mercurynews--2020-05-26--Catholic priest sexual abuse survivor suing Oakland Diocese and East Bay churches

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Oakland and two East Bay churches are the target of a lawsuit by a young man who was sexually abused by a priest when he was a child , his attorney said Tuesday .
In a complaint recently filed in Alameda County Superior Court , the victim seeks unspecified damages against the the Diocese , St. John ’ s Catholic Church in San Lorenzo , and Corpus Christi Church in Fremont , accusing them of negligence in not protecting children like him from “ predator priests.
” The complaint also includes new details about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ John Doe in the complaint for privacy , said he experienced when he was 14 and 15 at the hands of Hector David Mendoza-Vela , also known as the Rev .
David Mendoza-Vela , 43 , who worked at both churches .
“ Our allegation is that the church had many opportunities to prevent this from happening , and once it started happening , to end it , ” John Winer , the victim ’ s attorney said about the abuse in an interview Tuesday .
In an interview with this news organization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s actions caused him suicidal thoughts and actions , trauma , and have shaken his faith in God .
Mendoza-Vela initially was charged by authorities last year with 30 counts of sexual abuse against the victim over the span of 18 months between 2016 and 2017 .
However , he later accepted a deal with prosecutors , pleading no contest to five counts of of lewd or lascivious acts on a child age 14 or 15 , and was sentenced in September to four years and eight months in prison .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as part of the charges of molesting the victim , and he is currently serving time in San Quentin State Prison , and is eligible for parole in July 2021 , according to the state ’ s inmate information website .
The victim said his family housed Mendoza-Vela in their home while his residence at Corpus Christi was being renovated as a kind gesture , but the priest took advantage , touching his genitals in his own bed while he was asleep .
Doe also claims he once awoke to find Mendoza-Vela touching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quite honest , I froze during the abuse , I froze , ” the man , who is now 18 , said Tuesday .
Among the dozens of times he said Mendoza-Vela abused him , the young man said the first two times shocked him the most .
“ He got me twice , I felt like a fool , ” he said .
“ I feel like the hardest thing was knowing that he got my brother too.
” “ I was abused so consistently , I feel like that was my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of anger , hatred , and everything in between .
Mostly I was just scared .
Scared for my family , scared for my brothers , I didn ’ t know what this man was capable of , ” the victim said .
The victim and his attorney say the abuse also happened at church , and in Mendoza-Vela ’ s car , as the priest would pick the him up from school on Wednesdays , and his family , devout Catholics , trusted the priest to take their son to the movies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We were backstabbed in the end , brutally backstabbed .
There is no lighter way of putting it , ” the victim said .
“ This is one of the most flagrant cases of abuse that I ’ ve ever seen , ” Winer said .
“ To be invaded in your home , as well as your place of worship , I mean where is safe ?
There ’ s nowhere safe for Mr. Doe , or kids like him.
” Bishop Michael C. Barber of the Diocese of Oakland did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokeswoman for the Diocese said Tuesday in an email that “ As of this moment , we haven ’ t been served the lawsuit , so we ’ re not able to make comments on its content.
” Mendoza-Vela was placed on administrative leave after his arrest and restricted from acting as a priest , but his current status in the church is unclear .
In August , the Diocese said it had begun a “ canonical process ” regarding Mendoza-Vela ’ s status in the church , which can result in him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Osman , the Diocese spokeswoman , said Tuesday , “ There is no update on the canonical process , since it is ongoing.
” Winer said church officials should never have let Mendoza-Vela live in the house of parishioners , and the church should have been aware that he was picking up the victim and taking him places .
“ The Diocese and churches are well aware of the prior problems of sexual abuse within the churches and should have taken appropriate steps to prevent this from happening , ” Winer said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ they can ’ t keep turning a blind eye to the abuse that ’ s happening over and over again , always to vulnerable children , and generally from families who are so committed to the church they have a hard time believing that a priest would do the kind of things that this priest did , ” Winer said .
The victim was embarrassed about the abuse , and kept it to himself until he revealed it to his therapist in March 2019 , who informed authorities , and told him to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on March 28 , 2019 , after officers from the Alameda County Sheriff ’ s special victims unit recorded him on a phone call apologizing to to the victim for touching his genitals while knowing he was 14 when the abuse began , authorities said .
Prosecutors said previously that in an interview with authorities , Mendoza-Vela , “ confessed to inappropriately touching ” the genitals of a 14- or 15-year-old boy over his pants “ at least 20 times ” from June 2016 through December 2017 while he was a priest .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Diocese and churches learned nothing from past abuse scandals and lawsuits , and failed to prevent others from suffering sexual abuse at the hands of priests .
“ It ’ s just as bad as it ’ s always been , ” Winer said .
“ It ’ s obscene in this day and age , or even about five years ago , that an event like this could happen actually at a church , ” he said .
“ This is an opportunity ( for the victim ) to not only seek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compensation in such a way that the Mendoza-Vela ’ s of this world are finally stopped .
”

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Oakland and two East Bay churches are the target of a lawsuit by a young man who was sexually abused by a priest when he was a child, his attorney said Tuesday.
In a complaint recently filed in Alameda County Superior Court, the victim seeks unspecified damages against the the Diocese, St. John’s Catholic Church in San Lorenzo, and Corpus Christi Church in Fremont, accusing them of negligence in not protecting children like him from “predator priests.”
The complaint also includes new details about the abuse the man, referred to as John Doe in the complaint for privacy, said he experienced when he was 14 and 15 at the hands of Hector David Mendoza-Vela, also known as the Rev. David Mendoza-Vela, 43, who worked at both churches.
“Our allegation is that the church had many opportunities to prevent this from happening, and once it started happening, to end it,” John Winer, the victim’s attorney said about the abuse in an interview Tuesday.
In an interview with this news organization, the victim said Tuesday that Mendoza-Vela’s actions caused him suicidal thoughts and actions, trauma, and have shaken his faith in God.
Mendoza-Vela initially was charged by authorities last year with 30 counts of sexual abuse against the victim over the span of 18 months between 2016 and 2017. However, he later accepted a deal with prosecutors, pleading no contest to five counts of of lewd or lascivious acts on a child age 14 or 15, and was sentenced in September to four years and eight months in prison.
The rest of his 25 charges were dismissed as part of the charges of molesting the victim, and he is currently serving time in San Quentin State Prison, and is eligible for parole in July 2021, according to the state’s inmate information website.
The victim said his family housed Mendoza-Vela in their home while his residence at Corpus Christi was being renovated as a kind gesture, but the priest took advantage, touching his genitals in his own bed while he was asleep. Doe also claims he once awoke to find Mendoza-Vela touching his younger brother.
“To be quite honest, I froze during the abuse, I froze,” the man, who is now 18, said Tuesday.
Among the dozens of times he said Mendoza-Vela abused him, the young man said the first two times shocked him the most.
“He got me twice, I felt like a fool,” he said. “I feel like the hardest thing was knowing that he got my brother too.”
“I was abused so consistently, I feel like that was my breaking point and I had this rush of anger, hatred, and everything in between. Mostly I was just scared. Scared for my family, scared for my brothers, I didn’t know what this man was capable of,” the victim said.
The victim and his attorney say the abuse also happened at church, and in Mendoza-Vela’s car, as the priest would pick the him up from school on Wednesdays, and his family, devout Catholics, trusted the priest to take their son to the movies and visit him at home.
“We were backstabbed in the end, brutally backstabbed. There is no lighter way of putting it,” the victim said.
“This is one of the most flagrant cases of abuse that I’ve ever seen,” Winer said.
“To be invaded in your home, as well as your place of worship, I mean where is safe? There’s nowhere safe for Mr. Doe, or kids like him.”
Bishop Michael C. Barber of the Diocese of Oakland did not return requests for comment, but a spokeswoman for the Diocese said Tuesday in an email that “As of this moment, we haven’t been served the lawsuit, so we’re not able to make comments on its content.”
Mendoza-Vela was placed on administrative leave after his arrest and restricted from acting as a priest, but his current status in the church is unclear. In August, the Diocese said it had begun a “canonical process” regarding Mendoza-Vela’s status in the church, which can result in him being removed from the priesthood.
Helen Osman, the Diocese spokeswoman, said Tuesday, “There is no update on the canonical process, since it is ongoing.”
Winer said church officials should never have let Mendoza-Vela live in the house of parishioners, and the church should have been aware that he was picking up the victim and taking him places.
“The Diocese and churches are well aware of the prior problems of sexual abuse within the churches and should have taken appropriate steps to prevent this from happening,” Winer said.
“It’s terrible, and they can’t keep turning a blind eye to the abuse that’s happening over and over again, always to vulnerable children, and generally from families who are so committed to the church they have a hard time believing that a priest would do the kind of things that this priest did,” Winer said.
The victim was embarrassed about the abuse, and kept it to himself until he revealed it to his therapist in March 2019, who informed authorities, and told him to tell his parents.
Mendoza-Vela was arrested on March 28, 2019, after officers from the Alameda County Sheriff’s special victims unit recorded him on a phone call apologizing to to the victim for touching his genitals while knowing he was 14 when the abuse began, authorities said.
Prosecutors said previously that in an interview with authorities, Mendoza-Vela, “confessed to inappropriately touching” the genitals of a 14- or 15-year-old boy over his pants “at least 20 times” from June 2016 through December 2017 while he was a priest.
Winer said the case shows how the Diocese and churches learned nothing from past abuse scandals and lawsuits, and failed to prevent others from suffering sexual abuse at the hands of priests.
“It’s just as bad as it’s always been,” Winer said. “It’s obscene in this day and age, or even about five years ago, that an event like this could happen actually at a church,” he said.
“This is an opportunity (for the victim) to not only seek compensation for himself, but to seek compensation in such a way that the Mendoza-Vela’s of this world are finally stopped.”


