mercurynews--2020-08-15--California’s coronavirus contact tracing efforts hampered by lack of bilingual staff

In late May , just before coronavirus cases exploded across the Bay Area , Santa Clara County officials turned to the state for help beefing up their contact tracing team .
With the Latinx population comprising a growing proportion of the county ’ s COVID-19 cases , local officials needed bilingual staff to reach sick patients and their families and friends — and they needed it fast .
The county ’ s own hiring was falling short , so it asked that 150 workers it requested from the state speak Spanish , and another 50 speak Vietnamese .
But none @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received were bilingual .
And the situation is the same across the Bay Area , with counties lacking enough contact tracers who speak Spanish , Vietnamese and other key languages to reach sick Californians in their native languages .
As the Latinx community disproportionately makes up the majority of coronavirus cases and deaths across California , the problem isn ’ t simply that public health departments are missing out on contacts and stemming the spread of coronavirus , advocates and epidemiologists say : It ’ s that many Californians are receiving worse , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Santa Clara County now relies on about 60 bilingual Spanish-speaking tracers out of a 900-person workforce , representing about 6 % of its workers compared to more than 50 % of cases among the Latinx community .
In Contra Costa , about 16 % of tracers speak Spanish , while in Alameda , about 23 % speak Spanish — and that ’ s only after the county partnered with community-based organizations .
While it ’ s hard to know exactly how many residents require access to services in Spanish , Vietnamese or other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counties have fallen far short of the need .
“ You really have to establish that rapport immediately , and it ’ s really tough if you don ’ t speak the language — very , very tough to do , ” said Dr. Noha Aboelata , founder of the Roots Community Health Center in Oakland .
“ Once you add together the culture barrier , the language barrier , the fact that you need to have a real understanding of the challenges people are facing to get them to be forthcoming — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the quality that you could really expect in terms of how effective the contact tracing process will be.
” The state , which was supposed to bolster the counties ’ efforts , has struggled to fill the gaps .
Alameda County asked that at least 15 of the 25 contact tracers it requested from the state be Spanish speakers — and received none .
Contra Costa County received one Spanish speaker , after requesting five from the state ’ s contact tracing program .
( San Mateo and San Francisco have not requested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Language competency is the bare minimum , frankly , and the fact that we can ’ t get to the bare minimum is extraordinary , ” said Dr. Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo , an epidemiologist with the UC San Francisco .
“ It ’ s a fundamental feature of what is challenging in California right now in terms of controlling the pandemic.
” The need for language and cultural competency grows more acute as coronavirus ravages communities of color .
Latinx residents make up 39 % of California ’ s population yet comprise 58 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California Department of Public Health .
In Santa Clara County , Latinx people make up 50 % of cases and just 25 % of the population , while Asian-Americans make up 35 % of cases and 11 % of the population .
In Alameda County , Latinx people make up more than half of cases and just 22 % of the population .
In each of those counties , much bigger proportions of the total population speak a language other than English at home , according to the U.S. Census Bureau — about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 46 % in Alameda , 41 % in San Francisco and 36 % in Contra Costa .
San Mateo has fared better ; about half of its 80-person workforce is bilingual — largely in Spanish — compared to about 46 % of the county that speaks another language besides English at home .
As of last week , about 22 % of Contra Costa County ’ s tracers are bilingual , according to a spokesperson .
In Santa Clara County , about 11 % of tracers are bilingual .
In Alameda County , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tracing — which primarily involves finding the people who have recently come in contact with infected patients and urging that they self-isolate or quarantine — first involves an interview with the patient followed by calls to their contacts .
The conversations already cover delicate topics like health , family and friends — and without linguistic and cultural competency , they quickly fall apart .
Clinicians at the nonprofit Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center — which serves mostly monolingual Spanish speakers across Alameda County — took tracing into their own hands early on in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in multigenerational households of positive patients when they realized patients wouldn ’ t otherwise participate .
“ Our patients and families were already afraid to go to community testing sites because they were asking for personal information – and that ’ s when we realized , they trusted us with this information , and didn ’ t trust the county with the same information on the phone , ” said CEO Andrea Schwab-Galindo .
In interviews , health officials acknowledged that their staffing levels could be more reflective of the communities they serve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be doing to optimize our outreach to communities who have been disproportionately impacted is get the input of those communities , ” said Santa Clara County Assistant Health Officer Dr. Sarah Rudman .
“ That ’ s something we ’ re working to do now.
” Rikita Merai , a contact tracing program manager with the University of California , San Francisco , was more blunt .
“ We should have maybe prioritized that a lot more in the beginning , and recruited way more bilingual English and Spanish folks , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like , ‘ Who can we even man to do this ?
’ Not , ‘ Who can we get are the right people ? '
” Counties that have tried to fulfill language needs with state workers are out of luck .
Back in May , Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s office promised to disseminate a workforce of 10,000 contact tracers to help local health departments build out their workforces faster .
After identifying and training the pool of tracers , the state has deployed around 1,450 people to counties across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said health department spokesperson Ali Bay .
Almost all 27 local health departments that have requested staff have asked for tracers who speak Spanish , with additional requests for Vietnamese , Russian and Mixteco , Bay confirmed .
But just “ a small percentage ” of the state ’ s pool of redeployed tracers speak a second language , she said .
“ The entire state is asking for the same criteria .
It really hit California and the Latinx population , and so every county is looking for Spanish speakers , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader in Alameda County .
The caseload instead has piled up onto existing bilingual staffers or is shunted onto interpreter services – which means potentially alienating patients and losing out on contacts altogether .
A Spanish bilingual contact tracer for the county of Santa Clara who was not authorized to speak about the matter told this news organization that Spanish-only cases started streaming into her inbox before she even finished training .
Over the past few months , her colleagues have failed to communicate with patients and contacts – particularly undocumented people – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ English-speaking voice on the line , she said .
Some counties use a translation service through the state ’ s contact tracing platform known as CalConnect , which involves dialing a translator into the phone call .
While an important tool , translation can be awkward and impersonal , advocates say – and it doesn ’ t make up for a lack of cultural competency on the tracer ’ s side .
Oftentimes , the employee leading the conversation simply doesn ’ t have a good feel for the kinds of questions that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afraid to ask , the Santa Clara tracer said .
“ At that point , they might already be intimidated , and there are instances where we just can not reach them no matter how much we try , ” the employee said .
“ If the language barrier is no longer there , it ’ s like , ‘ We understand each other , let me hear this person out.
’ ” Effective contact tracers should have the cultural context to break through to the “ gatekeeper ” of the household and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families on board , said Dr. Jorge Caballero , a Stanford anesthesiologist and co-founder of the public testing database Coders Against COVID .
That requires more than just translation .
“ The number one priority is the cultural fluency even more than the language fluency , ” Caballero said .
“ There appears to have been a disconnect and lack of awareness of the fact that there are so many kids like me – the kids that are the interpreters , the windows to the outside world for these family units – and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” And every single one of those lost or bungled contacts is a potential missed opportunity to prevent the spread of the virus among communities that have already been devastated by COVID-19 , Bibbins-Domingo said .
Research has shown that people who receive care in their native language have better health outcomes and are more likely to follow their treatment plans .
“ It ’ s not like language capability or cultural competency is a nice thing to have if we could get it – it ’ s actually essential , ” she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the work we ’ re trying to do to manage the pandemic and bring our infection rates under control and ensure protection for the communities that are most affected.
” Alameda County recently signed contracts with four local clinics that serve largely uninsured and immigrant communities to formally partner on tracing , including Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center , which will now commit eight workers to perform tracing duties alongside the county .
Up until mid-July , the county had myriad other challenges to deal with : Tracers were stuck using a paper-and-pencil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and interview process .
Meanwhile , the department didn ’ t have the infrastructure in place to support a fast-growing team of more than 90 people , Wang said , including managers to oversee the new teams .
“ There was no way to scale up faster , even if we wanted to , ” Wang said .
Even so , health officials need to recognize that their efforts have come late , Caballero said – especially to communities fearful of deportation and job loss who have spent months watching their own families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We find ourselves in a situation where on top of all of that , there ’ s a conscious recognition that for months , they were left to die , ” Caballero said .
“ And now we ’ re going back to them and saying , ‘ Please help us out , because we need to know where you ’ ve been .
’ ”

