mercurynews--2020-07-09--California music instructor who gave semen-tainted flutes to students sentenced to 18 years in priso

California music instructor who gave semen-tainted flutes to students sentenced to 18 years in prison

An international music program founder who distributed semen-tainted flutes to five elementary school girls in Orange and Los Angeles counties in 2017 was sentenced Wednesday to 18 years in prison .
John Edward Zeretzke , 61 , of Ventura , who formed Flutes Across the World in 2009 and has worked with thousands of children across the United States , pleaded guilty in Orange County Superior Court to six counts of lewd acts against children .
“ There is no place in our society for crimes against children , ” California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said in a statement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of behavior in our schools or anywhere in our state .
Our students deserve to be able to learn in a safe environment and we ’ ll continue to use the full authority of the law to prosecute anyone who exploits children.
” Zeretzke was indicted in March 2019 following an investigation by the U.S .
Postal Inspection Service and the Los Angeles County Sheriff ’ s Department in coordination with the Attorney General ’ s Office .
“ The U.S .
Postal Inspection Service has long been a champion for children and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , inspector-in-charge of the U.S .
Postal Inspection Service ’ s Los Angeles Division .
“ The sentencing brought today reflects the dedication of law enforcement to stop the exploitation of defenseless victims.
” In June 2019 , Orange County Superior Court Judge Kimberly Menniger ordered the release of a redacted portion of the grand jury transcript after the Southern California News Group argued in court for public access to the document .
Menniger also ordered the Attorney General ’ s Office to provide the media organization with the names of the schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Costa Mesa and Castaic Elementary .
The judge then sealed the transcript , which totals more than 500 pages .
Officials with the Newport-Mesa Unified School District and Castaic Union School District did not respond Wednesday to requests for comment .
Prosecutors and the Orange County Public Defender ’ s Office objected to the release of the school names , saying it could indirectly identify the victims and impede the criminal case .
The Southern California News Group does not identify sex crime victims .
In her opening statement to the grand jury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that while Zeretzke was either in a hotel room near schools or at his residence , he made videos and took pictures of himself ejaculating onto and into the flutes , according to the transcript .
Then , later in classrooms , Zeretzke photographed children using the flutes , Casillas said .
By the time the flutes were collected and tested , none revealed evidence of any semen .
The prosecutor said Zeretzke engaged in “ constructive touching.
” “ It ’ s constructive when the perpetrator , without actually touching the victim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with an object regardless of whether or not the perpetrator is present , ” Casillas explained to the grand jury .
Zeretzke also is accused of rubbing a victim ’ s shoulders while in a classroom , massaging her back and whispering in her ear that she was pretty , the prosecutor said .
Social media accounts also show Zeretzke engaged in multiple online chats with another individual with whom he exchanged photos of the victims using the flutes , according to Casillas .
In those chats , he described how his sexual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ girls ’ use of the flutes .
Flutes Across the World has worked with thousands of children across the United States , including school districts in Orange and Los Angeles counties , to create pairs of decorated flutes .
Children taking part in the program would keep one flute , while the other was given away to a child in another country .
Flutes Across the World has led music missions to Haiti , the Philippines , Honduras and American Indian reservations .
The organization also has sent “ flute ambassadors ” to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asia , according to the organization ’ s website , which has since been removed .
In a separate case , Zeretzke has agreed to plead guilty to one federal count of production of child pornography .
From Nov. 6 , 2015 , to May 28 , 2016 , Zeretzke tried to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity , according to a federal indictment .
Additionally , the indictment alleges that from Aug. 20 to Sept. 23 , 2017 , Zeretzke traveled to the Philippines to engage in sex with an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ old and received child pornography through his Facebook account .
Zeretzke is scheduled to formally enter a guilty plea in U.S. District Court on Oct. 20 .

An international music program founder who distributed semen-tainted flutes to five elementary school girls in Orange and Los Angeles counties in 2017 was sentenced Wednesday to 18 years in prison.
John Edward Zeretzke, 61, of Ventura, who formed Flutes Across the World in 2009 and has worked with thousands of children across the United States, pleaded guilty in Orange County Superior Court to six counts of lewd acts against children.
“There is no place in our society for crimes against children,” California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said in a statement. “We will not tolerate this kind of behavior in our schools or anywhere in our state. Our students deserve to be able to learn in a safe environment and we’ll continue to use the full authority of the law to prosecute anyone who exploits children.”
Indicted in 2019
Zeretzke was indicted in March 2019 following an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in coordination with the Attorney General’s Office.
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service has long been a champion for children and their safety,” said Patricia Armstrong, inspector-in-charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Los Angeles Division. “The sentencing brought today reflects the dedication of law enforcement to stop the exploitation of defenseless victims.”
In June 2019, Orange County Superior Court Judge Kimberly Menniger ordered the release of a redacted portion of the grand jury transcript after the Southern California News Group argued in court for public access to the document.
Menniger also ordered the Attorney General’s Office to provide the media organization with the names of the schools the victims attended — Sonora Elementary in Costa Mesa and Castaic Elementary. The judge then sealed the transcript, which totals more than 500 pages.
Officials with the Newport-Mesa Unified School District and Castaic Union School District did not respond Wednesday to requests for comment.
Prosecutors and the Orange County Public Defender’s Office objected to the release of the school names, saying it could indirectly identify the victims and impede the criminal case. The Southern California News Group does not identify sex crime victims.
In her opening statement to the grand jury, Deputy Attorney General Amanda Casillas said that while Zeretzke was either in a hotel room near schools or at his residence, he made videos and took pictures of himself ejaculating onto and into the flutes, according to the transcript.
Children photographed using flutes
Then, later in classrooms, Zeretzke photographed children using the flutes, Casillas said.
By the time the flutes were collected and tested, none revealed evidence of any semen. The prosecutor said Zeretzke engaged in “constructive touching.”
“It’s constructive when the perpetrator, without actually touching the victim, causes the victim to touch herself with an object regardless of whether or not the perpetrator is present,” Casillas explained to the grand jury.
Zeretzke also is accused of rubbing a victim’s shoulders while in a classroom, massaging her back and whispering in her ear that she was pretty, the prosecutor said.
Social media accounts also show Zeretzke engaged in multiple online chats with another individual with whom he exchanged photos of the victims using the flutes, according to Casillas. In those chats, he described how his sexual desires and fantasies were fulfilled by the girls’ use of the flutes.
Flutes Across the World has worked with thousands of children across the United States, including school districts in Orange and Los Angeles counties, to create pairs of decorated flutes. Children taking part in the program would keep one flute, while the other was given away to a child in another country.
Flutes Across the World has led music missions to Haiti, the Philippines, Honduras and American Indian reservations. The organization also has sent “flute ambassadors” to Nepal, Africa and parts of southeast Asia, according to the organization’s website, which has since been removed.
Separate federal case pending
In a separate case, Zeretzke has agreed to plead guilty to one federal count of production of child pornography.
From Nov. 6, 2015, to May 28, 2016, Zeretzke tried to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity, according to a federal indictment.
Additionally, the indictment alleges that from Aug. 20 to Sept. 23, 2017, Zeretzke traveled to the Philippines to engage in sex with an individual who was 12 to 16 years old and received child pornography through his Facebook account.
Zeretzke is scheduled to formally enter a guilty plea in U.S. District Court on Oct. 20.


mercurynews--2020-07-09--California lake searched after ‘Glee’ actress Naya Rivera goes missing while boating

Authorities say “ Glee ” star Naya Rivera is missing and being searched for at a Southern California lake .
The Ventura County Sheriff ’ s Department late Wednesday confirmed that Rivera , 33 , is the person being searched for in the waters of Lake Piru , which is approximately 56 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles .
KNBC reported late Wednesday that Rivera rented a pontoon boat at the Lake Piru reservoir Wednesday and that her young son was found on the boat wearing a life vest .
Rivera ’ s identification was found on the boat .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ his mother and that he made it back to the boat , but Rivera did not .
Sheriff ’ s officials launched a boat and helicopter search Wednesday afternoon , but that had been suspended by nighttime .
The search will continue early Thursday .
Rivera ’ s 4-year-old son is from a marriage with actor Ryan Dorsey .
The couple finalized their divorce in June 2018 after nearly four years of marriage .
She called her young son “ my greatest success , and I will never do any better than him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sorry Not Sorry.
” The actress was engaged to rapper Big Sean in 2013 , but their relationship ended a year later .
The pair met on Twitter and collaborated musically , with the rapper appearing on Rivera ’ s debut single “ Sorry.
” Rivera played Santana , a cheerleader , in the musical-comedy “ Glee ” on Fox from 2009 until 2015 .
She dated co-star Mark Salling , who killed himself in 2018 after pleading guilty to child pornography charges .

