mercurynews--2020-06-03--One-third of America’s record unemployment payout hasn’t arrived

Almost one-third of unemployment benefits estimated to be owed to the millions of Americans who lost their jobs as a result of the coronavirus slump haven ’ t been paid yet , as flagship policies struggle to cope with the unprecedented wave of layoffs .
The Treasury disbursed $ 146 billion in unemployment benefits in the three months through May , according to data published Monday — more than in the whole of 2009 , when jobless rates peaked after the financial crisis .
But even that historic figure falls short of a total bill that should have reached about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to Bloomberg calculations based on weekly unemployment filings and the average size of those claims .
The estimated gap of some $ 67 billion shows how emergency efforts to boost payments — and deliver them via creaking state-level systems — are lagging the needs of a jobs crisis that ’ s seen more than 40 million people file for unemployment as the economy shut down .
The gaps in America ’ s social safety net are becoming apparent at the same time as protests erupt over longstanding racial inequities .
The debate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even as the pandemic continues is also turning acrimonious , in a nation that increasingly feels like a tinderbox .
There ’ s “ a huge hole , ” said Jay Shambaugh , an economist at Brookings Institution who has been tracking the unemployment payments .
“ There ’ s a lot more money that should have gone out that has not gone out.
” The bill is still mounting .
Economists estimate that another 1.8 million people filed for unemployment last week .
That data is due out on Thursday , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to show a jobless rate of 19.5 % in May , the highest since the Great Depression .
When the pandemic struck , policy makers responded with a $ 600-a-week boost to unemployment benefits , alongside measures to make more people eligible .
The aim was to stop the spread of the virus by encouraging laid-off workers to stay home , and cushion its economic impact by replacing lost incomes , sometimes in full .
But for many people the money simply hasn ’ t turned up .
Bob Radcliffe , who lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his job selling touchscreen displays to retailers in early March .
He filed for unemployment shortly afterwards , expecting to get the state ’ s maximum payment , about $ 1,300 a week after the federal top-up .
By that reckoning , he ’ s now owed almost $ 15,000 .
But Radcliffe , who has four children under eight , says he still hasn ’ t received any benefits or an explanation for the holdup .
For now , he ’ s taking advantage of the three-month mortgage forbearance on offer at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last commission check .
“ I ’ ve had money to live .
I ’ m not a desperate case , ” he said .
“ But I ’ m running out.
” The Treasury reports its unemployment disbursements daily .
Bloomberg ’ s calculation of what should have been paid is based on continuing claims for benefits , including those filed under a special program that widened the safety net to include contractors and gig workers .
( It assumes filings for missing weeks in May will be in line with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claims were multiplied by the weekly unemployment benefit , using the $ 378 state average plus the $ 600 boost that ’ s due to expire at the end of July .
In response to questions from Bloomberg News , a spokesperson for the Labor Department said that using its weekly claims report , which delineates those filing for continuing benefits each week , was “ not an effective data point to get at unpaid claims.
” The department doesn ’ t track how many claims haven ’ t been paid , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenging to use these numbers because states are struggling to keep up with demand and some have backlogs they are working through , ” the spokesperson said .
When all that paperwork is done , the Bloomberg calculation probably understates the total amount owed to unemployed Americans .
It doesn ’ t include the millions of workers around the country still waiting to have claims processed by overloaded systems , or the retroactive benefits owed to some of the 7.8 million people now claiming under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program for independent contractors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incomplete because not all states have reported how many of their residents have filed PUA claims .
In Texas where more than 2.6 million unique claims for jobless benefits have been filed since March , the backlog of cases still waiting to be verified at the end of last week stood at almost 650,000 .
The state has expanded call centers and redeployed other workers to help deal with the claims .
But attention has also shifted to other tasks like reopening the economy and helping people find jobs , though that will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the state ’ s oil and gas industry , for example , has filed for unemployment .
Those jobs will probably come back in the end , according to Jesse Thompson , a senior business economist at the Houston branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas , but it may take until early 2022 to run off the inventories of crude oil that piled up while the economy was in lockdown .
“ It ’ s going to be a protracted recovery.
” Nationally , economists expect the economy to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this year –- possibly at record rates , as states reopen .
The bill for unemployment benefits will likely peak in May or June , according to Shambaugh at Brookings .
Republicans and Democrats have begun debating whether to extend at least some of the extra unemployment payments beyond their July expiration date .
Business owners have complained that the benefits , which on average equate to an annual salary of more than $ 50,000 , are discouraging employees from returning to work .
But scrapping them could prompt a new crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy ’ s recovery .
Diane Swonk , chief economist at Grant Thornton LLP , says that failure to extend benefits may end up prolonging the crisis .
But she ’ s worried that Congress , which has approved emergency measures worth some $ 2.2 trillion during the pandemic , may be suffering from “ fiscal fatigue.
” “ We ’ re really talking about an economy that is going to be operating at a fraction of its capacity for a long period of time , ” she said .
At the local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with ageing computer systems and unemployment programs that can seem more designed to slow payments than expedite them .
Small mistakes can hold up claims for weeks .
So can things like forgotten online passwords , with some states insisting on sending new ones out by the post , according to Michele Evermore , a senior researcher at the National Employment Law Project who ’ s been documenting such shortcomings for years .
• Coronavirus : Layoffs at Best Buy and Bed , Bath & Beyond • Stitch Fix says it will cut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point to the difference in the scale of the unemployment crisis in the U.S. versus European and other advanced economies with more robust safety nets .
Stimulus checks of as much as $ 1,200 per adult from the federal government have helped many families pay the rent or initial food bills .
But that amounts to a little more than a week ’ s unemployment benefits for many who lost their jobs .
“ On paper , the U.S. strategy is very generous , ” said Ernie Tedeschi , a former U.S. Treasury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But that generosity on paper is meaningless if it doesn ’ t translate into actual money in people ’ s pockets when they need it .
”

By Shawn Donnan and Catarina Saraiva, Bloomberg
Almost one-third of unemployment benefits estimated to be owed to the millions of Americans who lost their jobs as a result of the coronavirus slump haven’t been paid yet, as flagship policies struggle to cope with the unprecedented wave of layoffs.
The Treasury disbursed $146 billion in unemployment benefits in the three months through May, according to data published Monday — more than in the whole of 2009, when jobless rates peaked after the financial crisis.
But even that historic figure falls short of a total bill that should have reached about $214 billion for the period, according to Bloomberg calculations based on weekly unemployment filings and the average size of those claims.
The estimated gap of some $67 billion shows how emergency efforts to boost payments — and deliver them via creaking state-level systems — are lagging the needs of a jobs crisis that’s seen more than 40 million people file for unemployment as the economy shut down.
Safety net
The gaps in America’s social safety net are becoming apparent at the same time as protests erupt over longstanding racial inequities. The debate over how and when to reopen businesses even as the pandemic continues is also turning acrimonious, in a nation that increasingly feels like a tinderbox.
There’s “a huge hole,” said Jay Shambaugh, an economist at Brookings Institution who has been tracking the unemployment payments. “There’s a lot more money that should have gone out that has not gone out.”
The bill is still mounting. Economists estimate that another 1.8 million people filed for unemployment last week. That data is due out on Thursday, while Friday’s monthly numbers are forecast to show a jobless rate of 19.5% in May, the highest since the Great Depression.
When the pandemic struck, policy makers responded with a $600-a-week boost to unemployment benefits, alongside measures to make more people eligible. The aim was to stop the spread of the virus by encouraging laid-off workers to stay home, and cushion its economic impact by replacing lost incomes, sometimes in full.
But for many people the money simply hasn’t turned up.
‘Running out’
Bob Radcliffe, who lives in Morristown, New Jersey, lost his job selling touchscreen displays to retailers in early March. He filed for unemployment shortly afterwards, expecting to get the state’s maximum payment, about $1,300 a week after the federal top-up.
By that reckoning, he’s now owed almost $15,000. But Radcliffe, who has four children under eight, says he still hasn’t received any benefits or an explanation for the holdup. For now, he’s taking advantage of the three-month mortgage forbearance on offer at his bank, and surviving on his last commission check.
“I’ve had money to live. I’m not a desperate case,” he said. “But I’m running out.”
The Treasury reports its unemployment disbursements daily. Bloomberg’s calculation of what should have been paid is based on continuing claims for benefits, including those filed under a special program that widened the safety net to include contractors and gig workers. (It assumes filings for missing weeks in May will be in line with the average in preceding weeks).
Those claims were multiplied by the weekly unemployment benefit, using the $378 state average plus the $600 boost that’s due to expire at the end of July.
State backlogs
In response to questions from Bloomberg News, a spokesperson for the Labor Department said that using its weekly claims report, which delineates those filing for continuing benefits each week, was “not an effective data point to get at unpaid claims.” The department doesn’t track how many claims haven’t been paid, the spokesperson said.
“It is also challenging to use these numbers because states are struggling to keep up with demand and some have backlogs they are working through,” the spokesperson said.
When all that paperwork is done, the Bloomberg calculation probably understates the total amount owed to unemployed Americans.
It doesn’t include the millions of workers around the country still waiting to have claims processed by overloaded systems, or the retroactive benefits owed to some of the 7.8 million people now claiming under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program for independent contractors. That 7.8 million figure is also incomplete because not all states have reported how many of their residents have filed PUA claims.
‘Protracted recovery’
In Texas where more than 2.6 million unique claims for jobless benefits have been filed since March, the backlog of cases still waiting to be verified at the end of last week stood at almost 650,000.
The state has expanded call centers and redeployed other workers to help deal with the claims. But attention has also shifted to other tasks like reopening the economy and helping people find jobs, though that will take time.
One in five workers in the state’s oil and gas industry, for example, has filed for unemployment. Those jobs will probably come back in the end, according to Jesse Thompson, a senior business economist at the Houston branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, but it may take until early 2022 to run off the inventories of crude oil that piled up while the economy was in lockdown. “It’s going to be a protracted recovery.”
Nationally, economists expect the economy to be creating jobs again in the second half of this year –- possibly at record rates, as states reopen. The bill for unemployment benefits will likely peak in May or June, according to Shambaugh at Brookings.
Republicans and Democrats have begun debating whether to extend at least some of the extra unemployment payments beyond their July expiration date. Business owners have complained that the benefits, which on average equate to an annual salary of more than $50,000, are discouraging employees from returning to work. But scrapping them could prompt a new crisis for millions of families and slow the economy’s recovery.
‘Fiscal fatigue’
Diane Swonk, chief economist at Grant Thornton LLP, says that failure to extend benefits may end up prolonging the crisis. But she’s worried that Congress, which has approved emergency measures worth some $2.2 trillion during the pandemic, may be suffering from “fiscal fatigue.”
“We’re really talking about an economy that is going to be operating at a fraction of its capacity for a long period of time,” she said.
At the local level, underinvestment has left many states with ageing computer systems and unemployment programs that can seem more designed to slow payments than expedite them. Small mistakes can hold up claims for weeks. So can things like forgotten online passwords, with some states insisting on sending new ones out by the post, according to Michele Evermore, a senior researcher at the National Employment Law Project who’s been documenting such shortcomings for years.
The delays also point to the difference in the scale of the unemployment crisis in the U.S. versus European and other advanced economies with more robust safety nets.
Stimulus checks of as much as $1,200 per adult from the federal government have helped many families pay the rent or initial food bills. But that amounts to a little more than a week’s unemployment benefits for many who lost their jobs.
“On paper, the U.S. strategy is very generous,” said Ernie Tedeschi, a former U.S. Treasury economist now at Evercore ISI. “But that generosity on paper is meaningless if it doesn’t translate into actual money in people’s pockets when they need it.”


