mercurynews--2020-09-08--Heat doesn’t ease up for firefighters fighting CZU fire

SANTA CRUZ — Temperatures climbed above 100 Sunday and Monday and a Red Flag Warning is expected to start Tuesday on the Central Coast , meanwhile firefighters continue to tackle the fire burning in the Santa Cruz Mountains .
As of Monday morning the CZU August Lighting Complex fire had burned 86,509 acres and was 76 % contained .
The acreage count hadn ’ t changed from Sunday to Monday , but containment did increase , up from 72 % .
There remains 4,858 residents evacuated and 1,421 fire personnel assigned to the fire .
The number of destroyed structures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threatened .
Monday afternoon Cal Fire announced a reduction in evacuation orders to an evacuation warning for the eastern side of the fire area and portions of Ben Lomond ( Zones : BEN- E001C , CRZ- E004A , CRZ- E011B , CRZ- E012B ) .
Additionally Alba Road is now open from State Route 9 to Empire Grade Road .
During an operations meeting Monday morning , Cal Fire Battalion Chief Mark Brunton noted that while there are less fire fighters assigned to the Santa Cruz Mountains , likely assigned to other fires @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same .
“ So we ’ re getting to that part of the fire where everything is starting to kind of wind down and see fewer numbers out here .
I thought back to a couple weeks ago — the fewer numbers seen here are the fewer numbers we saw when this thing was at full tilt , ” Brunton said .
“ So the message is , it was as important then to have the resources out there , it ’ s important now to have the resources to take care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in heat and a drop in humidity , smoke sites are popping up , especially around 1 p.m. Monday , which caused quite a bit of work for firefighters with an increase in calls for service , according to Cal Fire .
There was also an increase in heat-related medical calls for firefighters on the line .
Cal Fire officials reiterated the need to stay hydrated .
Brunton said Cal Fire will institute another “ tactical pause ” allowing crews to hydrate and eat and take a time out .
“ We ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ battling the dragon out here , we ’ re in the mop up phase so slow and steady and get the work done , ” Brunton said .
With people returning to their homes after evacuation orders were lifted , coupled with a holiday weekend , Santa Cruz County Fire Chief Ian Larkin warned fire fighting crews to keep an eye out while on the road .
“ There ’ s a lot of people out there looky-looing .
They ’ re really not paying attention to their surroundings , ” he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the damage that ’ s occurred in their communities so just be vigilant , watch out for your surroundings as they ’ re on the roadway with you.
” Sunday evening Santa Cruz County Sheriff ’ s Chief Deputy Chris Clark explained that there are several challenges with allowing people to return home including clearing roadways of downed power lines and poles .
He said PG & E is diligently trying to replace more than 1,000 power poles in the fire ’ s footprint .
Getting people back on their property and home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a rough timeline : • Monday and Tuesday : Areas of Pine Flat Road , Alba Road , Jamison Creek Road and upper Boulder Creek .
• Tuesday and Wednesday : Areas of lower Highway 236 pushing up toward the golf course .
• Wednesday and Thursday : Areas of upper Highway 236 toward Big Basin .
• Southern California national forests closed for a week because of fire danger Clark added that residents off Swanton and Last Chance roads are not forgotten , but that a lot of trees in that area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ notices will be distributed by Cal Fire and the Santa Cruz County Sheriff ’ s Office .
Meanwhile , the Sheriff ’ s Office continues to locate one missing person .
Boulder Creek resident James Wadcock , 73 , has not been located in recent days .
Clark said Wadcock ’ s home was not impacted by the fire .
Call 831-454-7646 to provide detectives with information on Wadcock ’ s whereabouts .

SANTA CRUZ — Temperatures climbed above 100 Sunday and Monday and a Red Flag Warning is expected to start Tuesday on the Central Coast, meanwhile firefighters continue to tackle the fire burning in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
As of Monday morning the CZU August Lighting Complex fire had burned 86,509 acres and was 76% contained. The acreage count hadn’t changed from Sunday to Monday, but containment did increase, up from 72%.
There remains 4,858 residents evacuated and 1,421 fire personnel assigned to the fire. The number of destroyed structures sits at 1,490 and another 7,647 remained threatened.
Monday afternoon Cal Fire announced a reduction in evacuation orders to an evacuation warning for the eastern side of the fire area and portions of Ben Lomond (Zones: BEN- E001C, CRZ- E004A, CRZ- E011B, CRZ- E012B). Additionally Alba Road is now open from State Route 9 to Empire Grade Road.
During an operations meeting Monday morning, Cal Fire Battalion Chief Mark Brunton noted that while there are less fire fighters assigned to the Santa Cruz Mountains, likely assigned to other fires burning in California, the mission remains the same.
“So we’re getting to that part of the fire where everything is starting to kind of wind down and see fewer numbers out here. I thought back to a couple weeks ago — the fewer numbers seen here are the fewer numbers we saw when this thing was at full tilt,” Brunton said. “So the message is, it was as important then to have the resources out there, it’s important now to have the resources to take care of business.”
Due to an increase in heat and a drop in humidity, smoke sites are popping up, especially around 1 p.m. Monday, which caused quite a bit of work for firefighters with an increase in calls for service, according to Cal Fire. There was also an increase in heat-related medical calls for firefighters on the line. Cal Fire officials reiterated the need to stay hydrated.
Brunton said Cal Fire will institute another “tactical pause” allowing crews to hydrate and eat and take a time out.
“We’re not going and saving lives, battling the dragon out here, we’re in the mop up phase so slow and steady and get the work done,” Brunton said.
With people returning to their homes after evacuation orders were lifted, coupled with a holiday weekend, Santa Cruz County Fire Chief Ian Larkin warned fire fighting crews to keep an eye out while on the road.
“There’s a lot of people out there looky-looing. They’re really not paying attention to their surroundings,” he said. “They’re looking at the damage that’s occurred in their communities so just be vigilant, watch out for your surroundings as they’re on the roadway with you.”
Evacuations
Sunday evening Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Chris Clark explained that there are several challenges with allowing people to return home including clearing roadways of downed power lines and poles. He said PG&E is diligently trying to replace more than 1,000 power poles in the fire’s footprint.
Getting people back on their property and home remains a priority Clark said and gave a rough timeline:
• Monday and Tuesday: Areas of Pine Flat Road, Alba Road, Jamison Creek Road and upper Boulder Creek.• Tuesday and Wednesday: Areas of lower Highway 236 pushing up toward the golf course.• Wednesday and Thursday: Areas of upper Highway 236 toward Big Basin.
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Living with air pollution, especially from wildfires or agriculture, raises risk of dementia, US study finds Crashes and Disasters | Cadaver dogs are in Maui to help find the dead. Here’s how it works and why it’s difficult Clark added that residents off Swanton and Last Chance roads are not forgotten, but that a lot of trees in that area need to be removed.
Official repopulation notices will be distributed by Cal Fire and the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office.
Missing person
Meanwhile, the Sheriff’s Office continues to locate one missing person.
Boulder Creek resident James Wadcock, 73, has not been located in recent days. Clark said Wadcock’s home was not impacted by the fire.
Call 831-454-7646 to provide detectives with information on Wadcock’s whereabouts.


mercurynews--2020-09-08--Capitola motorcycle police officer hit by drunk driver

Just before 8 p.m. Saturday , 29-year-old Kolton Matosich , according to police was driving a 2009 Hyundai Genesis while @ @ @ @ @ when he made a left turn in front of the police officer who was traveling @ @ @ @ @ Avenue , hitting the officer ’ s departmental motorcycle .
Police said Matosich fled the @ @ @ @ @ a passing motorist followed him and facilitated his return to the scene .
Matosich was @ @ @ @ @ Highway Patrol for felony DUI .

CAPITOLA — A Santa Cruz man believed to be driving drunk allegedly struck a Capitola police officer.
Just before 8 p.m. Saturday, 29-year-old Kolton Matosich, according to police was driving a 2009 Hyundai Genesis while under the influence of alcohol when he made a left turn in front of the police officer who was traveling on Capitola Road at 49th Avenue, hitting the officer’s departmental motorcycle.
Police said Matosich fled the scene in his car when a passing motorist followed him and facilitated his return to the scene. Matosich was ultimately arrested by the California Highway Patrol for felony DUI.
The officer sustained minor injuries.


mercurynews--2020-09-09--AUSD Notes: Mental health aid available to Alameda students

Over the last six months , the stresses experienced by our students , staff and families have continued to intensify at an unprecedented rate .
In addition to the pandemic , which disrupted school attendance , social connections , employment and — at a very basic level — the very way we navigate public spaces , our country is also experiencing deep political divisions and civil unrest .
At a local level , this month we are also experiencing wildfires and smoky air .
In light of these stresses and the anxiety they can create in children and adults , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make sure our community knows about the mental health supports we have in place .
I ’ ll list some of them below .
COVID-19 mental health resources : The AUSD webpage www.alamedaunified.org/covidmentalhealth has links to numerous support services , including Care Solace .
This live 24-7 resource helps AUSD students and families find area mental health-related programs and counseling services .
Families can access Care Solace services via phone , email or the webpage , and the organization ’ s staff then help them find services that work with their insurance ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Resources webpage also has links to articles that can help families support their children during these difficult times .
Family learning conference : As part of our reopening support last month , the AUSD held a family learning conference that included sessions on using educational technology platforms as well as presentations on supporting students emotionally and socially .
You can find links to recordings of those presentations at sites.google.com/alamedaunified.org/familylearningconference/home .
Suicide prevention : The AUSD webpage www.alamedaunified.org/suicideprevention has direct links to hotlines and websites for people who are feeling suicidal , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recognize suicidal symptoms and get help to people exhibiting them .
School-based health centers : Staff at Encinal and Alameda high schools will provide tele-therapy support while schools are still in distance learning .
Hotline support : Students , staff , families and other community members in crisis should also know that , 24 hours a day , they can call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273- 8255 and Crisis Support Services of Alameda County at 800-273-8255 .
In addition , the California Parent & Youth Helpline at 855-427-2736 is available from 8 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ d also like to let our community know that the USDA is extending its free meal program ( the same one AUSD uses for its summer meal offerings ) through Dec. 31 .
That means anyone up to age 18 ( not just AUSD students ) can pick up meals at our distribution sites ( no identification is needed ) and parents or guardians can pick up meals without a child present .
For the latest updates , please see our Food and Nutrition Services webpage at www.alamedaunified.org/foodservices .
Susan Davis is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senior manager for community affairs .
Reach her at 510-337-7175 or sdavis @ alameda.k12.ca.us .

