mercurynews--2020-12-24--Ohio police chief wants officer who shot Black man fired

COLUMBUS , Ohio — The police chief of Columbus , Ohio , recommended on Thursday that the officer who shot and killed Andre Hill , a 47-year-old Black man , earlier this week be fired .
Police Chief Thomas Quinlan said in a statement that he filed two departmental charges alleging critical misconduct against officer Adam Coy in the death of Hill after an expedited investigation .
His recommendation for termination now goes to the city ’ s public safety director ; a hearing is scheduled for Monday .
Quinlan expressed heartbreak that Hill can not celebrate Christmas with his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might be making a rush to judgment .
“ Like all of you , I witnessed his critical misconduct firsthand via his body-worn camera , ” he said .
“ I have seen everything I need to see to reach the conclusion that Officer Coy must be terminated , immediately.
” Video showed Hill emerging from a garage and holding up a cellphone in his left hand seconds before he was fatally shot by an officer identified as Coy early Tuesday .
About six seconds pass between the time Hill is visible in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his weapon .
There is no audio because the officer hadn ’ t activated the body camera ; an automatic “ look back ” feature captured the shooting without audio .
Coy was notified of the charges against him Thursday , Quinlan said , which come in an investigation into his unreasonable use of deadly force , failure to activate his body camera and failure to help Hill after he was shot .
Emails to the police union representing Columbus officers weren ’ t immediately returned .
The firing recommendation came as public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area ’ s eight Democratic state lawmakers issued a statement calling the killing “ horrific , ” moreso for following so closely the shooting death of Casey Goodson Jr. , 23 , another Black man , at the hands of a Franklin County sheriff ’ s deputy Dec. 4 .
“ It is clear the seeds of mutual mistrust between this community and its police force have been sown , ” they said .
“ This mistrust does not stem merely from deaths of Casey Goodson and Andre Hill , it has just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There must be transparency and accountability for the loss of life , as well as a commitment to change.
” Demonstrators also gathered in a cold Christmas Eve drizzle to call for justice in Hill ’ s death .
Chants of “ Whose street ?
Our street !
” rang out from the small crowd that gathered near the home Hill was visiting when he was shot .
Some waved Black Lives Matter flags .
Quinlan said a investigation is being conducted into the other officers who responded to the nonemergency call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who he said also appear to have either failed to activate their body cameras or to render Hill aid .
He said any others who violated department protocols will be held accountable .
“ Andre Hill should be with his family this holiday , ” he said .
“ I ask this community to wrap their arms around his family , and join me in praying for their comfort .
”

Associated Press
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The police chief of Columbus, Ohio, recommended on Thursday that the officer who shot and killed Andre Hill, a 47-year-old Black man, earlier this week be fired.
Police Chief Thomas Quinlan said in a statement that he filed two departmental charges alleging critical misconduct against officer Adam Coy in the death of Hill after an expedited investigation. His recommendation for termination now goes to the city’s public safety director; a hearing is scheduled for Monday.
Quinlan expressed heartbreak that Hill cannot celebrate Christmas with his family and rejected any criticism that he might be making a rush to judgment.
[vemba-video id=”us/2020/12/24/columbus-ohio-police-fatally-shoot-unarmed-black-man-orig.cnn”]
Video: Bodycam video shows police officer fatally shoot unarmed Black man
“Like all of you, I witnessed his critical misconduct firsthand via his body-worn camera,” he said. “I have seen everything I need to see to reach the conclusion that Officer Coy must be terminated, immediately.”
Video showed Hill emerging from a garage and holding up a cellphone in his left hand seconds before he was fatally shot by an officer identified as Coy early Tuesday.
About six seconds pass between the time Hill is visible in the video and when the officer fires his weapon. There is no audio because the officer hadn’t activated the body camera; an automatic “look back” feature captured the shooting without audio.
Coy was notified of the charges against him Thursday, Quinlan said, which come in an investigation into his unreasonable use of deadly force, failure to activate his body camera and failure to help Hill after he was shot. Emails to the police union representing Columbus officers weren’t immediately returned.
The firing recommendation came as public pressure in the case mounted.
The area’s eight Democratic state lawmakers issued a statement calling the killing “horrific,” moreso for following so closely the shooting death of Casey Goodson Jr., 23, another Black man, at the hands of a Franklin County sheriff’s deputy Dec. 4.
“It is clear the seeds of mutual mistrust between this community and its police force have been sown,” they said. “This mistrust does not stem merely from deaths of Casey Goodson and Andre Hill, it has just grown wider with each incidence of violence. There must be transparency and accountability for the loss of life, as well as a commitment to change.”
Demonstrators also gathered in a cold Christmas Eve drizzle to call for justice in Hill’s death.
Chants of “Whose street? Our street!” rang out from the small crowd that gathered near the home Hill was visiting when he was shot. Some waved Black Lives Matter flags.
Quinlan said a investigation is being conducted into the other officers who responded to the nonemergency call that ended in Hill being shot, who he said also appear to have either failed to activate their body cameras or to render Hill aid. He said any others who violated department protocols will be held accountable.
“Andre Hill should be with his family this holiday,” he said. “I ask this community to wrap their arms around his family, and join me in praying for their comfort.”


mercurynews--2020-12-24--Hot chocolate bombs, a TikTok obsession, hit the Bay Area

Veronica Rengel of The Jereli ’ s Oven is deeply sorry if she has not yet responded to your order for hot chocolate bombs .
Orders have closed until Rengel can catch up on sleep .
The Concord mother of two , who works nights as a hospice pharmacy driver , is riding the hot cocoa wave that first exploded on TikTok in November .
In the past three weeks , she has made 3,000 of the edible , cocoa-filled spheres for people in Walnut Creek and Lamorinda who saw her colorful bombs on Facebook and just had to gift @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was running on coffee and prayers , ” says Rengel , an avid home baker who had help from her friend , Teresa Panameño .
“ The support from the moms in the area is what kept me going.
” You may not see them in your local bakery or chocolate shop , but virtual and cottage bakers began jumping on the trend after seeing more than 28.5 million videos tagged using the hashtag # hotchocolatebombs ( and another 13.2 million using # hotcocoabombs ) .
If you haven ’ t seen them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shells filled with cocoa powder and mini marshmallows , and they come in different flavors .
Placed in a mug and drenched in hot milk , the bombs explode as the chocolate dissolves and the marshmallows bob to the top .
Rengel ’ s golf ball-sized bombs ( $ 15 for 4 or $ 23 for $ 6 ) come in Oreo , strawberry , chocolate , peppermint and white chocolate flavors .
Rengel launched her small business back in September — Jereli ’ s is a mix of her sons ’ names @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of her cakes .
But after she saw the chocolate bombs on Jeremiah ’ s TikTok account , she tried making a half dozen and gifted them to her boss .
A few days later , her boss posted them on Facebook , tagging Rengel .
“ I was very insecure , ” Rengel recalls .
‘ What if people didn ’ t like them ?
” Then , the orders started rolling in .
Rengel ’ s husband , Luis , helped field hundreds of messages while Rengel made cocoa magic all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 a.m. Rengel is taking a few days off to rest and buy her boys Christmas presents , but she ’ ll be up and running in time for New Year ’ s Eve orders .
Yenci Orellana , of Alameda , is also making and delivering hot chocolate bombs , and thinks the appeal has to do with their affordability and giftability .
“ It ’ s winter and it ’ s a perfect price to give everyone a little gift , ” says Orellana , who started her baking business , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a half ago .
In the past two weeks , she has made and delivered 1,000 cupcake-sized bombs in seven flavors to customers in the East Bay .
Orellana says she will continue making hot chocolate bombs into the new year , when she will begin offering shipping to the greater Bay Area .
“ With COVID-19 right now , it ’ s a great way to stay home and still send friends and family a little treat , ” she says .
Want to make your own hot chocolate bombs ?
Kit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DIY Chocolate Bomb Kit for $ 40 that includes a six-bomb silicone mold , chocolate chips , premium cocoa , marshmallows , white chocolate chips , piping bag , sprinkles and more .
Find details and ordering information at https : //kit2eat.com .

Veronica Rengel of The Jereli’s Oven is deeply sorry if she has not yet responded to your order for hot chocolate bombs. Orders have closed until Rengel can catch up on sleep.
The Concord mother of two, who works nights as a hospice pharmacy driver, is riding the hot cocoa wave that first exploded on TikTok in November. In the past three weeks, she has made 3,000 of the edible, cocoa-filled spheres for people in Walnut Creek and Lamorinda who saw her colorful bombs on Facebook and just had to gift them for the holidays.
“I was running on coffee and prayers,” says Rengel, an avid home baker who had help from her friend, Teresa Panameño. “The support from the moms in the area is what kept me going.”
You may not see them in your local bakery or chocolate shop, but virtual and cottage bakers began jumping on the trend after seeing more than 28.5 million videos tagged using the hashtag #hotchocolatebombs (and another 13.2 million using #hotcocoabombs).
If you haven’t seen them yet, they’re thin chocolate shells filled with cocoa powder and mini marshmallows, and they come in different flavors.
Placed in a mug and drenched in hot milk, the bombs explode as the chocolate dissolves and the marshmallows bob to the top.
Rengel’s golf ball-sized bombs ($15 for 4 or $23 for $6) come in Oreo, strawberry, chocolate, peppermint and white chocolate flavors.
Rengel launched her small business back in September — Jereli’s is a mix of her sons’ names, Elijiah and Jeremiah — with images of her cakes. But after she saw the chocolate bombs on Jeremiah’s TikTok account, she tried making a half dozen and gifted them to her boss. A few days later, her boss posted them on Facebook, tagging Rengel.
“I was very insecure,” Rengel recalls. ‘What if people didn’t like them?”
Then, the orders started rolling in. Rengel’s husband, Luis, helped field hundreds of messages while Rengel made cocoa magic all day and after work until 4 or 5 a.m. Rengel is taking a few days off to rest and buy her boys Christmas presents, but she’ll be up and running in time for New Year’s Eve orders.
Related Articles Restaurants, Food and Drink | One of America’s first brewpubs, Buffalo Bill’s in Hayward, is back in business
One of America’s first brewpubs, Buffalo Bill’s in Hayward, is back in business Restaurants, Food and Drink | James Bond, make room for the Oppenheimer Martini
James Bond, make room for the Oppenheimer Martini Restaurants, Food and Drink | Cannabis company buying Redhook, HiBall Energy and 6 other brands from Anheuser Busch
Cannabis company buying Redhook, HiBall Energy and 6 other brands from Anheuser Busch Restaurants, Food and Drink | In wake of ‘party mom’ scandal, Los Gatos tests if parental accountability can prevent teen alcohol use
In wake of ‘party mom’ scandal, Los Gatos tests if parental accountability can prevent teen alcohol use Restaurants, Food and Drink | Ditch the cob and put some Bay Area corn in your glass Yenci Orellana, of Alameda, is also making and delivering hot chocolate bombs, and thinks the appeal has to do with their affordability and giftability.
“It’s winter and it’s a perfect price to give everyone a little gift,” says Orellana, who started her baking business, Sweet Jelly Desserts, a year and a half ago.
In the past two weeks, she has made and delivered 1,000 cupcake-sized bombs in seven flavors to customers in the East Bay. Orellana says she will continue making hot chocolate bombs into the new year, when she will begin offering shipping to the greater Bay Area.
“With COVID-19 right now, it’s a great way to stay home and still send friends and family a little treat,” she says.
DIY Hot Cocoa Bombs
Want to make your own hot chocolate bombs? Kit 2 Eat Craft & Food offers a DIY Chocolate Bomb Kit for $40 that includes a six-bomb silicone mold, chocolate chips, premium cocoa, marshmallows, white chocolate chips, piping bag, sprinkles and more. Find details and ordering information at https://kit2eat.com.
For more food and drink coverage
follow us on Flipboard.


