mercurynews--2020-10-24--Coronavirus: Should the FDA OK an emergency vaccine?

Within months , healthy Americans could be offered an unlicensed vaccine that has not yet completed rigorous study — and the immense implications are slowly becoming clear .
Confronted by the growing coronavirus pandemic , the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is debating the historic use of “ emergency use authorization ” to permit the use of vaccines when only preliminary — and incomplete — data shows evidence of safety and efficacy .
And the urgency grows as the nation reached a dismal new milestone on Friday , with more than 79,000 new cases reported , 3,000 more than the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In a Thursday meeting , the FDA insisted that it will enlist “ unwavering regulatory safeguards ” and not cut any corners if it allowed the early deployment of an experimental COVID-19 vaccine .
But scientific advisers at the marathon meeting warned that the rapid timetable could jeopardize critical research and damage public confidence in a vaccine .
And with such limited data , they added , there may not be enough evidence to prove that a vaccine protects people at highest risk , such as the elderly and members of minority groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chance to do this , ” said Sheldon Toubman , a Connecticut lawyer and the consumer representative for the FDA ’ s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee .
“ If we do it wrong , then we ’ re done for.
” The debate comes as two vaccines — made by Pfizer and Moderna – are in the final stage of testing .
Trials of the other two leading candidates — by AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson — have been suspended because of possible side effects .
If granted , such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before has the FDA authorized the emergency use of a vaccine .
And that application — to prevent anthrax poisoning in members of the military — was very narrow .
Adding to the unease is the new design of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines .
They use the power of genetics to produce their vaccines , enlisting a “ messenger RNA , ” or mRNA , technology .
While promising , it has never before received regulatory review .
Because this approach has been proven safe in other applications , the main worry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard to get it to do precisely what you want it to do .
New poll results released Wednesday by the Public Policy Institute of California show that two-thirds of Californians surveyed are concerned about a rushed approval process for a COVID-19 vaccine .
There was particular distrust among Black respondents , with only 29 % saying they would definitely or probably get vaccinations , compared to 70 % of Asian Americans , 62 % of whites and 54 % of Latinos .
Traditionally , manufacturers must prove a vaccine ’ s safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least 30,000 people , including people in high-risk categories .
And they must track participants for at least two months — when most problems appear — after the last injection .
Even a vaccine that is little-studied and works just 50 % of the time — the current FDA standard — could save many lives .
What is “ emergency use authorization ” ?
It says , in essence : “ We ’ re in crisis .
And we ’ ve collected enough data to think that we ’ ve got something that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s interim analysis , it allows a vaccine ’ s use with only partial data and before completion of the gold standard : a large and lengthy randomized trial .
Rather than offering the vaccine to everyone , experts say the safest , although most conservative , step is to issue a “ narrow ” emergency use authorization .
This would mean , for example , that only health care workers would get access .
“ I think the solution is give emergency use , based on partial data , if it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said Arthur Caplan , bioethicist at New York University Langone .
At the Thursday meeting , the FDA broached the prospect of even more-limited access , providing a vaccine on a case-by-case personal basis .
For instance , there might not be adequate data to show efficacy in subgroups of vulnerable people .
“ Since severe disease and death are occurring primarily among minorities with this virus , if we put a vaccine out there that does not address that issue , it ’ s going to perpetuate the perception that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much , ” said committee member James E.K .
Hildreth Sr. , president of Meharry Medical College .
It also could interrupt a vaccine trial ’ s longer and more thorough ongoing research .
Why ?
Because if there ’ s evidence that a vaccine is working , everyone getting the inactive placebo might want the real thing .
While the FDA asserted that companies would be expected to continue the trial , some bioethicists said it is not fair to insist that research volunteers can ’ t switch over .
They may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the study , because no one would be left in the placebo “ arm ” of the trial .
And valuable information about the vaccine — how do the two groups compare over time ?
— would be lost .
An emergency use authorization could also sabotage other vaccine studies .
This is a problem , because the first authorized vaccine may not be the best .
And different vaccines may work differently in diverse populations .
For instance , some may offer better protection to the elderly , while ; others might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why would anyone volunteer for a research study if there ’ s a product already on the market ?
Even if a potential vaccine holds the promise of working better — if it ’ s effective 60 % of the time , as opposed to 50 % , for instance — that may not be enough to convince people to volunteer .
Incremental improvements in safety and efficacy take time to reveal themselves .
And that ’ s expensive .
• Raiders-Buccaneers game still a go for Sunday , Jon Gruden says • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vs .
Buccaneers And because an emergency authorization looks at short-term data , it doesn ’ t capture more subtle downstream issues — such as whether a vaccine protects against disease but not transmission , dangerously fueling the spread of the virus .
Thursday ’ s FDA meeting was a milestone in the nation ’ s effort to conquer COVID-19 .
But the debate is just beginning .
The committee will hold more meetings as vaccine makers submit their applications — which could begin arriving as soon as mid-November .

Within months, healthy Americans could be offered an unlicensed vaccine that has not yet completed rigorous study — and the immense implications are slowly becoming clear.
Confronted by the growing coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is debating the historic use of “emergency use authorization” to permit the use of vaccines when only preliminary — and incomplete — data shows evidence of safety and efficacy.
And the urgency grows as the nation reached a dismal new milestone on Friday, with more than 79,000 new cases reported, 3,000 more than the single-day record set on July 16.
In a Thursday meeting, the FDA insisted that it will enlist “unwavering regulatory safeguards” and not cut any corners if it allowed the early deployment of an experimental COVID-19 vaccine.
But scientific advisers at the marathon meeting warned that the rapid timetable could jeopardize critical research and damage public confidence in a vaccine. And with such limited data, they added, there may not be enough evidence to prove that a vaccine protects people at highest risk, such as the elderly and members of minority groups.
“There’s only one chance to do this,” said Sheldon Toubman, a Connecticut lawyer and the consumer representative for the FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee. “If we do it wrong, then we’re done for.”
The debate comes as two vaccines — made by Pfizer and Moderna – are in the final stage of testing. Suspended studies of the other two leading candidates — by AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson — are resuming, the companies told the Wall Street Journal on Friday.
If granted, such permission would be unprecedented. Only once before has the FDA authorized the emergency use of a vaccine. And that application — to prevent anthrax poisoning in members of the military — was very narrow.
Adding to the unease is the new design of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. They use the power of genetics to produce their vaccines, enlisting a “messenger RNA,” or mRNA, technology. While promising, it has never before received regulatory review.
Because this approach has been proven safe in other applications, the main worry is over efficacy: It’s hard to get it to do precisely what you want it to do.
New poll results released Wednesday by the Public Policy Institute of California show that two-thirds of Californians surveyed are concerned about a rushed approval process for a COVID-19 vaccine. There was particular distrust among Black respondents, with only 29% saying they would definitely or probably get vaccinations, compared to 70% of Asian Americans, 62% of whites and 54% of Latinos.
Traditionally, manufacturers must prove a vaccine’s safety and efficacy by completing studies of at least 30,000 people, including people in high-risk categories. And they must track participants for at least two months — when most problems appear — after the last injection.
Even a vaccine that is little-studied and works just 50% of the time — the current FDA standard — could save many lives.
What is “emergency use authorization”? It says, in essence: “We’re in crisis. And we’ve collected enough data to think that we’ve got something that could help.” Based on the FDA’s interim analysis, it allows a vaccine’s use with only partial data and before completion of the gold standard: a large and lengthy randomized trial.
Rather than offering the vaccine to everyone, experts say the safest, although most conservative, step is to issue a “narrow” emergency use authorization. This would mean, for example, that only health care workers would get access.
“I think the solution is to give emergency use, based on partial data, if it looks good — but keep it narrow,” said Arthur Caplan of the bioethics division at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City.
At the Thursday meeting, the FDA broached the prospect of even more-limited access, providing a vaccine on a case-by-case personal basis.
Advisers warned that a hastily-granted emergency authorization could create major problems.
For instance, there might not be adequate data to show efficacy in subgroups of vulnerable people.
“Since severe disease and death are occurring primarily among minorities with this virus, if we put a vaccine out there that does not address that issue, it’s going to perpetuate the perception that segment of our population does not matter much,” said committee member James E.K. Hildreth Sr., president of Meharry Medical College.
It also could interrupt a vaccine trial’s longer and more thorough ongoing research.
Why? Because if there’s evidence that a vaccine is working, everyone getting the inactive placebo might want the real thing.
While the FDA asserted that companies would be expected to continue the trial, some bioethicists said it is not fair to insist that research volunteers can’t switch over. They may just drop out.
This could end the study, because no one would be left in the placebo “arm” of the trial. And valuable information about the vaccine — how do the two groups compare over time? — would be lost.
An emergency use authorization could also sabotage other vaccine studies.
This is a problem, because the first authorized vaccine may not be the best. And different vaccines may work differently in diverse populations. For instance, some may offer better protection to the elderly, while; others might be better in pregnant women.
But why would anyone volunteer for a research study if there’s a product already on the market?
Even if a potential vaccine holds the promise of working better — if it’s effective 60% of the time, as opposed to 50%, for instance — that may not be enough to convince people to volunteer.
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And because an emergency authorization looks at short-term data, it doesn’t capture more subtle downstream issues — such as whether a vaccine protects against disease but not transmission, dangerously fueling the spread of the virus.
Thursday’s FDA meeting was a milestone in the nation’s effort to conquer COVID-19. But the debate is just beginning. The committee will hold more meetings as vaccine makers submit their applications — which could begin arriving as soon as mid-November.


mercurynews--2020-10-24--Millbrae: Suspect arrested in $60,000 wine caper

MILLBRAE – Authorities on Friday arrested a 57-year-old man on suspicion of stealing $ 60,000 worth of “ exquisite wine ” from a Millbrae storage unit .
The storage unit at 210 Adrian Road was burglarized multiple times between August and October , said Sgt .
Joe Cang of the San Mateo County Sheriff ’ s Office in a news release Friday .
Cang said the suspect “ used Craigslist and false statements to arrange confirmed cash sales ” of the wine and “ received thousands of dollars from two unsuspecting buyers.
” The suspect , who was identified through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrested in his own storage unit , Cang said .
Detectives also seized numerous bottles of wine , some of which did not belong to the victim , leading them to believe there are other victims .
According to jail records , the suspect was booked into the Maguire Correctional Facility in Redwood City on charges of second-degree commercial burglary , grand theft , felony vandalism and criminal trespass .
He is set to appear in superior court Monday .
Anyone who believes they are a victim or has information about the suspect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or gcurrie @ smcgov.org .

