mercurynews--2020-04-18--As criticism grows, White House defends testing capacity

WASHINGTON – The White House on Friday rejected criticism that the country has not ramped up its testing capacity enough to begin safely reopening state economies shuttered to slow the spread of the deadly coronavirus .
The remarks came a day after President Donald Trump unveiled new guidelines for U.S. states to emerge from the shutdown in a staggered , three-phase approach that relies on robust testing capabilities .
“ We believe today that we have the capacity in the United States to do a sufficient amount of testing for states to move into phase one in the time and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vice President Mike Pence said at the daily White House briefing .
Despite mounting coronavirus deaths , Trump has been under pressure to reopen the economy , as businesses closures have driven 22 million Americans to seek unemployment benefits and fueled protests in some states by demonstrators calling for the lockdowns to be lifted .
Trump , who hoped to base his campaign for reelection in November on a strong economy , on Friday reiterated his insistence that the burden was on states to boost testing , saying : “ It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to use that capability.
” “ The states have local points where they can go and the governor can call the mayors and the mayors can call representatives and everything is perfect and that ’ s the way it should work and always should work , ” Trump said .
Governors and lawmakers have pushed back , arguing that testing should be more widespread and that the federal government should continue to pitch in , before they can begin to think about reopening .
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said earlier on Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up testing and reopen his state ’ s economy , criticizing the Trump administration for failing to support expanded testing or provide enough funding to states .
“ Is there any funding so I can do these things that you want us to do ?
‘ No ’ , ” Cuomo told a daily briefing .
“ That is passing the buck without passing the bucks.
” According to the new federal guidelines , states must have “ robust testing ” programs in place for at-risk healthcare workers before reopening .
Even as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new cases and deaths , the outbreak has sickened nearly 700,000 people and killed more than 35,000 people in the United States alone .
Anthony Fauci , the top U.S. infectious diseases expert , said on Friday that Senate Democrats asked a lot of reasonable questions in a call earlier in the day including whether there were enough tests to go through this first phase .
• Coronavirus : Bay Area seniors , vulnerable people can get help with shopping , errands • NBA players to receive 25 % less in paychecks starting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ access , releases more inmates • Analysis : Trump ’ s new order passes the buck back to states Fauci acknowledged there are still areas to improve on testing , but a lot of the issues have been corrected or will be corrected .
“ We have to figure out how do we close that gap , ” he said .
“ Testing is a part – an important part – of a multifaceted way that we are going to control and ultimately end this outbreak … But the emphasis that we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is everything.
’ And it isn ’ t , ” he added .

By Steve Holland and Alexandra Alper | Reuters
WASHINGTON – The White House on Friday rejected criticism that the country has not ramped up its testing capacity enough to begin safely reopening state economies shuttered to slow the spread of the deadly coronavirus.
The remarks came a day after President Donald Trump unveiled new guidelines for U.S. states to emerge from the shutdown in a staggered, three-phase approach that relies on robust testing capabilities.
“We believe today that we have the capacity in the United States to do a sufficient amount of testing for states to move into phase one in the time and manner that they deem appropriate,” Vice President Mike Pence said at the daily White House briefing.
Despite mounting coronavirus deaths, Trump has been under pressure to reopen the economy, as businesses closures have driven 22 million Americans to seek unemployment benefits and fueled protests in some states by demonstrators calling for the lockdowns to be lifted.
Trump, who hoped to base his campaign for reelection in November on a strong economy, on Friday reiterated his insistence that the burden was on states to boost testing, saying: “It’s going to be up to the states to use that capability.”
“The states have local points where they can go and the governor can call the mayors and the mayors can call representatives and everything is perfect and that’s the way it should work and always should work,” Trump said.
Governors and lawmakers have pushed back, arguing that testing should be more widespread and that the federal government should continue to pitch in, before they can begin to think about reopening.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said earlier on Friday that he needed federal help to ramp up testing and reopen his state’s economy, criticizing the Trump administration for failing to support expanded testing or provide enough funding to states.
“Is there any funding so I can do these things that you want us to do? ‘No’,” Cuomo told a daily briefing. “That is passing the buck without passing the bucks.”
According to the new federal guidelines, states must have “robust testing” programs in place for at-risk healthcare workers before reopening.
Even as some states have seen a decline in new cases and deaths, the outbreak has sickened nearly 700,000 people and killed more than 35,000 people in the United States alone.
Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious diseases expert, said on Friday that Senate Democrats asked a lot of reasonable questions in a call earlier in the day including whether there were enough tests to go through this first phase.
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“Testing is a part – an important part – of a multifaceted way that we are going to control and ultimately end this outbreak … But the emphasis that we’ve been hearing is essentially ‘Testing is everything.’ And it isn’t,” he added.


mercurynews--2020-04-18--US will start antibody testing on USS Theodore Roosevelt

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Navy said on Friday it will conduct antibody testing of sailors aboard the coronavirus-hit aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt to determine whether they were exposed to the virus as it spread through the ship .
Sweeping testing for the coronavirus among the entire crew of the Roosevelt has already yielded a curious result : The majority of the positive cases so far are among sailors who are asymptomatic .
With so many of the crew symptom-free , it is unclear how many of them had been infected and recovered without anyone realizing they had contracted the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finished their cycle before testing of the crew began .
The extent of the infections aboard the vessel should become more clear with results of the new “ outbreak investigation ” the Navy announced that will use serology testing developed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) .
The serology tests look for the presence of specific antibodies that are created by the immune system ’ s attack response to the presence of the virus and remain in the blood for a period of time .
The roughly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing over the next week or so will also be swabbed again for COVID-19 , the respiratory disease caused by the virus , as well as asked to answer a short survey , officials said .
The U.S. coronavirus death toll – the highest in the world – surged past 35,000 on Friday .
It also claimed the life of a sailor from the Theodore Roosevelt this week .
The Navy ’ s testing of the entire 4,800-member crew of the aircraft carrier – which is about 94 % complete – was an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has led to the firing of the ship ’ s captain and the resignation of the Navy ’ s top civilian official .
It has also given scientific researchers a case study about how the virus spreads asymptomatically in a confined environment among mostly younger adults .
That cohort has been somewhat underrepresented in the epidemiological data so far .
As of Friday , some 660 sailors – nearly 14 % of the crew – had tested positive for the coronavirus .
The Navy has said that about 60 % of those positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• Coronavirus : Bay Area seniors , vulnerable people can get help with shopping , errands • NBA players to receive 25 % less in paychecks starting May 15 • Court allows some public access , releases more inmates • Analysis : Trump ’ s new order passes the buck back to states The Navy said medical staff on the island of Guam , where the ship pulled into port , would take the samples and collect questionnaire results .
The actual serology tests will be sent to the CDC in Atlanta @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shed light on how the coronavirus spreads undetected , which could help inform the U.S. national response to the pandemic and efforts to restart the economy .
“ We will also be sharing that with the White House task force so that that information can be used for the benefit of the nation , ” Gillingham said .

By Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali | Reuters
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Navy said on Friday it will conduct antibody testing of sailors aboard the coronavirus-hit aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt to determine whether they were exposed to the virus as it spread through the ship.
Sweeping testing for the coronavirus among the entire crew of the Roosevelt has already yielded a curious result: The majority of the positive cases so far are among sailors who are asymptomatic.
With so many of the crew symptom-free, it is unclear how many of them had been infected and recovered without anyone realizing they had contracted the virus. Many of these infections could have finished their cycle before testing of the crew began.
The extent of the infections aboard the vessel should become more clear with results of the new “outbreak investigation” the Navy announced that will use serology testing developed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The serology tests look for the presence of specific antibodies that are created by the immune system’s attack response to the presence of the virus and remain in the blood for a period of time.
“We are seeking crew member volunteers,” Navy Surgeon General Rear Admiral Bruce Gillingham told reporters.
The roughly thousand volunteers who are being sought for testing over the next week or so will also be swabbed again for COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the virus, as well as asked to answer a short survey, officials said.
The U.S. coronavirus death toll – the highest in the world – surged past 35,000 on Friday. It also claimed the life of a sailor from the Theodore Roosevelt this week.
The Navy’s testing of the entire 4,800-member crew of the aircraft carrier – which is about 94% complete – was an extraordinary move in a case that already has led to the firing of the ship’s captain and the resignation of the Navy’s top civilian official.
It has also given scientific researchers a case study about how the virus spreads asymptomatically in a confined environment among mostly younger adults. That cohort has been somewhat underrepresented in the epidemiological data so far.
As of Friday, some 660 sailors – nearly 14% of the crew – had tested positive for the coronavirus. The Navy has said that about 60% of those positive tests were among sailors who were symptom-free.
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The data could further shed light on how the coronavirus spreads undetected, which could help inform the U.S. national response to the pandemic and efforts to restart the economy.
“We will also be sharing that with the White House task force so that that information can be used for the benefit of the nation,” Gillingham said.


mercurynews--2020-04-17--San Jose: Suspect arrested in 2 indecent exposure incidents

SAN JOSE – A 26-year-old San Jose man was arrested in connection with two recent indecent exposure incidents in the city , authorities said Friday .
One of the incidents was reported about 5:20 p.m. April 7 at Wright Place and Gaspar Vista , said San Jose police Sgt .
Enrique Garcia in a news release .
The suspect , later identified by authorities as Jesus Alberto Chavarria , approached a 22-year-old woman sitting in her vehicle , knocked on the window and tried to open the door .
Garcia said Chavarria then lowered his sweatpants and exposed his genitals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Los Gatos Creek Trail , but he was arrested by officers , Garcia said .
He was booked into Santa Clara County jail on a charge of indecent exposure and later released .
Garcia said detectives continued their investigation and identified Chavarria as a suspect in a second incident , reported about 9:45 a.m. March 21 at Bautista Place and Font Terrace .
The suspect approached a 43-year-old woman walking her dog , dropped his pants and exposed his genitals to her , Garcia said .
He ran toward Los Gatos Creek trail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Friday , detectives arrested Chavarria on a warrant related to the March 21 incident and booked him into jail on a charge of indecent exposure , as well as a probation violation .
Anyone with information about the incidents or others like them can contact San Jose police Detective John Tran at 408-277-4102 , or leave a tip with Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers at 408-947-7867 or at svcrimestoppers.org .
Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward .

SAN JOSE – A 26-year-old San Jose man was arrested in connection with two recent indecent exposure incidents in the city, authorities said Friday.
One of the incidents was reported about 5:20 p.m. April 7 at Wright Place and Gaspar Vista, said San Jose police Sgt. Enrique Garcia in a news release. The suspect, later identified by authorities as Jesus Alberto Chavarria, approached a 22-year-old woman sitting in her vehicle, knocked on the window and tried to open the door. Garcia said Chavarria then lowered his sweatpants and exposed his genitals to the woman.
Chavarria ran toward Los Gatos Creek Trail, but he was arrested by officers, Garcia said. He was booked into Santa Clara County jail on a charge of indecent exposure and later released.
Garcia said detectives continued their investigation and identified Chavarria as a suspect in a second incident, reported about 9:45 a.m. March 21 at Bautista Place and Font Terrace. The suspect approached a 43-year-old woman walking her dog, dropped his pants and exposed his genitals to her, Garcia said. He ran toward Los Gatos Creek trail and was not identified or arrested.
On Friday, detectives arrested Chavarria on a warrant related to the March 21 incident and booked him into jail on a charge of indecent exposure, as well as a probation violation.
Anyone with information about the incidents or others like them can contact San Jose police Detective John Tran at 408-277-4102, or leave a tip with Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers at 408-947-7867 or at svcrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.


mercurynews--2020-04-17--Coronavirus: Bay Area seniors, vulnerable people can get help with shopping, errands

Seniors and others vulnerable to severe effects from coronavirus can get help from volunteers who will shop and perform other errands .
The new non-profit Helping Hands matches volunteers with people who are at higher risk of life-threatening COVID-19 infection if they leave their homes , including older people , those with chronic diseases and people with compromised immune systems .
Help can take a variety of forms , from grocery shopping or picking up medications to walking dogs or even just talking by phone or sharing a virtual meal , said the non-profit ’ s CEO Jeff Miller .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ both former Uber executives , the organization has begun providing services across the U.S. , and has enlisted thousands of volunteers across 46 states , including several hundred in the Bay Area , Miller said .
“ It can work anywhere in the country so long as someone is raising their hand needing help and someone is raising their hand willing to help , ” Miller said .
“ We ’ re just getting started but it ’ s been amazing to see how many folks from in and around Silicon Valley and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and wanted to help.
” By Miller ’ s calculation , based on age and disease rates in the U.S. , “ probably one in three Americans should not be leaving home right now.
” “ This isn ’ t a Bay Area problem or a Montana problem or a Wyoming problem — this is an everywhere problem , ” Miller said .
People can ask for help on another person ’ s behalf , Miller said .
That was the way two of the people helped so far by volunteer Julia Ryan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Someone contacted Helping Hands to ask if a couple they knew could receive shopping assistance .
“ She ’ s immunocompromised and he ’ s bedridden , so it ’ s super hard for them to get out , ” said Ryan , 24 , a Stanford University research assistant .
The couple live paycheck to paycheck , so being able to get groceries delivered without paying a fee highlighted another benefit of Helping Hands , Ryan said .
More than 100 people , many of them from prominent Bay Area technology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Facebook , have joined the all-volunteer team that ’ s built and is operating Helping Hands .
Like most tech startups , the non-profit has people working on marketing , business development , “ customer success , ” design and product engineering , Miller said .
All interaction between volunteers and recipients of help is “ no contact ” to ensure parties on both sides are safe from coronavirus infection , Miller said .
Payments for groceries and other goods is made either electronically or via a check or cash left at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provides an opportunity for volunteers to help others in their communities , while keeping safe from the virus , Ryan said .
“ This is just the perfect way to get involved , ” she said .
Volunteers and people in need of assistance can sign up with Helping Hands at the website https : //helpinghands.community .

Seniors and others vulnerable to severe effects from coronavirus can get help from volunteers who will shop and perform other errands.
The new non-profit Helping Hands matches volunteers with people who are at higher risk of life-threatening COVID-19 infection if they leave their homes, including older people, those with chronic diseases and people with compromised immune systems.
Help can take a variety of forms, from grocery shopping or picking up medications to walking dogs or even just talking by phone or sharing a virtual meal, said the non-profit’s CEO Jeff Miller.
Started by Miller and Pedram Keyani, both former Uber executives, along with Texas brothers Neil and Yash Patil, the organization has begun providing services across the U.S., and has enlisted thousands of volunteers across 46 states, including several hundred in the Bay Area, Miller said. “It can work anywhere in the country so long as someone is raising their hand needing help and someone is raising their hand willing to help,” Miller said. “We’re just getting started but it’s been amazing to see how many folks from in and around Silicon Valley and really around the country have reached out and wanted to help.”
By Miller’s calculation, based on age and disease rates in the U.S., “probably one in three Americans should not be leaving home right now.”
“This isn’t a Bay Area problem or a Montana problem or a Wyoming problem — this is an everywhere problem,” Miller said.
People can ask for help on another person’s behalf, Miller said. That was the way two of the people helped so far by volunteer Julia Ryan of Belmont were brought into the project: Someone contacted Helping Hands to ask if a couple they knew could receive shopping assistance. “She’s immunocompromised and he’s bedridden, so it’s super hard for them to get out,” said Ryan, 24, a Stanford University research assistant.
The couple live paycheck to paycheck, so being able to get groceries delivered without paying a fee highlighted another benefit of Helping Hands, Ryan said.
More than 100 people, many of them from prominent Bay Area technology companies including Apple, Google, Salesforce and Facebook, have joined the all-volunteer team that’s built and is operating Helping Hands. Like most tech startups, the non-profit has people working on marketing, business development, “customer success,” design and product engineering, Miller said.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Technology | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge All interaction between volunteers and recipients of help is “no contact” to ensure parties on both sides are safe from coronavirus infection, Miller said. Payments for groceries and other goods is made either electronically or via a check or cash left at people’s doors.
The non-profit provides an opportunity for volunteers to help others in their communities, while keeping safe from the virus, Ryan said. “This is just the perfect way to get involved,” she said.
Volunteers and people in need of assistance can sign up with Helping Hands at the website https://helpinghands.community.


mercurynews--2020-04-17--NBA players to receive 25% less in paychecks starting May 15

Commissioner Adam Silver said it remains impossible for the NBA to make any decisions about whether to resume this season and that it is unclear when that will change .
But in a clear sign that at least some of the 259 remaining regular-season games that were not played because of the coronavirus pandemic will not be rescheduled , the league announced Friday it will withhold 25 % of player pay starting with their May 15 checks .
Silver , speaking after the league ’ s regularly scheduled April board of governors meeting — one that took place through video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in New York — said all options remain on the table for trying to resume play and eventually crowning a champion .
“ I think there is a sense that we can continue to take the leading role as we learn more in coming up with an appropriate regimen and protocol for returning to business , ” Silver said .
“ There ’ s a recognition from ( owners ) that this is bigger than our business ; certainly , bigger than sports.
” The salary decision was made in concert with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying it would “ provide players with a more gradual salary reduction schedule ” if games are officially canceled or the rest of the season is totally lost .
Players will be paid in full on May 1 .
The cutback in salary has been expected for some time in response to the NBA ’ s shutdown that started March 11 , and has no end in sight .
Silver said the league will weigh several factors as it continues to try to save the season , among them whether the infection rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ availability of large-scale testing and progress on the path toward a vaccine .
“ All these team owners are in this business because they love the game , ” Silver said .
“ They love the competition , and I know from my conversations with players they feel the same way .
But when you ’ re dealing with human life , that trumps anything else we could possibly talk about .
That ’ s really where the conversation began and ended today.
” Team owners and NBA officials heard from Disney chairman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his company ’ s response to the pandemic , as well as from Dr. David Ho of Columbia University .
Ho is an expert on viral epidemics and worked with the NBA when Magic Johnson was diagnosed with HIV in 1991 .
Silver said Iger shared that he ’ s been often asked about a return to normalcy .
“ To steal a line from Bob , when he was asked by several people about particular timelines , he said from his standpoint ‘ it ’ s about the data , and not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The NBA playoffs would have started Saturday .
If none of the 259 outstanding regular season games are played , the league ’ s players would lose about $ 800 million in gross salary .
Taking 25 % out of checks on May 15 — and , presumably , checks on June 1 and June 15 should play not resume by then — would amount to players across the league missing $ 40 million in each pay period .
The reduction in pay is in anticipation of what the Collective Bargaining Agreement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a “ Force Majeure Event ” — the legal term for unforeseeable circumstances , such as an epidemic or pandemic .
Per the CBA , players could lose 1.08 % of their annual salary for each game that is canceled .
Silver said the shutdown means “ revenues , in essence , have dropped to zero .
That ’ s having a huge financial impact on team business and arena business.
” In other matters Silver discussed Friday : There were 10 players known to have tested positive for coronavirus as of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nets including Kevin Durant , two from the Los Angeles Lakers , Christian Wood of the Detroit Pistons , Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics , and Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz .
More players have tested positive since , Silver said .
“ For privacy reasons , we ’ re not reporting ” any other positive tests , Silver said .
Silver said there is no cutoff date in mind for a decision to be made about playing some games or calling everything off .
“ All rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation we find ourselves in and the country is in , ” Silver said .
“ If there is an opportunity to resume play , even if it looks different than what we ’ ve done historically , we should be modeling it .
… We don ’ t have a good understanding of exactly sort of what those standards are that we need to meet in order to move forward … because the experts don ’ t necessarily , either.
” The NBA is still listening to ideas from those pitching so-called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to resume play .
Teams would be brought to a site or sites to finish a season in a way that theoretically could minimize exposure risks .
Sites such as Las Vegas , Los Angeles and the Disney complex near Orlando have been mentioned as possibilities .
But Silver said the league isn ’ t actively pursuing any such “ bubble ” plan yet , again citing so much uncertainty in so many areas .

