mercurynews--2020-07-21--After she killed her husband, campaign helped save abused woman from San Quentin gallows

Nellie May Madison came within a few weeks of being the only woman executed by hanging in California .
She dodged the gallows but the legal battles after her 1934 murder trial continued for years before Madison was released to spend the remainder of her life in the Inland Empire .
Her trial and its aftermath helped change the way battered women would later be able to use their abusive relationships as justification in California criminal trials .
This was accomplished by bringing into the open the abuse she endured before she killed her partner Eric Madison .
( She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found that they were never legally married ) .
In the years that followed “ attorneys no longer proved reluctant to cite the abuse as a strategy of getting clients exonerated , ” wrote Kathleen A. Cairns in “ The Enigma Woman , ” her 2007 book about Nellie Madison .
“ By the late 1980s , spousal abuse had become an acceptable defense in criminal trials , and by the early 1990s state laws mandated that judges accept the courtroom testimony of experts in the field , ” Cairns wrote .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the shooting of her partner , such a defense was rare .
In fact , her attorney made no mention of it in her trial , a decision that almost sent her to the gallows .
Nellie Madison , who had been married three previous times , met Eric Madison while they worked at the Village Inn Hotel in Palm Springs .
Nellie was a manager there and at a sister resort in Lake Arrowhead .
Eric was reportedly a former San Bernardino cafeteria manager , said the San Bernardino Sun .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was fired from the Village Inn for his abusive behavior and rudeness .
But he managed to convince Nellie to move with him to Riverside .
Later they went to Utah and got married , or at least so thought Nellie .
The “ license ” she signed turned out to be phony and apparently so was the minister , according to Cairns ’ book .
It appeared the bogus ceremony was set up to enable Eric to get his hands on an inheritance Nellie had received .
Eventually , they moved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apartment next to Warner Brothers ’ studio where Eric was hired as a cashier , though within a few weeks , he lost that job .
The couple began arguing frequently , focusing on Eric spending time with other women and his abuse of Nellie .
On the evening of March 24 , 1934 , Nellie claimed Eric threw several knives at her during an argument and then went to bed .
At that point , Nellie fired five bullets into his back ( neighbors thought the sound was from filming next door @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the apartment .
A day later she was arrested by Burbank police hiding in a cabin 80 miles north of Los Angeles along the Ridge Route , today ’ s 5 Freeway .
When her trial began in Los Angeles on June 6 , the District Attorney ’ s Office announced it would seek the death penalty — at that time no woman had ever been executed in California , which then was still done by hanging .
“ Mrs .
Madison shot her husband in the back , ” prosecuting attorney George @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The motive for the murder is of no concern to the prosecution.
” Throughout her trial , Nellie sat quietly showing little or no emotion .
The Los Angeles Examiner of March 27 said she exhibited “ an inscrutable demeanor ” and in headlines called her “ Sphinx Woman.
” The Los Angeles Herald that same day called her the “ Enigma Woman.
” Her attorney , Joseph Ryan , ignored or didn ’ t know of Eric ’ s abusive behavior and infidelity .
Instead he presented a curious defense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not that of Eric Madison .
Some witnesses even testified they thought the victim was some other unknown person .
The jury was unconvinced and came back June 22 with a verdict of guilty .
The jury was given the option to request mercy in her sentencing , but did not , ensuring she would receive the death penalty .
“ They are not going to hang me , ” she told reporters while being led out of the courtroom .
Four days later , Judge Charles Fricke ordered her sent to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
What followed was almost a long campaign of legal work , first to keep Nellie from being executed , and later having her sentence reduced to make her eligible for parole .
Women ’ s groups and many men in the state reacted to her sentencing by opposing the hanging of a woman no matter how serious the crime .
They urged her sentence be reduced to life imprisonment .
Her new attorney Lloyd Nix — hired by her third ex-husband , also an attorney — undertook eight years of work , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hundreds of pages of testimony from dozens of people who described Eric ’ s abusive and unfaithful behavior to Nellie and other women .
Even the members of her jury later petitioned Gov .
Frank Merriam to commute the sentence after learning of the abuse .
One friend commented that when he heard that Eric had been shot , he figured it was done by his previous wife , who had had an equally abusive relationship with him .
Nellie ’ s case was also assisted by some sympathetic reporting by legendary Los @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her several times at the Tehachapi State Prison for Women in Kern County .
A headline in the Sun on Sept. 17 , 1935 , announced “ Mrs .
Madison Saved From Gallows , Will Spend Life in Cell.
” It said Merriam reduced the sentence to life imprisonment .
But for Nellie and Nix , the impassioned campaign to further reduce her sentence continued .
Appeals to the governor came from a variety of prominent people , including a family friend , Charles Cooper , a former Montana judge and father of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went on for years until a new governor , Culbert Olson , approved her parole on March 27 , 1943 .
• U.S. executes 2nd man in a week ; lawyers said he had dementia • U.S. carries out the 1st federal execution in nearly 2 decades • Q & A : US government not as prolific an executioner as states Nellie , now 48 , eventually moved to San Bernardino and took a few odd jobs .
In October 1944 , she married house painter John Wagner and stayed out of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Cairns in her book said the ordeals of her life , before , during and after her trial took a toll on her , leaving Nellie with high blood pressure .
In 1951 , she suffered a stroke that left her partially paralyzed , and two years later she had a more serious stroke .
She died in San Bernardino County Hospital on July 8 , 1953 , and is buried at Mountain View Cemetery in San Bernardino .
Her obituary in the Sun two days later , gave no hint of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ merely “ a resident of San Bernardino 10 years and of California 30 years.
” Joe Blackstock writes on Inland Empire history .
He can be reached at joe.blackstock @ gmail.com and Twitter @ JoeBlackstock .

Nellie May Madison came within a few weeks of being the only woman executed by hanging in California.
She dodged the gallows but the legal battles after her 1934 murder trial continued for years before Madison was released to spend the remainder of her life in the Inland Empire.
Her trial and its aftermath helped change the way battered women would later be able to use their abusive relationships as justification in California criminal trials. This was accomplished by bringing into the open the abuse she endured before she killed her partner Eric Madison. (She had taken his name but she later found that they were never legally married).
In the years that followed “attorneys no longer proved reluctant to cite the abuse as a strategy of getting clients exonerated,” wrote Kathleen A. Cairns in “The Enigma Woman,” her 2007 book about Nellie Madison.
“By the late 1980s, spousal abuse had become an acceptable defense in criminal trials, and by the early 1990s state laws mandated that judges accept the courtroom testimony of experts in the field,” Cairns wrote.
But when Nellie went to trial in 1934 for the shooting of her partner, such a defense was rare. In fact, her attorney made no mention of it in her trial, a decision that almost sent her to the gallows.
Nellie Madison, who had been married three previous times, met Eric Madison while they worked at the Village Inn Hotel in Palm Springs. Nellie was a manager there and at a sister resort in Lake Arrowhead. Eric was reportedly a former San Bernardino cafeteria manager, said the San Bernardino Sun.
Eric, as was often the case, was fired from the Village Inn for his abusive behavior and rudeness. But he managed to convince Nellie to move with him to Riverside.
Later they went to Utah and got married, or at least so thought Nellie.
The “license” she signed turned out to be phony and apparently so was the minister, according to Cairns’ book. It appeared the bogus ceremony was set up to enable Eric to get his hands on an inheritance Nellie had received.
Eventually, they moved to Burbank. They lived in an apartment next to Warner Brothers’ studio where Eric was hired as a cashier, though within a few weeks, he lost that job. The couple began arguing frequently, focusing on Eric spending time with other women and his abuse of Nellie.
On the evening of March 24, 1934, Nellie claimed Eric threw several knives at her during an argument and then went to bed. At that point, Nellie fired five bullets into his back (neighbors thought the sound was from filming next door at Warner Brothers) and then left the apartment. A day later she was arrested by Burbank police hiding in a cabin 80 miles north of Los Angeles along the Ridge Route, today’s 5 Freeway.
When her trial began in Los Angeles on June 6, the District Attorney’s Office announced it would seek the death penalty — at that time no woman had ever been executed in California, which then was still done by hanging.
“Mrs. Madison shot her husband in the back,” prosecuting attorney George Stahlman told the Los Angeles Evening Express. “The motive for the murder is of no concern to the prosecution.”
Throughout her trial, Nellie sat quietly showing little or no emotion.
The Los Angeles Examiner of March 27 said she exhibited “an inscrutable demeanor” and in headlines called her “Sphinx Woman.” The Los Angeles Herald that same day called her the “Enigma Woman.”
Her attorney, Joseph Ryan, ignored or didn’t know of Eric’s abusive behavior and infidelity. Instead he presented a curious defense claiming the body found in the apartment was not that of Eric Madison. Some witnesses even testified they thought the victim was some other unknown person.
The jury was unconvinced and came back June 22 with a verdict of guilty. The jury was given the option to request mercy in her sentencing, but did not, ensuring she would receive the death penalty.
“They are not going to hang me,” she told reporters while being led out of the courtroom. Four days later, Judge Charles Fricke ordered her sent to the gallows at San Quentin in October.
What followed was almost a long campaign of legal work, first to keep Nellie from being executed, and later having her sentence reduced to make her eligible for parole. Women’s groups and many men in the state reacted to her sentencing by opposing the hanging of a woman no matter how serious the crime. They urged her sentence be reduced to life imprisonment.
Her new attorney Lloyd Nix — hired by her third ex-husband, also an attorney — undertook eight years of work, delivering to the governor’s office hundreds of pages of testimony from dozens of people who described Eric’s abusive and unfaithful behavior to Nellie and other women.
Even the members of her jury later petitioned Gov. Frank Merriam to commute the sentence after learning of the abuse. One friend commented that when he heard that Eric had been shot, he figured it was done by his previous wife, who had had an equally abusive relationship with him.
Nellie’s case was also assisted by some sympathetic reporting by legendary Los Angeles newspaperwoman Aggie Underwood, who interviewed her several times at the Tehachapi State Prison for Women in Kern County.
A headline in the Sun on Sept. 17, 1935, announced “Mrs. Madison Saved From Gallows, Will Spend Life in Cell.” It said Merriam reduced the sentence to life imprisonment.
But for Nellie and Nix, the impassioned campaign to further reduce her sentence continued.
Appeals to the governor came from a variety of prominent people, including a family friend, Charles Cooper, a former Montana judge and father of actor Gary Cooper. The public pressure went on for years until a new governor, Culbert Olson, approved her parole on March 27, 1943.
Nellie, now 48, eventually moved to San Bernardino and took a few odd jobs. In October 1944, she married house painter John Wagner and stayed out of the headlines for the rest of her life.
Cairns in her book said the ordeals of her life, before, during and after her trial took a toll on her, leaving Nellie with high blood pressure. In 1951, she suffered a stroke that left her partially paralyzed, and two years later she had a more serious stroke. She died in San Bernardino County Hospital on July 8, 1953, and is buried at Mountain View Cemetery in San Bernardino.
Her obituary in the Sun two days later, gave no hint of her past, just that she was merely “a resident of San Bernardino 10 years and of California 30 years.”
Joe Blackstock writes on Inland Empire history. He can be reached at joe.blackstock@gmail.com and Twitter @JoeBlackstock.


