mercurynews--2020-03-10--Ask Amy: It’s dangerous for kids not to know this 20th-century skill

DEAR READERS : Every year I step away from my daily column to work on other creative projects .
I ’ ve gathered some topical “ Best Of ” columns from 10 years ago .
Today ’ s compilation deals with questions related to teenagers .
I ’ ll be back in two weeks with fresh columns .
DEAR AMY : I am a secretary at your average middle school .
The other secretary and I have noticed an alarming trend : Children of the cellphone generation do not know how to use a landline phone !
Students are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours , but they can use the office phones to call home .
This is what concerns us : They do not listen for a dial tone .
They do not know to dial one before the area code and number .
They do not know their home number or the number of a parent ’ s cellphone , because they are used to scrolling through their cellphone to find it .
• Ask Amy : She ’ s furious that I called 911 because of this odd phone call • Ask Amy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big enough for us and them • Ask Amy : The bride has gone wild with wedding plans — and it ’ s at my house • Ask Amy : When my husband greets me like this , I feel like walking out • Ask Amy : Can I tell my renter when to take a bath ?
Parents need to review this with their children .
DEAR SECRETARY : I appreciate your suggestion , and so , parents , take a break from the other challenging parenting issues : The “ sex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” the “ online predators ” talk , and show your kids how to use a landline phone .
Most importantly , make sure the kids know and memorize all the family phone numbers , which means that they will need to memorize a series of cell numbers .
This is vital .
After this lesson in “ old school ” technology , you can introduce these schoolchildren to the mysteries of the old Selectric typewriter : Kids !
It ’ s a keyboard and a printer rolled into one !
DEAR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phone numbers and knowing how to dial a landline are good skills .
I would add one more : When my daughters flew as unaccompanied minors , I bought them a phone card and taught them how to use a pay phone and how to make a collect call .
They are unique in their peer group to even know that there is something called a pay phone .
DEAR LUDDITE : Now that your kids know how to use a pay phone , I wish them luck in finding one to use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children on how to be discerning in finding an adult to help them , if they ’ re in a jam .
To quote one of my heroes , Fred Rogers , “ Look for the helpers.
” DEAR AMY : I am a girl in my junior year of high school , and the volleyball coach won ’ t let me compete until I shave my underarms and legs ( our uniforms are sleeveless tops and shorts ) .
I don ’ t want to be forced into something I feel is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Is there anything I can do ?
I really want to play volleyball !
DEAR GONE : If your coach also insisted that the male volleyball or basketball players must shave their underarms and legs , then perhaps this wouldn ’ t qualify as discrimination .
I shared your letter with Lenora Lapidus , director of the Women ’ s Rights Project for the American Civil Liberties Union , who responded , “ This is clearly gender discrimination , based on stereotypes of how girls and women should look.
” Lapidus would like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prohibits discrimination in any institution receiving federal funds .
Lapidus suggests you start by talking to the coach .
“ Try to work it out at school .
It seems like something they should come around about because this is fairly clear-cut.
” If your coach insists on this shaving rule , take it to the principal .
I hope you will stand up for your right not to be forced to shave .
DEAR AMY : I have an older brother .
He and I are close .
I usually hang out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re all teens .
His friends are really nice , but when we are in school , they sometimes ignore me when they see me .
I feel confused about why they act like that .
Whenever we go out and do stuff together , they talk to me , but when we are in school , it ’ s like I ’ m invisible .
What is wrong with me ?
Is something wrong with them ?
DEAR CONFUSED : There is nothing wrong with you , and there is nothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being unexceptionally normal .
They have temporary teen-onset family blindness .
They are going through a phase .
Their behavior isn ’ t personal .
You probably notice that your brother also ignores your parents when you ’ re out in public together ?
To sum up : Sometimes it ’ s no fun to be related to a teenager .
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy , P.O .
Box 194 , Freeville , NY 13068 .
You can also follow her @ @ @ @ @ @ @

DEAR READERS: Every year I step away from my daily column to work on other creative projects. I’ve gathered some topical “Best Of” columns from 10 years ago. Today’s compilation deals with questions related to teenagers. I’ll be back in two weeks with fresh columns.
DEAR AMY: I am a secretary at your average middle school. The other secretary and I have noticed an alarming trend: Children of the cellphone generation do not know how to use a landline phone!
Students are not allowed to use their cellphones during school hours, but they can use the office phones to call home. This is what concerns us: They do not listen for a dial tone. They do not know to dial one before the area code and number. They do not know their home number or the number of a parent’s cellphone, because they are used to scrolling through their cellphone to find it.
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School Secretary
DEAR SECRETARY: I appreciate your suggestion, and so, parents, take a break from the other challenging parenting issues: The “sex talk,” the “drug talk,” the “online predators” talk, and show your kids how to use a landline phone.
Most importantly, make sure the kids know and memorize all the family phone numbers, which means that they will need to memorize a series of cell numbers. This is vital.
After this lesson in “old school” technology, you can introduce these schoolchildren to the mysteries of the old Selectric typewriter: Kids! It’s a keyboard and a printer rolled into one!
October 2010
DEAR AMY: I agree that memorizing important phone numbers and knowing how to dial a landline are good skills. I would add one more: When my daughters flew as unaccompanied minors, I bought them a phone card and taught them how to use a pay phone and how to make a collect call. They are unique in their peer group to even know that there is something called a pay phone.
Fellow Luddite
DEAR LUDDITE: Now that your kids know how to use a pay phone, I wish them luck in finding one to use, so you should also train your children on how to be discerning in finding an adult to help them, if they’re in a jam. To quote one of my heroes, Fred Rogers, “Look for the helpers.”
October 2010
DEAR AMY: I am a girl in my junior year of high school, and the volleyball coach won’t let me compete until I shave my underarms and legs (our uniforms are sleeveless tops and shorts).
I don’t want to be forced into something I feel is completely unnecessary. Is this discrimination? Is there anything I can do? I really want to play volleyball!
Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow
DEAR GONE: If your coach also insisted that the male volleyball or basketball players must shave their underarms and legs, then perhaps this wouldn’t qualify as discrimination.
I shared your letter with Lenora Lapidus, director of the Women’s Rights Project for the American Civil Liberties Union, who responded, “This is clearly gender discrimination, based on stereotypes of how girls and women should look.” Lapidus would like to remind your coach that Title IX prohibits discrimination in any institution receiving federal funds.
Lapidus suggests you start by talking to the coach. “Try to work it out at school. It seems like something they should come around about because this is fairly clear-cut.”
If your coach insists on this shaving rule, take it to the principal.
I hope you will stand up for your right not to be forced to shave.
November 2010
DEAR AMY: I have an older brother. He and I are close. I usually hang out with him and his friends. They’re all teens. His friends are really nice, but when we are in school, they sometimes ignore me when they see me. I feel confused about why they act like that.
Whenever we go out and do stuff together, they talk to me, but when we are in school, it’s like I’m invisible. What is wrong with me? Is something wrong with them?
Confused
DEAR CONFUSED: There is nothing wrong with you, and there is nothing wrong with them. They’re being unexceptionally normal. They have temporary teen-onset family blindness. They are going through a phase.
Their behavior isn’t personal. You probably notice that your brother also ignores your parents when you’re out in public together?
To sum up: Sometimes it’s no fun to be related to a teenager.
April 2010
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.


mercurynews--2020-03-10--Letter: My PG&E bill includes three notices for rate hikes

My PG & E bill came in the mail today and included were not one , not two , but three separate notices for rate increases .
Each one said it was based on “ average ” PG & E bills .
Wildfire mitigation would increase your “ average ” bill by $ 5.70 ; wildfire expense memorandum by $ 3.47 ; and electricity power shutoffs by $ 1.68 .
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Buy a hunting license , then … • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with arrivals ?
• Letter : If these Oakland leaders back this rent strike , it ’ s a disgrace So if these pass , which they usually do , expect your “ average ” PG & E bill to go up about $ 11 a month .
This is , of course , in addition to those they asked for last year .
This is also in spite of the court recently saying they can ’ t ask the ratepayers to pay their wildfire bills .
Submit your letter to the editor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Editor

PG&E bill includes three
notices for rate hikes
My PG&E bill came in the mail today and included were not one, not two, but three separate notices for rate increases. Each one said it was based on “average” PG&E bills.
Wildfire mitigation would increase your “average” bill by $5.70; wildfire expense memorandum by $3.47; and electricity power shutoffs by $1.68.
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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 So if these pass, which they usually do, expect your “average” PG&E bill to go up about $11 a month. This is, of course, in addition to those they asked for last year. This is also in spite of the court recently saying they can’t ask the ratepayers to pay their wildfire bills.
Dorothy Miller
Pittsburg
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mercurynews--2020-03-10--The Latest: Coachella festival postponed amid virus concerns

