mercurynews--2020-01-17--49ers’ Dee Ford again eyes Super Bowl berth after costing 2018 Chiefs

SANTA CLARA — Dee Ford lined up in this position before , one win from the Super Bowl .
“ It ’ s a special situation .
I ’ m blessed , ” Ford said Friday at his 49ers locker .
“ I ’ m looking forward to better results.
” Last year ’ s results were career altering .
Because Ford lined up offside in the AFC Championship Game , that penalty wiped out a last-minute interception and allowed Tom Brady to rally the New England Patriots past the host Kansas City Chiefs .
Two months later , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 49ers .
Come Sunday , he ’ s playing again for a Super Bowl berth , when the 49ers host the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game .
Ford said he “ feels good ” in regards to a hamstring injury that kept him out most of the final six games of the regular season , starting with a 37-8 rout of the Packers on Nov. 24 .
“ They haven ’ t seen Dee or Kwon ( Alexander ) , so that will be a big help , ” defensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ford ’ s return last Saturday helped key a 27-10 , divisional-playoff win over the Vikings .
He had one of the 49ers ’ six sacks , to which Bosa noted : “ We hadn ’ t had a dominant game like that in a while , so obviously Dee is a big part of it.
” Ford , upon arriving with a new contract ( five years , $ 86 million ) , quickly saw the 49ers ’ Super Bowl contention , especially with Bosa ( No .
2 overall draft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the 49ers ’ defensive line .
“ It ’ s easy to say now because hindsight is 20/20 , but I felt something special when I first got here with OTAs ( spring workouts ) , ” Ford said of spring workouts .
“ Guys worked different .
They didn ’ t work like a team coming off a ( 4-12 ) losing season , ” Ford added .
“ They worked like a championship team .
We worked like a championship team .
I fit right in .
Offseason was not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harder ones I ’ ve had , but we did it together .
We grinded it out , man , and we ’ re enjoying the fruits of our labor right now.
” • Raheem Mostert embodies the reasons why the 49ers believe in Kyle Shanahan • Kyle Shanahan weighs in on viral video of him shooting down Mike Pettine ’ s playcall with the Browns • Three is the magic number — why the 49ers will beat the Packers by three scores in the NFC Championship Game • 49ers in NFC Championship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and more at Levi ’ s Stadium Losing to the Patriots 37-31 in overtime ranks “ up there ” in Ford ’ s toughest losses to swallow .
He held himself immediately accountable for his offside penalty .
Ford hasn ’ t been penalized once for lining up or jumping offside this season in 226 regular-season snaps , plus the 22 snaps he played in Saturday ’ s 27-10 divisional-playoff win over the Vikings .
His only penalty this year was for a horse-collar tackle in a Halloween win at Arizona .
Ford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previous four seasons with the Chiefs , who drafted him 23rd overall in 2014 .
He said last year ’ s AFC Championship penalty hasn ’ t weighed on his mind at all this season .
Injuries , including knee tendinitis , have distracted him , along with the 49ers ’ winning ways .
The Chiefs , meanwhile , are again hosting the AFC Championship , this time against the Tennessee Titans .
Ford is in favor of a 49ers-Chiefs matchup in Super Bowl LIV .
“ That would be fun .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Ford said .
“ But nobody is looking forward .
They ’ ve got a good test in front of them , we have a good test in front of us .
We have a lot of work in front of us.
” Keeping Aaron Rodgers in front of them is the immediate chore .
“ He ’ s a legendary quarterback , a future Hall of Famer , ” Ford said .
“ He can make plays any way his team needs .
He can execute .
He can dial up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concepts to get the ball out of his hand , or he can hold the ball and make plays .
We ’ ve got our work cut out for us this week.
” Added Bosa : “ Not to take the team lightly .
If we get after him , it will help a lot , to take away him being able to extend plays .
The rush is really important against him .
”

SANTA CLARA — Dee Ford lined up in this position before, one win from the Super Bowl.
“It’s a special situation. I’m blessed,” Ford said Friday at his 49ers locker. “I’m looking forward to better results.”
Last year’s results were career altering. Because Ford lined up offside in the AFC Championship Game, that penalty wiped out a last-minute interception and allowed Tom Brady to rally the New England Patriots past the host Kansas City Chiefs.
Two months later, the Chiefs traded the franchise-tagged Ford to the 49ers. Come Sunday, he’s playing again for a Super Bowl berth, when the 49ers host the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game.
Ford said he “feels good” in regards to a hamstring injury that kept him out most of the final six games of the regular season, starting with a 37-8 rout of the Packers on Nov. 24.
“They haven’t seen Dee or Kwon (Alexander), so that will be a big help,” defensive end Nick Bosa said of this rematch.
Ford’s return last Saturday helped key a 27-10, divisional-playoff win over the Vikings. He had one of the 49ers’ six sacks, to which Bosa noted: “We hadn’t had a dominant game like that in a while, so obviously Dee is a big part of it.”
Ford, upon arriving with a new contract (five years, $86 million), quickly saw the 49ers’ Super Bowl contention, especially with Bosa (No. 2 overall draft pick) coming off the other edge of the 49ers’ defensive line.
“It’s easy to say now because hindsight is 20/20, but I felt something special when I first got here with OTAs (spring workouts),” Ford said of spring workouts.
“Guys worked different. They didn’t work like a team coming off a (4-12) losing season,” Ford added. “They worked like a championship team. We worked like a championship team. I fit right in. Offseason was not easy, it was one of the harder ones I’ve had, but we did it together. We grinded it out, man, and we’re enjoying the fruits of our labor right now.”
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49ers: Shanahan sees bright side of Trey Lance’s performance vs. Raiders San Francisco 49ers | Kurtenbach: What’d I miss? A summer’s worth of takes on the Warriors, Giants, Niners, and Pac-12 Losing to the Patriots 37-31 in overtime ranks “up there” in Ford’s toughest losses to swallow. He held himself immediately accountable for his offside penalty.
Ford hasn’t been penalized once for lining up or jumping offside this season in 226 regular-season snaps, plus the 22 snaps he played in Saturday’s 27-10 divisional-playoff win over the Vikings. His only penalty this year was for a horse-collar tackle in a Halloween win at Arizona. Ford drew 14 offsides or neutral-zone infractions his previous four seasons with the Chiefs, who drafted him 23rd overall in 2014.
He said last year’s AFC Championship penalty hasn’t weighed on his mind at all this season. Injuries, including knee tendinitis, have distracted him, along with the 49ers’ winning ways.
The Chiefs, meanwhile, are again hosting the AFC Championship, this time against the Tennessee Titans. Ford is in favor of a 49ers-Chiefs matchup in Super Bowl LIV. “That would be fun. That would be a really fun deal,” Ford said. “But nobody is looking forward. They’ve got a good test in front of them, we have a good test in front of us. We have a lot of work in front of us.”
Keeping Aaron Rodgers in front of them is the immediate chore.
“He’s a legendary quarterback, a future Hall of Famer,” Ford said. “He can make plays any way his team needs. He can execute. He can dial up different schemes, as far as pass concepts to get the ball out of his hand, or he can hold the ball and make plays. We’ve got our work cut out for us this week.”
Added Bosa: “Not to take the team lightly. If we get after him, it will help a lot, to take away him being able to extend plays. The rush is really important against him.”


mercurynews--2020-01-17--Azaria will no longer voice Apu on ‘The Simpsons’

LOS ANGELES – Hank Azaria says he is officially stepping down as the voice of Apu on “ The Simpsons.
” “ I won ’ t be doing the voice anymore , unless there ’ s someway to transition it or something , ” Azaria said in an interview with SlashFilm .
“ What they ’ re going to do with the character is their call .
It ’ s up to them and they haven ’ t sorted it out yet .
All we ’ ve agreed on is I won ’ t do the voice anymore.
” Reps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reps for Azaria did not immediately return Variety ’ s request for comment .
Calls for Azaria , who has voiced the Indian Kwik-E-Mart owner for decades , to stop playing Apu intensified in 2017 after comedian Hari Kondabolu released the documentary “ The Problem With Apu.
” The doc explored how people of South Asian descent felt about growing up with Apu as one of their only representatives on American television .
“ The Simpsons ” addressed the controversy in a 2018 episode , in which Lisa says , “ Something that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inoffensive is now politically incorrect .
What can you do ?
” She then looks over at a framed picture of Apu , which has the line “ Don ’ t have a cow !
” written on it .
Series creator Matt Groening also spoke about the issue in an interview in which he said , “ I ’ m proud of what we do on the show .
And I think it ’ s a time in our culture where people love to pretend they ’ re offended.
” In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Azaria said he would be willing to stop playing the character .
“ I think the most important thing is to listen to Indian people and their experience with it , ” he said at the time .
“ I really want to see Indian , South Asian writers in the writers room…including how is voiced or not voiced .
I ’ m perfectly willing to step aside .
It just feels like the right thing to do to me.
” “ The idea that anyone young or old , past or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really makes me sad , ” he continued .
“ It certainly was not my intention .
I wanted to bring joy and laughter to people .
”

