mercurynews--2020-12-07--Real estate prices soar during pandemic, climbing 25% in parts of California

When Colette Barss sold her Seaside home this spring , her new east Garrison-area home had been sitting on the market for about 190 days .
She ended up buying it for about $ 60,000 under asking price .
Today , that would be extremely unlikely .
The price of real estate has soared across the country since the pandemic , and California isn ’ t immune .
Across the state , home prices are up by almost 20 % and the Central Coast , a tight housing market to begin with , has been squeezed even tighter with prices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wealthier residents of San Francisco , San Jose and even Los Angeles are flooding markets from Redding to the Central Valley , hitting each suburb in between .
Fleeing the stifling shelter-in-place brought on by the pandemic and newly endowed with the ability to work from home , Realtors say their clients are searching for bigger floor plans , lots and access to the outdoors .
A larger percentage than normal are buying investment properties that can serve as a vacation home , or even a primary residence , should they decide to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clients are prepared to bargain fiercely for a home , even coming in above asking price with an all-cash offer — which is often made possible by selling homes in pricey regions on their way out .
While that ’ s leading to an influx of wealthier landowners , it is pricing local renters — potential homebuyers — out of the market , experts say .
Barss sold her home in “ deep quarantine.
” They put the house on the market shortly before the shelter-in-place orders and then it “ sat untouched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agents were prevented from holding open houses .
Once the orders lifted , though , Barss said it sold within two months .
“ It was really stressful , I guess , ” Barss said .
“ Sotheby ’ s had these procedures in place …about disinfecting .
They had this little kit in our house with Lysol and disinfecting wipes , and the Realtor would always disinfect everything .
It made me feel better about all of it.
” The hardest part , Barss said , living in her home while it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go when potential buyers showed up ?
“ I just drove around , ” she said .
“ Where are you supposed to go when shelter-in-place was going on ?
” Still , the pandemic has spurred buyers and sellers .
Across the U.S. , home sales and prices on everything from new construction to condos has soared since shutdowns began .
In some markets , new listings last hours , if priced right .
A release by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development showed the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % higher in October than last year , though dropped slightly from September .
Current sales and price statistics compiled by the California Association of Realtors ( CAR ) shows that home prices across the state in October were up by more than 17 % from the same time one year ago , and the average sales price is more than $ 700,000 .
Supply is the lowest it has been in years , CAR ’ s report said .
California homes spend a median of just ten days on the market .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has experienced the greatest price increase in California , with prices up an average of 25 % year-to-year .
Data provided by the Monterey Coast Realty and Carmel Realty Company backed that up .
Though prices are highest in already-affluent parts of the Peninsula , the realty companies reported the third quarter of 2020 was one of the busiest quarters in their market ’ s history .
Sotheby ’ s International Realtor Juliette ( Jette ) Ferguson helped Barss with the sale and purchase of both her homes .
She said she saw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the shutdown restrictions on home showings eased .
Ferguson said in her experience , buyers tend to be signing contracts for an average of $ 50,000 over asking on houses in the $ 600- $ 800,000 range .
She tries to help them make the best decisions possible based on her understanding of the housing market , but she ’ s been a bit stymied by the strength of the market .
“ It was counter-intuitive , ” said Ferguson .
“ I didn ’ t expect COVID to make the market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the signs are there that it should be going down , but it ’ s still steady and up .
“ It ’ s always their choice , but I ’ m blunt and I ’ ll say if I would do it or not at this time…but I ’ m afraid to say at this point , ” she said .
“ I don ’ t want to be wrong and then they didn ’ t buy and then it ’ s more.
” Monterey County was already stretched thin , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a lack of new development crowding too many people into too-few homes .
Between 2006 and 2018 , the median household income in California grew 6.4 % , but the average real income for the lowest 20 % of households dropped by 5.3 % .
During that same time period , the cost of housing increased by more than 8 % from 2017 .
This led to an increase in houses busting at the trusses with generations of family members .
Based on 2011-2015 data from the Healthy Communities Data and Indicators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health found that in California , 8.2 % of households are considered overcrowded , which health officials say can lead to a higher risk of COVID-19 among occupants .
The county has remained classified as purple tier — California ’ s classification for a case rate of seven diagnoses per day per 100,000 people , the highest rate — since the shelter-in-place orders were announced in March .
In Monterey County , the rate of overcrowded households stands at 12.7 % and Latino households in California are the most likely to be overcrowded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , only 1.7 % of white households are overcrowded .
In Monterey County , about 75 % of those diagnosed with COVID-19 are Latino or Hispanic , per county health data .
According to a 2015 fact sheet by researchers at San Diego State University and the Center for Immigrant Integration at the University of Southern California , an estimated 18 % , or just under 9,000 , of the 49,000 people who live in East Salinas are undocumented immigrants .
The researchers estimate only about 23 % of undocumented immigrants have health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S.-born population , excluding documented immigrants .
As such , they may be less likely to take advantage of available healthcare .
A 2019 analysis of Census Bureau data by the California Budget and Policy Center found statewide economic inequality , resulting in millions being unable to afford basic bills .
That economic inequality has grown has grown since much of the U.S. voluntarily shut down to stem the spread of the virus .
As such , the state and various counties placed moratoriums on evictions for nonpayment of rent , protections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That , says Monterey Bay Economic Partnership ( MBEP ) Housing Director Matt Huerta , could be a disaster for folks in already-tenuous situations .
“ There ’ s national data coming out that says millions of people are concerned about their ability to make rent next month , ” said Huerta .
“ We will see anecdotal evidence next year .
We don ’ t know how many people are behind on their rent , but those state protections burn off at the end of January .
“ It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plays a role to intervene for the most vulnerable residents in our community so that we don ’ t exacerbate the health emergency with a flood of evictions , ” he said .
California State Senator Anna Caballero ( D-Salinas ) launched the Neighborhood Homes Act ( S.B .
1385 ) in the spring that she hoped would help create more housing in the area while not intruding on essential agricultural land .
“ This pandemic is ravaging the Latino farmworker community because of lack of affordable housing , and people are required @ @ @ @ @ @ @ takes multiple wage earners to be able to afford the rents right now , ” Caballero said .
“ It ’ s frightening , ” Caballero said .
“ The bottom line is that what we desperately need are housing units that people can afford that actually work in the community.
” Caballero ’ s bill would have turned underperforming or vacant big box stores – like K-Mart or Toys ‘ R Us – into condos or apartments .
She hoped this approach would create walkable new housing while keeping greenhouse gases low @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boon to the community .
A similar development already took place in Salinas ’ s Creekbridge area , where a Safeway grocery store was built alongside more than 15 condos .
“ If you live there , ” said Caballero , “ you can walk downstairs , get your insurance , do your banking , get your groceries .
If you don ’ t live there , you ’ d never know ( they were there ) . ” Caballero ’ s bill did not pass , which she attributed to the expedited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the heels of the shelter-in-place rules .
There simply wasn ’ t time to address the points other legislators raised , she said .
Caballero is retooling the bill based on feedback she received and hopes it will pass in 2021 .
“ People have been losing housing ever since the recession , ” Caballero said .
“ When so many people lost homes that were overinflated in value , you have investors who buy up homes .
Here , locally , there ’ s a real need for small units so people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ door.
” Realtors Anita Madison and Kim DiBenedetto respectively work at sister companies Monterey Coast Realty and Carmel Realty Co. Carmel Realty focuses on the luxury brand and only lists houses over $ 1 million , while Monterey Coast focuses on properties that are less than $ 1 million .
Comparing sales and prices quarter-to-quarter and year-over-year , DiBenedetto said the numbers they ’ ve seen are “ crazy , ” once they were able to start showing houses again .
Many of their clients come from San Jose and San Francisco , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more of them .
They ’ re also getting more buyers up from L.A. than they typically see , she said .
While typically these buyers would be looking for a second home , many of them are turning it into their primary residences , DiBenedetto said .
“ What you ’ re really seeing , too , even in the more affordable price points , like East Garrison and the Dunes , a huge percentage of those are people who work in Silicon Valley , ” DiBenedetto said .
“ Normally they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Marina , but now they don ’ t even have to commute .
They say , ‘ I can buy anywhere.
’ ” The comparatively low infection rate in Monterey County , and particularly on the Peninsula , along with the ease of access to the outdoors was a huge draw for many of Madison ’ s clients , when looking at the congested cities of the Bay Area .
In San Francisco and San Jose , too , the cost of high-rise condos and apartments has dropped , while the prices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If you ’ re going to pay what it costs to live in the city , you can be here instead , probably for less , work from home , and be somewhere that ’ s a lot more low-key , ” Madison said .
“ They just wanted out of the bigger cities , ” DiBenedetto added .
“ If you live in a high-rise condo building , they felt somewhat trapped.
” DiBenedetto recalled one family she sold to , who purchased a second home in Monterey County so their son @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had a lower chance of exposure to COVID-19 than he would in San Francisco .
While luxury housing is an important part of the market , MBEP ’ s Huerta said , the county has fallen far behind on its goals of building affordable housing , which would help spread out the farmworker population and lower rents , as well as the spread of COVID-19 .
For that to happen , he said , elected officials at the city and county level needed to find the political will to make big changes : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reallocating funds for more affordable housing .
So far , Huerta noted , Monterey County has been more amenable to greenlighting luxury housing developments than it has moderate or affordable housing .
Without some sort of government intervention , a large group of people would find themselves worse off after the pandemic , Huerta said .
“ We are one of these areas of the country that are seeing and going to see more of a ‘ K ’ -shaped recovery , where you have kind of diverging paths , ” said Huerta @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are going to do well : buyers and homeowners that have enough money to buy the higher homes .
And then you have the other end of the ‘ K , ’ where people are suffering and going to suffer more .
These people will have higher rents and ( will be ) unable to buy .
“ The recovery is going to get worse for them.
” Kate Cimini is a reporter with The Salinas Californian covering ag , housing and health .
She reported this story with support from the California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Journalism .
Annenberg ’ s engagement editor Danielle Fox contributed engagement support to this story .
This article is part of The California Divide , a collaboration among newsrooms examining income inequity and economic survival in California .

