mercurynews--2020-12-15--Sponsored: Updated home in Santa Teresa neighborhood on the market for first time ever

Run , don ’ t walk , to this stunning Santa Teresa neighborhood home on the market for the first time .
Pride of ownership is evident in this meticulously maintained and beautifully updated home at 201 Arequipa Court that prominently sits at the end of a cul-de-sac on about a quarter acre .
Its curb appeal will immediately grab your attention , while the more than 2,563 square feet of living space on two levels and an expansive outdoor mecca will continue to impress .
Built by Arcadia , a premier homebuilder , the home enjoys a peaceful setting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proximity to shopping , restaurants , freeway access , parks , and top-rated schools .
This home features five bedrooms and three bathrooms on two levels with a main-level guest room and full bathroom .
The bathrooms are updated with stylish tile and fixtures .
There are dual-pane windows , plush carpet , decorative millwork and trim , travertine , hardwood floors , a fresh palette of wall paint , crown molding , Hunter Douglas Silhouette blinds , recessed lighting , and closets with cedar floors .
Behind the double-door entry and travertine-tiled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rooms featuring plush carpeting and crown molding .
A large picture window in the living room frames a view of the front gardens .
One of two Swarovski crystal chandeliers illuminates the adjacent formal dining room .
Completely gutted and updated , the chef ’ s kitchen and its features are sure to delight cooks of all levels .
An expanded garden window over the sink frames a beautiful view of the backyard gardens and welcomes lots of natural light into the space .
The kitchen features granite counters , a decorative backsplash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pendant lights , recessed lighting and a generous supply of custom cabinets .
Stainless appliances include a Miele dishwasher and five-burner cooktop , and GE Monogram dual ovens and refrigerator .
The adjacent casual dining area also has a view of the backyard .
Step down onto a hardwood floor in the family room .
A custom-designed gas fireplace including a crafted mantel and a marble surround anchors this popular gathering space .
Slide open the glass doors for convenient access to the backyard space .
The master bedroom , located upstairs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There are two large closets with custom-built organizers , and a bathroom updated with wainscot tile and an oversize shower with a seamless glass door .
Three additional bedrooms have generous-size closets .
They share a large bathroom with a tub/shower combination .
The generous quarter-acre level lot offers lots of space to entertain , play and relax in the peaceful surroundings .
A wide and paved side yard is ideal for a sports court or parking for a boat , RV , or extra car .
Towering shade trees and garden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expansive deck that also features a hot tub .
Pathways meander along the garden .
There is plenty of room to further customize with a pool , an outdoor kitchen , a children ’ s play area and more .
Additional features include updated dual HVAC , a three-car garage completely finished with an epoxy floor and overhead storage , laundry room with cabinetry , updated water heater , exterior trim , security alarm/sensors , and front and back automated irrigation systems .
Price : $ 1,450,000 Where : 201 Arequipa Court , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market early January .
Listing agent : Compass .
Therese Swan , 408-656-8240 DRE:01355719 tswan @ tswan.com Therese is consistently among the Top 100 agents in the S.F .
Bay Area .
She has also been nationally ranked in The Wall Street Journal .

Run, don’t walk, to this stunning Santa Teresa neighborhood home on the market for the first time.
Pride of ownership is evident in this meticulously maintained and beautifully updated home at 201 Arequipa Court that prominently sits at the end of a cul-de-sac on about a quarter acre. Its curb appeal will immediately grab your attention, while the more than 2,563 square feet of living space on two levels and an expansive outdoor mecca will continue to impress.
Built by Arcadia, a premier homebuilder, the home enjoys a peaceful setting, surrounding hillside views, and convenient proximity to shopping, restaurants, freeway access, parks, and top-rated schools.
This home features five bedrooms and three bathrooms on two levels with a main-level guest room and full bathroom. The bathrooms are updated with stylish tile and fixtures. There are dual-pane windows, plush carpet, decorative millwork and trim, travertine, hardwood floors, a fresh palette of wall paint, crown molding, Hunter Douglas Silhouette blinds, recessed lighting, and closets with cedar floors.
Behind the double-door entry and travertine-tiled foyer are the elegant yet comfortable formal rooms featuring plush carpeting and crown molding. A large picture window in the living room frames a view of the front gardens. One of two Swarovski crystal chandeliers illuminates the adjacent formal dining room.
Completely gutted and updated, the chef’s kitchen and its features are sure to delight cooks of all levels. An expanded garden window over the sink frames a beautiful view of the backyard gardens and welcomes lots of natural light into the space. The kitchen features granite counters, a decorative backsplash, a peninsula island/breakfast bar with stylish pendant lights, recessed lighting and a generous supply of custom cabinets. Stainless appliances include a Miele dishwasher and five-burner cooktop, and GE Monogram dual ovens and refrigerator.
The adjacent casual dining area also has a view of the backyard. Step down onto a hardwood floor in the family room. A custom-designed gas fireplace including a crafted mantel and a marble surround anchors this popular gathering space. Slide open the glass doors for convenient access to the backyard space.
The master bedroom, located upstairs, enjoys a front-facing view of the mountains. There are two large closets with custom-built organizers, and a bathroom updated with wainscot tile and an oversize shower with a seamless glass door.
Three additional bedrooms have generous-size closets. They share a large bathroom with a tub/shower combination.
The generous quarter-acre level lot offers lots of space to entertain, play and relax in the peaceful surroundings. A wide and paved side yard is ideal for a sports court or parking for a boat, RV, or extra car. Towering shade trees and garden beds wrap around the lush lawn and expansive deck that also features a hot tub. Pathways meander along the garden. There is plenty of room to further customize with a pool, an outdoor kitchen, a children’s play area and more.
Additional features include updated dual HVAC, a three-car garage completely finished with an epoxy floor and overhead storage, laundry room with cabinetry, updated water heater, exterior trim, security alarm/sensors, and front and back automated irrigation systems.
Price: $1,450,000
Where: 201 Arequipa Court, San Jose
Website: tswan.com Coming on market early January.
Listing agent: Compass. Therese Swan, 408-656-8240 DRE:01355719 tswan@tswan.com
Therese is consistently among the Top 100 agents in the S.F. Bay Area. She has also been nationally ranked in The Wall Street Journal.


mercurynews--2020-12-15--Covid-19 now kills more than 1 American every minute. And the rate keeps accelerating as the death t

Covid-19 now kills more than 1 American every minute. And the rate keeps accelerating as the death toll tops 300,000

Every day , the number of families mourning the death of a loved one to Covid-19 keeps growing at a devastating rate .
More than 300,000 people in the US have died from coronavirus since the first known death on February 6 .
That ’ s an average of more than 961 deaths a day .
But this holiday season has been especially brutal , with more than 50,000 deaths in just the past month , according to Johns Hopkins University .
In the past week , an average of 2,403 people in the US have died from Covid-19 every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of one Covid-19 death every 40 seconds .
“ Any death from Covid is a terrible tragedy , ” Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar told CNN on Monday .
And the effects go beyond families directly impacted by coronavirus .
“ I lost my father in April .
I wasn ’ t able to see him for the month-and-a-half before .
I ’ ve gotten to experience the pain of individuals who can ’ t be with their relatives , ” Azar said .
“ The pain and the anguish in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is real.
” Doctors say the death toll will keep accelerating this winter , as Covid-19 hospitalizations reach unprecedented and unsustainable levels .
On Sunday , a record-high 109,331 people were hospitalized with Covid-19 , according to the Covid Tracking Project .
And while widespread vaccination is on the horizon , it ’ ll be at least several months before most Americans can get vaccinated .
In the meantime , Americans are largely in control of how many more families will lose loved ones during the holidays .
• COVID-19 vaccine Q & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without a hitch – and what ’ s ahead Wear a mask anytime you ’ re around someone who doesn ’ t live in your household ( even if that ’ s in your own home ) .
If 95 % of Americans consistently wore masks , it could save an estimated 56,000 lives by April 1 , according to the University of Washington ’ s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation .
Don ’ t rely on a negative test result to see friends and extended family .
And if you want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ create a strong bubble to keep everyone happy and healthy throughout this winter .
Small sacrifices made now could prevent your family from being the next to lose a loved one .