MILLBRAE – Authorities on Friday arrested a 57-year-old man on suspicion of stealing $60,000 worth of “exquisite wine” from a Millbrae storage unit.
The storage unit at 210 Adrian Road was burglarized multiple times between August and October, said Sgt. Joe Cang of the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office in a news release Friday.
Cang said the suspect “used Craigslist and false statements to arrange confirmed cash sales” of the wine and “received thousands of dollars from two unsuspecting buyers.”
The suspect, who was identified through surveillance cameras and by witnesses, was arrested in his own storage unit, Cang said. Detectives also seized numerous bottles of wine, some of which did not belong to the victim, leading them to believe there are other victims.
According to jail records, the suspect was booked into the Maguire Correctional Facility in Redwood City on charges of second-degree commercial burglary, grand theft, felony vandalism and criminal trespass. He is set to appear in superior court Monday.
Anyone who believes they are a victim or has information about the suspect can contact Detective Gordon Currie at 650-363-4051 or gcurrie@smcgov.org.


mercurynews--2020-10-24--Oakland police working to “bring safety to our neighborhoods”

OAKLAND — Efforts to stem the spike in violence and return safety and calm to besieged neighborhoods will continue unabated , police officials said Friday as they announced arrests in several killings and displayed firearms they called “ weapons of war ” that have been seized in connection with those cases .
Interim Chief of Police Susan Manheimer called the increase “ unprecedented ” and vowed to “ bring safety to our neighborhoods.
” Speaking to the media at police headquarters in front of a table holding 16 firearms , Manheimer said the arrests and gun seizures were part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is making .
She told the community , “ You are not alone .
We will stand with you.
” She warned those involved in violent crimes that “ we ’ ll be holding you accountable.
” Officials provided updates on several recent developments .
Homicide Lt. Fred Shavies said a man arrested Thursday after a six-hour standoff with police in East Oakland is the suspect in the Oct. 14 fatal shooting of two men on 84th avenue .
Shavies also noted that a man has been charged with the Oct. 15 fatal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Police recovered a large amount of heroin and multiple guns when the suspect was arrested , Shavies said .
And there have also been arrests made in fatal shootings at two illegal gambling shacks in East Oakland — one on Sept. 28 and the other Sept. 29 — that are believed to be linked .
And a 22-year-old man arrested this week has been charged with a 2018 East Oakland killing .
Deputy Chief of Police LeRonne Armstrong called the 16 firearms displayed Friday , including assault rifles and semi-automatic pistols , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no one should have .
They don ’ t belong in anyone ’ s community .
They can do nothing but harm.
” Police officials say they have seized more than 1,000 firearms so far this year .
The majority of the increased violence , mainly homicides and shootings , have been reported in East Oakland neighborhoods .
The city has already had 80 homicides this year considered murders , five more than all of last year , and a more than 40 percent overall increase in non-fatal shootings .
One sobering statistic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that six victims have been juveniles , compared to none in 2019 .
Manheimer said cities across the country are seeing similar increases , with the pandemic and gang activity playing key roles .
The pandemic has curtailed normal things people can do that might alleviate stress that can lead to violence , Manheimer said .
Assistant Chief Darren Allison said those killed or injured by violence , “ are not a number but are real human beings ” whose families are left traumatized and heartbroken .
He said the department “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts to see that families get justice .
“ Violence in our community doesn ’ t have to be , ” he said .
Officials praised the help and support from the community .
Manheimer said information from residents has helped investigators solve several cases and she highlighted the Cease Fire Program , which tries to persuade known gang members and violent offenders to get out of that lifestyle and become productive members of the community .
“ Together we ’ ll continue to drive down the violence ” and “ bring people @ @ @ @ @ @ @

OAKLAND — Efforts to stem the spike in violence and return safety and calm to besieged neighborhoods will continue unabated, police officials said Friday as they announced arrests in several killings and displayed firearms they called “weapons of war” that have been seized in connection with those cases.
Interim Chief of Police Susan Manheimer called the increase “unprecedented” and vowed to “bring safety to our neighborhoods.” Speaking to the media at police headquarters in front of a table holding 16 firearms, Manheimer said the arrests and gun seizures were part of the “incredible efforts” the department is making. She told the community, “You are not alone. We will stand with you.”
She warned those involved in violent crimes that “we’ll be holding you accountable.”
Officials provided updates on several recent developments. Homicide Lt. Fred Shavies said a man arrested Thursday after a six-hour standoff with police in East Oakland is the suspect in the Oct. 14 fatal shooting of two men on 84th avenue. Shavies also noted that a man has been charged with the Oct. 15 fatal shooting of a man on 89th Avenue. Police recovered a large amount of heroin and multiple guns when the suspect was arrested, Shavies said.
And there have also been arrests made in fatal shootings at two illegal gambling shacks in East Oakland — one on Sept. 28 and the other Sept. 29 — that are believed to be linked. And a 22-year-old man arrested this week has been charged with a 2018 East Oakland killing.
Deputy Chief of Police LeRonne Armstrong called the 16 firearms displayed Friday, including assault rifles and semi-automatic pistols, “weapons of war” that “no one should have. They don’t belong in anyone’s community. They can do nothing but harm.”
Police officials say they have seized more than 1,000 firearms so far this year.
The majority of the increased violence, mainly homicides and shootings, have been reported in East Oakland neighborhoods. The city has already had 80 homicides this year considered murders, five more than all of last year, and a more than 40 percent overall increase in non-fatal shootings. One sobering statistic about this year’s death total is that six victims have been juveniles, compared to none in 2019.
Manheimer said cities across the country are seeing similar increases, with the pandemic and gang activity playing key roles. The pandemic has curtailed normal things people can do that might alleviate stress that can lead to violence, Manheimer said.
Assistant Chief Darren Allison said those killed or injured by violence, “are not a number but are real human beings” whose families are left traumatized and heartbroken. He said the department “will not back down” on its efforts to see that families get justice.
“Violence in our community doesn’t have to be,” he said.
Officials praised the help and support from the community. Manheimer said information from residents has helped investigators solve several cases and she highlighted the Cease Fire Program, which tries to persuade known gang members and violent offenders to get out of that lifestyle and become productive members of the community.
“Together we’ll continue to drive down the violence” and “bring people to justice,” Armstrong said.


mercurynews--2020-10-24--After seven months, Alameda County reopens for indoor dining

Michelle Rosenberger nibbles a late breakfast inside Livermore ’ s Riata Diner & Tavern , a ranching-themed restaurant off First Street .
The Livermore resident had her choice of patio seating , but when she found out that Alameda County restaurants were allowed to resume indoor dining today , she chose to be the sole guest inside .
“ They do a good breakfast , ” Rosenberger said , cutting into her ham and eggs .
“ I saw that there was hardly anybody in here and that they were being careful , so I decided to come in.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , restaurants are allowed to seat 25 percent of their capacity , or 100 patrons , whichever is less , so long as they adhere to safety and social-distancing protocols .
In this orange tier of California ’ s color-coded system of reopening , officials include churches , fitness gyms and movie theaters in the reopening category but caution that these indoor activities remain high risk .
Like other restaurateurs in the area , Lisa Scardina , Riata ’ s owner , has taken every precaution to make sure customers and staff feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a plan for months and we executed it , ” said Scardina who , like other small business owners in this tight-knit Tri-Valley downtown , has received support from the City of Livermore for her COVID-19 expenses , which have included purchasing tents and barriers .
Scardina also bolted tables to the bar so they remain appropriately spaced for six-foot social distancing and can not be moved by customers .
Down the street , at the counter-service Plucked Chicken & Beer , Laurel and Don Eggenberger , also of Livermore , wrapped up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a few customers in line , they were the only people inside .
“ They have the door open , the fans on and almost no one in here , ” said Laurel , who said she chose to sit inside because the only alfresco seats available during the busy Friday service were directly in the sun .
Plucked is a new restaurant — opening day was Monday — but co-owner Barrett Gomes has been ready to unlock the doors since July .
He said it ’ s “ really not that different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the county restrictions .
But if you ’ re an established restaurant , which has pivoted your operation to takeout or outdoor-only dining , the logistical challenges of resuming indoor dining can feel a lot like opening a new restaurant , said Demitri Kaplanis of Demitri ’ s Taverna in Livermore .
“ When we pivot and move , it ’ s like starting all over , ” said Kaplanis , who scrambled on Wednesday night to clear his 80-capacity dining room of takeout boxes and refrigerators when he heard that the county @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 23 instead of the scheduled Oct. 26 .
“ But I ’ m very optimistic .
It ’ s good to give people an option , especially as the weather cools down .
There are places with big dining rooms who really need this.
” In addition to logistical challenges — restarting full janitorial services , replacing air filtration systems and Plexiglass-ing contact points — inviting customers inside means increased labor costs and health risks for workers .
And while some restaurant owners are desperate to make up for losses since the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from patrons and staff say they will wait until everyone feels safer .
Despite its large size , Gaumenkitzel , the airy Berkeley restaurant with high ceilings and seating for 90 , is not reopening .
Co-owner Kai Flache says the majority of his customers are not interested in indoor dining at this time .
“ We don ’ t want to jeopardize our health or our customers ’ health , ” Flache said .
“ We are convinced that there will be another ( COVID-19 ) wave coming this winter .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already coming back .
It ’ s rough.
” But when you have zero outdoor seating and your sales are down 80 percent , indoor service is your only hope .
Still , Jennifer Seidman , owner of Doc ’ s Refresher , also in Berkeley , is approaching her reopening with intention .
She is building five individualized Plexiglass and wood “ rooms ” that will be placed into her existing dining room and separated by a “ shower curtain-like ” material .
Each room will have a theme and hold parties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which cost Seidman about $ 10,000 , allows air flow and is easy to clean , she says .
“ I tried to devise a system that would protect my employees and customers , ” Seidman says .
“ We ’ re going to take our time and reopen when we ’ re ready .
I ’ m not rushing this .
Obviously , I want to open .
I miss our customers .
But I want to make sure we do this thoughtfully and carefully.
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Rather than clamber to open today at The Hive in Oakland , the Calavera general manager and the rest of the management team of the 200-capacity restaurant decided to stick to their Monday game plan .
“ We didn ’ t want to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .
“ Small mistakes happen when you get busy .
For us , opening on a Monday , a slower day , makes more sense .
”

