mercurynews--2020-12-24--Raiders’ Trayvon Mullen undeterred after penalty-filled game against Chargers

Trayvon Mullen got the word from Rod Marinelli and it did nothing to shake his confidence heading in to Saturday night ’ s game against the Miami Dolphins .
“ I know I ’ m a great player , ” Mullen said Wednesday in a teleconference .
“ I play hard , I go out there , I put it all on the line and I play to win .
I play hard and aggressive and things happen .
I know I ’ ve got to get better and learn from it.
” Mullen , the Raiders ’ second-year starting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 58 yards in a 30-27 loss to the Los Angeles after having just three penalties in his previous 13 games .
The last penalty was the most costly , a pass interference penalty against Jalen Guyton good for 20 yards in the Chargers ’ game-winning drive in overtime .
In the third quarter , Mullen was called for two enforceable penalties on one play — a pass interference and a facemask against Guyton good for 28 yards .
Since the Raiders forced a punt on the possession , they weren ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defending Mike Williams against Mullen , however , gave the Chargers a first-and-goal from the 1 on a third-and-9 play .
Kalen Ballage then scored on a 1-yard run before halftime .
Marinelli ’ s style with the media is build up his players in terms of heart and effort while saving his more direct critiques for film sessions .
No frills , no fluff .
“ It ’ s our job as teachers to help him , ” Marinelli said .
“ It ’ s a coach working with a player , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playing within the rules .
I love how competitive this guy is , and he ’ s been really good at times this year .
Just helping him clean some of this stuff up .
First , you bring it to a man ’ s attention , then you help him correct it.
” Mullen termed Marinelli ’ s coaching style as “ very aggressive , ” noting “ he just wants us to go out there and play with passion , show that we care about the game and want to win.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mullen has the classic build of a long cover corner .
His eight tackles against the Chargers , including one for a loss , indicate he ’ s willing to mix it up physically .
According to unofficial statistics from profootballreference.com , receivers covered by Mullen have been targeted 76 times with 47 completions for 558 yards and five touchdowns .
He has a pair of interceptions .
The numbers aren ’ t great , but keep in mind cornerbacks on the Raiders often suffer because of the lack of a pass rush @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mentally , ” Mullen said .
“ I know I ’ m a good player .
I know what I bring to this team and I know what I ’ m going to do every week.
” After taking over for defensive coordinator Paul Guenther , who was fired after a 44-27 loss to the Indianapolis Colts , Marinelli had little more than a walk-through before taking over against the Chargers .
His mission statement was hustle , effort and gang-tackling .
“ I thought it was an improvement , ” Marinelli said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Want more still .
.
.
we ’ ve got to eliminate mistakes , eliminate some big plays , eliminate penalties .
That ’ s coaches and players , working together .
I just thought they showed a ton of heart in that game toward the end and I just really loved how they kept playing , but we got the win.
” Linebacker Raekwon McMillan , who had a season-high 42 snaps with Nicholas Morrow out with a concussion said Marinelli simplified the game plan with a short week .
Former Raiders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ podcast “ Bussin ’ With the Boys , ” said he thought there were issues with information overload under Guenther .
“ You want guys to be able to communicate quick , and understand what ’ s happening and what the offense is doing to them right out of the huddle , ” Compton said .
“ You don ’ t want a lot of the stuff in your head .
.
.
you ’ re thinking , you ’ re double thinking more like should we have this check , is it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot going on.
” Nick Kwiatkoski was added to the COVID-19 list , meaning the Raiders will be without one of their better defensive players against Miami .
That could mean another game with more action for McMillan , as Morrow didn ’ t practice Wednesday after being limited on Tuesday .
Morrow missed the Chargers game with a concussion .
McMillan came to the Raiders from Miami in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick and will face his old teammates .
• Raiders ’ Derek Carr is on track to start Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Even without playoffs , will to win more valuable than tanking for draft position • While Raiders ’ Derek Carr tries to make himself available , Marcus Mariota stands at the ready • Raiders mailbag , Part II : Patience is wearing thin among the fan base , and with good reason “ It ’ s a lot of familiar faces , but it ’ s just another game for me , ” McMillian said .
“ Of course I ’ m going to be excited to see those guys and play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends are there .
But I ’ m just ready to compete and get a win.
” Cornerback Isaiah Johnson came off the COVID-19 list although it ’ s not clear if he ’ ll be available to play against Miami .
Wide receiver Henry Ruggs , safety Erik Harris and cornerback Daryl Worley are all on the COVID-19 list .
The Raiders hope to gain some clarity on Ruggs ’ situation Thursday to determine if he ’ ll be available against Miami .
— Safety Johnathan Abram ( concussion ) was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face Miami .
Same goes for Hunter Renfrow ( concussion ) and running back Jalen Richard ( sternum ) .
Defensive end Clelin Ferrell ( shoulder ) has not practiced this week and could miss his second straight game .

Trayvon Mullen got the word from Rod Marinelli and it did nothing to shake his confidence heading in to Saturday night’s game against the Miami Dolphins.
“I know I’m a great player,” Mullen said Wednesday in a teleconference. “I play hard, I go out there, I put it all on the line and I play to win. I play hard and aggressive and things happen. I know I’ve got to get better and learn from it.”
Mullen, the Raiders’ second-year starting cornerback, was whistled for four penalties for 58 yards in a 30-27 loss to the Los Angeles after having just three penalties in his previous 13 games.
The last penalty was the most costly, a pass interference penalty against Jalen Guyton good for 20 yards in the Chargers’ game-winning drive in overtime. In the third quarter, Mullen was called for two enforceable penalties on one play — a pass interference and a facemask against Guyton good for 28 yards. Since the Raiders forced a punt on the possession, they weren’t costly.
A pass interference flag while defending Mike Williams against Mullen, however, gave the Chargers a first-and-goal from the 1 on a third-and-9 play. Kalen Ballage then scored on a 1-yard run before halftime.
Marinelli’s style with the media is build up his players in terms of heart and effort while saving his more direct critiques for film sessions. No frills, no fluff.
“It’s our job as teachers to help him,” Marinelli said. “It’s a coach working with a player, a player working with a coach and playing within the rules. I love how competitive this guy is, and he’s been really good at times this year. Just helping him clean some of this stuff up. First, you bring it to a man’s attention, then you help him correct it.”
Mullen termed Marinelli’s coaching style as “very aggressive,” noting “he just wants us to go out there and play with passion, show that we care about the game and want to win.”
At 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, Mullen has the classic build of a long cover corner. His eight tackles against the Chargers, including one for a loss, indicate he’s willing to mix it up physically.
According to unofficial statistics from profootballreference.com, receivers covered by Mullen have been targeted 76 times with 47 completions for 558 yards and five touchdowns. He has a pair of interceptions. The numbers aren’t great, but keep in mind cornerbacks on the Raiders often suffer because of the lack of a pass rush.
“It never gets to me mentally,” Mullen said. “I know I’m a good player. I know what I bring to this team and I know what I’m going to do every week.”
The Marinelli influence
After taking over for defensive coordinator Paul Guenther, who was fired after a 44-27 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, Marinelli had little more than a walk-through before taking over against the Chargers. His mission statement was hustle, effort and gang-tackling.
“I thought it was an improvement,” Marinelli said. “It was really solid. Want more still . . . we’ve got to eliminate mistakes, eliminate some big plays, eliminate penalties. That’s coaches and players, working together. I just thought they showed a ton of heart in that game toward the end and I just really loved how they kept playing, but we got the win.”
Linebacker Raekwon McMillan, who had a season-high 42 snaps with Nicholas Morrow out with a concussion said Marinelli simplified the game plan with a short week.
Former Raiders linebacker Will Compton, on his recent podcast “Bussin’ With the Boys,” said he thought there were issues with information overload under Guenther.
“You want guys to be able to communicate quick, and understand what’s happening and what the offense is doing to them right out of the huddle,” Compton said. “You don’t want a lot of the stuff in your head . . . you’re thinking, you’re double thinking more like should we have this check, is it that check. There was just a lot going on.”
COVID-19 updates
Nick Kwiatkoski was added to the COVID-19 list, meaning the Raiders will be without one of their better defensive players against Miami.
That could mean another game with more action for McMillan, as Morrow didn’t practice Wednesday after being limited on Tuesday. Morrow missed the Chargers game with a concussion.
McMillan came to the Raiders from Miami in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick and will face his old teammates.
“It’s a lot of familiar faces, but it’s just another game for me,” McMillian said. “Of course I’m going to be excited to see those guys and play against them. Some of my longtime friends are there. But I’m just ready to compete and get a win.”
Cornerback Isaiah Johnson came off the COVID-19 list although it’s not clear if he’ll be available to play against Miami. Wide receiver Henry Ruggs, safety Erik Harris and cornerback Daryl Worley are all on the COVID-19 list. The Raiders hope to gain some clarity on Ruggs’ situation Thursday to determine if he’ll be available against Miami.
Injury updates
— Safety Johnathan Abram (concussion) was a full participant and should be available to face Miami. Same goes for Hunter Renfrow (concussion) and running back Jalen Richard (sternum).
Defensive end Clelin Ferrell (shoulder) has not practiced this week and could miss his second straight game.
—


mercurynews--2020-12-24--Oakland man arrested in Fairfield following pursuit on I-80

A parolee wanted in Alameda County is behind bars after leading Solano ’ s California Highway Patrol officers on a chase late Friday night that ended on eastbound Interstate 80 in Fairfield .
Officers Daniel Butolph and Deven Baumgartner were patrolling I-80 near the West Texas Street exit around 11:50 p.m. when they spotted what was reported to be a stolen Mercedes-Benz , officials said .
Butolph attempted to make an enforcement stop on the vehicle , but the driver reportedly accelerated and attempted to evade the officers .
After the officers notified dispatch of the pursuit , another deployed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ driven by Anthony Alonzo Foye , 31 , of Oakland .
A records check indicated Foye was a parolee at large and also wanted on several out-of-county warrants .
Officers arrested Foye , who was booked into Solano County Jail on suspicion of felony evasion and violation of parole .
At least two of the warrants are for driving on a suspended license and being a felon in possession of a firearm , jail records showed .
• Missing adults found at East Bay middle school ; one dead , one hospitalized • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fire ; authorities investigating possibility of marijuana grow Records did not indicate if Foye likely would face a charge for reportedly stealing the Mercedes , and Officer Dave Harvey , public information officer for the CHP , said Wednesday that Foye also may face a charge of possessing more than an ounce of marijuana .
The Mercedes , officials said , has been returned to its owner .

