mercurynews--2020-06-25--Countdown to ‘Hamilton’: All you need to know about the Disney+ film

Thanks to the coronavirus pandemic , Hollywood ’ s summer blockbuster season has imploded .
Likewise , there are no major concerts on the near horizon .
So that means the debut of “ Hamilton ” on Disney+ figures to be one of the season ’ s major pop-cultural events .
Lin-Manuel Miranda ’ s electrifying , hip-hop infused stage sensation about American founding father Alexander Hamilton was originally planned as a theatrical release for October 2021 .
But Disney changed course and is making it available for streaming starting July 3 — just in time for Independence Day .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to throw away your shot to see the acclaimed musical in the comfort of your home .
So to get you properly prepared , we answer all your pertinent questions : Where and when can I stream it ?
Beginning at midnight PT ( 3 a.m .
ET ) July 3 , you can watch “ Hamilton ” via Disney+ , the streaming service that launched last November .
As Miranda joked on Twitter , it will be right there along with “ A Goofy Movie ” and “ Talespin ” and “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showing only on July 3 ?
Like other movies and shows on the platform , “ Hamilton ” will be available for days and weeks — maybe months — to come .
Disney hasn ’ t said when or if the film will be pulled , but count on it for being around for a while .
What is “ Hamilton ” about ?
Miranda , who created , composed and stars in the show , was inspired by Ron Chernow ’ s exhaustive 2004 biography about one of America ’ s seminal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s the improbable story of an orphaned immigrant , with extraordinary intelligence and ambition , who overcame a brutal upbringing to leave an incredible imprint on a fledgling nation before his infamous death in a duel with Aaron Burr .
OK , but what ’ s the big deal ?
Hailed by critics and fans alike , the groundbreaking “ Hamilton ” won 11 Tony Awards , as well as the 2016 Pulitzer Prize in Drama .
It distinguished itself by relying on a cast of mostly non-white actors , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ & B with traditional-style show tunes .
“ Hamilton ” has been described as being about “ America then , as told by America now.
” Also , with Broadway on lockdown and touring companies of the show sidelined , this might be your only chance to see “ Hamilton ” for a while .
Is it an adapted movie , say like that highly flawed 2012 version of “ Les Misérables ” ?
No , this is what Disney is calling a “ live capture ” of an actual on-stage performance starring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oakland native Daveed Diggs , Leslie Odom Jr. , Renée Elise Goldsberry , Jonathan Groff and more .
It was filmed at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York over three days in June 2016 .
As Miranda said during a recent “ Good Morning America ” guest appearance , “ it was basically a three-day film shoot with the best rehearsed cast in the history of the movies , because we had all been doing the show for a year at this point.
” How should a newbie best prepare to watch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — or skim — Chernow ’ s opus , but be warned that it ’ s as thick as a phone book .
A better bet might be “ Hamilton the Revolution ” by Miranda and Jeremy McCarter .
It ’ s a wonderful book full of photos and lyrics and essays that traces the development and rousing success of the show .
Should I listen to the 46-song soundtrack ahead of time ?
Normally , we ’ d suggest going into a musical “ blind ” so everything feels fresh and new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” is almost entirely sung-through and much of the music is exposition-heavy and full of fast-moving raps .
So you might want to listen to at least a few songs to get a feel for the overall narrative .
Among the more popular numbers are “ My Shot , ” “ The Schuyler Sisters , ” “ The Room Where it Happens , ” “ You ’ ll Be Back ” and the opener , “ Alexander Hamilton.
” Will the Disney+ “ Hamilton ” be censored in any way ?
“ Hamilton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way Miranda explains it , movies with more than one such profanity get an automatic R rating .
Disney wanted the film to rated a PG-13 so families can watch .
Thus , two of the three f-bombs have been muted .
“ Hamilton ” has a running time of nearly 3 hours .
Do we get a bathroom break ?
Yes , there will be an intermission , the final minute of which will have an on-screen countdown .
How can I subscribe to Disney+ ?
Disney ’ s streaming service is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or $ 69.99 per year ( If you want to prepay for a year of Disney+ , this option gets your monthly fee down to $ 5.83 ) .
Disney+ is also available in a package with ESPN+ and Hulu at a cost of $ 12.99 a month .
Unfortunately , Disney has ceased offering free trial periods for new customers .
You can sign up for the service here .
In addition to Disney-branded films and shows , the service includes content from ABC , Marvel , Pixar , the “ Star @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more .

Thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, Hollywood’s summer blockbuster season has imploded. Likewise, there are no major concerts on the near horizon.
So that means the debut of “Hamilton” on Disney+ figures to be one of the season’s major pop-cultural events.
The film version of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s electrifying, hip-hop-infused stage sensation about Alexander Hamilton and America’s founding fathers was originally planned to hit movie theaters in October 2021. But Disney changed course and is making it available for streaming starting July 3 — just in time for Independence Day.
Naturally, you won’t want to throw away your shot to see the acclaimed musical in the comfort of your home. So to get you properly prepared, we answer all your pertinent questions:
Where and when can I stream it?:
Beginning at midnight PT (3 a.m. ET) July 3, you can watch “Hamilton” via Disney+, the streaming service that launched last November. As Miranda joked on Twitter, it will be right there along with “A Goofy Movie” and “Talespin” and “An Extremely Goofy Movie.”
Is it showing only on July 3?
Like other movies and shows on the platform, “Hamilton” will be available for days and weeks — maybe months — to come. Disney hasn’t said when or if the film will be pulled, but count on it for being around for a while.
What is “Hamilton” about?
Miranda, who created, composed and stars in the musical, was inspired by Ron Chernow’s exhaustive 2004 biography about one of America’s seminal — but previously under appreciated — figures. It’s the improbable story of an orphaned immigrant, with extraordinary intelligence and ambition, who overcame a brutal upbringing to leave an incredible imprint on a fledgling nation before his infamous death in a duel with Aaron Burr.
OK, but what’s the big deal?
Hailed by critics and fans alike, the groundbreaking “Hamilton” won 11 Tony Awards, as well as the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for drama. It distinguished itself by relying on a cast of mostly non-white actors, and by fusing hip-hop and R&B with more traditional show tunes. “Hamilton” has been described as being about “America then, as told by America now.”
Also, with Broadway on lockdown and touring companies of the show sidelined, this might be your only chance to see “Hamilton” for a while.
Is it an adapted movie, say like that highly flawed 2012 version of “Les Misérables”?
No, this is what Disney is calling a “live capture” of an actual on-stage performance starring Miranda and the original cast, including Oakland native Daveed Diggs, Leslie Odom Jr., Renée Elise Goldsberry, Jonathan Groff and more.
It was filmed at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York over three days in June 2016. As Miranda said during a recent “Good Morning America” guest appearance, “it was basically a three-day film shoot with the best rehearsed cast in the history of the movies, because we had all been doing the show for a year at this point.”
How should a newbie best prepare to watch “Hamilton”?
You can read — or skim — Chernow’s opus, but be warned that it’s as thick as a phone book.
A better bet might be “Hamilton the Revolution” by Miranda and Jeremy McCarter. It’s a wonderful book full of photos and lyrics and essays that traces the development and rousing success of the show.
Also, there’s a really cool MsMojo YouTube video covering 5 Must-Know Facts about “Hamilton.”
Should I listen to the 46-song soundtrack ahead of time?
Normally, we’d suggest going into a musical “blind” so everything feels fresh and new. But the story of “Hamilton” is almost entirely sung-through and much of the music is exposition-heavy and full of fast-moving, tongue-twisty raps. So you might want to listen to at least a few songs to get a feel for the overall narrative.
Among the more popular numbers are “My Shot,” “The Schuyler Sisters,” “The Room Where it Happens,” “You’ll Be Back” and the opener, “Alexander Hamilton.”
Will the Disney+ “Hamilton” be censored in any way?
“Hamilton” contains three f-bombs, and the way Miranda explains it, movies with more than one such profanity get an automatic R rating. Disney wanted the film to rated a PG-13 so families can watch. Thus, two of the three f-bombs have been muted.
“Hamilton” has a running time of nearly 3 hours. Do we get a bathroom break?
Yes, there will be an intermission, the final minute of which will have an on-screen countdown.
How can I subscribe to Disney+?
Disney’s streaming service is available for $6.99 a month, or $69.99 per year (If you want to prepay for a year of Disney+, this option gets your monthly fee down to $5.83).
Disney+ is also available in a package with ESPN+ and Hulu at a cost of $12.99 a month.
Unfortunately, Disney has ceased offering free trial periods for new customers.
You can sign up for the service here.
In addition to Disney-branded films and shows, the service includes content from ABC, Marvel, Pixar, the “Star Wars” franchise, National Geographic and more.


mercurynews--2020-06-25--Former Bay Area police chief offers resignation from Arizona post after video of in-custody death is

Former Bay Area police chief offers resignation from Arizona post after video of in-custody death is released