mercurynews--2020-12-24--San Jose State football trip threatens public health but can’t be stopped, Santa Clara County says

San Jose State plans to go ahead with a controversial plan to fly its undefeated football team to Arizona on Sunday for a bowl game as the coronavirus pandemic rages , and Santa Clara County officials say they can ’ t stop the team from leaving .
County officials believe the university is allowing its team , which returned last Sunday from a two-week stay in Las Vegas , to break the county ’ s Mandatory Directive on Travel , which requires a 10-day quarantine for anyone entering from more than 150 miles away .
“ That ’ s not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jeff Smith .
“ It sends a message that the health of their players and the community and their families is less important than a football game.
” The school on Thursday argued that its plans for the trip “ do not circumvent the county ’ s travel mandate ” but at the same time admitted that the team “ will be departing the county before the 10-day quarantine ” because the Arizona Bowl game in Tucson on Thursday has mandatory meetings and pre-game activities .
If the quarantine were followed , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or travel to Tucson until the day before the game .
“ The team will travel by private charter to further prevent concerns of the potential spread of COVID-19 , ” the school said in an emailed statement .
San Jose State ( 7-0 ) is scheduled to play Mid-American Conference champion Ball State ( 6-1 ) in the bowl game .
The 22nd-ranked Spartans are having their best season since 1939 , defeating Boise State to win the Mountain West Conference title last Saturday .
Players , coaches and staff had traveled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Airport “ to allow student-athletes and staff who tested negative for COVID-19 and live out of the county to leave immediately after arriving in the county , ” the university said .
“ Under county guidelines , those individuals who are merely passing through the county do not have to quarantine .
Those staying in Santa Clara County will quarantine at home per county guidance .
They have been instructed to leave only to get tested and to depart for Tucson.
” Smith said the school and team were “ technically ” in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was unclear whether members of the team who are county residents would be considered out of compliance with the quarantine if they traveled Sunday to Arizona , or whether they or the school could face fines .
“ We can ’ t stop them , ” he said .
“ Just from a practicality perspective we wouldn ’ t know when or how or who they were or anything like that.
” And , he said , “ anybody from outside of the county who ’ s just going to the airport theoretically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t really enforce that.
” Smith had said earlier in the week that the team could perhaps be stopped from boarding the plane .
“ Hopefully , it won ’ t get to that point , ” he said .
The county order defines quarantining as “ staying at home or another place of temporary shelter without contact with any persons other than members of one ’ s own immediate traveling party or one ’ s household.
” Smith said the Spartan football team , after winning its first Mountain West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have stayed in that city and gone from there to Tucson , rather than coming home and mixing with others in between .
“ The more interaction you have the more likely there is to be ( virus ) spread , ” Smith said .
“ The whole concept of coming home so you could be with your family is sort of exactly the wrong thing to do.
” Spartans coach Brent Brennan , who agreed to a contract extension Wednesday , defended the decision to come home in a press conference earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home was made with the players ’ mental health in mind after being away from their families since July — including a portion of training camp in Arcata on the campus of Humboldt State , and playing the last three “ home ” games of the year on the road after the county announced its temporary ban on contact sports .
Smith acknowledged that players could now be celebrating the holidays safely , gathering outdoors , wearing masks , not sharing meals , and staying socially distant .
“ But you can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or not , ” he said .
“ If it ’ s not happening it ’ s a very significant risk .
I ’ m really concerned .
It ’ s going to be hard to know when or how ( the virus ) spread if it does.
” San Jose State plans to have its traveling party tested for the virus Saturday before departing for Tucson Sunday .
San Jose State has fared better than many other college sports schools in handling the pandemic .
A recent New York Times survey showed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of cases among people who play and work in its athletic department out of the seven Mountain West Conference schools that fully completed the form .
At the time of the survey , SJSU reported eight cases .
The school has had a total of 11 cases across the athletic department , a school spokesman recently told the Bay Area News Group .
• San Jose State football : Mountain West honors Spartans for third week in a row • Watch : Santa Clara County health officials on coronavirus projected to be third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 , Dec. 23 The university said its football players , coaches and staff “ have been diligent while continuing to adhere to COVID-19 safety protocols , including testing multiple times a week.
” Travel plans were based on a thorough review of the county directive , the school said .
“ The university has been consistently in contact with county officials since the team arrived in July .
Our student-athletes and staff have benefited from the county ’ s guidance , which has shaped the testing requirements and strict protocols we put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” the university said .
“ San Jose State University looks forward to playing in the Arizona Bowl on December 31 .
”

San Jose State plans to go ahead with a controversial plan to fly its undefeated football team to Arizona on Sunday for a bowl game as the coronavirus pandemic rages, and Santa Clara County officials say they can’t stop the team from leaving.
County officials believe the university is allowing its team, which returned last Sunday from a two-week stay in Las Vegas, to break the county’s Mandatory Directive on Travel, which requires a 10-day quarantine for anyone entering from more than 150 miles away.
“That’s not leadership,” said County Executive Dr. Jeff Smith. “It sends a message that the health of their players and the community and their families is less important than a football game.”
The school on Thursday argued that its plans for the trip “do not circumvent the county’s travel mandate” but at the same time admitted that the team “will be departing the county before the 10-day quarantine” because the Arizona Bowl game in Tucson on Thursday has mandatory meetings and pre-game activities. If the quarantine were followed, the team would not be able to practice or travel to Tucson until the day before the game.
“The team will travel by private charter to further prevent concerns of the potential spread of COVID-19,” the school said in an emailed statement. San Jose State (7-0) is scheduled to play Mid-American Conference champion Ball State (6-1) in the bowl game. The 22nd-ranked Spartans are having their best season since 1939, defeating Boise State to win the Mountain West Conference title last Saturday.
Players, coaches and staff had traveled from Las Vegas into San Jose International Airport “to allow student-athletes and staff who tested negative for COVID-19 and live out of the county to leave immediately after arriving in the county,” the university said. “Under county guidelines, those individuals who are merely passing through the county do not have to quarantine. Those staying in Santa Clara County will quarantine at home per county guidance. They have been instructed to leave only to get tested and to depart for Tucson.”
Smith said the school and team were “technically” in compliance with the county order. It was unclear whether members of the team who are county residents would be considered out of compliance with the quarantine if they traveled Sunday to Arizona, or whether they or the school could face fines.
“We can’t stop them,” he said. “Just from a practicality perspective we wouldn’t know when or how or who they were or anything like that.” And, he said, “anybody from outside of the county who’s just going to the airport theoretically should be obeying the rules but we can’t really enforce that.”
Smith had said earlier in the week that the team could perhaps be stopped from boarding the plane. “Hopefully, it won’t get to that point,” he said.
The county order defines quarantining as “staying at home or another place of temporary shelter without contact with any persons other than members of one’s own immediate traveling party or one’s household.”
Smith said the Spartan football team, after winning its first Mountain West title Saturday in Las Vegas, could have stayed in that city and gone from there to Tucson, rather than coming home and mixing with others in between.
“The more interaction you have the more likely there is to be (virus) spread,” Smith said. “The whole concept of coming home so you could be with your family is sort of exactly the wrong thing to do.”
Spartans coach Brent Brennan, who agreed to a contract extension Wednesday, defended the decision to come home in a press conference earlier this week. He said the trip home was made with the players’ mental health in mind after being away from their families since July — including a portion of training camp in Arcata on the campus of Humboldt State, and playing the last three “home” games of the year on the road after the county announced its temporary ban on contact sports.
Smith acknowledged that players could now be celebrating the holidays safely, gathering outdoors, wearing masks, not sharing meals, and staying socially distant. “But you can’t know whether that’s happening or not,” he said. “If it’s not happening it’s a very significant risk. I’m really concerned. It’s going to be hard to know when or how (the virus) spread if it does.”
San Jose State plans to have its traveling party tested for the virus Saturday before departing for Tucson Sunday.
San Jose State has fared better than many other college sports schools in handling the pandemic. A recent New York Times survey showed San Jose State had the second-fewest number of cases among people who play and work in its athletic department out of the seven Mountain West Conference schools that fully completed the form. At the time of the survey, SJSU reported eight cases. The school has had a total of 11 cases across the athletic department, a school spokesman recently told the Bay Area News Group.
The university said its football players, coaches and staff “have been diligent while continuing to adhere to COVID-19 safety protocols, including testing multiple times a week.” Travel plans were based on a thorough review of the county directive, the school said.
“The university has been consistently in contact with county officials since the team arrived in July. Our student-athletes and staff have benefited from the county’s guidance, which has shaped the testing requirements and strict protocols we put in place to create a safe environment,” the university said. “San Jose State University looks forward to playing in the Arizona Bowl on December 31.”


