mercurynews--2020-10-13--Vandal trashes memorial signs honoring two fallen Vallejo police officers

The double-sided memorial signs honoring fallen Vallejo officers Jeff Azuar and Jim Capoot on Rollingwood Drive by the East Vallejo Little Field were vandalized beyond repair last week .
A “ concerned citizen ” called the police last Thursday , 10:15 a.m. , indicating the back-to-back memorial signs were “ no longer standing , ” reported Lt. Herm Robinson on Monday .
The posts supporting the signs were apparently pulled out and the signs split in half , Robinson said , adding that there “ was no evidence of a vehicle driving into the path of the memorial signs.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the memorial sign site “ was too far away , ” Robinson said .
What remained of the signs was removed as evidence , the watch commander said .
“ It is disturbing that individuals would distain the memory of our fallen officers by damaging the memorial signs honoring the late Officer Azuar ( badge No .
371 ) and Officer Capoot ( badge No .
497 ) , ” Williams said .
“ This intentional act of vandalism is unacceptable and is not a first amendment right .
Our department is currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third month of administrative leave , Lt. Michael Nichelini said he was obligated to respond to the vandalized signs on behalf of the Vallejo Police Officers Association .
“ Destroying a memorial that honors the dead is truly despicable and disgusting .
It is hateful , disgraceful and cowardly , ” said Nichelini , VPOA president .
“ It is wrong that attacks on police , living and dead , are allowed to occur without consequence .
It ’ s time for all violence to stop.
” “ It is heartbreaking that someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would damage a community memorial to recognize and honor the ultimate sacrifice made by these two officers , ” Nichelini said , with condemning words echoed by Mayor Bob Sampayan .
“ I ’ m extremely angered and appalled by the disrespect shown to officers Jeff Azuar and Jim Capoot , ” said Mayor Bob Sampayan .
“ The billboard has been there for many years as tribute to two heroes killed in the line of duty .
“ Sampayan added that Azuar and Capoot “ were not just a Vallejo police officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community .
They were well-liked and respected.
” Azuar ’ s daughter , Mandy Azuar Marquez , 45 , responded to the vandalism from her home in Rapid City , N.D. “ Assuming it was intentional , my first feeling was just sadness and disappointment , ” she said .
“ To have lost my dad and Jim Capoot in the line of duty is painful enough but to then see a beautiful tribute to their sacrifices destroyed was just hurtful .
If it was international I feel sorry for the person or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something so awful .
Perhaps they felt it was making a statement about the police , but in reality it was just causing pain to those of us who knew and loved them .
It made me think about all the police officers that go out day after day to protect and serve communities where they do not feel loved or safe .
It made me think about the worry their loved ones feel every single time why out that uniform on.
” Mary Azuar Marquez said she vividly remembers when the sign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So very proud , ” she said .
“ And honored that the city my dad loved so much loved him back.
” “ Officers Azuar and Capoot were killed in the line of duty trying to protect Vallejo citizens , ” said Nichelini .
” These heroes sacrificed their own lives attempting to apprehend violent criminals .
We trust the leadership of the Vallejo Police Department is devoting resources to apprehend the perpetrators .
We do not know who originally created this sign , but we are working with community and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We will donate the time and money to see that it is replaced and stands as a reminder of the heroism of Officer Azuar and Officer Capoot.
” To have the sign replaced “ would mean so much .
It would mean that they are still remembered and their sacrifices still honored , ” Azuar Marquez said .
Azuar , a 21-year VPD veteran , was shot and killed while serving a warrant on April 12 , 2000 .
He was 50 .
Azuar was born in Vallejo , graduated from Hogan High @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United States Army .
He graduated from the Los Medanos Police Academy and joined the Vallejo Police Department on Dec. 11 , 1978 , serving in the narcotics unit , SWAT , Honor Guard , and as a K-9 officer .
Capoot was shot and killed following a foot chase of a bank robbery suspect on Nov. 17 , 2011 .
He was 43 and , like Azuar , served 21 years with the VPD and was a veteran .
He was also coach of the Vallejo High School girls basketball team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Section championship at ARCO Arena .

The double-sided memorial signs honoring fallen Vallejo officers Jeff Azuar and Jim Capoot on Rollingwood Drive by the East Vallejo Little Field were vandalized beyond repair last week.
A “concerned citizen” called the police last Thursday, 10:15 a.m., indicating the back-to-back memorial signs were “no longer standing,” reported Lt. Herm Robinson on Monday.
The posts supporting the signs were apparently pulled out and the signs split in half, Robinson said, adding that there “was no evidence of a vehicle driving into the path of the memorial signs.”
A security camera at Skyview Memorial near the memorial sign site “was too far away,” Robinson said.
What remained of the signs was removed as evidence, the watch commander said.
Vallejo Police Chief Shawny Williams issued a Monday afternoon statement, saying that
“It is disturbing that individuals would distain the memory of our fallen officers by damaging the memorial signs honoring the late Officer Azuar (badge No. 371) and Officer Capoot (badge No. 497),” Williams said. “This intentional act of vandalism is unacceptable and is not a first amendment right. Our department is currently investigating the matter.”
Though in this third month of administrative leave, Lt. Michael Nichelini said he was obligated to respond to the vandalized signs on behalf of the Vallejo Police Officers Association.
“Destroying a memorial that honors the dead is truly despicable and disgusting. It is hateful, disgraceful and cowardly,” said Nichelini, VPOA president. “It is wrong that attacks on police, living and dead, are allowed to occur without consequence. It’s time for all violence to stop.”
“It is heartbreaking that someone — or a group of people — would damage a community memorial to recognize and honor the ultimate sacrifice made by these two officers,” Nichelini said, with condemning words echoed by Mayor Bob Sampayan.
“I’m extremely angered and appalled by the disrespect shown to officers Jeff Azuar and Jim Capoot,” said Mayor Bob Sampayan. “The billboard has been there for many years as tribute to two heroes killed in the line of duty. “
Sampayan added that Azuar and Capoot “were not just a Vallejo police officers, but friends to many in our community. They were well-liked and respected.”
Azuar’s daughter, Mandy Azuar Marquez, 45, responded to the vandalism from her home in Rapid City, N.D.
“Assuming it was intentional, my first feeling was just sadness and disappointment,” she said. “To have lost my dad and Jim Capoot in the line of duty is painful enough but to then see a beautiful tribute to their sacrifices destroyed was just hurtful. If it was international I feel sorry for the person or persons that felt the need to do something so awful. Perhaps they felt it was making a statement about the police, but in reality it was just causing pain to those of us who knew and loved them. It made me think about all the police officers that go out day after day to protect and serve communities where they do not feel loved or safe. It made me think about the worry their loved ones feel every single time why out that uniform on.”
Mary Azuar Marquez said she vividly remembers when the sign was erected.
“I was proud. So very proud,” she said. “And honored that the city my dad loved so much loved him back.”
“Officers Azuar and Capoot were killed in the line of duty trying to protect Vallejo citizens,” said Nichelini. ” These heroes sacrificed their own lives attempting to apprehend violent criminals. We trust the leadership of the Vallejo Police Department is devoting resources to apprehend the perpetrators. We do not know who originally created this sign, but we are working with community and business members to have it restored. We will donate the time and money to see that it is replaced and stands as a reminder of the heroism of Officer Azuar and Officer Capoot.”
To have the sign replaced “would mean so much. It would mean that they are still remembered and their sacrifices still honored,” Azuar Marquez said.
Azuar, a 21-year VPD veteran, was shot and killed while serving a warrant on April 12, 2000. He was 50.
Azuar was born in Vallejo, graduated from Hogan High School, and served in Vietnam for the United States Army. He graduated from the Los Medanos Police Academy and joined the Vallejo Police Department on Dec. 11, 1978, serving in the narcotics unit, SWAT, Honor Guard, and as a K-9 officer.
Capoot was shot and killed following a foot chase of a bank robbery suspect on Nov. 17, 2011. He was 43 and, like Azuar, served 21 years with the VPD and was a veteran. He was also coach of the Vallejo High School girls basketball team and led the players to a Sac-Joaquin Section championship at ARCO Arena.


mercurynews--2020-10-13--Monterey County man faces federal charges in fentanyl overdose death