By Kate Cimini | CALMatters
When Colette Barss sold her Seaside home this spring, her new east Garrison-area home had been sitting on the market for about 190 days. She ended up buying it for about $60,000 under asking price.
Today, that would be extremely unlikely.
The price of real estate has soared across the country since the pandemic, and California isn’t immune. Across the state, home prices are up by almost 20% and the Central Coast, a tight housing market to begin with, has been squeezed even tighter with prices up an average of 25%.
Wealthier residents of San Francisco, San Jose and even Los Angeles are flooding markets from Redding to the Central Valley, hitting each suburb in between.
Fleeing the stifling shelter-in-place brought on by the pandemic and newly endowed with the ability to work from home, Realtors say their clients are searching for bigger floor plans, lots and access to the outdoors. A larger percentage than normal are buying investment properties that can serve as a vacation home, or even a primary residence, should they decide to make the move.
Realtors say their clients are prepared to bargain fiercely for a home, even coming in above asking price with an all-cash offer — which is often made possible by selling homes in pricey regions on their way out.
While that’s leading to an influx of wealthier landowners, it is pricing local renters — potential homebuyers — out of the market, experts say.
‘It’s counter-intuitive’
Barss sold her home in “deep quarantine.” They put the house on the market shortly before the shelter-in-place orders and then it “sat untouched” for 30 days as real estate agents were prevented from holding open houses. Once the orders lifted, though, Barss said it sold within two months.
A for sale sign is placed at the corner of San Miguel Canyon Road and Echo Valley Road in Prunedale., on Friday, Nov. 27, 2020. Photo by David Rodriguez, The Salinas Californian
“It was really stressful, I guess,” Barss said. “Sotheby’s had these procedures in place …about disinfecting. They had this little kit in our house with Lysol and disinfecting wipes, and the Realtor would always disinfect everything. It made me feel better about all of it.”
The hardest part, Barss said, living in her home while it was being shown. Where could she go when potential buyers showed up?
“I just drove around,” she said. “Where are you supposed to go when shelter-in-place was going on?”
Still, the pandemic has spurred buyers and sellers. Across the U.S., home sales and prices on everything from new construction to condos has soared since shutdowns began.
In some markets, new listings last hours, if priced right.
A release by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development showed the number of newly-constructed homes sold nationally was 41.5% higher in October than last year, though dropped slightly from September.
Current sales and price statistics compiled by the California Association of Realtors (CAR) shows that home prices across the state in October were up by more than 17% from the same time one year ago, and the average sales price is more than $700,000.
Supply is the lowest it has been in years, CAR’s report said. California homes spend a median of just ten days on the market.
CAR data shows that the Central Coast has experienced the greatest price increase in California, with prices up an average of 25% year-to-year.
Data provided by the Monterey Coast Realty and Carmel Realty Company backed that up. Though prices are highest in already-affluent parts of the Peninsula, the realty companies reported the third quarter of 2020 was one of the busiest quarters in their market’s history.
Sotheby’s International Realtor Juliette (Jette) Ferguson helped Barss with the sale and purchase of both her homes. She said she saw this bubble start in spring, soon after the shutdown restrictions on home showings eased.
A Carmel Realty Co. sign hangs in front of a home in Pacific Grove, on Friday, Nov. 27, 2020. Photo by David Rodriguez, The Salinas Californian
Ferguson said in her experience, buyers tend to be signing contracts for an average of $50,000 over asking on houses in the $600-$800,000 range. She tries to help them make the best decisions possible based on her understanding of the housing market, but she’s been a bit stymied by the strength of the market.
“It was counter-intuitive,” said Ferguson. “I didn’t expect COVID to make the market increase. Interest rates are low…and all the signs are there that it should be going down, but it’s still steady and up.
“It’s always their choice, but I’m blunt and I’ll say if I would do it or not at this time…but I’m afraid to say at this point,” she said. “I don’t want to be wrong and then they didn’t buy and then it’s more.”
Crowding and COVID-19
Monterey County was already stretched thin, with high home prices, abundant agricultural land and a lack of new development crowding too many people into too-few homes.
Between 2006 and 2018, the median household income in California grew 6.4%, but the average real income for the lowest 20% of households dropped by 5.3%. During that same time period, the cost of housing increased by more than 8% from 2017.
This led to an increase in houses busting at the trusses with generations of family members.
Based on 2011-2015 data from the Healthy Communities Data and Indicators Project, the California Department of Public Health found that in California, 8.2% of households are considered overcrowded, which health officials say can lead to a higher risk of COVID-19 among occupants.
The county has remained classified as purple tier — California’s classification for a case rate of seven diagnoses per day per 100,000 people, the highest rate — since the shelter-in-place orders were announced in March.
In Monterey County, the rate of overcrowded households stands at 12.7% and Latino households in California are the most likely to be overcrowded, at 20.1%. In contrast, only 1.7% of white households are overcrowded.
A for sale sign is placed in front of a home on Maher Road in Prunedale, on Friday, Nov. 27, 2020. Photo by David Rodriguez, The Salinas Californian
In Monterey County, about 75% of those diagnosed with COVID-19 are Latino or Hispanic, per county health data.
According to a 2015 fact sheet by researchers at San Diego State University and the Center for Immigrant Integration at the University of Southern California, an estimated 18%, or just under 9,000, of the 49,000 people who live in East Salinas are undocumented immigrants.
The researchers estimate only about 23% of undocumented immigrants have health insurance, compared with 63% of the U.S.-born population, excluding documented immigrants. As such, they may be less likely to take advantage of available healthcare.
A 2019 analysis of Census Bureau data by the California Budget and Policy Center found statewide economic inequality, resulting in millions being unable to afford basic bills. That economic inequality has grown has grown since much of the U.S. voluntarily shut down to stem the spread of the virus. As such, the state and various counties placed moratoriums on evictions for nonpayment of rent, protections that are set to expire in January.
That, says Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) Housing Director Matt Huerta, could be a disaster for folks in already-tenuous situations.
“There’s national data coming out that says millions of people are concerned about their ability to make rent next month,” said Huerta. “We will see anecdotal evidence next year. We don’t know how many people are behind on their rent, but those state protections burn off at the end of January.
“It’s going to be critical that the state plays a role to intervene for the most vulnerable residents in our community so that we don’t exacerbate the health emergency with a flood of evictions,” he said.
A for sale sign hangs in front of a home in Pacific Grove, on Friday, Nov. 27, 2020. Photo by David Rodriguez, The Salinas Californian
California State Senator Anna Caballero (D-Salinas) launched the Neighborhood Homes Act (S.B. 1385) in the spring that she hoped would help create more housing in the area while not intruding on essential agricultural land.
“This pandemic is ravaging the Latino farmworker community because of lack of affordable housing, and people are required to double and triple up because it takes multiple wage earners to be able to afford the rents right now,” Caballero said.
“It’s frightening,” Caballero said. “The bottom line is that what we desperately need are housing units that people can afford that actually work in the community.”
Caballero’s bill would have turned underperforming or vacant big box stores – like K-Mart or Toys ‘R Us – into condos or apartments. She hoped this approach would create walkable new housing while keeping greenhouse gases low, and turning vacant eyesores into a boon to the community.
A similar development already took place in Salinas’s Creekbridge area, where a Safeway grocery store was built alongside more than 15 condos.
“If you live there,” said Caballero, “you can walk downstairs, get your insurance, do your banking, get your groceries. If you don’t live there, you’d never know (they were there).”
Caballero’s bill did not pass, which she attributed to the expedited sessions the Legislature was subjected to on the heels of the shelter-in-place rules. There simply wasn’t time to address the points other legislators raised, she said. Caballero is retooling the bill based on feedback she received and hopes it will pass in 2021.
“People have been losing housing ever since the recession,” Caballero said. “When so many people lost homes that were overinflated in value, you have investors who buy up homes. Here, locally, there’s a real need for small units so people can. get their foot in the door.”
‘Somewhat trapped’
An apartment complex has room available for rent in south Salinas, on Friday, Nov. 27, 2020. Photo by David Rodriguez, The Salinas Californian
Realtors Anita Madison and Kim DiBenedetto respectively work at sister companies Monterey Coast Realty and Carmel Realty Co. Carmel Realty focuses on the luxury brand and only lists houses over $1 million, while Monterey Coast focuses on properties that are less than $1 million.
Comparing sales and prices quarter-to-quarter and year-over-year, DiBenedetto said the numbers they’ve seen are “crazy,” once they were able to start showing houses again. Many of their clients come from San Jose and San Francisco, she said, there’s simply more of them. They’re also getting more buyers up from L.A. than they typically see, she said.
While typically these buyers would be looking for a second home, many of them are turning it into their primary residences, DiBenedetto said.
“What you’re really seeing, too, even in the more affordable price points, like East Garrison and the Dunes, a huge percentage of those are people who work in Silicon Valley,” DiBenedetto said. “Normally they buy a little further north, like in Marina, but now they don’t even have to commute. They say, ‘I can buy anywhere.’”
The comparatively low infection rate in Monterey County, and particularly on the Peninsula, along with the ease of access to the outdoors was a huge draw for many of Madison’s clients, when looking at the congested cities of the Bay Area. In San Francisco and San Jose, too, the cost of high-rise condos and apartments has dropped, while the prices for single-family homes has climbed.
A sign for The Ruiz Group stands in front of a home in a Salinas neighborhood on Friday, Nov. 27, 2020. Photo by David Rodriguez, The Salinas Californian
“If you’re going to pay what it costs to live in the city, you can be here instead, probably for less, work from home, and be somewhere that’s a lot more low-key,” Madison said.
“They just wanted out of the bigger cities,” DiBenedetto added. “If you live in a high-rise condo building, they felt somewhat trapped.”
DiBenedetto recalled one family she sold to, who purchased a second home in Monterey County so their son, who had preexisting health issues, had a lower chance of exposure to COVID-19 than he would in San Francisco.
While luxury housing is an important part of the market, MBEP’s Huerta said, the county has fallen far behind on its goals of building affordable housing, which would help spread out the farmworker population and lower rents, as well as the spread of COVID-19.
For that to happen, he said, elected officials at the city and county level needed to find the political will to make big changes: streamlining permitting and zoning and raising or reallocating funds for more affordable housing.
So far, Huerta noted, Monterey County has been more amenable to greenlighting luxury housing developments than it has moderate or affordable housing.
Without some sort of government intervention, a large group of people would find themselves worse off after the pandemic, Huerta said.
“We are one of these areas of the country that are seeing and going to see more of a ‘K’-shaped recovery, where you have kind of diverging paths,” said Huerta. “One path for folks that are going to do well: buyers and homeowners that have enough money to buy the higher homes. And then you have the other end of the ‘K,’ where people are suffering and going to suffer more. These people will have higher rents and (will be) unable to buy.
“The recovery is going to get worse for them.”
A new homes for sale sign is placed near the East Garrison neighborhood homes in Marina, on Friday, Nov. 27, 2020. Photo by David Rodriguez, The Salinas Californian
Kate Cimini is a reporter with The Salinas Californian covering ag, housing and health. She reported this story with support from the California Fellowship through the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism. Annenberg’s engagement editor Danielle Fox contributed engagement support to this story.
This article is part of The California Divide, a collaboration among newsrooms examining income inequity and economic survival in California.