By The Associated Press The Latest on the coronavirus outbreak sweeping the globe : The Coachella music festival in Southern California has been postponed amid virus concerns .
The festival is organized by concert promoter Goldenvoice , which released a statement Tuesday saying it will be rescheduled for two weekends in October .
Rage Against the Machine , Travis Scott and Frank Ocean had been scheduled to headline the April festival , which attracts tens of thousands to the desert community of Indio , California , and the nearby cities of Palm Springs and Rancho Mirago .
The festival is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for eye-popping performances , including Beyoncé ’ s 2018 set that became the Netflix film “ Homecoming , ” and the 2012 debut of a “ hologram ” of late rapper Tupac Shakur .
This year ’ s festival was set to reunite Rage Against the Machine — which performed at the first Coachella festival in 1999 .
Goldenvoice also puts on the country music festival Stagecoach in Indio .
This year ’ s Stagecoach is scheduled to be held April 24-26 and with the headliners Thomas Rhett , Carrie Underwood and Eric @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have died in California .
Authorities in Washington state have reported two new coronavirus deaths , bringing the total there to at least 24 .
A statement Tuesday from Public Health – Seattle & King County also said officials are working with 10 long-term care facilities where residents or employees have tested positive for COVID-19 .
The new deaths reported were a woman in her 80s , a resident of a nursing and rehabilitation center in Issaquah , Washington , who died Sunday and a man in his 80s , a resident of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday .
Of the deaths in Washington state at least 19 have been tied to another nursing home , the Life Care Center of Kirkland , Washington .
The virus has infected more than 800 people in the U.S. and killed at least 29 .
New Jersey reported its first coronavirus death Tuesday .
This item has been corrected to reflect that at least 29 have died in the U.S. , not 30 .
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she talked to other top leaders of EU member states and the European Commission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explained what her country is doing to contain the spread of the virus and also how the government is financially supporting companies that have been especially hard hit by the outbreak .
She stressed that a coordinated fight against the outbreak among the Europeans is of big significance as well as an international effort to find and develop vaccines against the virus .
A written statement said that the other leaders also stressed that European cooperation in the battle against the coronavirus was much needed .
Fearing a significant increase of the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday took rigid measures closing all centers where people may gather .
Albania has had 10 COVID-19 cases so far , all resulting from two people visiting Italy .
All flights and ferries to and from Italy have been suspended but those for commercial purposes .
People gatherings are prohibited .
Social assisting centers will limit the staff while cultural and entertaining centers , gyms and pools will close .
Many public employees will work from home .
Football league matches will be held without fans .
All discos , pubs , gyms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed until April 3 while bars and restaurants should keep tables 2 meters apart .
All schools have been shut down for two weeks .
Air Canada is suspending flights to and from Italy .
The airline ’ s last flight to Rome is scheduled to take off from Toronto on Tuesday , with the final return flight departing Rome for Montreal on Wednesday .
Air Canada hopes to restart service May 1 .
Meanwhile , it says affected customers will be notified and offered a full refund .
Air Canada says regulations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” prompted the decision .
Italy is the center of Europe ’ s epidemic .
Italian authorities say the number of infections has topped 10,000 .
More than 600 people with the virus have died there .
In January , Canada ’ s largest airline halted all direct flights to China — the epicenter of the virus — as it braced for a hit to revenues .
Its shares have fallen about 40 % in the past seven weeks .
El Salvador ’ s government says Guatemalans , Hondurans and Nicaraguans will no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without a passport due to fears of the new coronavirus , despite an agreement by four Central American nations allowing their citizens free transit .
There have been no confirmed coronavirus cases in El Salvador , Guatemala , Honduras or Nicaragua .
El Salvador President Nayib Bukele said via Twitter that the decision was spurred by Salvadorans trying to avoid government quarantines by flying into Guatemala from overseas and then traveling overland to El Salvador , where they would not have to show their passports .
The president said foreigners coming from seven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus cases will not be admitted .
The countries are Spain , Italy , France , Germany , China , South Korea and Iran .
Salvadorans coming from those countries are subjected to a 30-day quarantine .
As of Sunday , El Salvador had placed 90 people in quarantine who had arrived from the restricted countries .
None had tested positive .
Slovenia ’ s acting prime minister says he has ordered the closure of the border with EU neighbor Italy .
Tuesday ’ s measure does not apply for freight transport .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ arriving from Italy , with exception for citizens returning home and persons carrying doctor ’ s note certifying they are healthy .
Malta shut down the border to the south , turning away an Italian cruise ship on Tuesday .
Italy is the center of Europe ’ s epidemic .
Italian authorities say the number of infections has topped 10,000 .
The number of people with the virus who have died rose to 631 .
New York ’ s governor is sending the National Guard into a New York suburb to help fight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s biggest known cluster of coronavirus cases .
New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo said Tuesday that schools , houses of worship and large gathering places will be shuttered for two weeks in a “ containment area ” centered in suburban New Rochelle .
He told reporters that National Guard troops will help clean surfaces and deliver food in the area , a 1-mile-radius ( 1.6 km ) around a point near a synagogue .
The state and a private health system are setting up a testing facility in the area .
Cuomo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action , but it is the largest cluster of cases in the country.
” New Rochelle is at the center of an outbreak of 108 cases in Westchester County , out of 173 statewide .
New Jersey is reporting its first case of a death in a coronavirus patient .
Judith Persichilli , commissioner of the state health department , said Tuesday the patient who died was a 69-year-old Bergen County man with underlying medical conditions .
The man had no travel outside of the United States but had gone to New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases of the new coronavirus .
New Jersey has 15 cases of the virus .
Stocks are higher on Wall Street after another bout of volatile trading took the Dow Jones Industrial Average up 945 points in the early going and then briefly into the red by late morning .
Markets bumped up again just around midday after Vice President Mike Pence said the nation ’ s big health insurers would cover co-pays for coronavirus testing .
The Dow was up 190 points , or 0.8 % , to 24,040 as of 1:05 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see more big swings until the number of infections from the new coronavirus decelerate , market watchers say , and they also want a big , coordinated response from governments and central banks .
The United Nations says it will close its headquarters complex in New York to the general public and temporarily suspend all guided tours starting Tuesday evening as a precaution against the spread of the new coronavirus .
U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the United Nations has not been advised of any COVID-19 cases among its 3,000 staff .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ headquarters every day .
Dujarric said the U.N. has recommended to U.N. personnel who have recently returned from countries where the virus is common should remain at home and self-monitor for 14 days .
He said telecommuting and flexible work arrangements are also being recommended for U.N. personnel .
He says further measures could be taken .
Washington Gov .
Jay Inslee has announced new policies to support workers impacted by the new coronavirus and new rules for long-term care centers , including placing limits on visitors and screening workers for symptoms .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the state is preparing for many more cases than have been reported , potentially tens of thousands , based on estimates of the spread of the disease .
The state has the worst outbreak of COVID-19 in the U.S , with 160 cases and at least 22 deaths .
Nineteen of those deaths are linked to the Life Care Center , a nursing home in Kirkland .
He says it ’ s very disturbing that “ the number of people who are infected will double in five to eight days .
Inslee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large gatherings like sporting events .
The governor said the state will require that long-term care facilities limit residents to one adult visitor per day unless residents are near death .
Visitors would have to wear protective clothing .
The environmental group Fridays for Future says it is canceling planned demonstrations in Germany at the end of this week because of the virus outbreak .
The group has become a powerful voice in the youth movement demanding that world leaders take action to tackle climate change .
Its Friday protests sometimes have drawn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In a tweet Tuesday citing the hashtag # FlattenTheCurve , the group said it wanted to “ take responsibility ” by helping slow the spread of the new coronavirus , which has infected 116,000 people worldwide and killed over 4,000 .
It said the move was made “ with a heavy heart.
” The group said it would instead take its protest online .
The idea of slowing the spread of COVID-19 to prevent more serious consequences later echoes the theory that reducing carbon emissions sooner can help the world avoid some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Congo has confirmed its first case of the new coronavirus — a Belgian citizen who tested positive at the airport and who is in quarantine — bringing the number of infections in Africa to 105 in 11 countries .
Burkina Faso late Monday confirmed its first two cases — a husband and wife who returned from a trip to France .
South Africa announced four more cases , bringing its total to seven , all part of a group that returned from Italy .
In North Africa , there have been two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Egypt .
Egypt now has 59 cases , Algeria has 20 , Tunisia has five and Morocco now has one remaining case .
Although Africa ’ s numbers are low compared to Asia , Europe and the U.S. , experts warn that COVID-19 spreading across the continent could be catastrophic given the poor health systems in many African countries .
Spaniards spooked by a big jump in coronavirus infections have rushed into supermarkets in Madrid , a day after virus cases nearly tripled in the capital .
One supermarket in Madrid saw long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waiting to pay for carts packed with food and household products .
“ There is a huge panic , ” said 59-year-old shopper Ángeles Gómez .
“ There are people queuing from the cash register to the other end of the supermarket.
” Spanish Health Minister Salvador Illa says the country has not seen any food shortages .
Nearly half of Spain ’ s over 1,600 infections are in the capital and the country has seen 35 deaths .
Regional authorities in Madrid and in two regions in northern Spain are closing schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to slow the spread .
But some folks thought that was a bad idea .
“ We leave our children with the grandparents ?
They are the ones who are most at risk , ” said Toni Flix , a parent of two , in Madrid .
“ They should close other things but not schools.
” UNESCO says the coronavirus outbreak has interrupted schooling for nearly 363 million students worldwide and is urging nations to work harder to make sure affected students are still learning .
The U.N. education agency has set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ implement better remote education practices as the spread of COVID-19 continues to severely impact schools and universities .
On Tuesday , the Paris-based agency held a global video conference of education officials in 72 countries , including 27 education ministers , to share strategy on minimizing disruptions due to the epidemic .
The agency has published a list of free learning applications and platforms for use by teachers .
UNESCO says 15 countries have ordered nationwide school closures and 14 have implemented localized closures , spanning Asia , Europe , the Middle East @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday announced all schools , universities and kindergartens will be shut for the next 14 days .
Trips and conferences are being canceled due to the new coronavirus in all corners of the globe .
U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper has postponed a trip to India , Pakistan and Uzbekistan that was to begin Monday due to the coronavirus crisis .
Pentagon press secretary Alyssa Farah said Tuesday the move was done “ out of an abundance of caution.
” Bangladesh ’ s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina canceled plans for a two-day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of the global outbreak .
The foreign minister says the visit will be rescheduled .
The Endocrine Society , whose members are doctors that treat diabetes , obesity and other hormone-related conditions , has canceled its annual conference , which was to be March 28-31 in San Francisco .
The meeting was expected to draw nearly 10,000 people .
It ’ s the first time the scientific conference has not been held since World War II .
The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The AP is solely responsible for all content .
Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak

