mercurynews--2020-02-05--Ask Amy: My son’s ex-girlfriend told me his shameful secret

DEAR AMY : My divorced 45-year-old son , who lives 3,000 miles away , has been keeping a big secret from me for a year : He has a baby daughter and I have a baby granddaughter .
I received a letter with photographs ( the resemblance is undeniable ) from his then-girlfriend , the baby ’ s mother , who is a lovely professional woman with her own business .
She asks nothing of me or from me .
She wants me to know I am welcome to visit the baby and be a part of the baby ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( which I do ) .
She said she asked my son several times to tell me about the baby .
He refused .
She felt I had the right to know .
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The pregnancy was a surprise to both of them .
He wanted her to terminate the pregnancy , and she didn ’ t , so he walked out .
He has nothing to do with the baby or her mother , who went through the pregnancy and childbirth alone .
I do not know if he contributes any child support .
Meanwhile , he has asked/pressured me three times to get rid of my generation-skipping trust … with no personal explanation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my son and I had a close relationship .
I stood by him through several years of his nightmare divorce .
He is my only living child ( his brother passed away at 19 ) .
The baby is my only biological grandchild .
My former husband abandoned us ; we don ’ t even know where he is .
I am remarried to a wonderful man and through him I am blessed with a loving stepfamily ( four grandkids ) .
My son has either no conscience or a selective conscience , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fear the choice to acknowledge my baby granddaughter could end my relationship with my son .
I am sad , angry , and ashamed of him .
How should I tell him that I know ?
DEAR GRAN : You could send your son the text of this question , which seems to outline exactly how you feel , with a note in the margin : “ FYI.
” I assume you plan to follow up and make contact with this child ’ s mother .
I hope you do .
This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for you to try to explain your son ’ s behavior to the mother of the child — or discuss this further with your son until you are ready .
You are both adults and you both have the right to engage in whatever relationships you want .
He may eventually acknowledge the child and come around in some minimal ways , but , as the son of a father who abandoned him and disappeared from his own life , he might not ever step up .
You should assume that if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relationship with your son will be affected , but that is up to him .
DEAR AMY : My wife and I have a 3-year-old son .
My wife ’ s 17-year-old sister “ Tessa ” is currently living with us .
One day my teenage sister-in-law was tasked to watch our son , because we had an all-day personal appointment .
However , we finished our appointment by 1 p.m. , and upon arriving home we were shocked to find that Tessa had invited four of her high school friends over , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I have no issues with her friends being over , yet the fact that she didn ’ t ask ( or inform ) us has me very concerned .
What say you ?
DEAR UPSET : Your concern is completely justified .
“ Tessa ” is a teenager and is demonstrating the judgment typical of her age .
But , while she might have thought that having more “ help ” would be good for everyone concerned , the more people around , the more divided attention toward the child .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might not be mature enough to take on responsibility for another human .
She may need a babysitter , herself .
If you plan to trust Tessa to continue occasionally watching her nephew , emphasize the absolute need for her to be completely honest with you .
You should meet and approve of any other people spending time with your child .
DEAR AMY : “ Jealous ?
” was worried about a newly single female work friend of her boyfriend ’ s , who was driving four hours to their town for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to justify her jealousy .
Female jealousy has ruined many platonic friendships .
DEAR UPSET : I suggested that this person acknowledge her feelings , and also accept the female friend ’ s invitation to get together in order to see if the feelings were justified .
Jealousy is not confined to women .
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 .

DEAR AMY: My divorced 45-year-old son, who lives 3,000 miles away, has been keeping a big secret from me for a year: He has a baby daughter and I have a baby granddaughter.
I received a letter with photographs (the resemblance is undeniable) from his then-girlfriend, the baby’s mother, who is a lovely professional woman with her own business. She asks nothing of me or from me. She wants me to know I am welcome to visit the baby and be a part of the baby’s life, if I so choose (which I do).
She said she asked my son several times to tell me about the baby. He refused. She felt I had the right to know.
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Ask Amy: I’ve told them they need therapy, and they refuse to do it. What now? Advice | Ask Amy: The man I love is my grandchild’s uncle, and things have gotten messy The pregnancy was a surprise to both of them. He wanted her to terminate the pregnancy, and she didn’t, so he walked out. He has nothing to do with the baby or her mother, who went through the pregnancy and childbirth alone.
I do not know if he contributes any child support.
Meanwhile, he has asked/pressured me three times to get rid of my generation-skipping trust … with no personal explanation. I did not.
I thought my son and I had a close relationship. I stood by him through several years of his nightmare divorce. He is my only living child (his brother passed away at 19). The baby is my only biological grandchild.
My former husband abandoned us; we don’t even know where he is. I am remarried to a wonderful man and through him I am blessed with a loving stepfamily (four grandkids).
My son has either no conscience or a selective conscience, and he is very self-righteous.
I fear the choice to acknowledge my baby granddaughter could end my relationship with my son. I am sad, angry, and ashamed of him.
How should I tell him that I know?
Anonymous Gran
DEAR GRAN: You could send your son the text of this question, which seems to outline exactly how you feel, with a note in the margin: “FYI.”
I assume you plan to follow up and make contact with this child’s mother. I hope you do. This is a no-brainer. There is no need for you to try to explain your son’s behavior to the mother of the child — or discuss this further with your son until you are ready. You are both adults and you both have the right to engage in whatever relationships you want. He may eventually acknowledge the child and come around in some minimal ways, but, as the son of a father who abandoned him and disappeared from his own life, he might not ever step up.
You should assume that if you choose to acknowledge this child, your relationship with your son will be affected, but that is up to him.
DEAR AMY: My wife and I have a 3-year-old son.
My wife’s 17-year-old sister “Tessa” is currently living with us.
One day my teenage sister-in-law was tasked to watch our son, because we had an all-day personal appointment.
However, we finished our appointment by 1 p.m., and upon arriving home we were shocked to find that Tessa had invited four of her high school friends over, when she was watching our 3-year-old son.
I have no issues with her friends being over, yet the fact that she didn’t ask (or inform) us has me very concerned.
What say you?
Upset Dad
DEAR UPSET: Your concern is completely justified. “Tessa” is a teenager and is demonstrating the judgment typical of her age. But, while she might have thought that having more “help” would be good for everyone concerned, the more people around, the more divided attention toward the child. This presents risks for your son.
Tessa might not be mature enough to take on responsibility for another human. She may need a babysitter, herself.
If you plan to trust Tessa to continue occasionally watching her nephew, emphasize the absolute need for her to be completely honest with you. You should meet and approve of any other people spending time with your child.
DEAR AMY: “Jealous?” was worried about a newly single female work friend of her boyfriend’s, who was driving four hours to their town for a personal visit.
You were wrong to justify her jealousy. Female jealousy has ruined many platonic friendships.
Upset
DEAR UPSET: I suggested that this person acknowledge her feelings, and also accept the female friend’s invitation to get together in order to see if the feelings were justified. Jealousy is not confined to women.
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--2020-02-05--Letter: This Oakland ordinance is designed for votes, not renters

Ordinance not designed for renters but for votes Another “ feel good ” proposed ordinance .
Here are a few @ @ @ @ @ ordinance proposed by Oakland Councilwoman Nikki Bas .
Fact : Average renters can ’ t @ @ @ @ @ for a modest home in the Bay Area .
Fact : Average renters also can @ @ @ @ @ costs of home ownership , which include mortgage , insurance , taxes and maintenance , @ @ @ @ @ typicallymuch more than the cost of average rents .
If they could afford all the @ @ @ @ @ now be called “ homeowners , ” not “ renters.
” • Letter : A @ @ @ @ @ : Where hipsters go to breed ’ • Letter : Concord project : Maintaining profit @ @ @ @ @ Such an ineffective ordinance is designed for just one purpose : votes .
Submit your @ @ @ @ @ this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Ordinance not designed
for renters but for votes
Re: “Oakland councilwoman introduces Moms 4 Housing-inspired ordinance” (Eastbaytimes.com, Jan. 30):
Another “feel good” proposed ordinance. Here are a few facts with regard to the ordinance proposed by Oakland Councilwoman Nikki Bas.
Fact: Average renters can’t afford typical down payment required for a modest home in the Bay Area.
Fact: Average renters also can’t afford the typical costs of home ownership, which include mortgage, insurance, taxes and maintenance, the total of which is typicallymuch more than the cost of average rents.
If they could afford all the above, they’d now be called “homeowners,” not “renters.”
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Mike DeMontoya
Walnut Creek
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
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mercurynews--2020-02-05--Opinion: Measure E will help solve San Jose’s housing crisis