PHOENIX ( AP ) — The Tucson , Arizona , police chief on Wednesday offered his resignation two months after a 27-year-old man died while handcuffed and placed face-down , resulting in the resignation of three officers the chief said had violated department policy .
Chief Chris Magnus , who took the Arizona post after serving as Richmond ’ s police chief for 10 years , offered his resignation during a news conference a day after the death of Carlos Ingram-Lopez on April 21 became public , acknowledging the department had failed to disclose the death in a timely manner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to approve the resignation .
The medical examiner ’ s office didn ’ t determine a manner of death but said Ingram-Lopez had died of sudden cardiac arrest while intoxicated by cocaine and physically restrained .
Ingram-Lopez was face-down on the ground with a blanket over his head when he stopped breathing .
Police had gone to his home after his grandmother called them because he was acting erratically .
Mayor Regina Romero said she was surprised by Magnus ’ resignation offer and needed to think about it , adding that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” police chief .
Romero said she was deeply troubled and outraged by what she saw on a video of the incident .
She said Ingram-Lopez was clearly in distress and police must be held accountable .
“ Events like this remind us that even some of the most progressive police departments with some of the most forward-thinking policies and rigorous training are not immune to failure , ” Romero said .
The case emerged as Americans around the country protest police brutality .
Ingram-Lopez was Hispanic .
In Richmond , Magnus was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2006 , arriving from Fargo , North Dakota at a time when that city was among the safest in the U.S. and Richmond was among the most dangerous per capita , according to FBI stats .
However , under Magnus , City Hall officials , activists and police reformers agreed the Richmond Police Department began restoring trust with residents .
His methods were not always popular among police : in 2014 , while in uniform , the chief held a “ Black Lives Matter ” sign , standing alongside Richmond residents protesting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michael Brown .
His style of community policing helped bring about the Office of Neighborhood Safety , an experimental public-private partnership to reduce street violence in Richmond .
When Magnus left Richmond in 2015 , the violent crime rate had dropped to historic lows .
In 2013 , six years after the city was removed from being ranked among the nation ’ s 10 most dangerous cities , Richmond had its lowest homicide total in 33 years .
Magnus , who took over as Tucson ’ s chief at the beginning of 2016 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responded “ committed multiple policy violations and failed to handle the incident consistent with their training.
” The three officers resigned but would have been fired anyway , Magnus said .
“ I can ’ t say enough , this is a terrible tragedy and I had a chance to meet with the family earlier today to express my condolences and to let them know how much I sympathize with the loss of Carlos , ” Magnus said .
The criminal investigation into Ingram-Lopez ’ s death was sent to the county attorney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to determine whether it will file criminal charges against the officers .
A video shown to the press on Wednesday shows Ingram-Lopez running around a dark garage hysterically before officers handcuff him .
The video quality is low due to poor lighting , but Ingram-Lopez can be heard thrashing , asking for water numerous times and whimpering as he lays face-down on the ground .
Eventually , an officer puts what appears to be a yellow plastic blanket over his entire body , and adds another blanket soon after .
Ingram-Lopez is heard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no ” repeatedly as he ’ s on the ground and covered .
After a few minutes , he stops making noise or moving .
Officers administered chest compressions before emergency medical personnel declared him dead on scene .
Magnus said he has asked the FBI to investigate .
He said that although he was briefed the day after Ingram-Lopez ’ s death , nobody in his administration viewed the video then .
He called the failure to make the death public a misstep but said it was not done with malicious intent @

By ASTRID GALVAN | Associated Press
PHOENIX (AP) — The Tucson, Arizona, police chief on Wednesday offered his resignation two months after a 27-year-old man died while handcuffed and placed face-down, resulting in the resignation of three officers the chief said had violated department policy.
Chief Chris Magnus, who took the Arizona post after serving as Richmond’s police chief for 10 years, offered his resignation during a news conference a day after the death of Carlos Ingram-Lopez on April 21 became public, acknowledging the department had failed to disclose the death in a timely manner. The city council and city manager have to approve the resignation.
The medical examiner’s office didn’t determine a manner of death but said Ingram-Lopez had died of sudden cardiac arrest while intoxicated by cocaine and physically restrained.
Ingram-Lopez was face-down on the ground with a blanket over his head when he stopped breathing. Police had gone to his home after his grandmother called them because he was acting erratically.
Mayor Regina Romero said she was surprised by Magnus’ resignation offer and needed to think about it, adding that he has been “an honest and great” police chief.
Romero said she was deeply troubled and outraged by what she saw on a video of the incident. She said Ingram-Lopez was clearly in distress and police must be held accountable.
“Events like this remind us that even some of the most progressive police departments with some of the most forward-thinking policies and rigorous training are not immune to failure,” Romero said.
The case emerged as Americans around the country protest police brutality. Ingram-Lopez was Hispanic.
In Richmond, Magnus was an unlikely choice for the chief job in 2006, arriving from Fargo, North Dakota at a time when that city was among the safest in the U.S. and Richmond was among the most dangerous per capita, according to FBI stats. However, under Magnus, City Hall officials, activists and police reformers agreed the Richmond Police Department began restoring trust with residents.
His methods were not always popular among police: in 2014, while in uniform, the chief held a “Black Lives Matter” sign, standing alongside Richmond residents protesting the Ferguson, Missouri police killing of Michael Brown. His style of community policing helped bring about the Office of Neighborhood Safety, an experimental public-private partnership to reduce street violence in Richmond.
When Magnus left Richmond in 2015, the violent crime rate had dropped to historic lows. In 2013, six years after the city was removed from being ranked among the nation’s 10 most dangerous cities, Richmond had its lowest homicide total in 33 years.
Magnus, who took over as Tucson’s chief at the beginning of 2016, said three of the officers who responded “committed multiple policy violations and failed to handle the incident consistent with their training.” The three officers resigned but would have been fired anyway, Magnus said.
“I can’t say enough, this is a terrible tragedy and I had a chance to meet with the family earlier today to express my condolences and to let them know how much I sympathize with the loss of Carlos,” Magnus said.
The criminal investigation into Ingram-Lopez’s death was sent to the county attorney’s office, which has yet to determine whether it will file criminal charges against the officers.
A video shown to the press on Wednesday shows Ingram-Lopez running around a dark garage hysterically before officers handcuff him. The video quality is low due to poor lighting, but Ingram-Lopez can be heard thrashing, asking for water numerous times and whimpering as he lays face-down on the ground.
Eventually, an officer puts what appears to be a yellow plastic blanket over his entire body, and adds another blanket soon after.
Ingram-Lopez is heard crying over and over and saying “no” repeatedly as he’s on the ground and covered. After a few minutes, he stops making noise or moving.
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Magnus said he has asked the FBI to investigate. He said that although he was briefed the day after Ingram-Lopez’s death, nobody in his administration viewed the video then. He called the failure to make the death public a misstep but said it was not done with malicious intent.
Bay Area News Group staff writer David DeBolt contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-06-25--Four takeaways from 49ers’ Kyle Shanahan’s ‘State of Franchise’ talk

Coach Kyle Shanahan is still wrestling with last season ’ s Super Bowl loss , and he is not hiding from that .
He is also excited at the 49ers ’ legitimate shot at redemption this coming season .
Shanahan shared those views during a 49ers ’ State-of-the-Franchise virtual show that streamed Wednesday for season-ticket holders and the media , ahead of Thursday ’ s reveal to the general public .
In a nearly 10-minute interview with 49ers announcer Greg Papa , Shanahan covered a variety of topics .
It was taped last week , so he was not asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing positive for COVID-19 , how receivers Deebo Samuel and Richie James are recovering from recents fractures , nor what led Shanahan to last week sign a new contract through 2025 .
Shanahan was not made available for follow-up questions by reporters .
Here is a recap of four topics he did cover : Shanahan : “ Everyone knows , the way last year finished , we had as good of an opportunity as you can ever have to be a champion .
We came up just short .
That , by all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re going for this year .
“ … We came up one to three plays short of a world championship , it ’ s been hard to sit with all offseason .
It ’ s also something I ’ m very proud of with the state of the franchise .
We didn ’ t luckily get there .
“ We earned that .
We earned that by doing it the right way .
We earned that by playing very good football on offense , defense and special teams .
We did it with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the numbers across our whole team with how we how we played — offense defense ran the ball , threw the ball , turnovers , everything – it was as good of a football team as I ’ ve ever been a part of .
“ I know we were good enough to win that Super Bowl and we didn ’ t .
That ’ s something we have to live with .
That ’ s why the state of the franchise now is we have to get right back to that moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to that fourth quarter , and get to have a lead and we ’ ve got to finish the job .
“ It ’ s been weird with this quarantine and being in the offseason .
I still feel like 2020 just started .
Now we ’ re a month away and I can ’ t wait to get started.
” Shanahan : “ Jimmy had an unbelievable year last year .
When you look at him statistically with what he did , he ’ s extremely accurate , got us in very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for us , too .
We had a number of games he had to came out huge on third-and-long and last-minute drives and make big plays that won us some games .
“ Coming off what he had with the AC , and … where he took us all the way up to the Super Bowl , came up a little bit short , our entire team .
But Jimmy was one of the better quarterbacks in the league this year and there ’ s still a ton of room to grow , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know that .
To have only one ( full ) year in this league and for him to do what he did , it ’ s very exciting .
I can ’ t wait to get started with him this year and I expect him to get better and better each week.
” • Kurtenbach : Yasiel Puig is exactly what the Giants need • Is Bryant Young ’ s 49ers sack record even out of Nick Bosa ’ s reach ?
• 49ers ’ John Lynch : ‘ For everything right about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot still wrong ’ Shanahan : “ I ’ ve been so fortunate in the places I ’ ve been to be with some of the best tackles in this league : from Joe Staley ( 2017-19 ) to Trent Williams ( 2010-13 in Washington ) , being with Joe Thomas ( Cleveland Browns , 2016 ) , and Duane Brown when I was in Houston ( 2008-09 ) .
I ’ ve been with some real good ones .
To lose one like Joe was crushing , and he had to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he had much of a choice on ; it was the right decision for him and his family .
As a player , he ’ s very hard to replace .
“ When a guy like Trent is randomly available like that , that was the first draft pick we made when we were in Washington .
To be with Trent as a rookie , he was as valuable as any player we ’ d been around .
He ’ s a guy I truly believe could play ( 3-technique defensive tackle ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He ’ s a guy if he goes to the basketball court , he plays point guard just as well as he plays center .
He ’ s that type of athlete .
It ’ s pretty neat .
Joe Staley was similar like that .
“ Whenever you can deal with O-linemen like that , who have that type of athletic ability and size , it ’ s a huge advantage in our game.
” Shanahan : “ From just a meeting-room standpoint , we ’ ve been able to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The negative is you can only do so much .
We ’ re not training these guys to learn how to coach .
We ’ re training them how to use their bodies .
“ They ’ re going to miss 10 practices in OTAs and minicamp that real crucial to get ready to go and give rookies a chance .
… It ’ s going to be really hard for some guys , and some guys it won ’ t affect as much depending on their makeup .
But it definitely @ @ @ @ @