Over the last six months, the stresses experienced by our students, staff and families have continued to intensify at an unprecedented rate.
In addition to the pandemic, which disrupted school attendance, social connections, employment and — at a very basic level — the very way we navigate public spaces, our country is also experiencing deep political divisions and civil unrest. At a local level, this month we are also experiencing wildfires and smoky air. In light of these stresses and the anxiety they can create in children and adults, Alameda Unified School District officials want to make sure our community knows about the mental health supports we have in place. I’ll list some of them below.
COVID-19 mental health resources: The AUSD webpage www.alamedaunified.org/covidmentalhealth has links to numerous support services, including Care Solace. This live 24-7 resource helps AUSD students and families find area mental health-related programs and counseling services. Families can access Care Solace services via phone, email or the webpage, and the organization’s staff then help them find services that work with their insurance (or lack thereof). The Mental Health Resources webpage also has links to articles that can help families support their children during these difficult times.
Family learning conference: As part of our reopening support last month, the AUSD held a family learning conference that included sessions on using educational technology platforms as well as presentations on supporting students emotionally and socially. You can find links to recordings of those presentations at sites.google.com/alamedaunified.org/familylearningconference/home.
Suicide prevention: The AUSD webpage www.alamedaunified.org/suicideprevention has direct links to hotlines and websites for people who are feeling suicidal, as well as resources for learning how to recognize suicidal symptoms and get help to people exhibiting them.
School-based health centers: Staff at Encinal and Alameda high schools will provide tele-therapy support while schools are still in distance learning.
Hotline support: Students, staff, families and other community members in crisis should also know that, 24 hours a day, they can call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273- 8255 and Crisis Support Services of Alameda County at 800-273-8255. In addition, the California Parent & Youth Helpline at 855-427-2736 is available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
We’d also like to let our community know that the USDA is extending its free meal program (the same one AUSD uses for its summer meal offerings) through Dec. 31. That means anyone up to age 18 (not just AUSD students) can pick up meals at our distribution sites (no identification is needed) and parents or guardians can pick up meals without a child present. For the latest updates, please see our Food and Nutrition Services webpage at www.alamedaunified.org/foodservices.
Susan Davis is the Alameda Unified School District’s senior manager for community affairs. Reach her at 510-337-7175 or sdavis@alameda.k12.ca.us.


mercurynews--2020-09-09--Giants make a last-minute roster move, add outfielder before series against Mariners

With fewer than 60 minutes to go before first pitch on Tuesday at Oracle Park , the Giants made a late roster move and recalled rookie Luis Basabe from the Sacramento alternate site .
The speedy switch-hitting outfielder has yet to have his first major league at-bat , but he has appeared in one game for the club already as Basabe served as a pinch-runner on August 27 in a 2-0 loss against the Dodgers .
To clear a roster spot for Basabe , the Giants optioned infielder Daniel Robertson to the alternate site .
Basabe , 24 , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White Sox on August 9 after he was designated for assignment by his former club .
The Venezuela native had never appeared in a game above Double-A prior to this season , but manager Gabe Kapler has spoken highly of his progress in Sacramento in recent weeks .
Robertson was added in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays on August 23 and went 3-for-13 in six games with the Giants before being sent down to Sacramento .
Dropping an infielder from the roster in favor of an outfielder comes at an interesting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Evan Longoria is out of the starting lineup for the second consecutive day due to right glute soreness .
Pablo Sandoval is set to start at third base again on Tuesday in place of Longoria , but Kapler did say the Giants ’ regular starter will be available off the bench in a “ big spot ” or in an emergency situation .
Basabe could be used as a defensive replacement or as a pinch-runner for Alex Dickerson , who is back in the lineup Tuesday after exiting Monday ’ s game in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foul ball off of his knee .
Dickerson was diagnosed with a right knee contusion , but will bat second against the Mariners in the series opener .
The Giants aren ’ t yet ready to push Austin Slater in the outfield as he ’ s still recovering from recent groin and elbow injuries and with Dickerson likely still sore , Basabe becomes a valuable defensive option .
Basabe is a career .248 hitter in the minors and has posted a .737 OPS across seven minor league seasons .
We Need Your Support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every 30 days – and I ’ ve launched a free newsletter and podcast that come Monday-Friday – but for access to all of my coverage you ’ ll need to subscribe to MercuryNews.com or EastBayTimes.com .
Click here for our latest Mercury News offer and here for the latest East Bay Times offer .
Thank you !
— Kerry Crowley

With fewer than 60 minutes to go before first pitch on Tuesday at Oracle Park, the Giants made a late roster move and recalled rookie Luis Basabe from the Sacramento alternate site.
The speedy switch-hitting outfielder has yet to have his first major league at-bat, but he has appeared in one game for the club already as Basabe served as a pinch-runner on August 27 in a 2-0 loss against the Dodgers. To clear a roster spot for Basabe, the Giants optioned infielder Daniel Robertson to the alternate site.
Basabe, 24, was acquired in a trade with the Chicago White Sox on August 9 after he was designated for assignment by his former club. The Venezuela native had never appeared in a game above Double-A prior to this season, but manager Gabe Kapler has spoken highly of his progress in Sacramento in recent weeks.
Robertson was added in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays on August 23 and went 3-for-13 in six games with the Giants before being sent down to Sacramento.
Dropping an infielder from the roster in favor of an outfielder comes at an interesting time for the Giants as third baseman Evan Longoria is out of the starting lineup for the second consecutive day due to right glute soreness. Pablo Sandoval is set to start at third base again on Tuesday in place of Longoria, but Kapler did say the Giants’ regular starter will be available off the bench in a “big spot” or in an emergency situation.
Basabe could be used as a defensive replacement or as a pinch-runner for Alex Dickerson, who is back in the lineup Tuesday after exiting Monday’s game in the fourth inning when he drilled a foul ball off of his knee. Dickerson was diagnosed with a right knee contusion, but will bat second against the Mariners in the series opener.
The Giants aren’t yet ready to push Austin Slater in the outfield as he’s still recovering from recent groin and elbow injuries and with Dickerson likely still sore, Basabe becomes a valuable defensive option.
Basabe is a career .248 hitter in the minors and has posted a .737 OPS across seven minor league seasons.
We Need Your Support!
Several Giants articles will remain free every 30 days – and I’ve launched a free newsletter and podcast that come Monday-Friday – but for access to all of my coverage you’ll need to subscribe to MercuryNews.com or EastBayTimes.com. Click here for our latest Mercury News offer and here for the latest East Bay Times offer. Thank you! — Kerry Crowley


