mercurynews--2020-12-05--Will California keep themes parks closed until there’s a widely available coronavirus vaccine?

The company California keeps with the other four U.S. states that are still prohibiting theme parks from reopening after more than eight months of coronavirus closures doesn ’ t bode well for the reopening of Disneyland , Universal Studios and their Golden State counterparts .
California , New York , Illinois , Michigan and Massachusetts are the only states that have not allowed theme parks to reopen in the United States , according to the California Attractions and Parks Association .
The Sacramento-based CAPA represents Disneyland , Universal Studios Hollywood , Knott ’ s Berry Farm , Six Flags Magic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California , Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and California ’ s Great America .
California theme parks closed in mid-March and are unlikely to return to full operation until early 2021 or next summer under COVID-19 health and safety reopening guidelines issued by the state .
Many of the state ’ s theme parks have partially reopened without rides for shopping , dining and special events .
The first coronavirus vaccines are expected to be distributed to health care workers and high-risk groups in California in the next few weeks .
Vaccines are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ general public until spring .
California Gov .
Gavin Newsom and his administration have lumped theme parks in with professional sports arenas , convention centers , major festivals and live indoor concerts as too risky to reopen right now during the COVID-19 pandemic .
The remaining U.S. states prohibiting theme parks from reopening raise the possibility that California theme parks might not be allowed to reopen until concert venues , convention centers and sports stadiums return or a coronavirus treatment or vaccine becomes available .
Illinois and Massachusetts both place theme parks in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s reopening plans when either a coronavirus treatment or vaccine is available .
Six Flags Great America in Illinois and Six Flags New England in Massachusetts remained shuttered throughout the summer due to the pandemic .
Michigan will allow theme parks to reopen in the state ’ s second-to-last phase when larger gatherings are permitted at outdoor concert venues , convention centers and sports arenas and stadiums .
Cedar Fair decided not to open Michigan ’ s Adventure at all for the 2020 season because of the pandemic .
The adjacent WildWater Adventure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July before being forced to re-close by an executive order from Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer .
New York has not issued COVID-19 health and safety guidelines that would allow theme parks to reopen or included theme parks in the state ’ s phased reopening plan .
New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo ’ s administration groups amusement parks with other higher-risk arts and entertainment activities like movie theaters , concerts , water parks and carnivals .
Coney Island amusement parks have begged Cuomo to give them the green light to reopen .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Great Escape theme parks in New York would not be opening in 2020 due to the pandemic .
“ We are continuing to monitor how and when higher-risk industries like amusement parks can safely reopen , ” Cuomo spokesman Jack Sterne told the New York Post .
“ We appreciate that these business owners want to plan in advance to operate safely and will work with them as that process continues.
” • Disneyland lays off more than 11,500 employees , state records show • Can augmented reality help California theme parks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kong Disneyland and Disneyland Paris reclosures could mean for Disneyland None of the theme parks in New York , Illinois , Massachusetts or Michigan operate year-round like Disneyland , Universal Studios Hollywood and most other California theme parks .
California issued separate reopening guidelines for small and large theme parks .
Small theme parks with a capacity of less than 15,000 visitors can reopen in the orange/moderate tier 3 while large theme parks must wait to return in the most-restrictive yellow/minimal tier 4 .
CAPA has pleaded with the Newsom administration to allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Universal Studios Hollywood to reopen in the less-restrictive orange/moderate tier 3 .
No COVID-19 outbreaks have been reported at Disney , Universal , SeaWorld , Busch Gardens , Six Flags , Legoland and Cedar Fair parks in Florida , Texas , Illinois , Pennsylvania , Ohio , New Jersey , Virginia and Michigan , according to state health agencies and theme park officials .

The company California keeps with the other four U.S. states that are still prohibiting theme parks from reopening after more than eight months of coronavirus closures doesn’t bode well for the reopening of Disneyland, Universal Studios and their Golden State counterparts.
California, New York, Illinois, Michigan and Massachusetts are the only states that have not allowed theme parks to reopen in the United States, according to the California Attractions and Parks Association.
The Sacramento-based CAPA represents Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott’s Berry Farm, Six Flags Magic Mountain, SeaWorld San Diego, Legoland California, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and California’s Great America.
California theme parks closed in mid-March and are unlikely to return to full operation until early 2021 or next summer under COVID-19 health and safety reopening guidelines issued by the state. Many of the state’s theme parks have partially reopened without rides for shopping, dining and special events.
The first coronavirus vaccines are expected to be distributed to health care workers and high-risk groups in California in the next few weeks. Vaccines are not expected to be widely available to the general public until spring.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom and his administration have lumped theme parks in with professional sports arenas, convention centers, major festivals and live indoor concerts as too risky to reopen right now during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The remaining U.S. states prohibiting theme parks from reopening raise the possibility that California theme parks might not be allowed to reopen until concert venues, convention centers and sports stadiums return or a coronavirus treatment or vaccine becomes available.
Illinois and Massachusetts both place theme parks in the final phase of each state’s reopening plans when either a coronavirus treatment or vaccine is available.
Six Flags Great America in Illinois and Six Flags New England in Massachusetts remained shuttered throughout the summer due to the pandemic.
Michigan will allow theme parks to reopen in the state’s second-to-last phase when larger gatherings are permitted at outdoor concert venues, convention centers and sports arenas and stadiums.
Cedar Fair decided not to open Michigan’s Adventure at all for the 2020 season because of the pandemic. The adjacent WildWater Adventure water park reopened for two weeks in July before being forced to re-close by an executive order from Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
New York has not issued COVID-19 health and safety guidelines that would allow theme parks to reopen or included theme parks in the state’s phased reopening plan.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s administration groups amusement parks with other higher-risk arts and entertainment activities like movie theaters, concerts, water parks and carnivals.
Coney Island amusement parks have begged Cuomo to give them the green light to reopen. Six Flags announced that its Darien Lake and Great Escape theme parks in New York would not be opening in 2020 due to the pandemic.
“We are continuing to monitor how and when higher-risk industries like amusement parks can safely reopen,” Cuomo spokesman Jack Sterne told the New York Post. “We appreciate that these business owners want to plan in advance to operate safely and will work with them as that process continues.”
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California issued separate reopening guidelines for small and large theme parks. Small theme parks with a capacity of less than 15,000 visitors can reopen in the orange/moderate tier 3 while large theme parks must wait to return in the most-restrictive yellow/minimal tier 4. CAPA has pleaded with the Newsom administration to allow large California theme parks like Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood to reopen in the less-restrictive orange/moderate tier 3.
No COVID-19 outbreaks have been reported at Disney, Universal, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Six Flags, Legoland and Cedar Fair parks in Florida, Texas, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Jersey, Virginia and Michigan, according to state health agencies and theme park officials.


mercurynews--2020-12-05--NHL targeting mid-January for starting new season

The NHL and the players union reportedly made progress in their talks to begin the 2020-21 season , and are now targeting a Jan. 15 start , with training camps opening as soon as Dec. 26 for teams that didn ’ t qualify for the Return to Play last summer .
The season could be in the range of 52 to 56 games , down from the usual 82 , with the Stanley Cup awarded in late June or early July , well before NBC must shift its coverage focus from hockey to the Tokyo Olympics , according to various @ @ @ @ @ @ @ determined to end the upcoming season as close to its customary early June date in order to prepare for the 2021-22 season , when it hopes to play its traditional 82-game schedule between Oct. 1 and April 15 , as it welcomes the expansion Seattle Kraken as its 32nd team .
“ I think this is the most important thing : What we ’ re focused on is trying to get through the 2021 season so we can be back in position for 2021-22 to ( get back to ) normalcy , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sports business forum Wednesday in New York .
There are many issues still to be resolved before an agreement can be completed , including the economics of a shortened season likely contested without fans in attendance during a time of heightened restrictions because of a surge of COVID-19 cases throughout North America .
In fact , the pandemic is of such a concern that the start of the season could be delayed further , perhaps pushed back to Feb. 1 , with the guidance of health officials .
The league is said to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home arenas , but could begin in hub cities as a fallback option .
Last season was completed , after a 4 1/2-month pause because of the initial outbreak , with 24 teams playing inside strict bubbles in Toronto and Edmonton .
Neither the owners nor the players wish to return to a bubble format , but they might be forced into playing in four or more hub cities .
Although it hadn ’ t been formalized , as of Friday , the league was expected to realign its four divisions temporarily , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teams because the border with the U.S. remains closed to all but essential travel .
In the Pacific Division , for instance , the league would replace Calgary , Edmonton and Vancouver with Colorado , Dallas and either Minnesota or St. Louis to round out an eight-team division that includes the Ducks , Kings , Arizona Coyotes , San Jose Sharks and Vegas Golden Knights .
• Don ’ t expect full sports stadiums until at least the end of the summer , Dr. Fauci says • Santa Clara County exec expects contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potentially forcing San Jose Sharks to leave • Where will Santa Clara County ’ s sports teams go ?
They ’ re scrambling to figure it out • Santa Clara County COVID order : Where the 49ers , Sharks and college teams stand now Representatives from the league and the players union discussed a Jan. 15 starting date during a conference call Thursday night , but they didn ’ t speak about altering the economics for the upcoming season , which is said to be the biggest stumbling block to an agreement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ salary concessions after they agreed in July to an extension of the collective bargaining agreement with the league through the end of 2025-26 .
The players agreed to some salary deferrals that would ease the league ’ s coronavirus-related financial hit .