San Jose has experienced extraordinary growth and development in recent years .
But the flip side of that progress has been a housing affordability crisis .
San Jose is one of the most expensive cities in America to own a home .
We are in danger of driving away our middle-class families including teachers , first responders , and nurses because they can ’ t afford to buy a home or pay their rent and still have enough left over for basic necessities like food and health care .
We also face a homelessness crisis .
According to last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , San Jose ’ s homeless population increased by 41 percent in just two years .
We are a compassionate city ; nobody wants to see our neighbors living on our streets , in our parks or along our creek beds .
But for too long , our progress has been one step forward and two steps back — for every person we bring in from the cold , two more are pushed out the door .
We need to scale solutions .
We need Measure E now .
https : //www.affordablesj.com San @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ideas that emerge from our community have literally changed the world .
There ’ s no reason we can ’ t build on that spirit of innovation to solve our city ’ s problems .
Measure E , which will appear on our March 3 ballot , will help us do just that – implement common-sense solutions to the challenges we face .
Measure E is an opportunity to address our homelessness crisis by helping our vulnerable populations get back on their feet and move into stable housing .
Measure E can help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families , veterans , seniors , people with disabilities and more — so people can afford to live in the same city where they work .
We know we can address these problems if we ’ re willing to embrace innovative solutions .
In the last few years , the city of San Jose and Santa Clara County have helped to house about 4,000 homeless families and individuals — transitioning homeless people into safe and permanent housing and expanding access to supportive services .
We ’ ve also pursued innovative solutions in housing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backyard home , cutting red-tape , and developing public-private partnerships — these are the bold ideas that have helped us chip away at our housing shortage .
But we need to do more .
We need to fund proven programs that get people off the streets and into shelter or permanent housing .
We need to build more housing near existing transit , so we ’ re not solving one problem ( housing ) by making another ( like traffic gridlock ) worse .
Measure E will help support our city ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and supportive services .
It raises revenue from luxury homes and commercial properties valued over $ 2 million .
Measure E affects only the top 2 percent of the most valuable properties in San Jose , and only applies when they are sold , often at significant profit .
We know we face a crisis , but the solutions are within our reach if we embrace the spirit of innovation that has propelled our city forward time and time again .
That ’ s why we ’ re proud to be part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community groups and housing experts supporting Yes on Measure E – please join us .
Gina Dalma is senior vice president of public policy at the Silicon Valley Community Foundation .
Kevin Zwick is CEO of the Housing Trust Silicon Valley .
Leslye Corsiglia is executive director of Silicon Valley at Home .

Gina Dalma, Kevin Zwick, Leslye Corsiglia

San Jose has experienced extraordinary growth and development in recent years. But the flip side of that progress has been a housing affordability crisis.
San Jose is one of the most expensive cities in America to own a home. We are in danger of driving away our middle-class families including teachers, first responders, and nurses because they can’t afford to buy a home or pay their rent and still have enough left over for basic necessities like food and health care.
We also face a homelessness crisis. According to last year’s Santa Clara County Homeless Census, San Jose’s homeless population increased by 41 percent in just two years. We are a compassionate city; nobody wants to see our neighbors living on our streets, in our parks or along our creek beds. But for too long, our progress has been one step forward and two steps back — for every person we bring in from the cold, two more are pushed out the door.
We need to scale solutions. We need Measure E now. https://www.affordablesj.com
San Jose is defined by innovation. The ideas that emerge from our community have literally changed the world. There’s no reason we can’t build on that spirit of innovation to solve our city’s problems.
Measure E, which will appear on our March 3 ballot, will help us do just that – implement common-sense solutions to the challenges we face. Measure E is an opportunity to address our homelessness crisis by helping our vulnerable populations get back on their feet and move into stable housing. Measure E can help us provide more affordable housing — for families, veterans, seniors, people with disabilities and more — so people can afford to live in the same city where they work.
We know we can address these problems if we’re willing to embrace innovative solutions. In the last few years, the city of San Jose and Santa Clara County have helped to house about 4,000 homeless families and individuals — transitioning homeless people into safe and permanent housing and expanding access to supportive services.
We’ve also pursued innovative solutions in housing. Making it easier to build a backyard home, cutting red-tape, and developing public-private partnerships — these are the bold ideas that have helped us chip away at our housing shortage.
But we need to do more. We need to fund proven programs that get people off the streets and into shelter or permanent housing. We need to build more housing near existing transit, so we’re not solving one problem (housing) by making another (like traffic gridlock) worse.
Measure E will help support our city’s investments in affordable housing, homelessness prevention, and supportive services. It raises revenue from luxury homes and commercial properties valued over $2 million. Measure E affects only the top 2 percent of the most valuable properties in San Jose, and only applies when they are sold, often at significant profit.
We know we face a crisis, but the solutions are within our reach if we embrace the spirit of innovation that has propelled our city forward time and time again. That’s why we’re proud to be part of the broad coalition of neighbors, community groups and housing experts supporting Yes on Measure E – please join us.
Gina Dalma is senior vice president of public policy at the Silicon Valley Community Foundation. Kevin Zwick is CEO of the Housing Trust Silicon Valley. Leslye Corsiglia is executive director of Silicon Valley at Home.


mercurynews--2020-02-05--Harriette Cole: I’m perfect for this job. Should I try to poach it from my friend?

DEAR HARRIETTE : I have been looking for work for about a year .
Throughout this period , I have been talking to a few close friends about my search , as they are also looking for work .
Recently , one friend told me about a job she is interviewing for that seems perfect for me .
She even said as much when she mentioned it — and then she asked me not to apply .
I don ’ t think that ’ s fair .
Truthfully , this job isn ’ t even in her field , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just going for everything she can .
Is it wrong for me to want to apply for a job that seems like a perfect fit even though my friend asked me not to ?
Should I Go For It ?
DEAR SHOULD I GO FOR IT ?
: Unless you made a covenant with your friend not to apply for anything that the other goes for , you are not beholden to her request .
You should know , however , that if you go for the interview and get the job , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least in the short run .
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I ’ m not sure that ’ s a good thing .
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In the best of worlds , you and your friends should use this moment as an opportunity for clarification @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have the nerve for it , bring it out in the open .
The goal is that the best person for the job should get it , even when that includes two or more friends .
You must realize that in most cases it won ’ t be just you and your friends being considered for a position .
Agree to pump each other up , even if you are both going for the same thing .
Trust that there is a perfect job for each of you .
DEAR HARRIETTE : My @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him a lot of stress .
He is in high school and trying to be independent in terms of doing his homework and fending for himself .
But I see that he is terrified of how he is managing in this class .
I want to support him more actively .
Because I am not good at the subject he ’ s struggling in , I want to get him a tutor .
How can I convince him to consider it ?
I could force him , since he is a minor , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s the right approach .
DEAR ACCEPT A TUTOR : Some students mistakenly believe that getting a tutor is an indication of failure .
Your job is to encourage your son to recognize that a tutor can help him to understand what his teacher has failed to impart effectively to him .
Since you are unable to clarify this knowledge , your job is to find someone who can help him .
There is no shame in getting help .
This is true in school and in life .
Make sure your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of strength to ask for help when you need it .
A tutor can help him to master his understanding of a subject so that he can achieve whatever is before him .
Encourage him to embrace the opportunity to have that support .
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: I have been looking for work for about a year. Throughout this period, I have been talking to a few close friends about my search, as they are also looking for work.
Recently, one friend told me about a job she is interviewing for that seems perfect for me. She even said as much when she mentioned it — and then she asked me not to apply.
I don’t think that’s fair. Truthfully, this job isn’t even in her field, but like all of us, she is just going for everything she can. Is it wrong for me to want to apply for a job that seems like a perfect fit even though my friend asked me not to?
Should I Go For It?
DEAR SHOULD I GO FOR IT?: Unless you made a covenant with your friend not to apply for anything that the other goes for, you are not beholden to her request. You should know, however, that if you go for the interview and get the job, your friendship will probably suffer, at least in the short run.
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The goal is that the best person for the job should get it, even when that includes two or more friends. You must realize that in most cases it won’t be just you and your friends being considered for a position. Agree to pump each other up, even if you are both going for the same thing. Trust that there is a perfect job for each of you.
DEAR HARRIETTE: My son has one class that is causing him a lot of stress. He is in high school and trying to be independent in terms of doing his homework and fending for himself. But I see that he is terrified of how he is managing in this class. I want to support him more actively. Because I am not good at the subject he’s struggling in, I want to get him a tutor.
How can I convince him to consider it? I could force him, since he is a minor, but I don’t think that’s the right approach.
Accept a Tutor
DEAR ACCEPT A TUTOR: Some students mistakenly believe that getting a tutor is an indication of failure. Your job is to encourage your son to recognize that a tutor can help him to understand what his teacher has failed to impart effectively to him. Since you are unable to clarify this knowledge, your job is to find someone who can help him. There is no shame in getting help. This is true in school and in life.
Make sure your son knows that it is a sign of strength to ask for help when you need it. A tutor can help him to master his understanding of a subject so that he can achieve whatever is before him. Encourage him to embrace the opportunity to have that support.
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--2020-02-06--How Kevin Durant is having a ‘positive influence’ on the Nets