mercurynews--2020-12-07--Autopsy: Soldier from California found dead in North Carolina decapitated

RALEIGH , N.C. — An autopsy has found a Fort Bragg solider found dead this summer on North Carolina ’ s Outer Banks was decapitated .
The Raleigh News & Observer reports that Spc .
Enrique Roman-Martinez ’ s death was a homicide , but the cause of death remains undetermined because only his head was available for examination , according to the Division of Forensic Pathology at East Carolina University ’ s Brody School of Medicine .
“ While decapitation is , in and of itself , universally fatal , the remainder of the body in this case was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential causes of death involving the torso and extremities can not be excluded , ” the report states .
Among the findings : “ Evidence of multiple chop injuries of the head ” and a jaw broken in at least two places , the report says .
• California school district : Boy killed by bullies died due to own negligence Roman-Martinez was a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division .
He was reported missing May 23 , while on a Memorial Day weekend camping trip with friends at Cape Lookout National Seashore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offered for tips leading to an arrest and conviction in the case , the Army says .
To date , no arrests have been announced .

RALEIGH, N.C. — An autopsy has found a Fort Bragg solider found dead this summer on North Carolina’s Outer Banks was decapitated.
The Raleigh News & Observer reports that Spc. Enrique Roman-Martinez’s death was a homicide, but the cause of death remains undetermined because only his head was available for examination, according to the Division of Forensic Pathology at East Carolina University’s Brody School of Medicine.
“While decapitation is, in and of itself, universally fatal, the remainder of the body in this case was not available for examination, and therefore potential causes of death involving the torso and extremities cannot be excluded,” the report states.
Among the findings: “Evidence of multiple chop injuries of the head” and a jaw broken in at least two places, the report says.
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California woman sentenced to 26 years for fatal pruning shears attack on 2 neighbors Crime and Public Safety | During murder trial, California man claims that he accidentally strangled his girlfriend in 2018 Roman-Martinez was a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division. He was reported missing May 23, while on a Memorial Day weekend camping trip with friends at Cape Lookout National Seashore.
Roman-Martinez, 21, was a native of Chino, California.
A $25,000 reward has been offered for tips leading to an arrest and conviction in the case, the Army says. To date, no arrests have been announced.


mercurynews--2020-12-07--Some California business owners will defy governor’s coronavirus shutdown order