By The Associated Press
The Latest on the coronavirus outbreak sweeping the globe:
___
Planes carrying 361 Taiwanese who had been stranded in China’s virus epicenter have returned them to the island.
The two charter flights landed late Tuesday and early Wednesday after weeks of negotiations between Beijing and Taipei.
Medical personnel wearing protective gear checked the passengers before they started a 14-day quarantine.
Many countries and territories evacuated their citizens from the city of Wuhan after China closed off the surrounding region and halted all public and commercial transportation as a virus containment measure.
But Taiwanese were caught in cross-strait politics since China claims the democratically governed island as its own territory and refuses to recognize Taiwan’s legal authority. One flight brought Taiwanese back to the island in early February before disputes delayed others.
Taiwan’s Health Minister, Chen Shih-chung, said both sides had been “extremely concerned” with making the flights happen.
Stringent checks and contact tracing have helped Taiwan keep its coronavirus caseload to just 47 among its 23 million people, with one death.
___
Turkey has announced its first case of the new coronavirus.
Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said early Wednesday the case was a male patient who had returned from Europe. He would not provide more details on the patient, or say which country he had traveled to, citing the patient’s right to privacy.
Koca said the patient was isolated and his family members and other people who had come into contact with him had been quarantined.
“An early diagnosis was made. If there is an infection in the country, it is very limited,” the state-run Anadolu Agency quoted him as saying. “The coronavirus is not stronger than the measures we will take.”
More than half the countries in the world now have confirmed cases of the coronavirus, which for most people causes mild illness. In European countries, Italy is the hardest hit with more than 10,000 cases. France, Spain and Germany have more than 1,000 each. The outbreak has also grown in the Middle East, with Iran the hardest hit at more than 8,000 cases.
___
The Associated Press has learned Washington state’s governor will ban gatherings and events of more than 250 people in virtually the entire Seattle metro area to try to contain the coronavirus outbreak.
Gov. Jay Inslee has scheduled a news conference in Seattle for late Wednesday morning. The person who spoke about the decision late Tuesday was involved in the planning of the decision but spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to discuss the matter publicly.
The person said the ban would apply to King, Pierce and Snohomish counties, which are home to almost 4 million people. The person said the order would not prohibit the operation of workplaces and is not expected to include school closures.
Santa Clara County in California, home to San Jose and Silicon Valley, on Monday had banned all gatherings of 1,000 people or more.
At least 24 people have died in Washington state from COVID-19, most in the Seattle metro area. There are more than 260 confirmed cases in the state, most in the three counties that would be affected by Inslee’s new order.
___
The first plane carrying passengers from a cruise ship hit by the new virus has arrived in Texas to take them to a quarantine facility.
The masked passengers who deplaned late Tuesday were being whisked to Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. Another plane was expected later.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said 380 Grand Princess passengers are expected to be quarantined at the base.
The ship docked Monday in Oakland with about 3,500 passengers and crew, including at least 21 who tested positive for the virus. Authorities said foreign passengers would be flown home, while Americans would be quarantined at military bases in California, Texas and Georgia.
Lackland previously housed more than 230 people evacuated from Wuhan, China, or another cruise ship, the Diamond Princess. Most of that group has been released, though 11 who caught the virus were isolated.
___
South Korea is reporting a cluster of new viral infections at a Seoul insurance company.
The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday reported 242 new cases of coronavirus infection from 24 hours ago, bringing its total to 7,755.
Of the new cases, 131 were in Daegu, South Korea’s worst-hit city. But 52 new cases were in the capital, Seoul, where dozens of call-center workers for an insurance company tested positive, raising concerns about a further spread. The country has 60 virus deaths.
___
China’s outbreak of the new coronavirus continues to subside with about three-fourths of people once infected now free of the illness.
The health ministry Wednesday reported 24 new cases over the past 24 hours, along with 22 more deaths. That brings China’s totals to 80,778 cases and 3,158 deaths since the outbreak began in December.
Nationwide, 16,145 people remain in treatment and 61,475 have been declared free of the virus and released. Nine of the new cases were reported outside Hubei province.
The virus that causes the COVID-19 illness has spread around the world, with Italy and Iran accounting for most illnesses and deaths outside of China.
The outbreak was slow to reach Latin America and the Caribbean, but 100 cases have now been confirmed there. Panama’s government confirmed the first death there and canceled classes and sports and cultural events in the capital.
Panama went from one confirmed case Monday in a recently arrived traveler to eight cases Tuesday in what may be a local outbreak.
Health Minister Rosario Turner says the dead man was a school director and two other teachers at the school have tested positive.
___
The head of the U.N. weather agency says China’s improved air quality during the coronavirus outbreak demonstrates the impact of human emissions but adds “this is not good news because people are dying.”
World Meteorological Organization Secretary-General Petteri Taalas at a U.N. briefing Tuesday showed satellite pictures of the much cleaner air quality over China on Jan. 30, 2020, compared to January 2019.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed both the virus and climate change were serious problems that must be defeated. But he said the virus is expected to be temporary while climate change will remain for decades and requires constant action.
He was responding to a question on the possibility the virus epidemic could cut greenhouse gas emissions this year, with decreased energy use, planes grounded and international trade squeezed, and the effect on climate change as soon as the economy bounces back.
Guterres stressed: “We will not fight climate change with a virus.” He said the attention given to fighting COVID-19 “does not distract us from the need to defeat climate change,” inequality and all the other problems the world is facing.
___
A British health minister has the new coronavirus — the first UK lawmaker to be diagnosed with the disease.
Nadine Dorries, a junior minister in the Department of Health, said she is self-isolating as she recovers.
The Times of London reported that Dorries first showed symptoms on Friday and had since worked in Parliament, held meetings with constituents and attended an International Women’s Day reception with Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Britain has confirmed 373 cases of COVID-19, and six deaths.
___
The Coachella music festival in Southern California has been postponed amid virus concerns.
The festival is organized by concert promoter Goldenvoice, which released a statement Tuesday saying it will be rescheduled for two weekends in October.
Rage Against the Machine, Travis Scott and Frank Ocean had been scheduled to headline the April festival, which attracts tens of thousands to the desert community of Indio, California, and the nearby cities of Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage.
The festival is held over two weekends has a reputation for eye-popping performances, including Beyoncé’s 2018 set that became the Netflix film “Homecoming,” and the 2012 debut of a “hologram” of late rapper Tupac Shakur. This year’s festival was set to reunite Rage Against the Machine — which performed at the first Coachella festival in 1999.
Goldenvoice also puts on the country music festival Stagecoach in Indio. This year’s Stagecoach will move from April 24-26 to Oct. 23-25. The festival’s headliners are Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood and Eric Church.
Two people infected with COVID-19 have died in California.
___
Authorities in Washington state have reported two new coronavirus deaths, bringing the total there to at least 24.
A statement Tuesday from Public Health – Seattle & King County also said officials are working with 10 long-term care facilities where residents or employees have tested positive for COVID-19. The new deaths reported were a woman in her 80s, a resident of a nursing and rehabilitation center in Issaquah, Washington, who died Sunday and a man in his 80s, a resident of a Seattle senior center, who died Monday.
Of the deaths in Washington state at least 19 have been tied to another nursing home, the Life Care Center of Kirkland, Washington.
The virus has infected more than 800 people in the U.S. and killed at least 29. New Jersey reported its first coronavirus death Tuesday.
___
This item has been corrected to reflect that at least 29 have died in the U.S., not 30.
___
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she talked to other top leaders of EU member states and the European Commission at a video conference Tuesday evening and explained what her country is doing to contain the spread of the virus and also how the government is financially supporting companies that have been especially hard hit by the outbreak.
She stressed that a coordinated fight against the outbreak among the Europeans is of big significance as well as an international effort to find and develop vaccines against the virus.
A written statement said that the other leaders also stressed that European cooperation in the battle against the coronavirus was much needed.
___
Fearing a significant increase of the number of COVID-19 cases, Albanian authorities on Tuesday took rigid measures closing all centers where people may gather.
Albania has had 10 COVID-19 cases so far, all resulting from two people visiting Italy. All flights and ferries to and from Italy have been suspended but those for commercial purposes.
People gatherings are prohibited. Social assisting centers will limit the staff while cultural and entertaining centers, gyms and pools will close. Many public employees will work from home. Football league matches will be held without fans.
All discos, pubs, gyms and other people gathering centers will be closed until April 3 while bars and restaurants should keep tables 2 meters apart.
All schools have been shut down for two weeks.
___
El Salvador’s government says Guatemalans, Hondurans and Nicaraguans will no longer be able to enter the country without a passport due to fears of the new coronavirus, despite an agreement by four Central American nations allowing their citizens free transit.
There have been no confirmed coronavirus cases in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras or Nicaragua.
El Salvador President Nayib Bukele said via Twitter that the decision was spurred by Salvadorans trying to avoid government quarantines by flying into Guatemala from overseas and then traveling overland to El Salvador, where they would not have to show their passports.
The president said foreigners coming from seven countries with a high number of new coronavirus cases will not be admitted. The countries are Spain, Italy, France, Germany, China, South Korea and Iran. Salvadorans coming from those countries are subjected to a 30-day quarantine. As of Sunday, El Salvador had placed 90 people in quarantine who had arrived from the restricted countries. None had tested positive.
___
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has announced new policies to support workers impacted by the new coronavirus and new rules for long-term care centers, including placing limits on visitors and screening workers for symptoms.
At a news conference Tuesday, Inslee said the state is preparing for many more cases than have been reported, potentially tens of thousands, based on estimates of the spread of the disease.
The state has the worst outbreak of COVID-19 in the U.S, with 160 cases and at least 22 deaths. Nineteen of those deaths are linked to the Life Care Center, a nursing home in Kirkland.
He says it’s very disturbing that “the number of people who are infected will double in five to eight days. Inslee said the state is still considering banning large gatherings like sporting events.
The governor said the state will require that long-term care facilities limit residents to one adult visitor per day unless residents are near death. Visitors would have to wear protective clothing.
___
The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
___
Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak


mercurynews--2020-03-10--Woman, man injured in I-580 shooting in Livermore area

LIVERMORE — A woman and a man were injured by gunfire Tuesday afternoon as they drove on Interstate 580 near @ @ @ @ @ , authorities said .
The man was able to drive to an Oakland hospital for @ @ @ @ @ not available Tuesday .
They were both shot at least once , authorities said .
@ @ @ @ @ p.m. Tuesday in the westbound lanes of the freeway near Greenville Road , authorities said @ @ @ @ @ address a possible motive for the shooting .
No other details were available .

LIVERMORE — A woman and a man were injured by gunfire Tuesday afternoon as they drove on Interstate 580 in rural Livermore, authorities said.
The man was able to drive to an Oakland hospital for treatment; their conditions were not available Tuesday.
The California Highway Patrol said both victims are in their mid-20s and that the man sustained a minor wound and the woman a moderate wound.
The shooting happened at 2:07 p.m. Tuesday in the westbound lanes of the freeway between North Flynn Road in the Altamont Pass area and Greenville Road, authorities said.
The CHP said the victims were in a black 2006 Mercedes SUV when they were shot at by someone in another vehicle. Descriptions of that vehicle or the shooter have not been released.
Authorities did not immediately address a possible motive for the shooting.
No other details were available.
The shooting is being investigated by CHP detectives from the Golden Gate Division Investigative Services Unit (ISU) who are asking anyone who might have information about the shooting to call the CHP Investigative Tipline at 707-917-4491.
Check back for updates.


mercurynews--2020-03-10--Coronavirus: Bay Area scrambles to keep disease from spreading among homeless

The methods vary , but the goal is the same : Do everything possible to prevent coronavirus from wreaking havoc in the Bay Area ’ s homeless encampments and shelters .
As more Bay Area residents are diagnosed with coronavirus and the disease continues to spread , local officials and nonprofits are stepping up efforts to protect homeless residents who are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 .
That includes helping people on the streets wash or sanitize their hands , and setting up spaces to quarantine unhoused patients .
But in a region that couldn ’ t house its thousands of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain in some instances about how to fund these efforts , and where to roll them out .
In San Francisco on Tuesday , officials announced the city has leased RVs it will set up in the Presidio and then deploy around the city as needed to accommodate homeless residents who are ill or have been exposed to the virus , but do not need to be hospitalized .
City leaders are looking for additional quarantine options , including unoccupied residential property and vacant hotel rooms .
“ Our top priority is public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in our community , ” Mayor London Breed wrote in a news release .
“ Not everyone in our city has access to housing where they can go if they are infected or are exposed to the virus , and it ’ s important that we take measures like this to care for our most vulnerable residents , including people who are homeless.
” The city has set aside $ 5 million to protect residents who face an increased risk of becoming sick or dying from COVID-19 , and rolled out new initiatives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ramping up meal delivery programs and buckling down on hygiene .
San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo on Tuesday said the city has temporarily suspended efforts to dismantle homeless encampments , and Santa Clara County Supervisor Dave Cortese proposed taking a similar step throughout the county .
Stopping sweeps that force the homeless to pack up and move to a new location , and perhaps a new encampment , “ makes a lot of sense , ” said Dr. Margot Kushel , director of the UCSF Center for Vulnerable Populations at Zuckerberg San @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unknowingly sick , the worst thing to do is uproot them and transplant them into a new community where the virus can spread , she said .
“ Just from a pure public health perspective , what we don ’ t want to be doing is reintroducing , remixing who people are with , ” Kushel said .
Santa Clara County is still working on its larger strategy to address coronavirus among the homeless , said Ky Le , director of the Office of Supportive Housing .
The county is considering making public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ portable shower trailers .
But the main concern is finding buildings where infected , unhoused people can be quarantined , Le said .
And that presents the same challenges of funding and space the region has been beset with even before the virus outbreak .
Oakland has paid for extra hand-washing stations , portable toilets and trash services at homeless encampments , and Alameda County is distributing hand sanitizer within encampments , Mayor Libby Schaaf said Monday during a media conference in Sacramento .
“ We are concerned for all residents .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents , ” she said .
St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County , which offers meals , shelter beds and other services to the homeless in West Oakland , has made some key changes to protect its clients and staff , according to a memo from the organization .
Instead of inviting clients into the dining room for the typical communal lunch , St. Vincent de Paul will distribute sack lunches outside .
Instead of hosting its usual big Easter open house , the organization will give Easter baskets to families over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ setting up isolation areas in the shelter where they can quarantine guests showing symptoms of a potential COVID-19 infection .
In addition to hitting Bay Area residents who are already homeless , experts worry coronavirus could force additional people onto the streets .
If low-income service or gig economy workers are infected and forced to stay home , they ’ ll miss paychecks — and if they ’ re already living on the edge , that could be disastrous , said Jennifer Loving , CEO of Destination : Home .
“ We ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and frankly about the ability of people to pay their rent on April 1 , ” she said .
• Churches , nonprofits gear up for county ban on gatherings • Newsom , San Francisco official criticize Warriors , NBA for putting fans at risk to coronavirus In response , Destination : Home launched a $ 1 million fund to help cover rent payments for Santa Clara residents at risk of displacement .
The nonprofit is working with the Silicon Valley Community Foundation , which has launched a separate COVID-19 regional response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Kushel applauded local governments and nonprofits taking steps to protect the region ’ s homeless .
But once the hysteria around the virus dies down , Kushel hopes people continue thinking about the homeless .
“ I certainly hope that when we get through to the other side of this crisis , we all take a step back and remind ourselves of the enormous cost to the individual and to society of homelessness , ” she said .
“ I hope this highlights the incredible price of inaction .
”