Authorities say “Glee” star Naya Rivera is missing and being searched for at a Southern California lake.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department late Wednesday confirmed that Rivera, 33, is the person being searched for in the waters of Lake Piru, which is approximately 56 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles.
KNBC reported late Wednesday that Rivera rented a pontoon boat at the Lake Piru reservoir Wednesday and that her young son was found on the boat wearing a life vest. Rivera’s identification was found on the boat. The child told authorities about swimming with his mother and that he made it back to the boat, but Rivera did not.
Sheriff’s officials launched a boat and helicopter search Wednesday afternoon, but that had been suspended by nighttime. The search will continue early Thursday.
Rivera’s 4-year-old son is from a marriage with actor Ryan Dorsey. The couple finalized their divorce in June 2018 after nearly four years of marriage.
She called her young son “my greatest success, and I will never do any better than him” in her 2016 memoir, “Sorry Not Sorry.”
The actress was engaged to rapper Big Sean in 2013, but their relationship ended a year later. The pair met on Twitter and collaborated musically, with the rapper appearing on Rivera’s debut single “Sorry.”
Rivera played Santana, a cheerleader, in the musical-comedy “Glee” on Fox from 2009 until 2015. She dated co-star Mark Salling, who killed himself in 2018 after pleading guilty to child pornography charges.
#BREAKING: After an exhaustive pre-nightfall search in Lake Piru, CA, singer and actress Naya Rivera is presumed dead in an apparent drowning accident Wednesday afternoon. More at 11pm on @ABC7 Eyewitness News. #nayarivera pic.twitter.com/AJCYDbQxWt — Chris Cristi (@abc7chriscristi) July 9, 2020
The missing person at Lake Puru has been identified as Naya Rivera, 33, of Los Angeles. SAR operation will continue at first light. @VCAirUnit @fillmoresheriff @Cal_OES pic.twitter.com/bC3qaZS3Ra — Ventura Co. Sheriff (@VENTURASHERIFF) July 9, 2020


mercurynews--2020-07-09--Former Santa Cruz MS-13 gang leaders sentenced

SANTA CRUZ — Former Santa Cruz gang leaders arrested in connection with a 2017 Homeland Security operation have been sentenced to long-term prison sentences as part of federal plea deals struck with the men earlier this year .
Former Santa Cruz resident Tomas Rivera , a.k.a .
“ Jonas Portillo Escobar , ” a.k.a .
“ Profugo , ” a.k.a .
“ Caballo , ” was sentenced June 29 in the Northern District of California to 27 years in prison for conspiring to engage in racketeering , extortion by force and murder in aid of racketeering in connection with his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Santa Cruz-based chapter of the transnational street gang La Mara Salvatrucha , also known as MS-13 .
Rivera , 27 , of El Salvador , arrived in Santa Cruz in April of 2016 , where he soon stepped in as second-in-command of the Santa Cruz clique of the MS-13 gang , according to a media release from Homeland Security .
• California music instructor who gave semen-tainted flutes to students sentenced to 18 years in prison • Gilroy : Man arrested on suspicion of kidnapping , rape and attempted murder MS-13 gang member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” was sentenced , to 30 years ’ incarceration for using a firearm to cause murder , conspiracy to commit murder and extortion and racketeering conspiracy .
Martinez-Flores was a member of the Santa Cruz gang from at least January 2013 to February 2017 , and the first-in-command from about February to August 2014 , according to the Homeland Security release .
Martinez-Flores , 29 and a citizen of El Salvador , also admitted that he was one of the shooters who , on Sept. 22 , 2016 , killed a suspected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , of Santa Cruz .
The two men were among a dozen men arrested during February 2017 Homeland Security raids around Santa Cruz County and in nearby Daly City .
The arrests began as a Santa Cruz Police Department gang investigation in 2011 .
Nine additional defendants earlier pleaded guilty and were sentenced for their roles in the Santa Cruz and MS-13 criminal enterprise .
They include Ismael “ Casper ” Alvarenga-Rivera , Willfredo “ Chino ” Ayala-Garcia , Jose “ Largo ” David Abrego-Galdamez , Gerber “ Choco ” Morales , Emilio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Penguino ” Alcedis Escobar-Cerritos and Melvin “ Sharky ” Lopez .

SANTA CRUZ — Former Santa Cruz gang leaders arrested in connection with a 2017 Homeland Security operation have been sentenced to long-term prison sentences as part of federal plea deals struck with the men earlier this year.
Former Santa Cruz resident Tomas Rivera, a.k.a. “Jonas Portillo Escobar,” a.k.a. “Profugo,” a.k.a. “Caballo,” was sentenced June 29 in the Northern District of California to 27 years in prison for conspiring to engage in racketeering, extortion by force and murder in aid of racketeering in connection with his role as a leader of the local Santa Cruz-based chapter of the transnational street gang La Mara Salvatrucha, also known as MS-13. Rivera, 27, of El Salvador, arrived in Santa Cruz in April of 2016, where he soon stepped in as second-in-command of the Santa Cruz clique of the MS-13 gang, according to a media release from Homeland Security. Related Articles Crime and Public Safety | Man shot, killed by Colorado cop was holding a marker, not a weapon
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MS-13 gang member Alexander Martinez-Flores, a.k.a. “Pocar,” was sentenced, to 30 years’ incarceration for using a firearm to cause murder, conspiracy to commit murder and extortion and racketeering conspiracy. Martinez-Flores was a member of the Santa Cruz gang from at least January 2013 to February 2017, and the first-in-command from about February to August 2014, according to the Homeland Security release.
Martinez-Flores, 29 and a citizen of El Salvador, also admitted that he was one of the shooters who, on Sept. 22, 2016, killed a suspected rival gang member, 23-year-old Ernesto Leiva, of Santa Cruz.
The two men were among a dozen men arrested during February 2017 Homeland Security raids around Santa Cruz County and in nearby Daly City. The arrests began as a Santa Cruz Police Department gang investigation in 2011. Nine additional defendants earlier pleaded guilty and were sentenced for their roles in the Santa Cruz and MS-13 criminal enterprise. They include Ismael “Casper” Alvarenga-Rivera, Willfredo “Chino” Ayala-Garcia, Jose “Largo” David Abrego-Galdamez, Gerber “Choco” Morales, Emilio “Diablo” Escobar-Albarnga, Josue “Penguino” Alcedis Escobar-Cerritos and Melvin “Sharky” Lopez.


mercurynews--2020-07-09--Horoscopes July 9, 2020: Tom Hanks and Jack White share advice.