Commissioner Adam Silver said it remains impossible for the NBA to make any decisions about whether to resume this season and that it is unclear when that will change.
But in a clear sign that at least some of the 259 remaining regular-season games that were not played because of the coronavirus pandemic will not be rescheduled, the league announced Friday it will withhold 25% of player pay starting with their May 15 checks.
Silver, speaking after the league’s regularly scheduled April board of governors meeting — one that took place through video conferencing and not the usual in-person setting in New York — said all options remain on the table for trying to resume play and eventually crowning a champion.
“I think there is a sense that we can continue to take the leading role as we learn more in coming up with an appropriate regimen and protocol for returning to business,” Silver said. “There’s a recognition from (owners) that this is bigger than our business; certainly, bigger than sports.”
The salary decision was made in concert with the National Basketball Players Association, the league saying it would “provide players with a more gradual salary reduction schedule” if games are officially canceled or the rest of the season is totally lost.
Players will be paid in full on May 1. The cutback in salary has been expected for some time in response to the NBA’s shutdown that started March 11, and has no end in sight.
Silver said the league will weigh several factors as it continues to try to save the season, among them whether the infection rate of COVID-19 comes down nationally, the availability of large-scale testing and progress on the path toward a vaccine.
“All these team owners are in this business because they love the game,” Silver said. “They love the competition, and I know from my conversations with players they feel the same way. But when you’re dealing with human life, that trumps anything else we could possibly talk about. That’s really where the conversation began and ended today.”
Team owners and NBA officials heard from Disney chairman Bob Iger during the call to discuss his company’s response to the pandemic, as well as from Dr. David Ho of Columbia University. Ho is an expert on viral epidemics and worked with the NBA when Magic Johnson was diagnosed with HIV in 1991.
Silver said Iger shared that he’s been often asked about a return to normalcy.
“To steal a line from Bob, when he was asked by several people about particular timelines, he said from his standpoint ‘it’s about the data, and not the date,’” Silver said.
The NBA playoffs would have started Saturday. If none of the 259 outstanding regular season games are played, the league’s players would lose about $800 million in gross salary.
Taking 25% out of checks on May 15 — and, presumably, checks on June 1 and June 15 should play not resume by then — would amount to players across the league missing $40 million in each pay period.
The reduction in pay is in anticipation of what the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the league and its players describes as a “Force Majeure Event” — the legal term for unforeseeable circumstances, such as an epidemic or pandemic. Per the CBA, players could lose 1.08% of their annual salary for each game that is canceled.
Silver said the shutdown means “revenues, in essence, have dropped to zero. That’s having a huge financial impact on team business and arena business.”
In other matters Silver discussed Friday:
MORE PLAYER POSITIVES
There were 10 players known to have tested positive for coronavirus as of late March: four from the Brooklyn Nets including Kevin Durant, two from the Los Angeles Lakers, Christian Wood of the Detroit Pistons, Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics, and Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz.
More players have tested positive since, Silver said.
“For privacy reasons, we’re not reporting” any other positive tests, Silver said.
NO DEADLINES
Silver said there is no cutoff date in mind for a decision to be made about playing some games or calling everything off.
“All rules are off at this point during the situation we find ourselves in and the country is in,” Silver said. “If there is an opportunity to resume play, even if it looks different than what we’ve done historically, we should be modeling it. … We don’t have a good understanding of exactly sort of what those standards are that we need to meet in order to move forward … because the experts don’t necessarily, either.”
RETURN-TO-PLAY SITES
The NBA is still listening to ideas from those pitching so-called “bubble” scenarios as a way to resume play. Teams would be brought to a site or sites to finish a season in a way that theoretically could minimize exposure risks.
Sites such as Las Vegas, Los Angeles and the Disney complex near Orlando have been mentioned as possibilities. But Silver said the league isn’t actively pursuing any such “bubble” plan yet, again citing so much uncertainty in so many areas.


mercurynews--2020-04-17--Watch live: Take a peaceful stroll at Hayward’s Japanese Gardens

CLICK HERE if you are having a problem viewing the video on a mobile device “ Though less than a quarter mile from downtown Hayward , the Japanese Gardens provide a quiet retreat from urban noise and distractions .
“ At 1.5 acres , the gardens are small compared with the Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco or Hakone Gardens in Saratoga .
But the neatly trimmed gardens contain curving pathways with nooks and crannies perfect for sitting , reading , writing or contemplating .
“ ‘ It really is a little jewel , and not everybody knows about it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ superintendent for the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District .
“ The gardens are in a residential neighborhood , near the Douglas Morrisson Theatre and next to the Hayward Senior Center .
The site was used for Hayward Union High School agricultural programs from 1913 until June 1962 , and it was acquired by HARD .
“ Kimio Kimura , a master gardener from Japan , designed the gardens using the principles of traditional Japanese garden art , combined with native stone and rock and California trees and plantings .
The gardens opened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the full story by staff writer Rebecca Parr .
CLICK HERE if you are having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device

CLICK HERE if you are having a problem viewing the video on a mobile device
“Though less than a quarter mile from downtown Hayward, the Japanese Gardens provide a quiet retreat from urban noise and distractions.
“At 1.5 acres, the gardens are small compared with the Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco or Hakone Gardens in Saratoga. But the neatly trimmed gardens contain curving pathways with nooks and crannies perfect for sitting, reading, writing or contemplating.
“ ‘It really is a little jewel, and not everybody knows about it,’ said Dan Giammona, park superintendent for the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District.
“The gardens are in a residential neighborhood, near the Douglas Morrisson Theatre and next to the Hayward Senior Center. The site was used for Hayward Union High School agricultural programs from 1913 until June 1962, and it was acquired by HARD.
“Kimio Kimura, a master gardener from Japan, designed the gardens using the principles of traditional Japanese garden art, combined with native stone and rock and California trees and plantings. The gardens opened in 1977.”
The garden is temporarily closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Click here to read the full story by staff writer Rebecca Parr.
Head caretaker at the Japanese Gardens in Hayward, Calif. is Manuel Burciga, 47.If you look real closely, he is in the upper middle of the scene, pruning a Black Pine. He studied with Kimio Kimura, the landscape architect that designed the garden that was opened in January of 1980. Manuel is responisble for keeping the 4,500 trees and scrubs on the one acre site pruned and trimmed. (Jim Stevens/Staff)
Bay Area News Group Archives Koi swim in the pond at the Japanese Gardens on Monday, Jan. 7, 2013 in Hayward, Calif. (Jim Stevens/Staff)
HAYWARD, CA - DECEMBER 10: A tree displays fall colored leaves at the Japanese Garden in Hayward, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2019. (Anda Chu/Bay Area News Group)
HAYWARD, CA - DECEMBER 10: A tree displays fall colored leaves as a visitor strolls through the Japanese Garden in Hayward, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2019. (Anda Chu/Bay Area News Group)
At one end of the Hayward Japanese Gardens is a pond with koi fish and turtles, January 4th, 2018. (Photo by Aubrielle Hvolboll)
A pair of red-eared turtles sun themselves on rocks in the koi pond at the Japanese Gardens on Monday, Jan. 7, 2013 in Hayward, Calif. (Jim Stevens/Staff)
Visitors stroll through the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District's Japanese Garden in Hayward, Calif., Thursday, Aug. 8, 2014. (Anda Chu/Bay Area News Group)
Bernice Phelps of Castro Valley, left, along with Georgina McCallum, 3, and her mother, Pam McCullum, both visiting from Michigan, watch the koi fish in the pond at the Japanese Gardens on Monday, Jan. 7, 2013 in Hayward, Calif. (Jim Stevens/Staff)
HAYWARD, CA - DECEMBER 10: Visitors sit at the Japanese Garden in Hayward, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2019. (Anda Chu/Bay Area News Group)
Head caretaker at the Japanese Gardens in Hayward, Calif. , Manuel Burciga, 47, prunes a Podacarpus tree on Monday, Sept. 28, 2009. He studied with Kimio Kimura, the landscape architect that designed the garden that was opened in January of 1980. Manuel is responisble for keeping the 4,500 trees and scrubs on the one acre site pruned and trimmed. (Jim Stevens/Staff)
Head caretaker at the Japanese Gardens in Hayward, Calif. is Manuel Burciga, 47. He studied with Kimio Kimura, the landscape architect that designed the garden that was opened in January of 1980. Manuel is responsible for keeping the 4,500 trees and scrubs on the one acre site pruned and trimmed. (Jim Stevens/Staff)
Head caretaker at the Japanese Gardens in Hayward, Calif. , Manuel Burciga, 47, prunes a Podacarpus tree on Monday, Sept. 28, 2009. He studied with Kimio Kimura, the landscape architect that designed the garden that was opened in January of 1980. Manuel is responisble for keeping the 4,500 trees and scrubs on the one acre site pruned and trimmed. (Jim Stevens/Staff)
Bradley Yuen, 73, feeds the Koi fish at the Japanese Gardens in Hayward, Calif.on Monday, Sept. 28, 2009. Manuel Burciga, 47, is the head caretaker at the one acre garden that has 4,500 trees and scrubs. (Jim Stevens/Staff)
Head caretaker at the Japanese Gardens in Hayward, Calif. is Manuel Burciga, 47, uses ladder in the water to gain access to some of the trees. He studied with Kimio Kimura, the landscape architect that designed the garden that was opened in January of 1980. Manuel is responisble for keeping the 4,500 trees and scrubs on the one acre site pruned and trimmed. (Jim Stevens/Staff)
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mercurynews--2020-04-17--WNBA draft: Oregon’s Sabrina Ionescu is first overall pick by New York Liberty

