mercurynews--2020-07-23--China harboring military-linked fugitive scientist at San Francisco consulate, FBI says

Tensions between the United States and China have continued to ratchet up following the forced closure by Washington of Beijing ’ s consulate in Houston , amid revelations that federal prosecutors are seeking a Chinese scientist accused of visa fraud who they say is hiding out in China ’ s consulate in San Francisco .
Prosecutors allege Tang Juan , a researcher focusing on biology , lied about her connection to the Chinese military in order to obtain entry into the US and has since avoided arrest by taking refuge in the West Coast diplomatic mission .
According to court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 26 with one count of visa fraud .
Prosecutors said she concealed her connection to the country ’ s military in her visa application , but investigators “ discovered photographs of her in the uniform of the Civilian Cadre of the Chinese People ’ s Liberation Army ( PLA ) ” and that she had been employed as a researcher at the Fourth Military Medical University ( FMMU ) .
During an interview with FBI agents on June 20 , “ Tang denied serving in the Chinese military , claimed she did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her uniform , and that wearing a military uniform was required for attendance at FMMU because it was a military school , ” attorneys wrote in a July 20 court filing .
However , during a search of her residence and electronic media , FBI agents allegedly “ found further evidence of Tang ’ s PLA affiliation.
” Following her interview with the bureau , Tang allegedly fled to the San Francisco consulate , “ where the FBI assesses she has remained.
” CNN has reached out to the US State Department , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further comment .
Separately , CNN has also reached out to China ’ s Ministry of Foreign Affairs .
The criminal complaint names several other Chinese scientists in the US .
Prosecutors claim they are part of a “ program conducted by the PLA — and specifically , FMMU or associated institutions — to send military scientists to the United States on false pretenses with false covers or false statements about their true employment.
” “ There exists evidence in at least one of these cases of a military scientist copying or stealing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of military superiors in China , ” prosecutors said .
“ There additionally exists evidence of the PRC ( People ’ s Republic of China ) government instructing these individuals to destroy evidence and in coordinating efforts regarding the departure of these individuals from the United States , particularly following the charges filed against Xin Wang in this district on June 7 , 2020.
” Last month , Wang was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport , attempting to depart the United States for Tianjin , China , and was charged with visa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know , Wang Xin does research in the field of cardiovascular diseases .
I don ’ t see how that could ever threaten US national interest or security , ” she said , adding that “ recently many Chinese citizens were questioned for a long time by American law enforcement officials while leaving the US , and the digital devices they carried were also examined.
” On Wednesday Beijing promised to retaliate to the Houston closure , with state media pointing to the potential shuttering of one of the US ’ numerous diplomatic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still being vague on what prompted the Houston decision , it appears to have some connection to espionage , coming a day after US prosecutors charged two alleged Chinese hackers over a “ sweeping global computer intrusion campaign ” that they say was supported by the country ’ s government and aimed at coronavirus treatment and vaccine research .
On Twitter , Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida , the acting chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee , said the Houston consulate was a “ central node of the Communist Party ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State Department earlier accused China of having “ engaged for years in massive illegal spying and influence operations ” and that those “ activities have increased markedly in scale and scope over the past few years.
” A State Department spokeswoman said the consulate was directed to close “ in order to protect American intellectual property and Americans ’ private information ” but did not immediately provide additional details of what prompted the move .
China ’ s Foreign Ministry called the order an “ unprecedented escalation ” and suggested it would retaliate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Houston could be seen appearing to burn documents in a courtyard outside the consulate .
Speaking to CNN affiliate KTRK , China ’ s consul general in Houston , Cai Wei , said he was shocked by the closure order .
“ I never expected ( to be ) treated like this , and we are coming for friendship , and for mutual understanding between China and the United States , ” he said .
Relations between China and the United States have plummeted in the past year , amid an ongoing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and US criticism of China ’ s human rights abuses in Hong Kong and Xinjiang .
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo , who was just in Europe rallying leaders to take a harder line with Beijing and meeting with exiled Chinese dissidents , said that the move was consistent with the Trump administration ’ s policy towards China .
“ President Trump has said ‘ enough ’ .
We ’ re not going to allow this to continue to happen , ” Pompeo said .
“ We are setting out clear expectations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to behave , and when they don ’ t , we ’ re going to take actions that protect the American people , protect our security , our national security , and also protect our economy and jobs.
” Pompeo is set to deliver remarks on China on Thursday at the Richard Nixon Museum and Library in California .
His speech could announce another escalation against China , particularly if Beijing takes action against a US consulate or other interests in the country ahead of his address .
Analysts expect China to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which has been effectively closed for months due to the coronavirus pandemic .
James Green , a senior research fellow at Georgetown University and former US diplomat in China , said that “ there would be some symmetry in closing the US consulate in Wuhan.
” However , Green was skeptical about the supposed intelligence or espionage capabilities of the Houston consulate .
“ The likely real driver is ( Pompeo ’ s ) speech on Thursday at the Nixon Library on China , ” he said .
“ It culminates a month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ O ’ Brien , FBI Director Christopher Wray , and Attorney General Barr .
Having something big to announce or explain will give the speech more ‘ umph ’ .
” Jeff Moon , who served as a US diplomat in China as well as assistant US trade representative for China affairs under President US President Donald Trump , agreed that the Houston consulate was an unlikely target to crack down on IP theft , adding “ if that were the real reason , the US would close the San Francisco consulate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it may be a response to China ’ s refusal to allow US diplomats to return to China without intrusive testing and quarantines that violate the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations .
China currently has strict entry requirements over the coronavirus , but the tests required could expose the DNA of diplomats .
“ Chinese consulates in the US are operating without restrictions in the US , so this is a way of gaining leverage in ongoing negotiations and forcing reciprocity on China , ” he added .
Observers were concerned by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largest economies , and warned a potential diplomatic spat could quickly escalate .
Guy Saint-Jacques , Canada ’ s former ambassador to China , said the move was a “ dangerous escalation.
” “ Now is the time to maintain official dialogues to clear misunderstandings and press them to change their ways , ” he added .
“ The whole idea of decoupling the two economies is troublesome as it could have long-term geopolitical consequences : when you do a lot of business together , you need to work together to avoid problems/irritants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a research fellow at the Lowy Institute in Sydney and former Australian diplomat in China , warned that “ Beijing may retaliate by reducing numbers of US diplomats overall.
” “ Such a move would limit Washington ’ s avenues for communications with Beijing , as well as outsiders ability to monitor and report on what is happening inside China , ” she added .
“ This decision mirrors the missteps taken by the United States over PRC journalists that ultimately cost a number of US papers some of their best journalists @ @ @ @