A federal grand jury has charged Francisco Javier Schraidt Rodriguez and Monterey County resident Matthew Sanchez with distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and alprazolam in connection with a scheme to transport the drugs from Mexico to California .
According to the indictment filed last week , between about June 2018 and November 2019 , Schraidt Rodriguez , 61 , a pharmacist in Mexico , smuggled bottles of alprazolam and counterfeit , fentanyl-laced pills across the border from Mexico to California .
Once he was in the U.S. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a drug dealer in Monterey County .
The dealer then sold some of the bottles of alprazolam and fentanyl-laced pills to Sanchez , 25 .
The indictment further describes how Sanchez , once in possession of the drugs , sold some of the bottles and pills to an individual who also was living in Monterey County .
The individual ingested one or more of the fentanyl-laced pills and died of a fentanyl overdose Sept. 5 , 2019 .
“ Fake Oxycodone pills are flooding Monterey County , ” said United States Attorney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ These fake pills are laced with fentanyl .
The drug dealers who are pushing these fake pills couldn ’ t control the amount of fentanyl in them even if they cared .
Fentanyl is dosed in micrograms .
Dealers don ’ t have the equipment or the ability to control what they are selling .
Our young people are dying by the score from ignorance and indifference.
” According to the Department of Justice , fentanyl , a Schedule II controlled substance , is a highly potent opiate that can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pills that purport to mimic the effects of oxycodone and can typically be obtained at a lower cost than oxycodone .
But small variations in the amount or quality of fentanyl can have significant effects on the potency of the counterfeit pills , raising the danger of overdoses .
Fentanyl has become the leading cause of drug overdose deaths in the U.S .
The counterfeit , fentanyl-laced pills that Schraidt Rodriguez and Sanchez distributed were shaped and colored to resemble legitimate oxycodone pills .
The counterfeit pills , known as M30s , are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an “ M ” imprinted on one side and a “ 30 ” imprinted on the other .
“ Sadly , we are seeing overdose deaths from fake prescription pills dramatically increase .
The profit margin for selling these pills is very small , but the lethal margin of error for those who ingest these pills is minute , ” DEA special agent in charge Daniel C. Comeaux in a press release .
“ A $ 5 profit from selling one of these pills could also lead to a potential 20 years in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rodriguez sold approximately $ 81,859 worth of counterfeit , fentanyl-laced M30 pills , bottles of alprazolam and other narcotics to a drug dealer in Monterey County .
The drug dealer sold Schraidt Rodriguez ’ s fentanyl-laced M30 pills and bottles of alprazolam to Sanchez .
Sanchez bought approximately 100 counterfeit , fentanyl-laced M30 pills at a time from this drug dealer at the peak of their drug sales .
• Marijuana valued at $ 36 million seized in raid of illegal California grow operation • East Bay man gets five years for two-pound @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saddle-drug-smuggling scheme • Feds arrest 12 , seize 137 pounds of meth , 33,000+ opiate pills , in bust of multi-state drug ring based in California The indictment goes on to state that Schraidt Rodriguez allegedly told the drug dealer the pills had fentanyl and the drug dealer allegedly told Sanchez the pills had fentanyl .
Sanchez and Schraidt Rodriguez are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and alprazolam and distribution of fentanyl resulting in death .
If convicted of the conspiracy charge , the defendants face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in prison .
If convicted of the distribution resulting in death charge , the defendants face a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of at least 20 years in prison and a maximum statutory penalty of up to life in prison .

A federal grand jury has charged Francisco Javier Schraidt Rodriguez and Monterey County resident Matthew Sanchez with distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and alprazolam in connection with a scheme to transport the drugs from Mexico to California.
According to the indictment filed last week, between about June 2018 and November 2019, Schraidt Rodriguez, 61, a pharmacist in Mexico, smuggled bottles of alprazolam and counterfeit, fentanyl-laced pills across the border from Mexico to California. Once he was in the U.S., Schraidt Rodriguez shipped the bottles and pills to a drug dealer in Monterey County. The dealer then sold some of the bottles of alprazolam and fentanyl-laced pills to Sanchez, 25. The indictment further describes how Sanchez, once in possession of the drugs, sold some of the bottles and pills to an individual who also was living in Monterey County. The individual ingested one or more of the fentanyl-laced pills and died of a fentanyl overdose Sept. 5, 2019.
“Fake Oxycodone pills are flooding Monterey County,” said United States Attorney David L. Anderson in a press release. “These fake pills are laced with fentanyl. The drug dealers who are pushing these fake pills couldn’t control the amount of fentanyl in them even if they cared. Fentanyl is dosed in micrograms. Dealers don’t have the equipment or the ability to control what they are selling. Our young people are dying by the score from ignorance and indifference.”
According to the Department of Justice, fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, is a highly potent opiate that can be diluted with cutting agents to create counterfeit pills that purport to mimic the effects of oxycodone and can typically be obtained at a lower cost than oxycodone. But small variations in the amount or quality of fentanyl can have significant effects on the potency of the counterfeit pills, raising the danger of overdoses. Fentanyl has become the leading cause of drug overdose deaths in the U.S.
The counterfeit, fentanyl-laced pills that Schraidt Rodriguez and Sanchez distributed were shaped and colored to resemble legitimate oxycodone pills. The counterfeit pills, known as M30s, are round tablets that are light blue with an “M” imprinted on one side and a “30” imprinted on the other.
“Sadly, we are seeing overdose deaths from fake prescription pills dramatically increase. The profit margin for selling these pills is very small, but the lethal margin of error for those who ingest these pills is minute,” DEA special agent in charge Daniel C. Comeaux in a press release. “A $5 profit from selling one of these pills could also lead to a potential 20 years in prison.”
The indictment alleges that Schraidt Rodriguez sold approximately $81,859 worth of counterfeit, fentanyl-laced M30 pills, bottles of alprazolam and other narcotics to a drug dealer in Monterey County. The drug dealer sold Schraidt Rodriguez’s fentanyl-laced M30 pills and bottles of alprazolam to Sanchez. Sanchez bought approximately 100 counterfeit, fentanyl-laced M30 pills at a time from this drug dealer at the peak of their drug sales.
Related Articles Crime and Public Safety | A California woman spent money that was left at her house. Then she was told she owed the Aryan Brotherhood a favor
A California woman spent money that was left at her house. Then she was told she owed the Aryan Brotherhood a favor Crime and Public Safety | FBI-led task force targeting major Bay Area fentanyl operation underway
FBI-led task force targeting major Bay Area fentanyl operation underway Crime and Public Safety | Colorado will consider capping the price of these 5 widely prescribed drugs
Colorado will consider capping the price of these 5 widely prescribed drugs Crime and Public Safety | Massachusetts pot boss apologizes as state’s weed sales hit all-time high
Massachusetts pot boss apologizes as state’s weed sales hit all-time high Crime and Public Safety | Redwood City drug deal ends in double shooting The indictment goes on to state that Schraidt Rodriguez allegedly told the drug dealer the pills had fentanyl and the drug dealer allegedly told Sanchez the pills had fentanyl. Sanchez and Schraidt Rodriguez are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and alprazolam and distribution of fentanyl resulting in death.
If convicted of the conspiracy charge, the defendants face a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison. If convicted of the distribution resulting in death charge, the defendants face a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of at least 20 years in prison and a maximum statutory penalty of up to life in prison.


mercurynews--2020-10-13--Editorial: The four best to lead struggling West Contra Costa schools