Variety.com
LOS ANGELES – Hank Azaria says he is officially stepping down as the voice of Apu on “The Simpsons.”
“I won’t be doing the voice anymore, unless there’s someway to transition it or something,” Azaria said in an interview with SlashFilm. “What they’re going to do with the character is their call. It’s up to them and they haven’t sorted it out yet. All we’ve agreed on is I won’t do the voice anymore.”
Reps for the show declined to comment. Reps for Azaria did not immediately return Variety’s request for comment.
Calls for Azaria, who has voiced the Indian Kwik-E-Mart owner for decades, to stop playing Apu intensified in 2017 after comedian Hari Kondabolu released the documentary “The Problem With Apu.” The doc explored how people of South Asian descent felt about growing up with Apu as one of their only representatives on American television.
“The Simpsons” addressed the controversy in a 2018 episode, in which Lisa says, “Something that started decades ago and was applauded and inoffensive is now politically incorrect. What can you do?” She then looks over at a framed picture of Apu, which has the line “Don’t have a cow!” written on it.
Series creator Matt Groening also spoke about the issue in an interview in which he said, “I’m proud of what we do on the show. And I think it’s a time in our culture where people love to pretend they’re offended.”
In the wake of the film’s release, Azaria said he would be willing to stop playing the character.
“I think the most important thing is to listen to Indian people and their experience with it,” he said at the time. “I really want to see Indian, South Asian writers in the writers room…including how is voiced or not voiced. I’m perfectly willing to step aside. It just feels like the right thing to do to me.”
“The idea that anyone young or old, past or present, being bullied based on Apu really makes me sad,” he continued. “It certainly was not my intention. I wanted to bring joy and laughter to people.”


mercurynews--2020-01-17--Ex-San Mateo cop sentenced to 81 years for assaulting women while on duty

A former San Mateo police officer has been sentenced to 81 years in prison after jurors convicted him of assaulting five women while on duty .
On Thursday , San Mateo County Superior Court Judge Lisa Novak denied probation for Stockton resident Noah White Winchester , 35 , instead ensuring that he likely spends the rest of his life in state prison .
“ A lot of times victims feel like we ’ re going to sweep these things under the rug because it ’ s a police officer , and it ’ s great to go back to them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person who violated you was a police officer doesn ’ t mean we ’ ll treat them any differently , ' ” said case prosecutor San Mateo County Deputy District Attorney Alpana Samant .
The case went back to October 2015 , when a street sweeper encountered a woman asleep in her car near downtown Burlingame and called the police .
But when officers arrived , the woman refused to get out of the car , saying over and over again that she was terrified : Just a little ways down the road @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from a neighboring department assaulted her .
That tip led to a wide-ranging investigation all the way from Sacramento to the Peninsula to track a series of incidents between 2013 and 2015 , when Winchester patrolled the city of San Mateo and the Los Rios Community College District .
During those years , Winchester assaulted five women — three in San Mateo and two in Sacramento — and in several cases threatened and kidnapped the victims , prosecutors said .
When he encountered the women in the field , he did not contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looking them up himself from his police cruiser computer , Samant said .
That ensured that he was able to be alone with the victims without anyone else in the department knowing .
The search for additional victims in part hinged upon looking back through his old searches , Samant said , after which prosecutors aimed to show a pattern of hours that Winchester could not account for .
Throughout the three-week trial , Winchester maintained that he didn ’ t call dispatch so as to “ give the women a break , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found him guilty of all 14 felony charges , including forcible rape , kidnapping to commit sexual assault and residential burglary .
Winchester ’ s case represented a first for both the San Mateo and Los Rios police departments .
On Friday , both departments said that he is the only former cop to be convicted of on-duty sexual assaults that they ’ re aware of .
Winchester had spent only four months working unsupervised in San Mateo following a probationary period .
Before that , he for the Los Rios department for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resigned from the San Mateo department while the initial investigation was still underway .
That summer , he was formally charged .
His sentence also includes a credit for 1,464 days for time served since his arrest .

A former San Mateo police officer has been sentenced to 81 years in prison after jurors convicted him of assaulting five women while on duty.
On Thursday, San Mateo County Superior Court Judge Lisa Novak denied probation for Stockton resident Noah White Winchester, 35, instead ensuring that he likely spends the rest of his life in state prison.
“A lot of times victims feel like we’re going to sweep these things under the rug because it’s a police officer, and it’s great to go back to them and say, ‘Just because the person who violated you was a police officer doesn’t mean we’ll treat them any differently,'” said case prosecutor San Mateo County Deputy District Attorney Alpana Samant.
The case went back to October 2015, when a street sweeper encountered a woman asleep in her car near downtown Burlingame and called the police.
But when officers arrived, the woman refused to get out of the car, saying over and over again that she was terrified: Just a little ways down the road, she told officers, a policeman from a neighboring department assaulted her.
That tip led to a wide-ranging investigation all the way from Sacramento to the Peninsula to track a series of incidents between 2013 and 2015, when Winchester patrolled the city of San Mateo and the Los Rios Community College District.
During those years, Winchester assaulted five women — three in San Mateo and two in Sacramento — and in several cases threatened and kidnapped the victims, prosecutors said.
When he encountered the women in the field, he did not contact dispatch or call for backup, instead looking them up himself from his police cruiser computer, Samant said. That ensured that he was able to be alone with the victims without anyone else in the department knowing.
The search for additional victims in part hinged upon looking back through his old searches, Samant said, after which prosecutors aimed to show a pattern of hours that Winchester could not account for.
Throughout the three-week trial, Winchester maintained that he didn’t call dispatch so as to “give the women a break,” Samant said. But jurors ultimately found him guilty of all 14 felony charges, including forcible rape, kidnapping to commit sexual assault and residential burglary.
Winchester’s case represented a first for both the San Mateo and Los Rios police departments. On Friday, both departments said that he is the only former cop to be convicted of on-duty sexual assaults that they’re aware of.
Winchester had spent only four months working unsupervised in San Mateo following a probationary period. Before that, he for the Los Rios department for six years.
In 2016, he resigned from the San Mateo department while the initial investigation was still underway. That summer, he was formally charged.
His sentence also includes a credit for 1,464 days for time served since his arrest.


mercurynews--2020-01-17--Kyle Shanahan weighs in on viral video of him shooting down Mike Pettine’s playcall with the Browns

SANTA CLARA — It ’ s safe to say Kyle Shanahan and Mike Pettine have some history .
Shanahan served as Pettine ’ s offensive coordinator for one season in Cleveland .
When it was over , he reportedly gave Pettine a list of 32 reasons why he wanted to quit .
On Sunday , they ’ ll face off with Shanahan as the head coach and Pettine on the other side , as defensive coordinator for the Packers .
This week , a video clip resurfaced of an interaction on the sideline between the two during that 2014 season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outside observer , seem to show strain among the coaching staff .
Shanahan , when asked about it Friday , remembered it differently .
“ I think that shows how cool of a guy Mike was and is , ” Shanahan said .
It was a Week 8 game against the winless Oakland Raiders .
Yet , at the start of the fourth quarter , Pettine and Shanahan ’ s Browns had failed to score a touchdown and clung to only a three-point lead .
A fumble recovery gave them the ball @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Brian Hoyer got the Browns inside the 5-yard line .
“ This is our chance now to go up two scores , ” Pettine says in the clip .
He wanted to switch it up and run the ball .
Shanahan ’ s face says it all .
“ You know what , I trust you , ” Pettine says after what feels like an infinite incredulous look from his offensive coordinator .
“ Call your best play.
” So Shanahan dialed up a bootleg for Hoyer , who rolled out and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cleveland went on to win that game , 23-13 .
Today , Shanahan is known for the open discourse he invites from his coaching staff .
If they don ’ t think something is right , and believe so strongly enough , they should take it up with him .
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“ Your mind is coming from that point of view , when you just jump in something real fast , sometimes it can be the right answer .
But I want to make sure I have confident enough people that when it ’ s not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t believe it is.
” Shanahan , who works primarily with the offense , will sometimes jump in with the defense and coordinator Robert Saleh .
Shanahan will weigh in , like Pettine in the video above , and Saleh responds .
“ And then I have the decision to say ‘ I don ’ t care what you ’ re saying , do it anyways ’ or I listen.
” It basically boils down to this : pick your battles .
“ Mike could see probably by my facial expression I thought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Shanahan said .
“ If he didn ’ t care he would have said no and I would have called a run .
”