mercurynews--2020-09-09--Khris Davis comes through as A’s top Houston Astros

OAKLAND — Manager Bob Melvin said the A ’ s were going to need some other players to make an impact Tuesday with both third baseman Matt Chapman and outfielder Stephen Piscotty unavailable due to injury .
In stepped Khris Davis , whose vintage at-bats helped the A ’ s take the first game of their double-header with the Houston Astros at the Coliseum .
Davis homered in the third inning and hit an RBI double in the sixth , both to the opposite field off starter Zack Greinke , to help the A ’ s beat the Astros 4-2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead in the American League West to 5 1/2 games .
The second game of the double-header will begin at 6:20 p.m. ( PT ) .
“ Guys show up at different times when they need to , ” Melvin said after the first game , “ and ( Davis ) showed up big today.
” The A ’ s also got a solid bounce-performance from starter Frankie Montas and two hits , an RBI and a run scored from Ramon Laureano to improve to 3-2 on their eight-game homestand .
Liam Hendriks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faced in the seventh inning to earn his 11th save this season .
In the third , Davis , playing in his first game since Aug. 26 , drove a 90 mph fastball from Greinke to right field for his second home run of the season and the 158th of his Oakland career .
After he rounded the bases , Davis stepped on home plate and pivoted to his left to trot to the A ’ s dugout .
He then he let out a pair of loud roars .
Davis got off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one hit in his first 21 at-bats .
Instead of playing every day , he was going to face primarily left-handers and through August , played in just 15 of 27 games and had 50 plate appearances .
“ This is the type of guy that can carry a team , ” Melvin said of Davis .
“ Every game that he doesn ’ t play kind of hurts me some .
Just trying to get him going again and to his credit , he ’ s worked hard and feels really good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Davis ’ double in the sixth inning scored Laureano from second base .
It was Davis ’ first game with multiple extra base hits since Sept. 13 of last year when he homered twice in a 14-9 win over the Texas Rangers .
He entered Tuesday with six RBI and a .155 batting average .
“ That was huge for him , ” Montas said of Davis .
“ He showed that he ’ s back and ready to play.
” Piscotty had soreness in his left wrist early Tuesday and did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the double-header .
Chapman has right hip tendinitis and will also miss Wednesday ’ s game with Houston , at least .
“ You ’ re going to need guys over the course of a season , and whether guys are banged up , we ’ ve always been a team that has incorporated everybody , ” Melvin said before Tuesday ’ s game .
“ When you have injuries , you need the guys that are going to replace them to be ready enough to replace them .
“ You see right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re having , other guys are going to have to produce and step up and they have to be ready for it .
In ( Davis ’ ) case , he ’ s been sitting out for a little bit , which he ’ s not used to .
It ’ s not an easy role for him , but he was going to be in there regardless today.
” Montas allowed a two-run home run to Michael Brantley in the bottom of the fifth inning that tied the game 2-2 .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six his and walking just one to go with four strikeouts .
• A ’ s Chapman says right hip has bothered him “ this whole season ” • Matt Olson ‘ hit the reset button ’ during hiatus ; why early results are encouraging • ‘ We want to increase the gap between us and Houston : ’ A ’ s start five-game series on right foot , shut out Astros • A ’ s experience another injury blow : A.J .
Puk shut down with left shoulder injury In his last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed a combined 18 earned runs in 9 2/3 innings .
He entered Tuesday at 2-3 with a 6.06 ERA .

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OAKLAND — Manager Bob Melvin said the A’s were going to need some other players to make an impact Tuesday with both third baseman Matt Chapman and outfielder Stephen Piscotty unavailable due to injury.
In stepped Khris Davis, whose vintage at-bats helped the A’s take the first game of their double-header with the Houston Astros at the Coliseum.
Davis homered in the third inning and hit an RBI double in the sixth, both to the opposite field off starter Zack Greinke, to help the A’s beat the Astros 4-2 in seven innings to momentarily widen their lead in the American League West to 5 1/2 games. The second game of the double-header will begin at 6:20 p.m. (PT).
“Guys show up at different times when they need to,” Melvin said after the first game, “and (Davis) showed up big today.”
The A’s also got a solid bounce-performance from starter Frankie Montas and two hits, an RBI and a run scored from Ramon Laureano to improve to 3-2 on their eight-game homestand.
Liam Hendriks retired three of the four batters he faced in the seventh inning to earn his 11th save this season.
In the third, Davis, playing in his first game since Aug. 26, drove a 90 mph fastball from Greinke to right field for his second home run of the season and the 158th of his Oakland career. After he rounded the bases, Davis stepped on home plate and pivoted to his left to trot to the A’s dugout. He then he let out a pair of loud roars.
Davis got off to an atrocious this season with just one hit in his first 21 at-bats. Instead of playing every day, he was going to face primarily left-handers and through August, played in just 15 of 27 games and had 50 plate appearances.
“This is the type of guy that can carry a team,” Melvin said of Davis. “Every game that he doesn’t play kind of hurts me some. Just trying to get him going again and to his credit, he’s worked hard and feels really good about where his swing is right now.”
Davis’ double in the sixth inning scored Laureano from second base. It was Davis’ first game with multiple extra base hits since Sept. 13 of last year when he homered twice in a 14-9 win over the Texas Rangers. He entered Tuesday with six RBI and a .155 batting average.
“That was huge for him,” Montas said of Davis. “He showed that he’s back and ready to play.”
Piscotty had soreness in his left wrist early Tuesday and did not play in the first game of the double-header. Chapman has right hip tendinitis and will also miss Wednesday’s game with Houston, at least.
“You’re going to need guys over the course of a season, and whether guys are banged up, we’ve always been a team that has incorporated everybody,” Melvin said before Tuesday’s game. “When you have injuries, you need the guys that are going to replace them to be ready enough to replace them.
“You see right now with the injuries that we’re having, other guys are going to have to produce and step up and they have to be ready for it. In (Davis’) case, he’s been sitting out for a little bit, which he’s not used to. It’s not an easy role for him, but he was going to be in there regardless today.”
Montas allowed a two-run home run to Michael Brantley in the bottom of the fifth inning that tied the game 2-2. He was otherwise solid, allowing a combined six his and walking just one to go with four strikeouts.


mercurynews--2020-09-09--He spent nearly 30 years in prison for a murder he didn’t commit. A CA judge just dismissed the case

He spent nearly 30 years in prison for a murder he didn’t commit. A CA judge just dismissed the case, called investigation ‘outrageous’

In 1991 , when Bob Fenenbock proclaimed his innocence , facing charges that he joined a frenzied mob in the murder of a Trinity County man , no one believed him .
He was convicted and sentenced to life .
In 2019 , even after the Northern California Innocence Project took up Fenenbock ’ s case and wrote a successful appeal , freeing him from prison , prosecutors moved to retry him .
Longing to return to his home state of Hawaii , Fenenbock spent a year in California facing the pending murder case , the prospect of returning to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on August 24 , after listening to arguments from both sides , Solano County Superior Court Judge Carlos Gutierrez gave Fenenbock what he ’ s been spent three decades seeking : vindication .
In a blistering order that accused a lead police investigator of “ untruths , lies , deception , and coercion , ” Gutierrez threw out the case , effectively ending Fenenbock ’ s nightmare .
“ I ’ ve been screaming this in a cell for 28 years , ” Fenenbock said in an interview .
“ It was surprisingly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was over and I could move on with my life.
” Now back in his native state , Fenenbock has had time to reflect back on the time he spent as a wrongfully-convicted California prisoner , and how different life would be for him if he was still locked away in a prison system rife with overcrowding amidst the COVID-19 pandemic .
But for now , he said , he ’ s focusing on his future .
“ I ’ m just wallowing in my family , ” Fenenbock said .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do , cuz as of Monday of last week , I ’ m free…I ’ m beaming , man.
” Gutierrez ’ s ruling undid what Fenenbock ’ s attorneys argued was a case that never should have been filed .
The evidence against him was largely based on the word of a 9-year-old boy , Randy , who Gutierrez ruled had been coerced into providing false statements .
The youngster was threatened that if the defendants walked , they would come for him next .
He claimed he witnessed the murder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s blanket and watched as the victim was attacked .
The victim , Gary L. Summar , 37 , was described in media reports at the time as a “ nomad ” living in remote Trinity County when he was accused of molesting a 4-year-old .
Unsatisfied with the police investigation into the alleged molestation , the 4-year-old ’ s mom organized a group to attack Summar .
They lured him to a campsite about 50 miles west of Weaverville and attacked him with knives and blunt objects , breaking bones and stabbing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least , that was the cops ’ version of events .
According to Fenenbock ’ s attorneys , Summar had one killer , who admitted his deed , mounted a mental health defense , and told authorities that Fenenbock was not involved .
Faced with a lack of physical evidence tying Fenenbock to the murder , authorities interrogated Randy , who at first claimed to have no knowledge of the murder .
“ The only way ( police ) could get a witness to this murder was with manufactured testimony , ” Jim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attorneys , said in an interview .
“ They told him , ‘ If you don ’ t stick to this story these guys will come and hurt your family . '
” Though Summar was killed in Trinity County , the high level of media coverage forced the case into Solano County , where Fenenbock was tried and convicted .
The media referred to Fenenbock and his co-defendants as the “ Hawkins Bar 8.
” All but Fenenbock and Bernard MacCarlie , the man who admitted murdering Summar , were acquitted at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County District Attorney ’ s office — which is dealing with the tragic loss of DA Donna Daly in an Aug. 18 car crash — did not return requests for comment on Gutierrez decision .
Fenenbock went through various stages of emotion as he tried to live his life behind bars with the knowledge that he was innocent , he said .
He filed handwritten appeal motions from prison , and after a quarter-century attracted the Innocence Project ’ s help .
By then , Randy had recanted his testimony .
Fenenbock holds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month that the past 30 years have been “ a lifetime of hell ” as he wrestled with knowing his testimony put a man behind bars .
“ I got nothing but love for Randy to tell you the truth , ” Fenenbock said .
In August 2019 , the California Supreme Court found that evidence of the coerced statement would have “ more likely than not ” changed the outcome of Fenenbock ’ s trial .
His conviction was overturned , but Trinity County prosecutors promptly moved to retry him .
Still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free while the case made its way to trial .
But rather than argue in front of a jury , Fenenbock ’ s attorneys filed a motion to throw out the case based on gross government misconduct , a rare move that has a high legal standard for success .
Gutierrez listened to five days of testimony — including from Randy and police investigators — before ruling Fenenbock had not received a fair trial .
“ To implant a memory in a 9-year-old child that , in the Court ’ s view , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it ’ s outrageous , and it violates the universal sense of justice , ” Gutierrez said , according to a transcript of the hearing .
The judge ’ s ruling opens the door for Fenebock to successfully sue , and payouts for wrongful convictions are generally calculated in the millions .
Famous examples include the Central Park 5 received $ 41 million after their rape convictions were overturned , and Craig Coley , a California man who got $ 21 million after spending 39 years in prison for a double murder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says he has not yet made a final decision whether to pursue legal action , but believes what happened to him “ was not a mistake , ” but rather an intentional malicious prosecution .
For the time being , though , he is focused on listening to the laughter of his grandchildren as he soaks in the Hawaiian sun .
“ Since the moment he got out he has been all smiles , ” said Paige Kaneb , one of the attorneys in his case .

