mercurynews--2020-11-16--Whicker: Winners and losers at this year’s Masters

To paraphrase Duane Thomas , it was not the ultimate Masters .
They ’ re planning another one in April .
Did Dustin Johnson play the ultimate Masters ?
Evidence lands on both sides .
It ’ s one case of equivalence that isn ’ t false .
In shooting 20-under-par 268 , Johnson seized the 72-hole record of 270 that Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth shared .
He also bested the present field by five strokes .
No one had won a Masters by five or more since Woods ’ frontier-breaking 12-shot romp in 1997 .
Yet Woods ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still holds its place at the top .
He was 18-under-par and runner-up Tom Kite was 6-under , which explained why Kite came off the 72nd green and said , “ Well , I won my golf tournament.
” On that week 23 years ago , a 6,925-yard golf course played to an average of 74.306 .
This year , a 7,475-yard golf course played to an average of 71.752 , breaking a one-year-old record for the low score .
Prior to 1997 , the best Masters belonged to Jack Nicklaus in 1965 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , nine strokes clear of runners-up Arnold Palmer and Gary Player .
The field averaged 74.032 that week , and Nicklaus emerged as the undisputed kahuna , as Woods did in 1997 and Johnson on Sunday .
Raymond Floyd took a torch to the place in 1976 and shot 271 , beating Ben Crenshaw by eight and third-placers Nicklaus and Larry Ziegler by 11 .
It might have been a sizzling Masters if Floyd had lost his five-wood .
But even then , the average score was 74.121 .
But even if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won ’ t quibble .
The trophy is the same as the one Nick Faldo took home in 1990 when he watched Scott Hoch shank a 3-footer .
When you go 11-under on the par-fives , and you have a Masters-record-low four bogeys and you three-putt only once , your life and your closet will change .
“ I think I look pretty good in green , ” Johnson said , smiling in his size 42-long coat .
Johnson was a premier player before he got to Riviera Country Club for the 2017 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s where he raised the stakes .
He blitzed the field to lead by nine and won by five .
That was the first time Johnson reached No .
1 in the official world rankings , and it was the first of three consecutive victories that made him the prohibitive Masters favorite that year .
Then he stumbled down the stairs at his rented home in Augusta and had to withdraw .
In 2020 , Johnson turned “ then ” into “ now.
” In Johnson ’ s past six events he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sixth , second and first , playing through a COVID-19 quarantine in the process .
There were other winners in Augusta , and a few losers : • Cameron Smith , the Aussie with the ever-incomplete Corey Perry mustache , shot 273 .
He and Sungjae Im delivered the lowest score ever by a runner-up .
Smith ’ s belief and his touch might win a major someday , even without the artillery .
• Cameras on drones provided gorgeous aerial shots of Augusta National , as if it needed another dimension .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Golf Channel analyst .
He ’ s funny and insightful and lightens the atmosphere , next to the stat-heavy preparedness and intensity of Brandel Chamblee .
Rich Lerner ’ s relaxed eloquence might make it the best three-man booth in sportscasting .
• Im , 22 , had the fewest putts of any contestant and held up well in Johnson ’ s wake .
• As Woods noted , golf participation is rising again because it ’ s a relatively low-risk activity .
Johnson made the game look easy enough to fool … @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tee .
• Bryson DeChambeau led the field in driving by 9 yards .
He also was 10-over on the par 4s , had two double-bogeys and a triple , and finished 34th .
Augusta National was not rendered vinyl .
• Johnson , Thomas among Masters leaders , while DeChambeau is in danger of going home • The Masters : When is it on TV , who ’ s the betting favorite , and why Collin Morikawa has a shot • It ’ s unfair to call Rory McIlroy a loser when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holes and finished fifth , but he shot 75 on Thursday and couldn ’ t unlap himself .
Since the Masters would complete his career Slam , he won ’ t drive away peacefully until he wins it .
• Rickie Fowler never broke 70 and was 29th .
Could it be that he peaked in 2014 ?
• Fans of No .
16 were robbed of theatrics when the pin placement was back right , instead of its normal home at the bottom of a funnel on the left side .
No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rahm ’ s skipping hole-in-one on Tuesday got too many Internet clicks .
• Tiger Woods put three golf balls into Rae ’ s Creek at No .
12 , took a 10 on the par-3 , then birdied five of the six holes that remained on Sunday .
He still commands the room of golf like no one ever has .
He turns 45 on Dec. 30 , but you can tell he hasn ’ t closed the book .
Besides , what a shame it would have been to waste a @ @ @ @ @ @ @

To paraphrase Duane Thomas, it was not the ultimate Masters. They’re planning another one in April.
Did Dustin Johnson play the ultimate Masters? Evidence lands on both sides. It’s one case of equivalence that isn’t false.
In shooting 20-under-par 268, Johnson seized the 72-hole record of 270 that Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth shared. He also bested the present field by five strokes. No one had won a Masters by five or more since Woods’ frontier-breaking 12-shot romp in 1997.
Yet Woods’ victory, his first of five, still holds its place at the top. He was 18-under-par and runner-up Tom Kite was 6-under, which explained why Kite came off the 72nd green and said, “Well, I won my golf tournament.”
On that week 23 years ago, a 6,925-yard golf course played to an average of 74.306. This year, a 7,475-yard golf course played to an average of 71.752, breaking a one-year-old record for the low score.
Prior to 1997, the best Masters belonged to Jack Nicklaus in 1965, when he shot a record 271, nine strokes clear of runners-up Arnold Palmer and Gary Player. The field averaged 74.032 that week, and Nicklaus emerged as the undisputed kahuna, as Woods did in 1997 and Johnson on Sunday.
Raymond Floyd took a torch to the place in 1976 and shot 271, beating Ben Crenshaw by eight and third-placers Nicklaus and Larry Ziegler by 11. It might have been a sizzling Masters if Floyd had lost his five-wood. But even then, the average score was 74.121.
But even if you drop Johnson behind all those, he won’t quibble. The trophy is the same as the one Nick Faldo took home in 1990 when he watched Scott Hoch shank a 3-footer.
When you go 11-under on the par-fives, and you have a Masters-record-low four bogeys and you three-putt only once, your life and your closet will change. “I think I look pretty good in green,” Johnson said, smiling in his size 42-long coat.
Johnson was a premier player before he got to Riviera Country Club for the 2017 Northern Trust Open, but that’s where he raised the stakes. He blitzed the field to lead by nine and won by five.
That was the first time Johnson reached No. 1 in the official world rankings, and it was the first of three consecutive victories that made him the prohibitive Masters favorite that year. Then he stumbled down the stairs at his rented home in Augusta and had to withdraw. In 2020, Johnson turned “then” into “now.”
In Johnson’s past six events he has finished first, second, third, sixth, second and first, playing through a COVID-19 quarantine in the process.
There were other winners in Augusta, and a few losers:
WINNERS
• Cameron Smith, the Aussie with the ever-incomplete Corey Perry mustache, shot 273. He and Sungjae Im delivered the lowest score ever by a runner-up. Smith’s belief and his touch might win a major someday, even without the artillery.
• Cameras on drones provided gorgeous aerial shots of Augusta National, as if it needed another dimension.
• Justin Leonard has blossomed as a Golf Channel analyst. He’s funny and insightful and lightens the atmosphere, next to the stat-heavy preparedness and intensity of Brandel Chamblee. Rich Lerner’s relaxed eloquence might make it the best three-man booth in sportscasting.
• Im, 22, had the fewest putts of any contestant and held up well in Johnson’s wake.
• As Woods noted, golf participation is rising again because it’s a relatively low-risk activity. Johnson made the game look easy enough to fool … uh, lure more folks to the tee.
• Bernhard Langer. Enough said.
LOSERS
• Bryson DeChambeau led the field in driving by 9 yards. He also was 10-over on the par 4s, had two double-bogeys and a triple, and finished 34th. Augusta National was not rendered vinyl.
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Holes-in-one: Aces carded from around Bay Area golf courses Golf | Holes-in-one: Aces carded from around Bay Area golf courses
Holes-in-one: Aces carded from around Bay Area golf courses Golf | Brian Harman unstoppable in drama-free British Open win at Hoylake • It’s unfair to call Rory McIlroy a loser when he was 14-under for the last 54 holes and finished fifth, but he shot 75 on Thursday and couldn’t unlap himself. Since the Masters would complete his career Slam, he won’t drive away peacefully until he wins it.
• Rickie Fowler never broke 70 and was 29th. Could it be that he peaked in 2014?
• Fans of No. 16 were robbed of theatrics when the pin placement was back right, instead of its normal home at the bottom of a funnel on the left side. No more aces or near-aces. Maybe Jon Rahm’s skipping hole-in-one on Tuesday got too many Internet clicks.
CATEGORY OF ONE
• Tiger Woods put three golf balls into Rae’s Creek at No. 12, took a 10 on the par-3, then birdied five of the six holes that remained on Sunday. He still commands the room of golf like no one ever has. He turns 45 on Dec. 30, but you can tell he hasn’t closed the book. Besides, what a shame it would have been to waste a last hurrah on an empty hall.


mercurynews--2020-11-16--Martinez police find man’s body in Alhambra Creek

MARTINEZ — Police detectives are investigating a man ’ s body that was found in the Alhambra Creek , authorities @ @ @ @ @ a.m. , officers responded to a “ man down ” call for an unresponsive person @ @ @ @ @ police said in a Monday afternoon statement .
Officers soon found a white male in @ @ @ @ @ he had died before their arrival , police said .
Detectives also responded to the @ @ @ @ @ Costa County Fire Protection District firefighters .
The man ’ s identity was withheld due @ @ @ @ @ Costa Sheriff ’ s Office coroner ’ s division and next-of-kin notification .
Anyone with @ @ @ @ @ ’ s non-emergency number at 925-372-3440 .