mercurynews--2020-12-24--Coronavirus outbreak at East Bay women’s prison

DUBLIN — A COVID-19 outbreak — which activists had warned about months ago — has occurred at a federal women ’ s prison in Dublin , with 185 of its nearly 900 inmates infected , plus three staff members .
Activists from around the Bay Area sent letters in August and November to Federal Correctional Institution , Dublin , a low-security federal correctional facility with an adjunct camp .
Its inmates recently included celebrities Felicity Huffman and Lori Loughlin , who were serving sentences related to the college admissions scandal .
As reported in November by this news organization , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and prisoner rights groups sent letters warning officials about the dangers of the coronavirus in the prison .
The letters challenged the U.S. Bureau of Prisons ’ handling of the coronavirus and included signatures from the ACLU of Northern California , West Coast-based federal and county public defenders , the Immigrant Legal Resource Center of San Francisco and a number of other Bay Area nonprofits .
At the time of the letters , activists were aware of 14 confirmed cases among inmates and staff .
As of the latest numbers posted on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dublin site now has 185 confirmed cases among inmates , and three among staff .
The prison has a total of 885 female inmates ; 775 at the FCI itself , and 90 at the camp .
In late October , the advocacy groups learned from prisoners about an outbreak and mass testing , which found positive results for “ numerous ” people .
They also learned that Dublin officials apparently allowed a woman , who was quarantined in the special housing unit , to return to the general population before her positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The bottom line is these people are being held in custody by authorities responsible for their well-being .
The CDC and scientists know how to prevent this disease , but ( the inmates ) are sitting in cages provided by the federal government , ” said Valerie Zukin of the Immigrant Legal Resource Center , who wrote the letter .
“ They knowingly brought people into the facility who have COVID and now those numbers are increasing by the day , ” she said .
The letters painted a picture of widespread misery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal prison .
The bureau , they said , has “ statutory and moral duties to provide for the safekeeping of people in its custody.
” They pointed out crowded units , with three or four people to a cell , with not enough room to maintain the recommended 6-foot distance from others .
Laura Polstein , managing attorney for Immigrant Legal Defense , of Oakland , told this news organization in November that inmates have not been allowed to leave their units to go outside and move around , which creates stress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ll probably be home for Christmas but then what ?
• Brief Dublin prison stay may spur Felicity Huffman to help incarcerated women The letters alleged that testing at the time was inadequate , staffers didn ’ t use masks consistently and inmates weren ’ t given proper cleaning supplies .
Media representatives for the Federal Bureau of Prisons did not respond to requests for comment on Thursday .
But in November , representative Justin Long told this news organization that when the crisis began , the bureau started a nationwide plan that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarantines , medical isolation and screening .
Family visits were suspended ( and currently still are ) .

DUBLIN — A COVID-19 outbreak — which activists had warned about months ago — has occurred at a federal women’s prison in Dublin, with 185 of its nearly 900 inmates infected, plus three staff members.
Activists from around the Bay Area sent letters in August and November to Federal Correctional Institution, Dublin, a low-security federal correctional facility with an adjunct camp. Its inmates recently included celebrities Felicity Huffman and Lori Loughlin, who were serving sentences related to the college admissions scandal.
As reported in November by this news organization, activists from major legal organizations, immigrant and prisoner rights groups sent letters warning officials about the dangers of the coronavirus in the prison. The letters challenged the U.S. Bureau of Prisons’ handling of the coronavirus and included signatures from the ACLU of Northern California, West Coast-based federal and county public defenders, the Immigrant Legal Resource Center of San Francisco and a number of other Bay Area nonprofits.
At the time of the letters, activists were aware of 14 confirmed cases among inmates and staff. As of the latest numbers posted on the Federal Bureau of Prisons website, the Dublin site now has 185 confirmed cases among inmates, and three among staff.
The prison has a total of 885 female inmates; 775 at the FCI itself, and 90 at the camp.
In late October, the advocacy groups learned from prisoners about an outbreak and mass testing, which found positive results for “numerous” people. They also learned that Dublin officials apparently allowed a woman, who was quarantined in the special housing unit, to return to the general population before her positive COVID-19 test had been confirmed.
“The bottom line is these people are being held in custody by authorities responsible for their well-being. The CDC and scientists know how to prevent this disease, but (the inmates) are sitting in cages provided by the federal government,” said Valerie Zukin of the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, who wrote the letter.
“They knowingly brought people into the facility who have COVID and now those numbers are increasing by the day,” she said.
The letters painted a picture of widespread misery, uncertainty and unhealthy conditions in the federal prison. The bureau, they said, has “statutory and moral duties to provide for the safekeeping of people in its custody.”
They pointed out crowded units, with three or four people to a cell, with not enough room to maintain the recommended 6-foot distance from others. Laura Polstein, managing attorney for Immigrant Legal Defense, of Oakland, told this news organization in November that inmates have not been allowed to leave their units to go outside and move around, which creates stress.
Related Articles Crime and Public Safety | Lori Loughlin’s East Bay prison faces ‘dangerous’ COVID-19 outbreak
Lori Loughlin’s East Bay prison faces ‘dangerous’ COVID-19 outbreak Crime and Public Safety | Lori Loughlin: She’ll probably be home for Christmas but then what?
Lori Loughlin: She’ll probably be home for Christmas but then what? Crime and Public Safety | Brief Dublin prison stay may spur Felicity Huffman to help incarcerated women The letters alleged that testing at the time was inadequate, staffers didn’t use masks consistently and inmates weren’t given proper cleaning supplies.
Media representatives for the Federal Bureau of Prisons did not respond to requests for comment on Thursday. But in November, representative Justin Long told this news organization that when the crisis began, the bureau started a nationwide plan that included limits on facility-to-facility transfers and implemented quarantines, medical isolation and screening. Family visits were suspended (and currently still are).
Staff writer Martha Ross contributed to this story.


mercurynews--2020-12-24--Coronavirus: Without California surge, US case rate would be declining

As other regions of the country finally see some relief from the insidious coronavirus , California ’ s surge has grown so large it now claims a dark distinction in the nation ’ s outbreak : Without the Golden State , U.S. numbers would be dropping .
That ’ s according to The COVID Tracking Project at The Atlantic , which analyzes data from across the country .
Nationally , more than 18 million people have gotten the coronavirus , and more than 300,000 have died .
But former hot spots such as North Dakota , which had been seeing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but is now recording just a few hundred , are improving .
Things are looking up in nearby South Dakota and Wisconsin , too .
But case counts remain stubbornly high across the South , from Arizona in the Southwest to Alabama and Mississippi .
However , the worst numbers in recent days have been coming from California , where new case numbers are up 60 percent in the last two weeks and the state on Wednesday recorded its 2 millionth case .
Experts say an even closer look at California ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes it clear that half the state is primarily pushing the latest surge .
According to John Swartzberg , an infectious disease expert and professor emeritus at UC Berkeley , the statewide data masks the fact that Northern California is doing relatively well .
“ Yes , California is doing terribly now , ” Swartzberg said .
“ That is primarily Southern California , and because California is such a large state , it does drive the numbers .
But I wouldn ’ t make a lot out of this because this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
One area explodes and gets better , and another area explodes and gets better.
” The Bay Area ’ s ICUs still have close to 10 % available capacity compared to zero in the Central Valley and southern part of the state .
The situation is particularly dire in Los Angeles County .
“ In most hospitals , about half of all of the beds are filled with COVID patients and half of all the ICU beds are filled with COVID patients , and two thirds of these patients are suffocating due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their lungs that ’ s caused by the virus , ” said Christina Ghaly , director of the county ’ s Department of Health Services .
“ They ’ re suffocating to the point that they can no longer breathe on their own , and they have to have someone put a tube down their throat in order to oxygenate their organs .
Many of these people will not live to be in 2021.
” Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti this week acknowledged the toll the virus has taken on residents of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We know that this emergency is our darkest day , maybe the darkest day in our city ’ s history , ” Garcetti said Wednesday .
Yet amid a devastating surge that has stolen loved ones and wreaked havoc on the economy , some potentially encouraging numbers are emerging .
In recent days , the Golden State has seen a modest decline in the rate of growth in new cases .
In recent days there is some indication that California ’ s surge may be slowing slightly .
The average rate of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new high of 12.3 % over a two-week period , but it was starting to trend down this week .
Swartzberg called the latest data “ tantalizing ” but warned against getting too optimistic .
“ I think that decline may get lost in the fact that the Christmas holidays are going to exacerbate this problem , ” he said .
• Trump , Pence reportedly met before president went to Florida • San Jose State football trip threatens public health but can ’ t be stopped , Santa Clara County says • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s free COVID-19 hotel rooms • Two new In-N-Out Burgers in Colorado with hours-long wait declared COVID-19 outbreaks Gov .
Gavin Newsom this week also cautioned that it remains too early to tell whether the numbers will hold .
In a video his office tweeted Thursday , Newsom called on residents to remember those who have lost their lives .
“ I just want to express on behalf of all Californians our deepest empathy , our deepest sympathy for those families that are struggling through this holiday because of this pandemic , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frontline workers , especially those working the holiday away from their own families .
“ We see you , you matter , we care , ” Newsom said .
“ There ’ s nothing more courageous than the work you do every day.
” Despite pleas from the governor and public health officials to stay home , many families are planning to travel or gather with those outside their immediate households during the holidays , which is certain to fuel more cases as happened over Thanksgiving .
The weekend ahead of the Christmas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily passengers nationwide for three straight days , setting a pandemic travel record and blowing past Thanksgiving numbers .
In California alone , more than 19,000 people were set to spend Christmas in the hospital , isolated from their families .
It ’ s also likely to be impossible to tell the true state of the pandemic in California for the next several days , with the Christmas and New Year holidays expected to cause delays in getting the data that public health officials and others rely on to show where and how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Still , Swartzberg has seen enough data to suggest what ’ s coming .
At the earliest , he said , “ I just don ’ t see us out of this conundrum until the second or maybe third week of January .
”