In 1991, when Bob Fenenbock proclaimed his innocence, facing charges that he joined a frenzied mob in the murder of a Trinity County man, no one believed him. He was convicted and sentenced to life.
In 2019, even after the Northern California Innocence Project took up Fenenbock’s case and wrote a successful appeal, freeing him from prison, prosecutors moved to retry him. Longing to return to his home state of Hawaii, Fenenbock spent a year in California facing the pending murder case, the prospect of returning to prison hanging over his head.
But on August 24, after listening to arguments from both sides, Solano County Superior Court Judge Carlos Gutierrez gave Fenenbock what he’s been spent three decades seeking: vindication. In a blistering order that accused a lead police investigator of “untruths, lies, deception, and coercion,” Gutierrez threw out the case, effectively ending Fenenbock’s nightmare.
“I’ve been screaming this in a cell for 28 years,” Fenenbock said in an interview. “It was surprisingly amazingly incredible that this year of BS was over and I could move on with my life.”
Now back in his native state, Fenenbock has had time to reflect back on the time he spent as a wrongfully-convicted California prisoner, and how different life would be for him if he was still locked away in a prison system rife with overcrowding amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. But for now, he said, he’s focusing on his future.
“I’m just wallowing in my family,” Fenenbock said. “The future holds pretty much whatever I want to do, cuz as of Monday of last week, I’m free…I’m beaming, man.”
Gutierrez’s ruling undid what Fenenbock’s attorneys argued was a case that never should have been filed.
The evidence against him was largely based on the word of a 9-year-old boy, Randy, who Gutierrez ruled had been coerced into providing false statements. The youngster was threatened that if the defendants walked, they would come for him next. He claimed he witnessed the murder as he hid below his mother’s blanket and watched as the victim was attacked.
The victim, Gary L. Summar, 37, was described in media reports at the time as a “nomad” living in remote Trinity County when he was accused of molesting a 4-year-old. Unsatisfied with the police investigation into the alleged molestation, the 4-year-old’s mom organized a group to attack Summar. They lured him to a campsite about 50 miles west of Weaverville and attacked him with knives and blunt objects, breaking bones and stabbing him more than 70 times.
At least, that was the cops’ version of events. According to Fenenbock’s attorneys, Summar had one killer, who admitted his deed, mounted a mental health defense, and told authorities that Fenenbock was not involved. Faced with a lack of physical evidence tying Fenenbock to the murder, authorities interrogated Randy, who at first claimed to have no knowledge of the murder.
“The only way (police) could get a witness to this murder was with manufactured testimony,” Jim Bennett, one of Fenenbock’s attorneys, said in an interview. “They told him, ‘If you don’t stick to this story these guys will come and hurt your family.'”
Though Summar was killed in Trinity County, the high level of media coverage forced the case into Solano County, where Fenenbock was tried and convicted. The media referred to Fenenbock and his co-defendants as the “Hawkins Bar 8.” All but Fenenbock and Bernard MacCarlie, the man who admitted murdering Summar, were acquitted at trial, Bennett said.
The Trinity County District Attorney’s office — which is dealing with the tragic loss of DA Donna Daly in an Aug. 18 car crash — did not return requests for comment on Gutierrez decision.
Fenenbock went through various stages of emotion as he tried to live his life behind bars with the knowledge that he was innocent, he said. He filed handwritten appeal motions from prison, and after a quarter-century attracted the Innocence Project’s help. By then, Randy had recanted his testimony.
Fenenbock holds nothing against Randy, who testified last month that the past 30 years have been “a lifetime of hell” as he wrestled with knowing his testimony put a man behind bars.
“I got nothing but love for Randy to tell you the truth,” Fenenbock said.
In August 2019, the California Supreme Court found that evidence of the coerced statement would have “more likely than not” changed the outcome of Fenenbock’s trial. His conviction was overturned, but Trinity County prosecutors promptly moved to retry him. Still, a judge allowed Fenenbock to be free while the case made its way to trial.
But rather than argue in front of a jury, Fenenbock’s attorneys filed a motion to throw out the case based on gross government misconduct, a rare move that has a high legal standard for success. Gutierrez listened to five days of testimony — including from Randy and police investigators — before ruling Fenenbock had not received a fair trial.
“To implant a memory in a 9-year-old child that, in the Court’s view, is such conduct that is grossly shocking, it’s outrageous, and it violates the universal sense of justice,” Gutierrez said, according to a transcript of the hearing.
The judge’s ruling opens the door for Fenebock to successfully sue, and payouts for wrongful convictions are generally calculated in the millions. Famous examples include the Central Park 5 received $41 million after their rape convictions were overturned, and Craig Coley, a California man who got $21 million after spending 39 years in prison for a double murder case that was eventually overturned.
Fenenbock says he has not yet made a final decision whether to pursue legal action, but believes what happened to him “was not a mistake,” but rather an intentional malicious prosecution.
For the time being, though, he is focused on listening to the laughter of his grandchildren as he soaks in the Hawaiian sun.
“Since the moment he got out he has been all smiles,” said Paige Kaneb, one of the attorneys in his case.


mercurynews--2020-09-09--Review: Despite murky messaging, ‘Marvel’s Avengers’ shows its potential

Summer used to have a flow in the video game industry .
E3 and other conventions started the hype train rolling .
Follow-up events built up more momentum , and by the time fall arrived , the anticipation in the air would be palpable .
Gamers would have a clear idea of the projects they would play the rest of the year .
They had certain expectations , but the coronavirus pandemic has clouded that .
Carefully choreographed announcements have given way to prepackaged YouTube videos .
Briefings that normally excite fans have ended up as dry news releases .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cacophony around the release calendar .
“ Marvel ’ s Avengers ” is one of those titles that has had more difficulty under these circumstances , and it ’ s biggest problem has been explaining what it is .
Players had glimpses of it during the beta and accompanying videos , but players can ’ t appreciate it until they experienced the effort as a whole .
Crystal Dynamics and its partner studios created a title that , at its heart , takes the loot and team mechanics of franchises such “ Destiny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Division ” and mashes them to the beat ’ -em up genre .
It ’ s an effort that works once players get a handle on the control scheme and the roles of each of the six heroes .
Ms. Marvel , Iron Man , Thor , the Hulk , Black Widow and Captain America each have the same control scheme with support heroics , assault heroics and ultimate heroics .
They also have ranged strikes , a dodge and light and heavy attacks , but while the uniformity of the controls means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around and attack no matter who they use , the differences lies in the details of their abilities .
The Hulk is the quintessential tank who absorbs damage and draws adversaries ’ attention .
His Rage ability raises his attack while also healing him at the same time .
It ’ s a character that ’ s built for aggression .
Meanwhile , Iron Man specializes in ranged combat .
Although every hero can attack from afar , Tony Stark is by far the most efficient and capable at taking down drones and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fly also makes him great at scouting and moving around the battlefield .
The developers did a remarkable job at making each hero unique with powers that are useful in a team setting .
Ms. Marvel is a healer who jumps into the fray with her Polymorph abilities to smash enemies around her .
On the other hand , Captain America with his Rally Cry boosts his team ’ s attack power against enemies he marked .
Thor is an interesting mix of tank and damage dealing with his ability to hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lastly , Black Widow acts as a rogue with her quick attacks and the Veil of Shadows support ability lets the team escape hairy situations or open up foes to strong attacks .
Players may not notice the intricacy at lower difficulties , but as the game grows harder , they ’ ll appreciate how the powers interconnect and a team of four can benefit from one another .
The other notable part of “ Marvel ’ s Avengers ” is the story , which casts Kamala Khan — aka Ms. Marvel — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a trailblazer as the first Muslim character to lead a Marvel comic , and her introduction as the game ’ s protagonist opens her character to a new audience .
She ’ s the surrogate for the player in an adventure that has characters that are more established and her enthusiasm for the Avenger is infectious .
Her belief in the heroes and the growth of her character gives “ Marvel ’ s Avengers ” its soul .
She ’ s the one who brings the team back together after the disaster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Avengers ’ flying aircraft carrier , the Chimera , malfunctions during an attack in San Francisco .
It causes the death of millions and activates the powers of people called the Inhumans .
Fans can tell this was made during the time before Disney bought Fox and the rights to use “ mutants ” in movies .
She brings the team together and helps find the truth behind the events of A-Day .
The campaign itself tends to wander in places , and the game recycles maps .
The mission design is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more of a showcase for each character .
That all comes to a head as the Avengers assemble to take on Advanced Idea Mechanics , the company that takes over Stark ’ s assets , and its leader MODOK , a supervillain who has the power to control machines .
Although the conclusion of the single-player campaign is satisfying , that ’ s just the beginning for “ Marvel ’ s Avengers.
” Because it ’ s built in the mold of “ Destiny , ” Crystal Dynamics and company have to worry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s not the “ Avengers ” film , it ’ s the state of the project after players complete the initial campaign .
Developers usually have a plan to unfurl new content over the next few months to keep players interested in the game .
This is where fans will find additional adventures and where players can learn to appreciate the depth of the gameplay .
With “ Marvel ’ s Avengers , ” the team built a deep customization and progression system to keep players busy for now .
They can upgrade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the skill trees .
On the other end , they can fine tune their hero by hunting for better equipment by playing through the same missions over and over again .
It ’ s redundant but the fact that players have six characters to master will keep them busy until at least the next content drop .
“ Marvel ’ s Avengers ” will continue to evolve over time , and , as the developers add new content , they ’ ll also fix the game ’ s many bugs .
This means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but as it stands now , it ’ s a title that will satisfy fans and sate their appetite for more Marvel content while they wait for the film and shows to get back on track .
With the project defined , it ’ s an adventure worth getting into if you ’ re a Marvel fan .
3 stars out of 4 Platform : PlayStation 4 , Xbox One , PC , Stadia .
( PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series in the future ) Rating : Teen