mercurynews--2020-07-21--7th California death row inmate dies amid San Quentin coronavirus crisis

Another California death row inmate has died from what appears to be complications of the coronavirus amid an outbreak sweeping @ @ @ @ @ , authorities said Monday .
Troy Ashmus , 58 , died Monday , according to @ @ @ @ @ Rehabilitation .
The exact cause of his death was under investigation but appeared to be @ @ @ @ @ .
Ashmus was the seventh death row prisoner and the 13th overall at San Quentin @ @ @ @ @ suspected COVID-19 infections .
Ashmus was sent to death row in 1986 .
He was @ @ @ @ @ Davis , who had biked to a Sacramento park in May 1984 .
Plastic bags @ @ @ @ @ ’ s own shorts were shoved down her throat , prosecutors said .
There have @ @ @ @ @ cases among inmates in the state prison system , including more than 2,000 active cases @ @ @ @ @ according to state figures .
Dozens of inmates are hospitalized , some of them in @ @ @ @ @ 800 employees also have active cases of COVID-19 , according to corrections officials .

Another California death row inmate has died from what appears to be complications of the coronavirus amid an outbreak sweeping through San Quentin State Prison, authorities said Monday.
Troy Ashmus, 58, died Monday, according to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The exact cause of his death was under investigation but appeared to be COVID-19-related, prison officials said.
Ashmus was the seventh death row prisoner and the 13th overall at San Quentin to die from confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infections.
Ashmus was sent to death row in 1986. He was convicted of raping 7-year-old Marcella Davis, who had biked to a Sacramento park in May 1984. Plastic bags, cellophane and the girl’s own shorts were shoved down her throat, prosecutors said.
There have been nearly 7,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases among inmates in the state prison system, including more than 2,000 active cases and 39 confirmed deaths, according to state figures.
Dozens of inmates are hospitalized, some of them in intensive care.
More than 800 employees also have active cases of COVID-19, according to corrections officials.


mercurynews--2020-07-21--Federal judge denies effort by California churches to immediately cancel coronavirus restrictions

A federal judge on Monday , July 20 , turned down a bid by Harvest church ministries for an immediate halt to Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s order preventing various group-worship activities , including singing and chanting during services , as a way to prevent the spread of the coronavirus .
The court did set Aug 3 for filings for a possible preliminary injunction .
Lawyers for Harvest Rock Church and Harvest International Ministry were denied a temporary restraining order because they had not properly noticed Newsom ’ s office of the lawsuit , and they did not meet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such notice , U.S. District Court Judge Otis D. Wright III said .
The church group has campuses in Pasadena , Irvine and Corona .
Harvest Rock Church and Harvest International Ministry are not affiliated with Pastor Greg Laurie ’ s Harvest Christian Fellowship church in Riverside , said plaintiff attorney Nicolai Cocis .
The church group that sued last week to halt the order had also filed for an immediate court order to stop it for at least the immediate future .
“ We are pleased that the court has set an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a preliminary injunction , ” said Mat Staver , founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel , which is representing Harvest , in a statement .
A temporary restraining order is a short-term halt of an action .
A preliminary injunction also can halt imposition of orders , such as Newsom ’ s , but for a longer period of time , usually during the court battle over the issue .
The church sought to prevent enforcement of Newsom ’ s July 13 order that prohibits gatherings for any indoor worship service , signing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gatherings in private homes for small-group Bible studies and services .
• As the sole county open for business , San Mateo County braces for possible new restrictions Those were part of a sweeping set of re-instituted closures after the coronavirus pandemic had a resurgence of new cases and deaths in the state .
Bars , inside dining and , for much of the state , gyms also faced renewed shutdowns .
There have been recorded cases of coronavirus infections spreading among choral groups , including a massive outbreak in Washington .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision on May 29 , upheld Newsom ’ s earlier restrictions on worship services imposed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 .

A federal judge on Monday, July 20, turned down a bid by Harvest church ministries for an immediate halt to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s order preventing various group-worship activities, including singing and chanting during services, as a way to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
The court did set Aug 3 for filings for a possible preliminary injunction.
Lawyers for Harvest Rock Church and Harvest International Ministry were denied a temporary restraining order because they had not properly noticed Newsom’s office of the lawsuit, and they did not meet the standards for gaining the order without such notice, U.S. District Court Judge Otis D. Wright III said.
The church group has campuses in Pasadena, Irvine and Corona.
Harvest Rock Church and Harvest International Ministry are not affiliated with Pastor Greg Laurie’s Harvest Christian Fellowship church in Riverside, said plaintiff attorney Nicolai Cocis.
The church group that sued last week to halt the order had also filed for an immediate court order to stop it for at least the immediate future.
“We are pleased that the court has set an expedited briefing schedule on the request for a preliminary injunction,” said Mat Staver, founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel, which is representing Harvest, in a statement.
A temporary restraining order is a short-term halt of an action. A preliminary injunction also can halt imposition of orders, such as Newsom’s, but for a longer period of time, usually during the court battle over the issue.
The church sought to prevent enforcement of Newsom’s July 13 order that prohibits gatherings for any indoor worship service, signing or chanting during religious worship, and gatherings in private homes for small-group Bible studies and services.
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Bars, inside dining and, for much of the state, gyms also faced renewed shutdowns.
There have been recorded cases of coronavirus infections spreading among choral groups, including a massive outbreak in Washington.
The U.S. Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision on May 29, upheld Newsom’s earlier restrictions on worship services imposed to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Wire services contributed to this story.


mercurynews--2020-07-21--Orange County overtakes Riverside County for second-largest number of coronavirus cases recorded in

Orange County overtakes Riverside County for second-largest number of coronavirus cases recorded in California

Confirmed cases of the coronavirus are rising steadily in Orange County , as it overtook Riverside County to be the county with the second-largest number of cases in California , according to local health department updates .
Orange County now has had 29,986 cases reported since testing began locally , according to the latest data released Monday , July 20 , by the Orange County Health Care Agency .
Riverside County has 29,983 cases as of Monday , according to the Riverside University Health System .
Los Angeles County has the highest number of cases in California at nearly 160,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the biggest in the state population-wise at more than 10 million residents .
RELATED : Orange County reports nearly 30,000 positive tests for the coronavirus as of July 20 .
According to the data reported by the two counties , the number of cases has been rising more quickly in Orange County over the past four weeks – 183 % for Orange County compared to 117 % for Riverside County since June 22 .
During the early stage of the pandemic , Orange County ’ s number of coronavirus cases did not rise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has some 700,000 more residents than Riverside County .
But as more business reopened and more tests are conducted , the number of cases recorded has increased faster in Orange County in the last few weeks .
The numbers for Orange County are “ very close in line ” with other counties in Southern California , Orange County CEO Frank Kim said at a press conference late last week .
• If you think the coronavirus pandemic is stressful , try being an emergency room doctor Riverside County still has a higher number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County , 12.1 people out of every 1,000 residents has tested positive for the coronavirus , compared to 9.4 out of every 1,000 residents in Orange County .
And , when it comes to per-capita , both counties trail several others such as Imperial and Marin counties .
There has been more death attributed to COVID-19 in Riverside County , where 588 people have died from the virus according to health department reports , compared to 493 people in Orange County .
Compared to the data reported by the two counties , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County as having the second-largest number of coronavirus cases : 30,340 for Riverside County , compared to 29,941 for Orange County .
The state didn ’ t immediately respond to a question about the discrepancy .