As other regions of the country finally see some relief from the insidious coronavirus, California’s surge has grown so large it now claims a dark distinction in the nation’s outbreak: Without the Golden State, U.S. numbers would be dropping.
That’s according to The COVID Tracking Project at The Atlantic, which analyzes data from across the country.
California is now reporting so many cases that it has kept the country on a case plateau, even as the Midwest declines bring the rest of the country's cases down. pic.twitter.com/kdVjE4aT6O — The COVID Tracking Project (@COVID19Tracking) December 23, 2020
Nationally, more than 18 million people have gotten the coronavirus, and more than 300,000 have died. But former hot spots such as North Dakota, which had been seeing north of 1,000 new cases a day but is now recording just a few hundred, are improving. Things are looking up in nearby South Dakota and Wisconsin, too. But case counts remain stubbornly high across the South, from Arizona in the Southwest to Alabama and Mississippi. However, the worst numbers in recent days have been coming from California, where new case numbers are up 60 percent in the last two weeks and the state on Wednesday recorded its 2 millionth case.
Experts say an even closer look at California’s crushing spike in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations makes it clear that half the state is primarily pushing the latest surge.
According to John Swartzberg, an infectious disease expert and professor emeritus at UC Berkeley, the statewide data masks the fact that Northern California is doing relatively well.
“Yes, California is doing terribly now,” Swartzberg said. “That is primarily Southern California, and because California is such a large state, it does drive the numbers. But I wouldn’t make a lot out of this because this is just the pattern we’ve seen. One area explodes and gets better, and another area explodes and gets better.”
The Bay Area’s ICUs still have close to 10% available capacity compared to zero in the Central Valley and southern part of the state.
The situation is particularly dire in Los Angeles County.
“In most hospitals, about half of all of the beds are filled with COVID patients and half of all the ICU beds are filled with COVID patients, and two thirds of these patients are suffocating due to the inflammation that’s in their lungs that’s caused by the virus,” said Christina Ghaly, director of the county’s Department of Health Services. “They’re suffocating to the point that they can no longer breathe on their own, and they have to have someone put a tube down their throat in order to oxygenate their organs. Many of these people will not live to be in 2021.”
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti this week acknowledged the toll the virus has taken on residents of the state’s most populous city.
“We know that this emergency is our darkest day, maybe the darkest day in our city’s history,” Garcetti said Wednesday.
Yet amid a devastating surge that has stolen loved ones and wreaked havoc on the economy, some potentially encouraging numbers are emerging. In recent days, the Golden State has seen a modest decline in the rate of growth in new cases. In recent days there is some indication that California’s surge may be slowing slightly. The average rate of positive cases among those tested reached a new high of 12.3% over a two-week period, but it was starting to trend down this week.
Swartzberg called the latest data “tantalizing” but warned against getting too optimistic.
“I think that decline may get lost in the fact that the Christmas holidays are going to exacerbate this problem,” he said.
Related Articles Health | San Jose office building wobbles into default — again
San Jose office building wobbles into default — again Health | College students blocked from campus when COVID hit want money back. Some are getting refunds
College students blocked from campus when COVID hit want money back. Some are getting refunds Health | One controversial East Bay parklet reveals dilemmas of pandemic dining
One controversial East Bay parklet reveals dilemmas of pandemic dining Health | Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms
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 Gov. Gavin Newsom this week also cautioned that it remains too early to tell whether the numbers will hold.
In a video his office tweeted Thursday, Newsom called on residents to remember those who have lost their lives.
“I just want to express on behalf of all Californians our deepest empathy, our deepest sympathy for those families that are struggling through this holiday because of this pandemic,” the governor said.
He also thanked frontline workers, especially those working the holiday away from their own families.
“We see you, you matter, we care,” Newsom said. “There’s nothing more courageous than the work you do every day.”
Despite pleas from the governor and public health officials to stay home, many families are planning to travel or gather with those outside their immediate households during the holidays, which is certain to fuel more cases as happened over Thanksgiving.
The weekend ahead of the Christmas holiday, air travel exceeded 1 million daily passengers nationwide for three straight days, setting a pandemic travel record and blowing past Thanksgiving numbers. In California alone, more than 19,000 people were set to spend Christmas in the hospital, isolated from their families.
It’s also likely to be impossible to tell the true state of the pandemic in California for the next several days, with the Christmas and New Year holidays expected to cause delays in getting the data that public health officials and others rely on to show where and how quickly the deadly virus is spreading.
Still, Swartzberg has seen enough data to suggest what’s coming.
At the earliest, he said, “I just don’t see us out of this conundrum until the second or maybe third week of January.”
The Associated Press contributed reporting.


mercurynews--2020-12-25--Review: Mulligan is sensational in ‘Promising Young Woman’

Is it a # MeToo-era revenge thriller ?
A 21st-century “ Fatal Attraction ” ?
A candy-colored feminist polemic , to strains of Paris Hilton and Britney Spears ?
A black comedy ?
A comic tragedy ?
None of the above — and all of the above .
Which is to say : a film as bracingly original as Emerald Fennell ’ s “ Promising Young Woman ” defies labels .
Here ’ s a couple good adjectives , though : Startling — the only way to describe Fennell ’ s vision and execution in this , her directorial debut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that only begins to capture Carey Mulligan ’ s lead performance .
We ’ ve seen Mulligan command the screen before , and witnessed her consistently fearless stage work .
But the tonal balancing act she conquers in this audacious , disconcerting film is something new entirely , and one wonders how many actors could even dream of pulling it off .
It ’ s been a decade since Mulligan , now 35 , received her only Oscar nod , for “ An Education.
” Let ’ s hope Oscar voters will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We first meet Cassie ( Mulligan ) sprawled on the red banquette of a club , near the dance floor , her business attire askew .
She ’ s clearly blind drunk .
A group of office guys stare , tsk-tsking .
One of them — nice , wholesome Jerry ( Adam Brody ) — decides to rescue her .
No harm if the “ rescue ” includes stopping at his apartment for a quick drink , right ?
As she drunkenly murmurs , “ What are you doing ?
” he starts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her she ’ s “ safe.
” Suddenly , she asks the question again — stone-cold sober .
It ’ s all been an act .
Oops !
This is how Cassie , a former medical student , spends one night a week , teaching a lesson about consent and sexual misconduct to so-called “ nice guys.
” When , the next morning , we see a troubling red streak down her leg , we don ’ t exactly know what she ’ s done .
But we know it ’ s payback @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her adored school friend Nina .
It ’ s this undefined trauma that forced Cassie to drop out , derailing her career .
She now lives at home with her worried parents ( Jennifer Coolidge and Clancy Brown , both terrific ) and works at a coffee shop .
Where , one day , a sweet , self-effacing , slightly nerdy former med-school colleague shows up , eager to reconnect .
At first Cassie resists , but she ’ s clearly attracted to Ryan ( a tremendously appealing Bo Burnham ) and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lowers her guard , and the two share a charming scene in a pharmacy , doing impromptu karaoke to Hilton ’ s “ Stars Are Blind.
” ( Pharmacy karaoke : it could become a thing . )
This could be Cassie ’ s route back to normalcy , and she resolves to move forward .
But then she hears that the main perpetrator of the trauma involving Nina is back in town , planning to get married .
This propels her into an ever more dangerous set of encounters , all in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The stellar supporting cast includes Alison Brie as a former school friend , Connie Britton as a med-school dean , Alfred Molina as a remorseful lawyer , Laverne Cox as Cassie ’ s sympathetic boss , Christopher Lowell as a troubled figure from the past , and others , all excellent .
As scenes with Brie ’ s and Britton ’ s characters attest , it ’ s not only men who have retribution awaiting .
But they bear the brunt of Cassie ’ s anger , especially those who go through life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what “ gentlemen ” they are .
The tone shifts radically from one moment to the next , and humor is a regular companion to mayhem , pain , even violence .
That brings us to the wild and harrowing ending .
It ’ s an ending that may not be expected — well , it ’ s definitely not expected — but Fennell has said it was the truest way to end a real story of female revenge , not a comic-book version .
You may agree , or not .
No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I ’ ll admit to having been unable to remain seated during the last 25 minutes , pacing the room and shouting “ No !
” in disbelief at my laptop ( this might be more difficult if you ’ re in an actual theater . )
When I watched a second time , I was able to focus less on the shock of the ending and more on the crafting of those final minutes , from the stunning monologue Mulligan gives to explain her motives , to the escalating suspense , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Startling , indeed .
And that Mulligan performance ?
Sensational .
Those are the only labels we need .
Rating : R ( for strong violence including sexual assault , language throughout , some sexual material and drug use )