The financially and academically struggling West Contra Costa school system ’ s first foray into district elections will result in replacement of a majority of board trustees .
What ’ s needed are leaders who will keep a sharp eye on finances , push for improved academic performance , replace the superintendent and put students ’ needs ahead of the district ’ s labor unions , while being mindful that district taxpayers are tapped out .
As voters pick trustees by district for the first time , the clearly best choices in the Nov. 3 election are Estela DePaz in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Williams in Area 2 , Y ’ Anad Burrell in Area 4 and incumbent Tom Panas in Area 5 .
The significant turnover comes at a time when the district is limping along on one-time money – federal coronavirus relief assistance , depleting reserves , dipping into funds that were supposed to be set aside for workers ’ retirement health coverage – and faces potentially tens of millions of dollars of annual budget shortfalls starting in 2022 .
Trustees have already had to trim some top administrators , raise class sizes and eliminate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Duffy ’ s job is on the line after mediocre performance reviews .
He championed a 2018 labor deal that increased district teacher salaries from some of the lowest in the county to the top .
Then , he kept the board in the dark for months about what turned out to be a resulting $ 48 million budget shortfall for the 2019-20 fiscal year .
Before the pandemic , enrollment had been flat , district test scores had been static and scores for Black students had been declining .
Meanwhile , teaching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the map in large part because the district agreement with teachers has no minimum requirement for live academic online instruction .
The new board will also have to manage the district ’ s massively expensive school construction program , one of the most pricey in the state .
The program has lacked cost controls and was plagued by pay-to-play complaints from vendors .
It will soon cost the average homeowner in the district more than $ 1,000 a year to help cover the bond debt .
With this year ’ s transition from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , only two board members sought to keep their seats .
One of them , Mister Phillips , has no challengers in Area 3 .
And , to make the transition , the winners in Areas 4 and 5 will stand for election again in two years , while the other three seats will be back on the ballot in four years .
Of the two candidates , Estela DePaz stands out .
She is a project manager with strong financial and technology background , and is also highly active volunteering in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Hercules High School site council .
She understands the district ’ s finances , recognizes the need to improve test scores and appreciates the competitive alternatives charter schools provide in the district .
The other candidate , Jamela Smith-Folds , a part-time teacher and activity director in the district , had strong opinions on district issues , but DePaz had more-detailed knowledge .
Audra “ Golddie ” Williams excels in this field of three candidates .
A human relations consultant with expertise in diversity and equity issues , Williams was direct : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the district needs a long-term approach to its finances , improving test scores will require hearing from students on what needs are not being met and the minimal level of direct online instruction during the pandemic is not adequate .
Both of her opponents struggled to answer many of the questions about the district .
Otheree Christian , a school district security guard , speaks in platitudes and generalizations with few specifics .
Guadalupe Enllana , a member of the district ’ s Citizens Bond Oversight Committee , had surprisingly little knowledge of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Y ’ Anad Burrell , a public relations consultant , tops this field of three candidates .
She ’ s clear that the district needs a new superintendent , the current balancing of the budget with one-time money means tough financial times ahead , parents are turning to charter schools because district-run schools are underperforming and district taxpayers are tapped out , especially during the pandemic .
She would not approve issuing more bonds until the district could show fiscally prudent use of the taxpayers ’ money and a sound plan for accountability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who until this year was president of the union representing the district ’ s teachers and now works for the parent California Teachers Association .
Gonzalez-Hoy belongs on the union ’ s side of the bargaining table , not the district ’ s Matthew Trujillo , an environmental scientist , is also in the race .
But he doesn ’ t seem to have a passionate reason for running .
Finishing his first term on the board , Tom Panas has been a leading voice for raising student performance and fiscal responsibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finances .
He ’ s clear about his displeasure with the superintendent and wants him replaced .
And he correctly says the current minimum 25 minutes for daily direct online teaching time is inadequate .
He absolutely deserves reelection .
In contrast , PTA activist Leslie Reckler refuses to express her opinion on the superintendent ’ s performance , leaving voters in the dark about her perspective on one of most important issues trustees will face in the coming year .
She says the district “ needs to keep its dirty laundry behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ board president of San Francisco Pride , is well-informed but she doesn ’ t have Panas ’ razor-sharp mastery of the district ’ s budget and performance details .

Click here for a complete list of our election recommendations.
The financially and academically struggling West Contra Costa school system’s first foray into district elections will result in replacement of a majority of board trustees.
What’s needed are leaders who will keep a sharp eye on finances, push for improved academic performance, replace the superintendent and put students’ needs ahead of the district’s labor unions, while being mindful that district taxpayers are tapped out.
As voters pick trustees by district for the first time, the clearly best choices in the Nov. 3 election are Estela DePaz in Area 1, Audra “Golddie” Williams in Area 2, Y’Anad Burrell in Area 4 and incumbent Tom Panas in Area 5.
The significant turnover comes at a time when the district is limping along on one-time money – federal coronavirus relief assistance, depleting reserves, dipping into funds that were supposed to be set aside for workers’ retirement health coverage – and faces potentially tens of millions of dollars of annual budget shortfalls starting in 2022. Trustees have already had to trim some top administrators, raise class sizes and eliminate classroom aide positions.
District Superintendent Matthew Duffy’s job is on the line after mediocre performance reviews. He championed a 2018 labor deal that increased district teacher salaries from some of the lowest in the county to the top. Then, he kept the board in the dark for months about what turned out to be a resulting $48 million budget shortfall for the 2019-20 fiscal year.
Before the pandemic, enrollment had been flat, district test scores had been static and scores for Black students had been declining. Meanwhile, teaching time during the pandemic is all over the map in large part because the district agreement with teachers has no minimum requirement for live academic online instruction.
The new board will also have to manage the district’s massively expensive school construction program, one of the most pricey in the state. The program has lacked cost controls and was plagued by pay-to-play complaints from vendors. It will soon cost the average homeowner in the district more than $1,000 a year to help cover the bond debt.
With this year’s transition from electing trustees at-large to voting by district, only two board members sought to keep their seats. One of them, Mister Phillips, has no challengers in Area 3. And, to make the transition, the winners in Areas 4 and 5 will stand for election again in two years, while the other three seats will be back on the ballot in four years.
Area 1 – DePaz
Of the two candidates, Estela DePaz stands out. She is a project manager with strong financial and technology background, and is also highly active volunteering in the district, currently as the chairwoman of the Hercules High School site council. She understands the district’s finances, recognizes the need to improve test scores and appreciates the competitive alternatives charter schools provide in the district.
The other candidate, Jamela Smith-Folds, a part-time teacher and activity director in the district, had strong opinions on district issues, but DePaz had more-detailed knowledge.
Area 2 – Williams
Audra “Golddie” Williams excels in this field of three candidates. A human relations consultant with expertise in diversity and equity issues, Williams was direct: The superintendent is not meeting expectations, the district needs a long-term approach to its finances, improving test scores will require hearing from students on what needs are not being met and the minimal level of direct online instruction during the pandemic is not adequate.
Both of her opponents struggled to answer many of the questions about the district. Otheree Christian, a school district security guard, speaks in platitudes and generalizations with few specifics. Guadalupe Enllana, a member of the district’s Citizens Bond Oversight Committee, had surprisingly little knowledge of the district’s bond program.
Area 4 – Burrell
Y’Anad Burrell, a public relations consultant, tops this field of three candidates. She’s clear that the district needs a new superintendent, the current balancing of the budget with one-time money means tough financial times ahead, parents are turning to charter schools because district-run schools are underperforming and district taxpayers are tapped out, especially during the pandemic. She would not approve issuing more bonds until the district could show fiscally prudent use of the taxpayers’ money and a sound plan for accountability.
Her leading opposition is Demetrio Gonzalez-Hoy, who until this year was president of the union representing the district’s teachers and now works for the parent California Teachers Association. Gonzalez-Hoy belongs on the union’s side of the bargaining table, not the district’s
Matthew Trujillo, an environmental scientist, is also in the race. But he doesn’t seem to have a passionate reason for running.
Area 5 – Panas
Finishing his first term on the board, Tom Panas has been a leading voice for raising student performance and fiscal responsibility, and provides detailed knowledge of district finances. He’s clear about his displeasure with the superintendent and wants him replaced. And he correctly says the current minimum 25 minutes for daily direct online teaching time is inadequate. He absolutely deserves reelection.
In contrast, PTA activist Leslie Reckler refuses to express her opinion on the superintendent’s performance, leaving voters in the dark about her perspective on one of most important issues trustees will face in the coming year. She says the district “needs to keep its dirty laundry behind closed doors.” Carolyn Wysinger, the board president of San Francisco Pride, is well-informed but she doesn’t have Panas’ razor-sharp mastery of the district’s budget and performance details.


mercurynews--2020-10-13--21-year-old Monterey County man sentenced to life in prison for two murders, jail escape

SALINAS — Santos Samuel Fonseca , 21 , was sentenced to 152 years , 8 months to life for two counts of first-degree murder , firearm enhancements and one count of escape Friday .
Fonseca , a Salinas resident , was arrested in June 2018 on murder charges and escaped from Monterey County Jail Nov. 3 , 2019 , through a hole in the bathroom ceiling .
Authorities arrested Fonseca at the U.S./Mexico border three days later .
According to the Monterey County District Attorney ’ s Office , Fonseca is a member of Northside Boronda , a Salinas-based Norteño @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an incarcerated gang member to commit a murder and on June 2 , 2018 , Fonseca acted on those instructions and walked on Klamath Drive in Salinas in search of a victim .
Fonseca located Lorenzo Acosta , 37 , who was visiting family members in Salinas .
When Fonseca spotted him , Acosta was seated in the front seat of his car video-chatting with his wife after he returned from a trip to the grocery store .
The DA ’ s Office says Fonseca approached Acosta , opened his car door and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s wife , who was still video-chatting with Acosta .
The DA ’ s Office said Fonseca received instructions to murder another person and on June 5 , 2018 , he accessed the Facebook profile of his girlfriend , Alexandra Romayor .
Posing as Romayor , Fonseca sent messages to Ernesto Cruz , age 22 .
• Two murder suspects escaped through bathroom ceiling in Monterey County jail Fonseca convinced Cruz to drive to El Dorado Park in Salinas to meet with Romayor .
After Cruz arrived at El Dorado Park , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Park .
Before they arrived , Fonseca told Romayor to enter Cruz ’ s vehicle , keep Cruz occupied and exit the vehicle when Fonseca arrived .
When Fonseca arrived at Cruz ’ s vehicle , he ordered Cruz out of his vehicle and shot him repeatedly .
Civilian witnesses near the scene recognized Fonseca and Romayor and identified them to detectives .
The next day , Salinas police officers arrested Fonseca and Romayor in a traffic stop and a search of their vehicle revealed a firearm that forensic analysis revealed was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s murders .