Every day, the number of families mourning the death of a loved one to Covid-19 keeps growing at a devastating rate.
More than 300,000 people in the US have died from coronavirus since the first known death on February 6. That’s an average of more than 961 deaths a day.
But this holiday season has been especially brutal, with more than 50,000 deaths in just the past month, according to Johns Hopkins University.
In the past week, an average of 2,403 people in the US have died from Covid-19 every day.
That’s an average of one Covid-19 death every 40 seconds.
“Any death from Covid is a terrible tragedy,” Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar told CNN on Monday.
And the effects go beyond families directly impacted by coronavirus.
“I lost my father in April. I wasn’t able to see him for the month-and-a-half before. I’ve gotten to experience the pain of individuals who can’t be with their relatives,” Azar said. “The pain and the anguish in our health care system in our country is real.”
Doctors say the death toll will keep accelerating this winter, as Covid-19 hospitalizations reach unprecedented and unsustainable levels.
On Sunday, a record-high 109,331 people were hospitalized with Covid-19, according to the Covid Tracking Project.
And while widespread vaccination is on the horizon, it’ll be at least several months before most Americans can get vaccinated.
In the meantime, Americans are largely in control of how many more families will lose loved ones during the holidays.
That hinges on personal responsibility:
Related Articles Health | San Jose office building wobbles into default — again
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge Wear a mask anytime you’re around someone who doesn’t live in your household (even if that’s in your own home).
If 95% of Americans consistently wore masks, it could save an estimated 56,000 lives by April 1, according to the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation.
Don’t rely on a negative test result to see friends and extended family.
And if you want to socialize without wearing a mask, create a strong bubble to keep everyone happy and healthy throughout this winter.
Small sacrifices made now could prevent your family from being the next to lose a loved one.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2020 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.


mercurynews--2020-12-15--Pornhub removes a majority of its videos after investigation reveals child abuse

Pornhub has removed a majority of its content — millions of explicit videos — uploaded from unverified users as part of a series of changes following allegations that the site showed videos of child abuse and nonconsensual sexual behavior .
In a blog post Monday , the website said it had “ enacted the most comprehensive safeguards in user-generated platform history , ” including barring unverified uploaders from adding new content , eliminating the ability to download most videos and has removed all previously uploaded content that was not created by Pornhub ’ s verified content partners or members of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took the number of videos on the website from 13.5 million videos down to a little under 3 million .
Going forward , content creators must become verified using Pornhub ’ s process that involves uploading a picture of themselves with their username .
The Canadian-based website jabbed other social media websites , writing that “ every piece of Pornhub content is from verified uploaders , a requirement that platforms like Facebook , Instagram , TikTok , YouTube , Snapchat and Twitter have yet to institute.
” “ In today ’ s world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responsibility to combat illegal material.
, ” Pornhub stated .
“ Solutions must be driven by real facts and real experts .
We hope we have demonstrated our dedication to leading by example.
” Pornhub was the target of a New York Times report earlier this month that led to large credit card companies to block customers from using their credit cards to make purchases on the website .
Mastercard , Visa and Discover all terminated their cards from being used on it .
New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof described recordings on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unconscious women and girls , including a naked video of a 14-year-old girl .
He wrote that Pornhub allows videos to be downloaded directly from its site , leaving room for content to spread and be reuploaded to the internet even after it ’ s been taken down .
Pornhub denied the allegations , stating that any assertion it allows child sex abuse material ( CSAM ) on its platform is “ irresponsible and flagrantly untrue.
” • Nurse at Kaiser Oakland charged with child porn possession in Antioch • California father indicted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ son • California father of four charged with decapitating teen son , 12-year-daughter • California man gets 25-year prison sentence for producing child pornography through social media “ Due to the nature of our industry , people ’ s preconceived notions of Pornhub ’ s values and processes often differ from reality — but it is counterproductive to ignore the facts regarding a subject as serious as CSAM , ” Pornhub said in a previous statement to CNN Business .
“ We have zero tolerance for CSAM .
Pornhub is unequivocally committed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry-leading trust and safety policy to identify and eradicate illegal material from our community .
”

Pornhub has removed a majority of its content — millions of explicit videos — uploaded from unverified users as part of a series of changes following allegations that the site showed videos of child abuse and nonconsensual sexual behavior.
In a blog post Monday, the website said it had “enacted the most comprehensive safeguards in user-generated platform history,” including barring unverified uploaders from adding new content, eliminating the ability to download most videos and has removed all previously uploaded content that was not created by Pornhub’s verified content partners or members of its adult performer network.
[vemba-video id=”business/2020/12/15/nicholas-kristof-new-york-times-pornhub-videos.cnnbusiness”]
Video: Nicholas Kristof says This isn’t about porn, this is about rape
The changes took the number of videos on the website from 13.5 million videos down to a little under 3 million. Going forward, content creators must become verified using Pornhub’s process that involves uploading a picture of themselves with their username.
The Canadian-based website jabbed other social media websites, writing that “every piece of Pornhub content is from verified uploaders, a requirement that platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat and Twitter have yet to institute.”
“In today’s world, all social media platforms share the responsibility to combat illegal material.,” Pornhub stated. “Solutions must be driven by real facts and real experts. We hope we have demonstrated our dedication to leading by example.”
Pornhub was the target of a New York Times report earlier this month that led to large credit card companies to block customers from using their credit cards to make purchases on the website. Mastercard, Visa and Discover all terminated their cards from being used on it.
New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof described recordings on Pornhub’s website of assaults of unconscious women and girls, including a naked video of a 14-year-old girl. He wrote that Pornhub allows videos to be downloaded directly from its site, leaving room for content to spread and be reuploaded to the internet even after it’s been taken down.
Pornhub denied the allegations, stating that any assertion it allows child sex abuse material (CSAM) on its platform is “irresponsible and flagrantly untrue.”
Related Articles Business | Sextortion plot led teen to suicide. 2 Nigerians arrive in U.S. to face charges
Sextortion plot led teen to suicide. 2 Nigerians arrive in U.S. to face charges Business | California mom arrested after authorities say she put alcohol in baby’s bottle
California mom arrested after authorities say she put alcohol in baby’s bottle Business | Facing more than 500 abuse lawsuits, San Francisco Archdiocese says bankruptcy ‘very likely’
Facing more than 500 abuse lawsuits, San Francisco Archdiocese says bankruptcy ‘very likely’ Business | ‘That’s me!’: Turpin adult son makes rare appearance in open court
‘That’s me!’: Turpin adult son makes rare appearance in open court Business | Father charged after being found in hot car in desert with 2 children “Due to the nature of our industry, people’s preconceived notions of Pornhub’s values and processes often differ from reality — but it is counterproductive to ignore the facts regarding a subject as serious as CSAM, ” Pornhub said in a previous statement to CNN Business.
“We have zero tolerance for CSAM. Pornhub is unequivocally committed to combating CSAM, and has instituted an industry-leading trust and safety policy to identify and eradicate illegal material from our community.”
— CNN Business’ Jazmin Goodwin contributed to this report.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2020 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.


mercurynews--2020-12-15--Everything you ever wanted to know about cats’ whiskers

Last week , I told you about a friend of mine who just adopted a kitten that she named Hello .
I ’ m happy to report that it ’ s been another week , and my friend has managed to keep Hello alive and well without a single mishap .
Unless you consider naming a cat Hello in the first place a mishap…in which case , it ’ s only been uphill from there .
In that column , I wrote about 10 things you should never do to your cat .
The day after it appeared in print @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kind note of thanks — but pointed out that I left out one very important “ don ’ t do.
” She pointed out that folks should never trim their cat ’ s whiskers .
And she ’ s absolutely right .
As it turns out , those stiff hairs on your cat ’ s face and legs don ’ t just add to their cuteness — they have real work to do .
To put it simply , whiskers are like GPS and radar systems for your cat .
They are a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cat senses the world – so they need to be protected !
Each thick whisker is filled with tiny , super sensitive nerves that help your cat judge distance and space .
It ’ s how they make decisions like : Is this box too small to get inside ?
How far do I need to jump to reach that counter ?
It ’ s also how they detect what ’ s around them .
In fact , cats that are blind can navigate rooms very well by just walking around and letting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are spatially .
This was definitely true for my cat , Bailey .
At his very last veterinary visit , I learned that he had lost his vision somewhere along the line .
It was a shock to me because he had shown no signs of it that I could tell .
He got around the house just fine and it certainly didn ’ t slow him down .
When his eyes began to fail , his whiskers were his eyes .
The follicles — the sacs that hold the hairs — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ endings that send messages to the cat ’ s brain .
There ’ s also a sensory organ at the tip of each whisker .
It picks up vibrations in the environment that help the cat sense where they are and what other creatures are around them .
Most whiskers are rooted in the thick pads on the upper lip , but smaller sets are in the eyebrow area , along the chin , and near the feet .
The ones on the sides of the nose are the same width as your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them figure out whether a space is wide enough to squeeze through .
Whiskers on the back of the legs help your cat climb trees .
Whiskers are also great at helping humans determine their cat ’ s mood .
A complex set of muscles on the face moves whiskers back and forth .
The way a cat arranges them will tell another animal — or us humans — how they are feeling .
When a cat is relaxed , their whiskers will remain still , sticking straight out from the side of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or are on the hunt , they ’ ll press them slightly forward .
Cats that are nervous or upset will pin the whiskers back toward the face .
Like other hairs on a cat ’ s body , whiskers shed .
That ’ s normal .
But again , you should never trim them .
A cat with cut whiskers will become disoriented and scared .
• What are the “ jump back ” birds searching for in my yard ?
• Hummingbirds being driven away from my feeders by wasps • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holes in my house ?
• Dollars and Pets : Perfect holiday presents for your pets • 10 things you should never do to your cat If you cut them , that ’ s like blindfolding someone , taking away one of their ways of identifying what ’ s in their environment .
No bueno .
Here are some other crazy cool facts about cat ’ s whiskers : 1 .
“ Whisker ” is an Old Word The word “ whisker ” dates to around 1600 and was originally a playful formation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” meaning anything that whisks or sweeps .
So I guess you could say your cat ’ s whiskers are like little brooms !
Also called “ vibrissae ” or tactile hairs , whiskers are two to three times thicker than regular cat hair and are found not only on either side of the muzzle ( those ones are called mystacial whiskers ) , but on the jaw , above the eyes and on the back of the forelegs as well .
There are usually about 12 mystacial whiskers on each side of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more ) ; these are the longest of the facial vibrissae .
Unlike human hair , whiskers are deeply embedded and connected to the nervous system .
The whisker tips are equipped with sensory organs called proprioceptors that help the cat determine an object ’ s distance , direction and even surface texture .
( Sounds kind of like a superpower to me ! )
If a cat is required to use a narrow food or water bowl , the pressure to its sensitive parts can cause what is known as “ whisker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a thing . )
If your cat scoops food out with a paw or knocks food on the floor to eat , consider using a wider bowl .
6 .
Whisker Size Corresponds to the Size of the Cat A cat ’ s whiskers correspond to the width of its body ; it uses them to know whether or not it can fit through narrow spaces – in general , the chubbier a cat , the wider its whiskers .
7 .
Whiskers on the Legs Help With Hunting The whiskers on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a cat in climbing and importantly , they help when the cat is in contact with prey ; they act as another set of eyes when determining where to deliver the fatal bite .
( Sorry , birds and mice . )
Mystacial whiskers are connected to muscles that allow the cat to move them .
Whiskers do shed , however , but don ’ t worry .
They grow back on their own , allowing the natural cycle of accomplishment and cuteness to continue .
• What are the “ jump back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
• Hummingbirds being driven away from my feeders by wasps • Why are Northern flickers intent on punching holes in my house ?
• Dollars and Pets : Perfect holiday presents for your pets • 10 things you should never do to your cat So there you have it .
Cat whiskers are pretty much the coolest things ever , and now suddenly the beard on my face seems a lot less special .