MARTINEZ — Police detectives are investigating a man’s body that was found in the Alhambra Creek, authorities said Monday.
Around 10:30 a.m., officers responded to a “man down” call for an unresponsive person with some visible injuries, police said in a Monday afternoon statement.
Officers soon found a white male in his fifties and initially determined he had died before their arrival, police said. Detectives also responded to the scene, as did Contra Costa County Fire Protection District firefighters.
The man’s identity was withheld due to processing at the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office coroner’s division and next-of-kin notification.
Anyone with information may call the department’s non-emergency number at 925-372-3440.
Contact George Kelly at 408-859-5180.


mercurynews--2020-11-16--East Bay community fights against new ‘mega’ Costco gas station

SAN RAMON — A group of residents are banding together to oppose a Costco “ mega gas station ” project at the San Ramon/Danville border , saying that such a project would bring noise , traffic and even health risks to the area .
The proposed gas station would have 32 pumps and be located in San Ramon at the former Office Depot site on 3111 Fostoria Way , across the street and over the city boundary from the existing Costco in Danville .
But residents on either side of the city line say the station could bring more traffic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk , cause contamination and hurt small businesses .
Danville resident Christine Santiago said she ’ s particularly concerned about the health risks .
As a lung cancer survivor in remission , the emissions from idling cars and trucks could be dangerous for her .
Santiago lives at the nearby Fostoria Terrace townhouses , which according to the city is located about 520 feet east of the project site in Danville .
“ A 32-pump mega station , it ’ s going to be huge .
And it ’ s going to affect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an interview .
The project plans call for demolishing the existing 30,000-square-foot building on the site and building a 32-pump self-serve station on the 2.88-acre lot .
The hours of operation would be 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day .
The site is also between the Extended Stay Hotel to the east , CMG Plaza to the southeast at the Magnolia Square Shopping Center to the west .
A group called “ Safer San Ramon ” is rallying against the proposal , which will go before the San Ramon Planning Commission on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it lists aspects of the project the group finds concerning , such as the 120,000 gallons of fuel stored underground it says could lead to contamination if there ’ s an earthquake ; or the noise the site could produce as big tanker trucks deliver fuel to the station .
Safer San Ramon also maintains that such a location would increase traffic — an estimated 9,500 vehicles per day fueling with the potential to idle for 20 minutes while drivers wait to fuel up .
Santiago also contends the potential increased traffic could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also nearby on- and off-ramps .
Bishop Ranch is close by , she pointed out , and the proposed gas station could attract people who work there .
“ The traffic is bad enough .
It ’ s going to be more congested because of cheap gas , ” Santiago said .
Jon Bristow , also a resident of the Fostoria Terrace homes , said although the current Costco store takes up a large footprint , it doesn ’ t create undue stress on the roadways because of correctly placed entrances and exits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pump operation across the street , you do have an impact that goes beyond the number of cars we presently have , ” he said .
The potential for more than 9,000 more cars would create a “ major impact ” in terms of traffic , Bristow said .
He said in looking at examples of similar projects Costco has proposed throughout the state , those do not have residential areas next to the expected gas stations .
“ Just the sheer number ( of cars ) is going to be incredible and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A similar fight against a new Costco store has been raging for at least four years in the nearby city of Pleasanton .
Two lawsuits , an appeal and even a ballot measure all occurred over a proposed Costco store at the Johnson Drive Economic Development Zone on a 40-acre site on Stoneridge Drive near the interchange of Interstates 680 and 580 .
The San Ramon Planning Commission will consider the Costco gas station project at its Tuesday meeting , which begins at 7 p.m. and can be live-streamed online at www.sanramon.ca.gov/YouTube @

SAN RAMON — A group of residents are banding together to oppose a Costco “mega gas station” project at the San Ramon/Danville border, saying that such a project would bring noise, traffic and even health risks to the area.
The proposed gas station would have 32 pumps and be located in San Ramon at the former Office Depot site on 3111 Fostoria Way, across the street and over the city boundary from the existing Costco in Danville. But residents on either side of the city line say the station could bring more traffic and pollution, pose a public safety risk, cause contamination and hurt small businesses.
Danville resident Christine Santiago said she’s particularly concerned about the health risks. As a lung cancer survivor in remission, the emissions from idling cars and trucks could be dangerous for her. Santiago lives at the nearby Fostoria Terrace townhouses, which according to the city is located about 520 feet east of the project site in Danville.
“A 32-pump mega station, it’s going to be huge. And it’s going to affect my health,” she said in an interview.
The project plans call for demolishing the existing 30,000-square-foot building on the site and building a 32-pump self-serve station on the 2.88-acre lot. The hours of operation would be 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day. The site is also between the Extended Stay Hotel to the east, CMG Plaza to the southeast at the Magnolia Square Shopping Center to the west.
A group called “Safer San Ramon” is rallying against the proposal, which will go before the San Ramon Planning Commission on Tuesday night. On its website, it lists aspects of the project the group finds concerning, such as the 120,000 gallons of fuel stored underground it says could lead to contamination if there’s an earthquake; or the noise the site could produce as big tanker trucks deliver fuel to the station.
Safer San Ramon also maintains that such a location would increase traffic — an estimated 9,500 vehicles per day fueling with the potential to idle for 20 minutes while drivers wait to fuel up.
Santiago also contends the potential increased traffic could affect not only the neighborhood, but also nearby on- and off-ramps. Bishop Ranch is close by, she pointed out, and the proposed gas station could attract people who work there.
“The traffic is bad enough. It’s going to be more congested because of cheap gas,” Santiago said.
Jon Bristow, also a resident of the Fostoria Terrace homes, said although the current Costco store takes up a large footprint, it doesn’t create undue stress on the roadways because of correctly placed entrances and exits.
“But when you introduce 32 pump operation across the street, you do have an impact that goes beyond the number of cars we presently have,” he said.
The potential for more than 9,000 more cars would create a “major impact” in terms of traffic, Bristow said. He said in looking at examples of similar projects Costco has proposed throughout the state, those do not have residential areas next to the expected gas stations.
“Just the sheer number (of cars) is going to be incredible and impossible to absorb,” Bristow said.
A similar fight against a new Costco store has been raging for at least four years in the nearby city of Pleasanton. Two lawsuits, an appeal and even a ballot measure all occurred over a proposed Costco store at the Johnson Drive Economic Development Zone on a 40-acre site on Stoneridge Drive near the interchange of Interstates 680 and 580.
The San Ramon Planning Commission will consider the Costco gas station project at its Tuesday meeting, which begins at 7 p.m. and can be live-streamed online at www.sanramon.ca.gov/YouTube.