The methods vary, but the goal is the same: Do everything possible to prevent coronavirus from wreaking havoc in the Bay Area’s homeless encampments and shelters.
As more Bay Area residents are diagnosed with coronavirus and the disease continues to spread, local officials and nonprofits are stepping up efforts to protect homeless residents who are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. That includes helping people on the streets wash or sanitize their hands, and setting up spaces to quarantine unhoused patients. But in a region that couldn’t house its thousands of homeless residents before coronavirus erupted, questions remain in some instances about how to fund these efforts, and where to roll them out.
In San Francisco on Tuesday, officials announced the city has leased RVs it will set up in the Presidio and then deploy around the city as needed to isolate homeless residents who are ill or have been exposed to the virus, but do not need to be hospitalized. City leaders are looking for additional quarantine options, including unoccupied residential property and vacant hotel rooms.
“Our top priority is public health and slowing the spread of COVID-19 in our community,” Mayor London Breed wrote in a news release. “Not everyone in our city has access to housing where they can go if they are infected or are exposed to the virus, and it’s important that we take measures like this to care for our most vulnerable residents, including people who are homeless.”
The city has set aside $5 million to protect residents who are homeless or living in shelters, permanent supportive housing SROs, and face an increased risk of becoming sick or dying from COVID-19. City officials also rolled out new initiatives that include expanding hours in homeless shelters, ramping up meal delivery programs and buckling down on hygiene.
San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo on Tuesday said the city has temporarily suspended efforts to dismantle homeless encampments, and Santa Clara County Supervisor Dave Cortese proposed taking a similar step throughout the county. Santa Clara County saw a 31% increase in homelessness between 2017 and 2019.
Stopping sweeps that force the homeless to pack up and move to a new location, and perhaps a new encampment, “makes a lot of sense,” said Dr. Margot Kushel, director of the UCSF Center for Vulnerable Populations at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital. If people are unknowingly sick, the worst thing to do is uproot them and transplant them into a new community where the virus could spread, she said.
“Just from a pure public health perspective, what we don’t want to be doing is reintroducing, remixing who people are with,” Kushel said.
Santa Clara County is still working on its larger strategy to address coronavirus among the homeless, said Ky Le, director of the Office of Supportive Housing. The county is considering making public bathrooms more accessible and expanding access to portable shower trailers. But the main concern is finding buildings where infected, unhoused people can be isolated Le said. And that presents the same challenges of funding and space the region has been beset with even before the virus outbreak.
Oakland, where homelessness increased 47% from 2017 to 2019, has paid for extra hand-washing stations, portable toilets and trash services at homeless encampments, and Alameda County is distributing hand sanitizer within encampments, Mayor Libby Schaaf said Monday during a media conference in Sacramento.
“We are concerned for all residents. And that actually starts with our most vulnerable residents,” she said.
St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County, which offers meals, shelter beds and other services to the homeless in West Oakland, has made some key changes to protect its clients and staff, according to a memo from the organization. Instead of inviting clients into the dining room for the typical communal lunch, St. Vincent de Paul will distribute sack lunches outside. Instead of hosting its usual big Easter open house, the organization will give Easter baskets to families over a two-week period. And staff are setting up isolation areas in the shelter where they can quarantine guests showing symptoms of a potential COVID-19 infection.
In addition to hitting Bay Area residents who are already homeless, experts worry coronavirus could force additional people onto the streets. If low-income workers are infected and forced to stay home, they’ll miss paychecks — and if they’re already living on the edge, that could be disastrous, said Jennifer Loving, CEO of Destination: Home.
“We’re very concerned about the financial repercussions, and frankly about the ability of people to pay their rent on April 1,” she said.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge In response, Destination: Home launched a $1 million fund to help cover rent payments for Santa Clara residents at risk of displacement. The nonprofit is working with the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, which has launched a separate COVID-19 regional response fund spanning all nine Bay Area counties.
Kushel applauded local governments and nonprofits taking steps to protect the region’s homeless. But once the hysteria around the virus dies down, Kushel hopes people continue thinking about the homeless.
“I certainly hope that when we get through to the other side of this crisis, we all take a step back and remind ourselves of the enormous cost to the individual and to society of homelessness,” she said. “I hope this highlights the incredible price of inaction.”


mercurynews--2020-03-10--Fatal crash in East Bay closes Vasco Road in both directions

Motorists that normally use Vasco Road to commute to and from Alameda and Contra Costa counties were advised to find @ @ @ @ @ a fatal crash on that major bypass , the California Highway Patrol said .
No @ @ @ @ @ the crash or where on Vasco Road it happened was available immediately .
The CHP @ @ @ @ @ was handling the investigation .
The CHP ’ s Dublin division put out an advisory @ @ @ @ @ 3:30 p.m. that Vasco Road would be closed until approximately 7:30 p.m. and that anyone @ @ @ @ @ from the Livermore area and vice versa should take Interstate 680 .

A 27-year-old man died Tuesday in a three-car crash on a major bypass that connects Alameda and Contra Costa counties, authorities said.
Authorities early Wednesday identified the man as Brian Shuck, of Brentwood.
The crash happened around 2:30 p.m. on Vasco Road just south of Camino Diablo Road. The California Highway Patrol closed the road in both directions for about four hours as investigators worked the scene.
According to the CHP, Shuck was driving a Chevrolet pickup truck northbound on Vasco Road when he drifted over the double yellow lines and into the southbound lane. Shuck hit a box truck head-on, the CHP said.
As the box truck spun out, a GMC SUV that was directly behind smashed into it.
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Motorists that normally use Vasco Road were advised to use Interstate 680 during Vasco Road’s closure. The CHP opened the road around 7 p.m.


mercurynews--2020-03-10--TheatreWorks flies us to a captivating ‘Moon’ in Palo Alto

When Jerrie Cobb describes her destiny of a life in the sky , she speaks longingly of breathing the same air that the angels breathe .
She wasn ’ t lost in those billowy and moist clouds , mind you — she just had no desire to be found .
TheatreWorks Silicon Valley ’ s stellar production of “ They Promised Her the Moon ” is a highly stylized piece featuring a terrific script penned by Laurel Ollstein , directed with intricacy and texture by Giovanna Sardelli .
The script delves into the compelling legacy of Cobb , a woman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the earth she treads upon .
A young girl who had trouble speaking due to being literally tongue tied , Cobb ’ s desire to fly was much more than a simple career goal .
Hers was a divine , celestial longing that made her one of the youngest and most accomplished aviators in history .
Cobb ( Sarah Mitchell ) receives mixed messages from her parents .
Her father Harvey ( Dan Hiatt ) , a former pilot , encourages his daughter to seek the life she desires , despite the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) is a traditionalist , encouraging her to focus on making a happy home for her future husband .
Housewife was never going to be the career choice Cobb would accept for herself .
But she didn ’ t have to focus on being the ultimate pioneer , because that was handled by Jackie Cochran ( Stacy Ross ) , a racing pilot savant who broke the sound barrier in 1953 .
While people like Cochran and World War II veteran Jack Ford ( Craig Marker ) , who owned a worldwide aircraft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , her dream of passing the sky and landing on the moon seemed ready to grasp , or so she thought .
She was chosen for Mercury 13 , a group of women who went through the same physiological testing as male astronauts .
When placed in an isolation tank by Dr. Randy Lovelace ( Anthony Fusco ) to prep for space travel , indelible moments flash before her eyes .
As she spends hour after hour in the tank , we learn that some of the people who should have been her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her fingertips .
The strength of the play rests in Mitchell ’ s ability to convincingly play everything from a little girl of 7 to a woman of 50 .
She delivers mightily , portraying a woman whose ambitions chafe at the expectations placed on women of that era ( i.e.
, how will she manage a family if she ’ s galavanting in the clouds ? )
.
In a humiliating moment , Cobb is forced to see news of the first woman in space , Russian Valentina Tereshkova , during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was uniquely qualified if one considers skydiving and textile factory work a qualification .
The rest of the cast is strong , with four playing multiple characters .
Ross is stellar as Cochran , portraying an inspiring and infuriating figure , one who refuses to live in a box that society tries to give her .
Fusco and Hiatt are sharp , in one moment playing characters who frustratingly analyze Cobb ’ s abilities based on her looks .
And Sermol effectively plays a woman who is understandably guarded about her daughter ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bible verse ready for every occasion .
Finally , Marker ’ s characters carry a rich swagger , reminding us that the ceiling Cochran and Cobbs bump up against seems to be made of cement more than glass .
All these proceedings are strongly assisted by a fantastic soundscape from designer Jane Shaw , filling the space with zipping planes and static headset communication .
Christopher Fitzer ’ s multi-layered set offers some surprising touches The title can make one feel a bit melancholy .
Cobb proved time and time again she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first American woman in space , two decades before Dr. Sally Ride flew on the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1983 .
And while “ they ” might not have kept their promise to Cobb , she nonetheless blazed an amazing path in the sky for so many others .
David John Chávez writes for Bayareaplays.com and serves on the executive committee for the American Theatre Critics Association .
Twitter : @ davidjchavez .