From the apple-growing foothills of Oak Glen to the Pacific Ocean , owners of restaurants , wineries , resorts , hair salons and other enterprises said they would defy the coronavirus shutdown taking effect a minute before midnight on Sunday , Dec. 6 .
In the midst of a holiday shopping season dramatically reshaped by the COVID-19 pandemic , some Southern California small business operators were making the calculated choice to stay open — or continue offering outdoor dining — at the risk of being shut down by authorities later .
Some entrepreneurs said they ’ d take that gamble @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of business , anyway , if they didn ’ t ignore the shutdown and continue operating as they have been — in pandemic-modified fashion .
Health officials , however , are pleading with everyone to comply with the order .
“ This shared temporary sacrifice is our duty , and it is the best tool that we have to control the transmission of the virus and prevent our hospitals and ICUs from getting overwhelmed , ” said Shira Shafir , associate professor of epidemiology and community health sciences at the UCLA Fielding School @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the shutdown , some businesses were bustling on Sunday .
Large crowds flocked to Smokey Canyon BBQ in Riverside .
“ People are panicking , thinking this is the last day , ” owner Pam Nusser said .
But if her restaurant stops serving customers at tables , she said , it won ’ t be able to pay its expenses .
She plans to continue outdoor dining .
The popular Silver Dollar Pancake House restaurant in Corona had no immediate plans to curtail dining , either .
And as news of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Old Town Temecula announced Friday , Dec. 4. on its Facebook page that it would stay open .
“ You have had our back , and now we have yours !
!
” the post read .
The owner could not be reached Sunday .
To the north in San Bernardino County , the owner of Riley ’ s Farm in touristy , apple-picking Oak Glen near Yucaipa vowed to continue holding holiday-themed gatherings .
Jim Riley said his farm has scheduled holiday dinner programs several nights this month , and those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been defiant all along .
“ We may even plan more activities to spite the governor , ” he added .
Tony Roman , who never shut down his Basilico ’ s Pasta e Vino eatery in Huntington Beach , also was openly resistant , with a theme that has grabbed headlines and placed his liquor license in jeopardy .
“ We have Alcohol Beverage Control ( ABC ) actions against us with the threat of revocation , and we have a criminal case against us , too , ” Roman wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defy Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s latest order sounded familiar : “ When you lose your freedoms , they are gone forever.
” The bold stances followed statements by some Southern California sheriffs over the weekend saying they would largely take a hands-off approach to enforcement of the new order .
And they came on a day when about 100 people attended an overnight party at a dance studio in Placentia , violating existing coronavirus prohibitions against gatherings even before the shutdown would go into effect .
Officers were summoned to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out and a man was shot twice in the leg , said Placentia Police Sgt .
Chris Anderson .
Newsom on Thursday , Dec. 3 announced plans for the sweeping new stay-at-home order barring outdoor dining , closing wineries , hair and nail salons and barber shops , and prohibiting many other activities .
The governor said the order would be triggered on a region-by-region basis when hospital intensive-care bed capacity in a particular area fell to 15 % or lower .
By Saturday , just 12.5 % of such beds were available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purposes of the order , the state defined Southern California as Imperial , Inyo , Los Angeles , Mono , Orange , Riverside , San Bernardino , San Diego , San Luis Obispo , Santa Barbara and Ventura counties .
In Riverside County , Sheriff Chad Bianco said in a video message critical of the order that his agency ’ s approach would remain as it has throughout the pandemic , relying on county residents to protect themselves .
Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes issued a similar statement , saying it was “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on law enforcement to enforce these orders.
” Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanuea said on Twitter his department has emphasized voluntary compliance but would begin “ targeted enforcement on super-spreader events.
” There have been some attempts at enforcement .
In Redondo Beach , the popular breakfast diner Eat at Joe ’ s was closed on Sunday following action by public health inspectors two days earlier .
Owner Alex Jordan had defied health orders beginning a week earlier to shut down the restaurant ’ s outdoor patio .
It remained open last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week in an open act of disobedience .
His stance against county orders , which Jordan said was in support of his workers more than anything , made the restaurant a focus of media reports and drew large crowds of faithful throughout the week to the local greasy spoon that ’ s been a mainstay in the beach city for decades .
After a follow-up visit by health inspectors on Wednesday , Jordan was ordered to close his outdoor dining area by Friday .
But when an inspector visited around noon on Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ space .
The restaurant was closed and fined $ 500 .
Jordan said he would appeal .
Meanwhile in Manhattan Beach , county health inspectors were taking a closer look at a city policy to keep the outdoor dining areas intact and allow people to use them as public seating areas where people can visit , drink coffee or eat food take-out orders .
L.A. County health officials warned dining in such areas is prohibited .
Bill Wilson , owner of Wilson Creek Winery in the Temecula area , said he would comply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to go back to to-go take-out and bottle sales pickup , ” Wilson said .
However , he has heard that a few area wineries may remain open .
“ I ’ m not going to do it , but I don ’ t blame them for moving forward , doing what they have to do to stay in business , ” Wilson said .
He said it is difficult under normal conditions to operate a winery .
“ It ’ s near impossible when you throw COVID into the equation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reynoso , who runs a small barbershop in Gardena , the news that hair salons and personal care services would have to close — again — was disheartening .
Before the pandemic , her shop Barber Society saw 10 to 15 customers a day ; now , said Reynoso , she ’ s down to three to five .
She said she will stay open .
Reynoso is a member of the advisory board for the 500-member California Beauty Federation .
She said hairstylists are in a tough spot : If they shut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; if they defy the order , they risk losing their license .
What concerns her the most , she said , is the order may push many shops underground .
“ This will encourage people to board up their windows and take clients in secret , ” she said .
Still , Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Perris , a Republican , said more enforcement is needed .
“ People absolutely should be arrested for not wearing masks , ” Perris said .
“ Most of these people have never been arrested before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won ’ t do it again.
” Of course , a lockdown can control only so much .
Perhaps not teenagers .
Or their parents .
Los Alamitos High School families got wind two weeks ago that a clique of parents were planning what they called a “ Fake Winter Formal ” at a Huntington Beach hotel ’ s courtyard on Saturday , Dec. 5 .
Thirty-six students were to attend , along with parents – who signed up to bring snacks , decorations and hand sanitizer .
In normal years , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December .
A dozen or so upset parents peppered the Los Alamitos Unified School District with concerns , some demanding the students who attend quarantine for two weeks .
Students have been back on campus most of the school year .
“ These parents are not following CDC guidelines , ” said Debbie Ferdman , a Los Alamitos attorney .
“ My kids do nothing – except for an occasional bike ride with friends .
They are so bored .
But we are in the middle of a pandemic.
” Superintendent Andrew Pulver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do .
“ We don ’ t have any jurisdiction over what kids are doing outside of school , ” he said .
Instead , via continual emails , the district nudges families to follow safety protocols .
“ We remind our community that it ’ s up to all of us to protect everyone , ” Pulver said .

David Downey, Susan Christian Goulding, David Rosenfeld

From the apple-growing foothills of Oak Glen to the Pacific Ocean, owners of restaurants, wineries, resorts, hair salons and other enterprises said they would defy the coronavirus shutdown taking effect a minute before midnight on Sunday, Dec. 6.
In the midst of a holiday shopping season dramatically reshaped by the COVID-19 pandemic, some Southern California small business operators were making the calculated choice to stay open — or continue offering outdoor dining — at the risk of being shut down by authorities later.
Some entrepreneurs said they’d take that gamble against the likelihood they would go out of business, anyway, if they didn’t ignore the shutdown and continue operating as they have been — in pandemic-modified fashion.
Health officials, however, are pleading with everyone to comply with the order.
“This shared temporary sacrifice is our duty, and it is the best tool that we have to control the transmission of the virus and prevent our hospitals and ICUs from getting overwhelmed,” said Shira Shafir, associate professor of epidemiology and community health sciences at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health.
In anticipation of the shutdown, some businesses were bustling on Sunday. Large crowds flocked to Smokey Canyon BBQ in Riverside.
“People are panicking, thinking this is the last day,” owner Pam Nusser said.
But if her restaurant stops serving customers at tables, she said, it won’t be able to pay its expenses. She plans to continue outdoor dining.
The popular Silver Dollar Pancake House restaurant in Corona had no immediate plans to curtail dining, either. And as news of the pending shutdown spread, the Blackbird Tavern in Old Town Temecula announced Friday, Dec. 4. on its Facebook page that it would stay open. “You have had our back, and now we have yours!!” the post read. The owner could not be reached Sunday.
To the north in San Bernardino County, the owner of Riley’s Farm in touristy, apple-picking Oak Glen near Yucaipa vowed to continue holding holiday-themed gatherings.
Jim Riley said his farm has scheduled holiday dinner programs several nights this month, and those “are almost sold out.”
Riley has been defiant all along. “We may even plan more activities to spite the governor,” he added.
Tony Roman, who never shut down his Basilico’s Pasta e Vino eatery in Huntington Beach, also was openly resistant, with a theme that has grabbed headlines and placed his liquor license in jeopardy.
“We have Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) actions against us with the threat of revocation, and we have a criminal case against us, too,” Roman wrote in an email.
His plan to defy Gov. Gavin Newsom’s latest order sounded familiar: “When you lose your freedoms, they are gone forever.”
100 people at a party
The bold stances followed statements by some Southern California sheriffs over the weekend saying they would largely take a hands-off approach to enforcement of the new order.
And they came on a day when about 100 people attended an overnight party at a dance studio in Placentia, violating existing coronavirus prohibitions against gatherings even before the shutdown would go into effect. Officers were summoned to the studio early Sunday after a fight broke out and a man was shot twice in the leg, said Placentia Police Sgt. Chris Anderson.
Newsom on Thursday, Dec. 3 announced plans for the sweeping new stay-at-home order barring outdoor dining, closing wineries, hair and nail salons and barber shops, and prohibiting many other activities.
The governor said the order would be triggered on a region-by-region basis when hospital intensive-care bed capacity in a particular area fell to 15% or lower. By Saturday, just 12.5% of such beds were available in the Southern California region.
For purposes of the order, the state defined Southern California as Imperial, Inyo, Los Angeles, Mono, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.
In Riverside County, Sheriff Chad Bianco said in a video message critical of the order that his agency’s approach would remain as it has throughout the pandemic, relying on county residents to protect themselves.
Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes issued a similar statement, saying it was “disingenuous” to “put the onus on law enforcement to enforce these orders.”
Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanuea said on Twitter his department has emphasized voluntary compliance but would begin “targeted enforcement on super-spreader events.”
Eatery shut down
There have been some attempts at enforcement.
In Redondo Beach, the popular breakfast diner Eat at Joe’s was closed on Sunday following action by public health inspectors two days earlier.
Owner Alex Jordan had defied health orders beginning a week earlier to shut down the restaurant’s outdoor patio. It remained open last weekend, however, and throughout the week in an open act of disobedience.
His stance against county orders, which Jordan said was in support of his workers more than anything, made the restaurant a focus of media reports and drew large crowds of faithful throughout the week to the local greasy spoon that’s been a mainstay in the beach city for decades.
After a follow-up visit by health inspectors on Wednesday, Jordan was ordered to close his outdoor dining area by Friday. But when an inspector visited around noon on Friday, people were still using the seating space.
The restaurant was closed and fined $500. Jordan said he would appeal.
Meanwhile in Manhattan Beach, county health inspectors were taking a closer look at a city policy to keep the outdoor dining areas intact and allow people to use them as public seating areas where people can visit, drink coffee or eat food take-out orders.
L.A. County health officials warned dining in such areas is prohibited.
‘Near impossible’ to operate
Bill Wilson, owner of Wilson Creek Winery in the Temecula area, said he would comply with the order.
“We are going to go back to to-go take-out and bottle sales pickup,” Wilson said.
However, he has heard that a few area wineries may remain open.
“I’m not going to do it, but I don’t blame them for moving forward, doing what they have to do to stay in business,” Wilson said.
He said it is difficult under normal conditions to operate a winery.
“It’s near impossible when you throw COVID into the equation,” Wilson said.
For Lu Garcia Reynoso, who runs a small barbershop in Gardena, the news that hair salons and personal care services would have to close — again — was disheartening. Before the pandemic, her shop Barber Society saw 10 to 15 customers a day; now, said Reynoso, she’s down to three to five. She said she will stay open.
Reynoso is a member of the advisory board for the 500-member California Beauty Federation. She said hairstylists are in a tough spot: If they shut down and comply, they risk bankruptcy; if they defy the order, they risk losing their license.
What concerns her the most, she said, is the order may push many shops underground.
“This will encourage people to board up their windows and take clients in secret,” she said.
Still, Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Perris, a Republican, said more enforcement is needed.
“People absolutely should be arrested for not wearing masks,” Perris said. “Most of these people have never been arrested before. Spend one night incarcerated and they won’t do it again.”
‘Fake Winter Formal’
Of course, a lockdown can control only so much. Perhaps not teenagers. Or their parents.
Los Alamitos High School families got wind two weeks ago that a clique of parents were planning what they called a “Fake Winter Formal” at a Huntington Beach hotel’s courtyard on Saturday, Dec. 5. Thirty-six students were to attend, along with parents – who signed up to bring snacks, decorations and hand sanitizer.
In normal years, the high school hosts a real formal in December.
A dozen or so upset parents peppered the Los Alamitos Unified School District with concerns, some demanding the students who attend quarantine for two weeks. Students have been back on campus most of the school year.
“These parents are not following CDC guidelines,” said Debbie Ferdman, a Los Alamitos attorney. “My kids do nothing – except for an occasional bike ride with friends. They are so bored. But we are in the middle of a pandemic.”
Superintendent Andrew Pulver said there is little school officials can do. “We don’t have any jurisdiction over what kids are doing outside of school,” he said.
Instead, via continual emails, the district nudges families to follow safety protocols.
“We remind our community that it’s up to all of us to protect everyone,” Pulver said.