Confirmed cases of the coronavirus are rising steadily in Orange County, as it overtook Riverside County to be the county with the second-largest number of cases in California, according to local health department updates.
Orange County now has had 29,986 cases reported since testing began locally, according to the latest data released Monday, July 20, by the Orange County Health Care Agency. Riverside County has 29,983 cases as of Monday, according to the Riverside University Health System.
Los Angeles County has the highest number of cases in California at nearly 160,000. The county is also by far the biggest in the state population-wise at more than 10 million residents.
RELATED: Orange County reports nearly 30,000 positive tests for the coronavirus as of July 20.
According to the data reported by the two counties, the number of cases has been rising more quickly in Orange County over the past four weeks – 183% for Orange County compared to 117% for Riverside County since June 22.
During the early stage of the pandemic, Orange County’s number of coronavirus cases did not rise as quickly, even though the county has some 700,000 more residents than Riverside County. But as more business reopened and more tests are conducted, the number of cases recorded has increased faster in Orange County in the last few weeks.
The numbers for Orange County are “very close in line” with other counties in Southern California, Orange County CEO Frank Kim said at a press conference late last week.
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There has been more death attributed to COVID-19 in Riverside County, where 588 people have died from the virus according to health department reports, compared to 493 people in Orange County.
Compared to the data reported by the two counties, the state’s dashboard still shows Riverside County as having the second-largest number of coronavirus cases: 30,340 for Riverside County, compared to 29,941 for Orange County. The state didn’t immediately respond to a question about the discrepancy.
Reporter Nikie Johnson contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-07-21--Ex-California cop charged with holding gun to head of another police officer

A former Laguna Beach police officer is facing a criminal charge after authorities accused him of holding a gun to the head of another officer during a night out drinking .
Luke Christian Gilbertson , 35 , pleaded not guilty Monday to a felony count of assault with a deadly weapon and denied a sentencing enhancement for the personal use of a firearm during the commission of a felony , according to the Orange County District Attorney ’ s Office .
Prosecutors say that Gilbertson , on Sept. 3 , was at a pool party and barbecue with three other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then went with the group to “ two other locations to drink alcohol.
” While on the way home from a Santa Ana bar , prosecutors allege , Gilbertson pulled a handgun from his holster and held it to the back of the head of another off-duty officer in the vehicle .
It isn ’ t clear why Gilbertson is believed to have pulled his weapon out or pointed it at the other officer .
According to the DA ’ s office , no one was injured .
“ All Laguna Beach police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with integrity and continually work to uphold the core values of our department , ” Laguna Beach Police Chief Laura Farinella said .
“ When one of our members fails to do so , we hold that person accountable .
This arrest and his independent actions are not a reflection of the men and women that continue to serve our community with loyalty and commitment.
” Laguna Beach Sgt .
Jim Cota said Gilbertson was placed on administrative leave after the event , and then fired earlier this year .
“ It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to behave in a way that so blatantly disregards the well-being of another human , ” Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said in a statement .
“ No one is above the law , especially a police officer who was entrusted to protect the innocent.
” According to a previous OC Register article , Gilbertson in 2013 was recognized by the local chapter of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving for his high number of arrests of people suspected of driving under the influence .
Gilbertson was out of custody on $ 50,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to 19 years in state prison .

A former Laguna Beach police officer is facing a criminal charge after authorities accused him of holding a gun to the head of another officer during a night out drinking.
Luke Christian Gilbertson, 35, pleaded not guilty Monday to a felony count of assault with a deadly weapon and denied a sentencing enhancement for the personal use of a firearm during the commission of a felony, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.
Prosecutors say that Gilbertson, on Sept. 3, was at a pool party and barbecue with three other Laguna Beach officers and a police dispatcher then went with the group to “two other locations to drink alcohol.”
While on the way home from a Santa Ana bar, prosecutors allege, Gilbertson pulled a handgun from his holster and held it to the back of the head of another off-duty officer in the vehicle.
It isn’t clear why Gilbertson is believed to have pulled his weapon out or pointed it at the other officer. According to the DA’s office, no one was injured.
“All Laguna Beach police employees take pride in serving our community with integrity and continually work to uphold the core values of our department,” Laguna Beach Police Chief Laura Farinella said. “When one of our members fails to do so, we hold that person accountable. This arrest and his independent actions are not a reflection of the men and women that continue to serve our community with loyalty and commitment.”
Laguna Beach Sgt. Jim Cota said Gilbertson was placed on administrative leave after the event, and then fired earlier this year.
“It is unacceptable for an officer of the law to behave in a way that so blatantly disregards the well-being of another human,” Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said in a statement. “No one is above the law, especially a police officer who was entrusted to protect the innocent.”
According to a previous OC Register article, Gilbertson in 2013 was recognized by the local chapter of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving for his high number of arrests of people suspected of driving under the influence.
Gilbertson was out of custody on $50,000 bail. If convicted, he faces up to 19 years in state prison.


mercurynews--2020-07-21--Admitted pedophile Cary Smith checks into Garden Grove motel

An admitted pedophile described by psychologists as an imminent danger to society arrived in Garden Grove on Monday , July 20 , and is being monitored by police following his release from two decades of involuntary care at a state mental hospital .
Local authorities dispatched a surveillance team as soon as they learned that Cary Jay Smith , 59 , was staying at a motel in the city , Garden Grove Police Department officials said in a news release .
They will continue to keep tabs on Smith , who has previously written about having sex with minors and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ RTK , ” shorthand for rape , torture and kill .
Orange County District Attorney ’ s office officials confirmed that Smith had been freed Wednesday , July 15 .
Since then , he has relocated from Orange to Corona , Lake Elsinore and San Diego County , before checking into a motel in Garden Grove .
News of his movement has resulted in a vocal response from people in some of the communities he has stayed in .
Residents in Lake Elsinore held a protest Sunday in opposition to his presence .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Orange County , goes to Corona but decides to leave that city • Online petition calls for newly released pedophile to register as a sex offender in California • Cal Fire captain from Yucaipa accused of sexually assaulting girl for several years Smith is not required to register as a sex offender , and is not on any formal supervised release .
However , law enforcement agencies have been alerting residents to his whereabouts , and a petition has been circulating in hopes of adding him to the Megan ’ s Law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he had authored a letter expressing his desire to kidnap and molest a 7-year-old boy in Costa Mesa .
He was never charged in connection with that incident , but had previously been convicted of a sex crime in 1983 .
Court records show Smith registered as a sex offender for the 1983 child annoyance misdemeanor conviction for trying to pay a young boy to run through a sprinkler naked .
For reasons that are under investigation , he no longer has to register as a sex offender .

An admitted pedophile described by psychologists as an imminent danger to society arrived in Garden Grove on Monday, July 20, and is being monitored by police following his release from two decades of involuntary care at a state mental hospital.
Local authorities dispatched a surveillance team as soon as they learned that Cary Jay Smith, 59, was staying at a motel in the city, Garden Grove Police Department officials said in a news release. They will continue to keep tabs on Smith, who has previously written about having sex with minors and referred to himself as “Mr. RTK,” shorthand for rape, torture and kill.
Dangerous sex offender, Cary Jay Smith, recently released from State Mental Hospital is residing in #GardenGrove. We immediately set up a surveillance detail and are continuing to monitor Smith.#GGPD32@CityGardenGrove pic.twitter.com/4WDwsPL5kn — Garden Grove Police (@GardenGrovePD) July 21, 2020
Orange County District Attorney’s office officials confirmed that Smith had been freed Wednesday, July 15. Since then, he has relocated from Orange to Corona, Lake Elsinore and San Diego County, before checking into a motel in Garden Grove.
#UPDATE @SDSheriff can confirm Cary Jay Smith has left #SanDiegoCounty. It is always our goal to keep our communities safe. #KeepingYouSafe https://t.co/B1m0Mz8gbB — San Diego Sheriff (@SDSheriff) July 20, 2020
News of his movement has resulted in a vocal response from people in some of the communities he has stayed in. Residents in Lake Elsinore held a protest Sunday in opposition to his presence.
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Big Sur man sentenced to 30 years for child sexual abuse Crime and Public Safety | Facing more than 500 abuse lawsuits, San Francisco Archdiocese says bankruptcy ‘very likely’ Smith is not required to register as a sex offender, and is not on any formal supervised release. However, law enforcement agencies have been alerting residents to his whereabouts, and a petition has been circulating in hopes of adding him to the Megan’s Law database.
The recently released pedophile admitted that he had authored a letter expressing his desire to kidnap and molest a 7-year-old boy in Costa Mesa. He was never charged in connection with that incident, but had previously been convicted of a sex crime in 1983.
Court records show Smith registered as a sex offender for the 1983 child annoyance misdemeanor conviction for trying to pay a young boy to run through a sprinkler naked. For reasons that are under investigation, he no longer has to register as a sex offender.


mercurynews--2020-07-22--A.J. Puk out at least two weeks with shoulder injury

A.J .
Puk received PRP and cortisone injections in his left shoulder , A ’ s manager Bob Melvin said @ @ @ @ @ prized left-handed pitcher was slotted to start the season in the fifth spot of Oakland @ @ @ @ @ was placed on the 10-day IL with a left shoulder strain .
Puk is likely @ @ @ @ @ weeks , at least , and is resting for the next 48 hours .
Right-handed @ @ @ @ @ in for him in the rotation until Puk ’ s return from injury .
In @ @ @ @ @ Luzardo , who missed the first two weeks of summer camp with coronavirus , is @ @ @ @ @ the first or second game of the regular season , Melvin announced .
He is @ @ @ @ @ the bullpen and get stretched out to three innings before he can be slotted into @ @ @ @ @ to Ramón Laureano in live batting practice prior to Monday ’ s game against the @ @ @ @