NEW YORK — When Kevin Durant was sidelined for 10 games during last season ’ s playoff run , he ’ d often chime in from the bench , doling out advice and encouragement to his teammates as the Warriors tried to win a third-straight championship .
Since signing with the Brooklyn Nets last summer as a free agent , Durant is playing much of the same role he did in his last games as a Warrior .
“ He has a quiet demeanor but when he has to say something it carries tremendous weight , ” said Nets head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Nets in Brooklyn on Wednesday .
“ He really picks the right time , the right place to say something.
” Added Warriors head coach Steve Kerr , “ That ’ s how Kevin was last year , so it doesn ’ t surprise me at all that that ’ s how he is this year as he continues to heal .
He ’ s going to try to help anyway he can.
” Durant is spending the season rehabbing from a torn Achilles he suffered in Game 5 of last June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him to a four-year , $ 164 million contract last summer , the Nets will be patient with the 31-year-old forward .
Meanwhile , Durant has impressed coaches and teammates with his work-ethic as he tries to work himself back to the All-NBA caliber player he was in his three years in Golden State , when he won two championships and two Finals MVP awards .
“ I enjoy watching the master at work , ” Atkinson said .
“ You can tell when a player approaches his rehab and there ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really impressive how focused he is .
There ’ s another level of focus and work-ethic that I ’ ve rarely seen.
” During games , Durant sits on the end of the bench .
Though he ’ s dressed in a suit like an assistant coach , he doesn ’ t talk like a coach .
For third-year center Jarrett Allen , he ’ ll offer more general words of encouragement , but pin-point specific times to offer advice .
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“ But he won ’ t call somebody out in the middle of a play.
” At Barclay ’ s Center , Durant ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a half-circle row in a newly-renovated locker room .
His Nike signature shoes are stashed away in a clean and organized space that functions more as a closet for the time being .
Meanwhile , eight months after his injury , he was recently seen running at the Nets ’ practice facility — a sign that his rehab is progressing positively .
Brooklyn ( 22-27 ) is slotted as the seventh seed in the East .
When Durant returns next season , they are expected to make a run at the Eastern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t wait to get him out there on the floor with us , ” Atkinson said .
“ We ’ re obviously going to be patient but , in a quiet way , he has had a really positive influence on the team and the organization .
”

NEW YORK — When Kevin Durant was sidelined for 10 games during last season’s playoff run, he’d often chime in from the bench, doling out advice and encouragement to his teammates as the Warriors tried to win a third-straight championship.
Since signing with the Brooklyn Nets last summer as a free agent, Durant is playing much of the same role he did in his last games as a Warrior.
“He has a quiet demeanor but when he has to say something it carries tremendous weight,” said Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson before the Warriors faced the Nets in Brooklyn on Wednesday. “He really picks the right time, the right place to say something.”
Added Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, “That’s how Kevin was last year, so it doesn’t surprise me at all that that’s how he is this year as he continues to heal. He’s going to try to help anyway he can.”
Durant is spending the season rehabbing from a torn Achilles he suffered in Game 5 of last June’s NBA Finals. After signing him to a four-year, $164 million contract last summer, the Nets will be patient with the 31-year-old forward.
Meanwhile, Durant has impressed coaches and teammates with his work-ethic as he tries to work himself back to the All-NBA caliber player he was in his three years in Golden State, when he won two championships and two Finals MVP awards.
“I enjoy watching the master at work,” Atkinson said. “You can tell when a player approaches his rehab and there’s different levels, and it’s really impressive how focused he is. There’s another level of focus and work-ethic that I’ve rarely seen.”
During games, Durant sits on the end of the bench. Though he’s dressed in a suit like an assistant coach, he doesn’t talk like a coach. For third-year center Jarrett Allen, he’ll offer more general words of encouragement, but pin-point specific times to offer advice.
“Every now and then, if he sees something he needs to say and he feels like it will improve us as players, he’ll definitely chime in,” Allen said. “But he won’t call somebody out in the middle of a play.”
Kenny Atkinson on how Kevin Durant has managed to make an impact on the Nets this season. pic.twitter.com/wihSoomchg — Wes Goldberg (@wcgoldberg) February 5, 2020
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Report: Bob Myers returning to NBA in a different role Golden State Warriors | Warriors to face Suns on NBA Opening Night, per report At Barclays Center, Durant’s locker is situated at the very end of a half-circle row in a newly-renovated locker room. His Nike signature shoes are stashed away in a clean and organized space that functions more as a closet for the time being.
Meanwhile, eight months after his injury, he was recently seen running at the Nets’ practice facility — a sign that his rehab is progressing positively.
Brooklyn (22-27) is slotted as the seventh seed in the East. When Durant returns next season, they are expected to make a run at the Eastern Conference championship.
“I can’t wait to get him out there on the floor with us,” Atkinson said. “We’re obviously going to be patient but, in a quiet way, he has had a really positive influence on the team and the organization.”