In late May, just before coronavirus cases exploded across the Bay Area, Santa Clara County officials turned to the state for help beefing up their contact tracing team.
With the Latinx population comprising a growing proportion of the county’s COVID-19 cases, local officials needed bilingual staff to reach sick patients and their families and friends — and they needed it fast. The county’s own hiring was falling short, so it asked that 150 workers it requested from the state speak Spanish, and another 50 speak Vietnamese.
But none of the contact tracers the county ultimately received were bilingual. And the situation is the same across the Bay Area, with counties lacking enough contact tracers who speak Spanish, Vietnamese and other key languages to reach sick Californians in their native languages.
As the Latinx community disproportionately makes up the majority of coronavirus cases and deaths across California, the problem isn’t simply that public health departments are missing out on contacts and stemming the spread of coronavirus, advocates and epidemiologists say: It’s that many Californians are receiving worse, less-effective care than their English-speaking counterparts.
Santa Clara County now relies on about 60 bilingual Spanish-speaking tracers out of a 900-person workforce, representing about 6% of its workers compared to more than 50% of cases among the Latinx community. In Contra Costa, about 16% of tracers speak Spanish, while in Alameda, about 23% speak Spanish — and that’s only after the county partnered with community-based organizations.
While it’s hard to know exactly how many residents require access to services in Spanish, Vietnamese or other languages, community advocates say they think counties have fallen far short of the need.
“You really have to establish that rapport immediately, and it’s really tough if you don’t speak the language — very, very tough to do,” said Dr. Noha Aboelata, founder of the Roots Community Health Center in Oakland. “Once you add together the culture barrier, the language barrier, the fact that you need to have a real understanding of the challenges people are facing to get them to be forthcoming — there’s a huge range of the quality that you could really expect in terms of how effective the contact tracing process will be.”
The state, which was supposed to bolster the counties’ efforts, has struggled to fill the gaps. Alameda County asked that at least 15 of the 25 contact tracers it requested from the state be Spanish speakers — and received none. Contra Costa County received one Spanish speaker, after requesting five from the state’s contact tracing program. (San Mateo and San Francisco have not requested tracers from the state.)
“Language competency is the bare minimum, frankly, and the fact that we can’t get to the bare minimum is extraordinary,” said Dr. Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, an epidemiologist with the UC San Francisco. “It’s a fundamental feature of what is challenging in California right now in terms of controlling the pandemic.”
The need for language and cultural competency grows more acute as coronavirus ravages communities of color. Latinx residents make up 39% of California’s population yet comprise 58% of coronavirus cases, according to the California Department of Public Health. In Santa Clara County, Latinx people make up 50% of cases and just 25% of the population, while Asian-Americans make up 35% of cases and 11% of the population. In Alameda County, Latinx people make up more than half of cases and just 22% of the population.
In each of those counties, much bigger proportions of the total population speak a language other than English at home, according to the U.S. Census Bureau — about 53% in Santa Clara County, 46% in Alameda, 41% in San Francisco and 36% in Contra Costa. San Mateo has fared better; about half of its 80-person workforce is bilingual — largely in Spanish — compared to about 46% of the county that speaks another language besides English at home.
As of last week, about 22% of Contra Costa County’s tracers are bilingual, according to a spokesperson. In Santa Clara County, about 11% of tracers are bilingual. In Alameda County, about 28% are bilingual.
Contact tracing — which primarily involves finding the people who have recently come in contact with infected patients and urging that they self-isolate or quarantine — first involves an interview with the patient followed by calls to their contacts. The conversations already cover delicate topics like health, family and friends — and without linguistic and cultural competency, they quickly fall apart.
Clinicians at the nonprofit Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center — which serves mostly monolingual Spanish speakers across Alameda County — took tracing into their own hands early on in the pandemic, calling relatives and other families in multigenerational households of positive patients when they realized patients wouldn’t otherwise participate.
“Our patients and families were already afraid to go to community testing sites because they were asking for personal information – and that’s when we realized, they trusted us with this information, and didn’t trust the county with the same information on the phone,” said CEO Andrea Schwab-Galindo.
In interviews, health officials acknowledged that their staffing levels could be more reflective of the communities they serve.
“The most valuable thing we could be doing to optimize our outreach to communities who have been disproportionately impacted is get the input of those communities,” said Santa Clara County Assistant Health Officer Dr. Sarah Rudman. “That’s something we’re working to do now.”
Rikita Merai, a contact tracing program manager with the University of California, San Francisco, was more blunt.
“We should have maybe prioritized that a lot more in the beginning, and recruited way more bilingual English and Spanish folks,” Merai said. “Initially it was like, ‘Who can we even man to do this?’ Not, ‘Who can we get are the right people?'”
Counties that have tried to fulfill language needs with state workers are out of luck. Back in May, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office promised to disseminate a workforce of 10,000 contact tracers to help local health departments build out their workforces faster. After identifying and training the pool of tracers, the state has deployed around 1,450 people to counties across California that need the extra staff, said health department spokesperson Ali Bay.
Almost all 27 local health departments that have requested staff have asked for tracers who speak Spanish, with additional requests for Vietnamese, Russian and Mixteco, Bay confirmed. But just “a small percentage” of the state’s pool of redeployed tracers speak a second language, she said.
“The entire state is asking for the same criteria. It really hit California and the Latinx population, and so every county is looking for Spanish speakers,” said Jenny Wang, a contact tracing leader in Alameda County.
The caseload instead has piled up onto existing bilingual staffers or is shunted onto interpreter services – which means potentially alienating patients and losing out on contacts altogether.
A Spanish bilingual contact tracer for the county of Santa Clara who was not authorized to speak about the matter told this news organization that Spanish-only cases started streaming into her inbox before she even finished training. Over the past few months, her colleagues have failed to communicate with patients and contacts – particularly undocumented people – who immediately panic when they hear an English-speaking voice on the line, she said.
Some counties use a translation service through the state’s contact tracing platform known as CalConnect, which involves dialing a translator into the phone call. While an important tool, translation can be awkward and impersonal, advocates say – and it doesn’t make up for a lack of cultural competency on the tracer’s side.
Oftentimes, the employee leading the conversation simply doesn’t have a good feel for the kinds of questions that people from vulnerable communities might be too afraid to ask, the Santa Clara tracer said.
“At that point, they might already be intimidated, and there are instances where we just cannot reach them no matter how much we try,” the employee said. “If the language barrier is no longer there, it’s like, ‘We understand each other, let me hear this person out.’”
Effective contact tracers should have the cultural context to break through to the “gatekeeper” of the household and get the rest of the family or families on board, said Dr. Jorge Caballero, a Stanford anesthesiologist and co-founder of the public testing database Coders Against COVID. That requires more than just translation.
“The number one priority is the cultural fluency even more than the language fluency,” Caballero said. “There appears to have been a disconnect and lack of awareness of the fact that there are so many kids like me – the kids that are the interpreters, the windows to the outside world for these family units – and we can’t hire these kids.”
And every single one of those lost or bungled contacts is a potential missed opportunity to prevent the spread of the virus among communities that have already been devastated by COVID-19, Bibbins-Domingo said. Research has shown that people who receive care in their native language have better health outcomes and are more likely to follow their treatment plans.
“It’s not like language capability or cultural competency is a nice thing to have if we could get it – it’s actually essential,” she said. “It’s essential to the work we’re trying to do to manage the pandemic and bring our infection rates under control and ensure protection for the communities that are most affected.”
Alameda County recently signed contracts with four local clinics that serve largely uninsured and immigrant communities to formally partner on tracing, including Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center, which will now commit eight workers to perform tracing duties alongside the county.
Up until mid-July, the county had myriad other challenges to deal with: Tracers were stuck using a paper-and-pencil interview system, which slowed the investigation and interview process. Meanwhile, the department didn’t have the infrastructure in place to support a fast-growing team of more than 90 people, Wang said, including managers to oversee the new teams.
“There was no way to scale up faster, even if we wanted to,” Wang said.
Even so, health officials need to recognize that their efforts have come late, Caballero said – especially to communities fearful of deportation and job loss who have spent months watching their own families, co-workers and friends get sick.
“We find ourselves in a situation where on top of all of that, there’s a conscious recognition that for months, they were left to die,” Caballero said. “And now we’re going back to them and saying, ‘Please help us out, because we need to know where you’ve been.’”