Happy Birthday : Your sensitivity toward others will come in handy this year .
Listen to your heart , and express the way you feel .
Offering your thoughts and listening to the response you receive will help you develop a workable plan that will encourage healthier relationships with the people who count .
Take the high road .
Share your feelings , and be open to suggestions .
Your numbers are 5 , 17 , 22 , 28 , 36 , 39 , 47 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Don ’ t get bogged down with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people ’ s problems .
Go about your business , and keep people at a distance .
It ’ s time to help yourself and associate with those who bring out the best in you .
3 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Stick to your plan , and finish what you start .
A positive change is heading your direction ; all you have to do is recognize and use what transpires to your benefit .
If you snooze , you lose .
Stay alert .
4 stars GEMINI ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t overreact or take on something that will make you look bad .
Set your sights on what ’ s doable and will inevitably help you present what you do best .
Hone your skills , and you ’ ll put an end to negative criticism .
2 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : A heart-to-heart talk will lead to workable solutions .
Be reasonable and willing to compromise , and you will avoid getting into an unnecessary argument that will lead to an irreversible change .
Look for the good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best .
5 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Take a virtual tour of a place you ’ d like to explore .
Join a social media group or master class to put you in touch with people who share your interests .
Distance yourself from negative people .
Arguing is a waste of time .
3 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Your suggestions will be well-received .
Before negotiating , go over every detail to ensure you are getting what you want .
Don ’ t let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Be sensitive to others ’ needs , but be sure to get a fair deal .
3 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Don ’ t get angry ; get moving .
If something doesn ’ t go the way you want , pick yourself up and start over .
Refuse to let other people ’ s opinions or criticism get you down .
Trust and believe in your abilities , and keep moving forward .
3 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Look into new possibilities .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good for your morale and inspire you to revise some of the attributes you enjoy using to fit current economic trends .
A unique idea you dream up will attract interest .
5 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Pull yourself together , and distance yourself from associates who don ’ t give enough in return for the help and things you offer out of generosity .
Shake things up , and concentrate on positive influences , people and the things you enjoy doing most .
2 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take a greater interest in the unknown .
Science and the unfamiliar will pique your interest and lead you in a direction that is exciting and challenging .
A lifestyle change will bring you closer to someone who shares your beliefs .
3 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Don ’ t make a drastic or hasty change because someone else does .
Pay closer attention to the things that make you happy , and adapt your daily routine to allow you more time to do something that brings you joy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 ) : Enjoy the people who offer the most in return .
Set aside time to enrich your mind and to exercise enough discipline to reach your goals .
Let your intuition guide you , and you will be happy with the results .
3 stars Birthday Baby : You are sensitive , caring and proactive .
You are intelligent and persuasive .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Fred Savage, 44; Jack White, 45; Tom Hanks, 64; Jimmy Smits, 65.
Happy Birthday: Your sensitivity toward others will come in handy this year. Listen to your heart, and express the way you feel. Offering your thoughts and listening to the response you receive will help you develop a workable plan that will encourage healthier relationships with the people who count. Take the high road. Share your feelings, and be open to suggestions. Your numbers are 5, 17, 22, 28, 36, 39, 47.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Don’t get bogged down with trivial matters, unnecessary arguments or other people’s problems. Go about your business, and keep people at a distance. It’s time to help yourself and associate with those who bring out the best in you. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Stick to your plan, and finish what you start. A positive change is heading your direction; all you have to do is recognize and use what transpires to your benefit. If you snooze, you lose. Stay alert. 4 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Don’t overreact or take on something that will make you look bad. Set your sights on what’s doable and will inevitably help you present what you do best. Hone your skills, and you’ll put an end to negative criticism. 2 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): A heart-to-heart talk will lead to workable solutions. Be reasonable and willing to compromise, and you will avoid getting into an unnecessary argument that will lead to an irreversible change. Look for the good in others, and offer your very best. 5 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Take a virtual tour of a place you’d like to explore. Join a social media group or master class to put you in touch with people who share your interests. Distance yourself from negative people. Arguing is a waste of time. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Your suggestions will be well-received. Before negotiating, go over every detail to ensure you are getting what you want. Don’t let an emotional issue cloud your vision. Be sensitive to others’ needs, but be sure to get a fair deal. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Don’t get angry; get moving. If something doesn’t go the way you want, pick yourself up and start over. Refuse to let other people’s opinions or criticism get you down. Trust and believe in your abilities, and keep moving forward. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Look into new possibilities. A change of pace or direction will be good for your morale and inspire you to revise some of the attributes you enjoy using to fit current economic trends. A unique idea you dream up will attract interest. 5 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Pull yourself together, and distance yourself from associates who don’t give enough in return for the help and things you offer out of generosity. Shake things up, and concentrate on positive influences, people and the things you enjoy doing most. 2 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You’ll take a greater interest in the unknown. Science and the unfamiliar will pique your interest and lead you in a direction that is exciting and challenging. A lifestyle change will bring you closer to someone who shares your beliefs. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Don’t make a drastic or hasty change because someone else does. Pay closer attention to the things that make you happy, and adapt your daily routine to allow you more time to do something that brings you joy. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Enjoy the people who offer the most in return. Set aside time to enrich your mind and to exercise enough discipline to reach your goals. Let your intuition guide you, and you will be happy with the results. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are sensitive, caring and proactive. You are intelligent and persuasive.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-07-09--Bridge: July 9, 2020

Bridge: July 9, 2020

“ I had a tough problem as declarer yesterday , ” one of my club ’ s better players told me .
“ Congratulations , ” I said .
“ You had a chance to shine.
” “ But this was a really tough problem.
” At four hearts , my friend ruffed West ’ s third high spade , drew trumps — West threw a diamond — and led the ace and a low diamond .
West ducked , and dummy won .
South next played a low club from both hands .
He ruffed the spade return and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 13th trick to East ’ s jack of clubs .
Down one .
How would you play four hearts ?
At Trick Four , South should lead his low diamond through West , whose double marks him with the king .
If West wins , South has 10 winners : five trumps , three diamonds and two clubs .
If instead West plays low , dummy wins , and South continues with the ace of diamonds , A-K of clubs and a third club conceded .
He can ruff his fourth club @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You hold : S A K Q 8 H 6 2 D K 10 9 6 3 C Q 5 .
The dealer , at your right , opens one heart .
You double , and your partner bids two clubs .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : Your double risked an unwelcome club response .
Take your medicine and pass .
A further call would show great strength .
Some pairs use “ equal-level conversion ” here and could bid two diamonds without promising extras .
Still , it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better contract .

“I had a tough problem as declarer yesterday,” one of my club’s better players told me.
“Congratulations,” I said. “You had a chance to shine.”
“But this was a really tough problem.”
“Then double congratulations.”
At four hearts, my friend ruffed West’s third high spade, drew trumps — West threw a diamond — and led the ace and a low diamond. West ducked, and dummy won. South next played a low club from both hands. He ruffed the spade return and took the A-K of clubs but lost the 13th trick to East’s jack of clubs. Down one.
“Too tough for me,” South said.
How would you play four hearts?
10 WINNERS
At Trick Four, South should lead his low diamond through West, whose double marks him with the king. If West wins, South has 10 winners: five trumps, three diamonds and two clubs.
If instead West plays low, dummy wins, and South continues with the ace of diamonds, A-K of clubs and a third club conceded. He can ruff his fourth club in dummy for his 10th trick.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S A K Q 8 H 6 2 D K 10 9 6 3 C Q 5. The dealer, at your right, opens one heart. You double, and your partner bids two clubs. What do you say?
ANSWER: Your double risked an unwelcome club response. Take your medicine and pass. A further call would show great strength. Some pairs use “equal-level conversion” here and could bid two diamonds without promising extras. Still, it’s unclear that two diamonds would be a better contract.
South dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S J 5 4
H K 8 5
D Q J 5 2
C A 8 4
WEST
S A K Q 8
H 6 2
D K 10 9 6 3
C Q 5
EAST
S 10 9 3 2
H 7 4 3
D 8 7
C J 10 9 3
SOUTH
S 7 6
H A Q J 10 9
D A 4
C K 7 6 2
South West North East
1 H Dbl Redbl 1 S
2 C 2 S 3 H Pass
4 H All Pass
Opening lead — S K
(C)2020 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-07-09--Word Game: July 9, 2020

Word Game: July 9, 2020

Can you find 27 or more words in ISINGLASS ?
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 — ISINGLASS (ISINGLASS: EYE-zin-glas: Mica, in thin transparent sheets.)
Average mark 19 words
Time limit 30 minutes
Can you find 27 or more words in ISINGLASS? The list will be published tomorrow.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — AVERAGED adage agar aged ager agree area aver average
veer verge eager eared edge edger evade ever rage ravage rave read reed gave gear
geed grade grave greed dare dear deer drag dragee dreg
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.


mercurynews--2020-07-09--Ask Amy: I’m a very sad mother, and it’s my daughter’s fault