Tensions between the United States and China have continued to ratchet up following the forced closure by Washington of Beijing’s consulate in Houston, amid revelations that federal prosecutors are seeking a Chinese scientist accused of visa fraud who they say is hiding out in China’s consulate in San Francisco.
Prosecutors allege Tang Juan, a researcher focusing on biology, lied about her connection to the Chinese military in order to obtain entry into the US and has since avoided arrest by taking refuge in the West Coast diplomatic mission.
According to court filings, Tang was charged on June 26 with one count of visa fraud. Prosecutors said she concealed her connection to the country’s military in her visa application, but investigators “discovered photographs of her in the uniform of the Civilian Cadre of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA)” and that she had been employed as a researcher at the Fourth Military Medical University (FMMU).
During an interview with FBI agents on June 20, “Tang denied serving in the Chinese military, claimed she did not know the meaning of the insignia on her uniform, and that wearing a military uniform was required for attendance at FMMU because it was a military school,” attorneys wrote in a July 20 court filing.
However, during a search of her residence and electronic media, FBI agents allegedly “found further evidence of Tang’s PLA affiliation.”
Following her interview with the bureau, Tang allegedly fled to the San Francisco consulate, “where the FBI assesses she has remained.”
CNN has reached out to the US State Department, the Justice Department and the FBI for further comment. Separately, CNN has also reached out to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The criminal complaint names several other Chinese scientists in the US. Prosecutors claim they are part of a “program conducted by the PLA — and specifically, FMMU or associated institutions — to send military scientists to the United States on false pretenses with false covers or false statements about their true employment.”
“There exists evidence in at least one of these cases of a military scientist copying or stealing information from American institutions at the direction of military superiors in China,” prosecutors said. “There additionally exists evidence of the PRC (People’s Republic of China) government instructing these individuals to destroy evidence and in coordinating efforts regarding the departure of these individuals from the United States, particularly following the charges filed against Xin Wang in this district on June 7, 2020.”
Last month, Wang was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport, attempting to depart the United States for Tianjin, China, and was charged with visa fraud.
Commenting on Wang’s arrest, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying called it “blatant political persecution.”
“As far as I know, Wang Xin does research in the field of cardiovascular diseases. I don’t see how that could ever threaten US national interest or security,” she said, adding that “recently many Chinese citizens were questioned for a long time by American law enforcement officials while leaving the US, and the digital devices they carried were also examined.”
Houston closure
On Wednesday Beijing promised to retaliate to the Houston closure, with state media pointing to the potential shuttering of one of the US’ numerous diplomatic missions within China.
While Washington is still being vague on what prompted the Houston decision, it appears to have some connection to espionage, coming a day after US prosecutors charged two alleged Chinese hackers over a “sweeping global computer intrusion campaign” that they say was supported by the country’s government and aimed at coronavirus treatment and vaccine research.
On Twitter, Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, the acting chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said the Houston consulate was a “central node of the Communist Party’s vast network of spies.” The US State Department earlier accused China of having “engaged for years in massive illegal spying and influence operations” and that those “activities have increased markedly in scale and scope over the past few years.”
A State Department spokeswoman said the consulate was directed to close “in order to protect American intellectual property and Americans’ private information” but did not immediately provide additional details of what prompted the move.
China’s Foreign Ministry called the order an “unprecedented escalation” and suggested it would retaliate in kind. Late Tuesday, officials in Houston could be seen appearing to burn documents in a courtyard outside the consulate.
Speaking to CNN affiliate KTRK, China’s consul general in Houston, Cai Wei, said he was shocked by the closure order.
“I never expected (to be) treated like this, and we are coming for friendship, and for mutual understanding between China and the United States,” he said.
Potential retaliation
Relations between China and the United States have plummeted in the past year, amid an ongoing trade war, the coronavirus pandemic, and US criticism of China’s human rights abuses in Hong Kong and Xinjiang.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who was just in Europe rallying leaders to take a harder line with Beijing and meeting with exiled Chinese dissidents, said that the move was consistent with the Trump administration’s policy towards China.
“President Trump has said ‘enough’. We’re not going to allow this to continue to happen,” Pompeo said. “We are setting out clear expectations for how the Chinese Communist party is going to behave, and when they don’t, we’re going to take actions that protect the American people, protect our security, our national security, and also protect our economy and jobs.”
Pompeo is set to deliver remarks on China on Thursday at the Richard Nixon Museum and Library in California. His speech could announce another escalation against China, particularly if Beijing takes action against a US consulate or other interests in the country ahead of his address.
Analysts expect China to target the US consulate in Wuhan, which has been effectively closed for months due to the coronavirus pandemic. James Green, a senior research fellow at Georgetown University and former US diplomat in China, said that “there would be some symmetry in closing the US consulate in Wuhan.”
However, Green was skeptical about the supposed intelligence or espionage capabilities of the Houston consulate.
“The likely real driver is (Pompeo’s) speech on Thursday at the Nixon Library on China,” he said. “It culminates a month of China speeches by National Security Advisor O’Brien, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and Attorney General Barr. Having something big to announce or explain will give the speech more ‘umph’.”
Jeff Moon, who served as a US diplomat in China as well as assistant US trade representative for China affairs under President US President Donald Trump, agreed that the Houston consulate was an unlikely target to crack down on IP theft, adding “if that were the real reason, the US would close the San Francisco consulate, which covers Silicon Valley.”
Moon said it may be a response to China’s refusal to allow US diplomats to return to China without intrusive testing and quarantines that violate the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations. China currently has strict entry requirements over the coronavirus, but the tests required could expose the DNA of diplomats.
“Chinese consulates in the US are operating without restrictions in the US, so this is a way of gaining leverage in ongoing negotiations and forcing reciprocity on China,” he added.
‘Dangerous escalation’
Observers were concerned by the continued worsening of relations between the two largest economies, and warned a potential diplomatic spat could quickly escalate.
Related Articles Crime and Public Safety | Feds say visiting Stanford researcher concealed ties to Chinese military Guy Saint-Jacques, Canada’s former ambassador to China, said the move was a “dangerous escalation.”
“Now is the time to maintain official dialogues to clear misunderstandings and press them to change their ways,” he added. “The whole idea of decoupling the two economies is troublesome as it could have long-term geopolitical consequences: when you do a lot of business together, you need to work together to avoid problems/irritants from becoming major crises.”
Natasha Kassam, a research fellow at the Lowy Institute in Sydney and former Australian diplomat in China, warned that “Beijing may retaliate by reducing numbers of US diplomats overall.”
“Such a move would limit Washington’s avenues for communications with Beijing, as well as outsiders ability to monitor and report on what is happening inside China,” she added. “This decision mirrors the missteps taken by the United States over PRC journalists that ultimately cost a number of US papers some of their best journalists in China.”
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2020 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.


mercurynews--2020-07-23--Fox News parts ways with a morning host who caused a coronavirus scare

Fox News has parted ways with a host who dismayed fellow staffers when she came to work while visibly sick in the early days of the coronavirus crisis .
Heather Childers , who had been an early morning host on Fox since 2012 , was benched after the incident in late March .
She was not put back on the air again — despite her public campaign on Twitter and her messages to President Trump .
This week , after sources said that Childers was no longer affiliated with the network , a Fox spokeswoman confirmed her exit .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ways .
We wish her all the best , ” the spokeswoman told CNN Business .
The unusual circumstances of her exit are a window into the television news industry ’ s adjustments due to the pandemic .
Fox News has been especially highly scrutinized since many of its highest-rated stars downplayed the dangers of Covid-19 during key periods in February and March , when the virus was silently spreading across the United States .
Shows like “ Fox & Friends ” frequently sided with President Trump ’ s proclamations that the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ somehow disappear .
During the week of March 16 , when life in New York City and other major metro areas crawled to a halt , Fox ’ s coverage turned more serious .
Fox executives instituted work-from-home plans and limited the number of people who were allowed at the network ’ s headquarters .
Childers led the 4 a.m. hour of “ Fox & Friends First , ” the network ’ s first live program of the day .
On March 18 , she was noticeably sick both on and off camera @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who were still coming into the building , sources said .
Childers visited a doctor after the show and said on Twitter that she was fine .
She came back to work and hosted her hour on March 19 .
But Fox executives were angry that she came to work while visibly ill , according to a source with knowledge of the matter .
That ’ s why she was sidelined beginning on March 20 .
As days turned to weeks , Childers began to lobby for a return to her show via @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on March 31 , she admitted to “ coughing & sneezing on air , ” but said she “ never went to work feeling sick.
” She was tested for Covid-19 , was found to be negative , and sent those results to Fox management .
By April 6 , she tweeted that she had tested negative twice , and was in the dark about when she might be back on TV .
She shared numerous supportive messages from fans , and sometimes she tweeted directly to Trump , pleading her case .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ mail from Santa Clara • Sheila E. , Stevie Wonder , Jo Koy unite for all-star benefit in Oakland • Sports Illustrated taps California swimsuit model who is 56 and stands 5-foot-3 “ I ’ d love to go back to work @ realDonaldTrump , ” she tweeted April 9 , “ but the antibody tests only show positive if you have had the virus .
I ’ ve had TWO negative COVID19 tests results & no symptoms.
” She tweeted : “ Can I go back to work ?
” On April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again : “ Please get us all back to work.
” The answer from Fox , apparently , was no .
Childers did not come back on TV .
In July she removed the Fox references from her social media profiles and shared content from Fox ’ s right-wing rivals instead .
Childers did not respond to a request for comment from CNN Business .

