mercurynews--2020-08-31--Horoscopes Aug. 31, 2020: Richard Gere, make physical improvements

Happy Birthday : You ’ ll discover new ways to interact with people you love and those who share your interests .
A positive change will be a step toward personal freedom and a new beginning .
Finding solutions will be your thing , and setting new standards geared toward a better lifestyle will result in substantial stability and security .
Make physical improvements , and love your priorities .
Your numbers are 8 , 17 , 21 , 23 , 30 , 32 , 45 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Take your time , dig deep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based on verified information , not what someone leads you to believe .
Separate your business and personal lives to avoid confusion and interference .
Protect against illness , arguments and injury .
4 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Stick to your plan , regardless of what others do .
Personal gain is apparent if you are diligent in using your knowledge , experience and skills to get ahead .
A physical change will boost your morale and attract compliments .
Romance is favored .
2 stars GEMINI ( May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive in every situation you face , and you ’ ll find a way to take care of your responsibilities and have time left to enjoy doing something that makes you happy .
Refuse to let anyone put unfair demands on you .
5 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : You may not like change , but it ’ s time to make adjustments that will encourage you to keep up with technology and economic trends .
Don ’ t fight the inevitable ; go with the flow , and be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ favored .
3 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Keep moving forward .
Looking back will cause confusion and uncertainty .
Focus on what you can do , and live in the moment .
Refuse to let anyone compromise your health and well-being .
Tunnel vision will be required if you want to excel .
3 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Take a break from your schedule .
The change will spark your imagination and encourage you to make adjustments to the way you live .
Focus on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to incorporate memorable moments into your daily routine .
3 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Personal improvement is favored .
Change situations that are unsuitable or causing stress .
Refuse to let anyone bully you into something you don ’ t want to do .
Call the shots , and make your thoughts and your needs known .
Do what ’ s best for you .
5 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Stick to your original plan , regardless of the emotional backlash you get from others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so do whatever it takes to do what ’ s in your best interest .
Romance is in the stars .
Live life your way .
2 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Live and learn .
Take on a physical challenge that will pump you up and encourage you to get involved in something you find serviceable and rewarding .
Learn from your mistakes and experiences , and you will find a path that gratifies you .
4 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Pay less attention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more attention to the best way to move forward .
Concentrate on home improvements , lowering your overhead and doing whatever it takes to feel financially comfortable .
A renewed respect develops with someone you love .
3 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Refuse to let your emotions take over .
Look at situations from a logical perspective , and you will understand situations you face with clarity .
You can ’ t change others , but you can make decisions and changes that suit your needs .
3 stars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lend a helping hand , and you will make new connections .
An unusual partnership will turn out to be helpful as well as entertaining .
Love and romance are in the stars , and a change of pace is heading your way .
3 stars Birthday Baby : You are productive , fussy and organized .
You are resourceful and ambitious .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Sara Ramirez, 45; Chris Tucker, 49; Zack Ward, 50; Richard Gere, 71.
Happy Birthday: You’ll discover new ways to interact with people you love and those who share your interests. A positive change will be a step toward personal freedom and a new beginning. Finding solutions will be your thing, and setting new standards geared toward a better lifestyle will result in substantial stability and security. Make physical improvements, and love your priorities. Your numbers are 8, 17, 21, 23, 30, 32, 45.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Take your time, dig deep, get the facts and make decisions based on verified information, not what someone leads you to believe. Separate your business and personal lives to avoid confusion and interference. Protect against illness, arguments and injury. 4 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Stick to your plan, regardless of what others do. Personal gain is apparent if you are diligent in using your knowledge, experience and skills to get ahead. A physical change will boost your morale and attract compliments. Romance is favored. 2 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Look for the positive in every situation you face, and you’ll find a way to take care of your responsibilities and have time left to enjoy doing something that makes you happy. Refuse to let anyone put unfair demands on you. 5 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): You may not like change, but it’s time to make adjustments that will encourage you to keep up with technology and economic trends. Don’t fight the inevitable; go with the flow, and be happy with the results. Romance is favored. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Keep moving forward. Looking back will cause confusion and uncertainty. Focus on what you can do, and live in the moment. Refuse to let anyone compromise your health and well-being. Tunnel vision will be required if you want to excel. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Take a break from your schedule. The change will spark your imagination and encourage you to make adjustments to the way you live. Focus on what makes you happy and how best to incorporate memorable moments into your daily routine. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Personal improvement is favored. Change situations that are unsuitable or causing stress. Refuse to let anyone bully you into something you don’t want to do. Call the shots, and make your thoughts and your needs known. Do what’s best for you. 5 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Stick to your original plan, regardless of the emotional backlash you get from others. You are responsible for your happiness, so do whatever it takes to do what’s in your best interest. Romance is in the stars. Live life your way. 2 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Live and learn. Take on a physical challenge that will pump you up and encourage you to get involved in something you find serviceable and rewarding. Learn from your mistakes and experiences, and you will find a path that gratifies you. 4 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Pay less attention to what’s already happened and more attention to the best way to move forward. Concentrate on home improvements, lowering your overhead and doing whatever it takes to feel financially comfortable. A renewed respect develops with someone you love. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Refuse to let your emotions take over. Look at situations from a logical perspective, and you will understand situations you face with clarity. You can’t change others, but you can make decisions and changes that suit your needs. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Lend a helping hand, and you will make new connections. An unusual partnership will turn out to be helpful as well as entertaining. Love and romance are in the stars, and a change of pace is heading your way. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are productive, fussy and organized. You are resourceful and ambitious.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


Word Game: Aug. 31, 2020

TODAY ’ S WORD — ERASURE ( ERASURE : ih-RAY-sher : The act of being removed . )
Can you @ @ @ @ @ in ERASURE ?
The list will be published tomorrow .
To purchase the Word Game @ @ @ @ @ Order it now for just $ 5 while supplies last !
1 .
Words must @ @ @ @ @ letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “ s @ @ @ @ @ bats ” or “ dies , ” are not allowed .
3 .
Additional words @ @ @ @ @ d ” or an “ s ” may not be used .
For example , @ @ @ @ @ used , “ baked ” or “ bakes ” are not allowed , but “ @ @ @ @ @ ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper nouns , slang words , or vulgar or @ @ @ @ @ allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — ERASURE (ERASURE: ih-RAY-sher: The act of being removed.)
Average mark 14 words
Time limit 30 minutes
Can you find 18 or more words in ERASURE? The list will be published tomorrow.
SATURDAY’S WORD — SUPERBLY slub slue slur slurp slyer spry spur suer super
superb sure surely surly syrup user plus plyer prey pule pulse pure purely purl purse
pyre espy rebus rely reply rube ruble ruby rule ruse beryl bluer blues blur burl burly
burp bury busy buyer byre lues lure lyre yelp yule
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.


mercurynews--2020-08-31--Ask Amy: Because of a Christmas card, I stand to inherit a big estate

Dear Amy : My great uncle ( age 90 , no wife or children ) recently asked me to help him out by taking on power of attorney and overseeing his care .
He told me I will inherit everything ( house , accounts etc. )
.
It could be a lot when all is said and done ( over half a million dollars ) .
Here ’ s my dilemma .
I have two siblings , but he is only leaving everything to me !
My siblings know about this .
He told me he chose me because for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my wife has remembered to send him a Christmas card , and my siblings have not .
My mom ( my father died ) says I need to split everything equally three ways , or else !
My wife says I should do what I want and maybe not be so “ forthcoming ” concerning what is going on .
• Ask Amy : I cut off this alleged abuser , then I heard his side of the story • Ask Amy : How will I know when to cut my boyfriend loose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s girlfriend is from a wealthy family , and that has become a problem • Ask Amy : He won ’ t follow the rules , and it ’ s ruining my happy home • Ask Amy : I wouldn ’ t let her in my car , and she got snotty What do you think ?
Dear J : I ’ m with your wife .
She is obviously the more thoughtful of the two of you , and you should pay attention to her .
You are agreeing to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s life .
This man ’ s life is in your hands , and you owe it to him to do your very best to see to his needs for the rest of his life .
You should set up a meeting with your uncle and his lawyer .
Your uncle ’ s savings should be used to pay for his care .
This can be very expensive .
If there is any money left after his death , then you will have earned it .
Rise to this challenge .
Take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And do not discuss this with your mother .
Dear Amy : I gave birth to a child in the ’ 70s .
I was 16 at the time .
For all these years I thought I knew who my daughter ’ s biological father was .
He was not involved in her life and made it known he did not want to be .
I married and my husband adopted her .
Our daughter knows all the details .
Yesterday , I found out via a DNA test who her real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who I thought it was .
I had no idea , and I am stunned .
This person passed away 10 years ago .
I confessed everything to my daughter , right away .
How do I get through this ?
I have beat myself up for so long over this out-of-wedlock pregnancy , and now I find this out .
What do I say to the other “ father , ” who I have not had contact with in 40 years ?
Do I say anything ?
Dear No Words : I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that you have done so much that is absolutely right .
You and your husband raised your daughter .
He adopted her .
He is her dad .
You have always been honest with her regarding her DNA parentage , and you are being honest , now .
It would be wise for you to find a professional counselor to help you and your family navigate through this .
Some of the layers of this situation are intensely personal for you , but this also has wider consequences for your husband , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The National Association of Social Workers has helpful links to databases of social workers and therapists : Check their website at Helpstartshere.org .
Many professional counselors will connect with you virtually .
You have already been brave about this and have notified your daughter about her DNA parentage .
It is hard to know how this will affect her , but you should continue to be truthful and transparent .
Yes , you should contact the person you always assumed was her biological father .
I gather that he never financially contributed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he had , it would bring up a further complication ) , but he could be harboring his own complicated feelings of guilt and sadness about his long-ago rejection .
( Rejecting a mistaken-daughter is not appreciably different from rejecting an actual-daughter , but all the same he should be told the truth . )
Your daughter might be interested in connecting with some of her bio-relatives , and when the dust surrounding this settles , I hope you all find peace , love , and resolution regarding the choices you have made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I loved your response to “ Befuddled Guest ” who was faced with a vaguely familiar person at a dinner party only to learn later that this person is transgender .
Thank you for this : “ Names .
We have them for a reason.
” When you know someone ’ s name , you don ’ t need to worry about the rest .
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy , P.O .
Box 194 , Freeville , NY 13068 .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ askingamy or Facebook .