Dear Amy : I have a 24-year-old daughter and a 21-year-old son .
I ’ ve raised them on my own .
The two of them are like night and day .
My son is extremely kind , does anything for me , and treats me with love and respect .
My daughter is always very rude .
She starts arguments with both her brother and with me over nothing .
She puts the blame on everyone else and refuses to talk about it .
I can ask her what time it is , and she will be convinced that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her so much , but I avoid even talking to her because I can ’ t stand the constant conflict .
I worry that if she is like this to others she will live a very lonely life .
I ’ ve even tried writing a letter , hoping she would try to understand I ’ m not ever trying to argue with her .
• Ask Amy : I just found out about my husband ’ s secret life • Ask Amy : I want my unhappy neighbor to leave me alone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very put off by my girlfriend ’ s relationship with her dog • Ask Amy : Our berserk neighbor keeps calling the cops , and now she has a camera on us • Ask Amy : I used the tuna casserole to send a message How do I get her to understand that no one is out to get her ?
I ’ m just trying to connect with her .
I want her to understand that I ’ m not going to live forever ; I don ’ t want her looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t try harder .
Worse than that , I worry that she will finally realize that she completely misunderstood every situation and caused all of this emotional pain for both of us .
This included one instance of her becoming physically abusive to me .
I had a wonderful relationship with my mom .
It saddens me that I don ’ t have one with my daughter .
I ’ m signing this with my tears .
Dear Sad : Physically attacking you puts your daughter ’ s behavior in an alarming category @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she should find somewhere else to live .
However , your letter contains some hyperbolic cues — and I wonder if your daughter might have inherited some tendencies from you .
For instance , has she really misunderstood every single interaction between the two of you ?
Every single one ?
Have you ever examined your own behavior to see if you might have made even one choice during her upbringing that might have contributed to her attitude ?
Did she experience a trauma of some kind that might have thrown her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t be around forever , and you ’ ll be sorry when I ’ m gone ” is a fairly manipulative approach .
It also puts your needs and perspective front and center .
Urge her to get professional help to talk through some of her challenges .
If you want to try to change the dynamic , you should stop being afraid of your daughter ’ s reactions .
And don ’ t compare her to her angelic brother .
Dear Amy : I am struggling over whether I want my father @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abusive when I was a child .
I have confronted him and set boundaries , but he doesn ’ t always respect them .
He will yell and use foul language toward me .
He still tries to be controlling , which causes arguments .
However , I have little social support , and sometimes he is supportive and a listening ear .
I don ’ t know how to make a final decision about his place in my life .
Can you help ?
Dear Confused : You don ’ t need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ father ’ s place in your life .
You do need to pay close attention to your own feelings and emotions — and less to his .
Always respond to him swiftly and proportionally .
If he attempts to control you , don ’ t argue with him .
Tell him , “ Nope – Dad , we ’ re not going to do that.
” Your response to yelling and foul language should be to either say , “ I won ’ t let you do that , ” and hang up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are in his presence — to immediately leave .
I do think it is a mistake , but a natural one , to seek support and a listening ear from someone who can not be counted on .
Understand that your father will never be what you want him to be .
Never .
Read , “ The Dance of Anger : A Woman ’ s Guide to Changing The Patterns Of Intimate Relationships , ” by Harriet Lerner ( 2014 , Avon ) .
Dear Amy : I applaud your response to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young woman whose boyfriend never wanted to get married .
I was that guy who would not even consider marriage — ever — because of my parents ’ divorce .
However , at age 35 , I married the gal that I have been with for 34 years .
Sometimes it takes a little bit of time and a little bit of luck !
Dear Greg : When it ’ s right , you just know .
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , NY 13068 .
You can also follow her on Twitter @ askingamy or Facebook .

Dear Amy: I have a 24-year-old daughter and a 21-year-old son. I’ve raised them on my own. The two of them are like night and day.
My son is extremely kind, does anything for me, and treats me with love and respect.
My daughter is always very rude. She starts arguments with both her brother and with me over nothing. She puts the blame on everyone else and refuses to talk about it. I can ask her what time it is, and she will be convinced that I yelled at her.
I love her so much, but I avoid even talking to her because I can’t stand the constant conflict. I worry that if she is like this to others she will live a very lonely life. I’ve even tried writing a letter, hoping she would try to understand I’m not ever trying to argue with her.
I’m at my wits’ end.
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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 How do I get her to understand that no one is out to get her? I’m just trying to connect with her. I want her to understand that I’m not going to live forever; I don’t want her looking back with regret that she didn’t try harder.
Worse than that, I worry that she will finally realize that she completely misunderstood every situation and caused all of this emotional pain for both of us. This included one instance of her becoming physically abusive to me.
I had a wonderful relationship with my mom. It saddens me that I don’t have one with my daughter.
I’m signing this with my tears.
A Very Sad Mother
Dear Sad: Physically attacking you puts your daughter’s behavior in an alarming category. If she lives in your home, she should find somewhere else to live.
However, your letter contains some hyperbolic cues — and I wonder if your daughter might have inherited some tendencies from you. For instance, has she really misunderstood every single interaction between the two of you? Every single one?
Have you ever examined your own behavior to see if you might have made even one choice during her upbringing that might have contributed to her attitude?
Did she experience a trauma of some kind that might have thrown her off course?
“I won’t be around forever, and you’ll be sorry when I’m gone” is a fairly manipulative approach. It also puts your needs and perspective front and center.
Urge her to get professional help to talk through some of her challenges.
If you want to try to change the dynamic, you should stop being afraid of your daughter’s reactions. And don’t compare her to her angelic brother.
Dear Amy: I am struggling over whether I want my father in my life.
He was very abusive when I was a child. I have confronted him and set boundaries, but he doesn’t always respect them. He will yell and use foul language toward me. He still tries to be controlling, which causes arguments.
However, I have little social support, and sometimes he is supportive and a listening ear.
I don’t know how to make a final decision about his place in my life. Can you help?
Confused in New Mexico
Dear Confused: You don’t need to make a final decision about your father’s place in your life. You do need to pay close attention to your own feelings and emotions — and less to his.
Always respond to him swiftly and proportionally. If he attempts to control you, don’t argue with him. Tell him, “Nope – Dad, we’re not going to do that.” Your response to yelling and foul language should be to either say, “I won’t let you do that,” and hang up the phone, or — if you are in his presence — to immediately leave.
I do think it is a mistake, but a natural one, to seek support and a listening ear from someone who cannot be counted on. Understand that your father will never be what you want him to be. Never.
Read, “The Dance of Anger: A Woman’s Guide to Changing The Patterns Of Intimate Relationships,” by Harriet Lerner (2014, Avon).
Dear Amy: I applaud your response to “In Love,” from the young woman whose boyfriend never wanted to get married.
I was that guy who would not even consider marriage — ever — because of my parents’ divorce. However, at age 35, I married the gal that I have been with for 34 years.
Sometimes it takes a little bit of time and a little bit of luck!
Greg
Dear Greg: When it’s right, you just know.
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--2020-07-10--As California tops 300,000 cases, delays, confusion hamper efforts to expand coronavirus testing

Public health officials and politicians repeatedly have touted widespread coronavirus testing as a key piece of containing the deadly pandemic and allowing Californians to get back to school , work , shopping and socializing .
But as California topped 300,000 cases on Thursday and reached records for average daily infections and deaths , an effort to dramatically expand the scope of testing appears to be cracking at the seams — hampered by supply shortages , mixed messaging , delayed testing results and a rash of new outbreaks .
And while the state is now conducting an average of around 106,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20,000 just a few months ago , that increase doesn ’ t tell the whole story .
Los Angeles this week actually narrowed its testing eligibility requirements .
Nearby San Bernardino canceled hundreds of appointments for tests because of short supplies .
Sacramento this week closed five sites in poor neighborhoods , pointing to a lack of supplies as the culprit .
From Kaiser to Stanford , major health care providers have warned that , once again , it is becoming harder to secure the supplies needed to test , which is in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ With more and more states increasing their testing capability , scarce testing resources are being diverted at the national level and stretched even more thin , once again putting serious limits on the ability to expand testing , ” Irene Chavez , senior vice president and area manager for Kaiser San Jose , said in a statement .
“ Testing labs around the country are reporting that their turnaround times for results have doubled in the last few weeks.
” Those climbing turnaround times , which can run more than a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everything from professional sports to family reunions .
This week , the San Francisco Giants bailed on a practice scheduled for Tuesday because COVID-19 tests conducted Saturday still hadn ’ t been processed .
Test processing delays also derailed the Oakland A ’ s first team workouts .
In some cases , tests are going missing altogether , leaving people wondering for weeks whether they have the highly infectious disease or not .
Convinced it would be too much of a hassle to go through his Kaiser doctor , David Whitlock initially got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ site run by Verily , a subsidiary of Alphabet , Google ’ s parent company .
He said he sent five emails in June in an attempt to find out his results , but with no luck .
Eventually , he was told to sign up for a new test under a different email because the system wouldn ’ t let him get retested under the original email without receiving a result .
Frustrated , he spotted a post on Nextdoor advertising free testing at El Camino Hospital and got tested there on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be online in about five days .
“ If I ’ m positive ( there ’ s a ) chance my kid is positive , and he ’ s going to summer camp right now , ” Whitlock said .
“ And so I ’ m not going to want to infect his whole 12-kid summer camp and all those teachers and … that whole domino effect.
” Some universities have heralded “ pooled testing ” — where samples of multiple people are tested at once , with individual re-testing if a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tool to help them reopen in the fall .
But that has failed to materialize on any kind of large scale , with some major institutions such as Stanford Health Care still waiting on approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration .
“ This would greatly increase our testing capacity and ability to support ongoing surveillance testing of specific populations within the community where prevalence is expected to be low , ” said Christina Kong , medical director and chief of pathology for Stanford Health Care .
And then there ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health officials , elected representatives and private testing providers .
Santa Clara County , which has offered free testing , published a new testing dashboard this week that suggests it is bearing the brunt of the testing burden and called on Kaiser , Sutter and other systems , which in many cases have restricted access and required doctor approval , to boost testing .
To great fanfare , hard-hit Los Angeles had advertised free COVID-19 testing to all residents — symptoms or not .
But this week , under a crush of demand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Its guidelines are now similar to Bay Area counties .
In Santa Clara County , the public health department mandates health care providers must test three groups : People with coronavirus symptoms , people who have had close contact with a person who tested positive , and those at higher risk of exposure because they work in front-line settings , ride mass transit or have attended a mass gathering , like a protest .
But that message is muddled by dueling opinions about who should be tested .
On its website , Kaiser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test if you currently have symptoms.
” There is no mention of testing those who have attended protests or who ride BART every day .
Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian , however , says just about everyone should be tested .
“ It ’ s important we be crisp and clear and direct in our message : If you can get yourself tested , go do it , ” he said during an interview the same day the county health department emailed a reporter outlining the three specific groups it says should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re going to have people going back to work , they need to be tested as often as they can .
If we ’ re going to have people reconnecting with their families , they need to be tested as often as they can.
” • Bolivia ’ s interim president says she has COVID-19 All of it has left people confused and consumer advocates such as Anthony Wright , executive director of the advocacy group Health Access , frustrated .
Wright understood restricting access to testing at the start of the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easier and broader access to testing across the entire public and private health system .
“ We ’ re going to need a strategy that goes beyond that , ” he said .
“ That ’ s how we ’ re going to control this virus .
”