Fox News has parted ways with a host who dismayed fellow staffers when she came to work while visibly sick in the early days of the coronavirus crisis.
Heather Childers, who had been an early morning host on Fox since 2012, was benched after the incident in late March. She was not put back on the air again — despite her public campaign on Twitter and her messages to President Trump.
[vemba-video id=”media/2020/07/19/trump-coronavirus-feedback-loop-stelter-rs-vpx.cnn”]
This week, after sources said that Childers was no longer affiliated with the network, a Fox spokeswoman confirmed her exit.
“Fox News and Heather Childers have parted ways. We wish her all the best,” the spokeswoman told CNN Business.
The unusual circumstances of her exit are a window into the television news industry’s adjustments due to the pandemic.
Fox News has been especially highly scrutinized since many of its highest-rated stars downplayed the dangers of Covid-19 during key periods in February and March, when the virus was silently spreading across the United States.
Shows like “Fox & Friends” frequently sided with President Trump’s proclamations that the virus was under control and that it would somehow disappear.
During the week of March 16, when life in New York City and other major metro areas crawled to a halt, Fox’s coverage turned more serious. Fox executives instituted work-from-home plans and limited the number of people who were allowed at the network’s headquarters.
Childers led the 4 a.m. hour of “Fox & Friends First,” the network’s first live program of the day. On March 18, she was noticeably sick both on and off camera, which caused concern among the staffers who were still coming into the building, sources said.
Childers visited a doctor after the show and said on Twitter that she was fine. She came back to work and hosted her hour on March 19.
But Fox executives were angry that she came to work while visibly ill, according to a source with knowledge of the matter. That’s why she was sidelined beginning on March 20.
As days turned to weeks, Childers began to lobby for a return to her show via her Twitter account. In a tweet on March 31, she admitted to “coughing & sneezing on air,” but said she “never went to work feeling sick.” She was tested for Covid-19, was found to be negative, and sent those results to Fox management.
By April 6, she tweeted that she had tested negative twice, and was in the dark about when she might be back on TV. She shared numerous supportive messages from fans, and sometimes she tweeted directly to Trump, pleading her case.
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Sandra Bullock’s ‘The Blind Side’ long criticized for its ‘White savior’ view of a Black athlete TV Streaming | Paris Hilton enjoys beach and resort in Maui, as Lahaina residents reel from disaster “I’d love to go back to work @realDonaldTrump,” she tweeted April 9, “but the antibody tests only show positive if you have had the virus. I’ve had TWO negative COVID19 tests results & no symptoms.” She tweeted: “Can I go back to work?”
On April 19, she tweeted to the president again: “Please get us all back to work.”
The answer from Fox, apparently, was no. Childers did not come back on TV. In July she removed the Fox references from her social media profiles and shared content from Fox’s right-wing rivals instead.
Childers did not respond to a request for comment from CNN Business.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2020 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.


mercurynews--2020-07-23--American League preview: Can A’s be contenders alongside scandalized Astros, strengthened Yankees?

Major League Baseball is back this weekend amid the coronavirus pandemic .
For those wondering where we left off when spring training was paused in mid-March , here are our predicted American League standings .
The Houston Astros became arguably the most hated team in league history this offseason after being outed for sign stealing , but they still have enough talent to contend for a title .
The Yankees reclaimed full Death Star Status by swiping Gerrit Cole from Houston .
In Anaheim , the Angels signed Anthony Rendon to pair with Mike Trout , and Shohei Ohtani could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two-way superstar potential .
The White Sox and Twins loaded up while Oakland and Cleveland boast intriguing mixes of talent .
Here are our predicted results for the 60-game season : 1 .
Houston Astros Last year : 107-55 ( 1st place ) , lost to Washington Nationals in World Series , 4-3 Key newcomers : RHP Austin Pruitt , C Dustin Garneau Key losses : SP Gerrit Cole , RP Will Harris , C Robinson Chirinos , OF Jake Marisnick , SP Aaron Sanchez , SP Wade Miley , RP Joe Smith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Martes ( suspended ) Best-case scenario : The Astros continue to chug along despite their new role as baseball ’ s villains and contend for their second World Series title in four years .
Worst-case scenario : Houston crumbles amidst the pressure , Justin Verlander and Zack Greinke begin to show their age and they ’ re an early exit in the playoffs .
2 .
ATHLETICS Last year : 97-65 ( 2nd place ) , lost to Tampa Bay Rays in AL Wild Card Game Key newcomers : OF Tony Kemp , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brett Anderson , SP Homer Bailey , 2B Jurickson Profar , SP Tanner Roark , RP Blake Treinen , RP Ryan Buchter , C Josh Phegley Best-case scenario : Jesus Luzardo delivers as advertised and helps solidify Oakland ’ s rotation , Marcus Semien , Matt Chapman , Matt Olson and Ramon Laureano continue playing like budding stars and the A ’ s finally win the AL wild-card game .
Worst-case scenario : Oakland ’ s lack of established pitching comes back to bite and they miss the playoffs altogether .
3 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 4th place ) Key newcomers : 3B Anthony Rendon , SP Dylan Bundy , SP Julio Teheran , SP/RP Matt Andriese , C Jason Castro Key losses : 1B Justin Bour , OF Kole Calhoun , SP Trevor Cahill , C Kevan Smith Best-case scenario : Mike Trout and Rendon do superstar things , Andrelton Simmons and Shohei Ohtani return to form and the Angels get just enough out of their starting rotation to make the AL Wild Card Game .
Worst-case scenario : Trout misses most of the season ( his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is possible he won ’ t return once the baby arrives ) , the Angels don ’ t get enough out of their rotation , Ohtani fails to re-discover his pre-injury form , Rendon struggles to adapt to American League pitching and the Angels miss the playoffs .
4 .
Texas Rangers Last year : 78-84 ( 3rd place ) Key newcomers : SP Corey Kluber , SP Kyle Gibson , SP Jordan Lyles , RP Joely Rodríguez , C Robinson Chirinos , 3B Todd Frazier Key losses : IF Logan Forsythe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pence , RP Emmanuel Chase Best-case scenario : Kluber , Gibson and Lyles give Texas a legitimate one-through-five rotation , Danny Santana duplicates his breakout 2019 and the Rangers field a competitive team that flirts with a wild-card spot .
Worst-case scenario : Texas ’ offense sputters due to a lack of established hitting and the Rangers open up Globe Life Field with an uncompetitive team .
5 .
Seattle Mariners Last year : 68-84 ( 5th place ) Key newcomers : SP Kendall Graveman , RP Yoshihisa Hirano , RP Carl Edwards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , C Omar Narváez , RP Wade LeBlanc , OF Domingo Santana , OF Tim Beckham , OF Keon Broxton Best-case scenario : Kyle Lewis and Jake Fraley help make up for the absence of injured All-Star OF Mitch Hanniger .