When Jerrie Cobb describes her destiny of a life in the sky, she speaks longingly of breathing the same air that the angels breathe. She wasn’t lost in those billowy and moist clouds, mind you — she just had no desire to be found.
TheatreWorks Silicon Valley’s stellar production of “They Promised Her the Moon” is a highly stylized piece featuring a terrific script penned by Laurel Ollstein, directed with intricacy and texture by Giovanna Sardelli. The script delves into the compelling legacy of Cobb, a woman who was too driven to be limited by the earth she treads upon.
A young girl who had trouble speaking due to being literally tongue tied, Cobb’s desire to fly was much more than a simple career goal. Hers was a divine, celestial longing that made her one of the youngest and most accomplished aviators in history.
Cobb (Sarah Mitchell) receives mixed messages from her parents. Her father Harvey (Dan Hiatt), a former pilot, encourages his daughter to seek the life she desires, despite the fact that her mother (Luisa Sermol) is a traditionalist, encouraging her to focus on making a happy home for her future husband.
Housewife was never going to be the career choice Cobb would accept for herself. But she didn’t have to focus on being the ultimate pioneer, because that was handled by Jackie Cochran (Stacy Ross), a racing pilot savant who broke the sound barrier in 1953.
While people like Cochran and World War II veteran Jack Ford (Craig Marker), who owned a worldwide aircraft ferrying service, provide opportunities for Cobb, her dream of passing the sky and landing on the moon seemed ready to grasp, or so she thought. She was chosen for Mercury 13, a group of women who went through the same physiological testing as male astronauts.
When placed in an isolation tank by Dr. Randy Lovelace (Anthony Fusco) to prep for space travel, indelible moments flash before her eyes. As she spends hour after hour in the tank, we learn that some of the people who should have been her biggest allies ultimately rip the moon from her fingertips.
The strength of the play rests in Mitchell’s ability to convincingly play everything from a little girl of 7 to a woman of 50. She delivers mightily, portraying a woman whose ambitions chafe at the expectations placed on women of that era (i.e., how will she manage a family if she’s galavanting in the clouds?).
In a humiliating moment, Cobb is forced to see news of the first woman in space, Russian Valentina Tereshkova, during the Space Race of the 1960s. Tereshkova was uniquely qualified if one considers skydiving and textile factory work a qualification.
The rest of the cast is strong, with four playing multiple characters. Ross is stellar as Cochran, portraying an inspiring and infuriating figure, one who refuses to live in a box that society tries to give her.
Fusco and Hiatt are sharp, in one moment playing characters who frustratingly analyze Cobb’s abilities based on her looks. And Sermol effectively plays a woman who is understandably guarded about her daughter’s ambitions, a woman who has a bible verse ready for every occasion.
Finally, Marker’s characters carry a rich swagger, reminding us that the ceiling Cochran and Cobbs bump up against seems to be made of cement more than glass.
All these proceedings are strongly assisted by a fantastic soundscape from designer Jane Shaw, filling the space with zipping planes and static headset communication. Christopher Fitzer’s multi-layered set offers some surprising touches
The title can make one feel a bit melancholy. Cobb proved time and time again she was more than qualified to have been the first American woman in space, two decades before Dr. Sally Ride flew on the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1983. And while “they” might not have kept their promise to Cobb, she nonetheless blazed an amazing path in the sky for so many others.
David John Chávez writes for Bayareaplays.com and serves on the executive committee for the American Theatre Critics Association. Twitter: @davidjchavez.
‘THEY PROMISED HER THE MOON’
By Laurel Ollstein, presented by TheatreWorks Silicon Valley
Through: March 29 (closed early due to Coronavirus concerns)
Where: Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto
Running time: Two hours, one 15-minute intermission
Tickets: $25-$98; 650-463-1960, theatreworks.org


mercurynews--2020-03-10--Fremont, San Jose among America’s happiest cities, report says

Hey Fremont and San Jose — if you ’ re happy and you know it , clap your hands .
But wash them first , please .
Amid all the bleak coronavirus news comes a couple vibes of positivity : Fremont and San Jose are among America ’ s happiest cities , according to a report issued this week by WalletHub .
Fremont , in fact , is the nation ’ s happiest berg , while San Jose is not that far behind at No .
3 .
Two other Bay Area cities — Santa Rosa ( No .
9 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — finished in the Top 20 .
Interesting side note : Anaheim , home to the so-called “ Happiest Place on Earth , ” managed only a 19th-place showing .
To determine where America ’ s happiest citizens live , WalletHub , a personal-finance website , compared more than 180 of the largest U.S. cities across 30 key indicators of happiness .
The data set ranges from depression rate to income-growth rate to average leisure time spent per day .
In the category of “ Physical and Emotional Well-being , ” San Jose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the study was conducted before Santa Clara County implemented a mandatory ban on all large gatherings in hopes of containing the spread of coronavirus .
It ’ s the most sweeping preventive measure yet taken in California .
We ’ ll see if that sends the happiness meter plunging downward , or not .
San Jose might have ruled the rankings altogether had it not been for a low ranking of 64 in the category of “ Community and Environment.
” We don ’ t exactly know what that means , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work to do in this area .
San Jose ’ s overall score , according to WalletHub , is 73.20 , Meanwhile , Fremont finished with a lofty score of 75.32 .
It fared best in the categories of “ Physical and Emotional Well-Being ” ( 4 ) and “ Community and Environment ” ( 5 ) .
Fremont was 28th in “ Income and Employment.
” For the full report and detailed rankings , go here .

Hey Fremont and San Jose — if you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands.
But wash them first, please.
Amid all the bleak coronavirus news comes a couple vibes of positivity: Fremont and San Jose are among America’s happiest cities, according to a report issued this week by WalletHub. Fremont, in fact, is the nation’s happiest berg, while San Jose is not that far behind at No. 3.
Two other Bay Area cities — Santa Rosa (No. 9) and San Francisco (14) — finished in the Top 20.
Interesting side note: Anaheim, home to the so-called “Happiest Place on Earth,” managed only a 19th-place showing.
To determine where America’s happiest citizens live, WalletHub, a personal-finance website, compared more than 180 of the largest U.S. cities across 30 key indicators of happiness. The data set ranges from depression rate to income-growth rate to average leisure time spent per day.
In the category of “Physical and Emotional Well-being,” San Jose ranked No. 1. Of course, the study was conducted before Santa Clara County implemented a mandatory ban on all large gatherings in hopes of containing the spread of coronavirus. It’s the most sweeping preventive measure yet taken in California.
We’ll see if that sends the happiness meter plunging downward, or not.
San Jose might have ruled the rankings altogether had it not been for a low ranking of 64 in the category of “Community and Environment.” We don’t exactly know what that means, but the South Bay city apparently has some work to do in this area. San Jose’s overall score, according to WalletHub, is 73.20,
Meanwhile, Fremont finished with a lofty score of 75.32. It fared best in the categories of “Physical and Emotional Well-Being” (4) and “Community and Environment” (5). Fremont was 28th in “Income and Employment.”
For the full report and detailed rankings, go here.