A parolee wanted in Alameda County is behind bars after leading Solano’s California Highway Patrol officers on a chase late Friday night that ended on eastbound Interstate 80 in Fairfield.
Officers Daniel Butolph and Deven Baumgartner were patrolling I-80 near the West Texas Street exit around 11:50 p.m. when they spotted what was reported to be a stolen Mercedes-Benz, officials said.
Butolph attempted to make an enforcement stop on the vehicle, but the driver reportedly accelerated and attempted to evade the officers.
After the officers notified dispatch of the pursuit, another deployed spike strips, which disabled the vehicle driven by Anthony Alonzo Foye, 31, of Oakland.
A records check indicated Foye was a parolee at large and also wanted on several out-of-county warrants.
Officers arrested Foye, who was booked into Solano County Jail on suspicion of felony evasion and violation of parole. At least two of the warrants are for driving on a suspended license and being a felon in possession of a firearm, jail records showed.
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The Mercedes, officials said, has been returned to its owner.


mercurynews--2020-12-24--Feds warn of emerging fraud schemes related to COVID-19 vaccines

Several major federal agencies have issued alerts about fraud schemes related to COVID-19 vaccines , it has been announced .
The Federal Bureau of Investigation , Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services are warning the public about several emerging schemes related to the vaccines , which have recently been rolled out to protect frontline healthcare workers , the elderly and their attendants in nursing homes and first responders first but will continue to be more widely available in the coming days , weeks and months .
The FBI , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week by its national press office , said the three agencies have received complaints of scammers using the public ’ s interest in COVID-19 vaccines to obtain personally identifiable information and money through various schemes .
The public should be aware of the following potential indicators of fraudulent activity , the FBI indicated in the prepared statement : • Advertisements or offers for early access to a vaccine upon payment of a deposit or fee .
• Requests asking you to pay out of pocket to obtain the vaccine or to put your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• Offers to undergo additional medical testing or procedures when obtaining a vaccine .
• Marketers offering to sell and/or ship doses of a vaccine , domestically or internationally , in exchange for payment of a deposit or fee .
• Unsolicited emails , telephone calls , or personal contact from someone claiming to be from a medical office , insurance company , or COVID-19 vaccine center requesting personal and/or medical information to determine recipients ’ eligibility to participate in clinical vaccine trials or obtain the vaccine .
• Claims of FDA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be verified .
• Advertisements for vaccines through social media platforms , email , telephone calls , online , or from unsolicited/unknown sources .
• Individuals contacting you in person , by phone , or by email to tell you the government or government officials require you to receive a COVID-19 vaccine .
The FBI issued the following tips to avoid COVID-19 vaccine-related fraud : • Consult your state ’ s health department website for up-to-date information about authorized vaccine distribution channels and only obtaining a vaccine through such channels .
• Check @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) for current information about vaccine emergency use authorizations .
• Consult your primary care physician before undergoing any vaccination .
• Don ’ t share your personal or health information with anyone other than known and trusted medical professionals .
• Check your medical bills and insurance explanation of benefits for any suspicious claims and promptly reporting any errors to your health insurance provider .
• Follow guidance and recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) and other trusted medical professionals .
The FBI issued the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Verify the spelling of web addresses , websites , and email addresses that look trustworthy but may be imitations of legitimate websites .
• Ensure operating systems and applications are updated to the most current versions .
• Do not enable macros on documents downloaded from an email unless necessary and after ensuring the file is not malicious .
• Do not communicate with or open emails , attachments , or links from unknown individuals .
• Never provide personal information of any sort via email ; be aware that many emails @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be legitimate .
• Use strong two-factor authentication if possible , using biometrics , hardware tokens , or authentication apps .
If you believe you have been the victim of a COVID-19 fraud , immediately report it to the FBI ( ic3.gov , tips.fbi.gov , or 1-800-CALL-FBI ) or HHS OIG ( tips.hhs.gov or 1-800-HHS-TIPS ) .

Several major federal agencies have issued alerts about fraud schemes related to COVID-19 vaccines, it has been announced.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services are warning the public about several emerging schemes related to the vaccines, which have recently been rolled out to protect frontline healthcare workers, the elderly and their attendants in nursing homes and first responders first but will continue to be more widely available in the coming days, weeks and months.
The FBI, in a press release issued earlier this week by its national press office, said the three agencies have received complaints of scammers using the public’s interest in COVID-19 vaccines to obtain personally identifiable information and money through various schemes.
The public should be aware of the following potential indicators of fraudulent activity, the FBI indicated in the prepared statement:
Advertisements or offers for early access to a vaccine upon payment of a deposit or fee.
Requests asking you to pay out of pocket to obtain the vaccine or to put your name on a COVID-19 vaccine waiting list.
Offers to undergo additional medical testing or procedures when obtaining a vaccine.
Marketers offering to sell and/or ship doses of a vaccine, domestically or internationally, in exchange for payment of a deposit or fee.
Unsolicited emails, telephone calls, or personal contact from someone claiming to be from a medical office, insurance company, or COVID-19 vaccine center requesting personal and/or medical information to determine recipients’ eligibility to participate in clinical vaccine trials or obtain the vaccine.
Claims of FDA approval for a vaccine that cannot be verified.
Advertisements for vaccines through social media platforms, email, telephone calls, online, or from unsolicited/unknown sources.
Individuals contacting you in person, by phone, or by email to tell you the government or government officials require you to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
The FBI issued the following tips to avoid COVID-19 vaccine-related fraud:
Consult your state’s health department website for up-to-date information about authorized vaccine distribution channels and only obtaining a vaccine through such channels.
Check the FDA’s website (fda.gov) for current information about vaccine emergency use authorizations.
Consult your primary care physician before undergoing any vaccination.
Don’t share your personal or health information with anyone other than known and trusted medical professionals.
Check your medical bills and insurance explanation of benefits for any suspicious claims and promptly reporting any errors to your health insurance provider.
Follow guidance and recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other trusted medical professionals.
The FBI issued the following general online/cyber fraud prevention techniques:
Verify the spelling of web addresses, websites, and email addresses that look trustworthy but may be imitations of legitimate websites.
Ensure operating systems and applications are updated to the most current versions.
Update anti-malware and anti-virus software and conduct regular network scans.
Do not enable macros on documents downloaded from an email unless necessary and after ensuring the file is not malicious.
Do not communicate with or open emails, attachments, or links from unknown individuals.
Never provide personal information of any sort via email; be aware that many emails requesting your personal information may appear to be legitimate.
Use strong two-factor authentication if possible, using biometrics, hardware tokens, or authentication apps.
Disable or remove unneeded software applications.
If you believe you have been the victim of a COVID-19 fraud, immediately report it to the FBI (ic3.gov, tips.fbi.gov, or 1-800-CALL-FBI) or HHS OIG (tips.hhs.gov or 1-800-HHS-TIPS).


mercurynews--2020-12-24--CHP stepping up enforcement for holiday weekend

Holiday travel is expected to be light this season because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic .
However , for those who choose to get on the road , the California Highway Patrol is here to remind you to respect the rules of the road just as you would any other time of the year .
Starting at 6:01 p.m. Christmas Eve and continuing until 11:59 p.m. Sunday , the CHP will be implementing a Maximum Enforcement Period .
All available officers will be on the road for enhanced enforcement and to assist drivers in need of help .
• 6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Eve in 2020 • Watch : Yes , Bay Area , COVID cases exploded after Thanksgiving .
Could Christmas surge be next ?
• Critter Corner : Know how to cat-proof your Christmas tree Due to the regional stay-at-home order for the Bay Area , state officials are advising residents to stay close to home as much as possible and not travel too far .
For those who do travel , the CHP is advising all motorists to obey the rules of the road , not speed , drive sober , avoid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plenty of time to arrive at the desired destination .
“ The CHP wants to ensure your safety throughout this unprecedented year , ” CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray said in a statement .
“ We are hopeful that the public will do their part and remember to make safety a priority .
”

Holiday travel is expected to be light this season because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, for those who choose to get on the road, the California Highway Patrol is here to remind you to respect the rules of the road just as you would any other time of the year.
Starting at 6:01 p.m. Christmas Eve and continuing until 11:59 p.m. Sunday, the CHP will be implementing a Maximum Enforcement Period. All available officers will be on the road for enhanced enforcement and to assist drivers in need of help.
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Disneyland is already decking the halls for the Christmas holiday season Crime and Public Safety | Grammy-winning pop act sets Christmas concert tour with 2 California stops Due to the regional stay-at-home order for the Bay Area, state officials are advising residents to stay close to home as much as possible and not travel too far. For those who do travel, the CHP is advising all motorists to obey the rules of the road, not speed, drive sober, avoid distractions, always buckle up and leave plenty of time to arrive at the desired destination.
“The CHP wants to ensure your safety throughout this unprecedented year,” CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray said in a statement. “We are hopeful that the public will do their part and remember to make safety a priority.”