Summer used to have a flow in the video game industry. E3 and other conventions started the hype train rolling. Follow-up events built up more momentum, and by the time fall arrived, the anticipation in the air would be palpable.
Gamers would have a clear idea of the projects they would play the rest of the year. They had certain expectations, but the coronavirus pandemic has clouded that. Carefully choreographed announcements have given way to prepackaged YouTube videos. Briefings that normally excite fans have ended up as dry news releases. A deluge of messages has created a cacophony around the release calendar.
“Marvel’s Avengers” is one of those titles that has had more difficulty under these circumstances, and it’s biggest problem has been explaining what it is. Players had glimpses of it during the beta and accompanying videos, but players can’t appreciate it until they experienced the effort as a whole.
Crystal Dynamics and its partner studios created a title that, at its heart, takes the loot and team mechanics of franchises such “Destiny” and “Tom Clancy’s Division” and mashes them to the beat’-em up genre. It’s an effort that works once players get a handle on the control scheme and the roles of each of the six heroes.
Ms. Marvel, Iron Man, Thor, the Hulk, Black Widow and Captain America each have the same control scheme with support heroics, assault heroics and ultimate heroics. They also have ranged strikes, a dodge and light and heavy attacks, but while the uniformity of the controls means that players will know how to move around and attack no matter who they use, the differences lies in the details of their abilities.
The Hulk is the quintessential tank who absorbs damage and draws adversaries’ attention. His Rage ability raises his attack while also healing him at the same time. It’s a character that’s built for aggression. Meanwhile, Iron Man specializes in ranged combat. Although every hero can attack from afar, Tony Stark is by far the most efficient and capable at taking down drones and turrets from a distance. His ability to fly also makes him great at scouting and moving around the battlefield.
The developers did a remarkable job at making each hero unique with powers that are useful in a team setting. Ms. Marvel is a healer who jumps into the fray with her Polymorph abilities to smash enemies around her. On the other hand, Captain America with his Rally Cry boosts his team’s attack power against enemies he marked. Thor is an interesting mix of tank and damage dealing with his ability to hold quick enemies down with his hammer. Lastly, Black Widow acts as a rogue with her quick attacks and the Veil of Shadows support ability lets the team escape hairy situations or open up foes to strong attacks.
Players may not notice the intricacy at lower difficulties, but as the game grows harder, they’ll appreciate how the powers interconnect and a team of four can benefit from one another.
The other notable part of “Marvel’s Avengers” is the story, which casts Kamala Khan — aka Ms. Marvel — in the lead role. She’s a trailblazer as the first Muslim character to lead a Marvel comic, and her introduction as the game’s protagonist opens her character to a new audience. She’s the surrogate for the player in an adventure that has characters that are more established and her enthusiasm for the Avenger is infectious.
Her belief in the heroes and the growth of her character gives “Marvel’s Avengers” its soul. She’s the one who brings the team back together after the disaster called A-Day. That’s when the Avengers’ flying aircraft carrier, the Chimera, malfunctions during an attack in San Francisco. It causes the death of millions and activates the powers of people called the Inhumans. Fans can tell this was made during the time before Disney bought Fox and the rights to use “mutants” in movies.
She brings the team together and helps find the truth behind the events of A-Day. The campaign itself tends to wander in places, and the game recycles maps. The mission design is rather simplistic and repetitive, but are more of a showcase for each character. That all comes to a head as the Avengers assemble to take on Advanced Idea Mechanics, the company that takes over Stark’s assets, and its leader MODOK, a supervillain who has the power to control machines.
Although the conclusion of the single-player campaign is satisfying, that’s just the beginning for “Marvel’s Avengers.” Because it’s built in the mold of “Destiny,” Crystal Dynamics and company have to worry about the end game. That’s not the “Avengers” film, it’s the state of the project after players complete the initial campaign.
Developers usually have a plan to unfurl new content over the next few months to keep players interested in the game. This is where fans will find additional adventures and where players can learn to appreciate the depth of the gameplay.
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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 With “Marvel’s Avengers,” the team built a deep customization and progression system to keep players busy for now. They can upgrade heroes a huge amount as they progress the skill trees. On the other end, they can fine tune their hero by hunting for better equipment by playing through the same missions over and over again. It’s redundant but the fact that players have six characters to master will keep them busy until at least the next content drop.
“Marvel’s Avengers” will continue to evolve over time, and, as the developers add new content, they’ll also fix the game’s many bugs. This means it will eventually get better over time, but as it stands now, it’s a title that will satisfy fans and sate their appetite for more Marvel content while they wait for the film and shows to get back on track. With the project defined, it’s an adventure worth getting into if you’re a Marvel fan.
‘Marvel’s Avengers
3 stars out of 4
Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Stadia. (PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series in the future)
Rating: Teen


mercurynews--2020-09-09--DoJ wants to defend Trump against defamation suit

The US Justice Department , in an extraordinary move on Tuesday , asked to take over the defense of President Donald Trump in a defamation lawsuit filed against him by E. Jean Carroll , a woman who has accused Trump of sexual assault .
While the alleged sexual assault occurred long before Trump became President , the Justice Department argued that it must take over because Trump ’ s comments spurring the defamation lawsuit came while he was in office .
Carroll , an advice columnist who for years wrote for Elle Magazine , alleged in a lawsuit filed last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a dressing room at luxury Manhattan department store Bergdorf Goodman in the 1990s .
Trump has denied the allegation , calling it “ totally false ” and saying he “ never met this person in my life.
” The request and possible change of lawyers could further delay the lawsuit , or even kill it entirely .
Should the Justice Department be allowed to take over , it could mean the end of Carroll ’ s lawsuit as the federal government can ’ t be sued for defamation , noted CNN legal analyst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Steve Vladeck .
Trump ’ s denials came while he was acting in his official duties as President , the Justice Department said in court papers Tuesday .
“ President Trump was acting within the scope of his office as President of the United States at the time of the incidents out of which the Plaintiff ’ s defamation claim arose .
Indeed , when providing the challenged statements , the President was speaking to or responding to inquiries from the press , much as the elected officials in the cases cited above @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other public statements at the time of their challenged actions , ” the Justice Department ’ s court filing stated .
“ The Westfall Act accordingly requires the substitution of the United States as defendant in this action , ” the department added .
“ Even in today ’ s world , that argument is shocking , ” said Roberta Kaplan , Carroll ’ s attorney , of the Justice Department ’ s logic .
A New York judge last month ruled that the lawsuit could proceed against Trump .
Carroll is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sample to compare with male genetic material found on the black Donna Karan dress Carroll says she wore during the alleged encounter at Bergdorf ’ s .
“ President Trump knows that I told the truth when I said that he had sexually assaulted me in a dressing room at Bergdorf Goodman .
He also knows that he was lying when he said that he had never met me before and that I ‘ wasn ’ t his type , ' ” Carroll said in a statement .
“ Today ’ s actions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including using the full powers of the federal government , to block discovery from going forward in my case before the upcoming election to try to prevent a jury from ever deciding which one of us is lying , ” she said .