Coach Kyle Shanahan is still wrestling with last season’s Super Bowl loss, and he is not hiding from that. He is also excited at the 49ers’ legitimate shot at redemption this coming season.
Shanahan shared those views during a 49ers’ State-of-the-Franchise virtual show that streamed Wednesday for season-ticket holders and the media, ahead of Thursday’s reveal to the general public.
In a nearly 10-minute interview with 49ers announcer Greg Papa, Shanahan covered a variety of topics. It was taped last week, so he was not asked how one unidentified player is coping after testing positive for COVID-19, how receivers Deebo Samuel and Richie James are recovering from recents fractures, nor what led Shanahan to last week sign a new contract through 2025.
Shanahan was not made available for follow-up questions by reporters.
Here is a recap of four topics he did cover:
1. Recovering from Super Bowl collapse:
Shanahan: “Everyone knows, the way last year finished, we had as good of an opportunity as you can ever have to be a champion. We came up just short. That, by all means, is exactly what we’re going for this year.
“… We came up one to three plays short of a world championship, it’s been hard to sit with all offseason. It’s also something I’m very proud of with the state of the franchise. We didn’t luckily get there.
“We earned that. We earned that by doing it the right way. We earned that by playing very good football on offense, defense and special teams. We did it with an entire team. You look at the numbers across our whole team with how we how we played — offense defense ran the ball, threw the ball, turnovers, everything – it was as good of a football team as I’ve ever been a part of.
“I know we were good enough to win that Super Bowl and we didn’t. That’s something we have to live with. That’s why the state of the franchise now is we have to get right back to that moment. We have to get right back to that fourth quarter, and get to have a lead and we’ve got to finish the job.
“It’s been weird with this quarantine and being in the offseason. I still feel like 2020 just started. Now we’re a month away and I can’t wait to get started.”
2. On Jimmy Garoppolo projections
Shanahan: “Jimmy had an unbelievable year last year. When you look at him statistically with what he did, he’s extremely accurate, got us in very good situations and won a few games for us, too. We had a number of games he had to came out huge on third-and-long and last-minute drives and make big plays that won us some games.
“Coming off what he had with the AC, and … where he took us all the way up to the Super Bowl, came up a little bit short, our entire team. But Jimmy was one of the better quarterbacks in the league this year and there’s still a ton of room to grow, though. He knows that. I know that. To have only one (full) year in this league and for him to do what he did, it’s very exciting. I can’t wait to get started with him this year and I expect him to get better and better each week.” Related Articles San Francisco 49ers | Kurtenbach: The 49ers aren’t worried about Nick Bosa’s holdout. They should be
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3. On left tackle luck
Shanahan: “I’ve been so fortunate in the places I’ve been to be with some of the best tackles in this league: from Joe Staley (2017-19) to Trent Williams (2010-13 in Washington), being with Joe Thomas (Cleveland Browns, 2016), and Duane Brown when I was in Houston (2008-09). I’ve been with some real good ones. To lose one like Joe was crushing, and he had to do it. It wasn’t something he had much of a choice on; it was the right decision for him and his family. As a player, he’s very hard to replace.
“When a guy like Trent is randomly available like that, that was the first draft pick we made when we were in Washington. To be with Trent as a rookie, he was as valuable as any player we’d been around. He’s a guy I truly believe could play (3-technique defensive tackle) in this league if he wanted to. He’s a guy if he goes to the basketball court, he plays point guard just as well as he plays center. He’s that type of athlete. It’s pretty neat. Joe Staley was similar like that.
“Whenever you can deal with O-linemen like that, who have that type of athletic ability and size, it’s a huge advantage in our game.”
4. On virtual offseason
Shanahan: “From just a meeting-room standpoint, we’ve been able to do more this offseason than we ever have. The negative is you can only do so much. We’re not training these guys to learn how to coach. We’re training them how to use their bodies.
“They’re going to miss 10 practices in OTAs and minicamp that real crucial to get ready to go and give rookies a chance. … It’s going to be really hard for some guys, and some guys it won’t affect as much depending on their makeup. But it definitely is a challenge.”


mercurynews--2020-06-25--Baseball basics: The new rules in pandemic-shortened 2020 season

Sixty games , the shortest major league schedule since 1878 .
Forty games vs. division rivals , 20 vs. corresponding division in other league .
A player receives prorated salary .
A player on the roster for the entire season , if completed , would receive 60/162nds , or about 37 % May opt out and receive salary and service time .
Non-high-risk players who opt out do not receive salary or service time .
Start July 1 , with staggered arrivals , with clubhouse and support staff first , then pitchers and catchers followed by position players .
Intake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a team facility .
Includes a temperature check with contactless thermometer , a body fluid sample of saliva or oral/nasal swab and a blood sample for antibody testing .
An individual must self quarantine for about 24-48 hours until test results are reported .
All individuals will have their temperature checked at least twice daily .
Tier One individuals will be subject to diagnostic testing every other day throughout spring training , the season , and , if applicable , the postseason .
All other covered individuals will be subject to diagnostic testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approximately once per month .
Any covered individual who has a temperature at or above 100.4 degrees , comes in contact with a person with a confirmed case of COVID-19 or exhibits a symptom will be subject to an immediate expedited diagnostic test .
Any covered individual with a temperature of 100.4 or higher must self-isolate .
A player who tests positive may not return to team facilities until the player has tested negative and is asymptomatic .
A player who tests positive may not return to team facilities or travel with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and is asymptomatic .
“ Spring ” training has three phases : individual and group workouts of five or fewer for pitchers and catchers ( phase one ) , full-team workouts , with division into smaller groups if possible ( two ) , exhibition games ( three ) .
All teams other than Toronto intend to train at their regular-season ballparks .
Toronto is speaking with its federal and provincial governments to gain permission to work out at Rogers Centre .
Workouts are to be staggered throughout the day when possible to avoid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ league or college facilities to split groups .
No formal restrictions .
MLB “ will expect the covered individuals on each club to ensure that they all act responsibly.
” The designated hitter rule ( 5.11 ) shall be extended to clubs in both leagues for all championship season and postseason games .
During the championship season only ( not the postseason ) , rule 7.01 ( b ) ( extra innings ” ) will be modified in accordance with minor league regulations , such that each half-inning following the ninth inning will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The runner placed on second base at the start of each half-inning shall be the player ( or a substitute for such player ) in the batting order immediately preceding that half-inning ’ s leadoff hitter .
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in rule 6.02 ( “ Pitcher Illegal Action ” ) , all pitchers may carry a small wet rag in their back pocket to be used for moisture in lieu of licking their fingers .
Water is the only substance allowed on the rag .
Pitchers may not access the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must clearly wipe the fingers of his pitching hand dry before touching the ball or the pitcher ’ s rubber .
Rules 7.01 and 7.02 adjusted to permit the continuation of games of less than five complete innings that are ended because of weather .
Such games shall be treated as suspended games that will be continued at a later date , resumed at the point of suspension .
The change enacted to rule 5.10 requiring a pitcher to face at least three batters or complete a half-inning will be enforced .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) will be strictly enforced .
Spitting is prohibited , but chewing gum is permitted .
No exchange of lineup cards .
Players , umpires and other on-field personnel should practice physical distancing to the extent possible within the limitations of competition and baseball .
On-field personnel should stand at least 6 feet apart during “ The Star-Spangled Banner ” and “ God Bless America.
” When the ball is out of play , fielders are encouraged to retreat several steps from runners .
Catchers may step onto the infield grass to signal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Players on opposite teams should not socialize or come within 6 feet of each other before the game , during warm-ups , in-between innings or postgame .
Players should keep and use their own personal equipment , whenever possible .
Any baseball that is put in play and touched by multiple players shall be removed .
After an out , players are discouraged from throwing the ball around the infield .
Fighting and instigating fights are strictly prohibited .
The duties normally handled by bat boys/girls and ball boys/girls will be performed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ balls stored in Arizona ’ s humidor , clubhouse staff are prohibited from handling game or practice baseballs without washing their hands , and without wearing face coverings and clean gloves .
Individuals must use clean tap water or drinking water to supplement rubbing .
Each team can invite up to 60 players to the resumption of training .
Each team must submit by 4 p.m. EDT Sunday a 60-player pool eligible to participate this season , including players not on 40-man rosters and under contract .
Players from the group not invited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team ’ s designated alternate training site that is separate from where the active roster plays and can be reached without commercial air travel .
A team at 60 can not add a player except by removing a player with a transaction .
A team may carry up to three additional players on a taxi squad during road trips , and one must be a catcher if a team carries three .
Players on the taxi squad get paid at the minor league rate of their contract and receive a $ 108.50 major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the road .
Players on the taxi squad must return to the alternate training site with the clubs returns home , except one catcher may serve as a bullpen catcher for home games and receive the daily allowance for his first 14 days on the taxi squad .
The announced change of a 15-day minimum injured list and optional recall period for pitchers is eliminated .
There will be a COVID-19 related injury list with no minimum time for players who test positive , are exposed to COVID-19 or show symptoms .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ IL .
A player who previously reported to spring training this year who is unable to report on time for the return shall receive up to 30 days of adjusted salary and major league service during time on the restricted list .
Transaction freeze ends : 1 p.m. Sunday .
July 1 — Players start to report .
July 18 or 19 — Last day to offer a retention bonus to an eligible player attending training with a minor league contract .
July 21 or 22 — Last day to place a player @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the adjusted rate .
July 23 or 24 — Opening day , active rosters reduced to 30 players .
Aug. 6 or 7 — Active rosters reduced to 28 players .
Aug. 20 or 21 — Active rosters reduced to 26 players .
Aug. 31 — Last day during the season to trade a player .
Sept. 15 — Last day to be contracted to an organization and be eligible for postseason roster .
Sept. 29-30 — Wild-card games .
Oct. 20 — World Series starts .
Tier One : Maximum 60 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , six physicians ( two maximum at any time ) , and two each of bullpen catchers , athletic trainers , physical therapists and strength and conditioning coaches , plus umpires and translators .
Tier Two : Up to 38 other essential personnel per team with a need access to clubhouses , dugouts , fields , training rooms and weight rooms , such as owners , front office , travel , communications , clubhouse and security staff , and head groundskeeper .
Tier Three : Up to 150 personnel per team .
People @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not require close contact with Tier One individuals .
This tier may include broadcast and replay personnel , cleaning service providers , groundskeepers , transportation providers and additional stadium and security personnel not assigned to restricted areas .
Clubs may designate up to 150 Tier 3 Individuals at any given time .
Use of showers “ is discouraged but not prohibited.
” Occupancy limits .
Players and Club staff should wear disposable surgical masks while in training rooms .
Should be held outdoors to the extent possible .
Minimum of 6 feet between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clubs should construct temporary space if needed .
Buffet spreads prohibited and group dining discouraged .
Communal video terminals is prohibited and players will be provided with personalized iPads program that can be loaded before and after games .
Players may not enter more than five hours before the scheduled first pitch , except those undergoing rehabilitation .
Players with no in-game or postgame responsibilities are encouraged to leave early .
Players must leave within 90 minutes of the end of a game , unless medical treatment or rehab is needed .
Use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pre- and postgame treatment , with a limit of one person at a time , including whirlpools and plunge pools .
Use discouraged when hitting outdoors is feasible .
Pitchers provided with a personal set of baseballs .
Multiple pitchers should avoid throwing bullpens at the same time unless necessary in game .
If there are simultaneous warm-ups during a game , pitchers should use every other mound to maintain distance , if possible .
To allow physical distancing , only Tier 1 Individuals active for that day ’ s game and who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be in the dugout .
Inactive players may sit in auxiliary seating areas , including in the stands and with 6 feet of space between , with adequate shelter from weather .
Dugout restrictions on electronic equipment also apply to auxiliary seating areas .
Leaning on the dugout railing or ledges is discouraged , but permissible with use of a clean towel as a barrier .
Dugout phones to be disinfected with anti-viral wipes after each use .
Batting helmets must be individually cleaned and wrapped before being placed in equipment bags .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ventilated or outdoor areas if feasible .
Off limits to Tier One .