mercurynews--2020-05-27--Elon Musk and Grimes have changed their baby’s name. A bit

Just when you thought you ’ d learned how to spell Grimes and Elon Musk ’ s unusual baby name , they ’ ve gone and changed it .
Earlier this month , Tesla and SpaceX CEO Musk announced the birth of the baby boy in a post on Twitter , revealing his son was called “ X Æ A-12 Musk.
” However , speculation arose that the unusual moniker might fall foul of the law in California , where the couple live , as names can only use the 26 alphabetical characters of the English language , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grimes posted a new photo on Instagram , drawing comments from fans .
“ Did you change the baby name because of Californian laws ?
What is the baby ’ s new name ?
” asked one Twitter user in the comments under the latest post .
“ X Æ A-Xii ” wrote the singer in response , without confirming the reason for the change .
The singer also responded to another comment , saying : “ Roman numerals .
Looks better tbh.
” Grimes previously broke down the meaning of the name @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — real name Claire Elise Boucher — explained “ X ” stands for “ the unknown variable.
” Meanwhile , “ Æ ” is the Elven spelling of AI , which is shorthand for artificial intelligence and the word for “ love ” in several languages , including Japanese .
“ A-12 = precursor to SR-17 ( our favorite aircraft ) .
No weapons , no defenses , just speed .
Great in battle , but non-violent , ” she added .
The “ A ” in the name also represents “ Archangel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ favorite song .
Fans were also intrigued as to how to pronounce the name , and the happy couple seem to have different interpretations .
“ It ’ s just X , like the letter X .
Then A.I .
Like how you said the letter A then I , ” Grimes wrote in response to a query on Instagram .
• Elon Musk ’ s mansion sale may take some time • Three Bay Area CEOs ’ wealth grows by $ 44 billion during coronavirus pandemic : report • Newsom says he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tesla leaving California soon However , Musk told podcast host Joe Rogan a different pronunciation of the name .
“ I mean it ’ s just X , the letter X .
And then , the Æ is , like , pronounced ‘ Ash ’ … and then , A-12 , A-12 is my contribution , ” he said .
X Æ A-Xii is the couple ’ s first child together .
Musk has five other children — twins Griffin and Xavier and triplets Damian , Saxon and Kai — from a previous @ @

Just when you thought you’d learned how to spell Grimes and Elon Musk’s unusual baby name, they’ve gone and changed it.
Earlier this month, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Musk announced the birth of the baby boy in a post on Twitter, revealing his son was called “X Æ A-12 Musk.”
However, speculation arose that the unusual moniker might fall foul of the law in California, where the couple live, as names can only use the 26 alphabetical characters of the English language, according to the state constitution.
On Sunday, Grimes posted a new photo on Instagram, drawing comments from fans.
“Did you change the baby name because of Californian laws ? What is the baby’s new name?” asked one Twitter user in the comments under the latest post.
“X Æ A-Xii” wrote the singer in response, without confirming the reason for the change.
The singer also responded to another comment, saying: “Roman numerals. Looks better tbh.”
Grimes previously broke down the meaning of the name for intrigued fans.
The Canadian musician — real name Claire Elise Boucher — explained “X” stands for “the unknown variable.”
Meanwhile, “Æ” is the Elven spelling of AI, which is shorthand for artificial intelligence and the word for “love” in several languages, including Japanese.
“A-12 = precursor to SR-17 (our favorite aircraft). No weapons, no defenses, just speed. Great in battle, but non-violent,” she added.
The “A” in the name also represents “Archangel,” which she described as her favorite song.
Fans were also intrigued as to how to pronounce the name, and the happy couple seem to have different interpretations.
“It’s just X, like the letter X. Then A.I. Like how you said the letter A then I,” Grimes wrote in response to a query on Instagram.
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‘Time to move on’: Mark Zuckerberg says Elon Musk ‘isn’t serious’ about cage fight Music | Man arrested after spray painting Nazi imagery on Peninsula Synagogue, vandalizing Teslas
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Elon Musk promises to fund legal fights of discriminated X users Music | Tesla is under investigation again after 12 drivers complain of steering problems However, Musk told podcast host Joe Rogan a different pronunciation of the name.
“I mean it’s just X, the letter X. And then, the Æ is, like, pronounced ‘Ash’… and then, A-12, A-12 is my contribution,” he said.
X Æ A-Xii is the couple’s first child together. Musk has five other children — twins Griffin and Xavier and triplets Damian, Saxon and Kai — from a previous marriage.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2020 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.


mercurynews--2020-05-27--Disneyland and other California theme parks can reopen in Stage 3, state says

Disneyland and other California theme parks currently closed by the COVID-19 pandemic can reopen during Stage 3 of Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s four-stage road map for reopening the state ’ s economy , according to state officials .
Disneyland , Universal Studios Hollywood , Knott ’ s Berry Farm , Six Flags Magic Mountain , SeaWorld San Diego , Legoland California and other theme parks fall into Stage 3 of California ’ s road map for reopening , according to state officials .
“ Theme parks are slated to open in Stage 3 if the rate of spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” according to California Health and Human Services Agency spokesperson Kate Folmar .
California theme parks have been closed since mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Newsom announced on Tuesday , May 26 that Orange County and other counties in the state approved for accelerated reopening could move into the early phase of Stage 3 for the first time with the reopening of hair salons and barber shops .
“ Phase 3 is not a year away .
It ’ s not six months away .
It ’ s not even three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be more than a month away , ” Newsom said during a daily press briefing in mid-May .
“ We just want to make sure we have a protocol in place to secure customer safety , employee safety and allow the businesses to thrive in a way that is sustainable.
” Newsom has not set a specific date when Stage 3 could begin in California .
“ The science and data of how COVID-19 hospitalizations are progressing , how prepared hospitals are for increased cases and whether hospitals have adequate personal protective equipment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3 , ” Folmar said via email .
California theme parks are among the “ higher risk ” businesses and gatherings that would reopen in Stage 3 with adaptations and limits on the size of gatherings , according to Folmar .
“ The California Department of Public Health will issue detailed guidance with suggested modifications for how to minimize the risk of COVID-19 spread when theme parks reopen , ” Folmar said via email .
Other Stage 3 close-contact businesses and gatherings include salons , gyms , theaters , religious services , weddings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The state will work with California theme parks on developing COVID-19 health and safety reopening plans , according to Folmar .
“ We will work with employers and employees on developing guidance , ” Folmar said via email .
The state could issue guidance on theme parks in the “ near term , ” according to Anaheim spokesman Mike Lyster .
Disneyland has not submitted a COVID-19 health and safety reopening plan to the city , county or state , according to Lyster .
Anaheim will be closely watching the phased reopenings of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Disney World resort in Florida to learn best practices , according to Lyster .
“ Disney is fantastic at crowd control , ” Lyster said by phone .
The Shanghai Disneyland theme park reopened with advance reservations on May 11 .
The Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk outdoor malls at the theme park resort properties in Florida have reopened with new health and safety protocols .
Legoland Florida plans to reopen on June 1 .
Universal Orlando is scheduled to reopen on June 5 .
SeaWorld Orlando hopes to reopen in June .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ theme park reopening plan to Florida officials this week .
No California theme parks have announced firm reopening dates after 10 weeks of coronavirus closures .

Disneyland and other California theme parks currently closed by the COVID-19 pandemic can reopen during Stage 3 of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s four-stage road map for reopening the state’s economy, according to state officials.
Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott’s Berry Farm, Six Flags Magic Mountain, SeaWorld San Diego, Legoland California and other theme parks fall into Stage 3 of California’s road map for reopening, according to state officials.
“Theme parks are slated to open in Stage 3 if the rate of spread of COVID-19 and hospitalizations remain stable,” according to California Health and Human Services Agency spokesperson Kate Folmar.
California theme parks have been closed since mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Newsom announced on Tuesday, May 26 that Orange County and other counties in the state approved for accelerated reopening could move into the early phase of Stage 3 for the first time with the reopening of hair salons and barber shops.
“Phase 3 is not a year away. It’s not six months away. It’s not even three months away. It may not even be more than a month away,” Newsom said during a daily press briefing in mid-May. “We just want to make sure we have a protocol in place to secure customer safety, employee safety and allow the businesses to thrive in a way that is sustainable.”
Newsom has not set a specific date when Stage 3 could begin in California.
“The science and data of how COVID-19 hospitalizations are progressing, how prepared hospitals are for increased cases and whether hospitals have adequate personal protective equipment will guide when the state enters stage 3,” Folmar said via email.
California theme parks are among the “higher risk” businesses and gatherings that would reopen in Stage 3 with adaptations and limits on the size of gatherings, according to Folmar.
“The California Department of Public Health will issue detailed guidance with suggested modifications for how to minimize the risk of COVID-19 spread when theme parks reopen,” Folmar said via email.
Other Stage 3 close-contact businesses and gatherings include salons, gyms, theaters, religious services, weddings and sporting events without live audiences.
The state will work with California theme parks on developing COVID-19 health and safety reopening plans, according to Folmar.
“We will work with employers and employees on developing guidance,” Folmar said via email.
The state could issue guidance on theme parks in the “near term,” according to Anaheim spokesman Mike Lyster.
Disneyland has not submitted a COVID-19 health and safety reopening plan to the city, county or state, according to Lyster. Anaheim will be closely watching the phased reopenings of Shanghai Disneyland in China and the Walt Disney World resort in Florida to learn best practices, according to Lyster.
“Disney is fantastic at crowd control,” Lyster said by phone.
The Shanghai Disneyland theme park reopened with advance reservations on May 11. The Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk outdoor malls at the theme park resort properties in Florida have reopened with new health and safety protocols.
Legoland Florida plans to reopen on June 1. Universal Orlando is scheduled to reopen on June 5. SeaWorld Orlando hopes to reopen in June. Disney World is expected to submit a theme park reopening plan to Florida officials this week.
No California theme parks have announced firm reopening dates after 10 weeks of coronavirus closures.