By Jocelyn Noveck | Associated Press
Is it a #MeToo-era revenge thriller? A 21st-century “Fatal Attraction”? A candy-colored feminist polemic, to strains of Paris Hilton and Britney Spears? A black comedy? A comic tragedy?
None of the above — and all of the above. Which is to say: a film as bracingly original as Emerald Fennell’s “Promising Young Woman” defies labels.
Here’s a couple good adjectives, though: Startling — the only way to describe Fennell’s vision and execution in this, her directorial debut. And, sensational — a word that only begins to capture Carey Mulligan’s lead performance.
We’ve seen Mulligan command the screen before, and witnessed her consistently fearless stage work. But the tonal balancing act she conquers in this audacious, disconcerting film is something new entirely, and one wonders how many actors could even dream of pulling it off. It’s been a decade since Mulligan, now 35, received her only Oscar nod, for “An Education.” Let’s hope Oscar voters will be well educated by this latest effort.
We first meet Cassie (Mulligan) sprawled on the red banquette of a club, near the dance floor, her business attire askew. She’s clearly blind drunk. A group of office guys stare, tsk-tsking. One of them — nice, wholesome Jerry (Adam Brody) — decides to rescue her.
No harm if the “rescue” includes stopping at his apartment for a quick drink, right? As she drunkenly murmurs, “What are you doing?” he starts to undress and caress her, assuring her she’s “safe.” Suddenly, she asks the question again — stone-cold sober. It’s all been an act. Oops!
This is how Cassie, a former medical student, spends one night a week, teaching a lesson about consent and sexual misconduct to so-called “nice guys.” When, the next morning, we see a troubling red streak down her leg, we don’t exactly know what she’s done. But we know it’s payback, for something that once happened to her adored school friend Nina.
It’s this undefined trauma that forced Cassie to drop out, derailing her career. She now lives at home with her worried parents (Jennifer Coolidge and Clancy Brown, both terrific) and works at a coffee shop. Where, one day, a sweet, self-effacing, slightly nerdy former med-school colleague shows up, eager to reconnect.
At first Cassie resists, but she’s clearly attracted to Ryan (a tremendously appealing Bo Burnham) and we root for them immediately. Cassie slowly lowers her guard, and the two share a charming scene in a pharmacy, doing impromptu karaoke to Hilton’s “Stars Are Blind.” (Pharmacy karaoke: it could become a thing.)
This could be Cassie’s route back to normalcy, and she resolves to move forward. But then she hears that the main perpetrator of the trauma involving Nina is back in town, planning to get married. This propels her into an ever more dangerous set of encounters, all in the name of avenging her friend.
The stellar supporting cast includes Alison Brie as a former school friend, Connie Britton as a med-school dean, Alfred Molina as a remorseful lawyer, Laverne Cox as Cassie’s sympathetic boss, Christopher Lowell as a troubled figure from the past, and others, all excellent.
As scenes with Brie’s and Britton’s characters attest, it’s not only men who have retribution awaiting. But they bear the brunt of Cassie’s anger, especially those who go through life convincing the world — and themselves — what “gentlemen” they are.
The tone shifts radically from one moment to the next, and humor is a regular companion to mayhem, pain, even violence. That brings us to the wild and harrowing ending. It’s an ending that may not be expected — well, it’s definitely not expected — but Fennell has said it was the truest way to end a real story of female revenge, not a comic-book version.
You may agree, or not. No matter: the final act is riveting. I’ll admit to having been unable to remain seated during the last 25 minutes, pacing the room and shouting “No!” in disbelief at my laptop (this might be more difficult if you’re in an actual theater.)
When I watched a second time, I was able to focus less on the shock of the ending and more on the crafting of those final minutes, from the stunning monologue Mulligan gives to explain her motives, to the escalating suspense, to the chilling choice of music.
Startling, indeed. And that Mulligan performance? Sensational. Those are the only labels we need.
“Promising Young Woman”
3 1/2 stars out of 4
Rating: R (for strong violence including sexual assault, language throughout, some sexual material and drug use)
Running time: 113 minutes


mercurynews--2020-12-25--Review: Hanks is dogged, heroic in ‘News of the World’

Tom Hanks rides a horse and blasts a six-shooter in his new film , “ News of the World.
” Some of you might be thinking this must be his first cowboy role .
To those , we respond : Have you forgotten about Woody so soon ?
All of Hanks — not just his voice — is employed in this second cowboy role , playing Capt .
Jefferson Kyle Kidd in 1870 , a gentle Texan whose quiet and itinerant life is interrupted by the arrival of a girl .
Director and co-screenwriter Paul Greengrass reunites for the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Captain Phillips.
” This time , they ’ ve ditched the open water for an ambitious adventure firmly on land , based on the novel by Paulette Jiles .
It ’ s a visually stunning film with a soulful message about forgiveness and moving past trauma .
Kidd is scarred — literally — by the Civil War and has found a life as a newsreader , a man who goes from town to town reading aloud the nation ’ s headlines to small-town residents or “ for anyone with 10 cents and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes across a feral 10-year-old girl who is an orphan twice over — her settler parents are dead and the Native Americans who raised her are also gone .
She speaks no English and frightens everyone .
“ She ’ s got kind of a wild look about her , doesn ’ t she ?
” someone comments .
Says another : “ Sure as I live , that child ’ s trouble.
” The girl has distant relatives hundreds of miles away and , naturally , it falls on Kidd to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is lost .
She needs to be home , ” he says .
So these two broken souls embark on an epic odyssey — like “ The Searchers ” mashed with “ True Grit ” — through hostile terrain and bandits , while he teaches her English along the way , like a cowboy Henry Higgins .
“ I guess we both have demons to face going down this road , ” he notes .
This is an ugly-beautiful film .
You can almost feel the grime , hear the squelch through muddy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It practically reeks of leather and wet cattle .
It ’ s a setting where dogs bark incessantly , dust is everywhere and socks have holes .
In this naturalistic world , Hanks sticks out , but not for the right reasons .
His character is a former Confederate soldier who is dismayed by the lynching of Black men and even kindly buries a victim of it .
He notes ruefully that settlers kill Native Americans for their land and that Native Americans kill settlers for doing that , a deadly cycle that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frustration between Southern civilians and Union troops but hopes all sides can get along .
“ We ’ re all hurting .
All of us , ” he says “ These are difficult times.
” All around him there is filth and violence and yet Hanks ’ captain is not of it .
This is the film ’ s big weakness .
The script tries to suggest that our patient captain is riddled with guilt for what he did as a soldier , but the Hanks we see is just too pure and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the motives for his quest — “ They paying you or are you doing it out of the goodness of your heart ?
” — there ’ s just one answer .
“ I want to get you away from all this pain and killing , get you clear of it , ” he tells the girl .
Hank ’ s Kidd never shoots first , despite being pursued by murderous thugs .
He tries to connect North and South by showing cattlemen in Texas what they have in common with coalminers in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mob , Kidd doesn ’ t back down — a champion of the poor and democracy .
Here is the film ’ s heavy-handed message to us in ( almost ) 2021 : “ The war ’ s over , ” he says .
“ We have to stop fighting.
” Greengrass ’ approach is more slack here — certainly from his work on the Jason Bourne films — but he manages to add tension to virtually every scene , often with just an actor scanning the horizon .
Cinematographer Dariusz Wolski frames @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use of light and dark .
Many of the best scenes are silent , enhanced by a wonderfully wistful score by James Newton Howard .
Anyone playing the girl faces a challenge but German actress Helena Zengel is a marvel .
She can be wild in one scene , defiant later , curious the next and emotionally shut down in another .
She speaks volumes even without dialogue .
The film arrives in the same month we can see a grizzled George Clooney team up with a mute girl for a similarly dangerous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It must be a boom time for aging Hollywood heroes showing off their fatherly sides .
Rating : PG-13 ( for violence , disturbing images , mature thematic material and some strong language )

By Mark Kennedy | Associated Press
Tom Hanks rides a horse and blasts a six-shooter in his new film, “News of the World.” Some of you might be thinking this must be his first cowboy role. To those, we respond: Have you forgotten about Woody so soon?
All of Hanks — not just his voice — is employed in this second cowboy role, playing Capt. Jefferson Kyle Kidd in 1870, a gentle Texan whose quiet and itinerant life is interrupted by the arrival of a girl.
Director and co-screenwriter Paul Greengrass reunites for the first time with Hanks since their 2013 outing “Captain Phillips.” This time, they’ve ditched the open water for an ambitious adventure firmly on land, based on the novel by Paulette Jiles. It’s a visually stunning film with a soulful message about forgiveness and moving past trauma.
Kidd is scarred — literally — by the Civil War and has found a life as a newsreader, a man who goes from town to town reading aloud the nation’s headlines to small-town residents or “for anyone with 10 cents and the time to hear it.”
He comes across a feral 10-year-old girl who is an orphan twice over — her settler parents are dead and the Native Americans who raised her are also gone. She speaks no English and frightens everyone. “She’s got kind of a wild look about her, doesn’t she?” someone comments. Says another: “Sure as I live, that child’s trouble.”
The girl has distant relatives hundreds of miles away and, naturally, it falls on Kidd to be the hero. “This little girl is lost. She needs to be home,” he says. So these two broken souls embark on an epic odyssey — like “The Searchers” mashed with “True Grit” — through hostile terrain and bandits, while he teaches her English along the way, like a cowboy Henry Higgins. “I guess we both have demons to face going down this road,” he notes.
This is an ugly-beautiful film. You can almost feel the grime, hear the squelch through muddy streets and choke on the smoke. It practically reeks of leather and wet cattle. It’s a setting where dogs bark incessantly, dust is everywhere and socks have holes. In this naturalistic world, Hanks sticks out, but not for the right reasons.
His character is a former Confederate soldier who is dismayed by the lynching of Black men and even kindly buries a victim of it. He notes ruefully that settlers kill Native Americans for their land and that Native Americans kill settlers for doing that, a deadly cycle that he stands outside. He feels the frustration between Southern civilians and Union troops but hopes all sides can get along. “We’re all hurting. All of us,” he says “These are difficult times.” All around him there is filth and violence and yet Hanks’ captain is not of it.
This is the film’s big weakness. The script tries to suggest that our patient captain is riddled with guilt for what he did as a soldier, but the Hanks we see is just too pure and noble. When someone asks him about the motives for his quest — “They paying you or are you doing it out of the goodness of your heart?” — there’s just one answer. “I want to get you away from all this pain and killing, get you clear of it,” he tells the girl.
Hank’s Kidd never shoots first, despite being pursued by murderous thugs. He tries to connect North and South by showing cattlemen in Texas what they have in common with coalminers in Pennsylvania. Even facing off a racist mob, Kidd doesn’t back down — a champion of the poor and democracy. Here is the film’s heavy-handed message to us in (almost) 2021: “The war’s over,” he says. “We have to stop fighting.”
Greengrass’ approach is more slack here — certainly from his work on the Jason Bourne films — but he manages to add tension to virtually every scene, often with just an actor scanning the horizon. Cinematographer Dariusz Wolski frames things like a high-art photographer with careful use of light and dark. Many of the best scenes are silent, enhanced by a wonderfully wistful score by James Newton Howard.
Anyone playing the girl faces a challenge but German actress Helena Zengel is a marvel. She can be wild in one scene, defiant later, curious the next and emotionally shut down in another. She speaks volumes even without dialogue.
The film arrives in the same month we can see a grizzled George Clooney team up with a mute girl for a similarly dangerous quest in “The Midnight Sky.” It must be a boom time for aging Hollywood heroes showing off their fatherly sides.
“News of the World”
3 stars out of 4
Rating: PG-13 (for violence, disturbing images, mature thematic material and some strong language)
Running time: 118 minutes


mercurynews--2020-12-25--Welcome to the Death Star, where the Raiders’ 2020 season went to die