mercurynews--2020-08-15--San Francisco Giants’ iron man being asked to embrace an unfamiliar role during 2020 season

When a glove-first infielder arrived in the majors on May 27 , 2011 and delivered a stunning , go-ahead grand slam against the Milwaukee Brewers , the San Francisco Giants found their shortstop of the future .
Brandon Crawford ’ s debut performance set the stage for an incredible run that ’ s made him one of the top all-around infielders in franchise history , but in the midst of a challenging 2020 season , the veteran shortstop is now struggling to remain the shortstop of the present .
“ He wants to be in there everyday , ” first-year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ He ’ s fighting for that opportunity.
” The left-handed hitter was left out of Friday ’ s starting lineup against Oakland A ’ s southpaw Jesús Luzardo so right-handed hitting infielder Mauricio Dubón could start .
The Giants haven ’ t explicitly told Crawford he ’ s involved in a platoon , but when you ’ ve spent the last nine years spotting the seams on sliders from the batter ’ s box , it ’ s not hard to see they look different from the dugout .
“ They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( platoon ) I don ’ t think , but I think all of my days off have been against lefties , ” Crawford said .
“ It ’ s something I ’ m trying to get in there everyday and I ’ m working hard to try to do that.
” For the two-time World Series champion and three-time Gold Glove Award winner who has served as an anchor of the Giants ’ defense for the last decade , watching nearly half of his team ’ s games from the bench this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Crawford ’ s memorable debut , no Giants player has appeared in box scores more often than the Foothill High ( Pleasanton ) product .
His 1,269 games since the start of the 2011 season outrank Buster Posey ( 1,143 ) and Brandon Belt ( 1,096 ) , who have both accumulated slightly more service time during their tenures with the club .
That Crawford has led the Giants in games played throughout his career is a testament to his steadiness .
He ’ s typically been the team ’ s best defender @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s the same caliber of hitter against right-handed pitchers as he is against lefties .
The Giants have never had a capable backup behind Crawford , so even in years when the team struggled , former manager Bruce Bochy had little choice but to write his name on the lineup card 140-to-150 times per season because the club couldn ’ t afford for him to take a breather .
When Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi took control of the front office in November , 2018 , it became immediately clear the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ script for playing time .
Crawford , Belt and other veterans would remain in starting roles , but the Giants eagerly pursued platoon partners for hitters who appeared to be past the prime years of their careers .
Bochy ’ s departure coupled with Zaidi ’ s decision to hire Kapler as his successor only fueled the Giants ’ desire to mix and match around the diamond based on the arm of the pitcher the team is facing .
When the Giants released their initial 30-man roster on Opening Day , Crawford was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shortstop , but Dubón , Donovan Solano and free agent signee Wilmer Flores all possessed experience at the position .
If not for a back injury that kept him off the Opening Day roster , minor league free agent and 2019 American League Gold Glove Award winner Yolmer Sánchez likely would have joined the mix to push Crawford for starts .
Crawford certainly doesn ’ t enjoy the fact he ’ s been relegated to a part-time role , but he ’ s attempting to put the desires of the team ahead of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a position with Dubón on Friday , he made it clear he ’ s excited for the Honduras native to contribute to the team ’ s next core .
“ I think he can be a good player , he brings energy , he definitely cares and is trying to go out there and compete and give us his best effort every day , ” Crawford said .
“ He ’ s looked good wherever he ’ s been put in the field also.
” Defensive analytics suggest Crawford has lost a step @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gold Glove in 2017 , but there ’ s no question he still provides value to the Giants ’ defense .
He can rattle off specific details about why each player is positioned in certain spots in defensive shifts and uses his intuition to set the infield defense against veteran hitters .
“ ( The coaches ) will give me the final say for what I think about certain hitters and if I see something different , they ’ ll go back and change based on my recommendations to a certain extent , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t going to drastically change something I don ’ t think , but If I have enough experience seeing a guy and playing against a certain guy for an extended period of time , they ’ ll take what I have to say into account.
” The Giants appear less likely to trust Crawford ’ s instincts at the plate .
In 53 at-bats this season , he ’ s hitting .208 , which is only four points above the career-low .204 mark he posted as a rookie .
Crawford admits his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected batting average ( xBA ) suggests he ’ s also been the victim of bad luck .
The prevalence of defensive shifts and the steady spike in flame-throwing relievers who touch 98 miles per hour haven ’ t helped Crawford ’ s cause at the plate through the years , but it ’ s possible nothing has rattled his rhythm more than spending a lot more time on the bench .
“ It ’ s not something I ’ m used to , not something I ’ m necessarily thrilled about but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I can to try to get in there everyday , ” Crawford said .
With a contract that ’ s set to expire at the end of the 2021 season , it ’ s difficult to know what the future holds for Crawford , both in San Francisco and in baseball .
For much of the shortstop ’ s career , the Giants were concerned with finding the right day to let him rest so he could finally get off the field .
In 2020 , Crawford finds himself battling to stay on @ @