Dear Amy: My great uncle (age 90, no wife or children) recently asked me to help him out by taking on power of attorney and overseeing his care. He told me I will inherit everything (house, accounts etc.). It could be a lot when all is said and done (over half a million dollars).
Here’s my dilemma. I have two siblings, but he is only leaving everything to me! My siblings know about this. He told me he chose me because for the last decade (and more) my wife has remembered to send him a Christmas card, and my siblings have not.
My mom (my father died) says I need to split everything equally three ways, or else!
My wife says I should do what I want and maybe not be so “forthcoming” concerning what is going on.
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J
Dear J: I’m with your wife. She is obviously the more thoughtful of the two of you, and you should pay attention to her.
You are agreeing to take on a huge responsibility regarding your uncle’s life. This man’s life is in your hands, and you owe it to him to do your very best to see to his needs for the rest of his life. You should set up a meeting with your uncle and his lawyer.
Your uncle’s savings should be used to pay for his care. This can be very expensive. If there is any money left after his death, then you will have earned it.
Rise to this challenge. Take it seriously. Do a good job. And do not discuss this with your mother.
Dear Amy: I gave birth to a child in the ’70s. I was 16 at the time.
For all these years I thought I knew who my daughter’s biological father was. He was not involved in her life and made it known he did not want to be. I married and my husband adopted her. Our daughter knows all the details.
Yesterday, I found out via a DNA test who her real biological father is. It is not who I thought it was. I had no idea, and I am stunned. This person passed away 10 years ago. I confessed everything to my daughter, right away.
How do I get through this? I have beat myself up for so long over this out-of-wedlock pregnancy, and now I find this out.
What do I say to the other “father,” who I have not had contact with in 40 years? Do I say anything?
No Words
Dear No Words: I think it’s important to recognize that you have done so much that is absolutely right. You and your husband raised your daughter. He adopted her. He is her dad. You have always been honest with her regarding her DNA parentage, and you are being honest, now.
It would be wise for you to find a professional counselor to help you and your family navigate through this. Some of the layers of this situation are intensely personal for you, but this also has wider consequences for your husband, and (of course) your daughter.
The National Association of Social Workers has helpful links to databases of social workers and therapists: Check their website at Helpstartshere.org. Many professional counselors will connect with you virtually.
You have already been brave about this and have notified your daughter about her DNA parentage. It is hard to know how this will affect her, but you should continue to be truthful and transparent.
Yes, you should contact the person you always assumed was her biological father. I gather that he never financially contributed to your daughter’s care (if he had, it would bring up a further complication), but he could be harboring his own complicated feelings of guilt and sadness about his long-ago rejection. (Rejecting a mistaken-daughter is not appreciably different from rejecting an actual-daughter, but all the same he should be told the truth.)
Your daughter might be interested in connecting with some of her bio-relatives, and when the dust surrounding this settles, I hope you all find peace, love, and resolution regarding the choices you have made in your life.
Dear Amy: I loved your response to “Befuddled Guest” who was faced with a vaguely familiar person at a dinner party only to learn later that this person is transgender.
Thank you for this: “Names. We have them for a reason.”
When you know someone’s name, you don’t need to worry about the rest.
Big Fan
Dear Fan: Exactly.
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--2020-08-31--Harriette Cole: My workplace reopened, but nobody told me

DEAR HARRIETTE : My workplace was closed down for quarantine .
We were all notified of the temporary closing until further notice .
After three months , I still hadn ’ t gotten a call or email from my company regarding reopening .
I spoke to a co-worker who said that our store was open and she had been working for the past two weeks .
I gave my manager a call , and she told me that they are operating at 50 % capacity — understandable .
Another two weeks have gone by , and I still have not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The retail store I work for has a team of eight people in total .
I ’ m sure even if hours are minimal , I still should have been called in to work some short shifts by now .
Are they trying to push me out of the company quietly ?
I don ’ t know if I should continue to be patient or contact corporate and figure out where my job stands .
• Harriette Cole : How can I get past the Election Day trauma ?
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• Harriette Cole : My wife and I are opening a restaurant , and we argue about everything • Harriette Cole : My soon-to-be-ex wants me , my boyfriend and my baby to live with him DEAR NO JOB : Many companies have reopened at limited capacity .
You can contact corporate to find out if there will be a place for you at this location or somewhere else .
Plead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you are ready to work .
Be prepared to talk about your reputation prior to COVID-19 , especially if it is good , to encourage them to take you back .
DEAR HARRIETTE : My boyfriend and I currently live with another couple in a home that we rent .
We have been here for 15 months .
While being quarantined the past three months , we ’ ve had a lot of overlap with the other couple .
We have issues with our home ; we contacted the landlord about them , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fix or help with the issues during the quarantine .
Now my boyfriend and I have decided to get our own place because we are tired of the home not being up to our standards , and we have just outgrown the space with the other couple .
The problem is , we just renewed our lease three months ago .
I ’ m hopeful that the landlord will take the two of us off the lease if the other couple remains , but how do we approach the conversation with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and sticking them with the lease on their own ?
I don ’ t want them to feel like we are abandoning them .
DEAR NO STEPPING ON TOES : You should speak directly with the other couple and let them know where you stand .
In order to get out of the lease , you have to get them to agree , get someone else to take over your part of the lease ( with the landlord ’ s blessing ) or get the landlord to agree to remove you from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You may want to speak to the landlord first to explain your situation , review your concerns about the state of your home and ask to be taken off the lease .
You will likely need an attorney to help you work through the paperwork .
Coordinating with your co-renters may help ease the burden on all — if they are willing to take over the lease or have others in mind who may want to split the rent .
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS , an initiative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dreams .
You can send questions to askharriette @ harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

DEAR HARRIETTE: My workplace was closed down for quarantine. We were all notified of the temporary closing until further notice.
After three months, I still hadn’t gotten a call or email from my company regarding reopening. I spoke to a co-worker who said that our store was open and she had been working for the past two weeks. I gave my manager a call, and she told me that they are operating at 50% capacity — understandable.
Another two weeks have gone by, and I still have not gotten a call to return to work. The retail store I work for has a team of eight people in total. I’m sure even if hours are minimal, I still should have been called in to work some short shifts by now.
Are they trying to push me out of the company quietly? I don’t know if I should continue to be patient or contact corporate and figure out where my job stands.
No Job
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Harriette Cole: I’m ashamed to tell people I forgave my childhood friend Advice | Harriette Cole: I’ve worked hard, and my poor siblings resent my success DEAR NO JOB: Many companies have reopened at limited capacity. You can contact corporate to find out if there will be a place for you at this location or somewhere else. Plead your case, making it clear that you are ready to work. Be prepared to talk about your reputation prior to COVID-19, especially if it is good, to encourage them to take you back.
DEAR HARRIETTE: My boyfriend and I currently live with another couple in a home that we rent. We have been here for 15 months. While being quarantined the past three months, we’ve had a lot of overlap with the other couple.
We have issues with our home; we contacted the landlord about them, but he didn’t do much to fix or help with the issues during the quarantine.
Now my boyfriend and I have decided to get our own place because we are tired of the home not being up to our standards, and we have just outgrown the space with the other couple.
The problem is, we just renewed our lease three months ago. I’m hopeful that the landlord will take the two of us off the lease if the other couple remains, but how do we approach the conversation with the other couple that we plan on leaving and sticking them with the lease on their own? I don’t want them to feel like we are abandoning them.
No Stepping on Toes
DEAR NO STEPPING ON TOES: You should speak directly with the other couple and let them know where you stand.
In order to get out of the lease, you have to get them to agree, get someone else to take over your part of the lease (with the landlord’s blessing) or get the landlord to agree to remove you from the lease. This is a legal matter.
You may want to speak to the landlord first to explain your situation, review your concerns about the state of your home and ask to be taken off the lease. You will likely need an attorney to help you work through the paperwork.
Coordinating with your co-renters may help ease the burden on all — if they are willing to take over the lease or have others in mind who may want to split the rent.
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--2020-09-01--New book: Pence was on standby during Trump hospital visit