The NHL and the players union reportedly made progress in their talks to begin the 2020-21 season, and are now targeting a Jan. 15 start, with training camps opening as soon as Dec. 26 for teams that didn’t qualify for the Return to Play last summer.
The season could be in the range of 52 to 56 games, down from the usual 82, with the Stanley Cup awarded in late June or early July, well before NBC must shift its coverage focus from hockey to the Tokyo Olympics, according to various reports Friday.
The league also is determined to end the upcoming season as close to its customary early June date in order to prepare for the 2021-22 season, when it hopes to play its traditional 82-game schedule between Oct. 1 and April 15, as it welcomes the expansion Seattle Kraken as its 32nd team.
“I think this is the most important thing: What we’re focused on is trying to get through the 2021 season so we can be back in position for 2021-22 to (get back to) normalcy,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said at a sports business forum Wednesday in New York.
There are many issues still to be resolved before an agreement can be completed, including the economics of a shortened season likely contested without fans in attendance during a time of heightened restrictions because of a surge of COVID-19 cases throughout North America.
In fact, the pandemic is of such a concern that the start of the season could be delayed further, perhaps pushed back to Feb. 1, with the guidance of health officials. The league is said to be hopeful of starting with games in home arenas, but could begin in hub cities as a fallback option.
Last season was completed, after a 4 1/2-month pause because of the initial outbreak, with 24 teams playing inside strict bubbles in Toronto and Edmonton. Neither the owners nor the players wish to return to a bubble format, but they might be forced into playing in four or more hub cities.
Although it hadn’t been formalized, as of Friday, the league was expected to realign its four divisions temporarily, establishing one entirely of the seven Canadian teams because the border with the U.S. remains closed to all but essential travel.
In the Pacific Division, for instance, the league would replace Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver with Colorado, Dallas and either Minnesota or St. Louis to round out an eight-team division that includes the Ducks, Kings, Arizona Coyotes, San Jose Sharks and Vegas Golden Knights.
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The players have refused to accept further salary concessions after they agreed in July to an extension of the collective bargaining agreement with the league through the end of 2025-26. The players agreed to some salary deferrals that would ease the league’s coronavirus-related financial hit.
Negotiations were expected to continue Friday.


mercurynews--2020-12-05--Sober living, addiction treatment conflicts return to California lawmakers’ crosshairs

To all the key players — parents whose kids died doing drugs in so-called recovery homes , neighbors who live beside the often problematic businesses , and many of the rehabbing residents themselves — reforming the fraud-plagued sober living industry can ’ t happen quickly enough .
On Thursday , Dec. 3 , three Congress members introduced a bill aimed at improving the quality of care offered to recovering addicts living in sober living homes .
Dubbed “ The Excellence in Recovery Housing Act , ” the proposed law would require the National Academy of Sciences to study high-quality recovery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ availability .
It also would determine how to improve data collection about recovery , ensure that medication-assisted treatment would be available for people seeking to stay sober and explore the legal tangles that still exist on the state and local front involving recovery housing .
The bill also would push the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to work with “ reputable providers ” to come up with comprehensive guidelines for struggling state governments , and would provide some $ 57 million in grants states could use to help make quality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Americans living with addiction and the millions more who love them , entering a recovery residence , or ‘ sober home ’ , is an incredibly significant step that means hope of a life beyond addiction , ” said U.S. Rep. Judy Chu , D-Pasadena , in a statement .
“ But that hope can be fragile , as recovery is a delicate time requiring skilled , professional attention .
That is why we must ensure that recovery housing is actually providing the safe and stable environment we expect .
Sadly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those who have lost someone while they were in recovery because the staff lacked training to recognize things like the signs of an overdose.
” While federal attention on the issue is welcome , activists who ’ ve been pleading for stronger regulation of the addiction treatment industry are frustrated by yet another bill that aims for guidelines rather than stringent rules , and for recommendations rather than action .
“ To the extent this bill encourages all states to take responsibility for and serve their recovering populations , this could be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Advocates for Responsible Treatment in San Juan Capistrano .
“ But when the government only focuses on the ‘ good ’ providers , it fails to address the whole picture , ” Girand added .
“ What we really need is for Congress to have the guts to say ‘ the emperor has no clothes.
’ This is an industry desperate for government regulation.
” To that end , state legislators are preparing to re-introduce legislation in Sacramento that would take major steps towards reform of the industry in California .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trone , D-Maryland , Mike Levin , D-San Juan Capistrano and Chu .
It builds on Chu ’ s earlier legislation that prompted guidelines on quality recovery residences that some critics found wanting .
This bill will help SAMHSA improve those guidelines , and provide resources for states to promote the availability of high-quality recovery residences .
It has the support of a variety of large , national treatment-related groups .
State Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris , D-Laguna Beach , is spearheading a bipartisan group of Sacramento legislators pushing for more fundamental reform in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Law , which would requiring outpatient centers , which are now completely unsupervised by the state , to be licensed and regulated by the Department of Health Care Services .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom liked the big idea , but said in a veto message that “ developing a new licensing scheme is a significant undertaking , and would require a significant departure from the bill as enrolled.
” Petrie-Norris is working on addressing those concerns .
The bill is named to honor Wendy McEntyre ‘ s son Jarrod , who in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the care of a sober living home in the San Fernando Valley .
In the same spirit , state Sen. Pat Bates , R-Laguna Niguel , will reintroduce “ Brandon ’ s Law , ” which would prohibit rehabs from false advertising and marketing .
It ’ s named for Brandon Nelson , who died at age 26 in an unlicensed home run by a company that promised a team of skilled professionals — but couldn ’ t even get his medications on time .
Newsom liked the big idea here , too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the Department of Health Care Services would be asked to police recovery residences , something the agency currently doesn ’ t handle .
Bates is working on addressing those concerns .
Bates is also pushing to re-introduce another nixed idea — a bill that would crack down on drug dealers peddling deadly fentanyl , which is responsible for a skyrocketing body count , even among children .
“ Before COVID , we were planning to do a coalition , looking what each bill had achieved , what did we need to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We ’ re back at that now .
Let ’ s get some data points .
Where are the hot spots ?
What works ?
“ There ’ s a heck of a lot of money coming into substance abuse from the public and private insurance industry , ” Bates added .
“ Is it hitting the mark ?
We really need some studies , and putting money toward that would be money well-spent.
” On the federal bill , Bates and Petrie-Norris appreciate anything that brings more focus to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government to do more .
“ We ’ re working hard to raise standards for patient care and establish licensing for all substance use programs in California , ” Petrie-Norris said .
“ We ’ re really pleased to see the introduction the Excellence in Recovery Housing Act in Congress .
We urgently need action at the state and federal level .
Part of that is having higher standards for recovery homes .
I ’ d like to see the bill go further.
” Petrie Norris suggested the federal government could help by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go to recovery facilities that don ’ t meet state or federal standards .
Also , federal lawmakers could clarify the Fair Housing Act and Americans with Disabilities Act to state precisely when substance use disorder qualifies as a disability , and under which circumstances local governments can regulate recovery housing .
“ The bottom line is that people are dying right now , ” Petrie-Norris said .
“ We need to treat this as a crisis and act with urgency to put predatory homes out of business .
”