mercurynews--2020-05-27--Word Game: May 27, 2020

Word Game: May 27, 2020

TODAY ’ S WORD — COLLAGES ( COLLAGES : kuh-LAZH-ez : Artistic compositions made up of various materials . )
@ @ @ @ @ more words in COLLAGES ?
The list will be published tomorrow .
To purchase the @ @ @ @ @ WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 while supplies last !
1 .
@ @ @ @ @ or more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four letters by the addition of @ @ @ @ @ as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” are not allowed .
3 .
@ @ @ @ @ a “ d ” or an “ s ” may not be used .
For @ @ @ @ @ ” is used , “ baked ” or “ bakes ” are not allowed , @ @ @ @ @ “ baking ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper nouns , slang words , or @ @ @ @ @ are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — COLLAGES (COLLAGES: kuh-LAZH-ez: Artistic compositions made up of various materials.)
Average 26 words
Time limit 35 minutes
Can you find 34 or more words in COLLAGES? The list will be published tomorrow.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — SURVIVED side sire sued suer surd sure used user ride
rise rive rude rued ruse vied virus vise ides dire dive diver dries drive dues
To purchase the Word Game book, visit WordGameBooks.com. Order it now for just $5 while supplies last!
RULES OF THE GAME:
1. Words must be of four or more letters.
2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.
3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” are not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible.
4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.
Contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe at kzsaxe@gmail.com.


Bridge: May 27, 2020

Suppose I offer you $ 10,000 to jump out of an airplane without a parachute .
Would you accept ?
Think about it .
Today ’ s South roars into a grand slam that depends on avoiding a club loser .
If he takes the ace of spades , draws trumps and goes looking for the queen of clubs , he may misguess .
West ’ s preemptive weak two-bid may lead him astray .
After South draws trumps , he should dig for information .
He takes the A-K of hearts , ruffs a heart ( West discards ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ruffs a heart .
Then South has a reliable count of the defenders ’ distribution .
West had six spades , two hearts and two trumps , hence three clubs .
So South cashes his king of clubs , and when East follows low , South leads a club to dummy ’ s jack .
Before you make a decision , get all the pertinent information .
That is what South must do at his slam .
And before you accept my offer to jump without a chute , you might ask whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ air or sitting in a hangar .
You hold : S 2 H A K 6 4 D Q J 3 C A J 10 9 8 .
You open one club , and your partner bids one spade .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : This problem is difficult .
A rebid of two clubs would suggest a six-card suit .
A bid of two hearts would be a strength-showing reverse , and 1NT would be a slight underbid and would distort your pattern .
I would try 1NT with feelings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have opened one heart , but that bid might lead to other problems .

Suppose I offer you $10,000 to jump out of an airplane without a parachute. Would you accept? Think about it.
Today’s South roars into a grand slam that depends on avoiding a club loser. If he takes the ace of spades, draws trumps and goes looking for the queen of clubs, he may misguess. West’s preemptive weak two-bid may lead him astray.
After South draws trumps, he should dig for information. He takes the A-K of hearts, ruffs a heart (West discards), ruffs a spade in dummy and ruffs a heart.
DISTRIBUTION
Then South has a reliable count of the defenders’ distribution. West had six spades, two hearts and two trumps, hence three clubs. So South cashes his king of clubs, and when East follows low, South leads a club to dummy’s jack.
Before you make a decision, get all the pertinent information. That is what South must do at his slam. And before you accept my offer to jump without a chute, you might ask whether the plane is 10,000 feet in the air or sitting in a hangar.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S 2 H A K 6 4 D Q J 3 C A J 10 9 8. You open one club, and your partner bids one spade. What do you say?
ANSWER: This problem is difficult. A rebid of two clubs would suggest a six-card suit. A bid of two hearts would be a strength-showing reverse, and 1NT would be a slight underbid and would distort your pattern. I would try 1NT with feelings of guilt. A few players might have opened one heart, but that bid might lead to other problems.
West dealer
Both sides vulnerable
NORTH
S 2
H A K 6 4
D Q J 3
C A J 10 9 8
WEST
S K Q 10 9 6 3
H J 7
D 8 2
C Q 7 2
EAST
S J 7 5 4
H Q 10 9 5 3 2
D 6 5
C 4
SOUTH
S A 8
H 8
D A K 10 9 7 4
C K 6 5 3
WestNorthEastSouth
2 SDbl3 S4 NT
Pass5 HPass7 D
All Pass
Opening lead — S K
(C)2020 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-05-27--Horoscopes May 27, 2020: Paul Bettany, open up about the way you feel.

Happy Birthday : Open up about the way you feel and what your intentions are .
Explore the possibilities and different lifestyles that suit your personality as well as your dreams , hopes and wishes .
Be honest with yourself about what ’ s doable .
Don ’ t spread yourself too thin when you should be focusing on what ’ s most important to you .
Your numbers are 6 , 14 , 20 , 27 , 33 , 39 , 46 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Use what you ’ ve learned to help you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experience , knowledge and whatever resources you have to ensure that you make the best decision possible .
It ’ s time to firm up on a commitment .
2 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Be prepared if you want a change you implement to work .
Iron out subtle but essential details before you leap forward .
An opportunity is beneficial only if you are in a position to make it work for you .
Uncertainty is a red flag .
4 stars GEMINI ( May 21-June 20 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Double-check facts and sources before you make decisions that can affect your position , reputation or well-being .
Pour your heart into honing your skills and keeping up with technology .
3 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : An adjustment will determine how well a project turns out .
Follow your instincts , and you will find a solution that allows you to bypass dealing with institutions or authority figures .
Play by the rules , and fix what isn ’ t working for you .
3 stars LEO ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make a move , discuss your intentions with someone aware of your circumstances and a reliable source for honest and helpful input .
Don ’ t be tempted by a flashy offer when a minor adjustment is all that ’ s required .
3 stars VIRGO ( August 23-September 22 ) : Take a back seat , and be an observer for the time being .
Someone will use persuasive tactics to try to push you in a direction that isn ’ t in your best interest .
Make a change if it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : An open mind will take you on a journey that will lead to a brighter future .
What you learn today will point you in a new direction .
Online correspondence classes and finding information that will improve your health are favored .
4 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Listen to complaints , and rectify the problem promptly .
Make an effort to enhance your living conditions as well as your relationships with those close to you .
Take the edge off by striving to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : A calculated risk will pay off .
Follow your intuition , not what someone tells you .
A personal relationship should be reevaluated and your intentions revealed .
Honesty and integrity matter , and judgments will be made .
It ’ s time to commit or move on .
5 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Keep your thoughts to yourself and your eye on what ’ s happening around you .
If you act in haste or jump to conclusions , you will send @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make an emotional change ; make a smart move in order to avoid trouble .
3 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Do your best to understand what others are trying to tell you .
Speak from the heart and offer realistic suggestions , and you will turn a difficulty around .
A positive attitude will lead to personal gain .
Self-improvement projects are favored .
3 stars PISCES ( February 19-March 20 ) : Listen , watch and assess what ’ s happening around you .
Don ’ t make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to you .
Believing someone without checking references or facts will end up being costly .
Protect your heart , possessions and passwords .
5 stars Birthday Baby : You are adventuresome , imaginative and unpredictable .
You are playful and helpful .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Chris Colfer, 30; Shanola Hampton, 43; Jack McBrayer, 47; Paul Bettany, 49.
Happy Birthday: Open up about the way you feel and what your intentions are. Explore the possibilities and different lifestyles that suit your personality as well as your dreams, hopes and wishes. Be honest with yourself about what’s doable. Don’t spread yourself too thin when you should be focusing on what’s most important to you. Your numbers are 6, 14, 20, 27, 33, 39, 46.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Use what you’ve learned to help you get through a challenge. Draw on experience, knowledge and whatever resources you have to ensure that you make the best decision possible. It’s time to firm up on a commitment. 2 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Be prepared if you want a change you implement to work. Iron out subtle but essential details before you leap forward. An opportunity is beneficial only if you are in a position to make it work for you. Uncertainty is a red flag. 4 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Beware of false information or advice. Double-check facts and sources before you make decisions that can affect your position, reputation or well-being. Pour your heart into honing your skills and keeping up with technology. 3 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): An adjustment will determine how well a project turns out. Follow your instincts, and you will find a solution that allows you to bypass dealing with institutions or authority figures. Play by the rules, and fix what isn’t working for you. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-August 22): Before you make a move, discuss your intentions with someone aware of your circumstances and a reliable source for honest and helpful input. Don’t be tempted by a flashy offer when a minor adjustment is all that’s required. 3 stars
VIRGO (August 23-September 22): Take a back seat, and be an observer for the time being. Someone will use persuasive tactics to try to push you in a direction that isn’t in your best interest. Make a change if it benefits you. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): An open mind will take you on a journey that will lead to a brighter future. What you learn today will point you in a new direction. Online correspondence classes and finding information that will improve your health are favored. 4 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Listen to complaints, and rectify the problem promptly. Make an effort to enhance your living conditions as well as your relationships with those close to you. Take the edge off by striving to keep the peace. 2 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): A calculated risk will pay off. Follow your intuition, not what someone tells you. A personal relationship should be reevaluated and your intentions revealed. Honesty and integrity matter, and judgments will be made. It’s time to commit or move on. 5 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Keep your thoughts to yourself and your eye on what’s happening around you. If you act in haste or jump to conclusions, you will send the wrong message. Don’t make an emotional change; make a smart move in order to avoid trouble. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Do your best to understand what others are trying to tell you. Speak from the heart and offer realistic suggestions, and you will turn a difficulty around. A positive attitude will lead to personal gain. Self-improvement projects are favored. 3 stars
PISCES (February 19-March 20): Listen, watch and assess what’s happening around you. Don’t make promises or get involved in something foreign to you. Believing someone without checking references or facts will end up being costly. Protect your heart, possessions and passwords. 5 stars
Birthday Baby: You are adventuresome, imaginative and unpredictable. You are playful and helpful.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-05-27--Ask Amy: Now that she lives with me, her annoying habit is a big problem