mercurynews--2020-06-03--Letter: San Jose Police chief must show us what is in his heart

Re : “ ‘ Let ’ s get this motherf—ker ’ : San Jose officer benched after viral protest comments ” ( Mercurynews.com , May 31 ) : On Friday , San Jose Police Chief Eddie Garcia tweeted , “ San Jose , we have heard you , ” along with his impassioned speech to recruits about what it means to be SJPD .
In that speech , he says , “ We treat them professionally because we are professional .
… Because our brand means something.
” That night , we watched one of his officers , Jared Yuen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peaceful protesters .
And Sunday , Garcia defended him , claiming the officer just got too emotional .
“ To me it ’ s not about training .
It ’ s about what ’ s in your heart , ” he had said in his speech on Friday .
“ You can get trained amazingly , but if you have malice in your heart , it doesn ’ t matter how you ’ re trained.
” • Letter : Am I so different from the officers ?
How do I change ?
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against him is fraudulent ?
• Letter : Trump the right man to lead us out of this mess • Letter : Why is there so much plastic being produced ?
• Letter : Even trainees where I work can halt risky action–cops can ’ t ?
SJPD Officer Jared Yuen has shown us what ’ s in his heart .
And it ’ s time for Garcia to show us what ’ s in his .
If he would arm Yuen , with weapons and authority , and send him back into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us and his brand means nothing .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Re: “‘Let’s get this motherf—ker’: San Jose officer benched after viral protest comments” (Mercurynews.com, May 31):
On Friday, San Jose Police Chief Eddie Garcia tweeted, “San Jose, we have heard you,” along with his impassioned speech to recruits about what it means to be SJPD.
In that speech, he says, “We treat them professionally because we are professional. … Because our brand means something.”
That night, we watched one of his officers, Jared Yuen, taunt and hurl profanities at relatively peaceful protesters.
And Sunday, Garcia defended him, claiming the officer just got too emotional.
“To me it’s not about training. It’s about what’s in your heart,” he had said in his speech on Friday. “You can get trained amazingly, but if you have malice in your heart, it doesn’t matter how you’re trained.”
Related Articles Letters to the Editor | Letters: Escape Bay Area | CASA program | Feinstein replacement | Faulty comparison | Not conservatives
Letters: Escape Bay Area | CASA program | Feinstein replacement | Faulty comparison | Not conservatives Letters to the Editor | Letters: Psychiatric beds | SJSU neglect | Squandering cash | Overdoing coverage | Pac-12 negotiations | For climate’s sake | Electric appliances
Letters: Psychiatric beds | SJSU neglect | Squandering cash | Overdoing coverage | Pac-12 negotiations | For climate’s sake | Electric appliances Letters to the Editor | Letters: Abandoning tenants | Deaf culture | Western contributions | Conservative alienation | Precise language
Letters: Abandoning tenants | Deaf culture | Western contributions | Conservative alienation | Precise language Letters to the Editor | Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path
Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps SJPD Officer Jared Yuen has shown us what’s in his heart. And it’s time for Garcia to show us what’s in his. If he would arm Yuen, with weapons and authority, and send him back into our community, he has not heard us and his brand means nothing.
Jennette Holzworth
San Jose
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
Read more Letters to the Editor


mercurynews--2020-06-03--Bridge: June 3, 2020

Bridge: June 3, 2020

“ Do you think that older is better ?
” one of my club ’ s senior players asked me .
“ My technique is as good as ever , maybe better , but I tend to lose my focus more often.
” My friend showed me today ’ s deal .
He was declarer at a bold slam , and West led the jack of diamonds .
“ I took the ace , ” my friend said , “ and cashed the A-K of trumps .
When West discarded , I basically gave up .
I took my three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and exited with a trump .
East led the jack of clubs , and I lost a club at the end .
I can ’ t believe I went down.
” Older may be better ( unless you ’ re a banana ) , but when a player passes his three score and ten , he can miss a winning play simply from having a blind spot .
After South takes the A-K of trumps , he can lead a diamond to his hand , finesse with the queen of clubs and cash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spade tricks and exits with a trump .
East must return a diamond or a spade , and South discards his last club as dummy ruffs .
You hold : S K Q 4 H A K 6 2 D 9 4 C A Q 5 4 .
You open one diamond , and your partner bids one heart .
In today ’ s deal , North raised to four hearts with this hand .
Do you agree with that call ?
ANSWER : North ’ s bid was aggressive .
His hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a half hearts .
I might have raised to four hearts when vulnerable .
Otherwise , I would have settled for three hearts , especially since many modern players are apt to respond with light hands .

“Do you think that older is better?” one of my club’s senior players asked me. “My technique is as good as ever, maybe better, but I tend to lose my focus more often.”
My friend showed me today’s deal. He was declarer at a bold slam, and West led the jack of diamonds.
“I took the ace,” my friend said, “and cashed the A-K of trumps. When West discarded, I basically gave up. I took my three spade tricks and my other high diamond and exited with a trump. East led the jack of clubs, and I lost a club at the end. I can’t believe I went down.”
BLIND SPOT
Older may be better (unless you’re a banana), but when a player passes his three score and ten, he can miss a winning play simply from having a blind spot. After South takes the A-K of trumps, he can lead a diamond to his hand, finesse with the queen of clubs and cash the ace.
South then takes his spade tricks and exits with a trump. East must return a diamond or a spade, and South discards his last club as dummy ruffs.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S K Q 4 H A K 6 2 D 9 4 C A Q 5 4. You open one diamond, and your partner bids one heart. In today’s deal, North raised to four hearts with this hand. Do you agree with that call?
ANSWER: North’s bid was aggressive. His hand was worth a raise to three and a half hearts. I might have raised to four hearts when vulnerable. Otherwise, I would have settled for three hearts, especially since many modern players are apt to respond with light hands.
North dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S K Q 4
H A K 6 2
D 9 4
C A Q 5 4
WEST
S 10 6 5
H 9
D J 10 8 7 2
C K 10 9 6
EAST
S 9 8 7 2
H Q J 5
D Q 6 5 3
C J 8
SOUTH
S A J 3
H 10 8 7 4 3
D A K
C 7 3 2
North East South West
1 C Pass 1 H Pass
4 H Pass 6 H All Pass
Opening lead — D J
(C)2020 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-06-03--Horoscopes June 3, 2020: Anderson Cooper and an ’emotional situation’