To all the key players — parents whose kids died doing drugs in so-called recovery homes, neighbors who live beside the often problematic businesses, and many of the rehabbing residents themselves — reforming the fraud-plagued sober living industry can’t happen quickly enough.
On Thursday, Dec. 3, three Congress members introduced a bill aimed at improving the quality of care offered to recovering addicts living in sober living homes.
Dubbed “The Excellence in Recovery Housing Act,” the proposed law would require the National Academy of Sciences to study high-quality recovery housing and make recommendations for increasing its availability. It also would determine how to improve data collection about recovery, ensure that medication-assisted treatment would be available for people seeking to stay sober and explore the legal tangles that still exist on the state and local front involving recovery housing.
The bill also would push the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to work with “reputable providers” to come up with comprehensive guidelines for struggling state governments, and would provide some $57 million in grants states could use to help make quality housing a reality.
“For millions of Americans living with addiction and the millions more who love them, entering a recovery residence, or ‘sober home’, is an incredibly significant step that means hope of a life beyond addiction,” said U.S. Rep. Judy Chu, D-Pasadena, in a statement.
“But that hope can be fragile, as recovery is a delicate time requiring skilled, professional attention. That is why we must ensure that recovery housing is actually providing the safe and stable environment we expect. Sadly, I have heard too many stories of those who have lost someone while they were in recovery because the staff lacked training to recognize things like the signs of an overdose.”
While federal attention on the issue is welcome, activists who’ve been pleading for stronger regulation of the addiction treatment industry are frustrated by yet another bill that aims for guidelines rather than stringent rules, and for recommendations rather than action.
“To the extent this bill encourages all states to take responsibility for and serve their recovering populations, this could be a good bill,” said Laurie Girand of Advocates for Responsible Treatment in San Juan Capistrano.
“But when the government only focuses on the ‘good’ providers, it fails to address the whole picture,” Girand added.
“What we really need is for Congress to have the guts to say ‘the emperor has no clothes.’ This is an industry desperate for government regulation.”
To that end, state legislators are preparing to re-introduce legislation in Sacramento that would take major steps towards reform of the industry in California.
Forward
The federal bill was introduced by Reps. David Trone, D-Maryland, Mike Levin, D-San Juan Capistrano and Chu. It builds on Chu’s earlier legislation that prompted guidelines on quality recovery residences that some critics found wanting.
This bill will help SAMHSA improve those guidelines, and provide resources for states to promote the availability of high-quality recovery residences. It has the support of a variety of large, national treatment-related groups.
State Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris, D-Laguna Beach, is spearheading a bipartisan group of Sacramento legislators pushing for more fundamental reform in California. She will reintroduce Jarrod’s Law, which would requiring outpatient centers, which are now completely unsupervised by the state, to be licensed and regulated by the Department of Health Care Services.
Gov. Gavin Newsom liked the big idea, but said in a veto message that “developing a new licensing scheme is a significant undertaking, and would require a significant departure from the bill as enrolled.”
Petrie-Norris is working on addressing those concerns. The bill is named to honor Wendy McEntyre ‘s son Jarrod, who in 2004 died of an overdose while in the care of a sober living home in the San Fernando Valley.
In the same spirit, state Sen. Pat Bates, R-Laguna Niguel, will reintroduce “Brandon’s Law,” which would prohibit rehabs from false advertising and marketing. It’s named for Brandon Nelson, who died at age 26 in an unlicensed home run by a company that promised a team of skilled professionals — but couldn’t even get his medications on time.
Newsom liked the big idea here, too, but vetoed the bill over concerns that the Department of Health Care Services would be asked to police recovery residences, something the agency currently doesn’t handle. Bates is working on addressing those concerns.
Bates is also pushing to re-introduce another nixed idea — a bill that would crack down on drug dealers peddling deadly fentanyl, which is responsible for a skyrocketing body count, even among children.
“Before COVID, we were planning to do a coalition, looking what each bill had achieved, what did we need to do to full refinement,” Bates said. “We’re back at that now. Let’s get some data points. Where are the hot spots? What works?
“There’s a heck of a lot of money coming into substance abuse from the public and private insurance industry,” Bates added. “Is it hitting the mark? We really need some studies, and putting money toward that would be money well-spent.”
On the federal bill, Bates and Petrie-Norris appreciate anything that brings more focus to the issues, and both want the federal government to do more.
“We’re working hard to raise standards for patient care and establish licensing for all substance use programs in California,” Petrie-Norris said.
“We’re really pleased to see the introduction the Excellence in Recovery Housing Act in Congress. We urgently need action at the state and federal level. Part of that is having higher standards for recovery homes. I’d like to see the bill go further.”
Petrie Norris suggested the federal government could help by making it harder for federal money to go to recovery facilities that don’t meet state or federal standards. Also, federal lawmakers could clarify the Fair Housing Act and Americans with Disabilities Act to state precisely when substance use disorder qualifies as a disability, and under which circumstances local governments can regulate recovery housing.
“The bottom line is that people are dying right now,” Petrie-Norris said. “We need to treat this as a crisis and act with urgency to put predatory homes out of business.”


mercurynews--2020-12-06--With 15 COVID cases among employees, Barstow City Hall closed to public until next year

The Barstow City Hall lobby will remain closed to the public until next year amidst a COVID-19 outbreak among city staffers and a new stay-at-home order issued by California ’ s governor .
City Manager Nikki Salas told the Daily Press on Saturday that 15 employees across city departments have tested positive for the coronavirus , two more than were counted when offices were first closed on Monday .
“ We sanitized the buildings but still have numerous staffers out ill and others ( in ) isolation pending test results , ” Salas said .
“ Staff will work remotely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The lobby will remain closed until at least Jan. 4 , according to Salas .
She said the city ’ s main line — 760-256-3531 — will be staffed from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday during the closure .
Residents can also visit https : //www.barstowca.org/ for information and assistance .
Barstow joins other High Desert cities that have locked down as coronavirus cases have surged .
Officials in Victorville announced the closure of all city-owned facilities on Friday after 23 employees tested positive for COVID-19 in the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Valley announced it would close its offices starting Monday .
That decision was made in response to Newsom ’ s regional stay-at-home order , according to spokesperson Orlando Acevedo .
San Bernardino County became the 10th county in the U.S. to pass 100,000 cases , a milestone that has not been reached by 13 states , the Palm Springs Desert Sun reported .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom announced earlier this week that the new stay-at-home order would be in effect for regions , or groups of counties , where the ICU bed capacity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Department of Public Health reported Saturday that the Southern California region ’ s capacity — of which San Bernardino is part — was at 12.5 % .
This means the order will go into effect at 11:59 p.m. Sunday and last at least three weeks .
As a result , gatherings with members of different households will be prohibited and essential retailers will be required to operate at no more than 20 % capacity .
Bars , salons , and indoor and outdoor restaurant dining must shut down .
• On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Five questions answered • Coronavirus was 49ers ’ Trent Williams ’ toughest opponent in career that included cancer bout Barstow officials said the Barstow Police Department would “ comply with the order and the law and respond to complaints on a case by case basis as required by the situation .
”

Martin Estacio | (Victorville) Daily Press
The Barstow City Hall lobby will remain closed to the public until next year amidst a COVID-19 outbreak among city staffers and a new stay-at-home order issued by California’s governor.
City Manager Nikki Salas told the Daily Press on Saturday that 15 employees across city departments have tested positive for the coronavirus, two more than were counted when offices were first closed on Monday.
“We sanitized the buildings but still have numerous staffers out ill and others (in) isolation pending test results,” Salas said. “Staff will work remotely wherever possible and provide virtual customer service.”
The lobby will remain closed until at least Jan. 4, according to Salas. She said the city’s main line — 760-256-3531 — will be staffed from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday during the closure. Residents can also visit https://www.barstowca.org/ for information and assistance.
Barstow joins other High Desert cities that have locked down as coronavirus cases have surged. Officials in Victorville announced the closure of all city-owned facilities on Friday after 23 employees tested positive for COVID-19 in the last two weeks.
The Town of Apple Valley announced it would close its offices starting Monday. That decision was made in response to Newsom’s regional stay-at-home order, according to spokesperson Orlando Acevedo.
San Bernardino County became the 10th county in the U.S. to pass 100,000 cases, a milestone that has not been reached by 13 states, the Palm Springs Desert Sun reported.
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced earlier this week that the new stay-at-home order would be in effect for regions, or groups of counties, where the ICU bed capacity falls below 15%.
The state’s Department of Public Health reported Saturday that the Southern California region’s capacity — of which San Bernardino is part — was at 12.5%.
This means the order will go into effect at 11:59 p.m. Sunday and last at least three weeks.
As a result, gatherings with members of different households will be prohibited and essential retailers will be required to operate at no more than 20% capacity. Bars, salons, and indoor and outdoor restaurant dining must shut down.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge Barstow officials said the Barstow Police Department would “comply with the order and the law and respond to complaints on a case by case basis as required by the situation.”
Daily Press Managing Editor Matthew Cabe contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-12-06--Hundreds of Bay Area residents protest crackdown on Indian farmers

Hundreds of people led a procession across the Bay Bridge Saturday afternoon in solidarity with farmers in India who are protesting several agriculture laws .
Bay Area residents , many of them Indian immigrants or residents of South Asian descent , were joined by travelers from the Central Valley and greater Sacramento area to wave flags , honk horns and chant protest slogans .
The caravan departed near the Port of Oakland and circled past the Indian Consulate General in San Francisco , where protesters said the country ’ s deregulatory laws will drive Indian farmers to economic ruin .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ much of the afternoon .
Click here if you are having trouble viewing the slideshow on a mobile device .
• East Bay protesters focus on suburbs to bring about change For days on end , thousands of farmers have poured into the Indian capital of New Delhi .
Hundreds have been detained or arrested , according to news reports , as protests have meanwhile spread elsewhere in the country , as well as the U.S. and Canada .
“ The bills they introduced are 110 % against the farmers and the people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harpreet Singh .
“ They have to kneel down on their knees and take these bills back.
” As the caravan proceeded through Oakland , a large group of protesters lined the sidewalks of Middle Harbor Road , some standing at the Maritime Way intersection and chanting at the vehicles passing by .
Demonstrators held signs that read , “ Shame on the Indian government !
” and “ We are farmers , not terrorists , ” the latter an apparent reference to anti-protest rhetoric in India .
But while some brought flyers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said their only cause was to advocate for farmers who would lose government support under the new policies .
Indian farmers say that the laws could eliminate the price guarantees they now receive from the government .
“ This is a cultural movement , ” said Navi Singh .
“ Farmers have never been able to get by in India and everyone knows that.
” Although organized by The Sikh Coalition , word of Saturday ’ s demonstration was shared widely on social media .
Jagmeet Mohar traveled to Oakland from Manteca in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on his Facebook feed .
“ It ’ s an effort from our side ( of the world ) to support farmers who are , right now , sleeping on the street , ” Mohar said .