Michelle Rosenberger nibbles a late breakfast inside Livermore’s Riata Diner & Tavern, a ranching-themed restaurant off First Street. The Livermore resident had her choice of patio seating, but when she found out that Alameda County restaurants were allowed to resume indoor dining today, she chose to be the sole guest inside.
“They do a good breakfast,” Rosenberger said, cutting into her ham and eggs. “I saw that there was hardly anybody in here and that they were being careful, so I decided to come in.”
Under the county’s new rules, restaurants are allowed to seat 25 percent of their capacity, or 100 patrons, whichever is less, so long as they adhere to safety and social-distancing protocols. In this orange tier of California’s color-coded system of reopening, officials include churches, fitness gyms and movie theaters in the reopening category but caution that these indoor activities remain high risk.
Like other restaurateurs in the area, Lisa Scardina, Riata’s owner, has taken every precaution to make sure customers and staff feel safe.
LIVERMORE, CA - OCTOBER 23: Kirk and Pamela Northup of Livermore wait for their order as their grandchildren Audrey, 8, and Camila, 5, use crayons to draw inside Monica's Livermore restaurant in Livermore, Calif., on Friday, Oct. 23, 2020. Under new COVID-19 guidelines, indoor dining has resumed in Alameda County at 25 percent capacity. (Doug Duran/Bay Area News Group)
LIVERMORE, CA - OCTOBER 23: Michelle Rosenberg, of Livermore, gets ready to dine inside at The Riata Diner & Tavern in Livermore, Calif., on Friday, Oct. 23, 2020. Under new COVID-19 guidelines, indoor dining has resumed in Alameda County at 25 percent capacity. (Doug Duran/Bay Area News Group)
LIVERMORE, CA - OCTOBER 23: Evin Petz, left, and Francisco Berera, both of Livermore dine inside at Taqueria Los Caporales in Livermore, Calif., on Friday, Oct. 23, 2020. Under new COVID-19 guidelines, indoor dining has resumed in Alameda County at 25 percent capacity. (Doug Duran/Bay Area News Group)
LIVERMORE, CA - OCTOBER 23: Jim and Laural Eggenberger, of Livermore dine inside at Plucked Chicken & Beer in Livermore, Calif., on Friday, Oct. 23, 2020. Under new COVID-19 guidelines, indoor dining has resumed in Alameda County at 25 percent capacity. (Doug Duran/Bay Area News Group)
LIVERMORE, CA - OCTOBER 23: From left, Angel Ong, of Richmond, Rica Delmundo, of El Sobrante, Myca Icban, of El Sobrante, Jeraldine Lim, of Tracy, and Ryan Gamboa, of Fremont, dine inside at Roppongi Sushi in Livermore, Calif., on Friday, Oct. 23, 2020. Under new COVID-19 guidelines, indoor dining has resumed in Alameda County at 25 percent capacity. (Doug Duran/Bay Area News Group)
LIVERMORE, CA - OCTOBER 23: Michelle Rosenberg, of Livermore, gets ready to dine inside at The Riata Diner & Tavern in Livermore, Calif., on Friday, Oct. 23, 2020. Under new COVID-19 guidelines, indoor dining has resumed in Alameda County at 25 percent capacity. (Doug Duran/Bay Area News Group)
LIVERMORE, CA - OCTOBER 23: Kirk and Pamela Northup of Livermore wait for their order as their grandchildren Audrey, 8, and Camila, 5, use crayons to draw inside Monica's Livermore restaurant in Livermore, Calif., on Friday, Oct. 23, 2020. Under new COVID-19 guidelines, indoor dining has resumed in Alameda County at 25 percent capacity. (Doug Duran/Bay Area News Group)
LIVERMORE, CA - OCTOBER 23: Monica Barajas, owner of Monica's Livermore restaurant, talks to customers in Livermore, Calif., on Friday, Oct. 23, 2020. Under new COVID-19 guidelines, indoor dining has resumed in Alameda County at 25 percent capacity. (Doug Duran/Bay Area News Group)
“We’ve had a plan for months and we executed it,” said Scardina who, like other small business owners in this tight-knit Tri-Valley downtown, has received support from the City of Livermore for her COVID-19 expenses, which have included purchasing tents and barriers. Scardina also bolted tables to the bar so they remain appropriately spaced for six-foot social distancing and cannot be moved by customers.
Down the street, at the counter-service Plucked Chicken & Beer, Laurel and Don Eggenberger, also of Livermore, wrapped up their fried chicken lunch. Save for a few customers in line, they were the only people inside.
“They have the door open, the fans on and almost no one in here,” said Laurel, who said she chose to sit inside because the only alfresco seats available during the busy Friday service were directly in the sun.
Plucked is a new restaurant — opening day was Monday — but co-owner Barrett Gomes has been ready to unlock the doors since July. He said it’s “really not that different” opening for the first time under the county restrictions.
But if you’re an established restaurant, which has pivoted your operation to takeout or outdoor-only dining, the logistical challenges of resuming indoor dining can feel a lot like opening a new restaurant, said Demitri Kaplanis of Demitri’s Taverna in Livermore.
“When we pivot and move, it’s like starting all over,” said Kaplanis, who scrambled on Wednesday night to clear his 80-capacity dining room of takeout boxes and refrigerators when he heard that the county was allowing indoor dining to resume Oct. 23 instead of the scheduled Oct. 26. “But I’m very optimistic. It’s good to give people an option, especially as the weather cools down. There are places with big dining rooms who really need this.”
In addition to logistical challenges — restarting full janitorial services, replacing air filtration systems and Plexiglass-ing contact points — inviting customers inside means increased labor costs and health risks for workers. And while some restaurant owners are desperate to make up for losses since the pandemic struck, others who have gathered feedback from patrons and staff say they will wait until everyone feels safer.
Despite its large size, Gaumenkitzel, the airy Berkeley restaurant with high ceilings and seating for 90, is not reopening. Co-owner Kai Flache says the majority of his customers are not interested in indoor dining at this time.
“We don’t want to jeopardize our health or our customers’ health,” Flache said. “We are convinced that there will be another (COVID-19) wave coming this winter. We see that in Europe, it is already coming back. It’s rough.”
But when you have zero outdoor seating and your sales are down 80 percent, indoor service is your only hope. Still, Jennifer Seidman, owner of Doc’s Refresher, also in Berkeley, is approaching her reopening with intention. She is building five individualized Plexiglass and wood “rooms” that will be placed into her existing dining room and separated by a “shower curtain-like” material. Each room will have a theme and hold parties of up to six.
The design, which cost Seidman about $10,000, allows air flow and is easy to clean, she says.
“I tried to devise a system that would protect my employees and customers,” Seidman says. “We’re going to take our time and reopen when we’re ready. I’m not rushing this. Obviously, I want to open. I miss our customers. But I want to make sure we do this thoughtfully and carefully.”
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Mendocino Farms (with summer specials) opens in Walnut Creek Restaurants, Food and Drink | Montebello Market closes after 15 months in Los Gatos Ryan Dixon can relate to that. Rather than clamber to open today at The Hive in Oakland, the Calavera general manager and the rest of the management team of the 200-capacity restaurant decided to stick to their Monday game plan.
“We didn’t want to do it on a Friday,” he says. “Small mistakes happen when you get busy. For us, opening on a Monday, a slower day, makes more sense.”
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mercurynews--2020-10-24--Biden’s oil remark tests voter resolve on climate change