SALINAS — Santos Samuel Fonseca, 21, was sentenced to 152 years, 8 months to life for two counts of first-degree murder, firearm enhancements and one count of escape Friday.
Fonseca, a Salinas resident, was arrested in June 2018 on murder charges and escaped from Monterey County Jail Nov. 3, 2019, through a hole in the bathroom ceiling. Authorities arrested Fonseca at the U.S./Mexico border three days later.
According to the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office, Fonseca is a member of Northside Boronda, a Salinas-based Norteño gang subset. He received instructions from an incarcerated gang member to commit a murder and on June 2, 2018, Fonseca acted on those instructions and walked on Klamath Drive in Salinas in search of a victim.
Fonseca located Lorenzo Acosta, 37, who was visiting family members in Salinas. When Fonseca spotted him, Acosta was seated in the front seat of his car video-chatting with his wife after he returned from a trip to the grocery store. The DA’s Office says Fonseca approached Acosta, opened his car door and repeatedly shot him in view of Acosta’s wife, who was still video-chatting with Acosta.
The DA’s Office said Fonseca received instructions to murder another person and on June 5, 2018, he accessed the Facebook profile of his girlfriend, Alexandra Romayor. Posing as Romayor, Fonseca sent messages to Ernesto Cruz, age 22.
Related Articles Crime and Public Safety | Monterey County Jail escapees arrested at border
Monterey County Jail escapees arrested at border Crime and Public Safety | Monterey County Motel 6, Denny’s evacuated in hunt for fugitive
Monterey County Motel 6, Denny’s evacuated in hunt for fugitive Crime and Public Safety | Two murder suspects escaped through bathroom ceiling in Monterey County jail Fonseca convinced Cruz to drive to El Dorado Park in Salinas to meet with Romayor. After Cruz arrived at El Dorado Park, Fonseca and Romayor walked to El Dorado Park. Before they arrived, Fonseca told Romayor to enter Cruz’s vehicle, keep Cruz occupied and exit the vehicle when Fonseca arrived. When Fonseca arrived at Cruz’s vehicle, he ordered Cruz out of his vehicle and shot him repeatedly. Civilian witnesses near the scene recognized Fonseca and Romayor and identified them to detectives.
The next day, Salinas police officers arrested Fonseca and Romayor in a traffic stop and a search of their vehicle revealed a firearm that forensic analysis revealed was the same firearm used in Acosta and Cruz’s murders.


mercurynews--2020-10-13--San Rafael demonstrators topple Junipero Serra statue

A man , who said he was a member of Mission San Rafael , stands in front of the Junipero @ @ @ @ @ protesters trying to take it down .
Activists staged a rally on Indigenous Day outside @ @ @ @ @ took down a statue of Junipero Serra in San Rafael , Calif. on Monday Oct. @ @ @ @ @ Native Americans ultimately were able to spray red paint and then tear down the statue @ @ @ @ @ Douglas Zimmerman/Special to the Marin Independent Journal )

A man, who said he was a member of Mission San Rafael, stands in front of the Junipero Serra statue and yells at protesters trying to take it down. Activists staged a rally on Indigenous Day outside the Mission San Rafael and took down a statue of Junipero Serra in San Rafael, Calif. on Monday Oct. 12, 2020. Local Native Americans ultimately were able to spray red paint and then tear down the statue from its foundation. (Douglas Zimmerman/Special to the Marin Independent Journal)


mercurynews--2020-10-13--The 10 Senate seats most likely to flip, 3 weeks from Election Day