mercurynews--2020-11-16--UC system agrees to $73M sexual abuse settlement

LOS ANGELES — The prestigious University of California system has reached a proposed $ 73 million settlement with seven women who accused a former gynecologist of sexual abuse .
As part of the class-action lawsuit , more than 6,600 patients of Dr. James Heaps could receive part of the settlement — even if they have not accused the former University of California , Los Angeles , gynecologist of abuse .
A federal judge must approve the deal between the seven plaintiffs , representing thousands of Heaps ’ patients , and the University of California regents and the doctor .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reforms at UCLA , was filed Monday in federal court .
Patients have accused Heaps of sexual assault and sexual misconduct between 1983 and 2018 , when he worked at the UCLA student health center and UCLA Medical Center .
Accusations include making sexually inappropriate comments to patients , touching women sexually during exams without wearing gloves and simulating intercourse , often roughly , with an ultrasound probe .
The settlement is separate from criminal charges against Heaps , 63 , whose medical license has been suspended by court order as that case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pleaded not guilty to the charges involving seven women and denied wrongdoing .
He is due back in state court on Dec. 7 .
Some of his former patients have come to his defense , saying he never acted improperly during their medical appointments .
The proposed settlement is the latest agreement to give payouts to thousands of patients of male doctors who are accused of sexual assault and sexual misconduct .
A federal judge approved a $ 215 million settlement for 18,000 women who were patients of a former gynecologist , Dr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Southern California , a private university also in Los Angeles .
Heaps ’ attorney did not immediately return a request for comment .
UCLA has said its investigation into the gynecologist began in December 2017 , though officials did not alert the campus community of the allegations until Heaps was in court last year .
He retired in 2018 when UCLA declined to renew his contract .
“ The incidents described in the lawsuit reflect alleged conduct that is contrary to our values , ” UCLA Health said Monday in a statement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward and hope that this settlement – which is still subject to court approval – is one small step forward for the patients involved.
” More than 200 women contacted UCLA after Heaps was arrested in June 2019 to report their experiences with the doctor , according to the settlement .
UCLA has identified about 5,000 patients who were previously under Heaps ’ care and estimate that an additional 1,600 women were treated by him but that their records no longer exist at the university .
They are all covered under the settlement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to admit wrongdoing or contribute toward the $ 73 million , though he signed off on the settlement .
UCLA said it will implement a new process for investigating allegations of sexual assault , harassment and misconduct , as well as institute a formal chaperone policy .
Other reforms stipulated in the settlement include training on boundaries , advertising of patient reporting options , compliance monitoring and investigations into potential misconduct allegations as medical staff are credentialed .
The patients ’ payouts begin at a guaranteed minimum of $ 2,500 , regardless of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or assault .
“ In our view , these women were still put in harm ’ s way and deserve compensation on those grounds , ” said Elizabeth Kramer , one of several attorneys representing the victims .
“ We don ’ t have a way of knowing every single woman who would allege sexual misconduct by Dr. Heaps.
” One of the lawsuit ’ s plaintiffs , known as E.F. in the lawsuit , had been seeing Heaps regularly for several years when she said his conduct changed and he touched her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 2014 appointment .
During a 2016 visit to his office , she said Heaps touched her sexually during a pelvic exam .
She shifted her body and looked at him in disgust , court documents say , and he smirked and left the room .
“ I knew in my gut that something was wrong , ” she told The Associated Press , which does not identify victims of sexual assault .
“ I was completely violated .
It was that simple.
” E.F. , now 49 , did not report her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She decided to come forward as a plaintiff in the lawsuit to set an example for her teenage daughters and be a part of pushing UCLA to enact reforms .
When it is time for her daughters to visit gynecologists , “ I want to know that they ’ re safe , ” she said .
Patients can seek amounts of $ 250,000 , or higher in certain cases .
A panel of experts will decide how much each patient is paid based on her experience .
• Serial rapist who assaulted victims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in state prison • After 23 years , East Bay rape victim faces her alleged attacker in court • San Mateo police arrest ‘ high-risk ’ sex offender in connection with attempted rape of child • Feds : Oakland man in child porn extortion case threatened to kidnap 13-year-old if she didn ’ t send him pictures The $ 73 million does not include attorneys ’ fees or litigation expenses .
UCLA will pay those separately .
More than 100 of Heaps ’ former patients have filed individual lawsuits .
University of California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while others are ongoing .
Last month , Gov .
Gavin Newsom approved a measure allowing a one-year window — all of 2021 — for victims to file legal claims against Heaps and UCLA that could otherwise have been too late under an existing statute of limitations .

By Stefanie Dazio | Associated Press
LOS ANGELES — The prestigious University of California system has reached a proposed $73 million settlement with seven women who accused a former gynecologist of sexual abuse.
As part of the class-action lawsuit, more than 6,600 patients of Dr. James Heaps could receive part of the settlement — even if they have not accused the former University of California, Los Angeles, gynecologist of abuse.
A federal judge must approve the deal between the seven plaintiffs, representing thousands of Heaps’ patients, and the University of California regents and the doctor. The proposed agreement, which includes several mandated reforms at UCLA, was filed Monday in federal court.
Patients have accused Heaps of sexual assault and sexual misconduct between 1983 and 2018, when he worked at the UCLA student health center and UCLA Medical Center. Accusations include making sexually inappropriate comments to patients, touching women sexually during exams without wearing gloves and simulating intercourse, often roughly, with an ultrasound probe.
The settlement is separate from criminal charges against Heaps, 63, whose medical license has been suspended by court order as that case moves forward. He’s has pleaded not guilty to the charges involving seven women and denied wrongdoing. He is due back in state court on Dec. 7.
Some of his former patients have come to his defense, saying he never acted improperly during their medical appointments.
The proposed settlement is the latest agreement to give payouts to thousands of patients of male doctors who are accused of sexual assault and sexual misconduct. A federal judge approved a $215 million settlement for 18,000 women who were patients of a former gynecologist, Dr. George Tyndall, at the University of Southern California, a private university also in Los Angeles.
Heaps’ attorney did not immediately return a request for comment.
UCLA has said its investigation into the gynecologist began in December 2017, though officials did not alert the campus community of the allegations until Heaps was in court last year. He retired in 2018 when UCLA declined to renew his contract.
“The incidents described in the lawsuit reflect alleged conduct that is contrary to our values,” UCLA Health said Monday in a statement. “We thank the individuals who came forward and hope that this settlement – which is still subject to court approval – is one small step forward for the patients involved.”
More than 200 women contacted UCLA after Heaps was arrested in June 2019 to report their experiences with the doctor, according to the settlement. UCLA has identified about 5,000 patients who were previously under Heaps’ care and estimate that an additional 1,600 women were treated by him but that their records no longer exist at the university. They are all covered under the settlement.
The agreement does not require Heaps to admit wrongdoing or contribute toward the $73 million, though he signed off on the settlement.
UCLA said it will implement a new process for investigating allegations of sexual assault, harassment and misconduct, as well as institute a formal chaperone policy. Other reforms stipulated in the settlement include training on boundaries, advertising of patient reporting options, compliance monitoring and investigations into potential misconduct allegations as medical staff are credentialed.
The patients’ payouts begin at a guaranteed minimum of $2,500, regardless of whether the women accused Heaps of harassment or assault.
“In our view, these women were still put in harm’s way and deserve compensation on those grounds,” said Elizabeth Kramer, one of several attorneys representing the victims. “We don’t have a way of knowing every single woman who would allege sexual misconduct by Dr. Heaps.”
One of the lawsuit’s plaintiffs, known as E.F. in the lawsuit, had been seeing Heaps regularly for several years when she said his conduct changed and he touched her breasts sexually and made inappropriate comments in a 2014 appointment.
During a 2016 visit to his office, she said Heaps touched her sexually during a pelvic exam. She shifted her body and looked at him in disgust, court documents say, and he smirked and left the room.
“I knew in my gut that something was wrong,” she told The Associated Press, which does not identify victims of sexual assault. “I was completely violated. It was that simple.”
E.F., now 49, did not report her allegations to UCLA or law enforcement. She decided to come forward as a plaintiff in the lawsuit to set an example for her teenage daughters and be a part of pushing UCLA to enact reforms.
When it is time for her daughters to visit gynecologists, “I want to know that they’re safe,” she said.
Patients can seek amounts of $250,000, or higher in certain cases. A panel of experts will decide how much each patient is paid based on her experience.
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More than 100 of Heaps’ former patients have filed individual lawsuits. University of California regents have settled at least two, while others are ongoing.
Last month, Gov. Gavin Newsom approved a measure allowing a one-year window — all of 2021 — for victims to file legal claims against Heaps and UCLA that could otherwise have been too late under an existing statute of limitations.


mercurynews--2020-11-17--Skelton: In pandemic, many California Democrats voted like Republicans

California voters rejected an ambitious statewide ballot initiative to substantially raise business property taxes .
But they approved many local tax and bond measures .
Why the distinction ?
One reason is that voters are suspicious of Sacramento politicians .
The public may not especially trust local officials either , but they ’ re closer and can be better watched and held accountable .
Another reason is that voters this year are very anxious about the economy as the pandemic takes a toll on businesses , jobs and retirement savings .
They didn ’ t want to unleash a major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cripple the California economy .
This is a deep-blue state with strong Democratic leanings .
But on the landmark property tax proposal , Proposition 15 , many Democrats voted like Republicans .
Democratic leaders and strategists apparently underestimated national surveys that showed there was one issue on which President Trump usually outpolled Joe Biden .
It was on the question of which candidate would be best at handling the economy .
“ People were incredibly nervous about their personal economic situations , ” Democratic consultant Gale Kaufman says .
“ It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money when they ’ re nervous about their own economic lot .
… They didn ’ t want to screw up their 401 ( k ) s. ” Another steep hurdle for Proposition 15 was that it asked voters to dramatically change Proposition 13 , the historic 1978 property tax cut that ’ s viewed by many as sacrosanct .
Residential property would not have been affected , but many voters feared a camel ’ s nose under their tent .
They suspected the tax-and-spenders would be coming after their homeowner tax breaks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ property would have been reassessed at market value every three years .
Currently , that reassessment comes only when the property changes hands .
And that ’ s almost never for big corporations using Proposition 13 loopholes .
Socking it to corporations is one thing .
But a problem for Prop .
15 was that many small businesses lease their store sites and offices , and they would have been smacked .
Under standard leases , the business owner is liable for the tax hikes .
The next time anti-13 forces launch an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should focus narrowly on big corporations and be extra careful to exclude small businesses , even if the total tax take is smaller .
Proposition 15 , sponsored by the California Teachers Association and the Service Employees International Union , would have raised up to $ 11.5 billion annually .
The money would have been split 60 % to local governments and 40 % to K-12 schools and community colleges .
Business interests spent roughly $ 72 million to defeat the initiative .
Voters rejected it by roughly 52 % to 48 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of local tax increases and bond issues .
And under California ’ s stringent supermajority rules , most local tax increases require a two-thirds vote because of Proposition 13 .
School bonds need 55 % .
Among proposed local sales tax increases , 53 were approved and nine rejected , according to an early report by the California Taxpayers Association .
Several other measures were too close to call .
Of parcel tax proposals , 23 won and 13 lost .
Forty school bond measures were approved , requiring property tax hikes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ CalTax ’ s early look .
So why did these local measures pass — but Proposition 15 fail ?
There was an early warning sign .
In the March primary , a hefty $ 15 billion school construction bond measure proposed by Gov .
Gavin Newsom and the Legislature was rejected by voters .
It was the first defeat of a state school bond measure since 1994 , a very Republican year .
“ In local school districts , voters know what ’ s going on , ” says Robert Gutierrez , president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Association .
“ They understand what the money may or may not be used for .
There ’ s a local connection to the community.
” That ’ s not the case with voters and Sacramento .
Proposition 15 was not placed on the ballot by the Legislature and governor .
It was labor ’ s doing .
And the billions raised would not have flowed into the state treasury .
The money would have gone to local governments and schools .
But it was strongly supported by Democratic leaders and the governor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the measure .
“ Local governments are more trusted , ” says former Democratic consultant Darry Sragow , who publishes the California Target Book , which chronicles legislative and congressional races .
“ They feel that local officials are less likely to betray them .
”