SANTA CLARA — It’s safe to say Kyle Shanahan and Mike Pettine have some history.
Shanahan served as Pettine’s offensive coordinator for one season in Cleveland. When it was over, he reportedly gave Pettine a list of 32 reasons why he wanted to quit. On Sunday, they’ll face off with Shanahan as the head coach and Pettine on the other side, as defensive coordinator for the Packers.
This week, a video clip resurfaced of an interaction on the sideline between the two during that 2014 season with the Browns that may, to the outside observer, seem to show strain among the coaching staff.
Shanahan, when asked about it Friday, remembered it differently.
“I think that shows how cool of a guy Mike was and is,” Shanahan said.
It was a Week 8 game against the winless Oakland Raiders. Yet, at the start of the fourth quarter, Pettine and Shanahan’s Browns had failed to score a touchdown and clung to only a three-point lead. A fumble recovery gave them the ball at midfield and a couple quick passes from Brian Hoyer got the Browns inside the 5-yard line.
“This is our chance now to go up two scores,” Pettine says in the clip.
He wanted to switch it up and run the ball.
Shanahan’s face says it all.
“You know what, I trust you,” Pettine says after what feels like an infinite incredulous look from his offensive coordinator. “Call your best play.”
So Shanahan dialed up a bootleg for Hoyer, who rolled out and hit Andrew Hawkins for the score. Cleveland went on to win that game, 23-13.
Like why would anyone question a play call going to me? Smh https://t.co/6RW173dMjm — Andrew Hawkins (@Hawk) January 13, 2020
Today, Shanahan is known for the open discourse he invites from his coaching staff. If they don’t think something is right, and believe so strongly enough, they should take it up with him.
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49ers: Shanahan sees bright side of Trey Lance’s performance vs. Raiders San Francisco 49ers | Kurtenbach: What’d I miss? A summer’s worth of takes on the Warriors, Giants, Niners, and Pac-12 “I think it’s very important for a play-caller, whether you’re on offense or defense, to have that relationship with a head coach,” said Shanahan, who’s now experienced it on both sides. “Your mind is coming from that point of view, when you just jump in something real fast, sometimes it can be the right answer. But I want to make sure I have confident enough people that when it’s not, someone tells me they don’t believe it is.”
Shanahan, who works primarily with the offense, will sometimes jump in with the defense and coordinator Robert Saleh. Shanahan will weigh in, like Pettine in the video above, and Saleh responds.
“And then I have the decision to say ‘I don’t care what you’re saying, do it anyways’ or I listen.”
It basically boils down to this: pick your battles.
“Mike could see probably by my facial expression I thought we should pass and he trusted me,” Shanahan said. “If he didn’t care he would have said no and I would have called a run.”


mercurynews--2020-01-17--US General: N. Korea building missiles ‘as fast as anybody on the planet’

North Korea is “ building new missiles , new capabilities , new weapons as fast as anybody on the planet , ” and learning from its mistakes as it makes advances in its missile programs , the No .
2 general at the Pentagon said Friday .
Air Force Gen. John Hyten , the vice-chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , made the comments as talks between Washington and Pyongyang over North Korea ’ s nuclear program have stalled and Kim Jong Un has signaled he may be ready to test more missiles that could be capable of hitting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to go fast in the missile business you need to test fast , fly fast and learn fast .
Look at Space X in this country .
There were some pretty spectacular failures .
Did they stop ?
No , ” Hyten said while speaking at the Center for Strategic & International Studies in Washington .
“ That is what North Korea has been doing and North Korea has been building new missiles , new capabilities , new weapons as fast as anybody on the planet with the 115th most powerful economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efficiency , ” he added .
The Trump administration has reached out to North Korea to resume diplomatic negotiations after the two countries broke off talks in October , White House national security adviser Robert O ’ Brien told Axios over the weekend .
“ We ’ ve reached out to the North Koreans and let them know that we would like to continue the negotiations in Stockholm that were last undertaken in early October , ” O ’ Brien told the news outlet .
He added , “ We ’ ve been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that we would like to get those ( negotiations ) back on track and to implement Chairman Kim ’ s commitment ” to denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
” Those comments came after North Korea ’ s leader , earlier this month , said that there “ will never ” be denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula if the US “ persists in its hostile policy towards ” the hermit nation , according to the country ’ s state news agency .
At a meeting of ruling party officials , Kim also said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be guaranteed by staying on constant alert and relying on “ the powerful nuclear deterrent capable of containing the nuclear threats from the US , ” according to the Korean Central News Agency .
KCNA released the report at the end of “ The 5th Plenary Meeting of the 7th Central Committee of the Workers ’ Party of Korea.
” In the plenary , Kim said “ the DPRK will steadily develop necessary and prerequisite strategic weapons for the security of the state until the US rolls back its hostile policy towards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mechanism is built.
” In an indication that North Korea could soon resume nuclear weapon testing , Kim said his country should no longer feel bound by its self-imposed halt on nuclear weapons and long-range missile testing .
He also announced that “ the world will witness a new strategic weapon ” in the near future , KCNA reported .
Still , President Donald Trump has told reporters he remains optimistic about the future of diplomacy and touted his relationship with Kim .
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“ He did sign an agreement talking about denuclearization .
… I think he ’ s a man of his word , so we ’ re going to find out , ” Trump said earlier this month .
Kim ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closely monitoring North Korea following its promise in December to deliver a “ Christmas gift ” to the US .
The specific language — North Korea referred to its first successful intercontinental ballistic missile ( ICBM ) launch in 2017 as a “ gift ” — sparked speculation that Pyongyang could do something equally provocative , though the holiday came and went without any weapons test .

By Zachary Cohen | CNN
North Korea is “building new missiles, new capabilities, new weapons as fast as anybody on the planet,” and learning from its mistakes as it makes advances in its missile programs, the No. 2 general at the Pentagon said Friday.
Air Force Gen. John Hyten, the vice-chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, made the comments as talks between Washington and Pyongyang over North Korea’s nuclear program have stalled and Kim Jong Un has signaled he may be ready to test more missiles that could be capable of hitting the United States.
“If you want to go fast in the missile business you need to test fast, fly fast and learn fast. Look at Space X in this country. There were some pretty spectacular failures. Did they stop? No,” Hyten said while speaking at the Center for Strategic & International Studies in Washington.
“That is what North Korea has been doing and North Korea has been building new missiles, new capabilities, new weapons as fast as anybody on the planet with the 115th most powerful economy in the world. Speed itself is efficiency,” he added.
The Trump administration has reached out to North Korea to resume diplomatic negotiations after the two countries broke off talks in October, White House national security adviser Robert O’Brien told Axios over the weekend.
“We’ve reached out to the North Koreans and let them know that we would like to continue the negotiations in Stockholm that were last undertaken in early October,” O’Brien told the news outlet.
He added, “We’ve been letting them know, through various channels, that we would like to get those (negotiations) back on track and to implement Chairman Kim’s commitment” to denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.”
Those comments came after North Korea’s leader, earlier this month, said that there “will never” be denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula if the US “persists in its hostile policy towards” the hermit nation, according to the country’s state news agency.
At a meeting of ruling party officials, Kim also said his country’s long term security will be guaranteed by staying on constant alert and relying on “the powerful nuclear deterrent capable of containing the nuclear threats from the US,” according to the Korean Central News Agency.
KCNA released the report at the end of “The 5th Plenary Meeting of the 7th Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea.” In the plenary, Kim said “the DPRK will steadily develop necessary and prerequisite strategic weapons for the security of the state until the US rolls back its hostile policy towards the DPRK and lasting and durable peace-keeping mechanism is built.”
In an indication that North Korea could soon resume nuclear weapon testing, Kim said his country should no longer feel bound by its self-imposed halt on nuclear weapons and long-range missile testing. He also announced that “the world will witness a new strategic weapon” in the near future, KCNA reported.
Still, President Donald Trump has told reporters he remains optimistic about the future of diplomacy and touted his relationship with Kim.
“He likes me, I like him, we get along,” he said. “He did sign an agreement talking about denuclearization. … I think he’s a man of his word, so we’re going to find out,” Trump said earlier this month.
Kim’s latest threat came as American officials were closely monitoring North Korea following its promise in December to deliver a “Christmas gift” to the US.
The specific language — North Korea referred to its first successful intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch in 2017 as a “gift” — sparked speculation that Pyongyang could do something equally provocative, though the holiday came and went without any weapons test.


mercurynews--2020-01-18--Letter: How can we vote or buy online without accurate information?

We are living in a society where we are surrounded by lies , deliberate distortion of facts to deceive us for political , monetary or social gain .
We require accurate knowledge to vote intelligently , administer justice correctly , advocate responsibly and purchase wisely .
Those who deceive us abandoned their integrity for a short-term gain .
I for one have had enough .
Can we exist in the future as a democratic society where candidates spew lies and our government distorts information the public has a right to know ?
In a case where information needs to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can always say he or she can ’ t discuss it .
If marketers are embarrassed by their product , they should produce a better product , not lie about its qualities .
• Letter : Housing crisis is due to too many rich people • Letter : Any water we save will help millions of families survive • Letter : Measure C doesn ’ t reject the need for change • Letter : Sanders unlikely to garner the most crossover votes We used to be concerned with integrity .
We need a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get back to our personal integrity and to the truth .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Accurate info needed to
vote and purchase wisely
We are living in a society where we are surrounded by lies, deliberate distortion of facts to deceive us for political, monetary or social gain.
We require accurate knowledge to vote intelligently, administer justice correctly, advocate responsibly and purchase wisely. Those who deceive us abandoned their integrity for a short-term gain. I for one have had enough.
Can we exist in the future as a democratic society where candidates spew lies and our government distorts information the public has a right to know?
In a case where information needs to be protected for national security, a person can always say he or she can’t discuss it. If marketers are embarrassed by their product, they should produce a better product, not lie about its qualities.
Related Articles Letters to the Editor | Letters: Escape Bay Area | CASA program | Feinstein replacement | Faulty comparison | Not conservatives
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Letters: Psychiatric beds | SJSU neglect | Squandering cash | Overdoing coverage | Pac-12 negotiations | For climate’s sake | Electric appliances Letters to the Editor | Letters: Abandoning tenants | Deaf culture | Western contributions | Conservative alienation | Precise language
Letters: Abandoning tenants | Deaf culture | Western contributions | Conservative alienation | Precise language Letters to the Editor | Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path
Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps We used to be concerned with integrity. We need a return to truth, we need to get back to our personal integrity and to the truth.
Wayne Mortensen
San Ramon
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mercurynews--2020-01-18--Horoscopes Jan. 18, 2020: Kevin Costner, look at all your options.