By Ellen Knickmeyer and Kathleen Ronayne | Associated Press OKLAHOMA CITY — Joe Biden is confronting the harsh political realities of combating climate change .
The Democratic presidential nominee has spent months touting a $ 2 trillion plan to boost investment in clean energy and stop all climate-damaging emissions from the U.S. economy by 2050 .
The plan implied that he would wean the U.S. off oil and gas , but Biden wasn ’ t so explicit about the industry ’ s fate — until Thursday night .
During the final moments of the presidential debate , Biden said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry.
” President Donald Trump , trailing Biden in many national and battleground state polls , immediately sensed an opportunity to appeal to voters in competitive states like Texas and Pennsylvania that produce oil and gas .
“ Basically what he is saying is he is going to destroy the oil industry , ” Trump said .
“ Will you remember that , Texas ?
Will you remember that , Pennsylvania ?
Oklahoma ?
Ohio ?
” With less than two weeks until the election , Biden ’ s comment is prompting a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say they are worried about the climate crisis will embrace steps to confront it .
During a season of worsening wildfires , hurricanes and other disasters , scientists are issuing urgent warnings that big cuts in burning oil , gas and coal are needed right away .
Republicans , eager to shift focus away from the president ’ s handling of the intensifying coronavirus pandemic , say Biden ’ s plan would cost jobs .
Biden “ just killed paycheck ( s ) earned by hardworking families in Texas , ” Texas Gov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweeted after Thursday ’ s final presidential debate saw Trump and Biden spell out their worlds-apart stances on climate-damaging fossil fuels .
“ Joe just wants to transition away from Texas .
Remember that on election day , ” Abbott wrote .
Even some Democrats distanced themselves from Biden ’ s comment .
Rep. Kendra Horn , a Democrat who flipped a Republican seat in Trump-loyal Oklahoma in 2018 , tweeted : “ We must stand up for our oil and gas industry.
” So did Rep. Xochitl Torres Small , a first-term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New Mexico , in the oil- and gas-rich Permian Basin .
“ We need to work together to promote responsible energy production and stop climate change , not demonize a particular industry , ” she tweeted , adding that she was ready to “ stand up to ” the Democratic Party .
Polling by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago shows a majority of Americans acknowledge people are causing global warming and link global warming to worsening natural disasters .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in keeping the focus on Trump , seemed to sense the political peril .
Shortly after the debate , he told reporters he wasn ’ t talking about any kind of fossil fuel ban .
“ We ’ re not getting rid of fossil fuels for a very long time , ” he said .
Biden ’ s energy plan spells out the time frame — three decades , zeroing out greenhouse gas emissions , which realistically would require substantially cutting fossil fuel use , by 2050 .
Campaigning in Atlanta on Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kamala Harris , told reporters that he wouldn ’ t ban fracking , the technique used to extract natural gas .
“ You know , the president likes to take everything out of context , ” Harris said .
“ Let ’ s be clear : What Joe was talking about was banning subsidies , but he will not ban fracking in America.
” Biden has said he would ban new gas and oil permits — including fracking — on federal lands only .
The vast majority of oil and gas does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s an especially sensitive point in a state like Pennsylvania , which may prove decisive on Election Day .
Trump ’ s clearest path to reelection hinges on winning both Florida and Pennsylvania , states that he won in 2016 .
National polls show Americans are increasingly skeptical of fracking .
And even in Pennsylvania , voters in the suburbs and other spots have spoken out against the drilling and against massive gas pipelines .
Berwood Yost , director of the Center for Opinion Research at Franklin and Marshall College in Pennsylvania , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lines and the comments could hurt Biden ’ s efforts to cut into Trump ’ s support in southwestern Pennsylvania , where the industry is strong .
“ Anything that the president can do to try to make sure he ’ s able to maintain the sizable advantage that he had in 2016 in these fracking areas , he ’ s going to do , ” Yost said .
But Biden ’ s call to end subsidies for the oil and gas industry may be politically popular .
Biden must try to thread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a transition away from fossil fuels without an outright ban , Yost said .
Improving technology and falling prices mean renewables already are making huge gains in the marketplace .
Solar , wind and other clean energy will surpass coal and nuclear next year in the share of U.S. electricity they produce , the U.S. Energy Information Administration says .
Rich Fitzgerald , a Democrat and the county executive in Pennsylvania ’ s Allegheny County , said Biden expressed his views in an “ inarticulate way ” on the debate stage but called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it a “ desperation play.
” Royalties from a fracking project on land owned by the Pittsburgh airport in 2013 have kept the airport financially afloat , Fitzgerald said .
Biden was supportive of that project and another large fracking-related project in a neighboring county during his time as vice president , Fitzgerald said .
He added that while natural gas is important to the regional economy , it ’ s not the only game in town .
“ Is natural gas important to Western Pennsylvania ?
Certainly it is , ” Fitzgerald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not everything we have.
” Associated Press writers Marc Levy in Harrisburg , Pa. , Bill Barrow in Atlanta and Alan Fram in Washington contributed to this report .

By Ellen Knickmeyer and Kathleen Ronayne | Associated Press
OKLAHOMA CITY — Joe Biden is confronting the harsh political realities of combating climate change.
The Democratic presidential nominee has spent months touting a $2 trillion plan to boost investment in clean energy and stop all climate-damaging emissions from the U.S. economy by 2050. The plan implied that he would wean the U.S. off oil and gas, but Biden wasn’t so explicit about the industry’s fate — until Thursday night.
During the final moments of the presidential debate, Biden said he would “transition away from the oil industry.”
President Donald Trump, trailing Biden in many national and battleground state polls, immediately sensed an opportunity to appeal to voters in competitive states like Texas and Pennsylvania that produce oil and gas.
“Basically what he is saying is he is going to destroy the oil industry,” Trump said. “Will you remember that, Texas? Will you remember that, Pennsylvania? Oklahoma? Ohio?”
With less than two weeks until the election, Biden’s comment is prompting a sudden test of whether voters who increasingly say they are worried about the climate crisis will embrace steps to confront it. During a season of worsening wildfires, hurricanes and other disasters, scientists are issuing urgent warnings that big cuts in burning oil, gas and coal are needed right away.
Republicans, eager to shift focus away from the president’s handling of the intensifying coronavirus pandemic, say Biden’s plan would cost jobs.
Biden “just killed paycheck(s) earned by hardworking families in Texas,” Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, tweeted after Thursday’s final presidential debate saw Trump and Biden spell out their worlds-apart stances on climate-damaging fossil fuels.
“Joe just wants to transition away from Texas. Remember that on election day,” Abbott wrote.
[vemba-video id=”politics/2020/10/23/final-presidential-debate-highlights-mh-eg-orig.cnn”]
Video: Watch the key moments from the final presidential debate
Even some Democrats distanced themselves from Biden’s comment. Rep. Kendra Horn, a Democrat who flipped a Republican seat in Trump-loyal Oklahoma in 2018, tweeted: “We must stand up for our oil and gas industry.”
So did Rep. Xochitl Torres Small, a first-term Democratic congresswoman in a tossup race in New Mexico, in the oil- and gas-rich Permian Basin.
“We need to work together to promote responsible energy production and stop climate change, not demonize a particular industry,” she tweeted, adding that she was ready to “stand up to” the Democratic Party.
Polling by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago shows a majority of Americans acknowledge people are causing global warming and link global warming to worsening natural disasters.
But Biden, who has mostly been disciplined in keeping the focus on Trump, seemed to sense the political peril. Shortly after the debate, he told reporters he wasn’t talking about any kind of fossil fuel ban.
“We’re not getting rid of fossil fuels for a very long time,” he said.
Biden’s energy plan spells out the time frame — three decades, zeroing out greenhouse gas emissions, which realistically would require substantially cutting fossil fuel use, by 2050.
Campaigning in Atlanta on Friday, Biden’s running mate, Kamala Harris, told reporters that he wouldn’t ban fracking, the technique used to extract natural gas.
“You know, the president likes to take everything out of context,” Harris said. “Let’s be clear: What Joe was talking about was banning subsidies, but he will not ban fracking in America.”
Biden has said he would ban new gas and oil permits — including fracking — on federal lands only. The vast majority of oil and gas does not come from federal lands.
That’s an especially sensitive point in a state like Pennsylvania, which may prove decisive on Election Day. Trump’s clearest path to reelection hinges on winning both Florida and Pennsylvania, states that he won in 2016.
National polls show Americans are increasingly skeptical of fracking. And even in Pennsylvania, voters in the suburbs and other spots have spoken out against the drilling and against massive gas pipelines.
Berwood Yost, director of the Center for Opinion Research at Franklin and Marshall College in Pennsylvania, said fracking opinions there fall on regional lines and the comments could hurt Biden’s efforts to cut into Trump’s support in southwestern Pennsylvania, where the industry is strong.
“Anything that the president can do to try to make sure he’s able to maintain the sizable advantage that he had in 2016 in these fracking areas, he’s going to do,” Yost said.
But Biden’s call to end subsidies for the oil and gas industry may be politically popular. Biden must try to thread the needle in explaining his calls for a transition away from fossil fuels without an outright ban, Yost said.
Improving technology and falling prices mean renewables already are making huge gains in the marketplace. Solar, wind and other clean energy will surpass coal and nuclear next year in the share of U.S. electricity they produce, the U.S. Energy Information Administration says.
Rich Fitzgerald, a Democrat and the county executive in Pennsylvania’s Allegheny County, said Biden expressed his views in an “inarticulate way” on the debate stage but called Trump’s efforts to capitalize on it a “desperation play.”
Royalties from a fracking project on land owned by the Pittsburgh airport in 2013 have kept the airport financially afloat, Fitzgerald said. Biden was supportive of that project and another large fracking-related project in a neighboring county during his time as vice president, Fitzgerald said.
He added that while natural gas is important to the regional economy, it’s not the only game in town.
“Is natural gas important to Western Pennsylvania? Certainly it is,” Fitzgerald said. “But it’s not everything we have.”
Associated Press writers Marc Levy in Harrisburg, Pa., Bill Barrow in Atlanta and Alan Fram in Washington contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-10-24--Editorial: Berkeley residents are overtaxed and overgoverned