Happy Birthday : Put greater emphasis on development and updates .
Expand your knowledge and skills to fit the trends .
Preparing for the future will ease stress and make you feel comfortable as you move forward .
An emotional situation will require thought , consideration and additional adjustments that will encourage you to let go of problems .
Your numbers are 9 , 14 , 22 , 29 , 32 , 38 , 46 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Settle into something that makes you question what ’ s best for you .
Keep your life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too much or overreacting .
Put your health and daily routines first .
Build physical strength , and strive to look your best .
3 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Think twice before you jump into something that has more challenges than you are prepared to handle .
Take care of unfinished business , and rethink how to deal with people who have been demanding .
A change should ease stress , not make matters worse .
3 stars GEMINI ( May 21-June 20 ) : Learn all you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will require you to compete with someone who challenges you .
Don ’ t expect others to play fair .
Use intelligence , preparation and knowledge to win .
Your memory will serve you well .
3 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Step things up a notch , and pursue your dreams .
Let your creative imagination lead the way , and you will come up with a plan that will open doors and change your life .
A positive transformation is heading your way .
5 stars LEO ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moment to rethink your next step .
An inappropriate move or change will set you back .
Aggressively look for every possible alternative before you commit to anything that makes you feel uncertain .
Spend less on unnecessary items .
You can not buy love .
2 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : A change will be the beginning of a new , exciting period .
Let go of the past and the people who have caused you grief , and pick your associates with care .
A strong support group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
4 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Take inventory , and consider what you need and what you can let go .
Question what you have been doing with your time and how you can be more productive .
Choose projects that excite you and help you grow personally and professionally .
3 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Share your feelings , and discuss any changes you want to make .
The input you receive will put your mind at ease and help put your plans in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stick to a budget that won ’ t leave you scrambling .
3 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Put greater emphasis on relationships , how others treat you and who is being honest and open with you .
If something doesn ’ t measure up , be direct and find out exactly where you stand .
A change you make will turn out better than anticipated .
3 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Don ’ t disregard an online job post or an invitation to a virtual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s time to shake things up and make some positive adjustments to what you do or how you live .
4 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Keep your emotions under control when dealing with situations involving peers , neighbors or relatives .
You ’ ll do much better taking a closer look into what you are doing and how well you are taking care of yourself .
Personal growth is favored .
2 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Think matters through before you take action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legal or medical issues that concern you .
If you want to be helpful , offer knowledge , not cash .
Consider what ’ s holding you back , then rectify the problem .
5 stars Birthday Baby : You are distinctive , charming and imaginative .
You are passionate and convincing .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Imogen Poots, 31; Rafael Nadal, 34; Anderson Cooper, 53; James Purefoy, 56.
Happy Birthday: Put greater emphasis on development and updates. Expand your knowledge and skills to fit the trends. Preparing for the future will ease stress and make you feel comfortable as you move forward. An emotional situation will require thought, consideration and additional adjustments that will encourage you to let go of problems. Your numbers are 9, 14, 22, 29, 32, 38, 46.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Settle into something that makes you question what’s best for you. Keep your life simple, and refrain from taking on too much or overreacting. Put your health and daily routines first. Build physical strength, and strive to look your best. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Think twice before you jump into something that has more challenges than you are prepared to handle. Take care of unfinished business, and rethink how to deal with people who have been demanding. A change should ease stress, not make matters worse. 3 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Learn all you can before you step into a situation that will require you to compete with someone who challenges you. Don’t expect others to play fair. Use intelligence, preparation and knowledge to win. Your memory will serve you well. 3 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Step things up a notch, and pursue your dreams. Let your creative imagination lead the way, and you will come up with a plan that will open doors and change your life. A positive transformation is heading your way. 5 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Take a moment to rethink your next step. An inappropriate move or change will set you back. Aggressively look for every possible alternative before you commit to anything that makes you feel uncertain. Spend less on unnecessary items. You cannot buy love. 2 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): A change will be the beginning of a new, exciting period. Let go of the past and the people who have caused you grief, and pick your associates with care. A strong support group will be the backbone of your success. 4 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Take inventory, and consider what you need and what you can let go. Question what you have been doing with your time and how you can be more productive. Choose projects that excite you and help you grow personally and professionally. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Share your feelings, and discuss any changes you want to make. The input you receive will put your mind at ease and help put your plans in motion. Expand your mind, but stick to a budget that won’t leave you scrambling. 3 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Put greater emphasis on relationships, how others treat you and who is being honest and open with you. If something doesn’t measure up, be direct and find out exactly where you stand. A change you make will turn out better than anticipated. 3 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Don’t disregard an online job post or an invitation to a virtual reunion with old friends or associates. It’s time to shake things up and make some positive adjustments to what you do or how you live. 4 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Keep your emotions under control when dealing with situations involving peers, neighbors or relatives. You’ll do much better taking a closer look into what you are doing and how well you are taking care of yourself. Personal growth is favored. 2 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Think matters through before you take action. Spend more time addressing financial, legal or medical issues that concern you. If you want to be helpful, offer knowledge, not cash. Consider what’s holding you back, then rectify the problem. 5 stars
Birthday Baby: You are distinctive, charming and imaginative. You are passionate and convincing.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-06-03--Word Game: June 3, 2020

Word Game: June 3, 2020

TODAY ’ S WORD — APPRISE ( APPRISE : uh-PRIZE : To give notice to ; tell . )
Can @ @ @ @ @ words in APPRISE ?
The list will be published tomorrow .
To purchase the Word @ @ @ @ @ .
Order it now for just $ 5 while supplies last !
1 .
Words @ @ @ @ @ more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “ @ @ @ @ @ “ bats ” or “ dies , ” are not allowed .
3 .
Additional @ @ @ @ @ “ d ” or an “ s ” may not be used .
For example @ @ @ @ @ is used , “ baked ” or “ bakes ” are not allowed , but @ @ @ @ @ baking ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper nouns , slang words , or vulgar @ @ @ @ @ not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — APPRISE (APPRISE: uh-PRIZE: To give notice to; tell.)
Average mark 24 words
Time limit 40 minutes
Can you find 34 or more words in APPRISE? The list will be published tomorrow.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — BARGAIN baaing bang baring barn brag brain bran
brig bring again agar airbag aria rain rang rani ring gain garb gnar grab grain
grin
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--2020-06-04--Steph Curry and Warriors join in Oakland protest

Dressed head-to-toe in black , his right fist thrust firmly in the air , Steph Curry took a knee alongside several hundred protesters Wednesday in Oakland .
Along with four other Warriors , Curry joined a 3.4 mile march around Oakland ’ s Lake Merritt to protest the death of George Floyd last week at the hands of Minneapolis police .
The march was organized by Curry ’ s teammate Juan Toscano-Anderson , a Castro Valley native of African American and Mexican descent .
“ My name is Juan Toscano-Anderson , and I play for the Warriors , ” Curry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the two-time NBA MVP looked on .
“ But , before the Warriors , I ’ m a black man .
Half black .
Half Mexican.
” In addition to Curry and Toscano-Anderson , Klay Thompson , Damian Lee and Kevon Looney marched alongside protesters wearing black , carrying signs and chanting “ NO RACIST POLICE .
NO JUSTICE , NO PEACE.
” After four days of protests in Oakland , some violent , Toscano-Anderson made an announcement via Twitter late Tuesday night .
“ JOIN US TOMORROW .
PEACEFULLY !
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ details of the event .
The march began with eight minutes of silence — protesters laying chest-down on the lawn at the Lake Merritt Amphitheater — representing the amount of time Floyd lay on the street while police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck , killing him .
The silence was interrupted by Floyd ’ s last words .
Cries of “ I CAN ’ T BREATHE , ” “ MAMA ” and “ MY NECK ” echoed across the lake .
Curry , Lee and Toscano-Anderson then began marching with protesters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County courthouse and onto Lake Merritt Blvd .
Midway through the march , Thompson and Looney joined Curry and Lee as Toscano-Anderson led .
Eventually , the march rounded onto Lakeside Drive .
In happier times , this is where the Warriors ’ championship parades have ended .
“ I ’ ve got people in the locker room who are not only going to stand up for what I stand up for , but who are actually going to stand up with me , ” Toscano-Anderson said .
“ It ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through a wall for those guys now.
” As protests unfolded across the country in the days since Floyd ’ s death , Toscano-Anderson and a group of childhood friends felt they needed to do something for their community .
After exchanging texts and phone calls , the group made the decision to arrange the peaceful protest around 8:30 pm Tuesday night .
By 10:15 , they posted their plans to social media .
They had no idea how many people would turn out on such short notice .
As protesters filed into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ayesha quietly made an entrance and took a seat .
They were not approached for autographs or selfies .
This wasn ’ t a day for anything like that .
“ People know what they mean to the Warriors community , ” Toscano-Anderson said of the Currys .
“ But , unless you ’ re from Oakland , you don ’ t really understand what Steph means to the Oakland community.
” While helping organize the protest , Toscano-Anderson was nervous about the blowback he might receive .
After all , he only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after toiling in Mexico ’ s professional league and the G League , and figures to be deep on Golden State ’ s bench next season , if he makes the roster at all .
But he received the support of the Warriors organization , which was only buoyed by Curry ’ s appearance .
“ If I got Steph Curry out here with me , nobody trippin , ” Toscano-Anderson said .
Confidently , Toscano-Anderson helped lead the march , breaking at intersections to talk to the group of protesters with his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , wearing a black face mask and dark sunglasses under a black bucket hat , chanted “ DON ’ T SHOOT ” and put both hands in the air before kneeling for another moment of silence .
As the country deals with the fallout of Floyd ’ s death , the sports world has grappled with how to make a statement while preserving its own business interests , and the NBA is finalizing plans to resume its season .
Last week , the Warriors issued a statement saying “ We condemn , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perpetrated against members of the Black community , and we call on all people to channel their justifiable anger into creating a more just and equitable society.
” Prepared statements can only do so much .
The NBA ’ s players , a majority of whom are black , are in a unique position to help bring awareness to these issues .
“ It ’ s not a million people , it ’ s not 100,000 people , it ’ s not 10,000 people , but it ’ s a crowd , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just a step in the right direction.
” • Steve Kerr , Gregg Popovich and Pete Carroll praise Colin Kaepernick ’ s message in wake of George Floyd ’ s death • Report : Warriors ’ season is over as NBA moves to start playoffs • Warriors mailbag : Return of the ‘ Death Lineup ’ and backup point guards