Happy Birthday : Look at all your options , and you ’ ll find a path that excites you .
Positive change is heading your way , and handling matters personally will ensure that you get what you want .
A lifestyle option will intrigue you and encourage a unique variation to the way you have done things in the past .
Live , love and be happy .
Your numbers are 5 , 13 , 21 , 28 , 32 , 37 , 41 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Pick up the pace and finish what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who motivates and inspires you .
Joining forces with someone who shares your beliefs and goals will encourage positive change .
Be cautious , and you will avoid injury .
3 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Concentrate on research , personal goals , and expanding your interests , friendships or lifestyle .
Take pleasure in what life has to offer , and enjoy the moment .
Do more and say less , and you ’ ll avoid getting tangled up in someone ’ s drama .
3 stars GEMINI ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you have to someone may be misleading .
Consider the motives behind the actions .
Ask questions , consider what you have in common and don ’ t make a decision or move prematurely .
A discussion with someone you trust will offer insight .
3 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Step into the spotlight and share your thoughts .
Your popularity will grow if you are genuine and share unusual beliefs and alternative lifestyles .
A joint venture looks promising and prosperous .
Romance is encouraged and will enhance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : You may feel like spending money , but before you do , consider if you need to clutter your life with more stuff .
Look for a unique way to make your money work for you .
Save for something unique .
2 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Interact with people who share your concerns , interests or lifestyle .
What you discover will help you grow personally and encourage you to make better use of your time and money .
Be careful ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
4 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Someone in your life is likely to cause you grief or worry .
Offer advice , services or time , but refrain from paying for someone ’ s mistakes .
Intelligence is your weapon ; use it to counter being used yourself .
3 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Give your word and follow through .
You can make a difference to someone you care about if you are willing to share your intentions and feelings .
Choose your words @ @ @ @ @ @ @ favored .
3 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Keep your money tucked away in a safe place .
Don ’ t feel you have to donate when you can not afford to do so .
Concentrate on what you want to achieve .
Keep busy , and avoid getting into unforgiving situations with someone manipulative .
3 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Traveling , communicating and spending time with people who have more experience will help you grow and prosper .
A change of attitude will help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thirsty as you are to get ahead .
Romance is in the stars .
4 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Sit back , think matters through and avoid getting dragged into someone ’ s plans .
Use your intelligence , and concentrate on home , family and making improvements to the way you live .
Don ’ t give in to someone using guilt or emotional tactics to manipulate you .
2 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Go over details , do some research and ask questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or life-altering move .
Busy yourself helping a cause you believe in or people you love .
Offer peace , love and romance .
5 stars Birthday Baby : You are sensitive , persistent and dynamic .
You are responsive and reliable .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Jason Segel, 40; Jesse L. Martin, 51; Mark Messier, 59; Kevin Costner, 65.
Happy Birthday: Look at all your options, and you’ll find a path that excites you. Positive change is heading your way, and handling matters personally will ensure that you get what you want. A lifestyle option will intrigue you and encourage a unique variation to the way you have done things in the past. Live, love and be happy. Your numbers are 5, 13, 21, 28, 32, 37, 41.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Pick up the pace and finish what you start. Get together with someone who motivates and inspires you. Joining forces with someone who shares your beliefs and goals will encourage positive change. Be cautious, and you will avoid injury. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Concentrate on research, personal goals, and expanding your interests, friendships or lifestyle. Take pleasure in what life has to offer, and enjoy the moment. Do more and say less, and you’ll avoid getting tangled up in someone’s drama. 3 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): An attraction you have to someone may be misleading. Consider the motives behind the actions. Ask questions, consider what you have in common and don’t make a decision or move prematurely. A discussion with someone you trust will offer insight. 3 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Step into the spotlight and share your thoughts. Your popularity will grow if you are genuine and share unusual beliefs and alternative lifestyles. A joint venture looks promising and prosperous. Romance is encouraged and will enhance your personal life. 5 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): You may feel like spending money, but before you do, consider if you need to clutter your life with more stuff. Look for a unique way to make your money work for you. Save for something unique. 2 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Interact with people who share your concerns, interests or lifestyle. What you discover will help you grow personally and encourage you to make better use of your time and money. Be careful; someone you trust will let you down. 4 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Someone in your life is likely to cause you grief or worry. Offer advice, services or time, but refrain from paying for someone’s mistakes. Intelligence is your weapon; use it to counter being used yourself. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Give your word and follow through. You can make a difference to someone you care about if you are willing to share your intentions and feelings. Choose your words carefully. Personal and spiritual growth are favored. 3 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Keep your money tucked away in a safe place. Don’t feel you have to donate when you cannot afford to do so. Concentrate on what you want to achieve. Keep busy, and avoid getting into unforgiving situations with someone manipulative. 3 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Traveling, communicating and spending time with people who have more experience will help you grow and prosper. A change of attitude will help you attract people who are just as thirsty as you are to get ahead. Romance is in the stars. 4 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Sit back, think matters through and avoid getting dragged into someone’s plans. Use your intelligence, and concentrate on home, family and making improvements to the way you live. Don’t give in to someone using guilt or emotional tactics to manipulate you. 2 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Go over details, do some research and ask questions before you decide to make a decision or life-altering move. Busy yourself helping a cause you believe in or people you love. Offer peace, love and romance. 5 stars
Birthday Baby: You are sensitive, persistent and dynamic. You are responsive and reliable.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


Word Game: Jan. 18, 2020

Can you find 47 or more words in CHOPPERS ?
The list will be published Monday .
YESTERDAY ’ S @ @ @ @ @ mare mauve maven mean meaner menu mere ameer amen avenue aver name namer nave near @ @ @ @ @ enure erne even ever unarm urea uvea vane veer venue ramen ranee rave raven ream @ @ @ @ @ the Word Game book , visit WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 @ @ @ @ @ .
Words must be of four or more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire @ @ @ @ @ of “ s , ” such as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” @ @ @ @ @ .
Additional words made by adding a “ d ” or an “ s ” @ @ @ @ @ For example , if “ bake ” is used , “ baked ” or “ @ @ @ @ @ , but “ bake ” and “ baking ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper @ @ @ @ @ or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — CHOPPERS (CHOPPERS: CHOP-ers: Helicopters.)
Average mark 33 words
Time limit 45 minutes
Can you find 47 or more words in CHOPPERS? The list will be published Monday.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — MANEUVER mane manure mare mauve maven mean
meaner menu mere ameer amen avenue aver name namer nave near nerve neve
never earn enema enure erne even ever unarm urea uvea vane veer venue ramen
ranee rave raven ream rename revue Rune
To purchase the Word Game book, visit WordGameBooks.com. Order it now for just $5 while supplies last!
RULES OF THE GAME:
1. Words must be of four or more letters.
2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.
3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” are not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible.
4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.
Contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe at kzsaxe@gmail.com.


Bridge: Jan. 18, 2020

“ Simple Saturday ” columns are meant to help improve basic technique and develop logical thinking .
A key to effective dummy play at notrump is to count winners and possible losers before you proceed .
A second key is to avoid unnecessary risks .
At today ’ s 1NT , dummy ’ s queen wins the first heart .
If finesses in both minor suits work , declarer may make a bundle of overtricks , but he must instead focus on taking just seven tricks .
Say South lets the ten of clubs ride .
West takes the king @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cash three clubs , but if he finesses in diamonds next , East wins , and the defense runs the spades and hearts .
South should take the ace of diamonds at Trick Two and lose a diamond to the king .
He wins the heart return and has four diamonds , two hearts and one club .
In a matchpoint duplicate event , South might try for the maximum number of tricks at the risk of going down .
At party bridge or IMPs , the goal is to make your bid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3 H A Q D A Q 10 6 3 C Q 10 7 .
You open one diamond , and your partner responds one spade .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : A rebid of two diamonds would suggest a six-card or longer suit .
( To rebid a five-card suit is permissible but not desirable . )
The correct call is 1NT to show a minimum opening bid with balanced distribution .
Make your queen of clubs the king and you would have opened 1NT , bolstered by your three @ @ @ @ @ @

“Simple Saturday” columns are meant to help improve basic technique and develop logical thinking.
A key to effective dummy play at notrump is to count winners and possible losers before you proceed. A second key is to avoid unnecessary risks.
At today’s 1NT, dummy’s queen wins the first heart. If finesses in both minor suits work, declarer may make a bundle of overtricks, but he must instead focus on taking just seven tricks.
TEN OF CLUBS
Say South lets the ten of clubs ride. West takes the king and leads another heart. South can cash three clubs, but if he finesses in diamonds next, East wins, and the defense runs the spades and hearts.
South should take the ace of diamonds at Trick Two and lose a diamond to the king. He wins the heart return and has four diamonds, two hearts and one club.
In a matchpoint duplicate event, South might try for the maximum number of tricks at the risk of going down. At party bridge or IMPs, the goal is to make your bid.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S 10 7 3 H A Q D A Q 10 6 3 C Q 10 7. You open one diamond, and your partner responds one spade. What do you say?
ANSWER: A rebid of two diamonds would suggest a six-card or longer suit. (To rebid a five-card suit is permissible but not desirable.) The correct call is 1NT to show a minimum opening bid with balanced distribution. Make your queen of clubs the king and you would have opened 1NT, bolstered by your three tens and good five-card suit.
North dealer
Neither side vulnerable
NORTH
S 10 7 3
H A Q
D A Q 10 6 3
C Q 10 7
WEST
S A 9 4
H K 10 8 5 4
D 8 5 2
C K 8
EAST
S K J 8 6 2
H J 9
D K 7
C 9 5 4 2
SOUTH
S Q 5
H 7 6 3 2
D J 9 4
C A J 6 3
North East South West
1 D Pass 1 NT(!) All Pass
Opening lead — H 5
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-01-18--Ask Amy: Our neighbor is luring these uncute animals to our yard