A.J. Puk has received platelet-rich plasma and cortisone injections in his strained left shoulder, A’s manager Bob Melvin said Tuesday.
The A’s prized left-handed pitcher was slotted to start the season in the fifth spot of Oakland’s rotation, but was placed on the 10-day IL with a left shoulder strain.
Puk is likely to be sidelined for two weeks, at least, and is resting for the next 48 hours. Right-handed pitcher Daniel Mengden will fill in for him in the rotation until Puk’s return from injury.
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A’s suffer historic ninth-inning collapse while getting swept in Washington Oakland Athletics | A’s fall again as Nationals win on Ruiz’s walkoff home run In other rotation news: Jesús Luzardo, who missed the first two weeks of summer camp with coronavirus, is slated to pitch in either the first or second game of the regular season, Melvin announced. He is expected to come out of the bullpen and build his arm up to pitching three innings. at a time before he can be slotted into the rotation.
Luzardo pitched to Ramón Laureano in live batting practice prior to Monday’s game against the San Francisco Giants.


mercurynews--2020-07-22--Pokemon Go Fest 2020 advice and tips to maximize the weekend fun

Pokemon Go Fest 2020 is almost upon us , but because of the coronavirus pandemic , this version of the flagship celebration will be different this year .
Instead of being held in different parts of the world with thousands of players gathered together , it will take place virtually from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on July 25 and 26 .
It ’ s supposed to be played at home or around the neighborhood , and many Discord groups are taking that approach .
Although the event will be different , some tips from prior years still hold up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help you prepare for the event .
ITEMS TO BRING WITH YOU The best advice is to play “ Pokemon Go ” from home but if you ’ re going out , here are supplies that will help trainers get the most experience .
Bring these items in a backpack for the day .
1 Face mask : This is the most important item you ’ ll need if you go out .
Wear it and protect others from spreading COVID-19 to others .
If you protect your community , the chances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gatherings and defeating the virus rises .
2 External battery : Any veteran of Community Days or Safari Zones know that a smartphone is useless without power .
Because Pokemon Go Fest 2020 will last 10 hours , it would be smart to bring more than one power source .
Also use a battery pack that supports wireless charging because it avoid the problem of carrying extra wires while at the same time helping others who may not have brought their own packs .
I ’ m all for helping each other event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bottle : Because you ’ ll be wandering all over the place catching Pokemon , it will be best to stay hydrated .
Passing out from dehydration is not a good thing and right now , one wouldn ’ t want to unnecessarily visit a hospital .
4 Snacks : Bring granola bars , trail mix or other high-calorie food sources .
If you ’ re a hard-core trainer , snacks are the best way to go while you walk around and focus on catching .
Sitting down and eating takes up valuable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be a smart way to go .
High-calorie food will give you the energy to power through a busy Go Fest day .
5 Ice pack : This item serves two purposes .
It will keep food and drinks cold but more importantly , it can help keep your phone cool and avoid malfunctioning .
This happens to trainers who live in hotter climates .
If a phone overheats in the sun , it starts slowing down and acting slower , ultimately conking out .
Having an ice pack to apply to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game in difficult weather .
1 Create space for at least 500 Pokemon : Pokemon Go Fest will be a crazy day , and you ’ ll be catching plenty of pocket monsters .
One of the major problems that trainers will face is storage .
Pokemon pile up quickly as players search for rare or shiny ones .
When the storage fills up , players will spend more time deleting than catching .
It ’ s burdensome and cuts away from time that players should spend catching .
To maximize the day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pokemon you ’ ve been hoarding and keeping the ones that are most useful .
It can be tough getting rid of sentimental mons but space comes at a premium during this event .
2 .
Delete potions and other unneeded items , make room for balls and incense .
The focus for Pokemon Go Fest 2020 should be to catching rare and sought-after Pokemon .
Potions , revives and special evolution items shouldn ’ t play a huge role in the event though players should expect raiding opportunities judging from previous language @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some items to make room for more important ones .
To put this context , no one needs 100 hyper potions and 100 max potions .
It ’ s best to delete all 100 hyper potions and just keep the 100 max potions .
The same goes for revives and max revives .
You won ’ t need massive amounts of either .
The goal is to have hundreds of balls ready to use .
With incense , Niantic says it will last one hour and will be “ extra effective at attracting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a full set gifts : This advice comes from a cryptic tweet from the Niantic Support account .
It urged trainers to have a full set of gifts ready for the event ’ s friendship habitat .
It ’ s tied a Global Challenge and if it ’ s met , gifts opened during that time may have an unexpected item .
What could it be ?
I ’ m crossing my fingers and hoping it is a Mega Evolution stone for a Pokemon , but honestly , it can be anything .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ : The frugal have likely been hoarding their in-game money for the event .
It ’ s best to have some currency in case trainers needs more Pokemon storage or item space .
That money can also be used to buy more incubators or raid passes , which could be important during the event .
1 Set up trade-a-thons : I ’ m planning to create storage space by setting up trades with other trainers on Friday , Saturday and Monday .
The Friday trades are aimed at creating the maximum space for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Saturday trades will occur after the event at gatherings meant to get rid of Pokemon that again have borderline value so that you ’ ll have room for catching more pocket monsters on Sunday .
The Monday trading event is when you should share the Go Fest Pokemon with the rest of your community who couldn ’ t participate or trade for ones that you may not have gotten .
This also will help trainers clear space for any upcoming events such as Tuesday Spotlight hour , Wednesday raid hour or any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s smart to do this safely .
I plan on trading with friends in an open-air environment while wearing masks and staying 6 feet apart .
2 Make sure your device is set up : If you haven ’ t updated “ Pokemon Go ” in a while make sure you do so before the event .
Also , make sure your operating system is up to date .
The game won ’ t work on beta versions of device firmware such as iOS 14 .
3 Level up if you can : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level 10 or higher prior to the event to “ maximize your experience.
” 4 Take breaks by visiting the Virtual Team Lounge : If you ’ re not going hard and trying to catch everything in sight , it ’ s useful to take a break .
Let the external batteries charge for an hour while you grab something to eat .
The lounges are supposed to be virtual versions of the ones found at the destination Go Fests .
Players are supposed to chat and check out team contributions in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a good internet connection would help if you ’ re mobile and want to participate .
You can check out the lounges here .
A news release said at the lounges will feature talks from Niantic CEO John Hanke and updates from the development team on the future of “ Pokemon Go.
” Lastly , have fun and just enjoy the experience .
Even if you don ’ t get the shiny you want , Pokemon Go Fest 2020 will still be a great way to spend the weekend .
There will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rare ones to complete collection if you stick with the game long enough .