Justin Dunn , Justus Sheffield and other young pitchers put together encouraging seasons.. Worst-case scenario : Seattle ’ s youth struggles to develop and the team slogs through another uncompetitive season .
1 .
Minnesota Twins Last year : 101-61 ( 1st place ) , lost to New York Yankees in ALDS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donaldson , SP Kenta Maeda , C Alex Avila , SP Homer Bailey , SP Rich Hill , RP Sergio Romo , RP Tyler Clippard Key losses : C Jason Castro , 1B CJ Cron , 2B Jonathan Schoop , SP Kyle Gibson , SP Martín Pérez , RP Trevor Hildenberger Best-case scenario : The Bomba Squad , now including Donaldson , continues to hit bombs .
Maeda , Hill and Bailey steady the rotation , and the Twins prove worthy of hanging with the American League ’ s big dogs .
Worst-case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offense falters in the postseason and the Twins end the season still searching for their first postseason victory since 2004 .
2 .
Cleveland Indians Last year : 93-69 ( 2nd place ) Key newcomers : 2B César Hernández , OF Delino DeShields , C Sandy León Key losses : SP Corey Kluber , 2B Jason Kipnis , OF Yasiel Puig , RP Tyler Clippard , RP Emmanuel Chase ( suspension ) Best-case scenario : José Ramírez and Francisco Lindor play like super-duper stars and carry an otherwise average offense , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reclaim the division title .
Worst-case scenario : Cleveland ’ s lack of offensive weapons and starting rotation depth are too much to overcome , the Indians miss the playoffs and Lindor gets traded .
3 .
Chicago White Sox Last year : 72-89 ( 3rd place ) Key newcomers : C Yasmani Grandal , SP Dallas Keuchel , DH Edwin Encarnación , SP Gio Gonzalez , OF Nomar Mazara , RP Steve Cishek Key losses : C Welington Castillo , SP Iván Nova , RP Hector Santiago , 2B Yolmer Sanchez @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) Best-case scenario : Grandal , Keuchel and Encarnación provide a huge boost to Chicago ’ s existing core , Luis Robert , MLB Pipeline ’ s No .
3 prospect , looks the part of a future superstar and the White Sox give the Twins and Indians a run for their money .
Worst-case scenario : The splashy free agents aren ’ t enough to compete this season and the Sox miss the playoffs , remaining a year away from legitimate contention .
4 .
Kansas City Royals Last year : 59-103 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ RP Greg Holland , 3B Maikel Franco Key losses : IF Cheslor Cuthbert , RP Brad Boxberger Best-case scenario : Adalberto Mondesi has his breakout season and Salvador Perez doesn ’ t miss a beat after missing last season and the Royals establish a sneakily good lineup while Jakob Junis and Brad Keller emerge as legitimate starters , giving Kansas City some pieces going forward .
Worst-case scenario : Jorge Soler , Whit Merrifield and Hunter Dozier regress and Perez can ’ t return to pre-injury form as the Royals struggle to stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Detroit Tigers Last year : 47-114 ( 5th place ) Key newcomers : 1B C.J .
Cron , 2B Jonathan Schoop , C Austin Romine , SP Ivan Nova , OF Cameron Maybin Key losses : SP Edwin Jackson , SP Matt Moore , SP Tyson Ross , RP Victor Alcántara Best-case scenario : Matthew Boyd , Victor Reyes and Niko Goodrum help begin to establish a foundation before first-round pick Spencer Torkelson fast tracks his way to the Motor City.Veterans play well enough to generate buzz at the trade deadline and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Worst-case scenario : Detroit ’ s young cubs don ’ t show growth and rebuilding project continues to founder .
1 .
New York Yankees Last year : 103-59 ( 1st place ) , lost to Houston Astros in ALCS , 4-3 Key newcomer : SP Gerrit Cole Key losses : DH Edwin Encarnación , SP CC Sabathia , RP Dellin Betances , SS Didi Gregorius , C Austin Romine , SP Luis Severino ( elbow surgery ) , SP Domingo German ( suspension ) Best-case scenario : Cole continues to pitch at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Giancarlo Stanton return to full health , giving the Bronx Bombers a legit one-through-nine lineup as the Yankees return to Death Star status .
Worst-case scenario : Injuries once again derail another season , leaving the Yankees still searching for their first championship in over a decade .
2 .
Tampa Bay Rays Last year : 96-66 ( 2nd place ) , lost to Houston Astros in ALDS , 3-2 Key newcomers : 1B Yoshitomo Tsutsugo , DH José Martínez , OF Manuel Margot , OF Hunter Renfroe , C Mike Zunino @ @ @ @ @ @ @ RP Emilio Pagan , C Travis d ’ Arnaud , OF Avisaíl García , 3B Matt Duffy , RP José De León Best-case scenario : SPs Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow stay healthy , Tsutsugo , Nate Lowe and Yandy Díaz break out to complement All-Star OF Austin Meadows , Nick Anderson emerges as the top closer in the league , and the Rays make the ALCS for the first time since 2008 .
Worst-case scenario : The Rays ’ collection of good-but-not-great hitting proves detrimental , the pitching staff regresses and they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Red Sox Last year : 84-78 ( 3rd place ) Key newcomers : OF Alex Verdugo , SS Jeter Downs , SP Martín Pérez , RP Austin Brice , C Kevin Plawecki Key losses : OF Mookie Betts , SP David Price , SP Rick Porcello , IF Brock Holt , C Sandy León , SP Chris Sale ( elbow surgery ) , SP Collin McHugh ( elbow injury ) Best-case scenario : Xander Bogartes , Rafael Devers and J.D .
Martinez continue to mash , Andrew Benintendi and Jackie Bradley Jr. have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make up for the loss of Betts , willing Boston into wild-card contention .
Worst-case scenario : The loss of Betts and SPs Sale ( to injury ) , Price and Porcello is too much to remain competitive in an already top-heavy AL East and Boston ’ s championship window slams shut .
• Is this safe ?
As San Francisco Giants hit the road , MLB faces daunting challenges • The next Sean Doolittle ?
A ’ s impressed with former position player turned hard-throwing reliever • A ’ s vs. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feels like to watch a live baseball game in an empty stadium • Takeaways from the A ’ s loss to the Giants : Why is the offense cold ?
Who is the Opening Day second baseman ?
4 .
Toronto Blue Jays Last year : 67-95 ( 4th place ) Key newcomers : SP Hyun-Jin Ryu , SP Tanner Roark , SP Chase Anderson , IF Travis Shaw , SP Shun Yamaguchi , RP Anthony Bass Key losses : 1B Justin Smoak , SP Clay Buchholz , RP Ryan Dull Best-case scenario @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bo Bichette , Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Cavan Biggio emerge as budding stars and the Blue Jays make some noise as a budding , scrappy young team .
Worst-case scenario : The Jays ’ young bats experience the sophomore slump and free agent signee Ryu can ’ t stay healthy .
5 .
Baltimore Orioles Last year : 54-108 ( 5th place ) Key newcomers : SS José Iglesias , RP Kohl Stewart , RP Wade LeBlanc Key losses : IF Jonathan Villar , SP Dylan Bundy , OF Mark Trumbo , OF @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SS Richie Martin ( wrist surgery ) , SP Ty Blach ( elbow surgery ) Best-case scenario : Renato Nunez and Anthony Santander show last year ’ s power breakout was no fluke and the O ’ s find a spot for rookie Ryan Mountcastle ’ s bat .
Worst-case scenario : Baltimore ’ s pitching staff somehow gives up more home runs at a higher rate than last season ( nearly two per game ) and no young players emerge to complement 2019 first-round pick Adley Rutschman down the line .

