mercurynews--2020-05-03--Mountain View man arrested on molestation and child porn allegations

MOUNTAIN VIEW — A man has been arrested on suspicion of molesting three children and collecting child pornography , according to police .
Investigators , noting his work as a babysitter for hire , are afraid there may be additional victims .
Victor Miller , 27 , of Mountain View , was arrested Tuesday on a suspected weapons crime by the Santa Clara County Sheriff ’ s Office .
His arrest occurred while he was under investigation by Mountain View police based on a tip received in January linking Miller to “ an online account that contained suspected child pornography @ @ @ @ @ @ @ images of children as young as toddlers , ” according to a news release .
All told , police allege that Miller had nearly 100 child-porn images and videos , and said detectives also uncovered evidence that Miller “ appeared to be having sexually explicit conversations with individuals who are suspected to be underage , ” and was distributing his illicit images .
“ No child should ever be a victim of a crime , especially ones as disturbing as what our detectives witnessed while investigating this case , ” Lt. Frank St. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are grateful for the work our team put in to investigating this case , and we are thankful for our law enforcement partners who helped bring this suspect in.
” After his arrest , police said they interviewed Miller and searched his home , where they located other incriminating evidence .
Police did not disclose in detail how he came into contact with the reported victims .
But they added that Miller ’ s use of Care.com , a website he used to get babysitting jobs , and the suspicion he might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with children , has led detectives to believe he might have victimized more children .
Miller is being held without bail in the Santa Clara County Main Jail .
Anyone with information about the case , or other potential victims , can contact Detective Angelica Espita at angelica.espita @ mountainview.gov .

MOUNTAIN VIEW — A man has been arrested on suspicion of molesting three children and collecting child pornography, according to police. Investigators, noting his work as a babysitter for hire, are afraid there may be additional victims.
Victor Miller, 27, of Mountain View, was arrested Tuesday on a suspected weapons crime by the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office.
His arrest occurred while he was under investigation by Mountain View police based on a tip received in January linking Miller to “an online account that contained suspected child pornography, some of which appeared to contain images of children as young as toddlers,” according to a news release.
All told, police allege that Miller had nearly 100 child-porn images and videos, and said detectives also uncovered evidence that Miller “appeared to be having sexually explicit conversations with individuals who are suspected to be underage,” and was distributing his illicit images.
“No child should ever be a victim of a crime, especially ones as disturbing as what our detectives witnessed while investigating this case,” Lt. Frank St. Clair said in a statement. “We are grateful for the work our team put in to investigating this case, and we are thankful for our law enforcement partners who helped bring this suspect in.”
After his arrest, police said they interviewed Miller and searched his home, where they located other incriminating evidence. Police did not disclose in detail how he came into contact with the reported victims.
But they added that Miller’s use of Care.com, a website he used to get babysitting jobs, and the suspicion he might have used a live-streaming app to communicate with children, has led detectives to believe he might have victimized more children.
Miller is being held without bail in the Santa Clara County Main Jail.
Anyone with information about the case, or other potential victims, can contact Detective Angelica Espita at angelica.espita@mountainview.gov.


mercurynews--2020-05-04--The Latest: Trump: vaccine will be available by year’s end

By The Associated Press The Latest on the coronavirus pandemic .
The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness or death .
— Trump says a vaccine for COVID-19 will be available by the end of the year .
— Northeastern states in the U.S. to form supply chain .
— Michigan ’ s governor says protesters “ depicted some of the worst racism ” in U.S. history .
— Pompeo says China has spread of disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accountable for COVID-19 .
— Italy ’ s Health Ministry : number of deaths in 24-hour period ending Sunday was lowest day-to-day since March 10 .
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump says a vaccine for COVID-19 will be available by the end of the year .
Trump also says the U.S. government is putting its “ full power and might ” behind remdesivir , a drug that has shown early promise as a treatment for the disease caused by the new coronavirus .
Trump sat inside the Lincoln Memorial and fielded questions from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from people who submitted questions over Fox ’ s social media platforms .
Trump responded to a Nebraska man who recovered from COVID-19 by saying : “ We think we are going to have a vaccine by the end of this year.
” He also said his administration was pushing hard for remdesivir .
NEW YORK — After working with neighboring states on coronavirus-related closing and reopening plans , Gov .
Andrew Cuomo said Sunday that New York will join with states from Massachusetts to Delaware to create a regional supply chain for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supplies and other equipment vital to fighting the disease .
The states are joining together after months of dealing separately with what Cuomo said was a “ totally inefficient and ineffective ” purchasing process that pitted all 50 states against each other , as well as the federal government and other entities , driving up prices as supplies dried up .
New York buys about $ 2 billion worth of medical equipment supplies per year , Cuomo said .
The other states joining the consortium together spend about $ 5 billion per year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have stronger purchasing power and improve their clout with global suppliers , Cuomo said .
“ It will make us more competitive in the international marketplace and I believe it will save taxpayers money , ” Cuomo said .
“ I also believe it will actually help us get the equipment , because we have trouble still getting the equipment.
” The other states in the consortium are Connecticut , Rhode Island , New Jersey and Pennsylvania .
One goal , the states ’ governors said , is to find suppliers within the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manufacturers in China and other faraway places .
WASHINGTON — Michigan ’ s governor says gun-carrying protesters who demonstrated inside her state ’ s Capitol “ depicted some of the worst racism ” and “ awful parts ” of U.S. history .
Democrat Gretchen Whitmer tells CNN that the protests featured “ Confederate Flags , and nooses , ” as well as swastikas .
Members of the Michigan Liberty Militia protested the state ’ s stay-at-home orders this week , some with weapons and tactical gear and their faces partially covered .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ armed is allowed , then demanded access to the House floor , which is prohibited .
Some went to the Senate gallery , where a senator said armed men shouted at her .
Michigan ’ s Republican-controlled Legislature has questioned Whitmer ’ s authority to extend stay-at-home orders amid the coronavirus pandemic .
But the governor used an executive order to extend a state of emergency declaration and has directed most businesses statewide to remain closed .
Mentioned as a possible running mate for presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden , Whitmer said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something we just negotiate ourselves out of and it ’ s a political matter.
” “ This is a public health crisis , ” she said .
WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says China has been responsible for the spread of disease in the past and must be held accountable for the coronavirus pandemic that originated in the country .
In comments likely to spark protests from Beijing and elsewhere , Pompeo said “ China has a history of infecting the world.
” He cited poor safety and security at epidemiological @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wuhan where the virus was first reported .
He stressed that he had no reason to believe that the virus was deliberately spread but he ramped up already harsh U.S. criticism of the Chinese for their response to the outbreak .
“ Remember , China has a history of infecting the world , and they have a history of running substandard laboratories , ” Pompeo said Sunday on ABC ’ s “ This Week ” program .
“ These are not the first times that we ’ ve had a world exposed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Chinese lab .
And so , while the intelligence community continues to do its work , they should continue to do that , and verify so that we are certain , I can tell you that there is a significant amount of evidence that this came from that laboratory in Wuhan.
” Pompeo appeared to be referring to previous outbreaks of respiratory viruses , like SARS , which started in China .
But his remark may be seen as offensive in China given the history of U.S. discrimination against the Chinese and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 19th century .
ROME — On the eve of the start in Italy of partially eased restriction on citizens ’ movements during COVID-19 lockdown , the nation received some encouraging news after weeks of grim daily tallies of caseload and deaths .
Health Ministry figures put the number of deaths in the 24-hour period ending Sunday evening at 174 , the lowest day-to-day number since 168 on March 10 , at the start of national lockdown .
The number of new cases , 1,389 , was also the lowest the nation has seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of known COVID-19 infections total is 210,717 , although authorities say the number is likely higher as many infections in people with no or almost no symptoms are believed to have gone undetected .
Italy ’ s death toll stands at 28,884 , but that number , too , could be much higher , since many elderly persons in recent weeks died in nursing homes but weren ’ t tested to see if they had coronavirus infection .
WASHINGTON — The Justice Department has filed a statement of interest siding with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governor over restrictions because of the coronavirus .
The filing was made Sunday in support of the Lighthouse Fellowship Church .
The lawsuit alleges the church ’ s pastor , Kevin Wilson , was issued a criminal citation because he held a service with 16 people on April 5 .
Authorities allege the church violated the state ’ s ban on gatherings of more than 10 people .
The Justice Department ’ s filing , citing the lawsuit , says the church had maintained social distancing and had extensive sanitizing of common surfaces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay 6 feet apart and use hand sanitizer before entering the building .
The Justice Department says Virginia “ can not treat religious gatherings less favorably than other similar , secular gatherings.
” A judge had denied the church ’ s motion for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction on Friday .
NEW YORK — A New York City police officer who was caught on video Saturday pointing a stun gun at a man and violently taking him to the ground over an alleged social distancing violation has been stripped of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ duty pending an internal investigation .
Bystander video showed the plainclothes officer , who was not wearing a protective face mask , slapping 33-year-old Donni Wright in the face , punching him in the shoulder and dragging him to a sidewalk after leveling him in a crosswalk in Manhattan ’ s East Village .
“ There will unquestionably be a careful look at what happened there , ” Mayor Bill de Blasio said Sunday .
Police spokeswoman Sgt .
Mary Frances O ’ Donnell said Wright “ took a fighting stance against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disperse and was arrested on charges including assault on a police officer and resisting arrest .
Wright had not been arraigned as of Sunday afternoon , prosecutors said .
A message seeking comment was left with the police officers ’ union .
PHOENIX — Two Arizona sheriffs are refusing to enforce Gov .
Doug Ducey ’ s stay-at-home order as the state continues to deal with the coronavirus .
Mohave County Sheriff Doug Schuster and Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb both said they aren ’ t going to hand out fines , citations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s mandate that has been extended through May 15 .
Mohave County is in northwestern Arizona with Pinal County located south of Phoenix .
Of Arizona ’ s 15 counties , the state ’ s two most populous — Maricopa and Pima — have the most COVID-19 cases by far .
“ I ’ m not going to make criminals out of law-abiding citizens , ” Schuster told Phoenix TV station KTVK .
“ As a sheriff , I can not in good conscience issue citations or arrest people for not social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we ’ re here but I need to make a stand for the people and for freedom , ” Lamb said .
“ I don ’ t want to cite , fine or arrest fine people.
” Ducey already has laid out consequences for violating his stay-at-home order : a $ 2,500 fine and up to six months in jail .
But Schuster and Lamb said they will not enforce the mandate .
MEXICO CITY — Mexico is turning its Formula 1 course into a temporary hospital for COVID-19 patients .
Zoe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Social Security Institute , said Sunday that authorities in Mexico City expect cases to peak next week , and some hospitals have already reported they ’ re unable to take more coronavirus patients .
The paddocks and suites along the front straight at the Hermanos Rodriguez course are being fitted out with eight hospital modules with 24 beds in each .
The pits will be used as offices for consultations with people reporting symptoms of the disease .
Lucila Olvera , who heads medical infrastructure for the agency , said the temporary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by May 13 .
The next Formula 1 event at the track isn ’ t until Nov. 1 .
As of midday Sunday , Mexican authorities had reported 22,088 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 2,061 deaths , though they acknowledge that because of limited testing , the actual number of infections is a multiple of the confirmed figure .
BATON ROUGE , La .
— Louisiana lawmakers are restarting their legislative session Monday in a state reshaped by the coronavirus pandemic .
They are grappling with new budget troubles , squabbling over what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether they should return at all .
Republicans want to resume the final four weeks of a session that began March 9 — the same day Louisiana had its first positive coronavirus test .
Democrats say it ’ s unsafe to bring hundreds of people into the Capitol .
Nearly 2,000 Louisianans have died from the virus , including a House lawmaker .
Senate President Page Cortez and House Speaker Clay Schexnayder , both Republicans , are pledging intense cleaning and protective measures .
But while masks are “ encouraged ” for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ required .
Democratic Rep. Ted James of Baton Rouge was hospitalized for days with COVID-19 .
He announced on Twitter he wouldn ’ t attend session Monday “ and do not see myself going to the Capitol in the foreseeable future.
” He called the return irresponsible and said “ there is no safe way to practice social distancing.
” BERLIN — An international media rights group says the coronavirus pandemic is being used by governments around the world to increase restrictions on press freedoms .
The International Press Institute issued a report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Day 2020 , which concludes that in both democratic and autocratic states the “ public health crisis has allowed governments to exercise control over the media on the pretext of preventing the spread of disinformation.
” It says authoritarian governments have been abusing emergency measures to “ further stifle independent media and criminalize journalism , ” while in democracies “ efforts to control the public narrative and restrict access to information around the pandemic are on the rise.
” The Vienna-based organization said it has documented 162 press freedom violations related to coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ half months .
Almost a third of the violations have involved the arrest , detention or charging of journalists .
World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the United Nations in 1993 .
Ahead of this year ’ s event , UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said the COVID-19 crisis has underscored the importance of a robust and free press .
He says “ As the pandemic spreads , it has also given rise to a second pandemic of misinformation , from harmful health advice to wild conspiracy theories .
The press provides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fact-based news and analysis.
” Follow AP news coverage of the coronavirus pandemic at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak .

By The Associated Press
The Latest on the coronavirus pandemic. The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death.
TOP OF THE HOUR:
— Japan says experts back plan to extend state of emergency through May.
— China reports 3 new coronavirus cases, no deaths.
— Small groups ignore closures and hit warm California beaches.
— New Zealand reports no new cases for first time since mid-March outbreak.
— Trump says he thinks COVID-19 vaccine will be available by end of year.
___
TOKYO — Japan says a panel of experts supports the government’s plan to extend the nationwide state of emergency through the end of May.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Friday he planned to keep the current coronavirus measures in place for another month, in accordance with recommendations from health experts. They noted the rise in new cases has slowed but Japan’s medical system is still overburdened.
Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura told reporters Monday that experts backed the government’s plan to extend social distancing measures until May 31 and called it “appropriate.”
Nishimura said Sunday the current measures in Tokyo and a dozen other prefectures designated as special warning zones are expected to stay in place, while 34 other prefectures would be allowed to somewhat ease restrictions on the condition they take ample preventive steps.
Later on Monday, after approval by parliamentary committees, Abe is set to formally announce an extension and explain details.
Japan has had more than 15,000 virus cases and 510 deaths as of Monday, according to the health ministry.
___
BEIJING — China reported three new coronavirus cases Monday, all brought from overseas, and no additional deaths.
A total of 481 people remain in the hospital because of the virus, with about 1,000 under monitoring and isolation after showing symptoms or testing positive without symptoms.
China has reported 4,633 deaths from COVID-19 among 82,880 cases.
___
SAN FRANCISCO — Small groups of people ignored closures and set down their towels and umbrellas on Orange County’s warm beaches Sunday, defying stay-at-home orders to slow the spread of the coronavirus as pressure to reopen parts of California continues to build.
Cameras from news helicopters captured dozens of people scattered across a stretch of sand known as The Wedge in Newport Beach. The crowds were sparse but offered proof that despite stepped-up patrols and warnings to stay away, some people were determined to get to the beach.
City spokesman John Pope said lifeguards and police officers asked more than 2,500 people to leave. The previous weekend, a heatwave drew tens of thousands of people to Newport Beach, prompting Gov. Gavin Newsom to shut beaches in Orange County.
A Huntington Beach police spokeswoman said people were cooperating, and no citations had been issued as of Sunday afternoon.
Meanwhile, two counties in Northern California were set to allow many businesses to reopen Monday as a direct challenge to Newsom’s order.
Yuba and Sutter counties north of Sacramento would join Modoc County, which began allowing hair salons, churches, restaurants and the county’s only movie theater to reopen Friday as long as people stay 6 feet (1.8 meters) apart.
Modoc County Sheriff Tex Dowdy said the zero confirmed cases of COVID-19 among Modoc’s 9,000 residents was a deciding factor in permitting a “staged, safe” reopening. No problems were reported over the weekend, officials said.
___
WELLINGTON, New Zealand — New Zealand reported no new coronavirus cases Monday, marking a significant moment that indicated the country’s bold strategy of trying to eliminate the virus was working.
It was the first time since the outbreak took hold in mid-March that the country reported zero new cases. Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield said the figures were clearly encouraging, but the result represented a moment in time and it won’t be until later this week that officials will know if new cases are continuing to pop up in the community. He said the result was a cause for celebration and was symbolic of the efforts of the entire country.
New Zealand closed its borders and imposed a strict monthlong lockdown after the outbreak began. The lockdown rules were eased a little last week to help reopen the economy, but many restrictions remain in place.
Many businesses — including most retail stores and sit-down restaurants — remain closed, most school children are learning from home, and people are required to maintain social distancing. New Zealand has reported nearly 1,500 cases of the virus and 20 deaths.
___
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Many business sectors reopened Monday in some parts of Malaysia for the first time since a partial coronavirus lockdown began March 18.
The easing of restrictions, days before the lockdown was due to end May 12, came as Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s government sought to balance between curbing the virus and reviving the hard-hit economy. But the move has split public opinion amid fears that the sudden reopening of economic activities could spark a new wave of infection.
Nine of the country’s 13 states have either refused to open up yet or restricted the list of businesses that can operate. More than half a million Malaysians have also protested by signing online petitions to call for a more gradual approach to rolling back the restrictions.
Muhyiddin said Friday it was time to heal the economy, which has lost billions of dollars, but businesses must follow strict health measures and mass gatherings will still be banned. That means places such as schools, cinemas and worship houses will stay shut, group sports are prohibited, and interstate travel remains banned.
Virus cases have dropped sharply in recent weeks but the number crept up with 227 infections reported over the weekend. Malaysia has confirmed 6,298 cases, with 105 deaths.
___
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump says he believes a vaccine for COVID-19 will be available by the end of the year.
Trump also says the U.S. government is putting its “full power and might” behind remdesivir, a drug that has shown early promise as a treatment for the disease caused by the new coronavirus.
Trump commented Sunday night during a televised town hall sponsored by Fox News Channel.
Trump sat inside the Lincoln Memorial and fielded questions from two Fox hosts, as well as from people who submitted questions over Fox’s social media platforms.
Trump responded to a Nebraska man who recovered from COVID-19 by saying: “We think we are going to have a vaccine by the end of this year.”
He also said his administration was pushing hard for remdesivir.
U.S. public health officials have said a vaccine is probably a year to 18 months away. But Dr. Anthony Fauci said in late April that it’s conceivable, if a vaccine is developed soon, it could be in wide distribution as soon as January.
___
NEW YORK — After working with neighboring states on coronavirus-related closing and reopening plans, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Sunday that New York will join with states from Massachusetts to Delaware to create a regional supply chain for masks, gowns, ventilators, testing supplies and other equipment vital to fighting the disease.
The states are joining together after months of dealing separately with what Cuomo said was a “totally inefficient and ineffective” purchasing process that pitted all 50 states against each other, as well as the federal government and other entities, driving up prices as supplies dried up.
New York buys about $2 billion worth of medical equipment supplies per year, Cuomo said. The other states joining the consortium together spend about $5 billion per year. Working together, they’ll have stronger purchasing power and improve their clout with global suppliers, Cuomo said.
“It will make us more competitive in the international marketplace and I believe it will save taxpayers money,” Cuomo said. “I also believe it will actually help us get the equipment, because we have trouble still getting the equipment.”
The other states in the consortium are Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. One goal, the states’ governors said, is to find suppliers within the region, instead of relying on swamped manufacturers in China and other faraway places.
___
WASHINGTON — Michigan’s governor says gun-carrying protesters who demonstrated inside her state’s Capitol “depicted some of the worst racism” and “awful parts” of U.S. history.
Democrat Gretchen Whitmer tells CNN that the protests featured “Confederate Flags, and nooses,” as well as swastikas.
Members of the Michigan Liberty Militia protested the state’s stay-at-home orders this week, some with weapons and tactical gear and their faces partially covered. They went inside the Capitol, where being armed is allowed, then demanded access to the House floor, which is prohibited.
Some went to the Senate gallery, where a senator said armed men shouted at her.
Michigan’s Republican-controlled Legislature has questioned Whitmer’s authority to extend stay-at-home orders amid the coronavirus pandemic. But the governor used an executive order to extend a state of emergency declaration and has directed most businesses statewide to remain closed.
Mentioned as a possible running mate for presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, Whitmer said Sunday, “This isn’t something we just negotiate ourselves out of and it’s a political matter.”
“This is a public health crisis,” she said.
___
WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says China has been responsible for the spread of disease in the past and must be held accountable for the coronavirus pandemic that originated in the country.
In comments likely to spark protests from Beijing and elsewhere, Pompeo said “China has a history of infecting the world.” He cited poor safety and security at epidemiological laboratories, including in the city of Wuhan where the virus was first reported.
He stressed that he had no reason to believe the virus was deliberately spread but he ramped up already harsh U.S. criticism of the Chinese for their response to the outbreak.
“Remember, China has a history of infecting the world, and they have a history of running substandard laboratories,” Pompeo said Sunday on ABC’s “This Week” program.
“These are not the first times that we’ve had a world exposed to viruses as a result of failures in a Chinese lab. And so, while the intelligence community continues to do its work, they should continue to do that, and verify so that we are certain, I can tell you that there is a significant amount of evidence that this came from that laboratory in Wuhan.”
Pompeo appeared to be referring to previous outbreaks of respiratory viruses, like SARS, which started in China. But his remark may be seen as offensive in China given the history of U.S. discrimination against the Chinese and people of Chinese origin dating to the 19th century.
___
ROME — On the eve of the start in Italy of partially eased restriction on citizens’ movements during COVID-19 lockdown, the nation received some encouraging news after weeks of grim daily tallies of caseload and deaths.
Health Ministry figures put the number of deaths in the 24-hour period ending Sunday evening at 174, the lowest day-to-day number since 168 on March 10, at the start of national lockdown.
The number of new cases, 1,389, was also the lowest the nation has seen in two months. Italy’s number of known COVID-19 infections total is 210,717, although authorities say the number is likely higher as many infections in people with no or almost no symptoms are believed to have gone undetected.
Italy’s death toll stands at 28,884, but that number, too, could be much higher, since many elderly persons in recent weeks died in nursing homes but weren’t tested to see if they had coronavirus infection.
___
OLYMPIA, Wash. — More than 100 state parks, trails and boating sites across Washington state will re-open Tuesday as some coronavirus restrictions are eased, but many popular sites remain closed indefinitely, according to officials.
Parks that open will be limited to daytime use only and the number of parking spaces will be reduced at some urban parks to discourage crowding. Public lands managed by the Department of Natural Resources and Department of Fish and Wildlife also will reopen Tuesday.
All ocean beach parks and parks along the Columbia River Gorge on the Washington-Oregon border will remain closed to reduce impacts on rural communities and prevent crowds, according to Washington State Parks.
Discussions on when those sites could open are ongoing and involve park administrators, local community leaders and Oregon officials, state parks officials said.
The parks have been closed more than a month and are being re-opened under the first phase of the Gov. Jay Inslee’s plan to ease rules imposed to prevent the spread of the virus. Beaches and campgrounds would re-open under the second phase of the plan, although large gatherings would still be banned.
___
WASHINGTON — The Justice Department has filed a statement of interest siding with a Virginia church suing the state’s governor over restrictions because of the coronavirus.
The filing was made Sunday in support of the Lighthouse Fellowship Church.
The lawsuit alleges the church’s pastor, Kevin Wilson, was issued a criminal citation because he held a service with 16 people on April 5.
Authorities allege the church violated the state’s ban on gatherings of more than 10 people.
The Justice Department’s filing, citing the lawsuit, says the church had maintained social distancing and had extensive sanitizing of common surfaces. The church said attendees had to stay 6 feet apart and use hand sanitizer before entering the building.
The Justice Department says Virginia “cannot treat religious gatherings less favorably than other similar, secular gatherings.”
A judge had denied the church’s motion for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction on Friday.
___
NEW YORK — A New York City police officer who was caught on video Saturday pointing a stun gun at a man and violently taking him to the ground over an alleged social distancing violation has been stripped of his gun and badge and placed on desk duty pending an internal investigation.
Bystander video showed the plainclothes officer, who was not wearing a protective face mask, slapping 33-year-old Donni Wright in the face, punching him in the shoulder and dragging him to a sidewalk after leveling him in a crosswalk in Manhattan’s East Village.
“There will unquestionably be a careful look at what happened there,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said Sunday.
Police spokeswoman Sgt. Mary Frances O’Donnell said Wright “took a fighting stance against the officer” when he was ordered to disperse and was arrested on charges including assault on a police officer and resisting arrest. Wright had not been arraigned as of Sunday afternoon, prosecutors said.
A message seeking comment was left with the police officers’ union.
___
Follow AP news coverage of the coronavirus pandemic at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak.