Hundreds of people led a procession across the Bay Bridge Saturday afternoon in solidarity with farmers in India who are protesting several agriculture laws.
Bay Area residents, many of them Indian immigrants or residents of South Asian descent, were joined by travelers from the Central Valley and greater Sacramento area to wave flags, honk horns and chant protest slogans. The caravan departed near the Port of Oakland and circled past the Indian Consulate General in San Francisco, where protesters said the country’s deregulatory laws will drive Indian farmers to economic ruin. It snarled traffic on the bridge for much of the afternoon, finally cleaning around 7 p.m..
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DECEMBER 5: Demonstrators in solidarity with farmers in India who are protesting several new agriculture laws participate in a caravan protest across the Oakland-San Francisco Bay Bridge in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020. The caravan departed Oakland and circled past the Indian Consulate General in San Francisco to support India's striking farmworkers. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DECEMBER 5: Demonstrators ride atop a vehicle during a caravan protest along the Oakland-San Francisco Bay Bridge in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020. The caravan departed Oakland and circled past the Indian Consulate General in San Francisco in solidarity with India's striking farmworkers. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DECEMBER 5: A demonstrator in solidarity with farmers in India who are protesting several new agriculture laws waves an orange flag as he rides on the passenger window, bottom right, as part of a caravan protest along the Oakland-San Francisco Bay Bridge in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020. The caravan departed Oakland and circled past the Indian Consulate General in San Francisco to support striking farmworkers in India. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Dec. 5: Protesters gather in front of the General Consul of India in San Francisco, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, in solidarity with striking farmers in India. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Dec. 5: Protesters gather in front of the General Consul of India in San Francisco, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, in solidarity with striking farmers in India. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DECEMBER 5: A person holds a sign as he rides in one of the many vehicles taking part in a caravan protest across the Oakland-San Francisco Bay Bridge in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020. The caravan protest, held in solidarity for farmers in India who are protesting several new agriculture laws, traveled from Oakland to the Indian Consulate General in San Francisco. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Dec. 5: Protesters gather in front of the General Consul of India in San Francisco, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, in solidarity with striking farmers in India. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DECEMBER 5: Vehicles move slowly across the Oakland-San Francisco Bay Bridge after being stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic caused by a caravan protest in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020. The caravan, held in solidarity with farmers in India who are protesting several new agriculture laws, departed Oakland and circled past the Indian Consulate General in San Francisco. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DECEMBER 5: Demonstrators in solidarity with farmers in India who are protesting several new agriculture laws caravan protest along the Oakland-San Francisco Bay Bridge in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020. The caravan departed Oakland and circled past the Indian Consulate General in San Francisco to support India's striking farmworkers. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Dec. 5: Sukhwinder Sidhu speaks during a protest in front of the General Consul of India in San Francisco, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020. The event was held in solidarity with striking farmers in India. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Dec. 5: Protesters gather in front of the General Consul of India in San Francisco, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, in solidarity with striking farmers in India. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DECEMBER 5: Demonstrators in solidarity with farmers in India who are protesting several new agriculture laws participate in a caravan protest across the Oakland-San Francisco Bay Bridge in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020. The caravan departed Oakland and circled past the Indian Consulate General in San Francisco in solidarity with India's striking farmworkers. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Dec. 5: Protesters gather in front of the General Consul of India in San Francisco, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, in solidarity with striking farmers in India. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Dec. 5: Protesters gather in front of the General Consul of India in San Francisco, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, in solidarity with striking farmers in India. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DECEMBER 5: Demonstrators in solidarity with farmers in India who are protesting several new agriculture laws participate in a caravan protest across the Oakland-San Francisco Bay Bridge in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020. The caravan departed Oakland and circled past the Indian Consulate General in San Francisco in solidarity with India's striking farmworkers. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 5: A demonstrator rides outside the vehicle sunroof during a caravan protest on their way to the Oakland-San Francisco Bay Bridge in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020. The caravan departed Oakland and circled past the Indian Consulate General in San Francisco in solidarity with India's striking farmworkers. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 5: Demonstrators honk their vehicles as they ride on a ramp near the toll plaza during a caravan protest on the Oakland-San Francisco Bay Bridge in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020. The caravan departed Oakland and circled past the Indian Consulate General in San Francisco in solidarity with India's striking farmworkers. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DECEMBER 5: A demonstrator rides outside a vehicle's sunroof after crossing the toll plaza during a caravan protest along the Oakland-San Francisco Bay Bridge in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020. The caravan departed Oakland and circled past the Indian Consulate General in San Francisco in solidarity with India's striking farmworkers. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DECEMBER 5: Demonstrators in solidarity with farmers in India who are protesting several new agriculture laws participate in a caravan protest across the Oakland-San Francisco Bay Bridge in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020. The caravan departed Oakland and circled past the Indian Consulate General in San Francisco in solidarity with India's striking farmworkers. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DECEMBER 5: Demonstrators get out of their car to take photos as they block traffic on Treasure Island during a caravan protest along the Oakland-San Francisco Bay Bridge in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020. The vehicle was part of a caravan that departed Oakland and circled past the Indian Consulate General in San Francisco in solidarity with India's striking farmworkers. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DECEMBER 5: Demonstrators ride atop a vehicle during a caravan protest along the Oakland-San Francisco Bay Bridge in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020. The caravan departed Oakland and circled past the Indian Consulate General in San Francisco in solidarity with India's striking farmworkers. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DECEMBER 5: Vehicles move slowly across the Oakland-San Francisco Bay Bridge after being stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic caused by a caravan protest in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020. The caravan, held in solidarity with farmers in India who are protesting several new agriculture laws, departed Oakland and circled past the Indian Consulate General in San Francisco. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DECEMBER 5: A demonstrator in solidarity with farmers in India who are protesting several new agriculture laws waves an orange flag as he rides on the passenger window, bottom right, as part of a caravan protest along the Oakland-San Francisco Bay Bridge in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020. The caravan departed Oakland and circled past the Indian Consulate General in San Francisco to support striking farmworkers in India. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
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Israel’s Netanyahu released from hospital ahead of key vote on legal overhaul California News | Protesters try to storm Baghdad’s Green Zone over the burning of Quran and Iraqi flag in Denmark For days on end, thousands of farmers have poured into the Indian capital of New Delhi. Hundreds have been detained or arrested, according to news reports, as protests have meanwhile spread elsewhere in the country, as well as the U.S. and Canada.
“The bills they introduced are 110% against the farmers and the people in Punjab,” said Livermore resident Harpreet Singh. “They have to kneel down on their knees and take these bills back.”
As the caravan proceeded through Oakland, a large group of protesters lined the sidewalks of Middle Harbor Road, some standing at the Maritime Way intersection and chanting at the vehicles passing by. Demonstrators held signs that read, “Shame on the Indian government!” and “We are farmers, not terrorists,” the latter an apparent reference to anti-protest rhetoric in India.
While some brought flyers criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, others said their only cause was to advocate for farmers who would lose government support under the new policies. Indian farmers say that the laws could eliminate the price guarantees they now receive from the government.
“This is a cultural movement,” said Navi Singh. “Farmers have never been able to get by in India and everyone knows that.”
Although organized by the Jakara Movement, word of Saturday’s demonstration was shared widely on social media. Jagmeet Mohar traveled to Oakland from Manteca in San Joaquin County after seeing a post on his Facebook feed.
“It’s an effort from our side (of the world) to support farmers who are, right now, sleeping on the street,” Mohar said.


mercurynews--2020-12-06--Stanford builds big lead, holds on to hand No. 23 Washington its first loss