Dressed head-to-toe in black, his right fist thrust firmly in the air, Steph Curry took a knee alongside several hundred protesters Wednesday in Oakland.
Along with four other Warriors, Curry joined a 3.4 mile march around Oakland’s Lake Merritt to protest the death of George Floyd last week at the hands of Minneapolis police. The march was organized by Curry’s teammate Juan Toscano-Anderson, a Castro Valley native of African American and Mexican descent.
“My name is Juan Toscano-Anderson, and I play for the Warriors,” Curry’s teammate said through a megaphone as the two-time NBA MVP looked on. “But, before the Warriors, I’m a black man. Half black. Half Mexican.”
In addition to Curry and Toscano-Anderson, Klay Thompson, Damion Lee and Kevon Looney marched alongside protesters wearing black, carrying signs and chanting “NO RACIST POLICE. NO JUSTICE, NO PEACE.”
After four days of protests in Oakland, some violent, Toscano-Anderson made an announcement via Twitter late Tuesday night. “JOIN US TOMORROW. PEACEFULLY!” he wrote above a flyer that provided details of the event.
JOIN US TOMORROW. PEACEFULLY! pic.twitter.com/Z9Ji3QtqBl — Juan Toscano Anderson (@juanonjuan10) June 3, 2020
The march began with eight minutes of silence — protesters laying chest-down on the lawn at the Lake Merritt Amphitheater — representing the amount of time Floyd lay on the street while police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck, killing him.
The silence was interrupted by Floyd’s last words. Cries of “I CAN’T BREATHE,” “MAMA” and “MY NECK” echoed across the lake.
Curry, Lee and Toscano-Anderson then began marching with protesters, first in front of the Alameda County courthouse and onto Lake Merritt Blvd. Midway through the march, Thompson and Looney joined Curry and Lee as Toscano-Anderson led.
Eventually, the march rounded onto Lakeside Drive. In happier times, this is where the Warriors’ championship parades have ended.
“I’ve got people in the locker room who are not only going to stand up for what I stand up for, but who are actually going to stand up with me,” Toscano-Anderson said. “It’s a different feeling. I’d run through a wall for those guys now.”
As protests unfolded across the country in the days since Floyd’s death, Toscano-Anderson and a group of childhood friends felt they needed to do something for their community. After exchanging texts and phone calls, the group made the decision to arrange the peaceful protest around 8:30 pm Tuesday night. By 10:15, they posted their plans to social media. They had no idea how many people would turn out on such short notice.
As protesters filed into the amphitheater, Curry and his wife Ayesha quietly made an entrance and took a seat. They were not approached for autographs or selfies. This wasn’t a day for anything like that.
“People know what they mean to the Warriors community,” Toscano-Anderson said of the Currys. “But, unless you’re from Oakland, you don’t really understand what Steph means to the Oakland community.”
Steph Curry and Ayesha Curry marching around Lake Merritt. pic.twitter.com/g56rHydnD5 — Wes Goldberg (@wcgoldberg) June 3, 2020
While helping organize the protest, Toscano-Anderson was nervous about the blowback he might receive. After all, he only made his NBA debut this past season after toiling in Mexico’s professional league and the G League, and figures to be deep on Golden State’s bench next season, if he makes the roster at all.
But he received the support of the Warriors organization, which was only buoyed by Curry’s appearance. “If I got Steph Curry out here with me, nobody trippin,” Toscano-Anderson said.
Confidently, Toscano-Anderson helped lead the march, breaking at intersections to talk to the group of protesters with his megaphone. At one corner, Curry, wearing a black face mask and dark sunglasses under a black bucket hat, chanted “DON’T SHOOT” and put both hands in the air before kneeling for another moment of silence.
As the country deals with the fallout of Floyd’s death, the sports world has grappled with how to make a statement while preserving its own business interests, and the NBA is finalizing plans to resume its season.
Last week, the Warriors issued a statement saying “We condemn, in no uncertain terms, racism and violence perpetrated against members of the Black community, and we call on all people to channel their justifiable anger into creating a more just and equitable society.”
Prepared statements can only do so much. The NBA’s players, a majority of whom are black, are in a unique position to help bring awareness to these issues.
“It’s not a million people, it’s not 100,000 people, it’s not 10,000 people, but it’s a crowd,” Toscano-Anderson said. “It’s just a step in the right direction.”


mercurynews--2020-06-04--Review: ‘Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics’ brings diversity of fun to family game night

If there ’ s one consistent message in the year 2020 , it ’ s this : People should stay inside .
The coronavirus has left people sheltering in place and civil unrest has made curfews widespread .
As America swings from one crisis to another , home life has become more important as families see hours of quality time stretching out before them .
They can spend it binging Netflix series or they can turn to “ Clubhouse Games : 51 Worldwide Classics ” on the Nintendo Switch .
Yes , title doesn ’ t exactly roll off the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the console ’ s library packs plenty of amusement for a family game night .
Leveraging the versatility of the Joy-Con and the system ’ s touch screen , the developers at Agenda have programmed 51 fine-tuned games plus a rudimentary piano for players .
The roster is a mix of card games , board games , toy-based curiosities and other pastimes .
“ Clubhouse Games ” supports up to four players and has an online mode .
Through a free downloadable program on Nintendo eShop , players who have the full game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That means one full version can support multiple consoles for local play .
At its core , “ Clubhouse Games ” is a party title .
It ’ s a project that excels in group settings — much like a board game .
Competitors can argue over the lucky roll in Yacht Dice — aka Yahtzee — or they can test their skills at Darts by using the Joy-Con motion controls .
The games themselves don ’ t take too long and they ’ re easy to pick up and play thanks to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like Checkers , Dominoes and Chess .
They ’ ll even recognize carbon copies of childhood favorites such as Sorry !
, Uno and Connect 4 , albeit they ’ re listed by their non-copyrighted names .
• Why now is the time to embrace video games for kids • Impressions : 5 Lessons from the early game of ‘ Maneater ’ Agenda leveraged the visual power of the Switch to create lifelike facsimiles of various games and adapted each so that it feels close to the original .
The tactile sensation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t there but the core strategy of outhinking the opponent remains .
“ Clubhouse Games ” has a trade-off .
Although the feel of a classic game isn ’ t entirely there , the fact that players can jump in without setting up pieces or cleaning up is a major benefit .
It also lets players cycle through the amusements at a rapid-fire pace .
If your group decides Toy Boxing isn ’ t cutting it , you can switch over to Blackjack in a minute .
If Slot Car Racing grows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 6-Ball Puzzle , a “ Tetris ” -style diversion .
What ’ s great is that “ Clubhouse Games ” tallies the wins and losses for each competition .
It ’ s essentially the unbiased scorekeeper and arbiter though I wouldn ’ t try arguing over the rules with the Switch .
It is going to ignore you .
If a player wants to enjoy the distractions of “ Clubhouse Games ” alone , Agenda supports that as well with surprisingly good single-player mode .
It gives them access to all 51 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ battle the computer .
In addition , titles such as Klondike and Spider solitaire are meant to be played alone .
Agenda rewards players for their victories with medals and players can try more difficult versions to test their skill .
They can even earn cosmetic upgrades such as Mario-themed cards for playing through a single-player mode .
The most surprising element of “ Clubhouse Games ” is the educational factor .
Many of the 51 worldwide classics have their origins in different cultures and feature long histories .
Agenda acknowledges that and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Mancala , from anicent Egypt , and Hanafuda , a card game that Nintendo originally manufactured .
The developer groups the activities in themes and ties them to unlockable figurines that act as guides through each game .
This single-player mode is a great way to learn the basics of each enterprise .
It gives gamers who a chance to learn a new pastime in a welcoming environment .
They ’ ll have all the virtual equipment and rules at hand .
“ Clubhouse Games ” does a decent job of teaching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Shogi or Riichi Mahjong are complicated , but thankfully , Agenda presents these games intuitively .
It allows players to learn the games through the best teacher — experience .
The sheer variety in “ Clubhouse Games ” is its strength .
The developers maximize the fun of these tried-and-true games by making them easy to play so the focus stays on what makes each of them great .
Even if fans don ’ t like one activity , there ’ s plenty of others to choose from and they can perhaps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passion on .
3 stars out of 4 Platform : Nintendo Switch Rating : Everyone

If there’s one consistent message in the year 2020, it’s this: People should stay inside. The coronavirus has left people sheltering in place and civil unrest has made curfews widespread.
As America swings from one crisis to another, home life has become more important as families see hours of quality time stretching out before them. They can spend it binging Netflix series or they can turn to “Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics” on the Nintendo Switch.
Yes, the title doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, but the latest entry to the console’s library packs plenty of amusement for a family game night. Leveraging the versatility of the Joy-Con and the system’s touch screen, the developers at Agenda have programmed 51 fine-tuned games plus a rudimentary piano for players.
The roster is a mix of card games, board games, toy-based curiosities and other pastimes. “Clubhouse Games” supports up to four players and has an online mode. Through a free downloadable program on Nintendo eShop, players who have the full game can play with another Switch console. That means one full version can support multiple consoles for local play.
At its core, “Clubhouse Games” is a party title. It’s a project that excels in group settings — much like a board game. Competitors can argue over the lucky roll in Yacht Dice — aka Yahtzee — or they can test their skills at Darts by using the Joy-Con motion controls.
The games themselves don’t take too long and they’re easy to pick up and play thanks to the familiarity. Players will know games like Checkers, Dominoes and Chess. They’ll even recognize carbon copies of childhood favorites such as Sorry!, Uno and Connect 4, albeit they’re listed by their non-copyrighted names.
Related Articles Entertainment | Review: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X meshes comfort with performance
Review: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X meshes comfort with performance Entertainment | What to play: Enhanced ‘Quake II,’ ‘Stray’ for Xbox and ‘Stray Gods’ are the top picks
What to play: Enhanced ‘Quake II,’ ‘Stray’ for Xbox and ‘Stray Gods’ are the top picks Entertainment | Review: With ‘Pikmin 4,’ Nintendo finally nails the right controls for a strategy game
Review: With ‘Pikmin 4,’ Nintendo finally nails the right controls for a strategy game Entertainment | What to play: ‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ will keep gamers busy during August
What to play: ‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ will keep gamers busy during August Entertainment | ‘First Descendant’ crossplay beta delayed until September but will be open to all Agenda leveraged the visual power of the Switch to create lifelike facsimiles of various games and adapted each so that it feels close to the original. The tactile sensation of dropping chips on the Four-in-a-Row board isn’t there but the core strategy of outhinking the opponent remains.
“Clubhouse Games” has a trade-off. Although the feel of a classic game isn’t entirely there, the fact that players can jump in without setting up pieces or cleaning up is a major benefit. It also lets players cycle through the amusements at a rapid-fire pace. If your group decides Toy Boxing isn’t cutting it, you can switch over to Blackjack in a minute. If Slot Car Racing grows dull, players can try their hand at 6-Ball Puzzle, a “Tetris”-style diversion.
What’s great is that “Clubhouse Games” tallies the wins and losses for each competition. It’s essentially the unbiased scorekeeper and arbiter though I wouldn’t try arguing over the rules with the Switch. It is going to ignore you.
If a player wants to enjoy the distractions of “Clubhouse Games” alone, Agenda supports that as well with surprisingly good single-player mode. It gives them access to all 51 games. Players will just have to battle the computer. In addition, titles such as Klondike and Spider solitaire are meant to be played alone.
Agenda rewards players for their victories with medals and players can try more difficult versions to test their skill. They can even earn cosmetic upgrades such as Mario-themed cards for playing through a single-player mode.
The most surprising element of “Clubhouse Games” is the educational factor. Many of the 51 worldwide classics have their origins in different cultures and feature long histories. Agenda acknowledges that and gives players the background behind games such as Mancala, from ancient Egypt, and Hanafuda, a card game that Nintendo originally manufactured.
Related Articles Entertainment | Review: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X meshes comfort with performance
Review: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X meshes comfort with performance Entertainment | What to play: Enhanced ‘Quake II,’ ‘Stray’ for Xbox and ‘Stray Gods’ are the top picks
What to play: Enhanced ‘Quake II,’ ‘Stray’ for Xbox and ‘Stray Gods’ are the top picks Entertainment | Review: With ‘Pikmin 4,’ Nintendo finally nails the right controls for a strategy game
Review: With ‘Pikmin 4,’ Nintendo finally nails the right controls for a strategy game Entertainment | What to play: ‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ will keep gamers busy during August
What to play: ‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ will keep gamers busy during August Entertainment | ‘First Descendant’ crossplay beta delayed until September but will be open to all The developer groups the activities in themes and ties them to unlockable figurines that act as guides through each game. This single-player mode is a great way to learn the basics of each enterprise. It gives gamers who a chance to learn a new pastime in a welcoming environment. They’ll have all the virtual equipment and rules at hand.
“Clubhouse Games” does a decent job of teaching players the 51 games. Offerings such as Shogi or Riichi Mahjong are complicated, but thankfully, Agenda presents these games intuitively. It allows players to learn the games through the best teacher — experience.
The sheer variety in “Clubhouse Games” is its strength. The developers maximize the fun of these tried-and-true games by making them easy to play so the focus stays on what makes each of them great. Even if fans don’t like one activity, there’s plenty of others to choose from and they can perhaps find a new hobby to focus their passion on.
‘Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics’
3 stars out of 4
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Rating: Everyone