mercurynews--2020-05-03--Man with ‘large amount of cocaine’ held after San Mateo red-light stop, police say

SAN MATEO — Officers arrested a man on probation Friday after pulling him over at a red light and later finding more than two pounds of cocaine in his home , police said Sunday .
Police stopped Steven Fisher around 1 p.m. Friday near South Norfolk Avenue and Fashion Island Boulevard after he failed to stop at a red light , authorities said .
Police found that Fisher was on probation and searched his home nearby , as is allowed by the terms of his probation .
He was convicted in 2018 for a misdemeanor violation of driving while a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to court records .
At that home , police found four boxes containing more than two pounds of cocaine , a replica firearm and large amounts of cash .
Fisher , 38 , of San Mateo , was arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance for sale , possession of a controlled substance while armed and obstructing an officer during the investigation .
He was booked in San Mateo County Main Jail and remained in jail Sunday in lieu of $ 500,000 bail .
Anyone with more information regarding those suspected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to call San Mateo Police at 650-522-7700 , or anonymously through their secret witness line at 650-522-7676 .

SAN MATEO — Officers arrested a man on probation Friday after pulling him over at a red light and later finding more than two pounds of cocaine in his home, police said Sunday.
Police stopped Steven Fisher around 1 p.m. Friday near South Norfolk Avenue and Fashion Island Boulevard after he failed to stop at a red light, authorities said. Police found that Fisher was on probation and searched his home nearby, as is allowed by the terms of his probation. He was convicted in 2018 for a misdemeanor violation of driving while a license was suspended or revoked, according to court records.
At that home, police found four boxes containing more than two pounds of cocaine, a replica firearm and large amounts of cash.
Fisher, 38, of San Mateo, was arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance for sale, possession of a controlled substance while armed and obstructing an officer during the investigation. He was booked in San Mateo County Main Jail and remained in jail Sunday in lieu of $500,000 bail.
Anyone with more information regarding those suspected of manufacturing or selling drugs is asked to call San Mateo Police at 650-522-7700, or anonymously through their secret witness line at 650-522-7676.


mercurynews--2020-05-03--DHS report: China hid virus’s severity to hoard supplies