Stanford capped a draining week with its first upset of the season .
After being forced to spend the week in Seattle because it was prohibited from practicing in Santa Clara County , Stanford ( 2-2 ) used a dominant run game to beat No .
23 Washington 31-26 Saturday at Husky Stadium .
The Cardinal had the fewest rushing yards in the conference entering Saturday , but Austin Jones had 31 carries for 138 yards and two TDs and Nathaniel Peat had seven carries for 44 yards and a score .
Quarterback Davis Mills completed 20 of 30 passes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no interceptions to complement the ground game .
Stanford flew to Seattle on Tuesday because of a Santa Clara County health order that banned sporting events and practices that went into effect on Monday .
The Cardinal practiced at Washington ’ s indoor facility Tuesday night , and then at local high schools during the week before conducting its Friday walkthrough at a public park near its hotel .
Jones , who has scored seven touchdowns this season , had two in the first quarter as Stanford reached the end zone on its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eight runs and no passes on goal-to-go situations in the first half , with Jones scoring twice and Nathaniel Peat once .
Jet Toner also made a 42-yard field goal – his fifth straight make since going 0-for-4 in the season opener – as Stanford went into halftime up 24-3 .
Washington ( 3-1 ) came back from a 21-point halftime deficit last week against Utah and almost did it again on Saturday .
The Huskies scored touchdowns on three straight drives to start the second and had the ball at the Stanford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Stanford running back Austin Jones .
But the defense held the Huskies to a 45-yard field goal with help from two holding penalties .
• Stanford football at Washington : What to know before Saturday ’ s game in Seattle • Stanford players go from Big Game drama to weeks on the road • Stanford announces basketball schedule changes in face of rising COVID-19 rates • COVID-19 : David Shaw says Stanford not fazed by travel changeup • Stanford comes up just short against No .
14 North Carolina in relocated Maui @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Cardinal offense got the ball back with 7:47 to play at its own 12 and managed to run out the clock .
Simi Fehoko fought off defensive pass interference to make a 25-yard one-handed catch on third-and-11 to extend the drive , and Jones ran for three first downs , including a fourth-and-inches from the Washington 12 with 38 seconds left .

Stanford capped a draining week with its first upset of the season.
After being forced to spend the week in Seattle because it was prohibited from practicing in Santa Clara County, Stanford (2-2) used a dominant run game to beat No. 23 Washington 31-26 Saturday at Husky Stadium.
Stanford quarterback Davis Mills throws against Washington in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Stanford running back Austin Jones carries the ball against Washington in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, in Seattle. Stanford won 31-26. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Stanford running back Nathaniel Peat (8) reacts after scoring against Washington in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Stanford running back Austin Jones dives into the end zone for a three-yard touchdown run against Washington in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Stanford wide receiver Brycen Tremayne, right, catches a 33-yard pass as Washington defensive back Keith Taylor defends in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Washington linebacker Zion Tupuola-Fetui, right, pressures Stanford quarterback Davis Mills during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Stanford coach David Shaw, right, talks with quarterback Davis Mills during a timeout in the second half of the team's NCAA college football game against Washington on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, in Seattle. Stanford won 31-26. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Stanford tight end Scooter Harrington, right, catches a touchdown pass as Washington's Asa Turner trails him in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Stanford center Drew Dalman, left, snaps the ball to quarterback Davis Mills in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Washington, Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Washington coach Jimmy Lake stands with official Michael Weseloh as he waits for a review of a call during the second half of the team's NCAA college football game against Stanford on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Stanford running back Nathaniel Peat, center, pushes into the end zone on a 3-yard touchdown run against Washington in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Stanford head coach David Shaw stands on the field against Washington in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, in Seattle. Stanford won 31-26. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Washington's Cade Otton (87) is pushed out of bounds by Stanford's Malik Antoine during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, in Seattle. Stanford won 31-26. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Stanford running back Austin Jones, right, eyes a hole on a carry against Washington in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Stanford quarterback Davis Mills throws against Washington in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Washington's Edefuan Ulofoshio, left, celebrates his interception against Stanford with teammate Ty Jones during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, in Seattle. Stanford won 31-26. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Washington quarterback Dylan Morris carries the ball against Stanford in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Washington head coach Jimmy Lake, left, greets Stanford head coach David Shaw after an NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, in Seattle. Stanford won 31-26. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
A handful of Stanford players pose for a photo after the team's 31-26 win over Washington in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
The Cardinal had the fewest rushing yards in the conference entering Saturday, but Austin Jones had 31 carries for 138 yards and two TDs and Nathaniel Peat had seven carries for 44 yards and a score.
Quarterback Davis Mills completed 20 of 30 passes for 252 yards, a TD and no interceptions to complement the ground game.
Stanford flew to Seattle on Tuesday because of a Santa Clara County health order that banned sporting events and practices that went into effect on Monday.
The Cardinal practiced at Washington’s indoor facility Tuesday night, and then at local high schools during the week before conducting its Friday walkthrough at a public park near its hotel.
Jones, who has scored seven touchdowns this season, had two in the first quarter as Stanford reached the end zone on its first three drives. The Cardinal had eight runs and no passes on goal-to-go situations in the first half, with Jones scoring twice and Nathaniel Peat once.
Jet Toner also made a 42-yard field goal – his fifth straight make since going 0-for-4 in the season opener – as Stanford went into halftime up 24-3.
Washington (3-1) came back from a 21-point halftime deficit last week against Utah and almost did it again on Saturday.
The Huskies scored touchdowns on three straight drives to start the second and had the ball at the Stanford 10 down 31-23 after recovering a fumble by Stanford running back Austin Jones.
But the defense held the Huskies to a 45-yard field goal with help from two holding penalties.
Now with a 31-26 lead, the Cardinal offense got the ball back with 7:47 to play at its own 12 and managed to run out the clock.
Simi Fehoko fought off defensive pass interference to make a 25-yard one-handed catch on third-and-11 to extend the drive, and Jones ran for three first downs, including a fourth-and-inches from the Washington 12 with 38 seconds left.


mercurynews--2020-12-06--Raiders’ activate Vic Beasley from practice squad against Jets

The Raiders ’ quest to add juice to their pass rush resulted Saturday in the activation of Vic Beasley from the practice squad , making him eligible to play against the New York Jets .
Beasley , 28 , was added to the practice squad on Nov. 23 .
He was released on Nov. 3 by the Tennessee Titans after five games in which he had three tackles , no sacks and one tackle for loss in five games after signing a one-year contract worth $ 9.5 million .
Raiders coach Jon Gruden hinted Friday Beasley could get a shot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and his grasp of Paul Guenther ’ s defensive system .
At 6-foot-3 , 246 pounds , Beasley has played both as a 3-4 linebacker and an undersized defensive end .
He has 37 1/2 career sacks , including eight last season along with 12 quarterback hits for the Falcons .
It was the second most productive year of Beasley ’ s career behind a breakout second season in 2016 in which he had 15 1/2 sacks and six forced fumbles on a team that lost in the Super Bowl to the New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft out of Clemson .
Things never clicked for Beasley in Tennessee , as he reported late with an unexcused , unexplained absence to the Titans .
After reporting 10 days late , the Titans reportedly fined Beasley $ 500,000 , according to the NFL Network .
In his last game for the Titans no Nov. 1 against Cincinnati , Beasley played 38 snaps but did not have a tackle , assist or quarterback hit .
Whatever problems Beasley had with the Titans , the Raiders have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in college , as well as strength and conditioning coach A.J .
Neibel , who worked in that capacity for the Falcons .
The practice squad afforded Beasley a chance to re-start his career and be compatible with how the Raiders want things done .
The Raiders are 31st in the NFL with 12 sacks , with defensive end Maxx Crosby the team leader with six .
Crosby , second-year end Clelin Ferrell , Arden Key and Carl Nassib have gotten much of the work as outside rushers .
Nassib has 1 1/2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet to record a sack .
In other news , Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen , who did not travel with the team to New Jersey because of an illness , arrived Saturday on his own and is listed as questionable to face the Jets .
The Raiders also announced Neibel will not be on the sideline for “ COVID-19 related reasons.
” The Raiders also released wide receiver Robert Davis from the practice squad .