It ’ s been a rough couple of weeks for President Donald Trump , and that ’ s squeezing some GOP senators who were already facing competitive reelections .
Republicans were optimistic that a Supreme Court vacancy would galvanize their supporters — and with confirmation hearings for nominee Amy Coney Barrett beginning this week , they may still see that boost .
But the hearing could also give Democrats a chance to prosecute their arguments on health care , a winning issue for them in the 2018 midterm elections .
Democratic nominee Joe Biden led Trump 53 % to 42 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ polls as of Sunday .
And three weeks from Election Day , with millions of voters already casting their ballots , the national environment seems to be benefiting Democrats running for Senate — even if one of their candidates in a top-tier race is facing negative headlines about his personal life .
The first presidential debate , during which Trump refused to condemn White supremacy , didn ’ t help down-ballot Republicans .
And his diagnosis with Covid-19 , followed by that of three GOP senators , may have only cemented the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of it — in voters ’ minds , making it more difficult for Republicans to pivot to the economic message that they think is their best play for 2020 .
Blue states like Colorado and Maine now look even tougher for Republicans .
Despite Sen. Susan Collins being a longtime incumbent , who ’ s arguably a better candidate than first-term Republican Sen. Thom Tillis , Maine now moves ahead of North Carolina on this list of seats most likely to flip partisan control .
South Carolina has been on this top 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrat Jaime Harrison announced over the weekend that he had raised $ 57 million in the third quarter , shattering the previous quarterly record for a Senate candidate set by Beto O ’ Rourke in 2018 .
The fundraising disparity is a big problem for GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham , who has his moment in the spotlight during the week ’ s confirmation hearings .
But it ’ s not just Harrison who ’ s raising impressive sums .
Democrats in other traditionally red states also raked in the cash from July through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will give a better sense of the disparities between Democratic challengers and GOP incumbents .
The senator most likely to lose is still a Democrat — Doug Jones of Alabama — while Democratic Sen. Gary Peters still faces a competitive race in Michigan .
But eight of the top 10 seats most likely to flip are still held by Republicans , who are defending 23 seats this year to Democrats ’ 12 .
Democrats need a net gain of four seats to flip the chamber — or three if they win the White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ties in the Senate .
Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales , a CNN contributor , projects Democrats will gain three to five seats .
Democrats ’ strategy for winning those seats looks similar to their 2018 House strategy : Make sure there are challengers in red states who can raise money and take advantage of a favorable environment .
More so than a few weeks ago , Kansas , Alaska and Texas look competitive , in part , because of Democrats ’ fundraising , although none make this list .
Both parties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marshall has struggled to raise money , merits an honorable mention on the list since it ’ s attracting serious spending .
Including advertising spending to date and future reservations from candidates and outside groups , Democrats are spending nearly $ 26 million to Republicans ’ $ 30 million in the Sunflower State , according to a CNN analysis of CMAG data as of Monday .
Another race that ’ s making Republicans nervous is the second US Senate seat in Georgia , a demographically changing state .
Appointed Sen. Kelly Loeffler is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parties , including a Republican congressman who ’ s pushing her to the right .
A Quinnipiac University poll from late September showed Democrats starting to coalesce around Raphael Warnock , who led with 31 % , followed by Loeffler and GOP Rep. Doug Collins in the lows 20s .
However , given the unpredictability of a likely runoff — and who makes it to the top two slots — it ’ s too early to know whether this seat will flip .
Here are the seats most likely to flip : No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden , it ’ s not likely to get Jones across the finish line in such a Republican state .
Tommy Tuberville ’ s ads check all boxes of Republican messaging : He promises to help Trump “ drain the swamp , ” while sandwiching Jones between Biden and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi .
Most importantly , though , he ’ s not facing allegations of sexual assault , which should be enough for a Republican to win here after Jones only narrowly defeated the scandal-plagued Roy Moore in a 2017 special election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a path for Gardner to hang on in a state that ’ s likely to soundly reject the President in November .
In an effort to court ticket-splitting voters , a recent Gardner spot touts the bipartisan split in Colorado ’ s Senate delegation .
“ You choose one Republican and one Democrat , and it works , ” Gardner says as a picture of Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet flashes onscreen .
Bennet , however , doesn ’ t think it works — he quickly reiterated his support for Democratic former Gov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raising nearly $ 23 million in the third quarter .
And while Gardner ’ s ads don ’ t feature Trump , he hasn ’ t made the same commitment as Collins — for example , to oppose the President ’ s Supreme Court nominee before the election — because any path to victory requires GOP base voters showing up for him .
The only thing that gives McSally a slightly better shot of holding on than Gardner is that Arizona could be more competitive at the presidential level , although public polling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here .
Trump carrying the state could potentially boost the former congresswoman , who was appointed to this seat after losing the 2018 Senate race .
But she ’ s still in a bind when it comes to shoring up conservative support and appealing to suburban moderates , as a recent debate showed when she would not say whether she ’ s proud of her support for Trump .
She ’ s up against a well-funded Democrat in NASA astronaut Mark Kelly , the husband of former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords .
Collins moves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meaning she ’ s now more likely to lose than she was two weeks ago .
The Supreme Court fight has nationalized the race and put fresh scrutiny on Collins ’ 2018 vote for Justice Brett Kavanaugh , which Democrats are now more aggressively deploying in messaging against her .
But the four-term senator ’ s biggest problem could be ranked-choice voting , which kicks in if no candidate receives a majority .
With recent polling showing Collins under the 50 % threshold , it ’ s difficult to envision her winning outright @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she ’ ll have to contend with the supporters of third-party candidates potentially throwing their support to Democratic state House Speaker Sara Gideon .
Inside Elections shifted the race from Toss-up to Tilt Democratic at the beginning of the month .
Shortly after being sidelined by a Covid-19 diagnosis , Tillis may have caught a break , although it remains to be seen how Democrat Cal Cunningham ’ s sex scandal could shake up a race that Republicans acknowledge very much needed shaking up .
The Army reservist and Democratic former state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the third quarter and had been consistently outraising Tillis and leading in polling .
Republicans argue that Cunningham ’ s alleged extramarital affair undermines the campaign pitch he ’ s made to be a man of character .
Both Tillis and GOP outside groups were quick to seize on the issue in their ads .
But there are not enough new data to know how the latest headlines will affect the race , with Democrats skeptical that it ’ ll move many voters , especially as hundreds of thousands of them have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point , Tillis moving down on this list is more a reflection of Collins ’ worsening fortunes in Maine than any real brightening of his own prospects .
With the presidential race close in Iowa , the Senate race remains a Toss-up .
Democrat Theresa Greenfield enjoyed a slight lead , 50 % to 45 % , over Ernst among likely voters in an early October Quinnipiac University poll .
Ernst is still having to apologize for expressing skepticism about the coronavirus death toll , which isn ’ t what Republicans want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ running an ad featuring the state ’ s senior senator , Chuck Grassley .
Meanwhile , Greenfield is touting support from Republicans and small businesses owners .
Having raised nearly $ 29 million in the third quarter — a staggering sum that ’ s dwarfed only by this quarter ’ s other unusually high and record-breaking hauls — Greenfield should have plenty of resources to carry that message through Election Day .
But this is one of the places where Republicans are hoping a Supreme Court battle energizes conservatives and tilts the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ odds than some of his Republican colleagues who are running in states where Biden is ahead .
Trump isn ’ t likely to carry Big Sky Country by the same 21-point margin he did in 2016 , but he ’ ll likely still win here .
That ’ s not necessarily a deal-breaker for two-term Gov .
Steve Bullock , though , who ’ s proved he can win statewide at the same time Trump carries the state .
Democrats are leaning into their health care message here , with Bullock talking about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a recent ad about protecting coverage for preexisting conditions .
Donning his own barn coat , Daines is on air trying to tie Bullock to national Democrats on gun control and taxes , claiming the Democrat is “ backed by the liberal mob.
” Republicans are worried about how the diversifying and well-educated suburbs outside of Atlanta could imperil their hold on the state .
The fate of first-term Sen. Perdue may have a lot to do with the top of the ticket .
A Biden win here would boost Democrat Jon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ special election in 2017 .
But while Georgia , based on demographics and top-of-the-ticket competitiveness , looks like a harder state for Republicans to hold , Perdue ’ s saving grace may be a runoff .
If neither candidate receives a majority of the vote in November , they ’ ll advance to a January contest , where Ossoff wouldn ’ t have the same presidential momentum behind him .
No one ’ s doubting whether this is a race anymore , with public polling consistently showing the candidates tied .
Democrat Jaime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ haul in the third quarter will give him plenty of resources to communicate and help turn out the vote in the final stretch .
He ’ s now getting outside assistance from national Democratic groups too .
Graham has publicly pleaded for financial assistance , but investment from outside GOP groups isn ’ t likely to level the spending playing field , especially when candidates get more favorable TV rates than outside groups .
Republicans are hoping that this week ’ s Supreme Court confirmation hearings will drive conservatives to Graham , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Democrats are trying to exploit that gap with a recent ad from Senate Majority PAC that features a golfer complaining that Graham hasn ’ t taken advantage of his access to the President .
A new 60-second Harrison spot , narrated by Viola Davis , features two White voters exchanging worried glances and then subtle smiles as one woman plants a Harrison sign in her front yard , while her neighbor waters his lawn .
The implicit message ?
It ’ s OK to vote for a Democrat in South Carolina .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ race and endorsed Graham , but his name is still on the ballot , which means he could take some votes from the senator that Graham can ’ t afford to lose .
• California tells Republicans ‘ cease and desist ’ with unofficial ballot drop boxes , but GOP remains defiant • ‘ It ’ s great to be back ’ : Thousands attend Trump ’ s first rally since contracting coronavirus • Trump tests negative for coronavirus on consecutive days , doctor says • Opinion : Don ’ t succumb to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump • Joe Biden ’ s polling better than any challenger since 1936 Michigan may be moving away from Trump at the presidential level , but the Senate race is still close .
A New York Times/Siena College poll released Monday put Peters at 43 % to Republican John James ’ 42 % among likely voters , which is much tighter than a June survey from the same pollsters that had Peters 10 points ahead .
And Republicans argue that Democrats wouldn ’ t be spending here if Peters were in better shape @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future reservations from candidates and outside groups , Democrats are spending about $ 55 million compared with Republicans ’ $ 43.5 million , according to a CNN analysis of CMAG data as of Monday .
It ’ s the rare race where the Republican candidate hasn ’ t been lagging in fundraising .
Peters and James both announced raising $ 14 million in the third quarter .
Recent Republican advertising ties Peters to Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York , but if Biden does well here , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off an upset , especially if Republicans don ’ t see the kind of tightening at the top of ticket that they ’ d hoped for at the beginning of the fall .