mercurynews--2020-12-07--49ers vs. Bills: Five keys to winning desert debut in Arizona

Hosting a game 709 miles from Levi ’ s Stadium is , strangely enough , just another chapter in surely the 49ers ’ most off-script season ever .
It ’ s not as if any other 49ers team played through a pandemic , all while coming off a Super Bowl loss and enduring myriad injuries , Zoom video conferences and other oddities .
Santa Clara County ’ s ban on contact sports for COVID-19 sake prompted the 49ers ’ exodus this past week to Glendale , Ariz. , where they ’ re practicing and likely playing four of their remaining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in Glendale , Ariz. , is now the home field the 49ers ( 5-6 ) must defend , starting Monday night against the AFC East-leading Buffalo Bills .
The Bills ’ last road trip , ironically , was to Arizona , where they lost to the stadium ’ s primary tenants , the Cardinals , on a Hail Mary pass 32-30 on Nov. 15 .
When it comes to Bills ’ history — aside from how they made it to five conference games like the 49ers between 1988-93 — it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost their last seven “ Monday Night Football ” games and haven ’ t won on that stage since 1999 .
If they ’ re to win their first AFC title since 1995 , they ’ ll have to fare better in prime time ; four of their next five games are in that East Coast time slot .
The 49ers are favored by a point , reflecting not only credibility they regained with last Sunday ’ s road win over the Los Angeles Rams , but how they could make a December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returning to their lineup .
Flying south for the winter to Arizona is an unprecedented , extended-stay trip that the 49ers are embracing .
“ It feels the same to me like Santa Clara , ” safety Jimmie Ward said .
Uh oh , the 49ers were just 1-4 at Levi ’ s Stadium this season .
Here is how they can start 1-0 at State Farm Stadium : Almost four years ago , the 49ers interviewed Sean McDermott and Kyle Shanahan to be their next coach .
McDermott “ really enjoyed ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” search by the 49ers , adding : “ You could tell they were headed in the right direction.
” While the 49ers targeted Shanahan and waited for him to finish out a Super Bowl run with Atlanta , McDermott headed to Buffalo , where he has the Bills heading for their third playoff berth in four years , after wild-card losses in 2017 and ’ 19 .
While the defensive-minded McDermott and the offensive-whiz Shanahan praised each other and drew on past clashes as NFC South coordinators , another coaching matchup is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so .
Robert Saleh , the 49ers ’ fourth-year defensive coordinator , faces a tough challenge against Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll .
Both will be interviewing for head-coach openings next month around the league , and their unit ’ s statistics back up the coordinator ’ s lofty credentials from past years .
“ Brian ’ s doing a phenomenal job putting them in position to be successful , ” Saleh said of a Bills ’ offense that has the NFL ’ s second-best conversion rate ( 49.6 percent ) .
Shanahan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ run defense that the 49ers must look to exploit , especially with explosive plays , which Shanahan relishes .
Ranked 25th in allowing 129.6 rushing yards per game , the Bills are vulnerable , even if linebacker A.J .
Klein was last week ’ s AFC Defensive Player of the Week ( 14 tackles , 1 1/2 sacks ) .
But the 49ers must run better than last game against the Rams .
It ’ s not just that Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson each rushed for only 43 yards .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Shanahan ’ s No .
1 emphasis this past week – as it is every week , honestly – is ball security .
The 49ers had gone 475 snaps without fumbling , general manager John Lynch said , in a Thursday interview on KNBR 680-AM .
The Bills have forced 16 fumbles and have recovered nine , tied for the NFL ’ s second-most .
A more settled offensive line and the potential re-entry of Tevin Coleman for relief runs could significantly key the run offense .
When Saleh studied the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aback .
Quarterback Josh Allen “ is a problem , ” Saleh said .
“ He is much more than I was expecting when I flipped on the tape .
It is a tremendous challenge.
” Allen is no longer a run-happy , strong-armed dual threat .
In Year 3 , the Firebaugh native still can book it ( team-high six TD run ) but he ’ s more accurate of a passer and more willing to stew in the pocket while diagnosing the defense .
“ His passing numbers are really extraordinary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ … He ’ s doing a great job because he felt like people were kind of boxing him into being a running quarterback and he really wants to show his arm talent.
” Allen ’ s completion percentage jumped this year from 52.8 to 68.8 .
He ’ s thrown for 3,028 yards and 22 touchdowns with eight interceptions .
He ’ s been sacked 22 times , tied for the league ’ s ninth most .
Speaking of , Kerry Hyder Jr. ’ s team-high 7 1/2 sacks are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most , helping offset Arik Armstead ’ s seven-game drought without a sack for the 49ers .
It ’ s no secret that Allen is flourishing with this year ’ s addition of former Vikings receiver Stefon Diggs .
“ He ’ s underrated but his talent continues to shine , ” Sherman said .
“ Just about every game he ’ s made a huge impact play to help them win .
He ’ s really dynamic , does a great job selling things.
” Diggs ’ 80 receptions ( 110 targets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he ’ s 55 yards away from his third straight 1,000-yard season .
While Sherman or Jason Verrett likely will match up most against Diggs , perhaps the more dangerous receiver could be Cole Beasley in the slot , where the 49ers are shifting Emmanuel Moseley to cover that spot after injuries to K ’ Waun Williams and Jamar Taylor .
Beasley had 11 catches for 109 yards and a touchdown at Arizona three weeks ago .
Although Allen is willing to spread his targets , one option he ’ s without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Injured Reserve with a high ankle sprain , and that works in the 49ers ’ favor .
Look , the 49ers offense is not at full strength , not with tight end George Kittle and Jimmy Garoppolo still rehabbing for a potential late-season return .
Optimism abounds , however .
Wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk should start together for only the fifth time this season .
Plus , this marks only the second game that the 49ers will have those receivers along with Mostert , Wilson and Coleman , not to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more player to keep an eye on : tight end Ross Dwelley , who came through with clutch catches in the 49ers ’ last game at Arizona , a 2019 victory on Halloween night .
“ To see how much better those guys are with the ball in space , it makes this team better , ” Nick Mullens said .
“ And so , the more guys we can get back to make us better as an offense , it ’ s a blessing and we ’ re pumped.
” Shanahan seemed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in last Sunday ’ s upset , not only with a highly efficient fourth quarter but other plays early to extend drives .
Mullens is Mr .
Positive on the 49ers , which is a needed trait in this of all seasons .
“ We have a great group , ” Mullens said .
“ Guys pick each other up , always encouraging each other and not fighting when it gets tough .
“ And so , I like our group right now , tight knit , strong , and I hope I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” • They said it : Football in the pandemic • 49ers mailbag : Must-win time against Bills ?
How ’ s Nick Bosa ?
How does 2021 free agency look ?
• Coronavirus was 49ers ’ Trent Williams ’ toughest opponent in career that included cancer bout • 49ers ’ Robert Saleh being courted to coach Detroit Lions , if Michigan politicians have any say • NFL Week 13 picks : 49ers debut in ‘ NFC Southwest ’ with win over Bills ; Raiders keep Jets winless