When a glove-first infielder arrived in the majors on May 27, 2011 and delivered a stunning, go-ahead grand slam against the Milwaukee Brewers, the San Francisco Giants had found their shortstop of the future.
Brandon Crawford’s debut performance set the stage for an incredible run that has made him one of the top all-around infielders in franchise history. But in the midst of a challenging 2020 season, the veteran shortstop is now struggling to remain the shortstop of the present.
“He wants to be in there everyday,” first-year manager Gabe Kapler said Friday of Crawford. “He’s fighting for that opportunity.”
One-third of the way into a 60-game schedule, Crawford isn’t winning that fight.
The left-handed hitter was out of the lineup Friday against Oakland A’s southpaw Jesús Luzardo so right-handed hitting infielder Mauricio Dubón could start. The Giants haven’t explicitly told Crawford he’s involved in a platoon, but when you’ve spent the last nine years spotting the seams on sliders from the batter’s box, it’s not hard to see they look different from the dugout.
“They’ve never necessarily said the word (platoon) I don’t think, but I think all of my days off have been against lefties,” said Crawford, 33. “It’s something I’m trying to get in there everyday and I’m working hard to try to do that.”
For the two-time World Series champion and three-time Gold Glove Award winner who has served as an anchor of the Giants’ defense for the last decade, watching nearly half of his team’s games from the bench has been an adjustment.
Since Crawford’s memorable debut, no Giants player has appeared in box scores more often than the Foothill High (Pleasanton) product. His 1,269 games since the start of the 2011 season outrank Buster Posey (1,143) and Brandon Belt (1,096), who have both accumulated slightly more service time during their tenures with the club.
That Crawford has led the Giants in games played throughout his career is a testament to his steadiness. He typically has been the team’s best defender and his career splits suggest he’s the same caliber of hitter against right-handed pitchers as he is against lefties.
The Giants have never had a capable backup behind Crawford, so even in years when the team struggled, former manager Bruce Bochy had little choice but to write Crawford’s name on the lineup card 140-to-150 times per season because the club couldn’t afford for him to take a breather.
When Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi took control of the front office in November 2018, it became immediately clear the club wouldn’t follow the same script for playing time. Crawford, Belt and other veterans would remain in starting roles, but the Giants eagerly pursued platoon partners for hitters who appeared to be past the prime years of their careers.
Bochy’s departure coupled with Zaidi’s decision to hire Kapler as manager only fueled the Giants’ desire to mix and match around the diamond based on the arm of the pitcher the team is facing. When the Giants released their initial 30-man roster on Opening Day, Crawford was still the only left-handed hitting option at shortstop, but Dubón, Donovan Solano and free agent signee Wilmer Flores all possessed experience at the position.
If not for a back injury that kept him off the Opening Day roster, minor league free agent and 2019 American League Gold Glove Award winner Yolmer Sánchez likely would have joined the mix to push Crawford for starts.
Crawford certainly doesn’t enjoy that he has been relegated to a part-time role, but he’s attempting to put the desires of the team ahead of his own. When asked Friday about sharing a position with Dubón, Crawford made it clear he’s excited for the Honduras native to contribute to the team’s next core.
“I think he can be a good player. He brings energy, he definitely cares and is trying to go out there and compete and give us his best effort every day,” Crawford said. “He’s looked good wherever he’s been put in the field also.”
Defensive analytics suggest Crawford has lost a step at shortstop since he last won a Gold Glove in 2017, but there’s no question he still provides value to the Giants’ defense. He can rattle off specific details about why each player is positioned in certain spots in defensive shifts and uses his intuition to set the infield defense against veteran hitters.
“(The coaches) will give me the final say for what I think about certain hitters and if I see something different, they’ll go back and change based on my recommendations to a certain extent,” Crawford said. “They aren’t going to drastically change something I don’t think, but If I have enough experience seeing a guy and playing against a certain guy for an extended period of time, they’ll take what I have to say into account.”
The Giants appear less likely to trust Crawford’s instincts at the plate.
In 53 at-bats this season, he’s hitting .208, which is only four points above the career-low .204 mark he posted as a rookie. Crawford admits his timing is off, but his .264 expected batting average (xBA) suggests he’s also been the victim of bad luck.
The prevalence of defensive shifts and the steady spike in flame-throwing relievers who touch 98 miles per hour haven’t helped Crawford’s cause at the plate through the years, but it’s possible nothing has rattled his rhythm more than spending a lot more time on the bench.
“It’s not something I’m used to, not something I’m necessarily thrilled about but I’m working as hard as I can to try to get in there everyday,” Crawford said.
With a contract that’s set to expire at the end of the 2021 season, it’s difficult to know what the future holds for Crawford, both in San Francisco and in baseball.
For much of the shortstop’s career, the Giants were concerned with finding the right day to let him rest so he could finally get off the field. In 2020, Crawford finds himself battling to stay on it.


mercurynews--2020-08-15--Horoscopes Aug. 15, 2020: Jennifer Lawrence, go after what you want

Happy Birthday : Go after what you want .
Channel your energy into what counts , and make this a year to remember .
Stop worrying about what others are doing , and start figuring out what ’ s best for you .
Keep your plans to yourself until you have everything in place , and you ’ ll stifle any opposition that could stand between you and what you want to achieve this year .
Your numbers are 7 , 18 , 20 , 29 , 36 , 42 , 45 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take over .
You may not be happy about some of the changes that occur , but if you are smart and accommodating , you will find a way to make what transpires work in your favor .
2 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Make the changes that will improve your relationships and the way you feel about your future .
An in-depth look into your background and beliefs will clear any doubt you have regarding your plans .
A change will promote new beginnings .
4 stars GEMINI ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t overlook what others are up to or contributing .
If you want to keep up with the competition , you ’ ll have to make adjustments .
Think big , but do only what ’ s necessary .
Sticking to your budget is essential .
3 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Put your time to good use .
What you do to help others will pay off when you need something in return .
An emotional revelation will help you make up your mind about a personal or physical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ featured .
3 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Look for a way to turn a negative into a positive .
Distance yourself from anyone heading in a different direction , and gravitate toward those who share your concerns .
Don ’ t waste time and energy on someone or something you can not change .
3 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Take action .
Developing and planning are good things , but at some point , you have to forge ahead .
Change is inevitable , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make things happen .
Control your destiny instead of letting someone decide it for you .
4 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Take care of yourself physically and emotionally .
Common sense and taking action will help you weed out the people and situations that are standing between you and the things you want .
Don ’ t wait for someone to make the first move .
2 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Less talk and more action will bring about positive change .
Be innovative , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your life and your relationships .
An adjustment will lead to opportunities .
Search for an environment that offers you peace of mind .
5 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Set your sights on a goal , and take action .
Education and acquiring a license , registration or anything else you need to make your goal attainable is favored .
Don ’ t wait for things to come to you .
Seize the moment , and forge ahead .
3 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initiate whatever will help make the process more comfortable .
Personal improvements regarding a meaningful relationship are featured .
Dedicate more time to enjoying life and making the most with what you ’ ve got .
Romance is featured .
3 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Being a follower will not lead to happiness or satisfaction .
Don ’ t feel obligated to take part in someone ’ s pursuits .
Choose to do what brings you joy , and you will find a way to implement such pleasures into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : A personal change is in your best interest .
Mistakes will help you discard situations that will lead to regret .
Help yourself before you tend to other people ’ s requests .
Take time to reevaluate what you want to do next .
5 stars Birthday Baby : You are assertive , possessive and strategic .
You are nurturing and protective .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Jennifer Lawrence, 30; Joe Jonas, 31; Andrea Lewis, 35; Anthony Anderson, 50.
Happy Birthday: Go after what you want. Channel your energy into what counts, and make this a year to remember. Stop worrying about what others are doing, and start figuring out what’s best for you. Keep your plans to yourself until you have everything in place, and you’ll stifle any opposition that could stand between you and what you want to achieve this year. Your numbers are 7, 18, 20, 29, 36, 42, 45.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Refuse to let anger set in and take over. You may not be happy about some of the changes that occur, but if you are smart and accommodating, you will find a way to make what transpires work in your favor. 2 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Make the changes that will improve your relationships and the way you feel about your future. An in-depth look into your background and beliefs will clear any doubt you have regarding your plans. A change will promote new beginnings. 4 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Don’t overlook what others are up to or contributing. If you want to keep up with the competition, you’ll have to make adjustments. Think big, but do only what’s necessary. Sticking to your budget is essential. 3 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Put your time to good use. What you do to help others will pay off when you need something in return. An emotional revelation will help you make up your mind about a personal or physical change you are contemplating. Romance is featured. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Look for a way to turn a negative into a positive. Distance yourself from anyone heading in a different direction, and gravitate toward those who share your concerns. Don’t waste time and energy on someone or something you cannot change. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Take action. Developing and planning are good things, but at some point, you have to forge ahead. Change is inevitable, and resistance is futile. Step up and make things happen. Control your destiny instead of letting someone decide it for you. 4 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Take care of yourself physically and emotionally. Common sense and taking action will help you weed out the people and situations that are standing between you and the things you want. Don’t wait for someone to make the first move. 2 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Less talk and more action will bring about positive change. Be innovative, and use your creative skills to enhance your life and your relationships. An adjustment will lead to opportunities. Search for an environment that offers you peace of mind. 5 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Set your sights on a goal, and take action. Education and acquiring a license, registration or anything else you need to make your goal attainable is favored. Don’t wait for things to come to you. Seize the moment, and forge ahead. 3 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Don’t shy away from change; initiate whatever will help make the process more comfortable. Personal improvements regarding a meaningful relationship are featured. Dedicate more time to enjoying life and making the most with what you’ve got. Romance is featured. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Being a follower will not lead to happiness or satisfaction. Don’t feel obligated to take part in someone’s pursuits. Choose to do what brings you joy, and you will find a way to implement such pleasures into your daily routine. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): A personal change is in your best interest. Mistakes will help you discard situations that will lead to regret. Help yourself before you tend to other people’s requests. Take time to reevaluate what you want to do next. 5 stars
Birthday Baby: You are assertive, possessive and strategic. You are nurturing and protective.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-08-15--Ask Amy: There was no emergency, he was just being rude