By Dan Berman | CNN
The US Justice Department, in an extraordinary move on Tuesday, asked to take over the defense of President Donald Trump in a defamation lawsuit filed against him by E. Jean Carroll, a woman who has accused Trump of sexual assault.
While the alleged sexual assault occurred long before Trump became President, the Justice Department argued that it must take over because Trump’s comments spurring the defamation lawsuit came while he was in office.
Carroll, an advice columnist who for years wrote for Elle Magazine, alleged in a lawsuit filed last fall that Trump sexually assaulted her in a dressing room at luxury Manhattan department store Bergdorf Goodman in the 1990s. Trump has denied the allegation, calling it “totally false” and saying he “never met this person in my life.”
The request and possible change of lawyers could further delay the lawsuit, or even kill it entirely. Should the Justice Department be allowed to take over, it could mean the end of Carroll’s lawsuit as the federal government can’t be sued for defamation, noted CNN legal analyst and University of Texas law school professor Steve Vladeck.
Trump’s denials came while he was acting in his official duties as President, the Justice Department said in court papers Tuesday.
“President Trump was acting within the scope of his office as President of the United States at the time of the incidents out of which the Plaintiff’s defamation claim arose. Indeed, when providing the challenged statements, the President was speaking to or responding to inquiries from the press, much as the elected officials in the cases cited above were speaking to the press or making other public statements at the time of their challenged actions,” the Justice Department’s court filing stated.
“The Westfall Act accordingly requires the substitution of the United States as defendant in this action,” the department added.
“Even in today’s world, that argument is shocking,” said Roberta Kaplan, Carroll’s attorney, of the Justice Department’s logic.
A New York judge last month ruled that the lawsuit could proceed against Trump.
Carroll is also seeking to require Trump provide a DNA sample to compare with male genetic material found on the black Donna Karan dress Carroll says she wore during the alleged encounter at Bergdorf’s.
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Prosecutors, defense spar over fate of Hunter Biden gun deal Politics | GOP rivals prepare for possible Trump-less debate “President Trump knows that I told the truth when I said that he had sexually assaulted me in a dressing room at Bergdorf Goodman. He also knows that he was lying when he said that he had never met me before and that I ‘wasn’t his type,'” Carroll said in a statement.
“Today’s actions demonstrate that Trump will do everything possible, including using the full powers of the federal government, to block discovery from going forward in my case before the upcoming election to try to prevent a jury from ever deciding which one of us is lying,” she said.


mercurynews--2020-09-08--Renovated White House Rose Garden undergoing repairs

The newly renovated White House Rose Garden is under repair less than three weeks after its official unveiling .
The garden is experiencing “ issues with water drainage ” and “ some minor complications with updated construction , ” a source with knowledge of the garden troubles told CNN .
New sod is also being laid down .
First lady Melania Trump on August 22 hosted a private party to celebrate the redone Rose Garden , which the public was told had been completed after approximately three weeks of renovation .
A White House spokesman said Tuesday that taxpayers will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of re-sodding the Rose Garden .
“ The sod is being replaced at no cost to taxpayers , ” deputy press secretary Judd Deere told CNN .
Instead , the tab for the repairs to the grass will be paid for by the Trump campaign , a campaign official told CNN .
The cost of the re-sod of the Rose Garden was not revealed .
The campaign is also paying for repairs and replacement sod for the South Lawn , which was also damaged by events for the Republican National Convention .
Hundreds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lawn during the convention , and a large tent was also erected .
Additionally , a stage and lighting apparatus were built specifically for President Donald Trump to use the White House as the backdrop for his convention speech .
The Rose Garden renovation was paid for by private funds , solicited in large part by the Trust for the National Mall .
The White House has not said when the Rose Garden will be able to properly function .
Trump on Monday held a news conference on the North Portico , an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ notes hosting press in seats at the Rose Garden “ would not be doable ” in the iconic garden ’ s current status .
Trump has also had to motorcade to Andrews Air Force Base of late , again preventing media from seeing the construction in the Rose Garden in recent days .
Melania Trump held her Republican National Convention speech from the Rose Garden in front of approximately 75 seated guests on August 25 .
For that event , the grass of the Rose Garden was too muddy to host an audience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rain storms , thus a “ turf ” lawn was put down over the grass instead , a source with knowledge told CNN at the time .
Trump announced she was spearheading the Rose Garden overhaul in late July .
The renovation included updates to plants , trees , grass and florals , as well as the addition of a new limestone border , pathways and technological elements to make the outdoor space more modernized for televised events .
• DoJ wants to defend Trump against defamation suit • McConnell proposes relief bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough • House will investigate DeJoy for potential campaign law violations The first lady ’ s renovation followed the guidelines from the garden ’ s original 1962 layout — but the update was largely panned by critics for looking substantially altered .
Most discussed was the removal of 10 crabapple trees .
The trees , which over the years had been replaced and were not the Kennedy-era originals , were transported to a National Park Service facility for care .
According to a White House official , they will be replanted elsewhere on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The trees were causing too much shade to provide for healthy and regular growth of the florals and shrubs beneath them , according to a 220-page report on the garden history and renovation prepared for the Committee for the Preservation of the White House .

By Kate Bennett | CNN
The newly renovated White House Rose Garden is under repair less than three weeks after its official unveiling. The garden is experiencing “issues with water drainage” and “some minor complications with updated construction,” a source with knowledge of the garden troubles told CNN. New sod is also being laid down.
First lady Melania Trump on August 22 hosted a private party to celebrate the redone Rose Garden, which the public was told had been completed after approximately three weeks of renovation.
A White House spokesman said Tuesday that taxpayers will not have to pay for the cost of re-sodding the Rose Garden.
“The sod is being replaced at no cost to taxpayers,” deputy press secretary Judd Deere told CNN.
Instead, the tab for the repairs to the grass will be paid for by the Trump campaign, a campaign official told CNN. The cost of the re-sod of the Rose Garden was not revealed. The campaign is also paying for repairs and replacement sod for the South Lawn, which was also damaged by events for the Republican National Convention.
Hundreds of guests were seated on the South Lawn during the convention, and a large tent was also erected. Additionally, a stage and lighting apparatus were built specifically for President Donald Trump to use the White House as the backdrop for his convention speech.
The Rose Garden renovation was paid for by private funds, solicited in large part by the Trust for the National Mall.
The White House has not said when the Rose Garden will be able to properly function.
Trump on Monday held a news conference on the North Portico, an unusual outdoor location, but the source notes hosting press in seats at the Rose Garden “would not be doable” in the iconic garden’s current status. Trump has also had to motorcade to Andrews Air Force Base of late, again preventing media from seeing the construction in the Rose Garden in recent days.
Melania Trump held her Republican National Convention speech from the Rose Garden in front of approximately 75 seated guests on August 25. For that event, the grass of the Rose Garden was too muddy to host an audience due to lack of drainage from heavy rain storms, thus a “turf” lawn was put down over the grass instead, a source with knowledge told CNN at the time.
Trump announced she was spearheading the Rose Garden overhaul in late July. The renovation included updates to plants, trees, grass and florals, as well as the addition of a new limestone border, pathways and technological elements to make the outdoor space more modernized for televised events.
The first lady’s renovation followed the guidelines from the garden’s original 1962 layout — but the update was largely panned by critics for looking substantially altered. Most discussed was the removal of 10 crabapple trees. The trees, which over the years had been replaced and were not the Kennedy-era originals, were transported to a National Park Service facility for care. According to a White House official, they will be replanted elsewhere on the grounds in the near future.
The trees were causing too much shade to provide for healthy and regular growth of the florals and shrubs beneath them, according to a 220-page report on the garden history and renovation prepared for the Committee for the Preservation of the White House.


mercurynews--2020-09-08--Court ruling keeps R. Kelly behind bars

Court ruling keeps R. Kelly behind bars

NEW YORK — R. Kelly can remain behind bars awaiting multiple trials on child pornography and other charges in three states , an appeals court in New York said Tuesday as a lawyer for the R & B singer cited another inmate ’ s attack on Kelly last month as one reason he should receive bail .
The 2nd U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan upheld a decision by a Brooklyn federal judge to deny bail to Kelly , 53 , who remains in a federal jail in Chicago .
He faces state and federal charges in Illinois @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sexual assault to heading a racketeering scheme designed to supply him with girls .
The Grammy Award-winning singer has denied ever abusing anyone .
Prosecutors have said Kelly is a danger to the community and a flight risk .
The 2nd Circuit said prosecutors had proven both and that “ no condition or combination of conditions could assure against those risks.
” The appeals court said the lower court also did not err in finding Kelly failed to demonstrate a “ compelling reason ” for temporary release .
Mike Leonard , one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeals ruling was “ very disappointing and somewhat surprising ” because appeals judges during oral arguments had seemed to understand that Kelly ’ s incarceration was preventing him from preparing adequately for trial .
In a court filing in Chicago federal court Friday , Leonard wrote that Kelly sustained unspecified injuries when he was attacked at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago in late August by another inmate .
The lawyer also entered into the court file for Kelly ’ s case a handwritten letter from the inmate who says he attacked Kelly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ professional who screamed for him to return to their discussion as the inmate instead refused and attacked Kelly .
Leonard alleged that the incident proved that the federal jail can not protect his client behind bars and that he should be granted bail .
A bail application is pending in Chicago , though the 2nd Circuit ruling would keep him behind bars even if he won bail in Illinois .
A message for comment was left with the federal Bureau of Prisons .
Thomas Farinella , another lawyer for Kelly , said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the presumption of innocence appears to be a misnomer.
” He added : “ We will continue to vigorously fight for Mr. Kelly ’ s vindication .
”

