be sickened at one time and 1 million could die .
We must make sure that doesn ’ t happen .
Coronavirus is 10 times more lethal than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread of COVID-19 .
If we can do that , if we can flatten the curve , if we can tamp down the growth of infections to one our health care system can handle , we will save lives .
We can stop the pandemic from ravaging our region and do our part to slow the spread in California and the nation .
But that requires that we act now .
And the sooner we act , the better the outcome .
That is why we are being asked to stay home .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ easy for any of us .
It will be especially scary for those who fear for loss of job or income .
And for our children , who , like many of us , will struggle to comprehend what is going on .
This is a time for special compassion — toward those close to us and toward ourselves .
The Bay Area , unfortunately , is one of the epicenters of this pandemic .
We can meet this generational challenge .
We can do this .

Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards

OK, Bay Area residents, take a deep breath. This coronavirus pandemic just got real for all of us. For our health and to save lives, we need everyone to keep calm and remain united. We can do this.
On Monday afternoon, health officers from seven Bay Area counties — Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz — ordered us to stay home for the next 22 days unless we’re conducting essential activities or providing essential services.
You can take the dog for a walk, go for a hike or leave to care for a family member. Police and firefighters will remain on the job. Grocery stores, gas stations, hardware stories, banks and health care providers can remain open. Restaurants can only serve take-out. Many businesses will be forced to close their doors.
Sound draconian? Perhaps. But it’s necessary. And it’s essential that we all cooperate. To stop the coronavirus from turning into an uncontrolled crisis that overwhelms our health care systems, we must — must — “flatten the curve.”
For those of you who haven’t yet heard the expression, let us explain why it’s such a critical concept: The virus spreads in social settings. It’s not just multiplying, it is expanding exponentially. That means, for example, that you might have 5 cases in Week 1, 25 in Week 2 and 125 in Week 3.
Graph that and it’s a line that curves upward at a pace that our health care providers — doctors, nurses, hospitals — cannot accommodate. People will literally die because they can’t get the help they need.
At the current pace, without intervention, according to one model developed by the New York Times working with infectious disease epidemiologists, roughly a third of Americans — more than 100 million people — could become infected with the virus. More than 9 million people would be sickened at one time and 1 million could die.
We must make sure that doesn’t happen. Coronavirus is 10 times more lethal than seasonal flu. We must slow the spread of COVID-19. If we can do that, if we can flatten the curve, if we can tamp down the growth of infections to one our health care system can handle, we will save lives.
We can stop the pandemic from ravaging our region and do our part to slow the spread in California and the nation. But that requires that we act now. And the sooner we act, the better the outcome.
That is why we are being asked to stay home. Now.
This won’t be easy for any of us. It will be especially scary for those who fear for loss of job or income. And for our children, who, like many of us, will struggle to comprehend what is going on. This is a time for special compassion — toward those close to us and toward ourselves.
The Bay Area, unfortunately, is one of the epicenters of this pandemic. We can meet this generational challenge. We can do this.


mercurynews--2020-03-16--Milpitas community briefs for the week of March 27

In response to Coronavirus concerns , the San Jose-Evergreen Community College District has suspended all in-person operations and services from March 17 through April 3 at its two campuses , the Milpitas College Extension and the district office .
In addition to transitioning from in-person courses to online instruction , science and career education lab courses will also be moved to a distance learning format .
Labs that are unable to be offered in an online format are suspended through April 3 .
Online courses will continue to be offered as normal .
Both San José City College and Evergreen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and non-instructional student services will continue to be provided as normal .
For the latest updates and information , visit https : //www.sjeccd.edu/discover-sjeccd/chancellor/covid-19-novel-coronavirus-info .
All eight libraries in the Santa Clara County Library District were closed to the public March 14 in response to the coronavirus pandemic .
Bookmobile service was also canceled .
“ Closing public libraries is an extraordinary measure and a decision that is not taken lightly , ” Acting County Librarian Jennifer Weeks said in a statement .
“ The decision to close is driven by our first priority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s health and safety.
” The library district set a tentative reopening date of April 13 , in line with the Santa Clara County School District plans to reopen following spring break .
The library district recommends patrons hold onto physical library materials on loan until efforts to contain the virus are lifted and the libraries reopen .
No late fees will be assessed during the closed period .
The library district has online services at sccld.org such as online storytimes , study resources for students , streaming movies and Great Courses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of eBooks , audiobooks and streaming media .

Campuses close
In response to Coronavirus concerns, the San Jose-Evergreen Community College District has suspended all in-person operations and services from March 17 through April 3 at its two campuses, the Milpitas College Extension and the district office.
In addition to transitioning from in-person courses to online instruction, science and career education lab courses will also be moved to a distance learning format. Labs that are unable to be offered in an online format are suspended through April 3.
Online courses will continue to be offered as normal. Both San José City College and Evergreen Valley College campuses will remain open, and non-instructional student services will continue to be provided as normal.
For the latest updates and information, visit https://www.sjeccd.edu/discover-sjeccd/chancellor/covid-19-novel-coronavirus-info.
County libraries close
All eight libraries in the Santa Clara County Library District were closed to the public March 14 in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Bookmobile service was also canceled.
“Closing public libraries is an extraordinary measure and a decision that is not taken lightly,” Acting County Librarian Jennifer Weeks said in a statement. “The decision to close is driven by our first priority: protecting the public and our staff’s health and safety.”
The library district set a tentative reopening date of April 13, in line with the Santa Clara County School District plans to reopen following spring break. The library district recommends patrons hold onto physical library materials on loan until efforts to contain the virus are lifted and the libraries reopen. No late fees will be assessed during the closed period.
The library district has online services at sccld.org such as online storytimes, study resources for students, streaming movies and Great Courses. County libraries also have a collection of eBooks, audiobooks and streaming media.