Vice President Mike Pence was put on standby to temporarily assume the powers of the presidency during President Donald Trump ’ s unannounced visit to Walter Reed hospital in November 2019 , according to a copy of New York Times reporter Michael Schmidt ’ s forthcoming book obtained by CNN .
Trump had undergone a “ quick exam and labs ” as part of his annual physical out of anticipation of a “ very busy 2020 , ” the White House had said of the trip at the time .
Schmidt writes , however , that he learned “ in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s trip to the hospital , word went out in the West Wing for the vice president to be on standby to take over the powers of the presidency temporarily if Trump had to undergo a procedure that would have required him to be anesthetized.
” Schmidt does not specify the sourcing for this reporting beyond “ I learned.
” The White House declined to comment on the record to CNN about the report .
While Pence did not ultimately assume the powers of the presidency , according to Schmidt , the account @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s unscheduled visit .
The visit did not follow the protocol of a routine presidential medical exam , a person familiar with the matter told CNN at the time .
Medical staff at Walter Reed did not get a staff-wide notice about a presidential visit to the medical center in Bethesda , Maryland , ahead of Trump ’ s arrival , according to that source .
Typically , Walter Reed ’ s medical staff would get a general notice about a “ VIP ” visit to the medical center ahead of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certain closures at the facility .
That did not happen this time , indicating the visit was a non-routine visit and scheduled at the last minute .
The source told CNN it was possible a small group of doctors involved in Trump ’ s medical exams were notified before Trump arrived , but that all medical staff at Walter Reed would typically be aware if the President was arriving for a routine medical exam .
Trump tweeted the morning after his visit , “ Everything very good ( great ! )
” regarding @ @ @

By Paul LeBlanc | CNN
Vice President Mike Pence was put on standby to temporarily assume the powers of the presidency during President Donald Trump’s unannounced visit to Walter Reed hospital in November 2019, according to a copy of New York Times reporter Michael Schmidt’s forthcoming book obtained by CNN.
Trump had undergone a “quick exam and labs” as part of his annual physical out of anticipation of a “very busy 2020,” the White House had said of the trip at the time.
Schmidt writes, however, that he learned “in the hours leading up to Trump’s trip to the hospital, word went out in the West Wing for the vice president to be on standby to take over the powers of the presidency temporarily if Trump had to undergo a procedure that would have required him to be anesthetized.” Schmidt does not specify the sourcing for this reporting beyond “I learned.”
The White House declined to comment on the record to CNN about the report.
While Pence did not ultimately assume the powers of the presidency, according to Schmidt, the account raises fresh questions about the reason for Trump’s unscheduled visit.
The visit did not follow the protocol of a routine presidential medical exam, a person familiar with the matter told CNN at the time. Medical staff at Walter Reed did not get a staff-wide notice about a presidential visit to the medical center in Bethesda, Maryland, ahead of Trump’s arrival, according to that source.
Typically, Walter Reed’s medical staff would get a general notice about a “VIP” visit to the medical center ahead of a presidential arrival, notifying them of certain closures at the facility. That did not happen this time, indicating the visit was a non-routine visit and scheduled at the last minute.
The source told CNN it was possible a small group of doctors involved in Trump’s medical exams were notified before Trump arrived, but that all medical staff at Walter Reed would typically be aware if the President was arriving for a routine medical exam.
Trump tweeted the morning after his visit, “Everything very good (great!)” regarding his health.


mercurynews--2020-09-01--Virtual Burning Man: Here’s what you need to know about festival

Burning Man is still happening this year .
It ’ s just happening online , instead of its usual location in Black Rock City , Nevada .
You know what that means , right ?
You can have air conditioning at Burning Man 2020 !
Here ’ s what you need to know to properly enjoy the virtual festivities .
When does it happen ?
The party is on right now and it runs through Sept. 6 .
Where will you find the virtual festival ?
Start at the main website , burningman.org , then click that big blue “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Burning Man Multiverse .
Comic book fans have long ( and confusingly ) talked about multiverses or multiple universes .
In this case , the multiverse is where most of the online Burning Man fun takes place , with many different activities and experiences for folks to check out .
“ Follow us down a virtual rabbit hole to indulge in the most critical , unimportant things , ” the festival website invites .
“ Imagine circus , spectacles , parties and maybe a few ridiculous feats of imagination.
” How about a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offerings include Churning Man ( a fitness class that results in fresh butter for the participant — which to us , sounds rather like defeating the purpose ) , a Motown dance party and something truly scary called the Uncyclopedia Virtual Portapotty Simulator .
We were too frightened to actually click on the link to find out if it is what we think it is — and , really , how could it not be ?
How much does it cost to attend/view ?
Will they still burn the Man at the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Burn Night on Sept. 5 .
Only , it ’ ll be a “ Burn Night : Live From Home ” edition , with people making their own individual men to burn down on their own .
• Warriors president Rick Welts looks back at wild Year 1 of Chase Center • Inside Lands top picks : What to watch during the virtual festival “ Create your burnable Mini Man effigy using our blueprint , or something from your own imagination .
Then host a small Burn wherever you are , within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zone by time zone worldwide on Burning Man ’ s traditional Burn Night — September 5 , 2020 , ” the website suggests .
And , yes , that sounds like a really bad suggestion to us , as well , given the wildfires that have been raging in California .
We ’ ll definitely pass on this part of the Multiverse .

Burning Man is still happening this year. It’s just happening online, instead of its usual location in Black Rock City, Nevada.
You know what that means, right? You can have air conditioning at Burning Man 2020!
Here’s what you need to know to properly enjoy the virtual festivities.
When does it happen?
The party is on right now and it runs through Sept. 6.
Where will you find the virtual festival?
Start at the main website, burningman.org, then click that big blue “participate” button to begin exploring the Burning Man Multiverse.
What’s a Multiverse, anyway?
Comic book fans have long (and confusingly) talked about multiverses or multiple universes. In this case, the multiverse is where most of the online Burning Man fun takes place, with many different activities and experiences for folks to check out.
“Follow us down a virtual rabbit hole to indulge in the most critical, unimportant things,” the festival website invites. “Imagine circus, spectacles, parties and maybe a few ridiculous feats of imagination.”
How about a few examples?
Some of the Multiverse offerings include Churning Man (a fitness class that results in fresh butter for the participant — which to us, sounds rather like defeating the purpose), a Motown dance party and something truly scary called the Uncyclopedia Virtual Portapotty Simulator. We were too frightened to actually click on the link to find out if it is what we think it is — and, really, how could it not be?
How much does it cost to attend/view?
It’s free to attend online.
Will they still burn the Man at the end?
Yes, organizers are planning for a Burn Night on Sept. 5. Only, it’ll be a “Burn Night: Live From Home” edition, with people making their own individual men to burn down on their own. Related Articles Entertainment | This music star is so popular that he’s playing two nights at Levi’s Stadium
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“Create your burnable Mini Man effigy using our blueprint, or something from your own imagination. Then host a small Burn wherever you are, within your local COVID-safe limits, ignited time zone by time zone worldwide on Burning Man’s traditional Burn Night — September 5, 2020,” the website suggests.
And, yes, that sounds like a really bad suggestion to us, as well, given the wildfires that have been raging in California. We’ll definitely pass on this part of the Multiverse.


mercurynews--2020-09-01--Hotline newsletter: On Lute Olson’s lofty place in Pac-12 history, hope for hoops in 2020 and more