Major League Baseball is back this weekend amid the coronavirus pandemic. For those wondering where we left off when spring training was paused in mid-March, here are our predicted American League standings.
The Houston Astros became arguably the most hated team in league history this offseason after being outed for sign stealing, but they still have enough talent to contend for a title.
The Yankees reclaimed full Death Star Status by swiping Gerrit Cole from Houston.
In Anaheim, the Angels signed Anthony Rendon to pair with Mike Trout, and Shohei Ohtani could return to the rotation and fulfill his two-way superstar potential.
The White Sox and Twins loaded up while Oakland and Cleveland boast intriguing mixes of talent.
Here are our predicted results for the 60-game season:
AL West
1. Houston Astros
Last year: 107-55 (1st place), lost to Washington Nationals in World Series, 4-3
Key newcomers: RHP Austin Pruitt, C Dustin Garneau
Key losses: SP Gerrit Cole, RP Will Harris, C Robinson Chirinos, OF Jake Marisnick, SP Aaron Sanchez, SP Wade Miley, RP Joe Smith (opted out), RP Francis Martes (suspended)
Best-case scenario: The Astros continue to chug along despite their new role as baseball’s villains and contend for their second World Series title in four years.
Worst-case scenario: Houston crumbles amidst the pressure, Justin Verlander and Zack Greinke begin to show their age and they’re an early exit in the playoffs.
2. ATHLETICS
Last year: 97-65 (2nd place), lost to Tampa Bay Rays in AL Wild Card Game
Key newcomers: OF Tony Kemp, C Austin Allen
Key losses: SP Brett Anderson, SP Homer Bailey, 2B Jurickson Profar, SP Tanner Roark, RP Blake Treinen, RP Ryan Buchter, C Josh Phegley
Best-case scenario: Jesus Luzardo delivers as advertised and helps solidify Oakland’s rotation, Marcus Semien, Matt Chapman, Matt Olson and Ramon Laureano continue playing like budding stars and the A’s finally win the AL wild-card game.
Worst-case scenario: Oakland’s lack of established pitching comes back to bite and they miss the playoffs altogether.
3. Los Angeles Angels
Last year: 72-90 (4th place)
Key newcomers: 3B Anthony Rendon, SP Dylan Bundy, SP Julio Teheran, SP/RP Matt Andriese, C Jason Castro
Key losses: 1B Justin Bour, OF Kole Calhoun, SP Trevor Cahill, C Kevan Smith
Best-case scenario: Mike Trout and Rendon do superstar things, Andrelton Simmons and Shohei Ohtani return to form and the Angels get just enough out of their starting rotation to make the AL Wild Card Game.
Worst-case scenario: Trout misses most of the season (his wife is expecting their first child and it is possible he won’t return once the baby arrives), the Angels don’t get enough out of their rotation, Ohtani fails to re-discover his pre-injury form, Rendon struggles to adapt to American League pitching and the Angels miss the playoffs.
4. Texas Rangers
Last year: 78-84 (3rd place)
Key newcomers: SP Corey Kluber, SP Kyle Gibson, SP Jordan Lyles, RP Joely Rodríguez, C Robinson Chirinos, 3B Todd Frazier
Key losses: IF Logan Forsythe, OF Nomar Mazara, OF Hunter Pence, RP Emmanuel Chase
Best-case scenario: Kluber, Gibson and Lyles give Texas a legitimate one-through-five rotation, Danny Santana duplicates his breakout 2019 and the Rangers field a competitive team that flirts with a wild-card spot.
Worst-case scenario: Texas’ offense sputters due to a lack of established hitting and the Rangers open up Globe Life Field with an uncompetitive team.
5. Seattle Mariners
Last year: 68-84 (5th place)
Key newcomers: SP Kendall Graveman, RP Yoshihisa Hirano, RP Carl Edwards Jr.
Key losses: SP Félix Hernández, C Omar Narváez, RP Wade LeBlanc, OF Domingo Santana, OF Tim Beckham, OF Keon Broxton
Best-case scenario: Kyle Lewis and Jake Fraley help make up for the absence of injured All-Star OF Mitch Hanniger. Justin Dunn, Justus Sheffield and other young pitchers put together encouraging seasons..
Worst-case scenario: Seattle’s youth struggles to develop and the team slogs through another uncompetitive season.
AL Central
1. Minnesota Twins
Last year: 101-61 (1st place), lost to New York Yankees in ALDS, 3-0
Key newcomers: 3B Josh Donaldson, SP Kenta Maeda, C Alex Avila, SP Homer Bailey, SP Rich Hill, RP Sergio Romo, RP Tyler Clippard
Key losses: C Jason Castro, 1B CJ Cron, 2B Jonathan Schoop, SP Kyle Gibson, SP Martín Pérez, RP Trevor Hildenberger
Best-case scenario: The Bomba Squad, now including Donaldson, continues to hit bombs. Maeda, Hill and Bailey steady the rotation, and the Twins prove worthy of hanging with the American League’s big dogs.
Worst-case scenario: Minnesota’s home run-centric offense falters in the postseason and the Twins end the season still searching for their first postseason victory since 2004.
2. Cleveland Indians
Last year: 93-69 (2nd place)
Key newcomers: 2B César Hernández, OF Delino DeShields, C Sandy León
Key losses: SP Corey Kluber, 2B Jason Kipnis, OF Yasiel Puig, RP Tyler Clippard, RP Emmanuel Chase (suspension)
Best-case scenario: José Ramírez and Francisco Lindor play like super-duper stars and carry an otherwise average offense, and the pitching staff is productive enough for Cleveland to reclaim the division title.
Worst-case scenario: Cleveland’s lack of offensive weapons and starting rotation depth are too much to overcome, the Indians miss the playoffs and Lindor gets traded.
3. Chicago White Sox
Last year: 72-89 (3rd place)
Key newcomers: C Yasmani Grandal, SP Dallas Keuchel, DH Edwin Encarnación, SP Gio Gonzalez, OF Nomar Mazara, RP Steve Cishek
Key losses: C Welington Castillo, SP Iván Nova, RP Hector Santiago, 2B Yolmer Sanchez, SP Michael Kopech (opted out)
Best-case scenario: Grandal, Keuchel and Encarnación provide a huge boost to Chicago’s existing core, Luis Robert, MLB Pipeline’s No. 3 prospect, looks the part of a future superstar and the White Sox give the Twins and Indians a run for their money.
Worst-case scenario: The splashy free agents aren’t enough to compete this season and the Sox miss the playoffs, remaining a year away from legitimate contention.
4. Kansas City Royals
Last year: 59-103 (4th place)
Key newcomers: RP Greg Holland, 3B Maikel Franco
Key losses: IF Cheslor Cuthbert, RP Brad Boxberger
Best-case scenario: Adalberto Mondesi has his breakout season and Salvador Perez doesn’t miss a beat after missing last season and the Royals establish a sneakily good lineup while Jakob Junis and Brad Keller emerge as legitimate starters, giving Kansas City some pieces going forward.
Worst-case scenario: Jorge Soler, Whit Merrifield and Hunter Dozier regress and Perez can’t return to pre-injury form as the Royals struggle to stay out of the Central cellar.
5. Detroit Tigers
Last year: 47-114 (5th place)
Key newcomers: 1B C.J. Cron, 2B Jonathan Schoop, C Austin Romine, SP Ivan Nova, OF Cameron Maybin
Key losses: SP Edwin Jackson, SP Matt Moore, SP Tyson Ross, RP Victor Alcántara
Best-case scenario: Matthew Boyd, Victor Reyes and Niko Goodrum help begin to establish a foundation before first-round pick Spencer Torkelson fast tracks his way to the Motor City.Veterans play well enough to generate buzz at the trade deadline and they’re flipped for prospects.
Worst-case scenario: Detroit’s young cubs don’t show growth and rebuilding project continues to founder.
AL East
1. New York Yankees
Last year: 103-59 (1st place), lost to Houston Astros in ALCS, 4-3
Key newcomer: SP Gerrit Cole
Key losses: DH Edwin Encarnación, SP CC Sabathia, RP Dellin Betances, SS Didi Gregorius, C Austin Romine, SP Luis Severino (elbow surgery), SP Domingo German (suspension)
Best-case scenario: Cole continues to pitch at a Cy Young level while Miguel Andjuar and Giancarlo Stanton return to full health, giving the Bronx Bombers a legit one-through-nine lineup as the Yankees return to Death Star status.
Worst-case scenario: Injuries once again derail another season, leaving the Yankees still searching for their first championship in over a decade.
2. Tampa Bay Rays
Last year: 96-66 (2nd place), lost to Houston Astros in ALDS, 3-2
Key newcomers: 1B Yoshitomo Tsutsugo, DH José Martínez, OF Manuel Margot, OF Hunter Renfroe, C Mike Zunino
Key losses: OF Tommy Pham, RP Emilio Pagan, C Travis d’Arnaud, OF Avisaíl García, 3B Matt Duffy, RP José De León
Best-case scenario: SPs Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow stay healthy, Tsutsugo, Nate Lowe and Yandy Díaz break out to complement All-Star OF Austin Meadows, Nick Anderson emerges as the top closer in the league,and the Rays make the ALCS for the first time since 2008.
Worst-case scenario: The Rays’ collection of good-but-not-great hitting proves detrimental, the pitching staff regresses and they miss the playoffs.
3. Boston Red Sox
Last year: 84-78 (3rd place)
Key newcomers: OF Alex Verdugo, SS Jeter Downs, SP Martín Pérez, RP Austin Brice, C Kevin Plawecki
Key losses: OF Mookie Betts, SP David Price, SP Rick Porcello, IF Brock Holt, C Sandy León, SP Chris Sale (elbow surgery), SP Collin McHugh (elbow injury)
Best-case scenario: Xander Bogartes, Rafael Devers and J.D. Martinez continue to mash, Andrew Benintendi and Jackie Bradley Jr. have career years and the offense provides fireworks to make up for the loss of Betts, willing Boston into wild-card contention.
Worst-case scenario: The loss of Betts and SPs Sale (to injury), Price and Porcello is too much to remain competitive in an already top-heavy AL East and Boston’s championship window slams shut.
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Last year: 67-95 (4th place)
Key newcomers: SP Hyun-Jin Ryu, SP Tanner Roark, SP Chase Anderson, IF Travis Shaw, SP Shun Yamaguchi, RP Anthony Bass
Key losses: 1B Justin Smoak, SP Clay Buchholz, RP Ryan Dull
Best-case scenario: Toronto’s young core of Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Cavan Biggio emerge as budding stars and the Blue Jays make some noise as a budding, scrappy young team.
Worst-case scenario: The Jays’ young bats experience the sophomore slump and free agent signee Ryu can’t stay healthy.
5. Baltimore Orioles
Last year: 54-108 (5th place)
Key newcomers: SS José Iglesias, RP Kohl Stewart, RP Wade LeBlanc
Key losses: IF Jonathan Villar, SP Dylan Bundy, OF Mark Trumbo, OF Trey Mancini (cancer surgery), SS Richie Martin (wrist surgery), SP Ty Blach (elbow surgery)
Best-case scenario: Renato Nunez and Anthony Santander show last year’s power breakout was no fluke and the O’s find a spot for rookie Ryan Mountcastle’s bat.
Worst-case scenario: Baltimore’s pitching staff somehow gives up more home runs at a higher rate than last season (nearly two per game) and no young players emerge to complement 2019 first-round pick Adley Rutschman down the line.