Pokemon Go Fest 2020 is almost upon us, but because of the coronavirus pandemic, this version of the flagship celebration will be different this year. Instead of being held in different parts of the world with thousands of players gathered together, it will take place virtually from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on July 25 and 26. It’s supposed to be played at home or around the neighborhood, and many Discord groups are taking that approach.
Although the event will be different, some tips from prior years still hold up and new ones have been added. I’ll also update this list when more information arrives in the future. Here is my advice and checklists to help you prepare for the event.
ITEMS TO BRING WITH YOU
The best advice is to play “Pokemon Go” from home but if you’re going out, here are supplies that will help trainers get the most out of the experience. Bring these items in a backpack for the day.
1. Face mask: This is the most important item you’ll need if you go out. Wear it and protect others from spreading COVID-19 to others. If you protect your community, the chances of returning to relatively normal events and gatherings and defeating the virus rises.
2. External battery: Any veteran of Community Days or Safari Zones know that a smartphone is useless without power. Because Pokemon Go Fest 2020 will last 10 hours, it would be smart to bring more than one power source. Also use a battery pack that supports wireless charging because it avoids the problem of carrying extra wires while at the same time helping others who may not have brought their own packs. I’m all for helping each other during Go Fest.
3. Water bottle: Because you’ll be wandering all over the place catching Pokemon, it will be best to stay hydrated. Passing out from lack of water is not a good thing, and right now, you wouldn’t want to unnecessarily visit a hospital. If you hadn’t noticed, there’s a pandemic going on and coronavirus cases are rising the U.S.
4. Snacks: Bring granola bars, trail mix or other high-calorie food sources. If you’re a hard-core trainer, snacks are the best way to eat while you walk around and focus on catching. Sitting down for a meal takes up valuable catching time. Besides, you can always have a sit-down dinner after the event. Meals would also be a good time to do trading. High-calorie food will give you the energy to power through a busy Go Fest day.
5. Ice pack: This item serves two purposes. It will keep food and drinks cold, but more importantly, it can help keep your phone from overheating and malfunctioning. This happens to trainers who live in hotter climates. If a phone overheats in the sun, it starts slowing down and acting glitchy before ultimately conking out. Having an ice pack to apply to the phone can keep you in the game in difficult weather. Also, this is a good reminder to check your weather report. In the Bay Area, it’s expected to be partly cloudy.
PREPARE YOUR IN-GAME STORAGE
1. Create space for at least 500 Pokemon: Pokemon Go Fest will be a hectic, and you’ll be catching plenty of pocket monsters. One of the major problems that trainers will face is storage. Pokemon pile up quickly as players search for rare or shiny ones. When the storage fills up, players will spend more time deleting transferring than catching. It’s burdensome and cuts away from the time that players should spend catching. To maximize the day, it’s best to transfer Pokemon you’ve been hoarding and keeping the ones that are most useful. It can be tough getting rid of sentimental mons but space comes at a premium during this event. Personally, I’ve been keeping 96 IV pokemon and above while, a roster of nine shines (if possible and applicable) and Rank 100 and above PVP Pokemon. I use Poke Genie and Poke Keys apps for assessments.
UPDATE: Niantic increased Pokemon storage. The max is 3,500 now. I still advise you to make more room for Go Fest via transferring or trades.
2. Delete potions and other unneeded items, make room for balls and incense. The focus for Pokemon Go Fest 2020 should be catching rare and sought-after Pokemon. Potions, revives and special evolution items shouldn’t play a huge role in the event though players should expect raiding opportunities judging from previous language. It’s best to delete certain items to make room for more important ones.
To put this context, no one needs 100 hyper potions and 100 max potions. It’s best to delete all 100 hyper potions and just keep the 100 max potions. The same goes for revives and max revives. You won’t need massive amounts of either but you do want to keep Poke Balls, Great Balls and Ultra Balls. The goal is to have hundreds ready to use. UPDATE: Because of new information, I advise that it would be best to keep max potions and max revives. Have at least 100 of each stocked.
With incense, Niantic says it will last one hour and will be “extra effective at attracting featured Pokemon.” That means hard-core players should stock up on 20 incense cannisters.
3. Go in with a full set of gifts: This advice comes from a cryptic tweet from the Niantic Support account. It urged trainers to have a full set of gifts ready for the event’s friendship habitat. It’s tied a Global Challenge and if it’s met, gifts opened during that time may have an unexpected item. What could it be? I’m crossing my fingers and hoping it is a Mega Evolution stone for a Pokemon, but honestly, it can be anything. UPDATE: According to this Niantic Support Tweet, players will be able to “open, send, and collect up to 200 gifts during the first day of Pokémon GO Fest in your local timezone.” This is important for those playing at home because it helps solve any Poke Ball shortage issues.
4. Have Poke Coins ready to spend: The frugal have likely been hoarding their in-game money for the event. It’s best to have some currency in case trainers needs more Pokemon storage or item space. That money can also be used to buy more incubators or raid passes, which could be important during the event.
5. Catch as many shadow Pokemon with great PvP IVs and regular IVs: You’ll want to battle as much as possible in preparation for Go Fest 2020 and capture as many great shadow Pokemon as you can. With the shadow boost, this iteration of Pokemon are powerful in raids and Go Battle League. To make the most out of the event, I suggest you collect as many as possible with that new space.
PLANNING THE WEEKEND
1. Set up trade-a-thons: I’m planning to create storage space by setting up trades with other trainers on Friday afternoon, Saturday night and Monday. The Friday trades are aimed at creating the maximum space for Saturday by trading borderline valuable Pokemon. The Saturday trades will occur after the event. The gatherings are meant to get rid of Pokemon stocked up through Day 1 that have borderline value so that you’ll have room for catching more pocket monsters on Sunday. The Monday trading event is when you should share the Go Fest Pokemon with the rest of your community who couldn’t participate or trade for ones that you may not have gotten. This could be a perfect time to burn those Lucky Trades. This also will help trainers clear space for any upcoming events such as Tuesday Spotlight hour, Wednesday raid hour or any surprise encounters.
Again, it’s smart to do this safely. I plan on trading with friends in an open-air environment while wearing masks and staying 6 feet apart.
2. Make sure your device is set up: If you haven’t updated “Pokemon Go” in a while make sure you do so before the event. Also, make sure your operating system is up to date. The game won’t work on beta versions of device firmware such as iOS 14.
3. Level up if you can: Niantic says it recommends that players reach level 10 or higher prior to the event to “maximize your experience.” If you’re just starting the game this week, you have a few days to get up to speed.
4. Take breaks by visiting the Virtual Team Lounge: If you’re not going hard and trying to catch everything in sight, it’s useful to take a break. Let the external batteries charge for an hour while you grab something to eat.
The lounges are supposed to be virtual versions of the ones found at the destination Go Fests. Players are supposed to chat and check out team contributions in the Global Challenge Arena. At previous Go Fests, the lounges were where you can check in on what Pokemon are spawning in certain zones. It also had leaderboards for the most catches. It was also a place where you can answer trivia questions for prizes that you couldn’t get anywhere else. At Go Fest 2020, at noon July 25 PDT (I’m assuming), they’ll have trivia and prizes, too. What these are is up in the air, but trainers could earn nifty loot while chilling out. If you’re away from home and want to participate, having a laptop and a good internet connection via a smartphone could be workable. You can check out the lounges here.
For those who want to be in the know, a news release said at the lounges will feature talks from Niantic CEO John Hanke and updates from the development team on the future of “Pokemon Go.”
5. Make sure to open “Pokemon Go” on Day 1 and Day 2 to activate the quest lines: It goes without saying, you need to play the game to activate the event. According Niantic, before the event, players will get a medal commemorating it. When you open the app during Day 1, you’ll receive access to the two-day experience, but players also need to open the app Day 2 to receive the second Special Research line. If you can’t finish both quests, don’t worry. You can complete them any time, the company says, but it stresses the following: “Be sure to log in both days so you don’t miss out!”


mercurynews--2020-07-22--Oakland police dispatcher tests positive for COVID-19

OAKLAND — An Oakland Police Department dispatcher has tested positive for the COVID-19 novel coronavirus , authorities said Tuesday .
In a statement , police said one member of the department ’ s communications division had tested positive , was self-quarantining and recovering , and had not been at work since July 11 .
A department spokesperson said it had taken “ immediate action and precautions ” to protect employees , in concert with Alameda County ’ s public health order , California Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s declaration and federal Centers for Disease Control protocols .
Acknowledging what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rises in COVID-19 cases , a department spokesperson said the city would work with City Health Urgent Care to provide rapid testing for police officers and staff members who were asymptomatic , had known exposure or were in at-risk health categories .
“ This is a proactive effort to ensure City staff are protected and able to provide safe service to the community without subjecting them to potential risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and its rapid growth , ” the statement said in part .
The department did not respond to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had affected dispatch staffing during recent days ’ shift schedules .
Last month , this news organization ’ s coverage found the police dispatch center was critically understaffed .
In a video shared on social media Tuesday , Oakland police Chief Susan Manheimer said the department was working to respond in kind , ensuring fewer dropped calls and shorter wait times for 911 callers and saying a recruitment drive would seek local applicants .
At least five Oakland police officers have tested positive for COVID-19 this year .

OAKLAND — An Oakland Police Department dispatcher has tested positive for the COVID-19 novel coronavirus, authorities said Tuesday.
In a statement, police said one member of the department’s communications division had tested positive, was self-quarantining and recovering, and had not been at work since July 11.
A department spokesperson said it had taken “immediate action and precautions” to protect employees, in concert with Alameda County’s public health order, California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s declaration and federal Centers for Disease Control protocols.
Acknowledging what it described as recent regional and state rises in COVID-19 cases, a department spokesperson said the city would work with City Health Urgent Care to provide rapid testing for police officers and staff members who were asymptomatic, had known exposure or were in at-risk health categories.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge “This is a proactive effort to ensure City staff are protected and able to provide safe service to the community without subjecting them to potential risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and its rapid growth,” the statement said in part.
The department did not respond to a question about reports that concerns about illness had affected dispatch staffing during recent days’ shift schedules. Last month, this news organization’s coverage found the police dispatch center was critically understaffed.
In a video shared on social media Tuesday, Oakland police Chief Susan Manheimer said the department was working to respond in kind, ensuring fewer dropped calls and shorter wait times for 911 callers and saying a recruitment drive would seek local applicants.
Interim Chief Susan Manheimer talks about the changes coming to OPD’s 911 Communications Center. pic.twitter.com/HX1C38a6Ie — Oakland Police Dept. (@oaklandpoliceca) July 21, 2020
At least five Oakland police officers have tested positive for COVID-19 this year.
Contact George Kelly at 408-859-5180.