There are nine council members .
No city in the Bay Area of similar size has as many .
And there are the 10 active council committees and 37 advisory commissions .
Unless there is change , write council members Lori Droste , Rigel Robinson and Rashi Kesarwani in a June 30 report to their colleagues , “ too much valuable staff time will continue to be spent on supporting an excessive amount of commissions in Berkeley rather than addressing the basic needs of the city.
” Thus far , their much-needed plan to reduce the number of commissions to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the city never seems to have enough money to keep the oversized organization running .
Despite a 31 % increase in general fund revenues and spending over the last six years , city leaders keep going back to residents every election year for new taxes and increases of existing ones .
This year , in the middle of the pandemically ravaged economy , is no different .
It ’ s the same reckless return to the tax well with no regard for the effect on residents .
The City Council continues to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less affordable to live in .
By our count , homeowners pay 17 supplementary city property taxes each year , some that are clearly listed on the annual tax bill , some that are lumped together in an annual levy based on the assessed value of the property .
By our calculations , the cost on top of the base 1 % property tax for city services works out to about $ 1,400 a year for a roughly midrange home of 1,900 square feet with an assessed value of $ 500,000 .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ costly special school taxes Berkeley property owners pay .
Now , to add insult to pandemic injury , voters are being asked to increase the pay of the City Council and mayor , giving the latter a six-figure salary , for what should be part time jobs in a city of 122,000 people .
The only other Bay Area mayors to receive pay of more than $ 100,000 last year were in Oakland , San Francisco and San Jose — all of which are much larger cities .
It ’ s time to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spends its money — not only during the pandemic but also in the years beyond .
Meanwhile , here are our recommendations for seven Nov. 3 Berkeley ballot measures that would further increase taxes or expand government : Another parcel tax : This tax , based on the square footage of buildings , would add about $ 199 to the tax bill of an average 1,900-square-foot home .
It ’ s a permanent tax , with no expiration date to provide voters a chance for review .
The $ 8.5 million would go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical response and communications , and wildfire prevention .
Of the existing 17 supplementary taxes , five are already designated for similar purposes .
Ridesharing tax : Taxing ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft when trips originate in Berkeley is reasonable , especially because the levy would be in lieu of a business tax .
Fifty cents for a private transport and 25 cents for a pooled trip is a fair amount , but city officials should make sure they use the money first to mitigate the traffic impacts of the ride @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long given the rapidly changing nature of the business , but let ’ s see how it works .
Utility tax increase : Seriously ?
California already has some of the highest utility rates in the nation — and Berkeley officials want to jack up the cost even more .
Measure HH would increase the city ’ s utility users tax to create the highest municipal natural gas levy in California and , with the exception of one small city , the highest surcharge on electricity .
In the middle of the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bills .
Permanent , with no sunset date .
All so the city can raise millions more for the general fund .
Police board : It makes sense to replace the city ’ s Police Review Commission , which was created in 1973 , with a board with more authority .
The new nine-member Police Accountability Board would be appointed by the mayor and City Council , hear complaints of police misconduct and recommend disciplinary action if needed .
If the board and the police chief disagree on discipline , the city manager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s the appropriate hierarchy .
Council salary increase : Serving on the Berkeley City Council should not be a full-time job .
The current annual salaries for the mayor , $ 61,304 , and council members , $ 38,695 , are quite sufficient .
Increasing them by 75 % — 75 % !
— to $ 107,300 and $ 67,599 respectively , with annual cost-of-living adjustments after that is just greedy — at any time , and certainly now .
No one else is getting a raise like that .
To put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perspective , the mayor of San Jose made $ 141,000 in 2019 to lead a city with more than eight times as many people .
Charter changes : This measure purports to be a charter cleanup .
Actually , it ’ s packed with multiple unrelated and important policy decisions : Whether the city attorney should report to City Council instead of the city manager .
Whether noncitizens should be allowed to serve on the city ’ s redistricting commission .
Whether the city should continue to require firefighters to live within 40 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could reasonably support one of these ideas and not another .
This should never have been packed in one measure .
Rent control : This measure claims to provide new emergency tenant protections , but they already exist under the city ’ s eviction moratorium .
The measure would also impose new rent-control rules that would discourage construction of accessory dwelling units , those backyard cottages sometimes called granny units .
And , of course , like most Berkeley measures , there ’ s more money for the city in this one .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to charge fees to rental units not covered by rent control .

Click here for a complete list of our election recommendations.
Berkeley is a case study in government run amok.
There are nine council members. No city in the Bay Area of similar size has as many. And there are the 10 active council committees and 37 advisory commissions.
Unless there is change, write council members Lori Droste, Rigel Robinson and Rashi Kesarwani in a June 30 report to their colleagues, “too much valuable staff time will continue to be spent on supporting an excessive amount of commissions in Berkeley rather than addressing the basic needs of the city.”
Thus far, their much-needed plan to reduce the number of commissions to about 20 has been ignored.
Meanwhile, the city never seems to have enough money to keep the oversized organization running. Despite a 31% increase in general fund revenues and spending over the last six years, city leaders keep going back to residents every election year for new taxes and increases of existing ones.
This year, in the middle of the pandemically ravaged economy, is no different. It’s the same reckless return to the tax well with no regard for the effect on residents. The City Council continues to seek more levies that make the city less affordable to live in.
By our count, homeowners pay 17 supplementary city property taxes each year, some that are clearly listed on the annual tax bill, some that are lumped together in an annual levy based on the assessed value of the property.
By our calculations, the cost on top of the base 1% property tax for city services works out to about $1,400 a year for a roughly midrange home of 1,900 square feet with an assessed value of $500,000. That doesn’t begin to count the costly special school taxes Berkeley property owners pay.
Now, to add insult to pandemic injury, voters are being asked to increase the pay of the City Council and mayor, giving the latter a six-figure salary, for what should be part time jobs in a city of 122,000 people. The only other Bay Area mayors to receive pay of more than $100,000 last year were in Oakland, San Francisco and San Jose — all of which are much larger cities.
It’s time to reassess how this city is governed and spends its money — not only during the pandemic but also in the years beyond. Meanwhile, here are our recommendations for seven Nov. 3 Berkeley ballot measures that would further increase taxes or expand government:
Measure FF — No
Another parcel tax: This tax, based on the square footage of buildings, would add about $199 to the tax bill of an average 1,900-square-foot home. It’s a permanent tax, with no expiration date to provide voters a chance for review. The $8.5 million would go for such things as firefighting, emergency medical response and communications, and wildfire prevention. Of the existing 17 supplementary taxes, five are already designated for similar purposes.
Measure GG — Yes
Ridesharing tax: Taxing ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft when trips originate in Berkeley is reasonable, especially because the levy would be in lieu of a business tax. Fifty cents for a private transport and 25 cents for a pooled trip is a fair amount, but city officials should make sure they use the money first to mitigate the traffic impacts of the ride services. The 20-year sunset seems exceptionally long given the rapidly changing nature of the business, but let’s see how it works.
Measure HH — No
Utility tax increase: Seriously? California already has some of the highest utility rates in the nation — and Berkeley officials want to jack up the cost even more. Measure HH would increase the city’s utility users tax to create the highest municipal natural gas levy in California and, with the exception of one small city, the highest surcharge on electricity. In the middle of the pandemic when people are struggling to pay their bills. Permanent, with no sunset date. All so the city can raise millions more for the general fund.
Measure II — Yes
Police board: It makes sense to replace the city’s Police Review Commission, which was created in 1973, with a board with more authority. The new nine-member Police Accountability Board would be appointed by the mayor and City Council, hear complaints of police misconduct and recommend disciplinary action if needed. If the board and the police chief disagree on discipline, the city manager would make the final determination. That’s the appropriate hierarchy.
Measure JJ — No
Council salary increase: Serving on the Berkeley City Council should not be a full-time job. The current annual salaries for the mayor, $61,304, and council members, $38,695, are quite sufficient. Increasing them by 75% — 75%! — to $107,300 and $67,599 respectively, with annual cost-of-living adjustments after that is just greedy — at any time, and certainly now. No one else is getting a raise like that. To put that proposed $107,300 mayoral salary in perspective, the mayor of San Jose made $141,000 in 2019 to lead a city with more than eight times as many people.
Measure KK — No
Charter changes: This measure purports to be a charter cleanup. Actually, it’s packed with multiple unrelated and important policy decisions: Whether the city attorney should report to City Council instead of the city manager. Whether noncitizens should be allowed to serve on the city’s redistricting commission. Whether the city should continue to require firefighters to live within 40 air miles of the city. One could reasonably support one of these ideas and not another. This should never have been packed in one measure.
Measure MM — No
Rent control: This measure claims to provide new emergency tenant protections, but they already exist under the city’s eviction moratorium. The measure would also impose new rent-control rules that would discourage construction of accessory dwelling units, those backyard cottages sometimes called granny units. And, of course, like most Berkeley measures, there’s more money for the city in this one. It would allow the Rent Stabilization Board to charge fees to rental units not covered by rent control.


mercurynews--2020-10-24--Five ways the rogue Raiders can beat Tampa Bay and Tom Brady

