mercurynews--2020-10-26--Horoscopes Oct. 26, 2020: Seth MacFarlane, consider what makes you happy

Happy Birthday : Consider what makes you happy , and adjust your living space to fit your needs .
Change doesn ’ t have to be drastic ; it has to ease your mind .
Comfort and convenience will be essential if you want to be productive and reach your objective .
Good fortune is within reach ; all you have to do is make the necessary moves to encourage personal growth .
Your numbers are 7 , 18 , 21 , 28 , 34 , 36 , 48 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Keep tight-lipped when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Don ’ t let compliments go to your head or encourage you to trust someone you don ’ t know well .
Less time talking and more time getting things done is favored .
3 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Set the stage for success .
Pay attention to details and present what you have to offer with clarity and confidence , and you ’ ll get a good response from someone who counts .
Don ’ t feel pressured to act fast ; time is on your side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 ) : Knowing what you want and getting it will take ingenuity and transparency .
Keep an open mind , but be sure to question anything that contradicts your beliefs .
You don ’ t have to agree with someone to get along .
Be willing to meet halfway .
2 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Don ’ t disrupt matters by getting into a spat with someone who has his or her own agenda .
You ’ ll get the freedom to do your own thing if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Personal growth is encouraged .
Romance is favored .
5 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Emotions can ruin possibilities .
Be a good listener , channel your energy into something constructive and refrain from getting upset by what others do .
Be accountable for your actions , and protect what you have worked so hard to acquire .
3 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Your emotions won ’ t lead you astray .
Nurture meaningful relationships , and make adjustments that will make life better for you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treat others will determine how much help you receive when you need support .
3 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : You know which way is up .
Don ’ t get thrust into something that doesn ’ t suit you in order to accommodate someone or avoid unpleasantries .
It ’ s essential to stand up for what you want and to be responsible for what happens .
3 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : A discussion will highlight what will give you peace of mind .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expertise , will lead to an operative mindset that encourages you to reach your destination in good time .
Romance and self-improvement are favored .
5 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Step outside your comfort zone if someone puts you on the spot .
Be honest and willing to walk away from a situation that makes you feel bad .
Choose to make your life better .
Concentrate on fitness , health and happiness .
2 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Don ’ t get angry ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face energize you to get up and do what makes you feel good .
Avoid circumstances that are risky or dangerous .
Look at the facts , practice social distancing and avoid disruptive situations .
4 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Let go of the past before it becomes a burden .
Pour your energy into living life your way .
Lower your overhead if it will put your mind at ease .
Good fortune will be yours when you do what ’ s best for you .
3 stars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You ’ ll have plenty of ideas , but trying to do everything will be futile .
Don ’ t be a jack-of-all-trades and master of none .
Concentrate on what you enjoy doing most and give it your all .
Build success on a solid foundation .
3 stars Birthday Baby : You are unique , reliable and passionate .
You are intelligent and persuasive .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Seth MacFarlane, 47; Cary Elwes, 58; James Pickens Jr., 66; Pat Sajak, 74.
Happy Birthday: Consider what makes you happy, and adjust your living space to fit your needs. Change doesn’t have to be drastic; it has to ease your mind. Comfort and convenience will be essential if you want to be productive and reach your objective. Good fortune is within reach; all you have to do is make the necessary moves to encourage personal growth. Your numbers are 7, 18, 21, 28, 34, 36, 48.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Keep tight-lipped when dealing with anyone prying into your affairs. Don’t let compliments go to your head or encourage you to trust someone you don’t know well. Less time talking and more time getting things done is favored. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Set the stage for success. Pay attention to details and present what you have to offer with clarity and confidence, and you’ll get a good response from someone who counts. Don’t feel pressured to act fast; time is on your side. 4 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Knowing what you want and getting it will take ingenuity and transparency. Keep an open mind, but be sure to question anything that contradicts your beliefs. You don’t have to agree with someone to get along. Be willing to meet halfway. 2 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Don’t disrupt matters by getting into a spat with someone who has his or her own agenda. You’ll get the freedom to do your own thing if you let others do as they please. Personal growth is encouraged. Romance is favored. 5 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Emotions can ruin possibilities. Be a good listener, channel your energy into something constructive and refrain from getting upset by what others do. Be accountable for your actions, and protect what you have worked so hard to acquire. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Your emotions won’t lead you astray. Nurture meaningful relationships, and make adjustments that will make life better for you and those you love. How you treat others will determine how much help you receive when you need support. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): You know which way is up. Don’t get thrust into something that doesn’t suit you in order to accommodate someone or avoid unpleasantries. It’s essential to stand up for what you want and to be responsible for what happens. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): A discussion will highlight what will give you peace of mind. A unique idea, coupled with moderation and expertise, will lead to an operative mindset that encourages you to reach your destination in good time. Romance and self-improvement are favored. 5 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Step outside your comfort zone if someone puts you on the spot. Be honest and willing to walk away from a situation that makes you feel bad. Choose to make your life better. Concentrate on fitness, health and happiness. 2 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Don’t get angry; get moving. Let whatever situation you face energize you to get up and do what makes you feel good. Avoid circumstances that are risky or dangerous. Look at the facts, practice social distancing and avoid disruptive situations. 4 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Let go of the past before it becomes a burden. Pour your energy into living life your way. Lower your overhead if it will put your mind at ease. Good fortune will be yours when you do what’s best for you. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): You’ll have plenty of ideas, but trying to do everything will be futile. Don’t be a jack-of-all-trades and master of none. Concentrate on what you enjoy doing most and give it your all. Build success on a solid foundation. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are unique, reliable and passionate. You are intelligent and persuasive.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-10-27--Fatal Hwy. 24 collision under CHP investigation

LAFAYETTE — California Highway Patrol officers were investigating a pair of vehicle collisions that claimed at least one person ’ @ @ @ @ @ Highway 24 lanes early Monday evening , authorities said .
Just after 4:40 p.m. , @ @ @ @ @ at least one collision in westbound Hwy .
24 lanes east of Pleasant Hill Road @ @ @ @ @ .
When officers arrived , they found two separate collisions about a quarter-mile apart involving @ @ @ @ @ County Fire Protection District firefighters also responded and provided care to several people , but @ @ @ @ @ at the scene .
Few other details about the collisions were immediately available .
CHP @ @ @ @ @ the highway ’ s Nos .
3 , 4 and 5 lanes , with no @ @ @ @ @

LAFAYETTE — An El Sobrante man died Monday in a one-car crash on Highway 24, the California Highway Patrol said.
Authorities on Tuesday identified the man as 57-year-old Lloyd Simmons, the driver of a white GMC Sierra pickup that crashed at about 4:38 p.m. while going west on the highway. Nobody else was in the car, the CHP said.
The truck went up an embankment just before the Pleasant Hill Road exit and hit a middle pole, the CHP said. Witnesses told the CHP the truck suddenly veered across all lanes of of the westbound traffic.
The collision crushed the truck’s cab, gravely injuring Simmons, the CHP said. Contra Costa County Fire Protection District firefighters also responded and provided him care, but Simmons was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators had no preliminary information about alcohol or substances as collision factors.
At 5:24 p.m., CHP officers declared a Sig-alert for severe traffic, because the three far right lanes were blocked. The alert was lifted and all lanes reopened to traffic at 8:20 p.m.
Anyone with information about the collision may call the CHP’s Contra Costa office at 925-646-4980.
Contact George Kelly at 408-859-5180.


mercurynews--2020-10-27--Senate votes to confirm Amy Coney Barrett to Supreme Court