California voters rejected an ambitious statewide ballot initiative to substantially raise business property taxes. But they approved many local tax and bond measures. Why the distinction?
One reason is that voters are suspicious of Sacramento politicians. The public may not especially trust local officials either, but they’re closer and can be better watched and held accountable.
Another reason is that voters this year are very anxious about the economy as the pandemic takes a toll on businesses, jobs and retirement savings. They didn’t want to unleash a major new property tax hike that might further cripple the California economy.
This is a deep-blue state with strong Democratic leanings. But on the landmark property tax proposal, Proposition 15, many Democrats voted like Republicans.
Democratic leaders and strategists apparently underestimated national surveys that showed there was one issue on which President Trump usually outpolled Joe Biden. It was on the question of which candidate would be best at handling the economy.
“People were incredibly nervous about their personal economic situations,” Democratic consultant Gale Kaufman says. “It’s really difficult to get people to spend money when they’re nervous about their own economic lot. … They didn’t want to screw up their 401(k)s.”
Another steep hurdle for Proposition 15 was that it asked voters to dramatically change Proposition 13, the historic 1978 property tax cut that’s viewed by many as sacrosanct.
Residential property would not have been affected, but many voters feared a camel’s nose under their tent. They suspected the tax-and-spenders would be coming after their homeowner tax breaks next.
Under Proposition 15, commercial property would have been reassessed at market value every three years. Currently, that reassessment comes only when the property changes hands. And that’s almost never for big corporations using Proposition 13 loopholes.
Socking it to corporations is one thing. But a problem for Prop. 15 was that many small businesses lease their store sites and offices, and they would have been smacked. Under standard leases, the business owner is liable for the tax hikes.
The next time anti-13 forces launch an assault on the iconic law, they should focus narrowly on big corporations and be extra careful to exclude small businesses, even if the total tax take is smaller.
Proposition 15, sponsored by the California Teachers Association and the Service Employees International Union, would have raised up to $11.5 billion annually. The money would have been split 60% to local governments and 40% to K-12 schools and community colleges.
Business interests spent roughly $72 million to defeat the initiative. Voters rejected it by roughly 52% to 48%.
But voters signed off on lots of local tax increases and bond issues. And under California’s stringent supermajority rules, most local tax increases require a two-thirds vote because of Proposition 13. School bonds need 55%.
Among proposed local sales tax increases, 53 were approved and nine rejected, according to an early report by the California Taxpayers Association. Several other measures were too close to call.
Of parcel tax proposals, 23 won and 13 lost. Forty school bond measures were approved, requiring property tax hikes. Only four were rejected, based on CalTax’s early look.
So why did these local measures pass — but Proposition 15 fail? There was an early warning sign.
In the March primary, a hefty $15 billion school construction bond measure proposed by Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Legislature was rejected by voters. It was the first defeat of a state school bond measure since 1994, a very Republican year.
“In local school districts, voters know what’s going on,” says Robert Gutierrez, president and chief executive of the California Taxpayers Association. “They understand what the money may or may not be used for. There’s a local connection to the community.”
That’s not the case with voters and Sacramento.
Proposition 15 was not placed on the ballot by the Legislature and governor. It was labor’s doing. And the billions raised would not have flowed into the state treasury. The money would have gone to local governments and schools. But it was strongly supported by Democratic leaders and the governor. The state’s brand was on the measure.
“Local governments are more trusted,” says former Democratic consultant Darry Sragow, who publishes the California Target Book, which chronicles legislative and congressional races. “They feel that local officials are less likely to betray them.”
Voters sent Sacramento Democrats a message: Forget huge tax increases.
George Skelton is a Los Angeles Times columnist. ©2020 Los Angeles Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency.


mercurynews--2020-11-17--2 California brothers found shot dead near apartment complex

San Bernardino police were investigating the Sunday evening , Nov. 15 , shooting deaths of two brothers in the 900 @ @ @ @ @ .
The shootings occurred at about 8:35 p.m. , with the men found in the @ @ @ @ @ .
Dondre Sneed , 26 , of San Bernardino was pronounced dead at the scene @ @ @ @ @ 33 , of Moreno Valley was taken to a hospital , where he died .
@ @ @ @ @ was unclear , police said .
This incident marks the fourth gun-related homicide in San @ @ @ @ @ .
On Nov. 10 , a 14-year-old boy was shot and killed in the 1200 @ @ @ @ @ .
On Nov. 14 , a 52-year-old man was killed in the 600 block of @ @ @ @ @ possible drug-related shooting , police said .
Police asked anyone with information about the shootings @ @ @ @ @ at 909-384-5655 or at flesher_wi @ sbcity.org .

San Bernardino police were investigating the Sunday evening, Nov. 15, shooting deaths of two brothers in the 900 block of North Sierra Way.
The shootings occurred at about 8:35 p.m., with the men found in the street near an apartment complex.
Dondre Sneed, 26, of San Bernardino was pronounced dead at the scene, while Deandre Sneed, 33, of Moreno Valley was taken to a hospital, where he died.
The motive for the shootings was unclear, police said.
This incident marks the fourth gun-related homicide in San Bernardino in the past week. On Nov. 10, a 14-year-old boy was shot and killed in the 1200 block of East Davidson Street. On Nov. 14, a 52-year-old man was killed in the 600 block of North Crescent Avenue in a possible drug-related shooting, police said.
Police asked anyone with information about the shootings to contact Detective Bill Flesher at 909-384-5655 or at flesher_wi@sbcity.org.


mercurynews--2020-11-17--Bay Area mariner found dead after boat fire

The Marin County Sheriff ’ s Office is investigating the death of mariner on a boat that caught fire in @ @ @ @ @ happened early Saturday morning .
Neighbors reported a small explosion , and the Coast Guard @ @ @ @ @ ’ s office is still working to identify the occupant of the boat because of @ @ @ @ @ .
Jeff Jacob , who lives on Richardson Bay , described the resident of the @ @ @ @ @ .
He said there were generators aboard the boat .
“ He was a seaworthy @ @ @ @ @ .
“ He knew what he was doing out there .
It could have happened @ @ @ @ @

The Marin County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of mariner on a boat that caught fire in Richardson Bay.
The fire happened early Saturday morning. Neighbors reported a small explosion, and the Coast Guard responded.
The county coroner’s office is still working to identify the occupant of the boat because of the severity of the burns.
Jeff Jacob, who lives on Richardson Bay, described the resident of the boat as an experienced mariner. He said there were generators aboard the boat.
“He was a seaworthy sailor,” Jacob said. “He knew what he was doing out there. It could have happened to any boat.”