By Larry Neumeister | Associated Press
NEW YORK — R. Kelly can remain behind bars awaiting multiple trials on child pornography and other charges in three states, an appeals court in New York said Tuesday as a lawyer for the R&B singer cited another inmate’s attack on Kelly last month as one reason he should receive bail.
The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan upheld a decision by a Brooklyn federal judge to deny bail to Kelly, 53, who remains in a federal jail in Chicago.
He faces state and federal charges in Illinois, Minnesota and New York ranging from sexual assault to heading a racketeering scheme designed to supply him with girls.
The Grammy Award-winning singer has denied ever abusing anyone.
Prosecutors have said Kelly is a danger to the community and a flight risk. The 2nd Circuit said prosecutors had proven both and that “no condition or combination of conditions could assure against those risks.” The appeals court said the lower court also did not err in finding Kelly failed to demonstrate a “compelling reason” for temporary release.
Mike Leonard, one of Kelly’s attorneys, said the appeals ruling was “very disappointing and somewhat surprising” because appeals judges during oral arguments had seemed to understand that Kelly’s incarceration was preventing him from preparing adequately for trial.
In a court filing in Chicago federal court Friday, Leonard wrote that Kelly sustained unspecified injuries when he was attacked at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago in late August by another inmate.
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Sandra Bullock’s ‘The Blind Side’ long criticized for its ‘White savior’ view of a Black athlete Music | Paris Hilton enjoys beach and resort in Maui, as Lahaina residents reel from disaster The lawyer also entered into the court file for Kelly’s case a handwritten letter from the inmate who says he attacked Kelly immediately after meeting with a mental health professional who screamed for him to return to their discussion as the inmate instead refused and attacked Kelly.
Leonard alleged that the incident proved that the federal jail cannot protect his client behind bars and that he should be granted bail. A bail application is pending in Chicago, though the 2nd Circuit ruling would keep him behind bars even if he won bail in Illinois.
A message for comment was left with the federal Bureau of Prisons. Thomas Farinella, another lawyer for Kelly, said that for Kelly, “The so-called maxim of the presumption of innocence appears to be a misnomer.”
He added: “We will continue to vigorously fight for Mr. Kelly’s vindication.”


mercurynews--2020-09-08--Kardashians’ reality show will end its run in 2021

LOS ANGELES — Who do we keep up with now ?
After more than a decade , “ Keeping Up With the Kardashians ” will be ending its run next year .
“ It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye ” to the reality show , Kim Kardashian West and other members of the extended Kardashian-Jenner family said in a statement Tuesday .
“ We ’ ve decided as a family to end this very special journey , ” said their social media statement , without further explanation about the move .
The series became a pop culture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kind of fame born of reality TV .
It also was the launch pad for several family members ’ fashion and beauty business empires and led to Kardashian West ’ s surprising reinvention as a social justice crusader and aspiring lawyer .
“ We are beyond grateful to all of you who ’ ve watched us for all of these years —through the good times , the bad times , the happiness , the tears , and the many relationships and children , ” the family said .
Besides Kardashian West , others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Kendall and Kylie Jenner ; Kourtney , Khloe and Rob Kardashian , and Scott Disick .
The announcement comes as Kanye West pursues an independent run for the U.S. presidency , representing what he said is the Birthday Party .
Kardashian West ’ s husband has faced questions about his emotional state after a rocky campaign kickoff event in South Carolina .
The show ’ s home , the E !
network , said it ’ s a delayed farewell .
The new season begins Sept. 17 , with the final season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which debuted in October 2007 , begat 12 spin-offs , including “ Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami ” and “ Revenge Body with Khloe Kardashian.
” At the show ’ s start , the name Kardashian was familiar to few .
Some young people knew Kim Kardashian as the sidekick of hotel heiress Paris Hilton who ’ d been in a few episodes of Hilton ’ s show “ The Simple Life , ” and in a home sex tape that spread widely and gave a boost to her burgeoning fame .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s father who died in 2003 , as O.J .
Simpson ’ s friend and attorney who acted as his spokesman in the aftermath of the killing of Simpson ’ s wife .
In 2006 , family matriarch Kris Jenner began shopping the idea of an unscripted show about her family , at a time when the similarly themed “ The Osbournes ” was enjoying major popularity .
Ryan Seacrest and his production company were interested , and were sold on the idea after sending a camera crew to capture a Kardashian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediate hit , and the family name became synonymous with reality celebrities , famous for being famous , who the public loved , hated or loved to hate .
The show ’ s early focus was on Kris Kardashian and her daughters , Kim , Kourtney and Khloé , their relationships and their business exploits .
The daughters ’ significant others , including Disick , Lamar Odom and Reggie Bush , were featured .
In subsequent seasons , half-sisters Kendall and Kylie Jenner took on more prominent roles and achieved the same kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kendall and Kylie ’ s Olympian father Bruce Jenner also became a series star , especially at the time of transitioning to become Caitlyn Jenner , a moment that brought transgender issues to the forefront of American entertainment as never before .
Caitlyn Jenner would appear in an unofficial spin-off , “ I Am Cait .
”

By Lynn Elber | Associated Press
LOS ANGELES — Who do we keep up with now? After more than a decade, “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” will be ending its run next year.
“It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye” to the reality show, Kim Kardashian West and other members of the extended Kardashian-Jenner family said in a statement Tuesday.
“We’ve decided as a family to end this very special journey,” said their social media statement, without further explanation about the move.
The series became a pop culture sensation and gave rise to a new kind of fame born of reality TV. It also was the launch pad for several family members’ fashion and beauty business empires and led to Kardashian West’s surprising reinvention as a social justice crusader and aspiring lawyer.
“We are beyond grateful to all of you who’ve watched us for all of these years —through the good times, the bad times, the happiness, the tears, and the many relationships and children,” the family said.
Besides Kardashian West, others names attached to the statement were Kris, Kendall and Kylie Jenner; Kourtney, Khloe and Rob Kardashian, and Scott Disick.
The announcement comes as Kanye West pursues an independent run for the U.S. presidency, representing what he said is the Birthday Party. Kardashian West’s husband has faced questions about his emotional state after a rocky campaign kickoff event in South Carolina.
The show’s home, the E! network, said it’s a delayed farewell. The new season begins Sept. 17, with the final season to air in 2021.
The series, which debuted in October 2007, begat 12 spin-offs, including “Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami” and “Revenge Body with Khloe Kardashian.”
At the show’s start, the name Kardashian was familiar to few. Some young people knew Kim Kardashian as the sidekick of hotel heiress Paris Hilton who’d been in a few episodes of Hilton’s show “The Simple Life,” and in a home sex tape that spread widely and gave a boost to her burgeoning fame.
Older people remembered Robert Kardashian, Kim’s father who died in 2003, as O.J. Simpson’s friend and attorney who acted as his spokesman in the aftermath of the killing of Simpson’s wife.
In 2006, family matriarch Kris Jenner began shopping the idea of an unscripted show about her family, at a time when the similarly themed “The Osbournes” was enjoying major popularity.
Ryan Seacrest and his production company were interested, and were sold on the idea after sending a camera crew to capture a Kardashian family barbecue.
The show was an immediate hit, and the family name became synonymous with reality celebrities, famous for being famous, who the public loved, hated or loved to hate.
The show’s early focus was on Kris Kardashian and her daughters, Kim, Kourtney and Khloé, their relationships and their business exploits. The daughters’ significant others, including Disick, Lamar Odom and Reggie Bush, were featured.
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‘Black Godfather’ of music dies at 92 Entertainment | Sandra Bullock’s ‘The Blind Side’ long criticized for its ‘White savior’ view of a Black athlete
Sandra Bullock’s ‘The Blind Side’ long criticized for its ‘White savior’ view of a Black athlete Entertainment | Paris Hilton enjoys beach and resort in Maui, as Lahaina residents reel from disaster In subsequent seasons, half-sisters Kendall and Kylie Jenner took on more prominent roles and achieved the same kind of fame as the Kardashian women.
Kendall and Kylie’s Olympian father Bruce Jenner also became a series star, especially at the time of transitioning to become Caitlyn Jenner, a moment that brought transgender issues to the forefront of American entertainment as never before.
Caitlyn Jenner would appear in an unofficial spin-off, “I Am Cait.”
AP Entertainment Writer Andrew Dalton contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-09-08--California fires: Five reasons why this year is so bad