NEW YORK — Oregon star Sabrina Ionescu was the No .
1 pick in the WNBA draft , as expected .
When she ’ ll play for the New York Liberty is unclear .
With sports on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic , it was a draft Friday night like no other with players in their own homes instead of a central location , commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced selections from her home in New Jersey , holding up the jersey of the player being chosen .
“ Of course it was different than what I had expected , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here with my family and the people closest to me and be able to spend this time , ” Ionescu , the former prep star at Miramonte High in Orinda , said from her home in California .
“ Making the most out of what ’ s going on in today ’ s society .
Just really happy to be able to spend this moment with them and excited to have gone through this process.
” Ionescu set the NCAA record for triple-doubles and was the first college player to have over 2,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in her career .
Ionescu was one of three first round picks for New York , which also had Nos .
9 and 12 .
“ I ’ ve been working for this for my entire basketball career and super excited to see that come to fruition , ” Ionescu said .
“ I ’ m very humbled and excited for the opportunity.
” Ducks teammate Satou Sabally , one of three juniors to forego their last year of college eligibility and enter the draft , went second to Dallas .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the draft that the top two picks were from the same program .
“ To go 1-2 with Satou is a really cool feeling and shows all the hard work we went through this year paid off , ” Ionescu said .
“ Really proud of her and what we were able to do as teammates and excited to see her future in the pros.
” Lauren Cox went third to Indiana and Chennedy Carter was the fourth pick by Atlanta .
Dallas took Bella Alarie with the fifth pick .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League player to be drafted that high .
Harvard star Allison Feaster was also selected fifth in the 1998 draft by the Los Angeles Sparks .
South Carolina players Mikiah Herbert Harrigan and Tyasha Harris went sixth and seventh to Minnesota and Dallas .
The Gamecocks finished No .
1 in the AP poll this season .
Chicago chose Ruthy Hebard with the eighth pick — marking the fifth consecutive season and ninth overall that three college teammates were taken in the opening round .
“ Really shows what kind of environment we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
New York took UConn ’ s Megan Walker with the ninth pick .
Phoenix picked Jocelyn Willoughby of Virginia 10th .
Seattle took former South Florida star Kitija Laksa with the 11th pick and New York closed out the first round drafting Jazmine Jones from Louisville .
The WNBA tried to create a draft like experience for the players , sending them a care package with hats of all 12 teams , a WNBA sweatshirt , confetti and a few other items .
Cox ’ s sister doused her with confetti after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was really fun and we made the most of it , ” Cox said .
Coaches and general managers were spread throughout the country and world , so they set up virtual war rooms instead of gathering in their own team facilities .
While the draft was held Friday , its still unclear when the league will actually start its season .
Engelbert reinforced on a conference call earlier in the day that there was no timetable to when the season will begin .
She said there were a variety of scenarios in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the health of everyone .
Training camp was supposed to begin next weekend with the regular season opener originally scheduled for May 15 .
The league held its usual conference call with the teams before the ESPN broadcast started to eliminate any chance of a pick not being in on time .
Engelbert announced the WNBA , along with presenting draft partner State Farm and the players ’ union , will donate $ 20,000 for each of the 12 first-round picks to Direct Relief to help get protective gear and medication to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The league also honored Alyssa Altobelli , Gianna Bryant and Payton Chester before the start of the draft .
Engelbert announced their names as jerseys were shown on the screen with each of the three players on them .
The teenagers were among the nine people who died in the helicopter accident on Jan. 26 , including Kobe Bryant .
“ I think it was a very beautiful thing that the WNBA did to be able to draft those three girls , ” Ionescu said .
“ They deserved it .
I know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and really excited .
”

NEW YORK — Oregon star Sabrina Ionescu was the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft, as expected.
When she’ll play for the New York Liberty is unclear.
With sports on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic, it was a draft Friday night like no other with players in their own homes instead of a central location, commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced selections from her home in New Jersey, holding up the jersey of the player being chosen.
“Of course it was different than what I had expected, and just excited to be able to be here with my family and the people closest to me and be able to spend this time,” Ionescu, the former prep star at Miramonte High in Orinda, said from her home in California. “Making the most out of what’s going on in today’s society. Just really happy to be able to spend this moment with them and excited to have gone through this process.”
Ionescu set the NCAA record for triple-doubles and was the first college player to have over 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 1,000 assists in her career. Ionescu was one of three first round picks for New York, which also had Nos. 9 and 12.
“I’ve been working for this for my entire basketball career and super excited to see that come to fruition,” Ionescu said. “I’m very humbled and excited for the opportunity.”
Ducks teammate Satou Sabally, one of three juniors to forego their last year of college eligibility and enter the draft, went second to Dallas. It’s the third time in the history of the draft that the top two picks were from the same program.
“To go 1-2 with Satou is a really cool feeling and shows all the hard work we went through this year paid off,” Ionescu said. “Really proud of her and what we were able to do as teammates and excited to see her future in the pros.”
Lauren Cox went third to Indiana and Chennedy Carter was the fourth pick by Atlanta. Dallas took Bella Alarie with the fifth pick. The Princeton star was only the second Ivy League player to be drafted that high. Harvard star Allison Feaster was also selected fifth in the 1998 draft by the Los Angeles Sparks.
South Carolina players Mikiah Herbert Harrigan and Tyasha Harris went sixth and seventh to Minnesota and Dallas. The Gamecocks finished No. 1 in the AP poll this season.
Chicago chose Ruthy Hebard with the eighth pick — marking the fifth consecutive season and ninth overall that three college teammates were taken in the opening round.
“Really shows what kind of environment we had at Oregon,” Sabally said.
New York took UConn’s Megan Walker with the ninth pick. Phoenix picked Jocelyn Willoughby of Virginia 10th. Seattle took former South Florida star Kitija Laksa with the 11th pick and New York closed out the first round drafting Jazmine Jones from Louisville.
The WNBA tried to create a draft like experience for the players, sending them a care package with hats of all 12 teams, a WNBA sweatshirt, confetti and a few other items.
Cox’s sister doused her with confetti after her name was announced.
“It was really fun and we made the most of it,” Cox said.
Coaches and general managers were spread throughout the country and world, so they set up virtual war rooms instead of gathering in their own team facilities.
While the draft was held Friday, its still unclear when the league will actually start its season. Engelbert reinforced on a conference call earlier in the day that there was no timetable to when the season will begin. She said there were a variety of scenarios in play, but the most important factor was the health of everyone.
Training camp was supposed to begin next weekend with the regular season opener originally scheduled for May 15.
The league held its usual conference call with the teams before the ESPN broadcast started to eliminate any chance of a pick not being in on time.
Engelbert announced the WNBA, along with presenting draft partner State Farm and the players’ union, will donate $20,000 for each of the 12 first-round picks to Direct Relief to help get protective gear and medication to health-care workers as quickly as possible.
The league also honored Alyssa Altobelli, Gianna Bryant and Payton Chester before the start of the draft. Engelbert announced their names as jerseys were shown on the screen with each of the three players on them. The teenagers were among the nine people who died in the helicopter accident on Jan. 26, including Kobe Bryant.
“I think it was a very beautiful thing that the WNBA did to be able to draft those three girls,” Ionescu said. “They deserved it. I know they’re looking down and smiling and really excited.”


mercurynews--2020-04-17--Court allows some public access, releases more inmates

OAKLAND — The Alameda County Superior Court will reopen some public services starting on Monday and announced the release of another 14 inmates from jail .
The court is offering limited public courthouse access for records searches at the Rene C. Davidson Courthouse in Oakland starting Monday .
However , only one person at a time will be allowed in the criminal office , and two in the civil office , with a time limit of 15 minutes per user .
People will only be admitted if they wear a mask or respiratory covering , use hand sanitizer and comply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for access will be asked to wait outside , before security screening inside the courthouse and maintain six feet distances apart from others .
In-person public access has been closed since the March 17 shelter-in-place was enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Reduced public access by only calling the court clerk ’ s office has resulted in limited information .
The court also announced Thursday that another 14 people were released from Santa Rita Jail , at the direction of the presiding judge .
The 14 people had their bail reduced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Judicial Council of California and adopted by Alameda County Superior Court reduced bail of most misdemeanors to $ 0 , as well as some low-level felonies to $ 0 .
As of Friday , Santa Rita Jail ’ s population was 1,811 inmates , down from the daily average of 2,600 .
Also starting on Monday , the court will resume a limited number of civil , family and probate matters , which will all be conducted by telephone or videoconference .
They will be limited to emergency hearings filed before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place .
Traffic court dates scheduled between March 17 and May 1 will also be extended for 120 days .
The court will notify people with new court dates .
Stating the week of May 4 , the court will restart time not waived traffic matters remotely , through videoconferencing .
The Rene C. Davidson courthouse is located at 1225 Fallon St. in Oakland , and the clerk ’ s hours will be from from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information and updates , go to www.alameda.courts.ca.gov .