Public health officials and politicians repeatedly have touted widespread coronavirus testing as a key piece of containing the deadly pandemic and allowing Californians to get back to school, work, shopping and socializing.
But as California topped 300,000 cases on Thursday and reached records for average daily infections and deaths, an effort to dramatically expand the scope of testing appears to be cracking at the seams — hampered by supply shortages, mixed messaging, delayed testing results and a rash of new outbreaks.
And while the state is now conducting an average of around 106,000 coronavirus tests per day, up from 20,000 just a few months ago, that increase doesn’t tell the whole story.
Los Angeles this week actually narrowed its testing eligibility requirements. Nearby San Bernardino canceled hundreds of appointments for tests because of short supplies. Sacramento this week closed five sites in poor neighborhoods, pointing to a lack of supplies as the culprit.
From Kaiser to Stanford, major health care providers have warned that, once again, it is becoming harder to secure the supplies needed to test and some labs are reporting processing backlogs, which is in turn delaying crucial return times for results.
“With more and more states increasing their testing capability, scarce testing resources are being diverted at the national level and stretched even more thin, once again putting serious limits on the ability to expand testing,” Irene Chavez, senior vice president and area manager for Kaiser San Jose, said in a statement. “Testing labs around the country are reporting that their turnaround times for results have doubled in the last few weeks.”
Those climbing turnaround times, which can run more than a week, are putting a damper on everything from professional sports to family reunions. This week, the San Francisco Giants bailed on a practice scheduled for Tuesday because COVID-19 tests conducted Saturday still hadn’t been processed. Test processing delays also derailed the Oakland A’s first team workouts.
In some cases, tests are going missing altogether, leaving people wondering for weeks whether they have the highly infectious disease or not.
Convinced it would be too much of a hassle to go through his Kaiser doctor, David Whitlock initially got tested in late May at a government-backed site run by Verily, a subsidiary of Alphabet, Google’s parent company. He said he sent five emails in June in an attempt to find out his results, but with no luck. Eventually, he was told to sign up for a new test under a different email because the system wouldn’t let him get retested under the original email without receiving a result.
Frustrated, he spotted a post on Nextdoor advertising free testing at El Camino Hospital and got tested there on Wednesday. He was told his results would be online in about five days.
“If I’m positive (there’s a) chance my kid is positive, and he’s going to summer camp right now,” Whitlock said. “And so I’m not going to want to infect his whole 12-kid summer camp and all those teachers and … that whole domino effect.”
Some universities have heralded “pooled testing” — where samples of multiple people are tested at once, with individual re-testing if a collection comes back positive — as a tool to help them reopen in the fall. But that has failed to materialize on any kind of large scale, with some major institutions such as Stanford Health Care still waiting on approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
“This would greatly increase our testing capacity and ability to support ongoing surveillance testing of specific populations within the community where prevalence is expected to be low,” said Christina Kong, medical director and chief of pathology for Stanford Health Care.
And then there’s the griping and mixed messaging among local health officials, elected representatives and private testing providers.
Santa Clara County, which has offered free testing, published a new testing dashboard this week that suggests it is bearing the brunt of the testing burden and called on Kaiser, Sutter and other systems, which in many cases have restricted access and required doctor approval, to boost testing.
To great fanfare, hard-hit Los Angeles had advertised free COVID-19 testing to all residents — symptoms or not. But this week, under a crush of demand, it scaled back the offer. Its guidelines are now similar to Bay Area counties.
In Santa Clara County, the public health department mandates health care providers must test three groups: People with coronavirus symptoms, people who have had close contact with a person who tested positive, and those at higher risk of exposure because they work in front-line settings, ride mass transit or have attended a mass gathering, like a protest.
But that message is muddled by dueling opinions about who should be tested. On its website, Kaiser says it recommends “getting a diagnostic test if you currently have symptoms.” There is no mention of testing those who have attended protests or who ride BART every day.
Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian, however, says just about everyone should be tested.
“It’s important we be crisp and clear and direct in our message: If you can get yourself tested, go do it,” he said during an interview the same day the county health department emailed a reporter outlining the three specific groups it says should be tested. “If we’re going to have people going back to work, they need to be tested as often as they can. If we’re going to have people reconnecting with their families, they need to be tested as often as they can.”
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“We’re going to need a strategy that goes beyond that,” he said. “That’s how we’re going to control this virus.”


mercurynews--2020-07-10--SF Giants: Posey still weighing decision to play, Hamilton, García placed on injured list for ‘medic

SF Giants: Posey still weighing decision to play, Hamilton, García placed on injured list for ‘medical reasons’

SAN FRANCISCO — With exactly two weeks until the Giants are scheduled to open the 2020 season at Dodger Stadium , Buster Posey was absent for a second consecutive day and missed a practice for the third time since the club began summer workouts at Oracle Park .
Manager Gabe Kapler said Posey is dealing with a personal matter away from the field and still weighing the option of sitting out the season due to concerns regarding the coronavirus pandemic .
“ He ’ s dealing with a personal decision and a personal issue right now and I just really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work on that , ” Kapler said .
Kapler has reiterated the Giants are in no rush for Posey or any other players potentially considering sitting out the season to come to a final decision .
“ We are going to take a family-first approach to this , ” Kapler said .
“ We will take it on as a responsibility to scramble as necessary , but we don ’ t want to rush these very personal decisions .
We want to respect and honor the stressors that people have that we may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five other catchers in camp including two , Rob Brantly and Tyler Heineman , who are viewed as primary candidates to serve as Posey ’ s backup if he elects to play .
If Posey chooses to sit out , Brantly and Heineman would likely both make the Opening Day roster while top prospect Joey Bart and minor league free-agent Chadwick Tromp would be viewed as next-in-line for playing time .
Kapler also announced Thursday that outfielder Billy Hamilton and left-handed reliever Jarlín García have been placed on the 10-day injured list .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ injured list for “ medical reasons , ” but declined to be more specific .
Teams can not announce whether player absences are directly related to positive COVID-19 tests unless players give permission to do so .
Pitcher Luís Madero and 2019 first round draft choice Hunter Bishop were the only players expected to partake in summer workouts who are known to have tested positive for the coronavirus .
Hamilton and García appeared to have an inside track on securing Opening Day roster spots during spring training , but after the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ player had taken the field at Oracle Park since the team returned for summer workouts .
Hamilton , who signed a minor league deal with the Giants in the offseason , figured to be in the mix for a potential depth role in the outfield and manager Gabe Kapler had not ruled out the idea of Hamilton earning at least a part-time starting job in center field .
García was a waiver wire acquisition claimed in February who spent parts of the last three seasons with the Marlins .
The left-hander posted a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last season and it was considered a surprising move when the Marlins designated him for assignment over the offseason .
Without Hamilton in camp , outfielders including Mauricio Dubón , Jaylin Davis , Mike Yastrezmski and Steven Duggar are among the players who have taken reps in center field .
It ’ s unlikely the Giants will settle on a full-time starter at the position and could rotate as many as three or four different players into center field on a regular basis .
With García on the injured list , the Giants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who could be poised to break summer camp as members of the Opening Day bullpen .
Southpaws including Andrew Suárez , Sam Selman , Conner Menez and even Caleb Baragar , a recent acquisition to the player pool , will all receive opportunities to impress the coaching staff and front office over the next two weeks .
The Giants will bring 30 players to Los Angeles as part of their Opening Day roster and are also permitted to have three players travel with the team on the “ taxi squad.
” Taxi squad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serve as replacements for injured players , players who must be placed on the coronavirus injured list or players who must sit out due to contract tracing protocols .