*** The Pac-12 Hotline newsletter is published each Monday-Wednesday-Friday during the college sports season and twice-a-week in the summer .
( Sign up here for a free subscription . )
This edition , from Aug. 28 , has been made available in archived form .
The Hotline had planned to devote this space to a football matter — specifically , a piece of winter/spring football puzzle that has been overlooked .
But we shifted to Plan B this morning following the news of the passing of former Arizona coach Lute Olson , whose impact on west coast college basketball is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ context led the Hotline to one of Olson ’ s top rivals and close friends , former Stanford and Cal coach Mike Montgomery .
But the 20-minute conversation with Montgomery yielded so many gems that it demanded separate space ; so we turned it into a column published earlier this afternoon on the Hotline .
Now , we on Plan C , which is to provide a morsel of context on Olson ’ s career .
If you ’ re carving a Mt .
Rushmore of Pac-12 basketball coaches , he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Pete Newell .
Without a doubt , he stands as the greatest coach of the post-Wooden era : You can quibble with the final three , and others are deserving of inclusion .
But the top two seem indisputable to us , especially when you consider where they did what they did .
Add another layer of context , though , and the case could be made for Olson as one of half-dozen most influential coaches in conference history in any sport .
Wooden and John McKay , the former USC football @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are the kings .
The next level , at least in terms of football and men ’ s basketball success , would be Newell , Olson , John Robinson , Pete Carroll , Don James and , from the way-back machine , Pop Warner .
That second tier certainly has room for others .
My goal here and now isn ’ t to craft a comprehensive list of the conference ’ s best-of-the-best coaches .
It ’ s to point out that Olson is near the top of it .
— Jon Wilner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office on Wednesday , and it wasn ’ t good : 79 employees have been furloughed for at least three months while 15 more have been laid off as a result of the football shutdown .
The Hotline has the numbers and Larry Scott ’ s note to the staff in what seems like an ominous development for the universities .
Budget decisions at HQ are designed to mirror moves made on the campuses .
Does this mean we ’ ll see more downsizing from the schools in the weeks to come ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ its head coaches , with the decision to delay the start of the basketball season until Jan. 1 , at the earliest .
But according to sources , the conference is open to reconsidering that date if the right Covid-19 conditions are met .
We have all the details in a Hotline exclusive published on Thursday morning .
• Montgomery on Olson : “ I ’ d say , ‘ Lute , you ’ ve got those officials living in your locker room.
’ And he ’ d chuckle and say , ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ICYMI : The Tuesday newsletter focused on the timing of the decision to shut down football : Had the schedule been different , the presidents wouldn ’ t have been forced to vote when they did .
And that could have changed the dynamics .
Previous editions of the newsletter are available in archived form .
Support the Hotline : Several Hotline articles will remain free each month ( as will the newsletter ) , but for access to all content , you ’ ll need to subscribe .
I ’ ve secured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a full year or just 99 cents for the first month , with the option to cancel anytime .
Click here .
And thanks for your loyalty .
• Well , well , well : UCLA has counterpunched .
The Bruins filed a lawsuit against Under Armour in U.S. District Court as the school pursues the $ 200 million remaining ( approx ) on the contract that UA is attempting to terminate .
( It was originally valued at $ 280 million and includes about $ 10 million annually in cash that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And for those who missed a Hotline report from last week , Cal is fighting back against Under Armour , as well , although that situation has not escalated to a lawsuit , yet .
• Here ’ s the lengthy obituary ( justifiably so ) on Arizona coach Lute Olson , from beat writer Bruce Pascoe at tucson.com … And longtime columnist Greg Hansen examines the momentous impact Olson had on the city of Tucson itself … The reaction from his former players is what you might expect .
( Separately , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Stadium columnist Jeff Goodman , an Arizona graduate , remembers Olson as “ a man who took an interest in a 20-something-kid who was breaking into the business as a recruiting writer.
” • Bill Frieder ’ s tenure at Arizona State overlapped with Olson ’ s reign .
They became unlikely but close friends — an odd couple , for sure — and shot a series of entertaining commercials .
Frieder spoke to azcentral ’ s Kent Somers about his longtime friend and one-time rival .
• Utah coach Kyle Whittingham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic .
He ’ s not overly optimistic about winter/spring football , which should make fans a tad pessimistic .
• Meanwhile , Oregon State coach Jonathan Smith explains that teams could start practice before 2021 , in theory , but would not be able to compete until at least Jan. 1 .
• Texas Tech reportedly practiced the day it announced 21 positive tests within the football program .
USC paused workouts Wednesday for football and water polo after eight positives .
Two different worlds , folks .
Two different worlds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return-to-play process .
In two weeks , per the L.A. Times , the Bruins will conduct limited , coach-led workouts .
“ A progression into these enhanced activities is based on the advice of the UCLA medical team and is in compliance with state and county guidelines.
” • One positive test for Cal out of 358 conducted in the past three weeks .
• Oregon and Oregon State were well represented on John Canzano ’ s list of the 25 most-influential sports figures in Oregon .
We think his choice for No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If the Pac-12 plays in the winter/spring , could mid-year enrollees be eligible ?
SI ’ s Ross Dellenger addresses a critical piece of the calculation ( because rosters will be depleted from NFL attrition ) .
• Not related to the Pac-12 but possibly relevant to the Pac-12 in time : Coaches in the desperate-to-play Big Ten are looking at an eight-game season that would start the week of Thanksgiving .
• The economic impact of a fall without football is being felt in the conference office , in athletic departments and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ Mike Vorel examines the ramifications around the UW campus and reports , for example , that the Big Time Brewery could lose $ 100,000 or more .
“ We just have to survive and keep going forward.
” • The Oregonian ’ s Nick Daschel addresses the situation for businesses in Corvallis , where the economic damage is different in scale but not necessarily severity .
“ The city ’ s 981 hotel rooms have an occupancy rate of 73 to 95 percent and average $ 150-275 per room during an Oregon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the occupancy rates during a non-football weekend in October range between 40 to 60 percent , at a much lower average price point.
” • CBS Sports took a deep dive into the Pac-12 basketball scene and found , as did the Hotline , growing sentiment for the conference to revise its calendar .
Reporter Matt Norlander also provides background on the decision by the presidents to wrap basketball into the vote on the fall sports — a decision that caught many off guard , including , per Norlander , commissioner Larry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a call about health and safety , and you never know where it might lead .
• There are numerous obstacles to football in the winter or spring .
Some are real .
Others are not .
We ’ ll address one of the latter next week .
• The NFL on Saturdays ?
Maybe .
An altered Pac-12 media strategy ?
Perhaps .
A local candidate for a powerful industry position ?
Quite possibly .
• Reminder : The news is fast and furious these days , so our publication plans for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fluid .
Thanks for your understanding .
The next newsletter is scheduled for Tuesday .
Like it ?
Please forward this email to friends ( sign up here ) .
If you don ’ t , or have other feedback , let me know : pac12hotline @ bayareanewsgroup.com .
*** Pac-12 Hotline is not endorsed or sponsored by the Pac-12 Conference , and the views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the Conference .