mercurynews--2020-11-17--Covid-19 travel restrictions state by state

Editor ’ s note : This story was current at the time of last publication on November 16 and will be updated periodically .
However , you should still check with the official state websites before you commit to travel plans , especially as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches .
( CNN ) — With cases of Covid-19 reaching new heights in the United States , some states are having to adapt rapidly with their rules and regulations , especially in recent weeks .
If you wish to travel to another state , it is important to be updated on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states have no restrictions on travel , all their sites have important Covid-19 safety information , including possible face mask mandates in public settings .
States without travel restrictions might still have mask mandates .
This list is alphabetical and includes links where you should get more information and updates before you head out : As of November 16 , there were no statewide travel restrictions in Alabama .
However , visitors should be aware of the state ’ s mask mandate effective through December 11 , according to the Montgomery Advertiser newspaper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Alaska ’ s latest travel protocols have been in effect since August 11 .
Visitors from other states must do one of the following : — Submit a travel declaration and self-isolation plan online and arrive with proof of a negative Covid-19 test .
— Follow a plan that your employer filed with the state if you come for work .
— Buy a $ 250 Covid-19 test when you arrive and self-quarantine at your own expense until you get the results .
Alaska residents also have protocols they must follow for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ people in quarantine should stay home , separate themselves from others , monitor their health , and follow directions from their state or local health department.
” Leaving your home state to enter a state with a mandatory quarantine means you need one place to stay and to stay put .
Check here for Alaska details and updates .
As of November 16 , there were no statewide travel restrictions in Arizona .
Check here for updates .
As of November 16 , there were no statewide travel restrictions in Arkansas .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ As of November 13 , people coming to California are being asked to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival and avoid nonessential travel , which includes tourism .
Check here for Covid-19 updates and possible local restrictions .
As of November 16 , there were no statewide travel restrictions in Colorado though nonessential travel is not recommended .
Check here for updates .
Any traveler coming from a state that has a positiitye rate of 10 out of 100,000 people or a 10 % or higher positivity rate must self-quarantine for 14 days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 24 hours in said state for the rule to apply .
Everyone also needs to complete a travel health form .
Visitors can opt out of the 14-day quarantine in limited cases if they can provide proof that they have had a negative Covid-19 test in the past 72 hours .
There were 46 states plus Guam and Puerto Rico on the 10 % or higher positivity list as of November 16 .
The list is updated each Tuesday .
Check here for updates and details .
As of November 16 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Delaware .
Check here for updates .
As of November 16 , there were no statewide travel restrictions in Florida .
Check here for updates .
As of November 16 , there were no statewide travel restrictions in Georgia .
Check here for updates .
Travelers who arrive with an FDA-approved nucleic acid amplification test ( NAAT ) taken no earlier than 72 hours before their flight , performed using a nasal swab , and who can also show proof of negative test results from a CLIA certified laboratory can avoid the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone 5 or older .
Check here for important additional details .
NEW : As of November 16 , there are no statewide travel restrictions in Idaho .
Check here for updates .
NEW : There are no statewide restrictions , but visitors heading to Chicago since November 10 have been placed in three categories — red , orange and yellow .
Anyone from a red state must quarantine for 14 days .
Anyone from an orange state must have a negative Covid-19 test result no more than 72 hours old or observe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ list of states and more information before you travel .
As of November 16 , there were no statewide travel restrictions in Indiana .
Check here for updates .
As of November 16 , there were no statewide travel restrictions in Iowa .
Check here for updates .
NEW : While mostly open , Kansas has some unusually specific 14-day quarantine requirements that often change .
( For instance , people who visited the tiny European nation of Andorra on or after October 21 . )
Check here for updates and more details @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing positivity rate of 15 % or more on Johns Hopkins University ’ s website should quarantine for 14 days .
Check the list before you travel as it ’ s growing with the recent rise in US cases .
Check here for updates from Kentucky .
As of November 16 , there were no statewide travel restrictions in Louisiana .
Check here for updates .
NEW : Travelers must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival or sign a form stating they ’ ve received a negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Maine but must quarantine while awaiting results .
Residents of New Hampshire and Vermont are exempt from quarantining or having a negative test .
Check here for updates .
As of November 16 , there were no statewide travel restrictions in Maryland .
Check here for details .
All visitors and residents must complete a travel form before arriving in Massachusetts unless they are arriving from a state designated by the Department of Public Health as low risk .
As of November 16 , those were Hawaii , Maine , New Hampshire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 14 days or produce a negative Covid-19 test result that has been administered up to 72 hours prior to your arrival in Massachusetts.
” Those waiting on test results need to quarantine until they receive their negative results .
Failure to comply with these directives may result in a $ 500 fine .
Check here for updates .
NEW : As of November 16 , there were no statewide travel restrictions in Michigan .
However , the state issued a three-week pause on many types of indoor social gatherings starting November 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of November 16 , there were no statewide travel restrictions in Minnesota .
Check here for updates .
As of November 16 , there were no statewide travel restrictions in Mississippi .
Check here for updates .
As of November 16 , there were no statewide travel restrictions in Missouri .
Check here for updates .
As of November 16 , there were no statewide travel restrictions in Montana .
Travel restrictions might vary at Native American reservations .
Check here for updates .
As of November 16 , there were no statewide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for updates .
As of November 16 , there were no statewide travel restrictions in Nevada .
Check here for updates .
Those traveling from outside other New England states ( Maine , Vermont , Massachusetts , Connecticut and Rhode Island ) who are visiting for “ an extended period of time ” are asked to self-quarantine for two weeks .
Check here for updates .
All travelers to New Jersey from states that have a Covid-19 testing positivity rate of 10 % or higher or have 10 people test positive for every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 14 days .
This rule does not apply for visitors spending less than 24 hours in the state .
The state government is also asking travelers to fill out a voluntary survey regarding information about where they are traveling and their destination .
As of November 16 , there were 45 states and US jurisdictions on the list .
Check here for updates and most recent list of states .
People traveling from out-of-state are required to self-quarantine for 14 days or the length of their stay in New Mexico , whichever is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ list of exemptions , updated each Wednesday .
On November 16 , the only exemption was Vermont .
Check here for updates .
Gov .
Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced new guidelines allowing out-of-state travelers to New York to “ test out ” of the mandatory 14-day quarantine .
Travelers from states that are contiguous with New York will continue to be exempt from the travel advisory .
Covered travelers must continue to fill out the Traveler Health Form .
The new protocol became effective November 4 .
Check for important details here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were no statewide travel restrictions in North Carolina .
However , the state urges visitors to check local destinations with possible restrictions before traveling .
Check here for updates .
As of November 16 , there were no statewide travel restrictions in North Dakota .
Be aware that on November 16 , North Dakota had the highest number of Covid-19 cases per 100,000 people in the country at 8,514 per 100,000 .
Check here for updates .
Travelers visiting Ohio from states reporting positive testing rates of 15 % or more must self-quarantine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each Wednesday .
Check here for updates .
As of November 16 , there were no statewide travel restrictions in Oklahoma .
Check here for updates .
NEW : As of November 16 , there was no official statewide travel restrictions in Oregon .
However , the state is issuing a two-week statewide freeze on many activities that tourists might come there to enjoy from November 18 to December 2 .
Check here for updates and details .
Visitors traveling from states with “ high amounts of Covid-19 cases ” are asked to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ includes most states in the country .
Check here for updates and changes to the list of states , last updated on November 13 .
Those traveling to Rhode Island from a state that has a positive testing rate of 5 % or more must quarantine for 14 days .
Travelers can opt out of the quarantine if they can provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours of their arrival .
You can check that updated list of states here on this Google doc , last updated on November @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must self-quarantine until a negative test result arrives .
However , the state still recommends quarantining for 14 days as opposed to relying on a negative test result .
Check here for updates and details .
As of November 16 , there were no statewide travel restrictions in South Carolina .
Check here for updates .
As of November 16 , there were no statewide travel restrictions in South Dakota .
Some routes through Native American lands might be closed .
Check here for updates .
As of November 16 , there were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Check here for updates .
As of November 16 , there were no statewide travel restrictions in Texas .
The state urges people to wear a mask , saying “ an itty-bitty piece of cloth goes a long way towards keeping yourself and others healthy.
” Check here for updates .
As of November 16 , there were no statewide travel restrictions in Utah .
Check here for updates .
NEW : Vermont has suspended its leisure travel map with exceptions on its travel restrictions and now has a mandatory 14-day quarantine upon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the option of taking a Covid-19 PCR test on day 7 of the quarantine and then end it early with a negative reading .
Check here for updates .
As of November 16 , there were no statewide travel restrictions in Virginia .
Check here for updates .
NEW : New travel requirements were implemented on November 9 for anyone traveling to the District with more than 10 cases per 100,000 people .
Visitors are asked to get tested 72 hours or less before coming to DC .
If you ’ re there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re asked to get tested again .
Check here for updates and important details .
NEW : Gov .
Jay Inslee issued a travel advisory for Washington on November 13 , recommending a 14-day self-quarantine for interstate and international travel .
Tourists are being discouraged from visiting .
• Coronavirus map : Here ’ s what tier each county in California is on Nov. 16 • Stanford responds to Trump coronavirus adviser Scott Atlas ’ calls for Michigan to ‘ rise up ’ against new restrictions • Project Roomkey : Gov .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ prop up COVID hotel program As of November 16 , there were no statewide travel restrictions in West Virginia .
Check here for updates .
NEW : As of November 16 , there were no statewide travel restrictions .
But on November 10 , Gov .
Tony Evers issued new orders to limit the spread of Covid-19 that would crimp many typical travel activities .
Check here for updates .
As of November 16 , there were no statewide travel restrictions in Wyoming .
Check here for updates .