mercurynews--2020-06-04--Obama encourages the nation to both vote and protest

WASHINGTON — Former President Barack Obama is taking on an increasingly public role as the nation confronts a confluence of historic crises that has exposed deep racial and socioeconomic inequalities in America and reshaped the November election .
In doing so , Obama is signaling a willingness to sharply critique his successor , President Donald Trump , and fill what many Democrats see as a national leadership void .
On Wednesday , he held a virtual town hall event with young people to discuss policing and the civil unrest that has followed the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ d seen come up in “ a little bit of chatter on the internet ” about “ voting versus protests , politics and participation versus civil disobedience and direct action.
” “ This is not an either-or .
This is a both and to bring about real change , ” he said .
“ We both have to highlight a problem and make people in power uncomfortable , but we also have to translate that into practical solutions and laws that could be implemented and monitored and make sure we ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turning the protests over Floyd ’ s death into policy change to ensure safer policing and increased trust between communities and law enforcement .
He urged “ every mayor in the country to review your use of force policies ” with their communities and “ commit to report on planned reforms ” before prioritizing their implementation .
“ We ’ re in a political season , but our country is also at an inflection point , ” said Valerie Jarrett , a longtime friend and adviser to Obama .
“ President Obama is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dialogue simply because he ’ s not in office anymore.
” During the round table , Obama drew parallels between the unrest sweeping American currently and protest movements of the 1960s .
But he said polls show a majority of Americans supporting today ’ s protesters and forming a “ broad coalition ” in a way much of the country didn ’ t back then — despite some of the recent protests “ having been marred by the actions of a tiny minority that engaged in violence.
” Still , he warned , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away ” and “ protests dwindle in size ” so “ it ’ s important to take that moment that ’ s been created as a society , as a country , and say let ’ s use this to finally have an impact.
” Obama was already beginning to emerge from political hibernation to endorse Joe Biden ’ s Democratic presidential bid when the coronavirus pandemic swept across the U.S. , killing more than 100,000 people , and the economy began to crater .
The crises scrambled the Biden campaign ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as their chief surrogate ahead of the November election , but also gave the former president a clear opening to start publicly arguing what he has signaled to friends and associates privately for the past three years : that he does not believe Trump is up for the job .
Addressing graduates of historically black colleges and universities last month , Obama said the pandemic had “ fully , finally torn back the curtain on the idea that so many of the folks in charge know what they ’ re doing.
” And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high school seniors , Obama said many “ so-called grown-ups , including some with fancy titles and important jobs , ” do only what ’ s convenient and feels good .
Floyd ’ s death , however , has drawn a more visceral and personal reaction from the nation ’ s first black president .
Floyd , a black man , died after a white police officer pressed his knee into Floyd ’ s neck for several minutes even after he stopped moving and pleading for air .
In a lengthy written statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he understood that millions of Americans were eager to “ just get back to normal ” when the pandemic abates , it shouldn ’ t be forgotten that normal life for people of color in the U.S. involves being treated differently on account of their race .
“ This shouldn ’ t be ‘ normal ’ in 2020 America .
It can ’ t be ‘ normal , ' ” Obama wrote .
Tensions across the country have escalated further in the days since the former president ’ s statement .
His town @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in-person comments since law enforcement officers aggressively cleared peaceful protesters from a park outside the White House so Trump could walk across for a photo opportunity at a nearby church .
Trump has cheered harsh crackdowns on the protests , some of which have turned violent , and threatened to deploy active-duty military to the states if local officials could not get the demonstrations under control .
He appeared to be backing down from that position this week , and Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Wednesday that he did not believe such action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ welcomed Obama stepping forward during this moment .
“ President Obama ’ s voice is a reminder that we used to have a president who sought to bridge our divides , and we can have one again if we elect Joe Biden , ” said TJ Ducklo , a campaign spokesman .
Obama grappled with police brutality against minorities as president , including in Ferguson , Missouri , where clashes broke out after the death of Michael Brown , a black 18-year-old .
After Brown ’ s death , Obama ’ s Justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , though most were halted under the Trump administration .
Biden , who served as Obama ’ s vice president , called this week for restoring some of the previous administration ’ s actions in the wake of Floyd ’ s death and the killing of other black Americans .
Biden also called for Congress to take immediate steps , including outlawing chokeholds .
Associated Press writers Will Weissert in Washington and Bill Barrow in Atlanta contributed to this report .

By Julie Pace | Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Former President Barack Obama is taking on an increasingly public role as the nation confronts a confluence of historic crises that has exposed deep racial and socioeconomic inequalities in America and reshaped the November election.
In doing so, Obama is signaling a willingness to sharply critique his successor, President Donald Trump, and fill what many Democrats see as a national leadership void. On Wednesday, he held a virtual town hall event with young people to discuss policing and the civil unrest that has followed the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Obama rejected a debate he said he’d seen come up in “a little bit of chatter on the internet” about “voting versus protests, politics and participation versus civil disobedience and direct action.”
“This is not an either-or. This is a both and to bring about real change,” he said. “We both have to highlight a problem and make people in power uncomfortable, but we also have to translate that into practical solutions and laws that could be implemented and monitored and make sure we’re following up on.”
Obama called for turning the protests over Floyd’s death into policy change to ensure safer policing and increased trust between communities and law enforcement. He urged “every mayor in the country to review your use of force policies” with their communities and “commit to report on planned reforms” before prioritizing their implementation.
“We’re in a political season, but our country is also at an inflection point,” said Valerie Jarrett, a longtime friend and adviser to Obama. “President Obama is not going to shy away from that dialogue simply because he’s not in office anymore.”
During the round table, Obama drew parallels between the unrest sweeping American currently and protest movements of the 1960s. But he said polls show a majority of Americans supporting today’s protesters and forming a “broad coalition” in a way much of the country didn’t back then — despite some of the recent protests “having been marred by the actions of a tiny minority that engaged in violence.”
Still, he warned, “at some point, attention moves away” and “protests dwindle in size” so “it’s important to take that moment that’s been created as a society, as a country, and say let’s use this to finally have an impact.”
Obama was already beginning to emerge from political hibernation to endorse Joe Biden’s Democratic presidential bid when the coronavirus pandemic swept across the U.S., killing more than 100,000 people, and the economy began to crater. The crises scrambled the Biden campaign’s plans for how to begin deploying Obama as their chief surrogate ahead of the November election, but also gave the former president a clear opening to start publicly arguing what he has signaled to friends and associates privately for the past three years: that he does not believe Trump is up for the job.
Addressing graduates of historically black colleges and universities last month, Obama said the pandemic had “fully, finally torn back the curtain on the idea that so many of the folks in charge know what they’re doing.” And in a nationally televised broadcast celebrating graduating high school seniors, Obama said many “so-called grown-ups, including some with fancy titles and important jobs,” do only what’s convenient and feels good.
Floyd’s death, however, has drawn a more visceral and personal reaction from the nation’s first black president. Floyd, a black man, died after a white police officer pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck for several minutes even after he stopped moving and pleading for air.
In a lengthy written statement last week, Obama said that while he understood that millions of Americans were eager to “just get back to normal” when the pandemic abates, it shouldn’t be forgotten that normal life for people of color in the U.S. involves being treated differently on account of their race.
[vemba-video id=”us/2020/06/03/barack-obama-george-floyd-death-protests-vpx.cnn”]
“This shouldn’t be ‘normal’ in 2020 America. It can’t be ‘normal,'” Obama wrote.
Tensions across the country have escalated further in the days since the former president’s statement. His town hall on Wednesday will mark his first in-person comments since law enforcement officers aggressively cleared peaceful protesters from a park outside the White House so Trump could walk across for a photo opportunity at a nearby church.
Trump has cheered harsh crackdowns on the protests, some of which have turned violent, and threatened to deploy active-duty military to the states if local officials could not get the demonstrations under control. He appeared to be backing down from that position this week, and Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Wednesday that he did not believe such action was warranted.
Biden’s campaign welcomed Obama stepping forward during this moment.
“President Obama’s voice is a reminder that we used to have a president who sought to bridge our divides, and we can have one again if we elect Joe Biden,” said TJ Ducklo, a campaign spokesman.
Obama grappled with police brutality against minorities as president, including in Ferguson, Missouri, where clashes broke out after the death of Michael Brown, a black 18-year-old. After Brown’s death, Obama’s Justice Department moved to enact broad policing reforms, though most were halted under the Trump administration.
Biden, who served as Obama’s vice president, called this week for restoring some of the previous administration’s actions in the wake of Floyd’s death and the killing of other black Americans. Biden also called for Congress to take immediate steps, including outlawing chokeholds.
Associated Press writers Will Weissert in Washington and Bill Barrow in Atlanta contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-06-03--Accused Richmond cannibal used ice pick to murder grandma, DA alleges

RICHMOND — A man accused of killing and partially eating his 90-year-old grandmother used a knife and an ice pick in the crime , according to prosecutors who charged him with murder Wednesday .
Dwayne Wallick , 37 , was charged with murdering 90-year-old Ruby Wallick , his grandmother , with whom Dwayne lived .
The charging records include enhancements alleging Dwayne killed his grandmother with both a knife and an ice pick .
Wallick ’ s bail has been set at $ 1.1 million , prosecutors said .
• Antioch man convicted of murdering his father loses appeal ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trial over 2014 Pittsburg shooting death wraps up ; two men face murder charges • Man killed at Salinas Valley State Prison over the weekend Wallick was arrested Monday afternoon , after police responded to a 911 call reporting a man standing over a bloody woman ’ s body on the 1200 block of Club Court in Richmond .
When police entered the home , they allegedly found Wallick standing over his grandmother and cannibalizing her .
Officers ordered Wallick to stop , but he ignored them and continued what he was doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stun gun on him ; after a struggle , he was handcuffed and arrested .
Police believe unspecified drugs may have played a role in the crime , a Richmond police spokesman said .