mercurynews--2020-02-05--Takeaways from President Trump’s impeachment trial

By Matthew Daly and Eric Tucker | Associated Press WASHINGTON — The Republican-controlled Senate acquitted President Donald Trump on two impeachment charges Wednesday amid Republican complaints about what they called a rushed process and Democratic claims that Trump is a threat to democracy .
The historic , three-week trial proceeded largely along partisan lines , with just one senator — Republican Mitt Romney of Utah — breaking with his party .
Takeaways from just the third impeachment trial of a president in U.S. history : Some Republican senators expressed reservations about Trump ’ s conduct ; some even went so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ successfully made their case against him .
Nonetheless , Trump ’ s acquittal was never truly in doubt in the Senate .
Even Republicans who disapproved of Trump ’ s dealings with Ukraine — the heart of the House impeachment charges — said his conduct did not merit making him the first president ever removed from office .
In ways unimaginable when he was first elected as a political newcomer , Trump has come to utterly dominate the GOP .
Republican lawmakers bow to his overwhelming popularity with the party ’ s base @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party of ideas or ideology anymore .
It ’ s a cult of personality , ” tweeted Sen. Chris Murphy , D-Conn. Republicans insisted they were acting in the interests of their constituents and their conscience , and they reacted with outrage when Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff , the lead impeachment manager , cited a media report claiming that a person close to Trump had warned Republicans their “ head will be on a pike ” if they voted against the president .
Trump has already shown his power to cast out dissident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who voted for the impeachment articles and is now an independent , former Sens .
Bob Corker of Tennessee and Jeff Flake of Arizona decided not to run for reelection rather than face voters after clashing with Trump .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell .
R-Ky. , again proved himself Trump ’ s most important ally .
He led a drive to deny Democrats any opportunity to call witnesses before the Senate and worked closely with the White House in shepherding the case to acquittal , fulfilling a pledge he made before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the president ’ s lawyers.
” McConnell slammed House Democrats ’ drive to impeach Trump as “ the most rushed , least fair and least thorough ” in history .
He said the two impeachment charges against Trump — that he abused his power and obstructed Congress ’ ensuing investigation — are “ constitutionally incoherent ” and don ’ t “ even approach a case for the first presidential removal in American history.
” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York accused McConnell and his GOP colleagues of sweeping Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The administration , its top people and Senate Republicans are all hiding the truth , ” Schumer said , adding that Trump tried to “ blackmail a foreign country to interfere in our elections.
” Republicans voted to acquit Trump , but many wanted to be on record as frowning on his conduct .
Perhaps the most prominent example was retiring Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee , who voted against hearing from witnesses but called out Trump ’ s actions as “ inappropriate.
” Other Republicans followed suit , insisting that their votes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should not be interpreted as approval of his actions .
“ I do not believe that the House has met its burden of showing that the president ’ s conduct — however flawed — warrants the extreme step of immediate removal from office , ” said Sen. Susan Collins , R-Maine .
“ Our country is already too deeply divided and we should be working to heal wounds , not create new ones .
It is better to let the people decide , ” added Sen .
Rob Portman , R-Ohio .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GOP ’ s unsuccessful 2012 presidential nominee , was the only Republican senator to break ranks in the impeachment trial and favor removing Trump from office .
The well-mannered , patrician Romney stood alone in his vote to oust a Republican president who seldom hides his contempt for the senator and the establishment Romney symbolizes .
Romney ’ s support for removing Trump on a charge of abuse of power also denied Trump ’ s campaign a frequent talking point of asserting that he had full support of Republicans in the House and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remove him .
Romney voted to acquit Trump on the second article of impeachment , obstruction of Congress , joining his 52 GOP colleagues .
Romney , a Mormon , cited his religious faith and the significance of the impeachment oath taken by senators to render “ impartial justice ” on impeachment .
“ The grave question the Constitution tasks senators to answer is whether the president committed an act so extreme , so egregious , that it rises to the level of a high crime and misdemeanor , ” Romney said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he did.
” GOP Sen. Steve Daines of Montana called Romney ’ s vote “ very disappointing , ” adding : “ I strongly disagree .
But he has to speak for what he believes.
” Throughout the trial , the votes of at least three Democrats were uncertain .
Sens .
Joe Manchin of West Virginia , Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona and Doug Jones were all considered possible votes to acquit Trump .
Manchin even floated censuring Trump instead of removing him from office , though the idea did not gain much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a rare Democrat holding office in the nation ’ s most pro-Trump state , said he could explain his vote for removal based on the evidence that was presented .
“ I ’ ve always said , if I can go home and explain it , I can vote for it , ” he said .
“ There was no other conclusion that I could come to , as much as I knew how divisive it would be , as difficult as it would be , ” Manchin added .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go home … and face my family , my friends and the good Lord that I swore to ?
” Jones , whose seat in ruby-red Alabama is in jeopardy , said impeachment has been partisan from the beginning and the country needs to figure out how to move forward together .
A former federal prosecutor , Jones won a special Senate election in 2018 .
He said he had not thought about how his votes to convict Trump might affect his reelection chances￼ , saying simply he was comfortable with his decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she was upholding her duty to the Constitution and putting the interests of the country ahead of partisan politics or personal interest .
“ The facts are clear ; security aid was withheld from Ukraine in an attempt to benefit the president ’ s political campaign .
While White House attorneys claim this behavior is not serious , it is dangerous to the fundamental principles of American democracy to use the power of the federal government for personal or political gain , ” she said .
White House lawyers also failed to assure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behavior will not continue and that future national security decisions will be made free from personal interests , Sinema said .
“ Future presidents — of both parties — will use this case as a guide to avoid transparency and accountability to the American people .
That should be gravely concerning to all of us.
” In the end , all 47 Democrats voted to find Trump guilty on both articles of impeachment .
The end of the Senate impeachment trial won ’ t bring an end to revelations about Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be written and documents being withheld by the administration that could ultimately become public .
Former national security adviser John Bolton writes in a book due out next month that Trump tied the suspension of military aid to Ukraine to investigations that Trump wanted , just as House prosecutors alleged .
The Justice Department disclosed in a court filing last weekend that it has 24 emails related to Ukraine that it has not produced .
Additional disclosures are possible from witnesses who testified in the House impeachment inquiry and may feel emboldened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president has been acquitted .
Or witnesses unknown to the public could step forward .
Democrats are fighting to release grand jury testimony from special counsel Robert Mueller ’ s Russia investigation and for the testimony of ex-White House lawyer Don McGahn .
Whether rushed or not , the impeachment was the fastest impeachment ever .
The House voted to impeach Trump a week before Christmas , less than three months after Pelosi launched the impeachment inquiry .
After a four-week delay while Democrats pressed for rules changes to extend the trial , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impeachment against Trump to the Senate in mid-January .
Three weeks later , the Senate voted to acquit Trump without new testimony or subpoenas .
Many senators who voted to acquit Trump said they were disappointed in his conduct or disapproved of it , but that it was up to voters to decide Trump ’ s fate in November .
Alexander said House prosecutors had proved the charges against the president , but said they didn ’ t rise to an impeachable offense .
“ The question is not whether the president did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should decide what to do about it , Alexander said last week in becoming the decisive vote against witnesses and documents .
“ I believe the Constitution provides that the people should make that decision in the presidential election.
” Sen. Lisa Murkowski , R-Alaska , called the president ’ s actions “ shameful and wrong.
” But she said the proper response to Trump ’ s behavior was “ not to disenfranchise nearly 63 million Americans ” — who voted for Trump in 2016 — by removing him from the ballot .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be even murkier for 2020 campaigns , thanks to an answer on foreign election interference from deputy White House counsel Patrick Philbin .
Democrats pressed Trump ’ s legal team to acknowledge that foreign election interference is not only wrong but also illegal .
The answer from Philbin — basically , it depends — left some lawmakers outraged .
Asked if Trump agreed that foreign involvement in an American election is against the law , Philbin pointed out that the law only covers foreign campaign contributions or other so-called things of value .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Trump ’ s call with Ukraine ’ s leader didn ’ t violate campaign finance laws .
Democrats called Philbin ’ s statement shocking .
“ The single most important lesson that we learned from 2016 was that nobody should seek or welcome foreign interference in our elections , ” said Rep. Hakeem Jeffries , D-N.Y. , an impeachment manager .
“ But now we have this president and his counsel essentially saying it is OK. ” • Not guilty : Trump acquitted of both impeachment charges • Douthat : Who won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
• Romney breaks from the GOP , will vote to convict Trump • Nancy Pelosi shreds Trump ’ s speech .
Right there on the podium .
Trump ’ s lawyers , including retired Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz and former independent counsel Ken Starr , presented a variety of arguments to senators .
They said Trump never made military aid contingent on investigations .
They painted him as beset by biased investigators and asserted that even if he did what he was accused of , it still wasn ’ t impeachable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the argument that appeared to resonate most with senators was inherently political : impeaching a president in an election year , the argument went , invites chaos and instability , upends the will of the voters and opens the door to future presidents being tossed from office on partisan whims .
“ They are asking you to tear up all of the ballots across this country , on your own initiative — take that decision away from the American people , ” White House counsel Pat Cipollone said .