Last week, I told you about a friend of mine who just adopted a kitten that she named Hello. I’m happy to report that it’s been another week, and my friend has managed to keep Hello alive and well without a single mishap.
Unless you consider naming a cat Hello in the first place a mishap…in which case, it’s only been uphill from there.
In that column, I wrote about 10 things you should never do to your cat. The day after it appeared in print, a reader emailed me a very kind note of thanks — but pointed out that I left out one very important “don’t do.”
She pointed out that folks should never trim their cat’s whiskers. And she’s absolutely right.
As it turns out, those stiff hairs on your cat’s face and legs don’t just add to their cuteness — they have real work to do. To put it simply, whiskers are like GPS and radar systems for your cat. They are a powerful and important part of how a cat senses the world – so they need to be protected!
Each thick whisker is filled with tiny, super sensitive nerves that help your cat judge distance and space. It’s how they make decisions like: Is this box too small to get inside? How far do I need to jump to reach that counter?
It’s also how they detect what’s around them. In fact, cats that are blind can navigate rooms very well by just walking around and letting their whiskers get a sense of where they are spatially. This was definitely true for my cat, Bailey.
At his very last veterinary visit, I learned that he had lost his vision somewhere along the line. It was a shock to me because he had shown no signs of it that I could tell. He got around the house just fine and it certainly didn’t slow him down. When his eyes began to fail, his whiskers were his eyes.
#mindblown
The follicles — the sacs that hold the hairs — are deep, with lots of nerve endings that send messages to the cat’s brain.
There’s also a sensory organ at the tip of each whisker. It picks up vibrations in the environment that help the cat sense where they are and what other creatures are around them.
Most whiskers are rooted in the thick pads on the upper lip, but smaller sets are in the eyebrow area, along the chin, and near the feet.
The ones on the sides of the nose are the same width as your cat’s body; they help them figure out whether a space is wide enough to squeeze through.
Whiskers on the back of the legs help your cat climb trees.
Whiskers are also great at helping humans determine their cat’s mood. A complex set of muscles on the face moves whiskers back and forth. The way a cat arranges them will tell another animal — or us humans — how they are feeling.
When a cat is relaxed, their whiskers will remain still, sticking straight out from the side of their head. If they are curious or are on the hunt, they’ll press them slightly forward. Cats that are nervous or upset will pin the whiskers back toward the face.
Like other hairs on a cat’s body, whiskers shed. That’s normal. But again, you should never trim them. A cat with cut whiskers will become disoriented and scared.
Related Articles Pets and Animals | Does having a pet help those with Alzheimer’s disease? Let’s take a look
Does having a pet help those with Alzheimer’s disease? Let’s take a look Pets and Animals | Selling puppies at the border is illegal, and Tijuana officials are trying to stop it If you cut them, that’s like blindfolding someone, taking away one of their ways of identifying what’s in their environment. No bueno.
Here are some other crazy cool facts about cat’s whiskers:
1. “Whisker” is an Old Word
The word “whisker” dates to around 1600 and was originally a playful formation from the Middle English word “wisker” meaning anything that whisks or sweeps. So I guess you could say your cat’s whiskers are like little brooms!
2. Whiskers Are Thicker Than Hair
Also called “vibrissae” or tactile hairs, whiskers are two to three times thicker than regular cat hair and are found not only on either side of the muzzle (those ones are called mystacial whiskers), but on the jaw, above the eyes and on the back of the forelegs as well.
3. Cats Have a Set Number of Mystacial Whiskers
There are usually about 12 mystacial whiskers on each side of the muzzle (although some cat have more); these are the longest of the facial vibrissae.
4. Whiskers Are Sensitive
Unlike human hair, whiskers are deeply embedded and connected to the nervous system. The whisker tips are equipped with sensory organs called proprioceptors that help the cat determine an object’s distance, direction and even surface texture. (Sounds kind of like a superpower to me!)
5. Cats Can Have Whisker Stress
If a cat is required to use a narrow food or water bowl, the pressure to its sensitive parts can cause what is known as “whisker stress.” (Yes, that’s a thing.) If your cat scoops food out with a paw or knocks food on the floor to eat, consider using a wider bowl.
6. Whisker Size Corresponds to the Size of the Cat
A cat’s whiskers correspond to the width of its body; it uses them to know whether or not it can fit through narrow spaces – in general, the chubbier a cat, the wider its whiskers.
7. Whiskers on the Legs Help With Hunting
The whiskers on the back of the front legs help a cat in climbing and importantly, they help when the cat is in contact with prey; they act as another set of eyes when determining where to deliver the fatal bite. (Sorry, birds and mice.)
8. Whiskers Can Move
Mystacial whiskers are connected to muscles that allow the cat to move them.
9. Whiskers Shed
Whiskers do shed, however, but don’t worry. They grow back on their own, allowing the natural cycle of accomplishment and cuteness to continue.


mercurynews--2020-12-15--49ers mailbag: Root for a win or for draft position in Sunday’s game at Dallas Cowboys?

Time to field 49ers-related questions in this week ’ s mailbag via my Instagram and Twitter pop-up shops : How serious was Warner ’ s injury ?
If he is unable to go on Sunday who gets the headset ?
( @ colum456 ) Linebacker Fred Warner underwent an MRI Monday after his second stinger in six weeks , with pain caused by a pinched nerve near his shoulder and neck .
( He also endured that Nov. 2 at Seattle . )
Two years ago , safety Jaquiski Tartt headed to Injured Reserve because of multiple stingers .
Warner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three-year career that now merits All-Pro and Pro Bowl consideration .
If he misses Sunday ’ s start at Dallas , the belief is Azeez Al-Shaair would relay play calls in the huddle from Robert Saleh , or perhaps it would be Dre Greenlaw .
His on-again , off-again 2020 is officially off , pending a playoff-berth miracle , coach Kyle Shanahan announced Monday .
Samuel ’ s left hamstring blew out on him again Sunday , seven weeks ago after an initial strain at New England .
Shanahan said Samuel ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his June foot fracture , thus keeping him from getting in true football shape and how that needs to change for 2021 .
Is this the week the offensive line finally takes out some frustrations and we get a 2019-style run game ?
( @ rayleal727 ) The Cowboys offer the NFL ’ s worst-ranked run defense , and that likely will get defensive coordinator Mike Nolan fired , 12 years after the 49ers replaced him with Mike Singletary as head coach .
The 49ers ’ rushing attack , ranked No .
2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 109.7 yards per game ; Dallas is 18th at 110.9 ypg .
Do we still have a playoff hope ?
( @ ssupreme68 ) Get to the clubhouse at even-par 8-8 and hope the rest of the NFC field implodes .
Will this game be watch-able ?
( @ SuperDC3 ) Absolutely .
Just not on NBC at night .
Not even the 49ers-Cowboys historical rivalry could keep this matchup on prime time , not with their losing records and backup quarterbacks .
Instead , put on your Wimbledon all-whites and enjoy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cream .
Two months from now , you ’ ll be pining for live football .
Could Aldon Smith return to the 49ers next year in the Dee Ford role ?
( @ bigdogediblejourney ) Presumably you mean Ford ’ s pass-rush specialist role of 2019 , seeing how he ’ s been out since Week 2 this season with an undisclosed back injury .
Still , an Aldon Smith return is extremely unlikely .
He exhausted his Niners ’ lives from 2011 up to his August 2015 release , after then-GM Trent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to address his off-field issues .
That said , Smith should be applauded for his comeback this year with the Cowboys and seemingly getting his life straight .
Where is the motivation for us as spectators to really root for the Niners against a Dallas team that is nearly as injured as our team and with the impact on the draft order in mind ?
( @ LarsRiedenklau ) Therein lies the conflict for a losing team ’ s fan base .
Advice : root for quality football that could recapture a winning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worrying how the draft order might leave you with the fourth-best defensive end or quarterback , who might be a Bosa-esque boom or Foster-like bust .
How much cap trouble are Niners in next year ?
Will some of the obvious releases–Ford , Coleman , McKinnon , others ?
–free up enough money to sign any top-tier FAs ?
( @ Anthony04315169 ) With so many pending free agents , times are not as hellacious as after the 2003 season .
Back then , GM Terry Donahue said the 49ers would have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and thus a roster got slashed and a 2-14 season ensued for the No .
1 pick ( hello , Alex Smith ) .
Impending releases of such high-cost veterans ( see : Dee Ford , Tevin Coleman ) will help but I believe a bigger priority will be to re-sign their own free agents than gambling on an unforgiving open market .
• Shanahan ‘ up for anything ’ so 49ers QB change could be coming • 49ers ’ Deebo Samuel likely out for regular season after aggravating hamstring injury • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 49ers ’ loss to Washington • Kurtenbach : There ’ s only one thing left for the 49ers to do in 2020 Why is it that Shanahan doesn ’ t trust his QB ’ s to run a fast paced 2-minute offense and call their own plays at the line ?
( @ robcappel ) Up-tempo offenses are indeed fun to watch , and , in San Francisco , go enjoy the Warriors ’ rebirth .
In football , that is asking too much on an every-down basis , especially with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ works ahead on plays to map out an attack , and it ’ s up to his players to execute them at whatever speed , which hasn ’ t worked this season .
We just need to get out of the season without any more major injuries !
!
( @ bigev49er ) That ’ d be a welcome change .
The 49ers have set a franchise record with 78 different players appearing in at least one game this season .
What do we do now the season is over ?
( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game ?
Would it be possible to meet you at said game ?
( @ JoeGilbert1992 ) No “ Texit ” by me out of the Bay Area .
We ’ re sending our advance scouts with Tesla , Oracle and Hewlett-Packard .
Bonus round via my Twitter channel : What would you get for Kyle Shanahan ’ s 41st birthday ?
The most common responses : a healthy roster , offensive line upgrades , a new quarterback and , specifically , BYU quarterback Zach Wilson .
Others suggestions : an electric razor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Super Bowl ’ s fourth quarter , Texas pass rusher Joseph Ossai , a Levi ’ s Stadium exorcism , and , last but not least , “ COVID vaccine and a quarterback .
”