By Will Weissert | Associated Press WASHINGTON — U.S. officials believe China covered up the extent of the coronavirus outbreak — and how contagious the disease is — to stock up on medical supplies needed to respond to it , intelligence documents show .
Chinese leaders “ intentionally concealed the severity ” of the pandemic from the world in early January , according to a four-page Department of Homeland Security intelligence report dated May 1 and obtained by The Associated Press .
The revelation comes as the Trump administration has intensified its criticism of China , with Secretary of State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was responsible for the spread of disease and must be held accountable .
The sharper rhetoric coincides with administration critics saying the government ’ s response to the virus was slow and inadequate .
President Donald Trump ’ s political opponents have accused him of lashing out at China , a geopolitical foe but critical U.S. trade partner , in an attempt to deflect criticism at home .
Not classified but marked “ for official use only , ” the DHS analysis states that , while downplaying the severity of the coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical supplies .
It attempted to cover up doing so by “ denying there were export restrictions and obfuscating and delaying provision of its trade data , ” the analysis states .
The report also says China held off informing the World Health Organization that the coronavirus “ was a contagion ” for much of January so it could order medical supplies from abroad — and that its imports of face masks and surgical gowns and gloves increased sharply .
Those conclusions are based on the 95 % probability that China ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not within normal range , according to the report .
In a tweet on Sunday , the president appeared to blame U.S. intelligence officials for not making clearer sooner just how dangerous a potential coronavirus outbreak could be .
Trump has been defensive over whether he failed to act after receiving early warnings from intelligence officials and others about the coronavirus and its potential impact .
“ Intelligence has just reported to me that I was correct , and that they did NOT bring up the CoronaVirus subject matter until late into January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the U.S. , ” Trump wrote without citing specifics .
“ Also , they only spoke of the Virus in a very non-threatening , or matter of fact , manner.
” Trump had previously speculated that China may have unleashed the coronavirus due to some kind of horrible “ mistake.
” His intelligence agencies say they are still examining a notion put forward by the president and aides that the pandemic may have resulted from an accident at a Chinese lab .
Speaking Sunday on ABC ’ s “ This Week , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to believe that the virus was deliberately spread .
But he added , “ Remember , China has a history of infecting the world , and they have a history of running substandard laboratories.
” “ These are not the first times that we ’ ve had a world exposed to viruses as a result of failures in a Chinese lab , ” Pompeo said .
“ And so , while the intelligence community continues to do its work , they should continue to do that , and verify so that we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is a significant amount of evidence that this came from that laboratory in Wuhan.
” The secretary of state appeared to be referring to previous outbreaks of respiratory viruses , like SARS , which started in China .
His remark may be seen as offensive in China .
Still , Pompeo repeated the same assertion hours later , via a tweet Sunday afternoon .
Speaking Sunday on Fox News Channel ’ s “ Sunday Morning Futures , ” Sen. Ted Cruz , R-Texas , echoed that sentiment , saying he believes China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the United States for the next century.
” • Royal Caribbean CEO agrees to the CDC ’ s terms for disembarking crew stuck on ships • No crowds on California beaches ; counties look to reopen • Boston mayor to donate $ 500,000 in campaign cash to coronavirus resiliency fund • Police hand out 126 tickets in 6 hours on Pacific Coast Highway “ The communist government in China bears enormous responsibility , enormous direct culpability for this pandemic .
We know they covered it up , ” Cruz said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health professionals and quarantined those infected , there ’ s a real possibility this could have been a regional outbreak , and not a global pandemic .
And the hundreds of thousands of deaths worldwide are in a very real sense the direct responsibility of the communist Chinese government ’ s lies .
”

By Will Weissert | Associated Press
WASHINGTON — U.S. officials believe China covered up the extent of the coronavirus outbreak — and how contagious the disease is — to stock up on medical supplies needed to respond to it, intelligence documents show.
Chinese leaders “intentionally concealed the severity” of the pandemic from the world in early January, according to a four-page Department of Homeland Security intelligence report dated May 1 and obtained by The Associated Press. The revelation comes as the Trump administration has intensified its criticism of China, with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo saying Sunday that that country was responsible for the spread of disease and must be held accountable.
The sharper rhetoric coincides with administration critics saying the government’s response to the virus was slow and inadequate. President Donald Trump’s political opponents have accused him of lashing out at China, a geopolitical foe but critical U.S. trade partner, in an attempt to deflect criticism at home.
Not classified but marked “for official use only,” the DHS analysis states that, while downplaying the severity of the coronavirus, China increased imports and decreased exports of medical supplies. It attempted to cover up doing so by “denying there were export restrictions and obfuscating and delaying provision of its trade data,” the analysis states.
The report also says China held off informing the World Health Organization that the coronavirus “was a contagion” for much of January so it could order medical supplies from abroad — and that its imports of face masks and surgical gowns and gloves increased sharply.
[vemba-video id=”van/batchfeed/2020/05/03/wlstv_58cde4d0-8d50-11ea-9eb7-7f59b5fade04″]
Those conclusions are based on the 95% probability that China’s changes in imports and export behavior were not within normal range, according to the report.
In a tweet on Sunday, the president appeared to blame U.S. intelligence officials for not making clearer sooner just how dangerous a potential coronavirus outbreak could be. Trump has been defensive over whether he failed to act after receiving early warnings from intelligence officials and others about the coronavirus and its potential impact.
“Intelligence has just reported to me that I was correct, and that they did NOT bring up the CoronaVirus subject matter until late into January, just prior to my banning China from the U.S.,” Trump wrote without citing specifics. “Also, they only spoke of the Virus in a very non-threatening, or matter of fact, manner.”
Intelligence has just reported to me that I was correct, and that they did NOT bring up the CoronaVirus subject matter until late into January, just prior to my banning China from the U.S. Also, they only spoke of the Virus in a very non-threatening, or matter of fact, manner… — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 3, 2020
Trump had previously speculated that China may have unleashed the coronavirus due to some kind of horrible “mistake.” His intelligence agencies say they are still examining a notion put forward by the president and aides that the pandemic may have resulted from an accident at a Chinese lab.
Speaking Sunday on ABC’s “This Week,” Pompeo said he had no reason to believe that the virus was deliberately spread. But he added, “Remember, China has a history of infecting the world, and they have a history of running substandard laboratories.”
“These are not the first times that we’ve had a world exposed to viruses as a result of failures in a Chinese lab,” Pompeo said. “And so, while the intelligence community continues to do its work, they should continue to do that, and verify so that we are certain, I can tell you that there is a significant amount of evidence that this came from that laboratory in Wuhan.”
The secretary of state appeared to be referring to previous outbreaks of respiratory viruses, like SARS, which started in China. His remark may be seen as offensive in China. Still, Pompeo repeated the same assertion hours later, via a tweet Sunday afternoon.
Speaking Sunday on Fox News Channel’s “Sunday Morning Futures,” Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, echoed that sentiment, saying he believes China “is the most significant geopolitical threat to the United States for the next century.”
“The communist government in China bears enormous responsibility, enormous direct culpability for this pandemic. We know they covered it up,” Cruz said. “Had they behaved responsibly and sent in health professionals and quarantined those infected, there’s a real possibility this could have been a regional outbreak, and not a global pandemic. And the hundreds of thousands of deaths worldwide are in a very real sense the direct responsibility of the communist Chinese government’s lies.”
AP Diplomatic Writer Matthew Lee contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-05-03--Bicyclist, pedestrian badly injured in Berkeley collision

BERKELEY — A collision between a bicyclist and a pedestrian Saturday evening sent both people to the hospital with serious @ @ @ @ @ .
They were both in critical condition Sunday , police said .
The collision happened @ @ @ @ @ the intersection of Euclid and Hearst avenues , police said .
Police said a 55-year-old @ @ @ @ @ southbound on Euclid Avenue hit a 60-year-old Berkeley woman who was standing on the south @ @ @ @ @ Both suffered head injuries and after being treated at the scene by paramedics were transported @ @ @ @ @ other details about the collision were released Sunday .
The intersection was closed for almost @ @ @ @ @ .
Anyone with information about the collision is asked to call police at 510-981-5900 .

BERKELEY — A collision between a bicyclist and a pedestrian Saturday evening sent both people to the hospital with serious injuries, authorities said Sunday.
They were both in critical condition Sunday, police said.
The collision happened about 4:48 p.m. Saturday at the intersection of Euclid and Hearst avenues, police said.
Police said a 55-year-old Berkeley man riding a bicycle southbound on Euclid Avenue hit a 60-year-old Berkeley woman who was standing on the south sidewalk of Hearst Avenue.
Both suffered head injuries and after being treated at the scene by paramedics were transported to a hospital.
No other details about the collision were released Sunday. The intersection was closed for almost four hours while police investigated.
Anyone with information about the collision is asked to call police at 510-981-5900.
Check back for updates.


mercurynews--2020-05-03--Alameda, Santa Clara counties show largest coronavirus surges in latest county figures

Bay Area counties reported new numbers of COVID-19 cases Sunday , with increases of several dozen in the South and East bay areas .
Alameda County ’ s cases jumped to 1,749 cases on Sunday , an increase of 44 patients from the day before and a seven percent increase since Friday ’ s totals were released .
The county reported no new deaths Sunday , but had added three deaths to its total of 63 on Saturday .
In Santa Clara County , the number of confirmed cases rose by 32 , totaling 2,231 on Sunday .
The county @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total to 115 deaths .
Contra Costa County rose to 945 reported cases on Sunday , with 11 new cases reported overnight .
The county has tested 14,436 patients so far .
In Santa Clara County , more than half of the cases — 1,484 of them — were in San Jose , followed by 128 cases in Sunnyvale and 103 in Santa Clara , according to the county ’ s public health agency .
The county also reported that as of Sunday , 140 patients were hospitalized because of COVID-19 .
Of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intensive care unit beds , down from 48 on Thursday .
The county has a total of 790 ventilators available for use .
In San Francisco , the number of reported cases rose by 59 cases from the previous day , up to 1,602 .
The city now has 29 deaths reported .
San Mateo County had a reported 1,233 total cases Saturday , up 36 from the previous day ; the county has had 51 deaths reported so far .
The county ’ s COVID-19 data dashboard did not show an update @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Latest : Trump : vaccine will be available by year ’ s end • Royal Caribbean CEO agrees to the CDC ’ s terms for disembarking crew stuck on ships • No crowds on California beaches ; counties look to reopen • Boston mayor to donate $ 500,000 in campaign cash to coronavirus resiliency fund Figures show that Oakland accounts for the largest number of Alameda County cases with 520 , up 17 cases since the previous day , with Hayward showing the county ’ s second-highest tally at 361 , up 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mortality rate for black residents is 8.1 deaths per 100,000 people , which is more than twice the county ’ s overall death rate of 3.7 deaths per 100,000 people .
In Contra Costa County , Richmond has seen the most reported cases of the virus , with 134 reported Sunday .
Second highest is the city of Concord , with 90 reported cases , followed by 74 in Antioch .