THE BASICS
SEASON LENGTH
Sixty games, the shortest major league schedule since 1878. Forty games vs. division rivals, 20 vs. corresponding division in other league.
SALARIES
A player receives prorated salary. A player on the roster for the entire season, if completed, would receive 60/162nds, or about 37%
HIGH-RISK PLAYERS
May opt out and receive salary and service time. Non-high-risk players who opt out do not receive salary or service time.
REPORT DATES
Start July 1, with staggered arrivals, with clubhouse and support staff first, then pitchers and catchers followed by position players. Intake screening must take place before entrance into a team facility.
COVID-19 TESTING
Includes a temperature check with contactless thermometer, a body fluid sample of saliva or oral/nasal swab and a blood sample for antibody testing. An individual must self quarantine for about 24-48 hours until test results are reported. All individuals will have their temperature checked at least twice daily. Tier One individuals will be subject to diagnostic testing every other day throughout spring training, the season, and, if applicable, the postseason. All other covered individuals will be subject to diagnostic testing multiple times per week and antibody tests approximately once per month. Any covered individual who has a temperature at or above 100.4 degrees, comes in contact with a person with a confirmed case of COVID-19 or exhibits a symptom will be subject to an immediate expedited diagnostic test. Any covered individual with a temperature of 100.4 or higher must self-isolate. A player who tests positive may not return to team facilities until the player has tested negative and is asymptomatic. A player who tests positive may not return to team facilities or travel with the team until the player has tested negative and is asymptomatic.
TRAINING
“Spring” training has three phases: individual and group workouts of five or fewer for pitchers and catchers (phase one), full-team workouts, with division into smaller groups if possible (two), exhibition games (three).
TRAINING SITES
All teams other than Toronto intend to train at their regular-season ballparks. Toronto is speaking with its federal and provincial governments to gain permission to work out at Rogers Centre. Workouts are to be staggered throughout the day when possible to avoid overcrowding or consider also using nearby minor league or college facilities to split groups.
AWAY FROM FIELD
No formal restrictions. MLB “will expect the covered individuals on each club to ensure that they all act responsibly.”
RULES AND REGULATIONS
DESIGNATED HITTER
The designated hitter rule (5.11) shall be extended to clubs in both leagues for all championship season and postseason games.
EXTRA INNINGS
During the championship season only (not the postseason), rule 7.01(b) (extra innings”) will be modified in accordance with minor league regulations, such that each half-inning following the ninth inning will begin with a runner on second base. The runner placed on second base at the start of each half-inning shall be the player (or a substitute for such player) in the batting order immediately preceding that half-inning’s leadoff hitter.
WET RAG FOR PITCHERS
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in rule 6.02 (“Pitcher Illegal Action”), all pitchers may carry a small wet rag in their back pocket to be used for moisture in lieu of licking their fingers. Water is the only substance allowed on the rag. Pitchers may not access the rag while on the pitching rubber and must clearly wipe the fingers of his pitching hand dry before touching the ball or the pitcher’s rubber.
SUSPENDED GAMES
Rules 7.01 and 7.02 adjusted to permit the continuation of games of less than five complete innings that are ended because of weather. Such games shall be treated as suspended games that will be continued at a later date, resumed at the point of suspension.
THREE-BATTER MINIMUM
The change enacted to rule 5.10 requiring a pitcher to face at least three batters or complete a half-inning will be enforced.
UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT
The prohibitions against unsportsmanlike conduct (rule 6.04) will be strictly enforced.
ON-FIELD SAFETY
Spitting is prohibited, but chewing gum is permitted. No exchange of lineup cards. Players, umpires and other on-field personnel should practice physical distancing to the extent possible within the limitations of competition and baseball. On-field personnel should stand at least 6 feet apart during “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America.” When the ball is out of play, fielders are encouraged to retreat several steps from runners. Catchers may step onto the infield grass to signal infielders. Coaches should not approach runners. Players on opposite teams should not socialize or come within 6 feet of each other before the game, during warm-ups, in-between innings or postgame. Players should keep and use their own personal equipment, whenever possible. Any baseball that is put in play and touched by multiple players shall be removed. After an out, players are discouraged from throwing the ball around the infield. Fighting and instigating fights are strictly prohibited. The duties normally handled by bat boys/girls and ball boys/girls will be performed by existing club staff. Other than balls stored in Arizona’s humidor, clubhouse staff are prohibited from handling game or practice baseballs without washing their hands, and without wearing face coverings and clean gloves. Individuals must use clean tap water or drinking water to supplement rubbing.
PLAYERS
ROSTERS
Each team can invite up to 60 players to the resumption of training.
PLAYER POOL
Each team must submit by 4 p.m. EDT Sunday a 60-player pool eligible to participate this season, including players not on 40-man rosters and under contract. Players from the group not invited to spring training will report to the team’s designated alternate training site that is separate from where the active roster plays and can be reached without commercial air travel. A team at 60 cannot add a player except by removing a player with a transaction.
TAXI SQUAD
A team may carry up to three additional players on a taxi squad during road trips, and one must be a catcher if a team carries three. Players on the taxi squad get paid at the minor league rate of their contract and receive a $108.50 major league daily allowance while the team is on the road. Players on the taxi squad must return to the alternate training site with the clubs returns home, except one catcher may serve as a bullpen catcher for home games and receive the daily allowance for his first 14 days on the taxi squad.
INJURED LIST
The announced change of a 15-day minimum injured list and optional recall period for pitchers is eliminated. There will be a COVID-19 related injury list with no minimum time for players who test positive, are exposed to COVID-19 or show symptoms. The 60-day IL will be a 45-day IL.
VISA ISSUES
A player who previously reported to spring training this year who is unable to report on time for the return shall receive up to 30 days of adjusted salary and major league service during time on the restricted list.
DATES TO WATCH
Transaction freeze ends: 1 p.m. Sunday.
July 1 — Players start to report.
July 18 or 19 — Last day to offer a retention bonus to an eligible player attending training with a minor league contract.
July 21 or 22 — Last day to place a player on waivers for 45 days termination pay at the adjusted rate.
July 23 or 24 — Opening day, active rosters reduced to 30 players.
Aug. 6 or 7 — Active rosters reduced to 28 players.
Aug. 20 or 21 — Active rosters reduced to 26 players.
Aug. 31 — Last day during the season to trade a player.
Sept. 15 — Last day to be contracted to an organization and be eligible for postseason roster.
Sept. 29-30 — Wild-card games.
Oct. 20 — World Series starts.
BALLPARKS
ACCESS AREAS
Tier One: Maximum 60 players, one manager, 12 coaches, six physicians (two maximum at any time), and two each of bullpen catchers, athletic trainers, physical therapists and strength and conditioning coaches, plus umpires and translators.
Tier Two: Up to 38 other essential personnel per team with a need access to clubhouses, dugouts, fields, training rooms and weight rooms, such as owners, front office, travel, communications, clubhouse and security staff, and head groundskeeper.
Tier Three: Up to 150 personnel per team. People who perform essential event services but do not require close contact with Tier One individuals. This tier may include broadcast and replay personnel, cleaning service providers, groundskeepers, transportation providers and additional stadium and security personnel not assigned to restricted areas. Clubs may designate up to 150 Tier 3 Individuals at any given time.
SHOWERS
Use of showers “is discouraged but not prohibited.”
TRAINING ROOMS
Occupancy limits. Players and Club staff should wear disposable surgical masks while in training rooms.
TEAM MEETINGS
Should be held outdoors to the extent possible.
CLUBHOUSES
Minimum of 6 feet between stalls, to the extent practicable. Clubs should construct temporary space if needed. Buffet spreads prohibited and group dining discouraged. Communal video terminals is prohibited and players will be provided with personalized iPads program that can be loaded before and after games. Players may not enter more than five hours before the scheduled first pitch, except those undergoing rehabilitation. Players with no in-game or postgame responsibilities are encouraged to leave early. Players must leave within 90 minutes of the end of a game, unless medical treatment or rehab is needed.
TREATMENT
Use of hydrotherapy and cryotherapy units permitted for pre- and postgame treatment, with a limit of one person at a time, including whirlpools and plunge pools.
BATTING CAGES
Use discouraged when hitting outdoors is feasible.
BULLPENS
Pitchers provided with a personal set of baseballs. Multiple pitchers should avoid throwing bullpens at the same time unless necessary in game. If there are simultaneous warm-ups during a game, pitchers should use every other mound to maintain distance, if possible.
DUGOUTS
To allow physical distancing, only Tier 1 Individuals active for that day’s game and who are likely to enter that game should be in the dugout. Inactive players may sit in auxiliary seating areas, including in the stands and with 6 feet of space between, with adequate shelter from weather. Dugout restrictions on electronic equipment also apply to auxiliary seating areas. Leaning on the dugout railing or ledges is discouraged, but permissible with use of a clean towel as a barrier. Dugout phones to be disinfected with anti-viral wipes after each use. Batting helmets must be individually cleaned and wrapped before being placed in equipment bags.
WEIGHT ROOMS
Occupancy limits and equipment relocated to better ventilated or outdoor areas if feasible.
REPLAY ROOMS
Off limits to Tier One.