Time to field 49ers-related questions in this week’s mailbag via my Instagram and Twitter pop-up shops:
How serious was Warner’s injury? If he is unable to go on Sunday who gets the headset? (@colum456)
Linebacker Fred Warner underwent an MRI Monday after his second stinger in six weeks, with pain caused by a pinched nerve near his shoulder and neck. (He also endured that Nov. 2 at Seattle.) Two years ago, safety Jaquiski Tartt headed to injured reserve because of multiple stingers. Warner has not missed a start in a three-year career that now merits All-Pro and Pro Bowl consideration. If he misses Sunday’s start at Dallas, the belief is Azeez Al-Shaair would relay play calls in the huddle from Robert Saleh, or perhaps it would be Dre Greenlaw.
Any news on Deebo? (@imelo_209)
His on-again, off-again 2020 is officially off, pending a playoff-berth miracle, coach Kyle Shanahan announced Monday. Samuel’s left hamstring blew out on him again Sunday, seven weeks ago after an initial strain at New England. Shanahan said Samuel’s poor health all season traced back to his June foot fracture, thus keeping him from getting in true football shape, noting that needs to change for 2021.
Is this the week the offensive line finally takes out some frustrations and we get a 2019-style run game? (@rayleal727)
The Cowboys offer the NFL’s worst-ranked run defense, and that likely will get defensive coordinator Mike Nolan fired, 12 years after the 49ers replaced him with Mike Singletary as head coach. The 49ers’ rushing attack, ranked No. 2 last year, is a pedestrian 19th at 109.7 yards per game; Dallas is 18th at 110.9 ypg.
Do we still have a playoff hope? (@ssupreme68)
Get to the clubhouse at even-par 8-8 and hope the rest of the NFC field implodes.
Will this game be watch-able? (@SuperDC3)
Absolutely. Just not on NBC at night. Not even the 49ers-Cowboys historical rivalry could keep this matchup on prime time, not with their losing records and backup quarterbacks. Instead, put on your Wimbledon all-whites and enjoy a Sunday morning complete with strawberries and cream. Two months from now, you’ll be pining for live football.
Could Aldon Smith return to the 49ers next year in the Dee Ford role? (@bigdogediblejourney)
Presumably you mean Ford’s pass-rush specialist role of 2019, seeing how he’s been out since Week 2 this season with an undisclosed back injury. Still, an Aldon Smith return is extremely unlikely. He exhausted his Niners’ lives from 2011 up to his August 2015 release, after then-GM Trent Baalke and others went to great lengths to address his off-field issues. That said, Smith should be applauded for his comeback this year with the Cowboys and seemingly getting his life straight.
Where is the motivation for us as spectators to really root for the Niners against a Dallas team that is nearly as injured as our team and with the impact on the draft order in mind? (@LarsRiedenklau)
Therein lies the conflict for a losing team’s fan base. Advice: root for quality football that could recapture a winning mentality. It’s better than worrying how the draft order might leave you with the fourth-best defensive end or quarterback, who might be a Bosa-esque boom or Foster-like bust.
How much cap trouble are Niners in next year? Will some of the obvious releases–Ford, Coleman, McKinnon, others?–free up enough money to sign any top-tier FAs? (@Anthony04315169)
With so many pending free agents, times are not as hellacious as after the 2003 season. Back then, GM Terry Donahue said the 49ers would have to take their medicine to get cap healthy, and thus a roster got slashed and a 2-14 season ensued for the No. 1 pick (hello, Alex Smith). Impending releases of such high-cost veterans (see: Dee Ford, Tevin Coleman) will help but I believe a bigger priority will be to re-sign their own free agents than gambling on an unforgiving open market.
Why is it that Shanahan doesn’t trust his QB’s to run a fast paced 2-minute offense and call their own plays at the line? (@robcappel)
Up-tempo offenses are indeed fun to watch. In San Francisco, you can watch one during the Warriors’ rebirth. In football, that is asking too much on an every-down basis, especially with a neophyte quarterback. Shanahan’s mind works ahead on plays to map out an attack, and it’s up to his players to execute them at whatever speed, which hasn’t worked this season.
We just need to get out of the season without any more major injuries!! (@bigev49er)
That’d be a welcome change. The 49ers have set a franchise record with 78 different players appearing in at least one game this season.
What do we do now the season is over? (@KxG999)
Knit. Drink. Be merry. Vaccinate.
Will you be at the game? Would it be possible to meet you at said game? (@JoeGilbert1992)
No “Texit” by me out of the Bay Area. We’re sending our advance scouts with Tesla, Oracle and Hewlett-Packard.
Bonus round via my Twitter channel: What would you get for Kyle Shanahan’s 41st birthday?
The most common responses: a healthy roster, offensive line upgrades, a new quarterback and, specifically, BYU quarterback Zach Wilson. Others suggestions: an electric razor, a DeLorean to go back to the Super Bowl’s fourth quarter, Texas pass rusher Joseph Ossai, a Levi’s Stadium exorcism, and, last but not least, “COVID vaccine and a quarterback.”


mercurynews--2020-12-15--Election 2020: Here’s a look at the Electoral College and how close this election was

The next step in the Electoral College process is the meeting of the electors , who are required by law to convene on the first Monday ( Dec. 14 this year ) after the second Wednesday in December .
The next key date will be Jan. 6 , when a joint session of Congress convenes , with Vice President Mike Pence presiding , to certify results .
The term “ Electoral College ” does not appear in the Constitution .
Article II of the Constitution and the 12th Amendment refer to “ electors , ” but not to the “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we use is part of the original design of the U.S. Constitution , it would be necessary to pass a Constitutional amendment to change the system , according to the National Archives .
The Electoral Count Act of 1887 came as a reaction to the presidential election of 1876 , in which Democrat Samuel Tilden won the popular vote , but lost the presidency to Republican Rutherford B. Hayes because of contested election results coming from three Southern states under the control of Reconstruction governments .
Congress had no rules in place to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it created an ad hoc commission to decide the presidency and then passed the 1887 law to avoid similar situations in the future .
If a state finalizes its results six days before the vote , according to the Electoral Count Act , those results qualify for “ safe harbor ” status — meaning Congress must treat them as “ conclusive ” results , even if , for example , a state ’ s legislature sends in a competing set of results .
How much electoral clout each state has had and what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by mostly Republican on top to mostly Democratic on bottom .
2020 differencesThe Electoral College will vote Monday and President-elect Joe Biden is expected to have enough to win .
The Trump administration has tried to challenge results in courts and has not been successful .
The most recent case was filed to the Supreme Court on Tuesday by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton against Michigan , Georgia , Wisconsin and Pennsylvania .
It argues that electors should not cast their votes because the states unconstitutionally changed their voting processes to allow for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 17 states filed an amicus brief Wednesday .
Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich ( R ) filed a separate brief in support of the case .
Also Wednesday , Trump filed a motion to intervene in the case , and reportedly asked Texas Sen. Ted Cruz ( R ) to argue the case before the high court .
Thursday , 106 Republicans in the House signed an amicus brief supporting the Texas lawsuit .
Friday , the Supreme Court denied Texas ’ effort to nullify the presidential elections in Pennsylvania , Michigan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed five of nine justices to agree to review the case for it to have moved forward .
“ The State of Texas ’ s motion for leave to file a bill of complaint is denied for lack of standing under Article III of the Constitution , ” the Supreme Court ’ s order reads .
“ Texas has not demonstrated a judicially cognizable interest in the manner in which another state conducts its elections .
All other pending motions are dismissed as moot.
” The justices decided on the last of these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the case and promptly dismissed it .
One of the closest of races Biden won Pennsylvania by just 1.2 percentage points , Wisconsin by six-tenths of a percentage point , Arizona by about a third of a percentage point and Georgia by a quarter of a percentage point .
In those four states combined , Biden beat incumbent President Donald Trump by fewer than 125,000 votes out of 18.5 million total votes cast .
Sources : The Associated Press , The Wall Street Journal , Pew Research Center , The National Archives , @ @ @ @ @ @