The Raiders’ quest to add juice to their pass rush resulted Saturday in the activation of Vic Beasley from the practice squad, making him eligible to play against the New York Jets.
Beasley, 28, was added to the practice squad on Nov. 23. He was released on Nov. 3 by the Tennessee Titans after five games in which he had three tackles, no sacks and one tackle for loss in five games after signing a one-year contract worth $9.5 million.
Raiders coach Jon Gruden hinted Friday Beasley could get a shot, citing a good week of practice and his grasp of Paul Guenther’s defensive system.
At 6-foot-3, 246 pounds, Beasley has played both as a 3-4 linebacker and an undersized defensive end. He has 37 1/2 career sacks, including eight last season along with 12 quarterback hits for the Falcons. It was the second most productive year of Beasley’s career behind a breakout second season in 2016 in which he had 15 1/2 sacks and six forced fumbles on a team that lost in the Super Bowl to the New England Patriots.
Beasley was the eighth overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft out of Clemson.
Things never clicked for Beasley in Tennessee, as he reported late with an unexcused, unexplained absence to the Titans. After reporting 10 days late, the Titans reportedly fined Beasley $500,000, according to the NFL Network. In his last game for the Titans no Nov. 1 against Cincinnati, Beasley played 38 snaps but did not have a tackle, assist or quarterback hit.
Whatever problems Beasley had with the Titans, the Raiders have connections at Clemson, where Beasley starred in college, as well as strength and conditioning coach A.J. Neibel, who worked in that capacity for the Falcons.
The practice squad afforded Beasley a chance to re-start his career and be compatible with how the Raiders want things done.
The Raiders are 31st in the NFL with 12 sacks, with defensive end Maxx Crosby the team leader with six. Crosby, second-year end Clelin Ferrell, Arden Key and Carl Nassib have gotten much of the work as outside rushers. Nassib has 1 1/2 sacks, while Ferrell and Key have yet to record a sack.
In other news, Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen, who did not travel with the team to New Jersey because of an illness, arrived Saturday on his own and is listed as questionable to face the Jets.
The Raiders also announced Neibel will not be on the sideline for “COVID-19 related reasons.”
The Raiders also released wide receiver Robert Davis from the practice squad.


mercurynews--2020-12-06--‘Sonic attacks’ suffered by US diplomats likely caused by microwave energy, government study says

The mysterious head injuries suffered by U.S. diplomatic staff in China and Cuba that had been described as “ sonic attacks ” are consistent with the use of directed microwave energy , according to a report published Saturday by the National Academy of Sciences .
“ Overall , directed pulsed RF ( radio frequency ) energy , especially in those with the distinct early manifestations , appears to be the most plausible mechanism in explaining these cases among those that the committee considered , ” the report said .
The report added that it considered possible incidents of persistent postural-perceptual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of those affected a contributing factor .
While the report does not conclude that the use of directed microwave energy in these instances was done deliberately , it said such action could be used for nefarious purposes .
“ The mere consideration of such a scenario raises grave concerns about a world with disinhibited malevolent actors and new tools for causing harm to others as if the U.S. government does not have its hands full already with naturally occurring threats , ” the report said .
The report said that it considered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues as potential causes or aggravating factors of the injuries , but the overall analysis appeared to show they were not the likely cause .
A 19-person committee of medical and scientific experts produced the report at the request of the State Department .
CNN reported last year that doctors shared what happened to the brain of one diplomat who may have been the victim of one of the attacks .
Researchers revealed the results of an independent brain analysis of Mark Lenzi , a US diplomat who was stationed in Guangzhou , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experiencing unexplained symptoms , including headache , difficulty reading , irritability , as well as memory and sleep problems .
Among the MRI findings : 20 brain regions with “ abnormally low ” volumes , including regions involved in memory , emotional regulation and motor skills that may correlate with Lenzi ’ s symptoms , doctors said .
Of the 107 regions they looked at , they also found three that had bigger volumes .
Researchers said the parts of the brain with low volume may reflect brain injury , and those with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parts of his brain have compensated .
Most of the documented attacks came in 2016 and 2017 , though there were a handful of reported incidents after that as well .
CNN reported in 2018 that a senior administration official said investigators tore apart buildings where diplomatic employees encountered the sounds but found no acoustic devices .
That lead law enforcement to believe the injuries were the result of microwaves beamed from a nearby location and that the “ sounds ” were merely a means of masking the microwave attacks .
That was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and there was no concrete evidence to back it .
However , brain scans on the injured personnel showed changes that indicate damage , the official said .
Cuban officials have consistently denied their government had any involvement with the diplomats ’ health problems and have said mass hysteria is the most likely cause .
The sophistication of the attacks led US officials to suspect a third country may have been involved with the incidents , but they have not been able to reach that conclusion .
In August 2017 , officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that have an adversarial relationship with the United States and that American investigators suspected might be involved .
• Trump ’ s niece calls him ‘ traitorous , ’ says he should be jailed • Trump orders the withdrawal of most US troops from Somalia • Farmers rise up in opposition to India ’ s Modi Russia is one of the few countries that have used microwave technology before , and a theory among investigators was that some rogue Cuban intelligence officials worked with Russia because they were unhappy with the détente between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senior administration official said at the time .

The mysterious head injuries suffered by U.S. diplomatic staff in China and Cuba that had been described as “sonic attacks” are consistent with the use of directed microwave energy, according to a report published Saturday by the National Academy of Sciences.
“Overall, directed pulsed RF (radio frequency) energy, especially in those with the distinct early manifestations, appears to be the most plausible mechanism in explaining these cases among those that the committee considered,” the report said.
The report added that it considered possible incidents of persistent postural-perceptual dizziness as a possible secondary issue in some of those affected a contributing factor.
While the report does not conclude that the use of directed microwave energy in these instances was done deliberately, it said such action could be used for nefarious purposes.
“The mere consideration of such a scenario raises grave concerns about a world with disinhibited malevolent actors and new tools for causing harm to others as if the U.S. government does not have its hands full already with naturally occurring threats,” the report said.
[vemba-video id=”us/2019/07/23/cuba-sonic-attacks-changed-brains-marquardt-sot-nr-vpx.cnn”]
The report said that it considered chemical exposures, infectious diseases and psychological issues as potential causes or aggravating factors of the injuries, but the overall analysis appeared to show they were not the likely cause.
A 19-person committee of medical and scientific experts produced the report at the request of the State Department.
CNN reported last year that doctors shared what happened to the brain of one diplomat who may have been the victim of one of the attacks.
Researchers revealed the results of an independent brain analysis of Mark Lenzi, a US diplomat who was stationed in Guangzhou, China, in 2017 when he started experiencing unexplained symptoms, including headache, difficulty reading, irritability, as well as memory and sleep problems.
Among the MRI findings: 20 brain regions with “abnormally low” volumes, including regions involved in memory, emotional regulation and motor skills that may correlate with Lenzi’s symptoms, doctors said. Of the 107 regions they looked at, they also found three that had bigger volumes.
Researchers said the parts of the brain with low volume may reflect brain injury, and those with high volumes could be evidence that other parts of his brain have compensated.
Most of the documented attacks came in 2016 and 2017, though there were a handful of reported incidents after that as well.
CNN reported in 2018 that a senior administration official said investigators tore apart buildings where diplomatic employees encountered the sounds but found no acoustic devices. That lead law enforcement to believe the injuries were the result of microwaves beamed from a nearby location and that the “sounds” were merely a means of masking the microwave attacks.
That was only a theory, the official said, and there was no concrete evidence to back it. However, brain scans on the injured personnel showed changes that indicate damage, the official said.
Cuban officials have consistently denied their government had any involvement with the diplomats’ health problems and have said mass hysteria is the most likely cause.
The sophistication of the attacks led US officials to suspect a third country may have been involved with the incidents, but they have not been able to reach that conclusion.
In August 2017, officials included Russia among a list of countries that have an adversarial relationship with the United States and that American investigators suspected might be involved.
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mercurynews--2020-12-05--Biden weighs pick for agriculture chief from diverse slate