SAN FRANCISCO — With exactly two weeks until the Giants are scheduled to open the 2020 season at Dodger Stadium, Buster Posey was absent for a second consecutive day and missed a practice for the third time since the club began summer workouts at Oracle Park.
Manager Gabe Kapler said Posey is dealing with a personal matter away from the field and still weighing the option of sitting out the season due to concerns regarding the coronavirus pandemic.
“He’s dealing with a personal decision and a personal issue right now and I just really want that to be his time to work on that,” Kapler said.
Kapler has reiterated the Giants are in no rush for Posey or any other players potentially considering sitting out the season to come to a final decision.
“We are going to take a family-first approach to this,” Kapler said. “We will take it on as a responsibility to scramble as necessary, but we don’t want to rush these very personal decisions. We want to respect and honor the stressors that people have that we may not be seeing.”
The Giants have five other catchers in camp including two, Rob Brantly and Tyler Heineman, who are viewed as primary candidates to serve as Posey’s backup if he elects to play. If Posey chooses to sit out, Brantly and Heineman would likely both make the Opening Day roster while top prospect Joey Bart and minor league free-agent Chadwick Tromp would be viewed as next-in-line for playing time.
Kapler also announced Thursday that outfielder Billy Hamilton and left-handed reliever Jarlín García have been placed on the 10-day injured list. Kapler said the duo was on the injured list for “medical reasons,” but declined to be more specific.
Teams cannot announce whether player absences are directly related to positive COVID-19 tests unless players give permission to do so. Pitcher Luís Madero and 2019 first round draft choice Hunter Bishop were the only players expected to partake in summer workouts who are known to have tested positive for the coronavirus.
Hamilton and García appeared to have an inside track on securing Opening Day roster spots during spring training, but after the coronavirus pandemic brought baseball to a halt, neither player had taken the field at Oracle Park since the team returned for summer workouts.
Hamilton, who signed a minor league deal with the Giants in the offseason, figured to be in the mix for a potential depth role in the outfield and manager Gabe Kapler had not ruled out the idea of Hamilton earning at least a part-time starting job in center field.
García was a waiver wire acquisition claimed in February who spent parts of the last three seasons with the Marlins. The left-hander posted a 3.02 ERA in 53 games for Miami last season and it was considered a surprising move when the Marlins designated him for assignment over the offseason.
Without Hamilton in camp, outfielders including Mauricio Dubón, Jaylin Davis, Mike Yastrezmski and Steven Duggar are among the players who have taken reps in center field. It’s unlikely the Giants will settle on a full-time starter at the position and could rotate as many as three or four different players into center field on a regular basis.
With García on the injured list, the Giants have an intriguing group of left-handed pitchers who could be poised to break summer camp as members of the Opening Day bullpen. Southpaws including Andrew Suárez, Sam Selman, Conner Menez and even Caleb Baragar, a recent acquisition to the player pool, will all receive opportunities to impress the coaching staff and front office over the next two weeks.
The Giants will bring 30 players to Los Angeles as part of their Opening Day roster and are also permitted to have three players travel with the team on the “taxi squad.” Taxi squad players are not active, but can serve as replacements for injured players, players who must be placed on the coronavirus injured list or players who must sit out due to contract tracing protocols.


mercurynews--2020-07-10--New ‘Hamilton’ special to accompany the film on Disney+

OK , so you ’ ve seen the new “ Hamilton ” film .
Now what ?
One week after premiering “ Hamilton , ” the filmed version of the original Broadway production , Disney+ is releasing a new special conversation special , in which cast members and historians address the legacy of the groundbreaking musical .
“ Hamilton : History Has Its Eyes on You ” drops Friday , July 10 on the streaming service .
Hosted by ABC News ’ “ Good Morning America ” co-anchor Robin Roberts , “ Hamilton : History Has Its Eyes On You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discussion ” about the film and features “ Hamilton ” ’ s creator , its director and cast members of the original Broadway production .
A Harvard Historian also shares insight on the historical relevance and accuracy of the production .
“ It was an immense pleasure speaking with this talented group , ” said Roberts in a statement released by Disney .
“ After you listen to their insights and perspectives it will heighten your viewing of Hamilton .
Such an engaging , enlightening conversation.
” “ Hamilton : History Has Its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ star Lin-Manuel Miranda , director Thomas Kail , cast members from the original Broadway production ; Christopher Jackson ( George Washington ) , Leslie Odom Jr. ( Aaron Burr ) , Phillipa Soo ( Eliza Hamilton ) , Renée Elise Goldsberry , ( Angelica Schuyler ) , Daveed Diggs ( Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson ) and Harvard historian and Professor Annette Gordon-Reed .
Okieriete Onaodowan ( Hercules Mulligan and James Madison ) appears in the tape piece at the top of the show .
The special , says producers , encompasses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show ’ s creation and creative process to its remarkable relevance and today ’ s current social and political realities .
As America tries to undergo a right-now revolution in racial awareness , can parallels with “ Hamilton ’ s ” take on the 1776 American Revolution guide its audience ’ s thoughts and feelings ?
Is “ Hamilton ” true to history , and what can we learn from what really happened more than 250 years ago as our nation began to search for the meaning of freedom ?

OK, so you’ve seen the new “Hamilton” film. Now what?
Let’s discuss.
One week after premiering “Hamilton,” the filmed version of the original Broadway production, Disney+ is releasing a new special conversation special, in which cast members and historians address the legacy of the groundbreaking musical.
“Hamilton: History Has Its Eyes on You” drops Friday, July 10 on the streaming service.
Hosted by ABC News’ “Good Morning America” co-anchor Robin Roberts, “Hamilton: History Has Its Eyes On You” is described as “an intimate discussion” about the film and features “Hamilton”’s creator, its director and cast members of the original Broadway production.
A Harvard Historian also shares insight on the historical relevance and accuracy of the production.
“It was an immense pleasure speaking with this talented group,” said Roberts in a statement released by Disney. “After you listen to their insights and perspectives it will heighten your viewing of Hamilton. Such an engaging, enlightening conversation.”
“Hamilton: History Has Its Eyes On You” features creator and star Lin-Manuel Miranda, director Thomas Kail, cast members from the original Broadway production; Christopher Jackson (George Washington), Leslie Odom Jr.(Aaron Burr), Phillipa Soo (Eliza Hamilton), Renée Elise Goldsberry, (Angelica Schuyler), Daveed Diggs (Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson) and Harvard historian and Professor Annette Gordon-Reed. Okieriete Onaodowan (Hercules Mulligan and James Madison) appears in the tape piece at the top of the show.
The special, says producers, encompasses topics that range from questions about the show’s creation and creative process to its remarkable relevance and today’s current social and political realities.
As America tries to undergo a right-now revolution in racial awareness, can parallels with “Hamilton’s” take on the 1776 American Revolution guide its audience’s thoughts and feelings? Is “Hamilton” true to history, and what can we learn from what really happened more than 250 years ago as our nation began to search for the meaning of freedom?


mercurynews--2020-07-10--SF Giants’ Darin Ruf keeps slugging after chance to play overseas falls through