The next step in the Electoral College process is the meeting of the electors, who are required by law to convene on the first Monday (Dec. 14 this year) after the second Wednesday in December. The next key date will be Jan. 6, when a joint session of Congress convenes, with Vice President Mike Pence presiding, to certify results.
Creating the Electoral College
The term “Electoral College” does not appear in the Constitution. Article II of the Constitution and the 12th Amendment refer to “electors,” but not to the “Electoral College.”
Since the election process we use is part of the original design of the U.S. Constitution, it would be necessary to pass a Constitutional amendment to change the system, according to the National Archives.
The Electoral Count Act of 1887 came as a reaction to the presidential election of 1876, in which Democrat Samuel Tilden won the popular vote, but lost the presidency to Republican Rutherford B. Hayes because of contested election results coming from three Southern states under the control of Reconstruction governments.
Congress had no rules in place to deal with such a scenario, so it created an ad hoc commission to decide the presidency and then passed the 1887 law to avoid similar situations in the future.
If a state finalizes its results six days before the vote, according to the Electoral Count Act, those results qualify for “safe harbor” status — meaning Congress must treat them as “conclusive” results, even if, for example, a state’s legislature sends in a competing set of results.
Electoral vote history
How much electoral clout each state has had and what party its electors voted for, organized by mostly Republican on top to mostly Democratic on bottom.
2020 differencesThe Electoral College will vote Monday and President-elect Joe Biden is expected to have enough to win.
The Trump administration has tried to challenge results in courts and has not been successful. The most recent case was filed to the Supreme Court on Tuesday by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton against Michigan, Georgia, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. It argues that electors should not cast their votes because the states unconstitutionally changed their voting processes to allow for mail-in voting.
The attorneys general of 17 states filed an amicus brief Wednesday. Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich (R) filed a separate brief in support of the case.
Also Wednesday, Trump filed a motion to intervene in the case, and reportedly asked Texas Sen. Ted Cruz (R) to argue the case before the high court.
Thursday, 106 Republicans in the House signed an amicus brief supporting the Texas lawsuit.
Friday, the Supreme Court denied Texas’ effort to nullify the presidential elections in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Georgia and Wisconsin. The high court needed five of nine justices to agree to review the case for it to have moved forward.
“The State of Texas’s motion for leave to file a bill of complaint is denied for lack of standing under Article III of the Constitution,” the Supreme Court’s order reads. “Texas has not demonstrated a judicially cognizable interest in the manner in which another state conducts its elections. All other pending motions are dismissed as moot.”
The justices decided on the last of these four options:
Agree to hear the case and promptly dismissed it.
Rule in favor of Texas.
Have requested oral arguments before ruling.
Decline to hear it outright.
One of the closest of races
Biden won Pennsylvania by just 1.2 percentage points, Wisconsin by six-tenths of a percentage point, Arizona by about a third of a percentage point and Georgia by a quarter of a percentage point. In those four states combined, Biden beat incumbent President Donald Trump by fewer than 125,000 votes out of 18.5 million total votes cast.
Sources: The Associated Press, The Wall Street Journal, Pew Research Center, The National Archives, The Office of the Federal Register


mercurynews--2020-12-15--Pregnant woman riding on motorcycle died after being shot, run over on Central California freeway

FRESNO — A 21-year-old pregnant woman died after she was shot while riding on the back of a motorcycle on a central California freeway , authorities said .
Savanna Troyn fell off the bike and was run over by at least one vehicle after the shooting early Saturday on State Route 41 south of Fresno , according to the California Highway Patrol .
The CHP is investigating the case as a homicide , but as of Monday no information had been released on a possible suspect or motive , the Fresno Bee reported .
Troyn ’ s father , James @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daughter was 2 1/2 months pregnant with her first child .
She was scheduled to enter a drug treatment program on Monday , he said .
• Court date reshuffled once again for pair accused of 2016 deadly Vallejo pawnshop robbery “ Savanna , she was a firecracker .
She could be a knucklehead .
She had to do it her way , ” Castro said .
“ She was looking forward to being a mother.
” The man driving the motorcycle remained at the scene and was questioned by officers .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the driver was cooperating with the investigation , police said .

FRESNO — A 21-year-old pregnant woman died after she was shot while riding on the back of a motorcycle on a central California freeway, authorities said.
Savanna Troyn fell off the bike and was run over by at least one vehicle after the shooting early Saturday on State Route 41 south of Fresno, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The CHP is investigating the case as a homicide, but as of Monday no information had been released on a possible suspect or motive, the Fresno Bee reported.
Troyn’s father, James Castro, told the Bee that his daughter was 2 1/2 months pregnant with her first child. She was scheduled to enter a drug treatment program on Monday, he said.
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The man driving the motorcycle remained at the scene and was questioned by officers.
A vehicle that struck the woman also stayed and the driver was cooperating with the investigation, police said.


mercurynews--2020-12-15--California ports scramble to push long-delayed toys out of holiday shipping logjam

The timing couldn ’ t be worse .
Less than two weeks out from Christmas , MGA Entertainment , the Chatsworth-based toy company known for rolling out such hit products as L.O.L .
Surprise !
and Bratz dolls , and other importers are still waiting for shipments to leave the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach .
Nearly 270 containers — 58 in L.A. and 210 in Long Beach — filled with about $ 75 million worth of toys were sitting at the Southern California ports as of late afternoon , Isaac Larian , CEO and founder of MGA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The numbers are a constant moving target , as some shipments are unloaded and transported to warehouses and new shipments come in to dock , he said .
Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka said he ’ d heard reports of the logjam and worked with the company to prioritize the shipments as best they could late Friday when 40 containers , or most of MGA ’ s shipments at that point , were transported out by trucks .
The San Fernando Valley toy manufacturer is not alone in dealing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he ’ s reached out to other importers about resolving their situations , delays brought on by increased consumer demand for items in 2020 .
With travel and other activities canceled , he said , consumers are turning to buying goods — including record online sales — inundating factories with orders .
“ They can not keep up and there ’ s not enough space ( in the ports ) , ” he said .
Twenty-four container ships were waiting at anchor on Monday , half of them destined for unloading at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other half at the Port of Long Beach .
“ This is what I call a triage situation , ” Seroka said of the flood of cargo that has inundated both ports in the last half of 2020 .
Goods , he said , “ are flying off the store shelves and flying through the Internet , and companies have to try to keep up with it .
Our volume in the port is up by nearly 50 % over the first months ( of 2020 ) .
” The stress has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , from the manufacturers to getting goods onto ships , then onto trucks and trains for delivery .
A new Port Optimizer tool on the Port of L.A. ’ s website was recently introduced to help better track the imports as they arrive and are unloaded .
Mario Cordero , executive director of the Port of Long Beach , said in a statement that the port recently opened a temporary storage area for empty containers and a staging yard for full containers and is collaborating with marine terminal operators to “ prioritize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goods by truck.
” “ Our supply chain partners in shipping , terminal operations , trucking , railroads and warehousing are moving a record amount of cargo at a time when new COVID protocols are limiting capacity , ” he stated .
“ Our Business Recovery Task Force continues to work closely with our customers and industry partners to provide solutions and help expedite the movement of cargo through our port.
” Larian , meanwhile , said port operators have been cooperative , but he ’ s saddened by the timing of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Christmas and the demand for toys this time of year .
“ It makes me sad because I ’ ve been in the toy business for 42 years , ” he said .
“ We have the hottest toy this season , especially L.O.L Surprise !
and Little Tikes .
A lot of kids , unfortunately , are going to be disappointed.
” With Christmas just two weeks away , Larian said he doubted there would be enough time to get all the merchandise out to retail stores before the holiday — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consumers can order from retailers online , which might arrange to have the toy manufacturer ship directly to a customer ’ s address .
Because the products are hot items , Larian believes the company will be able to sell the merchandise even after the holidays .
He ’ s more bothered , he said , by the idea that the toys won ’ t be there for little ones to unwrap come Christmas morning .
“ What bothers me is having a lot of kids disappointed and parents frustrated , ” he @ @