*** The Pac-12 Hotline newsletter is published each Monday-Wednesday-Friday during the college sports season and twice-a-week in the summer. (Sign up here for a free subscription.) This edition, from Aug. 28, has been made available in archived form.
Plan C, with Context
The Hotline had planned to devote this space to a football matter — specifically, a piece of winter/spring football puzzle that has been overlooked.
But we shifted to Plan B this morning following the news of the passing of former Arizona coach Lute Olson, whose impact on west coast college basketball is difficult to quantify.
Our search for context led the Hotline to one of Olson’s top rivals and close friends, former Stanford and Cal coach Mike Montgomery.
But the 20-minute conversation with Montgomery yielded so many gems that it demanded separate space; so we turned it into a column published earlier this afternoon on the Hotline.
(Montgomery addressed their rivalry, the atmosphere in McKale Center, how he’d tease Olson about preferential treatment from the officials, and plenty more.)
Now, we on Plan C, which is to provide a morsel of context on Olson’s career.
If you’re carving a Mt. Rushmore of Pac-12 basketball coaches, he’s probably third in line behind John Wooden and Pete Newell.
Without a doubt, he stands as the greatest coach of the post-Wooden era:
1. Olson
2. Mike Montgomery
3. Ralph Miller
4. Ben Howland
5. Dana Altman
You can quibble with the final three, and others are deserving of inclusion. But the top two seem indisputable to us, especially when you consider where they did what they did.
Add another layer of context, though, and the case could be made for Olson as one of half-dozen most influential coaches in conference history in any sport.
Wooden and John McKay, the former USC football coach who won four national titles, are the kings.
The next level, at least in terms of football and men’s basketball success, would be Newell, Olson, John Robinson, Pete Carroll, Don James and, from the way-back machine, Pop Warner.
(Bill Walsh didn’t stick around at Stanford long enough.)
That second tier certainly has room for others.
My goal here and now isn’t to craft a comprehensive list of the conference’s best-of-the-best coaches. It’s to point out that Olson is near the top of it. — Jon Wilner
Hot off the Hotline
• Major news out of the conference office on Wednesday, and it wasn’t good: 79 employees have been furloughed for at least three months while 15 more have been laid off as a result of the football shutdown. The Hotline has the numbers and Larry Scott’s note to the staff in what seems like an ominous development for the universities. Budget decisions at HQ are designed to mirror moves made on the campuses. Does this mean we’ll see more downsizing from the schools in the weeks to come?
• The Pac-12 surprised many, including its head coaches, with the decision to delay the start of the basketball season until Jan. 1, at the earliest. But according to sources, the conference is open to reconsidering that date if the right Covid-19 conditions are met. We have all the details in a Hotline exclusive published on Thursday morning.
• Montgomery on Olson: “I’d say, ‘Lute, you’ve got those officials living in your locker room.’ And he’d chuckle and say, ‘Oh, Mike.’’’
• ICYMI: The Tuesday newsletter focused on the timing of the decision to shut down football: Had the schedule been different, the presidents wouldn’t have been forced to vote when they did. And that could have changed the dynamics. Previous editions of the newsletter are available in archived form.
Support the Hotline: Several Hotline articles will remain free each month (as will the newsletter), but for access to all content, you’ll need to subscribe. I’ve secured a rate of $1 per week for a full year or just 99 cents for the first month, with the option to cancel anytime. Click here. And thanks for your loyalty.
Legal Affairs
• Well, well, well: UCLA has counterpunched. The Bruins filed a lawsuit against Under Armour in U.S. District Court as the school pursues the $200 million remaining (approx) on the contract that UA is attempting to terminate. (It was originally valued at $280 million and includes about $10 million annually in cash that the debt-strapped Bruins desperately need) … And for those who missed a Hotline report from last week, Cal is fighting back against Under Armour, as well, although that situation has not escalated to a lawsuit, yet.
In the News
(Note: The Hotline newsletter includes links to sites that could require a subscription once the number of free views has been reached.)
• Here’s the lengthy obituary (justifiably so) on Arizona coach Lute Olson, from beat writer Bruce Pascoe at tucson.com … And longtime columnist Greg Hansen examines the momentous impact Olson had on the city of Tucson itself … The reaction from his former players is what you might expect. (Separately, here’s Steve Kerr.)
• Stadium columnist Jeff Goodman, an Arizona graduate, remembers Olson as “a man who took an interest in a 20-something-kid who was breaking into the business as a recruiting writer.”
• Bill Frieder’s tenure at Arizona State overlapped with Olson’s reign. They became unlikely but close friends — an odd couple, for sure — and shot a series of entertaining commercials. Frieder spoke to azcentral’s Kent Somers about his longtime friend and one-time rival.
• Utah coach Kyle Whittingham has been a voice of reason throughout the pandemic. He’s not overly optimistic about winter/spring football, which should make fans a tad pessimistic.
• Meanwhile, Oregon State coach Jonathan Smith explains that teams could start practice before 2021, in theory, but would not be able to compete until at least Jan. 1.
• Texas Tech reportedly practiced the day it announced 21 positive tests within the football program. USC paused workouts Wednesday for football and water polo after eight positives. Two different worlds, folks. Two different worlds.
• UCLA is advancing in the return-to-play process. In two weeks, per the L.A. Times, the Bruins will conduct limited, coach-led workouts. “A progression into these enhanced activities is based on the advice of the UCLA medical team and is in compliance with state and county guidelines.”
• One positive test for Cal out of 358 conducted in the past three weeks.
• Oregon and Oregon State were well represented on John Canzano’s list of the 25 most-influential sports figures in Oregon. We think his choice for No. 2 is particularly insightful.
• If the Pac-12 plays in the winter/spring, could mid-year enrollees be eligible? SI’s Ross Dellenger addresses a critical piece of the calculation (because rosters will be depleted from NFL attrition).
• Not related to the Pac-12 but possibly relevant to the Pac-12 in time: Coaches in the desperate-to-play Big Ten are looking at an eight-game season that would start the week of Thanksgiving.
Money Matters
• The economic impact of a fall without football is being felt in the conference office, in athletic departments and in the communities. The Seattle Times’ Mike Vorel examines the ramifications around the UW campus and reports, for example, that the Big Time Brewery could lose $100,000 or more. “We just have to survive and keep going forward.”
• The Oregonian’s Nick Daschel addresses the situation for businesses in Corvallis, where the economic damage is different in scale but not necessarily severity. “The city’s 981 hotel rooms have an occupancy rate of 73 to 95 percent and average $150-275 per room during an Oregon State football weekend. As a comparison, the occupancy rates during a non-football weekend in October range between 40 to 60 percent, at a much lower average price point.”
Choice Reads
• CBS Sports took a deep dive into the Pac-12 basketball scene and found, as did the Hotline, growing sentiment for the conference to revise its calendar. Reporter Matt Norlander also provides background on the decision by the presidents to wrap basketball into the vote on the fall sports — a decision that caught many off guard, including, per Norlander, commissioner Larry Scott. Put 12 presidents together on a call about health and safety, and you never know where it might lead.
Looking Ahead
What’s coming on the Pac-12 Hotline:
• There are numerous obstacles to football in the winter or spring. Some are real. Others are not. We’ll address one of the latter next week.
• The NFL on Saturdays? Maybe. An altered Pac-12 media strategy? Perhaps. A local candidate for a powerful industry position? Quite possibly.
• Reminder: The news is fast and furious these days, so our publication plans for content cited in this section are highly fluid. Thanks for your understanding.
The next newsletter is scheduled for Tuesday. Like it? Please forward this email to friends (sign up here). If you don’t, or have other feedback, let me know: pac12hotline@bayareanewsgroup.com.
*** Follow me on Twitter: @WilnerHotline
*** Pac-12 Hotline is not endorsed or sponsored by the Pac-12 Conference, and the views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the Conference.


mercurynews--2020-09-01--Vandalism of mayors’ homes takes protests to a new level

Recent protests sparked by police killings of Black people across the country have escalated to a level that has put big-city mayors in the crosshairs of protesters who don ’ t think they ’ re doing enough to forge change and others — including President Donald Trump — who say they should be cracking down on the unrest .
And for some of them , the strife has hit close to home in the form of vandalism .
San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo , who has largely defended the city ’ s police department and advocated against the defunding police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest target of protesters this weekend when about 100 of them marched to his home sparked by the recent Wisconsin police shooting of Black resident Jacob Blake .
While there , some protesters spray-painted messages , including “ F*** 12 , ” referring to police , and “ San Jose will be free soon ” on his house , threw eggs at it and burned an American flag and a Blue Lives Matter flag taken to the scene , according to police .
Later that evening police reported a second incident of vandalism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one suspect was arrested , booked and jailed on a felony charge .
Detectives in the San Jose Police Department are conducting investigations into both incidents .
“ Having someone graffiti my house is just part of the job , ” Liccardo said Monday after he and his neighbors had cleaned off any remnants of the graffiti from his home .
“ I understand that ’ s the nature of leadership in difficult times but what is of greater concern to me is a pattern of violent and criminal behavior designed to lure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s home occurred just one month after the home of Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf was also splattered with graffiti messages such as “ Defund OPD ” and “ Cancel Rent.
” Though police didn ’ t get to Liccardo ’ s home when the vandalism occurred , they did arrive in time to City Hall to find one suspect still scrawling messages on a wall there , according to San Jose Police Department Sgt .
Christian Camarillo .
“ All indications were that this was supposed to be a peaceful protest , just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protests , so there really wasn ’ t a need for us to be out there , ” Camarillo said in an interview Monday .
“ We 110 % support people who want to organize and conduct peaceful protests , but when a crime occurs and blatant acts of vandalism occur , we are going to respond.
” U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna called the recent acts of vandalism against Bay Area city leaders “ appalling and outrageous.
” “ I understand that there are a lot of people who are frustrated with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it changing , but the answer to that is to take inspiration from Dr. ( Martin Luther ) King and John Lewis and to take the higher ground , ” Khanna said in an interview Monday .
LaToya Fernandez , a founder of the community nonprofit Youth Hype , said she understood the anger of protesters but did not condone damaging people ’ s property .
Fernandez , who is currently working with the mayor ’ s office to create a Black Lives Matter banner for City Hall , said the actions could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underway by activists and organizers working with city officials to make lasting impacts .
Still , tensions between the mayor and police-accountability advocates have been boiling since the killing of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers in May .
Despite calls from hundreds of community members to divert funding from the city ’ s police department and invest in more equitable resources for marginalized residents , Liccardo has been an adamant critic of the movement to defund police departments , the city voted to maintain the police force ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have continued to forge ahead with plans to build a $ 43 million-plus police training and academy complex .
The mayor did unveil a nine-point police reform plan but many advocates said it didn ’ t go far enough to address systemic friction between the community and police .
And now the mayor is getting some backlash from community members for branding those responsible for vandalizing his home and allegedly threatening his neighbors as “ menacing thugs , ” even though he pointed out their behavior did not represent the greater Black Lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday following the vandalism to his home , Liccardo replied to someone by saying “ feel free to re-define the ( Black Lives Matter ) movement as including menacing thugs if you like , but our community doesn ’ t support that.
” Liccardo , who said he found it surprising that his words were viewed as racially targeted , took down his tweet after advocates and community members called it “ shameful ” and “ the definition of a dog whistle.
” “ I understand different people have perceptions of different things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be a distraction or to offend anyone , ” the mayor said .
“ It was more important for me to convey a clear message.
” The mayor ’ s message , he said , was that a small group of protesters — who he believes are not emblematic of the overarching movement — are engaging in “ much more aggressive and , frankly , criminal activity with an eye toward trying to lure the police , and in many cases it ’ s resulting in real harm .
“ We all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unless there ’ s an opportunity for real dialogue and that dialogue doesn ’ t get furthered through acts of intimidation , ” he added .
“ I certainly am not going to respond to acts of intimidation , nor should any elected leaders.
” Raj Jayadev of Silicon Valley De-Bug , however , called the mayor ’ s comment “ incredibly dangerous and irresponsible.
” “ If you have a mayor that fashions himself as a middle-of-the-road or progressive politician calling young Black and Brown people menacing thugs , that ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jayadev said .
This is not the first time the mayor has taken heat from activists and residents in recent months regarding comments he ’ s made on Twitter about the recent protests and defund police movements .
In July , the mayor wrote in a tweet that “ to save Black lives — and all lives — there are better alternatives to defunding the police.
” Although the mayor didn ’ t outright say “ All lives matter ” — a phrase typically used to counter “ Black Lives Matter ” — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calling it “ tone-deaf.
” “ I don ’ t think he was necessarily trying to say ‘ All Lives Matter ’ but the fact that he couldn ’ t sort of predict the reaction to it is concerning , ” Aaron Zisser , San Jose ’ s former independent police auditor , said at the time .
“ The problem is more than just with the culture of the police department , it has something to do with the politics and messaging coming from the mayor and other elected leadership as well @ @