Editor’s note: This story was current at the time of last publication on November 16 and will be updated periodically. However, you should still check with the official state websites before you commit to travel plans, especially as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches.
(CNN) — With cases of Covid-19 reaching new heights in the United States, some states are having to adapt rapidly with their rules and regulations, especially in recent weeks.
If you wish to travel to another state, it is important to be updated on the latest statewide regulations. While some US states have no restrictions on travel, all their sites have important Covid-19 safety information, including possible face mask mandates in public settings. States without travel restrictions might still have mask mandates.
This list is alphabetical and includes links where you should get more information and updates before you head out:
Alabama
As of November 16, there were no statewide travel restrictions in Alabama. However, visitors should be aware of the state’s mask mandate effective through December 11, according to the Montgomery Advertiser newspaper. You can check here for updates.
Alaska
Alaska’s latest travel protocols have been in effect since August 11. Visitors from other states must do one of the following:
— Submit a travel declaration and self-isolation plan online and arrive with proof of a negative Covid-19 test.
— Follow a plan that your employer filed with the state if you come for work.
— Buy a $250 Covid-19 test when you arrive and self-quarantine at your own expense until you get the results.
Alaska residents also have protocols they must follow for travel. According to the CDC, “people in quarantine should stay home, separate themselves from others, monitor their health, and follow directions from their state or local health department.” Leaving your home state to enter a state with a mandatory quarantine means you need one place to stay and to stay put. Check here for Alaska details and updates.
Arizona
As of November 16, there were no statewide travel restrictions in Arizona. Check here for updates.
Arkansas
As of November 16, there were no statewide travel restrictions in Arkansas. Check here for updates.
California
NEW: As of November 13, people coming to California are being asked to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival and avoid nonessential travel, which includes tourism. Check here for Covid-19 updates and possible local restrictions.
Colorado
As of November 16, there were no statewide travel restrictions in Colorado though nonessential travel is not recommended. Check here for updates.
Connecticut
Any traveler coming from a state that has a positiitye rate of 10 out of 100,000 people or a 10% or higher positivity rate must self-quarantine for 14 days. The traveler must have spent more than 24 hours in said state for the rule to apply. Everyone also needs to complete a travel health form.
Visitors can opt out of the 14-day quarantine in limited cases if they can provide proof that they have had a negative Covid-19 test in the past 72 hours. There were 46 states plus Guam and Puerto Rico on the 10% or higher positivity list as of November 16. The list is updated each Tuesday. Check here for updates and details.
Delaware
As of November 16, there were no statewide travel restrictions in Delaware. Check here for updates.
Florida
As of November 16, there were no statewide travel restrictions in Florida. Check here for updates.
Georgia
As of November 16, there were no statewide travel restrictions in Georgia. Check here for updates.
Hawaii
Travelers who arrive with an FDA-approved nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) taken no earlier than 72 hours before their flight, performed using a nasal swab, and who can also show proof of negative test results from a CLIA certified laboratory can avoid the state’s 14-day quarantine. This includes anyone 5 or older. Check here for important additional details.
Idaho
NEW: As of November 16, there are no statewide travel restrictions in Idaho. Check here for updates.
Illinois
NEW: There are no statewide restrictions, but visitors heading to Chicago since November 10 have been placed in three categories — red, orange and yellow. Anyone from a red state must quarantine for 14 days. Anyone from an orange state must have a negative Covid-19 test result no more than 72 hours old or observe the quarantine. Check here for the list of states and more information before you travel.
Indiana
As of November 16, there were no statewide travel restrictions in Indiana. Check here for updates.
Iowa
As of November 16, there were no statewide travel restrictions in Iowa. Check here for updates.
Kansas
NEW: While mostly open, Kansas has some unusually specific 14-day quarantine requirements that often change. (For instance, people who visited the tiny European nation of Andorra on or after October 21.) Check here for updates and more details.
Kentucky
Visitors from states with a coronavirus testing positivity rate of 15% or more on Johns Hopkins University’s website should quarantine for 14 days. Check the list before you travel as it’s growing with the recent rise in US cases. Check here for updates from Kentucky.
Louisiana
As of November 16, there were no statewide travel restrictions in Louisiana. Check here for updates.
Maine
NEW: Travelers must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival or sign a form stating they’ve received a negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours. You may also get tested upon arriving in Maine but must quarantine while awaiting results. Residents of New Hampshire and Vermont are exempt from quarantining or having a negative test. Check here for updates.
Maryland
As of November 16, there were no statewide travel restrictions in Maryland. Check here for details.
Massachusetts
All visitors and residents must complete a travel form before arriving in Massachusetts unless they are arriving from a state designated by the Department of Public Health as low risk. As of November 16, those were Hawaii, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.
Travelers must “quarantine for 14 days or produce a negative Covid-19 test result that has been administered up to 72 hours prior to your arrival in Massachusetts.” Those waiting on test results need to quarantine until they receive their negative results. Failure to comply with these directives may result in a $500 fine. Check here for updates.
Michigan
NEW: As of November 16, there were no statewide travel restrictions in Michigan. However, the state issued a three-week pause on many types of indoor social gatherings starting November 15. Check here for updates.
Minnesota
As of November 16, there were no statewide travel restrictions in Minnesota. Check here for updates.
Mississippi
As of November 16, there were no statewide travel restrictions in Mississippi. Check here for updates.
Missouri
As of November 16, there were no statewide travel restrictions in Missouri. Check here for updates.
Montana
As of November 16, there were no statewide travel restrictions in Montana. Travel restrictions might vary at Native American reservations. Check here for updates.
Nebraska
As of November 16, there were no statewide travel restrictions in Nebraska. Check here for updates.
Nevada
As of November 16, there were no statewide travel restrictions in Nevada. Check here for updates.
New Hampshire
Those traveling from outside other New England states (Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island) who are visiting for “an extended period of time” are asked to self-quarantine for two weeks. Check here for updates.
New Jersey
All travelers to New Jersey from states that have a Covid-19 testing positivity rate of 10% or higher or have 10 people test positive for every 100,000 residents are asked to quarantine for 14 days. This rule does not apply for visitors spending less than 24 hours in the state. The state government is also asking travelers to fill out a voluntary survey regarding information about where they are traveling and their destination.
As of November 16, there were 45 states and US jurisdictions on the list. Check here for updates and most recent list of states.
New Mexico
People traveling from out-of-state are required to self-quarantine for 14 days or the length of their stay in New Mexico, whichever is shorter. The state issues a weekly list of exemptions, updated each Wednesday. On November 16, the only exemption was Vermont. Check here for updates.
New York
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced new guidelines allowing out-of-state travelers to New York to “test out” of the mandatory 14-day quarantine. Travelers from states that are contiguous with New York will continue to be exempt from the travel advisory. Covered travelers must continue to fill out the Traveler Health Form. The new protocol became effective November 4. Check for important details here.
North Carolina
As of November 16, there were no statewide travel restrictions in North Carolina. However, the state urges visitors to check local destinations with possible restrictions before traveling. Check here for updates.
North Dakota
As of November 16, there were no statewide travel restrictions in North Dakota. Be aware that on November 16, North Dakota had the highest number of Covid-19 cases per 100,000 people in the country at 8,514 per 100,000. Check here for updates.
Ohio
Travelers visiting Ohio from states reporting positive testing rates of 15% or more must self-quarantine for 14 days. This list updates each Wednesday. Check here for updates.
Oklahoma
As of November 16, there were no statewide travel restrictions in Oklahoma. Check here for updates.
Oregon
NEW: As of November 16, there was no official statewide travel restrictions in Oregon. However, the state is issuing a two-week statewide freeze on many activities that tourists might come there to enjoy from November 18 to December 2. Check here for updates and details.
Pennsylvania
Visitors traveling from states with “high amounts of Covid-19 cases” are asked to quarantine for 14 days, which currently includes most states in the country. Check here for updates and changes to the list of states, last updated on November 13.
Rhode Island
Those traveling to Rhode Island from a state that has a positive testing rate of 5% or more must quarantine for 14 days. Travelers can opt out of the quarantine if they can provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours of their arrival. You can check that updated list of states here on this Google doc, last updated on November 16.
Those waiting on test results must self-quarantine until a negative test result arrives. However, the state still recommends quarantining for 14 days as opposed to relying on a negative test result. Check here for updates and details.
South Carolina
As of November 16, there were no statewide travel restrictions in South Carolina. Check here for updates.
South Dakota
As of November 16, there were no statewide travel restrictions in South Dakota. Some routes through Native American lands might be closed. Check here for updates.
Tennessee
As of November 16, there were no statewide travel restrictions in Tennessee. Check here for updates.
Texas
As of November 16, there were no statewide travel restrictions in Texas. The state urges people to wear a mask, saying “an itty-bitty piece of cloth goes a long way towards keeping yourself and others healthy.” Check here for updates.
Utah
As of November 16, there were no statewide travel restrictions in Utah. Check here for updates.
Vermont
NEW: Vermont has suspended its leisure travel map with exceptions on its travel restrictions and now has a mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival for nonessential travel. You have the option of taking a Covid-19 PCR test on day 7 of the quarantine and then end it early with a negative reading. Check here for updates.
Virginia
As of November 16, there were no statewide travel restrictions in Virginia. Check here for updates.
Washington, DC
NEW: New travel requirements were implemented on November 9 for anyone traveling to the District with more than 10 cases per 100,000 people. Visitors are asked to get tested 72 hours or less before coming to DC. If you’re there for more than three days, you’re asked to get tested again. Check here for updates and important details.
Washington state
NEW: Gov. Jay Inslee issued a travel advisory for Washington on November 13, recommending a 14-day self-quarantine for interstate and international travel. Tourists are being discouraged from visiting.
West Virginia
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Travel | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge As of November 16, there were no statewide travel restrictions in West Virginia. Check here for updates.
Wisconsin
NEW: As of November 16, there were no statewide travel restrictions. But on November 10, Gov. Tony Evers issued new orders to limit the spread of Covid-19 that would crimp many typical travel activities. Check here for updates.
Wyoming
As of November 16, there were no statewide travel restrictions in Wyoming. Check here for updates.
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mercurynews--2020-11-17--After carjacking that ended with Santa Cruz cliff dive, victim shares trauma, gratitude