WASHINGTON — One leading candidate for agriculture secretary hails from Cleveland , has the backing of progressives and has worked for years to boost food stamp programs .
Another is a former senator from farm-state North Dakota who has championed production agriculture and boasts of a voting record squarely in the middle .
Three other possible selections have similarly varied backgrounds — one helped write and implement federal regulations for organic foods , another is California ’ s agriculture secretary and represented wine grape growers , and a third has spent his career ensuring protections for farm workers .
President-elect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of agriculture are as diverse as the department of 100,000 employees that she or he would represent — and is especially critical this year as USDA provides extra aid for the hungry and oversees food production amid the pandemic .
For Biden , the emerging choice between Rep. Marcia Fudge of Ohio , former Sen. Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota and several other potential candidates seems like another test of his vision for the Democratic Party — a contest between urban and rural and liberals and moderates , with the pick potentially placing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ farm subsidies or worker protections .
Besides Fudge and Heitkamp , other candidates mentioned for the post — and who have been pushed by some advocacy groups — are Kathleen Merrigan , deputy agriculture secretary under President Barack Obama and one of the architects of federal organic rules ; Karen Ross , California ’ s agriculture secretary , former USDA chief of staff and a former longtime president of the California Association of Winegrape Growers ; and Arturo Rodriguez , the former president of the United Farm Workers .
Former Iowa Gov .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s agriculture secretary for eight years , is also being considered .
“ This isn ’ t like the secretary of defense where you ’ re a hawk or a dove , ” says Eric Kessler , a Democrat who has long worked around agriculture policy and has been holding private calls with other influencers to speak with some of the possible candidates .
“ The Department of Agriculture is a massive enterprise that is led by a manager who is dependent on a diverse team of people.
” And as Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reflect the country ’ s diversity , Kessler says the decisions on USDA and other agencies will “ be driven by lots of factors , not just the individual ’ s specific resume.
” The agriculture post has been closely watched as all but two agriculture secretaries in the last 120 years have been white men .
If chosen , Fudge would be the first Black woman to lead a department that has for years reckoned with a history of discriminating against both Black people and women .
Under Obama , the department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a settlement with Black farmers and a smaller amount to female farmers , along with Hispanics and Native Americans who had repeatedly been denied farm loans over many decades .
Fudge enjoys the strong backing of South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn , the No .
3 House Democrat who gave Biden a key nod of support in the primaries .
Biden has said he wants a diverse Cabinet , and some Black leaders have said he needs to do more to achieve that .
Clyburn has aggressively pushed Fudge for the post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ understands the other side of agriculture … It ’ s one thing to grow food , but another to dispense it , and nobody would be better at that than Marcia Fudge.″ As a member of the House Agriculture Committee , Fudge has fiercely advocated for food stamps and other federal programs that help urban areas stem hunger and grow food .
Beyond Clyburn , she has the backing of progressive groups who hope she could turn the department ’ s focus .
In a joint letter to Biden , several of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been an ally to farmers , food-chain workers , consumers and rural communities.
’ Some unions have also backed her as she has pushed for worker protections in meatpacking plants during the pandemic .
Heitkamp is a favorite of farm groups that have worked closely with her and of Democrats who want to improve their outreach to rural areas .
But she has also been a strong supporter of food aid programs , having represented swaths of rural poverty until her reelection defeat in 2018 .
And her family relied on food stamps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of seven children from a town of 90 people in the state .
Farm programs — billions of dollars in subsidies for commodity crops and grants for rural infrastructure , among other benefits — and food aid for the poor have long been welded together in Washington .
Lawmakers of both parties who support one piece have traditionally supported the other , creating a compact that has held firm amid growing partisanship .
Though they have different backgrounds , Fudge and Heitkamp have helped craft and voted for several multibillion-dollar farm bills @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is one place that in a post-Trump world the secretary will play a very important role in bringing different perspectives and parties together , ” said Matt Paul , a longtime aide to Vilsack who worked at USDA with him .
“ There ’ s really not a choice .
You ’ ve got to do both.
” While Vilsack , Merrigan and Ross all have significant leadership experience at USDA , Rodriguez would be an unusual pick as his experience mostly centers on the labor sector .
But he has the backing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus , who wrote in an op-ed this week that appointing him as the first Latino secretary of agriculture “ would finally give Latinos real power in the agricultural industry , the industry that our labor has held up for so long.
” Heitkamp would have one big advantage over all the other candidates : an easy path to confirmation in the Republican-led Senate , where she was well-liked and often worked across the aisle .
She already has the backing of West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in supporting some of Trump ’ s nominees four years ago .
“ You won ’ t find a better person than Heidi Heitkamp , ” Manchin said in a statement , adding that she would make a “ tremendous ” agriculture secretary .
And at least two Republican senators have praised her as well — Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley , who tweeted this week about her ability “ to get things done , ” and Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Pat Roberts , who is retiring at the end of the year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ India ’ s Modi Roberts said last month that Biden “ couldn ’ t make a finer choice ” than Heitkamp .
“ She ’ s easy to work with , ” he said .
“ I don ’ t think she ’ s that partisan , but she knows agriculture.
” Associated Press writers Matthew Daly and Seth Borenstein in Washington contributed to this report .

By Mary Clare Jalonick | Associated Press
WASHINGTON — One leading candidate for agriculture secretary hails from Cleveland, has the backing of progressives and has worked for years to boost food stamp programs. Another is a former senator from farm-state North Dakota who has championed production agriculture and boasts of a voting record squarely in the middle.
Three other possible selections have similarly varied backgrounds — one helped write and implement federal regulations for organic foods, another is California’s agriculture secretary and represented wine grape growers, and a third has spent his career ensuring protections for farm workers.
President-elect Joe Biden’s choices for secretary of agriculture are as diverse as the department of 100,000 employees that she or he would represent — and is especially critical this year as USDA provides extra aid for the hungry and oversees food production amid the pandemic.
For Biden, the emerging choice between Rep. Marcia Fudge of Ohio, former Sen. Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota and several other potential candidates seems like another test of his vision for the Democratic Party — a contest between urban and rural and liberals and moderates, with the pick potentially placing an added emphasis on anti-hunger programs, farm subsidies or worker protections.
Besides Fudge and Heitkamp, other candidates mentioned for the post — and who have been pushed by some advocacy groups — are Kathleen Merrigan, deputy agriculture secretary under President Barack Obama and one of the architects of federal organic rules; Karen Ross, California’s agriculture secretary, former USDA chief of staff and a former longtime president of the California Association of Winegrape Growers; and Arturo Rodriguez, the former president of the United Farm Workers.
Former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack, who served as Obama’s agriculture secretary for eight years, is also being considered.
“This isn’t like the secretary of defense where you’re a hawk or a dove,” says Eric Kessler, a Democrat who has long worked around agriculture policy and has been holding private calls with other influencers to speak with some of the possible candidates. “The Department of Agriculture is a massive enterprise that is led by a manager who is dependent on a diverse team of people.”
And as Biden has said he wants his Cabinet to reflect the country’s diversity, Kessler says the decisions on USDA and other agencies will “be driven by lots of factors, not just the individual’s specific resume.”
The agriculture post has been closely watched as all but two agriculture secretaries in the last 120 years have been white men. If chosen, Fudge would be the first Black woman to lead a department that has for years reckoned with a history of discriminating against both Black people and women.
Under Obama, the department paid out more than a billion dollars in a settlement with Black farmers and a smaller amount to female farmers, along with Hispanics and Native Americans who had repeatedly been denied farm loans over many decades.
Fudge enjoys the strong backing of South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn, the No. 3 House Democrat who gave Biden a key nod of support in the primaries. Biden has said he wants a diverse Cabinet, and some Black leaders have said he needs to do more to achieve that.
Clyburn has aggressively pushed Fudge for the post, saying Biden should pick someone who “understands the other side of agriculture … It’s one thing to grow food, but another to dispense it, and nobody would be better at that than Marcia Fudge.″
As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, Fudge has fiercely advocated for food stamps and other federal programs that help urban areas stem hunger and grow food. Beyond Clyburn, she has the backing of progressive groups who hope she could turn the department’s focus. In a joint letter to Biden, several of those groups said Fudge “has long been an ally to farmers, food-chain workers, consumers and rural communities.’ Some unions have also backed her as she has pushed for worker protections in meatpacking plants during the pandemic.
Heitkamp is a favorite of farm groups that have worked closely with her and of Democrats who want to improve their outreach to rural areas. But she has also been a strong supporter of food aid programs, having represented swaths of rural poverty until her reelection defeat in 2018. And her family relied on food stamps intermittently when she was growing up as one of seven children from a town of 90 people in the state.
Farm programs — billions of dollars in subsidies for commodity crops and grants for rural infrastructure, among other benefits — and food aid for the poor have long been welded together in Washington. Lawmakers of both parties who support one piece have traditionally supported the other, creating a compact that has held firm amid growing partisanship.
Though they have different backgrounds, Fudge and Heitkamp have helped craft and voted for several multibillion-dollar farm bills that supported both sectors.
“Agriculture is one place that in a post-Trump world the secretary will play a very important role in bringing different perspectives and parties together,” said Matt Paul, a longtime aide to Vilsack who worked at USDA with him. “There’s really not a choice. You’ve got to do both.”
While Vilsack, Merrigan and Ross all have significant leadership experience at USDA, Rodriguez would be an unusual pick as his experience mostly centers on the labor sector. But he has the backing of Texas Rep. Joaquin Castro, the chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, who wrote in an op-ed this week that appointing him as the first Latino secretary of agriculture “would finally give Latinos real power in the agricultural industry, the industry that our labor has held up for so long.”
Heitkamp would have one big advantage over all the other candidates: an easy path to confirmation in the Republican-led Senate, where she was well-liked and often worked across the aisle.
She already has the backing of West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, a fellow moderate Democrat who joined her in supporting some of Trump’s nominees four years ago. “You won’t find a better person than Heidi Heitkamp,” Manchin said in a statement, adding that she would make a “tremendous” agriculture secretary.
And at least two Republican senators have praised her as well — Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley, who tweeted this week about her ability “to get things done,” and Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Pat Roberts, who is retiring at the end of the year.
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“She’s easy to work with,” he said. “I don’t think she’s that partisan, but she knows agriculture.”
Associated Press writers Matthew Daly and Seth Borenstein in Washington contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-12-05--Religious right eyes Biden warily after Trump’s good favor