Recent protests sparked by police killings of Black people across the country have escalated to a level that has put big-city mayors in the crosshairs of protesters who don’t think they’re doing enough to forge change and others — including President Donald Trump — who say they should be cracking down on the unrest.
And for some of them, the strife has hit close to home in the form of vandalism.
San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo, who has largely defended the city’s police department and advocated against the defunding police movement in recent months, became the latest target of protesters this weekend when about 100 of them marched to his home sparked by the recent Wisconsin police shooting of Black resident Jacob Blake.
While there, some protesters spray-painted messages, including “F*** 12,” referring to police, and “San Jose will be free soon” on his house, threw eggs at it and burned an American flag and a Blue Lives Matter flag taken to the scene, according to police.
Later that evening police reported a second incident of vandalism at San Jose City Hall, where one suspect was arrested, booked and jailed on a felony charge. Detectives in the San Jose Police Department are conducting investigations into both incidents.
“Having someone graffiti my house is just part of the job,” Liccardo said Monday after he and his neighbors had cleaned off any remnants of the graffiti from his home. “I understand that’s the nature of leadership in difficult times but what is of greater concern to me is a pattern of violent and criminal behavior designed to lure police.”
The vandalism to Liccardo’s home occurred just one month after the home of Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf was also splattered with graffiti messages such as “Defund OPD” and “Cancel Rent.”
Though police didn’t get to Liccardo’s home when the vandalism occurred, they did arrive in time to City Hall to find one suspect still scrawling messages on a wall there, according to San Jose Police Department Sgt. Christian Camarillo.
“All indications were that this was supposed to be a peaceful protest, just like the second week of George Floyd protests, so there really wasn’t a need for us to be out there,” Camarillo said in an interview Monday. “We 110% support people who want to organize and conduct peaceful protests, but when a crime occurs and blatant acts of vandalism occur, we are going to respond.”
U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna called the recent acts of vandalism against Bay Area city leaders “appalling and outrageous.”
“I understand that there are a lot of people who are frustrated with the system and who don’t see it changing, but the answer to that is to take inspiration from Dr. (Martin Luther) King and John Lewis and to take the higher ground,” Khanna said in an interview Monday.
LaToya Fernandez, a founder of the community nonprofit Youth Hype, said she understood the anger of protesters but did not condone damaging people’s property.
Fernandez, who is currently working with the mayor’s office to create a Black Lives Matter banner for City Hall, said the actions could be “counterproductive” to progress currently underway by activists and organizers working with city officials to make lasting impacts.
Still, tensions between the mayor and police-accountability advocates have been boiling since the killing of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers in May.
Despite calls from hundreds of community members to divert funding from the city’s police department and invest in more equitable resources for marginalized residents, Liccardo has been an adamant critic of the movement to defund police departments, the city voted to maintain the police force’s $449 million budget and city officials have continued to forge ahead with plans to build a $43 million-plus police training and academy complex. The mayor did unveil a nine-point police reform plan but many advocates said it didn’t go far enough to address systemic friction between the community and police.
And now the mayor is getting some backlash from community members for branding those responsible for vandalizing his home and allegedly threatening his neighbors as “menacing thugs,” even though he pointed out their behavior did not represent the greater Black Lives Matter movement.
In a tweet on Saturday following the vandalism to his home, Liccardo replied to someone by saying “feel free to re-define the (Black Lives Matter) movement as including menacing thugs if you like, but our community doesn’t support that.”
Liccardo, who said he found it surprising that his words were viewed as racially targeted, took down his tweet after advocates and community members called it “shameful” and “the definition of a dog whistle.”
“I understand different people have perceptions of different things and I didn’t want it to be a distraction or to offend anyone,” the mayor said. “It was more important for me to convey a clear message.”
The mayor’s message, he said, was that a small group of protesters — who he believes are not emblematic of the overarching movement — are engaging in “much more aggressive and, frankly, criminal activity with an eye toward trying to lure the police, and in many cases it’s resulting in real harm.
“We all know that change can’t happen unless there’s an opportunity for real dialogue and that dialogue doesn’t get furthered through acts of intimidation,” he added. “I certainly am not going to respond to acts of intimidation, nor should any elected leaders.”
Raj Jayadev of Silicon Valley De-Bug, however, called the mayor’s comment “incredibly dangerous and irresponsible.”
“If you have a mayor that fashions himself as a middle-of-the-road or progressive politician calling young Black and Brown people menacing thugs, that’s putting gasoline on a fire,” Jayadev said.
This is not the first time the mayor has taken heat from activists and residents in recent months regarding comments he’s made on Twitter about the recent protests and defund police movements.
In July, the mayor wrote in a tweet that “to save Black lives — and all lives — there are better alternatives to defunding the police.”
Although the mayor didn’t outright say “All lives matter” — a phrase typically used to counter “Black Lives Matter” — many residents pointed out the similarity, calling it “tone-deaf.”
“I don’t think he was necessarily trying to say ‘All Lives Matter’ but the fact that he couldn’t sort of predict the reaction to it is concerning,” Aaron Zisser, San Jose’s former independent police auditor, said at the time. “The problem is more than just with the culture of the police department, it has something to do with the politics and messaging coming from the mayor and other elected leadership as well.”


mercurynews--2020-08-31--Nick Saban, Alabama players hold protest march on campus

TUSCALOOSA , Ala. — Alabama coach Nick Saban and senior tailback Najee Harris led dozens of football players and other athletes on a march to protest social injustice and recent incidents of police brutality against Black men and women .
The group marched the short distance Monday on the school ’ s campus from the Mal M. Moore Athletic Facility to Foster Auditorium , where segregationist Gov .
George Wallace stood at the door in 1963 trying to block the entry of two Black students .
The Crimson Tide athletes , coaches and staff joined a series of organized events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ athletics across the country in the wake of the Wisconsin police shooting of Jacob Blake and others .
Such gatherings or marches have been held at schools like Oklahoma , Kansas , Duke , Baylor , Mississippi and Mississippi State with others planned .
“ For certain , we can ’ t let this momentum die , ” Harris , the former Antioch High star , said .
“ This has to be an ongoing movement until change happens .
“ We must do more as a team and as individuals to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saban with a T-shirt reading “ Defend Black Lives.
” Other players held signs with messages like “ Black Lives Matter ” and “ Stand for something or fall for anything.
” Another sign read “ Until Black Lives Matter ” on the front and “ All lives can ’ t matter ” on the back .
“ This is what helped me grow in my role as a leader , to listen to the players , to learn from the players and give them opportunities to do things that could impact social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Today I ’ m like a proud parent .
“ I ’ m proud of our messengers over here and I ’ m very proud of the message.
” Players Chris Owens and Jarez Parks also spoke , along with athletic director Greg Byrne , university President Stuart R. Bell and university Police Chief John Hooks .
“ Equality , that ’ s all we want , ” said Owens , Alabama ’ s center .