mercurynews--2020-07-22--Trump: Outbreak will get worse before it gets better

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump warned on Tuesday that the “ nasty horrible ' ” coronavirus will get worse in the U.S. before it gets better , but he also tried to paint a rosy picture of efforts to conquer the disease that has claimed more than 140,000 American lives in just five months .
He also professed a newfound respect for the protective face masks he has seldom worn .
He pulled one from his pocket in the White House briefing room but didn ’ t put it on .
After a three-month hiatus from his freewheeling daily virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , keeping the stage to himself without the public health experts who were staples of his previous events but keeping close to scripted remarks prepared by aides .
Besides declaring support for masks as a way to fight the pandemic , he admonished young people against crowding bars and spreading the disease .
It all marked a delayed recognition by Trump that the economic reopening he ’ s been championing since April — and , more importantly , his reelection — were imperiled by spiking cases nationwide .
There were no guarantees how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , delivered with an eye to halting a campaign-season erosion of support , would last .
Along the way Tuesday , the president still worked in jabs at the news media and Democrats for focusing on disease-fighting shortcomings in the U.S. as the rest of world also struggles with the virus .
He also belatedly addressed bipartisan criticism of virus-testing delays that have hampered reopening plans .
“ It will probably unfortunately get worse before it gets better , ” Trump said from the White House .
But he also touted a reduction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treatments for COVID-19 , which he referred to repeatedly as a the “ China virus.
” He continued his recent encouragement of Americans to wear masks when social distancing is not possible .
“ Whether you like the mask or not , they have an impact , ” he said .
“ I ’ m getting used to the mask , ” he added , pulling one out after months of suggesting that mask-wearing was a political statement against him .
Swaths of the country are now battling rising infections and growing deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having to close businesses and rethink school in the fall .
Many retailers themselves are insisting their customers don masks .
For months , the nation ’ s top health experts have pleaded with Americans to wear masks in public and steer clear of crowds — calling those simple steps life-saving — even as the president ’ s stance fueled a partisan social divide .
The early evening show at the White House came as the next stage of the federal government ’ s response to the pandemic was being crafted on Capitol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were opening negotiations on a trillion-dollar-or-more “ phase four ” rescue package .
For weeks , White House aides have pressed Trump to grow more disciplined in his public statements about the pandemic .
On Tuesday , he steered clear of what has been a favored talking point : that widespread testing for the virus in the U.S. “ created ” more cases , as aides noted that was false and projected a lack of responsibility .
Little more than three months from Election Day , Trump and his political team hoped that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ edge against Democratic rival Joe Biden .
“ The vaccines are coming , and they ’ re coming a lot sooner than anybody thought possible , ” Trump promised anew .
As early as next week , the first possible U.S. vaccine is set to begin final-stage testing in a study of 30,000 people to see if it really is safe and effective .
A few other vaccines have begun smaller late-stage studies in other countries , and in the U.S. a series of huge studies are planned to start each month through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having several vaccines to use .
Already , people can start signing up to volunteer for the different studies .
Health authorities warn there ’ s no guarantee — it ’ s not unusual for vaccines to fail during this critical testing step .
But vaccine makers and health officials are hopeful that at least one vaccine could prove to work by year ’ s end .
Companies already are taking the unusual step of brewing hundreds of millions of doses so that mass vaccinations could begin if the Food and Drug Administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be able to get those numbers down , ” Trump said , saying his administration was working to improve the availability of rapid , point-of-care tests like those used to protect him at the White House .
Dr. Anthony Fauci , the nation ’ s top infectious disease expert , told NPR Tuesday that he was glad Trump has begun to promote mask-wearing .
“ If we , during those conferences , come out and have consistent , clear , noncontradictory messages , I believe it will be very helpful in getting people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we need to go to get this pandemic under control , ” he said .
Biden , for his part Tuesday , launched into scathing criticism of Trump as he outlined the latest plank of his economic recovery plan , charging that Trump “ failed his most important test as an American President : the duty to care for you , for all of us.
” “ He ’ s quit on you , he ’ s quit on this country , ” Biden said .
Earlier Tuesday , Trump took to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to most other countries , who are suffering greatly , we are doing very well — and we have done things that few other countries could have done !
” In fact , the U.S. leads the world in confirmed cases and deaths from the virus — and ranks near the top on a per capita basis as well .
On Capitol Hill , some Republicans have broken with the White House in seeking additional federal funding for testing and contact-tracing in the next relief bill .
Democratic leader Chuck Schumer , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aides to “ keep Trump away from the podium , ” calling the president “ a threat to public health.
” • Bubble Dribble : How the NBA has built something from nothing Trump ’ s daily turns in the White House briefing room largely ended in late April after the president ’ s widely derided suggestion that injecting toxic disinfectant could help treat the coronavirus .
The comment prompted widespread medical warnings against the potentially deadly move .
Scrapping the briefings was welcomed by aides who believed they were dragging down the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with older voters .
However , with his trademark rallies largely on hold because of the coronavirus , the view in Trump ’ s circle is that he needs an alternate means to reach voters .
And Trump missed the days when he would dominate cable television ratings with his early evening briefings .
Tellingly , when he announced Monday that the sessions could return , he did so with an eye toward their time slot and a boast about ratings .

By Zeke Miller | Associated Press
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump warned on Tuesday that the “nasty horrible'” coronavirus will get worse in the U.S. before it gets better, but he also tried to paint a rosy picture of efforts to conquer the disease that has claimed more than 140,000 American lives in just five months.
He also professed a newfound respect for the protective face masks he has seldom worn. He pulled one from his pocket in the White House briefing room but didn’t put it on.
After a three-month hiatus from his freewheeling daily virus briefings, Trump returned to the podium, keeping the stage to himself without the public health experts who were staples of his previous events but keeping close to scripted remarks prepared by aides.
Besides declaring support for masks as a way to fight the pandemic, he admonished young people against crowding bars and spreading the disease.
It all marked a delayed recognition by Trump that the economic reopening he’s been championing since April — and, more importantly, his reelection — were imperiled by spiking cases nationwide.
There were no guarantees how long Trump’s more measured tone, delivered with an eye to halting a campaign-season erosion of support, would last. Along the way Tuesday, the president still worked in jabs at the news media and Democrats for focusing on disease-fighting shortcomings in the U.S. as the rest of world also struggles with the virus. He also belatedly addressed bipartisan criticism of virus-testing delays that have hampered reopening plans.
“It will probably unfortunately get worse before it gets better,” Trump said from the White House. But he also touted a reduction in deaths and progress on vaccines and treatments for COVID-19, which he referred to repeatedly as a the “China virus.” He continued his recent encouragement of Americans to wear masks when social distancing is not possible.
“Whether you like the mask or not, they have an impact,” he said. “I’m getting used to the mask,” he added, pulling one out after months of suggesting that mask-wearing was a political statement against him.
Swaths of the country are now battling rising infections and growing deaths, and some states are once again having to close businesses and rethink school in the fall. Many retailers themselves are insisting their customers don masks.
For months, the nation’s top health experts have pleaded with Americans to wear masks in public and steer clear of crowds — calling those simple steps life-saving — even as the president’s stance fueled a partisan social divide.
The early evening show at the White House came as the next stage of the federal government’s response to the pandemic was being crafted on Capitol Hill. Lawmakers and White House officials were opening negotiations on a trillion-dollar-or-more “phase four” rescue package.
For weeks, White House aides have pressed Trump to grow more disciplined in his public statements about the pandemic. On Tuesday, he steered clear of what has been a favored talking point: that widespread testing for the virus in the U.S. “created” more cases, as aides noted that was false and projected a lack of responsibility.
Little more than three months from Election Day, Trump and his political team hoped that the podium spotlight would give him an edge against Democratic rival Joe Biden.
“The vaccines are coming, and they’re coming a lot sooner than anybody thought possible,” Trump promised anew.
As early as next week, the first possible U.S. vaccine is set to begin final-stage testing in a study of 30,000 people to see if it really is safe and effective. A few other vaccines have begun smaller late-stage studies in other countries, and in the U.S. a series of huge studies are planned to start each month through fall in hopes of, eventually, having several vaccines to use. Already, people can start signing up to volunteer for the different studies.
Health authorities warn there’s no guarantee — it’s not unusual for vaccines to fail during this critical testing step. But vaccine makers and health officials are hopeful that at least one vaccine could prove to work by year’s end. Companies already are taking the unusual step of brewing hundreds of millions of doses so that mass vaccinations could begin if the Food and Drug Administration signs off.
Trump also acknowledged bipartisan criticism of delays processing testing results.
“We’ll be able to get those numbers down,” Trump said, saying his administration was working to improve the availability of rapid, point-of-care tests like those used to protect him at the White House.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, told NPR Tuesday that he was glad Trump has begun to promote mask-wearing.
“If we, during those conferences, come out and have consistent, clear, noncontradictory messages, I believe it will be very helpful in getting people on the track of knowing the direction that we need to go to get this pandemic under control,” he said.
Biden, for his part Tuesday, launched into scathing criticism of Trump as he outlined the latest plank of his economic recovery plan, charging that Trump “failed his most important test as an American President: the duty to care for you, for all of us.”
“He’s quit on you, he’s quit on this country,” Biden said.
Earlier Tuesday, Trump took to Twitter to claim that “by comparison to most other countries, who are suffering greatly, we are doing very well — and we have done things that few other countries could have done!”
In fact, the U.S. leads the world in confirmed cases and deaths from the virus — and ranks near the top on a per capita basis as well.
On Capitol Hill, some Republicans have broken with the White House in seeking additional federal funding for testing and contact-tracing in the next relief bill.
Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, in a news conference, encouraged White House aides to “keep Trump away from the podium,” calling the president “a threat to public health.”
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms National News | California COVID cases are rising. Here’s why and where health experts are masking Trump’s daily turns in the White House briefing room largely ended in late April after the president’s widely derided suggestion that injecting toxic disinfectant could help treat the coronavirus. The comment prompted widespread medical warnings against the potentially deadly move.
Scrapping the briefings was welcomed by aides who believed they were dragging down the president’s poll numbers, particularly with older voters. However, with his trademark rallies largely on hold because of the coronavirus, the view in Trump’s circle is that he needs an alternate means to reach voters.
And Trump missed the days when he would dominate cable television ratings with his early evening briefings. Tellingly, when he announced Monday that the sessions could return, he did so with an eye toward their time slot and a boast about ratings.


mercurynews--2020-07-22--Exclusive: Santa Clara County DA abandoning death penalty pursuit