The timing couldn’t be worse. Less than two weeks out from Christmas, MGA Entertainment, the Chatsworth-based toy company known for rolling out such hit products as L.O.L. Surprise! and Bratz dolls, and other importers are still waiting for shipments to leave the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
Nearly 270 containers — 58 in L.A. and 210 in Long Beach — filled with about $75 million worth of toys were sitting at the Southern California ports as of late afternoon, Isaac Larian, CEO and founder of MGA Entertainment, said Monday, Dec. 14. The numbers are a constant moving target, as some shipments are unloaded and transported to warehouses and new shipments come in to dock, he said.
Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka said he’d heard reports of the logjam and worked with the company to prioritize the shipments as best they could late Friday when 40 containers, or most of MGA’s shipments at that point, were transported out by trucks.
The San Fernando Valley toy manufacturer is not alone in dealing with delays at the ports. Seroka said he’s reached out to other importers about resolving their situations, delays brought on by increased consumer demand for items in 2020.
With travel and other activities canceled, he said, consumers are turning to buying goods — including record online sales — inundating factories with orders.
“They cannot keep up and there’s not enough space (in the ports),” he said. Twenty-four container ships were waiting at anchor on Monday, half of them destined for unloading at the Port of Los Angeles and the other half at the Port of Long Beach.
“This is what I call a triage situation,” Seroka said of the flood of cargo that has inundated both ports in the last half of 2020.
Goods, he said, “are flying off the store shelves and flying through the Internet, and companies have to try to keep up with it. Our volume in the port is up by nearly 50% over the first months (of 2020).”
The stress has been felt throughout the supply chain, Seroka said, from the manufacturers to getting goods onto ships, then onto trucks and trains for delivery.
A new Port Optimizer tool on the Port of L.A.’s website was recently introduced to help better track the imports as they arrive and are unloaded.
Mario Cordero, executive director of the Port of Long Beach, said in a statement that the port recently opened a temporary storage area for empty containers and a staging yard for full containers and is collaborating with marine terminal operators to “prioritize dual transactions to optimize the flow of goods by truck.”
“Our supply chain partners in shipping, terminal operations, trucking, railroads and warehousing are moving a record amount of cargo at a time when new COVID protocols are limiting capacity,” he stated. “Our Business Recovery Task Force continues to work closely with our customers and industry partners to provide solutions and help expedite the movement of cargo through our port.”
Larian, meanwhile, said port operators have been cooperative, but he’s saddened by the timing of the dilemma, given how close it is to Christmas and the demand for toys this time of year.
“It makes me sad because I’ve been in the toy business for 42 years,” he said. “We have the hottest toy this season, especially L.O.L Surprise! and Little Tikes. A lot of kids, unfortunately, are going to be disappointed.”
With Christmas just two weeks away, Larian said he doubted there would be enough time to get all the merchandise out to retail stores before the holiday — although there may still be a chance consumers can order from retailers online, which might arrange to have the toy manufacturer ship directly to a customer’s address.
Because the products are hot items, Larian believes the company will be able to sell the merchandise even after the holidays. He’s more bothered, he said, by the idea that the toys won’t be there for little ones to unwrap come Christmas morning.
“What bothers me is having a lot of kids disappointed and parents frustrated,” he said.


mercurynews--2020-12-16--US vaccinations ramp up as 2nd COVID-19 shot nears

WASHINGTON ( AP ) — Hundreds more hospitals around the country began dispensing COVID-19 shots to their workers in a rapid expansion of the U.S. vaccination drive Tuesday , while a second vaccine moved to the cusp of government authorization .
A day after the rollout of Pfizer-BioNTech ’ s coronavirus shots , the Food and Drug Administration said its preliminary analysis confirmed the effectiveness and safety of the vaccine developed by Moderna and the National Institutes of Health .
A panel of outside experts is expected to recommend the formula on Thursday , with the FDA ’ s green @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine uses the same technology as Pfizer-BioNTech ’ s and showed similarly strong protection against COVID-19 but is easier to handle because it does not need to be kept in the deep freeze at minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit ( minus 70 Celsius ) .
Another weapon against the outbreak can ’ t come soon enough : The number of dead in the U.S. passed a staggering 300,000 on Monday , according to Johns Hopkins University , with about 2,400 people now dying per day on average .
The devastating toll is only expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fueled by travel over Christmas and New Year ’ s , family gatherings and lax adherence to mask-wearing and other precautions .
Packed in dry ice , shipments of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine began arriving Tuesday at more than 400 additional hospitals and other distribution sites .
The first 3 million shots are being strictly rationed to front-line health workers and nursing home patients , with hundreds of millions more shots needed over the coming months to protect most Americans .
The rollout provided a measure of encouragement to exhausted doctors , nurses and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maritza Beniquez has had a front-row seat to the devastation the COVID-19 pandemic has wrought on communities of color in New Jersey , so she jumped at the chance to take the vaccine that is being hailed as a turning point in the long and grueling battle against the virus .
The 56-year-old emergency room nurse at Newark ’ s University Hospital became the first person in New Jersey to receive the vaccine on Tuesday .
All recipients will get a second shot a few weeks later .
“ I ’ m happy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I won ’ t have to be afraid to go into a room anymore .
I won ’ t have to be afraid to perform chest compressions or be present when they ’ re intubating a patient , ” Beniquez said .
“ I don ’ t want to be afraid anymore , and I don ’ t want to have that risk of taking it home to my own family and my own friends.
” Widespread acceptance of the vaccine is critical to eventually protecting enough of the U.S. population to defeat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans say they want to get vaccinated , while about a quarter don ’ t and the rest are unsure , according to a recent poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Health Research .
In Manchester , New Hampshire , intensive care unit nurse Heidi Kukla said she volunteered to get the shot first to help dispel fears about the vaccine ’ s long-term effects and the speed with which it was developed .
“ I know a lot of people have reservations about getting the vaccine , ” she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ But I can assure you that there is absolutely nothing worse than being a patient on a ventilator in an ICU anywhere in this country right now with COVID.
” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , a childhood polio survivor , urged elected officials to “ step up ” and get vaccinated .
“ We really need to get the country vaccinated , ” he said .
“ It ’ s the right thing to do for yourself , for your family and for the country.
” Acting U.S. Defense Secretary Christopher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda , Maryland , on Monday .
Other high-ranking Pentagon military service leaders are expected to get the vaccine as soon as next week to show that it is safe .
Currently , getting the vaccine is voluntary for members of the military .
The federal government is planning hundreds more shipments through the weekend .
Shots for nursing home residents won ’ t start in most states until next week , when some 1,100 facilities are set to begin vaccinations .
Government officials project that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get their first shots by the end of December , and 30 million more in January .
That projection assumes swift authorization of the Moderna vaccine , which also requires two shots for full protection .
The U.S. government has purchased 100 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and orders for 200 million doses of the Moderna serum .
Assuming no manufacturing or distribution delays , that would be enough to vaccinate 150 million Americans by mid-2021 .
Elsewhere around the world , the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is being given in Britain and Canada @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a meeting to assess the vaccine to Dec. 21 , more than a week earlier than planned , under pressure from Germany and other countries on the continent .
In scrutinizing early results of a 30,000-person study , the FDA found that Moderna ’ s vaccine worked just about the same as Pfizer-BioNTech ’ s .
The Moderna vaccine was more than 94 % effective overall at preventing COVID-19 illness , and 86 % effective in people 65 and older .
The FDA uncovered no major safety problems .
Side effects can include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine revs up the immune system .
Even such a large study can ’ t detect very rare problems .
But the FDA looked carefully for signs of allergic reactions after Britain last week reported some possible reactions among people with a history of severe allergies who received the Pfizer-BioNTech shot .
The FDA found no serious allergic reactions in the Moderna study .
About 1.5 % of vaccine recipients and 1.1 % who got dummy shots reported possible smaller , “ hypersensitivity ” reactions .
Both Moderna ’ s and Pfizer-BioNTech ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They aren ’ t made with the coronavirus itself , meaning there is no chance anyone could catch it from the shots .
Instead , the vaccine contains a piece of genetic code that trains the immune system to recognize the spiked protein on the surface of the virus .
Associated Press writers Tamara Lush , Holly Ramer , Candice Choi and Lolita C. Baldor contributed to this report .
Porter reported from Newark , New Jersey .
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The AP is solely responsible for all content .