mercurynews--2020-06-25--What to stream: Gwendoline Christie does Shakespeare, Smuin Ballet explores love

Bay Area arts companies continue to offer intriguing online options .
Here are three you should know about .
The streaming series that presents past hits from London ’ s esteemed National Theatre is back with a new lineup at San Jose ’ s Hammer Theatre Center running through July 23 .
On tap is Shakespeare ’ s “ A Midsummer Night ’ s Dream , ” starring “ Game of Throne ’ s ” Gwendoline Christie ( today through July 2 ) ; “ Les Blancs , ” Lorraine Hansberry ’ s final play , about a African country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( July 2-9 ) ; “ Deep Blue Sea , ” the acclaimed drama about the shocking demise of a British power couple ( July 9-16 ) ; and “ Amadeus , ” Peter Shaffer ’ s beloved hit play about the feud between Mozart and Antonio Salieri ( July 16-23 ) .
Details : Productions are free but donations to Hammer Theatre are appreciated ; hammertheatre.com .
Since early on in the pandemic , the Bay Area dance troupe has been offering a new “ Hump Day ” production online each week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Welch ’ s love-obsessed “ Indigo , ” which follows four couples as they embrace , fight , break up and even exchange partners .
The production will be introduced by Smuin dancer Erica Chipp-Adams , who performed in the company ’ s 2016 West Coast premiere of the work .
Details : Available for streaming through Friday on facebook.com/SmuinBallet , instagram.com/smuinballet ; more information is at smuinballet.org .
The South Bay choir can ’ t perform live or even rehearse together , but has released a trio a videos recorded in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — which has more than 250 singers ages 6-18 — appear in individual squares as the chorus in unison dispenses its glorious sound .
The newly recorded songs include “ We Are the Day , ” “ Shenandoah ” and the Bruno Mars hit “ Count on Me.
” Details : All three videos available for free viewing on the choir ’ s YouTube channel .

Bay Area arts companies continue to offer intriguing online options. Here are three you should know about.
National Theatre Live
The streaming series that presents past hits from London’s esteemed National Theatre is back with a new lineup at San Jose’s Hammer Theatre Center running through July 23. On tap is Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” starring “Game of Throne’s” Gwendoline Christie (today through July 2); “Les Blancs,” Lorraine Hansberry’s final play, about a African country preparing to rebel against its colonial rulers (July 2-9); “Deep Blue Sea,” the acclaimed drama about the shocking demise of a British power couple (July 9-16); and “Amadeus,” Peter Shaffer’s beloved hit play about the feud between Mozart and Antonio Salieri (July 16-23).
Details: Productions are free but donations to Hammer Theatre are appreciated; hammertheatre.com.
Smuin Contemporary Ballet
Since early on in the pandemic, the Bay Area dance troupe has been offering a new “Hump Day” production online each week. The latest performance is of Stanton Welch’s love-obsessed “Indigo,” which follows four couples as they embrace, fight, break up and even exchange partners. The production will be introduced by Smuin dancer Erica Chipp-Adams, who performed in the company’s 2016 West Coast premiere of the work.
Details: Available for streaming through Friday on facebook.com/SmuinBallet, instagram.com/smuinballet; more information is at smuinballet.org.
Ragazzi Boys Chorus
The South Bay choir can’t perform live or even rehearse together, but has released a trio a videos recorded in the coronavirus-chorus style. Members of the choir — which has more than 250 singers ages 6-18 — appear in individual squares as the chorus in unison dispenses its glorious sound. The newly recorded songs include “We Are the Day,” “Shenandoah” and the Bruno Mars hit “Count on Me.”
Details: All three videos available for free viewing on the choir’s YouTube channel.


mercurynews--2020-06-25--Letter: Grateful to county medical officials for helping save lives

The Bay Area owes a great debt of gratitude to our county medical officers , who had the expertise and @ @ @ @ @ order before any place else in the United States .
As a result , even @ @ @ @ @ the original epicenters of the pandemic in the United States , and the location of @ @ @ @ @ the country , we did not suffer the huge spikes in disease or in deaths @ @ @ @ @ the nation and in the world did .
• Countdown to ‘ Hamilton ’ : @ @ @ @ @ about the Disney+ film • Former Bay Area police chief offers resignation from Arizona post @ @ @ @ @ is released • Four takeaways from 49ers ’ Kyle Shanahan ’ s ‘ State of @ @ @ @ @ basics : The new rules in pandemic-shortened 2020 season We can thank our county medical @ @ @ @ @ and keeping our intensive care capacity from being overwhelmed .
Submit your letter to the @ @ @ @ @ more Letters to the Editor

The Bay Area owes a great debt of gratitude to our county medical officers, who had the expertise and foresight to issue the shelter-at-home order before any place else in the United States.
As a result, even though the Bay Area was the original epicenters of the pandemic in the United States, and the location of first known COVID-19 deaths in the country, we did not suffer the huge spikes in disease or in deaths that some other places in the nation and in the world did. Related Articles Letters to the Editor | Letters: Escape Bay Area | CASA program | Feinstein replacement | Faulty comparison | Not conservatives
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We can thank our county medical officers for saving many lives and keeping our intensive care capacity from being overwhelmed.
Gary Bailey
Sunnyvale
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mercurynews--2020-06-25--‘Crossy Road Castle’ adds new tower to its platforming mix

One of the intriguing pillars of “ Crossy Road Castle ” when it was first released was the promise of @ @ @ @ @ was made in a way that the developer , Hipster Whale , could add new @ @ @ @ @ up the co-op game .
Almost four months after its launch , the team is @ @ @ @ @ ” with a tower themed around a Construction site .
Players will be jumping from @ @ @ @ @ walls and venturing through a more urban environment .
To unlock the second Tower , @ @ @ @ @ “ a few runs in the original Castle , ” Hipster Whale said .
In @ @ @ @ @ , Hipster Whale also introduced online multiplayer .
That means family and friends can jump @ @ @ @ @ they ’ re far away .
“ Crossy Road Castle ” is available on iOS @ @ @ @ @

One of the intriguing pillars of “Crossy Road Castle” when it was first released was the promise of additional content. The platformer was made in a way that the developer, Hipster Whale, could add new levels as more people picked up the co-op game.
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What to play: ‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ will keep gamers busy during August Entertainment | ‘First Descendant’ crossplay beta delayed until September but will be open to all Almost four months after its launch, the team is updating “Crossy Road Castle” with a tower themed around a Construction site. Players will be jumping from girders, breaking through brick walls and venturing through a more urban environment. To unlock the second Tower, players just need to complete “a few runs in the original Castle,” Hipster Whale said.
In addition to the new content, Hipster Whale also introduced online multiplayer. That means family and friends can jump in a game even if they’re far away.
“Crossy Road Castle” is available on iOS devices through Apple Arcade.


mercurynews--2020-06-24--Oakland: McDonald’s restaurant to remain closed

OAKLAND — A state judge has ordered a McDonald ’ s on Telegraph Avenue to stay closed until the court decides whether to order the owner to improve his health safety practices amid the coronavirus .
Workers sued the owner last week over an outbreak that they say affected 35 people , including one employee ’ s 10-month-old baby .
The restaurant has been closed since May 26 , when workers went on strike .
According to the public nuisance suit , the restaurant ’ s owner failed to inform workers that they had been exposed to the virus and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a result , they failed to implement social distancing or cleaning protocols , according to low360.com , a website that specializes in legal news .
The five employees requested a temporary restraining order , forcing the restaurant to remain closed until it complied with minimum COVID-19 health and safety standards and Oakland ’ s paid sick leave laws , the workers said in their lawsuit .
Michael Smith , the restaurant ’ s owner and operator , said in a statement Tuesday that he welcomes the court ’ s decision , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a reopening plan that addresses essentially all of the court ’ s concerns and was approved by the Alameda County Department of Environmental Health last week , ” Smith said .
“ The dangerous , unreasonable , and unjustifiable policies and practices of this McDonald ’ s in response to the COVID-19 pandemic put profits ahead of the health of its employees , customers and the community , ” B.J .
Chisholm of Altshuler Berzon LLP , the lead attorney on behalf of the workers , said in a statement .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spread of COVID-19 in its restaurant and the community at large .
Because this McDonald ’ s failed to prioritize safety , we are asking the court to step in , for the well-being of the workers and the community.
” The next hearing in the Oakland McDonald ’ s workers ’ case will be on July 2 .
This is a developing story .
Check back for updates .