DEAR AMY : We have just moved into a new semi-detached home and have not yet met the neighbor in the adjoining house .
We ’ ve noticed that there is a trio of plump and happy squirrels who spend most of their time on a small tree just outside of our window .
Our yard and flower beds are constantly littered with hundreds of shells from store-bought peanuts .
It is a disgusting mess .
Amy , there is not a single moment that I ’ ve looked out the window and not seen a squirrel on our roof @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they almost always have a peanut in their mouth .
They are also digging our lawn to bits .
It seems that our wall-sharing neighbor is buying peanuts to feed the squirrels , and by the looks of it , she buys in bulk !
Not only is this making a mess of our lawn , but I am worried about our children picking these up ( we have two toddlers ) .
We were also looking forward to having a large garden in the summer , and although any garden can have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is over the top .
I think the neighbor should have to clean up the atrocious mess on our lawn and stop feeding these pests , but having that be our first-ever communication doesn ’ t make for a friendly start .
Should we make a show of if by going out with gloves and garbage bags , trying to cover the tree , and leave squirrel repellent bottles outside ?
Or do we knock on the door and ask them to stop ?
!
The squirrels are living and feasting exclusively on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GOING NUTS : You should introduce yourselves to your neighbors .
Ask them about the neighborhood , about trash and recycling pickup , etc .
In the course of your conversation , you should also ask them what they are doing about the squirrel infestation .
Ask if these rodents have been scampering across their roof , gnawing on the woodwork , and chewing through their wiring ( squirrels love the rubber coating on wiring , by the way ) .
Depending on how your neighbors respond , you can simply make it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do everything you can to eradicate or relocate this trio .
Say , “ If you are feeding them , we hope you will stop.
” Then , you can take all of the steps you mention .
You should also consider trapping these pals ( the squirrels , not the neighbors ) and relocating them ( again , the squirrels , not the neighbors ) to a far-off habitat .
Even though they are contributing to it , I don ’ t agree that the neighbors should have to clean up the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
DEAR AMY : I have three adult children .
I raised them to thank people for gifts .
Their friends , however , do not .
I have given generously to these young people , for wedding registries , baby showers , etc .
A few have thanked me , verbally or in a written note , but from the rest , nothing .
This includes gifts that were on a registry , which the recipient clearly indicated they wanted .
A very sweet , kind , well-educated young man told me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acknowledge gifts , even if he likes it .
He didn ’ t give me a reason .
My question is : Why ?
Email/texting is easy , free , and instantaneous , unlike writing a note and having to pay postage and put it in a mailbox .
It seems to be beneath them .
DEAR GIVER : I agree with you that thanking people is easier than ever .
Simply taking a picture of the item and sending the picture with a texted message of “ Thank you !
” to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ book .
If someone declares to you that he never thanks people for anything , then I think you should interpret this as a statement that he no longer wants to receive gifts .
I ’ m not sure if this is a trend ; I can assert that this is a perennial frustration for many .
DEAR AMY : I appreciate your annual column devoted to charities , but yet again you failed to suggest any charities benefiting animals !
I find this lack of awareness and concern very upsetting .
DEAR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we have a duty to do everything we can to protect them .
Throughout the year , I advocate for the needs of our animal friends and companions .
I don ’ t have a lack of awareness ( and personally donate to my local shelter ) , but my “ giving ” column each year focuses on nonprofits that help humans .
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy , P.O .
Box 194 , Freeville , NY 13068 .
You can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or Facebook .

DEAR AMY: We have just moved into a new semi-detached home and have not yet met the neighbor in the adjoining house.
We’ve noticed that there is a trio of plump and happy squirrels who spend most of their time on a small tree just outside of our window. Our yard and flower beds are constantly littered with hundreds of shells from store-bought peanuts. It is a disgusting mess.
Amy, there is not a single moment that I’ve looked out the window and not seen a squirrel on our roof, tree, or lawn, and they almost always have a peanut in their mouth. They are also digging our lawn to bits.
It seems that our wall-sharing neighbor is buying peanuts to feed the squirrels, and by the looks of it, she buys in bulk!
Not only is this making a mess of our lawn, but I am worried about our children picking these up (we have two toddlers).
We were also looking forward to having a large garden in the summer, and although any garden can have its fair share of pests, this is over the top.
I think the neighbor should have to clean up the atrocious mess on our lawn and stop feeding these pests, but having that be our first-ever communication doesn’t make for a friendly start.
Should we make a show of if by going out with gloves and garbage bags, trying to cover the tree, and leave squirrel repellent bottles outside? Or do we knock on the door and ask them to stop?! The squirrels are living and feasting exclusively on our side of the lawn!
Going Nuts in Niagara Falls
DEAR GOING NUTS: You should introduce yourselves to your neighbors. Ask them about the neighborhood, about trash and recycling pickup, etc.
In the course of your conversation, you should also ask them what they are doing about the squirrel infestation. Ask if these rodents have been scampering across their roof, gnawing on the woodwork, and chewing through their wiring (squirrels love the rubber coating on wiring, by the way).
Depending on how your neighbors respond, you can simply make it very clear that you are going to do everything you can to eradicate or relocate this trio. Say, “If you are feeding them, we hope you will stop.” Then, you can take all of the steps you mention. You should also consider trapping these pals (the squirrels, not the neighbors) and relocating them (again, the squirrels, not the neighbors) to a far-off habitat.
Even though they are contributing to it, I don’t agree that the neighbors should have to clean up the mess these squirrels leave on your lawn.
DEAR AMY: I have three adult children. I raised them to thank people for gifts. Their friends, however, do not.
I have given generously to these young people, for wedding registries, baby showers, etc. A few have thanked me, verbally or in a written note, but from the rest, nothing. This includes gifts that were on a registry, which the recipient clearly indicated they wanted.
A very sweet, kind, well-educated young man told me once that he just didn’t acknowledge gifts, even if he likes it. He didn’t give me a reason.
My question is: Why?
Email/texting is easy, free, and instantaneous, unlike writing a note and having to pay postage and put it in a mailbox. It seems to be beneath them.
Any ideas?
The Giver
DEAR GIVER: I agree with you that thanking people is easier than ever. Simply taking a picture of the item and sending the picture with a texted message of “Thank you!” to the giver is sufficient, in my book.
If someone declares to you that he never thanks people for anything, then I think you should interpret this as a statement that he no longer wants to receive gifts.
I’m not sure if this is a trend; I can assert that this is a perennial frustration for many.
Want Ask Amy delivered to your inbox for free on weekdays?
DEAR AMY: I appreciate your annual column devoted to charities, but yet again you failed to suggest any charities benefiting animals! I find this lack of awareness and concern very upsetting.
Disappointed AGAIN
DEAR DISAPPOINTED: As stewards to our animals, we have a duty to do everything we can to protect them. Throughout the year, I advocate for the needs of our animal friends and companions.
I don’t have a lack of awareness (and personally donate to my local shelter), but my “giving” column each year focuses on nonprofits that help humans.
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.


mercurynews--2020-01-18--Letter: Housing crisis is due to too many rich people

Housing crisis is about too many rich people Re : “ Can ’ t afford rents here ?
Explore living elsewhere ” ( Letter to the editor , Eastbaytimes.com , Jan. 3 ) : Yay for the free market economy !
School teachers can ’ t afford to live here ?
Put your kid in an online kindergarten .
Like to eat in a fancy restaurant ?
Be prepared to bus your own dishes .
Need to call 911 for anything ?
Be prepared to wait for your police or EMT to drive in from , ya ’ know , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live in .
What the Bay Area needs is for the movers and shakers of Silicon Valley to move .
Pick some place with a lot of room ( not farm land , please ; we all still need to eat ) , build some coding schools , a factory , some housing and bam !
You ’ ve got the company town of the 21st century that ’ s not the Bay Area .
• Letter : Any water we save will help millions of families survive • Letter : Measure C @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change • Letter : Sanders unlikely to garner the most crossover votes • Letter : Trump ’ s never learned the lesson of ‘ The Boy Who Cried Wolf ’ The housing problem isn ’ t just too many people , it ’ s too many rich people .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Housing crisis is about
too many rich people
Re: “Can’t afford rents here? Explore living elsewhere” (Letter to the editor, Eastbaytimes.com, Jan. 3):
Yay for the free market economy! School teachers can’t afford to live here? Put your kid in an online kindergarten. Like to eat in a fancy restaurant? Be prepared to bus your own dishes. Need to call 911 for anything? Be prepared to wait for your police or EMT to drive in from, ya’ know, the fair-market place she can afford to live in.
There’s a reason a free market doesn’t work; it’s called the common good.
What the Bay Area needs is for the movers and shakers of Silicon Valley to move. Pick some place with a lot of room (not farm land, please; we all still need to eat), build some coding schools, a factory, some housing and bam! You’ve got the company town of the 21st century that’s not the Bay Area.
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Letters: Psychiatric beds | SJSU neglect | Squandering cash | Overdoing coverage | Pac-12 negotiations | For climate’s sake | Electric appliances Letters to the Editor | Letters: Abandoning tenants | Deaf culture | Western contributions | Conservative alienation | Precise language
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Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps The housing problem isn’t just too many people, it’s too many rich people.
Rachel Resnikoff
Berkeley
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
Read more Letters to the Editor


mercurynews--2020-01-18--Harriette Cole: I reminded them to get me a gift, and it was a lame one