OAKLAND — The Alameda County Superior Court will reopen some public services starting on Monday and announced the release of another 14 inmates from jail.
The court is offering limited public courthouse access for records searches at the Rene C. Davidson Courthouse in Oakland starting Monday. However, only one person at a time will be allowed in the criminal office, and two in the civil office, with a time limit of 15 minutes per user. People will only be admitted if they wear a mask or respiratory covering, use hand sanitizer and comply with social distancing directives.
Those waiting for access will be asked to wait outside, before security screening inside the courthouse and maintain six feet distances apart from others.
In-person public access has been closed since the March 17 shelter-in-place was enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Reduced public access by only calling the court clerk’s office has resulted in limited information.
The court also announced Thursday that another 14 people were released from Santa Rita Jail, at the direction of the presiding judge. The 14 people had their bail reduced to $0. New orders by the Judicial Council of California and adopted by Alameda County Superior Court reduced bail of most misdemeanors to $0, as well as some low-level felonies to $0.
As of Friday, Santa Rita Jail’s population was 1,811 inmates, down from the daily average of 2,600.
Also starting on Monday, the court will resume a limited number of civil, family and probate matters, which will all be conducted by telephone or videoconference. They will be limited to emergency hearings filed before the March 17 shelter-in-place order was put into place.
Traffic court dates scheduled between March 17 and May 1 will also be extended for 120 days. The court will notify people with new court dates. Stating the week of May 4, the court will restart time not waived traffic matters remotely, through videoconferencing.
The Rene C. Davidson courthouse is located at 1225 Fallon St. in Oakland, and the clerk’s hours will be from from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information and updates, go to www.alameda.courts.ca.gov.


mercurynews--2020-04-17--Analysis: Trump’s new order passes the buck back to states

CHICAGO — President Donald Trump ’ s guidelines for states to reopen their economies had the hallmarks of a permission structure .
But what he really created was a blame structure .
On Friday , he emphatically embraced protesters who defied the orders of their states ’ governors to restrict movement and large gatherings to combat the coronavirus pandemic .
Less than 24 hours before , he had given governors a metrics-driven guide to make their own decisions .
But he did it in a way that also pushes responsibility to the states , giving him a way to shift @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And he pushed to dump the ongoing problem of a shortage of testing for the virus in the governors ’ laps as well .
It fits a familiar pattern for Trump : claim credit for what ’ s going well , find a fall guy for what ’ s not .
In making the case that large swaths of the country can safely ease restrictions under the new guidelines , Trump also found a way out of his constitutionally questionable assertions that he had “ total authority ” to decide how the states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He couldn ’ t have been more explicit in casting the need for expanded screening for the virus — something that public health experts say is necessary before Americans can get back to normal life — as the governors ’ problem .
“ The States have to step up their TESTING !
” Trump declared on Twitter on Friday .
New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo , a Democrat , was having none of that .
He said Trump had passed the buck to the governors “ without passing the bucks ” for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His state has been the hardest hit in the nation , with more than 14,000 virus-related deaths .
“ We can not do this without the federal government , ” Cuomo said .
If there was any doubt about how quickly Trump wants the economy firing on all cylinders , he dispelled it with a trio of tweets saying to “ LIBERATE ” Michigan , Minnesota and Virginia — all states with Democratic governors .
In effect , he was egging on protesters resisting the governors ’ stay-at-home restrictions .
He was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden over the Obama administration ’ s handling of the H1N1 flu outbreak .
And he jabbed at Cuomo , whom he ’ s alternately praised and lambasted throughout the crisis .
“ Governor Cuomo should spend more time ‘ doing ’ and less time ‘ complaining ’ .
Get out there and get the job done , ” Trump tweeted .
Trump ’ s eagerness to revive the economy — a key part of his reelection strategy — was evident in the evolution of the guidelines issued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidance doesn ’ t go as far as what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had recommended to the White House last week .
The CDC , according to a draft of the recommendations obtained by the AP , talked about using more specific criteria and in many cases looking for improvement over longer periods of time , before easing restrictions in high-transmission areas .
Examples include wanting to see sustained reductions over 30 days in positive tests for coronavirus , and sustained reductions over 15 days in numbers of coronavirus deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a state would have to see a decline in documented COVID-19 cases over 14 days .
The dilemma for states is clear .
Dr. Tom Frieden , the former CDC director , said testing needs “ to increase by a factor of three to as much as a factor of 20 ” from the current rate of about 150,000 tests being conducted each day .
Even without adequate testing , though , Trump in part justified his road map for relaxing social distancing by arguing that cases have peaked in the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to suggest that a national peak has been reached , but the situation differs from city to city and state to state .
Others say it ’ s not yet clear there ’ s been a peak anywhere .
“ From the places I know about , the data are not definitive that we are peaking , ” said Marc Lipsitch , a Harvard University epidemiologist .
Trump ’ s push to deflect the crisis to the doorstep of governors comes as the weight of a sinking economy has begun to complicate his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Center survey found that 65 % of respondents believed Trump responded too slowly to address the threat of the coronavirus outbreak in the U.S .
The lack of a national testing strategy will increase the chances for prolonged deadly waves of the disease to emerge in the months ahead , said Lawrence Gostin , a public health expert at Georgetown University .
“ It ’ s impossible to get to the place where we want to be without a national testing strategy , ” Gostin said .
“ With a state-by-state approach , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump boasts that his administration has paved the way for 3.5 million tests nationwide — more than any other nation .
But the U.S. lags several nations in testing on a per capita basis , including Germany and South Korea .
The president counters that “ areas of our country that have been hotspots have done much more.
” Indeed , in New York , more than 550,000 tests have been administered .
But Cuomo said in a state of 19 million residents and 9 million working people , getting people back to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Complicating matters , Cuomo said , is that states , the federal government and private sector are competing against one another to acquire testing .
“ The federal government can not wipe their hands of this and say , ‘ Oh the states are responsible for testing , ' ” Cuomo said .
But that ’ s exactly what Trump has in mind .
Drs .
Deborah Birx and Anthony Fauci , the top medical experts on the White House coronavirus task force , say the “ new normal ” in American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time .
But Trump scoffs at the idea of an America where restaurants aren ’ t packed with diners or big stadium events are left half empty in the name of social distancing .
“ Our normal is if you have 100,000 people in an Alabama football game — or 110,000 , to be exact — we want 110,000 people there , ” Trump said .
“ We want every seat occupied.
” • Coronavirus : Bay Area seniors , vulnerable people can get help with shopping , errands • NBA players to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May 15 • Court allows some public access , releases more inmates But Gostin , the Georgetown expert , said it ’ s not realistic that the country will return to such normalcy soon .
“ The president ’ s guidance is not entirely irresponsible , ” Gostin said .
“ It ’ s also not a national plan .
”