SAN FRANCISCO — During the first live batting practices of summer workouts , pitchers appear to be “ ahead ” of hitters at Oracle Park .
It ’ s never a surprise when hitters don ’ t have their timing down and are still adjusting their swing mechanics after a long layoff , but it should be taken as a good sign for the Giants and manager Gabe Kapler that slugger Darin Ruf feels he has plenty of catching up to do .
Despite being slightly out of his comfort zone at the plate , Ruf launched a pair of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to left field– during live batting practice at China Basin Thursday .
• San Francisco Giants ’ 2021 schedule release leaves us with three questions • Coronavirus : How the Giants are staging socially distant workouts for 50-plus players • Five things we learned at the Giants ’ workout : Gausman picks up where he left off , Belt injured Ruf , who last appeared in the majors in 2016 with the Phillies , said the doubles in San Francisco are nothing new .
“ My claim to fame here is hitting a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Madison ) Bumgarner back in the day , ” Ruf said .
“ I didn ’ t realize that triples were cool and I need to stretch it out next time.
” The Giants are thrilled to have Ruf , who will be 34 on July 28 , in camp after he torched Cactus League pitchers during spring training and appeared to be a lock for the Opening Day roster .
After spending the last three seasons making his mark as one of the top hitters in the Korean Baseball League , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States in the offseason and signed a minor league deal with the Giants .
Ruf said Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi convinced his agent San Francisco should be his preferred destination because the club needed another right-handed power presence in a National League West division loaded with left-handed starting pitchers .
“ Once ( the Giants ) were able to make that offer , it was great to know that I had the opportunity to come back here , ” Ruf said .
“ It was appealing because I know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a lot of lefties , I knew I would possibly be able to carve out a role so I was excited about that.
” Ruf hit a combined 86 home runs and posted a .968 OPS over three seasons with the Samsung Lions in the Korean Baseball League , but wanted to pursue an opportunity to return to the majors before he hit the final stages of his career .
The power-hitting right-hander isn ’ t a natural fit at any one defensive position , but the Giants fell in love with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ training and used him at first base and in the corner outfield spots .
“ What I find really interesting is that Darin Ruf was able to pick up right where he left off during our regular spring training , ” Kapler said after Ruf ’ s workout Thursday .
Major League Baseball ’ s decision to bring the designated hitter to the National League in 2020 only helps Ruf ’ s chances to contribute this season , so there ’ s more reason for the Giants to be excited about his addition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again at the major league level , the former Phillies first baseman almost didn ’ t return to Oracle Park for summer workouts .
During the layoff period spurred by the pandemic , Ruf considered opportunities overseas and admitted Thursday he and the Giants explored a way for him to play in Japan when the Nippon Professional Baseball league restarted .
“ I think everyone handled it the best way they could , ” Ruf said .
“ I respect the Giants ’ position to want to hold onto me knowing that I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get off and I think they could respect my point of view that I could go play baseball in this uncertain time and I just wanted to have a little bit of certainty in my life for my family .
I think everyone handled it very professionally and with as much respect as we could through the tough times.
” Ruf said he didn ’ t think it was bittersweet to watch the Korean Baseball League and Nippon Professional Baseball return before Major League Baseball because he ’ s energized by the opportunity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ successful return to play of those leagues gives him reason to be optimistic .
With time running low and his swinging looking strong , Ruf is simply happy to be back on a baseball field .
“ I ’ m probably closer toward the end of my career so I definitely wanted to play at some point this year and not have this be the end and luckily we were able to try to get a season going here , ” Ruf said .
“ I think if things keep moving this way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Giants .
”

SAN FRANCISCO — During the first live batting practices of summer workouts, pitchers appear to be “ahead” of hitters at Oracle Park.
It’s never a surprise when hitters don’t have their timing down and are still adjusting their swing mechanics after a long layoff, but it should be taken as a good sign for the Giants and manager Gabe Kapler that slugger Darin Ruf feels he has plenty of catching up to do.
Despite being slightly out of his comfort zone at the plate, Ruf launched a pair of doubles –one to right field and another to left field– during live batting practice at China Basin Thursday.
Ruf, who last appeared in the majors in 2016 with the Phillies, said the doubles in San Francisco are nothing new.
“My claim to fame here is hitting a double in Triples Alley off of (Madison) Bumgarner back in the day,” Ruf said. “I didn’t realize that triples were cool and I need to stretch it out next time.”
The Giants are thrilled to have Ruf, who will be 34 on July 28, in camp after he torched Cactus League pitchers during spring training and appeared to be a lock for the Opening Day roster.
After spending the last three seasons making his mark as one of the top hitters in the Korean Baseball League, the Nebraska native committed to returning to the United States in the offseason and signed a minor league deal with the Giants.
Ruf said Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi convinced his agent San Francisco should be his preferred destination because the club needed another right-handed power presence in a National League West division loaded with left-handed starting pitchers.
“Once (the Giants) were able to make that offer, it was great to know that I had the opportunity to come back here,” Ruf said. “It was appealing because I know the divisions, I know there’s a lot of lefties, I knew I would possibly be able to carve out a role so I was excited about that.”
Ruf hit a combined 86 home runs and posted a .968 OPS over three seasons with the Samsung Lions in the Korean Baseball League, but wanted to pursue an opportunity to return to the majors before he hit the final stages of his career.
The power-hitting right-hander isn’t a natural fit at any one defensive position, but the Giants fell in love with his approach at the plate during spring training and used him at first base and in the corner outfield spots.
“What I find really interesting is that Darin Ruf was able to pick up right where he left off during our regular spring training,” Kapler said after Ruf’s workout Thursday.
Major League Baseball’s decision to bring the designated hitter to the National League in 2020 only helps Ruf’s chances to contribute this season, so there’s more reason for the Giants to be excited about his addition.
Despite his desire to prove himself again at the major league level, the former Phillies first baseman almost didn’t return to Oracle Park for summer workouts.
During the layoff period spurred by the pandemic, Ruf considered opportunities overseas and admitted Thursday he and the Giants explored a way for him to play in Japan when the Nippon Professional Baseball league restarted.
“I think everyone handled it the best way they could,” Ruf said. “I respect the Giants’ position to want to hold onto me knowing that I could possibly help them at the season get off and I think they could respect my point of view that I could go play baseball in this uncertain time and I just wanted to have a little bit of certainty in my life for my family. I think everyone handled it very professionally and with as much respect as we could through the tough times.”
Ruf said he didn’t think it was bittersweet to watch the Korean Baseball League and Nippon Professional Baseball return before Major League Baseball because he’s energized by the opportunity to help the Giants and says the successful return to play of those leagues gives him reason to be optimistic.
With time running low and his swinging looking strong, Ruf is simply happy to be back on a baseball field.
“I’m probably closer toward the end of my career so I definitely wanted to play at some point this year and not have this be the end and luckily we were able to try to get a season going here,” Ruf said. “I think if things keep moving this way we will and to hopefully help the Giants.”


mercurynews--2020-07-10--Bill Nye breaks down mask wearing in TikTok video

Bill Nye the Science Guy took to TikTok to demonstrate why the general public should wear a mask .
“ Why do people in the scientific community want you to wear a face mask when you are out in public ?
” Nye asks in his social video .
“ Masks prevent particles from my respiratory system from getting into your respiratory system… Blocking the movement of air is an old trick.
” Nye then uses a candle to show how much air and other respiratory particles escape his mouth when it is covered by a variety of fabrics .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to demonstrate how it is used to block the wind from his neck , but when he covers his mouth with it , the scarf is not as effective .
The candle gets blown out .
Next , he uses a homemade two-layer cotton mask that has a pipe cleaner in the top to conform it to his nose .
The candle moves , but remains lit , showing that even a DIY sewing project can keep air and respiratory particles from escaping .
In a second video , he continues his experiment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candle remains unaffected .
“ The reason we want you to wear a mask is to protect you , sure , but the main reason we want you to wear a mask to protect ME from YOU !
” He exclaims towards the end of the video .
“ This is literally a matter of life or death.
” Nye ’ s videos have been viewed over seven million times since he posted them on Wednesday , and they were even shared by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on Twitter .
Face coverings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a certain number of cities as well .
Though the use of masks has been somewhat controversial over the course of the coronavirus pandemic , a recent study found that the use of masks and face coverings has been the most effective way to reduce person-to-person spread of coronavirus .

[vemba-video id=”us/2020/07/09/bill-nye-tiktok-urges-people-to-wear-mask-mh-orig.cnn”]
By Lauren M. Johnson | CNN
Bill Nye the Science Guy took to TikTok to demonstrate why the general public should wear a mask.
“Why do people in the scientific community want you to wear a face mask when you are out in public?” Nye asks in his social video.
“Masks prevent particles from my respiratory system from getting into your respiratory system… Blocking the movement of air is an old trick.”
Nye then uses a candle to show how much air and other respiratory particles escape his mouth when it is covered by a variety of fabrics.
He starts with a plain ordinary scarf to demonstrate how it is used to block the wind from his neck, but when he covers his mouth with it, the scarf is not as effective. The candle gets blown out.
Next, he uses a homemade two-layer cotton mask that has a pipe cleaner in the top to conform it to his nose. The candle moves, but remains lit, showing that even a DIY sewing project can keep air and respiratory particles from escaping.
In a second video, he continues his experiment with an N-95 mask, and the candle remains unaffected.
“The reason we want you to wear a mask is to protect you, sure, but the main reason we want you to wear a mask to protect ME from YOU!” He exclaims towards the end of the video.
“This is literally a matter of life or death.”
Nye’s videos have been viewed over seven million times since he posted them on Wednesday, and they were even shared by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on Twitter.
Face coverings are required in a handful of states and a certain number of cities as well. Though the use of masks has been somewhat controversial over the course of the coronavirus pandemic, a recent study found that the use of masks and face coverings has been the most effective way to reduce person-to-person spread of coronavirus.