mercurynews--2020-12-24--Sponsored: Got space to fill? Take your time

The inevitable questions when buying a crisp , clean and larger new home is , “ How are we going to furnish this place ?
” or “ How are all the old furnishings and decor going to look in this beautiful new house ?
” Historically low interest rates are making homeownership a possibility for a greater number of people who have been renting apartments and smaller homes .
And builders are seeing increased interest from longtime renters in their contemporary floor plans that are built for today .
Take your time It ’ s wise to ignore the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upon move in .
Waiting will save you money and the frustration of making quick decisions about the look of your new home .
Avoid the urge to purge just for the sake of going all-new .
You still need to sleep on beds , sit on chairs , work on flat surfaces and eat somewhere besides the floor .
Another temptation is wanting to emulate the builder ’ s model homes .
But remember that , while models are designed to help any buyer imagine themselves in a home , each household @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t let that awestruck feeling you get in a model home convince you that those styles will meet your family ’ s requirements .
Remember , you ’ re buying the house , not the decor .
You have forever in the house to figure out what works for you right now and for years to come .
More space doesn ’ t necessitate more stuff .
You likely have functioned well enough over time with furnishings that are either old , worn out or not the quality or styles you prefer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home is being built to research and determine what pieces are must-haves before moving in .
Then stick to purchasing only those necessities when you can .
For instance , if the kitchen counter or peninsula and stools in your current home serve as the primary dining surface , then a worthwhile expense of time and money may be in researching quality tables and chairs .
Look for pieces made of solid , natural materials , like hardwood , metals and/or a mix of textures .
Keep it simple so that one day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to other rooms in the house if needed .
Even consider consignment shopping and taking on a project before move in .
Repainting or refinishing a dining table and chairs can create a sense of newness without the expense of new or custom furniture .
Meanwhile , does the new home ’ s beautiful great room really require a brand-new sofa , loveseat , coffee table and end tables at move in ?
The answer is to take some time to figure out how you are using the space and then select what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world , it ’ s only going to be you and your immediate household members around the new home for several more months .
The old , comfortable napping sofa can be a great place to snuggle up while browsing online for pieces to outfit your new space .
Raise your hand if you love dusting ?
That ’ s right .
The more stuff you have , the more cleaning you ’ ll have to do .
That is why a slow , careful process ensures your best environment .
Unfilled walls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s homes , given video conferences , online classrooms and the need for ad-hoc workspaces .
Both money and time are valuable .
There may be delays with brand-new furniture , but that can give you the opportunity to test out room uses and layouts .
Put your time and money into the more permanent parts of your home .
Ask builders about the options available to you .
Built-in cabinetry with desk and drawers — in any part of the home — can eliminate the need for some furniture while adding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , more space doesn ’ t automatically mean more stuff .
And physically open space has a magical way of opening up creativity and clear thinking .
The basic furnishings you already have should allow your household to function for the first several months in the new house .
Let there be light Speaking of clarity , ask your builder about options for additional windows or custom lighting .
The more light you allow into your space , the more you may realize how little you need to fill it .

The inevitable questions when buying a crisp, clean and larger new home is, “How are we going to furnish this place?” or “How are all the old furnishings and decor going to look in this beautiful new house?”
Historically low interest rates are making homeownership a possibility for a greater number of people who have been renting apartments and smaller homes. And builders are seeing increased interest from longtime renters in their contemporary floor plans that are built for today.
Take your time
It’s wise to ignore the instinct to create an entirely new environment upon move in. Waiting will save you money and the frustration of making quick decisions about the look of your new home.
Avoid the urge to purge just for the sake of going all-new. You still need to sleep on beds, sit on chairs, work on flat surfaces and eat somewhere besides the floor.
Another temptation is wanting to emulate the builder’s model homes. But remember that, while models are designed to help any buyer imagine themselves in a home, each household’s needs are unique. Don’t let that awestruck feeling you get in a model home convince you that those styles will meet your family’s requirements.
Remember, you’re buying the house, not the decor. You have forever in the house to figure out what works for you right now and for years to come.
Enjoy open space
More space doesn’t necessitate more stuff. You likely have functioned well enough over time with furnishings that are either old, worn out or not the quality or styles you prefer.
Use the time while your new home is being built to research and determine what pieces are must-haves before moving in. Then stick to purchasing only those necessities when you can.
For instance, if the kitchen counter or peninsula and stools in your current home serve as the primary dining surface, then a worthwhile expense of time and money may be in researching quality tables and chairs.
Look for pieces made of solid, natural materials, like hardwood, metals and/or a mix of textures. Keep it simple so that one day you can move the table and chairs to other rooms in the house if needed.
Even consider consignment shopping and taking on a project before move in. Repainting or refinishing a dining table and chairs can create a sense of newness without the expense of new or custom furniture.
Meanwhile, does the new home’s beautiful great room really require a brand-new sofa, loveseat, coffee table and end tables at move in? The answer is to take some time to figure out how you are using the space and then select what you need.
In today’s world, it’s only going to be you and your immediate household members around the new home for several more months. The old, comfortable napping sofa can be a great place to snuggle up while browsing online for pieces to outfit your new space.
More stuff means more cleaning
Raise your hand if you love dusting? That’s right. The more stuff you have, the more cleaning you’ll have to do. That is why a slow, careful process ensures your best environment.
Unfilled walls and corners are hot commodities in today’s homes, given video conferences, online classrooms and the need for ad-hoc workspaces.
Think permanence
Both money and time are valuable. There may be delays with brand-new furniture, but that can give you the opportunity to test out room uses and layouts.
Put your time and money into the more permanent parts of your home. Ask builders about the options available to you.
Built-in cabinetry with desk and drawers — in any part of the home — can eliminate the need for some furniture while adding lifestyle value from the start.
Remember, more space doesn’t automatically mean more stuff. And physically open space has a magical way of opening up creativity and clear thinking.
The basic furnishings you already have should allow your household to function for the first several months in the new house.
Let there be light
Speaking of clarity, ask your builder about options for additional windows or custom lighting.
The more light you allow into your space, the more you may realize how little you need to fill it.


mercurynews--2020-12-24--California man arrested on suspicion of killing girlfriend; he had told police it was a suicide

A 20-year-old San Bernardino man has been arrested on suspicion of killing his girlfriend , several months after he told police she had committed suicide , authorities said Wednesday , Dec. 23 .
Jamol Stewart told investigators that Zarria Standokes , 23 , of San Bernardino , had taken her own life after police responded to a call of a shooting at an apartment building on the 400 block of E. 3rd St. the morning of July 3 , according to a news release from the San Bernardino Police Department .
Officers arrived to find Standokes in an apartment with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a local hospital , where she later died from her injuries .
After months of following up on leads , evidence from the scene and forensic evidence , investigators believe Standokes ’ death was not a suicide but a case of homicide , authorities said .
They did not specify what led them to that conclusion .
After the case was forwarded to the San Bernardino County District Attorney ’ s Office , Stewart was charged with murder in the death of Standokes .
He was arrested early this month and booked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Center in lieu of a $ 1 million bail .
He is awaiting court proceedings .

A 20-year-old San Bernardino man has been arrested on suspicion of killing his girlfriend, several months after he told police she had committed suicide, authorities said Wednesday, Dec. 23.
Jamol Stewart told investigators that Zarria Standokes, 23, of San Bernardino, had taken her own life after police responded to a call of a shooting at an apartment building on the 400 block of E. 3rd St. the morning of July 3, according to a news release from the San Bernardino Police Department.
Officers arrived to find Standokes in an apartment with a gunshot wound. She was taken to a local hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
After months of following up on leads, evidence from the scene and forensic evidence, investigators believe Standokes’ death was not a suicide but a case of homicide, authorities said. They did not specify what led them to that conclusion.
After the case was forwarded to the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office, Stewart was charged with murder in the death of Standokes.
He was arrested early this month and booked into the San Bernardino County Central Detention Center in lieu of a $1 million bail. He is awaiting court proceedings.