Bay Area counties reported new numbers of COVID-19 cases Sunday, with increases of several dozen in the South and East bay areas.
Alameda County’s cases jumped to 1,749 cases on Sunday, an increase of 44 patients from the day before and a seven percent increase since Friday’s totals were released. The county reported no new deaths Sunday, but had added three deaths to its total of 63 on Saturday.
In Santa Clara County, the number of confirmed cases rose by 32, totaling 2,231 on Sunday. The county reported one new death, bringing its total to 115 deaths.
Contra Costa County rose to 945 reported cases on Sunday, with 11 new cases reported overnight. The county has tested 14,436 patients so far.
In Santa Clara County, more than half of the cases — 1,484 of them — were in San Jose, followed by 128 cases in Sunnyvale and 103 in Santa Clara, according to the county’s public health agency.
The county also reported that as of Sunday, 140 patients were hospitalized because of COVID-19. Of those, 44 COVID-19 patients were in intensive care unit beds, down from 48 on Thursday. The county has a total of 790 ventilators available for use.
In San Francisco, the number of reported cases rose by 59 cases from the previous day, up to 1,602. The city now has 29 deaths reported.
San Mateo County had a reported 1,233 total cases Saturday, up 36 from the previous day; the county has had 51 deaths reported so far. The county’s COVID-19 data dashboard did not show an update as of Sunday afternoon.
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In parts of California, a prescription will pay for your fresh fruits and veggies Health | Pioneering study links testicular cancer among military personnel to ‘forever chemicals’ Figures show that Oakland accounts for the largest number of Alameda County cases with 520, up 17 cases since the previous day, with Hayward showing the county’s second-highest tally at 361, up 15 cases. The county’s COVID-19 mortality rate for black residents is 8.1 deaths per 100,000 people, which is more than twice the county’s overall death rate of 3.7 deaths per 100,000 people.
In Contra Costa County, Richmond has seen the most reported cases of the virus, with 134 reported Sunday. Second highest is the city of Concord, with 90 reported cases, followed by 74 in Antioch.
Check back for updates.


mercurynews--2020-05-03--Royal Caribbean CEO agrees to the CDC’s terms for disembarking crew stuck on ships

MIAMI — Royal Caribbean International cruise line employees who ’ ve felt imprisoned on cruise ships during a standoff between the cruise line and the CDC might soon be emancipated , according to a Sunday letter from Royal Caribbean International ’ s CEO .
Michael Bayley ’ s emailed letter to those employees said RCI executives would sign the Centers for Disease Control ’ s terms for disembarking crew .
The letter also detailed plans for getting crew members to their home nations .
After measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 slammed the cruise industry to a halt , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sent back out to meander around waters until they could be disembarked .
The discovery of novel coronavirus infections on the ships among crew caused on-board quarantines , sometimes trapping crew in cabins lacking fresh air , crew members told the Miami Herald .
As previously reported in the Herald , the CDC ’ s list of requirements for disembarking crew — including making sure disembarked crew don ’ t use public transportation , don ’ t mix with the public on the way home , don ’ t stay at a hotel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for private transportation .
They also carried possible criminal and civil consequences for each cruise line ’ s CEO , Chief Medical Officer and Chief Compliance Officer if the requirements got violated .
The Centers for Disease Control told the Herald that cruise lines balked at the cost of private transportation .
That consequences part was a problem , a Royal Caribbean spokesman and Carnival Cruise Line spokesperson told the Herald .
Bayley admitted this in Sunday ’ s letter : “ The CDC will only allow us to disembark crew members if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ willing to attest — subject to criminal penalties including imprisonment — that we will not use any public transportation and that each crew member will comply with certain conditions after disembarking the ships .
We are happy to do all the things they requested , but the criminal penalties gave us ( and our lawyers ) pause.
” While Bayley said he hopes the threat of criminal prosecution will be removed , “ we have decided that the importance of getting you home is so great that we will sign these documents as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you off the ships.
” U.S.-based crew on ships close to the U.S. coast will be sent home via private transportation starting Wednesday .
U.S.-based crew in Asia will have to wait for the airport in Manila , Philippines to reopen .
The U.S.-based crew in the Mediterranean will be flown home by May 20 , Bayley said .
U.S.-based crew off the coast of Barbados and at Perfect day will be put on a ship to Miami and taken home “ no later than May 14.
” Crew from the Caribbean , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Vision , Rhapsody and Adventure .
The Adventure will leave from the Bahamas on Saturday for Haiti and the Dominican Republic before ending in Jamaica .
The Rhapsody will leave Miami on May 13 and hit Cartagena , Panama , Costa Rica , Honduras and Guatemala before ending in Belize .
The Vision will leave Miami on May 15 for St. Kitts , Dominica , St. Lucia , Grenada , Trinidad and St. Vincent and the Grenadines .
• No crowds on California beaches ; counties look to reopen • Boston @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cash to coronavirus resiliency fund • Police hand out 126 tickets in 6 hours on Pacific Coast Highway Canadian and European ( except Ukrainian and Romanian ) crew members will be transferred to the Freedom , Empress and Majesty , then leave Miami on May 15 to sail to Southampton and flown home from there .
Ukrainian and Romanian crew members will be flown home on charter flights out of Miami on May 16 after being transferred to the Navigator .

By David J. Neal and Taylor Dolven | Miami Herald
MIAMI — Royal Caribbean International cruise line employees who’ve felt imprisoned on cruise ships during a standoff between the cruise line and the CDC might soon be emancipated, according to a Sunday letter from Royal Caribbean International’s CEO.
Michael Bayley’s emailed letter to those employees said RCI executives would sign the Centers for Disease Control’s terms for disembarking crew. The letter also detailed plans for getting crew members to their home nations.
After measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 slammed the cruise industry to a halt, about 100,000 crew members remained on ships sent back out to meander around waters until they could be disembarked. The discovery of novel coronavirus infections on the ships among crew caused on-board quarantines, sometimes trapping crew in cabins lacking fresh air, crew members told the Miami Herald.
As previously reported in the Herald, the CDC’s list of requirements for disembarking crew — including making sure disembarked crew don’t use public transportation, don’t mix with the public on the way home, don’t stay at a hotel — required the cruise lines pony up for private transportation. They also carried possible criminal and civil consequences for each cruise line’s CEO, Chief Medical Officer and Chief Compliance Officer if the requirements got violated.
The Centers for Disease Control told the Herald that cruise lines balked at the cost of private transportation.
That consequences part was a problem, a Royal Caribbean spokesman and Carnival Cruise Line spokesperson told the Herald. Bayley admitted this in Sunday’s letter:
“The CDC will only allow us to disembark crew members if company executives, myself included, are willing to attest — subject to criminal penalties including imprisonment — that we will not use any public transportation and that each crew member will comply with certain conditions after disembarking the ships. We are happy to do all the things they requested, but the criminal penalties gave us (and our lawyers) pause.”
While Bayley said he hopes the threat of criminal prosecution will be removed, “we have decided that the importance of getting you home is so great that we will sign these documents as they are written today to help get you off the ships.”
U.S.-based crew on ships close to the U.S. coast will be sent home via private transportation starting Wednesday. U.S.-based crew in Asia will have to wait for the airport in Manila, Philippines to reopen. The U.S.-based crew in the Mediterranean will be flown home by May 20, Bayley said. U.S.-based crew off the coast of Barbados and at Perfect day will be put on a ship to Miami and taken home “no later than May 14.”
Crew from the Caribbean, Central and South America will be transferred to the Vision, Rhapsody and Adventure. The Adventure will leave from the Bahamas on Saturday for Haiti and the Dominican Republic before ending in Jamaica. The Rhapsody will leave Miami on May 13 and hit Cartagena, Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras and Guatemala before ending in Belize. The Vision will leave Miami on May 15 for St. Kitts, Dominica, St. Lucia, Grenada, Trinidad and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Canadian and European (except Ukrainian and Romanian) crew members will be transferred to the Freedom, Empress and Majesty, then leave Miami on May 15 to sail to Southampton and flown home from there. Ukrainian and Romanian crew members will be flown home on charter flights out of Miami on May 16 after being transferred to the Navigator.
©2020 Miami Herald
Visit Miami Herald at www.miamiherald.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-05-03--No crowds on California beaches; counties look to reopen