DEAR AMY : I ’ m a single woman with three children , ages 9 , 16 , and 24 .
Recently my mother moved in with us .
Soon after , a longtime friend of mine ( and godmother to my eldest child ) moved in with us , as well .
During the pandemic , my house has been very busy , as no one is working due to COVID-19 .
I ’ ve noticed some things about my friend that I didn ’ t really notice before ( or maybe chose to ignore ) .
During everyday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speak , and she doesn ’ t interrupt quietly , either .
Dominating a conversation is actually what she does , and before anyone knows it the topic is turned on to herself .
Wow !
She is self-absorbed !
• Ask Amy : I speak my mind , and it makes these women cry • Ask Amy : She ’ s convinced we ’ ve been begging her for a three-way for 20 years • Ask Amy : I ’ m an engineer with poor people skills , and I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : If they were good people , they would obey coronavirus rules • Ask Amy : I want out of our California bubble , but my wife says no I ’ m not sure how to broach this subject , as I do not want to hurt her feelings .
DEAR ABOUT TO EXPLODE !
: Your friend is not a houseguest ; for now , she is a member of the household , and should be treated like one .
You should consider the fact that your feelings , and the feelings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just as important as hers are .
Each of us can usually tolerate a small dent to our feelings , as long as we feel respected .
You need to be brave enough to handle this deliberately , rather than waiting until you erupt and say something harsh in front of others .
You are providing housing to your friend and your family members .
You have the responsibility , and the right , to offer course-correctives in order for the household to continue to run peacefully .
Talk to her privately .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ d like to offer you some feedback about a habit of yours that is bothering me .
You tend to interrupt me and others when we ’ re trying to converse .
It ’ s important to me that each of us has the opportunity to express ourselves .
This includes you .
But the kids — and my mom and I — all need the space to say what we need to say .
Can you work on that ?
” Your friend might interrupt you while you are trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She might react defensively or tell you that you ’ ve hurt her feelings .
Wait patiently .
The rest will be up to her .
In the future , when she interrupts , say , “ Whoops .
Wait a minute .
I ’ d like to finish my thought.
” DEAR AMY : I just want to give a shoutout to the overlooked dads out there who are out of their comfort zones .
I keep seeing items about moms homeschooling their kids , and how things have changed for mothers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic .
Well , our family is different .
I am in the medical field and have been working this whole time .
My husband was laid off .
We have four children , three of whom need extra help .
Daddy is the one handling online classes and keeping track of all assignments , and juggling who needs to be on what website at what time .
Normally I handle school assignments and meetings with teachers , so this is all new to him .
He is a real rock star @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t be prouder of how he is handling everything .
DEAR PROUD : So many families ’ norms are turned upside down right now , and , yes , it has been great to see dads stepping up at home .
I genuinely appreciate how many fathers seem to be putting their own dad-spin on their parenting duties : donning tutus to dance with their daughters , building elaborate indoor obstacle courses , and lovingly reading bedtime stories to their children .
It ’ s generous of you not to note that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full time ) managed all of the academic issues related to your four kids before this virus upended your domestic structure .
Thank you for what you do — at home and at work .
You and all of our healthcare workers risk a lot to provide care to the rest of us .
DEAR AMY : I read your good advice to “ Tired Ears , ” the mother-in-law whose daughter-in-law frequently complained about her husband to his mother .
Thank you for urging this MIL to nip that in the bud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solution : If I complain about my husband to his mom , her response — while smiling and shrugging — is , “ Gee !
I wonder who raised him , anyway !
” This definitely stops me .
DEAR GRATEFUL : Your mother-in-law is a smart cookie .
Let us all learn from her .
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy , P.O .
Box 194 , Freeville , NY 13068 .
You can also follow her on Twitter @ askingamy or @ @

DEAR AMY: I’m a single woman with three children, ages 9, 16, and 24.
Recently my mother moved in with us. Soon after, a longtime friend of mine (and godmother to my eldest child) moved in with us, as well.
During the pandemic, my house has been very busy, as no one is working due to COVID-19.
I’ve noticed some things about my friend that I didn’t really notice before (or maybe chose to ignore). During everyday conversations she constantly interrupts everyone while they speak, and she doesn’t interrupt quietly, either.
Dominating a conversation is actually what she does, and before anyone knows it the topic is turned on to herself. Wow! She is self-absorbed!
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Any ideas?
About to Explode!
DEAR ABOUT TO EXPLODE!: Your friend is not a houseguest; for now, she is a member of the household, and should be treated like one.
You should consider the fact that your feelings, and the feelings of others in your household, are just as important as hers are. Each of us can usually tolerate a small dent to our feelings, as long as we feel respected.
You need to be brave enough to handle this deliberately, rather than waiting until you erupt and say something harsh in front of others.
You are providing housing to your friend and your family members. You have the responsibility, and the right, to offer course-correctives in order for the household to continue to run peacefully.
Talk to her privately. Tell her, quite plainly: “I’d like to offer you some feedback about a habit of yours that is bothering me. You tend to interrupt me and others when we’re trying to converse. It’s important to me that each of us has the opportunity to express ourselves. This includes you. But the kids — and my mom and I — all need the space to say what we need to say. Can you work on that?”
Your friend might interrupt you while you are trying to explain this. Wait patiently. She might react defensively or tell you that you’ve hurt her feelings. Wait patiently. The rest will be up to her.
In the future, when she interrupts, say, “Whoops. Wait a minute. I’d like to finish my thought.”
DEAR AMY: I just want to give a shoutout to the overlooked dads out there who are out of their comfort zones. I keep seeing items about moms homeschooling their kids, and how things have changed for mothers with kids home all the time during the pandemic.
Well, our family is different. I am in the medical field and have been working this whole time. My husband was laid off. We have four children, three of whom need extra help. Daddy is the one handling online classes and keeping track of all assignments, and juggling who needs to be on what website at what time. Normally I handle school assignments and meetings with teachers, so this is all new to him.
He is a real rock star right now, and I couldn’t be prouder of how he is handling everything.
Proud Wife and Mom in Wyoming
DEAR PROUD: So many families’ norms are turned upside down right now, and, yes, it has been great to see dads stepping up at home. I genuinely appreciate how many fathers seem to be putting their own dad-spin on their parenting duties: donning tutus to dance with their daughters, building elaborate indoor obstacle courses, and lovingly reading bedtime stories to their children.
It’s generous of you not to note that, for some reason, you (working full time) managed all of the academic issues related to your four kids before this virus upended your domestic structure.
Thank you for what you do — at home and at work. You and all of our healthcare workers risk a lot to provide care to the rest of us.
DEAR AMY: I read your good advice to “Tired Ears,” the mother-in-law whose daughter-in-law frequently complained about her husband to his mother.
Thank you for urging this MIL to nip that in the bud.
My wonderful mother-in-law has a different solution: If I complain about my husband to his mom, her response — while smiling and shrugging — is, “Gee! I wonder who raised him, anyway!”
This definitely stops me.
Grateful
DEAR GRATEFUL: Your mother-in-law is a smart cookie. Let us all learn from her.
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.


mercurynews--2020-05-27--Harriette Cole: If his college doesn’t reopen, what can I do about my son?