mercurynews--2020-12-24--Bay Area students get Kamala Harris action figures

More than 100 Marin City students have received Kamala Harris action figure dolls donated by a benefactor in Kentfield .
“ This means a lot to all of us — especially to me and my daughter , ” said Kim Magsipoc of Marin City , whose two children , Cameron and Camora Lewis , received the doll last week .
“ My daughter said , ‘ She looks like me.
’ ” Magsipoc , who is Filipino and shares an Asian-American heritage with the vice president-elect , said her kids were two of 120 students at Bayside Martin Luther King @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 17 as gifts from Lisa Bernard Rosenberg of Kentfield .
Rosenberg , a volunteer with the “ Bags of Love ” program that distributed food to needy Marin City families early on in the pandemic , said she gave the students the action figures “ so they can look at the doll and believe they can do great things , vying historical obstacles , just like Bay Area native Kamala Harris did.
” Rosenberg , a former Bay Area TV news reporter who once covered Harris , also passed on a message to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a former state attorney general and San Francisco district attorney .
The message , sent via a Harris staff person , was : “ Don ’ t let anyone else define you .
You define yourself.
” David Finnane , the school principal , said he welcomed the gift as “ an opportunity to remind our kids that they can be anything they want to be.
” He said his students can find inspiration from the dolls in that they represent Harris ’ s historic achievement as the first Black woman and first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vice president .
“ The action figures are a tangible thing to remind them of the possibilities that stand before them if they work hard , believe in themselves and take care of each other , ” Finnane said Wednesday .
Rosenberg , who has attended Black Lives Matter rallies and who took her three children to Alabama for a civil rights trip in the spring , said she first saw the Harris action figure in a Facebook post in early November .
“ I saw an image of a little African American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days after Biden and Harris were declared the winners , ” she said .
“ This little girl had this enormous smile on her face .
It just stuck with me.
” Rosenberg said she wanted to give one of the action figures to other little girls “ just so they hold that doll and think , ‘ I ’ m a girl , I ’ m of color , and it doesn ’ t matter.
’ ” Rosenberg texted Finnane , whom she knew because her son , a student at Redwood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ volunteer at Bridge the Gap College Prep , an after-school academic enrichment program in Marin City that works with students from Bayside MLK .
Finnane told Rosenberg he would welcome the gift , but that boys at the school could also use a positive role model in an action figure .
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Decision time for Hayward school official • California students rush to apply for DACA for the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ briefs for the week of Dec. 25 Rosenberg contacted the Brooklyn manufacturer to purchase the dolls at $ 19 apiece .
She ordered 120 for the whole school .
Magsipoc said her son Cameron really likes his Harris action figure .
“ He really loves politics — he was so happy when Joe Biden and Kamala Harris won , ” she said .
“ The doll , ” Magsipoc said she told her son , “ shows you that you can do whatever you want in life — as long as it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ”

More than 100 Marin City students have received Kamala Harris action figure dolls donated by a benefactor in Kentfield.
“This means a lot to all of us — especially to me and my daughter,” said Kim Magsipoc of Marin City, whose two children, Cameron and Camora Lewis, received the doll last week. “My daughter said, ‘She looks like me.’”
Magsipoc, who is Filipino and shares an Asian-American heritage with the vice president-elect, said her kids were two of 120 students at Bayside Martin Luther King Jr. Academy who received the dolls Dec. 17 as gifts from Lisa Bernard Rosenberg of Kentfield.
Rosenberg, a volunteer with the “Bags of Love” program that distributed food to needy Marin City families early on in the pandemic, said she gave the students the action figures “so they can look at the doll and believe they can do great things, vying historical obstacles, just like Bay Area native Kamala Harris did.”
Rosenberg, a former Bay Area TV news reporter who once covered Harris, also passed on a message to the kids from the 56-year-old senator, a former state attorney general and San Francisco district attorney.
The message, sent via a Harris staff person, was: “Don’t let anyone else define you. You define yourself.”
David Finnane, the school principal, said he welcomed the gift as “an opportunity to remind our kids that they can be anything they want to be.”
He said his students can find inspiration from the dolls in that they represent Harris’s historic achievement as the first Black woman and first Asian-American woman to be elected a U.S. vice president.
“The action figures are a tangible thing to remind them of the possibilities that stand before them if they work hard, believe in themselves and take care of each other,” Finnane said Wednesday.
Rosenberg, who has attended Black Lives Matter rallies and who took her three children to Alabama for a civil rights trip in the spring, said she first saw the Harris action figure in a Facebook post in early November.
“I saw an image of a little African American girl holding a Kamala doll, three days after Biden and Harris were declared the winners,” she said. “This little girl had this enormous smile on her face. It just stuck with me.”
Rosenberg said she wanted to give one of the action figures to other little girls “just so they hold that doll and think, ‘I’m a girl, I’m of color, and it doesn’t matter.’”
Rosenberg texted Finnane, whom she knew because her son, a student at Redwood High School in Larkspur, is a volunteer at Bridge the Gap College Prep, an after-school academic enrichment program in Marin City that works with students from Bayside MLK.
Finnane told Rosenberg he would welcome the gift, but that boys at the school could also use a positive role model in an action figure.
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Magsipoc said her son Cameron really likes his Harris action figure.
“He really loves politics — he was so happy when Joe Biden and Kamala Harris won,” she said.
“The doll,” Magsipoc said she told her son, “shows you that you can do whatever you want in life — as long as it’s for the good of others.”


mercurynews--2020-12-24--Former California cop accused of stealing drugs from a suspect’s vehicle, driving under the influenc

Former California cop accused of stealing drugs from a suspect’s vehicle, driving under the influence

The Orange County District Attorney ’ s Office has charged a former Huntington Beach Police Department crime scene investigator with three misdemeanors related to an alleged January incident in which investigators say he stole drugs from a suspect ’ s vehicle and drove a police vehicle under the influence of the stolen drug .
Sean Patrick Lotts , 53 , was charged with misdemeanor counts of embezzlement by a public official , seizing property under the color of authority and driving under the influence , the DA ’ s office said Tuesday in a news release .
Lotts is alleged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 23 when he was assigned to photograph a vehicle belonging to an attempted murder suspect while working as a crime scene investigator for the Police Department .
He is accused of taking photos of several pills of Flualprazolam , described as a designer drug , found in the vehicle and ingesting at least one of the pills , the DA ’ s office said .
The DA ’ s office also alleges Lotts drove a Huntington Beach Police Ford Explorer to his home while under the influence of the drug .
Lotts was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and not a sworn officer , according to Lt. Brian Smith , spokesman for the Police Department .
Lotts resigned from the Police Department in lieu of termination , the DA ’ s office said .
The Huntington Beach Police Department declined to make any additional comments regarding the case .
“ I am disappointed and angered by this conduct .
As the elected District Attorney , it is my responsibility to prosecute corrupt police officers and law enforcement personnel , ” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer .
“ The public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – whether they are sworn or civilian – will conduct themselves in a way that is in accordance with the laws they are tasked with enforcing .
Spitzer also said : “ It is ludicrous that someone processing a crime scene would even think of – much less act on – stealing evidence from a crime scene and then using that evidence for their own recreational purposes.
” Lotts is scheduled to be arraigned on April 7 in Westminster in .
He faces a maximum sentence of two years in the Orange County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the DA ’ s office said .

The Orange County District Attorney’s Office has charged a former Huntington Beach Police Department crime scene investigator with three misdemeanors related to an alleged January incident in which investigators say he stole drugs from a suspect’s vehicle and drove a police vehicle under the influence of the stolen drug.
Sean Patrick Lotts, 53, was charged with misdemeanor counts of embezzlement by a public official, seizing property under the color of authority and driving under the influence, the DA’s office said Tuesday in a news release.
Lotts is alleged to have committed these offenses on Jan. 23 when he was assigned to photograph a vehicle belonging to an attempted murder suspect while working as a crime scene investigator for the Police Department. He is accused of taking photos of several pills of Flualprazolam, described as a designer drug, found in the vehicle and ingesting at least one of the pills, the DA’s office said.
The DA’s office also alleges Lotts drove a Huntington Beach Police Ford Explorer to his home while under the influence of the drug. Lotts was a civilian employee for the Police Department and not a sworn officer, according to Lt. Brian Smith, spokesman for the Police Department.
Lotts resigned from the Police Department in lieu of termination, the DA’s office said.
The Huntington Beach Police Department declined to make any additional comments regarding the case.
“I am disappointed and angered by this conduct. As the elected District Attorney, it is my responsibility to prosecute corrupt police officers and law enforcement personnel,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “The public has an expectation that law enforcement employees – whether they are sworn or civilian – will conduct themselves in a way that is in accordance with the laws they are tasked with enforcing.
Spitzer also said: “It is ludicrous that someone processing a crime scene would even think of – much less act on – stealing evidence from a crime scene and then using that evidence for their own recreational purposes.”
Lotts is scheduled to be arraigned on April 7 in Westminster in. He faces a maximum sentence of two years in the Orange County Jail if convicted on all charges, the DA’s office said.


mercurynews--2020-12-24--Roommate accused of killing 82-year-old COVID-19 patient at California hospital

LANCASTER — An elderly man hospitalized in Southern California for treatment of COVID-19 was fatally struck by a roommate who @ @ @ @ @ began praying , the Los Angeles County Sheriff ’ s Department said Wednesday .
The @ @ @ @ @ an oxygen tank on Dec. 17 while housed in a two-person room at Antelope Valley @ @ @ @ @ the next day , the department said in a statement .
His name was not @ @ @ @ @ 2 million coronavirus cases , doubling its total in just six weeks • With video @ @ @ @ @ keeps sowing chaos • As COVID hotels close , new homes open for more than @ @ @ @ @ , Jesse Martinez , 37 , was arrested and charged with murder and other crimes @ @ @ @ @ Martinez was being held on $ 1 million bail and was scheduled for an initial @ @ @ @ @ .
It was not immediately known if he has a lawyer who could speak on @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Department said the investigation was continuing .