SANTA CRUZ — Hands raised in the air , Stephanie Lopez left everything behind and stepped from her car onto Highway 1 at gunpoint more than four months ago , yet the details of that day remain fresh .
Only recently , with the support of loved ones and her therapist , the 26-year-old Santa Cruz resident was able to once again travel along the coastal road north of Davenport where she had felt such fear on the afternoon of June 30 .
Lopez ’ s Honda Civic was taken from her , used in a high-speed chase with several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eventually driven off a West Cliff Drive bluff into the ocean .
Soon after , Lopez ’ s closest friend jumped into action and organized an online fundraiser that helped raise money to close some of the gap between what Lopez ’ s insurance would pay and the cost of a new car .
After several attempts , Lopez followed through on that support last week and purchased a small sport utility vehicle .
“ I have struggled with a lot .
It ’ s been a very hard process to get through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I ’ m seeing a therapist , I ’ ve done the trauma treatment , I ’ ve ‘ done the drive.
’ ” Lopez said during a recent interview with the Sentinel.
” I bought the car , finally .
That was the hardest thing to go through with.
” That June afternoon , Lopez had been returning home from her first day physically back at work since the coronavirus pandemic shut down offices across the state .
Playing some of her favorite music , Lopez was feeling good .
Then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stoppage , cars pulled off on either side of the road and someone talking to other drivers .
Not knowing what was going on , she heard someone yell , “ Get down , he has a gun , ” prompting her to turn her car around to head back north , Lopez said .
An armed gentleman then approached her driver ’ s side window , Lopez said .
“ At that time , all of the cars around me had either gone up the street or had turned back , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kind of in reverse , getting ready to go north but I wasn ’ t able to go fast enough , ” Lopez said .
“ I put the car in park because I wasn ’ t about try to mess around with a person who has a gun .
So I put my hands up after I put it into park .
And he said , ‘ Get out , I won ’ t shoot you if you get out.
” • California man sentenced to nearly 3 years in $ 5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away , he threw Lopez ’ s cell phone to her , giving her a feeling that “ there was a connection of , he wasn ’ t actually going to hurt me .
He was just trying to get away from whatever he needed to.
” Lopez was not left alone , carless , on the side of the road for long .
A couple drove up and offered their support and a ride to the Davenport area , where Lopez could feel safer and have cell phone reception .
Sitting with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while later , Lopez learned that law enforcement units first were chasing the carjacker north , and then that the man had turned arouking , ocean crash casend and was heading south , toward Davenport .
“ He took the vehicle right past us and they took him into Santa Cruz and he shot my car right off of West Cliff , ” Lopez said .
In the midst of a convoluted afternoon , Lopez said there were “ so many moving pieces , ” with conflicting public and law enforcement reports that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happening .
While still with a deputy , Lopez ’ s friend was texting her that she had seen what appeared to be Lopez ’ s car flying off the cliff ; her boyfriend was desperate to see her .
Finally , officers brought Lopez to a hospital to identify the man who she said had stolen her car .
“ We ’ re both going to have to live with that for the rest of our lives , ” Lopez said .
A jury trial in the criminal armed carjacking case initially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until late January .

SANTA CRUZ — Hands raised in the air, Stephanie Lopez left everything behind and stepped from her car onto Highway 1 at gunpoint more than four months ago, yet the details of that day remain fresh.
Only recently, with the support of loved ones and her therapist, the 26-year-old Santa Cruz resident was able to once again travel along the coastal road north of Davenport where she had felt such fear on the afternoon of June 30.
Lopez’s Honda Civic was taken from her, used in a high-speed chase with several law enforcement agencies in hot pursuit and eventually driven off a West Cliff Drive bluff into the ocean. Soon after, Lopez’s closest friend jumped into action and organized an online fundraiser that helped raise money to close some of the gap between what Lopez’s insurance would pay and the cost of a new car. After several attempts, Lopez followed through on that support last week and purchased a small sport utility vehicle.
“I have struggled with a lot. It’s been a very hard process to get through, but one day at a time. I’m seeing a therapist, I’ve done the trauma treatment, I’ve ‘done the drive.’” Lopez said during a recent interview with the Sentinel.”I bought the car, finally. That was the hardest thing to go through with.”
That June afternoon, Lopez had been returning home from her first day physically back at work since the coronavirus pandemic shut down offices across the state. Playing some of her favorite music, Lopez was feeling good. Then, up ahead, she noticed a stoppage, cars pulled off on either side of the road and someone talking to other drivers. Not knowing what was going on, she heard someone yell, “Get down, he has a gun,” prompting her to turn her car around to head back north, Lopez said.
An armed man then approached her driver’s-side window, Lopez said.
“At that time, all of the cars around me had either gone up the street or had turned back, which left my Honda Civic just there, kind of in reverse, getting ready to go north but I wasn’t able to go fast enough,” Lopez said. “I put the car in park because I wasn’t about try to mess around with a person who has a gun. So I put my hands up after I put it into park. And he said, ‘Get out. I won’t shoot you if you get out.’ ” Related Articles Crime and Public Safety | Man shot, killed by Colorado cop was holding a marker, not a weapon
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As the assailant pulled away, he threw Lopez’s cell phone to her, giving her a feeling that “there was a connection of, he wasn’t actually going to hurt me. He was just trying to get away from whatever he needed to.”
Lopez was not left alone, carless, on the side of the road for long. A couple drove up and offered their support and a ride to the Davenport area, where Lopez could feel safer and have cell phone reception. Sitting with a sheriff’s deputy a short while later, Lopez learned that law enforcement units first were chasing the carjacker north, and then that the man had turned around and was heading south, toward Davenport.
“He took the vehicle right past us and they took him into Santa Cruz and he shot my car right off of West Cliff,” Lopez said.
John Kenyanjui, 56, of Portland, Oregon, was arrested after he swam to shore.
In the midst of a convoluted afternoon, Lopez said, there were “so many moving pieces” that it was difficult to know what was happening. Lopez’s friend texted her that she had seen what appeared to be Lopez’s car flying off the cliff; her boyfriend was desperate to see her. Finally, officers brought Lopez to a hospital to identify the man who she said had stolen her car.
“We’re both going to have to live with that for the rest of our lives,” Lopez said.
A jury trial in the criminal armed carjacking case initially scheduled for this week has been delayed until late January.


mercurynews--2020-11-17--With Harris’ U.S. Senate seat in the mix, Southern California leaders lobbying governor hard