For months , California ’ s attention has been rightfully fixed on coronavirus , the worst pandemic in a century .
But 2020 is becoming an epic year for wildfires in California , as the state continues to burn and the records continue to fall .
Three of the four largest fires in California history are all burning at the same time now .
On Tuesday , 2.3 million acres already had burned this year statewide — an area more than 20 times larger than the city of San Jose — and the most in any year since modern records @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in fire season .
What ’ s driving our record fire year ?
A combination of heat , freak lighting , drought and overgrown forests , experts say .
A record heat wave tested the state ’ s electricity grid with near blackouts in recent days .
Dry , dangerously windy conditions led PG & E Tuesday to preemptively shut off 172,000 customers in 22 counties in the North Bay and Sierra Nevada until Wednesday to reduce the risk of downed power lines sparking more fires .
“ This is a challenging year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday .
“ It is historic in terms of magnitude , scope and consequence.
” The good news was that Tuesday afternoon , the trio of massive fires in the greater Bay Area that began three weeks ago during lightning storms was finally near containment .
The CZU , SCU and LNU Lightning Complex fires were all more than 80 % contained .
But in the Sierra , the Creek Fire roared across forests in the mountains east of Fresno , having burned 143,929 acres with 0 % containment , and prompting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 200 people in daring nighttime helicopter missions .
The Dolan Fire in Big Sur nearly doubled in size between Monday and Tuesday , charring more than 73,000 acres .
And the August Complex Fire continued to grow in the Mendocino National Forest , reaching a staggering 356,312 acres while only being 24 % contained .
Fire experts say it ’ s not one thing causing the shocking series of infernos .
“ It ’ s a perfect storm of factors that have all come together , ” said Jon Keeley , a research @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sequoia National Park .
On April 1 , the statewide Sierra snowpack was just 54 % of its historical average .
Last year it was 161 % , and California ended up with a below-average fire year .
The same is true with rainfall .
Since Oct. 1 , San Francisco has received just 50 % of its historic average rainfall , San Jose 49 % , Oakland 42 % and Sacramento 53 % .
Los Angeles and San Diego , by contrast , have had a normal rainfall year .
When California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up earlier in the summer in grasses , shrubs and trees .
Fires start more easily and spread faster .
“ In years when we have below normal rainfall , we are more likely to have greater amounts of acreage burn , ” said Jan Null , a meteorologist with Golden Gate Weather Services in Half Moon Bay .
“ That ’ s the data.
” California ’ s historic drought stretched from 2012 to 2017 .
In the Sierra , it left 147 million dead trees , according to aerial surveys .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ pine forests , roaring across the tree tops , creating their own weather .
“ When you have severe drought that causes die back of woody vegetation , it leaves a legacy on the landscape that persists for many years after the drought is over , ” Keeley said .
Add to that , firefighters put out fires for 100 years in many areas across California and the West .
Before the Gold Rush , those forests , particularly in the Sierra , burned every decade or two from lightning strikes , thinning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month , California and the U.S. Forest Service signed an agreement to thin up to 1 million acres a year using logging and controlled burns .
But that will cost hundreds of millions of dollars a year , and experts estimate there are up to 20 million acres that need to be treated to restore natural conditions .
In mid-August , a series of freak summer storms blasted California with more than 14,000 lightning strikes and almost no rain .
More than one-third of all the acres that have burned this year came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve never seen a lightning storm come in and have a bulls eye on the greater Bay Area and beyond .
It ’ s extraordinarily rare , ” said Scott Stephens , a UC Berkeley fire scientist .
“ It overwhelms all the fire management agencies we have.
” Labor Day Weekend brought one of California ’ s hottest periods ever observed .
Temperatures hit 121 degrees in Los Angeles County , and 112 in Livermore , 111 in Napa , 112 in Redding , and 117 in Paso Robles , all records @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wave sent the mercury soaring to levels nearly as high , with 105 degrees on the coast in Santa Cruz .
Extreme heat means drier vegetation , and more difficulty putting out fires .
The 10 hottest years globally since modern records began in 1880 all have occurred since 1998 , according to NASA and NOAA .
Heat waves are becoming more frequent and more intense .
Climate change from human activity nearly doubled the area that burned in forest fires in the American West between 1984 and 2015 , according to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University and the University of Idaho .
“ No matter how hard we try , the fires are going to keep getting bigger , and the reason is really clear , ” said Park Williams , a climate scientist at Columbia ’ s Lamont–Doherty Earth Observatory in New York , at the time .
“ Climate is really running the show.
” The solution ?
More forest thinning , better building codes , more renewable energy , a more robust power grid , experts say .
In the short term ?
Be careful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The risk will be there until we get a significant rain , ” Null said .
“ Which is usually early November .
”

For months, California’s attention has been rightfully fixed on coronavirus, the worst pandemic in a century. But 2020 is becoming an epic year for wildfires in California, as the state continues to burn and the records continue to fall.
Three of the four largest fires in California history are all burning at the same time now. On Tuesday, 2.3 million acres already had burned this year statewide — an area more than 20 times larger than the city of San Jose — and the most in any year since modern records began, with two months still remaining in fire season.
What’s driving our record fire year? A combination of heat, freak lighting, drought and overgrown forests, experts say.
A record heat wave tested the state’s electricity grid with near blackouts in recent days. Dry, dangerously windy conditions led PG&E Tuesday to preemptively shut off 172,000 customers in 22 counties in the North Bay and Sierra Nevada until Wednesday to reduce the risk of downed power lines sparking more fires.
“This is a challenging year,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday. “It is historic in terms of magnitude, scope and consequence.”
The good news was that Tuesday afternoon, the trio of massive fires in the greater Bay Area that began three weeks ago during lightning storms was finally near containment. The CZU, SCU and LNU Lightning Complex fires were all more than 80% contained.
But in the Sierra, the Creek Fire roared across forests in the mountains east of Fresno, having burned 143,929 acres with 0% containment, and prompting the National Guard to rescue more than 200 people in daring nighttime helicopter missions. The Dolan Fire in Big Sur nearly doubled in size between Monday and Tuesday, charring more than 73,000 acres. And the August Complex Fire continued to grow in the Mendocino National Forest, reaching a staggering 356,312 acres while only being 24% contained.
Fire experts say it’s not one thing causing the shocking series of infernos. “It’s a perfect storm of factors that have all come together,” said Jon Keeley, a research scientist with the U.S. Geological Survey at Sequoia National Park.
The main factors are:
1) A dry winter
On April 1, the statewide Sierra snowpack was just 54% of its historical average. Last year it was 161%, and California ended up with a below-average fire year.
The same is true with rainfall. Since Oct. 1, San Francisco has received just 50% of its historic average rainfall, San Jose 49%, Oakland 42% and Sacramento 53%. Los Angeles and San Diego, by contrast, have had a normal rainfall year.
When California has dry winters, moisture levels dry up earlier in the summer in grasses, shrubs and trees. Fires start more easily and spread faster.
“In years when we have below normal rainfall, we are more likely to have greater amounts of acreage burn,” said Jan Null, a meteorologist with Golden Gate Weather Services in Half Moon Bay. “That’s the data.”
2) Unhealthy forests
California’s historic drought stretched from 2012 to 2017. In the Sierra, it left 147 million dead trees, according to aerial surveys. Now fires are exploding through those Ponderosa pine forests, roaring across the tree tops, creating their own weather.
“When you have severe drought that causes die back of woody vegetation, it leaves a legacy on the landscape that persists for many years after the drought is over,” Keeley said.
Add to that, firefighters put out fires for 100 years in many areas across California and the West. Before the Gold Rush, those forests, particularly in the Sierra, burned every decade or two from lightning strikes, thinning out dead wood and brush.
Last month, California and the U.S. Forest Service signed an agreement to thin up to 1 million acres a year using logging and controlled burns. But that will cost hundreds of millions of dollars a year, and experts estimate there are up to 20 million acres that need to be treated to restore natural conditions.
3) Lightning
In mid-August, a series of freak summer storms blasted California with more than 14,000 lightning strikes and almost no rain. More than one-third of all the acres that have burned this year came from that lightning.
“I’ve never seen a lightning storm come in and have a bulls eye on the greater Bay Area and beyond. It’s extraordinarily rare,” said Scott Stephens, a UC Berkeley fire scientist. “It overwhelms all the fire management agencies we have.”
4) Heat waves
Labor Day Weekend brought one of California’s hottest periods ever observed. Temperatures hit 121 degrees in Los Angeles County, and 112 in Livermore, 111 in Napa, 112 in Redding, and 117 in Paso Robles, all records. Three weeks earlier, another heat wave sent the mercury soaring to levels nearly as high, with 105 degrees on the coast in Santa Cruz. Extreme heat means drier vegetation, and more difficulty putting out fires.
5) Climate change
The 10 hottest years globally since modern records began in 1880 all have occurred since 1998, according to NASA and NOAA. Heat waves are becoming more frequent and more intense.
Climate change from human activity nearly doubled the area that burned in forest fires in the American West between 1984 and 2015, according to a study in 2016 by scientists at Columbia University and the University of Idaho.
“No matter how hard we try, the fires are going to keep getting bigger, and the reason is really clear,” said Park Williams, a climate scientist at Columbia’s Lamont–Doherty Earth Observatory in New York, at the time. “Climate is really running the show.”
The solution? More forest thinning, better building codes, more renewable energy, a more robust power grid, experts say. In the short term? Be careful with fire. And pray for rain.
“The risk will be there until we get a significant rain,” Null said. “Which is usually early November.”


mercurynews--2020-09-09--California Lyft driver sentenced for raping unconscious customer

LOS ANGELES — A Lyft driver was sentenced to six years in California prison Tuesday for raping an unconscious customer @ @ @ @ @ 39 , of Canoga Park was sentenced in connection with an Oct. 2 , 2018 @ @ @ @ @ woman who had called for a ride after leaving a local bar .
• DoJ @ @ @ @ @ defamation suit • California police fatally shoot suspect they say was armed with knife Instead @ @ @ @ @ at her Van Nuys home , prosecutors said Gomez drove her to a secluded area @ @ @ @ @ pleaded no contest last month to raping an unconscious person .
As part of his @ @ @ @ @ as a sex offender for the rest of his life .

LOS ANGELES — A Lyft driver was sentenced to six years in California prison Tuesday for raping an unconscious customer.
Octavio Alvarez Gomez, 39, of Canoga Park was sentenced in connection with an Oct. 2, 2018 assault on a Los Angeles woman who had called for a ride after leaving a local bar.
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He pleaded no contest last month to raping an unconscious person.
As part of his plea, Gomez must register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.