LANCASTER — An elderly man hospitalized in Southern California for treatment of COVID-19 was fatally struck by a roommate who became annoyed when the victim began praying, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said Wednesday.
The 82-year-old victim was struck with an oxygen tank on Dec. 17 while housed in a two-person room at Antelope Valley Hospital in Lancaster and died the next day, the department said in a statement. His name was not released.
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Martinez was being held on $1 million bail and was scheduled for an initial court appearance on Dec. 28. It was not immediately known if he has a lawyer who could speak on his behalf.
The Sheriff’s Department said the investigation was continuing.


mercurynews--2020-12-24--California billionaire Bill Gross must stop loud music, stay away from neighbor, judge rules

Mega-investor Bill Gross was ordered to stop playing music at all hours of the night after an Orange County judge ruled that the billionaire was harassing his neighbor , part of a ratcheting up of complaints between the two men that played out over several months earlier this year .
During a hearing Wednesday , Superior Court Judge Kimberly Knill barred Gross and his partner , former professional tennis player Amy Schwartz , from playing music from speakers outside their home when no one is there .
She also said the couple may not play music louder than what ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ municipal code .
Finally , she ordered them not to come within 15 feet of the neighbor , Mark Towfiq .
All of those restrictions will be in place for the next three years .
Knill said she didn ’ t believe Gross and Schwartz were unaware they were bothering Towfiq and his wife , Carol Nakahara , when they played loud rap music and theme songs from television shows like “ Gilligan ’ s Island ” and “ Green Acres ” at odd times .
“ Music that can be heard through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is harassment , ” Knill said .
“ The music was played during the day and during the night , at different times .
There is no legitimate purpose to this behavior.
” The legal skirmish began in August when Towfiq sued Gross and Schwartz , claiming they had harassed him with music for months in retaliation for a complaint he made to the city , involving a net the couple installed in their backyard to protect a glass sculpture they bought for $ 1 million .
Towfiq said the net did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his view .
He said the music began a few days later .
Knill said video evidence and text messages proved Gross was attempting to harass Towfiq .
She cited one text message conversation in which Towfiq asked Gross to turn the music down .
Gross responded , “ Peace on all fronts or we will have nightly concerts here , big boy.
” Gross testified that the timing of the text was unrelated to Towfiq ’ s complaint , but Knill said Gross ’ explanation was “ implausible.
” “ This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planned by Gross , in some sort of retaliation against Towfiq , for whatever reason , ” Knill said .
“ The fact that Gross appeared to be playing the music in a passive aggressive way satisfies the court that the behavior was willful.
” Knill further said that Schwartz was “ evasive and defensive ” in her testimony that she never played loud music to bother Towfiq .
The judge tossed the couple ’ s request for a restraining order against Towfiq .
They claimed Towfiq was spying on them with security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Towfiq leering at Schwartz as she used their swimming pool .
Knill said Gross presented no evidence for either claim .
The bizarre series of hearings , one of only a handful of court actions taking place in all of California as the state reels from the COVID-19 pandemic , played out over nine days spaced out over several weeks .
Gross , Schwartz and Towfiq all took the stand .
Several Laguna Beach police officers were also called testify .
In one video taken by Towfiq that was played in court , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to the wall separating their properties as loud rap music plays in the background .
Gross ’ attorneys then called a NASA scientist to explain whether that video could accurately depict the volume of the ambient sound .
This kind of testimony is rare for a hearing to grant restraining orders ; Chase Scolnick , Towfiq ’ s attorney , said such hearings typically take less than one day .
But both sides have ample resources to continue the legal battle — Towfiq and Gross each still have pending lawsuits seeking damages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before juries .
Both Gross and Towfiq bought their mansions with sweeping beach views in the pricey Laguna Beach neighborhood .
Gross made billions through the Pimco investment firm he founded ; Towfiq was one of his wealthy clients .
Statements issued by both sides after Wednesday ’ s hearing indicated the war of words will continue .
Despite the judge ’ s ruling stating the opposite , Gross said in a statement that “ the result maintains the status quo.
” “ We won ’ t play loud music because we never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But we will continue to dance the night away , Gilligan ’ s Island forever .
Happy holidays.
” In his own statement , Scolnick called Gross “ a horrible neighbor.
” “ No amount of money or PR spin can hide the truth here , ” Scolnick said .
“ Our clients have been living a nightmare .
Everyone can empathize with having a horrible neighbor , and we look forward to the next stage where Gross and Schwartz have to face a jury with their lies .
”

Mega-investor Bill Gross was ordered to stop playing music at all hours of the night after an Orange County judge ruled that the billionaire was harassing his neighbor, part of a ratcheting up of complaints between the two men that played out over several months earlier this year.
During a hearing Wednesday, Superior Court Judge Kimberly Knill barred Gross and his partner, former professional tennis player Amy Schwartz, from playing music from speakers outside their home when no one is there. She also said the couple may not play music louder than what’s allowed in Laguna Beach’s municipal code.
Finally, she ordered them not to come within 15 feet of the neighbor, Mark Towfiq. All of those restrictions will be in place for the next three years.
Knill said she didn’t believe Gross and Schwartz were unaware they were bothering Towfiq and his wife, Carol Nakahara, when they played loud rap music and theme songs from television shows like “Gilligan’s Island” and “Green Acres” at odd times.
“Music that can be heard through double-paned windows, and thick concrete walls, is harassment,” Knill said. “The music was played during the day and during the night, at different times. There is no legitimate purpose to this behavior.”
The legal skirmish began in August when Towfiq sued Gross and Schwartz, claiming they had harassed him with music for months in retaliation for a complaint he made to the city, involving a net the couple installed in their backyard to protect a glass sculpture they bought for $1 million.
Towfiq said the net did not conform with city code and blocked his view. He said the music began a few days later.
Knill said video evidence and text messages proved Gross was attempting to harass Towfiq. She cited one text message conversation in which Towfiq asked Gross to turn the music down. Gross responded, “Peace on all fronts or we will have nightly concerts here, big boy.”
Gross testified that the timing of the text was unrelated to Towfiq’s complaint, but Knill said Gross’ explanation was “implausible.”
“This is strong evidence that the nightly concerts were planned by Gross, in some sort of retaliation against Towfiq, for whatever reason,” Knill said. “The fact that Gross appeared to be playing the music in a passive aggressive way satisfies the court that the behavior was willful.”
Knill further said that Schwartz was “evasive and defensive” in her testimony that she never played loud music to bother Towfiq.
The judge tossed the couple’s request for a restraining order against Towfiq. They claimed Towfiq was spying on them with security cameras, and Gross said he caught Towfiq leering at Schwartz as she used their swimming pool. Knill said Gross presented no evidence for either claim.
The bizarre series of hearings, one of only a handful of court actions taking place in all of California as the state reels from the COVID-19 pandemic, played out over nine days spaced out over several weeks.
Gross, Schwartz and Towfiq all took the stand. Several Laguna Beach police officers were also called testify.
In one video taken by Towfiq that was played in court, Gross could be seen in boxers crawling up to the wall separating their properties as loud rap music plays in the background. Gross’ attorneys then called a NASA scientist to explain whether that video could accurately depict the volume of the ambient sound.
This kind of testimony is rare for a hearing to grant restraining orders; Chase Scolnick, Towfiq’s attorney, said such hearings typically take less than one day. But both sides have ample resources to continue the legal battle — Towfiq and Gross each still have pending lawsuits seeking damages against each other that could be heard before juries.
Both Gross and Towfiq bought their mansions with sweeping beach views in the pricey Laguna Beach neighborhood. Gross made billions through the Pimco investment firm he founded; Towfiq was one of his wealthy clients.
Statements issued by both sides after Wednesday’s hearing indicated the war of words will continue.
Despite the judge’s ruling stating the opposite, Gross said in a statement that “the result maintains the status quo.”
“We won’t play loud music because we never have,” Gross said. “But we will continue to dance the night away, Gilligan’s Island forever. Happy holidays.”
In his own statement, Scolnick called Gross “a horrible neighbor.”
“No amount of money or PR spin can hide the truth here,” Scolnick said. “Our clients have been living a nightmare. Everyone can empathize with having a horrible neighbor, and we look forward to the next stage where Gross and Schwartz have to face a jury with their lies.”


mercurynews--2020-12-24--NFL Week 16 picks: Fading 49ers downed by Arizona hosts; Raiders upset Dolphins

Long story short , let ’ s gift wrap these NFL ’ s Week 16 picks and wish you all happy holidays : Cardinals 30 , 49ers 26 : The 49ers fall to 0-4 since relocating to the Cactus League .
The Cardinals will be the NFC West ’ s third playoff team , while the reigning NFC champions stay home , wherever that is anymore .
Line : 49ers +5 Raiders 27 , Dolphins 26 : Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say when Hawaiian natives Marcus Mariota and Tua Tagovailoa play .
So , please , let Derek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Raiders +3 Bucs 28 , Lions 23 : Tom Brady makes his 298th regular-season start , matching Brett Favre ’ s NFL record and doing so without retiring even once .
Line : Lions +9 1/2 Saints 26 , Vikings 24 : Cue up a NFC South championship parade down Bourbon Street for a fourth straight season .
Line : Vikings +7 Texans 31 , Bengals 20 : Draft rooms around the NFL will watch this one as the loser gets an inside track on the No .
3 draft pick .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Giants 19 : The Ravens ( 28.8 points per game ) simply outpace the Giants ( 17.4 ppg. )
.
Line : Giants +10 Browns 33 , Jets 14 : After beating the Rams last week and avoiding the 0-16 tombstone , the Jets can pack it in and just ponder what to do with the No .
2 pick .
Line : Browns -9 1/2 Steelers 27 , Colts 24 : No one loses four in a row after an 11-0 start .
So celebrate that AFC North title , Pittsburghers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Falcons 17 : Kansas City secures the AFC ’ s No .
1 seed and the easiest road back to a Super Bowl repeat .
Line : Chiefs -10 1/2 Titans 27 , Packers 24 : You know what month they call it ?
DeHember .
As in , Derick Henry ’ s time to again shine in cold weather , this time at chilly Lambeau Field to clinch the AFC South .
Line : Titans +3 1/2 Seahawks 31 , Rams 24 : Russell Wilson ’ s only game this season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15 loss to the Rams .
He makes amends this time and delivers the NFC West title .
Line : Seahawks -1 1/2 Chargers 24 , Broncos 20 : No Von Miller all season , and likely no Bradley Chubb , so there should be no stopping Justin Herbert in his first home finale .
Line : Chargers -3 Cowboys 26 , Eagles 20 : Dallas wins its third straight but is assured its first losing season since 2015 .
Line : Cowboys +2 Washington 23 , Panthers 20 : Maybe Dwayne Haskins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party for clinching the NFC East .
Line : Washington -2 1/2 Bears 20 , Jaguars 17 : Incoming No .
1 pick Trevor Lawrence will pair nicely with this season ’ s surprise rookie , James Robinson , whose 1,414 yards from scrimmage are the most ever by an undrafted rookie .
Line : Jaguars +7 1/2 Bills 33 , Patriots 21 : The AFC East champs strut into Gillette Stadium , only this time we ’ re talking about the Bills , who ’ ve won the division for the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s final season as the Cleveland Browns coach .
Line : Bills -7 Last week : 11-5 straight up , 10-6 against the spread Overall : 140-85-1 straight up , 110-108-4 against the spread