Dear Amy : After 31 years with my spouse , I ’ m now dating ( I ’ m a widower ) .
Dating is a new thing for me .
There is a guy with whom I thought I had a good rapport .
He reached out to me last week expressing an interest in getting together over the weekend .
I responded that I ’ d like that , and gave him my availability .
I never heard back from him .
I thought maybe he had an emergency , and I texted him Sunday night just to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replied , apologizing for the weekend getting away from him , and said that he had a work project due the next day .
• Ask Amy : She makes me want to scream , but I can ’ t dump her • Ask Amy : My dying mother revealed a secret , and it ’ s weighing on me • Ask Amy : I can ’ t voice an opinion without risking my wife ’ s rage • Ask Amy : I know he has photos of me , but he won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amy : This game we played in school was so wrong , and the teacher is still teaching I respect the fact that he takes his work seriously , but I am bothered that he did not let me know his weekend plans were changed .
I may be old-fashioned , but this situation just makes me think we are not as aligned as I thought .
To me , a quick text letting me know he needed to cancel would have been common courtesy .
I think he was telling me he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how things work now , where you don ’ t really need to let someone know if you are opting out of previously stated plans ?
Maybe I am out of touch .
Dear Newbie : Welcome to the dating world , where — no matter what era — someone is always waiting by the phone .
Even though modern technology has made it possible for us to be in touch , frequently and instantly , basic human behavior and dynamics have stayed fairly constant over time .
If someone wants to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boundaries and deadlines to see you .
And if an emergency keeps him away , you will be the first to know , because — yes !
— you are just a text or a quick call away .
Dating is actually great practice at reading social cues .
For instance , you and he did not actually have “ previously stated ” plans .
There was a vague and nonspecific plan-balloon floating over your weekend .
( Not locking down plans is a cue . )
When this guy decided he didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he didn ’ t bother letting you know .
( Rudeness is a cue . )
Common courtesy is still common , and when someone is truly interested in seeing you , he will demonstrate this by being kind , polite and eager to see you .
Never supply a rationale or excuse for someone else ’ s rudeness .
Move on .
When the guy is right for you , you will know it .
Dear Amy : Every summer a group ( 10 to 15 ) of us high school classmates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our 50th high school reunion was canceled until next year .
Silly me , with this pandemic , I assumed that the picnic would automatically be canceled .
Instead , I was notified to bring a dish to pass and meet at the usual picnic tables .
I was shocked that these people ( almost 70 years old , and many with careers in the medical field ) would be so oblivious to the pandemic .
Many of these classmates live out of town .
I refused to go .
I pointed out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dishes/serving utensils , public grills — during a pandemic — was a very bad idea .
The person planning it was quite mystified and miffed at my decision not to attend .
Why are people so oblivious during a pandemic ?
Did I overreact ?
Dear What : Although this virus doesn ’ t seem to be transmitted the way some other illnesses are — on shared utensils , for instance — the very act of sharing food and utensils brings people in close proximity , which gives this virus a chance to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why some people are so oblivious , but you can not control them .
Your duty is to do your very best to take care of yourself .
If you don ’ t contract the virus , you won ’ t spread it , and this is how you will help to take care of others .
I hope your group gets lucky and that everybody stays safe and well .
Dear Amy : I had to laugh when I read the letter from “ Screw Loose in Lucedale.
” Although I don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work from home and am solitary with my pets most of the day .
My son has always made fun of my “ narrating my own life.
” Pointing it out brought humor to the situation , but did not change it .
Dear Narrating : Judging from the huge response to this question , a lot of us have a lot to say … to ourselves .
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy , P.O .
Box 194 , Freeville , NY @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Twitter @ askingamy or Facebook .

Dear Amy: After 31 years with my spouse, I’m now dating (I’m a widower). Dating is a new thing for me.
There is a guy with whom I thought I had a good rapport. He reached out to me last week expressing an interest in getting together over the weekend. I responded that I’d like that, and gave him my availability.
I never heard back from him. I thought maybe he had an emergency, and I texted him Sunday night just to confirm that he was OK.
He replied, apologizing for the weekend getting away from him, and said that he had a work project due the next day.
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Ask Amy: I’ve told them they need therapy, and they refuse to do it. What now? Advice | Ask Amy: The man I love is my grandchild’s uncle, and things have gotten messy I respect the fact that he takes his work seriously, but I am bothered that he did not let me know his weekend plans were changed.
I may be old-fashioned, but this situation just makes me think we are not as aligned as I thought. To me, a quick text letting me know he needed to cancel would have been common courtesy. I think he was telling me he is not that interested.
Is this how things work now, where you don’t really need to let someone know if you are opting out of previously stated plans? Maybe I am out of touch.
Dating Newbie
Dear Newbie: Welcome to the dating world, where — no matter what era — someone is always waiting by the phone.
Even though modern technology has made it possible for us to be in touch, frequently and instantly, basic human behavior and dynamics have stayed fairly constant over time.
If someone wants to be with you, he will leap over boundaries and deadlines to see you. And if an emergency keeps him away, you will be the first to know, because — yes! — you are just a text or a quick call away.
Dating is actually great practice at reading social cues.
For instance, you and he did not actually have “previously stated” plans. There was a vague and nonspecific plan-balloon floating over your weekend. (Not locking down plans is a cue.)
When this guy decided he didn’t want to see you, he didn’t bother letting you know. (Rudeness is a cue.)
Common courtesy is still common, and when someone is truly interested in seeing you, he will demonstrate this by being kind, polite and eager to see you. Never supply a rationale or excuse for someone else’s rudeness.
Move on. When the guy is right for you, you will know it.
Dear Amy: Every summer a group (10 to 15) of us high school classmates get together for a casual picnic. Our 50th high school reunion was canceled until next year.
Silly me, with this pandemic, I assumed that the picnic would automatically be canceled. Instead, I was notified to bring a dish to pass and meet at the usual picnic tables.
I was shocked that these people (almost 70 years old, and many with careers in the medical field) would be so oblivious to the pandemic. Many of these classmates live out of town.
I refused to go. I pointed out that group gatherings and sharing food main dishes/serving utensils, public grills — during a pandemic — was a very bad idea. The person planning it was quite mystified and miffed at my decision not to attend.
Why are people so oblivious during a pandemic? Did I overreact?
What Pandemic?!
Dear What: I don’t know why some people are so oblivious, but you cannot control them. Your duty is to do your very best to take care of yourself. If you don’t contract the virus, you won’t spread it, and this is how you will help to take care of others. I hope your group gets lucky and that everybody stays safe and well.
Dear Amy: I had to laugh when I read the letter from “Screw Loose in Lucedale.”
Although I don’t live alone, I do work from home and am solitary with my pets most of the day.
My son has always made fun of my “narrating my own life.” Pointing it out brought humor to the situation, but did not change it.
Still Narrating
Dear Narrating: Judging from the huge response to this question, a lot of us have a lot to say … to ourselves.
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--2020-08-15--Harriette Cole: My mom has an offensive person living on her driveway