WASHINGTON ( AP ) — Amy Coney Barrett was confirmed to the Supreme Court late Monday by a deeply divided Senate , Republicans overpowering Democrats to install President Donald Trump ’ s nominee days before the election and secure a likely conservative court majority for years to come .
Trump ’ s choice to fill the vacancy of the late liberal icon Ruth Bader Ginsburg potentially opens a new era of rulings on abortion , the Affordable Care Act and even his own election .
Democrats were unable to stop the outcome , Trump ’ s third justice on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the judiciary .
Barrett is 48 , and her lifetime appointment as the 115th justice will solidify the court ’ s rightward tilt .
Monday ’ s 52-48 vote was the closest high court confirmation ever to a presidential election , and the first in modern times with no support from the minority party .
The spiking COVID-19 crisis has hung over the proceedings .
Vice President Mike Pence ’ s office said Monday he would not preside at the Senate session unless his tie-breaking vote was needed after Democrats asked him to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for COVID-19 .
His vote was not necessary .
With Barrett ’ s confirmation assured , Trump was expected to celebrate with a primetime swearing-in event at the White House .
Justice Clarence Thomas was set to administer the Constitutional Oath , a senior White House official said .
“ This is something to be really proud of and feel good about , ” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said during a rare weekend session Sunday ahead of voting .
He scoffed at the “ apocalyptic ” warnings from critics that the judicial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and declared that “ they won ’ t be able to do much about this for a long time to come.
” Pence ’ s presence presiding for the vote would have been expected , showcasing the Republican priority .
But Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and his leadership team said it would not only violate virus guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , “ it would also be a violation of common decency and courtesy.
” Some GOP senators tested positive for the coronavirus following a Rose Garden event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nomination last month , but they have since said they have been cleared by their doctors from quarantine .
Pence was not infected and his office said the vice president tested negative for the virus Monday .
Democrats argued for weeks that the vote was being improperly rushed and insisted during an all-night Sunday session it should be up to the winner of the Nov. 3 election to name the nominee .
However , Barrett , a federal appeals court judge from Indiana , is expected to be seated swiftly , and begin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Sen. Elizabeth Warren , D-Mass.
, called the vote “ illegitimate ” and “ the last gasp of a desperate party.
” Several matters are awaiting decision just a week before Election Day , and Barrett could be a decisive vote in Republican appeals of orders extending the deadlines for absentee ballots in North Carolina and Pennsylvania .
The justices also are weighing Trump ’ s emergency plea for the court to prevent the Manhattan District Attorney from acquiring his tax returns .
And on Nov. 10 , the court is expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Obama-era Affordable Care Act .
Trump has said he wanted to swiftly install a ninth justice to resolve election disputes and is hopeful the justices will end the health law known as “ Obamacare.
” During several days of public testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee , Barrett was careful not to disclose how she would rule on any such cases .
She presented herself as a neutral arbiter and suggested , “ It ’ s not the law of Amy.
” But her writings against abortion and a ruling on “ Obamacare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sen. Lindsey Graham , R-S.C. , the chairman of the Judiciary Committee , praised the mother of seven as a role model — “ a conservative woman who embraces her faith.
” Republicans focused on her Catholic religion , dismissing earlier Democratic questions about her beliefs .
Graham said Barrett is “ unabashedly pro-life , but she ’ s not going to apply ‘ the law of Amy ’ to all of us.
” At the start of Trump ’ s presidency , McConnell engineered a Senate rules change to allow confirmation by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rather than the 60-vote threshold traditionally needed to advance high court nominees over objections .
That was an escalation of a rules change Democrats put in place to advance other court and administrative nominees under President Barack Obama .
Republicans are taking a political plunge by pushing for confirmation days from the Nov. 3 election with the presidency and their Senate majority at stake .
Only one Republican — Sen. Susan Collins , who is in a tight reelection fight in Maine — voted against the nominee , not over any direct assessment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ I do not think it is fair nor consistent to have a Senate confirmation vote prior to the election.
” Trump and his Republican allies had hoped for a campaign boost , in much the way Trump generated excitement among conservatives and evangelical Christians in 2016 over a court vacancy .
That year , McConnell refused to allow the Senate to consider then-President Barack Obama ’ s choice to replace the late Justice Antonin Scalia , arguing the new president should decide .
Most other Republicans facing tough races embraced the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sen. Thom Tillis , R-N.C. , said in a speech Monday that Barrett will “ go down in history as one of the great justices.
” But it ’ s not clear the extraordinary effort to install the new justice over such opposition in a heated election year will pay political rewards to the GOP .
Demonstrations for and against the nominee have been more muted at the Capitol under coronavirus restrictions .
Democrats are unified against Barrett .
While two Democratic senators voted to confirm Barrett in 2017 after Trump nominated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the appellate court , none voted to confirm her to the high court .
In a display of party priorities , California Sen. Kamala Harris , the vice presidential nominee , returned to Washington from the campaign trail to join colleagues with a no vote .
No other Supreme Court justice has been confirmed on a recorded vote with no support from the minority party in at least 150 years , according to information provided by the Senate Historical Office .
Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick , Andrew Taylor , Mark Sherman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington and Kathleen Ronayne in Sacramento , Ca.
, contributed to this report .

By Lisa Mascaro | Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Amy Coney Barrett was confirmed to the Supreme Court late Monday by a deeply divided Senate, Republicans overpowering Democrats to install President Donald Trump’s nominee days before the election and secure a likely conservative court majority for years to come.
Trump’s choice to fill the vacancy of the late liberal icon Ruth Bader Ginsburg potentially opens a new era of rulings on abortion, the Affordable Care Act and even his own election. Democrats were unable to stop the outcome, Trump’s third justice on the court, as Republicans race to reshape the judiciary.
Barrett is 48, and her lifetime appointment as the 115th justice will solidify the court’s rightward tilt.
Monday’s 52-48 vote was the closest high court confirmation ever to a presidential election, and the first in modern times with no support from the minority party. The spiking COVID-19 crisis has hung over the proceedings. Vice President Mike Pence’s office said Monday he would not preside at the Senate session unless his tie-breaking vote was needed after Democrats asked him to stay away when his aides tested positive for COVID-19. His vote was not necessary.
With Barrett’s confirmation assured, Trump was expected to celebrate with a primetime swearing-in event at the White House. Justice Clarence Thomas was set to administer the Constitutional Oath, a senior White House official said.
“This is something to be really proud of and feel good about,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said during a rare weekend session Sunday ahead of voting. He scoffed at the “apocalyptic” warnings from critics that the judicial branch was becoming mired in partisan politics and declared that “they won’t be able to do much about this for a long time to come.”
Pence’s presence presiding for the vote would have been expected, showcasing the Republican priority. But Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and his leadership team said it would not only violate virus guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “it would also be a violation of common decency and courtesy.”
Some GOP senators tested positive for the coronavirus following a Rose Garden event with Trump to announce Barrett’s nomination last month, but they have since said they have been cleared by their doctors from quarantine. Pence was not infected and his office said the vice president tested negative for the virus Monday.
Democrats argued for weeks that the vote was being improperly rushed and insisted during an all-night Sunday session it should be up to the winner of the Nov. 3 election to name the nominee. However, Barrett, a federal appeals court judge from Indiana, is expected to be seated swiftly, and begin hearing cases.
Speaking near midnight Sunday, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., called the vote “illegitimate” and “the last gasp of a desperate party.”
Several matters are awaiting decision just a week before Election Day, and Barrett could be a decisive vote in Republican appeals of orders extending the deadlines for absentee ballots in North Carolina and Pennsylvania.
The justices also are weighing Trump’s emergency plea for the court to prevent the Manhattan District Attorney from acquiring his tax returns. And on Nov. 10, the court is expected to hear the Trump-backed challenge to the Obama-era Affordable Care Act.
Trump has said he wanted to swiftly install a ninth justice to resolve election disputes and is hopeful the justices will end the health law known as “Obamacare.”
During several days of public testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Barrett was careful not to disclose how she would rule on any such cases.
She presented herself as a neutral arbiter and suggested, “It’s not the law of Amy.” But her writings against abortion and a ruling on “Obamacare” show a deeply conservative thinker.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., the chairman of the Judiciary Committee, praised the mother of seven as a role model — “a conservative woman who embraces her faith.” Republicans focused on her Catholic religion, dismissing earlier Democratic questions about her beliefs. Graham said Barrett is “unabashedly pro-life, but she’s not going to apply ‘the law of Amy’ to all of us.”
At the start of Trump’s presidency, McConnell engineered a Senate rules change to allow confirmation by a majority of the 100 senators, rather than the 60-vote threshold traditionally needed to advance high court nominees over objections. That was an escalation of a rules change Democrats put in place to advance other court and administrative nominees under President Barack Obama.
Republicans are taking a political plunge by pushing for confirmation days from the Nov. 3 election with the presidency and their Senate majority at stake.
Only one Republican — Sen. Susan Collins, who is in a tight reelection fight in Maine — voted against the nominee, not over any direct assessment of Barrett. Rather, Collins said, “I do not think it is fair nor consistent to have a Senate confirmation vote prior to the election.”
Trump and his Republican allies had hoped for a campaign boost, in much the way Trump generated excitement among conservatives and evangelical Christians in 2016 over a court vacancy. That year, McConnell refused to allow the Senate to consider then-President Barack Obama’s choice to replace the late Justice Antonin Scalia, arguing the new president should decide.
Most other Republicans facing tough races embraced the nominee to bolster their standing with conservatives. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., said in a speech Monday that Barrett will “go down in history as one of the great justices.”
But it’s not clear the extraordinary effort to install the new justice over such opposition in a heated election year will pay political rewards to the GOP.
Demonstrations for and against the nominee have been more muted at the Capitol under coronavirus restrictions.
Related Articles National Politics | Bouie: Reactionary Republican lawmakers won’t stop at banning abortion
Bouie: Reactionary Republican lawmakers won’t stop at banning abortion National Politics | New report details years of gifts, trips for Justice Thomas
New report details years of gifts, trips for Justice Thomas National Politics | Supreme Court blocks $6 billion Purdue Pharma deal
Supreme Court blocks $6 billion Purdue Pharma deal National Politics | Supreme Court reinstates regulation of ghost guns
Supreme Court reinstates regulation of ghost guns National Politics | Scaramucci, SCOTUS megadonor Crow give to Christie Super PAC Democrats are unified against Barrett. While two Democratic senators voted to confirm Barrett in 2017 after Trump nominated the Notre Dame Law School professor to the appellate court, none voted to confirm her to the high court.
In a display of party priorities, California Sen. Kamala Harris, the vice presidential nominee, returned to Washington from the campaign trail to join colleagues with a no vote.
No other Supreme Court justice has been confirmed on a recorded vote with no support from the minority party in at least 150 years, according to information provided by the Senate Historical Office.
Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick, Andrew Taylor, Mark Sherman, Zeke Miller and Aamer Madhani in Washington and Kathleen Ronayne in Sacramento, Ca., contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-10-27--Crews battle three-alarm grass fire in Suisun City

SUISUN CITY – Crews on Monday afternoon were battling a three-alarm grass fire in Suisun City , authorities said .
@ @ @ @ @ on Peterson Road east of Walters Road just before 2 p.m .
In a Facebook @ @ @ @ @ Fire Department said the fire was about 5 acres when crews arrived , but it @ @ @ @ @ acres thanks to 30 mph winds .
Those same winds blew smoke from the fire @ @ @ @ @ “ At this time , no fires are reported in Contra Costa ( County ) @ @ @ @ @ Department said in a news release .
Highway 12 was briefly closed between Scally and @ @ @ @ @ from the fire .
No injuries or damage to structures were reported , and no @ @ @ @ @ fire department said .
The fire came as high winds continued to create major fire @ @ @ @ @ and Northern California .