DEAR HARRIETTE : I reminded my son and my husband to get me a Christmas gift this year , and they did , but it was such an afterthought that it might have been better to get nothing .
I have told my husband so many times that I care that he gets me something .
Now that we have a son , it matters because I want my son to know that he should be thoughtful in gift-giving to his mother and any future partners .
Still , I became the last-minute gift recipient of one lame item while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ multiple items to get each of them .
I know Christmas has passed , but I want them to understand how disappointed I am that they didn ’ t make me a priority .
DEAR AFTERTHOUGHT : Rather than letting your hurt feelings fester , you should tell your family how you are feeling .
Call a family meeting .
Tell your husband and son that there is something on your mind that you need to address .
Start by asking them how they enjoyed their Christmas this year .
Ask them what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of how important this holiday is to you and that you take gift-giving seriously .
• Harriette Cole : I feel horrible about what I got her for Christmas • Harriette Cole : Nobody ever explained credit to me , and I feel like a failure • Harriette Cole : I went crazy on gifts and now I ’ m thousands in debt • Harriette Cole : Mom ’ s upset because I want absentee dad at wedding • Harriette Cole : I think the school is handling these racist incidents wrong Tell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got you something , it hurt your feelings that clearly little to no thought went into it .
Point out that you believe you deserve for the family to be more attentive and thoughtful when it comes to you .
Remind them that you spent a lot of time and effort getting what you thought were the perfect gifts for them .
You would have appreciated even the smallest effort on their parts .
DEAR HARRIETTE : My teenage daughter talks to me about her life , including telling me about what her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most part , they are still “ innocent ” — meaning no sex , at least among her close friends .
What they call “ hooking up ” is what my generation used to call “ making out , ” i.e .
kissing and touching .
I ’ m relieved to know that my daughter hasn ’ t taken it further .
She tells me she hasn ’ t met anyone yet to even do the hooking up with , but it feels inevitable .
I ’ m trying to remember my teen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I haven ’ t told her to wait until marriage or risk going to hell , but I do want her to wait .
How can I convince her that she doesn ’ t have to rush into anything ?
DEAR COMING OF AGE : Rather than instilling fear into your teenager , which rarely works in a healthy manner anyway , talk to your daughter about her body as her sacred vessel .
Tell her that if she thinks of her physical being as precious , it will be easier for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be intimate before she is ready .
Recommend that at the very least she refrain from sexual activity until she is in a committed relationship where she and her partner love each other .
Note that it takes time and experience to reach that level in a relationship .
Meanwhile , it ’ s OK to hook up occasionally as she is discovering herself and her interests .
Just be mindful of what her limitations are , and encourage her to make them known to whoever she is with .
Also , remind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you to talk or for help without judgment .
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS , an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams .
You can send questions to askharriette @ harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

DEAR HARRIETTE: I reminded my son and my husband to get me a Christmas gift this year, and they did, but it was such an afterthought that it might have been better to get nothing. I have told my husband so many times that I care that he gets me something. Now that we have a son, it matters because I want my son to know that he should be thoughtful in gift-giving to his mother and any future partners.
Still, I became the last-minute gift recipient of one lame item while I spent days and weeks figuring out multiple items to get each of them. I know Christmas has passed, but I want them to understand how disappointed I am that they didn’t make me a priority.
Afterthought
DEAR AFTERTHOUGHT: Rather than letting your hurt feelings fester, you should tell your family how you are feeling.
Call a family meeting. Tell your husband and son that there is something on your mind that you need to address. Start by asking them how they enjoyed their Christmas this year. Ask them what their favorite gift was. Remind them of how important this holiday is to you and that you take gift-giving seriously.
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DEAR HARRIETTE: My teenage daughter talks to me about her life, including telling me about what her friends are doing relationship-wise.
For the most part, they are still “innocent” — meaning no sex, at least among her close friends. What they call “hooking up” is what my generation used to call “making out,” i.e. kissing and touching.
I’m relieved to know that my daughter hasn’t taken it further. She tells me she hasn’t met anyone yet to even do the hooking up with, but it feels inevitable.
I’m trying to remember my teen years so that I can stay cool. I haven’t told her to wait until marriage or risk going to hell, but I do want her to wait. How can I convince her that she doesn’t have to rush into anything?
Coming of Age
DEAR COMING OF AGE: Rather than instilling fear into your teenager, which rarely works in a healthy manner anyway, talk to your daughter about her body as her sacred vessel. Tell her that if she thinks of her physical being as precious, it will be easier for her to resist the hormonal temptation to be intimate before she is ready. Recommend that at the very least she refrain from sexual activity until she is in a committed relationship where she and her partner love each other. Note that it takes time and experience to reach that level in a relationship.
Meanwhile, it’s OK to hook up occasionally as she is discovering herself and her interests. Just be mindful of what her limitations are, and encourage her to make them known to whoever she is with. Also, remind her that she can always come to you to talk or for help without judgment.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-01-18--Miss Manners: He’s teaching our child these weird table manners

DEAR MISS MANNERS : My husband and I are raising two children , ages 4 years and 17 months .
One of our favorite go-to breakfast foods is a bowl of cereal .
Here ’ s our kitchen quandary : When all the cereal is gone from the bowl , my 4-year-old drinks the remaining milk from the bowl .
I did that growing up , and I thought that ’ s what most people did , but apparently not .
My husband thinks it is terrible , so he started teaching her to drink the milk from the spoon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to how he ate cereal pre-kids , but it is somewhat amusing to watch the two of them ingest what seems like endless teaspoons of cereal milk , when they could save time by just drinking the remainder directly from the bowl .
However , the big mess on the table my 4-year-old makes from scooping and splashing the milk compelled me to seek answers .
• Miss Manners : He rubbed against me , and my husband acts like it ’ s OK • Miss Manners : The kids weren ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rude • Miss Manners : She left unsanitary items on the restaurant table • Miss Manners : Did I overreact to her cringey compliment ?
• Miss Manners : How I lost so much weight is none of their business Can you solve this for us ?
Is it a ghastly sight to drink the milk from the cereal bowl , or is the bigger faux pas the loud , repetitive suctioning of milk from a spoon at a fast pace ?
GENTLE READER : Are these the only options ?
While there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ versus public ones , Miss Manners is in agreement with your husband that it is never too early to start instilling social ones , particularly at an age when it is too easy to conflate the two ( e.g.
, “ But Mommy , I ’ ve seen you eat food from other people ’ s plates when we ’ re at home ” ) .
If your husband is going to the trouble to teach the children how to use a spoon , then he — and you — must also have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period , as they master it .
DEAR MISS MANNERS : What are you supposed to tip if your meal is free due to bad service ?
The other night , we went out to eat .
The hostess seated us with menus , but then no one took our drink order or spoke to us for quite a long time .
They continued waiting on customers who arrived after us , some of whom already had their food before they realized the mistake .
They apologized repeatedly and said our food and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We estimated what the bill probably would have been and gave them about 50 % tip , feeling generous due to the fact that we weren ’ t paying for dinner .
GENTLE READER : Well , this is a fine conundrum .
You were given bad service , but the food was fine .
So you paid for the service , not for the food .
What a world .
Miss Manners will refrain from lecturing the country yet again on why tipping is a terrible custom ( workers should instead be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this ridiculous situation defies logic itself .
Until we reform the system , however , your solution — for what seemed to be an honest mistake — was as good as any .
The irony is rich , however , that the only one who did not come out ahead in all of this was the innocent chef , who did his or her job well .
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website , www.missmanners.com ; to her email , dearmissmanners @ gmail.com ; or through postal mail to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My husband and I are raising two children, ages 4 years and 17 months. One of our favorite go-to breakfast foods is a bowl of cereal. Here’s our kitchen quandary: When all the cereal is gone from the bowl, my 4-year-old drinks the remaining milk from the bowl.
I did that growing up, and I thought that’s what most people did, but apparently not. My husband thinks it is terrible, so he started teaching her to drink the milk from the spoon.
I never paid that much attention to how he ate cereal pre-kids, but it is somewhat amusing to watch the two of them ingest what seems like endless teaspoons of cereal milk, when they could save time by just drinking the remainder directly from the bowl. However, the big mess on the table my 4-year-old makes from scooping and splashing the milk compelled me to seek answers.
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GENTLE READER: Are these the only options? While there is such a thing as at-home manners versus public ones, Miss Manners is in agreement with your husband that it is never too early to start instilling social ones, particularly at an age when it is too easy to conflate the two (e.g., “But Mommy, I’ve seen you eat food from other people’s plates when we’re at home”).
If your husband is going to the trouble to teach the children how to use a spoon, then he — and you — must also have the patience to wait out the learning period, as they master it.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: What are you supposed to tip if your meal is free due to bad service?
The other night, we went out to eat. The hostess seated us with menus, but then no one took our drink order or spoke to us for quite a long time. They continued waiting on customers who arrived after us, some of whom already had their food before they realized the mistake. They apologized repeatedly and said our food and drinks would be free of charge.
We estimated what the bill probably would have been and gave them about 50% tip, feeling generous due to the fact that we weren’t paying for dinner.
GENTLE READER: Well, this is a fine conundrum. You were given bad service, but the food was fine. So you paid for the service, not for the food. What a world.
Miss Manners will refrain from lecturing the country yet again on why tipping is a terrible custom (workers should instead be given a decent wage), because this ridiculous situation defies logic itself. Until we reform the system, however, your solution — for what seemed to be an honest mistake — was as good as any.
The irony is rich, however, that the only one who did not come out ahead in all of this was the innocent chef, who did his or her job well.
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-01-18--Dear Abby: A picture of my birthday gift would make him feel bad