RICHMOND — A man accused of killing and partially eating his 90-year-old grandmother used a knife and an ice pick in the crime, according to prosecutors who charged him with murder Wednesday.
Dwayne Wallick, 37, was charged with murdering 90-year-old Ruby Wallick, his grandmother, with whom Dwayne lived. The charging records include enhancements alleging Dwayne killed his grandmother with both a knife and an ice pick.
Wallick’s bail has been set at $1.1 million, prosecutors said.
Wallick was arrested Monday afternoon, after police responded to a 911 call reporting a man standing over a bloody woman’s body on the 1200 block of Club Court in Richmond. When police entered the home, they allegedly found Wallick standing over his grandmother and cannibalizing her.
Officers ordered Wallick to stop, but he ignored them and continued what he was doing, police said. They used a stun gun on him; after a struggle, he was handcuffed and arrested. Police believe unspecified drugs may have played a role in the crime, a Richmond police spokesman said.


mercurynews--2020-06-03--Sixth day of George Floyd protests kick off in San Francisco, San Jose

Thousands of people gathered across the Bay Area once again Wednesday , for another round of ongoing protests against the police killing of Minneapolis man George Floyd , flooding streets for rallies in San Francisco , San Jose , Oakland and Richmond in the afternoon and into the evening .
Outside San Francisco ’ s Mission High School , across from Dolores Park , volunteers set up speakers and microphones while others dropped off hundreds of bottles of water , snacks and face masks .
Traditional Mexica dancers meanwhile lined up along 18th Street , flanked by silver and black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” on the steps of the school .
By 5:30 p.m. , the crowd had grown to around 10,000 people , spilling all the way up to the top of the park before heading on a march toward the Hall of Justice .
Dr. Danielle Nahal , a mixed-race pediatrician at University of California , San Francisco , said she wanted to show solidarity as a medical professional with young protesters and organizers , many of whom are in high school .
“ In general medicine is a space of privilege and power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see the effects of systemic racism on black and brown bodies.
” Many nurses , doctors and medical students came out to the high school to volunteer , prepared to help with any first aid needs .
Earlier this week , public health experts urged police in an online petition to stop the use of tear gas during protests , writing that it could increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission .
All week , thousands have rallied nationwide against the police killings of Floyd and countless other black people , including 26-year-old Breonna @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Louisville , Kentucky home in March after police entered on a no-knock warrant .
In San Jose , a growing crowd of 100 marchers gathered at City Hall starting around in the late afternoon , waving signs and eating popsicles in the rising heat .
“ We don ’ t have health care , our jobs don ’ t pay much and the state itself is killing us and not supporting us in this crisis , ” said Nnanna Nkele , a 33-year-old black man who lives in San Jose and who lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I ’ m here to fight for the America we were promised .
We want a place we can feel safe and we can be prosperous.
” Nkele criticized San Jose police action over the weekend , when officers fired rounds of tear gas and rubber bullets into crowds , as excessive and unacceptable .
Police in the city have faced mounting questions from city leaders after videos of aggressive police behavior surfaced amid the protests , including one showing an officer shouting “ Let ’ s get this motherf—er ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at demonstrators Friday , and another that shows a police motorcycle hitting a fleeing man in downtown San Jose Sunday .
“ If police brutality is what we ’ re protesting , showing up in riot gear is fanning the flames and expecting there to be no fire , ” he said .
In Richmond , however , police officers joined the rally at the park on Wednesday , many nodding and clapping along to activists and community members who called for change in policing — including Interim Police Chief Bisa French .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I ’ ve felt a range of emotions this week , just like all of you , ” she said .
“ I have to reconcile the fact that I wear this uniform that I know has oppressed people and communities I have grown up in , that I live in and that I serve.
” Even as French commended the officers who showed up to participate in the rally , she acknowledged that police departments — including her own — must do more to address systemic racism .
“ I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But as the leader of the police department , it ’ s my obligation to continue to lead and to make the changes that I want to see and that you want to see , ” she said , adding , “ My promise to you is that I ’ m going to continue to do the work .
”

Leonardo Castañeda, Julia Prodis Sulek, Annie Sciacca, Kerry Crowley, Fiona Kelliher

CLICK HERE if you’re having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device.
Thousands of people flooded streets across the Bay Area Wednesday for another night of protests against the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, packing city blocks, staging sit-ins at urban intersections and calling on police to take a knee against police brutality.
While the biggest crowds showed up in San Francisco and Oakland, smaller groups also rallied in San Jose, Richmond and San Mateo — joining a national movement of protests against police killings of black men and women, and structural racism that has made the black community more vulnerable not just to police brutality, but also to the health, environmental, and economic issues brought on by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
San Francisco
A pulsing crowd of at least 10,000 people — mostly black, white and brown young people — poured into San Francisco Wednesday for the city’s biggest and most vibrant protest so far.
Starting at a rally outside San Francisco’s Mission High School, hundreds of volunteers worked speakers and microphones while others organized stacks of snacks and face masks. Traditional Mexica dancers lined up along 18th Street to start the day, flanked by balloons spelling out “Black Lives Matter.”
“This is community looking out for community and that’s all we need,” protest organizer Simone Jacques told the crowd, which quickly ballooned all the way to the top of Dolores Park.
hard to overstate how massive and how well organized this protest is. they got a flatbed truck with a PA system and drummers and dozens of volunteers passing out massive stacks of snacks and water bottles pic.twitter.com/C69fFd8L5T — Leonardo Castañeda (@LeoMCastaneda) June 4, 2020
But while police kept their distance from protesters for most of the evening, a small group of protesters was detained late in the evening near the police department’s Mission Station, after encountering a line of cops in riot gear who forced the group to the ground before arresting them for curfew violations, according to media reports.
Earlier, marchers had snaked their way in a giant loop around Market, Guerrero and 16th streets, following a flatbed truck decked out with drummers and a PA system for social distancing reminders. A handful of organizers burned American flag atop a school bus while protesters cheered on, fists raised.
As the city’s 8 p.m. curfew came and went, hundreds lingered in different pockets around the city, listening to speakers recall prior San Francisco police killings and push for defunding law enforcement in the city.
Swaying together at the Hall of Justice, protesters held up their cell phones in a silent vigil before they trickled home in the dark.
Oakland
A larger protest in defiance of the city’s curfew was planned for 8:05 p.m.
In one of the largest — and most tranquil — protests the city has seen this week, several thousand people gathered at to sit or kneel in the intersection of 14th and Broadway Wednesday evening, coming together for a protest in defiance of a curfew order in place across Alameda County, and many other parts of the Bay Area.
For nearly four hours, the crowd held the intersection, as speakers and organizers took turns addressing the demonstration from the back of a U-Haul truck. In one marked moment, big cheers erupted as a speaker urged the defunding of the Oakland Police Department, followed by a call-and-response, naming black men and women killed by police, including Floyd, and Breonna Taylor, a Louisville woman who was shot in her own home as police there executed a “no-knock” warrant.
As demonstrators began to disperse late in the evening, the mood was celebratory, with music blaring from speakers as protestors danced together.
“One more song, one more song,” #Oakland demonstrators have peacefully held the intersection of 14th and Broadway for more than four hours pic.twitter.com/Xt2djaZgbJ — David DeBolt (@daviddebolt) June 4, 2020
San Jose
Police appeared to take a hands-off approach on Wednesday night as protesters marched around the San Jose State University campus and ended near City Hall, with just one chopper overhead.
SJPD has faced mounting questions from city leaders after videos of aggressive police behavior surfaced amid the protests, including one showing an officer shouting “Let’s get this motherf—er” and “Shut up, bitch” at demonstrators Friday, and another that shows a police motorcycle hitting a fleeing man in downtown San Jose Sunday.
A growing crowd of 100 marchers gathered at City Hall starting in the late afternoon, waving signs and eating popsicles in the rising heat.
“We don’t have health care, our jobs don’t pay much and the state itself is killing us and not supporting us in this crisis,” said Nnanna Nkele, a 33-year-old black man who lost his sales job to the coronavirus lockdown. “I’m here to fight for the America we were promised. We want a place we can feel safe and we can be prosperous.”
“If police brutality is what we’re protesting, showing up in riot gear is fanning the flames and expecting there to be no fire,” he added.
Richmond
The scene in Richmond Wednesday afternoon presented a marked contrast from protests earlier this week in the East Bay, as police officers — including Interim Police Chief Bisa French — joined a rally in a city park with several hundred people Wednesday, many nodding and clapping along to activists and community members.
“As a black and Latina woman, I’ve felt a range of emotions this week, just like all of you,” French told the group. “I have to reconcile the fact that I wear this uniform that I know has oppressed people and communities I have grown up in, that I live in and that I serve.”
Related Articles California News | Judge rules retrial of ex-Philadelphia officer in 2020 protest actions should be held outside city
Judge rules retrial of ex-Philadelphia officer in 2020 protest actions should be held outside city California News | Small group of protesters disrupts Drag Story Hour at Los Gatos Library
Small group of protesters disrupts Drag Story Hour at Los Gatos Library California News | Israel’s Netanyahu released from hospital ahead of key vote on legal overhaul
Israel’s Netanyahu released from hospital ahead of key vote on legal overhaul California News | Protesters try to storm Baghdad’s Green Zone over the burning of Quran and Iraqi flag in Denmark But even as she commended the officers who showed up to participate in the rally, French acknowledged that police departments — including her own — must do more to address systemic racism in law enforcement.
“I’m tired. Everybody’s tired. But as the leader of the police department, it’s my obligation to continue to lead and to make the changes that I want to see and that you want to see,” she said, adding, “My promise to you is that I’m going to continue to do the work.”
San Mateo
On the Peninsula, several thousand masked marchers headed down El Camino, chanting. Healthcare workers at the corner of 20th Avenue came out bearing signs to show support for the largely peaceful protests, with police remaining to the side of the protests.
The rally ended outside the San Mateo police station, with marchers calling on officers to “take a knee” while around half the crowd broke off to head down Hillsdale Avenue.
“There are stories I could tell you that would make your hair curl,” former San Mateo mayor Claire Mack, a black woman, told protesters of growing up in the city.
“This is homegrown,” she said of the gathering. “Keep going.”
Check back for updates.