[vemba-video id=”politics/2020/04/16/michigan-protests-governor-gretchen-whitmer-covid-19-zeleny-pkg-nr-vpx.cnn”]
By Aamer Madhani | Associated Press
CHICAGO — President Donald Trump’s guidelines for states to reopen their economies had the hallmarks of a permission structure. But what he really created was a blame structure.
On Friday, he emphatically embraced protesters who defied the orders of their states’ governors to restrict movement and large gatherings to combat the coronavirus pandemic.
Less than 24 hours before, he had given governors a metrics-driven guide to make their own decisions. But he did it in a way that also pushes responsibility to the states, giving him a way to shift the blame if things go badly. And he pushed to dump the ongoing problem of a shortage of testing for the virus in the governors’ laps as well.
It fits a familiar pattern for Trump: claim credit for what’s going well, find a fall guy for what’s not.
In making the case that large swaths of the country can safely ease restrictions under the new guidelines, Trump also found a way out of his constitutionally questionable assertions that he had “total authority” to decide how the states return to a semblance of normalcy.
He couldn’t have been more explicit in casting the need for expanded screening for the virus — something that public health experts say is necessary before Americans can get back to normal life — as the governors’ problem.
“The States have to step up their TESTING!” Trump declared on Twitter on Friday.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, was having none of that.
He said Trump had passed the buck to the governors “without passing the bucks” for states to do what’s needed. His state has been the hardest hit in the nation, with more than 14,000 virus-related deaths.
“We cannot do this without the federal government,” Cuomo said.
If there was any doubt about how quickly Trump wants the economy firing on all cylinders, he dispelled it with a trio of tweets saying to “LIBERATE” Michigan, Minnesota and Virginia — all states with Democratic governors. In effect, he was egging on protesters resisting the governors’ stay-at-home restrictions.
He was liberal in identifying foes, He slammed presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden over the Obama administration’s handling of the H1N1 flu outbreak. And he jabbed at Cuomo, whom he’s alternately praised and lambasted throughout the crisis.
“Governor Cuomo should spend more time ‘doing’ and less time ‘complaining’. Get out there and get the job done,” Trump tweeted.
Trump’s eagerness to revive the economy — a key part of his reelection strategy — was evident in the evolution of the guidelines issued by the White House.
The final guidance doesn’t go as far as what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had recommended to the White House last week.
The CDC, according to a draft of the recommendations obtained by the AP, talked about using more specific criteria and in many cases looking for improvement over longer periods of time, before easing restrictions in high-transmission areas. Examples include wanting to see sustained reductions over 30 days in positive tests for coronavirus, and sustained reductions over 15 days in numbers of coronavirus deaths. Under Trump’s guidelines, a state would have to see a decline in documented COVID-19 cases over 14 days.
The dilemma for states is clear.
Dr. Tom Frieden, the former CDC director, said testing needs “to increase by a factor of three to as much as a factor of 20” from the current rate of about 150,000 tests being conducted each day. Even without adequate testing, though, Trump in part justified his road map for relaxing social distancing by arguing that cases have peaked in the United States.
Some experts say available data seems to suggest that a national peak has been reached, but the situation differs from city to city and state to state. Others say it’s not yet clear there’s been a peak anywhere.
“From the places I know about, the data are not definitive that we are peaking,” said Marc Lipsitch, a Harvard University epidemiologist.
Trump’s push to deflect the crisis to the doorstep of governors comes as the weight of a sinking economy has begun to complicate his reelection effort. A new Pew Research Center survey found that 65% of respondents believed Trump responded too slowly to address the threat of the coronavirus outbreak in the U.S.
The lack of a national testing strategy will increase the chances for prolonged deadly waves of the disease to emerge in the months ahead, said Lawrence Gostin, a public health expert at Georgetown University.
“It’s impossible to get to the place where we want to be without a national testing strategy,” Gostin said. “With a state-by-state approach, it can’t possibly work.”
Trump boasts that his administration has paved the way for 3.5 million tests nationwide — more than any other nation. But the U.S. lags several nations in testing on a per capita basis, including Germany and South Korea. The president counters that “areas of our country that have been hotspots have done much more.”
Indeed, in New York, more than 550,000 tests have been administered.
But Cuomo said in a state of 19 million residents and 9 million working people, getting people back to work safely will require far more testing. Complicating matters, Cuomo said, is that states, the federal government and private sector are competing against one another to acquire testing.
“The federal government cannot wipe their hands of this and say, ‘Oh the states are responsible for testing,'” Cuomo said.
But that’s exactly what Trump has in mind.
Drs. Deborah Birx and Anthony Fauci, the top medical experts on the White House coronavirus task force, say the “new normal” in American life will look much different for some time. But Trump scoffs at the idea of an America where restaurants aren’t packed with diners or big stadium events are left half empty in the name of social distancing.
“Our normal is if you have 100,000 people in an Alabama football game — or 110,000, to be exact — we want 110,000 people there,” Trump said. “We want every seat occupied.”
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge But Gostin, the Georgetown expert, said it’s not realistic that the country will return to such normalcy soon.
“The president’s guidance is not entirely irresponsible,” Gostin said. “It’s also not a national plan.”
AP Medical Writer Mike Stobbe contributed from New York.


mercurynews--2020-04-18--49ers draft preview: Reach high for DeForest Buckner’s replacement?

Trading away DeForest Buckner instantly made defensive tackle the biggest vacancy in the 49ers ’ lineup .
True , they lost wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders in free agency , but last season ’ s NFC-winning team was keyed by a defensive front that relied much on Buckner .
Is his loss enough to prompt the 49ers to select a defensive lineman with their top draft pick for the fifth time in six years ?
With picks at Nos .
13 and 31 in the first round , the 49ers are positioned to snag a defensive tackle with starting potential or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cast .
Re-signing Arik Armstead helps the 49ers ’ cause , and the 2017 selection of No .
3 pick Solomon Thomas must pay off now more than ever .
D.J .
Jones , Ronald Blair , Kentavius Street and Kevin Givens also are on call .
With Nick Bosa and Dee Ford on the edges , the 49ers simply must keep that defensive front an intimidating force .
Reinforcements at defensive end also could be in order .
Bosa ’ s former Ohio State teammate , Chase Young , figures to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ picks .
Let ’ s look at the other draft prospects out there : DT Derrick Brown ( Auburn ) : The 6-foot-5 , 245-pound defensive tackle has instincts , power , great leverage and the Lott IMPACT Trophy , for being college football ’ s top defender on and off the field .
He likely won ’ t last to No .
13 , and the 49ers shouldn ’ t spend their limited equity to trade up for him .
Asked by teams at the combine why he wasn ’ t as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brown ’ s response : “ That guy don ’ t exist no more.
” DT Javon Kinlaw ( South Carolina ) : His strength overpowers linemen , his drive constantly disrupts the pocket and his feisty mentality was seen in fellow South Carolina product Deebo Samuel .
Kinlaw ( 6-5 , 324 ) overcame homelessness as a youth .
His best football move ?
“ Bull rush , ” Kinlaw said at the combine .
That ’ s a powerful thing when you can take a man and know he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and walking him back .
I love looking at a man in his eyes and him knowing he can ’ t stop you.
” DT Ross Blacklock ( TCU ) : His father , Jimmy , played over 2,500 games for the Harlem Globetrotters and now is one of their coaches .
“ He never pushed me to be a basketball player .
He knew football was where I wanted to be , ” Blacklock ( 6-3 , 290 ) said at the scouting combine .
“ Basketball is just too soft for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Madubuike ( Texas A & M ) : The 6-3 , 293-pound racked up 11 sacks the past two seasons with quality footwork , hand movement , strength and instincts .
Among his role models : 49ers ’ Super Bowl menace Chris Jones .
“ I take great pride in pass rushing , making sure I get the quarterback outside the pocket and get him uncomfortable , ” Madubuike said .
DT Raekwon Davis ( Alabama ) : Production dropped over his last two seasons but the 6-6 , 311-pound Davis offers versatility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His favorite NFL player is former teammate Quinnen Williams , whom the 49ers debated drafting last year over Nick Bosa .
Defensive ends : The 49ers found themselves running low on defensive ends as last season progressed , so adding one or two in the draft is conceivable , if not expected .
Among the crew to watch are A.J .
Epenesa ( Iowa ) , Yetur Gross-Matos ( Penn State ) , K ’ Lavon Chisson ( LSU ) , Alton Robinson ( Syracuse ) and Kenny Willekes Michigan State • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ draft cornerback in first round ?
• 49ers draft preview : Take a quarterback to learn under Garoppolo ?
• 49ers draft preview : Stunningly take running back in first round ?
• Pete Carroll used Bill Walsh ’ s biggest lessons to teach Steve Kerr how to coach • 49ers draft preview : They should ‘ center ’ in on the interior line

Trading away DeForest Buckner instantly made defensive tackle the biggest vacancy in the 49ers’ lineup.
True, they lost wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders in free agency, but last season’s NFC-winning team was keyed by a defensive front that relied much on Buckner.
Is his loss enough to prompt the 49ers to select a defensive lineman with their top draft pick for the fifth time in six years?
With picks at Nos. 13 and 31 in the first round, the 49ers are positioned to snag a defensive tackle with starting potential or someone to rotate in with a star-studded cast.
Re-signing Arik Armstead helps the 49ers’ cause, and the 2017 selection of No. 3 pick Solomon Thomas must pay off now more than ever. D.J. Jones, Ronald Blair, Kentavius Street and Kevin Givens also are on call.
With Nick Bosa and Dee Ford on the edges, the 49ers simply must keep that defensive front an intimidating force. Reinforcements at defensive end also could be in order.
Bosa’s former Ohio State teammate, Chase Young, figures to be off the board in the first couple picks. Let’s look at the other draft prospects out there:
DT Derrick Brown (Auburn): The 6-foot-5, 245-pound defensive tackle has instincts, power, great leverage and the Lott IMPACT Trophy, for being college football’s top defender on and off the field. He likely won’t last to No. 13, and the 49ers shouldn’t spend their limited equity to trade up for him. Asked by teams at the combine why he wasn’t as consistent in 2018 as ’19, Brown’s response: “That guy don’t exist no more.”
DT Javon Kinlaw (South Carolina): His strength overpowers linemen, his drive constantly disrupts the pocket and his feisty mentality was seen in fellow South Carolina product Deebo Samuel. Kinlaw (6-5, 324) overcame homelessness as a youth. His best football move? “Bull rush,” Kinlaw said at the combine. That’s a powerful thing when you can take a man and know he’s giving it all he’s got and walking him back. I love looking at a man in his eyes and him knowing he can’t stop you.”
DT Ross Blacklock (TCU): His father, Jimmy, played over 2,500 games for the Harlem Globetrotters and now is one of their coaches. “He never pushed me to be a basketball player. He knew football was where I wanted to be,” Blacklock (6-3, 290) said at the scouting combine. “Basketball is just too soft for me. Too soft.”
DT Justin Madubuike (Texas A&M): The 6-3, 293-pound racked up 11 sacks the past two seasons with quality footwork, hand movement, strength and instincts. Among his role models: 49ers’ Super Bowl menace Chris Jones. “I take great pride in pass rushing, making sure I get the quarterback outside the pocket and get him uncomfortable,” Madubuike said.
DT Raekwon Davis (Alabama): Production dropped over his last two seasons but the 6-6, 311-pound Davis offers versatility that the 49ers like in their linemen. His favorite NFL player is former teammate Quinnen Williams, whom the 49ers debated drafting last year over Nick Bosa.
Defensive ends: The 49ers found themselves running low on defensive ends as last season progressed, so adding one or two in the draft is conceivable, if not expected. Among the crew to watch are A.J. Epenesa (Iowa), Yetur Gross-Matos (Penn State), K’Lavon Chisson (LSU), Alton Robinson (Syracuse) and Kenny Willekes Michigan State


mercurynews--2020-04-18--Raiders draft preview: Which quarterback will Gruden fall in love with?