OAKLAND — A state judge has ordered a McDonald’s on Telegraph Avenue to stay closed until the court decides whether to order the owner to improve his health safety practices amid the coronavirus.
Workers sued the owner last week over an outbreak that they say affected 35 people, including one employee’s 10-month-old child. The restaurant has been closed since May 26, when workers went on strike.
According to the public nuisance lawsuit, the restaurant’s owner failed to inform workers that they had been exposed to the virus and have them self-quarantine, and that as a result, they failed to implement social distancing or cleaning protocols.
The five employees requested a temporary restraining order, forcing the restaurant to remain closed until it complied with minimum COVID-19 health and safety standards and Oakland’s paid sick leave laws, the workers said in their lawsuit.
“In April, they gave us dog diapers and told us to make our own masks at work,” Yamile Osoy, an employee at the 4514 Telegraph Ave. location, who along with her 10-month-old son has tested positive for the coronavirus, said in a May 29 letter to CalOSHA.
“I have only gotten a real mask from the managers twice, but these are the blue disposable masks, and they say we need to use them for three days. I have been using my own money to buy masks to use at work. And sometimes I see co-workers who aren’t wearing masks properly; they are wearing them below the mouth.”
Fellow worker Cindy Escalante said in the same letter: “My employer did not establish a plan to keep us safe, to sanitize and social distance in case one of us got sick or a customer was sick. We cleaned the restaurant every night, but not during the shifts before that. We were not instructed to sanitize high-touch surfaces regularly.”
Four workers at the McDonald’s at 14480 San Pablo Ave. in San Pablo in Contra Costa County have also contacted CalOSHA, saying they believed their health was put at risk due to bad business practices.
One man, Mario Perez, works at both locations. He has worked at the Oakland restaurant for four years.
“Although I haven’t felt symptoms myself, I am worried about being exposed now at the San Pablo McDonald’s,” Perez told the state agency.
Workers at the Oakland and San Pablo locations are not in a union.
Michael Smith, the restaurant’s owner and operator, said in a statement Tuesday that he welcomes the court’s decision, according to low360.com, a website that specializes in legal news.
“We have put together a reopening plan that addresses essentially all of the court’s concerns and was approved by the Alameda County Department of Environmental Health last week,” Smith said.
Others disagreed.
“The dangerous, unreasonable, and unjustifiable policies and practices of this McDonald’s in response to the COVID-19 pandemic put profits ahead of the health of its employees, customers and the community,” B.J. Chisholm of Altshuler Berzon, the lead attorney on behalf of the workers, said in a statement. “The company knowingly, recklessly and callously exacerbated the spread of COVID-19 in its restaurant and the community at large. Because this McDonald’s failed to prioritize safety, we are asking the court to step in, for the well-being of the workers and the community.”
The next hearing in the Oakland McDonald’s workers’ case will be on July 2.


mercurynews--2020-06-25--What’s reopening next week in the Bay Area as California coronavirus cases climb

Several Bay Area counties are preparing for new steps in reopening their economies next week .
But with coronavirus-related hospitalizations and other key indicators in the region and across California on the rise , Gov .
Newsom has warned the state could revert into earlier phases of reopening if the situation worsens .
Here are the current and upcoming reopening plans for seven Bay Area counties , all of which have volume restrictions and social distancing rules , particularly in indoor settings .
July 1 will bring the opening of non-facial personal services , such as nail and waxing salons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Indoor dining and bars , regardless of food service , will be allowed to operate .
Indoor leisure businesses like arcades , bowling alleys and museums will be able to reopen with limitations .
Hotels will also be reopening for all travelers .
What ’ s open now : Takeout and outdoor dining , barber shops and hair salons , cleaning services , indoor retail and malls , pet groomers What ’ s opening soon : Indoor restaurants and bars , nail , waxing and massage salons , tattoo parlors , museums , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will reopen several indoor service industries next Monday , June 29 , pending state approval .
Hair , nail and tattoo salons will be able to operate under social distancing guidelines .
Outdoor bars will also be able to reopen , as will massage establishments .
Museums , zoos and aquariums can also open if they have plans approved by the city ’ s health department .
What ’ s open now : Outdoor dining , indoor and curbside retail , beaches , summer camps up to 12 people , medical appointments , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gatherings .
What ’ s opening soon : Hair and nail salons , outdoor bars , tattoo and piercing parlors , massage establishments , museums , aquariums , zoos , outdoor swimming pools .
The North Bay county plans to allow indoor seating at restaurants beginning next Monday after receiving approval to move through reopening phases more quickly .
Hair and nail salons will be on the reopening list along with gyms , but must operate under strict guidelines .
Hotels and short-term rentals such as AirBnb will be able to open to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as picnic areas can open June 29 .
What ’ s open now : Takeout dining , youth sports leagues , curbside retail , pet grooming , golf courses , dog parks , child care facilities in groups of 12 or less .
What ’ s opening soon : Campgrounds and RV parks , indoor restaurants , hair and nail salons , gyms , hotels and short-term rentals .
County health officer Dr. Sara Cody called the county ’ s uptick in cases “ worrisome ” in a Tuesday press conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any plans to further reopen the county ’ s economy .
Santa Clara County ’ s most recent step was the June 5 reopening of outdoor dining , in-store shopping and child care programs , among other businesses .
What ’ s open now : Takeout and outdoor dining , child care programs , in-store shopping , outdoor activities in groups 25 or smaller , cleaning and other no-contact in-home services .
What ’ s opening soon : No pending openings announced yet .
What ’ s closed : Indoor dining and bars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , hair and nail salons , arcades and amusement parks , gyms and contact sports , even in outdoor settings .
County officials reopened retail shopping , outdoor restaurant dining , and limited religious events June 19 .
Outdoor social bubbles of up to 12 people from different households are allowed in the county .
As cases are spiking in Alameda County , officials have not yet announced a date for the next step of reopening , which will include indoor dining and haircuts .
What ’ s open now : Indoor retail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dining , outdoor non-contact fitness classes , dog parks , outdoor museums or historical sites , college sports non-contact training .
What ’ s opening soon : No pending announcements yet .
After adopting the region ’ s tightest restrictions at the early stages of the pandemic , San Mateo County has relaxed its stance .
It gained state approval to accelerate its plan and opened more widely than any other county in the Bay Area .
The county plans to rely generally on California ’ s guidance for reopening steps or further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Indoor and outdoor dining , beaches , indoor religious services , child care facilities , tattoo parlors , nail and hair salons , campgrounds , hotels , gyms , bars , family entertainment centers .
Like Marin and San Mateo counties , Santa Cruz County has received approval from the state to accelerate its reopening plan , though it has not announced any upcoming changes .
• There ’ s a new lesson in California preschools — no sharing • Photos : Scenes from the South and West where coronavirus cases are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but little sign California will reverse reopening course A raft of personal services were reopened in the county June 19 , including nail and wax salons , as well as tattoo and piercing shops .
What ’ s open now : Outdoor dining , in-store retail , beaches ( with restricted hours ) , child care in stable groups of 12 , non-contact in-home services , outdoor religious services , camping , pet grooming , dog parks .
What ’ s opening soon : No pending changes announced .

UPDATE: San Francisco and Marin County announced Friday that they are pausing plans to move ahead in reopening next week, and Contra Costa County is considering putting its plans on hold, too. This story was published Thursday morning.
Several Bay Area counties are preparing for new steps in reopening their economies next week. But with coronavirus-related hospitalizations and other key indicators in the region and across California on the rise, Gov. Newsom has warned the state could revert into earlier phases of reopening if the situation worsens.
Here are the current and upcoming reopening plans for seven Bay Area counties, all of which have volume restrictions and social distancing rules, particularly in indoor settings.
Contra Costa County
July 1 will bring the opening of non-facial personal services, such as nail and waxing salons, tattoo shops and massage services.
Indoor dining and bars, regardless of food service, will be allowed to operate. Indoor leisure businesses like arcades, bowling alleys and museums will be able to reopen with limitations.
Hotels will also be reopening for all travelers.
What’s open now: Takeout and outdoor dining, barber shops and hair salons, cleaning services, indoor retail and malls, pet groomers
What’s opening soon: Indoor restaurants and bars, nail, waxing and massage salons, tattoo parlors, museums, bowling alleys and arcades.
What’s closed: Face-related services (skin care, facial waxing), movie theaters, card rooms, large gathering venues.
San Francisco
The city will reopen several indoor service industries next Monday, June 29, after receiving state approval Thursday. Hair, nail and tattoo salons will be able to operate under social distancing guidelines.
Outdoor bars will also be able to reopen, as will massage establishments. Museums, zoos and aquariums can also open if they have plans approved by the city’s health department.
What’s open now: Outdoor dining, indoor and curbside retail, beaches, summer camps up to 12 people, medical appointments, household services like cleaning, small outdoor gatherings.
What’s opening soon: Hair and nail salons, outdoor bars, tattoo and piercing parlors, massage establishments, museums, aquariums, zoos, outdoor swimming pools.
What’s closed: Indoor dining, real estate open houses, hotels, gyms, movie theaters, indoor bars without food, playgrounds, basketball courts.
Marin County
The North Bay county plans to allow indoor seating at restaurants beginning next Monday after receiving approval to move through reopening phases more quickly. Hair and nail salons will be on the reopening list along with gyms, but must operate under strict guidelines.
Hotels and short-term rentals such as AirBnb will be able to open to the public.
Campgrounds and RV parks as well as picnic areas can open June 29.
What’s open now: Takeout dining, youth sports leagues, curbside retail, pet grooming, golf courses, dog parks, child care facilities in groups of 12 or less.
What’s opening soon: Campgrounds and RV parks, indoor restaurants, hair and nail salons, gyms, hotels and short-term rentals.
What’s closed: Mass gatherings, museums, bars, tattoo shops, massage businesses.
Santa Clara County
County health officer Dr. Sara Cody called the county’s uptick in cases “worrisome” in a Tuesday press conference, and officials have not made public any plans to further reopen the county’s economy.
Santa Clara County’s most recent step was the June 5 reopening of outdoor dining, in-store shopping and child care programs, among other businesses.
What’s open now: Takeout and outdoor dining, child care programs, in-store shopping, outdoor activities in groups 25 or smaller, cleaning and other no-contact in-home services.
What’s opening soon: No pending openings announced yet.
What’s closed: Indoor dining and bars, mass gatherings, some office settings, hair and nail salons, arcades and amusement parks, gyms and contact sports, even in outdoor settings.
Alameda County
County officials reopened retail shopping, outdoor restaurant dining, and limited religious events June 19. Outdoor social bubbles of up to 12 people from different households are allowed in the county.
As cases are spiking in Alameda County, officials have not yet announced a date for the next step of reopening, which will include indoor dining and haircuts.
What’s open now: Indoor retail and religious services, takeout and outdoor dining, outdoor non-contact fitness classes, dog parks, outdoor museums or historical sites, college sports non-contact training.
What’s opening soon: No pending announcements yet.
What’s closed: Indoor dining, bars, gyms, contact sports, nail and hair salons, pools, tattoo parlors.
San Mateo County
After adopting the region’s tightest restrictions at the early stages of the pandemic, San Mateo County has relaxed its stance. It gained state approval to accelerate its plan and opened more widely than any other county in the Bay Area.
The county plans to rely generally on California’s guidance for reopening steps or further restrictions.
What’s open now: Indoor and outdoor dining, beaches, indoor religious services, child care facilities, tattoo parlors, nail and hair salons, campgrounds, hotels, gyms, bars, family entertainment centers.
What’s opening soon: No pending announcement.
What’s closed: Indoor playgrounds, nightclubs, theme parks, steam rooms, higher education.
Santa Cruz County
Like Marin and San Mateo counties, Santa Cruz County has received approval from the state to accelerate its reopening plan, but its only publicized reopening change was a Thursday announcement that beaches will fully open beginning Friday.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge A raft of personal services were reopened in the county June 19, including nail and wax salons, as well as tattoo and piercing shops.
What’s open now: Outdoor dining, in-store retail, child care in stable groups of 12, non-contact in-home services, outdoor religious services, camping, pet grooming, dog parks.
What’s opening soon: Beaches.
What’s closed: Indoor dining, bars, hair and nail salons, contact sports and gyms.