mercurynews--2020-07-23--Marin County man arrested for alleged racial slur

A Novato man was arraigned on a hate crime charge for allegedly using a racial slur against a neighbor .
Christopher Robert Grunebach , 36 , was also charged with battery against the neighbor .
Grunebach pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor charges .
Grunebach is no longer in custody .
The next court hearing is set for Jan. 19 .
In a phone interview Wednesday , Grunebach denied using the slur his Black neighbor alleges .
“ I never said that to him and I would never say that , ” he said .
“ I ’ m not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ half Cuban .
The guy ’ s been harassing me for years here.
” The accuser reported the allegations to the Novato Police Department on Friday .
He told police the incident happened at about 9 p.m. the prior day , said Lt. Christopher Jacob .
The accuser and Grunebach live at a complex in the 1500 block of Center Road .
The accuser said Grunebach used the slur and pushed him as they took an elevator to the parking garage .
Police booked Grunebach at the county jail on suspicion of battery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warrants .
The warrants involved misdemeanor counts of drug possession and driving without a license .
The Marin County District Attorney ’ s Office filed charges on Monday .
Grunebach was arraigned Tuesday .
His case has been assigned to a public defender .
“ This investigation is ongoing , ” Jacob said .
“ Evidence is being collected and we are interviewing additional witnesses .
Anyone who witnessed this incident is encouraged to contact the Novato Police Department.
” Grunebach said he has lived at the complex for about 20 years and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said the neighbor has a history of conflicts with other residents and the allegations are “ basically a setup.
” “ He had his cellphone in my face , ” Grunebach said .
“ I was trying to move my stuff out of my house … and he was blocking the elevator and pushing all the floor-level buttons.
” Grunebach said the neighbor impeded him as he tried to roll his belongings off the elevator .
He said the neighbor “ just about nudged me ” with the cellphone camera .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
“ I pushed him away from me and told him to not touch me.
” • California State University students required to take ethnic studies course • NFL owner and UK ambassador sparks watchdog inquiry over allegations of racist and sexist remarks and push to promote Trump business The text of the civil rights charge , Section 422.6 ( a ) , says : “ No person , whether or not acting under color of law , shall by force or threat of force , willfully injure , intimidate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any other person in the free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege secured to him or her by the Constitution or laws of this state or by the Constitution or laws of the United States in whole or in part because of one or more of the actual or perceived characteristics of the victim.
” The characteristics under the hate crime law include disability , gender , nationality , race or ethnicity , religion and sexual orientation .

A Novato man was arraigned on a hate crime charge for allegedly using a racial slur against a neighbor.
Christopher Robert Grunebach, 36, was also charged with battery against the neighbor. Grunebach pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor charges.
Grunebach is no longer in custody. The next court hearing is set for Jan. 19.
In a phone interview Wednesday, Grunebach denied using the slur his Black neighbor alleges.
“I never said that to him and I would never say that,” he said. “I’m not at all racist. I’m half Cuban. The guy’s been harassing me for years here.”
The accuser reported the allegations to the Novato Police Department on Friday. He told police the incident happened at about 9 p.m. the prior day, said Lt. Christopher Jacob.
The accuser and Grunebach live at a complex in the 1500 block of Center Road. The accuser said Grunebach used the slur and pushed him as they took an elevator to the parking garage.
Police booked Grunebach at the county jail on suspicion of battery, a civil rights violation and outstanding warrants. The warrants involved misdemeanor counts of drug possession and driving without a license.
The Marin County District Attorney’s Office filed charges on Monday. Grunebach was arraigned Tuesday. His case has been assigned to a public defender.
“This investigation is ongoing,” Jacob said. “Evidence is being collected and we are interviewing additional witnesses. Anyone who witnessed this incident is encouraged to contact the Novato Police Department.”
Grunebach said he has lived at the complex for about 20 years and the accuser has been there about six. He said the neighbor has a history of conflicts with other residents and the allegations are “basically a setup.”
“He had his cellphone in my face,” Grunebach said. “I was trying to move my stuff out of my house … and he was blocking the elevator and pushing all the floor-level buttons.”
Grunebach said the neighbor impeded him as he tried to roll his belongings off the elevator. He said the neighbor “just about nudged me” with the cellphone camera.
“I almost lost balance,” he said. “I pushed him away from me and told him to not touch me.”
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Hair relaxers have been linked to cancer among Black women, litigation says. ‘Nobody cares except us.’ Crime and Public Safety | Contra Costa DA attempts to block publicization of new racist texts by Antioch cops The text of the civil rights charge, Section 422.6 (a), says: “No person, whether or not acting under color of law, shall by force or threat of force, willfully injure, intimidate, interfere with, oppress, or threaten any other person in the free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege secured to him or her by the Constitution or laws of this state or by the Constitution or laws of the United States in whole or in part because of one or more of the actual or perceived characteristics of the victim.”
The characteristics under the hate crime law include disability, gender, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation.


mercurynews--2020-07-23--US Sailing teammates training on 49ers in Santa Cruz

The pursuit of Olympic gold has brought several members of the U.S .
Sailing team to Santa Cruz .
49er class teammates Nevin Snow of San Diego and Dane Wilson of Ojai , as well as Ian Barrows of St. Thomas , U.S. Virgin Islands , have been joined by Hans Henken of Coronado ; and Harry Melges IV and Finn Rowe , both of Lake Geneva , Wisconsin , in their sailing locally .
The six sailors have spent the past two weeks in the Monterey Bay training .
They ’ ll remain in town through Friday , tearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each day to increase their strength , cardio and chemistry .
The 49ers can reach a speed of 20 knots , roughly 24 mph , which is blazing on the water .
“ It ’ s amazing , ” said Greg Haws , club manager for Santa Cruz Yacht Club .
“ I ’ ve seen them from the deck of the club , whizzing on by .
And they ’ re the nicest guys you ’ d ever want to meet.
” Though the U.S. doesn ’ t currently have a 2021 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first nation in line to receive a forfeited one from another country .
Should that situation arise , Snow and Wilson will be the U.S. representatives thanks to their finish at the 2020 and 2019 World Championships .
“ The wind and waves are similar to what we ’ re hoping to expect in Tokyo , ” Snow said of choosing Santa Cruz as a training destination .
Once local sailor Morgan Larson and Haws lent a helping hand to help secure a place for the sailors to stay , the 49er teammates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in tow .
( The 49er masts collapse and the 13- to 14-foot dinghies can be easily stacked on a trailer . )
The 49er is a two-handed , skiff-type , high-performance sailing dinghy .
Both of the crew are equipped with their own trapeze and sailing is done while cantilevered over the water to the fullest extent to balance against the sails .
“ They like to tip over , so we ’ ve had our hands full , ” Snow said .
He and his teammates have been looking for challenging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve found them most afternoons in Santa Cruz , a mile or two offshore .
• Mark Schubert threatens lawsuit after San Jose attorney , survivors ask USA Swimming to ban him , seven others • Lawyer of sex abuse victims calls on USA Swimming to purge its ranks Olympic sailing events will be held south of Tokyo in the city of Enoshima , the same sailing venue utilized during the 1964 Summer Games .
“ This is going to help us in a big way , ” Snow said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ d be able to kickstart our training with COVID and all .
It ’ s kinda just launching.
” And they ’ ve been tested often .
Enough so that Snow said he wants to return to the area for training .
“ Sailing downwind is the most difficult , ” he added , noting it ’ s easier to pitchpole and capsize .
“ We had some good wipeouts .
But in a big international race , now we ’ ll be more confident to send it downwind with the best @ @ @ @ @ @