Hosting a game 709 miles from Levi’s Stadium is, strangely enough, just another chapter in surely the 49ers’ most off-script season ever.
It’s not as if any other 49ers team played through a pandemic, all while coming off a Super Bowl loss and enduring myriad injuries, Zoom video conferences and other oddities.
Santa Clara County’s ban on contact sports for COVID-19 sake prompted the 49ers’ exodus this past week to Glendale, Ariz., where they’re practicing and likely playing four of their remaining five regular-season games.
State Farm Stadium, in Glendale, Ariz., is now the home field the 49ers (5-6) must defend, starting Monday night against the AFC East-leading Buffalo Bills.
The Bills’ last road trip, ironically, was to Arizona, where they lost to the stadium’s primary tenants, the Cardinals, on a Hail Mary pass 32-30 on Nov. 15.
When it comes to Bills’ history — aside from how they made it to five conference games like the 49ers between 1988-93 — it’s worth noting is that they’ve lost their last eight “Monday Night Football” games and haven’t won on that stage since 1999. If they’re to win their first AFC title since 1995, they’ll have to fare better in prime time; four of their next five games are in that East Coast time slot.
The 49ers are favored by a point, reflecting not only credibility they regained with last Sunday’s road win over the Los Angeles Rams, but how they could make a December push for the playoffs with once-injured starters returning to their lineup.
Flying south for the winter to Arizona is an unprecedented, extended-stay trip that the 49ers are embracing.
“It feels the same to me like Santa Clara,” safety Jimmie Ward said.
Uh oh, the 49ers were just 1-4 at Levi’s Stadium this season. Here is how they can start 1-0 at State Farm Stadium:
1. Coaching matchups.
Almost four years ago, the 49ers interviewed Sean McDermott and Kyle Shanahan to be their next coach.
McDermott “really enjoyed” what he called a “very thorough” search by the 49ers, adding: “You could tell they were headed in the right direction.”
While the 49ers targeted Shanahan and waited for him to finish out a Super Bowl run with Atlanta, McDermott headed to Buffalo, where he has the Bills heading for their third playoff berth in four years, after wild-card losses in 2017 and ’19.
While the defensive-minded McDermott and the offensive-whiz Shanahan praised each other and drew on past clashes as NFC South coordinators, another coaching matchup is just as intriguing, if not more so.
Robert Saleh, the 49ers’ fourth-year defensive coordinator, faces a tough challenge against Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. Both will be interviewing for head-coach openings next month around the league, and their unit’s statistics back up the coordinator’s lofty credentials from past years.
“Brian’s doing a phenomenal job putting them in position to be successful,” Saleh said of a Bills’ offense that has the NFL’s second-best conversion rate (49.6 percent).
2. Run ball, keep ball
Shanahan did his best to commend the Bills’ run defense that the 49ers must look to exploit, especially with explosive plays, which Shanahan relishes.
Ranked 25th in allowing 129.6 rushing yards per game, the Bills are vulnerable, even if linebacker A.J. Klein was last week’s AFC Defensive Player of the Week (14 tackles, 1 1/2 sacks).
But the 49ers must run better than last game against the Rams. It’s not just that Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson each rushed for only 43 yards. It’s that each lost a fumble, and Shanahan’s No. 1 emphasis this past week – as it is every week, honestly – is ball security.
The 49ers had gone 475 snaps without fumbling, general manager John Lynch said, in a Thursday interview on KNBR 680-AM. The Bills have forced 16 fumbles and have recovered nine, tied for the NFL’s second-most.
A more settled offensive line and the potential re-entry of Tevin Coleman for relief runs could significantly key the run offense.
3. Allen’s big skills
When Saleh studied the Bills’ film, he was taken aback. Quarterback Josh Allen “is a problem,” Saleh said. “He is much more than I was expecting when I flipped on the tape. It is a tremendous challenge.”
Allen is no longer a run-happy, strong-armed dual threat. In Year 3, the Firebaugh native still can book it (team-high six TD run) but he’s more accurate of a passer and more willing to stew in the pocket while diagnosing the defense.
“His passing numbers are really extraordinary right now,” cornerback Richard Sherman said. “… He’s doing a great job because he felt like people were kind of boxing him into being a running quarterback and he really wants to show his arm talent.”
Allen’s completion percentage jumped this year from 52.8 to 68.8. He’s thrown for 3,028 yards and 22 touchdowns with eight interceptions.
He’s been sacked 22 times, tied for the league’s ninth most. Speaking of, Kerry Hyder Jr.’s team-high 7 1/2 sacks are tied for the NFL’s ninth most, helping offset Arik Armstead’s seven-game drought without a sack for the 49ers.
4. Stop Diggs, stop Beasley
It’s no secret that Allen is flourishing with this year’s addition of former Vikings receiver Stefon Diggs.
“He’s underrated but his talent continues to shine,” Sherman said. “Just about every game he’s made a huge impact play to help them win. He’s really dynamic, does a great job selling things.”
Diggs’ 80 receptions (110 targets) are second in the NFL, and he’s 55 yards away from his third straight 1,000-yard season.
While Sherman or Jason Verrett likely will match up most against Diggs, perhaps the more dangerous receiver could be Cole Beasley in the slot, where the 49ers are shifting Emmanuel Moseley to cover that spot after injuries to K’Waun Williams and Jamar Taylor. Beasley had 11 catches for 109 yards and a touchdown at Arizona three weeks ago.
Although Allen is willing to spread his targets, one option he’s without is John Brown, who went on Injured Reserve with a high ankle sprain, and that works in the 49ers’ favor.
5. So many weapons?
Look, the 49ers offense is not at full strength, not with tight end George Kittle and Jimmy Garoppolo still rehabbing for a potential late-season return. Optimism abounds, however.
Wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk should start together for only the fifth time this season. Plus, this marks only the second game that the 49ers will have those receivers along with Mostert, Wilson and Coleman, not to mention running back Jerick McKinnon.
One more player to keep an eye on: tight end Ross Dwelley, who came through with clutch catches in the 49ers’ last game at Arizona, a 2019 victory on Halloween night.
“To see how much better those guys are with the ball in space, it makes this team better,” Nick Mullens said. “And so, the more guys we can get back to make us better as an offense, it’s a blessing and we’re pumped.”
Shanahan seemed to genuinely approve of how Mullens played in last Sunday’s upset, not only with a highly efficient fourth quarter but other plays early to extend drives.
Mullens is Mr. Positive on the 49ers, which is a needed trait in this of all seasons. “We have a great group,” Mullens said. “Guys pick each other up, always encouraging each other and not fighting when it gets tough.
“And so, I like our group right now, tight knit, strong, and I hope I just bring positive energy to that huddle.”