The Raiders bring down the curtain on Year 1 at the “ Death Star ” Saturday night , never expecting their new home to be the place their season went to die .
There are myriad reasons the Raiders will soon officially be eliminated from the playoff race .
It could happen Saturday night when they host the Miami Dolphins , who are in the thick of the postseason picture at 9-5 .
The Raiders , having lost four of of their last five , are 7-7 because they have been unable to defend their home turf at Allegiant Stadium @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as opposed to 5-2 on the road .
Owner Mark Davis determined in August he would be a no-show for home games out of respect to the season-ticket holders who can ’ t attend due to the coronavirus pandemic .
What nobody knew at the time was the Raiders would join him .
It was Davis who on Aug. 22 stood before his team and proclaimed , “ Welcome to the Death Star , where opponents ’ dreams come to die.
” The beginning was stirring , a 34-24 win over the New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 .
Other than that , the only good postgame vibes at their $ 2 billion home came from a 37-12 Week 12 win over the Denver Broncos when they had five takeaways .
Home is where Josh Allen led the Buffalo Bills to a 30-23 win that was more one-sided than the score indicated .
It ’ s the place where Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers carved up the Raiders defense and the offense went stagnant during a week where the entire offensive line missed the week of practice for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Travis Kelce somehow got loose in the end zone to catch a 22-yard touchdown pass from Patrick Mahomes with 28 seconds to play and prevent a season sweep of the Kansas City Chiefs , and was the location of a 44-27 clock-cleaning at the hands of the Indianapolis Colts that led to the firing of defensive coordinator Paul Guenther .
“ A lot of things have happened to us in the last month or so .
I ’ m not going to reiterate all those things , ” Raiders coach Jon Gruden said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
.
yeah , we ’ d like to win in there .
We ’ re playing a great team , one of the hottest teams in the league , and we ’ re going to have to pay our best game of the year to win.
” Away from Las Vegas , the Raiders handed the Chiefs their only loss of the season 40-32 at Arrowhead Stadium , taking a victory lap in chartered buses around the stadium .
They beat the Cleveland Browns with frozen winds coming off Lake Erie .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Isaiah Johnson broke up a pass on the last play of the game and in New Jersey on a miracle Derek Carr to Henry Ruggs III 46-yard touchdown pass with five seconds remaining .
Beating the Dolphins could allow the Raiders to relive those kinds of moments at their own venue and close their first year at Allegiant Stadium with a win .
“ We don ’ t want to finish losing .
We ’ ve got to show who we are , ” cornerback Trayvon Mullen said .
“ We ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We ’ ve got to show that no matter the circumstance or the outcome or whatever it is that we ’ re going to go out and we ’ re going to play hard .
We ’ re going to finish.
” The Raiders ’ longshot playoff pathway goes like this — 1 ) They beat Miami and Denver ; 2 ) Miami loses to Buffalo in Week 17 ; 3 ) Baltimore loses to the New York Giants and Cincinnati .
Four ways the Raiders can beat Miami and leave their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re still in it : 1 .
Convert with touchdowns in the red zone The drive that ended when Derek Carr pulled up with a groin strain ended with a 23-yard field goal by Daniel Carlson .
Later , with Marcus Mariota at quarterback , it happened again for another 20-yard field goal .
It was the 19th and 20th red zone field goals the Raiders have kicked this season — the most in the NFL .
The Raiders defense has been much maligned and deservedly so , but if their own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the red zone , they ’ d probably be going to the playoffs .
It won ’ t be easy against Miami , a team that leads the NFL in third down defense ( 32.5 percent ) .
Yes , that again.. And it ’ s huge this week , because Miami leads the NFL with 26 takeaways third in turnover margin at plus 10 .
They ’ ve got a rookie quarterback in Tua Tagavaiola who doesn ’ t take risks and takes care of the ball .
The Raiders are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at minus-6 .
In the last five games , four of them losses , the Raiders have turned the ball over 12 times and are at minus-7 .
Carr has 15 turnovers this season ( seven interceptions , eight lost fumbles ) .
He ’ s expected to start but his mobility could be limited .
Mariota had one interception in his debut against the Chargers .
Miami has two excellent corners in Xavien Howard , an NFL Defensive Player of the Year candidate with nine interceptions , and Byron Jones , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a big way during free agency .
It turned out the Dolphins wanted him more , to the tune of five years and $ 82.5 million with $ 57 million guaranteed .
Once Jones signed with Miami , the Raiders made Cory Littleton their big ticket item on defense .
3 .
Stop giving up first downs by penalty With one of the worst defenses in the NFL , the last thing the Raiders can afford to do is give opponents second chances .
And third chances .
And fourth chances .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have done just that , giving up an incredible 21 first downs by penalty and allowing the opposing offense to stay on the field .
They did it five times each in losses and last week to the Chargers .
Miami is efficient offensively but not particularly explosive .
Avoid the first downs by penalty and there might be a few punts in the future of A.J .
Cole .
When Miami lost 34-31 to the Chiefs , tight end Travis Kelce caught eight passes for 136 yards and a touchdown .
Darren @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week , is on a hot streak of late statistically and has been Carr ’ s favorite receiver , targeted more than 28 percent of the time .
The Raiders other Pro Bowler , running back Josh Jacobs , last gained 100-plus yards on Nov. 15 against Denver with 21 carries for 112 yards .
In his last four games ( Jacobs didn ’ t play against the Jets because of a knee injury ) , Jacobs has 63 carries for 207 yards , averaging 3.3 yards per attempt .
He ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ straight 1,000-yard season and needs a jump in production to get there .
The running game that meant so much during the 6-3 start has gone dormant during their 1-4 stretch , and that ’ s no coincidence .
Waller and Jacobs have accounted for 18 of the Raiders ’ 42 touchdowns in 14 games .

The Raiders bring down the curtain on Year 1 at the “Death Star” Saturday night, never expecting their new home to be the place their season went to die.
There are myriad reasons the Raiders will soon officially be eliminated from the playoff race. It could happen Saturday night when they host the Miami Dolphins, who are in the thick of the postseason picture at 9-5.
The Raiders, having lost four of of their last five, are 7-7 because they have been unable to defend their home turf at Allegiant Stadium, where they have a 2-5 record as opposed to 5-2 on the road.
Owner Mark Davis determined in August he would be a no-show for home games out of respect to the season-ticket holders who can’t attend due to the coronavirus pandemic. What nobody knew at the time was the Raiders would join him. It was Davis who on Aug. 22 stood before his team and proclaimed, “Welcome to the Death Star, where opponents’ dreams come to die.”
The beginning was stirring, a 34-24 win over the New Orleans Saints on Monday night in Week 2. Other than that, the only good postgame vibes at their $2 billion home came from a 37-12 Week 12 win over the Denver Broncos when they had five takeaways.
Home is where Josh Allen led the Buffalo Bills to a 30-23 win that was more one-sided than the score indicated. It’s the place where Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers carved up the Raiders defense and the offense went stagnant during a week where the entire offensive line missed the week of practice for contact tracing.
It’s where Travis Kelce somehow got loose in the end zone to catch a 22-yard touchdown pass from Patrick Mahomes with 28 seconds to play and prevent a season sweep of the Kansas City Chiefs, and was the location of a 44-27 clock-cleaning at the hands of the Indianapolis Colts that led to the firing of defensive coordinator Paul Guenther.
“A lot of things have happened to us in the last month or so. I’m not going to reiterate all those things,” Raiders coach Jon Gruden said Thursday. “We love our stadium . . yeah, we’d like to win in there. We’re playing a great team, one of the hottest teams in the league, and we’re going to have to pay our best game of the year to win.”
Away from Las Vegas, the Raiders handed the Chiefs their only loss of the season 40-32 at Arrowhead Stadium, taking a victory lap in chartered buses around the stadium. They beat the Cleveland Browns with frozen winds coming off Lake Erie. The Raiders won in Los Angeles when Isaiah Johnson broke up a pass on the last play of the game and in New Jersey on a miracle Derek Carr to Henry Ruggs III 46-yard touchdown pass with five seconds remaining.
Beating the Dolphins could allow the Raiders to relive those kinds of moments at their own venue and close their first year at Allegiant Stadium with a win.
“We don’t want to finish losing. We’ve got to show who we are,” cornerback Trayvon Mullen said. “We’ve got to show how tough we are. We’ve got to show that no matter the circumstance or the outcome or whatever it is that we’re going to go out and we’re going to play hard. We’re going to finish.”
The Raiders’ longshot playoff pathway goes like this — 1) They beat Miami and Denver; 2) Miami loses to Buffalo in Week 17; 3) Baltimore loses to the New York Giants and Cincinnati.
Four ways the Raiders can beat Miami and leave their final home game feeling as if they’re still in it:
1. Convert with touchdowns in the red zone
The drive that ended when Derek Carr pulled up with a groin strain ended with a 23-yard field goal by Daniel Carlson. Later, with Marcus Mariota at quarterback, it happened again for another 20-yard field goal. It was the 19th and 20th red zone field goals the Raiders have kicked this season — the most in the NFL.
The Raiders defense has been much maligned and deservedly so, but if their own offense scored touchdowns at a higher rate in the red zone, they’d probably be going to the playoffs.
It won’t be easy against Miami, a team that leads the NFL in third down defense (32.5 percent).
2. Win the turnover margin
Yes, that again.. And it’s huge this week, because Miami leads the NFL with 26 takeaways and is third in turnover margin at plus 10. They’ve got a rookie quarterback in Tua Tagavaiola who doesn’t take risks and takes care of the ball. The Raiders are in the bottom third in turnover margin at minus-6.
In the last five games, four of them losses, the Raiders have turned the ball over 12 times and are at minus-7. Carr has 15 turnovers this season (seven interceptions, eight lost fumbles). He’s expected to start but his mobility could be limited. Mariota had one interception in his debut against the Chargers.
Miami has two excellent corners in Xavien Howard, an NFL Defensive Player of the Year candidate with nine interceptions, and Byron Jones, the former Dallas cornerback who the Raiders liked in a big way during free agency. It turned out the Dolphins wanted him more, to the tune of five years and $82.5 million with $57 million guaranteed.
Once Jones signed with Miami, the Raiders made Cory Littleton their big ticket item on defense.
3. Stop giving up first downs by penalty
With one of the worst defenses in the NFL, the last thing the Raiders can afford to do is give opponents second chances. And third chances. And fourth chances.
During their 1-4 streak, the Raiders have done just that, giving up an incredible 21 first downs by penalty and allowing the opposing offense to stay on the field. They did it five times each in losses and last week to the Chargers.
Miami is efficient offensively but not particularly explosive. Avoid the first downs by penalty and there might be a few punts in the future of A.J. Cole.
4. Let the stars shine
When Miami lost 34-31 to the Chiefs, tight end Travis Kelce caught eight passes for 136 yards and a touchdown. Darren Waller, named to the Pro Bowl this week, is on a hot streak of late statistically and has been Carr’s favorite receiver, targeted more than 28 percent of the time.
The Raiders other Pro Bowler, running back Josh Jacobs, last gained 100-plus yards on Nov. 15 against Denver with 21 carries for 112 yards. In his last four games (Jacobs didn’t play against the Jets because of a knee injury), Jacobs has 63 carries for 207 yards, averaging 3.3 yards per attempt. He’s 93 yards shy of a second straight 1,000-yard season and needs a jump in production to get there.
The running game that meant so much during the 6-3 start has gone dormant during their 1-4 stretch, and that’s no coincidence.
Waller and Jacobs have accounted for 18 of the Raiders’ 42 touchdowns in 14 games.