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama coach Nick Saban and senior tailback Najee Harris led dozens of football players and other athletes on a march to protest social injustice and recent incidents of police brutality against Black men and women.
The group marched the short distance Monday on the school’s campus from the Mal M. Moore Athletic Facility to Foster Auditorium, where segregationist Gov. George Wallace stood at the door in 1963 trying to block the entry of two Black students.
The Crimson Tide athletes, coaches and staff joined a series of organized events among football players and others in college athletics across the country in the wake of the Wisconsin police shooting of Jacob Blake and others.
Such gatherings or marches have been held at schools like Oklahoma, Kansas, Duke, Baylor, Mississippi and Mississippi State with others planned.
“For certain, we can’t let this momentum die,” Harris, the former Antioch High star, said. “This has to be an ongoing movement until change happens.
“We must do more as a team and as individuals to keep this movement going.”
Harris walked near Saban with a T-shirt reading “Defend Black Lives.” Other players held signs with messages like “Black Lives Matter” and “Stand for something or fall for anything.” Another sign read “Until Black Lives Matter” on the front and “All lives can’t matter” on the back.
“This is what helped me grow in my role as a leader, to listen to the players, to learn from the players and give them opportunities to do things that could impact social change today,” Saban said. “Today I’m like a proud parent.
“I’m proud of our messengers over here and I’m very proud of the message.”
Players Chris Owens and Jarez Parks also spoke, along with athletic director Greg Byrne, university President Stuart R. Bell and university Police Chief John Hooks.
“Equality, that’s all we want,” said Owens, Alabama’s center.


mercurynews--2020-08-31--Fishermen reel in pipe bombs at Barge Hole north of Red Bluff

COTTONWOOD — Two pipe bombs were discovered and detonated Sunday afternoon at the popular Barge Hole fishing destination on the @ @ @ @ @ A fisherman reeled in a suspicious device at the mouth of Battle Creek and called @ @ @ @ @ s Department around 1:15 p.m. Sunday , according to a press release issued Monday morning @ @ @ @ @ department .
According to sheriff ’ s logs , the fisherman said the bomb was @ @ @ @ @ water near the shore .
He cleared the area and warned boaters to stay away @ @ @ @ @ hooking another device while deputies were en route , the release said .
The devices @ @ @ @ @ pipe bombs and the area was shut down .
The Shasta County Bomb Squad responded @ @ @ @ @ the scene , the release said .
Fishermen are urged to use caution fishing in @ @ @ @ @ be additional bombs in place , the release said .
If a suspicious device is @ @ @ @ @ and stay clear for the device .

COTTONWOOD — Two pipe bombs were discovered and detonated Sunday afternoon at the popular Barge Hole fishing destination on the Sacramento River in Cottonwood.
A fisherman reeled in a suspicious device at the mouth of Battle Creek and called the Tehama County Sheriff’s Department around 1:15 p.m. Sunday, according to a press release issued Monday morning by the sheriff’s department.
According to sheriff’s logs, the fisherman said the bomb was in about 10 inches of water near the shore. He cleared the area and warned boaters to stay away.
A second fisherman reported hooking another device while deputies were en route, the release said. The devices were determined to be live pipe bombs and the area was shut down.
The Shasta County Bomb Squad responded and detonated both devices at the scene, the release said.
Fishermen are urged to use caution fishing in the area as there may be additional bombs in place, the release said. If a suspicious device is found, call 9-1-1 immediately and stay clear for the device.


mercurynews--2020-08-31--Trump won’t condemn violence by right-wing agitators

President Donald Trump refused Monday to condemn the actions of his supporters in Portland , Oregon , and Wisconsin over the past week .
Trump said Kyle Rittenhouse “ probably would have been killed ” had he not fatally shot two protesters in Kenosha , Wisconsin , claiming that Rittenhouse had been “ very violently attacked.
” Rittenhouse , 17 , faces homicide charges as well as a felony charge for attempted homicide .
“ You saw the same tape as I saw and he was trying to get away from them I guess , it looks like , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and then they very violently attacked him.
” “ It ’ s something that we ’ re looking at right now , and it ’ s under investigation , but I guess he was in very big trouble , and he would have been — he probably would have been killed , ” Trump continued , “ but it ’ s under investigation.
” Social media accounts believed to belong to Rittenhouse portray a young White man with an affinity for guns who supports “ Blue Lives Matter ” and Trump .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ also said his supporters were using paintballs as “ a defensive mechanism ” when they rolled through the streets of Portland , spraying a form of pepper spray and firing paintballs at protesters over the weekend .
“ They had large numbers of people that were supporters , but that was a peaceful protest , ” Trump said in a response to a question from CNN ’ s Kaitlan Collins , “ and paint is not — and paint as a defensive mechanism .
Paint is not bullets.
” “ Your supporters , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he continued to Collins , “ shot a young gentleman who — and killed him .
Not with paint .
But with a bullet .
And I think it ’ s disgraceful .
These people they protested peacefully.
” Trump said his supporters were protesting “ when they turn on television or read whatever they may be reading , ” and see violence in cities like Chicago or New York .
“ Or a city like Portland , ” he added , “ where the entire city is ablaze all the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t want any help from the federal government .
When these people turn that on and they see that they say this is not our country .
This is not our country.
” Asked if he agreed with armed vigilantes like Rittenhouse taking to the streets , Trump said he ’ d “ like to see law enforcement take care of everything , ” but didn ’ t condemn vigilantism .
“ I ’ d like to see law enforcement take care of everything , ” Trump said .

By Nikki Carvajal | CNN
President Donald Trump refused Monday to condemn the actions of his supporters in Portland, Oregon, and Wisconsin over the past week.
Trump said Kyle Rittenhouse “probably would have been killed” had he not fatally shot two protesters in Kenosha, Wisconsin, claiming that Rittenhouse had been “very violently attacked.” Rittenhouse, 17, faces homicide charges as well as a felony charge for attempted homicide.
“You saw the same tape as I saw and he was trying to get away from them I guess, it looks like,” Trump said. “And he fell, and then they very violently attacked him.”
“It’s something that we’re looking at right now, and it’s under investigation, but I guess he was in very big trouble, and he would have been — he probably would have been killed,” Trump continued, “but it’s under investigation.”
Social media accounts believed to belong to Rittenhouse portray a young White man with an affinity for guns who supports “Blue Lives Matter” and Trump.
Speaking at the White House, Trump also said his supporters were using paintballs as “a defensive mechanism” when they rolled through the streets of Portland, spraying a form of pepper spray and firing paintballs at protesters over the weekend.
“They had large numbers of people that were supporters, but that was a peaceful protest,” Trump said in a response to a question from CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, “and paint is not — and paint as a defensive mechanism. Paint is not bullets.”
“Your supporters, and they are your supporters indeed,” he continued to Collins, “shot a young gentleman who — and killed him. Not with paint. But with a bullet. And I think it’s disgraceful. These people they protested peacefully.”
Trump said his supporters were protesting “when they turn on television or read whatever they may be reading,” and see violence in cities like Chicago or New York.
“Or a city like Portland,” he added, “where the entire city is ablaze all the time. And the mayor says we don’t want any help from the federal government. When these people turn that on and they see that they say this is not our country. This is not our country.”
“That was a peaceful protest, totally,” he added.
Asked if he agreed with armed vigilantes like Rittenhouse taking to the streets, Trump said he’d “like to see law enforcement take care of everything,” but didn’t condemn vigilantism.
“I’d like to see law enforcement take care of everything,” Trump said.


mercurynews--2020-08-31--Alameda County hair salons reopen outside, but frustration still remains