Bridge: Dec. 7, 2020

Bridge is a problem-solver ’ s game , but Cy the Cynic is reluctant to base his play on an inference .
That would mean trusting an opponent to play logically , and Cy trusts nobody .
Cy was declarer at today ’ s 3NT .
West led the seven of spades : deuce , queen … and Cy had to judge .
Winning would be fine if West had the ace of clubs : When Cy lost to the ace next , his jack of spades would be safe from attack , and he would have nine winners .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ clubs , Cy needed to play low and play low on East ’ s spade return as well .
He could isolate West ’ s long spades .
The Cynic guessed wrong and won .
He lost five tricks when East took the ace of clubs and returned the nine of spades .
Cy succeeds if he draws a delicate inference .
If West had five spades headed by the ace plus the ace of clubs ( and maybe a red-suit honor ) , he might have overcalled one spade at favorable vulnerability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spades .
You hold : S K J 5 3 H Q 6 D A Q C Q J 9 5 3 .
Your partner opens one heart .
The next player passes .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : A jump to 3NT would be roughly descriptive , but you need not rush .
Bid two clubs .
If partner rebids two hearts , you can bid an economical two spades next .
If your hand were weaker and worth only one constructive response — say you held K J 5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 10 9 5 4 2 — you would respond one spade to look for a fit in the major suit .
South West North East 1 C Pass 1 H Pass 1 S Pass 3 C Pass 3 NT All Pass

Bridge is a problem-solver’s game, but Cy the Cynic is reluctant to base his play on an inference. That would mean trusting an opponent to play logically, and Cy trusts nobody.
Cy was declarer at today’s 3NT. West led the seven of spades: deuce, queen … and Cy had to judge. Winning would be fine if West had the ace of clubs: When Cy lost to the ace next, his jack of spades would be safe from attack, and he would have nine winners.
But if East had the ace of clubs, Cy needed to play low and play low on East’s spade return as well. He could isolate West’s long spades.
FIVE TRICKS
The Cynic guessed wrong and won. He lost five tricks when East took the ace of clubs and returned the nine of spades.
Cy succeeds if he draws a delicate inference. If West had five spades headed by the ace plus the ace of clubs (and maybe a red-suit honor), he might have overcalled one spade at favorable vulnerability. Cy should have ducked twice in spades.
Tomorrow: another inference.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S K J 5 3 H Q 6 D A Q C Q J 9 5 3. Your partner opens one heart. The next player passes. What do you say?
ANSWER: A jump to 3NT would be roughly descriptive, but you need not rush. Bid two clubs. If partner rebids two hearts, you can bid an economical two spades next. If your hand were weaker and worth only one constructive response — say you held K J 5 3, Q 6, K 5, 10 9 5 4 2 — you would respond one spade to look for a fit in the major suit.
South dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S 2
H A K 4 3
D 7 5 3
C K 10 7 4 2
WEST
S A 10 8 7 4
H J 9 2
D J 8 2
C 8 6
EAST
S Q 9 6
H 10 8 7 5
D K 10 9 6 4
C A
SOUTH
S K J 5 3
H Q 6
D A Q
C Q J 9 5 3
South West North East
1 C Pass 1 H Pass
1 S Pass 3 C Pass
3 NT All Pass
Opening lead — S 7
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-12-07--Word Game: Dec. 7, 2020

Word Game: Dec. 7, 2020

TODAY ’ S WORD — OPACITY ( OPACITY : o-PASS-ih-tee : The quality of being impenetrable by light . )
@ @ @ @ @ more words in OPACITY ?
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 — OPACITY (OPACITY: o-PASS-ih-tee: The quality of being impenetrable by light.)
Average mark 15 words
Time limit 25 minutes
Can you find 19 or more words in OPACITY? The list will be published tomorrow.
SATURDAY’S WORD — OUTRACE orate orca outer urea taco tare taro tear tore trace
truce true race rate react recto rote roue rout route acre actor acute auto care caret cart
cater cero coat core cote court crate cruet curate cure curt cute cuter ecru eruct euro
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--2020-12-07--Horoscopes Dec. 7, 2020: Ellen Burstyn,, refuse to let your emotions override practicality

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY : Emily Browning , 32 ; C. Thomas Howell , 54 ; Tom Waits , 71 ; Ellen Burstyn , 88 .
Happy Birthday : Take control , think matters through and consider your pursuits carefully .
Listen to what others say , and assess the pros and cons .
Search for what feels comfortable , and take steps that ensure a better future .
Refuse to let your emotions override practicality .
The research will put your mind at ease and encourage you to make good decisions .
Your numbers are 8 , 19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 46 , 49 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Observe , research and make your move .
Don ’ t let uncertainty get you down ; initiate what you want to do wholeheartedly , and don ’ t look back .
It ’ s time to take control and bring about the changes that will lead to a better future .
3 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Emotional spending will turn out to be costly .
If you want to change , go about it smartly .
Size @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look for practical ways to reach your goal .
You can accomplish plenty if you take the steps necessary to ensure success .
5 stars GEMINI ( May 21-June 20 ) : Set your sights on a reasonable goal , and don ’ t let anyone confuse you with gibberish .
Take a look at what others are doing , and ask experts for advice when in doubt .
Make decisions based on facts , not emotions or peer pressure .
2 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Work with what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your ideas into a reality .
Fix up your surroundings to accommodate your lifestyle .
A unique joint venture will turn out to be lucrative as well as give you an emotional boost .
Romance is favored .
4 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Keep your emotions in check when dealing with sensitive issues .
Say less , and listen to complaints and criticism earnestly .
The information you receive will help you make positive changes that will improve your life and relationships .
3 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mount if you aren ’ t willing to compromise .
A change to your environment or surroundings will help you realize what you want .
Sum up your alternatives , and take steps to improve your life .
Don ’ t dismiss an opportunity .
3 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Take charge , bring about change and don ’ t look back .
Living in the past will be your demise .
Focus on moving forward .
Discuss your plans with someone close to you .
A common goal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you love .
3 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Don ’ t get all worked up over something you can not change .
Look for alternative routes that will help you channel your skills and energy into something more suitable .
Use your imagination , be innovative and embrace change .
Romance is featured .
4 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Take the initiative to engage in physical and mental challenges that encourage good health and fitness .
Invest time and energy into setting up a routine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive goals , better relationships and a brighter future .
2 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : A change to how you handle your finances , health or legal matters may not turn out as anticipated .
Don ’ t believe everything someone tells you .
Be resourceful , and leave nothing to chance .
Update your image .
5 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Take an active role when it comes to your professional goals .
If you want to make a change , update your resume @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Be bold , and discuss your ideas and concerns .
Don ’ t take a risk with your health .
3 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Not everyone will be in sync with you .
Be careful who you share your ideas or beliefs with to avoid a situation that will put you in a vulnerable position .
Focus on how you can make a difference , not a disturbance .
3 stars Birthday Baby : You are impressionable , outgoing and accommodating .
You are proactive and hardworking .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Emily Browning, 32; C. Thomas Howell, 54; Tom Waits, 71; Ellen Burstyn, 88.
Happy Birthday: Take control, think matters through and consider your pursuits carefully. Listen to what others say, and assess the pros and cons. Search for what feels comfortable, and take steps that ensure a better future. Refuse to let your emotions override practicality. The research will put your mind at ease and encourage you to make good decisions. Your numbers are 8, 19, 23, 29, 35, 46, 49.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Observe, research and make your move. Don’t let uncertainty get you down; initiate what you want to do wholeheartedly, and don’t look back. It’s time to take control and bring about the changes that will lead to a better future. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Emotional spending will turn out to be costly. If you want to change, go about it smartly. Size up what’s reasonable, and look for practical ways to reach your goal. You can accomplish plenty if you take the steps necessary to ensure success. 5 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Set your sights on a reasonable goal, and don’t let anyone confuse you with gibberish. Take a look at what others are doing, and ask experts for advice when in doubt. Make decisions based on facts, not emotions or peer pressure. 2 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Work with what you’ve got, and turn your ideas into a reality. Fix up your surroundings to accommodate your lifestyle. A unique joint venture will turn out to be lucrative as well as give you an emotional boost. Romance is favored. 4 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Keep your emotions in check when dealing with sensitive issues. Say less, and listen to complaints and criticism earnestly. The information you receive will help you make positive changes that will improve your life and relationships. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Problems at home will mount if you aren’t willing to compromise. A change to your environment or surroundings will help you realize what you want. Sum up your alternatives, and take steps to improve your life. Don’t dismiss an opportunity. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Take charge, bring about change and don’t look back. Living in the past will be your demise. Focus on moving forward. Discuss your plans with someone close to you. A common goal will promote a better connection with someone you love. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Don’t get all worked up over something you cannot change. Look for alternative routes that will help you channel your skills and energy into something more suitable. Use your imagination, be innovative and embrace change. Romance is featured. 4 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Take the initiative to engage in physical and mental challenges that encourage good health and fitness. Invest time and energy into setting up a routine that helps you continue to strive for positive goals, better relationships and a brighter future. 2 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): A change to how you handle your finances, health or legal matters may not turn out as anticipated. Don’t believe everything someone tells you. Be resourceful, and leave nothing to chance. Update your image. 5 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Take an active role when it comes to your professional goals. If you want to make a change, update your resume to suit the current job market. Be bold, and discuss your ideas and concerns. Don’t take a risk with your health. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Not everyone will be in sync with you. Be careful who you share your ideas or beliefs with to avoid a situation that will put you in a vulnerable position. Focus on how you can make a difference, not a disturbance. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are impressionable, outgoing and accommodating. You are proactive and hardworking.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-12-08--49ers playing Bills ‘at home’ in Arizona is just plain strange