mercurynews--2020-06-03--Former SecDef Mattis rips Trump for trying to ‘divide us’

WASHINGTON — In an extraordinary rebuke , former defense secretary Jim Mattis on Wednesday denounced President Donald Trump ’ s heavy-handed use of military force to quell protests and said his former boss was setting up a “ false conflict ” between the military and civilian society .
“ I have watched this week ’ s unfolding events , angry and appalled , ” Mattis wrote .
The criticism was all the more remarkable because Mattis has generally kept a low profile since retiring as defense secretary in December 2018 to protest Trump ’ s Syria policy .
He had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying he owed the nation public silence while his former boss remained in office .
But he ’ s speaking out after this past week ’ s protests in response to the death of George Floyd in police custody .
Mattis had a scathing description of Trump ’ s walk to a historic nearby church Monday to pose with a Bible after law enforcement forcibly cleared Lafayette Park of mostly peaceful protesters .
He said he never dreamed troops “ would be ordered under any circumstance to violate the Constitutional rights of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bizarre photo op for the elected commander-in-chief , with military leadership standing alongside.
” “ Donald Trump is the first president in my lifetime who does not try to unite the American people —does not even pretend to try .
Instead he tries to divide us , ” Mattis wrote in a statement published by The Atlantic .
“ We are witnessing the consequences of three years of this deliberate effort .
We are witnessing the consequences of three years without mature leadership.
” Mattis called on Americans to “ unite without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in our civil society .
This will not be easy , as the past few days have shown , but we owe it to our fellow citizens ; to past generations that bled to defend our promise ; and to our children.
” Mattis said of the protesters that Americans should not be distracted by a small number of lawbreakers .
He said they are rightly demanding that the country follow the words of “ Equal Justice Under Law ” that are on display at the U.S. Supreme Court .
“ The protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people of conscience who are insisting that we live up to our values — our values as people and our values as a nation , ” Mattis said .
Mattis took particular issue with the use of force to move back protesters so Trump could visit St. John ’ s Church the day after it was damaged by fire during protests .
“ We know that we are better than the abuse of executive authority that we witnessed in Lafayette Square .
We must reject and hold accountable those in office who would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Mattis said .

[vemba-video id=”politics/2020/06/03/acosta-mcenany-tear-gas-protests-trump-churchill-comparison-tsr-sot-vpx.cnn”]
By Kevin Freking | Associated Press
WASHINGTON — In an extraordinary rebuke, former defense secretary Jim Mattis on Wednesday denounced President Donald Trump’s heavy-handed use of military force to quell protests and said his former boss was setting up a “false conflict” between the military and civilian society.
“I have watched this week’s unfolding events, angry and appalled,” Mattis wrote.
The criticism was all the more remarkable because Mattis has generally kept a low profile since retiring as defense secretary in December 2018 to protest Trump’s Syria policy. He had declined to speak out against Trump, saying he owed the nation public silence while his former boss remained in office.
But he’s speaking out after this past week’s protests in response to the death of George Floyd in police custody.
Mattis had a scathing description of Trump’s walk to a historic nearby church Monday to pose with a Bible after law enforcement forcibly cleared Lafayette Park of mostly peaceful protesters.
He said he never dreamed troops “would be ordered under any circumstance to violate the Constitutional rights of their fellow citizens — much less to provide a bizarre photo op for the elected commander-in-chief, with military leadership standing alongside.”
“Donald Trump is the first president in my lifetime who does not try to unite the American people —does not even pretend to try. Instead he tries to divide us,” Mattis wrote in a statement published by The Atlantic. “We are witnessing the consequences of three years of this deliberate effort. We are witnessing the consequences of three years without mature leadership.”
Mattis called on Americans to “unite without him, drawing on the strengths inherent in our civil society. This will not be easy, as the past few days have shown, but we owe it to our fellow citizens; to past generations that bled to defend our promise; and to our children.”
Mattis said of the protesters that Americans should not be distracted by a small number of lawbreakers. He said they are rightly demanding that the country follow the words of “Equal Justice Under Law” that are on display at the U.S. Supreme Court.
“The protests are defined by tens of thousands of people of conscience who are insisting that we live up to our values — our values as people and our values as a nation,” Mattis said.
Mattis took particular issue with the use of force to move back protesters so Trump could visit St. John’s Church the day after it was damaged by fire during protests.
“We know that we are better than the abuse of executive authority that we witnessed in Lafayette Square. We must reject and hold accountable those in office who would make a mockery of our Constitution,” Mattis said.


mercurynews--2020-06-03--Three arrested on terrorism charges in Las Vegas

By Michelle L. Price and Scott Sonner | Associated Press LAS VEGAS — Three Nevada men with ties to a loose movement of right-wing extremists advocating the overthrow of the U.S. government have been arrested on terrorism-related charges in what authorities say was a conspiracy to spark violence during recent protests in Las Vegas .
Federal prosecutors say the three white men with U.S. military experience are accused of conspiring to carry out a plan that began in April in conjunction with protests to reopen businesses closed because of the coronavirus and later sought to capitalize on protests over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ custody .
They were arrested Saturday on the way to a protest in downtown Las Vegas after filling gas cans at a parking lot and making Molotov cocktails in glass bottles , according to a copy of the criminal complaint obtained by The Associated Press .
The complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Las Vegas on Wednesday said they self-identified as part of the “ boogaloo ” movement , which U.S. prosecutors said in the document is “ a term used by extremists to signify coming civil war and/or fall of civilization.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Andrew T. Lynam Jr. , 23 , and William L. Loomis , 40 , were being held on $ 1 million bond each in the Clark County jail Wednesday , according to court records .
Each currently faces two federal charges — conspiracy to damage and destroy by fire and explosive , and possession of unregistered firearms — along with multiple terrorism-related state charges .

By Michelle L. Price and Scott Sonner | Associated Press
LAS VEGAS — Three Nevada men with ties to a loose movement of right-wing extremists advocating the overthrow of the U.S. government have been arrested on terrorism-related charges in what authorities say was a conspiracy to spark violence during recent protests in Las Vegas.
Federal prosecutors say the three white men with U.S. military experience are accused of conspiring to carry out a plan that began in April in conjunction with protests to reopen businesses closed because of the coronavirus and later sought to capitalize on protests over the death of a Minneapolis man in police custody.
They were arrested Saturday on the way to a protest in downtown Las Vegas after filling gas cans at a parking lot and making Molotov cocktails in glass bottles, according to a copy of the criminal complaint obtained by The Associated Press.
The complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Las Vegas on Wednesday said they self-identified as part of the “boogaloo” movement, which U.S. prosecutors said in the document is “a term used by extremists to signify coming civil war and/or fall of civilization.”
Stephen T. Parshall, 35, Andrew T. Lynam Jr., 23, and William L. Loomis, 40, were being held on $1 million bond each in the Clark County jail Wednesday, according to court records.
Each currently faces two federal charges — conspiracy to damage and destroy by fire and explosive, and possession of unregistered firearms — along with multiple terrorism-related state charges.
Court records don’t list lawyers for the men.


mercurynews--2020-06-03--Black-owned restaurants open in Bay Area for takeout, delivery

Early in the pandemic , entrepreneur and food advocate Anela Malik posted an essay titled “ Why Supporting Black Owned Businesses During Covid-19 Is Essential , ” writing : “ As individuals , one of the best ways to stand up for those at greater risk , to support communities that are neglected , discriminated against , or left behind , is to support them financially.
” As the issue of social injustice moves to the forefront with the death of George Floyd , she is now doubling down on that advice .
“ COVID is one crisis and anti-black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re both happening at the same time .
… I don ’ t see them as separate crises , ” she told Washingtonian.com .
“ And I still believe that living in a capitalist society , the way we spend our money does matter.
” The Bay Area is home to a rich tapestry of restaurants and other food-based enterprises owned by black chefs and entrepreneurs .
Here ’ s a list by geographic area of many in Alameda , Contra Costa , San Mateo and Santa Clara counties that are open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others ?
Add them to the comment field at the end of the article , or email us at features @ bayareanewsgroup.com and we ’ ll add them to the list .
Jackie ’ s Place : 655 N Sixth St. , San Jose ( Closed temporarily by fire , but hoping to reopen soon )