SUISUN CITY – Crews on Monday afternoon were battling a three-alarm grass fire in Suisun City, authorities said.
The Peterson Fire was reported on Peterson Road east of Walters Road just before 2 p.m.
In a Facebook post, the Suisun City Fire Department said the fire was about 5 acres when crews arrived, but it grew to an estimated 300 acres thanks to 30 mph winds.
Those same winds blew smoke from the fire into Contra Costa County.
“At this time, no fires are reported in Contra Costa (County),” the Danville Police Department said in a news release.
Highway 12 was briefly closed between Scally and Walters roads because of smoke from the fire.
No injuries or damage to structures were reported, and no structures are threatened, the fire department said.
The fire came as high winds continued to create major fire hazards throughout the Bay Area and Northern California.
Check back for updates.


mercurynews--2020-10-27--QAnon conspiracy headed to the halls of Congress

WASHINGTON – The U.S. House of Representatives recently voted to condemn the pro-President Donald Trump online conspiracy theory known as “ QAnon.
” But multiple QAnon-friendly lawmakers may soon be taking seats in the House chamber .
More than two dozen candidates for Congress in the Nov. 3 elections have endorsed or given credence to QAnon or promoted QAnon content online , the non-profit watchdog group Media Matters says .
Two are independents ; the rest are Republicans .
At least one of them is expected to be elected to the House of Representatives next week , and a second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has listed QAnon as a domestic terrorism threat .
The unfounded conspiracy theory , which began in 2017 with anonymous web postings from “ Q , ” posits that Trump is secretly fighting a global cabal of child-sex predators that includes prominent Democrats , Hollywood elites and “ deep state ” allies .
Messages pushed online by its adherents aim to vilify and criminalize political rivals with unfounded allegations .
The ADL civil right group called it “ an amalgam of both novel and well-established theories , with marked undertones of antisemitism and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Taylor Greene , who declared in a 2017 video that “ Q is a patriot , ” is expected to win a House seat in rural northwest Georgia after her opponent dropped out .
Gun-rights activist Lauren Boebert , who told a conservative podcast last spring that she hopes Q “ is real , ” has a good chance of winning her Republican-leaning district of western Colorado .
Both women are political neophytes who declare they want to go to Congress to “ stop socialism.
” After they won Republican primary elections in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ themselves from their previous statements about QAnon .
Trump invited both to attend his Republican National Convention speech at the White House in August .
After amplifying conspiracy theorists , social media platforms lately have been trying to crack down on QAnon ’ s sprawl .
But a recent poll by Morning Consult said 38 % of Republicans believe that at least parts of the QAnon conspiracy are true .
A supporter of an early form of the conspiracy , predating Trump ’ s election , in 2016 opened fire at a Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claimed was the site of a child sex trafficking ring .
No one was hurt .
Trump has refused to renounce QAnon and even praised it as patriotic .
He has frequently retweeted QAnon-linked content .
Some Republicans , however , have publicly denounced the conspiracy theory .
“ We simply can not continue to be a party that accepts conspiracy theories and lives in crazy echo chambers , ” said Brendan Buck , who worked for two former House Republican speakers , Paul Ryan and John Boehner .
“ There is no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy told Fox News in August , becoming the highest-ranking Republican to publicly condemn QAnon .
But there will be a place for Greene among House Republicans .
McCarthy said Greene should be given the chance to prove herself , once she is elected , because she had distanced herself from QAnon .
“ She ’ s a small business owner , and she ’ ll be given an opportunity , ” McCarthy told C-Span in August .
In the 2017 video about QAnon uncovered this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : “ There ’ s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take this global cabal of Satan-worshiping pedophiles out.
” After winning her primary runoff in August Greene backtracked , telling Fox News that QAnon does not “ represent ” her and “ wasn ’ t part of my campaign.
” That did not stop her from recently attacking a House Republican , Representative Denver Riggleman , who co-sponsored the House-passed resolution condemning QAnon .
On Twitter , Greene called the resolution “ useless ” and asked why the lawmakers had not done a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boebert , 33 , the House candidate from Colorado who has also spoken warmly about QAnon , wears a pistol on her hip in campaign photos .
She defeated a five-term House Republican in a June primary after defying coronavirus lockdown orders by opening her restaurant .
Boebert ’ s restaurant is known as “ Shooters Grill , ” boasts of armed waitresses and is located in the small town of Rifle .
In a May conservative podcast , Boebert said of QAnon that “ if this is real , then it could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After her June primary victory , she backpedaled , telling a local television station that “ I ’ m not a follower ” of QAnon : “ I ’ m not into conspiracies.
” She faces Democrat Diane Mitsch Bush in a district that non-partisan analysts say leans Republican .

By Susan Cornwell | Reuters
WASHINGTON – The U.S. House of Representatives recently voted to condemn the pro-President Donald Trump online conspiracy theory known as “QAnon.” But multiple QAnon-friendly lawmakers may soon be taking seats in the House chamber.
More than two dozen candidates for Congress in the Nov. 3 elections have endorsed or given credence to QAnon or promoted QAnon content online, the non-profit watchdog group Media Matters says. Two are independents; the rest are Republicans.
At least one of them is expected to be elected to the House of Representatives next week, and a second has a good chance.
The FBI has listed QAnon as a domestic terrorism threat.
The unfounded conspiracy theory, which began in 2017 with anonymous web postings from “Q,” posits that Trump is secretly fighting a global cabal of child-sex predators that includes prominent Democrats, Hollywood elites and “deep state” allies.
Messages pushed online by its adherents aim to vilify and criminalize political rivals with unfounded allegations. The ADL civil right group called it “an amalgam of both novel and well-established theories, with marked undertones of antisemitism and xenophobia.”
Right-wing small business owner Marjorie Taylor Greene, who declared in a 2017 video that “Q is a patriot,” is expected to win a House seat in rural northwest Georgia after her opponent dropped out.
Gun-rights activist Lauren Boebert, who told a conservative podcast last spring that she hopes Q “is real,” has a good chance of winning her Republican-leaning district of western Colorado.
Both women are political neophytes who declare they want to go to Congress to “stop socialism.” After they won Republican primary elections in the summer, both sought to distance themselves from their previous statements about QAnon.
Trump invited both to attend his Republican National Convention speech at the White House in August.
After amplifying conspiracy theorists, social media platforms lately have been trying to crack down on QAnon’s sprawl. But a recent poll by Morning Consult said 38% of Republicans believe that at least parts of the QAnon conspiracy are true.
A supporter of an early form of the conspiracy, predating Trump’s election, in 2016 opened fire at a Washington pizzeria that early proponents of the conspiracy claimed was the site of a child sex trafficking ring. No one was hurt.
Trump has refused to renounce QAnon and even praised it as patriotic. He has frequently retweeted QAnon-linked content. Some Republicans, however, have publicly denounced the conspiracy theory.
“We simply cannot continue to be a party that accepts conspiracy theories and lives in crazy echo chambers,” said Brendan Buck, who worked for two former House Republican speakers, Paul Ryan and John Boehner.
A place for Greene?
“There is no place for QAnon in the Republican party,” House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy told Fox News in August, becoming the highest-ranking Republican to publicly condemn QAnon.
But there will be a place for Greene among House Republicans. McCarthy said Greene should be given the chance to prove herself, once she is elected, because she had distanced herself from QAnon.
“She’s a small business owner, and she’ll be given an opportunity,” McCarthy told C-Span in August.
In the 2017 video about QAnon uncovered this year by Politico, Greene, 46, said: “There’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take this global cabal of Satan-worshiping pedophiles out.”
After winning her primary runoff in August Greene backtracked, telling Fox News that QAnon does not “represent” her and “wasn’t part of my campaign.”
That did not stop her from recently attacking a House Republican, Representative Denver Riggleman, who co-sponsored the House-passed resolution condemning QAnon. On Twitter, Greene called the resolution “useless” and asked why the lawmakers had not done a resolution condemning the anti-fascist movement antifa.
Boebert, 33, the House candidate from Colorado who has also spoken warmly about QAnon, wears a pistol on her hip in campaign photos. She defeated a five-term House Republican in a June primary after defying coronavirus lockdown orders by opening her restaurant.
Boebert’s restaurant is known as “Shooters Grill,” boasts of armed waitresses and is located in the small town of Rifle.
In a May conservative podcast, Boebert said of QAnon that “if this is real, then it could be really great for our country.” After her June primary victory, she backpedaled, telling a local television station that “I’m not a follower” of QAnon: “I’m not into conspiracies.”
She faces Democrat Diane Mitsch Bush in a district that non-partisan analysts say leans Republican.


mercurynews--2020-10-26--Sponsored: Brand-new homes ready for move in at exclusive 55-plus community

Immediate move-in opportunities are available at Summit at Liberty , a premier 55-plus community located in the highly-sought-after east Bay Area .
Ideally located in Rio Vista in Solano County , this gated community showcases uniquely designed , upgraded homes and world-class amenities allowing residents to experience the height of life in a peaceful setting .
LGI Homes is offering five meticulously designed floor plans showcasing spacious open layouts , chef-ready kitchens and a host of impressive included upgrades .
Homes in this master-planned community range in size from 1,255 square feet to just over 2,000 square feet with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Residents will appreciate the thoughtful details built into every new home such as covered patios and porches , fully fenced backyards , walk-in showers , wide doorways , and plenty of windows making every home feel airy and bright .
Inside every home at Summit at Liberty is a host of designer-selected features and finishes included at no additional cost .
Oversize wood cabinetry with crown molding detail , gleaming granite countertops , a full suite of stainless steel Whirlpool kitchen appliances , 2-inch faux-wood blinds installed on all operable windows and luxurious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the remarkable upgrades included in every new home .
Homebuyers will also appreciate the energy-efficient features such as double-pane Low-E vinyl windows , a programmable thermostat , LED flush-mount Energy Star lighting and included solar panels .
Adventures await you at Summit at Liberty .
This premier community will soon be home to a brand-new $ 9 million amenity center , Club Liberty .
Opening in 2021 , Club Liberty is a 4.5-acre centrally located amenity complex .
At Club Liberty , you ’ ll find a resort-style pool and pool house @ @ @ @ @ @ @ garden , bocce ball courts , The Ranch House and Events Barn .
The Ranch House will serve as the central gathering place for residents showcasing several multipurpose meeting spaces , the Liberty House Café and a large covered patio with a fire pit .
The Events Barn is a secondary space that will be used for larger events , and is home to a business lounge and art studio .
Newly opened at Summit at Liberty is the Racquet Center located just a short walk from Club Liberty .
At the Racquet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and four pickleball courts to enjoy .
This amenity-rich community makes it easy for residents to live life to the fullest in an exciting environment .
Discover the lifestyle you crave at Summit at Liberty .
A variety of new construction homes are available for quick move in .
To accommodate buyers during this time , the Summit at Liberty information center is open for tour by appointment only .
To learn more or schedule a tour , please call ( 877 ) 899-1091 , ext .
136 , or visit SummitAtLiberty.com .