DEAR HARRIETTE : My son is scheduled to start college this fall at a local university , but we aren ’ t sure what is going to happen next .
He is not having a graduation from high school because there can ’ t be any social gatherings .
Now we wonder if he will actually go to college .
Fall is right around the corner .
I can ’ t imagine that they will figure out safe distancing in the classroom by then .
Should we let him defer a year ?
Even with that , though , what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a young man , and he needs structure and direction .
I don ’ t know how to guide him right now .
DEAR COLLEGE-BOUND : Contact your son ’ s college .
The admissions office is a good place to start .
Do your best to get a human on the phone .
This could be difficult , as most people are not going in to work .
If you get an automated system , leave specific messages asking for someone to call you back .
Listen to the prompts as there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will begin in the fall .
• Harriette Cole : My friends say they ’ re having fun at home with their husbands .
I ’ m definitely not .
• Harriette Cole : I ’ m afraid my mom will die if this goes on much longer • Harriette Cole : We found letters from dad ’ s other woman but my mom won ’ t let me read them • Harriette Cole : I overheard what he asked my teenage daughter • Harriette Cole : Why won ’ t they invite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools have already declared that they will do virtual classes , using technology to engage students from a distance .
Other schools are still figuring out if there is a way for students to be together .
At the same time , look around in your community for opportunities for your son , for internships or jobs .
If he can balance some amount of work that will require structure with a virtual academic life , this may provide the stimulation needed for him to stay focused .
DEAR HARRIETTE : I began @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last year , and it started off great .
We would see each other every weekend .
Since quarantine , we have only talked on the phone .
That is wearing on us now .
He lives about an hour away , and while he could come to visit , we are trying to follow stay-at-home orders .
I want to be more flexible now .
Each of us has stayed at home for all of these weeks , only venturing out to go to the grocery store .
Do you think it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together in person ?
DEAR DATE NIGHT : The CDC guidelines do not say that you can not be in anyone ’ s company ever .
But you do have to take precautions .
You can choose to see each other , but keep your distance and wear a mask .
As hard as it may be , do not touch each other .
Definitely do not kiss each other .
But you could take a walk together .
You can sit in your living room across from each other and talk .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ you sit 6 feet apart while you are eating .
It is possible to be in each other ’ s company if you are vigilant about staying safe .
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS , an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams .
You can send questions to askharriette @ harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

DEAR HARRIETTE: My son is scheduled to start college this fall at a local university, but we aren’t sure what is going to happen next.
He is not having a graduation from high school because there can’t be any social gatherings. Now we wonder if he will actually go to college. Fall is right around the corner. I can’t imagine that they will figure out safe distancing in the classroom by then.
Should we let him defer a year? Even with that, though, what will he do? He’s a young man, and he needs structure and direction. I don’t know how to guide him right now.
College-Bound
DEAR COLLEGE-BOUND: Contact your son’s college. The admissions office is a good place to start.
Do your best to get a human on the phone. This could be difficult, as most people are not going in to work. If you get an automated system, leave specific messages asking for someone to call you back. Listen to the prompts as there may also be messages about how classes will begin in the fall.
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At the same time, look around in your community for opportunities for your son, for internships or jobs. If he can balance some amount of work that will require structure with a virtual academic life, this may provide the stimulation needed for him to stay focused.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I began dating a guy at the end of last year, and it started off great. We would see each other every weekend.
Since quarantine, we have only talked on the phone. That is wearing on us now.
He lives about an hour away, and while he could come to visit, we are trying to follow stay-at-home orders.
I want to be more flexible now. Each of us has stayed at home for all of these weeks, only venturing out to go to the grocery store. Do you think it would be OK for us to get together in person?
Date Night
DEAR DATE NIGHT: The CDC guidelines do not say that you cannot be in anyone’s company ever. But you do have to take precautions.
You can choose to see each other, but keep your distance and wear a mask. As hard as it may be, do not touch each other. Definitely do not kiss each other. But you could take a walk together. You can sit in your living room across from each other and talk. You can even share a meal if you sit 6 feet apart while you are eating. It is possible to be in each other’s company if you are vigilant about staying safe.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-05-27--Miss Manners: What should I do about sidewalk hogs, other than glare?

DEAR MISS MANNERS : It is my understanding that when walking on a sidewalk , one should walk on the right side of the path .
And now , with the requirement for social distancing , couples or groups should walk single-file when passing others coming in the opposite direction to allow for a 6-foot clearance , if possible .
What is the proper response when people either don ’ t understand this or choose to ignore it ?
I often find myself stepping off the sidewalk and into the street or a driveway in order to avoid these people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they pass , is there a proper way to inform them ?
GENTLE READER : Not having the power to lock people up , etiquette can seldom guarantee that you will change another person ’ s behavior — only that you will have made every effort short of rudeness or force .
This is why governments get involved in pandemics .
Miss Manners assures you that crossing the street to avoid someone , stepping onto a driveway and waiting , or stepping into the street — presuming that you are not putting yourself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make your point .
The glare is optional .
• Miss Manners : I complained about her phone calls , and she took it badly • Miss Manners : How should one confront strangers who are breaking the rules ?
• Miss Manners : Who is the rude theatergoer in this tale ?
• Miss Manners : I waved and kept walking .
Was that rude ?
• Miss Manners : This germ-spreading kid ’ s parents did nothing DEAR MISS MANNERS : My son is 19 years old and eats like he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his hands and eats very quickly .
How do I nicely tell him to slow down and eat with more manners and couth ?
GENTLE READER : Teaching table manners is high on the list of parental responsibilities , so it concerns Miss Manners that you have only interested yourself in the problem at this late date .
But she is encouraged that you were on track at one point , since 6-year-old eating habits differ from those of infants .
It is time for a serious talk — two , actually : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manners with you .
Explain to your son that when he goes out into the world , people will judge him by his behavior , not just his good heart .
It is therefore time to work on his table manners .
This will be more convincing if you can demonstrate and correct , rather than merely observe .
DEAR MISS MANNERS : When someone sends out an email invitation to multiple people , how should you respond ?
Just to the person who sent it , or “ reply to all ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but I ’ m wondering if this has been rude .
GENTLE READER : In sending a single invitation to multiple people , your host obscured the nature of the communication , which was a series of separate invitations to individual people ; etiquette sees no direct connection between the invitation to Mary and the one to Bob .
The proper response by the guest is therefore to the host , not the entire list .
Miss Manners recognizes that this means that Mary — who , after the divorce , has stopped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ present — will have to find some other means of divining his location .
But it cuts down on a great deal of unnecessary email , an outcome she recognizes as beneficial even if she is not as passionate about extraneous email as some of her Gentle Readers .
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website , www.missmanners.com ; to her email , dearmissmanners @ gmail.com ; or through postal mail to Miss Manners , Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin

DEAR MISS MANNERS: It is my understanding that when walking on a sidewalk, one should walk on the right side of the path. And now, with the requirement for social distancing, couples or groups should walk single-file when passing others coming in the opposite direction to allow for a 6-foot clearance, if possible.
What is the proper response when people either don’t understand this or choose to ignore it? I often find myself stepping off the sidewalk and into the street or a driveway in order to avoid these people.
Other than glaring at them as they pass, is there a proper way to inform them?
GENTLE READER: Not having the power to lock people up, etiquette can seldom guarantee that you will change another person’s behavior — only that you will have made every effort short of rudeness or force. This is why governments get involved in pandemics.
Miss Manners assures you that crossing the street to avoid someone, stepping onto a driveway and waiting, or stepping into the street — presuming that you are not putting yourself in even more imminent danger — will make your point. The glare is optional.
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Miss Manners: She wants to turn our music festival into a get-drunk weekend Advice | Miss Manners: My rule is no gift for a second wedding, no attendance for a third DEAR MISS MANNERS: My son is 19 years old and eats like he’s a 6-year-old. He uses his hands and eats very quickly. How do I nicely tell him to slow down and eat with more manners and couth?
GENTLE READER: Teaching table manners is high on the list of parental responsibilities, so it concerns Miss Manners that you have only interested yourself in the problem at this late date.
But she is encouraged that you were on track at one point, since 6-year-old eating habits differ from those of infants.
It is time for a serious talk — two, actually: you with your son, and Miss Manners with you. Explain to your son that when he goes out into the world, people will judge him by his behavior, not just his good heart. It is therefore time to work on his table manners. This will be more convincing if you can demonstrate and correct, rather than merely observe.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: When someone sends out an email invitation to multiple people, how should you respond? Just to the person who sent it, or “reply to all”? I usually respond to all, but I’m wondering if this has been rude.
GENTLE READER: In sending a single invitation to multiple people, your host obscured the nature of the communication, which was a series of separate invitations to individual people; etiquette sees no direct connection between the invitation to Mary and the one to Bob. The proper response by the guest is therefore to the host, not the entire list.
Miss Manners recognizes that this means that Mary — who, after the divorce, has stopped attending parties at which Bob will be present — will have to find some other means of divining his location. But it cuts down on a great deal of unnecessary email, an outcome she recognizes as beneficial even if she is not as passionate about extraneous email as some of her Gentle Readers.
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-05-27--Dear Abby: Their dessert disgusted us, and they want to give us more