DEAR ABBY : Is there a delicate way for me to tell my boyfriend not to use the same online floral delivery service again ?
The birthday bouquet he had delivered to me arrived with limp , wilted , torn petals and leaves and broken stems .
It was one of those box-of-flowers deliveries .
I doubt my boyfriend realized they would not arrive in a vase and arranged by a florist .
Instead , they had been packed in a box , without water , with the vase packed alongside , delivered by a regular package courier .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bouquet along with my heartfelt thanks , and while I thanked him as usual , I did not send a picture of the bouquet because I knew he would feel bad — both about the lackluster arrangement , and the money he had spent on them .
• Dear Abby : I ’ m starting to wonder if I ’ m his side chick • Dear Abby : I ’ m angry that my parents never sued over my childhood injury • Dear Abby : I can ’ t understand why my fiancé @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I found out years later that my mom drove my boyfriend away I found what I believe was the intended arrangement on the website , and it was lovely — a far cry from what was delivered to me .
I love my twice-a-year flowers , and I don ’ t want to come across as critical or ungrateful .
I am blessed to have such a thoughtful partner .
If flowers were just a one-time gift , I would not even consider mentioning it .
However , with Valentine ’ s Day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I wonder if I should let my boyfriend know that it might be better to use a local florist to ensure he is getting his money ’ s worth .
Or should I just cross my fingers that it was a one-off ?
DEAR “ UNGRATEFUL ” : Tell your boyfriend why you didn ’ t send him a photo of the flowers he sent as you usually do .
He has a right to know , and it will not make you appear ungrateful .
He may be able to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he had ordered an arrangement in a vase .
And if the vendor is not forthcoming , he may choose to deal with a different one next time .
Please give him the option .
DEAR ABBY : I ’ m one half of a female best friend duo in our early 30s .
We both live with clinical depression , and my friend also has ADHD .
During most of our 20s , neither of us did a good job of coping with these issues , but we were able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after putting in a lot of work , I ’ m finally in a healthy place , and I intend to continue getting better from here .
My best friend , however , is managing her own mental health as poorly as ever .
She doesn ’ t have the interest or the motivation to help herself the way I have , and she resents when others try to talk to her about it .
I sense she wishes I was like I used to be .
I ’ m starting to feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ healthy for me , but I don ’ t know what to do .
I don ’ t have many other friends .
I live out of state from my family , and I still love her dearly .
How should I proceed ?
DEAR SELF-HELPER : Proceed by continuing to move forward .
If you seek out new activities , you will meet more people with common interests .
Do not drop her .
Call her periodically to check in , and make a point of inviting her to join you in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if she refuses , do not let it deter you from doing what you must to aid in your healing .
I congratulate you for finding the strength to get the help you needed .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .

DEAR ABBY: Is there a delicate way for me to tell my boyfriend not to use the same online floral delivery service again? The birthday bouquet he had delivered to me arrived with limp, wilted, torn petals and leaves and broken stems. It was one of those box-of-flowers deliveries.
I doubt my boyfriend realized they would not arrive in a vase and arranged by a florist. Instead, they had been packed in a box, without water, with the vase packed alongside, delivered by a regular package courier.
I usually send him a photo of my bouquet along with my heartfelt thanks, and while I thanked him as usual, I did not send a picture of the bouquet because I knew he would feel bad — both about the lackluster arrangement, and the money he had spent on them.
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If flowers were just a one-time gift, I would not even consider mentioning it. However, with Valentine’s Day (and another flower delivery) approaching, I wonder if I should let my boyfriend know that it might be better to use a local florist to ensure he is getting his money’s worth. Or should I just cross my fingers that it was a one-off?
UNGRATEFUL GIRLFRIEND
DEAR “UNGRATEFUL”: Tell your boyfriend why you didn’t send him a photo of the flowers he sent as you usually do. He has a right to know, and it will not make you appear ungrateful.
He may be able to get a refund if the order was mishandled and he had ordered an arrangement in a vase. And if the vendor is not forthcoming, he may choose to deal with a different one next time. Please give him the option.
DEAR ABBY: I’m one half of a female best friend duo in our early 30s. We both live with clinical depression, and my friend also has ADHD.
During most of our 20s, neither of us did a good job of coping with these issues, but we were able to laugh it off together. Now, after putting in a lot of work, I’m finally in a healthy place, and I intend to continue getting better from here.
My best friend, however, is managing her own mental health as poorly as ever. She doesn’t have the interest or the motivation to help herself the way I have, and she resents when others try to talk to her about it. I sense she wishes I was like I used to be.
I’m starting to feel like being around her is no longer healthy for me, but I don’t know what to do. I don’t have many other friends. I live out of state from my family, and I still love her dearly. How should I proceed?
SELF-HELPER IN CALIFORNIA
DEAR SELF-HELPER: Proceed by continuing to move forward. If you seek out new activities, you will meet more people with common interests. Do not drop her. Call her periodically to check in, and make a point of inviting her to join you in some of your new interests.
However, if she refuses, do not let it deter you from doing what you must to aid in your healing. I congratulate you for finding the strength to get the help you needed.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.


mercurynews--2020-01-18--High school basketball roundup: Riordan upends Bellarmine; Mitty cruises

The second-ranked boys basketball team in the latest Bay Area Preps HQ poll now finds itself left behind in fifth place after a loss at No .
6 Archbishop Riordan .
That ’ s because No .
4 Serra , No .
5 Archbishop Mitty and No .
11 St. Francis also proved victorious on the evening .
“ The WCAL , this is my third year in it , this is a crazy league , ” said Riordan senior Dominic Wilson , who recorded a double-double with 11 points and a career-high 19 rebounds .
“ Anybody can beat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , every practice , putting in the effort and being focused for that next game .
Don ’ t take anyone lightly.
” That ’ s especially true of the five teams vying for a topsy-turvy WCAL title .
Riordan ( 13-2 , 3-1 WCAL ) lost its league opener at home , 50-48 , against Serra ( 12-3 , 3-2 ) .
Earlier this week , the Padres only managed four points in the second half of 65-14 loss at Bellarmine ( 12-3 , 3-2 ) .
Three days later the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second half for a comeback victory against the Bells .
“ We lost by two points ( to Serra ) , but it hurt , ” Riordan coach Joe Curtin said .
“ They kind of us woke up , they made us reset , recalibrate , talk about our goals and how we don ’ t want to them let them slip by .
We want to earn everything we get in front of us — and we have to.
” Wilson couldn ’ t agree more , as he added : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , ‘ Let ’ s do something about it .
Let ’ s make a statement.
’ ” An injured right hand kept 6-foot-7 forward Robert Vaihola out of the starting lineup , with Wilson as the next man up .
It helped that he formed a 1-2 duo in the paint with 7-1 sophomore Mor Seck , who recorded a double-double of his own in the second half alone en route to 15 points and 13 rebounds .
“ They just played with tremendous heart , ” Curtin said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think they were just getting their feet under them .
Dominic was playing more minutes than he ’ s played with Robert Vaihola out , so we got the start and he just played great.
” Riordan senior Bryce Monroe , who missed the majority of the previous three games with an injury , also had a quiet first half .
Bellarmine led 31-23 at intermission and remained ahead 46-39 with under three minutes left in the third quarter .
That ’ s when Monroe sank a 3-pointer — the first of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spark a 28-8 run over the next eight minutes .
“ In the second half he got his groove back , ” Curtin said .
Monroe finished with a team-high 23 points , including 19 in the second half , while Je ’ Lani Clark capped the run with a trey from NBA range and contributed 16 points .
“ We struggled in the first half and that ’ s why the game was close , ” Monroe said .
“ But once we locked in on defense it showed that our offense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bellarmine point guard Quinn Denker attempted to stop the bleeding with a game-high 33 points , including 4-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc .
But his only other teammate to crack double digits was 6-6 forward Ian Elam with 10 points .
“ That was a point of emphasis after the game , ” Bellarmine coach Patrick Schneider said .
“ That as great as Quinn played , we need five guys on the court floor who find ways to score.
” It didn ’ t help that Riordan won the rebound battle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wilson and Seck .
“ All the rebounding stuff began before the shot got taken , ” Schneider said .
“ We had to help too far from our block outs and it ’ s hard to help seven feet and get back to a 7-footer.
” “ Me and Mor we came in , we battled , we finished , we rebounded , ” Wilson said .
“ We trusted our teammates , we told them , ‘ Get shots up , we ’ ll rebound for you.
’ And it came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With Aaron Gordon on hand for his jersey retirement ceremony , Mitty made its former star ’ s homecoming even sweeter with a dominant performance .
The Monarchs drained 3-pointers , caused havoc on defense and got a thunderous dunk from Nigel Burris , scoring the first 24 points en route to a blowout victory to remain tied atop the WCAL standings .
Mitty scored 57 points in the first half to build a 40-point cushion and the game ended with a running clock .
The Monarchs improved to 13-2 overall and 4-1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players score in double figures , led by Michael Mitchell ’ s 17 .
Owen Browne and Mason Ryan each had 13 points .
It added up to a perfect night for the program — winning in dominating fashion on the night its greatest star became the first player in the program ’ s history to have his jersey retired .
“ You couldn ’ t write it any better , ” coach Tim Kennedy said .
A week earlier , before a big crowd in the same gym , Mitty struggled after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was no struggling for the home team Friday .
“ Playing in front of a big crowd with Bellarmine , we didn ’ t respond that well , ” Kennedy said .
“ I thought today , we responded well .
Didn ’ t let the crowd affect us .
Just play for each other , share the ball , communicate on defense and we had that energy .
Made the game easy.
” Turns out the WCAL boys are not the only unpredictable faction in the Bay Area .
Over the span @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Athletic League saw a pair of No .
2-ranked teams in the back-to-back BAPrepsHQ polls suffer setbacks — both self-inflicted .
Friday night it was Menlo , last year ’ s CIF Division II state champion on its rise prominence , that went down next door in Atherton to Sacred Heart Prep by a 59-55 margin in overtime .
The previous weekend , it was Pinewood that saw its 66-game win streak in the WBAL Foothill Division snapped by Menlo .
Suddenly , it ’ s SHP ( 11-4 , 3-0 WBAL Foothill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standings .
The Gators needed to erase a 28-20 halftime deficit , with junior Caroline Barclay forcing overtime as time expired at 50-all .
SHP ’ s Denise Stine , a 5-4 guard whose older sister played at Menlo , recorded a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds , while accounting for six of her team ’ s points in OT .
Fellow senior Charlotte Levison added another 14 points .
Menlo ( 12-2 , 2-1 ) , which escaped a loss at Woodside Priory earlier in the week , relied on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 10 rebounds ) and forward Sharon Nejad ( 13 points , 9 rebounds ) .
• De La Salle bounces back by beating No .
1 Dublin in key EBAL showdown • All in the family : Menlo girls basketball rise to prominence