SAN JOSE — Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen is abandoning his pursuit of the death penalty in all cases his office prosecutes from now on , multiple sources have confirmed to this news organization .
The drastic shift in policy is sure to headline an upcoming Wednesday news conference in which Rosen is expected to announce an array of charging reforms that come amid a national criminal-justice reform movement galvanized by the police killing of George Floyd .
Just last year , Rosen told this news organization , “ I respect the point of view that some people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and it doesn ’ t matter what the person did .
I respectfully disagree with that , and think there are a very small number of individuals that have committed such horrendous crimes that the appropriate response from a civilized society is to execute them.
” What prompted the shift in Rosen ’ s thinking has not been immediately disclosed .
His office declined to confirm the change , and referred to Wednesday ’ s heavily promoted but so-far unspecified announcements .
Ellen Kreitzberg , a Santa Clara University law professor and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a change in prosecuting philosophy was welcome , if overdue .
“ A decision to stop seeking the death penalty is a very important milestone on the road toward social justice .
It has taken far too long , but this finally puts our DA and our county on the right side of history in recognizing that the death penalty is morally indefensible , ” she said .
“ Hopefully , this will be an example to other DA ’ s around California.
” On that front , Rosen joins San Francisco DA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statewide district attorneys who have outright renounced the death penalty or have effectively done so by not filing those charges in at least two decades .
Dropping the pursuit of the death-penalty may be an act of pragmatism .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom issued a moratorium on the death penalty last year , and academics and reformists have long argued it has not shown to be an effective criminal deterrent , and adds exponential costs to a trial and to support years of compulsory appeals .
Then there is the fact that DA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death penalty in the four cases it charged with that consequence in 10 years under Rosen ’ s leadership .
Two stemmed from decisions he made to withdraw the death penalty , and two were decided by juries at trial or at sentencing .
In 2011 , Samuel Corona pleaded guilty to the brutal murder of his girlfriend ’ s 6-year-old son and a sentence of life in prison without parole , in exchange for Rosen rescinding the death penalty charge .
In the notorious case of Antolin Garcia Torres , who was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 15-year-old Sierra LaMar , a jury sentenced Garcia Torres to life in prison without parole after rejecting prosecutors ’ arguments for a death sentence .
Last July , when Rosen reiterated retaining the death penalty as a charging option for especially heinous crimes , his office decided to end its pursuit of the death penalty for Alejandro Benitez , who in 2012 was charged with sexually assaulting and killing a 16-month-old boy his girlfriend was babysitting .
Benitez later pleaded to manslaughter in the child ’ s death .
Rosen never specified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ penalty for Benitez , and neither did his public defender .
Death-penalty experts told this news organization at the time that the revelation of a history of abuse or intellectual disability were possible reasons why attorneys would no longer a believe a jury would agree on a death verdict .
And just last month , Manuel Anthony Lopez was acquitted by a jury in a death-penalty murder case in which he was charged with raping and killing his girlfriend ’ s 2-year-old son , after attorneys with the public defender ’ s office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lopez was not conclusive and used outdated analysis techniques .
That last case is a big reason why Kreitzberg believes that Rosen ’ s work is not done .
She wants Santa Clara County to move toward establishing an independent crime lab ; the current county crime lab operates under D.A.
’ s office .
She notes that the Northern California Innocence Project , based at Santa Clara University , credits a plurality of its 30 overturned convictions to successfully challenging forensic evidence , including two South Bay cases .
“ Watching the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Project , I have seen the importance of an independent professional crime lab that does not work under the supervision and control of the district attorney , ” Kreitzberg said .
“ In Santa Clara county , it is time for that change to occur .
”

SAN JOSE — Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen is abandoning his pursuit of the death penalty in all cases his office prosecutes from now on, multiple sources have confirmed to this news organization.
The drastic shift in policy is likely to headline a Wednesday news conference in which Rosen is expected to announce an array of charging reforms that come amid a national movement galvanized by the police killing of George Floyd.
Related Articles Crime and Public Safety | Death penalty case: Jury finds San Jose man not guilty in 2016 child killing
Death penalty case: Jury finds San Jose man not guilty in 2016 child killing Crime and Public Safety | DA drops death penalty pursuit in San Jose baby murder case
DA drops death penalty pursuit in San Jose baby murder case Crime and Public Safety | Newsom’s death penalty moratorium met with praise and rage The change is an apparent ideological about-face for Rosen, who just last year told this news organization: “I respect the point of view that some people have that the death penalty is wrong, and it doesn’t matter what the person did. I respectfully disagree with that, and think there are a very small number of individuals that have committed such horrendous crimes that the appropriate response from a civilized society is to execute them.”
What prompted the shift in Rosen’s thinking has not been immediately disclosed. His office declined to confirm the change Tuesday, and deferred questions to Wednesday’s heavily promoted but so-far unspecified announcements to the press.
Ellen Kreitzberg, a Santa Clara University law professor and death penalty expert, said she welcomed news of a change in prosecuting philosophy.
“A decision to stop seeking the death penalty is a very important milestone on the road toward social justice. It has taken far too long, but this finally puts our DA and our county on the right side of history in recognizing that the death penalty is morally indefensible,” she said. “Hopefully, this will be an example to other DA’s around California.”
On that front, Rosen joins San Francisco DA Chesa Boudin and an expanding group of district attorneys across the state who have renounced the death penalty outright, or effectively done so by not filing those charges in decades.
Public Defender Molly O’Neal applauded Rosen’s decision, calling the death penalty a punishment imbued with racial inequity since its inception.
“We are thrilled to see that the district attorney is abandoning further death penalty prosecutions, and knows that justice is better served without the state engaging in killing for the sake of showing that killing is wrong,” she said. “We look forward to further criminal justice reform and welcome this move by our district attorney.”
Dropping the pursuit of the death-penalty may be an act of pragmatism. Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a moratorium on the death penalty last year. Academics and reformists have long argued that capital punishment has not shown to be an effective criminal deterrent, and adds exponential costs to a trial and to support years of compulsory appeals.
Then there is the fact that the Santa Clara County DA’s office has not secured the death penalty in the four cases for which it sought that sentence in 10 years under Rosen’s leadership. In two of those cases, Rosen himself withdrew the death penalty; the other two cases were decided by juries at trial or at sentencing.
In 2011, Samuel Corona pleaded guilty to the brutal murder of his girlfriend’s 6-year-old son and a sentence of life in prison without parole, in exchange for Rosen rescinding the death penalty charge. In the notorious case of Antolin Garcia Torres, who was convicted of the 2012 kidnapping and murder of 15-year-old Sierra LaMar, a jury sentenced Garcia Torres to life in prison without parole after rejecting prosecutors’ arguments for a death sentence.
Last July, when Rosen reiterated his defense of retaining the death penalty as a charging option for especially heinous crimes, his office decided to end its pursuit of the death penalty for Alejandro Benitez, who in 2012 was charged with sexually assaulting and killing a 16-month-old boy his girlfriend was babysitting. Benitez later pleaded to manslaughter in the child’s death.
Rosen never specified a reason for pulling back the death penalty for Benitez, and neither did Benitez’ public defender. Death-penalty experts told this news organization at the time that the revelation of a history of abuse or intellectual disability were possible reasons why attorneys would no longer a believe a jury would agree on a death verdict.
Finally, just last month, Manuel Anthony Lopez was acquitted by a jury in a death-penalty murder case in which he was charged with raping and killing his girlfriend’s 2-year-old son, after attorneys with the public defender’s office argued that the DNA used to implicate Lopez was not conclusive and used outdated analysis techniques.
That last case is a big reason why Kreitzberg believes that Rosen’s work is not done. She wants Santa Clara County to move toward establishing an independent crime lab; the current county crime lab operates under D.A.’s office. She notes that the Northern California Innocence Project, based at Santa Clara University, credits a plurality of its 30 overturned convictions to successfully challenging forensic evidence, including in two South Bay cases.
“Watching the work of Santa Clara’s Innocence Project, I have seen the importance of an independent professional crime lab that does not work under the supervision and control of the district attorney,” Kreitzberg said. “In Santa Clara county, it is time for that change to occur.”


mercurynews--2020-07-22--Judge tosses vegan’s lawsuit over Impossible Whopper

A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit accusing Burger King of deceiving vegan , vegetarian and other customers into thinking it cooked the plant-based patties for its “ Impossible Whopper ” on different grills than those used to cook beef and chicken .
In a decision on Monday , U.S. District Judge Raag Singhal in Fort Lauderdale , Florida said the seven plaintiffs failed to show that reasonable consumers were deceived into paying higher prices because of Burger King ’ s actual cooking methods .
He said the plaintiffs did not ask about Burger King ’ s cooking method or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requirements , and that the company ’ s advertising did not promise cooking on a different surface .
“ Burger King promised a non-meat patty and delivered , ” Singhal wrote .
The judge also found the plaintiffs ’ claims “ too individualized ” to justify a class action .
Lawyers for the plaintiffs did not immediately respond on Tuesday to requests for comment .
The plaintiffs can amend most of their claims if they wish .
Burger King is a unit of Toronto-based Restaurant Brands International Inc .
Impossible Foods Inc , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has said it was designed for meat eaters who want to consume less animal protein , not for vegans or vegetarians .
The case is Williams v Burger King Corp , U.S. District Court , Southern District of Florida , No .
19-24755 .