mercurynews--2020-12-25--49ers at Cardinals: Five players to watch as 49ers try playing spoiler in Arizona

The 49ers ’ “ Super Bowl revenge tour ” has taken a long-suspected detour .
They officially aren ’ t going back to the playoffs , and they won ’ t atone for last season ’ s Lombardi Trophy giveaway .
Their mission has changed , with two games to play .
“ Our motto the last week is : just go out there and have some fun , ” said C.J .
Beathard , who , because of injuries to Jimmy Garoppolo and Nick Mullens , will be the 49ers ’ third starting quarterback this season when they play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beathard ’ s former Iowa teammate George Kittle will be back in uniform to help Beathard and the 49ers , and to gain momentum for next season ’ s anticipated rebound with healthier players .
“ Yeah , we didn ’ t have the year we wanted to have .
We ’ ve got a lot of pieces coming back , ” Kittle said Thrusday .
” One of my favorite things to say is , ‘ I get Nick Bosa next year.
’ “ It ’ s really fun for me to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of my favorite football players to ever even watch .
I know he ’ s excited to get back .
I ’ m going to put my chips in that when Nick Bosa is healthy , we ’ re going to be just fine.
” Even with Bosa and Kittle and other stars , the 49ers lost to Arizona in the season opener , and State Farm Stadium in Glendale hasn ’ t been kind as the 49ers ’ adopted home this past month because of Santa Clara County ’ s COVID-19 restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Buffalo and Washington there earlier this month .
After Sunday ’ s getaway loss in Dallas , no players blamed their refugee status for their freefall .
If the 49ers are to upset the Cardinals ( 8-6 ) behind a third-string quarterback and a drastically redacted roster , here are five players who will influence that : Murray led the Cardinals to a 24-20 comeback win over the host 49ers in the season opener , and one key way he did so was by running , then ducking .
Murray ( 13 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and drew unsportsmanlike conduct penalties on Dre Greenlaw and Kerry Hyder in the Cardinals ’ second-half surge .
“ The dude is as fast as can be and it ’ s definitely a task trying to get him down , ” Greenlaw said.
” First game , we had so many penalties because everyone tried to get in a lick , but as soon as they get there , he goes down .
” “ Playing him a second time , we know what to expect .
We have to make sure we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ready to hit but as soon as he slides , don ’ t do too much.
” Murray does a lot more than run .
He has 25 touchdown passes and 10 rushing TDs .
He won his third NFC Player of the Week honors of 2020 last week , passing for 406 yards and three touchdowns in a 33-26 win over Philadelphia , plus a rushing touchdown .
“ He ’ s one of the best in the world with regards to getting out of the pocket and extending plays and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” defensive coordinator Robert Saleh said .
“ So , I guess Sunday will tell us everything we need to know about how far we ’ ve come.
” Time to see if Beathard brings more than just toughness to praise .
He won ’ t be afforded time to shake off rust in his first start since 2018 , which was a last-minute defeat at Arizona against Josh Rosen ( Beathard ’ s backup Saturday ) .
Beathard acknowledges he previously lingered too long in the pocket before escaping .
He ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 40 sacks , 17 games ) .
“ We ’ re a lot better team than we were back then , ” Beathard said of his former starts in 2017 and ’ 18 .
“ We ’ ve got a lot of guys that have been in the offense , you know , some of us for two , three years now that they know the scheme .
Me being able to get the ball quicker , being on the same page with guys , that helps a lot , too.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tryout , that could coerce Shanahan to bring him back a fourth season , even if it ’ s as a No .
3 quarterback .
Nick Mullens ’ elbow surgery could keep him out all of 2021 , so the door is open for Beathard to regain solid footing .
Arizona coach Kliff Kingsbury ’ s scouting report on Beathard : “ He knows the offense inside and out .
Smart player , accurate thrower.
” Beathard ’ s completed just 57.8 percent of his passes .
Two of his 45 passes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his career total to 14 touchdowns against 13 interceptions .
Now , if Beathard stinks it up , Shanahan has no intention on pulling him for Josh Rosen , who surely would love taking a crack at his former team ( drafted No .
10 by Arizona in 2018 ) .
Rosen only joined the 49ers on Wednesday and this is not seen as a tryout .
There ’ s no question he could be as dominant as he was in Week 1 ( 14 catches , 151 yards ) .
The biggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this time .
Richard Sherman ’ s season-long calf woes will keep him out , and possibly from ever again suiting up for the 49ers , since he ’ s said it would take a miracle to re-sign him because of the team ’ s financial crunch .
Jason Verrett should be game for opposing Hopkins .
Verrett missed the opening matchup because of a hamstring injury , then made a stirring comeback this season to revive his career .
He missed last game because of illness but looks on track to play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) is also out , and questionable are safety Tarvarius Moore ( knee ) and cornerback Emmanuel Moseley ( hamstring ) .
Ahkello Witherspoon could be a hot target if he starts again , having resurfaced last week with nice plays .
Saleh called it one of Witherspoon ’ s best games since his 2017 rookie year .
• 49ers at Cardinals injury report : George Kittle to play ; Richard Sherman , Jimmie Ward among those out • All signs point toward George Kittle ’ s 49ers return Saturday against Cardinals • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Amazon Saturday • 49ers on Wednesday : Aiyuk unconcerned with Rice ’ s 49ers record ; Kittle return likely for Saturday All due respect to the 49ers ’ two offensive Pro Bowlers – left tackle Trent Williams and fullback Kyle Juszczyk – but Aiyuk has been the 49ers ’ brightest star on offense .
He has 59 receptions for 733 yards and five touchdowns .
He is 195 yards shy of breaking Jerry Rice ’ s single-season record for yards by a 49ers rookie .
“ Going into a game , my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have 200 yards , and then go from there , ” Aiyuk said .
“ The mindset is not to worry about that record , but to go have the perfect game , which I ’ ve yet to do.
” Also watch if Aiyuk gets more opportunities as a punt returner .
Return specialist Richie James Jr. fumbled a punt return last week and Trent Taylor is on the COVID-19 reserve list .
Aiyuk has rotated in as a punt returner the past three games .
He has two returns ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Shanahan hasn ’ t flinched when asked , with no playoffs at stake , why in the heck he ’ d play Kittle for the first time since a Nov. 1 foot fracture .
Simply , Shanahan insists that a medically cleared Kittle should not be withheld from action when other players are pushing through injuries to finish out the season .
Kittle ’ s got a nice little rivalry going with the Cardinals , too .
He ’ s been injured the past two times he ’ s faced them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ look pretty different next year , ” Kittle said .
“ I ’ m excited for that but I ’ m also exited to paly these two games and give some teams some fits .
It ’ s going to be pretty fun.
” On Halloween night 2019 in Arizona , he sustained knee and ankle injuries in a tight victory , and he missed the next two games , including a rematch 17 days later .
In this season ’ s opener , Kittle ’ s four catches ( 44 yards ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but a Budda Baker hit sprained Kittle ’ s knee and sidelined him the next two games .
Kittle has missed the past six games , so eight overall after signing a record contract for a tight end before this season .
Perhaps this game will have to suffice as the vengeance Kittle vociferously sought after the 49ers ’ Super Bowl defeat .