BANG Advertising Staff and correspondents

Immediate move-in opportunities are available at Summit at Liberty, a premier 55-plus community located in the highly-sought-after east Bay Area. Ideally located in Rio Vista in Solano County, this gated community showcases uniquely designed, upgraded homes and world-class amenities allowing residents to experience the height of life in a peaceful setting.
LGI Homes is offering five meticulously designed floor plans showcasing spacious open layouts, chef-ready kitchens and a host of impressive included upgrades. Homes in this master-planned community range in size from 1,255 square feet to just over 2,000 square feet with a variety of two- and three-bedroom layouts. Residents will appreciate the thoughtful details built into every new home such as covered patios and porches, fully fenced backyards, walk-in showers, wide doorways, and plenty of windows making every home feel airy and bright.
Inside every home at Summit at Liberty is a host of designer-selected features and finishes included at no additional cost. Oversize wood cabinetry with crown molding detail, gleaming granite countertops, a full suite of stainless steel Whirlpool kitchen appliances, 2-inch faux-wood blinds installed on all operable windows and luxurious vinyl plank flooring are just a few of the remarkable upgrades included in every new home. Homebuyers will also appreciate the energy-efficient features such as double-pane Low-E vinyl windows, a programmable thermostat, LED flush-mount Energy Star lighting and included solar panels.
Adventures await you at Summit at Liberty. This premier community will soon be home to a brand-new $9 million amenity center, Club Liberty. Opening in 2021, Club Liberty is a 4.5-acre centrally located amenity complex. At Club Liberty, you’ll find a resort-style pool and pool house, a state-of-the-art fitness center, community garden, bocce ball courts, The Ranch House and Events Barn. The Ranch House will serve as the central gathering place for residents showcasing several multipurpose meeting spaces, the Liberty House Café and a large covered patio with a fire pit. The Events Barn is a secondary space that will be used for larger events, and is home to a business lounge and art studio. Newly opened at Summit at Liberty is the Racquet Center located just a short walk from Club Liberty. At the Racquet Center, there are two tennis courts and four pickleball courts to enjoy. This amenity-rich community makes it easy for residents to live life to the fullest in an exciting environment.
Discover the lifestyle you crave at Summit at Liberty. A variety of new construction homes are available for quick move in. To accommodate buyers during this time, the Summit at Liberty information center is open for tour by appointment only. To learn more or schedule a tour, please call (877) 899-1091, ext. 136, or visit SummitAtLiberty.com.
Content provided by LGI Homes


mercurynews--2020-10-26--Supreme Court won’t allow Wisc. mail-in ballot extension

WASHINGTON – Siding with Wisconsin ’ s Republican-led legislature , the conservative-majority U.S. Supreme Court refused on Monday to allow an extension ordered by a federal judge in the deadline for returning mail-in ballots in the state , dealing a setback to Democrats .
The court , with three liberal justices dissenting , left in place a lower court ’ s Oct. 8 decision that blocked U.S. District Judge William Conley ’ s ruling that would have let officials count ballots that were postmarked by the time polls close on Election Day on Nov. 3 but arrived up to six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s action keeps in place a state policy that mail-in ballots be in the hands of election officials by the close of polls .
Wisconsin is crucial to Republican President Donald Trump ’ s re-election chances against Democratic challenger Joe Biden .
Liberal Justice Elena Kagan wrote in a dissenting opinion that the court ’ s decision “ will disenfranchise large numbers of responsible voters in the midst of hazardous pandemic conditions.
” The coronavirus pandemic is fueling an increase in voting by mail as Americans seek to avoid crowds at polling places @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without evidence that such voting – long practiced in American elections – is rife with fraud .
Elections experts have called such voter fraud exceedingly rare .
Trump ’ s narrow victory in Wisconsin in 2016 helped him secure the presidency .
A Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Monday showed Biden leading Trump by 53 % to 44 % in the state .

By Lawrence Hurley and Jan Wolfe | Reuters
WASHINGTON – Siding with Wisconsin’s Republican-led legislature, the conservative-majority U.S. Supreme Court refused on Monday to allow an extension ordered by a federal judge in the deadline for returning mail-in ballots in the state, dealing a setback to Democrats.
The court, with three liberal justices dissenting, left in place a lower court’s Oct. 8 decision that blocked U.S. District Judge William Conley’s ruling that would have let officials count ballots that were postmarked by the time polls close on Election Day on Nov. 3 but arrived up to six days later.
The high court’s action keeps in place a state policy that mail-in ballots be in the hands of election officials by the close of polls.
Wisconsin is crucial to Republican President Donald Trump’s re-election chances against Democratic challenger Joe Biden.
Liberal Justice Elena Kagan wrote in a dissenting opinion that the court’s decision “will disenfranchise large numbers of responsible voters in the midst of hazardous pandemic conditions.”
The coronavirus pandemic is fueling an increase in voting by mail as Americans seek to avoid crowds at polling places, even as Trump makes repeated claims without evidence that such voting – long practiced in American elections – is rife with fraud. Elections experts have called such voter fraud exceedingly rare.
Trump’s narrow victory in Wisconsin in 2016 helped him secure the presidency. A Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Monday showed Biden leading Trump by 53% to 44% in the state.


mercurynews--2020-10-26--Kushner says Black people must ‘want to be successful’

WASHINGTON — Presidential adviser Jared Kushner said Monday that President Donald Trump wants to help Black people in America , but they have to “ want to be successful ” for his policies to work .
President Trump ’ s policies are the policies that can help people break out of the problems that they ’ re complaining about , but he can ’ t want them to be successful more than they want to be successful , ” Kushner said on “ Fox & Friends.
” Kushner , who is Trump ’ s son-in-law , also criticized prominent people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of George Floyd , a Black man who died in police custody , but then didn ’ t follow through and work to find ways to improve the lives of Black people in America .
“ You saw a lot of people who were just virtue signaling — they go on Instagram and cry , or they would , you know , put a slogan on their jersey or write something on a basketball court , ” Kushner said .
“ Quite frankly , that was doing more to polarize the country than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You solve problems with solutions.
” Rep. Don Beyer , D-Va. , accused Kushner of “ casual racism.
” Former Democratic National Committee Chair Donna Brazile wrote on Twitter , “ He ’ s talking to folks who have suffered and endured systemic racism and historic tokenism.
” White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany defended Kushner , saying that “ internet trolls ” took Kushner ’ s words out of context .
She said they were trying to distract from Trump ’ s “ undeniable record of accomplishment ” for Black people .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ assistant to the president who works with Kushner as deputy director of the Office of American Innovation , also rose to Kushner ’ s defense .
Smith , who is Black , tweeted a photo of himself with Kushner and Vice President Mike Pence .
Smith said Kushner has been “ a huge advocate ” for the issues that affect Black America , and named criminal justice reform , opportunity zones , trade and jobs .
“ I will always stand with you Brother !
!
!
” Smith said .
Trump , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Black community , has been promoting his attempts to set up economic opportunity zones , provide steady funding for historically Black colleges and universities , and institute criminal justice reforms .

Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Presidential adviser Jared Kushner said Monday that President Donald Trump wants to help Black people in America, but they have to “want to be successful” for his policies to work.
President Trump’s policies are the policies that can help people break out of the problems that they’re complaining about, but he can’t want them to be successful more than they want to be successful,” Kushner said on “Fox & Friends.”
Kushner, who is Trump’s son-in-law, also criticized prominent people who raised their voices after the killing of George Floyd, a Black man who died in police custody, but then didn’t follow through and work to find ways to improve the lives of Black people in America.
“You saw a lot of people who were just virtue signaling — they go on Instagram and cry, or they would, you know, put a slogan on their jersey or write something on a basketball court,” Kushner said. “Quite frankly, that was doing more to polarize the country than it was to bring people forward. You solve problems with solutions.”
Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va., accused Kushner of “casual racism.” Former Democratic National Committee Chair Donna Brazile wrote on Twitter, “He’s talking to folks who have suffered and endured systemic racism and historic tokenism.”
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany defended Kushner, saying that “internet trolls” took Kushner’s words out of context. She said they were trying to distract from Trump’s “undeniable record of accomplishment” for Black people.
Ja’Ron Smith, a deputy assistant to the president who works with Kushner as deputy director of the Office of American Innovation, also rose to Kushner’s defense. Smith, who is Black, tweeted a photo of himself with Kushner and Vice President Mike Pence.
Smith said Kushner has been “a huge advocate” for the issues that affect Black America, and named criminal justice reform, opportunity zones, trade and jobs.
“I will always stand with you Brother!!!” Smith said.
Trump, who has been trying to appeal to the Black community, has been promoting his attempts to set up economic opportunity zones, provide steady funding for historically Black colleges and universities, and institute criminal justice reforms.


mercurynews--2020-10-26--Bay Area dodges perfect storm of dangerous fire conditions — for now

Winds gusted at the highest speeds measured this fire season , air moisture levels clung dangerously low , and the grasses and timber that typically fuel California ’ s apocalyptic blazes were bone dry .
Yet Northern California escaped relatively unscathed this weekend from what meteorologists and fire officials described as a perfect storm for potential disaster .
By Monday , Pacific Gas and Electric Co. crews began restoring power to customers , the notorious Diablo winds were subsiding , and any small fires that broke out the day before had almost entirely been knocked down by fire crews .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ were the most pronounced winds we ’ ve seen this fire season , so to be where we ’ re at right now and to see how we ’ ve handled it is really remarkable , ” Gerry Diaz , a meteorologist at Bay Area National Weather Service , said Monday .
The same could not be said for Southern California , however , where the region ’ s Santa Ana winds fanned a small grass fire outside of Irvine to spread to 7,200 acres within a matter of hours on Monday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fire , quickly exploded over a hilly area of Orange County , prompting a mandatory evacuation order for about 90,000 residents .
The Orange County Fire Authority announced Monday afternoon that two firefighters battling the blaze were critically injured with second- and third-degree burns , each covering half or more of their bodies .
While meteorologists don ’ t expect any more extreme wind events after Tuesday , they also don ’ t see much-needed precipitation for the thirsty Golden State .
“ It looks like we ’ re going to have pretty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month and into early November , so we still don ’ t want to put our guard down , ” Diaz said .
California is in the midst of a historically devastating wildfire season , in which four of its five biggest fires ever have erupted since mid-summer .
The fires have killed 31 people , destroyed at least 9,200 structures and burned more than 4.1 million acres — a state record for most acres burned in a season .
The gusty winds experienced across the state Sunday and Monday amplify the possibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disastrous wildfire .
Overnight winds in the Bay Area and Northern California peaked at 89 mph atop Mt .
Saint Helena , 72 mph on Mount Diablo and even 58 mph at sea-level Oakland International Airport , according to the National Weather Service .
In the hills above Oakland and Berkeley , the howling winds downed trees , tore off branches and damaged some restaurants ’ outdoor dining tents , but the worst fears of flames never materialized .
By late Monday afternoon , the winds in lower parts of the Bay Area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warning for the region ’ s more populated portions expired at 5 p.m. Katrina Cameron , 29 , who lives in the Montclair neighborhood of the Oakland hills , said the wind was “ so loud that it sounded like it was almost raining outside.
” “ I woke up in the middle of the night because I could hear the trees and my plants getting hit really hard by the wind , ” she said .
Cameron was among the about 355,000 PG & E customers across the state who lost power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a planned safety power shutoff to prevent wind-damaged power lines from sparking new blazes .
As of 6 p.m. Monday , PG & E had restored power to about 95,000 customers and expected to have everyone back on by the end of the night .
Early in the afternoon , Cameron was still patiently waiting for power .
“ It ’ s an extra layer of added anxiety when we ’ re already in the midst of a period of peak anxiety , ” she said .
A red flag warning for elevated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ East Bay hills will remain in effect until 5 p.m. Tuesday .
In preparation for potential blazes , Cal Fire has increased staffing and pre-positioned additional resources in critical fire areas through Tuesday evening .
More than a dozen small blazes broke out across Northern California on Sunday night but were quickly quashed by fire crews , including multiple fires in Shasta County that burned more than 400 acres .
On Monday , some people were suggesting this year ’ s long and historic fire season actually may have been one reason the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the overnight wind event .
“ Not only were people very aware of the situation that was going to unfold , but people seem to be a lot more cautious right now after the events earlier this year , ” Diaz said .
Sue Piper , who lost her home in the 1991 East Bay hills firestorm that killed 25 people and destroyed 3,500 houses , said she ’ s had a to-go packed for months .
And although she didn ’ t evacuate her Oakland home Sunday ahead of the strong winds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and had stashed away flags , decorations and other outdoor knick knacks she could think of that might ignite from flying embers .
As president of the Oakland Firesafe Council , a group of fire survivors who advocate for fire safety , Piper said she commended officials in Berkeley , Contra Costa County and Alameda County for taking a proactive approach in urging residents in high-risk areas to evacuate before the overnight wind storm .
“ Yes it made people nervous , but it also forced them to think about what they needed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Because every time something like this happens , you get better and more prepared.
” Compared to the 1991 hills fire , Piper said officials are getting much better at issuing early warnings to residents , which is critical given the frequency , intensity and rapid growth of the more recent fires .
“ It ’ s not a matter of if anymore , it ’ s a matter of when because the fires are here and they ’ re not going away , so the only thing we can learn to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” she said .
“ And part of living with it is being prepared .
”

Winds gusted at the highest speeds measured this fire season, air moisture levels clung dangerously low, and the grasses and timber that typically fuel California’s apocalyptic blazes were bone dry.
Yet Northern California escaped relatively unscathed this weekend from what meteorologists and fire officials described as a perfect storm for potential disaster.
By Monday, Pacific Gas and Electric Co. crews began restoring power to customers, the notorious Diablo winds were subsiding, and any small fires that broke out the day before had almost entirely been knocked down by fire crews.
“In terms of winds, these were the most pronounced winds we’ve seen this fire season, so to be where we’re at right now and to see how we’ve handled it is really remarkable,” Gerry Diaz, a meteorologist at Bay Area National Weather Service, said Monday.
The same could not be said for Southern California, however, where the region’s Santa Ana winds fanned a small grass fire outside of Irvine to spread to 7,200 acres within a matter of hours on Monday. The blaze, known as the Silverado Fire, quickly exploded over a hilly area of Orange County, prompting a mandatory evacuation order for about 90,000 residents.
The Orange County Fire Authority announced Monday afternoon that two firefighters battling the blaze were critically injured with second- and third-degree burns, each covering half or more of their bodies.
While meteorologists don’t expect any more extreme wind events after Tuesday, they also don’t see much-needed precipitation for the thirsty Golden State.
“It looks like we’re going to have pretty dry conditions through the rest of the month and into early November, so we still don’t want to put our guard down,” Diaz said.
California is in the midst of a historically devastating wildfire season, in which four of its five biggest fires ever have erupted since mid-summer. The fires have killed 31 people, destroyed at least 9,200 structures and burned more than 4.1 million acres — a state record for most acres burned in a season. The gusty winds experienced across the state Sunday and Monday amplify the possibility of a small spark quickly becoming a disastrous wildfire.
Overnight winds in the Bay Area and Northern California peaked at 89 mph atop Mt. Saint Helena, 72 mph on Mount Diablo and even 58 mph at sea-level Oakland International Airport, according to the National Weather Service. In the hills above Oakland and Berkeley, the howling winds downed trees, tore off branches and damaged some restaurants’ outdoor dining tents, but the worst fears of flames never materialized.
By late Monday afternoon, the winds in lower parts of the Bay Area had subsided, and a red flag warning for the region’s more populated portions expired at 5 p.m.
Katrina Cameron, 29, who lives in the Montclair neighborhood of the Oakland hills, said the wind was “so loud that it sounded like it was almost raining outside.”
“I woke up in the middle of the night because I could hear the trees and my plants getting hit really hard by the wind,” she said.
Cameron was among the about 355,000 PG&E customers across the state who lost power Sunday night when the utility company issued a planned safety power shutoff to prevent wind-damaged power lines from sparking new blazes. As of 10 p.m. Monday, PG&E had restored power to about 156,000 customers and expected to have everyone back on by the end of Tuesday night. Early in the afternoon, Cameron was still patiently waiting for power.
“It’s an extra layer of added anxiety when we’re already in the midst of a period of peak anxiety,” she said.
A red flag warning for elevated areas in the North Bay mountains and East Bay hills will remain in effect until 5 p.m. Tuesday. In preparation for potential blazes, Cal Fire has increased staffing and pre-positioned additional resources in critical fire areas through Tuesday evening.
More than a dozen small blazes broke out across Northern California on Sunday night but were quickly quashed by fire crews, including multiple fires in Shasta County that burned more than 400 acres. In areas affected by the shutoff, PG&E crews found 13 instances of weather-related damage and hazards, which the utility said could have potentially sparked new wildfires.
On Monday, some people were suggesting this year’s long and historic fire season actually may have been one reason the Bay Area managed to avert destruction from the overnight wind event.
“Not only were people very aware of the situation that was going to unfold, but people seem to be a lot more cautious right now after the events earlier this year,” Diaz said.
Sue Piper, who lost her home in the 1991 East Bay hills firestorm that killed 25 people and destroyed 3,500 houses, said she’s had a to-go bag packed for months. And although she didn’t evacuate her Oakland home Sunday ahead of the strong winds, she was monitoring the weather closely and had stashed away flags, decorations and other outdoor knick knacks she could think of that might ignite from flying embers.
As president of the Oakland Firesafe Council, a group of fire survivors who advocate for fire safety, Piper said she commended officials in Berkeley, Contra Costa County and Alameda County for taking a proactive approach in urging residents in high-risk areas to evacuate before the overnight wind storm.
Related Articles Weather | Map: Lightning fires prompt evacuation order west of Yreka
Map: Lightning fires prompt evacuation order west of Yreka Weather | Evacuations ordered as Northern California fire roars through forest near site of 2022 deadly blaze
Evacuations ordered as Northern California fire roars through forest near site of 2022 deadly blaze Weather | Did powerlines cause Maui fire?
Did powerlines cause Maui fire? Weather | Living with air pollution, especially from wildfires or agriculture, raises risk of dementia, US study finds
Living with air pollution, especially from wildfires or agriculture, raises risk of dementia, US study finds Weather | Cadaver dogs are in Maui to help find the dead. Here’s how it works and why it’s difficult “Yes it made people nervous, but it also forced them to think about what they needed to do,” she said. “Because every time something like this happens, you get better and more prepared.”
Compared to the 1991 hills fire, Piper said officials are getting much better at issuing early warnings to residents, which is critical given the frequency, intensity and rapid growth of the more recent fires.
“It’s not a matter of if anymore, it’s a matter of when because the fires are here and they’re not going away, so the only thing we can learn to do is to live with it,” she said. “And part of living with it is being prepared.”