By Daisy Nguyen and Christopher Weber | Associated Press SAN FRANCISCO — Beaches were mostly empty over the warm weekend as Californians heeded stay-at-home orders in anticipation that Gov .
Gavin Newsom might ease some restrictions this week , while some rural communities announced plans to reopen on their own timetable .
In Orange County , where beaches were singled out for closure by the governor during the coronavirus pandemic , crowds were sparse as lifeguards and police patrolled and issued warnings to people to stay off the sand .
A Huntington Beach police spokeswoman said people were cooperating and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday afternoon .
In neighboring Newport Beach , police put out barricades and spoke with surfers to advise them of the closure , and said people were quick to comply .
Meanwhile , Modoc County on the state ’ s far northern end allowed businesses to open in defiance of the governor ’ s shutdown rules amid the coronavirus pandemic , and Sutter and Yuba counties said they would follow suit .
There haven ’ t been any confirmed cases of COVID-19 among Modoc ’ s 9,000 residents , which Sheriff Tex Dowdy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ staged , safe ” reopening of hair salons , churches , restaurants and the county ’ s only movie theater .
Businesses could only have half the patrons , and customers must stay 6 feet ( 1.8 meters ) apart .
No problems were reported over the weekend , officials said .
In Alturas , Antonio ’ s Cucina Italiana will remain delivery- and takeout-only for the time being , owner Stan Yagi said Sunday .
“ We had to scale everything back and we ’ re just not ready to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Yagi , who has owned the restaurant since 1997 .
Some of the longtime employees have underlying health problems and he doesn ’ t want to put them at risk , he said .
Yagi said he appreciates the need for widespread shutdowns in less rural communities .
But he understands the decision by his fellow business owners to defy the governor ’ s orders .
“ They ’ re hurting and they need to open .
We ’ re all mom and pop places up here and it ’ s been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up the road at the Brass Rail , customers were back at the bar — the only portion of the Basque restaurant open so far .
After a six-week shutdown , people were eager to be back among friends and neighbors , owner Jodie Larranga .
“ It ’ s been a long haul .
We ’ re a small community , ” she said Friday .
Elsewhere , a variety of businesses from restaurants to hairstylists in rural and more populated areas have opened their doors in individual acts of defiance .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Sacramento — plan to allow some businesses to reopen on Monday as long as they follow social distancing protocols .
Newsom acknowledged the building economic anxiety while repeatedly teasing the possibility the state could begin relaxing aspects of the restrictions this week .
“ We are all impatient , ” the governor said during his daily briefing Friday .
But the governor also noted that while hospitalization statistics are heading in a better direction , the state still has a growing number of infections and deaths .
Nearly 2,200 Californians have died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been confirmed to have it , according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University , though the number of infections is thought to be far higher because of a shortage of testing .
Orange County beach cities argue that most of the tens of thousands of people who hit their shores during a heatwave last weekend did practice anti-virus safety measures and fumed that they were being unfairly singled out .
On Friday , a judge refused a request by Huntington Beach and others to block Newsom ’ s order to close the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weighed the harm the closures caused the city and others , but the virus ’ s threat to public safety should take priority .
He said he will consider the issue again May 11 .
In Northern California , Santa Cruz County began on Saturday to close all beaches between 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. to let residents visit the beach in the early morning or sunset hours and deter visitors from driving long distances to hang out there .
Beaches are just the latest focus for frustrations over Newsom ’ s month-and-a-half-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain mostly indoors .
Businesses not deemed essential are closed until COVID-19 testing , hospital and death rates indicate the state outbreak is beginning to ease .
Millions have been unable to work .
While Newsom has promised a cautious , phased reopening of the state , protesters don ’ t want to wait .
In Huntington Beach , police estimated 2,500 to 3,000 people gathered for May Day on a beachside street .
In Sacramento , as police lined steps outside the Capitol , protesters on Friday waved signs that said “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U-S-A ” chants .
A few rallies took place Saturday , though attendance was significantly smaller .
For the vast majority of people , coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia , and death .
• Royal Caribbean CEO agrees to the CDC ’ s terms for disembarking crew stuck on ships • Boston mayor to donate $ 500,000 in campaign cash to coronavirus resiliency fund • Police hand out 126 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Highway The fear is that the virus can be spread in close quarters by people who don ’ t know they ’ ve contracted it , and allowing too much contact too soon could lead to a second surge of cases .

By Daisy Nguyen and Christopher Weber | Associated Press
SAN FRANCISCO — Beaches were mostly empty over the warm weekend as Californians heeded stay-at-home orders in anticipation that Gov. Gavin Newsom might ease some restrictions this week, while some rural communities announced plans to reopen on their own timetable.
In Orange County, where beaches were singled out for closure by the governor during the coronavirus pandemic, crowds were sparse as lifeguards and police patrolled and issued warnings to people to stay off the sand.
A Huntington Beach police spokeswoman said people were cooperating and no citations had been issued as of Sunday afternoon. In neighboring Newport Beach, police put out barricades and spoke with surfers to advise them of the closure, and said people were quick to comply.
Meanwhile, Modoc County on the state’s far northern end allowed businesses to open in defiance of the governor’s shutdown rules amid the coronavirus pandemic, and Sutter and Yuba counties said they would follow suit.
There haven’t been any confirmed cases of COVID-19 among Modoc’s 9,000 residents, which Sheriff Tex Dowdy said was a deciding factor in allowing a “staged, safe” reopening of hair salons, churches, restaurants and the county’s only movie theater. Businesses could only have half the patrons, and customers must stay 6 feet (1.8 meters) apart. No problems were reported over the weekend, officials said.
In Alturas, Antonio’s Cucina Italiana will remain delivery- and takeout-only for the time being, owner Stan Yagi said Sunday.
“We had to scale everything back and we’re just not ready to reopen the dining room yet,” said Yagi, who has owned the restaurant since 1997. Some of the longtime employees have underlying health problems and he doesn’t want to put them at risk, he said.
Yagi said he appreciates the need for widespread shutdowns in less rural communities. But he understands the decision by his fellow business owners to defy the governor’s orders.
“They’re hurting and they need to open. We’re all mom and pop places up here and it’s been difficult,” he said.
Just up the road at the Brass Rail, customers were back at the bar — the only portion of the Basque restaurant open so far. After a six-week shutdown, people were eager to be back among friends and neighbors, owner Jodie Larranga.
“It’s been a long haul. We’re a small community,” she said Friday.
Elsewhere, a variety of businesses from restaurants to hairstylists in rural and more populated areas have opened their doors in individual acts of defiance. Yuba and Sutter counties — both north of Sacramento — plan to allow some businesses to reopen on Monday as long as they follow social distancing protocols.
Newsom acknowledged the building economic anxiety while repeatedly teasing the possibility the state could begin relaxing aspects of the restrictions this week.
“We are all impatient,” the governor said during his daily briefing Friday.
But the governor also noted that while hospitalization statistics are heading in a better direction, the state still has a growing number of infections and deaths. Nearly 2,200 Californians have died from coronavirus and more than 53,000 have been confirmed to have it, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University, though the number of infections is thought to be far higher because of a shortage of testing.
Orange County beach cities argue that most of the tens of thousands of people who hit their shores during a heatwave last weekend did practice anti-virus safety measures and fumed that they were being unfairly singled out.
On Friday, a judge refused a request by Huntington Beach and others to block Newsom’s order to close the beaches. Judge Nathan Scott said he weighed the harm the closures caused the city and others, but the virus’s threat to public safety should take priority. He said he will consider the issue again May 11.
In Northern California, Santa Cruz County began on Saturday to close all beaches between 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. to let residents visit the beach in the early morning or sunset hours and deter visitors from driving long distances to hang out there.
Beaches are just the latest focus for frustrations over Newsom’s month-and-a-half-old order requiring nearly 40 million residents to remain mostly indoors. Businesses not deemed essential are closed until COVID-19 testing, hospital and death rates indicate the state outbreak is beginning to ease. Millions have been unable to work.
While Newsom has promised a cautious, phased reopening of the state, protesters don’t want to wait.
In Huntington Beach, police estimated 2,500 to 3,000 people gathered for May Day on a beachside street. In Sacramento, as police lined steps outside the Capitol, protesters on Friday waved signs that said “Defend Freedom” and broke into “U-S-A” chants. A few rallies took place Saturday, though attendance was significantly smaller.
For the vast majority of people, coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.
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Weber reported from Los Angeles.


mercurynews--2020-05-03--Boston mayor to donate $500,000 in campaign cash to coronavirus resiliency fund

Boston Mayor Martin Walsh announced on Sunday he will donate $ 500,000 from his campaign war chest to the city ’ s coronavirus resiliency fund .
“ I have been so moved by Boston ’ s response to this crisis that I wanted to do something meaningful , ” Walsh wrote in an email to supporters .
“ To all those who have supported me in the past , I want to say an extra thank you today .
This is your donation as well .
You put your trust in me to lead .
That ’ s what this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As of April 30 , Walsh ’ s campaign fund had $ 5.6 million in cash , according to state campaign finance data .
The fund launched in mid-March and in less than two months has raised more than $ 27.5 million for Boston residents most impacted by coronavirus , according to city data .
Donations have streamed in from almost 5,000 donors and the fund has so far distributed $ 15.2 million to 165 organizations in an effort to ease the economic hardship felt by tens of thousands of Bostonians who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make ends meet amid widespread shutdowns intended to slow the spread of coronavirus .
“ I know that this donation will go directly to help our most vulnerable neighbors , ” Walsh said in his email .
“ Parents working extra shifts at a hospital or losing income due to a business closing .
Kids at home needing healthy food and learning technology .
Elderly people worried about getting their groceries and medications .
That ’ s who we need to be there for .
Those are the kinds of need the Fund @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fund has focused on supporting Boston ’ s most vulnerable populations , including the homeless , those with mental health challenges and substance use disorders , and people with disabilities .
• Royal Caribbean CEO agrees to the CDC ’ s terms for disembarking crew stuck on ships • No crowds on California beaches ; counties look to reopen • Police hand out 126 tickets in 6 hours on Pacific Coast Highway All donations are awarded to local organizations through grants .
So far , $ 7.5 million has gone towards ensuring that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and seniors have access to food and basic needs .
To donate to the fund , visit : boston.gov/resiliency-fund .