The pursuit of Olympic gold has brought several members of the U.S. Sailing team to Santa Cruz.
49er class teammates Nevin Snow of San Diego and Dane Wilson of Ojai, as well as Ian Barrows of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, have been joined by Hans Henken of Coronado; and Harry Melges IV and Finn Rowe, both of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, in their sailing locally.
The six sailors have spent the past two weeks in the Monterey Bay training. They’ll remain in town through Friday, tearing through the water 3 to 4 hours each day to increase their strength, cardio and chemistry.
The 49ers can reach a speed of 20 knots, roughly 24 mph, which is blazing on the water.
“It’s amazing,” said Greg Haws, club manager for Santa Cruz Yacht Club. “I’ve seen them from the deck of the club, whizzing on by. And they’re the nicest guys you’d ever want to meet.”
Though the U.S. doesn’t currently have a 2021 Tokyo Olympics berth, it is the first nation in line to receive a forfeited one from another country. Should that situation arise, Snow and Wilson will be the U.S. representatives thanks to their finish at the 2020 and 2019 World Championships.
“The wind and waves are similar to what we’re hoping to expect in Tokyo,” Snow said of choosing Santa Cruz as a training destination.
Once local sailor Morgan Larson and Haws lent a helping hand to help secure a place for the sailors to stay, the 49er teammates hopped on the road with their vessels in tow. (The 49er masts collapse and the 13- to 14-foot dinghies can be easily stacked on a trailer.)
The 49er is a two-handed, skiff-type, high-performance sailing dinghy. Both of the crew are equipped with their own trapeze and sailing is done while cantilevered over the water to the fullest extent to balance against the sails.
“They like to tip over, so we’ve had our hands full,” Snow said.
He and his teammates have been looking for challenging combinations of wind and surf and they’ve found them most afternoons in Santa Cruz, a mile or two offshore.
Olympic sailing events will be held south of Tokyo in the city of Enoshima, the same sailing venue utilized during the 1964 Summer Games.
“This is going to help us in a big way,” Snow said. “We weren’t sure when we’d be able to kickstart our training with COVID and all. It’s kinda just launching.”
And they’ve been tested often. Enough so that Snow said he wants to return to the area for training.
“Sailing downwind is the most difficult,” he added, noting it’s easier to pitchpole and capsize. “We had some good wipeouts. But in a big international race, now we’ll be more confident to send it downwind with the best guys in the world.”


mercurynews--2020-07-23--Face of downtown Santa Cruz changing as retailers, restaurants permanently close

SANTA CRUZ — The face of downtown Santa Cruz is changing , likely forever , as the economic impacts of COVID-19 rage on .
Since shelter-in-place restrictions began in mid-March , more than a dozen downtown stores have permanently closed .
Shuttered retailers and restaurants include the Salvation Army Thrift Store , O ’ My Sole , the downtown Pono Hawaiian Grill , Leah ’ s Magical Pieces , Agile Monkey , A Brighter World , Nourish , a Walgreens , a Starbucks and 99 Bottles , according to a list compiled by the Downtown Santa Cruz Association .
Other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Judi Wyant , closed their storefronts and moved their businesses entirely online .
And last week , the storied Poet and Patriot Irish Pub joined the list of permanent closures .
The pub , which opened its doors on Cedar Street in 1982 , had been temporarily closed since mid-March .
On July 11 , pub owners announced the closure , after 38 years in business , is now permanent .
“ Recently , we realized that even with the new regulations , or restrictions , we were not going to be able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the staff or anything like that — for quite a while and it seems to be almost endless at this point , ” said co-owner Tim McCormick , who help found the pub with its original owner , the late Chris Matthews .
“ We just can ’ t afford to pay rent and continue on.
” Those closures are only a partial list , even limited to downtown Santa Cruz .
The list excludes less visible businesses that rent office space above storefronts , according to Abra Allan , interim director of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Whether that be a chiropractor , a body worker or an accountant , those things are only slowly starting to trickle in and we don ’ t have as strong of a sense of yet — mostly because we can see when a business closes on the ground floor , ” Allan said .
At least some additional downtown businesses have indicated they don ’ t plan to renew their leases , Alan said .
The names of those retailers have not yet been made public , however .
“ I think businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t have the capital to hold on indefinitely , and they don ’ t know when that endpoint will be , ” Allan said , explaining the pandemic has hit retailers who were already losing business to online shopping especially hard .
“ I think it really is that uncertainty that ’ s really pushing businesses to evaluate whether or not this is going to make sense for them.
” Without significant support from the city government , nonprofits and business groups , the situation would almost certainly be more dire still .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ were closed to traffic early in June to allow restaurants to seat diners at safe distances outdoors .
Other steps taken by the city government include a microloan program , an ongoing eviction moratorium that also protects commercial tenants , and a 15 % cap on delivery commissions to prevent price gouging .
In another significant push , business groups and nonprofits banded together with local governments , companies and volunteers to create the Ride Out the Wave campaign — an online platform that leveraged matching funds to generate more than $ 432,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local businesses over 45 days .
The campaign was spearheaded by tech-business nonprofit Santa Cruz Works , which identified a shared concern that shelter-in-place restrictions threatened to permanently close many beloved local stores and restaurants .
“ It ’ s hard to imagine a Santa Cruz without that favorite business , and that ’ s kind of how it all came about , ” said Santa Cruz Works CEO Doug Erickson .
The joint effort made a big enough splash to earn the recognition of California Treasurer Fiona Ma , who called it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While matching funds have dried up , the portal remains an active one-stop shop for local gift card purchases at rideoutthewave.org .
Local businesses have also secured significant support through the federal Paycheck Protection Program .
Verve Coffee Roasters , whose storefronts include a prominent Pacific Avenue cafe , was among the biggest recipients in Santa Cruz County — receiving a loan in the range of $ 2-5 million to help protect the jobs of about 200 employees , according to federal disclosures .
Businesses that received loans less than $ 150,000 weren @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Poet and Patriot did not apply for a federal loan because it wouldn ’ t have been able to meet payroll even with the funds , according to McCormick .
Employee retention is among the federal program ’ s requirements for loan forgiveness .
McCormick said the pub was struggling with overhead and permitting costs even before the pandemic .
But despite the varied avenues of support , Allan predicted more closures are coming to downtown as COVID-19 cases continue to surge to record levels in Santa Cruz County and across the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but I will tell you that there will definitely be another wave of closures coming as we see these lease agreements come up for different properties , ” Allan said .
Where downtown Santa Cruz will be left once the cloud of the pandemic eventually passes remains to be seen .
“ I just would hope that when this is all cleared and we can socialize again that there is some place that people can call their home , their living room if you will — that it ’ s a place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whatever , all in the same place , ” said McCormick , reflecting on the Irish pub ’ s legacy as a welcoming gathering place for an eclectic mix of people .
“ That ’ s what I hope continues on somewhere.
” • Santa Clara County ordered salons closed in March .
This San Jose salon never shut down • As the sole county open for business , San Mateo County braces for possible new restrictions • Many out of work Californians still waiting for unemployment benefits One silver lining Allan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ downtown Santa Cruz could be improved — making better use of its sidewalk and street space for cyclists and pedestrians , perhaps , or breaking up larger storefronts to allow more small and more diverse retailers to open their doors .
Many downtown businesses forced to close during initial shelter-in-place restrictions have since reopened , at least in some capacity .
The Downtown Association is also tracking those open stores downtownsantacruz.com/shopdowntown .
“ It ’ s inevitable that there will be some fundamental change to downtown , ” Allan said .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like .
I don ’ t see that being a ghost town — I don ’ t see that at all .
Our downtown has come back from so many things , and I know that will happen again .
Because , what I will say about our downtown business owners , who I work with daily , these people know how to hustle .
They are passionate , and they will fight , and they will figure it out .
”