mercurynews--2020-06-25--Is new blood donor policy bias against gays and tattoos, or based on facts?

With COVID-19 putting a death-grip on blood drives for three months , the overseeing Food and Drug Administration lowered its required deferral time for several segments of the population , including gays and anyone getting a tattoo .
• For male donors who would have been deferred for having sex with another man : the agency is changing the recommended deferral period from 12 months to 3 months .
• For female donors who would have been deferred for having sex with a man who had sex with another man : the agency is changing the recommended deferral period from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For those with recent tattoos and piercings : the agency is changing the recommended deferral period from 12 months to 3 months .
The policy ’ s been in place since April , but hasn ’ t exactly “ gone viral ” with the pandemic and social unrest making daily headlines .
The change is hardly a lure to convince gays to donate and is more of a slap in the face , insisted Thomas Bilbo , chair of the Solano Pride Center board of directors .
“ The fact that the FDA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after being vilified for who we love and choose as partners is the ultimate hypocrisy , ” Bilbo said .
“ The fact that they put terms on our donations but not those of heteronormative people , only adds more sting to the political statement they are really making.
” Gay men , continued Bilbo , “ have been asked constantly about when and who we have sex with , when it came to blood donations and then told we weren ’ t good enough .
They rejected our blood in the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fact that people can lie on questionnaires , and that heterosexuals can have the same issues they claim we have .
Where were the questions about how many sexual partners a straight man or woman had ?
” Another gay man from Vallejo who requested anonymity , said he was a frequent blood donor until his 30s when he was diagnosed with malignant melanoma skin cancer .
He was no longer eligible to donate .
“ Not too longer after that , HIV became prevalent in all communities , but because the gay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blood banks came up with a prejudiced set of rules and questions for gay men even though they did not equally disallow or question other groups who were also affected by HIV.
” Though the anonymous source said he doesn ’ t have “ a sense of outrage at this time ” because he ’ s not allowed to donate because of the melanoma from 40 years ago , “ I feel similar to Tom Bilbo ’ s view.
” Another Vallejo gay man , “ Francis , ” said “ it pisses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ donating blood for so long .
Now ’ s a chance to help and hopefully change the stigma about our blood not safe .
Let them see that our blood is OK and that we can help others not only in a time of crisis but in regular times also.
” A year or three months or a week , Bilbo said it didn ’ t make sense since , according to the CDC , all blood products are tested for HIV and other pathogens , including hepatitis C virus .
Since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation ’ s largest nonprofit , independent blood collector– serving patients in 40 states , has declared a critical shortage of blood and supplies .
Shelter-in-place orders led to thousands of blood drives canceled across the country since early March , resulting in a loss of 150,000 uncollected blood donations .
That , coupled with a resumption of surgeries and other medical procedures as stay-at-home restrictions were lifted , has caused a 25 percent increase in the need for blood during the past several weeks .
Surgeon General Jerome Adams told NBC News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ critically important ” that people living with HIV do not give blood , but said the new changes better reflected the time it takes to detect HIV in blood after certain risky behaviors .
Adams also acknowledged the policy change for those with tattoos or piercings .
“ These changes are based on the best science that we have today regarding the time that it takes to test positive for HIV , ” Adams said , adding that the updated guidance would reduce stigma and encourage more people “ to do the right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the FDA ’ s lowered restrictions on donation deferrals for gay men simply as a move to obtain more blood donations .
“ Now , in a time of crisis they want to ‘ honor ’ us or ‘ invite ’ us by accepting our blood , to that I say ‘ No , ’ ” declared Bilbo .
• There ’ s a new lesson in California preschools — no sharing • Photos : Scenes from the South and West where coronavirus cases are on the rise • Coronavirus cases surge , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course The new tattoo policy was news to Hot Ink owner Mario Cruz in Vallejo , finding any deferral unnecessary since needles are sterile out of the package and for one-time use .
Hot Ink employee Alex Iaccarino tattoo artist agreed , especially since all blood is tested .
Iaccarino said he ’ s donated blood once — about three years ago in San Diego .
“ I think I was in some group .
A whole bunch wanted to go , ” he said .
Would you donate again ?
Three months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t think so , ” he said .
Apparently , he handles some needles better than others .
Steve Pignataro , donor recruitment representative for Vitalant and a Vacaville resident , said the deferral changes “ aren ’ t just because the need is there .
There ’ s evidence ” that three months is appropriate , with “ other changes coming down the line ” including reduced or eliminated deferral time for visiting certain countries .

With COVID-19 putting a death-grip on blood drives for three months, the overseeing Food and Drug Administration lowered its required deferral time for several segments of the population, including gays and anyone getting a tattoo.
• For male donors who would have been deferred for having sex with another man: the agency is changing the recommended deferral period from 12 months to 3 months.• For female donors who would have been deferred for having sex with a man who had sex with another man: the agency is changing the recommended deferral period from 12 months to 3 months.• For those with recent tattoos and piercings: the agency is changing the recommended deferral period from 12 months to 3 months.
The policy’s been in place since April, but hasn’t exactly “gone viral” with the pandemic and social unrest making daily headlines.
The change is hardly a lure to convince gays to donate and is more of a slap in the face, insisted Thomas Bilbo, chair of the Solano Pride Center board of directors.
“The fact that the FDA now wants us to donate blood, after being vilified for who we love and choose as partners is the ultimate hypocrisy,” Bilbo said. “The fact that they put terms on our donations but not those of heteronormative people, only adds more sting to the political statement they are really making.”
Gay men, continued Bilbo, “have been asked constantly about when and who we have sex with, when it came to blood donations and then told we weren’t good enough. They rejected our blood in the past, without giving any thought to the fact that people can lie on questionnaires, and that heterosexuals can have the same issues they claim we have. Where were the questions about how many sexual partners a straight man or woman had?”
Another gay man from Vallejo who requested anonymity, said he was a frequent blood donor until his 30s when he was diagnosed with malignant melanoma skin cancer. He was no longer eligible to donate.
“Not too longer after that, HIV became prevalent in all communities, but because the gay community was so predominantly affected, the blood banks came up with a prejudiced set of rules and questions for gay men even though they did not equally disallow or question other groups who were also affected by HIV.”
Though the anonymous source said he doesn’t have “a sense of outrage at this time” because he’s not allowed to donate because of the melanoma from 40 years ago, “I feel similar to Tom Bilbo’s view.”
Another Vallejo gay man, “Francis,” said “it pisses me off that gay men banned from donating blood for so long. Now’s a chance to help and hopefully change the stigma about our blood not safe. Let them see that our blood is OK and that we can help others not only in a time of crisis but in regular times also.”
A year or three months or a week, Bilbo said it didn’t make sense since, according to the CDC, all blood products are tested for HIV and other pathogens, including hepatitis C virus.
Since the coronavirus pandemic started, Vitalant — the nation’s largest nonprofit, independent blood collector– serving patients in 40 states, has declared a critical shortage of blood and supplies. Shelter-in-place orders led to thousands of blood drives canceled across the country since early March, resulting in a loss of 150,000 uncollected blood donations. That, coupled with a resumption of surgeries and other medical procedures as stay-at-home restrictions were lifted, has caused a 25 percent increase in the need for blood during the past several weeks.
Surgeon General Jerome Adams told NBC News in April that it’s “critically important” that people living with HIV do not give blood, but said the new changes better reflected the time it takes to detect HIV in blood after certain risky behaviors.
Adams also acknowledged the policy change for those with tattoos or piercings.
“These changes are based on the best science that we have today regarding the time that it takes to test positive for HIV,” Adams said, adding that the updated guidance would reduce stigma and encourage more people “to do the right thing: donate blood.”
Bilbo sees the FDA’s lowered restrictions on donation deferrals for gay men simply as a move to obtain more blood donations.
“Now, in a time of crisis they want to ‘honor’ us or ‘invite’ us by accepting our blood, to that I say ‘No,’” declared Bilbo.
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Hot Ink employee Alex Iaccarino tattoo artist agreed, especially since all blood is tested. Iaccarino said he’s donated blood once — about three years ago in San Diego.
“I think I was in some group. A whole bunch wanted to go,” he said.
Would you donate again?
Three months deferment or not, “I don’t think so,” he said.
Apparently, he handles some needles better than others.
Steve Pignataro, donor recruitment representative for Vitalant and a Vacaville resident, said the deferral changes “aren’t just because the need is there. There’s evidence” that three months is appropriate, with “other changes coming down the line” including reduced or eliminated deferral time for visiting certain countries.