DEAR ABBY : My husband and I are dealing with a terminal health condition , and many folks have offered to help , particularly in the area of providing meals , which we really appreciate .
Recently , a family from our church brought us over a meal that included a nice entree , dessert , bread and breakfast pastries , all homemade .
We enjoyed the entree , but quickly lost our appetites after opening the dessert to find a hair of unknown origin in it .
We were , unfortunately , unable to enjoy the rest of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is how to handle this with the family .
I ’ m sure we will see them at church , and they have already reached out asking when they can bring us another meal .
I don ’ t want to embarrass anyone , but neither do I think I can consume another one from them .
• Dear Abby : My fiancee is angry about how I spent this found money • Dear Abby : My husband ’ s bad habit endangers our family — and he thinks it ’ s funny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by this woman ’ s risky behavior at the chicken counter • Dear Abby : She won ’ t sleep with me and doesn ’ t like talking , either • Dear Abby : I ’ m ready to move out because of her nighttime disturbances For what it ’ s worth , we have someone who comes in weekly who prepares meals for us ( whom we pay ) .
This has been a huge help because it alleviates the time and effort required to shop , cook and clean up for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work full time as well as care for my husband .
How can I tactfully decline this family ’ s kind offers without coming right out and saying why we don ’ t want their food ?
GROSSED OUT IN THE WEST DEAR GROSSED OUT : It should not embarrass those nice people if you thank them for offering to send you more food , and tell them you no longer need food because you have hired someone who comes in and cooks for you .
It ’ s short , sweet and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ABBY : I married my husband 40 years ago .
A few years later , he was diagnosed with diabetes .
He refused to take care of himself and ended up with double leg amputations 13 years ago .
He had prosthetics but wouldn ’ t use them .
I stood by him and was his advocate , but he blamed me !
He has major health issues now , but I ’ m not too concerned .
According to him , it ’ s “ none of my business.
” Family doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t care .
My daughter blames me , but she doesn ’ t bother to have much contact with her father .
I have had enough of trying to help a man who doesn ’ t want help .
This is a loveless marriage and has been for years .
He ’ s also addicted to computer porn .
He stays at a computer for hours , even when people are around .
He doesn ’ t care who ’ s around .
He broke his computer recently , and I have refused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is angry at me for that too .
For most of our marriage I have worked outside the home .
I still do .
I would rather be out of the house than here with a husband who doesn ’ t care if I ’ m around or not .
Please advise me what I can do .
DEAR REACHED : What you can do depends upon what you want to do .
There must be a reason why you have remained in this loveless marriage as long as you have .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a word of advice .
Help your husband to get another computer .
If you do , it may lessen some of the hostility that is ruling your household .
He will be occupied , and you can do whatever you need to do to keep yourself sane .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I are dealing with a terminal health condition, and many folks have offered to help, particularly in the area of providing meals, which we really appreciate.
Recently, a family from our church brought us over a meal that included a nice entree, dessert, bread and breakfast pastries, all homemade. We enjoyed the entree, but quickly lost our appetites after opening the dessert to find a hair of unknown origin in it. We were, unfortunately, unable to enjoy the rest of the food because of this.
My dilemma is how to handle this with the family. I’m sure we will see them at church, and they have already reached out asking when they can bring us another meal. I don’t want to embarrass anyone, but neither do I think I can consume another one from them.
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Dear Abby: Our teen’s messy breakup has had awkward repercussions for us Advice | Dear Abby: I was annoyed to discover why our friends picked this restaurant For what it’s worth, we have someone who comes in weekly who prepares meals for us (whom we pay). This has been a huge help because it alleviates the time and effort required to shop, cook and clean up for most of the work week because I work full time as well as care for my husband.
How can I tactfully decline this family’s kind offers without coming right out and saying why we don’t want their food?
GROSSED OUT IN THE WEST
DEAR GROSSED OUT: It should not embarrass those nice people if you thank them for offering to send you more food, and tell them you no longer need food because you have hired someone who comes in and cooks for you. It’s short, sweet and it’s the truth.
DEAR ABBY: I married my husband 40 years ago. A few years later, he was diagnosed with diabetes. He refused to take care of himself and ended up with double leg amputations 13 years ago. He had prosthetics but wouldn’t use them. I stood by him and was his advocate, but he blamed me!
He has major health issues now, but I’m not too concerned. According to him, it’s “none of my business.” Family doesn’t care because he doesn’t care. My daughter blames me, but she doesn’t bother to have much contact with her father.
I have had enough of trying to help a man who doesn’t want help. This is a loveless marriage and has been for years. He’s also addicted to computer porn. He stays at a computer for hours, even when people are around. He doesn’t care who’s around. He broke his computer recently, and I have refused to allow him on mine, so he is angry at me for that too.
For most of our marriage I have worked outside the home. I still do. I would rather be out of the house than here with a husband who doesn’t care if I’m around or not. Please advise me what I can do.
REACHED THE LIMIT
DEAR REACHED: What you can do depends upon what you want to do. There must be a reason why you have remained in this loveless marriage as long as you have.
Since you asked, I do have a word of advice. Help your husband to get another computer. If you do, it may lessen some of the hostility that is ruling your household. He will be occupied, and you can do whatever you need to do to keep yourself sane.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.


mercurynews--2020-05-27--Walters: The SF-LA economic gap is growing wider

Even before COVID-19 rocked California , there were stark economic differences between the state ’ s two major metropolitan regions — the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles County-centered Southern California — and the pandemic will widen the gap even more .
As I described in a lengthy 2017 article for CalMatters , the two regions had been roughly comparable in economic terms 40 years earlier , but as California ’ s industrial economy began to decline in the 1970s , the two regions pursued very different paths .
The Bay Area opted for cutting edge digital technology , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bet on logistics — making the twin ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach the primary gateways for rising commerce between the U.S. and Asia and developing transportation and warehousing to serve the trade .
The latter strategy succeeded , but the jobs it created tended to be of the low-skill , low-pay variety and Southern California also absorbed a very strong surge of often ill-educated immigrants .
It faced another challenge when its defense/aerospace industry collapsed in the 1990s .
Meanwhile , the Bay Area ’ s wager on high-tech has paid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wealth and rewarding technology workers with lavish salaries and fringe benefits .
Just one of many data points cited in the article : “ Of the state ’ s 10 highest median income counties in 2014 , six were in the Bay Area , topped by No .
1 Marin County , at $ 140,681 per joint tax return , and No .
2 San Mateo at $ 122,415 .
The only Los Angeles region counties on the list were No .
9 Orange at $ 83,393 and No .
10 Ventura at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was No .
25 at $ 64,890 , markedly below the statewide median.
” When the Public Policy Institute of California did poverty calculations for the state ’ s counties , using methodology that counted cost of living as well as personal income , Los Angeles was dead last with more than a quarter of its 10 million residents impoverished .
That was before COVID-19 struck .
By every measure , the pandemic is far more pronounced in the Los Angeles metropolitan region than in the Bay Area .
In relative terms , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far more are being hospitalized and dying .
The region ’ s political leaders lagged the Bay Area in imposing stay-at-home orders .
Even when they acted , low-wage workers in logistics and services deemed to be essential could not telecommute , so have been more likely to be exposed on the job .
Housing patterns – sometimes two or three families crowded into a single home – also contribute to higher rates of infection .
For all of those reasons , the LA region is suffering more economic dislocation than the Bay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to recover .
“ The differences could result in significantly different economic trajectories for the two regions in the months and years to come , ” the Wall Street Journal reported last week .
“ Northern California is poised to recover faster than the South because its fewer cases will likely allow it to loosen business restrictions earlier , said Jeff Bellisario , executive director of the Bay Area Council Economic Institute , a San Francisco think tank.
” If California emerges from recession with Los Angeles and environs in even worse economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political fallout could be significant .
Southern California politicians , who dominate the Legislature , might press for state aid from taxes that would mostly hit the wealthy Bay Area .
And Gov .
Gavin Newsom , the former mayor of San Francisco , could be caught in the middle of an intense regional duel .
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Even before COVID-19 rocked California, there were stark economic differences between the state’s two major metropolitan regions — the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles County-centered Southern California — and the pandemic will widen the gap even more.
As I described in a lengthy 2017 article for CalMatters, the two regions had been roughly comparable in economic terms 40 years earlier, but as California’s industrial economy began to decline in the 1970s, the two regions pursued very different paths.
The Bay Area opted for cutting edge digital technology, while Los Angeles County and surrounding communities bet on logistics — making the twin ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach the primary gateways for rising commerce between the U.S. and Asia and developing transportation and warehousing to serve the trade.
The latter strategy succeeded, but the jobs it created tended to be of the low-skill, low-pay variety and Southern California also absorbed a very strong surge of often ill-educated immigrants. It faced another challenge when its defense/aerospace industry collapsed in the 1990s.
Meanwhile, the Bay Area’s wager on high-tech has paid off handsomely, creating immense amounts of wealth and rewarding technology workers with lavish salaries and fringe benefits.
Just one of many data points cited in the article: “Of the state’s 10 highest median income counties in 2014, six were in the Bay Area, topped by No. 1 Marin County, at $140,681 per joint tax return, and No. 2 San Mateo at $122,415. The only Los Angeles region counties on the list were No. 9 Orange at $83,393 and No. 10 Ventura at $82,193. Los Angeles County itself was No. 25 at $64,890, markedly below the statewide median.”
When the Public Policy Institute of California did poverty calculations for the state’s counties, using methodology that counted cost of living as well as personal income, Los Angeles was dead last with more than a quarter of its 10 million residents impoverished.
That was before COVID-19 struck.
By every measure, the pandemic is far more pronounced in the Los Angeles metropolitan region than in the Bay Area. In relative terms, far more Angelenos are being infected and far more are being hospitalized and dying.
The region’s political leaders lagged the Bay Area in imposing stay-at-home orders. Even when they acted, low-wage workers in logistics and services deemed to be essential could not telecommute, so have been more likely to be exposed on the job. Housing patterns – sometimes two or three families crowded into a single home – also contribute to higher rates of infection.
For all of those reasons, the LA region is suffering more economic dislocation than the Bay Area and its economy will be slower to recover.
“The differences could result in significantly different economic trajectories for the two regions in the months and years to come,” the Wall Street Journal reported last week. “Northern California is poised to recover faster than the South because its fewer cases will likely allow it to loosen business restrictions earlier, said Jeff Bellisario, executive director of the Bay Area Council Economic Institute, a San Francisco think tank.”
If California emerges from recession with Los Angeles and environs in even worse economic shape vis-à-vis the Bay Area, the political fallout could be significant. Southern California politicians, who dominate the Legislature, might press for state aid from taxes that would mostly hit the wealthy Bay Area. And Gov. Gavin Newsom, the former mayor of San Francisco, could be caught in the middle of an intense regional duel.