Early in the pandemic, entrepreneur and food advocate Anela Malik posted an essay titled “Why Supporting Black Owned Businesses During Covid-19 Is Essential,” writing: “As individuals, one of the best ways to stand up for those at greater risk, to support communities that are neglected, discriminated against, or left behind, is to support them financially.”
As the issue of social injustice moves to the forefront with the death of George Floyd, she is now doubling down on that advice. “COVID is one crisis and anti-black racism is another crisis, and they’re both happening at the same time. … I don’t see them as separate crises,” she told Washingtonian.com. “And I still believe that living in a capitalist society, the way we spend our money does matter.”
The Bay Area is home to a rich tapestry of restaurants and other food-based enterprises owned by black chefs and entrepreneurs. Here’s a list by geographic area of many in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties that are open for takeout and/or delivery. Know of others? Add them to the comment field at the end of the article, or email us at features@bayareanewsgroup.com and we’ll add them to the list.
SOUTH BAY/PENINSULA
ASE Catering: Serving Santa Clara County and Brentwood, Oakley, Antioch, Concord. www.a-successful-event.net
Back A Yard Caribbean Grill: 1189 Willow Road, Menlo Park; 1740 S. Winchester Blvd., Campbell; 80 N. Market St. and 638 N. 13th St., San Jose
Claire’s Crunch Cake: 233 N. Grant St., San Mateo
Coconuts: 642 Ramona St., Palo Alto
Cupcakes for College: Gilroy-based bakery donates a portion of proceeds to scholarships. 408-455-3533; www.facebook.com/cupcakesforcollege2/
Gojo Ethiopian: 1261 W. San Carlos St., San Jose
Jackie’s Place: 655 N Sixth St., San Jose (Closed temporarily by fire, but hoping to reopen soon)
Jon Jon’s BBQ & Catering: 1305 Oakland Road, San Jose
Jubba Somali Restaurant: 5330 Terner Way, San Jose
Kategna Ethiopian Restaurant: 1663 W. San Carlos St., San Jose
LeYou Ethiopian: 1100 N. First St., San Jose
LillieMae’s House of Soul Food: Bay Area catering; pop-ups in South Bay; LillieMaesBBQ.com
Lunch Box: 1876 W. San Carlos St., San Jose
Mudai Ethiopian Restaurant: 503 W. San Carlos St., San Jose
Nita Bee’s Specialty Bakery: Pickup and delivery from Santa Clara-based bakery.
Reggae Pot Jamaican Restaurant: 15495 Los Gatos Blvd., Los Gatos
Sandi’s Cobbler Cup Catering: Based in Santa Clara; Sandiscatering.com
Villa Fresh Italian Kitchen: 611 Great Mall Drive, Milpitas (Great Mall of the Bay Area)
Walia Ethiopian Cuisine: 2208 Business Circle, San Jose
Zeni Ethiopian Restaurant: 1320 Saratoga Ave., San Jose
EAST BAY
Abesha Ethiopian Cuisine: 4929 Shattuck Ave., Oakland
alaMar Kitchen & Bar: 100 Grand Ave., Oakland
Alchemy Collective Cafe: 1741 Alcatraz Ave., Berkeley
ASE Catering: Serving Santa Clara County and Brentwood, Oakley, Antioch, Concord. www.a-successful-event.net
Big Country Kitchen: 3399 Clayton Road, Concord
Brown Sugar Kitchen: 2295 Broadway, Oakland
Carmen & Family Bar-B-Q: 692 West A St., Hayward, and 41986 Fremont Blvd., Fremont
Catered Affairs Unlimited: 30970 Huntwood Ave., Hayward
Concord Tap House: 3513 Clayton Road, Concord
Everett & Jones BBQ: 126 Broadway and 4245 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland, and 1955 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley
Family House of Fish and Poultry: 25140 Mission Blvd., Hayward
Freddy B’s BBQ: 1803 W. 10th St., Antioch
Golden Safari Restaurant and Bakery: 22431 Foothill Blvd., Hayward
Haleluya Ethiopian Gourmet: 4144 Walnut Ave., Fremont
House of Soul: 1526 Solano Ave., Vallejo
KC’s BBQ: 1235 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley
Kendejah Restaurant: 197 Pelton Center Way, San Leandro
Lena’s Soul Food Cafe: 6403 Foothill Blvd., Oakland
Lettuce Inn: 2115 Pacheco St, Concord
Lois the Pie Queen: 851 60th St., Oakland
Longevity Wines: 2271 S. Vasco Road, Livermore
Messob Ethiopian Restaurant: 4301 Piedmont Ave., Oakland
Minnie Bell’s Soul Movement: Emeryville Public Market, 5959 Shellmound St., Emeryville
Oliver Fish House: 1828 A St., Antioch
Miss Ollie’s: 901 Washington St., Oakland
Omar’s Chicken & Waffles: 4399 Century Blvd., Pittsburg
Oyo Restaurant & Jive Bar: 680 Main St., Pleasanton
Pitts Pig BBQ: 785 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg
PLaYT: 1036 B St., Hayward
Pop’s Deli & Grill: 30982 Huntwood Ave., Hayward
Rasa Caffe: 3140 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Berkeley
Red Bay Coffee: 3098 E. 10th St. and 2327 Broadway, Oakland
Red Sea Restaurant: 5200 Claremont Ave., Oakland
Reve Bistro: 960 Moraga Road, Lafayette
Rush Bowls: 350 17th St., Oakland
Sistas Soul Food Kafe: 571 Bancroft Ave., San Leandro
Snapper’s Seafood Restaurant: 1501 Ohio Ave., Richmond
Solid Rock Cafe: 422 W. Second St., Antioch
Souley Vegan: 301 Broadway, Oakland
Southern Cafe: 2000 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland
Southern Express Soul Food: 3100 Contra Loma Blvd., Antioch
Splash Tea: 3540 Clayton Road, Concord
Teni East Kitchen: 4015 Broadway, Oakland
The Tree House: 1019 B St., Hayward
Uncle Willie’s Original BBQ and Fish: 614 14th St., Oakland


mercurynews--2020-06-03--New suspect ID’d in disappearance of Madeline McCann

British and German authorities are investigating a new suspect in connection with the disappearance of British child Madeleine McCann , 13 years ago .
UK authorities on Wednesday described the development as a “ significant new line of enquiry.
” The three-year-old vanished while sleeping in her family ’ s holiday apartment in Portugal on May 3 , 2007 , in a case that has since gained widespread media attention in the UK .
She has never been found , and no one has ever been charged over her disappearance .
The new suspect is a 43-year-old German man , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspect has previously been convicted for sexually abusing children , German State Prosecutor ’ s office of Braunschweig , State of Lower-Saxony said in a statement on Wednesday , which added that he is currently serving a “ long ” jail sentence “ for an unrelated matter.
” He is now being investigated for “ possible murder ” in connection with McCann , the office said .
The suspect had lived in Portugal ’ s Algarve region from 1995 to 2007 , and also resided in a house in Praia de Luz , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the prosecutor ’ s office .
London ’ s Metropolitan Police on Wednesday also revealed details of two cars linked to the suspect around the time of the disappearance , and called on the public to step forward with any information about them .
“ The first vehicle is a distinctive VW T3 Westfalia campervan .
It is an early 1980s model , with two tone markings , a white upper body and a yellow skirting .
It had a Portuguese registration plate , ” the UK statement said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from at least April 2007 until sometime after May 2007 .
It was used in and around the area of Praia da Luz.
” “ The second vehicle is a 1993 British Jaguar , model XJR 6 , with a German number plate and registered in Germany , ” the statement added .
“ This car is believed to have been in the Praia da Luz and surrounding areas in 2006 and 2007 .
The car was originally registered in the suspect ’ s name .
On 4 May 2007 , the day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car was re-registered to someone else in Germany.
” The Metropolitan Police began reviewing McCann ’ s disappearance in 2011 , in an large-scale investigation known as Operation Grange that has cost at least £11.75m ( $ 14.7 ) as of June 2019 .
“ Following the ten-year anniversary , the Met received information about a German man who was known to have been in and around Praia da Luz .
We have been working with colleagues in Germany and Portugal and this man is a suspect in Madeleine ’ s disappearance , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a statement Wednesday .
The child ’ s parents , Kate and Gerry McCann , on Wednesday thanked the “ police forces involved for their continued efforts in the search for Madeleine.
” “ All we have ever wanted is to find her , uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice .
We will never give up hope of finding Madeleine alive but whatever the outcome may be , we need to know as we need to find peace.
” UK authorities are offering a £20,000 ( about $ 25,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conviction of those responsible .

By Zamira Rahim | CNN
British and German authorities are investigating a new suspect in connection with the disappearance of British child Madeleine McCann, 13 years ago. UK authorities on Wednesday described the development as a “significant new line of enquiry.”
The three-year-old vanished while sleeping in her family’s holiday apartment in Portugal on May 3, 2007, in a case that has since gained widespread media attention in the UK. She has never been found, and no one has ever been charged over her disappearance.
The new suspect is a 43-year-old German man, authorities from both countries said.
The suspect has previously been convicted for sexually abusing children, German State Prosecutor’s office of Braunschweig, State of Lower-Saxony said in a statement on Wednesday, which added that he is currently serving a “long” jail sentence “for an unrelated matter.” He is now being investigated for “possible murder” in connection with McCann, the office said.
The suspect had lived in Portugal’s Algarve region from 1995 to 2007, and also resided in a house in Praia de Luz, the resort from which McCann disappeared, according to the prosecutor’s office.
London’s Metropolitan Police on Wednesday also revealed details of two cars linked to the suspect around the time of the disappearance, and called on the public to step forward with any information about them.
“The first vehicle is a distinctive VW T3 Westfalia campervan. It is an early 1980s model, with two tone markings, a white upper body and a yellow skirting. It had a Portuguese registration plate,” the UK statement said.
“The suspect had access to this van from at least April 2007 until sometime after May 2007. It was used in and around the area of Praia da Luz.”
“The second vehicle is a 1993 British Jaguar, model XJR 6, with a German number plate and registered in Germany,” the statement added. “This car is believed to have been in the Praia da Luz and surrounding areas in 2006 and 2007. The car was originally registered in the suspect’s name. On 4 May 2007, the day after Madeleine’s disappearance, the car was re-registered to someone else in Germany.”
The Metropolitan Police began reviewing McCann’s disappearance in 2011, in an large-scale investigation known as Operation Grange that has cost at least £11.75m ($14.7) as of June 2019.
“Following the ten-year anniversary, the Met received information about a German man who was known to have been in and around Praia da Luz. We have been working with colleagues in Germany and Portugal and this man is a suspect in Madeleine’s disappearance,” Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cranwell said in a statement Wednesday.
The child’s parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, on Wednesday thanked the “police forces involved for their continued efforts in the search for Madeleine.”
“All we have ever wanted is to find her, uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice. We will never give up hope of finding Madeleine alive but whatever the outcome may be, we need to know as we need to find peace.”
UK authorities are offering a £20,000 (about $25,000) reward for information leading to the conviction of those responsible.