mercurynews--2020-06-25--On this date, 2014: Giants’ Tim Lincecum throws another no-hitter

SAN FRANCISCO — The Bay Area needs no new summer theme park thrill rides .
It still has Tim Lincecum .
The Giants ’ pitcher , who has been spectacularly up and down in terms of success over the past few seasons , was at the very peak of his freaky-geeky powers Wednesday at AT & T Park .
His fastball worked .
His off-speed stuff worked .
His hipster-hurler mojo worked , like , totally .
And after nine innings of all that , Lincecum had thrown a no-hitter against the San Diego Padres — his second no-hitter against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And what about all of Lincecum ’ s games between those two no-hitters ?
In those 28 starts , Lincecum allowed 164 hits in 173 1/3 innings of pitching — with 11 victories and 10 defeats .
This explains why , every time he takes the mound , Lincecum is an adventure .
None of us ever knows exactly what we ’ re going to get .
Although clearly , the man needs to face the Padres more often .
And not just because they are statistically the weakest hitting team in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two hits himself Wednesday against San Diego pitching .
In fact , Lincecum said that he didn ’ t really grasp what a special day he was having in the 4-0 victory until he reached base on his own hits .
And in the immediate aftermath , he wasn ’ t able to put much in perspective .
“ When I ’ m older , I ’ ll reflect on it more , ” Lincecum told reporters at a press session after the game .
All right , so let ’ s do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything , Wednesday shows what the Giants were thinking when they re-signed Lincecum last winter to a two-year contract worth $ 35 million , despite his inconsistent recent seasons .
Lincecum , after winning two Cy Young Awards and becoming a poster child for two World Series champions , is the closest thing that Giants ’ fans have to an Elvis .
They ’ ll never forget how they felt when he sang for the first time .
They ’ ll show up to cheer him .
And no matter how much he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grows older , they ’ ll always recall when he was the king and pull for him to sing the way they know he can .
But man , is it entertaining , whatever happens .
As usual , Lincecum did not follow convention Wednesday .
A longtime baseball superstition is that if a pitcher is working on a no-hitter , he should go sit by himself in the dugout when he returns there every half-inning and speak to no teammates , so as not to jinx himself .
Lincecum did just the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everybody and tried to stay mentally loose because he knew how close he was getting to history .
“ I figure it ’ s more awkward when you don ’ t talk about it than when you do , ” Lincecum explained at his postgame presser .
They ’ ll be talking about Wednesday for quite a while around McCovey Cove .
Lincecum became the first San Francisco Giants pitcher to throw two no-hitters — and he joined Hall of Fame arm Christy Mathewson ( of the New York Giants ) as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do so .
Following the game , Giants ’ manager Bruce Bochy addressed an impromptu clubhouse gathering and publicly thanked Lincecum for a low-stress day .
A year ago in San Diego when Lincecum no-hit the Padres , he needed 148 pitches to do so .
Bochy was placed in the tough position of deciding whether he was allowing Lincecum to go too long and possibly damage his shoulder or arm .
Bochy nervously stuck with his man and it paid off .
Wednesday , Lincecum needed only 113 pitches to complete his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watch the show with everyone else .
Padres ’ batters were so baffled by Lincecum , there were not any serious near-hits .
And no Giants ’ fielders needed to pull off a miracle play and save the no-hitter .
The only San Diego batter to reach base was Chase Headley , on a second-inning walk .
Otherwise , Lincecum would have thrown a perfect game .
As it is , he merely joins the shortlist of 32 pitchers with two or more no-hitters .
Oddly , that list includes far more players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fame ( Johnny Vander Meer , Don Wilson , Jim Maloney , et al ) as those who are .
However , if Lincecum ever pitches a third no-hitter , he will join the enormously small club of legends from the modern era who ’ ve done so — Bob Feller , Sandy Koufax and Nolan Ryan .
With Lincecum ’ s other credentials as a two-time Cy Young winner and two-time World Series champ , a third no-hitter would surely have him sniffing Cooperstown .
So when does he face the Padres @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Giants pitcher and current broadcaster , has called Lincecum “ a gift to the Bay Area.
” Wednesday , he was the gift that kept on giving us his patented package of you-never-know-what-will-happen-next .
It ’ s why people will continue to line up and ride the Lincecum ride .
You never want to miss what might be around the next curve .

(This story was originally published in 2014)
SAN FRANCISCO — The Bay Area needs no new summer theme park thrill rides. It still has Tim Lincecum.
The Giants’ pitcher, who has been spectacularly up and down in terms of success over the past few seasons, was at the very peak of his freaky-geeky powers Wednesday at AT&T Park.
His fastball worked. His off-speed stuff worked. His hipster-hurler mojo worked, like, totally. And after nine innings of all that, Lincecum had thrown a no-hitter against the San Diego Padres — his second no-hitter against them in the past two seasons.
And what about all of Lincecum’s games between those two no-hitters? In those 28 starts, Lincecum allowed 164 hits in 173 1/3 innings of pitching — with 11 victories and 10 defeats.
This explains why, every time he takes the mound, Lincecum is an adventure. None of us ever knows exactly what we’re going to get. Although clearly, the man needs to face the Padres more often. And not just because they are statistically the weakest hitting team in the Major Leagues. Lincecum also banged out two hits himself Wednesday against San Diego pitching.
In fact, Lincecum said that he didn’t really grasp what a special day he was having in the 4-0 victory until he reached base on his own hits. And in the immediate aftermath, he wasn’t able to put much in perspective.
“When I’m older, I’ll reflect on it more,” Lincecum told reporters at a press session after the game.
All right, so let’s do the reflecting for him.
More than anything, Wednesday shows what the Giants were thinking when they re-signed Lincecum last winter to a two-year contract worth $35 million, despite his inconsistent recent seasons.
Lincecum, after winning two Cy Young Awards and becoming a poster child for two World Series champions, is the closest thing that Giants’ fans have to an Elvis. They’ll never forget how they felt when he sang for the first time. They’ll show up to cheer him. And no matter how much he slips in his uneven performances as he grows older, they’ll always recall when he was the king and pull for him to sing the way they know he can.
But man, is it entertaining, whatever happens.
(My personal luck with witnessing Lincecum no-hitters is just as capricious. Last summer, I was in San Diego on vacation and at the ballpark when Lincecum no-hit the Padres. But I didn’t write about it because I was there as a beer-drinking fan. Wednesday, I had pondered going to AT&T but instead pursued another column topic — until I heard about the ongoing no-hitter. I watched on television for the last several innings, was captivated by Elvis and since I wasn’t drinking beer, decided to compose.)
As usual, Lincecum did not follow convention Wednesday. A longtime baseball superstition is that if a pitcher is working on a no-hitter, he should go sit by himself in the dugout when he returns there every half-inning and speak to no teammates, so as not to jinx himself. Lincecum did just the opposite. He chatted up anybody and everybody and tried to stay mentally loose because he knew how close he was getting to history.
“I figure it’s more awkward when you don’t talk about it than when you do,” Lincecum explained at his postgame presser.
They’ll be talking about Wednesday for quite a while around McCovey Cove. Lincecum became the first San Francisco Giants pitcher to throw two no-hitters — and he joined Hall of Fame arm Christy Mathewson (of the New York Giants) as the only other pitcher in franchise history to do so.
Following the game, Giants’ manager Bruce Bochy addressed an impromptu clubhouse gathering and publicly thanked Lincecum for a low-stress day. A year ago in San Diego when Lincecum no-hit the Padres, he needed 148 pitches to do so. Bochy was placed in the tough position of deciding whether he was allowing Lincecum to go too long and possibly damage his shoulder or arm. Bochy nervously stuck with his man and it paid off.
Wednesday, Lincecum needed only 113 pitches to complete his masterpiece, allowing Bochy to relax and watch the show with everyone else. Padres’ batters were so baffled by Lincecum, there were not any serious near-hits. And no Giants’ fielders needed to pull off a miracle play and save the no-hitter. The only San Diego batter to reach base was Chase Headley, on a second-inning walk. Otherwise, Lincecum would have thrown a perfect game.
As it is, he merely joins the shortlist of 32 pitchers with two or more no-hitters. Oddly, that list includes far more players who are not in the Hall of Fame (Johnny Vander Meer, Don Wilson, Jim Maloney, et al) as those who are. However, if Lincecum ever pitches a third no-hitter, he will join the enormously small club of legends from the modern era who’ve done so — Bob Feller, Sandy Koufax and Nolan Ryan. With Lincecum’s other credentials as a two-time Cy Young winner and two-time World Series champ, a third no-hitter would surely have him sniffing Cooperstown.
So when does he face the Padres again?
Mike Krukow, the former Giants pitcher and current broadcaster, has called Lincecum “a gift to the Bay Area.” Wednesday, he was the gift that kept on giving us his patented package of you-never-know-what-will-happen-next. It’s why people will continue to line up and ride the Lincecum ride. You never want to miss what might be around the next curve.