The Raiders have been swatted on the nose with a rolled up newspaper .
We ’ ll see what kind of dog they ’ ll be in the fight Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Allegiant Stadium .
Anyone else think it was a little unusual that instead of having their game delayed because of COVID-19 concerns , as has happened in with other teams , the Raiders instead will play on the same day more than four hours earlier ?
Raiders fans love a good conspiracy , but good luck trying to prove it this time .
After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and individual fines stemming from violations regarding coronavirus protocols , the Raiders didn ’ t exactly get the beneift of the doubt when their entire offensive line and safety Johnathan Abram went on the COVID-19 reserve list this week .
Tackle Trent Brown , who tested positive for the virus , reportedly without symptoms , won ’ t play .
Neither will Abram , who was in contact with Brown Tuesday and couldn ’ t get in five days of negative tests during his quarantine period before kickoff .
Four other linemen — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Denzelle Good , center Rodney Hudson and right guard Gabe Jackson — could be cleared to play although they haven ’ t practiced other than a light session Monday .
Raiders coach Jon Gruden seemed optomistic Friday he ’ d get those linemen back after a week of “ virtual ” practice .
He ’ ll need them to have a chance at beating the Buccaneers , who are 4-2 and coming off a 38-10 destruction of previously unbeaten Green Bay .
Keep in mind since the Raiders are coming off a bye @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gas after beating the Kansas City Chiefs , those four linemen will could be one of two things : 1 ) Extremely fresh ; or 2 ) Unprepared to play with the kind of crispness necessary to improve to 4-2 .
If you ’ re of the belief that practice matters , it ’ s easy to see this one slipping away against Tom Brady and Co .
But the Raiders gained a lot of confidence in beating the Chiefs .
While Abram will be missed , they ’ ve grown used to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nine of 21 games ( including one three-snap game ) since signing before the 2019 season .
The most likely candidate to take his place is veteran Sam Young unless other linemen go down , and then it would probably be Brandon Parker .
“ We played four games without Trent , ” Gruden said .
“ We used four different right tackles , so we ’ re experienced at adjusting and we ’ ll have a right tackle that ’ s prepared and experienced and ready to play.
” As for Brown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mandatory tracking device , wound up with the virus and inadvertently but his teammates in a bad situation , there are no outward hard feelings from Gruden .
“ I have talked to Trent .
He is feeling better and hopefully we get him back soon , ” Gruden said .
“ He ’ s a big part of this team.
” Five ways the Raiders can beat the Bucs and silently thumb their nose at those responsible for stripping their Sunday night game and determining they weren ’ t worth a one- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given up 386 yards and 22 first downs rushing in six games and just 3.0 yards per carry .
No team has gained 100 yards against Tampa Bay , let alone an individual runner .
So whatever form the Raiders offensive line takes , they ’ d better be at the top of their game to deal with a front seven that includes Ndamukong Suh up front and inside linebackers Lavonte David and Devin White as inside linebackers in a 3-4 alignment .
The Raiders have also promised to utlize Davontae Booker more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 10 carries and 40 yards or more .
Carr has played better head-to-head than both Drew Brees and Patrick Mahomes , and don ’ t sleep on Teddy Bridgewater in the opener either as he ’ s having a heck of a season .
Everyone knows the formula by now for Carr to be at his best — a relatively equal split of running plays to passing plays .
And even if the Raiders aren ’ t getting a ton of yards with those runs , the attempts themselves matter .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the unusual situation of mastering a new system at age 43 and there were times early on where you wondered if maybe he was finally showing his age .
In the last four games , Brady has 11 touchdown passes , one interception and has completed 63.7 percent of his passes .
He ’ s been sacked only eight times in six games .
Those aren ’ t Jameis Winston numbers .
There are dangerous targets outside in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin , and it looks like tight end Rob Gronkowski is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a one-year retirement .
Antonio Brown , fortunately , is a ways off for Tampa Bay after signing Friday .
As good as Brady has been in winning six championships , the teams that have success against him pressure him throughout .
The Giants did it two him twice in Super Bowls , and even though he put up huge numbers against the Eagles , it was the pass rush at the end that closed the deal .
The only way that happens is to shut down running back Ronald Jones , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 492 yards on 97 carries .
If that happens , and the Raiders can get after Brady the way they did Mahomes , it ’ s a game-changer .
Mahomes managed to escape trouble although the pressure in the second half reduced his effectiveness .
Brady , although nimble in a small area in the pocket and adept at getting rid of the ball , won ’ t be nearly as difficult to contain in terms of creating plays .
Clelin Ferrell , coming off the signature game of his young career , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about sacking Brady .
“ Always .
I ’ ve been thinking about that since I was a little kid , ” Ferrell said .
“ I ’ ve always been a Tom Brady fan .
Just to walk out there and the field , get a look at him as somebody I really want to devour , it ’ s going to be good .
I ’ m excited.
” 4 .
Getting Henry Ruggs more than a cameo Tampa Bay coach Bruce Arians talked with reverence about the Raiders ’ “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Waller and rookie wide receiver Henry Ruggs III .
That ’ s a lot of respect , considering Ruggs has only eight touches in three games .
But he ’ s caught six passes for 177 yards , and is already well known among defensive coordinators as a touchdown waiting to happen on any snap .
You wonder what would happen if the Raiders could get the ball in his hands eight times in a single game .
Ruggs should be as ready as he ’ ll ever be , getting a bye @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yards on two receptions , so it ’ s time to really take the Ferrari out for a spin and see what it can do .
5 .
Play their cleanest game of the season Tampa Bay is coming off a game in which it committed no sacks , had no penalties and had zero turnovers .
• Raiders-Buccaneers game still a go for Sunday , Jon Gruden says • What stands between Raiders and Bucs ’ Tom Brady ?
Local high school and small college star Alex Cappa • Raiders ’ Johnathan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Raiders ’ Derek Carr , with Tom Brady and Bucs up next , can ’ t catch a break Common sense says they won ’ t do that again .
But what about the Raiders ?
As promising as their start has been considering the level of competition , we haven ’ t seen a complete game yet in terms of offense , defense , special teams and execution .
If you ’ re going to beat a team led by Brady , it almost always means making fewer mistakes .
Few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ football .

The Raiders have been swatted on the nose with a rolled up newspaper.
We’ll see what kind of dog they’ll be in the fight Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Allegiant Stadium.
Anyone else think it was a little unusual that instead of having their game delayed because of COVID-19 concerns, as has happened in with other teams, the Raiders instead will play on the same day more than four hours earlier?
Raiders fans love a good conspiracy, but good luck trying to prove it this time. After accruing more than $500,000 in team and individual fines stemming from violations regarding coronavirus protocols, the Raiders didn’t exactly get the beneift of the doubt when their entire offensive line and safety Johnathan Abram went on the COVID-19 reserve list this week.
Tackle Trent Brown, who tested positive for the virus, reportedly without symptoms, won’t play. Neither will Abram, who was in contact with Brown Tuesday and couldn’t get in five days of negative tests during his quarantine period before kickoff.
Four other linemen — left tackle Kolton Miller, left guard Denzelle Good, center Rodney Hudson and right guard Gabe Jackson — could be cleared to play although they haven’t practiced other than a light session Monday.
Both the NFL Network and ESPN reported no new positive tests from the Raiders Friday, meaning the linemen could be removed from the COVID-19 reserve list Saturday with the final all-clear coming Sunday morning.
Raiders coach Jon Gruden seemed optomistic Friday he’d get those linemen back after a week of “virtual” practice. He’ll need them to have a chance at beating the Buccaneers, who are 4-2 and coming off a 38-10 destruction of previously unbeaten Green Bay.
Keep in mind since the Raiders are coming off a bye, and took their foot off the gas after beating the Kansas City Chiefs, those four linemen will could be one of two things: 1) Extremely fresh; or 2) Unprepared to play with the kind of crispness necessary to improve to 4-2.
If you’re of the belief that practice matters, it’s easy to see this one slipping away against Tom Brady and Co.
But the Raiders gained a lot of confidence in beating the Chiefs. While Abram will be missed, they’ve grown used to being without Brown, who has missed nine of 21 games (including one three-snap game) since signing before the 2019 season.
The most likely candidate to take his place is veteran Sam Young unless other linemen go down, and then it would probably be Brandon Parker.
“We played four games without Trent,” Gruden said. “We used four different right tackles, so we’re experienced at adjusting and we’ll have a right tackle that’s prepared and experienced and ready to play.”
As for Brown, who reportedly spent time without his mandatory tracking device, wound up with the virus and inadvertently but his teammates in a bad situation, there are no outward hard feelings from Gruden.
“I have talked to Trent. He is feeling better and hopefully we get him back soon,” Gruden said. “He’s a big part of this team.”
Five ways the Raiders can beat the Bucs and silently thumb their nose at those responsible for stripping their Sunday night game and determining they weren’t worth a one- or two-day delay:
1. Josh Jacobs pierces the Tampa run defense
The Buccaneers have given up 386 yards and 22 first downs rushing in six games and just 3.0 yards per carry. No team has gained 100 yards against Tampa Bay, let alone an individual runner.
So whatever form the Raiders offensive line takes, they’d better be at the top of their game to deal with a front seven that includes Ndamukong Suh up front and inside linebackers Lavonte David and Devin White as inside linebackers in a 3-4 alignment.
The Raiders have also promised to utlize Davontae Booker more often, and ideally he gets seven to 10 carries and 40 yards or more.
2. Derek Carr outplays Tom Brady
Carr has played better head-to-head than both Drew Brees and Patrick Mahomes, and don’t sleep on Teddy Bridgewater in the opener either as he’s having a heck of a season.
Everyone knows the formula by now for Carr to be at his best — a relatively equal split of running plays to passing plays. And even if the Raiders aren’t getting a ton of yards with those runs, the attempts themselves matter.
As for Brady, he’s in the unusual situation of mastering a new system at age 43 and there were times early on where you wondered if maybe he was finally showing his age.
Never mind.
In the last four games, Brady has 11 touchdown passes, one interception and has completed 63.7 percent of his passes. He’s been sacked only eight times in six games. Those aren’t Jameis Winston numbers.
There are dangerous targets outside in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, and it looks like tight end Rob Gronkowski is coming around after a slow start following a one-year retirement.
Antonio Brown, fortunately, is a ways off for Tampa Bay after signing Friday.
3. Putting the rush on Brady
As good as Brady has been in winning six championships, the teams that have success against him pressure him throughout. The Giants did it two him twice in Super Bowls, and even though he put up huge numbers against the Eagles, it was the pass rush at the end that closed the deal.
The only way that happens is to shut down running back Ronald Jones, the NFL’s fifth leading rusher with 492 yards on 97 carries. If that happens, and the Raiders can get after Brady the way they did Mahomes, it’s a game-changer.
Mahomes managed to escape trouble although the pressure in the second half reduced his effectiveness. Brady, although nimble in a small area in the pocket and adept at getting rid of the ball, won’t be nearly as difficult to contain in terms of creating plays.
Clelin Ferrell, coming off the signature game of his young career, was asked if he’d thought about sacking Brady.
“Always. I’ve been thinking about that since I was a little kid,” Ferrell said. “I’ve always been a Tom Brady fan. Just to walk out there and the field, get a look at him as somebody I really want to devour, it’s going to be good. I’m excited.”
4. Getting Henry Ruggs more than a cameo
Tampa Bay coach Bruce Arians talked with reverence about the Raiders’ “Big Three” of Jacobs, Darren Waller and rookie wide receiver Henry Ruggs III.
That’s a lot of respect, considering Ruggs has only eight touches in three games. But he’s caught six passes for 177 yards, and is already well known among defensive coordinators as a touchdown waiting to happen on any snap.
You wonder what would happen if the Raiders could get the ball in his hands eight times in a single game.
Ruggs should be as ready as he’ll ever be, getting a bye week after torching Kansas City for 118 yards on two receptions, so it’s time to really take the Ferrari out for a spin and see what it can do.
5. Play their cleanest game of the season
Tampa Bay is coming off a game in which it committed no sacks, had no penalties and had zero turnovers.
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But what about the Raiders? As promising as their start has been considering the level of competition, we haven’t seen a complete game yet in terms of offense, defense, special teams and execution.
If you’re going to beat a team led by Brady, it almost always means making fewer mistakes. Few are better at taking advantage of sloppy football.