Long story short, let’s gift wrap these NFL’s Week 16 picks and wish you all happy holidays:
Cardinals 30, 49ers 26: The 49ers fall to 0-4 since relocating to the Cactus League. The Cardinals will be the NFC West’s third playoff team, while the reigning NFC champions stay home, wherever that is anymore. Line: 49ers +5
Raiders 27, Dolphins 26: Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say when Hawaii natives Marcus Mariota and Tua Tagovailoa play. So, please, let Derek Carr rest that groin injury. Line: Raiders +3
Bucs 28, Lions 23: Tom Brady makes his 298th regular-season start, matching Brett Favre’s NFL record and doing so without retiring even once. Line: Lions +9 1/2
Saints 26, Vikings 24: Cue up a NFC South championship parade down Bourbon Street for a fourth straight season. Line: Vikings +7
Texans 31, Bengals 20: Draft rooms around the NFL will watch this one as the loser gets an inside track on the No. 3 draft pick. Line: Texans -8
Ravens 28, Giants 19: The Ravens (28.8 points per game) simply outpace the Giants (17.4 ppg). Line: Giants +10
Browns 33, Jets 14: After beating the Rams last week and avoiding the 0-16 tombstone, the Jets can pack it in and just ponder what to do with the No. 2 pick. Line: Browns -9 1/2
Steelers 27, Colts 24: No one loses four in a row after an 11-0 start. So celebrate that AFC North title, Pittsburghers. Line: Steelers +1 1/2
Chiefs 31, Falcons 17: Kansas City secures the AFC’s No. 1 seed and the easiest road back to a Super Bowl repeat. Line: Chiefs -10 1/2
Titans 27, Packers 24: You know what month they call it? DeHember. As in, Derrick Henry’s time to again shine in cold weather, this time at chilly Lambeau Field to clinch the AFC South. Line: Titans +3 1/2
Seahawks 31, Rams 24: Russell Wilson’s only game this season without a touchdown pass was a Nov. 15 loss to the Rams. He makes amends this time and delivers the NFC West title. Line: Seahawks -1 1/2
Chargers 24, Broncos 20: No Von Miller all season, and likely no Bradley Chubb, so there should be no stopping Justin Herbert in his first home finale. Line: Chargers -3
Cowboys 26, Eagles 20: Dallas wins its third straight but is assured its first losing season since 2015. Line: Cowboys +2
Washington 23, Panthers 20: Maybe Dwayne Haskins was just planning Washington’s victory party for clinching the NFC East. Line: Washington -2 1/2
Bears 20, Jaguars 17: Incoming No. 1 pick Trevor Lawrence will pair nicely with this season’s surprise rookie, James Robinson, whose 1,414 yards from scrimmage are the most ever by an undrafted rookie. Line: Jaguars +7 1/2
Bills 33, Patriots 21: The AFC East champs strut into Gillette Stadium, only this time we’re talking about the Bills, who’ve won the division for the first time since 1995, Bill Belichick’s final season as the Cleveland Browns coach. Line: Bills -7
Last week: 11-5 straight up, 10-6 against the spread
Overall: 140-85-1 straight up, 110-108-4 against the spread


mercurynews--2020-12-25--‘It’s barbaric’: Suit alleges Hayward police shot teen, removed bullets from his back

HAYWARD — A federal lawsuit filed this week alleges a 17-year-old shot by police in June was struck twice in the back and that officers removed bullets from his body by hand , before paramedics arrived .
The lawsuit , filed Monday , also disputes the Hayward Police Department ’ s account that the teen posed a threat to police as he drove away from a reported looting scene .
The Stockton teenager , his attorney said , had awakened alone in his older cousin ’ s car , had not looted or stolen anything , and was frightened and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ His back wounds suggest he was shot after he passed the officers , Attorney Adante Pointer said Wednesday .
“ It ’ s barbaric , ” Pointer said , “ the way in which they tried to minimize the harm they caused this young man.
” The officers “ took the bullets out and hauled him off to Juvenile Hall .
It ’ s completely inappropriate and fortunately it didn ’ t cause more severe damage to him.
” The shooting happened around 4 a.m. on June 1 , while Hayward and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nights of unrest in the aftermath of the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd .
Hayward police were called to a CVS pharmacy on Harder Road and Mission Boulevard on reports of looting and possible gunfire , officials have said .
As police were detaining two men in a parked car , other vehicles began leaving the parking lot , police said .
One of the vehicles was driven by the 17-year-old , who authorities claim drove directly toward Officer Samuel Tomlinson , who was standing outside his patrol car .
Tomlinson fired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might hit him .
Officer Stephen Akacsos also fired his weapon believing “ his partner had either been shot or struck by the vehicle , ” Hayward police said in a June 26 news release .
After the shooting , the teenager crashed the car and then hid in a bush , where police soon found him .
Police said medical staff described his injury “ as a grazing wound.
” He was treated at a hospital , released and arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stockton teen spent the evening with his older cousin , earlier driving to a music video shoot in Oakland .
The teen then fell asleep and woke up in the car alone and in an unfamiliar parking lot , to the sounds of loud noises .
He could see sirens and tried to call his cousin but his cell phone was dead , so he got in the driver ’ s seat and tried to leave , the suit said .
Pointer said his client saw police had stopped another vehicle but did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Next , he heard gunshots .
The attorney said the teenager hid in the bushes out of fear .
According to Pointer , the Alameda County District Attorney ’ s Office dropped the assault charge against the teenager .
The June 1 shooting was the third involving a Hayward officer within two weeks .
“ Hayward police have consistently been on my radar , a police department where they sick dogs on people , beat people , shoot people and it rarely catches the public ’ s attention , ” Pointer said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ police department which seeks to vilify the victim and justify the shooting .
The public should be very concerned.
” Hayward police referred questions to City Attorney Michael Lawson , who said the city had not been served with the lawsuit and declined to comment further .
The teenager ’ s mother , Jael Barnes , said her son has not been in trouble with the law before and “ was not involved in looting or anything as such.
” “ I feel like all they saw was a black face and just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” she said in June .
“ Not only does he now have these physical wounds , he has these mental wounds , as well , which will never go away .
”

HAYWARD — A federal lawsuit filed this week alleges a 17-year-old shot by police in June was struck twice in the back and that officers removed bullets from his body by hand, before paramedics arrived.
The lawsuit, filed Monday, also disputes the Hayward Police Department’s account that the teen posed a threat to police as he drove away from a reported looting scene.
The Stockton teenager, his attorney said, had awakened alone in his older cousin’s car, had not looted or stolen anything, and was frightened and confused when he drove past officers. His back wounds suggest he was shot after he passed the officers, Attorney Adante Pointer said Wednesday.
“It’s barbaric,” Pointer said, “the way in which they tried to minimize the harm they caused this young man.” The officers “took the bullets out and hauled him off to Juvenile Hall. It’s completely inappropriate and fortunately it didn’t cause more severe damage to him.”
The shooting happened around 4 a.m. on June 1, while Hayward and other Bay Area cities were under curfew following nights of unrest in the aftermath of the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd.
Hayward police were called to a CVS pharmacy on Harder Road and Mission Boulevard on reports of looting and possible gunfire, officials have said. As police were detaining two men in a parked car, other vehicles began leaving the parking lot, police said.
One of the vehicles was driven by the 17-year-old, who authorities claim drove directly toward Officer Samuel Tomlinson, who was standing outside his patrol car. Tomlinson fired first at the car, believing it might hit him. Officer Stephen Akacsos also fired his weapon believing “his partner had either been shot or struck by the vehicle,” Hayward police said in a June 26 news release.
After the shooting, the teenager crashed the car and then hid in a bush, where police soon found him. Police said medical staff described his injury “as a grazing wound.” He was treated at a hospital, released and arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer.
According to the lawsuit, the Stockton teen spent the evening with his older cousin, earlier driving to a music video shoot in Oakland. The teen then fell asleep and woke up in the car alone and in an unfamiliar parking lot, to the sounds of loud noises. He tried to call his cousin but his cell phone was dead, so he got in the driver’s seat and tried to leave, the suit said.
Pointer said his client saw police had stopped another vehicle but did not hear any commands to stop. Next, he heard gunshots. The attorney said the teenager hid in the bushes out of fear.
According to Pointer, the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office dropped the assault charge against the teenager. The June 1 shooting was the third involving a Hayward officer within two weeks.
“Hayward police have consistently been on my radar, a police department where they sic dogs on people, beat people, shoot people and it rarely catches the public’s attention,” Pointer said. “This is Exhibit A of a police department which seeks to vilify the victim and justify the shooting. The public should be very concerned.”
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The teenager’s mother, Jael Barnes, said her son has not been in trouble with the law before and “was not involved in looting or anything as such.”
“I feel like all they saw was a black face and just believed he did (a crime),” she said in June. “Not only does he now have these physical wounds, he has these mental wounds, as well, which will never go away.”


mercurynews--2020-12-25--Oakland: Police respond to West Oakland injury shooting

OAKLAND — One person was shot and wounded Thursday afternoon in a West Oakland neighborhood , authorities said .
Shortly @ @ @ @ @ responded to reports of ShotSpotter activity in the 2900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. @ @ @ @ @ s Hoover-Foster neighborhood .
When officers arrived , they learned that an adult male suffering @ @ @ @ @ wound to an arm had gotten his own transportation to an area hospital .
The @ @ @ @ @ not available Thursday afternoon .
Officers were working to recover possible evidence near the scene @ @ @ @ @ any information about a possible suspect or associated vehicle .
For information leading to the @ @ @ @ @ police are offering up to $ 5,000 in the shooting .
Anyone with information may @ @ @ @ @ Crime Stoppers of Oakland at 510-777-8572 .