DEAR HARRIETTE : My mom is in her 60s and has compromised lungs .
For the past few months , my sister and I have been taking her groceries and having what she needs delivered to her house .
Growing up , we had a constant flow of lost souls going in and out of our house .
We never knew who was going to be camped out on our driveway or sleeping on our couch for weeks at a time .
We have really high rates of COVID in our state , and my mom has a casual friend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ practicing social distancing .
The last time my kids were at my mom ’ s house , this person yelled at them for doing something wrong ( she was incorrect ) .
She also made them roll in the gravel after they had her dog do a trick in the gravel .
My kids are middle and late elementary school-aged and are good kids .
When I approached my mom about this , she got defensive and made excuses for the friend ’ s behavior .
We don ’ t feel comfortable going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and my sister is on the same page and has the same concerns .
• Miss Manners : He won ’ t take my advice about not being a jerk • Harriette Cole : The worker I fired turned up at my kid ’ s day care • Harriette Cole : Years later , I ’ m ashamed of my racist mistake .
What can I do ?
• Harriette Cole : Strangers tell undecided student what to major in • Harriette Cole : He told me to decide what to pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you have any suggestions on how to go forward ?
My sister and I are both going to keep delivering groceries , but it has put a big wrench in our relationship .
My oldest son tried talking with his grandma and came away frustrated and hurt .
DEAR FAMILY DRAMA : Given that your mother has always welcomed lost souls to her home , you are not likely to get her to ask this person to leave .
What you can do is draw the line for yourself and your family .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have food delivered to her home , but that you and her grandchildren will no longer come by .
Explain that you are concerned about being exposed to COVID-19 .
Since the person is not practicing social distancing and has exhibited untoward behavior , you want to protect your family from them .
Suggest that your mother reconsider who she allows to be near her , given her condition .
In the end , you have to put your foot down to protect yourself and your children .
DEAR HARRIETTE : In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fan during videoconference calls and wants to stay cool , I have a couple of suggestions for how to keep cool from personal experience .
One thing to try is to put a tub of water and ice in front of the fan so the fan blows over the tub of water and you get the cool air .
Put damp towels in the fridge overnight , and place them on your body where they can ’ t be seen during the call , like your thighs and stomach , while the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a quick , cool shower before meetings .
Keep a wet towel nearby , and wet your arms , legs , chest and stomach so when the fan blows on you , it cools you off .
Repeat as needed .
Hope this helps !
DEAR STAY COOL : Thank you for these practical tips .
Another reader suggested putting your feet in a small tub of ice water — again , out of the eye of the camera — to help you stay cool during these super-hot days .
Harriette Cole is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams .
You can send questions to askharriette @ harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

DEAR HARRIETTE: My mom is in her 60s and has compromised lungs. For the past few months, my sister and I have been taking her groceries and having what she needs delivered to her house.
Growing up, we had a constant flow of lost souls going in and out of our house. We never knew who was going to be camped out on our driveway or sleeping on our couch for weeks at a time.
We have really high rates of COVID in our state, and my mom has a casual friend camping on her driveway who is not practicing social distancing.
The last time my kids were at my mom’s house, this person yelled at them for doing something wrong (she was incorrect). She also made them roll in the gravel after they had her dog do a trick in the gravel.
My kids are middle and late elementary school-aged and are good kids. When I approached my mom about this, she got defensive and made excuses for the friend’s behavior.
We don’t feel comfortable going to her house with this person there, and my sister is on the same page and has the same concerns.
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Family Drama
DEAR FAMILY DRAMA: Given that your mother has always welcomed lost souls to her home, you are not likely to get her to ask this person to leave. What you can do is draw the line for yourself and your family.
Let her know that you will continue to have food delivered to her home, but that you and her grandchildren will no longer come by. Explain that you are concerned about being exposed to COVID-19. Since the person is not practicing social distancing and has exhibited untoward behavior, you want to protect your family from them.
Suggest that your mother reconsider who she allows to be near her, given her condition. In the end, you have to put your foot down to protect yourself and your children.
DEAR HARRIETTE: In regard to the person who has only a fan during videoconference calls and wants to stay cool, I have a couple of suggestions for how to keep cool from personal experience.
One thing to try is to put a tub of water and ice in front of the fan so the fan blows over the tub of water and you get the cool air. Put damp towels in the fridge overnight, and place them on your body where they can’t be seen during the call, like your thighs and stomach, while the fan is blowing.
Also, take a quick, cool shower before meetings. Keep a wet towel nearby, and wet your arms, legs, chest and stomach so when the fan blows on you, it cools you off. Repeat as needed. Hope this helps!
Stay Cool
DEAR STAY COOL: Thank you for these practical tips. Another reader suggested putting your feet in a small tub of ice water — again, out of the eye of the camera — to help you stay cool during these super-hot days.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-08-15--Miss Manners: He won’t take my advice about not being a jerk

DEAR MISS MANNERS : My partner of over 10 years is a wonderful person , and has been my rock through extraordinarily challenging circumstances .
I feel very fortunate that we ’ ve found each other , and I know he feels the same .
My concern is that he has a way of interacting with people — including myself — that could be described as rude .
While it doesn ’ t come from a malicious place , his antagonistic behavior and words can be jarring , embarrassing and ultimately hurtful to other people .
He ’ s made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like using racial slurs or misogynistic language , but a general jokiness that can be anxiety-inducing .
He will stare at people doing yoga in the park , and openly challenge others when he feels they ’ re confused or incorrect .
I overheard him on a conference call openly contradicting a person of authority in front of others .
• Harriette Cole : My mom has an offensive person living on her driveway • Harriette Cole : The worker I fired turned up at my kid ’ s day care • Harriette @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m ashamed of my racist mistake .
What can I do ?
• Harriette Cole : Strangers tell undecided student what to major in • Harriette Cole : He told me to decide what to pay him , which is so awkward He sometimes corrects me publicly , so I have to stand up for myself and tell him that , no , I ’ m correct and his assumptions are wrong .
He then apologizes and laughs a bit , sometimes in a way that kind of puts me down .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , privately , he feels very badly and apologizes sincerely .
I know he is a kind person who does not mean to hurt others , and that this is a reflection of his personal history , insecurity and neglectful upbringing .
Plus , he has a diagnosed mental health disorder that can affect behavior and personality .
I can view him with compassion — and , of course , I have my own flaws and behavioral challenges , which he patiently navigates .
But others do not necessarily have access to all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his behavior .
When it comes to other people , I ’ ve tried to point out how his behavior or words might impact others , and he almost always brushes me off and says I ’ m overly sensitive .
I ’ m worried that this is affecting his relationships , both personal and professional .
In fact , I know it is .
As his partner , I feel I have a duty to help him see the light , but he has basically set a boundary asking me not to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel like I must respect that .
But I can ’ t knock this feeling that I ’ m supposed to be helping him .
Should I keep trying to help him adjust his behavior , or do as he asks and leave him alone ?
If you recommend the latter , is there anything I can do , indirectly , to point out a more productive and polite way of interacting with others ?
Miss Manners is not being flippant ; she is genuinely advising you to speak to him only about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others .
He will soon learn , if he hasn ’ t already , that his methods are tactless — and that he is alienating others and perhaps even jeopardizing his career .
If he has been genuinely remorseful when you have pointed out hurt feelings or embarrassment , stay the course and continue to do so — but for your own sanity , try not to listen in on his conference calls .
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website , www.missmanners.com ; to her email , dearmissmanners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Miss Manners , Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My partner of over 10 years is a wonderful person, and has been my rock through extraordinarily challenging circumstances. I feel very fortunate that we’ve found each other, and I know he feels the same.
My concern is that he has a way of interacting with people — including myself — that could be described as rude. While it doesn’t come from a malicious place, his antagonistic behavior and words can be jarring, embarrassing and ultimately hurtful to other people.
He’s made jokes that upset others — never anything like using racial slurs or misogynistic language, but a general jokiness that can be anxiety-inducing. He will stare at people doing yoga in the park, and openly challenge others when he feels they’re confused or incorrect. I overheard him on a conference call openly contradicting a person of authority in front of others.
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Harriette Cole: I’m ashamed to tell people I forgave my childhood friend Advice | Harriette Cole: I’ve worked hard, and my poor siblings resent my success He sometimes corrects me publicly, so I have to stand up for myself and tell him that, no, I’m correct and his assumptions are wrong. He then apologizes and laughs a bit, sometimes in a way that kind of puts me down. If I point it out to him later, privately, he feels very badly and apologizes sincerely.
I know he is a kind person who does not mean to hurt others, and that this is a reflection of his personal history, insecurity and neglectful upbringing. Plus, he has a diagnosed mental health disorder that can affect behavior and personality.
I can view him with compassion — and, of course, I have my own flaws and behavioral challenges, which he patiently navigates. But others do not necessarily have access to all this information, which can help contextualize his behavior.
When it comes to other people, I’ve tried to point out how his behavior or words might impact others, and he almost always brushes me off and says I’m overly sensitive. I’m worried that this is affecting his relationships, both personal and professional. In fact, I know it is.
As his partner, I feel I have a duty to help him see the light, but he has basically set a boundary asking me not to correct him anymore, and so I feel like I must respect that. But I can’t knock this feeling that I’m supposed to be helping him.
Should I keep trying to help him adjust his behavior, or do as he asks and leave him alone? If you recommend the latter, is there anything I can do, indirectly, to point out a more productive and polite way of interacting with others?
GENTLE READER: Speak for yourself.
Miss Manners is not being flippant; she is genuinely advising you to speak to him only about his behavior toward you, not toward others. He will soon learn, if he hasn’t already, that his methods are tactless — and that he is alienating others and perhaps even jeopardizing his career.
If he has been genuinely remorseful when you have pointed out hurt feelings or embarrassment, stay the course and continue to do so — but for your own sanity, try not to listen in on his conference calls.
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-08-15--Dear Abby: I think about leaving my husband, but I’d lose this lifestyle