By Matthew Daly and Eric Tucker | Associated Press
WASHINGTON — The Republican-controlled Senate acquitted President Donald Trump on two impeachment charges Wednesday amid Republican complaints about what they called a rushed process and Democratic claims that Trump is a threat to democracy. The historic, three-week trial proceeded largely along partisan lines, with just one senator — Republican Mitt Romney of Utah — breaking with his party.
Takeaways from just the third impeachment trial of a president in U.S. history:
Trump’s iron grip on GOP
Some Republican senators expressed reservations about Trump’s conduct; some even went so far as to say that House Democrats successfully made their case against him. Nonetheless, Trump’s acquittal was never truly in doubt in the Senate. Even Republicans who disapproved of Trump’s dealings with Ukraine — the heart of the House impeachment charges — said his conduct did not merit making him the first president ever removed from office.
In ways unimaginable when he was first elected as a political newcomer, Trump has come to utterly dominate the GOP. Republican lawmakers bow to his overwhelming popularity with the party’s base. “It’s not a party of ideas or ideology anymore. It’s a cult of personality,” tweeted Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn.
Republicans insisted they were acting in the interests of their constituents and their conscience, and they reacted with outrage when Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff, the lead impeachment manager, cited a media report claiming that a person close to Trump had warned Republicans their “head will be on a pike” if they voted against the president.
Trump has already shown his power to cast out dissident Republicans. Besides Michigan Rep. Justin Amash, who voted for the impeachment articles and is now an independent, former Sens. Bob Corker of Tennessee and Jeff Flake of Arizona decided not to run for reelection rather than face voters after clashing with Trump.
McConnell delivers – again
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. R-Ky., again proved himself Trump’s most important ally. He led a drive to deny Democrats any opportunity to call witnesses before the Senate and worked closely with the White House in shepherding the case to acquittal, fulfilling a pledge he made before the trial to “take my cues from the president’s lawyers.”
McConnell slammed House Democrats’ drive to impeach Trump as “the most rushed, least fair and least thorough” in history. He said the two impeachment charges against Trump — that he abused his power and obstructed Congress’ ensuing investigation — are “constitutionally incoherent” and don’t “even approach a case for the first presidential removal in American history.”
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York accused McConnell and his GOP colleagues of sweeping Trump’s misconduct under the rug. “The administration, its top people and Senate Republicans are all hiding the truth,” Schumer said, adding that Trump tried to “blackmail a foreign country to interfere in our elections.”
Proven, but not impeachable
Republicans voted to acquit Trump, but many wanted to be on record as frowning on his conduct. Perhaps the most prominent example was retiring Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, who voted against hearing from witnesses but called out Trump’s actions as “inappropriate.”
Other Republicans followed suit, insisting that their votes against witnesses or in favor of acquittal should not be interpreted as approval of his actions.
“I do not believe that the House has met its burden of showing that the president’s conduct — however flawed — warrants the extreme step of immediate removal from office,” said Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine.
“Our country is already too deeply divided and we should be working to heal wounds, not create new ones. It is better to let the people decide,” added Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio.
Romney stands alone
In an unlikely twist, Romney, the GOP’s unsuccessful 2012 presidential nominee, was the only Republican senator to break ranks in the impeachment trial and favor removing Trump from office.
The well-mannered, patrician Romney stood alone in his vote to oust a Republican president who seldom hides his contempt for the senator and the establishment Romney symbolizes.
Romney’s support for removing Trump on a charge of abuse of power also denied Trump’s campaign a frequent talking point of asserting that he had full support of Republicans in the House and Senate during a strictly partisan drive to remove him.
Romney voted to acquit Trump on the second article of impeachment, obstruction of Congress, joining his 52 GOP colleagues.
Romney, a Mormon, cited his religious faith and the significance of the impeachment oath taken by senators to render “impartial justice” on impeachment. “The grave question the Constitution tasks senators to answer is whether the president committed an act so extreme, so egregious, that it rises to the level of a high crime and misdemeanor,” Romney said in a floor speech. “Yes, he did.”
GOP Sen. Steve Daines of Montana called Romney’s vote “very disappointing,” adding: “I strongly disagree. But he has to speak for what he believes.”
Democrats united
Throughout the trial, the votes of at least three Democrats were uncertain. Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona and Doug Jones were all considered possible votes to acquit Trump. Manchin even floated censuring Trump instead of removing him from office, though the idea did not gain much traction.
Manchin, a former governor and a rare Democrat holding office in the nation’s most pro-Trump state, said he could explain his vote for removal based on the evidence that was presented. “I’ve always said, if I can go home and explain it, I can vote for it,” he said.
“There was no other conclusion that I could come to, as much as I knew how divisive it would be, as difficult as it would be,” Manchin added. “It’s based on, could I go home … and face my family, my friends and the good Lord that I swore to?”
Jones, whose seat in ruby-red Alabama is in jeopardy, said impeachment has been partisan from the beginning and the country needs to figure out how to move forward together. A former federal prosecutor, Jones won a special Senate election in 2018. He said he had not thought about how his votes to convict Trump might affect his reelection chances￼, saying simply he was comfortable with his decision.
Sinema said in a statement that she was upholding her duty to the Constitution and putting the interests of the country ahead of partisan politics or personal interest.
“The facts are clear; security aid was withheld from Ukraine in an attempt to benefit the president’s political campaign. While White House attorneys claim this behavior is not serious, it is dangerous to the fundamental principles of American democracy to use the power of the federal government for personal or political gain,” she said.
White House lawyers also failed to assure the American people that Trump’s behavior will not continue and that future national security decisions will be made free from personal interests, Sinema said. “Future presidents — of both parties — will use this case as a guide to avoid transparency and accountability to the American people. That should be gravely concerning to all of us.”
In the end, all 47 Democrats voted to find Trump guilty on both articles of impeachment.
Revelations not over
The end of the Senate impeachment trial won’t bring an end to revelations about Trump’s dealings with Ukraine. There are books to be written and documents being withheld by the administration that could ultimately become public.
Former national security adviser John Bolton writes in a book due out next month that Trump tied the suspension of military aid to Ukraine to investigations that Trump wanted, just as House prosecutors alleged. The Justice Department disclosed in a court filing last weekend that it has 24 emails related to Ukraine that it has not produced.
Additional disclosures are possible from witnesses who testified in the House impeachment inquiry and may feel emboldened to share even more now that the president has been acquitted. Or witnesses unknown to the public could step forward.
Democrats are fighting to release grand jury testimony from special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation and for the testimony of ex-White House lawyer Don McGahn.
That was quick
Whether rushed or not, the impeachment was the fastest impeachment ever. The House voted to impeach Trump a week before Christmas, less than three months after Pelosi launched the impeachment inquiry.
After a four-week delay while Democrats pressed for rules changes to extend the trial, House Democrats carried the formal articles of impeachment against Trump to the Senate in mid-January.
Three weeks later, the Senate voted to acquit Trump without new testimony or subpoenas.
Let voters decide
Many senators who voted to acquit Trump said they were disappointed in his conduct or disapproved of it, but that it was up to voters to decide Trump’s fate in November.
Alexander said House prosecutors had proved the charges against the president, but said they didn’t rise to an impeachable offense.
“The question is not whether the president did it,” but whether the Senate should decide what to do about it, Alexander said last week in becoming the decisive vote against witnesses and documents. “I believe the Constitution provides that the people should make that decision in the presidential election.”
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, called the president’s actions “shameful and wrong.” But she said the proper response to Trump’s behavior was “not to disenfranchise nearly 63 million Americans” — who voted for Trump in 2016 — by removing him from the ballot.
Foreign interference permissible
An already ill-defined area of law may be even murkier for 2020 campaigns, thanks to an answer on foreign election interference from deputy White House counsel Patrick Philbin.
Democrats pressed Trump’s legal team to acknowledge that foreign election interference is not only wrong but also illegal. The answer from Philbin — basically, it depends — left some lawmakers outraged.
Asked if Trump agreed that foreign involvement in an American election is against the law, Philbin pointed out that the law only covers foreign campaign contributions or other so-called things of value. The Justice Department concluded for that reason that Trump’s call with Ukraine’s leader didn’t violate campaign finance laws.
Democrats called Philbin’s statement shocking. “The single most important lesson that we learned from 2016 was that nobody should seek or welcome foreign interference in our elections,” said Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., an impeachment manager. “But now we have this president and his counsel essentially saying it is OK.”
Legal arguments are political
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Pence finds himself the reluctant centerpiece of case against Trump National News | Should Trump be jailed? 2024 election may decide that Trump’s lawyers, including retired Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz and former independent counsel Ken Starr, presented a variety of arguments to senators. They said Trump never made military aid contingent on investigations. They painted him as beset by biased investigators and asserted that even if he did what he was accused of, it still wasn’t impeachable.
In the end, though, the argument that appeared to resonate most with senators was inherently political: impeaching a president in an election year, the argument went, invites chaos and instability, upends the will of the voters and opens the door to future presidents being tossed from office on partisan whims.
“They are asking you to tear up all of the ballots across this country, on your own initiative — take that decision away from the American people,” White House counsel Pat Cipollone said.


mercurynews--2020-02-05--California firefighters return from battling blazes in Australia

Capt .
Leonard Dimaculangan hugged his daughter for the first time in a month after battling flames half way across the world in Australia .
“ I ’ m glad that he gets to help me with my homework now , ” Dimaculangan ’ s daughter , Promise , joked .
Dimaculangan and 19 other firefighters with Angeles National Forest returned to California on Wednesday after they volunteered to help contain the devastating bushfires in Australia .
While the firefighters created fire break lines and cut down or cleared burned trees as they have done many times back home , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ burning eucalyptus trees and the lingo of their counterparts .
“ The dead standing trees are called ‘ snags ’ in California and in Australia they call them ‘ stags , ' ” Dimaculangan explained at the homecoming , held at the Los Angeles Fire Department ’ s Station 5 .
Since the fire season began in late July , large swaths of Australia have been devastated by the worst bushfires in decades .
More than 20 people have been killed and millions of acres of land have been seared .
New South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thousands of homes destroyed or damaged .
Thousands of paid and volunteer firefighter have been working around the clock as they battle the brushfires .
Late last year , the United States joined an international effort to support them .
“ They are very professional .
They know their business , they know the work that needs to be done and much of their strategy and their performance is similar to ours , ” said firefighter Jonathan Merager .
Merager ’ s wife , Starlyn , was happy to see her husband unharmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” On every call and text to her husband , she would constantly remind him to be smart and keep “ one foot in the black.
” “ It means to keep one foot in the area that ’ s already been burned .
If the fire starts coming down on you , you can quickly get in the burned area , so you don ’ t get burned over , ” Starlyn Merager said .
It ’ s not the first time the countries have helped each other out .
Australia and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United States for more than 15 years , the US Forest Service says .
In 2018 , nearly 140 firefighters from Australia and New Zealand were deployed to California , Oregon and Washington for nearly a month .
They relieved exhausted firefighters battling the deadly Carr fire near Redding and assisted with helicopter operations .
The last time US firefighters worked in Australia was 2010 .