ALAMEDA COUNTY — Some hair salon owners are on the verge of being broke , going through life savings to keep businesses afloat .
Their frustration is mounting : Despite the state green light for salons to reopen indoors , Alameda County guidelines lag behind , and just recently allowed them to operate outside .
As of Friday , salons in the county were allowed to open outside only , while in neighboring counties such as Contra Costa County , salons have been operating outdoors since July .
But even though they can now open outside , some Alameda County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t get their landlords to agree to let them use outside space , while others say outdoors just isn ’ t feasible .
“ We ’ ve got heat , we ’ ve got smoke , and we ’ ve got outside pollutants , ” said Larry Phillips , owner of Fusion 3 salons with locations in Pleasanton , Livermore and Brentwood .
Philips has chosen not to open his Livermore or Pleasanton salons for sanitary reasons , and for the benefit of his employees and customers .
They deserve to be working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
The close proximity to nearby restaurants also doesn ’ t make it feasible for him to cut hair and have that hair fly away if the wind picks up .
At his Pleasanton salon , inside there is room for 13 stylists .
But outside , he can maybe only make room for three or four .
Inside his salons , he has added Plexiglass between stations , temperature checks and thorough cleaning plans to help ensure that both customers and employees are safe .
He worried that if things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future of his business will be bleak .
“ I ’ m taking on debt for a business that I have no idea when it can be operating again , ” he said .
“ I ’ m so over it .
I ’ ve been frustrated for months , ” Phillips said .
He said he ’ s run through years of savings in the past six months , continuing to pay his employees and operating expenses , when there is no revenue coming in .
“ Emotionally , mentally it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he said .
Stylists are accustomed to interacting with others daily , taking the time to make the customer feel amazing and make sure they are listened to .
But now his team can ’ t interact with others .
On Friday , the governor announced a new color-coded system to guide the reopening process : Alameda County is listed as “ purple tier , ” indicating widespread COVID-19 in the county .
But county health officials are allowed to be more restrictive than the state guidelines .
Alameda County is evaluating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and expects to give an update later this week on how it will be proceeding , said Alameda County Public Health representative Neetu Balram in an email Monday .
Bishop ’ s Haircut in Pleasanton is one of the salons that were able to reopen — outside — on Sunday .
Manager Lila Robinson said Monday that they ’ re getting fewer clients than usual , as capacity under the tent outside can only fit four stylists .
But , as other stylists have pointed out , about 70 % to 80 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ color or other chemical treatments .
Robinson , and other stylists in the Dublin-Pleasanton-Livermore area , came together last month to advocate for indoor reopening .
They held rallies , wrote letters and emails to state and county officials , and even went to Sacramento to lobby for their cause .
“ Here ’ s where my frustration comes in : San Ramon in Contra Costa County is literally 10 minutes away , ” Robinson said .
Contra Costa has allowed indoor salons to reopen , and she said she ’ s losing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coloring there instead .
“ I can ’ t blame my clients for going there … but honestly , it doesn ’ t make any sense anymore .
We ’ re losing our clients , losing revenue we could be making right now and they ’ re ( Alameda County ) not supplementing us , ” Robinson said .
She said there ’ s only so long they can survive doing just haircuts .
“ I ’ m trying to remain optimistic during this whole thing .
At the end of the day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can pay our bills , ” she said .
For others , like Renae Earl , she hasn ’ t been so lucky .
She got her own suite after the pandemic hit in March , figuring it would be safer .
The suite , which has one hairstylist working solo in a private closed-off room in a larger complex , would be her saving grace for the pandemic , she thought .
She hoped she would surely be open by June ; but that wasn ’ t the case .
There isn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to open outside , and even if there were , the outdoor space would be in an alleyway by a dumpster — not exactly the most pleasant experience for customers .
Monday , her frustration was palpable .
She said she ’ s sent letters and emails and invited officials to come and see how clean her suite be , to see it can be kept from spreading .
“ I don ’ t know how much more they need for us to prove to them .
I ’ m exhausted from trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m really sad , I feel like I ’ m mourning , and I ’ m about to go broke , ” she said .
Christine Palmer , owner of Flaunt Hair Designs on Ray Street in Pleasanton , is also not reopening .
The owner has now taken a different approach : She ’ s interviewing salon owners in different states to show that there ’ s no transmission of COVID-19 in salons .
So far she ’ s traveled to Oregon , Washington and is currently in Montana .
She acknowledges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she has found that even salons with less strict regulations aren ’ t transmitting the virus .
She ’ s had clients call “ flabbergasted ” that Alameda County isn ’ t allowing them to reopen indoors .
“ Let us work indoors to our full financial capability , ” she said .

ALAMEDA COUNTY — Some hair salon owners are on the verge of being broke, going through life savings to keep businesses afloat. Their frustration is mounting: Despite the state green light for salons to reopen indoors, Alameda County guidelines lag behind, and just recently allowed them to operate outside.
As of Friday, salons in the county were allowed to open outside only, while in neighboring counties such as Contra Costa County, salons have been operating outdoors since July. But even though they can now open outside, some Alameda County salons remain closed. Some can’t get their landlords to agree to let them use outside space, while others say outdoors just isn’t feasible.
“We’ve got heat, we’ve got smoke, and we’ve got outside pollutants,” said Larry Phillips, owner of Fusion 3 salons with locations in Pleasanton, Livermore and Brentwood. Philips has chosen not to open his Livermore or Pleasanton salons for sanitary reasons, and for the benefit of his employees and customers. They deserve to be working inside, in a temperature-controlled environment, he said.
The close proximity to nearby restaurants also doesn’t make it feasible for him to cut hair and have that hair fly away if the wind picks up. At his Pleasanton salon, inside there is room for 13 stylists. But outside, he can maybe only make room for three or four.
Inside his salons, he has added Plexiglass between stations, temperature checks and thorough cleaning plans to help ensure that both customers and employees are safe.
He worried that if things don’t change soon, the future of his business will be bleak.
“I’m taking on debt for a business that I have no idea when it can be operating again,” he said.
“I’m so over it. I’ve been frustrated for months,” Phillips said. He said he’s run through years of savings in the past six months, continuing to pay his employees and operating expenses, when there is no revenue coming in.
“Emotionally, mentally it’s taken a really tough toll,” he said. Stylists are accustomed to interacting with others daily, taking the time to make the customer feel amazing and make sure they are listened to. But now his team can’t interact with others.
On Friday, the governor announced a new color-coded system to guide the reopening process: Alameda County is listed as “purple tier,” indicating widespread COVID-19 in the county. But county health officials are allowed to be more restrictive than the state guidelines.
Alameda County is evaluating its next steps in its reopening plans, and expects to give an update later this week on how it will be proceeding, said Alameda County Public Health representative Neetu Balram in an email Monday.
Bishop’s Haircut in Pleasanton is one of the salons that were able to reopen — outside — on Sunday. Manager Lila Robinson said Monday that they’re getting fewer clients than usual, as capacity under the tent outside can only fit four stylists. But, as other stylists have pointed out, about 70% to 80% of their business comes more from color or other chemical treatments. Robinson, and other stylists in the Dublin-Pleasanton-Livermore area, came together last month to advocate for indoor reopening. They held rallies, wrote letters and emails to state and county officials, and even went to Sacramento to lobby for their cause.
“Here’s where my frustration comes in: San Ramon in Contra Costa County is literally 10 minutes away,” Robinson said. Contra Costa has allowed indoor salons to reopen, and she said she’s losing clients who are getting their cuts and coloring there instead.
“I can’t blame my clients for going there … but honestly, it doesn’t make any sense anymore. We’re losing our clients, losing revenue we could be making right now and they’re (Alameda County) not supplementing us,” Robinson said.
She said there’s only so long they can survive doing just haircuts.
“I’m trying to remain optimistic during this whole thing. At the end of the day, we’re working and we can pay our bills,” she said.
For others, like Renae Earl, she hasn’t been so lucky. She got her own suite after the pandemic hit in March, figuring it would be safer. The suite, which has one hairstylist working solo in a private closed-off room in a larger complex, would be her saving grace for the pandemic, she thought. She hoped she would surely be open by June; but that wasn’t the case.
There isn’t enough room for the complex to open outside, and even if there were, the outdoor space would be in an alleyway by a dumpster — not exactly the most pleasant experience for customers. Monday, her frustration was palpable. She said she’s sent letters and emails and invited officials to come and see how clean her suite be, to see it can be kept from spreading.
“I don’t know how much more they need for us to prove to them. I’m exhausted from trying to fight this. … I’m really sad, I feel like I’m mourning, and I’m about to go broke,” she said.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Business | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge Christine Palmer, owner of Flaunt Hair Designs on Ray Street in Pleasanton, is also not reopening. The owner has now taken a different approach: She’s interviewing salon owners in different states to show that there’s no transmission of COVID-19 in salons. So far she’s traveled to Oregon, Washington and is currently in Montana. She acknowledges her data is anecdotal, but said she has found that even salons with less strict regulations aren’t transmitting the virus.
She’s had clients call “flabbergasted” that Alameda County isn’t allowing them to reopen indoors.
“Let us work indoors to our full financial capability,” she said.