mercurynews--2020-07-10--Berkeley cops may be stripped of traffic ticket duties

BERKELEY — If you run a red light in Berkeley or commit some other traffic no-no , you soon won ’ t have to worry about getting stopped by a police officer .
But you better hope that person from the city ’ s transportation department was looking the other way and didn ’ t spot you .
That ’ s because Berkeley could become the first city in the nation where unarmed transportation employees , not police officers , will be making routine traffic stops .
It ’ s part of the city ’ s effort to redefine law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Black Lives Matter movement .
“ Berkeley residents have made it clear that the current model of policing is not working for our city , ” said council member Rigel Robinson , who is pushing for the change in who dishes off tickets and interacts with scofflaws .
“ I ’ m excited to continue the conversation on reimagining public safety , starting with the way we conduct enforcement on our streets , ” Robinson added .
His proposal calls for creating a new city department of transportation with a staff of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and handle traffic violation stops .
Last week , the Berkeley City Council became the latest Bay Area city to defund its police department in the wake of national outrage over the police killing of George Floyd on Memorial Day in Minneapolis .
The council slashed $ 9.2 million from the department ’ s budget .
Mayor Jesse Arreguín described the cut as “ a down payment in reimagining public safety in Berkeley ” as the city examines the best way to redirect money from the police department to other services .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turn deadly , ” Robinson said in his statement , mentioning Philando Castile , Sandra Bland and Maurice Gordon , three Black motorists killed by police during traffic stops across the nation for minor offenses .
“ A serious discussion of the role of modern policing , and the harm it has disproportionately inflicted on Black communities , is incomplete without a focus on traffic enforcement.
” His proposal to shift responsibility for traffic violation stops and parking citations will be considered Tuesday by the City Council .
It is co-sponsored by Arrequin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Droste and supported by Walk Bike Berkeley and other community groups — as well as a national researcher on the issue of racial profiling in traffic stops .
Police pull over more than 20 million motorists a year nationwide , making traffic stops the most common interaction Americans have with officers , according to Robinson ’ s office .
A 2015 U.S. Department of Justice report found Blacks were more likely to be pulled over than whites and Hispanics .
The report said Black people , at 9.8 % , were stopped more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % , and brown people , at 7.6 % .
And a 2018 report by Center for Policing Equity found that Berkeley police stopped Black and brown drivers and pedestrians at even higher rates .
It found that in 2012-16 , 36 % of drivers stopped by police were Black , even though Black residents make up only 8 % of Berkeley ’ s population .
The report also said Black drivers were 6.5 times more likely than white drivers to be stopped by Berkeley police .
Robinson ’ s proposal “ sounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a researcher at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain , Connecticut , who has done studies on traffic stops and racial profiling .
“ Berkeley appears to be one of the first cities in the nation to be exploring this innovative approach to conducting traffic enforcement , ” Barone said in an email .
He said that in his experience , traffic stops of Black and Hispanic drivers are “ pretext stops , ” where police are looking for other offenses in addition to traffic violations .
“ This is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to different communities , which has helped to create our current national climate , ” he said .
“ I think the proposal from Berkeley is the kind of innovation we need as we consider how to reimagine policing in America .
As a researcher , I will be fascinated to observe how this unfolds and to study the effectiveness of the approach , ” Barone continued .
Berkeley Police Department spokesman Byron White said police Chief Andrew Greenwood does not comment on council legislation .
Several Berkeley community advocates spoke in support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We can no longer ignore the coercive and sometimes violent nature of policing , ” said Nathan Mizell , vice chairman of the Berkeley Police Review Commission .
The proposed Berkeley Department of Transportation “ gives our community an opportunity to honestly address the disparate impacts of policing in transportation and implement new public safety solutions that allow all those who come to Berkeley to walk , bike and commute safely.
” Darrell Owens of East Bay for Everyone , an Oakland nonprofit that advocates for housing , transit , tenants and planning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the most common and feared police stop for Black and brown residents , who fear they may be shot or arrested for accusations unrelated to the stop .
Militarizing traffic stops is a fairly recent concept that can be reversed .
As we ’ ve proven with parking enforcement , giving motorists tickets and moving on does not require a gun or a police officer.
” Barnali Ghosh of Walk Bike Berkeley , which lobbies for safe walking and biking , said it supports creating a Department of Transportation to handle traffic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involvement in traffic-related issues has too often harmed Black communities , ” Ghosh said .

BERKELEY — If you run a red light in Berkeley or commit some other traffic no-no, you soon won’t have to worry about getting stopped by a police officer.
But you better hope that person from the city’s transportation department was looking the other way and didn’t spot you.
That’s because Berkeley could become the first city in the nation where unarmed transportation employees, not police officers, will be making routine traffic stops.
It’s part of the city’s effort to redefine law enforcement’s role in response to the Black Lives Matter movement.
“Berkeley residents have made it clear that the current model of policing is not working for our city,” said council member Rigel Robinson, who is pushing for the change in who dishes off tickets and interacts with scofflaws.
“I’m excited to continue the conversation on reimagining public safety, starting with the way we conduct enforcement on our streets,” Robinson added.
His proposal calls for creating a new city department of transportation with a staff of unarmed employees who would write parking citations and handle traffic violation stops.
Last week, the Berkeley City Council became the latest Bay Area city to defund its police department in the wake of national outrage over the police killing of George Floyd on Memorial Day in Minneapolis. The council slashed $9.2 million from the department’s budget.
Mayor Jesse Arreguín described the cut as “a down payment in reimagining public safety in Berkeley” as the city examines the best way to redirect money from the police department to other services.
“Far too often, routine traffic stops turn deadly,” Robinson said in his statement, mentioning Philando Castile, Sandra Bland and Maurice Gordon, three Black motorists killed by police during traffic stops across the nation for minor offenses. “A serious discussion of the role of modern policing, and the harm it has disproportionately inflicted on Black communities, is incomplete without a focus on traffic enforcement.”
His proposal to shift responsibility for traffic violation stops and parking citations will be considered Tuesday by the City Council. It is co-sponsored by Arrequin and council members Ben Bartlett and Lori Droste and supported by Walk Bike Berkeley and other community groups — as well as a national researcher on the issue of racial profiling in traffic stops.
Police pull over more than 20 million motorists a year nationwide, making traffic stops the most common interaction Americans have with officers, according to Robinson’s office. A 2015 U.S. Department of Justice report found Blacks were more likely to be pulled over than whites and Hispanics.
The report said Black people, at 9.8%, were stopped more often than white people, at 8.6%, and brown people, at 7.6%.
And a 2018 report by Center for Policing Equity found that Berkeley police stopped Black and brown drivers and pedestrians at even higher rates.
It found that in 2012-16, 36% of drivers stopped by police were Black, even though Black residents make up only 8% of Berkeley’s population. The report also said Black drivers were 6.5 times more likely than white drivers to be stopped by Berkeley police.
Robinson’s proposal “sounds very promising,” said Ken Barone, a researcher at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, Connecticut, who has done studies on traffic stops and racial profiling.
“Berkeley appears to be one of the first cities in the nation to be exploring this innovative approach to conducting traffic enforcement,” Barone said in an email.
He said that in his experience, traffic stops of Black and Hispanic drivers are “pretext stops,” where police are looking for other offenses in addition to traffic violations. “This is a clear indication that police apply different laws to different communities, which has helped to create our current national climate,” he said.
“I think the proposal from Berkeley is the kind of innovation we need as we consider how to reimagine policing in America. As a researcher, I will be fascinated to observe how this unfolds and to study the effectiveness of the approach,” Barone continued.
Berkeley Police Department spokesman Byron White said police Chief Andrew Greenwood does not comment on council legislation.
Several Berkeley community advocates spoke in support of Robinson’s plan.
“We can no longer ignore the coercive and sometimes violent nature of policing,” said Nathan Mizell, vice chairman of the Berkeley Police Review Commission. The proposed Berkeley Department of Transportation “gives our community an opportunity to honestly address the disparate impacts of policing in transportation and implement new public safety solutions that allow all those who come to Berkeley to walk, bike and commute safely.”
Darrell Owens of East Bay for Everyone, an Oakland nonprofit that advocates for housing, transit, tenants and planning, said, “The traffic stop is the most common and feared police stop for Black and brown residents, who fear they may be shot or arrested for accusations unrelated to the stop. Militarizing traffic stops is a fairly recent concept that can be reversed. As we’ve proven with parking enforcement, giving motorists tickets and moving on does not require a gun or a police officer.”
Barnali Ghosh of Walk Bike Berkeley, which lobbies for safe walking and biking, said it supports creating a Department of Transportation to handle traffic stops. “We recognize that police involvement in traffic-related issues has too often harmed Black communities,” Ghosh said.