OAKLAND — Two people were shot and wounded Thursday afternoon in a West Oakland neighborhood, authorities said.
Just before 3:40 p.m., officers responded to calls and reports of ShotSpotter activity in the 2900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Way in the city’s Hoover-Foster neighborhood.
When officers arrived, they learned that a 36-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman suffering from gunshot wounds to the arm and lower body had gotten their own transportation to area hospitals.
The pair knew each other and were arguing shortly before the shooting, but investigators were not saying who fired because other people were present.
Both victims obtained their transportation to area hospitals, with the man listed in stable condition as of Friday afternoon.
Officers were working to recover possible evidence near the scene, and did not disclose any information about a possible suspect or associated vehicle.
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East Bay man gets 35 years to life for murdering his uncle before police shot him California News | Teen shot at Oakland outdoor memorial dies from wounds For information leading to the arrest of a suspect, police are offering up to $5,000 in the shooting. Anyone with information may call police at 510-238-3426, a tip line at 510-238-7950 or Crime Stoppers of Oakland at 510-777-8572.
Staff writer Harry Harris contributed to this report. Contact George Kelly at 408-859-5180.


mercurynews--2020-12-25--Trump, Pence reportedly met before president went to Florida

Hours before President Donald Trump retweeted a message for his vice president to “ act ” in stopping the ratification of the Electoral College , he met for more than an hour in the Oval Office with Mike Pence , whom he has complained recently isn ’ t doing enough to support his bid to overturn the election .
The discussion was “ entirely unrelated ” to the eventual tweet , one person familiar with the matter said , though would not specify whether the issue of the January 6 ratification in Congress arose .
The two men went separate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enters the holiday stretch as fixated as ever on overturning the results of the election , the Electoral College certification is becoming a focal point for his efforts .
Video : Barr says no need for special counsel to investigate election On Wednesday evening , as he was flying to Florida for his vacation , Trump retweeted a call from one of his supporters for Pence to refuse to ratify the Electoral College results on January 6 — a prospect that has captured his imagination even if it remains completely impossible .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Trump aboard Air Force One before the President sent out the tweet .
Giuliani is joining Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate for the holidays , where the men are expected to discuss their election efforts .
Arriving at his golf club Thursday afternoon , Trump received a warm welcome from members and vowed to continue fighting to overturn the election , a person familiar with the matter said .
“ He ’ s very resolute in continuing to want to fight the Electoral College , ” this person said .
“ And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over.
” Later , he spent much of Christmas Eve tweeting grievances , including one aimed at Senate Republicans , vowing that he will “ NEVER FORGET !
” what he sees as their abandonment .
Trump has told people recently that Pence isn ’ t doing enough to fight for him as his presidency ends , and has recently taken an interest in Pence ’ s traditional role during the certification .
As President of the Senate , Pence presides over the proceedings .
Sources say Trump in recent days has brought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and has been “ confused ” as to why Pence can ’ t overturn the results of the election on January 6 .
Pence and White House aides have tried to explain to him that his role is more of a formality and he can not unilaterally reject the Electoral College votes .
Traditionally , the vice president presides over the electoral vote certification , though it ’ s not a requirement .
In 1969 , then-Vice President Hubert Humphrey didn ’ t preside over the process since he had just lost the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president pro tempore of the Senate presided instead .
One source close to Pence said it is not seen as a good option for Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley — the current president pro tempore — to be there instead of Pence on January 6 .
On Tuesday , Pence spoke to a group of young conservatives in Florida but did not directly address his coming role .
Instead he told the crowd that as the White House continues to contest the election , they will “ keep fighting until every legal vote is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is thrown out.
” “ Stay in the fight for election integrity .
Stay in the fight to defend all we ’ ve done , ” he said .
Earlier this week , Pence joined a meeting between Trump and a sizable group of House conservatives where the long-shot effort to overturn the election results in January was discussed .
The discussion focused on Trump ’ s baseless claims and conspiracies that the election was stolen from him , participants said , and lawmakers emerged confident that there were would be a contingent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ join the effort and prompt a marathon debate on the floor on January 6 that would spill into January 7 .
The Republican who is spearheading the effort , Alabama Rep. Mo Brooks , said Pence attended “ different parts ” of the meeting .
“ I believe we have multiple senators , and the question is not if , but how many , ” Brooks said , something that would defy the wishes of Senate Republican leaders who are eager to move on and are urging senators not to participate since doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ politically toxic vote against Trump .
• A look at the 29 people Donald Trump pardoned or gave commutations • Biden : Reversing border policies will take some time • With video filmed in secret , president keeps sowing chaos Brooks told CNN on Monday night that they would seek to challenge the election in at least six battleground states , saying he needs to coordinate “ as many as 72 ” five-minute speeches that GOP lawmakers would make that day .
The effort is doomed to fail but would create a spectacle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And if a House member and a senator object to six states ’ results , it would lead to at least 12 hours of debate , in addition to the time for casting votes on each of the motions , potentially prolonging the fight until the next day .

By Pamela Brown and Kevin Liptak | CNN
Hours before President Donald Trump retweeted a message for his vice president to “act” in stopping the ratification of the Electoral College, he met for more than an hour in the Oval Office with Mike Pence, whom he has complained recently isn’t doing enough to support his bid to overturn the election.
The discussion was “entirely unrelated” to the eventual tweet, one person familiar with the matter said, though would not specify whether the issue of the January 6 ratification in Congress arose. The two men went separate ways for the holiday.
As Trump enters the holiday stretch as fixated as ever on overturning the results of the election, the Electoral College certification is becoming a focal point for his efforts.
[vemba-video id=”politics/2020/12/21/william-barr-special-counsel-election-johns-dnt-vpx.cnn”]
Video: Barr says no need for special counsel to investigate election
On Wednesday evening, as he was flying to Florida for his vacation, Trump retweeted a call from one of his supporters for Pence to refuse to ratify the Electoral College results on January 6 — a prospect that has captured his imagination even if it remains completely impossible.
Trump’s personal attorney Rudy Giuliani was with Trump aboard Air Force One before the President sent out the tweet. Giuliani is joining Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate for the holidays, where the men are expected to discuss their election efforts.
Arriving at his golf club Thursday afternoon, Trump received a warm welcome from members and vowed to continue fighting to overturn the election, a person familiar with the matter said.
“He’s very resolute in continuing to want to fight the Electoral College,” this person said. “And he still thinks it’s not over.”
Later, he spent much of Christmas Eve tweeting grievances, including one aimed at Senate Republicans, vowing that he will “NEVER FORGET!” what he sees as their abandonment.
Trump ‘confused’ about Pence’s role
Trump has told people recently that Pence isn’t doing enough to fight for him as his presidency ends, and has recently taken an interest in Pence’s traditional role during the certification. As President of the Senate, Pence presides over the proceedings.
Sources say Trump in recent days has brought the matter up to the vice president and has been “confused” as to why Pence can’t overturn the results of the election on January 6.
Pence and White House aides have tried to explain to him that his role is more of a formality and he cannot unilaterally reject the Electoral College votes.
Traditionally, the vice president presides over the electoral vote certification, though it’s not a requirement. In 1969, then-Vice President Hubert Humphrey didn’t preside over the process since he had just lost the presidential election to Richard Nixon. The president pro tempore of the Senate presided instead.
One source close to Pence said it is not seen as a good option for Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley — the current president pro tempore — to be there instead of Pence on January 6.
On Tuesday, Pence spoke to a group of young conservatives in Florida but did not directly address his coming role. Instead he told the crowd that as the White House continues to contest the election, they will “keep fighting until every legal vote is counted” and “every illegal vote is thrown out.”
“Stay in the fight for election integrity. Stay in the fight to defend all we’ve done,” he said.
Earlier this week, Pence joined a meeting between Trump and a sizable group of House conservatives where the long-shot effort to overturn the election results in January was discussed.
The discussion focused on Trump’s baseless claims and conspiracies that the election was stolen from him, participants said, and lawmakers emerged confident that there were would be a contingent of House and Senate Republicans who would join the effort and prompt a marathon debate on the floor on January 6 that would spill into January 7.
The Republican who is spearheading the effort, Alabama Rep. Mo Brooks, said Pence attended “different parts” of the meeting.
“I believe we have multiple senators, and the question is not if, but how many,” Brooks said, something that would defy the wishes of Senate Republican leaders who are eager to move on and are urging senators not to participate since doing so could force them to cast a politically toxic vote against Trump.
Brooks told CNN on Monday night that they would seek to challenge the election in at least six battleground states, saying he needs to coordinate “as many as 72” five-minute speeches that GOP lawmakers would make that day.
“That’s a significant task,” he said.
The effort is doomed to fail but would create a spectacle that Senate GOP leaders want to avoid. And if a House member and a senator object to six states’ results, it would lead to at least 12 hours of debate, in addition to the time for casting votes on each of the motions, potentially prolonging the fight until the next day.