mercurynews--2020-03-10--Steph Curry and Draymond Green ruled out for Warriors-Clippers game Tuesday night

Steph Curry is set to miss his second straight game for the Warriors since returning last Thursday night from a four-month absence .
He has flu symptoms and will sit out Tuesday night ’ s game against the Los Angeles Clippers , the Warriors announced .
Joining him on the bench will be forward Draymond Green , who will miss his sixth straight game with a sore left knee .
Curry and Green won ’ t be the only ones skipping the game — Clippers guard Lou Williams will also miss the matchup with a sore calf .
What was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pacific Division rivals has turned into something else entirely .
A national audience ( 7:30 p.m. , TNT ) may well be treated to cavernous views of the Chase Center without two of the Warriors ’ stars as public officials warn against attending large gatherings like sporting events as coronavirus spreads in the Bay Area .
Curry ’ s flu symptoms set off alarm bells when the Warriors announced he was missing Saturday ’ s national-TV game against the 76ers , but the team has been clear they don ’ t believe he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ often missed games this year did not appear on the team ’ s injury report , though .
Kawhi Leonard and Paul George , superstars who joined the Clippers this summer , are expected to play at Chase Center Tuesday evening .

Steph Curry is set to miss his second straight game for the Warriors since returning last Thursday night from a four-month absence.
He has flu symptoms and will sit out Tuesday night’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers, the Warriors announced.
Joining him on the bench will be forward Draymond Green, who will miss his sixth straight game with a sore left knee.
Curry and Green won’t be the only ones skipping the game — Clippers guard Lou Williams will also miss the matchup with a sore calf.
What was expected to be a marquee matchup between Pacific Division rivals has turned into something else entirely. A national audience (7:30 p.m., TNT) may well be treated to cavernous views of the Chase Center without two of the Warriors’ stars as public officials warn against attending large gatherings like sporting events as coronavirus spreads in the Bay Area.
Curry’s flu symptoms set off alarm bells when the Warriors announced he was missing Saturday’s national-TV game against the 76ers, but the team has been clear they don’t believe he has COVID-19.
Two Clippers who have often missed games this year did not appear on the team’s injury report, though. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, superstars who joined the Clippers this summer, are expected to play at Chase Center Tuesday evening.


mercurynews--2020-03-10--Two more COVID-19 cases found in Santa Clara County

Two more people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Santa Clara County , officials said Tuesday , raising the county @ @ @ @ @ confirmed cases to 45 .
The Santa Clara County Public Health Department did not release @ @ @ @ @ cases on Tuesday afternoon , including the patients ’ ages or how the people may @ @ @ @ @ The new cases came on the heels of the Santa Clara County ’ s first @ @ @ @ @ Monday , a woman in her 60s with chronic health conditions who had been hospitalized @ @ @ @ @ several weeks .
Her death marked the second coronavirus-related fatality in California .
Hours later @ @ @ @ @ ban on all gatherings greater than 1,000 people .
• Churches , nonprofits gear up @ @ @ @ @ • Newsom , San Francisco official criticize Warriors , NBA for putting fans at risk @ @ @ @ @ moves away from containing individual cases and toward broader mitigation strategies — and as testing @ @ @ @ @ is expected to grow , public health officials have said .

Two more people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Santa Clara County, officials said Tuesday, raising the county’s total number of confirmed cases to 45.
The Santa Clara County Public Health Department did not release any more details about the cases on Tuesday afternoon, including the patients’ ages or how the people may have contracted the virus.
The new cases came on the heels of the Santa Clara County’s first reported death from COVID-19 on Monday, a woman in her 60s with chronic health conditions who had been hospitalized for a respiratory illness for several weeks. Her death marked the second coronavirus-related fatality in California.
Hours later, officials implemented a countywide ban on all gatherings greater than 1,000 people.


mercurynews--2020-03-10--Coronavirus: Bay Area colleges and school districts suspending in-person classes, some begin deep cl

Coronavirus: Bay Area colleges and school districts suspending in-person classes, some begin deep cleaning

San Jose City and Evergreen Valley community colleges became the latest schools to cancel in-person classes in San Jose amid coronavirus fears as at least one public school district deep cleans its campus after learning a student was exposed to the virus .
The action by the community colleges comes a day after major universities in the Bay Area suspended in-person classes and began online and distance learning for students , including Stanford University , the University of California Berkeley and San Jose State University .
Santa Teresa High School is undergoing a deep cleaning this evening after a student @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with someone with coronavirus , school officials said in a letter to the Santa Teresa community .
The student has not exhibited any symptoms but has been quarantined and will be tested , officials said .
School officials , meanwhile , have canceled all activities at the high school Tuesday or moved them to another location .
Custodial staff plan to clean every doorknob , countertop , restroom , classroom and common meeting area overnight .
Due to concerns surrounding the spread of COVID-19 , beginning Wednesday all in-person classes at San Jose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be suspended , the San Jose-Evergreen Community College District announced Tuesday afternoon .
So far , there are no reported cases of the virus among students or employees .
Classes are set to resume Monday , March 16 , at which time the school will offer online or other distance learning format options “ to the extent that is possible , ” the college district said .
Classes will remain in this alternate mode of delivery through at least April 6 “ out of an abundance of caution.
” Meanwhile , Diablo Valley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are now a total of ten residents who have tested positive for coronavirus — has called back study abroad trips to Italy as its Pleasant Hill campus remains open with no plans to cancel in-person classes .
Study abroad participants have been advised by school officials to self-quarantine for 14 days and visit their medical professional should they develop COVID-19 symptoms .

SAN FRANCISCO – A number of Bay Area community colleges and one K-12 school system are moving in-person classes online amid the novel coronavirus outbreak.
On Tuesday, the San Francisco Archdiocesan said all 90 of its schools will close for two weeks, starting Thursday. The move follows confirmation by the San Francisco Public Health Department on Sunday that a student had tested positive for COVID-19.
The closure will cover events such as fundraisers and field trips, according to the archdiocese. School buildings will not be open to children, parents or community members, and the archdiocese will switch to distance learning through at least March 25.
In the South Bay, three community colleges – San Jose City, Evergreen Valley and Mission – joined a growing list of other major universities in suspending in-person classes.
Classes will resume online or through distance learning beginning Monday at San Jose City and Evergreen Valley colleges in San Jose and beginning April 6 at Mission College in Santa Clara.
There were no reported cases of the virus among students or employees at any of the colleges as of Tuesday.
In Alameda County, Cal State East Bay said it will also suspend in-person classes and move them online starting Monday.
Diablo Valley College in Contra Costa County has no plans to cancel in-person classes, but it is calling back study abroad trips to Italy. Ten people have tested positive for the virus in the county.
Public schools in the South Bay also remain open despite recent brushes with the virus. In recent days, Oak Grove and Santa Teresa high schools in San Jose underwent deep cleaning after students were confirmed to have come in contact with someone with the virus.
Neither of the students has shown any symptoms, but they are under quarantine and will be tested, school officials said.
Staff writer Jason Green contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-03-10--Stocks rebound on hopes of US financial assistance