mercurynews--2020-10-24--Sponsored: ‘Drive-by’ open house traps neighbors in their home during a pandemic; who can they conta

Sponsored: ‘Drive-by’ open house traps neighbors in their home during a pandemic; who can they contact to change this?

Q : We noticed several Open House signs on the intersection leading up to the house for sale next door .
As a result , people are parking in front of our home and the one for sale .
So groups of people had been congregating on the sidewalk with their smartphones for hours on end .
We could not leave the house .
We understand that these people are “ drive-by ” folks who then make an appointment with the seller ’ s agents on the fly .
It appears to be a violation of at least the spirit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidelines .
We are sheltering at home due to our age and pre-existing conditions .
Where do we file a complaint about these seller ’ s agents ?
A : The California Association of Realtors ’ real estate attorneys warn against this “ drive-by ” open house practice .
They advise that neighbors or other agents can log complaints with the California Department of Real Estate , the county health department , the police department , or next-door neighbors such as yourself might file a lawsuit .
Licensees who ignore COVID-19 best practices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at their own risk .
( In more ways than one . )
Many homes have video recorders that have caught agents and their homebuyers violating the county or state rules and guidelines .
Agents and homebuyers are on video inside homes taking off their face masks , sitting on couches , having too many people in the house at one time , and so forth .
These cameras are easily missed or hidden , such as the so-called nanny cam .
Call your local Multiple Listing Service and Realtor association to report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the heavy foot traffic .
Those organizations will contact the seller ’ s agents and their broker or sales manager , too .
If that does not end the practice , you have the other three organizations listed above that will surely put an end to “ drive-by open houses ” that are not allowed to be open .

Q: We noticed several Open House signs on the intersection leading up to the house for sale next door. As a result, people are parking in front of our home and the one for sale. So groups of people had been congregating on the sidewalk with their smartphones for hours on end. We could not leave the house. We understand that these people are “drive-by” folks who then make an appointment with the seller’s agents on the fly. It appears to be a violation of at least the spirit of our county’s health department guidelines. We are sheltering at home due to our age and pre-existing conditions. Where do we file a complaint about these seller’s agents?
A: The California Association of Realtors’ real estate attorneys warn against this “drive-by” open house practice. They advise that neighbors or other agents can log complaints with the California Department of Real Estate, the county health department, the police department, or next-door neighbors such as yourself might file a lawsuit. Licensees who ignore COVID-19 best practices put in place since March do so at their own risk. (In more ways than one.) Many homes have video recorders that have caught agents and their homebuyers violating the county or state rules and guidelines. Agents and homebuyers are on video inside homes taking off their face masks, sitting on couches, having too many people in the house at one time, and so forth. These cameras are easily missed or hidden, such as the so-called nanny cam.
Call your local Multiple Listing Service and Realtor association to report the Open House signs, the result, and the heavy foot traffic. Those organizations will contact the seller’s agents and their broker or sales manager, too. If that does not end the practice, you have the other three organizations listed above that will surely put an end to “drive-by open houses” that are not allowed to be open.
Questions? Realtor Pat Kapowich is a career-long consumer protection advocate and Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager. 408-245-7700, Pat@SiliconValleyBroker.com DRE# 00979413 SiliconValleyBroker.com YouTube.com/PatKapowich


mercurynews--2020-10-24--NFL fantasy football projections: How 49ers rate at Patriots

SANTA CLARA – Here are the 49ers ’ fantasy-football projections heading into Sunday ’ s game at the New England Patriots : The Patriots ’ elite cornerbacks pose an extra element of danger , and even though Garoppolo will want to show well in his New England return , the 49ers ’ success could be tied more to a short-passing game like last Sunday .
He is out with a high-ankle sprain for likely the next three games .
If he can show his legs aren ’ t shot from overuse in this comeback season , this is a game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pick up the slack of Mostert ’ s absence , as he did reasonably well in Weeks 3 and 4 .
A calf injury kept him out last week and it ’ s hard to think the 49ers will rely heavily on him .
It ’ s too risky to put Hasty in your lineup , yet .
He closed out last Sunday ’ s game well , but will the 49ers trust him for a more marquee role against a notoriously tough defense ?
• 49ers at Patriots injury report : Both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Williams , Wilson questionable • 49ers owner Jed York pours millions into Santa Clara City Council race after years of battling city hall • 49ers at Patriots : Five keys to winning Garoppolo ’ s return trip to New England • Jimmy Garoppolo recalls instant ‘ love ’ of 49ers ’ chemistry after trade from Patriots It ’ s the NFL ’ s second annual National Tight Ends Day gambit , so you know Kittle will do all he can .
Actually , he does that every week .
Anyhow , this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he could make it quite memorable as a catalyst to a win .
Look , he may not have as many yards off the jet-toss run/reception as last week but he remains a highly productive player in this scheme .
His surgically repaired foot is cooperating well .
He came through with his first touchdown catch last week , and with all the attention the Patriots pay to Kittle and Samuel , Aiyuk could be the breakout star this game .
The Patriots ’ red-zone defense ranks sixth , so Gould ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if the 49ers can get within range for him in what ’ s been a strong season ( 8 of 9 field-goal attempts ) .
Both starting safeties got ruled out Friday , and with replacements strewn across the defensive front , Cam Newton could have a bounce-back game for the Patriots .

SANTA CLARA – Here are the 49ers’ fantasy-football projections heading into Sunday’s game at the New England Patriots:
Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo: Sit him
Projected stats: 250 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
The Patriots’ elite cornerbacks pose an extra element of danger, and even though Garoppolo will want to show well in his New England return, the 49ers’ success could be tied more to a short-passing game like last Sunday.
Running back Raheem Mostert: Sit him
Projected stats: 0
He is out with a high-ankle sprain for likely the next three games.
Running back Jerick McKinnon: Start him
Projected stats: 100 all-purpose yards, 1 TD
If he can show his legs aren’t shot from overuse in this comeback season, this is a game to do it. McKinnon needs to pick up the slack of Mostert’s absence, as he did reasonably well in Weeks 3 and 4.
Running back Jeff Wilson: Sit him
Projected stats: 25 yards
A calf injury kept him out last week and it’s hard to think the 49ers will rely heavily on him.
Running back JaMycal Hasty: Sit him
Projected stats: 50 yards
It’s too risky to put Hasty in your lineup, yet. He closed out last Sunday’s game well, but will the 49ers trust him for a more marquee role against a notoriously tough defense? Related Articles San Francisco 49ers | Kurtenbach: The 49ers aren’t worried about Nick Bosa’s holdout. They should be
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Tight end George Kittle: Start him
Projected stats: 10 catches, 110 yards, 1 TD
It’s the NFL’s second annual National Tight Ends Day gambit, so you know Kittle will do all he can. Actually, he does that every week. Anyhow, this is his first trip to New England and he could make it quite memorable as a catalyst to a win.
Wide receiver Deebo Samuel: Start him
Projected stats: 100 all-purpose yards, 1 TD
Look, he may not have as many yards off the jet-toss run/reception as last week but he remains a highly productive player in this scheme. His surgically repaired foot is cooperating well.
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk: Start him
Projected stats: 5 receptions, 50 yards, 1 TD
He came through with his first touchdown catch last week, and with all the attention the Patriots pay to Kittle and Samuel, Aiyuk could be the breakout star this game.
Kicker Robbie Gould: Start him
Projected stats: 3 PATs, 2 FGs
The Patriots’ red-zone defense ranks sixth, so Gould’s leg could be at a premium, if the 49ers can get within range for him in what’s been a strong season (8 of 9 field-goal attempts).
Defense: Sit it
Projected stats: Over 300 yards, over 25 points
Both starting safeties got ruled out Friday, and with replacements strewn across the defensive front, Cam Newton could have a bounce-back game for the Patriots.