[vemba-video id=”world/2020/01/30/australia-bushfire-overtakes-firefighters-newsource-vpx-orig.cnn”]
By Paul Vercammen and Nicole Chavez | CNN
Capt. Leonard Dimaculangan hugged his daughter for the first time in a month after battling flames half way across the world in Australia.
“I’m glad that he gets to help me with my homework now,” Dimaculangan’s daughter, Promise, joked.
Dimaculangan and 19 other firefighters with Angeles National Forest returned to California on Wednesday after they volunteered to help contain the devastating bushfires in Australia.
While the firefighters created fire break lines and cut down or cleared burned trees as they have done many times back home, they had to learn how to handle burning eucalyptus trees and the lingo of their counterparts.
“The dead standing trees are called ‘snags’ in California and in Australia they call them ‘stags,'” Dimaculangan explained at the homecoming, held at the Los Angeles Fire Department’s Station 5.
Since the fire season began in late July, large swaths of Australia have been devastated by the worst bushfires in decades.
More than 20 people have been killed and millions of acres of land have been seared. New South Wales is the worst-affected state, with thousands of homes destroyed or damaged.
Thousands of paid and volunteer firefighter have been working around the clock as they battle the brushfires. Late last year, the United States joined an international effort to support them.
“They are very professional. They know their business, they know the work that needs to be done and much of their strategy and their performance is similar to ours,” said firefighter Jonathan Merager.
Merager’s wife, Starlyn, was happy to see her husband unharmed because “anything could have gone wrong.”
On every call and text to her husband, she would constantly remind him to be smart and keep “one foot in the black.”
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Evacuations ordered as Northern California fire roars through forest near site of 2022 deadly blaze California News | Meet Olivia and Mazie, California search-and-rescue dogs aiding in Maui “It means to keep one foot in the area that’s already been burned. If the fire starts coming down on you, you can quickly get in the burned area, so you don’t get burned over,” Starlyn Merager said.
It’s not the first time the countries have helped each other out. Australia and New Zealand have been sending firefighters to the United States for more than 15 years, the US Forest Service says.
In 2018, nearly 140 firefighters from Australia and New Zealand were deployed to California, Oregon and Washington for nearly a month. They relieved exhausted firefighters battling the deadly Carr fire near Redding and assisted with helicopter operations. The last time US firefighters worked in Australia was 2010.


mercurynews--2020-02-05--Facebook, Twitter allow conservative group’s ‘false’ election claim

Amid a heated nation-wide controversy over deceptive election-related posts on social media , Bay Area tech giants Facebook and Twitter are allowing a conservative group ’ s claim about “ dirty voting rolls ” to remain up , despite a Republican state official saying the claim is false and the group ’ s president admitting he used old data .
The group , Judicial Watch , on Monday posted on Facebook and Twitter an assertion that eight Iowa counties had more people registered to vote than were eligible to vote .
The claim was amplified on Twitter by Fox TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of President Donald Trump .
In its postings , Judicial Watch quoted its president Tom Fitton saying , “ Dirty voting rolls can mean dirty elections.
” Iowa ’ s Secretary of State , Republican Paul Pate , issued a statement attacking the Judicial Watch claim , made on the day of Iowa ’ s Democratic caucuses .
“ Their data regarding Iowa is deeply flawed and their false claims erode voter confidence in elections , ” Pate said .
“ They should stop this misinformation campaign immediately.
” Pate pointed to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying it showed the numbers presented by Judicial Watch were “ patently false.
” Fitton admitted in an interview that he “ used older statistics and census numbers to reach his conclusion , ” the Associated Press reported .
Judicial Watch did not respond to this news organization ’ s requests for comment .
Its posts were still on Twitter and Facebook as of Wednesday afternoon .
A Twitter spokesperson said the Judicial Watch tweet was “ not in violation of our election integrity policy as it does not suppress voter turnout or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or how to vote.
” Twitter last year banned political advertising on its platform .
Facebook , which controversially allows politicians to lie in political ads , did not provide a response to this news organization ’ s inquiry about the Judicial Watch post .
Facebook ’ s director of product management has said the firm does not fact-check political ads for truthfulness and that those ads should be regulated by the federal government , not social media companies .
Both Twitter and Facebook were found to have hosted Russian misinformation intended to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 2016 election , according to a report prepared for the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee .

Amid a heated nation-wide controversy over deceptive election-related posts on social media, Bay Area tech giants Facebook and Twitter are allowing a conservative group’s claim about “dirty voting rolls” to remain up, despite a Republican state official saying the claim is false and the group’s president admitting he used old data.
The group, Judicial Watch, on Monday posted on Facebook and Twitter an assertion that eight Iowa counties had more people registered to vote than were eligible to vote. The claim was amplified on Twitter by Fox TV host Sean Hannity, a close confidant of President Donald Trump. In its postings, Judicial Watch quoted its president Tom Fitton saying, “Dirty voting rolls can mean dirty elections.”
Iowa’s Secretary of State, Republican Paul Pate, issued a statement attacking the Judicial Watch claim, made on the day of Iowa’s Democratic caucuses. “Their data regarding Iowa is deeply flawed and their false claims erode voter confidence in elections,” Pate said. “They should stop this misinformation campaign immediately.”
Pate pointed to the state’s voter registration data, saying it showed the numbers presented by Judicial Watch were “patently false.”
Fitton admitted in an interview that he “used older statistics and census numbers to reach his conclusion,” the Associated Press reported. Judicial Watch’s posts were still on Twitter and Facebook as of Wednesday afternoon.
A Twitter spokesperson said the Judicial Watch tweet was “not in violation of our election integrity policy as it does not suppress voter turnout or mislead people about when, where, or how to vote.” Twitter last year banned political advertising on its platform.
Facebook, which controversially allows politicians to lie in political ads, did not provide a response to this news organization’s inquiry about the Judicial Watch post. Facebook’s director of product management has said the firm does not fact-check political ads for truthfulness and that those ads should be regulated by the federal government, not social media companies.
Both Twitter and Facebook were found to have hosted Russian misinformation intended to benefit then-candidate Trump in the run-up to the 2016 election, according to a report prepared for the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee.
Judicial Watch, in a statement Thursday, said, “Our data has proven to be a strong indicator of voter registration issues and a basis for further inquiry.”


mercurynews--2020-02-05--Madoff says he is dying, asks to be let out of prison

Bernard Madoff says he is dying and is asking a judge for compassionate release from prison , where he is serving 150 years for orchestrating the largest Ponzi scheme in history , according to a Wednesday federal court filing .
Madoff , 81 , has terminal kidney failure and a life expectancy of less than 18 months , according to the filing .
He was arrested in December 2008 on allegations that the prestigious asset management firm he ran in Manhattan was in fact a pyramid-type scheme that swindled billions of dollars from thousands of people .
He pleaded guilty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laundering , perjury and falsifying financial documents .
He began his prison term in July 2009 .
When the court sentenced him , “ it was clear that Madoff ’ s 150-year prison sentence was symbolic for three reasons : retribution , deterrence , and for the victims , ” the court filing states .
“ This Court must now consider whether keeping Madoff incarcerated … is truly in furtherance of statutory sentencing goals and our society ’ s value and understanding of compassion.
” Madoff said in the request for compassionate release @ @ @ @ @ @ @ severity of his crimes .
”

By Clare Duffy | CNN
Bernard Madoff says he is dying and is asking a judge for compassionate release from prison, where he is serving 150 years for orchestrating the largest Ponzi scheme in history, according to a Wednesday federal court filing.
Madoff, 81, has terminal kidney failure and a life expectancy of less than 18 months, according to the filing.
He was arrested in December 2008 on allegations that the prestigious asset management firm he ran in Manhattan was in fact a pyramid-type scheme that swindled billions of dollars from thousands of people. He pleaded guilty to 11 felony charges related to money laundering, perjury and falsifying financial documents. He began his prison term in July 2009.
When the court sentenced him, “it was clear that Madoff’s 150-year prison sentence was symbolic for three reasons: retribution, deterrence, and for the victims,” the court filing states. “This Court must now consider whether keeping Madoff incarcerated … is truly in furtherance of statutory sentencing goals and our society’s value and understanding of compassion.”
Madoff said in the request for compassionate release that he “does not dispute the severity of his crimes.”


mercurynews--2020-02-05--Police: Driver arrested after ramming officers’ vehicles, fleeing in East Oakland

OAKLAND — A male suspect found asleep in a car while armed was taken into custody after ramming police cars @ @ @ @ @ neighborhoods , authorities said .
Around 2 p.m. , police responded to the 2200 block @ @ @ @ @ report of a driver asleep behind the wheel of a vehicle .
Police said the @ @ @ @ @ began ramming police vehicles after he woke up .
A video shot by a bystander @ @ @ @ @ the car , boxed in by at least one police SUV and an Oakland police @ @ @ @ @ and forth , ramming into the vehicles as armed officers stand warily nearby .
After @ @ @ @ @ rams his car through a gap between two vehicles and drives away .
Officers stopped @ @ @ @ @ San Leandro Boulevard , and took him into custody .
There were no immediate reports @ @ @ @ @ a driver Friday who allegedly rammed police vehicles after a 10-mile chase from Fremont into @ @ @ @ @ reported theft of some $ 19,000 in goods from a cosmetics store .