mercurynews--2020-12-25--CityTeam San Jose, food truck crews partner to salvage hot meals for homeless on Christmas

SAN JOSE — COVID-19 looked as if it were going to spoil an annual Christmas tradition of serving hot holiday meals to hundreds of homeless people in the area , but some local organizations and people rallied to salvage the day .
CityTeam San Jose , a local chapter of the national faith-based nonprofit organization , runs recovery and skill-building programs , and provides meals for homeless folks all year long .
And on Christmas , the men ’ s center in San Jose has long been inviting hundreds of people who live on the streets to come and watch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meal , get their feet washed by generous volunteers and pick up some other items such as fresh pairs of socks and thick coats .
Darlene Tenes , a spokeswoman for CityTeam San Jose , said that warm tradition for this year was canceled weeks ago because of health orders that prohibit gatherings to limit the spread of COVID-19 .
But earlier this week , one of the men who works in the kitchen program at CityTeam tested positive for the coronavirus , and as a result , the kitchen is shut down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That meant the nonprofit could not make to-go meals that were going to be prepped for hundreds of homeless people , Tenes said .
“ And it just so happens to happen at Christmas , ” Tenes said .
“ The first loss for us was not being able to invite them in .
It ’ s very lonely being homeless , and for them to be able to be invited in , it offers companionship .
They ’ re able to be part of a warm inviting environment , a welcoming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” she said .
The kitchen shutdown , as the men who work there are quarantined , was “ really sad , ” Tenes said .
“ This was like the final blow , ” she said .
But Tenes , who also organizes other events around the South Bay , didn ’ t want to see the whole meal program scrapped .
CityTeam partnered with Moveable , a food truck and mobile events company founded in San Jose by Ryan Sebastian , to get some food trucks and their crews to prepare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t know if people would want to work on Christmas Day , and you have to go out and get food .
It ’ s a lot of work in a short amount of time , ” Tenes said .
Sebastian said last-minute requests for big orders are not uncommon , but they usually come from large tech companies throwing events or parties for employees .
“ It was a surprise to get that call , but we were more than happy to jump in and try to help the situation , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Several owners of food trucks Moveable partners with immediately offered to help , and on Christmas Day , Waffle Roost and Cielito Lindo will be distributing meals outside the CityTeam men ’ s center , he said .
The menu will include choices such as herb-crusted grilled chicken with rice and vegetables , a super burrito with a choice of meat and freshly made tortilla chips , as well as several kinds of sandwiches and wraps .
CityTeam is hoping to collect donations from the public to help offset the increased cost of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only spends about $ 2 per meal to make the Christmas tradition happen , as much of the food is donated or bought at wholesale prices , and the men at the recovery center do the cooking , so there are no labor costs .
This year , however , it will cost about $ 12 per person for the food truck crews to put together meals to go .
Tenes and Sebastian both say it ’ s more costly , but it ’ s a dual-benefit , as local business owners will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the holiday season , and the tradition of feeding those in need will continue .
“ They are true mom-and-pop operations and they have been hammered this year , ” Sebastian said of the truck owners .
“ A lot of them are not operating this year , or operating at very limited capacity , ” he said .
“ We ’ re grateful to be part of it , ” Sebastian said .
“ I just love that the spirit of Christmas is coming through , ” Tenes said of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ After such a difficult , hate-filled year , ” she said , “ it ’ s wonderful to see all this goodness of people coming together.
” To donate to CityTeam San Jose , go to https : //cityteam.org/san-jose/donate-gift

SAN JOSE — COVID-19 looked as if it were going to spoil an annual Christmas tradition of serving hot holiday meals to hundreds of homeless people in the area, but some local organizations and people rallied to salvage the day.
CityTeam San Jose, a local chapter of the national faith-based nonprofit organization, runs supportive and skill-building programs, and provides meals for homeless folks all year long.
And on Christmas, the men’s center in San Jose has long been inviting hundreds of people who live on the streets to come and watch football on TV, have a hot meal, get their feet washed by generous volunteers and pick up some other items such as fresh pairs of socks and thick coats.
Darlene Tenes, a spokeswoman for CityTeam San Jose, said that warm tradition for this year was canceled weeks ago because of health orders that prohibit gatherings to limit the spread of COVID-19.
But earlier this week, one of the men who works in the kitchen program at CityTeam tested positive for the coronavirus, and as a result, the kitchen is shut down through Christmas and for a week after. That meant the nonprofit could not make to-go meals that were going to be prepped for hundreds of homeless people, Tenes said.
“And it just so happens to happen at Christmas,” Tenes said.
“The first loss for us was not being able to invite them in. It’s very lonely being homeless, and for them to be able to be invited in, it offers companionship. They’re able to be part of a warm inviting environment, a welcoming environment. So that went away,” she said.
The kitchen shutdown, as the men who work there are quarantined, was “really sad,” Tenes said.
“This was like the final blow,” she said.
But Tenes, who also organizes other events around the South Bay, didn’t want to see the whole meal program scrapped.
CityTeam partnered with Moveable, a food truck and mobile events company founded in San Jose by Ryan Sebastian, to get some food trucks and their crews to prepare the meals.
“We didn’t know if people would want to work on Christmas Day, and you have to go out and get food. It’s a lot of work in a short amount of time,” Tenes said.
Sebastian said last-minute requests for big orders are not uncommon, but they usually come from large tech companies throwing events or parties for employees.
“It was a surprise to get that call, but we were more than happy to jump in and try to help the situation,” he said in an interview Thursday.
Several owners of food trucks Moveable partners with immediately offered to help, and on Christmas Day, Waffle Roost and Cielito Lindo will be distributing meals outside the CityTeam men’s center, he said.
The menu will include choices such as herb-crusted grilled chicken with rice and vegetables, a super burrito with a choice of meat and freshly made tortilla chips, as well as several kinds of sandwiches and wraps.
CityTeam is hoping to collect donations from the public to help offset the increased cost of the holiday meals. The organization usually only spends about $2 per meal to make the Christmas tradition happen, as much of the food is donated or bought at wholesale prices, and the men at the recovery center do the cooking, so there are no labor costs.
This year, however, it will cost about $12 per person for the food truck crews to put together meals to go.
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New San Jose law would ban homeless encampments and RVs near schools Features | Home sweet parking lot: Some hospitals welcome RV living for patients, families, and workers Tenes and Sebastian both say it’s more costly, but it’s a dual-benefit, as local business owners will get to pay their employees to work during the holiday season, and the tradition of feeding those in need will continue.
“They are true mom-and-pop operations and they have been hammered this year,” Sebastian said of the truck owners.
“A lot of them are not operating this year, or operating at very limited capacity,” he said.
“We’re grateful to be part of it,” Sebastian said.
“I just love that the spirit of Christmas is coming through,” Tenes said of the collaboration to help those in need.
“After such a difficult, hate-filled year,” she said, “it’s wonderful to see all this goodness of people coming together.”
To donate to CityTeam San Jose, go to https://cityteam.org/san-jose/donate-gift


mercurynews--2020-12-24--Santa Clara County elections: Razor-thin victories confirmed by recount in Los Altos Hills, Mountain

Santa Clara County elections: Razor-thin victories confirmed by recount in Los Altos Hills, Mountain View

After a weeks-long effort to recount ballots in two very close election races in Santa Clara County — including a race for a council seat that was decided by a single vote — election officials have confirmed the results in those contests .
There were no changes in the outcomes in both the Mountain View and Los Altos Hills city council races , according to a statement Thursday from the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters .
That means in Los Altos Hills , Lisa Schmidt has officially won her seat by one vote against her opponent Jay Sutaria , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2,494 .
And in Mountain View , Pat Showalter beat out Alex Nuñez by 58 votes — 12,060 to 12,002 , respectively .
Automatic recounts are required in the county any time the margin of victory for a race is within 0.25 percent of the total number of ballots cast or 25 votes .
The registrar said the hand recount required 16 days of work by more than 75 staff members .
They worked six days a week , and since a policy change in 2016 , all costs incurred because of automatic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All other election results in Santa Clara County were certified by the registrar on Dec. 3 .
The certified results and the recount results are both posted online at www.sccvote.org .

After a weeks-long effort to recount ballots in two very close election races in Santa Clara County — including a race for a council seat that was decided by a single vote — election officials have confirmed the results in those contests.
There were no changes in the outcomes in both the Mountain View and Los Altos Hills city council races, according to a statement Thursday from the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters.
That means in Los Altos Hills, Lisa Schmidt has officially won her seat by one vote against her opponent Jay Sutaria, by a final score of 2,495 to 2,494. And in Mountain View, Pat Showalter beat out Alex Nuñez by 58 votes — 12,060 to 12,002, respectively.
Automatic recounts are required in the county any time the margin of victory for a race is within 0.25 percent of the total number of ballots cast or 25 votes.
The registrar said the hand recount required 16 days of work by more than 75 staff members. They worked six days a week, and since a policy change in 2016, all costs incurred because of automatic recounts are paid by the county.
All other election results in Santa Clara County were certified by the registrar on Dec. 3.
The certified results and the recount results are both posted online at www.sccvote.org.