Is this the year Raiders coach Jon Gruden drafts his quarterback of the future ?
History suggests otherwise , but longtime ESPN draft Mel Kiper Jr. thinks this could be the time .
Kiper has the Raider using their second of two first-round picks , No 19 overall , on Utah State quarterback Jordan Love .
“ Just a hunch , ” Kiper said Wednesday in a national conference call .
“ I ’ ve been around Jon a lot , and I know he always talks about young quarterbacks .
Everybody ’ s got mixed reviews on if he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Some think he ’ s going to take one , some think he won ’ t because he likes the veterans.
” Love ’ s numbers dropped precipitously as a senior with a new coaching staff and a depleted corps of receivers .
But he ’ s got mobility and a big arm .
Given the copycat nature of the NFL , it doesn ’ t hurt that Love is probably the closest thing to transcendent Chiefs Super Bowl champion quarterback Patrick Mahomes in the draft .
“ I don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Kiper said .
“ Jordan Love can spin it , though .
( Jon ) has two first-round picks .
You can address another need area ( at No .
12 ) and then use that pick ( No .
19 ) to be the guy who takes over for Carr down the road if Carr has plateaued.
” Having Carr and Marcus Mariota aboard gives the Raiders time to allow Love to develop .
“ If Carr turns out to be great , then great , ” Kiper said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ did for him last year , great .
But if they don ’ t , then in two or three years you ’ ve got Jordan Love , who could emerge .
If not , you go back to the drawing board and you try again.
” At the NFL scouting combine , Love seemed open to the idea of being a Raider .
“ You look at the Raiders , you think of the coach .
Coach Gruden , being able to play for him , ” Love said .
“ That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You ’ ve got the show , you ’ ve heard a lot about him .
He ’ s a quarterback guru , that ’ s who you want to play with.
” General manager Mike Mayock sounded as if he had some reservations .
“ He throws a lot of interceptions , and he is very raw in terms of what he is getting from the sideline , ” Mayock said at the combine .
“ He is reading off his wrist guard .
So , like a lot of college @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go .
And you have to factor that into what his ultimate value is.
” Here ’ s a closer look heading in to the draft , which runs Thursday through Saturday : The big three : Joe Burrow ( LSU ) , Tua Tagovailoa ( Alabama ) , Justin Herbert ( Oregon ) .
Burrow ( 6-3 , 221 ) is the consensus No .
1 after the best single season of any quarterback in college football history .
Tagovailoa ( 6-0 , 217 ) has been described as a left-handed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hip injury and a broken wrist .
Herbert ’ s ( 6-6 , 236 ) arm strength and mobility are the best of the three but decision-making and fluidity of play is a concern .
Second wave : Jordan Love , Utah State .
Comparisons to Mahomes may be a stretch , but there is little doubt Love ( 6-4 , 224 ) has all the tools necessary to be an NFL starter although probably not immediately .
Others include Jacob Eason ( Washington ) , Jake Fromm ( Georgia ) , Jalen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Florida International ) .
Mayock was at Hurts ’ Pro Day before workouts were cut off because of the coronavirus pandemic and could be a more likely target than Love should he fall to the third round .
• Being TV analyst didn ’ t prepare Raiders ’ Mike Mayock for challenges of being a G.M .
• Raiders wary about ` sure thing ’ wide receivers in draft • On this date , April 14 : Why Oakland team changed from Señors to Raiders • NFL Draft to be on 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 Keep an eye on : Kevin Davidson ( Princeton ) .
A product of San Ramon Valley High in Danville , Peterson ( 6-4 , 221 ) threw 20 touchdown passes with just six interceptions in his only season as a college starter .
Mobility is a concern but has done enough to merit perhaps a seventh-round selection or a contract as an undrafted free agent .
Already on the roster : *Derek Carr , Marcus Mariota , Nathan Peterman , DeShone Kizer .
Last five drafts : Connor Cook , Michigan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ Football is what I love to play .
It ’ s fun .
It ’ s my passion .
All that stuff comes easy for me , and I never let a moment of football get bigger than what I ’ ve had to face in my actual life , ” Utah State quarterback Jordan Love .

Is this the year Raiders coach Jon Gruden drafts his quarterback of the future?
History suggests otherwise, but longtime ESPN draft Mel Kiper Jr. thinks this could be the time.
Kiper has the Raider using their second of two first-round picks, No 19 overall, on Utah State quarterback Jordan Love.
“Just a hunch,” Kiper said Wednesday in a national conference call. “I’ve been around Jon a lot, and I know he always talks about young quarterbacks. Everybody’s got mixed reviews on if he’s going to go that way. Some think he’s going to take one, some think he won’t because he likes the veterans.”
Love’s numbers dropped precipitously as a senior with a new coaching staff and a depleted corps of receivers. But he’s got mobility and a big arm. Given the copycat nature of the NFL, it doesn’t hurt that Love is probably the closest thing to transcendent Chiefs Super Bowl champion quarterback Patrick Mahomes in the draft.
“I don’t know how he feels about Jordan Love,” Kiper said. “Jordan Love can spin it, though. (Jon) has two first-round picks. You can address another need area (at No. 12) and then use that pick (No. 19) to be the guy who takes over for Carr down the road if Carr has plateaued.”
Having Carr and Marcus Mariota aboard gives the Raiders time to allow Love to develop.
“If Carr turns out to be great, then great,” Kiper said. “If Mariota steps in like Tannehill did for him last year, great. But if they don’t, then in two or three years you’ve got Jordan Love, who could emerge. If not, you go back to the drawing board and you try again.”
At the NFL scouting combine, Love seemed open to the idea of being a Raider.
“You look at the Raiders, you think of the coach. Coach Gruden, being able to play for him,” Love said. “That’s someone I watched growing up. You’ve got the show, you’ve heard a lot about him. He’s a quarterback guru, that’s who you want to play with.”
General manager Mike Mayock sounded as if he had some reservations.
“He throws a lot of interceptions, and he is very raw in terms of what he is getting from the sideline,” Mayock said at the combine. “He is reading off his wrist guard. So, like a lot of college players, he has a long way to go. And you have to factor that into what his ultimate value is.”
Here’s a closer look heading in to the draft, which runs Thursday through Saturday:
The big three: Joe Burrow (LSU), Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama), Justin Herbert (Oregon). Burrow (6-3, 221) is the consensus No. 1 after the best single season of any quarterback in college football history. Tagovailoa (6-0, 217) has been described as a left-handed Drew Brees but college career included serious hip injury and a broken wrist. Herbert’s (6-6, 236) arm strength and mobility are the best of the three but decision-making and fluidity of play is a concern.
Second wave: Jordan Love, Utah State. Comparisons to Mahomes may be a stretch, but there is little doubt Love (6-4, 224) has all the tools necessary to be an NFL starter although probably not immediately. Others include Jacob Eason (Washington), Jake Fromm (Georgia), Jalen Hurts (Oklahoma), James Morgan (Florida International). Mayock was at Hurts’ Pro Day before workouts were cut off because of the coronavirus pandemic and could be a more likely target than Love should he fall to the third round.
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49ers-Raiders practice: ‘Bang-bang’ defense takes out Davante Adams Raiders | Jimmy Garoppolo, 49ers get sentimental at Vegas reunion — to an extent Keep an eye on: Kevin Davidson (Princeton). A product of San Ramon Valley High in Danville, Peterson (6-4, 221) threw 20 touchdown passes with just six interceptions in his only season as a college starter. Mobility is a concern but has done enough to merit perhaps a seventh-round selection or a contract as an undrafted free agent.
Already on the roster: *Derek Carr, Marcus Mariota, Nathan Peterman, DeShone Kizer.
Last five drafts: Connor Cook, Michigan State (4/100 in 2016)
Quotable: “ Football is what I love to play. It’s fun. It’s my passion. All that stuff comes easy for me, and I never let a moment of football get bigger than what I’ve had to face in my actual life,” Utah State quarterback Jordan Love.
*– Projected starter


mercurynews--2020-04-18--Horoscopes April 18, 2020: America Ferrera, you’ll have to make adjustments to make a difference.