By Stan Choe and Alex Viega | Associated Press NEW YORK — Stocks on Tuesday recouped most of their historic losses from the prior day as hopes rose , faded and then bloomed again on Wall Street that the U.S. government will try to cushion the economic pain from the coronavirus .
The day ’ s moves were a microcosm of the severe swings that have dominated recent weeks , and market watchers say they are likely to continue until the number of infections stops accelerating .
In the meantime , investors want to see a big , coordinated response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up the virus-weakened economy .
The S & P 500 surged as much as 3.7 % in the morning , only to see the gains evaporate by midday .
The index then bounced up and down before turning decisively higher after President Donald Trump pitched his ideas for a break on payroll taxes and other economic relief to Senate Republicans .
By the end of trading , the S & P 500 was up 4.9 % .
It erased three-fifths of Monday ’ s loss , which was the sharpest since 2008 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economy from the financial crisis .
The volatility reflected the mood of a market just as preoccupied with the virus as the rest of the world .
Since U.S. stocks set their record high just a few weeks ago , traders have crossed over from dismissing the economic pain created by COVID-19 — thinking it ’ s similar to the flu and could stay mostly contained in China — to being in thrall to it — worrying that it may cause a worldwide recession .
While they won ’ t cure illnesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , spending and stimulus programs would put cash into the hands of households and businesses while health experts try to corral the virus .
That could stave off or at least moderate a possible recession .
Investors saw glimmers of a coordinated response , which led to Tuesday ’ s optimism .
At a White House press briefing Monday night , Trump said his administration would be asking Congress to cut payroll taxes and pass other quick measures aimed at easing the impact of the coronavirus on workers .
In Japan , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister approved a 430 billion yen ( $ 4.1 billion ) package Tuesday with support for small to medium-sized businesses .
But as markets waited on Tuesday for details about Trump ’ s plan , prices oscillated sharply .
After a meeting with major health insurers , Trump said the government is working with the cruise line industry , one of the hardest hit by the virus .
That helped lift the market , which had earlier flipped to losses amid doubts that the government would announce anything soon .
The S & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until rocketing higher in the last two hours of trading after Trump made his pitch for economic aid on Capitol Hill .
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin also met with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , whose support would be needed for any deal in a deeply divided Congress .
Mnuchin called the meeting productive .
“ I would expect the authorities to pull out all the stops to reduce uncertainty , ” said Alec Young , managing director of global markets research at FTSE Russell .
“ This may be their one opportunity to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move in markets Tuesday was that Treasury yields pushed higher .
The bond market rang warning bells about the virus long before the stock market , and a rise in yields is a sign that fear has receded a bit .
The 10-year Treasury yield rose to 0.79 % from 0.49 % late Monday .
A week ago , it had never been below 1 % .
The S & P 500 rose 135.67 points , or 4.9 % , to 2,882.23 .
The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1,167.14 points , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Nasdaq composite jumped 393.58 , or 5 % , to 8,344.25 .
The recovery is pulling the stock market a bit further from the edge of a bear market , signified by a drop of 20 % from a record .
The S & P 500 is down 14.9 % from its high .
If it can rally back to that point , it would extend the longest-ever bull market , which began its climb after the market hit bottom on March 9 , 2009 .
Brent crude , the international standard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % , to settle at $ 37.22 a barrel , while benchmark U.S. crude rose $ 3.23 , or 10.4 % , to $ 34.36 a barrel .
Oil prices plunged 25 % on Monday amid a price war between producers , who are pulling more oil out of the ground even though demand is falling due to the virus .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including pneumonia .
The vast majority of people recover from the new virus .
According to the World Health Organization , people with mild illness recover in about two weeks , while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover .
In mainland China , where the virus first exploded , more than 80,000 people have been diagnosed and more than 58,000 have so far recovered .
But because the virus is new , experts can ’ t say for sure how far it will ultimately spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worst-case scenario for corporate profits and the economy , where factories and supply chains are shut around the world due to quarantines and people stay huddled at home instead of working or spending .
Investors expect central banks around the world , which have done some of the heaviest lifting to prop up markets the last decade , to do more to cushion the blow .
Traders expect the Fed to cut rates again at its meeting next week .
They ’ re also expecting some kind of action from the European Central @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But central banks have limited firepower , and some have already cut rates blow zero .
That adds pressure on governments to do what they can as well .
For strategists at BlackRock Investment Institute , that could include generous sick-pay programs or even direct payments to households .
For businesses , governments could suspend collecting tax revenue to give them some temporary relief and hold on to cash as the world waits for the outbreak to be contained .
“ That would prevent these temporary disruptions from turning into a full-blown global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Institute wrote in a report .
Until then , many investors have had a “ sell-first , ask questions later ” reaction to the uncertainty , said Greg McBride , chief financial analyst at Bankrate.com .
Still , he urges investors to avoid changing their long-term investment strategies , which can play out over years or decades , because of short-term volatility .
“ Markets fall quickly , but they can rebound rapidly , ” McBride said .
“ Investing is a marathon , not a sprint .
”

By Stan Choe and Alex Viega | Associated Press
NEW YORK — Stocks on Tuesday recouped most of their historic losses from the prior day as hopes rose, faded and then bloomed again on Wall Street that the U.S. government will try to cushion the economic pain from the coronavirus.
The day’s moves were a microcosm of the severe swings that have dominated recent weeks, and market watchers say they are likely to continue until the number of infections stops accelerating. In the meantime, investors want to see a big, coordinated response from governments and central banks to shore up the virus-weakened economy.
The S&P 500 surged as much as 3.7% in the morning, only to see the gains evaporate by midday. The index then bounced up and down before turning decisively higher after President Donald Trump pitched his ideas for a break on payroll taxes and other economic relief to Senate Republicans.
By the end of trading, the S&P 500 was up 4.9%. It erased three-fifths of Monday’s loss, which was the sharpest since 2008, when global authorities banded together to rescue the economy from the financial crisis.
The volatility reflected the mood of a market just as preoccupied with the virus as the rest of the world. Since U.S. stocks set their record high just a few weeks ago, traders have crossed over from dismissing the economic pain created by COVID-19 — thinking it’s similar to the flu and could stay mostly contained in China — to being in thrall to it — worrying that it may cause a worldwide recession.
While they won’t cure illnesses or get quarantined workers back into factories, spending and stimulus programs would put cash into the hands of households and businesses while health experts try to corral the virus. That could stave off or at least moderate a possible recession.
Investors saw glimmers of a coordinated response, which led to Tuesday’s optimism.
At a White House press briefing Monday night, Trump said his administration would be asking Congress to cut payroll taxes and pass other quick measures aimed at easing the impact of the coronavirus on workers.
In Japan, a task force set up by the prime minister approved a 430 billion yen ($4.1 billion) package Tuesday with support for small to medium-sized businesses.
But as markets waited on Tuesday for details about Trump’s plan, prices oscillated sharply.
After a meeting with major health insurers, Trump said the government is working with the cruise line industry, one of the hardest hit by the virus. That helped lift the market, which had earlier flipped to losses amid doubts that the government would announce anything soon.
The S&P 500 shuffled along with modest gains until rocketing higher in the last two hours of trading after Trump made his pitch for economic aid on Capitol Hill. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin also met with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, whose support would be needed for any deal in a deeply divided Congress. Mnuchin called the meeting productive.
“I would expect the authorities to pull out all the stops to reduce uncertainty,” said Alec Young, managing director of global markets research at FTSE Russell. “This may be their one opportunity to do that.”
Perhaps the most notable move in markets Tuesday was that Treasury yields pushed higher. The bond market rang warning bells about the virus long before the stock market, and a rise in yields is a sign that fear has receded a bit.
The 10-year Treasury yield rose to 0.79% from 0.49% late Monday. A week ago, it had never been below 1%.
The S&P 500 rose 135.67 points, or 4.9%, to 2,882.23. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1,167.14 points, or 4.9%, to 25,018.16, and the Nasdaq composite jumped 393.58, or 5%, to 8,344.25.
The recovery is pulling the stock market a bit further from the edge of a bear market, signified by a drop of 20% from a record. The S&P 500 is down 14.9% from its high. If it can rally back to that point, it would extend the longest-ever bull market, which began its climb after the market hit bottom on March 9, 2009.
Brent crude, the international standard, rose $2.86, or 8.3%, to settle at $37.22 a barrel, while benchmark U.S. crude rose $3.23, or 10.4%, to $34.36 a barrel. Oil prices plunged 25% on Monday amid a price war between producers, who are pulling more oil out of the ground even though demand is falling due to the virus.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover. In mainland China, where the virus first exploded, more than 80,000 people have been diagnosed and more than 58,000 have so far recovered.
But because the virus is new, experts can’t say for sure how far it will ultimately spread. That has investors worried about the worst-case scenario for corporate profits and the economy, where factories and supply chains are shut around the world due to quarantines and people stay huddled at home instead of working or spending.
Investors expect central banks around the world, which have done some of the heaviest lifting to prop up markets the last decade, to do more to cushion the blow.
Traders expect the Fed to cut rates again at its meeting next week. They’re also expecting some kind of action from the European Central Bank, which meets on Thursday.
But central banks have limited firepower, and some have already cut rates blow zero. That adds pressure on governments to do what they can as well.
For strategists at BlackRock Investment Institute, that could include generous sick-pay programs or even direct payments to households. For businesses, governments could suspend collecting tax revenue to give them some temporary relief and hold on to cash as the world waits for the outbreak to be contained.
“That would prevent these temporary disruptions from turning into a full-blown global recession,” strategists at BlackRock Investment Institute wrote in a report.
Until then, many investors have had a “sell-first, ask questions later” reaction to the uncertainty, said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate.com.
Still, he urges investors to avoid changing their long-term investment strategies, which can play out over years or decades, because of short-term volatility.
“Markets fall quickly, but they can rebound rapidly,” McBride said. “Investing is a marathon, not a sprint.”