The 49ers’ “Super Bowl revenge tour” is over. They aren’t going back to the playoffs, and they won’t atone for last season’s Lombardi Trophy giveaway.
Their mission has changed, with two games to play.
“Our motto the last week is: just go out there and have some fun,” said C.J. Beathard, who, because of injuries to Jimmy Garoppolo and Nick Mullens, will be the 49ers’ third starting quarterback this season when they play Saturday against the host Arizona Cardinals.
Beathard’s former Iowa teammate George Kittle will be back in uniform to help Beathard and the 49ers, and to gain momentum for next season’s anticipated rebound with healthier players.
“Yeah, we didn’t have the year we wanted to have. We’ve got a lot of pieces coming back,” Kittle said Thursday. ” One of my favorite things to say is, ‘I get Nick Bosa next year.’
“It’s really fun for me to say because he’s just one of my favorite football players to ever even watch. I know he’s excited to get back. I’m going to put my chips in that when Nick Bosa is healthy, we’re going to be just fine.”
Even with Bosa and Kittle and other stars, the 49ers lost to Arizona in the season opener. and, as the 49ers’ home the past four weeks, State Farm Stadium in Glendale has not been sweet. Since taking up residence there, as a result of Santa Clara County’s ban on contact sports, the 49ers (5-9) have lost to Buffalo and Washington. Last Sunday, they lost in Dallas.
If the 49ers are to upset the Cardinals (8-6) behind a third-string quarterback and a heavily redacted roster, the five players listed below are the most likely influencers.
1. Cardinals quarterback Kyle Murray
Murray led the Cardinals to a 24-20 comeback win over the host 49ers in the season opener, and one way he did it was by running, then ducking. Murray (13 carries, 91 yards) slid late and drew unsportsmanlike conduct penalties on Dre Greenlaw and Kerry Hyder in the Cardinals’ second-half surge.
“The dude is as fast as can be and it’s definitely a task trying to get him down,” Greenlaw said. “First game, we had so many penalties because everyone tried to get in a lick, but as soon as they get there, he goes down.
“Playing him a second time, we know what to expect. We have to make sure we’re locked in, ready to hit but as soon as he slides, don’t do too much.”
Murray does a lot more than run. In addition to 10 touchdown rushing, he has 25 passing. Last week in a 33-26 win over Philadelphia, he passed for 406 yards and three touchdowns and also ran for a touchdown.
“He’s one of the best in the world with regards to getting out of the pocket and extending plays and getting first downs with his feet,” defensive coordinator Robert Saleh said. “So, I guess Sunday will tell us everything we need to know about how far we’ve come.”
2. 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard
Time to see if Beathard brings more than just toughness. He won’t be afforded time to shake off rust in his first start since 2018, which was a last-minute defeat at Arizona against Josh Rosen. (It’s classically NFL that Beathard’s backup Saturday will be Rosen, signed last week when Mullens underwent surgery).
Beathard acknowledges he previously lingered too long in the pocket before escaping. He’s been to susceptible to hard hits (40 sacks, 17 games).
“We’re a lot better team than we were back then,” Beathard said, referring to his starting assignments in 2017 and ’18. “We’ve got a lot of guys that have been in the offense — some of us for two, three years now — that know the scheme. Me being able to get the ball quicker, being on the same page with guys, that helps a lot, too.”
If Beathard truly excels in this two-game tryout, that could convince coach Kyle Shanahan to bring him back a fourth season, even if it’s as a No. 3 quarterback. Mullens’ elbow surgery could keep him out all of 2021, so the door is open for Beathard to regain solid footing.
Arizona coach Kliff Kingsbury’s scouting report on Beathard: “He knows the offense inside and out. Smart player, accurate thrower.”
Beathard has completed just 57.8 percent of his passes. Two of his 45 passes this season produced late-game touchdowns, raising his career total to 14 touchdowns against 13 interceptions.
Now, if Beathard stinks it up, Shanahan has no intention of pulling him for Josh Rosen, who surely would love taking a crack at his former team (drafted No. 10 by Arizona in 2018). Rosen joined the 49ers on Wednesday and this is not seen as a tryout.
3. Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins
There’s no question he could be as dominant as he was in Week 1 (14 catches, 151 yards). The biggest mystery is who will try defending him this time.
Richard Sherman’s season-long calf woes will keep him out, and possibly from ever again suiting up for the 49ers. Sherman himself has said it would take a miracle for the 49ers to re-sign him because of their financial crunch.
Jason Verrett should be game for taking the challenge on Hopkins. Verrett missed the opening matchup because of a hamstring injury, then made a stirring comeback this season to revive his career. He missed last game because of illness but looks on track to play.
Safety Jimmie Ward (concussion) is also out, and questionable are safety Tarvarius Moore (knee) and cornerback Emmanuel Moseley (hamstring). Ahkello Witherspoon could be a hot target if he starts again, having resurfaced last week with nice plays. Saleh called it one of Witherspoon’s best games since his 2017 rookie year.
4. 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk
All due respect to the 49ers’ two offensive Pro Bowlers – left tackle Trent Williams and fullback Kyle Juszczyk – but Aiyuk has been the 49ers’ brightest star on offense. He has 59 receptions for 733 yards and five touchdowns. He is 195 yards shy of breaking Jerry Rice’s single-season record for yards by a 49ers rookie.
“Going into a game, my mindset is that I’m going to have 200 yards, and then go from there,” Aiyuk said. “The mindset is not to worry about that record, but to go have the perfect game, which I’ve yet to do.”
Also watch if Aiyuk gets more opportunities as a punt returner. Return specialist Richie James Jr. fumbled a punt return last week and Trent Taylor is on the COVID-19 reserve list. Aiyuk has rotated in as a punt returner the past three games. He has two returns (26 yards) and two fair catches.
5. Tight end George Kittle
Shanahan hasn’t flinched when asked, with no playoffs at stake, why in the heck he’d play Kittle for the first time since a Nov. 1 foot fracture. Simply, Shanahan insists that a medically cleared Kittle should not be withheld from action when other players are pushing through injuries to finish out the season.
Kittle’s got a nice little rivalry going with the Cardinals, too. He’s been injured the past two times he’s faced them.
“This team’s going to look pretty different next year,” Kittle said. “I’m excited for that but I’m also exited to play these two games and give some teams some fits. It’s going to be pretty fun.”
On Halloween night 2019 in Arizona, Kittle sustained knee and ankle injuries in a tight victory, and he missed the next two games, including a rematch 17 days later. In this season’s opener, Kittle’s four catches (44 yards) sparked the 49ers to an early lead, but a Budda Baker hit sprained Kittle’s knee and sidelined him the next two games.
Kittle has missed the past six games, so eight overall after signing a record contract for a tight end before this season.
Perhaps this game will have to suffice as the vengeance Kittle vociferously sought after the 49ers’ Super Bowl defeat.
NOTES
— The 49ers downgraded defensive lineman Kevin Givens and ruled him out, saying only it’s non-injury related.
— Guard Colton McKivitz got activated from the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
— Summoned from the practice squad were defensive linemen Darrion Daniels and Alex Barrett, tight end Daniel Helm, cornerback Tim Harris and wide receiver Jordan Matthews.
— Running back Raheem Mostert (ankle) and quarterback Nick Mullens (elbow) went on Injured Reserve.


Bridge: Dec. 25, 2020

“ I don ’ t want my problems solved for me .
Don ’ t give me a fish .
Give me a fishing pole.
” –anonymous , but he might have been a bridge player .
The essence of bridge is problem-solving .
To face an enigmatic situation and figure out the answer is exhilarating .
In today ’ s deal , South ’ s invitational jump to two spades strikes me as timid and North ’ s jump to game as bold .
Against four spades , West led the K-A and a third club .
South ruffed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s queen .
The finesse won , but South still had a problem : If trumps broke 3-0 , he had to cash the right high honor first .
He led low to his king — and West discarded .
South then had an insoluble problem : East was sure of a trump trick , and West had to get the queen of hearts .
South should take the ace of trumps first .
As the cards lie , he is safe .
If instead East discarded , South could take the king @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ruff dummy ’ s last diamond and exit with a trump .
West would be end-played .
You hold : S None H Q 9 5 4 D K 10 5 2 C A K J 10 8 .
You open one club , your partner responds one spade , you rebid two clubs and he rebids two spades .
The opponents pass .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : Mayday !
Your partner has six or seven spades but at most 10 high-card points .
Game is impossible , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spades are trumps .
Pass .
When the deal is clearly a misfit and you have no compensating high-card strength , stop bidding .

“I don’t want my problems solved for me. Don’t give me a fish. Give me a fishing pole.” –anonymous, but he might have been a bridge player.
The essence of bridge is problem-solving. To face an enigmatic situation and figure out the answer is exhilarating.
In today’s deal, South’s invitational jump to two spades strikes me as timid and North’s jump to game as bold. Against four spades, West led the K-A and a third club. South ruffed and led a diamond to dummy’s queen.
HIGH HONOR
The finesse won, but South still had a problem: If trumps broke 3-0, he had to cash the right high honor first. He led low to his king — and West discarded. South then had an insoluble problem: East was sure of a trump trick, and West had to get the queen of hearts.
South should take the ace of trumps first. As the cards lie, he is safe. If instead East discarded, South could take the king, lead a diamond to the ace, ruff dummy’s last diamond and exit with a trump. West would be end-played.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S None H Q 9 5 4 D K 10 5 2 C A K J 10 8. You open one club, your partner responds one spade, you rebid two clubs and he rebids two spades. The opponents pass. What do you say?
ANSWER: Mayday! Your partner has six or seven spades but at most 10 high-card points. Game is impossible, and his hand may win no tricks unless spades are trumps. Pass. When the deal is clearly a misfit and you have no compensating high-card strength, stop bidding.
West dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S A J 8 5
H A 6 2
D A Q 4
C 9 4 2
WEST
S None
H Q 9 5 4
D K 10 5 2
C A K J 10 8
EAST
S Q 6 2
H 10 8 7
D J 9 7 3
C Q 6 5
SOUTH
S K 10 9 7 4 3
H K J 3
D 8 6
C 7 3
West North East South
1 C Dbl Pass 2 S
Pass 4 S All Pass
Opening lead — C K
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.