Boston Mayor Martin Walsh announced on Sunday he will donate $500,000 from his campaign war chest to the city’s coronavirus resiliency fund.
“I have been so moved by Boston’s response to this crisis that I wanted to do something meaningful,” Walsh wrote in an email to supporters.
“To all those who have supported me in the past, I want to say an extra thank you today. This is your donation as well. You put your trust in me to lead. That’s what this moment calls for,” Walsh wrote.
As of April 30, Walsh’s campaign fund had $5.6 million in cash, according to state campaign finance data.
The fund launched in mid-March and in less than two months has raised more than $27.5 million for Boston residents most impacted by coronavirus, according to city data.
Donations have streamed in from almost 5,000 donors and the fund has so far distributed $15.2 million to 165 organizations in an effort to ease the economic hardship felt by tens of thousands of Bostonians who are out of work and struggling to make ends meet amid widespread shutdowns intended to slow the spread of coronavirus.
“I know that this donation will go directly to help our most vulnerable neighbors,” Walsh said in his email. “Parents working extra shifts at a hospital or losing income due to a business closing. Kids at home needing healthy food and learning technology. Elderly people worried about getting their groceries and medications. That’s who we need to be there for. Those are the kinds of need the Fund is meeting, every day.
The fund has focused on supporting Boston’s most vulnerable populations, including the homeless, those with mental health challenges and substance use disorders, and people with disabilities.
All donations are awarded to local organizations through grants. So far, $7.5 million has gone towards ensuring that Boston’s children, families, and seniors have access to food and basic needs.
To donate to the fund, visit: boston.gov/resiliency-fund.


mercurynews--2020-05-03--Police hand out 126 tickets in 6 hours on Pacific Coast Highway

Four police agencies cracked down on 126 motorists who were either speeding or had loud exhausts along Pacific Coast Highway on Saturday , May 2 .
The special enforcement was prompted by incidents the weekend before in which more than 100 motorists — some in supercars such as Lamborghinis and Ferrari ’ s and motorcyclists — sped through the coastal towns , drawing ire from residents .
In Laguna Beach , more than 100 residents complained to the police department in emails and phone calls .
“ The enforcement went very well , ” said Laguna Beach police Capt .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ effort .
In one instance , an Orange County Sheriff ’ s deputy clocked a motorcyclist at 103 mph in Dana Point along Pacific Coast Highway between Niguel Road and Crown Valley Parkway , Calvert said .
“ They will be out there in heavy enforcement again today , ’ he said .
“ It will be warm today and I ’ m guessing a lot of people will be out.
” The highest number of tickets were handed out by Californa Highway Patrol officers who worked an unincorporated segment along the highway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Officers cited 60 motorists along that stretch .
The weekend campaign also includes officers from the Newport Beach Police Department and the Orange County Sheriff ’ s Department .
It ’ s focused on Newport Beach , Laguna Beach and Dana Point .
The total number of citations on Saturday were issued during a six-hour window .
Police have seen an increase in motorists and speeds along the coastal route since the coronavirus shutdown was implemented in March .
In April .
Laguna Beach police officers wrote 300 citations for speeding and loud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emptied freeways , but 100+ mph tickets have skyrocketed Because of the high number of tickets issued along Pacific Coast Highway and Crystal Cove State Park , Calvert said the CHP plans to increase their presence there going forward .
“ I spoke with a captain in San Juan Capistrano and they recognize there is a problem there in the incorporated area that will need more enforcement , ” he said .

Four police agencies cracked down on 126 motorists who were either speeding or had loud exhausts along Pacific Coast Highway on Saturday, May 2.
Related Articles Crime and Public Safety | 180 mph on the freeway: Tales of speeding on the empty roads The special enforcement was prompted by incidents the weekend before in which more than 100 motorists — some in supercars such as Lamborghinis and Ferraris, some on motorcycles — sped through the coastal towns, drawing ire from residents. In Laguna Beach, more than 100 residents complained to the police department in emails and phone calls.
“The enforcement went very well,” said Laguna Beach police Capt. Jeff Calvert, who headed up the effort.
In one instance, an Orange County sheriff’s deputy clocked a motorcyclist at 103 mph on the Pacific Coast Highway near Dana Point, Calvert said.
“They will be out there in heavy enforcement again today,’ he said. “It will be warm today and I’m guessing a lot of people will be out.”
The highest number of tickets were handed out by Californa Highway Patrol officers who worked a segment of highway between Newport Coast and Laguna Beach. Officers cited 60 motorists along that stretch.
The weekend campaign also includes officers from the Newport Beach Police Department and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. It’s focused on Newport Beach, Laguna Beach and Dana Point. The total number of citations on Saturday were issued during a six-hour window.
Police have seen an increase in motorists and speeds along the coastal route since the coronavirus shutdown was implemented in March. In April. Laguna Beach police officers wrote 300 citations for speeding and loud exhausts.
Because of the high number of tickets issued on Pacific Coast Highway near Crystal Cove State Park, Calvert said the CHP plans to increase their presence there.
“I spoke with a captain in San Juan Capistrano and they recognize there is a problem there in the incorporated area that will need more enforcement,” he said.


mercurynews--2020-05-03--Families of prisoners at Terminal Island protest outside facility

About 20 family members and friends of inmates at the Terminal Island prison in San Pedro demonstrated outside the facility ’ s gates Sunday morning to demand better treatment for their loved ones .
More than half of the 1,050 inmates at the federal correctional facility have tested positive for the coronavirus .
As of Sunday , 620 inmates and six staff members acquired the virus and five inmates have died .
“ We want justice !
” they shouted , carrying signs with messages such as “ They were not sentenced to die from a virus , ” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” and “ Feed the inmates.
” Those who marched and held signs outside the gates Sunday shared what they knew about the conditions inside , where they say inmates have been locked down in their cells without the ability to make phone calls since the middle of April .
Prison officials have said prohibiting phone and internet use was necessary to prevent the spread of the virus .
What family members say they do know comes in the form of handwritten notes , such as the one shared by Gracy Zuniga from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to put inmates in solitary confinement for asking for help or refusing to work in the kitchen .
“ People try to put help signs but they said they will throw us in the shoe , which is the hole… They are keeping us misinformed !
” the inmate wrote .
“ I like the kitchen but it ’ s tiring… I tried to quit but they said they will send me to the hole because no one wants to work and all the jail is infected.
” They also said inmates are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Frustrated with the lack of information , Zuniga turned to social media and quickly organized a small group of family members to come out Sunday morning and vent their frustrations .
A group of police officers looked as armed guards at the prison gates also stood by vigilantly .
The group kept their distance , while wearing face masks , and exercised their first amendment rights .
Prison officials had no immediate comment on Sunday .
Another group of about a dozen people on Saturday participated in a car caravan demonstration at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bodybags toward the prison to protest the conditions there .
The Saturday demonstration was organized by Revcoms , short for the Revolutionary Communist Party .
“ All across the country during this COVID-19 pandemic , prisoners are being forced into conditions of disease and death , ” Revcoms member Lucha Bright said .
“ This mass death sentence must stop.
” The most frustrating thing for Rebecca Rodriguez , whose 49-year-old father has spent 10 years at the prison facility , was just not knowing .
He was not infected with the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deeply .
• Royal Caribbean CEO agrees to the CDC ’ s terms for disembarking crew stuck on ships • No crowds on California beaches ; counties look to reopen • Boston mayor to donate $ 500,000 in campaign cash to coronavirus resiliency fund “ We ’ re worried and scared , ” Rodriguez said on Sunday morning outside the prison gates .
“ All we are hearing is on social media or what we read in the news .
We want answers to questions and we ’ re here to speak on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much as anybody else ’ s does .
”

About 20 family members and friends of inmates at the Terminal Island prison in San Pedro demonstrated outside the facility’s gates Sunday morning to demand better treatment for their loved ones.
More than half of the 1,050 inmates at the federal correctional facility have tested positive for the coronavirus. As of Sunday, 620 inmates and six staff members acquired the virus and five inmates have died.
“We want justice!” they shouted, carrying signs with messages such as “They were not sentenced to die from a virus,” “I am my Dad’s voice” and “Feed the inmates.”
Those who marched and held signs outside the gates Sunday shared what they knew about the conditions inside, where they say inmates have been locked down in their cells without the ability to make phone calls since the middle of April. Prison officials have said prohibiting phone and internet use was necessary to prevent the spread of the virus.
What family members say they do know comes in the form of handwritten notes, such as the one shared by Gracy Zuniga from her 23-year-old brother saying prison guards threatened to put inmates in solitary confinement for asking for help or refusing to work in the kitchen.
“People try to put help signs but they said they will throw us in the shoe, which is the hole… They are keeping us misinformed!” the inmate wrote. “I like the kitchen but it’s tiring… I tried to quit but they said they will send me to the hole because no one wants to work and all the jail is infected.”
They also said inmates are complaining about not receiving enough food.
Frustrated with the lack of information, Zuniga turned to social media and quickly organized a small group of family members to come out Sunday morning and vent their frustrations. A group of police officers looked as armed guards at the prison gates also stood by vigilantly. The group kept their distance, while wearing face masks, and exercised their first amendment rights.
Prison officials had no immediate comment on Sunday.
Another group of about a dozen people on Saturday participated in a car caravan demonstration at the Terminal Island prison. Demonstrators carried symbolic bodybags toward the prison to protest the conditions there.
The Saturday demonstration was organized by Revcoms, short for the Revolutionary Communist Party.
“All across the country during this COVID-19 pandemic, prisoners are being forced into conditions of disease and death,” Revcoms member Lucha Bright said. “This mass death sentence must stop.”
The most frustrating thing for Rebecca Rodriguez, whose 49-year-old father has spent 10 years at the prison facility, was just not knowing. He was not infected with the virus, but she and her mother worried deeply.
“We’re worried and scared,” Rodriguez said on Sunday morning outside the prison gates. “All we are hearing is on social media or what we read in the news. We want answers to questions and we’re here to speak on their behalf. Their lives matter as much as anybody else’s does.”


mercurynews--2020-05-04--Word Game: May 4, 2020

Word Game: May 4, 2020

Can you find 21 or more words in NAPERY ?
The list will be published tomorrow .
To purchase the @ @ @ @ @ WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 while supplies last !
1 .
@ @ @ @ @ or more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four letters by the addition of @ @ @ @ @ as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” are not allowed .
3 .
@ @ @ @ @ a “ d ” or an “ s ” may not be used .
For @ @ @ @ @ ” is used , “ baked ” or “ bakes ” are not allowed , @ @ @ @ @ “ baking ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper nouns , slang words , or @ @ @ @ @ are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — NAPERY (NAPERY: NAP-uh-ree: Table linens.)
Average mark 16 words
Time limit 30 minutes
Can you find 21 or more words in NAPERY? The list will be published tomorrow.
SATURDAY’S WORD — LANGUISH lain lash lashing lasing laugh ling lung lush
aguish align anguish nail nigh gain gash gnash gush ulna using sail sang shag
shin shun sigh sign signal sing slag slain slang sling slug sluing slung snag snail
snug suing sung hail hang haul hauling hula hung
To purchase the Word Game book, visit WordGameBooks.com. Order it now for just $5 while supplies last!
RULES OF THE GAME:
1. Words must be of four or more letters.
2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.
3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” are not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible.
4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.
Contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe at kzsaxe@gmail.com.


mercurynews--2020-05-04--Horoscopes May 4, 2020: Erin Andrews, look for possibilities.