No. 6 Archbishop Riordan 71, No. 2 Bellarmine 63
SAN FRANCISCO — Bellarmine entered Friday night in a five-way tie atop the West Catholic Athletic League standings.
The second-ranked boys basketball team in the latest Bay Area Preps HQ poll now finds itself left behind in fifth place after a loss at No. 6 Archbishop Riordan.
That’s because No. 4 Serra, No. 5 Archbishop Mitty and No. 11 St. Francis also proved victorious on the evening.
“The WCAL, this is my third year in it, this is a crazy league,” said Riordan senior Dominic Wilson, who recorded a double-double with 11 points and a career-high 19 rebounds. “Anybody can beat anybody. It just comes to every week, every practice, putting in the effort and being focused for that next game. Don’t take anyone lightly.”
That’s especially true of the five teams vying for a topsy-turvy WCAL title.
Riordan (13-2, 4-1 WCAL) lost its league opener at home, 50-48, against Serra (12-3, 4-1).
Earlier this week, the Padres only managed four points in the second half of 65-14 loss at Bellarmine (12-3, 3-2).
Three days later the Crusaders erupted for 48 points in the second half for a comeback victory against the Bells.
“We lost by two points (to Serra), but it hurt,” Riordan coach Joe Curtin said. “They kind of woke us up, they made us reset, recalibrate, talk about our goals and how we don’t want to let them slip by. We want to earn everything we get in front of us — and we have to.”
Wilson couldn’t agree more, as he added: “We lost to Serra and we said, ‘Let’s do something about it. Let’s make a statement.’ ”
An injured right hand kept 6-foot-7 forward Robert Vaihola out of the starting lineup, with Wilson as the next man up. It helped that he formed a 1-2 duo in the paint with 7-1 sophomore Mor Seck, who recorded a double-double of his own in the second half alone en route to 15 points and 13 rebounds.
“They just played with tremendous heart,” Curtin said. “I challenged them before the game, I think they were just getting their feet under them. Dominic was playing more minutes than he’s played with Robert Vaihola out, so we got the start and he just played great.”
Riordan senior Bryce Monroe, who missed the majority of the previous three games with an injury, also had a quiet first half.
Bellarmine led 31-23 at intermission and remained ahead 46-39 with under three minutes left in the third quarter.
That’s when Monroe sank a 3-pointer — the first of the night for the Crusaders — to spark a 28-8 run over the next eight minutes.
“In the second half he got his groove back,” Curtin said.
Monroe finished with a team-high 23 points, including 19 in the second half, while Je’Lani Clark capped the run with a trey from NBA range and contributed 16 points.
“We struggled in the first half and that’s why the game was close,” Monroe said. “But once we locked in on defense it showed that our offense can come directly from our defense.”
Bellarmine point guard Quinn Denker attempted to stop the bleeding with a game-high 33 points, including 4-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc.
But his only other teammate to crack double digits was 6-6 forward Ian Elam with 10 points.
“That was a point of emphasis after the game,” Bellarmine coach Patrick Schneider said. “That as great as Quinn played, we need five guys on the court who find ways to score.”
It didn’t help that Riordan won the rebound battle by a 47-28 margin, sparked by Wilson and Seck.
“All the rebounding stuff began before the shot got taken,” Schneider said. “We had to help too far from our block-outs and it’s hard to help seven feet and get back to a 7-footer.”
“Me and Mor we came in, we battled, we finished, we rebounded,” Wilson said. “We trusted our teammates, we told them, ‘Get shots up, we’ll rebound for you.’ And it came down to who wanted it more.”
No. 5 Archbishop Mitty 85, St. Ignatius 39
With Aaron Gordon on hand for his jersey retirement ceremony, Mitty made its former star’s homecoming even sweeter with a dominant performance.
The Monarchs drained 3-pointers, caused havoc on defense and got a thunderous dunk from Nigel Burris, scoring the first 24 points en route to a blowout victory to remain tied atop the WCAL standings.
Mitty scored 57 points in the first half to build a 40-point cushion and the game ended with a running clock. The Monarchs improved to 13-2 overall and 4-1 in the league.
St. Ignatius fell to 5-10, 0-5.
Mitty had five players score in double figures, led by Michael Mitchell’s 17. Owen Browne and Mason Ryan each had 13 points.
It added up to a perfect night for the program — winning in dominating fashion on the night its greatest star became the first player in the program’s history to have his jersey retired.
“You couldn’t write it any better,” coach Tim Kennedy said.
A week earlier, before a big crowd in the same gym, Mitty struggled after halftime and lost to Bellarmine.
There was no struggling for the home team Friday.
“Playing in front of a big crowd with Bellarmine, we didn’t respond that well,” Kennedy said. “I thought today, we responded well. Didn’t let the crowd affect us. Just play for each other, share the ball, communicate on defense and we had that energy. Made the game easy.”
No. 7 Campolindo 78, Acalanes 35
Campolindo took charge in the first quarter and never looked back as it breezed to a victory at home in Diablo Athletic League Foothill Division play. Aidan Mahaney (19 points), Matt Radell (18 points) and Emmanuel Callas (16 points) led the way as Campo improved to 13-4, 4-0. Acalanes fell to 12-6, 0-4. Next up for Campo is a Monday night showdown against No. 9 Bishop O’Dowd in the MLK Classic at Saint Mary’s College.
No. 11 St. Francis 75, Sacred Heart Cathedral 65
In an afternoon game in Mountain View, St. Francis stretched its winning streak to five games behind 20 points and 10 rebounds from Kyle Rosecrans. The senior sank six from 3-point range. St. Francis outscored SHC 24-15 in the first quarter, and that was the difference. The teams were nearly even the rest of the way. St. Francis next plays Tuesday at home against Serra, then visits Riordan next Friday.
No. 2 Menlo School girls fall to neighbor, rival
Turns out the WCAL boys are not the only unpredictable faction in the Bay Area. Over the span of a week, the West Bay Athletic League saw a pair of No. 2-ranked teams in the back-to-back BAPrepsHQ polls suffer setbacks — both self-inflicted.
Friday night it was Menlo, last year’s CIF Division II state champion on its rise prominence, that went down next door in Atherton to Sacred Heart Prep by a 59-55 margin in overtime. The previous weekend, it was Pinewood that saw its 66-game win streak in the WBAL Foothill Division snapped by Menlo.
Suddenly, it’s SHP (11-4, 3-0 WBAL Foothill) that finds itself alone atop the standings.
The Gators needed to erase a 28-20 halftime deficit, with junior Caroline Barclay forcing overtime as time expired at 50-all.
SHP’s Denise Stine, a 5-4 guard whose older sister played at Menlo, recorded a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds, while accounting for six of her team’s points in OT. Fellow senior Charlotte Levison added another 14 points.
Menlo (12-2, 2-1), which escaped a loss at Woodside Priory earlier in the week, relied on point guard Avery Lee (17 points, 10 rebounds) and forward Sharon Nejad (13 points, 9 rebounds).