mercurynews--2020-10-26--Editorial: Alameda County fire measure is a do-over; back it again

Some Alameda County voters may feel like they ’ re experiencing déjà vu when they see Measure X on the Nov. 3 ballot .
That ’ s not surprising .
The Alameda County Fire Department ’ s proposal to replace fire stations , by issuing $ 90 million of bonds and raising current homeowner property taxes an average $ 63 a year , is the same as one that was on the March ballot .
The earlier version fell less than half a percentage point short of the required two-thirds approval .
So , county leaders are trying again .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ should approve Measure X .
The department serves the unincorporated communities of Castro Valley , Ashland , San Lorenzo , Cherryland and Sunol , and areas outside the city limits of Livermore and Pleasanton .
Those communities will vote on the measure — and would benefit from the new stations and pay the property taxes to retire the bonds .
The department also has contracts to serve five cities , but they provide their own stations and are not affected by Measure X .
The plan calls for replacing six stations that were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Ashland fire station , built in 1976 , would be remodeled and upgraded .
The only department station not affected by the department ’ s plan is its new one , opened in 2017 , in Cherryland .
The county has prepared clear cost estimates for completing the work this decade .
The tax increases would last until the bonds are retired in 2052 , a reasonable 31-year financing plan .
To pay off the bonds , the district would annually charge property owners about $ 16 for every $ 100,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home in the affected areas , assessed at $ 391,866 , that works out to the $ 63 a year .

Click here for a complete list of our election recommendations.
Some Alameda County voters may feel like they’re experiencing déjà vu when they see Measure X on the Nov. 3 ballot. That’s not surprising.
The Alameda County Fire Department’s $90 million bond proposal to replace fire stations is the same as one from the March ballot that fell less than half a percentage point short of the required two-thirds approval.
County leaders are trying again. And our recommendation is unchanged: Voters should approve Measure X.
The department serves the unincorporated communities of Castro Valley, Ashland, San Lorenzo, Cherryland and Sunol, and areas outside the city limits of Livermore and Pleasanton. Those communities will vote on the measure and would benefit from the new stations and pay taxes until 2052 to retire the bonds. Property owners would pay about $16 for every $100,000 of assessed valuation. For an average home in the affected areas, assessed at $391,866, that works out to $63 a year.
The department also has contracts to serve five cities, but they provide their own stations and are not affected by Measure X.
Six stations that were constructed from before the 1940s to 1986 would be replaced. The Ashland fire station, built in 1976, would be remodeled and upgraded. The only station not affected by the plan is the department’s new one, opened in 2017, in Cherryland.
Vote yes on Measure X.


mercurynews--2020-10-27--House already won? Nancy Pelosi thinks so, and reaches for more

By LISA MASCARO | The Associated Press WASHINGTON — Speaker Nancy Pelosi once predicted she ’ d have the 2020 House Democratic majority secured by November — of 2019 .
Now , days before the Nov. 3 election , she seems to have done it , and she ’ s expanding her reach .
With control of the House hardly contested , Pelosi is working to fortify Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and win extra House seats in case Congress is called on to resolve any Electoral College dispute with President Donald Trump .
Pelosi said she feels so confident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she ’ s already preparing to win the next one in 2022 .
“ This year , I ’ m trying to win it two years in advance — by being so substantial in this election that as soon as we start into the next year , people will see our strength , ” Pelosi told The Associated Press in an interview .
“ We intend to hold the House and grow our numbers , ” she said about the election Nov. 3 , and “ contribute to winning the Senate and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stunning turnaround for the speaker , who just two years ago was being challenged for her job leading House Democrats .
Pelosi rose as the face of party , the House impeached the president and emboldened Democrats are on the march to pick up House seats deep into Trump country .
Democrats are working to reelect some 40 House freshmen elected in the 2018 midterm to win the majority , most of them from districts Trump won in 2016 .
They ’ re digging deeper for additional seats in historically out-of-reach Republican strongholds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Montana , where winners could tip the balance in an Electoral College dispute .
To wrest control , Republicans need to gain some 20 seats , but even the House GOP leadership has downplayed their chances .
Strategists say Trump is a drag at the top of the GOP ticket .
Even though Republicans recruited more female and minority candidates to compete with Democrats in suburban swing districts , the battle for the House is something of an afterthought in the marquee contests for control of the White House and the Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boats , and right now it seems a Democratic tide is rising , ” said Michael Steel , a Republican strategist and former top aide to House GOP leadership .
Steel said it has less to to with Pelosi ’ s planning than the national political environment .
“ I attribute the presumed success of her efforts to keep the majority more to Trump ’ s failures than to her stated leadership , ” he said .
Those close to Pelosi ’ s political operation did not always join her prediction that Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t on the ballot when they picked up the majority two years ago , and freshmen are often the most vulnerable to defeat as they seek reelection , especially this class of lawmakers now having to run alongside the president in districts often off-limits to Democrats .
Pelosi pushed ahead with the risky House vote to impeach the president in late 2019 over his dealings with Ukraine only to see the Senate , controlled by Republicans , vote to acquit him of the charges in a highly charged political environment early this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Capitol abruptly shuttered .
Pelosi engineered a rules change to allow the House to vote by proxy and work online , but it left lawmakers largely away from Washington .
Now Pelosi is holding out for a robust COVID-19 aid package with the Trump administration , another risky move , seeking a $ 2 trillion-plus deal Republicans don ’ t want to give .
Rep. Cheri Bustos , D-Ill , who is the chairwoman of the party ’ s campaign arm in the House , said she counseled the new lawmakers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national political debate but “ run your race like you ’ re running for mayor ” — meeting with constituents and responding to issues close to home .
“ When we set out to do this work in 2019 we had no idea what this cycle would hold , ” said Lucina Guinn , the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee ’ s executive director .
The goal , she said , was to make the incumbents “ as strong as possible ” while also recruiting new candidates “ to set up a big battlefield.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ track to be a $ 1 billion fundraiser for her party — an eye-popping sum during nearly two decades in leadership .
This election cycle she raised $ 227.9 million for Democrats — most of it for the House campaign arm — but she also shoveled $ 4 million for Biden from an August event and sent nearly $ 5 million to the state parties .
She said she believes Democrats would sweep if the election were today , but it ’ s still a week out .
“ It doesn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worrying about it , ” she said , “ but it does get me up early to do something about it.
” It ’ s another surprising turn that the Affordable Care Act , which helped cost Pelosi her House majority in the 2010 election after Democrats passed “ Obamacare , ” is now a political calling card being used to win over Trump voters during the COVID-19 crisis .
Voters have come to rely on the health care law ’ s guarantees that those with preexisting health conditions can access insurance and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family policies .
A decade after President Barack Obama signed the ACA into law , Republicans are still trying to undo it , including in a court case heading to the Supreme Court a week after the election .
“ Progressive ideas are actually popular , not just with progressives but also with moderate voters , with independent voters and maybe even with some Republican voters , ” said Rep. Pramila Jayapal , D-Wash. , a co-chair of the progressive caucus .
As Pelosi , of California , becomes an even more public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countless campaign ads against her .
But she also has a following from those celebrating her high-profile standoffs with Trump .
Since the spring COVID-19 crisis , she has appeared 20 times on the Sunday morning news shows and done more than 150 national television and radio interviews , her office said .
• Editorial : Alameda County fire measure is a do-over ; back it again • Record voting in Santa Clara County as officials prepare for Election Day “ I would not miss any opportunity , on behalf of my colleagues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s clarity on where we ’ re coming from on some of these issues , ” she said .
She plans to run again for speaker , if Democrats keep control of the House : “ Definitely.
” But that ’ s for later .
Pelosi notes experts have suggested Democrats will pick up between five and 15 House seats .
“ Our goal originally was to hold the House , ” she said .
“ Everything we get after that will just be a further enhancement.
” AP ’ s Advance Voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early , by mail or absentee from each state : https : //interactives.ap.org/advance-voting-2020/ .