OAKLAND — A male suspect found asleep in a car while armed was taken into custody after ramming police cars and fleeing several East Oakland neighborhoods, authorities said.
Around 2 p.m., police responded to the 2200 block of 89th Avenue for a report of a driver asleep behind the wheel of a vehicle. Police said the man was armed, and began ramming police vehicles after he woke up.
A video shot by a bystander and posted to Twitter showed the car, boxed in by at least one police SUV and an Oakland police armored vehicle, moving back and forth, ramming into the vehicles as armed officers stand warily nearby.
After several attempts, the driver rams his car through a gap between two vehicles and drives away. Officers stopped him near 73rd Avenue and San Leandro Boulevard, and took him into custody.
Incredible scene at 89th/Bancroft as allegedly armed driver with OPD rifles trained on him, ordered to get out, rams car blockade until a breach is opened and speeds away pic.twitter.com/Ie3GlnecBY — Trash Night Heron (@hyphy_republic) February 5, 2020
There were no immediate reports of officer injuries.
In a follow-up tweet, police said the vehicle had been stolen out of San Francisco, the driver had a warrant for his arrest from the state Department of Corrections, and that a stolen firearm and other items were found inside the vehicle.
Police shot a driver Friday who allegedly rammed police vehicles after a 10-mile chase from Fremont into Union City prompted by a reported theft of some $19,000 in goods from a cosmetics store.
Check back for updates. Contact George Kelly at 408-859-5180.


mercurynews--2020-02-05--This Peninsula city will be the first to boast a food hall

A prime spot in downtown Los Altos is being transformed into a marketplace by Los Altos Community Investments , according to Palo Alto Online , which reviewed the planning documents filed with city officials .
The State Street Market , at 160 and 170 State St. , will feature a restaurant , ramen bar , raw bar , ice cream shop , coffee bar , plus a teaching kitchen , an arcade and retail spaces .
That ’ s the ground-floor plan ; the second floor will house offices .
The development company , reached Wednesday by the Mercury News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but indicated that announcements would start rolling out in a month .
This will be the first such food hall on the Peninsula .
Oakland ’ s Housewives Market and Rockridge Market Hall were pioneers ; San Francisco has the Ferry Building ; Napa has Oxbow ; and San Jose has San Pedro Square .
Currently in the works are food halls at Jack London Square in Oakland and in Castro Valley .
The Italian food hall known as Eataly will join Santa Clara ’ s Valley Fair mall .
Among those involved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Valley leader and local resident Anne Wojcicki , the 23andMe founder and a longtime supporter of the downtown Los Altos renaissance .
According to the Los Altos Community Investments website , the company ’ s tenants already include businesses in the culinary arena such as Asa restaurant , Manresa Bread and Tin Pot Creamery .

Foodies of the Peninsula, rejoice.
You’re getting a food hall.
A prime spot in downtown Los Altos is being transformed into a marketplace by Los Altos Community Investments, according to Palo Alto Online, which reviewed the planning documents filed with city officials.
The State Street Market, at 160 and 170 State St., will feature a restaurant, ramen bar, raw bar, ice cream shop, coffee bar, plus a teaching kitchen, an arcade and retail spaces. That’s the ground-floor plan; the second floor will house offices.
The development company, reached Wednesday by the Mercury News, did not go public with plans but indicated that announcements would start rolling out in a month.
This will be the first such food hall on the Peninsula. Oakland’s Housewives Market and Rockridge Market Hall were pioneers; San Francisco has the Ferry Building; Napa has Oxbow; and San Jose has San Pedro Square. Currently in the works are food halls at Jack London Square in Oakland and in Castro Valley. The Italian food hall known as Eataly will join Santa Clara’s Valley Fair mall.
Among those involved in the Los Altos project is Silicon Valley leader and local resident Anne Wojcicki, the 23andMe founder and a longtime supporter of the downtown Los Altos renaissance. According to the Los Altos Community Investments website, the company’s tenants already include businesses in the culinary arena such as Asa restaurant, Manresa Bread and Tin Pot Creamery.


mercurynews--2020-02-05--San Jose Sharks’ rookies look to build on solid NHL debuts

EDMONTON — Both Alexander True and Maxim Letunov earned passing grades from Sharks interim coach Bob Boughner after their respective NHL debuts .
Now comes the key part : the encore .
True and Letunov played 12:52 and 10:17 , respectively , in the Sharks ’ 3-1 win over the Calgary Flames on Tuesday .
True finished with four hits and was effective at times in using his 6-foot-5 frame to protect the puck on the forecheck .
Letunov nearly scored in the first period , as he and linemates Marcus Sorensen and Dylan Gambrell created a handful of high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of ice time together at even strength .
“ As a line , we worked a lot down low , ” Letunov said , adding about his scoring chance from in close that he , “ lifted ( the defenseman ’ s ) stick and got the puck in the slot .
It was a shot-first mentality.
” After the excitement of playing their first NHL games , True , 22 , and Letunov , 23 , look to get another shot Thursday when the Sharks play the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alberta .
For complete 49ers coverage follow us on Flipboard .
“ Usually your first game , you get through with adrenaline and you ’ re so pumped up that your body feels great , ” Boughner said .
“ Now it ’ s adjusting to that pro , every day , NHL life , and you ’ ve got to be consistent .
That ’ s really what I ’ m looking for.
” Without the Sharks having last change , True ’ s line with Stefan Noesen and Melker Karlsson spent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first period skating against the Flames ’ top line of Johnny Gaudreau , Sean Monahan and Buddy Robinson .
Letunov was on the ice in the first half of the game against Derek Ryan , Milan Lucic and Dillon Dube .
Aided by another stellar performance from goalie Aaron Dell , those lines held their own , with Calgary ’ s only goal coming on the power play by Gaudreau .
“ Even when you ’ re out there , you don ’ t certainly think about who you ’ re against , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they ’ re out there , but you still try to play your game .
I played against those guys in preseason as well .
But it was a cool moment.
” Like our Sharks Facebook page for more San Jose Sharks news , commentary and conversation .
Thursday could be even tougher , with the prospect of either rookie skating against the top two scorers in the NHL in Leon Draisaitl ( 83 points ) and Connor McDavid ( 79 points ) .
“ You ’ ve obviously have to ( use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turning pucks over when you see that you ’ re out there against the other team ’ s top line , ” True said .
“ But not get too much in your own head about it.
” Above all , Boughner wants to see both True and Letunov play with the same attention to detail .
“ I want to see them remain assertive , ” Boughner said .
“ There was a lot of times , whether it be coming back into our zone and being that first guy back on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or being the first guy on the forecheck , winning those battles .
I thought both of them did a good job of that.
” Sticking up for each other Barclay Goodrow earned kudos from Boughner and his teammates for his first period fight with Lucic , one of the NHL ’ s premier tough guys , on Tuesday .
Lucic leveled Evander Kane with just over two minutes left in the first period before Goodrow stepped in to challenge him .
Kane later scored what would be the game-winner in the second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ snapping a five-game goal drought .
Kane has a team-high 20 goals this season .
“ After ( Goodrow ) did that last night , I thought Evander , his game completely changed , ” Boughner said .
“ He was probably one of the most dominant players on the ice , and you could just tell he felt good about it .
He ’ s been there many times for a lot of his teammates .
When you see that … there ’ s no tougher guy than Lucic .
Goody ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of just surviving .
“ That ’ s pretty significant just because of who it was .
Not just Kane responded well , I thought the whole team responded well.
” Kane expressed some frustration after a Dec. 8 game against the Florida Panthers , when he was on the receiving end of a questionable hit from MacKenzie Weegar and no one else stepped in .
Kane said after the game , a 5-1 Sharks loss , that “ it ’ s just about sticking up for yourself .
We need a little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Flames 1 : Thornton ’ s night , Goodrow ’ s game-changer and the kids ‘ surprise ’ their coach • G.M .
Doug Wilson has decision to make on Sharks goalie Last Saturday night in the Sharks ’ game against the Tampa Bay Lightning , Patrick Marleau was checked by Erik Cernak while he was off balance and skating quickly down the ice .
Marleau crashed hard into the boards , and confronted Cernak on his own a few seconds later .
Boughner agreed that mentality of having each other ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hasn ’ t always been there this season for the Sharks .
“ There ’ s times that we haven ’ t been good enough in that area , ” Boughner said .
“ It ’ s something that from the day I took over , I tried to demand that we do everything as a team .
Even just playing hard for each other , but not necessarily all of the stuff that we saw ( Tuesday ) night .
That ’ s a good example of it .
“ I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guys are getting run over a little bit and we haven ’ t really responded on the ice .
For me , that seeps in .
That seeps into the room and seeps into your team .
We always talk about being tough to play against and being a tough opponent , and that ’ s just part of it .
”