Elected leaders from Los Angeles to the Inland Empire this week are ramping up their lobbying efforts on Gov .
Gavin Newsom , urging him to pick a Latino or an African American person to replace U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris as she ascends to the role of vice president .
Two weeks after the Nov. 3 election , dueling news conferences among advocates are planned this week , with the prospect of highlighting an intra-party lobbying effort that up until now has been remained behind the scenes .
While President Donald Trump has yet to concede his projected defeat during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of legal challenges , President-elect Joe Biden and Harris are set to take office on Jan. 20 , as the Constitution mandates .
In the meantime , Newsom must pick someone to replace her to fill the final two years of the six-year term .
While it ’ s not yet clear how soon before the inauguration Harris will give up her seat , Newsom has said he has no timeline to make an announcement .
That did not stop Latino advocacy groups and leaders on Monday , who began a weeklong campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choice that reflects California ’ s population , where Latinos outnumber Whites , Asians and Blacks .
Later this week , a high-profile group of Latinx leaders are all set to take to the steps of L.A. City Hall to get the word out .
Among them : State Sen. Maria Elena Durazo , D-Los Angeles ; Assemblyman Miguel Santiago , D-Los Angeles ; Riverside County Supervisor Manuel Perez , vice president of the Latino Caucus of California Counties ; Angelica Salas , executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That will follow similar events all week throughout the state .
“ For us , this is a very important time , because we ’ re seeing the demographics in the state population , where Latinos represent 40 % of Californians… We need to have leadership that is really reflective of the state , and who also understand the kind of solutions that are going to move us forward , ” said Rosie Arroyo , board chair of Hispanas Organized for Political Equality ( HOPE ) , part of the coalition of interests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goal is to have someone who can view policy issues such as immigration and education , Arroyo said , through the lens of immigrants .
So far , names including Secretary of State Alex Padilla , Attorney General Xavier Becerra and Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia have been circulating .
Garcia is a popular leader in his adopted hometown and would be a breakthrough pick — he ’ s young , a Latinx immigrant and openly gay .
Padilla and Becerra are regarded as thoughtful and focused , coming into public from different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Becerra an attorney .
The open Senate seat , however , has not only energized the Latinx community .
Another contingent of politicians are pushing Newsom to replace Harris with another Black woman .
Harris , the daughter of immigrants from Jamaica and India , is one of just two Black women to ever serve in the Senate .
Carol Moseley Braun , who represented Illinois from 1993-1999 , is the other .
A coalition of Black California lawmakers and organizations have organized behind a drive to support U.S. Rep. Karen Bass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ District , an area that includes West Los Angeles , Mid-City , West Adams and Crenshaw .
Bass , a former speaker of the California Assembly , heads the Congressional Black Caucus and was on Biden ’ s vice presidential short list .
She has also been mentioned as a possible pick for Biden ’ s Cabinet — possibly as a potential Housing and Urban Development secretary .
Advocates of the “ Keep the Seat ” movement see Barbara Lee — the Oakland-area congresswoman — as a another contender .
“ There is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from now until January is to mount a loud state and national campaign to ensure that a Black woman , Karen Bass or Barbara Lee , gets appointed to the CA Senate seat in the US Congress , ” advocates touted in a flier promoting an upcoming press conference at the State Capitol .
Advocates for Bass and Lee are looking at the prospects of a U.S. Senate with only one Black Democratic senator , Corey Booker , of New Jersey .
Supporters contend Harris was elected to the Senate in 2017 by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the position .
Any other pick other than a black woman would be subverting that will , they say .
“ My bottom line thing is the governor needs to remember that when the people voted , they voted for an African American woman to fill that space .
They knew that .
It wasn ’ t a secret , ” said Jimmie Woods-Gray , a Los Angeles County Democratic activist .
“ In keeping to the will of the people , he should appoint an African American woman to fill those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the recent presidential election — where Joe Biden/Harris ticket was put over the top by Black voters , some electoral experts said — should be enough for Newsom to see her logic .
“ The reason Kamala Harris is going to be the vice president is because African Americans voted in large numbers , ” she said .
“ We just want the governor to acknowledge that he does see us and he understands the issues as they are , ” Woods-Gray added .
“ It ’ s not a friendship thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the political situation at this time.
” Of course , the issue of who Newsom picks goes beyond those perhaps at the top of the short list .
There are others , with ethnic roots and experience , also seemingly poised for higher office .
L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti — with Mexican-Jewish-Italian roots — and London Breed , San Francisco ’ s Black mayor , both remain on Newsom ’ s radar .
Expanding that list , there ’ s U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff , D-Burbank , a hero to many Democrats for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ; and U.S. Rep. Katie Porter of Orange County , a Democratic freshman rising star , who has clicked off a series of legislative successes .
Both are prolific fundraisers in Congress .
Both may also be in position to wait for when California ’ s other Senate seat comes open , held by 87-year-old Dianne Feinstein , the chamber ’ s oldest member .
Her term runs through January 2025 , but there is speculation she could step down early , given her age .
Political science experts also wonder if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rising star , to leave a seat that could prove vulnerable to Republican hands down the road in future elections — especially with Orange County flipping two seats red in results just finaluized from the Nov. 3 vote .
It ’ s unclear if there ’ s a frontrunner among Padilla , Becerra , Bass , Garcia , or Lee .
With so much going on — COVID-19 , election , wildfires — it ’ s not exactly Newsom ’ s top talking point these days .
On Monday , the governor Newsom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic activity , moving 28 counties — including Orange — back to the most restrictive tier of California ’ s matrix governing business operations during the coronavirus outbreak .
It ’ s also possible Newsom would install a caretaker in the Senate from among party elders to hold the seat until after the 2022 election .
That person would step aside after a new senator is elected .
But what is clear to many experts is that he may be looking to fuse a bold statement with an appointee with whom he strongly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ checks all those boxes and look at how much he might weigh that with political experience and D.C. connections , ” said Marcia Godwin , professor of public administration at the University of La Verne .
The Associated Press contributed to this report .

Elected leaders from Los Angeles to the Inland Empire this week are ramping up their lobbying efforts on Gov. Gavin Newsom, urging him to pick a Latino or an African American person to replace U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris as she ascends to the role of vice president.
Two weeks after the Nov. 3 election, dueling news conferences among advocates are planned this week, with the prospect of highlighting an intra-party lobbying effort that up until now has been remained behind the scenes.
While President Donald Trump has yet to concede his projected defeat during the election certification process amid a series of legal challenges, President-elect Joe Biden and Harris are set to take office on Jan. 20, as the Constitution mandates.
In the meantime, Newsom must pick someone to replace her to fill the final two years of the six-year term. While it’s not yet clear how soon before the inauguration Harris will give up her seat, Newsom has said he has no timeline to make an announcement.
That did not stop Latino advocacy groups and leaders on Monday, who began a weeklong campaign or urging the governor to make a choice that reflects California’s population, where Latinos outnumber Whites, Asians and Blacks.
Later this week, a high-profile group of Latinx leaders are all set to take to the steps of L.A. City Hall to get the word out. Among them: State Sen. Maria Elena Durazo, D-Los Angeles; Assemblyman Miguel Santiago, D-Los Angeles; Riverside County Supervisor Manuel Perez, vice president of the Latino Caucus of California Counties; Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights; and NALEO Executive Director Arturo Vargas.
That will follow similar events all week throughout the state.
“For us, this is a very important time, because we’re seeing the demographics in the state population, where Latinos represent 40% of Californians… We need to have leadership that is really reflective of the state, and who also understand the kind of solutions that are going to move us forward,” said Rosie Arroyo, board chair of Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE), part of the coalition of interests lobbying for a Hispanic appointment.
The goal is to have someone who can view policy issues such as immigration and education, Arroyo said, through the lens of immigrants.
So far, names including Secretary of State Alex Padilla, Attorney General Xavier Becerra and Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia have been circulating.
Garcia is a popular leader in his adopted hometown and would be a breakthrough pick — he’s young, a Latinx immigrant and openly gay.
Padilla and Becerra are regarded as thoughtful and focused, coming into public from different disciplines — Padilla’s an engineer, Becerra an attorney.
The open Senate seat, however, has not only energized the Latinx community.
Another contingent of politicians are pushing Newsom to replace Harris with another Black woman.
Harris, the daughter of immigrants from Jamaica and India, is one of just two Black women to ever serve in the Senate. Carol Moseley Braun, who represented Illinois from 1993-1999, is the other.
A coalition of Black California lawmakers and organizations have organized behind a drive to support U.S. Rep. Karen Bass, who represents L.A.’s 37th District, an area that includes West Los Angeles, Mid-City, West Adams and Crenshaw.
Bass, a former speaker of the California Assembly, heads the Congressional Black Caucus and was on Biden’s vice presidential short list.
She has also been mentioned as a possible pick for Biden’s Cabinet — possibly as a potential Housing and Urban Development secretary.
Advocates of the “Keep the Seat” movement see Barbara Lee — the Oakland-area congresswoman — as a another contender.
“There is no rest for the weary… our job from now until January is to mount a loud state and national campaign to ensure that a Black woman, Karen Bass or Barbara Lee, gets appointed to the CA Senate seat in the US Congress,” advocates touted in a flier promoting an upcoming press conference at the State Capitol.
Advocates for Bass and Lee are looking at the prospects of a U.S. Senate with only one Black Democratic senator, Corey Booker, of New Jersey. Supporters contend Harris was elected to the Senate in 2017 by an electorate that wanted a Black woman in the position. Any other pick other than a black woman would be subverting that will, they say.
“My bottom line thing is the governor needs to remember that when the people voted, they voted for an African American woman to fill that space. They knew that. It wasn’t a secret,” said Jimmie Woods-Gray, a Los Angeles County Democratic activist. “In keeping to the will of the people, he should appoint an African American woman to fill those two years.”
Woods-Gray said the results of the recent presidential election — where Joe Biden/Harris ticket was put over the top by Black voters, some electoral experts said — should be enough for Newsom to see her logic.
“The reason Kamala Harris is going to be the vice president is because African Americans voted in large numbers,” she said.
“We just want the governor to acknowledge that he does see us and he understands the issues as they are,” Woods-Gray added. “It’s not a friendship thing. It’s the reality of the political situation at this time.”
Of course, the issue of who Newsom picks goes beyond those perhaps at the top of the short list. There are others, with ethnic roots and experience, also seemingly poised for higher office.
L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti — with Mexican-Jewish-Italian roots — and London Breed, San Francisco’s Black mayor, both remain on Newsom’s radar.
Expanding that list, there’s U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Burbank, a hero to many Democrats for his leading role in efforts to impeach Trump; and U.S. Rep. Katie Porter of Orange County, a Democratic freshman rising star, who has clicked off a series of legislative successes. Both are prolific fundraisers in Congress.
Both may also be in position to wait for when California’s other Senate seat comes open, held by 87-year-old Dianne Feinstein, the chamber’s oldest member. Her term runs through January 2025, but there is speculation she could step down early, given her age.
Political science experts also wonder if the party would want Porter, a rising star, to leave a seat that could prove vulnerable to Republican hands down the road in future elections — especially with Orange County flipping two seats red in results just finaluized from the Nov. 3 vote.
It’s unclear if there’s a frontrunner among Padilla, Becerra, Bass, Garcia, or Lee. With so much going on — COVID-19, election, wildfires — it’s not exactly Newsom’s top talking point these days. On Monday, the governor Newsom hit the “emergency brake” on economic activity, moving 28 counties — including Orange — back to the most restrictive tier of California’s matrix governing business operations during the coronavirus outbreak.
It’s also possible Newsom would install a caretaker in the Senate from among party elders to hold the seat until after the 2022 election. That person would step aside after a new senator is elected.
But what is clear to many experts is that he may be looking to fuse a bold statement with an appointee with whom he strongly connects.
“You look at who checks all those boxes and look at how much he might weigh that with political experience and D.C. connections,” said Marcia Godwin, professor of public administration at the University of La Verne.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.