By MATTHEW PERRONE, LAURAN NEERGAARD and DAVID PORTER | The Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Hundreds more hospitals around the country began dispensing COVID-19 shots to their workers in a rapid expansion of the U.S. vaccination drive Tuesday, while a second vaccine moved to the cusp of government authorization.
A day after the rollout of Pfizer-BioNTech’s coronavirus shots, the Food and Drug Administration said its preliminary analysis confirmed the effectiveness and safety of the vaccine developed by Moderna and the National Institutes of Health. A panel of outside experts is expected to recommend the formula on Thursday, with the FDA’s green light coming soon thereafter.
The Moderna vaccine uses the same technology as Pfizer-BioNTech’s and showed similarly strong protection against COVID-19 but is easier to handle because it does not need to be kept in the deep freeze at minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 70 Celsius).
Another weapon against the outbreak can’t come soon enough: The number of dead in the U.S. passed a staggering 300,000 on Monday, according to Johns Hopkins University, with about 2,400 people now dying per day on average.
The devastating toll is only expected to grow in the coming weeks, fueled by travel over Christmas and New Year’s, family gatherings and lax adherence to mask-wearing and other precautions.
Packed in dry ice, shipments of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine began arriving Tuesday at more than 400 additional hospitals and other distribution sites.
The first 3 million shots are being strictly rationed to front-line health workers and nursing home patients, with hundreds of millions more shots needed over the coming months to protect most Americans.
The rollout provided a measure of encouragement to exhausted doctors, nurses and other hospital staffers around the country.
Maritza Beniquez has had a front-row seat to the devastation the COVID-19 pandemic has wrought on communities of color in New Jersey, so she jumped at the chance to take the vaccine that is being hailed as a turning point in the long and grueling battle against the virus.
The 56-year-old emergency room nurse at Newark’s University Hospital became the first person in New Jersey to receive the vaccine on Tuesday. All recipients will get a second shot a few weeks later.
“I’m happy that in another month and a half I won’t have to be afraid to go into a room anymore. I won’t have to be afraid to perform chest compressions or be present when they’re intubating a patient,” Beniquez said. “I don’t want to be afraid anymore, and I don’t want to have that risk of taking it home to my own family and my own friends.”
Widespread acceptance of the vaccine is critical to eventually protecting enough of the U.S. population to defeat the outbreak. But just half of Americans say they want to get vaccinated, while about a quarter don’t and the rest are unsure, according to a recent poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Health Research.
In Manchester, New Hampshire, intensive care unit nurse Heidi Kukla said she volunteered to get the shot first to help dispel fears about the vaccine’s long-term effects and the speed with which it was developed.
“I know a lot of people have reservations about getting the vaccine,” she said after getting vaccinated at Elliot Hospital. “But I can assure you that there is absolutely nothing worse than being a patient on a ventilator in an ICU anywhere in this country right now with COVID.”
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a childhood polio survivor, urged elected officials to “step up” and get vaccinated.
“We really need to get the country vaccinated,” he said. “It’s the right thing to do for yourself, for your family and for the country.”
Acting U.S. Defense Secretary Christopher Miller received the Pfizer vaccine at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, on Monday. Other high-ranking Pentagon military service leaders are expected to get the vaccine as soon as next week to show that it is safe. Currently, getting the vaccine is voluntary for members of the military.
The federal government is planning hundreds more shipments through the weekend.
Shots for nursing home residents won’t start in most states until next week, when some 1,100 facilities are set to begin vaccinations. Government officials project that 20 million Americans will be able to get their first shots by the end of December, and 30 million more in January.
That projection assumes swift authorization of the Moderna vaccine, which also requires two shots for full protection. The U.S. government has purchased 100 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and orders for 200 million doses of the Moderna serum. Assuming no manufacturing or distribution delays, that would be enough to vaccinate 150 million Americans by mid-2021.
Elsewhere around the world, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is being given in Britain and Canada. And European Union regulators moved up a meeting to assess the vaccine to Dec. 21, more than a week earlier than planned, under pressure from Germany and other countries on the continent.
In scrutinizing early results of a 30,000-person study, the FDA found that Moderna’s vaccine worked just about the same as Pfizer-BioNTech’s.
The Moderna vaccine was more than 94% effective overall at preventing COVID-19 illness, and 86% effective in people 65 and older. The FDA uncovered no major safety problems. Side effects can include fever, fatigue and aches as the vaccine revs up the immune system.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge Even such a large study can’t detect very rare problems. But the FDA looked carefully for signs of allergic reactions after Britain last week reported some possible reactions among people with a history of severe allergies who received the Pfizer-BioNTech shot.
The FDA found no serious allergic reactions in the Moderna study. About 1.5% of vaccine recipients and 1.1% who got dummy shots reported possible smaller, “hypersensitivity” reactions.
Both Moderna’s and Pfizer-BioNTech’s shots are so-called mRNA vaccines. They aren’t made with the coronavirus itself, meaning there is no chance anyone could catch it from the shots. Instead, the vaccine contains a piece of genetic code that trains the immune system to recognize the spiked protein on the surface of the virus.
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Associated Press writers Tamara Lush, Holly Ramer, Candice Choi and Lolita C. Baldor contributed to this report. Porter reported from Newark, New Jersey.
___
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.


mercurynews--2020-12-16--How hospitals decide who’s at the front of the COVID-19 vaccine line

As healthcare workers line up for the precious COVID-19 vaccine , what matters is not power or privilege – but need .
On the long list of eligible employees compiled by every hospital , this is who counts : The janitor who disinfects the emergency room .
The aide who strains to lift and move a patient .
The critical care nurse who monitors breathing machines .
The physician who shuttles between ICU beds .
The transport staff that roll bodies to the morgue .
“ They take priority… over anyone in the ‘ C suite ’ or the directors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Regional Hospital in San Jose , which serves a heavily Latinx and Asian community , where the virus is spreading rapidly .
This week ’ s vaccinations , the first in a staggeringly complex national campaign , offer a glimpse of true meritocracy .
In a nation where status can rush the most fortunate to the front of the line – whether for airport security screening or country club admission – the COVID-19 vaccines are offered first to the truly needy .
“ These are the people who have instrumental jobs in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said Dr. Charles E. Binkley , a surgeon and healthcare expert who directs the bioethics program at Santa Clara University ’ s Markkula Center .
“ They play a pivotal role.
” On the fifth-floor corridor of the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center in Martinez , lab technician Gilberto Garcia was one of the first on Tuesday to receive a vaccination and said his wife was concerned about the potential side effects .
But Garcia trusted all along that science would find a solution .
“ For me , whatever happens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I will never regret getting this vaccine.
” At Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital , a radiology technician joined two nurses and two doctors to receive the city ’ s first five doses .
As more vaccines arrive , hospitals aim to protect their entire workforce , a stunning development that will spare those who have spent grueling months in the trenches of the country ’ s coronavirus nightmare .
“ We are planning and preparing for the ability to vaccinate everyone — hopefully by the end of January , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Stanford Health Care .
With access to 4,000 doses , it is now crafting the most logical sequence of workers .
Even as the vaccinations are infusing hope for healthcare workers , the more immediate reality in California is of a pandemic raging out of control .
At least 250 deaths were reported statewide from COVID-19 on Tuesday , a new daily record .
The number of new coronavirus cases also smashed records , with more than 41,000 reported statewide on Monday , according to data compiled by this news organization .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the virus , 3,193 were being treated in intensive care units — a number that has almost tripled over the past month .
ICUs have nearly reached their capacities in the San Joaquin Valley and Southern California , with perhaps thousands more patients expected to arrive over the coming weeks .
Statewide , the units have just 5.7 percent of their total capacity available .
The state is also scrambling to find nurses and doctors to care for the swelling numbers of patients .
In a grim counterpoint to the logistical work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gavin Newsom said California has also secured 5,000 body bags and 60 refrigerated trucks to handle the surge of deaths .
And that toll is expected to keep rising , as people who contracted the virus in recent weeks succumb to it .
Speaking before the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday , Heath Officer Dr. Sara Cody paused , briefly overcome with emotion , as she described how the county was in “ very bad shape ” amid the surge .
“ Our pandemic locally is out of control and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Cody said .
“ We can not normalize this .
We need a statewide action to keep people from dying.
” Newsom said California plans by the end of this month to start vaccinating 2.1 million of the roughly 3 million people it considers first in line — health care workers at acute care hospitals , as well as residents and staff at long-term care facilities .
Paramedics and others in emergency medical services , are also among those considered a top priority for the vaccine .
Hospitals are using different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all facilities are prioritizing workers in four departments : Intensive Care , Emergency Care , COVID-19 Care and Respiratory Therapy .
At Regional Medical Center , employees of these departments received an email with a link to sign up , with questions about risk factors , such as diabetes , obesity , autoimmune diseases or other conditions .
Those at greatest risk moved to the front of the line .
Once everyone in those departments is protected , the hospital ’ s other employees will also be ranked , based on vulnerability .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ San Francisco , “ we ’ re poring over spreadsheets of thousands of clinicians to figure out which ones should go 1st , 2nd , 3rd , etc.
, ” department chair Dr. Robert Wachter wrote on Twitter .
After UCSF identifies workers at greatest risk in one job category in one unit , it arranges the timing of shots to balance work schedules and any missed shifts due to side effects .
In a process it calls “ sequencing , ” Stanford Health Care ’ s vaccine planning group focused on four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ central healthcare workforce , protecting the most vulnerable , ensuring equity and providing transparency throughout the process , said Sehgal .
It considers job duties but also risk factors such as age .
Leaders of each department provide input .
Contra Costa Regional Medical Center is prioritizing staff members who are most regularly exposed to COVID-19 patients .
Radiologist Dr. Robert Liebig said he self-reported the number of patients he treats , then was cleared to receive the vaccine on Tuesday afternoon .
“ This has been a very optimistic 48 hours , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finally seeing the vaccine being utilized.
” But at the same time , he added , “ We are going through perhaps the most intense and urgent moment of this pandemic…We are not at the finish line yet.
” Shomik Mukherjee and John Woolfolk contributed to this article .