DEAR ABBY : I ’ m married to a great husband .
We worked well together in our business .
He ’ s loyal , dependable , was a great stepfather when my son was young , etc .
When we were younger , we were always very busy working on the house , raising a family and starting a small business .
My son is now grown and has moved away .
The house needs little work , we no longer have the business , and we both work part-time .
The problem is , we don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot alone or with friends , but many of them have moved or become very settled down .
I rarely have anyone to do anything with unless it ’ s something that interests my husband .
It ’ s hard to get him to do anything I want to do .
He either complains or refuses .
• Dear Abby : How do we convince them that this woman ’ s behavior is not normal ?
• Dear Abby : My son ’ s wife is demanding I end my friendship with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treat him like a hero because they believe his lies • Dear Abby : She ’ s sweet to all the men in the office except me , and I ’ m hurt • Dear Abby : I suspect my wife is up to no good Looking back , I think he was always like this , but we were too busy to notice .
I feel very alone now .
I feel like time is ticking by , and I ’ m wasting my life , my time , etc .
Many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but leaving would change our lifestyle dramatically .
Sometimes I feel we only stay together for the lifestyle .
I have tried to talk to him about this many times , but I get nowhere .
Suggestions ?
TIME TICKS BY IN NEW ENGLAND DEAR TIME TICKS BY : You feel alone and adrift because you are .
The glue that held your marriage together seems to have been your son , who is now grown and has moved away .
It ’ s time to ask yourself how important your “ lifestyle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that if you remain in this marriage , you can find what you are looking for by becoming more independent .
Travel , join special interest clubs , cultivate new friends , take classes that interest you and live your life .
You might also visit meetup.com to get involved in activities in your area with like-minded people .
There is no guarantee your husband will ever be the partner you fantasize he should be .
Some sessions with a therapist might be useful to help you clarify your thinking , and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
DEAR ABBY : I am a 13-year-old who wants to be an individual .
My 10-year-old brother constantly copies me and mocks me , yet he gets upset whenever I point it out .
The last straw was when I went through his YouTube and found almost all of the same music I like .
My parents always say I should be flattered , or he ’ s just looking up to me .
I am tired of it !
He copies the things I say ( and the way I say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and my hobbies .
It ’ s very , very annoying , and I guarantee that is why he continues to do it .
I ’ ve tried telling him to stop , but somehow , in any conversation relating to that , I end up being the bad guy .
Should I just throw away my entire collection of interests , enjoyments and hobbies ?
DEAR LOSING : On the contrary .
Accept that because you are older , you may always be the leader , and your younger brother will continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He may not do it to annoy you but because he lacks your imagination and interests of his own .
Your mistake is letting what he does affect you .
The sooner you overcome that impulse , the better off you will be .
You may not be able to control your brother , but you can control the way you react to him , and that ’ s a skill that will serve you well as you go through life .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .

DEAR ABBY: I’m married to a great husband. We worked well together in our business. He’s loyal, dependable, was a great stepfather when my son was young, etc.
When we were younger, we were always very busy working on the house, raising a family and starting a small business. My son is now grown and has moved away. The house needs little work, we no longer have the business, and we both work part-time.
The problem is, we don’t have the same interests. I do a lot alone or with friends, but many of them have moved or become very settled down. I rarely have anyone to do anything with unless it’s something that interests my husband. It’s hard to get him to do anything I want to do. He either complains or refuses.
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Many days I think I should leave, but leaving would change our lifestyle dramatically. Sometimes I feel we only stay together for the lifestyle.
I have tried to talk to him about this many times, but I get nowhere. Suggestions?
TIME TICKS BY IN NEW ENGLAND
DEAR TIME TICKS BY: You feel alone and adrift because you are. The glue that held your marriage together seems to have been your son, who is now grown and has moved away. It’s time to ask yourself how important your “lifestyle” is.
It’s possible that if you remain in this marriage, you can find what you are looking for by becoming more independent. Travel, join special interest clubs, cultivate new friends, take classes that interest you and live your life. You might also visit meetup.com to get involved in activities in your area with like-minded people.
There is no guarantee your husband will ever be the partner you fantasize he should be. Some sessions with a therapist might be useful to help you clarify your thinking, and that’s what I’m suggesting.
DEAR ABBY: I am a 13-year-old who wants to be an individual. My 10-year-old brother constantly copies me and mocks me, yet he gets upset whenever I point it out. The last straw was when I went through his YouTube and found almost all of the same music I like.
My parents always say I should be flattered, or he’s just looking up to me. I am tired of it! He copies the things I say (and the way I say them), the music I like and my hobbies. It’s very, very annoying, and I guarantee that is why he continues to do it.
I’ve tried telling him to stop, but somehow, in any conversation relating to that, I end up being the bad guy. Should I just throw away my entire collection of interests, enjoyments and hobbies?
LOSING MY INDIVIDUALITY
DEAR LOSING: On the contrary. Accept that because you are older, you may always be the leader, and your younger brother will continue to follow you and mimic you.
He may not do it to annoy you but because he lacks your imagination and interests of his own. Your mistake is letting what he does affect you. The sooner you overcome that impulse, the better off you will be.
You may not be able to control your brother, but you can control the way you react to him, and that’s a skill that will serve you well as you go through life.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.


mercurynews--2020-08-15--Dozen Bay Area cities tie or set new heat records

MONTEREY – A dozen Bay Area cities tied or set new daily heat records as temperatures soared across the Bay Area on Friday , according to the National Weather Service .
Gilroy topped the list with a high of 107 degrees , tying a record set in 1996 .
The mercury shot to 106 degrees in Santa Rosa , handily beating the record of 101 set last year .
Santa Cruz shattered its 114-year-old record of 96 degrees with a high of 105 .
New records were also set in Napa ( 104 degrees ) , San Jose ( 103 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Kentfield ( 102 ) , downtown Oakland ( 100 ) , San Francisco International Airport ( 99 ) , Richmond ( 96 ) , downtown San Francisco ( 95 ) and Half Moon Bay ( 82 ) .
Just outside the Bay Area , King City in Monterey County recorded a high of 109 degrees , surpassing last year ’ s record of 102 .
The blistering temperatures were the product of a high-pressure bubble , according to the weather service .
On Friday , the weather service changed an excessive heat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warning , which will run through Wednesday .
Increased electricity demand due to the high heat led the California Independent System Operator to declare a Stage 3 Electrical Emergency , spurring statewide rolling blackouts for the first time since 2001 .
The outages were expected to impact 200,000 to 250,000 customers in the Bay Area , according to Pacific Gas and Electric Co .