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY : Rory McIlroy , 31 ; Erin Andrews , 42 ; Will Arnett , 50 ; Randy Travis , 61 .
Happy Birthday : Look for possibilities .
Your options are vast , and you shouldn ’ t sell yourself short or act in haste .
Time is on your side , and the best opportunities will come if you are willing to wait for the best deal this year .
Intelligence and intuition will play major roles in how your life unfolds and the gains you make .
Your numbers are 5 , 13 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 46 , 49 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Do your best to get along .
Being forward-thinking , having a positive attitude and using a diligent approach to whatever you decide to do will give you the leverage you need to get ahead .
Personal gain and physical improvements are favored .
3 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Slow down , take a deep breath and look over your options .
Don ’ t let anger or anxiety take over or cause you to miss out on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be half the battle when dealing with your peers .
3 stars GEMINI ( May 21-June 20 ) : An opportunity should be looked at carefully .
If you are too quick to dismiss a possibility , you may have regret .
Personal gain is within reach , but first , get the lowdown on what ’ s involved in getting what you want .
5 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : A change will be an excellent way to learn and experience something that will broaden your outlook and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ options .
The busier you are , the less time you ’ ll have to let negativity interfere .
2 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Make well-thought-out changes that are based on truth and intelligence .
You ’ ll get much further if you go about your business , take care of your responsibilities and offer kind gestures to those you love .
4 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Concentrate on what makes you happy .
Make changes that will allow you to head in a direction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone or anything stand between you and what you want .
Take advantage of an opportunity to bring about change .
3 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Be aware of what everyone around you is doing .
Don ’ t reveal personal information .
Dig in and set your plans in motion .
Take the initiative , and do the work yourself .
Positive change will depend on how much you are willing to do .
3 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Take a stance .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not get the support you need to follow through with your plans .
If change is what you want , be prepared to be the one to make it happen .
3 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Keep your life simple , and stick to the truth .
Do something that requires physical energy .
An activity that presents a challenge will keep you preoccupied and help you avoid trouble .
Don ’ t count on others .
If you want something done , do it yourself .
4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Take care of unfinished business , and move on to activities you enjoy .
The changes you make at home should lower your overhead and ease stress .
Invest in something that will help you bring in more cash .
Negotiations look promising .
5 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Don ’ t feel you have to follow the crowd .
Think and do for yourself in order to avoid disappointment .
Spend more time addressing personal issues that can encourage a healthier and happier lifestyle .
Personal improvement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Keep an open mind , but don ’ t make a presumptuous move because someone else does .
You can offer support without investing or buying into someone ’ s plan .
A personal problem will surface if you aren ’ t forthright .
Be honest , and do your own thing .
3 stars Birthday Baby : You are hardheaded , aggressive and demonstrative .
You are loyal and responsive .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Rory McIlroy, 31; Erin Andrews, 42; Will Arnett, 50; Randy Travis, 61.
Happy Birthday: Look for possibilities. Your options are vast, and you shouldn’t sell yourself short or act in haste. Time is on your side, and the best opportunities will come if you are willing to wait for the best deal this year. Intelligence and intuition will play major roles in how your life unfolds and the gains you make. Your numbers are 5, 13, 20, 24, 33, 46, 49.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Do your best to get along. Being forward-thinking, having a positive attitude and using a diligent approach to whatever you decide to do will give you the leverage you need to get ahead. Personal gain and physical improvements are favored. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Slow down, take a deep breath and look over your options. Don’t let anger or anxiety take over or cause you to miss out on something that has potential. Getting along will be half the battle when dealing with your peers. 3 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): An opportunity should be looked at carefully. If you are too quick to dismiss a possibility, you may have regret. Personal gain is within reach, but first, get the lowdown on what’s involved in getting what you want. 5 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): A change will be an excellent way to learn and experience something that will broaden your outlook and give you a chance to explore different options. The busier you are, the less time you’ll have to let negativity interfere. 2 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Make well-thought-out changes that are based on truth and intelligence. You’ll get much further if you go about your business, take care of your responsibilities and offer kind gestures to those you love. 4 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Concentrate on what makes you happy. Make changes that will allow you to head in a direction that excites you. Refuse to let anyone or anything stand between you and what you want. Take advantage of an opportunity to bring about change. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Be aware of what everyone around you is doing. Don’t reveal personal information. Dig in and set your plans in motion. Take the initiative, and do the work yourself. Positive change will depend on how much you are willing to do. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Take a stance. If you show inconsistency or anger, you will not get the support you need to follow through with your plans. If change is what you want, be prepared to be the one to make it happen. 3 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Keep your life simple, and stick to the truth. Do something that requires physical energy. An activity that presents a challenge will keep you preoccupied and help you avoid trouble. Don’t count on others. If you want something done, do it yourself. 4 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Take care of unfinished business, and move on to activities you enjoy. The changes you make at home should lower your overhead and ease stress. Invest in something that will help you bring in more cash. Negotiations look promising. 5 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Don’t feel you have to follow the crowd. Think and do for yourself in order to avoid disappointment. Spend more time addressing personal issues that can encourage a healthier and happier lifestyle. Personal improvement, romance and exercise are encouraged. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Keep an open mind, but don’t make a presumptuous move because someone else does. You can offer support without investing or buying into someone’s plan. A personal problem will surface if you aren’t forthright. Be honest, and do your own thing. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are hardheaded, aggressive and demonstrative. You are loyal and responsive.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


Bridge: May 4, 2020

“ Millard fixed me again , ” Cy the Cynic fumed to me in the club lounge .
Millard Pringle is a quiet little man — retired from the IRS — whose train of thought is apt to get derailed .
“ I was declarer at four spades , ” Cy said , displaying today ’ s deal , “ and Millard led a heart as West .
East took the jack and ace and next led the queen .
I followed suit , and Millard … discarded a club !
” Cy ruffed in dummy and led a trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took the queen , and East ’ s king had to score for down one .
“ If Millard ruffs with his queen on the third heart , ” the Cynic said , “ I can pick up East ’ s king and get home.
” “ Millard seems to have a screw loose , ” I said .
“ Maybe he ’ s an expert in disguise.
” “ Screw loose ?
” the Cynic snorted .
“ His whole toolbox is empty .
I don ’ t know why he didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He probably thought the contract was notrump.
” East always beats four spades by leading a trump at Trick Two .
You hold : S 8 3 H 8 4 D A K 10 6 3 C A K 9 4 .
Your partner opens one spade , you bid two diamonds , he rebids two spades , you try three clubs and partner bids three hearts .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : Partner suggests six spades and four hearts with minimum values , but he may have a hand such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , A 7 6 , 5 4 , Q 5 and is reluctant to commit to notrump .
Bid three spades .
After you have made two strength-showing bids , he should treat three spades as forcing .

“Millard fixed me again,” Cy the Cynic fumed to me in the club lounge.
Millard Pringle is a quiet little man — retired from the IRS — whose train of thought is apt to get derailed.
“I was declarer at four spades,” Cy said, displaying today’s deal, “and Millard led a heart as West. East took the jack and ace and next led the queen. I followed suit, and Millard … discarded a club!”
“He didn’t ruff with his queen?” I asked.
Cy ruffed in dummy and led a trump to his jack, but then Millard took the queen, and East’s king had to score for down one.
THIRD HEART
“If Millard ruffs with his queen on the third heart,” the Cynic said, “I can pick up East’s king and get home.”
“Millard seems to have a screw loose,” I said. “Maybe he’s an expert in disguise.”
“Screw loose?” the Cynic snorted. “His whole toolbox is empty. I don’t know why he didn’t ruff the third heart. He probably thought the contract was notrump.”
East always beats four spades by leading a trump at Trick Two.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S 8 3 H 8 4 D A K 10 6 3 C A K 9 4. Your partner opens one spade, you bid two diamonds, he rebids two spades, you try three clubs and partner bids three hearts. What do you say?
ANSWER: Partner suggests six spades and four hearts with minimum values, but he may have a hand such as A K 10 7 5 4, A 7 6, 5 4, Q 5 and is reluctant to commit to notrump. Bid three spades. After you have made two strength-showing bids, he should treat three spades as forcing.
North dealer
Neither side vulnerable
NORTH
S 8 3
H 8 4
D A K 10 6 3
C A K 9 4
WEST
S Q 6
H 9 5
D Q 9 8 7 4
C 10 6 5 2
EAST
S K 7 2
H A K Q J 7 3
D J 2
C 8 3
SOUTH
S A J 10 9 5 4
H 10 6 2
D 5
C Q J 7
North East South West
1 D 1 H 1 S Pass
2 C 2 H 2 S Pass
3 S Pass 4 S All Pass
Opening lead — H 9
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