WASHINGTON — Conservative evangelical Christians have proven some of Donald Trump ’ s staunchest allies during his presidency .
As his administration draws to a close , some of those backers are approaching President-elect Joe Biden with skepticism , but not antagonism .
Christian conservatives who stood by Trump through moments of crisis and success are hardly comfortable with his loss , and several have yet to fully acknowledge Biden as the winner of the election amid ongoing , unfounded fraud claims by the president .
But they ’ re largely not echoing the harsh tone Trump directed toward his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he claimed baselessly that Biden is “ against God.
” Texas-based megachurch pastor Robert Jeffress , a stalwart evangelical booster of Trump , said Christians are obliged “ to pray for what appears to be President-elect Biden .
If he succeeds , all of America succeeds.
” Jeffress described himself as “ deeply disappointed ” by the apparent loss of a president he considers “ a friend , ” but added that he would respond to any outreach attempt by Biden , just as he did with Trump .
The possibility that Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positions ” held by other Democrats , Jeffress said , is “ a plus not just for conservative Christians , but for all of America.
” It ’ s highly unlikely that Christian conservatives could develop a close relationship with Biden , whose support for abortion rights and stances on other issues stand in stark disagreement with the religious right .
However , the lack of a combative tone from pro-Trump religious conservatives could create space for some common ground between the Catholic president-elect and other evangelicals who have not tied themselves as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden is the president , if that ’ s what it turns out to be , then we need to do everything we can to support him , where we can , ” the Rev .
Franklin Graham said in a recent interview .
Graham , who leads the Christian nonprofit founded by his late father , the Rev .
Billy Graham , is a Trump supporter who offered prayers at his inauguration and this year ’ s Republican National Convention .
But while he underscored that his opposition to abortion is one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no compromise , Graham said “ we certainly can work with ” Biden on other issues .
During the Obama administration , Graham attended a conversation Biden convened among faith-based advocates about gun legislation .
The pastor also visited the White House in 2014 to discuss the Ebola crisis after a doctor at his global relief charity , Samaritan ’ s Purse , successfully fought the deadly disease .
Still , conservative Christians like Graham exerted scant influence over the Obama administration ’ s agenda — and pro-Trump evangelicals are expecting a similar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Council president Tony Perkins , a longtime Trump partner , said that during Obama ’ s presidency , “ I didn ’ t go to that end of Pennsylvania Avenue , because I was never invited.
” “ If I were invited , certainly I would go , to have a conversation and represent the views our constituents have , ” Perkins added in an interview .
“ But I don ’ t hold out hope that they ’ re going to invite those who hold to traditional , biblical views on life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Perkins said his socially conservative group would focus on working with the office of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , whose party is poised to keep control of that chamber unless Democrats can win next month ’ s two runoffs in Georgia .
Conservative Christians have no shortage of potential looming disputes with the incoming administration .
Biden is likely to reverse Trump ’ s ban on U.S. foreign aid for groups that support abortion , among other moves to shore up abortion rights , and he has pledged quick action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drawn criticism from leading religious conservatives .
Marjorie Dannenfelser , president of the Susan B. Anthony List and a Catholic outreach adviser to the Trump reelection campaign , said she saw “ almost zero hope ” of moving Biden on abortion , her group ’ s priority issue , and forecast “ hand-to-hand combat until we take the presidency back.
” However , some groups such as Perkins ’ may find occasional opportunities to work with the Biden administration even while remaining critical of it in their messaging to members and fundraising , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nazworth .
“ They ’ re going to be able to say , ‘ Please support us because your religious freedom is in danger , ’ ” said Nazworth , who left the Christian Post last year after it published a pro-Trump editorial .
Meanwhile , evangelicals outside those most closely associated with Trump already are identifying commonalities where they could partner with Biden .
One is his plan to raise the annual refugee admissions ceiling to 125,000 , a vow he reiterated recently at an event hosted by Jesuit Refugee Services .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ target to historic lows .
Nathan Bult , a senior vice president at Bethany Christian Services , said he has engaged with Biden ’ s transition team on child welfare policy .
Bult said his group worked with the Trump administration but “ we were never shy about criticizing ” moves it disagreed with , and “ we ’ ll treat the Biden administration the same way.
” Galen Carey , vice president for government relations at the National Association of Evangelicals , pointed to several areas for collaboration with Biden ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave and criminal justice reform .
• A California Jewish doctor who treated a patient with Nazi tattoos says the pandemic has tested his compassion • U.S. Supreme Court kicks California church ’ s case on coronavirus rules back to lower court • This British pub is posing as a church to get around the rules • California officials urge U.S. Supreme Court to leave coronavirus restrictions on churches in place • Letters : Holiday help | COVID fight | Campaign cash | Moral obligation | One game isn ’ t enough “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be appealing to all Americans , ” Carey said , “ and we ’ d like to be a constructive force for the common good.
” Associated Press religion coverage receives support from the Lilly Endowment through the Religion News Foundation .
The AP is solely responsible for this content .

By Elana Schor | Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Conservative evangelical Christians have proven some of Donald Trump’s staunchest allies during his presidency. As his administration draws to a close, some of those backers are approaching President-elect Joe Biden with skepticism, but not antagonism.
Christian conservatives who stood by Trump through moments of crisis and success are hardly comfortable with his loss, and several have yet to fully acknowledge Biden as the winner of the election amid ongoing, unfounded fraud claims by the president. But they’re largely not echoing the harsh tone Trump directed toward his Democratic rival during the campaign, when he claimed baselessly that Biden is “against God.”
Texas-based megachurch pastor Robert Jeffress, a stalwart evangelical booster of Trump, said Christians are obliged “to pray for what appears to be President-elect Biden. If he succeeds, all of America succeeds.”
Jeffress described himself as “deeply disappointed” by the apparent loss of a president he considers “a friend,” but added that he would respond to any outreach attempt by Biden, just as he did with Trump. The possibility that Biden could “be pulled away from extremist positions” held by other Democrats, Jeffress said, is “a plus not just for conservative Christians, but for all of America.”
It’s highly unlikely that Christian conservatives could develop a close relationship with Biden, whose support for abortion rights and stances on other issues stand in stark disagreement with the religious right. However, the lack of a combative tone from pro-Trump religious conservatives could create space for some common ground between the Catholic president-elect and other evangelicals who have not tied themselves as directly to Trump.
“If Joe Biden is the president, if that’s what it turns out to be, then we need to do everything we can to support him, where we can,” the Rev. Franklin Graham said in a recent interview.
Graham, who leads the Christian nonprofit founded by his late father, the Rev. Billy Graham, is a Trump supporter who offered prayers at his inauguration and this year’s Republican National Convention. But while he underscored that his opposition to abortion is one of several fronts where there could be no compromise, Graham said “we certainly can work with” Biden on other issues.
During the Obama administration, Graham attended a conversation Biden convened among faith-based advocates about gun legislation. The pastor also visited the White House in 2014 to discuss the Ebola crisis after a doctor at his global relief charity, Samaritan’s Purse, successfully fought the deadly disease.
Still, conservative Christians like Graham exerted scant influence over the Obama administration’s agenda — and pro-Trump evangelicals are expecting a similar sideline role under Biden.
Family Research Council president Tony Perkins, a longtime Trump partner, said that during Obama’s presidency, “I didn’t go to that end of Pennsylvania Avenue, because I was never invited.”
“If I were invited, certainly I would go, to have a conversation and represent the views our constituents have,” Perkins added in an interview. “But I don’t hold out hope that they’re going to invite those who hold to traditional, biblical views on life, religious freedom and human sexuality.”
Perkins said his socially conservative group would focus on working with the office of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., whose party is poised to keep control of that chamber unless Democrats can win next month’s two runoffs in Georgia.
Conservative Christians have no shortage of potential looming disputes with the incoming administration. Biden is likely to reverse Trump’s ban on U.S. foreign aid for groups that support abortion, among other moves to shore up abortion rights, and he has pledged quick action on an LGBTQ rights measure that has drawn criticism from leading religious conservatives.
Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the Susan B. Anthony List and a Catholic outreach adviser to the Trump reelection campaign, said she saw “almost zero hope” of moving Biden on abortion, her group’s priority issue, and forecast “hand-to-hand combat until we take the presidency back.”
However, some groups such as Perkins’ may find occasional opportunities to work with the Biden administration even while remaining critical of it in their messaging to members and fundraising, according to evangelical writer and analyst Napp Nazworth.
“They’re going to be able to say, ‘Please support us because your religious freedom is in danger,’” said Nazworth, who left the Christian Post last year after it published a pro-Trump editorial.
Meanwhile, evangelicals outside those most closely associated with Trump already are identifying commonalities where they could partner with Biden.
One is his plan to raise the annual refugee admissions ceiling to 125,000, a vow he reiterated recently at an event hosted by Jesuit Refugee Services. The Trump administration had slashed the refugee target to historic lows.
Nathan Bult, a senior vice president at Bethany Christian Services, said he has engaged with Biden’s transition team on child welfare policy.
Bult said his group worked with the Trump administration but “we were never shy about criticizing” moves it disagreed with, and “we’ll treat the Biden administration the same way.”
Galen Carey, vice president for government relations at the National Association of Evangelicals, pointed to several areas for collaboration with Biden’s administration, including immigration, paid family leave and criminal justice reform.
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Associated Press religion coverage receives support from the Lilly Endowment through the Religion News Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for this content.