MONTEREY – A dozen Bay Area cities tied or set new daily heat records as temperatures soared across the Bay Area on Friday, according to the National Weather Service.
Gilroy topped the list with a high of 107 degrees, tying a record set in 1996. The mercury shot to 106 degrees in Santa Rosa, handily beating the record of 101 set last year. Santa Cruz shattered its 114-year-old record of 96 degrees with a high of 105.
New records were also set in Napa (104 degrees), San Jose (103), Redwood City (102), Kentfield (102), downtown Oakland (100), San Francisco International Airport (99), Richmond (96), downtown San Francisco (95) and Half Moon Bay (82).
Just outside the Bay Area, King City in Monterey County recorded a high of 109 degrees, surpassing last year’s record of 102.
The blistering temperatures were the product of a high-pressure bubble, according to the weather service. On Friday, the weather service changed an excessive heat advisory to a more serious excessive heat warning, which will run through Wednesday.
On Saturday, increased electricity demand due to the high heat led the California Independent System Operator to issue a grid warning ad day after declaring a Stage 3 Electrical Emergency, which spurred statewide rolling blackouts for the first time since 2001. The outages were expected to impact 200,000 to 250,000 customers in the Bay Area, according to Pacific Gas and Electric Co.


mercurynews--2020-08-15--Stephen Piscotty creates more history with game-tying grand slam

Click here if you are having trouble viewing the slideshow on a mobile device .
SAN FRANCISCO — The Oakland A ’ s extra inning , 8-7 win over the San Francisco Giants went from dull blowout to historic comeback with just a few clutch swings and a innocuous-turned-disastrous defensive blunder .
Let ’ s start with the history .
Stephen Piscotty blasted Trevor Gott ’ s hanging curveball into left field for a game-tying grand slam in the ninth inning .
Piscotty ’ s second grand slam of the season made it 7-7 with the A ’ s down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first Athletic and 14th player in MLB history with two ninth inning grand slams in the same season .
“ It ’ s pretty cool , ” Piscotty said .
“ It ’ s a weird game .
Crazy game .
You find yourself in those situations sometimes.
” To understand the second bit of history , understand first the “ situation ” Piscotty was in .
The A ’ s entered the top of the ninth down 7-2 .
Down five runs .
The Giants took that lead after decoding rookie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at any of his out-of-the-zone offerings , they feasted on his fastball mistakes over the plate .
“ I mean , they had my number on all my pitches , ” Luzardo said .
“ Anything I threw over the plate they were hitting .
I was missing my location , they were just hunting heaters.
” The Giants teed off early , and hit Luzardo hard .
The Giants have one of the worst exit velocity averages , but made plenty of hard contact off the typically elusive lefty .
Hunter Pence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bat at 106 mph .
Evan Longoria ’ s home run came off the bat at 101 mph .
Luzardo departed his start with just 3 1/3 innings , six earned runs , three strikeouts .
“ It was the best I felt all year , ” Luzardo said .
“ Clearly , the results weren ’ t what I wanted .
But , these things happen.
” Giants starter Johnny Cueto was riding a different kind of wave .
He kept the A ’ s bats off-kilter and listless .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit through his first six innings .
Mark Canha ’ s single , Robbie Grossman ’ s triple and Khris Davis ’ RBI groundout in the seventh blemished his start with two runs that , at the time , seemed just a salve to curb the sting of a Giants ’ runaway win .
Then , in the ninth , Matt Olson hit his seventh home run — and , yes , all six hits Olson has collected over the last nine games have been home runs .
That at least meant A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power potential hanging in the rare 80-degree San Francisco night air .
But then the Giants ’ shoddy defense chimed in when Robbie Grossman ’ s potential inning-ending double-play ball turned into a one-out scoring opportunity .
San Francisco first baseman Wilmer Flores just forgot to plant his foot on first base , instead twirling and hurling the ball to shortstop Brandon Crawford , who also failed to keep his foot on second base when Canha slid in safe .
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• “ He won us the game defensively : ” Ramón Laureano robs a home run in A ’ s win Gott hit Khris Davis with a pitch , and suddenly Piscotty stepped into the box representing the game-tying run .
The A ’ s are familiar with late comebacks to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so daunting .
“ I think we all looked up and were like , we ’ re only down four here with a couple to go , ” Piscotty said .
“ Crazier things have happened.
” Canha ’ s sac fly in the 10th inning that scored ghost runner Matt Chapman from third base and Liam Hendriks ’ three-strikeout , 13-pitch save sealed it .
The A ’ s closed a five-run gap after the eighth inning and won for the first time since July 15 , 1952 , when the Philadelphia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Browns 6-1 entering the bottom of the 9th before scoring six times , ending on an Eddie Joost walk-off grand slam off legendary pitcher Satchel Paige for a 7-6 win in the first game of a doubleheader , per the A ’ s .
“ I mean , we ’ re saving those ( moments ) for every 67 years , ” manager Bob Melvin said .

Click here if you are having trouble viewing the slideshow on a mobile device.
SAN FRANCISCO — The Oakland A’s extra inning, 8-7 win over the San Francisco Giants went from dull blowout to historic comeback with just a few clutch swings and a innocuous-turned-disastrous defensive blunder.
Let’s start with the history. Stephen Piscotty blasted Trevor Gott’s hanging curveball into left field for a game-tying grand slam in the ninth inning. Piscotty’s second grand slam of the season made it 7-7 with the A’s down to their final two outs and him the first Athletic and 14th player in MLB history with two ninth inning grand slams in the same season.
“It’s pretty cool,” Piscotty said. “It’s a weird game. Crazy game. You find yourself in those situations sometimes.”
The second bit of history: The A’s closed a five-run deficit in the ninth inning for the first time since July 15, 1952. That game 68 years ago ended when Philadelphia A’s shortstop Eddie Joost hit a walk-off grand slam off legendary St. Louis Browns pitcher Satchel Paige.
“I mean, we’re saving those (moments) for every 67 years,” manager Bob Melvin said.
To understand the second bit of history, understand first the “situation” Piscotty was in.
The A’s entered the top of the ninth down 7-2. The Giants took that lead after decoding rookie starter Jesús Luzardo. Not even sniffing at any of his out-of-the-zone offerings, they feasted on his fastball mistakes over the plate.
“I mean, they had my number on all my pitches,” Luzardo said. “Anything I threw over the plate they were hitting. I was missing my location, they were just hunting heaters.”
The Giants teed off early, and hit Luzardo hard. The Giants have one of the worst exit velocity averages, but made plenty of hard contact off the typically elusive lefty. Hunter Pence’s three-run home run came off the bat at 106 mph. Evan Longoria’s home run came off the bat at 101 mph. Luzardo departed his start with just 3 1/3 innings, six earned runs, three strikeouts.
“It was the best I felt all year,” Luzardo said. “Clearly, the results weren’t what I wanted. But, these things happen.”
Giants starter Johnny Cueto was riding a different kind of wave. He kept the A’s bats off-kilter and listless. He shimmied, shook, allowing just one hit through his first six innings.
Mark Canha’s single, Robbie Grossman’s triple and Khris Davis’ RBI groundout in the seventh blemished his start with two runs that, at the time, seemed just a salve to curb the sting of a Giants’ runaway win.
Then, in the ninth, Matt Olson hit his seventh home run — and, yes, all six hits Olson has collected over the last nine games have been home runs. That at least meant A’s wouldn’t waste the power potential hanging in the rare 80-degree San Francisco night air. The A’s also were 13-2 in games in which they hit a home run.
Then the Giants’ shoddy defense chimed in when Grossman’s potential inning-ending double-play ball turned into a one-out scoring opportunity. San Francisco first baseman Wilmer Flores just forgot to plant his foot on first base, instead twirling and hurling the ball to shortstop Brandon Crawford, who also failed to keep his foot on second base when Canha slid in safe.
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“I think we all looked up and were like, we’re only down four here with a couple to go,” Piscotty said. “Crazier things have happened.”
Piscotty’s swing turned the crazy into reality.
Canha’s sac fly in the 10th inning that scored ghost runner Matt Chapman from third base and Liam Hendriks’ three-strikeout, 13-pitch save sealed it.
“It’s just grinding and just never saying die,” Melvin said. “We’ve seen so many times, us come back and win. We have all the walk-offs at home, but to do it on the road when it didn’t feel too good going into that inning and they had their closer in the game with a five-run lead. He’s got good stuff. It’s just mental fortitude and continuing to grind on the at-bats and hope something goes right.”