As health care workers line up for the precious COVID-19 vaccine, what matters is not power or privilege – but need.
On the long list of eligible employees compiled by every hospital, this is who counts: The janitor who disinfects the emergency room. The aide who strains to lift and move a patient. The critical care nurse who monitors breathing machines. The physician who shuttles between ICU beds. The transport staff who roll bodies to the morgue.
“They take priority … over anyone in the ‘C-suite’ or the directors of departments,” said Sarah Sherwood of Regional Medical Center in San Jose, which serves hard hit Latinx and Asian communities.
This week’s vaccinations, the first in a staggeringly complex national campaign, offer a display of true meritocracy. In a nation where status can rush the most fortunate to the front of the line — whether for airport security screening or country club admission — the COVID-19 vaccines are offered first to the truly needy.
“These are the people who have instrumental jobs in making sure others are taken care of,” said Dr. Charles E. Binkley, a surgeon and health care expert who directs the bioethics program at Santa Clara University’s Markkula Center. “They play a pivotal role.”
MARTINEZ, CA - DECEMBER 15: Registered Nurse Matthew Brenner receives a Covid-19 vaccine from Registered Nurse Kathy Ferris, left, at the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center in Martinez, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec.15, 2020. Frontline healthcare workers who work in roles with high risk of exposure to infectious disease received their initial doses of the new COVID-19 vaccine recently approved for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
MARTINEZ, CA - DECEMBER 15: A Covid-19 vaccine is ready to be given at the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center in Martinez, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec.15, 2020. Frontline healthcare workers who work in roles with high risk of exposure to infectious disease received their initial doses of the new COVID-19 vaccine recently approved for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
MARTINEZ, CA - DECEMBER 15: Medical personnel cheer and clap as Dr. Sergio Urcuyo, chair of the Department of Hospital Medicine, receives the first Covid-19 vaccine at the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center in Martinez, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec.15, 2020. Frontline healthcare workers who work in roles with high risk of exposure to infectious disease received their initial doses of the new COVID-19 vaccine recently approved for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
MARTINEZ, CA - DECEMBER 15: A staff member receives a Covid-19 vaccine from Infection Prevention and Control Program Manager Holly Longmuir at the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center in Martinez, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec.15, 2020. Frontline healthcare workers who work in roles with high risk of exposure to infectious disease received their initial doses of the new COVID-19 vaccine recently approved for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
MARTINEZ, CA - DECEMBER 15: Dr. Robert Liebig receives a Covid-19 vaccine from Infection Prevention and Control Program Manager Holly Longmuir, right, at the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center in Martinez, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec.15, 2020. Frontline healthcare workers who work in roles with high risk of exposure to infectious disease received their initial doses of the new COVID-19 vaccine recently approved for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
MARTINEZ, CA - DECEMBER 15: Infection Prevention and Control Program Manager Holly Longmuir, gives a Covid-19 vaccine to Dr. Courtney Beach at the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center in Martinez, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec.15, 2020. Frontline healthcare workers who work in roles with high risk of exposure to infectious disease received their initial doses of the new COVID-19 vaccine recently approved for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
MARTINEZ, CA - DECEMBER 15: Dr. Sergio Urcuyo, chair of the Department of Hospital Medicine, left, prepares to receive a Covid-19 vaccine from Registered Nurse Kathy Ferris, left, as Infection Prevention and Control Program Manager Holly Longmuir, explains the procedure to Licensed Vocational Nurse Henri K. at the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center in Martinez, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec.15, 2020. Frontline healthcare workers who work in roles with high risk of exposure to infectious disease received their initial doses of the new COVID-19 vaccine recently approved for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
MARTINEZ, CA - DECEMBER 15: Medical personnel watch as the first Covid-19 vaccines are given to frontline medical workers at the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center in Martinez, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec.15, 2020. Frontline healthcare workers who work in roles with high risk of exposure to infectious disease received their initial doses of the new COVID-19 vaccine recently approved for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
MARTINEZ, CA - DECEMBER 15: Dr. Sergio Urcuyo, chair of the Department of Hospital Medicine, waves to staff members before receiving the first Covid-19 vaccine at the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center in Martinez, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec.15, 2020. Frontline healthcare workers who work in roles with high risk of exposure to infectious disease received their initial doses of the new COVID-19 vaccine recently approved for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
MARTINEZ, CA - DECEMBER 15: Medical personnel watch as the first Covid-19 vaccines are given to frontline medical workers at the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center in Martinez, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec.15, 2020. Frontline healthcare workers who work in roles with high risk of exposure to infectious disease received their initial doses of the new COVID-19 vaccine recently approved for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
MARTINEZ, CA - DECEMBER 15: Registered Nurse Kathy Ferris, left, puts a bandage on after giving Dr. Sonia Sutherland the Covid-19 vaccine at the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center in Martinez, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec.15, 2020. Frontline healthcare workers who work in roles with high risk of exposure to infectious disease received their initial doses of the new COVID-19 vaccine recently approved for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
MARTINEZ, CA - DECEMBER 15: Licensed Vocational Nurse Henri K. waits to receive a Covid-19 vaccine at the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center in Martinez, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec.15, 2020. Frontline healthcare workers who work in roles with high risk of exposure to infectious disease received their initial doses of the new COVID-19 vaccine recently approved for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
MARTINEZ, CA - DECEMBER 15: Registered Nurse Kathy Ferris, center, goes over information after giving a frontline medical worker Dennis Romero the Covid-19 vaccine at the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center in Martinez, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec.15, 2020. Frontline healthcare workers who work in roles with high risk of exposure to infectious disease received their initial doses of the new COVID-19 vaccine recently approved for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
MARTINEZ, CA - DECEMBER 15: Registered Nurse Kathy Ferris, left, goes over information before giving a frontline medical worker the Covid-19 vaccine at the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center in Martinez, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec.15, 2020. Frontline healthcare workers who work in roles with high risk of exposure to infectious disease received their initial doses of the new COVID-19 vaccine recently approved for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
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On the fifth-floor corridor of the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center in Martinez, lab technician Gilberto Garcia was one of the first on Tuesday to receive a vaccination and said his wife was concerned about the potential side effects. But Garcia trusted all along that science would find a solution.
“For me, whatever happens will happen,” Garcia said. “I will never regret getting this vaccine.”
At Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, a radiology technician joined two nurses and two doctors to receive the city’s first five doses.
As more vaccines arrive, hospitals aim to protect their entire workforce, a stunning development that will spare those who have spent grueling months in the trenches of the country’s coronavirus nightmare.
“We are planning and preparing for the ability to vaccinate everyone — hopefully by the end of January,” depending on supplies, said Dr. Niraj Sehgal, Chief Medical Officer for Stanford Health Care. With access to 4,000 doses, it is now crafting the most logical sequence of workers.
“We are hopeful and optimistic that we will have enough vaccine to be able to take care of our entire healthcare workforce over the next couple of months,” he said.
Even as the vaccinations are infusing hope for health care workers, the more immediate reality in California is of a pandemic raging out of control.
At least 250 deaths were reported statewide from COVID-19 on Tuesday, a new daily record. The number of new coronavirus cases also smashed records, with more than 41,000 reported statewide on Monday, according to data compiled by this news organization. Of the more than 15,000 people hospitalized with the virus, 3,193 were being treated in intensive care units — a number that has almost tripled over the past month.
ICUs have nearly reached their capacities in the San Joaquin Valley and Southern California, with perhaps thousands more patients expected to arrive over the coming weeks. Statewide, the units have just 5.7 percent of their total capacity available. The state is also scrambling to find nurses and doctors to care for the swelling numbers of patients.
In a grim counterpoint to the logistical work of distributing the vaccine, Gov. Gavin Newsom said California has also secured 5,000 body bags and 60 refrigerated trucks to handle the surge of deaths. And that toll is expected to keep rising, as people who contracted the virus in recent weeks succumb to it.
Speaking before the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, Heath Officer Dr. Sara Cody paused, briefly overcome with emotion, as she described how the county was in “very bad shape” amid the surge.
“Our pandemic locally is out of control, and our health care system is quite stretched,” Cody said. “We cannot normalize this. We need a statewide action to keep people from dying.”
Newsom said California plans by the end of this month to start vaccinating 2.1 million of the roughly 3 million people it considers first in line — health care workers at acute care hospitals, as well as residents and staff at long-term care facilities. Paramedics and others in emergency medical services are also among those considered a top priority for the vaccine.
Hospitals are using different strategies to rank vaccine recipients. Almost all facilities are prioritizing workers in four departments: Intensive Care, Emergency Care, COVID-19 Care and Respiratory Therapy.
At Regional Medical Center, employees of these departments received an email with a link to sign up, with questions about risk factors, such as diabetes, obesity, autoimmune diseases or other conditions. Those at greatest risk moved to the front of the line. Once everyone in those departments is protected, the hospital’s other employees will also be ranked, based on vulnerability.
In the Department of Medicine at UC San Francisco, “we’re poring over spreadsheets of thousands of clinicians to figure out which ones should go 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.,” department chair Dr. Robert Wachter wrote on Twitter. After UCSF identifies workers at greatest risk in one job category in one unit, it arranges the timing of shots to balance work schedules and any missed shifts due to side effects.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge In a process it calls “sequencing,” Stanford Health Care’s vaccine planning group focused on four principles: preserving the health of its central health care workforce, protecting the most vulnerable, ensuring equity and providing transparency throughout the process, said Sehgal. It considers job duties but also risk factors such as age. Leaders of each department provide input.
Contra Costa Regional Medical Center is prioritizing staff members who are most regularly exposed to COVID-19 patients. Radiologist Dr. Robert Liebig said he self-reported the number of patients he treats, then was cleared to receive the vaccine on Tuesday afternoon.
“This has been a very optimistic 48 hours,” Newsom said. “We are finally seeing the vaccine being utilized.”
But at the same time, he added, “We are going through perhaps the most intense and urgent moment of this pandemic. … We are not at the finish line yet.”
Shomik Mukherjee and John Woolfolk contributed to this article.


mercurynews--2020-12-16--More than 12,000 customers lose power in Santa Cruz County blackout

SANTA CRUZ — Santa Cruz County went dark shortly after 5 p.m. Tuesday , but power was resumed just before @ @ @ @ @ reported that at 5:09 p.m. , approximately 63,000 customers in Santa Cruz County lost power @ @ @ @ @ .
The cause of the outage is under investigation , according PG & E .

SANTA CRUZ — Santa Cruz County went dark shortly after 5 p.m. Tuesday, but power was resumed before 5:30 p.m.
PG&E reported that at 5:09 p.m., approximately 63,000 customers in Santa Cruz County lost power due to a transmission-level outage.
Wednesday morning PG&E reported the cause was due to transmission equipment failure.
Impacted cities included: Aptos, Ben Lomond, Capitola, Corralitos, Davenport, Felton, Freedom, La Selva Beach, Santa Cruz, Santa Ynez, Shafter, Soquel and Watsonville.