Bridge: Oct. 24, 2020

Cy the Cynic defines “ multitasking ” as fouling up two things at once .
At today ’ s slam , declarer had two tasks to accomplish : He needed to set up dummy ’ s spades and keep control of trumps .
South won the first diamond with the ace , took the A-J of trumps , discarded diamonds on A-K of spades and ruffed a spade .
He led a diamond to dummy ’ s king and ruffed another spade with his queen of trumps .
The suit broke 4-3 , so dummy ’ s last two spades @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the king of trumps next , East discarded .
The ace of clubs won South ’ s last trick : down two .
South established dummy ’ s long suit , but it did him no good when he failed to maintain trump control .
After South takes the A-J of trumps , he should lead a low spade from dummy and discard .
If East returns a diamond , South takes the king , ruffs a spade and draws trumps .
He can then go to the ace of clubs to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He wins five trumps , four spades , two diamonds and a club .
You hold : S None H K Q 6 4 3 D A 7 4 3 C Q 6 3 2 .
Your partner opens one club , you respond one heart , he bids one spade and you try two diamonds .
Partner then bids three hearts .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : You should have a slam .
Partner has extra strength with 4-3-1-5 shape .
If he has K 7 6 4 , A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ J 7 5 or even a hand with more “ wasted ” spade honors , you can take at least 12 tricks .
Bid six clubs or , at matchpoints , six hearts .

Cy the Cynic defines “multitasking” as fouling up two things at once. At today’s slam, declarer had two tasks to accomplish: He needed to set up dummy’s spades and keep control of trumps.
South won the first diamond with the ace, took the A-J of trumps, discarded diamonds on A-K of spades and ruffed a spade. He led a diamond to dummy’s king and ruffed another spade with his queen of trumps. The suit broke 4-3, so dummy’s last two spades were good.
But when South cashed the king of trumps next, East discarded. The ace of clubs won South’s last trick: down two.
DISCARD
South established dummy’s long suit, but it did him no good when he failed to maintain trump control. After South takes the A-J of trumps, he should lead a low spade from dummy and discard.
If East returns a diamond, South takes the king, ruffs a spade and draws trumps. He can then go to the ace of clubs to take the A-K and two good spades. He wins five trumps, four spades, two diamonds and a club.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S None H K Q 6 4 3 D A 7 4 3 C Q 6 3 2. Your partner opens one club, you respond one heart, he bids one spade and you try two diamonds. Partner then bids three hearts. What do you say?
ANSWER: You should have a slam. Partner has extra strength with 4-3-1-5 shape. If he has K 7 6 4, A J 2, 6, A K J 7 5 or even a hand with more “wasted” spade honors, you can take at least 12 tricks. Bid six clubs or, at matchpoints, six hearts.
North dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S A K 7 6 4 3
H A J
D K 5
C A 5 4
WEST
S 10 9 5
H 10 8 7 2
D Q J 10 8
C K 10
EAST
S Q J 8 2
H 9 5
D 9 6 2
C J 9 8 7
SOUTH
S None
H K Q 6 4 3
D A 7 4 3
C Q 6 3 2
North East South West
1 S Pass 2 H Pass
3 S Pass 3 NT Pass
4 NT Pass 5 NT Pass
6 H All Pass
Opening lead — D Q
(C)2020 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-10-24--Horoscopes Oct. 24, 2020: BD Wong, too much or too little will bring you down

Happy Birthday : Look at the pros and cons of every situation you face this year .
Refuse to let your emotions lead the way when stability and preparation are your best courses of action .
Too much or too little will bring you down .
Balance , integrity and creativity will encourage better relationships , positive experiences and a future built on trust , hard work and cooperation .
Your numbers are 4 , 12 , 20 , 24 , 32 , 41 , 46 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Put your energy where it counts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or contribute to a cause that motivates you to make a difference .
Draw on an experience that will help you utilize your knowledge and skills to improve your relationships and surroundings .
4 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Bring about change that will push you in a new direction .
Let go of whatever isn ’ t working for you anymore , and move on to new beginnings .
A sensitive issue is best left alone for the time being .
Keep your opinions to yourself .
2 stars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Keep the ball moving .
Don ’ t rely on the information someone offers .
Verify every word before you get involved in something risky .
Protect your reputation , and live up to your principles and your expectations .
Avoid manipulative people .
5 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : A change will be useful for you .
Consider doing something different with someone you love .
Making adjustments to your surroundings or the way you live will turn out better than anticipated .
A joint venture will make you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worthwhile .
3 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Physical activities that require thought , agility and strength will motivate you to take on something you ’ ve been reluctant to do in the past .
It ’ s time to walk away from what you can not change and move toward what excites you the most .
3 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : You ’ ll thrive on change .
Use your intelligence , and be ready to jump at any opportunity that comes your way .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ your way or disrupt your plans .
The information you gather will transform the way you do things .
3 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Make affordable plans .
If you overstep your budget or make promises you can not keep , you ’ ll have to backtrack .
Be willing to put in the time and work required to finish what you start .
Avoid manipulative situations .
5 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Don ’ t start something you can not finish .
Emotional issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close to you .
Bringing up the past will fuel the fire .
Act in kindness , not malice .
A romantic suggestion or compliment will help keep the peace .
2 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Observe a lot , but reveal little .
The less others know about you , the better .
Spend time fixing up your surroundings .
Don ’ t worry about what others do or think .
Follow the path that makes the most sense to you .
4 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the people you live with or around , but it ’ s best to listen so you understand how to reach a workable compromise .
Finding a solution will put you in control .
Follow through by taking action .
3 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Emotional spending won ’ t solve problems .
Organize your finances and set a budget , and you ’ ll feel better about your future .
When prompted to participate in something that doesn ’ t interest you , opt to do your own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stress .
3 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Look for a unique way to let someone know how much you care .
A kind , simple gesture will encourage you to share more interests and get involved in pastimes geared toward bringing you closer together .
Love is on the rise .
3 stars Birthday Baby : You are sensitive , impulsive and tireless .
You are aggressive and protective .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Shenae Grimes, 31; Eliza Taylor, 31; BD Wong, 60; Kevin Kline, 73.
Happy Birthday: Look at the pros and cons of every situation you face this year. Refuse to let your emotions lead the way when stability and preparation are your best courses of action. Too much or too little will bring you down. Balance, integrity and creativity will encourage better relationships, positive experiences and a future built on trust, hard work and cooperation. Your numbers are 4, 12, 20, 24, 32, 41, 46.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Put your energy where it counts. Do something to help your community or contribute to a cause that motivates you to make a difference. Draw on an experience that will help you utilize your knowledge and skills to improve your relationships and surroundings. 4 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Bring about change that will push you in a new direction. Let go of whatever isn’t working for you anymore, and move on to new beginnings. A sensitive issue is best left alone for the time being. Keep your opinions to yourself. 2 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Keep the ball moving. Don’t rely on the information someone offers. Verify every word before you get involved in something risky. Protect your reputation, and live up to your principles and your expectations. Avoid manipulative people. 5 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): A change will be useful for you. Consider doing something different with someone you love. Making adjustments to your surroundings or the way you live will turn out better than anticipated. A joint venture will make you nervous, but the results will be worthwhile. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Physical activities that require thought, agility and strength will motivate you to take on something you’ve been reluctant to do in the past. It’s time to walk away from what you cannot change and move toward what excites you the most. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You’ll thrive on change. Use your intelligence, and be ready to jump at any opportunity that comes your way. Don’t let anyone stand in your way or disrupt your plans. The information you gather will transform the way you do things. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Make affordable plans. If you overstep your budget or make promises you cannot keep, you’ll have to backtrack. Be willing to put in the time and work required to finish what you start. Avoid manipulative situations. 5 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Don’t start something you cannot finish. Emotional issues will surface if you disagree with someone close to you. Bringing up the past will fuel the fire. Act in kindness, not malice. A romantic suggestion or compliment will help keep the peace. 2 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Observe a lot, but reveal little. The less others know about you, the better. Spend time fixing up your surroundings. Don’t worry about what others do or think. Follow the path that makes the most sense to you. 4 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You may disagree with the people you live with or around, but it’s best to listen so you understand how to reach a workable compromise. Finding a solution will put you in control. Follow through by taking action. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Emotional spending won’t solve problems. Organize your finances and set a budget, and you’ll feel better about your future. When prompted to participate in something that doesn’t interest you, opt to do your own thing. Find a way to ease stress. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Look for a unique way to let someone know how much you care. A kind, simple gesture will encourage you to share more interests and get involved in pastimes geared toward bringing you closer together. Love is on the rise. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are sensitive, impulsive and tireless. You are aggressive and protective.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


Word Game: Oct. 24, 2020

TODAY ’ S WORD — PLEATS ( PLEATS : PLEETS : Folds in cloth made by doubling the fabric upon @ @ @ @ @ find 48 or more words in PLEATS ?
The list will be published Monday .
@ @ @ @ @ book , visit WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 while supplies last @ @ @ @ @ be of four or more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four letters by @ @ @ @ @ , ” such as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” are not allowed @ @ @ @ @ made by adding a “ d ” or an “ s ” may not be @ @ @ @ @ if “ bake ” is used , “ baked ” or “ bakes ” are @ @ @ @ @ bake ” and “ baking ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper nouns , slang @ @ @ @ @ sexually explicit words are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — PLEATS (PLEATS: PLEETS: Folds in cloth made by doubling the fabric upon itself.)
Average mark 34 words
Time limit 45 minutes
Can you find 48 or more words in PLEATS? The list will be published Monday.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — UNASSUAGED undue unused usage used nausea negus
ness nude nudge adage aged agenda ague assuage augend saga sage sand sane
sang sans sauna sausage sedan send snag snug suds sundae sung gases gassed
gauss genus guess dang dean dues dune
To purchase the Word Game book, visit WordGameBooks.com. Order it now for just $5 while supplies last!
RULES OF THE GAME:
1. Words must be of four or more letters.
2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.
3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” are not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible.
4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.
Contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe at kzsaxe@gmail.com.