It’s been a rough couple of weeks for President Donald Trump, and that’s squeezing some GOP senators who were already facing competitive reelections.
Republicans were optimistic that a Supreme Court vacancy would galvanize their supporters — and with confirmation hearings for nominee Amy Coney Barrett beginning this week, they may still see that boost. But the hearing could also give Democrats a chance to prosecute their arguments on health care, a winning issue for them in the 2018 midterm elections. Democratic nominee Joe Biden led Trump 53% to 42% in CNN’s poll of polls as of Sunday. And three weeks from Election Day, with millions of voters already casting their ballots, the national environment seems to be benefiting Democrats running for Senate — even if one of their candidates in a top-tier race is facing negative headlines about his personal life.
The first presidential debate, during which Trump refused to condemn White supremacy, didn’t help down-ballot Republicans. And his diagnosis with Covid-19, followed by that of three GOP senators, may have only cemented the pandemic — and Trump’s poor handling of it — in voters’ minds, making it more difficult for Republicans to pivot to the economic message that they think is their best play for 2020.
Blue states like Colorado and Maine now look even tougher for Republicans. Despite Sen. Susan Collins being a longtime incumbent, who’s arguably a better candidate than first-term Republican Sen. Thom Tillis, Maine now moves ahead of North Carolina on this list of seats most likely to flip partisan control.
[vemba-video id=”politics/2020/10/12/gop-senators-distancing-from-trump-election-keilar-nr-sot-vpx.cnn”]
South Carolina has been on this top 10 list since the end of August. Democrat Jaime Harrison announced over the weekend that he had raised $57 million in the third quarter, shattering the previous quarterly record for a Senate candidate set by Beto O’Rourke in 2018. The fundraising disparity is a big problem for GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham, who has his moment in the spotlight during the week’s confirmation hearings.
But it’s not just Harrison who’s raising impressive sums. Democrats in other traditionally red states also raked in the cash from July through September. Fundraising reports due on Thursday will give a better sense of the disparities between Democratic challengers and GOP incumbents.
The senator most likely to lose is still a Democrat — Doug Jones of Alabama — while Democratic Sen. Gary Peters still faces a competitive race in Michigan. But eight of the top 10 seats most likely to flip are still held by Republicans, who are defending 23 seats this year to Democrats’ 12. Democrats need a net gain of four seats to flip the chamber — or three if they win the White House, since the vice president breaks ties in the Senate. Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales, a CNN contributor, projects Democrats will gain three to five seats.
Democrats’ strategy for winning those seats looks similar to their 2018 House strategy: Make sure there are challengers in red states who can raise money and take advantage of a favorable environment. More so than a few weeks ago, Kansas, Alaska and Texas look competitive, in part, because of Democrats’ fundraising, although none make this list. Both parties agree that Kansas, where Republican Roger Marshall has struggled to raise money, merits an honorable mention on the list since it’s attracting serious spending. Including advertising spending to date and future reservations from candidates and outside groups, Democrats are spending nearly $26 million to Republicans’ $30 million in the Sunflower State, according to a CNN analysis of CMAG data as of Monday.
Another race that’s making Republicans nervous is the second US Senate seat in Georgia, a demographically changing state. Appointed Sen. Kelly Loeffler is on the ballot with candidates of all parties, including a Republican congressman who’s pushing her to the right. A Quinnipiac University poll from late September showed Democrats starting to coalesce around Raphael Warnock, who led with 31%, followed by Loeffler and GOP Rep. Doug Collins in the lows 20s. However, given the unpredictability of a likely runoff — and who makes it to the top two slots — it’s too early to know whether this seat will flip.
Here are the seats most likely to flip:
1. Alabama
Incumbent: Democratic Sen. Doug Jones
No matter how good national polling looks for Biden, it’s not likely to get Jones across the finish line in such a Republican state. Tommy Tuberville’s ads check all boxes of Republican messaging: He promises to help Trump “drain the swamp,” while sandwiching Jones between Biden and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Most importantly, though, he’s not facing allegations of sexual assault, which should be enough for a Republican to win here after Jones only narrowly defeated the scandal-plagued Roy Moore in a 2017 special election.
2. Colorado
Incumbent: Republican Sen. Cory Gardner
There just isn’t much of a path for Gardner to hang on in a state that’s likely to soundly reject the President in November. In an effort to court ticket-splitting voters, a recent Gardner spot touts the bipartisan split in Colorado’s Senate delegation. “You choose one Republican and one Democrat, and it works,” Gardner says as a picture of Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet flashes onscreen. Bennet, however, doesn’t think it works — he quickly reiterated his support for Democratic former Gov. John Hickenlooper, who has announced raising nearly $23 million in the third quarter. And while Gardner’s ads don’t feature Trump, he hasn’t made the same commitment as Collins — for example, to oppose the President’s Supreme Court nominee before the election — because any path to victory requires GOP base voters showing up for him.
3. Arizona
Incumbent: Republican Sen. Martha McSally
The only thing that gives McSally a slightly better shot of holding on than Gardner is that Arizona could be more competitive at the presidential level, although public polling earlier this month gave Biden an edge here. Trump carrying the state could potentially boost the former congresswoman, who was appointed to this seat after losing the 2018 Senate race. But she’s still in a bind when it comes to shoring up conservative support and appealing to suburban moderates, as a recent debate showed when she would not say whether she’s proud of her support for Trump. She’s up against a well-funded Democrat in NASA astronaut Mark Kelly, the husband of former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.
4. Maine
Incumbent: Republican Sen. Susan Collins
Collins moves up a spot on this list, meaning she’s now more likely to lose than she was two weeks ago. The Supreme Court fight has nationalized the race and put fresh scrutiny on Collins’ 2018 vote for Justice Brett Kavanaugh, which Democrats are now more aggressively deploying in messaging against her. But the four-term senator’s biggest problem could be ranked-choice voting, which kicks in if no candidate receives a majority. With recent polling showing Collins under the 50% threshold, it’s difficult to envision her winning outright. And if she doesn’t, she’ll have to contend with the supporters of third-party candidates potentially throwing their support to Democratic state House Speaker Sara Gideon. Inside Elections shifted the race from Toss-up to Tilt Democratic at the beginning of the month.
5. North Carolina
Incumbent: Republican Sen. Thom Tillis
Shortly after being sidelined by a Covid-19 diagnosis, Tillis may have caught a break, although it remains to be seen how Democrat Cal Cunningham’s sex scandal could shake up a race that Republicans acknowledge very much needed shaking up. The Army reservist and Democratic former state senator raised more than $28 million in the third quarter and had been consistently outraising Tillis and leading in polling. Republicans argue that Cunningham’s alleged extramarital affair undermines the campaign pitch he’s made to be a man of character. Both Tillis and GOP outside groups were quick to seize on the issue in their ads. But there are not enough new data to know how the latest headlines will affect the race, with Democrats skeptical that it’ll move many voters, especially as hundreds of thousands of them have already cast their ballots. At this point, Tillis moving down on this list is more a reflection of Collins’ worsening fortunes in Maine than any real brightening of his own prospects.
6. Iowa
Incumbent: Republican Sen. Joni Ernst
With the presidential race close in Iowa, the Senate race remains a Toss-up. Democrat Theresa Greenfield enjoyed a slight lead, 50% to 45%, over Ernst among likely voters in an early October Quinnipiac University poll. Ernst is still having to apologize for expressing skepticism about the coronavirus death toll, which isn’t what Republicans want to be talking about. She’s running an ad featuring the state’s senior senator, Chuck Grassley. Meanwhile, Greenfield is touting support from Republicans and small businesses owners. Having raised nearly $29 million in the third quarter — a staggering sum that’s dwarfed only by this quarter’s other unusually high and record-breaking hauls — Greenfield should have plenty of resources to carry that message through Election Day. But this is one of the places where Republicans are hoping a Supreme Court battle energizes conservatives and tilts the state back their way.
7. Montana
Incumbent: Republican Sen. Steve Daines
Daines faces better odds than some of his Republican colleagues who are running in states where Biden is ahead. Trump isn’t likely to carry Big Sky Country by the same 21-point margin he did in 2016, but he’ll likely still win here. That’s not necessarily a deal-breaker for two-term Gov. Steve Bullock, though, who’s proved he can win statewide at the same time Trump carries the state. Democrats are leaning into their health care message here, with Bullock talking about his own son’s heart stopping in a recent ad about protecting coverage for preexisting conditions. Donning his own barn coat, Daines is on air trying to tie Bullock to national Democrats on gun control and taxes, claiming the Democrat is “backed by the liberal mob.”
8. Georgia
Incumbent: Republican Sen. David Perdue
Republicans are worried about how the diversifying and well-educated suburbs outside of Atlanta could imperil their hold on the state. The fate of first-term Sen. Perdue may have a lot to do with the top of the ticket. A Biden win here would boost Democrat Jon Ossoff, who lost an expensive House special election in 2017. But while Georgia, based on demographics and top-of-the-ticket competitiveness, looks like a harder state for Republicans to hold, Perdue’s saving grace may be a runoff. If neither candidate receives a majority of the vote in November, they’ll advance to a January contest, where Ossoff wouldn’t have the same presidential momentum behind him.
9. South Carolina
Incumbent: Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham
No one’s doubting whether this is a race anymore, with public polling consistently showing the candidates tied. Democrat Jaime Harrison’s eye-popping $57 million haul in the third quarter will give him plenty of resources to communicate and help turn out the vote in the final stretch. He’s now getting outside assistance from national Democratic groups too. Graham has publicly pleaded for financial assistance, but investment from outside GOP groups isn’t likely to level the spending playing field, especially when candidates get more favorable TV rates than outside groups. Republicans are hoping that this week’s Supreme Court confirmation hearings will drive conservatives to Graham, who needs to coalesce support on the right. Democrats are trying to exploit that gap with a recent ad from Senate Majority PAC that features a golfer complaining that Graham hasn’t taken advantage of his access to the President. A new 60-second Harrison spot, narrated by Viola Davis, features two White voters exchanging worried glances and then subtle smiles as one woman plants a Harrison sign in her front yard, while her neighbor waters his lawn. The implicit message? It’s OK to vote for a Democrat in South Carolina. A third-party candidate dropped out of the race and endorsed Graham, but his name is still on the ballot, which means he could take some votes from the senator that Graham can’t afford to lose.
10. Michigan
Incumbent: Democratic Sen. Gary Peters
Related Articles Election | Trump and 18 allies charged in Georgia election meddling as former president faces 4th criminal case
Trump and 18 allies charged in Georgia election meddling as former president faces 4th criminal case Election | Warned not to, Trump assails judge in election case
Warned not to, Trump assails judge in election case Election | Viet Dinh, Fox lawyer who oversaw Dominion settlement, to leave
Viet Dinh, Fox lawyer who oversaw Dominion settlement, to leave Election | Judge Chutkan: Trump’s right to free speech ‘not absolute’
Judge Chutkan: Trump’s right to free speech ‘not absolute’ Election | A conservative case for disqualifying Donald Trump in 2024 Michigan may be moving away from Trump at the presidential level, but the Senate race is still close. A New York Times/Siena College poll released Monday put Peters at 43% to Republican John James’ 42% among likely voters, which is much tighter than a June survey from the same pollsters that had Peters 10 points ahead. And Republicans argue that Democrats wouldn’t be spending here if Peters were in better shape. Including advertising spending to date and future reservations from candidates and outside groups, Democrats are spending about $55 million compared with Republicans’ $43.5 million, according to a CNN analysis of CMAG data as of Monday. It’s the rare race where the Republican candidate hasn’t been lagging in fundraising. Peters and James both announced raising $14 million in the third quarter. Recent Republican advertising ties Peters to Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, but if Biden does well here, it becomes harder for James to pull off an upset, especially if Republicans don’t see the kind of tightening at the top of ticket that they’d hoped for at the beginning of the fall.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2020 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.