SANTA CRUZ — The face of downtown Santa Cruz is changing, likely forever, as the economic impacts of COVID-19 rage on.
Since shelter-in-place restrictions began in mid-March, more than a dozen downtown stores have permanently closed.
Shuttered retailers and restaurants include the Salvation Army Thrift Store, O’ My Sole, the downtown Pono Hawaiian Grill, Leah’s Magical Pieces, Agile Monkey, A Brighter World, Nourish, a Walgreens, a Starbucks and 99 Bottles, according to a list compiled by the Downtown Santa Cruz Association. Other businesses, such as Leom Designs and Judi Wyant, closed their storefronts and moved their businesses entirely online.
And last week, the storied Poet and Patriot Irish Pub joined the list of permanent closures.
The pub, which opened its doors on Cedar Street in 1982, had been temporarily closed since mid-March. On July 11, pub owners announced the closure, after 38 years in business, is now permanent.
“Recently, we realized that even with the new regulations, or restrictions, we were not going to be able to operate — you know, all the staff or anything like that — for quite a while and it seems to be almost endless at this point,” said co-owner Tim McCormick, who help found the pub with its original owner, the late Chris Matthews. “We just can’t afford to pay rent and continue on.”
Those closures are only a partial list, even limited to downtown Santa Cruz. The list excludes less visible businesses that rent office space above storefronts, according to Abra Allan, interim director of the Downtown Santa Cruz Association.
“Whether that be a chiropractor, a body worker or an accountant, those things are only slowly starting to trickle in and we don’t have as strong of a sense of yet — mostly because we can see when a business closes on the ground floor,” Allan said.
At least some additional downtown businesses have indicated they don’t plan to renew their leases, Alan said. The names of those retailers have not yet been made public, however.
“I think businesses are just feeling that they don’t have the capital to hold on indefinitely, and they don’t know when that endpoint will be,” Allan said, explaining the pandemic has hit retailers who were already losing business to online shopping especially hard. “I think it really is that uncertainty that’s really pushing businesses to evaluate whether or not this is going to make sense for them.”
Without significant support from the city government, nonprofits and business groups, the situation would almost certainly be more dire still.
Parts of Pacific Avenue and Cathcart Street were closed to traffic early in June to allow restaurants to seat diners at safe distances outdoors. Other steps taken by the city government include a microloan program, an ongoing eviction moratorium that also protects commercial tenants, and a 15% cap on delivery commissions to prevent price gouging.
In another significant push, business groups and nonprofits banded together with local governments, companies and volunteers to create the Ride Out the Wave campaign — an online platform that leveraged matching funds to generate more than $432,000 in gift card purchases in support of local businesses over 45 days.
The campaign was spearheaded by tech-business nonprofit Santa Cruz Works, which identified a shared concern that shelter-in-place restrictions threatened to permanently close many beloved local stores and restaurants.
“It’s hard to imagine a Santa Cruz without that favorite business, and that’s kind of how it all came about,” said Santa Cruz Works CEO Doug Erickson.
The joint effort made a big enough splash to earn the recognition of California Treasurer Fiona Ma, who called it a potential blueprint for other cities. While matching funds have dried up, the portal remains an active one-stop shop for local gift card purchases at rideoutthewave.org.
Local businesses have also secured significant support through the federal Paycheck Protection Program.
Verve Coffee Roasters, whose storefronts include a prominent Pacific Avenue cafe, was among the biggest recipients in Santa Cruz County — receiving a loan in the range of $2-5 million to help protect the jobs of about 200 employees, according to federal disclosures. Businesses that received loans less than $150,000 weren’t disclosed by name.
The Poet and Patriot did not apply for a federal loan because it wouldn’t have been able to meet payroll even with the funds, according to McCormick. Employee retention is among the federal program’s requirements for loan forgiveness. McCormick said the pub was struggling with overhead and permitting costs even before the pandemic.
But despite the varied avenues of support, Allan predicted more closures are coming to downtown as COVID-19 cases continue to surge to record levels in Santa Cruz County and across the state.
“Only time will really tell, but I will tell you that there will definitely be another wave of closures coming as we see these lease agreements come up for different properties,” Allan said.
Where downtown Santa Cruz will be left once the cloud of the pandemic eventually passes remains to be seen.
“I just would hope that when this is all cleared and we can socialize again that there is some place that people can call their home, their living room if you will — that it’s a place to have weddings, funerals, wakes, whatever, all in the same place,” said McCormick, reflecting on the Irish pub’s legacy as a welcoming gathering place for an eclectic mix of people. “That’s what I hope continues on somewhere.”
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Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Economy | Letters: Secret deals | A difficult job | ALS research One silver lining Allan sees is the chance to reevaluate how downtown Santa Cruz could be improved — making better use of its sidewalk and street space for cyclists and pedestrians, perhaps, or breaking up larger storefronts to allow more small and more diverse retailers to open their doors.
Many downtown businesses forced to close during initial shelter-in-place restrictions have since reopened, at least in some capacity. The Downtown Association is also tracking those open stores downtownsantacruz.com/shopdowntown.
“It’s inevitable that there will be some fundamental change to downtown,” Allan said. “I don’t know what that looks like. I don’t see that being a ghost town — I don’t see that at all. Our downtown has come back from so many things, and I know that will happen again. Because, what I will say about our downtown business owners, who I work with daily, these people know how to hustle. They are passionate, and they will fight, and they will figure it out.”


mercurynews--2020-07-23--California State University students required to take ethnic studies course

The Board of Trustees for the California State University approved on Wednesday by a wide margin the first major change to the university system ’ s general education requirements in 40 years by adding an ethnic studies and social justice course .
The action , which passed the board 13-to-5 in a vote by teleconference Wednesday , became a hot button issue in light of the protests that swept the nation and the region in recent months following the police killing George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25 .
The state legislature is poised to send Assembly Bill 1460 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would impose a similar requirement , though the state bill has the support of the California Faculty Association .
The CSU proposal that passed on Wednesday , while it has been in discussion for six years , was an attempt to head off the governor ’ s signature on AB 1460 and prevent the legislature from dictating higher education curriculum , supporters said .
“ If we wait until our next board meeting to continue that conversation and vote our measure up it means the governor has to make a decision before he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him , ” said Chancellor Timothy White .
Board chair Lillian Kimbell made similar comments a day earlier during passage of the requirement in the Educational Policy Committee .
“ We may absolutely agree with what the proposal is but it should come from the CSU , ” Kimbell said .
“ What if in 10 years we have a different legislature who says we have to teach creationism ?
I just think that is extremely dangerous.
” Among those who opposed the motion Wednesday was State Superintendent Tony Thurmond , a voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he supported taking more time and waiting for the outcome of the legislative bill .
“ I ’ m so grateful we ’ re talking about ethnic studies at this time , ” Thurmond said .
“ Our country needs healing as it relates to racial justice.
” Board member Lateefah Simon said she received numerous emails from professors of ethnic studies who opposed the CSU proposal .
“ Without the deep support of the ethnic studies community , ” Simon said , it ’ s not in my conscious at this moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rebecca Eisen said she received many correspondence from people praising the board for its actions .
No other university system had gone farther , she said .
Key objections to the CSU requirement revolved around the fact it did not mandate specifically that students take an ethnic studies course .
They could fulfill the credits with a course in social justice , said Board Member Silas Abrego , who proposed a motion to wait that was defeated .
“ I find it difficult to advance this proposal without the support and consultation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Abrego said .
“ I don ’ t have any hesitations supporting the proposal if we were to delete the name ethnic studies.
” Another motion to delete wording in the requirement of ethnic studies , leaving in social justice , was also defeated before the trustees ultimately took their vote .

The Board of Trustees for the California State University approved on Wednesday by a wide margin the first major change to the university system’s general education requirements in 40 years by adding an ethnic studies and social justice course.
The action, which passed the board 13-to-5 in a vote by teleconference Wednesday, became a hot button issue in light of the protests that swept the nation and the region in recent months following the police killing George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25.
The state legislature is poised to send Assembly Bill 1460 to the governor’s desk, which would impose a similar requirement, though the state bill has the support of the California Faculty Association.
The CSU proposal that passed on Wednesday, while it has been in discussion for six years, was an attempt to head off the governor’s signature on AB 1460 and prevent the legislature from dictating higher education curriculum, supporters said.
“If we wait until our next board meeting to continue that conversation and vote our measure up it means the governor has to make a decision before he has the CSU motion in front of him,” said Chancellor Timothy White.
Board chair Lillian Kimbell made similar comments a day earlier during passage of the requirement in the Educational Policy Committee.
“We may absolutely agree with what the proposal is but it should come from the CSU,” Kimbell said. “What if in 10 years we have a different legislature who says we have to teach creationism? I just think that is extremely dangerous.”
Among those who opposed the motion Wednesday was State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, a voting member of the board, who said he supported taking more time and waiting for the outcome of the legislative bill.
“I’m so grateful we’re talking about ethnic studies at this time,” Thurmond said. “Our country needs healing as it relates to racial justice.”
Board member Lateefah Simon said she received numerous emails from professors of ethnic studies who opposed the CSU proposal.
“Without the deep support of the ethnic studies community,” Simon said, it’s not in my conscious at this moment to support the proposal.”
Board member Rebecca Eisen said she received many correspondence from people praising the board for its actions. No other university system had gone farther, she said.
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4 ways restarting student loan payments could impact economy Education | Are they students or employees? Stanford joins surge in graduate student unions across the country Key objections to the CSU requirement revolved around the fact it did not mandate specifically that students take an ethnic studies course. They could fulfill the credits with a course in social justice, said Board Member Silas Abrego, who proposed a motion to wait that was defeated.
“I find it difficult to advance this proposal without the support and consultation of our content experts, ethnic studies faculty,” Abrego said. “I don’t have any hesitations supporting the proposal if we were to delete the name ethnic studies.”
Another motion to delete wording in the requirement of ethnic studies, leaving in social justice, was also defeated before the trustees ultimately took their vote.