mercurynews--2020-05-28--House casts historic proxy vote during pandemic

By Lisa Mascaro and Andrew Taylor | Associated Press WASHINGTON — It ’ s a day for the history books on Capitol Hill : For the first time , House lawmakers were voting by proxy , an unprecedented move to avoid the risk of travel to Washington during the pandemic .
To mark Wednesday ’ s history-making moment , House Republicans sued to stop the majority party from going ahead with the new system , in which absent lawmakers can instruct those present to vote on their behalf .
The House , with 431 current members and four vacancies , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working from home during the coronavirus outbreak and honoring the Constitution ’ s requirement to be “ present ” and voting .
The House rules change is fast becoming a political test on party lines .
Dozens of Democrats signed up to have colleagues cast their vote by proxy .
Twenty Republicans joined in the leaders ’ lawsuit against that move , which House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy of California says is unconstitutional .
The House returned to Washington for an abbreviated two-day session as the city remains under stay home orders .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on recess after spending much of May in the capital , have knocked the decision by top Democrats to largely stay out of session during the pandemic .
Deadlocked over the next big coronavirus relief bill , Congress is shifting its attention to a more modest overhaul of small-business aid in hopes of helping employers reopen shops and survive the pandemic .
But the agenda is in flux .
There were no formal talks between congressional leaders on the next phase of the federal coronavirus response .
Democrats have pushed a $ 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negotiations with the GOP-controlled Senate and White House have yet to begin .
“ We can ’ t keep propping up the economy forever , ” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Tuesday in Lexington , Kentucky .
“ The ultimate solution is to begin to get back to normal.
” The day showcased the new proxy system .
More than 70 lawmakers , all Democrats — many from California and other Western states — submitted formal proxy requests to the House Clerk as required ahead of the votes .
Democrats engineered the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House could work from home , as many other Americans are doing .
Approved earlier this month , it allows a lawmaker to formally ask a colleague to vote on his or her behalf .
A single lawmaker can carry 10 votes .
As voting was underway on the first bill , the Uighur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020 , some 40 lawmakers rose to announce the proxy votes they represented .
Lawmakers read out the names of their colleagues — some representing up to 10 representatives , others carried votes from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each colleague ’ s name and the person ’ s intended vote , as the actions were recorded .
Not even during the Civil War or any other emergency has the House allowed proxy floor votes .
Voting dragged for more than an hour , with the House already operating under social-distancing rules that complicated proceedings .
Only limited numbers of lawmakers , many wearing masks , are allowed in the House chamber at once to vote .
The Uighur sanctions bill was approved .
Republicans , in filing the lawsuit Tuesday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of House-passed bills , calling into question whether they will stand the constitutional test .
They want to set an example by returning to work as Trump encourages businesses to reopen .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , said the suit was a “ sad stunt ” as the nation ’ s virus-related death toll approaches 100,000 .
Erwin Chemerinsky , dean of the law school at the University of California , Berkeley , expects the suit to be dismissed .
He said the Constitution allows the House to make its own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t get involved with the internal governance of another branch of government .
“ Most of all , ” he wrote by email , the suit “ ignores the extraordinary circumstances and the reasons why this is needed to allow the House to do its business and still be safe for members and staff.
” It appears the House , with four times as many members as the 100-person Senate , could be out of session for much of June as well .
Under the new rules , proxy voting is allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days at a time .
Congress is at a crossroads on the next virus relief bill .
Democrats tout their 1,800-page bill as an opening salvo in negotiations , but Senate Republicans are are wary of another round of negotiations where Democrats and the White House call the shots .
Republicans are also split on how much aid to provide state and local governments and other parts of the Democrats ’ proposal .
• Rep. Mark DeSaulnier reveals he was on a ventilator for four weeks • Reade ’ s life marred by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit “ pause ” on a larger bill , Republicans are enthusiastic about improving the Paycheck Protection Program , which was established in March under the $ 2 trillion coronavirus relief bill and was replenished last month .
All told , Congress has provided about $ 660 billion for the program .
The bipartisan legislation that would give small employers more time to take advantage of federal subsidies for payroll and other costs .
It was expected to pass the House this week .
Associated Press writers Joyce Rosenberg in New York and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contributed to this report .

By Lisa Mascaro and Andrew Taylor | Associated Press
WASHINGTON — It’s a day for the history books on Capitol Hill: For the first time, House lawmakers were voting by proxy, an unprecedented move to avoid the risk of travel to Washington during the pandemic.
To mark Wednesday’s history-making moment, House Republicans sued to stop the majority party from going ahead with the new system, in which absent lawmakers can instruct those present to vote on their behalf.
The House, with 431 current members and four vacancies, is trying to strike a balance between working from home during the coronavirus outbreak and honoring the Constitution’s requirement to be “present” and voting.
The House rules change is fast becoming a political test on party lines. Dozens of Democrats signed up to have colleagues cast their vote by proxy. Twenty Republicans joined in the leaders’ lawsuit against that move, which House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy of California says is unconstitutional.
“It’s a dereliction of duty,” McCarthy said.
The House returned to Washington for an abbreviated two-day session as the city remains under stay home orders. Republicans in the Senate, which is on recess after spending much of May in the capital, have knocked the decision by top Democrats to largely stay out of session during the pandemic.
Deadlocked over the next big coronavirus relief bill, Congress is shifting its attention to a more modest overhaul of small-business aid in hopes of helping employers reopen shops and survive the pandemic.
But the agenda is in flux. There were no formal talks between congressional leaders on the next phase of the federal coronavirus response. Democrats have pushed a $3 trillion-plus measure through the House, but negotiations with the GOP-controlled Senate and White House have yet to begin.
“We can’t keep propping up the economy forever,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Tuesday in Lexington, Kentucky. “The ultimate solution is to begin to get back to normal.”
The day showcased the new proxy system. More than 70 lawmakers, all Democrats — many from California and other Western states — submitted formal proxy requests to the House Clerk as required ahead of the votes.
Democrats engineered the rules change over Republican opposition so the House could work from home, as many other Americans are doing. Approved earlier this month, it allows a lawmaker to formally ask a colleague to vote on his or her behalf. A single lawmaker can carry 10 votes.
As voting was underway on the first bill, the Uighur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020, some 40 lawmakers rose to announce the proxy votes they represented. Lawmakers read out the names of their colleagues — some representing up to 10 representatives, others carried votes from just one or two. They stated each colleague’s name and the person’s intended vote, as the actions were recorded.
Not even during the Civil War or any other emergency has the House allowed proxy floor votes. Voting dragged for more than an hour, with the House already operating under social-distancing rules that complicated proceedings. Only limited numbers of lawmakers, many wearing masks, are allowed in the House chamber at once to vote. The Uighur sanctions bill was approved.
Republicans, in filing the lawsuit Tuesday, said the new system threatens the legitimacy of House-passed bills, calling into question whether they will stand the constitutional test. They want to set an example by returning to work as Trump encourages businesses to reopen.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said the suit was a “sad stunt” as the nation’s virus-related death toll approaches 100,000.
Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of the law school at the University of California, Berkeley, expects the suit to be dismissed. He said the Constitution allows the House to make its own rules, and federal courts generally don’t get involved with the internal governance of another branch of government.
“Most of all,” he wrote by email, the suit “ignores the extraordinary circumstances and the reasons why this is needed to allow the House to do its business and still be safe for members and staff.”
It appears the House, with four times as many members as the 100-person Senate, could be out of session for much of June as well. Under the new rules, proxy voting is allowed only under emergency conditions, for 45 days at a time.
Congress is at a crossroads on the next virus relief bill. Democrats tout their 1,800-page bill as an opening salvo in negotiations, but Senate Republicans are are wary of another round of negotiations where Democrats and the White House call the shots. Republicans are also split on how much aid to provide state and local governments and other parts of the Democrats’ proposal.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms National News | California COVID cases are rising. Here’s why and where health experts are masking Even as they hit “pause” on a larger bill, Republicans are enthusiastic about improving the Paycheck Protection Program, which was established in March under the $2 trillion coronavirus relief bill and was replenished last month. All told, Congress has provided about $660 billion for the program.
The bipartisan legislation that would give small employers more time to take advantage of federal subsidies for payroll and other costs. It was expected to pass the House this week.
Associated Press writers Joyce Rosenberg in New York and Bruce Schreiner in Lexington, Kentucky, contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-05-28--Cartoons: Joe Biden apologizes for comments about black voters

CLICK HERE if you ’ re having trouble viewing media on a mobile device .
In the same conversation that Joe Biden suggested multiple black women are being considered to be his running mate , the presumptive 2020 Democratic presidential nominee told a radio host that African-American voters undecided between supporting him or President Donald Trump “ ain ’ t black.
” Biden apologized hours after the exchange with prominent radio host Charlamagne Tha God on the popular radio show “ The Breakfast Club , ” saying he “ shouldn ’ t have been so cavalier ” or “ such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the U.S. Black Chamber of Commerce .
“ No one should have to vote for any party based on their race or religion or background , ” Biden said .
Biden made the comment after Charlamagne Tha God pressed him on reports that he is considering Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar , who is white , to be vice president .
The radio host told the former vice president that black voters “ saved your political life in the primaries ” and “ have things they want from you.
” “ I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ considered , ” Biden responded .
“ But I guarantee you there are multiple black women being considered .
Multiple.
” When a Biden aide then tried cutting the interview short , the host countered : “ You can ’ t do that to black media.
” • Coronavirus cartoons : Cases up amid rush to reopen U.S. economy Biden then added : “ If you ’ ve got a problem figuring out whether you ’ re for me or for Trump , then you ain ’ t black.
” The host countered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mate aren ’ t about President Donald Trump , whom many black voters view as racist .
For more political cartoons , CLICK HERE