mercurynews--2020-10-13--Mail carrier’s quick thinking helped a California man who accidentally cut himself with chainsaw

A California postal worker ’ s quick decision to use his belt as a tourniquet helped a man who had severely cut his arm with a chainsaw .
US Postal Service letter carrier Fernando Garcia made a heroic effort to stop a man ’ s arm from bleeding after he accidentally cut himself with a chainsaw in Norwalk , California , the Los Angeles County Sheriff ’ s Department ’ s Norwalk Station said in a Twitter post .
Garcia was on his daily route in Norwalk on Friday when heard the man ’ s family ’ s calling for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he turned around , I saw that he was holding his left arm .
And he was just covered in blood , ” Garcia told CNN affiliate KCAL .
The mailman quickly looped his belt around the man ’ s bleeding arm , wrapping it as tightly as he could and held it there .
Garcia got the idea to use his belt as a tourniquet from the movies , he said to KCAL .
The sheriff ’ s department lauded Garcia as an “ every day hero ” in its tweet , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for his brave actions .
The family of the injured man told CNN he was released from the hospital on Sunday .
He is starting to regain movement in his hand , according to his niece , Kelsey Cabral .
“ We are very proud of letter carrier Fernando Garcia and thankful for his swift , heroic action in helping a customer in dire need of assistance , ” according to a Postal Service statement sent to CNN .
“ Our postal carriers truly are the eyes and ears in the community.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as there was blood on it .
KCAL reported that after the man was taken to the hospital , Garcia purchased a new shirt and belt and continued on his mail route .

A California postal worker’s quick decision to use his belt as a tourniquet helped a man who had severely cut his arm with a chainsaw.
US Postal Service letter carrier Fernando Garcia made a heroic effort to stop a man’s arm from bleeding after he accidentally cut himself with a chainsaw in Norwalk, California, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Norwalk Station said in a Twitter post.
Garcia was on his daily route in Norwalk on Friday when heard the man’s family’s calling for help, police said.
“When he turned around, I saw that he was holding his left arm. And he was just covered in blood,” Garcia told CNN affiliate KCAL.
The mailman quickly looped his belt around the man’s bleeding arm, wrapping it as tightly as he could and held it there. Garcia got the idea to use his belt as a tourniquet from the movies, he said to KCAL.
The sheriff’s department lauded Garcia as an “every day hero” in its tweet, with several community members commenting their support for his brave actions.
The family of the injured man told CNN he was released from the hospital on Sunday. He is starting to regain movement in his hand, according to his niece, Kelsey Cabral.
“We are very proud of letter carrier Fernando Garcia and thankful for his swift, heroic action in helping a customer in dire need of assistance,” according to a Postal Service statement sent to CNN. “Our postal carriers truly are the eyes and ears in the community.”
Garcia had to throw away his belt as there was blood on it. KCAL reported that after the man was taken to the hospital, Garcia purchased a new shirt and belt and continued on his mail route.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2020 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.


mercurynews--2020-10-14--Report: Barr’s ‘unmasking’ probe ends without charges

The US attorney tasked by Attorney General William Barr to review instances of “ unmasking ” done around the 2016 election has completed the probe without bringing any charges , people familiar with the matter told The Washington Post .
John Bash found no evidence of substantive wrongdoing in his investigation , which has concluded without a public report , the Post said .
Bash left his role with the Justice Department last week .
CNN has reached out to the Justice Department for comment .
The quiet end to the probe caps a months-long effort that added the weight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue that President Donald Trump had seized on to underpin unfounded allegations about former President Barack Obama .
The investigation was announced in May after then-acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell declassified a list of names of former Obama administration officials who allegedly had requested the “ unmasking ” of the identify of Trump ’ s first national security adviser , Michael Flynn .
Senate Republicans later released the list , which named Obama administration officials who “ may have received ” Flynn ’ s identity in National Security Agency intelligence reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US citizens ’ names are required to be kept secret in intelligence reports , senior officials have the ability to ask for names to be revealed in certain circumstances to better understand the reports .
In the past , some Obama officials have acknowledged requesting that people be identified but have said there were legitimate reasons .
On its own , the list of names does not prove any wrongdoing .
Unmasking requests are a routine part of intelligence work , and there ’ s no evidence that the requests were made for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in its declassified memo disclosing the names that all of the officials had the authority to view the reports and the agency ’ s standard procedures had been followed .
In a Fox Business interview Thursday , Trump suggested that “ Unless Bill Barr indicts these people for crimes , the greatest political crime in the history of our country , then we ’ re going to get little satisfaction unless I win and we ’ ll just have to go , because I won ’ t forget it.
” Despite Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as evidence of wrongdoing by Obama and his administration , the level of unmasking has increased under the Trump administration .
There were more than 10,000 unmaskings last year and nearly 17,000 in 2018 , according to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence ’ s Statistical Transparency reports .
There were 9,529 in 2017 , Trump ’ s first year in office .
Under the Obama administration , there were about 9,217 unmaskings in 2016 and only 654 in 2015 .

By Paul LeBlanc | CNN
The US attorney tasked by Attorney General William Barr to review instances of “unmasking” done around the 2016 election has completed the probe without bringing any charges, people familiar with the matter told The Washington Post.
John Bash found no evidence of substantive wrongdoing in his investigation, which has concluded without a public report, the Post said. Bash left his role with the Justice Department last week.
CNN has reached out to the Justice Department for comment.
The quiet end to the probe caps a months-long effort that added the weight of a senior federal prosecutor behind an issue that President Donald Trump had seized on to underpin unfounded allegations about former President Barack Obama.
The investigation was announced in May after then-acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell declassified a list of names of former Obama administration officials who allegedly had requested the “unmasking” of the identify of Trump’s first national security adviser, Michael Flynn.
Senate Republicans later released the list, which named Obama administration officials who “may have received” Flynn’s identity in National Security Agency intelligence reports after requests to unmask Americans.
While US citizens’ names are required to be kept secret in intelligence reports, senior officials have the ability to ask for names to be revealed in certain circumstances to better understand the reports. In the past, some Obama officials have acknowledged requesting that people be identified but have said there were legitimate reasons.
On its own, the list of names does not prove any wrongdoing. Unmasking requests are a routine part of intelligence work, and there’s no evidence that the requests were made for political purposes. The National Security Agency said in its declassified memo disclosing the names that all of the officials had the authority to view the reports and the agency’s standard procedures had been followed.
In a Fox Business interview Thursday, Trump suggested that “Unless Bill Barr indicts these people for crimes, the greatest political crime in the history of our country, then we’re going to get little satisfaction unless I win and we’ll just have to go, because I won’t forget it.”
Despite Trump’s repeated efforts to cite unmasking as evidence of wrongdoing by Obama and his administration, the level of unmasking has increased under the Trump administration.
There were more than 10,000 unmaskings last year and nearly 17,000 in 2018, according to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence’s Statistical Transparency reports. There were 9,529 in 2017, Trump’s first year in office.
Under the Obama administration, there were about 9,217 unmaskings in 2016 and only 654 in 2015.


mercurynews--2020-10-14--Santa Clara, Alameda counties reach ‘orange’ coronavirus tier: Here’s when indoor dining could resum

Santa Clara, Alameda counties reach ‘orange’ coronavirus tier: Here’s when indoor dining could resume