By Jonathan Stemple | Reuters
A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit accusing Burger King of deceiving vegan, vegetarian and other customers into thinking it cooked the plant-based patties for its “Impossible Whopper” on different grills than those used to cook beef and chicken.
In a decision on Monday, U.S. District Judge Raag Singhal in Fort Lauderdale, Florida said the seven plaintiffs failed to show that reasonable consumers were deceived into paying higher prices because of Burger King’s actual cooking methods.
He said the plaintiffs did not ask about Burger King’s cooking method or request an alternative to satisfy their dietary requirements, and that the company’s advertising did not promise cooking on a different surface.
“Burger King promised a non-meat patty and delivered,” Singhal wrote. The judge also found the plaintiffs’ claims “too individualized” to justify a class action.
Lawyers for the plaintiffs did not immediately respond on Tuesday to requests for comment. The plaintiffs can amend most of their claims if they wish.
Burger King is a unit of Toronto-based Restaurant Brands International Inc.
Impossible Foods Inc, which helped create the Impossible Whopper, has said it was designed for meat eaters who want to consume less animal protein, not for vegans or vegetarians.
The case is Williams v Burger King Corp, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida, No. 19-24755.


mercurynews--2020-07-22--San Jose: Two arrested in fatal shooting earlier this year

SAN JOSE – Authorities on Tuesday announced two arrests in the shooting death of a 30-year-old man in San Jose earlier this year .
In the early morning hours of Jan. 30 , officers found San Jose resident Arturo Castillo in a vehicle on the 1000 block of Leigh Avenue , near Southwest Expressway , suffering from at least one gunshot wound , according to San Jose police Sgt .
Enrique Garcia .
Castillo was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries and died Feb. 12 .
Garcia said detectives eventually identified four suspects in the case and obtained warrants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the police department ’ s Covert Response Unit arrested 39-year-old Yuba City resident Michael Epps in Sacramento , and on June 23 , homicide detectives arrested 38-year-old San Jose resident Richard Moten in San Jose , Garcia said .
Both suspects were booked into Santa Clara County jail on murder charges .
The other two suspects – identified as Antione Simon , 43 , of Tigard , Ore. , and Venitia Hyatt , 38 , of San Jose – remain at large .
Police are asking anyone with information about the whereabouts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or Detective Sgt .
John Cary or Detective Elizabeth Ramirez at 408-797-4595 .
Those wishing to remain anonymous can leave a tip with Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers at 408-947-7867 or at svcrimestoppers.org .
Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward .

SAN JOSE – Authorities on Tuesday announced two arrests in the shooting death of a 30-year-old man in San Jose earlier this year.
In the early morning hours of Jan. 30, officers found San Jose resident Arturo Castillo in a vehicle on the 1000 block of Leigh Avenue, near Southwest Expressway, suffering from at least one gunshot wound, according to San Jose police Sgt. Enrique Garcia. Castillo was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries and died Feb. 12.
Garcia said detectives eventually identified four suspects in the case and obtained warrants for their arrests.
On June 3, the police department’s Covert Response Unit arrested 39-year-old Yuba City resident Michael Epps in Sacramento, and on June 23, homicide detectives arrested 38-year-old San Jose resident Richard Moten in San Jose, Garcia said. Both suspects were booked into Santa Clara County jail on murder charges.
The other two suspects – identified as Antione Simon, 43, of Tigard, Ore., and Venitia Hyatt, 38, of San Jose – remain at large.
Police are asking anyone with information about the whereabouts of Simon or Hyatt to call 911, or Detective Sgt. John Cary or Detective Elizabeth Ramirez at 408-797-4595. Those wishing to remain anonymous can leave a tip with Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers at 408-947-7867 or at svcrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.


mercurynews--2020-07-22--National Lawyers Guild representatives denounce Trump’s threats to send federal police to Oakland

The Bay Area chapter of the National Lawyers Guild denounced President Donald Trump ’ s threats to send federal police to Oakland in a press conference on Tuesday , calling them “ fascist moves ” while a top federal official defended the “ authorized missions.
” The NLG news conference came one day after Trump suggested that he would send federal law enforcement to Oakland and other Democratic cities .
Oakland mayor Libby Schaaf derided Trump ’ s statement as a “ racist campaign tactic , ” and it also drew sharp criticism from other Bay Area politicians and Gov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ would reject ” any such intervention .
“ The National Lawyers Guild is rooted in histories of opposing the kind of fascist moves that Trump is making and the unconstitutionality of deployment of federal agents for movements in frontline communities who are just exercising their First Amendment rights , ” NLG-SFBA executive director Sara Kershnar said in her opening statement .
From a legal standpoint , NLG mass demonstrations attorney John Viola said , federal agents ’ actions in Portland are “ patently illegal.
” “ Using federal shock troops to scare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scare people away from assembling — that ’ s a serious violation of freedom of speech , ” Viola said .
“ Using it to target communities that ( Trump ) thinks are primarily Democratic-run , that should be concerning to people .
And also using it to threaten cities that have large demographics of communities of colors — that should have equal protection concerns.
” In a separate press conference on Tuesday , Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Chad Wolf deferred questions to the White House on whether Trump would deploy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The department will continue to do our authorized missions in any city across the country , ” he said .
Federal agents have already been deployed to Portland , where they have clashed violently with protesters .
During Tuesday ’ s press conference , lawyers in the NLG — a progressive public interest association of legal workers — set Trump ’ s threats to send federal agents to Oakland in a broader picture that included the militarization of police forces across the country as well as the use of interventionist military tactics abroad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We ’ re seeing ( in Portland ) the kind of militarized tactics that the people from my own homelands are often the victims of because of American imperialism , but we ’ re seeing the militarized law enforcement going against United States citizens and protesters that are demanding change in their communities and demanding a voice , ” said NLG-SFBA Board Member Leila Sayed-Taha , who serves as a staff lawyer for the Arab Resource and Organizing Center .
“ ( The president is ) trying to silence them while also playing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his right-wing base in terms of his tactics on the ground.
” The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment .
• Kurtenbach : It ’ s the anthem , it ’ s America , do as you please .
• Ex-California cop charged with holding gun to head of another police officer • SF Giants : Alyssa Nakken coaches first base , players kneel for anthem in historic exhibition Already , the NLG — which sees itself as a “ primary legal resource for communities in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has provided legal support to demonstrators arrested at protests following the death of George Floyd .
NLG-SFBA civil rights attorneys Walter Riley and Dan Siegel also filed a lawsuit against the city of Oakland in June , calling on the city to ban the use of tear gas , rubber bullets and flash bangs on protesters .
“ To the extent that we see what ’ s happening in Portland and don ’ t rise up in solidarity with the people of Portland , we will face those same circumstances in Oakland , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LA , ” Riley said .

The Bay Area chapter of the National Lawyers Guild denounced President Donald Trump’s threats to send federal police to Oakland in a press conference on Tuesday, calling them “fascist moves” while a top federal official defended the “authorized missions.”
The NLG news conference came one day after Trump suggested that he would send federal law enforcement to Oakland and other Democratic cities. Oakland mayor Libby Schaaf derided Trump’s statement as a “racist campaign tactic,” and it also drew sharp criticism from other Bay Area politicians and Gov. Gavin Newsom, who said California “would reject” any such intervention.
“The National Lawyers Guild is rooted in histories of opposing the kind of fascist moves that Trump is making and the unconstitutionality of deployment of federal agents for movements in frontline communities who are just exercising their First Amendment rights,” NLG-SFBA executive director Sara Kershnar said in her opening statement.
From a legal standpoint, NLG mass demonstrations attorney John Viola said, federal agents’ actions in Portland are “patently illegal.”
“Using federal shock troops to scare people away from voicing criticism, to scare people away from assembling — that’s a serious violation of freedom of speech,” Viola said. “Using it to target communities that (Trump) thinks are primarily Democratic-run, that should be concerning to people. And also using it to threaten cities that have large demographics of communities of colors — that should have equal protection concerns.”
In a separate press conference on Tuesday, Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Chad Wolf deferred questions to the White House on whether Trump would deploy federal agents to additional cities.
“The department will continue to do our authorized missions in any city across the country,” he said.
Federal agents have already been deployed to Portland, where they have clashed violently with protesters.
During Tuesday’s press conference, lawyers in the NLG — a progressive public interest association of legal workers — set Trump’s threats to send federal agents to Oakland in a broader picture that included the militarization of police forces across the country as well as the use of interventionist military tactics abroad against American citizens at home.
“We’re seeing (in Portland) the kind of militarized tactics that the people from my own homelands are often the victims of because of American imperialism, but we’re seeing the militarized law enforcement going against United States citizens and protesters that are demanding change in their communities and demanding a voice,” said NLG-SFBA Board Member Leila Sayed-Taha, who serves as a staff lawyer for the Arab Resource and Organizing Center. “(The president is) trying to silence them while also playing to his right-wing base and seemingly mobilizing his right-wing base in terms of his tactics on the ground.”
The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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A small business was wrecked in raid by LAPD SWAT team, but city won’t pay for damage Crime and Public Safety | Why the independent Oakland Police Commission may be coming apart at the seams Already, the NLG — which sees itself as a “primary legal resource for communities in the movement,” Sayed-Taha said — has provided legal support to demonstrators arrested at protests following the death of George Floyd.
NLG-SFBA civil rights attorneys Walter Riley and Dan Siegel also filed a lawsuit against the city of Oakland in June, calling on the city to ban the use of tear gas, rubber bullets and flash bangs on protesters.
“To the extent that we see what’s happening in Portland and don’t rise up in solidarity with the people of Portland, we will face those same circumstances in Oakland, and we’ll face them in LA,” Riley said.