CLICK HERE if you’re having trouble viewing media on a mobile device.
In the same conversation that Joe Biden suggested multiple black women are being considered to be his running mate, the presumptive 2020 Democratic presidential nominee told a radio host that African-American voters undecided between supporting him or President Donald Trump “ain’t black.”
Biden apologized hours after the exchange with prominent radio host Charlamagne Tha God on the popular radio show “The Breakfast Club,” saying he “shouldn’t have been so cavalier” or “such a wise guy” in a call with the U.S. Black Chamber of Commerce.
“No one should have to vote for any party based on their race or religion or background,” Biden said.
Biden made the comment after Charlamagne Tha God pressed him on reports that he is considering Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who is white, to be vice president. The radio host told the former vice president that black voters “saved your political life in the primaries” and “have things they want from you.”
“I’m not acknowledging anybody who is being considered,” Biden responded. “But I guarantee you there are multiple black women being considered. Multiple.”
When a Biden aide then tried cutting the interview short, the host countered: “You can’t do that to black media.”
Biden then added: “If you’ve got a problem figuring out whether you’re for me or for Trump, then you ain’t black.”
The host countered that conversations about Biden’s running mate aren’t about President Donald Trump, whom many black voters view as racist.
For more political cartoons, CLICK HERE


mercurynews--2020-05-28--DA files murder charge in Pittsburg stabbing

MARTINEZ — A man arrested on suspicion of stabbing an acquaintance to death last week has been charged with murder @ @ @ @ @ Gabriel R. Young , 36 , was charged Wednesday with a lone count of murder @ @ @ @ @ enhancement , in the killing of 37-year-old Omar Smallwood .
Police have not disclosed the @ @ @ @ @ , but said the suspect and victim knew one another .
Smallwood was stabbed around @ @ @ @ @ on the 4000 block of Harbor Street in Pittsburg .
He was taken to a @ @ @ @ @ later that night .
Police identified Young as a suspect quickly , and arrested him @ @ @ @ @ day .
Young is set to be arraigned Thursday morning .
He remains in the @ @ @ @ @ of $ 1 million bail .

MARTINEZ — A man arrested on suspicion of stabbing an acquaintance to death last week has been charged with murder, court records show.
Gabriel R. Young, 36, was charged Wednesday with a lone count of murder, along with a knife enhancement, in the killing of 37-year-old Omar Smallwood. Police have not disclosed the suspected motive in the crime, but said the suspect and victim knew one another.
Smallwood was stabbed around 6:45 p.m. last Friday, on the 4000 block of Harbor Street in Pittsburg. He was taken to a hospital, where he died later that night.
Police identified Young as a suspect quickly, and arrested him by 2 a.m. the following day.
Young is set to be arraigned Thursday morning. He remains in the county jail, in lieu of $1 million bail.


mercurynews--2020-05-27--MLB: Players will take time to respond to money-slashing plan

NEW YORK — Baseball players will take at least a few days and possibly until next week to respond to Major League Baseball ’ s proposed sliding scale of salary slashing for a pandemic-delayed season in ballparks without fans .
Stars Mike Trout and Gerrit Cole would lose the most under the proposal teams made Tuesday , about 77 % of the $ 36 million each they were set to be paid this season .
A big leaguer earning $ 1 million or less would keep at least 43 % of his salary under the six-tier scale .
About 460 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injured lists when spring training was stopped in mid-March due to the new coronavirus make $ 1 million or less .
Trout and Cole would be cut to about $ 8 million each .
Colorado ’ s Nolan Arenado would drop from $ 35 million to $ 7.84 million .
“ Interesting strategy of making the best most marketable players potentially look like the bad guys , ” Milwaukee pitcher Brett Anderson tweeted .
The players ’ association called the proposal “ extremely disappointing.
” The union has argued players already accepted a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a March 26 agreement and should not have to bargain again .
MLB would like to start the season around the Fourth of July in empty ballparks and proposed an 82-game regular season schedule .
It claims teams would lose billions of dollars by playing with no ticket money and gate-related revenue .
“ This season is not looking promising , ” New York Mets pitcher Marcus Stroman tweeted .
“ Keeping the mind and body ready regardless.
” Union head Tony Clark has not commented publicly on MLB ’ s proposal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late March .
Agent Scott Boras has repeatedly criticized MLB for proposing more salary reductions and has questioned the accuracy of management ’ s financial claims .
“ Hearing a LOT of rumors about a certain player agent meddling in MLBPA affairs , ” Cincinnati pitcher Trevor Bauer tweeted Wednesday .
“ If true — and at this point , these are only rumors — I have one thing to say… Scott Boras , rep your clients however you want to , but keep your damn personal agenda out of union business.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for comment on Bauer ’ s remarks .
“ Working together to manage the public health issue has brought great solidarity among the players , ” Boras said earlier in the day .
“ They are a strong united front and resolute in their support of the MLBPA.
” Players are expected to propose more games , which would yield a higher percentage of their original salaries .
MLB says that without fans each additional game would result in a $ 640,000 loss .
Brewers chairman Mark Attanasio told the Greater Milwaukee Committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is hours every day.
” “ It ’ s got to come together very quickly or we won ’ t be able to , we will just run out of time , ” he said .
“ To pay players at a full contract rate , pretty much 90 % of that would go to pay them and wouldn ’ t cover any other costs.
” Details of the plan have been disclosed to The Associated Press by several people familiar with the proposal .
They spoke on condition of anonymity because details @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s proposal says that within 48 hours of the ratification of an agreement for player compensation terms and for health and safety protocols , the commissioner ’ s office would announce a proposed timeline for the resumption of the season .
The resumption would include a training period of at least 21 days , and each team would be allowed a maximum of three exhibition games , all in the final seven days of the training period .
Opening Day would be in early July , and the final scheduled regular-season game would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same as in the original 2020 schedule .
Issues such as roster size , trade deadlines , series length and treatment of the luxury tax would be delegated to a subcommittee .

NEW YORK — Baseball players will take at least a few days and possibly until next week to respond to Major League Baseball’s proposed sliding scale of salary slashing for a pandemic-delayed season in ballparks without fans.
Stars Mike Trout and Gerrit Cole would lose the most under the proposal teams made Tuesday, about 77% of the $36 million each they were set to be paid this season.
A big leaguer earning $1 million or less would keep at least 43% of his salary under the six-tier scale. About 460 of approximately 900 players on rosters and injured lists when spring training was stopped in mid-March due to the new coronavirus make $1 million or less.
Trout and Cole would be cut to about $8 million each. Colorado’s Nolan Arenado would drop from $35 million to $7.84 million.
“Interesting strategy of making the best most marketable players potentially look like the bad guys,” Milwaukee pitcher Brett Anderson tweeted.
The players’ association called the proposal “extremely disappointing.” The union has argued players already accepted a cut to prorated shares of their salaries in a March 26 agreement and should not have to bargain again.
MLB would like to start the season around the Fourth of July in empty ballparks and proposed an 82-game regular season schedule. It claims teams would lose billions of dollars by playing with no ticket money and gate-related revenue.
“This season is not looking promising,” New York Mets pitcher Marcus Stroman tweeted. “Keeping the mind and body ready regardless.”
Union head Tony Clark has not commented publicly on MLB’s proposal and has said very little publicly since late March. Agent Scott Boras has repeatedly criticized MLB for proposing more salary reductions and has questioned the accuracy of management’s financial claims.
“Hearing a LOT of rumors about a certain player agent meddling in MLBPA affairs,” Cincinnati pitcher Trevor Bauer tweeted Wednesday. “If true — and at this point, these are only rumors — I have one thing to say… Scott Boras, rep your clients however you want to, but keep your damn personal agenda out of union business.”
Boras did not respond to a request for comment on Bauer’s remarks.
“Working together to manage the public health issue has brought great solidarity among the players,” Boras said earlier in the day. “They are a strong united front and resolute in their support of the MLBPA.”
Players are expected to propose more games, which would yield a higher percentage of their original salaries. MLB says that without fans each additional game would result in a $640,000 loss.
Brewers chairman Mark Attanasio told the Greater Milwaukee Committee on Tuesday “the be-careful-what-you-wish for part is hours every day.”
“It’s got to come together very quickly or we won’t be able to, we will just run out of time,” he said. “To pay players at a full contract rate, pretty much 90% of that would go to pay them and wouldn’t cover any other costs.”
Details of the plan have been disclosed to The Associated Press by several people familiar with the proposal. They spoke on condition of anonymity because details have not been announced.
MLB’s proposal says that within 48 hours of the ratification of an agreement for player compensation terms and for health and safety protocols, the commissioner’s office would announce a proposed timeline for the resumption of the season.
The resumption would include a training period of at least 21 days, and each team would be allowed a maximum of three exhibition games, all in the final seven days of the training period.
Opening Day would be in early July, and the final scheduled regular-season game would be no later than Sept. 27 — the same as in the original 2020 schedule.
Issues such as roster size, trade deadlines, series length and treatment of the luxury tax would be delegated to a subcommittee.