EDMONTON — Both Alexander True and Maxim Letunov earned passing grades from Sharks interim coach Bob Boughner after their respective NHL debuts.
Now comes the key part: the encore.
True and Letunov played 12:52 and 10:17, respectively, in the Sharks’ 3-1 win over the Calgary Flames on Tuesday.
True finished with four hits and was effective at times in using his 6-foot-5 frame to protect the puck on the forecheck. Letunov nearly scored in the first period, as he and linemates Marcus Sorensen and Dylan Gambrell created a handful of high danger chances in just under seven minutes of ice time together at even strength.
“As a line, we worked a lot down low,” Letunov said, adding about his scoring chance from in close that he, “lifted (the defenseman’s) stick and got the puck in the slot. It was a shot-first mentality.”
After the excitement of playing their first NHL games, True, 22, and Letunov, 23, look to get another shot Thursday when the Sharks play the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place to close out a two-game trip through Alberta.
For complete 49ers coverage follow us on Flipboard.
“Usually your first game, you get through with adrenaline and you’re so pumped up that your body feels great,” Boughner said. “Now it’s adjusting to that pro, every day, NHL life, and you’ve got to be consistent. That’s really what I’m looking for.”
Without the Sharks having last change, True’s line with Stefan Noesen and Melker Karlsson spent almost all of their time in the first period skating against the Flames’ top line of Johnny Gaudreau, Sean Monahan and Buddy Robinson. Letunov was on the ice in the first half of the game against Derek Ryan, Milan Lucic and Dillon Dube.
Aided by another stellar performance from goalie Aaron Dell, those lines held their own, with Calgary’s only goal coming on the power play by Gaudreau.
“Even when you’re out there, you don’t certainly think about who you’re against,” Letunov said. “You know they’re out there, but you still try to play your game. I played against those guys in preseason as well. But it was a cool moment.”
Like our Sharks Facebook page for more San Jose Sharks news, commentary and conversation.
Thursday could be even tougher, with the prospect of either rookie skating against the top two scorers in the NHL in Leon Draisaitl (83 points) and Connor McDavid (79 points).
“You’ve obviously have to (use) more caution out there, not turning pucks over when you see that you’re out there against the other team’s top line,” True said. “But not get too much in your own head about it.”
Above all, Boughner wants to see both True and Letunov play with the same attention to detail.
“I want to see them remain assertive,” Boughner said. “There was a lot of times, whether it be coming back into our zone and being that first guy back on the breakout, helping the defenseman, or being the first guy on the forecheck, winning those battles. I thought both of them did a good job of that.”
Sticking up for each other
Barclay Goodrow earned kudos from Boughner and his teammates for his first period fight with Lucic, one of the NHL’s premier tough guys, on Tuesday. Lucic leveled Evander Kane with just over two minutes left in the first period before Goodrow stepped in to challenge him.
Kane later scored what would be the game-winner in the second period off an assist from Goodrow, snapping a five-game goal drought. Kane has a team-high 20 goals this season.
“After (Goodrow) did that last night, I thought Evander, his game completely changed,” Boughner said. “He was probably one of the most dominant players on the ice, and you could just tell he felt good about it. He’s been there many times for a lot of his teammates. When you see that … there’s no tougher guy than Lucic. Goody’s going in there with the hopes of just surviving.
“That’s pretty significant just because of who it was. Not just Kane responded well, I thought the whole team responded well.”
Kane expressed some frustration after a Dec. 8 game against the Florida Panthers, when he was on the receiving end of a questionable hit from MacKenzie Weegar and no one else stepped in. Kane said after the game, a 5-1 Sharks loss, that “it’s just about sticking up for yourself. We need a little more of that.”
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Boughner agreed that mentality of having each other’s back and playing for one another hasn’t always been there this season for the Sharks.
“There’s times that we haven’t been good enough in that area,” Boughner said. “It’s something that from the day I took over, I tried to demand that we do everything as a team. Even just playing hard for each other, but not necessarily all of the stuff that we saw (Tuesday) night. That’s a good example of it.
“I think there’s been other times where guys are getting run over a little bit and we haven’t really responded on the ice. For me, that seeps in. That seeps into the room and seeps into your team. We always talk about being tough to play against and being a tough opponent, and that’s just part of it.”


mercurynews--2020-02-05--Hayward man gets more than 10 years for drug trafficking

OAKLAND — An East Bay man who was found with two pounds of methamphetamine in a Hayward hotel last year has been sentenced to 10 years and 10 months in federal prison , court records show .
Hayward resident Joseph Sandoval , 34 , was busted at the Quality Inn in Hayward last year , after police received a tip he was selling drugs .
He was found to be in possession of stolen Dodge Charger , as well as around $ 3,000 in cash , a scale , and other items commonly associated with drug sales , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serving a 16-month state prison term for violating parole , prosecutors said .
In court records , Sandoval ’ s attorney , John Paul Reichmuth , argued for leniency , saying Sandoval deserved a lesser sentence of six years in prison .
Reichmuth said Sandoval was raised by two heroin-addicted parents , had joined a gang at age 10 , and was a drug courier for his grandfather by age 11 .
“ ( Sandoval ) suffered from direct abuse , the loss , effectively , of both parents , childhood drug abuse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with protecting him , ” Reichmuth wrote in a sentencing memo .
“ He is as much a crime victim as if he had been a sexually-trafficked minor .
He comes from two generations of gang-related drug dealers.
” Prosecutors , meanwhile , acknowledged the hardships Sandoval had faced , but argued his recent history of crimes justified the lengthy sentence .
“ Less than two years ago , ( Sandoval ) was sentenced to 40 months ’ imprisonment ( total ) for the brazen burglary of a firearm store and a separate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led law enforcement across four counties , putting the public at grave risk , ” special assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Briggs wrote in a sentencing memo .
Sandoval was charged last September .
According to the complaint , the Alameda County Sheriffs Office ’ s gang suppression unit began investigating Sandoval in July 2019 , after receiving a tip he was involved in drug trafficking .
Investigators ran a GPS search of his phone , which led them to the Quality Inn at 24997 Mission Blvd .
in Hayward .
Sandoval had arrest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ burglary , so authorities set up surveillance outside of the hotel with plans to arrest Sandoval .
First , they contacted his girlfriend , who confirmed they ’ d been staying there for weeks .
Then they searched the hotel room , # 206 , and found the meth and other evidence .

OAKLAND — An East Bay man who was found with two pounds of methamphetamine in a Hayward hotel last year has been sentenced to 10 years and 10 months in federal prison, court records show.
Hayward resident Joseph Sandoval, 34, was busted at the Quality Inn in Hayward last year, after police received a tip he was selling drugs. He was found to be in possession of stolen Dodge Charger, as well as around $3,000 in cash, a scale, and other items commonly associated with drug sales, according to court records.
Sandoval is also currently serving a 16-month state prison term for violating parole, prosecutors said.
In court records, Sandoval’s attorney, John Paul Reichmuth, argued for leniency, saying Sandoval deserved a lesser sentence of six years in prison. Reichmuth said Sandoval was raised by two heroin-addicted parents, had joined a gang at age 10, and was a drug courier for his grandfather by age 11.
“(Sandoval) suffered from direct abuse, the loss, effectively, of both parents, childhood drug abuse, and his exploitation by adults charged with protecting him,” Reichmuth wrote in a sentencing memo. “He is as much a crime victim as if he had been a sexually-trafficked minor. He comes from two generations of gang-related drug dealers.”
Prosecutors, meanwhile, acknowledged the hardships Sandoval had faced, but argued his recent history of crimes justified the lengthy sentence.
“Less than two years ago, (Sandoval) was sentenced to 40 months’ imprisonment (total) for the brazen burglary of a firearm store and a separate harrowing high speed chase, which dangerously led law enforcement across four counties, putting the public at grave risk,” special assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Briggs wrote in a sentencing memo.
Sandoval was charged last September. According to the complaint, the Alameda County Sheriffs Office’s gang suppression unit began investigating Sandoval in July 2019, after receiving a tip he was involved in drug trafficking. Investigators ran a GPS search of his phone, which led them to the Quality Inn at 24997 Mission Blvd. in Hayward.
Sandoval had arrest warrants for a parole violation and a burglary, so authorities set up surveillance outside of the hotel with plans to arrest Sandoval. First, they contacted his girlfriend, who confirmed they’d been staying there for weeks. Then they searched the hotel room, #206, and found the meth and other evidence.