mercurynews--2020-03-16--Cupertino community briefs for the week of March 27

All eight libraries in the Santa Clara County Library District were closed to the public March 14 in response to the coronavirus pandemic .
Bookmobile service was also canceled .
“ Closing public libraries is an extraordinary measure and a decision that is not taken lightly , ” Acting County Librarian Jennifer Weeks said in a statement .
“ The decision to close is driven by our first priority : protecting the public and our staff ’ s health and safety.
” The library district set a tentative reopening date of April 13 , in line with the Santa Clara @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spring break .
The library district recommends patrons hold onto physical library materials on loan until efforts to contain the virus are lifted and the libraries reopen .
No late fees will be assessed during the closed period .
The library district has online services at sccld.org such as online storytimes , study resources for students , streaming movies and Great Courses .
County libraries also have a collection of eBooks , audiobooks and streaming media .
Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley has put its Spring Rebuilding Day on hold due to concerns about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheduled for April 25 , sees hundreds of volunteers made home repairs for South Bay residents who are unable to do so because of financial and/or physical difficulties .
While a new date has yet to be determined , RTSV Executive Director Deanne Everton said in a statement , “ We are totally committed to rescheduling Rebuilding Day when more information is available .
“ For now , our volunteer sign-ups have been suspended as well , ” Everton added .
“ And we are in the process of notifying our homeowners and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questions about Rebuilding Day logistics or volunteering , email program manager Sam Kennard at sam @ rtsv.org .

County libraries close
All eight libraries in the Santa Clara County Library District were closed to the public March 14 in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Bookmobile service was also canceled.
“Closing public libraries is an extraordinary measure and a decision that is not taken lightly,” Acting County Librarian Jennifer Weeks said in a statement. “The decision to close is driven by our first priority: protecting the public and our staff’s health and safety.”
The library district set a tentative reopening date of April 13, in line with the Santa Clara County School District plans to reopen following spring break. The library district recommends patrons hold onto physical library materials on loan until efforts to contain the virus are lifted and the libraries reopen. No late fees will be assessed during the closed period.
The library district has online services at sccld.org such as online storytimes, study resources for students, streaming movies and Great Courses. County libraries also have a collection of eBooks, audiobooks and streaming media.
Rebuilding Day on Hold
Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley has put its Spring Rebuilding Day on hold due to concerns about the Coronavirus.
The event, originally scheduled for April 25, sees hundreds of volunteers made home repairs for South Bay residents who are unable to do so because of financial and/or physical difficulties. While a new date has yet to be determined, RTSV Executive Director Deanne Everton said in a statement, “We are totally committed to rescheduling Rebuilding Day when more information is available.
“For now, our volunteer sign-ups have been suspended as well,” Everton added. “And we are in the process of notifying our homeowners and nonprofits that will be impacted.”
For questions about Rebuilding Day logistics or volunteering, email program manager Sam Kennard at sam@rtsv.org.


mercurynews--2020-03-16--Sunnyvale community briefs for the week of March 27

The City of Sunnyvale has closed its theater and community center in response to Coronavirus concerns .
The closure is expected to last until early April at the earliest .
Due to the theater ’ s closure , the Sunnyvale Community Players have been forced to stop preparation for “ Big Fish , ” the company ’ s final show of the season .
The Players are planning to postpone this production to later in the year .
In light of Santa Clara County ’ s public health recommendations to increase social distancing and reduce the incidence and spread of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspending all recreation programs and facility rentals through April 5 .
Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley has put its Spring Rebuilding Day on hold due to concerns about the Coronavirus .
The event , originally scheduled for April 25 , sees hundreds of volunteers made home repairs for South Bay residents who are unable to do so because of financial and/or physical difficulties .
While a new date has yet to be determined , RTSV Executive Director Deanne Everton said in a statement , “ We are totally committed to rescheduling Rebuilding Day when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now , our volunteer sign-ups have been suspended as well , ” Everton added .
“ And we are in the process of notifying our homeowners and nonprofits that will be impacted.
” For questions about Rebuilding Day logistics or volunteering , email program manager Sam Kennard at sam @ rtsv.org .

Community center closed
The City of Sunnyvale has closed its theater and community center in response to Coronavirus concerns. The closure is expected to last until early April at the earliest.
Due to the theater’s closure, the Sunnyvale Community Players have been forced to stop preparation for “Big Fish,” the company’s final show of the season. The Players are planning to postpone this production to later in the year.
In light of Santa Clara County’s public health recommendations to increase social distancing and reduce the incidence and spread of COVID-19, the City of Sunnyvale is suspending all recreation programs and facility rentals through April 5.
Rebuilding Day on Hold
Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley has put its Spring Rebuilding Day on hold due to concerns about the Coronavirus.
The event, originally scheduled for April 25, sees hundreds of volunteers made home repairs for South Bay residents who are unable to do so because of financial and/or physical difficulties. While a new date has yet to be determined, RTSV Executive Director Deanne Everton said in a statement, “We are totally committed to rescheduling Rebuilding Day when more information is available.
“For now, our volunteer sign-ups have been suspended as well,” Everton added. “And we are in the process of notifying our homeowners and nonprofits that will be impacted.”
For questions about Rebuilding Day logistics or volunteering, email program manager Sam Kennard at sam@rtsv.org.