By LISA MASCARO | The Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Speaker Nancy Pelosi once predicted she’d have the 2020 House Democratic majority secured by November — of 2019.
Now, days before the Nov. 3 election, she seems to have done it, and she’s expanding her reach.
With control of the House hardly contested, Pelosi is working to fortify Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and win extra House seats in case Congress is called on to resolve any Electoral College dispute with President Donald Trump.
Pelosi said she feels so confident Democrats will keep the House this election, she’s already preparing to win the next one in 2022.
“This year, I’m trying to win it two years in advance — by being so substantial in this election that as soon as we start into the next year, people will see our strength,” Pelosi told The Associated Press in an interview.
“We intend to hold the House and grow our numbers,” she said about the election Nov. 3, and “contribute to winning the Senate and the presidency.”
It’s a stunning turnaround for the speaker, who just two years ago was being challenged for her job leading House Democrats. Pelosi rose as the face of party, the House impeached the president and emboldened Democrats are on the march to pick up House seats deep into Trump country.
Democrats are working to reelect some 40 House freshmen elected in the 2018 midterm to win the majority, most of them from districts Trump won in 2016. They’re digging deeper for additional seats in historically out-of-reach Republican strongholds including Nebraska, Indiana and even Alaska and Montana, where winners could tip the balance in an Electoral College dispute.
To wrest control, Republicans need to gain some 20 seats, but even the House GOP leadership has downplayed their chances. Strategists say Trump is a drag at the top of the GOP ticket. Even though Republicans recruited more female and minority candidates to compete with Democrats in suburban swing districts, the battle for the House is something of an afterthought in the marquee contests for control of the White House and the Senate.
“A rising tide lifts all boats, and right now it seems a Democratic tide is rising,” said Michael Steel, a Republican strategist and former top aide to House GOP leadership.
Steel said it has less to to with Pelosi’s planning than the national political environment. “I attribute the presumed success of her efforts to keep the majority more to Trump’s failures than to her stated leadership,” he said.
Those close to Pelosi’s political operation did not always join her prediction that Democrats would handily keep control.
Trump wasn’t on the ballot when they picked up the majority two years ago, and freshmen are often the most vulnerable to defeat as they seek reelection, especially this class of lawmakers now having to run alongside the president in districts often off-limits to Democrats.
Pelosi pushed ahead with the risky House vote to impeach the president in late 2019 over his dealings with Ukraine only to see the Senate, controlled by Republicans, vote to acquit him of the charges in a highly charged political environment early this year.
When the coronavirus pandemic hit, the Capitol abruptly shuttered. Pelosi engineered a rules change to allow the House to vote by proxy and work online, but it left lawmakers largely away from Washington. Now Pelosi is holding out for a robust COVID-19 aid package with the Trump administration, another risky move, seeking a $2 trillion-plus deal Republicans don’t want to give.
Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-Ill, who is the chairwoman of the party’s campaign arm in the House, said she counseled the new lawmakers not to get swept up in the national political debate but “run your race like you’re running for mayor” — meeting with constituents and responding to issues close to home.
“When we set out to do this work in 2019 we had no idea what this cycle would hold,” said Lucina Guinn, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s executive director.
The goal, she said, was to make the incumbents “as strong as possible” while also recruiting new candidates “to set up a big battlefield.”
Money helps. Pelosi is on track to be a $1 billion fundraiser for her party — an eye-popping sum during nearly two decades in leadership.
This election cycle she raised $227.9 million for Democrats — most of it for the House campaign arm — but she also shoveled $4 million for Biden from an August event and sent nearly $5 million to the state parties.
“We are ready,” Pelosi said.
She said she believes Democrats would sweep if the election were today, but it’s still a week out. “It doesn’t keep me up from the standpoint of worrying about it,” she said, “but it does get me up early to do something about it.”
It’s another surprising turn that the Affordable Care Act, which helped cost Pelosi her House majority in the 2010 election after Democrats passed “Obamacare,” is now a political calling card being used to win over Trump voters during the COVID-19 crisis.
Voters have come to rely on the health care law’s guarantees that those with preexisting health conditions can access insurance and parents can keep their adult children on family policies. A decade after President Barack Obama signed the ACA into law, Republicans are still trying to undo it, including in a court case heading to the Supreme Court a week after the election.
“Progressive ideas are actually popular, not just with progressives but also with moderate voters, with independent voters and maybe even with some Republican voters,” said Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., a co-chair of the progressive caucus.
As Pelosi, of California, becomes an even more public presence for the party, Republicans run countless campaign ads against her. But she also has a following from those celebrating her high-profile standoffs with Trump. Since the spring COVID-19 crisis, she has appeared 20 times on the Sunday morning news shows and done more than 150 national television and radio interviews, her office said.
Related Articles Politics | Trump and 18 allies charged in Georgia election meddling as former president faces 4th criminal case
Trump and 18 allies charged in Georgia election meddling as former president faces 4th criminal case Politics | Warned not to, Trump assails judge in election case
Warned not to, Trump assails judge in election case Politics | Viet Dinh, Fox lawyer who oversaw Dominion settlement, to leave
Viet Dinh, Fox lawyer who oversaw Dominion settlement, to leave Politics | Judge Chutkan: Trump’s right to free speech ‘not absolute’
Judge Chutkan: Trump’s right to free speech ‘not absolute’ Politics | A conservative case for disqualifying Donald Trump in 2024 “I would not miss any opportunity, on behalf of my colleagues, to make sure that there’s clarity on where we’re coming from on some of these issues,” she said.
She plans to run again for speaker, if Democrats keep control of the House: “Definitely.”
But that’s for later. Pelosi notes experts have suggested Democrats will pick up between five and 15 House seats.
“Our goal originally was to hold the House,” she said. “Everything we get after that will just be a further enhancement.”
___
AP’s Advance Voting guide brings you the facts about voting early, by mail or absentee from each state: https://interactives.ap.org/advance-voting-2020/.


mercurynews--2020-10-27--First look: Unboxing the PlayStation 5 and its accessories

It ’ s going to be a busy holiday season with two next-gen consoles set to launch within days of each other .
Microsoft will be first out of the gate with its Xbox Series X on Nov. 10 and Sony will follow afterward with the PlayStation 5 ’ s release on Nov. 12 .
• Review : FNATIC React is built with eye toward competition • Review : ‘ Mario Kart Live : Home Circuit ’ uses toys to bring series to life • Two congresswomen created social media buzz when they played ‘ Among Us ’ on Twitch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be safer alternative to trick-or-treating With these highly anticipated machines , gamers want to know what ’ s in the box .
( I mean this in a non- “ Seven ” Brad Pitt kind of way . )
Sony sent the PS5 ahead of time in order for me to write a review on the console .
I had a chance to take it out of the box and explore what the system can do .
To prepare players for what to expect , the video above shows an unboxing of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drive and four accessories available for the PS5 : the DualSense wireless controller , DualSense Charging Station , Pulse 3D Headset and HD Camera .

It’s going to be a busy holiday season with two next-gen consoles set to launch within days of each other. Microsoft will be first out of the gate with its Xbox Series X on Nov. 10 and Sony will follow afterward with the PlayStation 5’s release on Nov. 12.
Related Articles Entertainment | Review: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X meshes comfort with performance
Review: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X meshes comfort with performance Entertainment | What to play: Enhanced ‘Quake II,’ ‘Stray’ for Xbox and ‘Stray Gods’ are the top picks
What to play: Enhanced ‘Quake II,’ ‘Stray’ for Xbox and ‘Stray Gods’ are the top picks Entertainment | Review: With ‘Pikmin 4,’ Nintendo finally nails the right controls for a strategy game
Review: With ‘Pikmin 4,’ Nintendo finally nails the right controls for a strategy game Entertainment | What to play: ‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ will keep gamers busy during August
What to play: ‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ will keep gamers busy during August Entertainment | ‘First Descendant’ crossplay beta delayed until September but will be open to all With these highly anticipated machines, gamers want to know what’s in the box. (I mean this in a non-“Seven” Brad Pitt kind of way.) Sony sent the PS5 ahead of time in order for me to write a review on the console. I had a chance to take it out of the box and explore what the system can do. To prepare players for what to expect, the video above shows an unboxing of the standard edition console with the disc drive and four accessories available for the PS5: the DualSense wireless controller, DualSense Charging Station, Pulse 3D Headset and HD Camera.


mercurynews--2020-10-27--Fed up: California restaurants seek refund of over $100 million in booze, health fees

By MICHAEL R. BLOOD | The Associated Press LOS ANGELES — California ’ s financially battered restaurants filed government claims Monday to recover more than $ 100 million in fees for liquor and health permits and tourism charges that they say were assessed even though their businesses were shuttered or only partially operating under long-running coronavirus orders .
Few industries have been hit as hard during the pandemic as restaurants , which in California were ordered closed , reopened , closed for a second time and then allowed to welcome customers again , though with restrictions .
Those rules vary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and have limited some eateries to takeout and delivery service or outdoor-only dining .
Thousands of restaurants have closed permanently .
Owners say one thing has remained constant amid the turmoil .
State and county governments have continued to charge fees for liquor licenses , health permits and tourism assessments — even though the restaurants were closed down by government orders or permitted to operate with limited capacity and dining .
The owners contend they have been being unjustly punished for following the law and are being charged for permits they can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they did what they were told and the very entity that told them to close is keeping these fees , ” said attorney Brian Kabateck , who is representing restaurants that filed claims against the state and against Los Angeles , Orange , Sacramento , San Diego and Monterey counties , .
Additional claims will be filed in coming days for restaurants in San Francisco and in Fresno and Placer counties .
The move is supported by the California Restaurant Association .
“ Somebody has to tell them this is wrong and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
A government claim , filed for individual restaurants and on behalf of other businesses in the sector , is a required initial step before filing a class-action lawsuit against government agencies in California .
Officials have 45 days to respond .
Walter Schild , who owns the 33 Taps Hollywood gastropub in Los Angeles , said he pays about $ 7,000 annually in government fees beside property taxes — ranging from his liquor license to a levy on his valet service .
He ’ s said he ’ s been unable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and is now being charged with late fees of up to 50 % for failing to pay , even though the restaurant has been closed for all but about a month since mid-March .
With the restaurant closed , Schild has no income .
He was recently forced to shutter another restaurant southeast of Los Angeles in Orange County because of the financial strain and laid off 30 employees .
The Hollywood restaurant lost money when he attempted takeout and delivery , and the lack of tourists gutted what would be the eatery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have been pleading with our legislators for fee relief , ” Schild said .
“ It ’ s been tough.
” The restaurant association previously urged Democratic Gov .
Gavin Newsom to hold a special session of the Legislature to work on an aid package for their businesses .
Under state rules , counties with the highest infection rates are limited to outdoor dining only , along with takeout and delivery .
If those rates improve , restaurants can operate with 25 % capacity indoors or 100 patrons , whichever is fewer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , indoor capacity can only reach 50 % .
Industry officials have said the rules will doom many more restaurants .
California has nearly 60,000 restaurants that employ approximately 1.5 million workers .
“ Even when the restrictions are lifted , the devastating impact on the restaurant industry will extend for years , ” Jot Condie , who heads the restaurant association , said in a statement .
“ Easing fees would help enable establishments to stay open and keep vulnerable workers employed .
”