Happy Birthday : You ’ ll have to make adjustments to make a difference .
Take the helm , and make every move count .
Stick to the truth , and take better care of your health and well-being .
Put together a plan that includes the people who bring out the best in you .
A responsible , budget-friendly lifestyle will help you say no to anyone flaunting excessive behavior .
Your numbers are 7 , 12 , 16 , 21 , 28 , 31 , 44 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : What you want is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and venture down a path that allows you to use your skills , ego and savvy to wow onlookers .
Wait until you have everything in place , then make a big splash .
3 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Keep changes to a minimum .
Have patience , do your due diligence and verify any information you receive .
Look at your options , and consider what ’ s best for you .
Emotional spending won ’ t may you feel better .
Fitness and proper diet will relieve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 21-June 20 ) : Keep moving .
Your spirited attitude and curious mind will help you keep people who are users at a distance .
Confidence , charm and persistence will encourage you to pursue knowledge and a better lifestyle .
Romance is on the rise .
2 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Develop your ideas before discussing intentions with someone who finds fault in everything you do .
An unusual proposition will lift some of the stress you face due to time constraints .
An emotional situation will improve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Make concessions if it will help you move forward .
Don ’ t feel the need to get involved in someone ’ s endeavors .
Be willing to work alone and to offer those you love the same alternative .
Personal gain is within reach .
3 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Catch up with friends or relatives .
The information shared will alter your perspective .
Change can happen , but you will have to be the one to initiate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with someone who shares your expenses .
3 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Persuasive tactics will pay off .
Make suggestions , initiate change , and make your home and your close relationships more enjoyable .
Online research will lead to an innovative way to reverse a problem you face .
Romance will change the dynamics of a relationship .
3 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Make up your mind .
Waffling and inconsistency will keep you from getting ahead .
Be creative , and make personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you bury the hatchet with someone who can make a positive difference in your life .
5 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Avoiding situations that make you uncomfortable will lead to more significant problems .
Face personal and emotional situations head-on , and find out where you stand and how best to move forward .
Stick to the facts , and do what ’ s best for you .
2 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Look at your investments , and put a little thought into your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to cut corners if you go over your expenses and consider what you can eliminate .
Less responsibility and overhead will ease stress .
4 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Take on a challenge that builds strength and courage .
Recognize your worth , and make sure you don ’ t undersell what you have to offer .
Making home improvements , attending a reunion or adding romance to your life will enhance your experience .
3 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Don ’ t feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your responsibility .
Say goodbye to anyone who puts you down or causes you grief .
It ’ s up to you to bring about the changes that will contribute to your happiness .
Don ’ t get angry — get moving .
3 stars Birthday Baby : You are straightforward , inventive and unwavering .
You are persistent and unpredictable .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: America Ferrera, 36; Melissa Joan Hart, 44; Conan O’Brien, 57; Jane Leeves, 59.
Happy Birthday: You’ll have to make adjustments to make a difference. Take the helm, and make every move count. Stick to the truth, and take better care of your health and well-being. Put together a plan that includes the people who bring out the best in you. A responsible, budget-friendly lifestyle will help you say no to anyone flaunting excessive behavior. Your numbers are 7, 12, 16, 21, 28, 31, 44.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): What you want is within reach. Use your imagination, and venture down a path that allows you to use your skills, ego and savvy to wow onlookers. Wait until you have everything in place, then make a big splash. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Keep changes to a minimum. Have patience, do your due diligence and verify any information you receive. Look at your options, and consider what’s best for you. Emotional spending won’t may you feel better. Fitness and proper diet will relieve stress. 4 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Keep moving. Your spirited attitude and curious mind will help you keep people who are users at a distance. Confidence, charm and persistence will encourage you to pursue knowledge and a better lifestyle. Romance is on the rise. 2 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Develop your ideas before discussing intentions with someone who finds fault in everything you do. An unusual proposition will lift some of the stress you face due to time constraints. An emotional situation will improve if you handle money matters appropriately. 5 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Make concessions if it will help you move forward. Don’t feel the need to get involved in someone’s endeavors. Be willing to work alone and to offer those you love the same alternative. Personal gain is within reach. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Catch up with friends or relatives. The information shared will alter your perspective. Change can happen, but you will have to be the one to initiate what you want. Discuss your options with someone who shares your expenses. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Persuasive tactics will pay off. Make suggestions, initiate change, and make your home and your close relationships more enjoyable. Online research will lead to an innovative way to reverse a problem you face. Romance will change the dynamics of a relationship. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Make up your mind. Waffling and inconsistency will keep you from getting ahead. Be creative, and make personal changes that will ease stress and help you bury the hatchet with someone who can make a positive difference in your life. 5 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Avoiding situations that make you uncomfortable will lead to more significant problems. Face personal and emotional situations head-on, and find out where you stand and how best to move forward. Stick to the facts, and do what’s best for you. 2 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Look at your investments, and put a little thought into your current living arrangements. You may be able to cut corners if you go over your expenses and consider what you can eliminate. Less responsibility and overhead will ease stress. 4 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Take on a challenge that builds strength and courage. Recognize your worth, and make sure you don’t undersell what you have to offer. Making home improvements, attending a reunion or adding romance to your life will enhance your experience. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Don’t feel guilty for something that isn’t your responsibility. Say goodbye to anyone who puts you down or causes you grief. It’s up to you to bring about the changes that will contribute to your happiness. Don’t get angry — get moving. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are straightforward, inventive and unwavering. You are persistent and unpredictable.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-04-18--Word Game: April 18, 2020

Word Game: April 18, 2020

TODAY ’ S WORD — CYNOSURE ( CYNOSURE : SINE-uh-shoor : Something that serves to direct or guide . )
@ @ @ @ @ more words in CYNOSURE ?
The list will be published Monday .
To purchase the @ @ @ @ @ WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 while supplies last !
1 .
@ @ @ @ @ or more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four letters by the addition of @ @ @ @ @ as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” are not allowed .
3 .
@ @ @ @ @ a “ d ” or an “ s ” may not be used .
For @ @ @ @ @ ” is used , “ baked ” or “ bakes ” are not allowed , @ @ @ @ @ “ baking ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper nouns , slang words , or @ @ @ @ @ are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — CYNOSURE (CYNOSURE: SINE-uh-shoor: Something that serves to direct or guide.)
Average mark 33 words
Time limit 45 minutes
Can you find 46 or more words in CYNOSURE? The list will be published Monday.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — LEVERAGE lager large lave leave leer levee lever eager
eagle earl ever vale veal veer velar verge rage rale rave ravel real reel reeve regal
regale reveal revel ager agree alee aver gale gave gavel gear glare glee grave
gravel
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--2020-04-18--Bridge: April 18, 2020

Bridge: April 18, 2020

“ Simple Saturday ” columns are meant to help aspiring players improve technique and logical thinking .
A “ safety play ” is like an insurance policy .
You pay a premium — you give up the chance to win the maximum number of tricks in a suit — and you are insured against a fatal loss .
Today ’ s declarer starts with two heart tricks , two spades , a diamond and two clubs .
He needs two extra clubs to make 3NT .
South takes the ace at Trick Two and leads a second club , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If the contract were 4NT , South would finesse with dummy ’ s jack — his percentage play for five club tricks .
At 3NT , South should play the nine for safety .
If East could win , South would be sure of four clubs .
In this deal , South would go down if he played the jack ; he would get only three clubs .
At matchpoint duplicate , South would be obliged to play for the overtrick .
Every North-South would be at 3NT , so South ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many tricks as possible .
You hold : S Q 10 9 8 5 H Q 3 D K J 8 7 2 C 4 .
Your partner opens one club , you bid one spade and he rebids two clubs .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : This situation is dangerous .
Partner suggests six or more clubs and minimum values .
You have no game .
If you bid two diamonds — a new suit , hence forcing — looking for a better contract when none may exist , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal seems to be a misfit and you lack compensating high-card strength , stop bidding .

“Simple Saturday” columns are meant to help aspiring players improve technique and logical thinking.
A “safety play” is like an insurance policy. You pay a premium — you give up the chance to win the maximum number of tricks in a suit — and you are insured against a fatal loss.
Today’s declarer starts with two heart tricks, two spades, a diamond and two clubs. He needs two extra clubs to make 3NT. South takes the ace at Trick Two and leads a second club, and West follows with the seven and eight.
LAST CLUB
If the contract were 4NT, South would finesse with dummy’s jack — his percentage play for five club tricks. At 3NT, South should play the nine for safety. If East could win, South would be sure of four clubs. In this deal, South would go down if he played the jack; he would get only three clubs.
At matchpoint duplicate, South would be obliged to play for the overtrick. Every North-South would be at 3NT, so South’s job would be to win as many tricks as possible.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S Q 10 9 8 5 H Q 3 D K J 8 7 2 C 4. Your partner opens one club, you bid one spade and he rebids two clubs. What do you say?
ANSWER: This situation is dangerous. Partner suggests six or more clubs and minimum values. You have no game. If you bid two diamonds — a new suit, hence forcing — looking for a better contract when none may exist, you risk disaster. Pass. When the deal seems to be a misfit and you lack compensating high-card strength, stop bidding.
South dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S J 2
H 7 6 5
D 9 6 3
C K J 9 5 2
WEST
S 6 4
H J 10 9 4 2
D Q 4
C Q 10 8 7
EAST
S Q 10 9 8 5
H Q 3
D K J 8 7 2
C 4
SOUTH
S A K 7 3
H A K 8
D A 10 5
C A 6 3
South West North East
2 NT Pass 3 NT All Pass
Opening lead — H J
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