SAN JOSE — South Bay restaurants could start serving diners indoors and movie theaters could welcome back limited audiences this week after Santa Clara County advanced to a looser tier of coronavirus restrictions on Tuesday .
Alameda County will move more slowly to reopen those businesses , but it too has now graduated to the “ orange ” tier of the state ’ s COVID reopening plan , which indicates spread of the deadly illness in the county is at “ moderate ” levels .
State authorities on Tuesday also issued new guidance for how to reduce the risk of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to blunt the potential surge of new cases that many fear could emerge if people gather in large numbers for holidays through the end of the year .
Locally , though , health leaders were balancing those warnings with praise , saying the sacrifices of disciplined residents were paying off through lower transmission rates and looser restrictions .
“ Today is really great news for everyone who lives and works in this county , and all of the collective work that everyone has done to move us into the orange tier , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cody said Tuesday .
“ We were a bit stricter for a bit longer than other jurisdictions … and now that is paying off.
” According to Cody , the rates of new cases in the county has slowly but steadily fallen from their summer peak .
At 1.7 percent , the share of coronavirus tests that come back positive in Santa Clara County over a seven-day average Tuesday is half that of the state as a whole , which is 3.4 percent .
It ’ s even lower in Alameda County , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clara County health order allows for outdoor gatherings of up to 200 people , and indoor gatherings — at places such as restaurants , houses of worship and movie theaters — at 25 percent of a building ’ s capacity or 100 total people , whichever is fewer , starting Wednesday .
The new policies in the county also allow its two college football programs , Stanford and San Jose State , to resume on-campus practices .
Stanford had been practicing at a San Mateo County high school , while the Spartans decamped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they got ready for their conferences ’ delayed college football season .
Still , in another example of the tricky calculations local authorities , businesses and everyday citizens have been forced to make in the midst of a still-raging pandemic , Cody and others added a warning : Just because you ’ re allowed to do something new , doesn ’ t necessarily mean you should .
Health officials strongly discouraged people who could be at higher risk from coronavirus , or who live with someone who is , from taking part in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Francisco , San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties have all resumed in recent weeks .
Indoor meals represent “ a very high-risk environment , ” said James Williams , Santa Clara ’ s county counsel , because they involve sharing space with others without the ventilation of an outdoor patio and removing your face covering to eat and drink .
Despite that risk , many struggling restaurants have been pleading to reopen dining rooms , especially as winter could make eating outdoors less appealing .
The venerable Pedro ’ s restaurants in Los @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dining rooms for lunch and dinner on Wednesday .
Jessica Kapoor , whose family owns the restaurants , said the pandemic was the first time they ’ d had to lay off staff .
“ That was very difficult to do , ” Kapoor said .
“ Hopefully with indoor ( dining ) we ’ ll get to see a large audience come back , which will enable us to bring back more staff .
” Alameda County officials are moving even more conservatively , saying the soonest they could allow indoor dining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two weeks , on Oct. 26 .
The county on Tuesday began allowing elementary schools that had submitted reopening plans to resume in-person classes .
And officials said they could permit certain outdoor activities , such as reopening playgrounds , on Friday .
“ If we see spikes in COVID-19 cases and a rise in hospitalizations , we will take action to limit the spread and protect public health including resuming restrictions if needed , ” Dr. Nicholas Moss , Alameda County ’ s interim health officer , said in a statement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ made public health officials cautiously optimistic about the state ’ s direction , they also acknowledge the months between Halloween and New Year ’ s will ramp up the temptation for potentially risky get-togethers with family and friends .
After authorities issued guidance for gatherings last week that called for small , outdoor and short activities to reduce the risk of spreading the virus , Dr. Mark Ghaly , the state ’ s secretary of health and human services , sought to encourage COVID-safe Halloween activities on Tuesday .
The state stopped short @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outright but strongly discouraged them .
Instead , Ghaly encouraged COVID-safe activities that would keep people in their homes and with members of their own household , like scary movie nights or virtual costume contests .
“ The whole act of going door to door in groups , ringing doorbells , digging into buckets of delicious candy create a risk of spreading COVID-19 , ” Ghaly said during a virtual briefing .
The state ’ s urging , he said , is that “ we do Halloween differently than we have in the @ @ @

SAN JOSE — South Bay restaurants could start serving diners indoors and movie theaters could welcome back limited audiences this week after Santa Clara County advanced to a looser tier of coronavirus restrictions on Tuesday.
Alameda County will move more slowly to reopen those businesses, but it too has now graduated to the “orange” tier of the state’s COVID reopening plan, which indicates spread of the deadly illness in the county is at “moderate” levels.
State authorities on Tuesday also issued new guidance for how to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus during Halloween — an attempt to blunt the potential surge of new cases that many fear could emerge if people gather in large numbers for holidays through the end of the year.
Locally, though, health leaders were balancing those warnings with praise, saying the sacrifices of disciplined residents were paying off through lower transmission rates and looser restrictions.
“Today is really great news for everyone who lives and works in this county, and all of the collective work that everyone has done to move us into the orange tier,” Santa Clara County Public Health Officer Sara Cody said Tuesday. “We were a bit stricter for a bit longer than other jurisdictions … and now that is paying off.”
According to Cody, the rates of new cases in the county has slowly but steadily fallen from their summer peak. At 1.7 percent, the share of coronavirus tests that come back positive in Santa Clara County over a seven-day average Tuesday is half that of the state as a whole, which is 3.4 percent. It’s even lower in Alameda County, at 1.5 percent.
An updated Santa Clara County health order allows for outdoor gatherings of up to 200 people, and indoor gatherings — at places such as restaurants, houses of worship and movie theaters — at 25 percent of a building’s capacity or 100 total people, whichever is fewer, starting Wednesday. The new policies in the county also allow its two college football programs, Stanford and San Jose State, to resume on-campus practices. Stanford had been practicing at a San Mateo County high school, while the Spartans decamped to Humboldt State University near Eureka as they got ready for their conferences’ delayed college football season.
Still, in another example of the tricky calculations local authorities, businesses and everyday citizens have been forced to make in the midst of a still-raging pandemic, Cody and others added a warning: Just because you’re allowed to do something new, doesn’t necessarily mean you should.
Health officials strongly discouraged people who could be at higher risk from coronavirus, or who live with someone who is, from taking part in activities like indoor dining — something San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties have all resumed in recent weeks. Indoor meals represent “a very high-risk environment,” said James Williams, Santa Clara’s county counsel, because they involve sharing space with others without the ventilation of an outdoor patio and removing your face covering to eat and drink.
Despite that risk, many struggling restaurants have been pleading to reopen dining rooms, especially as winter could make eating outdoors less appealing.
The venerable Pedro’s restaurants in Los Gatos and Santa Clara plans to reopen dining rooms for lunch and dinner on Wednesday. Jessica Kapoor, whose family owns the restaurants, said the pandemic was the first time they’d had to lay off staff.
“That was very difficult to do,” Kapoor said. “Hopefully with indoor (dining) we’ll get to see a large audience come back, which will enable us to bring back more staff. ”
Alameda County officials are moving even more conservatively, saying the soonest they could allow indoor dining and other gatherings will be in nearly two weeks, on Oct. 26. The county on Tuesday began allowing elementary schools that had submitted reopening plans to resume in-person classes. And officials said they could permit certain outdoor activities, such as reopening playgrounds, on Friday.
“If we see spikes in COVID-19 cases and a rise in hospitalizations, we will take action to limit the spread and protect public health including resuming restrictions if needed,” Dr. Nicholas Moss, Alameda County’s interim health officer, said in a statement.
While falling case numbers across California have made public health officials cautiously optimistic about the state’s direction, they also acknowledge the months between Halloween and New Year’s will ramp up the temptation for potentially risky get-togethers with family and friends.
Related Articles Health | San Jose office building wobbles into default — again
San Jose office building wobbles into default — again Health | College students blocked from campus when COVID hit want money back. Some are getting refunds
College students blocked from campus when COVID hit want money back. Some are getting refunds Health | One controversial East Bay parklet reveals dilemmas of pandemic dining
One controversial East Bay parklet reveals dilemmas of pandemic dining Health | Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms
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 After authorities issued guidance for gatherings last week that called for small, outdoor and short activities to reduce the risk of spreading the virus, Dr. Mark Ghaly, the state’s secretary of health and human services, sought to encourage COVID-safe Halloween activities on Tuesday.
The state stopped short of banning trick-or-treating or other Halloween activities outright but strongly discouraged them. Instead, Ghaly encouraged COVID-safe activities that would keep people in their homes and with members of their own household, like scary movie nights or virtual costume contests.
“The whole act of going door to door in groups, ringing doorbells, digging into buckets of delicious candy create a risk of spreading COVID-19,” Ghaly said during a virtual briefing. The state’s urging, he said, is that “we do Halloween differently than we have in the past.”
Staff writers Elliott Almond and Evan Webeck contributed reporting.