By MICHAEL R. BLOOD | The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES — California’s financially battered restaurants filed government claims Monday to recover more than $100 million in fees for liquor and health permits and tourism charges that they say were assessed even though their businesses were shuttered or only partially operating under long-running coronavirus orders.
Few industries have been hit as hard during the pandemic as restaurants, which in California were ordered closed, reopened, closed for a second time and then allowed to welcome customers again, though with restrictions.
Those rules vary in the state’s 58 counties and have limited some eateries to takeout and delivery service or outdoor-only dining. Thousands of restaurants have closed permanently.
Owners say one thing has remained constant amid the turmoil. State and county governments have continued to charge fees for liquor licenses, health permits and tourism assessments — even though the restaurants were closed down by government orders or permitted to operate with limited capacity and dining.
The owners contend they have been being unjustly punished for following the law and are being charged for permits they can’t use.
“The irony is, they did what they were told and the very entity that told them to close is keeping these fees,” said attorney Brian Kabateck, who is representing restaurants that filed claims against the state and against Los Angeles, Orange, Sacramento, San Diego and Monterey counties,.
Additional claims will be filed in coming days for restaurants in San Francisco and in Fresno and Placer counties. The move is supported by the California Restaurant Association.
“Somebody has to tell them this is wrong and to return the money,” Kabateck said.
Kabateck estimated the fees could exceed $100 million statewide.
A government claim, filed for individual restaurants and on behalf of other businesses in the sector, is a required initial step before filing a class-action lawsuit against government agencies in California. Officials have 45 days to respond.
Walter Schild, who owns the 33 Taps Hollywood gastropub in Los Angeles, said he pays about $7,000 annually in government fees beside property taxes — ranging from his liquor license to a levy on his valet service.
He’s said he’s been unable to get the fees reduced or delayed and is now being charged with late fees of up to 50% for failing to pay, even though the restaurant has been closed for all but about a month since mid-March.
With the restaurant closed, Schild has no income. He was recently forced to shutter another restaurant southeast of Los Angeles in Orange County because of the financial strain and laid off 30 employees.
The Hollywood restaurant lost money when he attempted takeout and delivery, and the lack of tourists gutted what would be the eatery’s usual customer base.
“We have been pleading with our legislators for fee relief,” Schild said. “It’s been tough.”
The restaurant association previously urged Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom to hold a special session of the Legislature to work on an aid package for their businesses.
Under state rules, counties with the highest infection rates are limited to outdoor dining only, along with takeout and delivery.
Related Articles Business | Bay Area adventures: 4 day trips via a San Francisco Bay Ferry
Bay Area adventures: 4 day trips via a San Francisco Bay Ferry Business | Want to stay on the Bay Area’s famed floating island with palm trees and lighthouse? Now you can.
Want to stay on the Bay Area’s famed floating island with palm trees and lighthouse? Now you can. Business | Korean grill Baekjeong ready to open its first Bay Area restaurant
Korean grill Baekjeong ready to open its first Bay Area restaurant Business | Mendocino Farms (with summer specials) opens in Walnut Creek
Mendocino Farms (with summer specials) opens in Walnut Creek Business | Montebello Market closes after 15 months in Los Gatos If those rates improve, restaurants can operate with 25% capacity indoors or 100 patrons, whichever is fewer. Even under the least restrictive rules, indoor capacity can only reach 50%.
Industry officials have said the rules will doom many more restaurants. California has nearly 60,000 restaurants that employ approximately 1.5 million workers.
“Even when the restrictions are lifted, the devastating impact on the restaurant industry will extend for years,” Jot Condie, who heads the restaurant association, said in a statement. “Easing fees would help enable establishments to stay open and keep vulnerable workers employed.”


mercurynews--2020-10-27--Prescription drugs reported in children’s Halloween candy after California event

SIMI VALLEY — Southern California residents were reminded to inspect their children ’ s Halloween-season candy after a bag of prescription painkillers and an anti-anxiety drug were discovered in a child ’ s stash after an event in Simi Valley .
The Simi Valley Police Department said a mother reported the incident after taking her children to a “ Trunk or Treat ” event Friday , The Ventura County Star reported .
An announcement on social media said that children in the neighborhood could get free candy at a drive-thru gathering , where treats were handed to participants through their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shorts said the mother called after she found a resealable plastic bag with four blue pills and a white tablet in her child ’ s bag of candy .
Officers later determined the blue pills were oxycodone , an opioid prescribed to ease pain , and the white pill was Xanax , a prescription anti-anxiety drug , authorities said .
• East Bay man gets federal prison for having 11 ounces of fentanyl • Former Angels employee Eric Kay indicted in connection with death of Tyler Skaggs • California methamphetamine bust is largest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ methamphetamine busts , one largest ever by DEA , made in Southern California It is unclear how the bag made it into the children ’ s candy supply , Short said .
Short recommended parents go through their children ’ s candy piece by piece before they eat any of it , and throw out pieces out of the children ’ s sight that appear improperly wrapped or tampered with .
Detectives are expected to follow up with the incident , Short said .

SIMI VALLEY — Southern California residents were reminded to inspect their children’s Halloween-season candy after a bag of prescription painkillers and an anti-anxiety drug were discovered in a child’s stash after an event in Simi Valley.
The Simi Valley Police Department said a mother reported the incident after taking her children to a “Trunk or Treat” event Friday, The Ventura County Star reported.
An announcement on social media said that children in the neighborhood could get free candy at a drive-thru gathering, where treats were handed to participants through their car windows.
Police Cmdr. Steve Shorts said the mother called after she found a resealable plastic bag with four blue pills and a white tablet in her child’s bag of candy.
Officers later determined the blue pills were oxycodone, an opioid prescribed to ease pain, and the white pill was Xanax, a prescription anti-anxiety drug, authorities said.
Related Articles Crime and Public Safety | A California woman spent money that was left at her house. Then she was told she owed the Aryan Brotherhood a favor
A California woman spent money that was left at her house. Then she was told she owed the Aryan Brotherhood a favor Crime and Public Safety | FBI-led task force targeting major Bay Area fentanyl operation underway
FBI-led task force targeting major Bay Area fentanyl operation underway Crime and Public Safety | Colorado will consider capping the price of these 5 widely prescribed drugs
Colorado will consider capping the price of these 5 widely prescribed drugs Crime and Public Safety | Massachusetts pot boss apologizes as state’s weed sales hit all-time high
Massachusetts pot boss apologizes as state’s weed sales hit all-time high Crime and Public Safety | Redwood City drug deal ends in double shooting It is unclear how the bag made it into the children’s candy supply, Short said.
Short recommended parents go through their children’s candy piece by piece before they eat any of it, and throw out pieces out of the children’s sight that appear improperly wrapped or tampered with.
Detectives are expected to follow up with the incident, Short said.


mercurynews--2020-10-27--San Francisco police investigating body found set on fire

SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco police say they found a body set on fire in a downtown city alley , @ @ @ @ @ the person was alive before the fire was started .
Officials attempted to put out @ @ @ @ @ the person was declared dead , the San Francisco Chronicle reported Monday .
The victim @ @ @ @ @ have not been released .
Police are treating the death as suspicious .
• Convicted @ @ @ @ @ murder of classmate 36 years later San Francisco police Sgt .
Anthony Pedroza told KPIX @ @ @ @ @ they thought was a debris fire .
“ They came up and saw it was @ @ @ @ @ an obvious death to them .
They called the paramedics , ” he said .
@ @ @ @ @ yet .
”

SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco police say they found a body set on fire in a downtown city alley, but do not know if the person was alive before the fire was started.
Officials attempted to put out the fire early Sunday but the person was declared dead, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Monday.
The victim’s name and age have not been released. Police are treating the death as suspicious.
Related Articles Crime and Public Safety | Man shot, killed by Colorado cop was holding a marker, not a weapon
Man shot, killed by Colorado cop was holding a marker, not a weapon Crime and Public Safety | California judge pleads not guilty to murdering his wife in their home
California judge pleads not guilty to murdering his wife in their home Crime and Public Safety | Woman found dead in Golden Gate Park at end of Outside Lands
Woman found dead in Golden Gate Park at end of Outside Lands Crime and Public Safety | California woman sentenced to 26 years for fatal pruning shears attack on 2 neighbors
California woman sentenced to 26 years for fatal pruning shears attack on 2 neighbors Crime and Public Safety | During murder trial, California man claims that he accidentally strangled his girlfriend in 2018 San Francisco police Sgt. Anthony Pedroza told KPIX that officers chanced upon what they thought was a debris fire.
“They came up and saw it was a person. It was an obvious death to them. They called the paramedics,” he said. “There are no witnesses yet.”