Monday night wasn ’ t the first time the 49ers had to play a home game far away from home .
But it was the strangest .
Forced from their home in Santa Clara because of the county ’ s COVID-19 restrictions , the 49ers began their two-game stay in Arizona as part of the NFL ’ s version of Airbnb .
And was it ever weird .
No matter how much the league and the Cardinals tried to prevent the 49ers from feeling like unwanted guests at State Farm Stadium when they “ hosted ” the Bills , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there was some visible 49ers signage and the midfield logo was an NFL shield rather than the usual Cardinals logo .
But you also didn ’ t need to look too far to see reminders the 49ers were playing in the Cardinals ’ home stadium — after all , this is supposed to be a short-term stay for the 49ers .
Still , nothing screamed “ 2020 ” more than watching the 49ers run onto the State Farm Stadium turf in Glendale , Ariz. as the home team .
Hearing a piped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stadium ’ s PA system after Brandon Aiyuk ’ s early first-down catch was also unusual , but it got us a little more acclimated for what was to come .
The 49ers will be back at State Farm Stadium playing hosts again next week when Washington comes to Arizona .
San Francisco will then return here the day after Christmas in a more traditional role as the road team against their NFC West rivals Arizona .
49ers tackle Trent Williams , who has battled and survived both COVID-19 and cancer , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ switch in stride .
“ Fortunately , it ’ s 2020 , and we ’ re so used to getting pulled each which way and told what you can and what you can ’ t do .
I think that ultimately helped us just adapt to the situation we ’ re in right now , ” Williams said .
Bills quarterback Josh Allen , who was a diehard 49ers fan while growing up in tiny Firebaugh in the Central Valley , missed out on his chance to play a game at Levi ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the Bills make it back .
Buffalo is one of just three NFL teams that have never played at Levi ’ s .
And , and after scheduled visits to Santa Clara by the Colts and Texans next season , Buffalo will then be the only team to have never visited Levi ’ s .
How unique was the 49ers ’ relocated home game to another team ’ s stadium ?
It was the sixth time in 50 years it ’ s happened for an NFL team , and just the second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Bills were the last team that had to travel hundreds of miles to play a home game away from home .
Buffalo beat the Jets 38-3 at Detroit ’ s Ford Field in 2014 , after a state of emergency was declared in the Buffalo area because of severe snowstorms that year .
The victory made the Bills the only “ home team ” to pull off a victory during the last five times a switch to a neutral venue was needed in the NFL .
For the 49ers , Monday ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 31 years they had to play a home game away from their usual home .
The 49ers were the designated home team when they beat the Broncos in London in Week 8 in 2010 .
Also , in the aftermath of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake , the 49ers moved down the road to Stanford to beat the Patriots while Candlestick Park was being retrofitted following the deadly temblor .
Here ’ s a look at the previous five times in the past 50 years that an NFL team had to leave home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neutral stadium : • Jets at Bills played at Detroit ’ s Ford Field on Nov. 23 , 2014 ( State of emergency declared in Buffalo due to severe snowstorm ) .
Result : Bills won 38-3 .
• Giants at Vikings played at Detroit ’ s Ford Field on Dec. 13 , 2010 ( Minnesota ’ s Metrodome roof collapsed due to snow storm ) .
Giants won 21-3 .
• Lions at Saints at San Antonio ’ s Alamodome on Dec. 24 , 2005 ( New Orleans ’ Superdome not available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won 13-12 .
• Giants at Saints at Giants Stadium on Sept. 18 , 2005 ( Saints home team because of Hurricane Katrina ) .
Giants won 27-10 .

Monday night wasn’t the first time the 49ers had to play a home game far away from home. But it was the strangest.
Forced from their home in Santa Clara because of the county’s COVID-19 restrictions, the 49ers began the Arizona portion of their home schedule and was it ever weird.
No matter how much the league and the Cardinals tried to prevent the 49ers from feeling like unwanted guests at State Farm Stadium when they “hosted” the Buffalo Bills, there was no hiding the awkwardness.
Yes, there was some visible 49ers signage and the midfield logo was an NFL shield rather than the usual Cardinals logo. There were even some fans for the home team. Families of the 49ers’ players and staff had 50-yard line seats. And the foghorn sounded when the 49ers scored a touchdown, just like at Levi’s.
Still, nothing screamed “2020” more than watching the 49ers run onto the State Farm Stadium turf in Glendale, Ariz. as the home team.
“Faithful to the Bay” logos, sponsorship tarps seen normally at Levi’s Stadium, the NFL shield midfield instead of a Cardinals logo, all part of the adjustments made to transform State Farm Stadium to a #49ers home game. pic.twitter.com/3wtYgaC8n9 — Omar Ruiz (@OmarDRuiz) December 7, 2020
“Fortunately, it’s 2020, and we’re so used to getting pulled every which way,” NIners tackle Trent Williams said when the team pulled up stakes last week. “I think that ultimately helped us just adapt to the situation we’re in right now.”
For the 49ers, it was only the third time in 31 years they’d taken to the road for a home game. One of those was a 2010 game in London. The other was in 1989, when the 49ers played at Stanford Stadium while Candlestick Park was being retrofitted following the Loma Prieta earthquake.
The 49ers will do it again Sunday when they “host” the Washington Football Team at the Cardinals’ stadium.
They will continue to practice on a field just south of the stadium in preparation for a game at Dallas on Dec. 20. Then they return to State Farm Stadium for a Dec. 26 game — but as the visiting team against the Cardinals. The Jan. 3 regular-season finale against Seattle, currently scheduled for Levi’s Stadium, also will be played here if the county ban is extended.
How unique was it for an NFL team to play a home game in the stadium of another NFL team? It had happened only four times in the Super Bowl era, which dates to 1970.
Coincidentally, the Bills were the last team to do it. In 2014, they played a home game at Ford Field, home of the Detroit Lions, because of a severe snowstorm in Buffalo.
In 2010, the Minnesota Vikings played a home game in Detroit because the roof on their stadium (the Metrodome) collapsed under a heavy snow.
In 2005, the New Orleans Saints played a home game at Giants Stadium — against the Giants, no less! — because of Hurricane Katrina.
In 2003, the San Diego Chargers played a home game Arizona’s Sun Devil Stadium (then home of the Cardinals because of wild fires in San Diego.


mercurynews--2020-12-08--Fremont to permanently close part of Morrison Canyon Road to cars over safety concerns

FREMONT — A portion of Morrison Canyon Road , a narrow and steep rural route in the Fremont hills that commuters seized upon in recent years to bypass highway traffic , will be permanently closed to cars , the Fremont City Council decided unanimously this month .
The move comes more than two years after the council approved a temporary closure of the same stretch of road in the name of safety , as there are frequently conflicts for space on the road , with cars heading up and down the hill at the same time having difficulty getting around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bicyclists and pedestrians using the road , as well .
Some hillside residents who live above the portion that will be closed opposed the decision over the years , as they use Morrison Canyon to more quickly get into the city center , and claim the closure slow emergency response times to their homes .
On the other hand , the decision was welcomed by bicyclists and hikers who said the change will make it much safer for those who use the road as a recreational path and a connection to Vargas Plateau @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ In my opinion , this is a no-brainer that we should go ahead with the closure , ” Fremont Councilman Vinnie Bacon said at a Dec. 1 meeting .
City officials say the road is curvy , as narrow as nine feet in some spots , and is bounded by a steeply sloped hillside on one side , and a canyon on the other , and therefore isn ’ t good for regular traffic .
“ The idea of a bicyclist going up there , and a car coming racing down , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bacon said .
“ We need to decide on one or the other.
” Before the pandemic , the city said the road was seeing around 400 daily car trips during weekday afternoon commute times , with most of the cars headed uphill , or eastbound , as drivers tried to cut down their commute time by using the road as a shortcut to Interstate 680 .
Hans Larsen , the city ’ s public works director , also said the road has also seen increased use for hiking and bicycling , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the opening of Vargas Plateau , and on weekends , he said it is common to have more people hiking and biking than driving on the road .
In June 2018 , the council directed city staff to work up a closure plan , and in November 2018 , the city began a temporary closure , which was originally planned to last a year .
The city installed flexible plastic bollards and some signs that prohibit use of the road by cars , while allowing only emergency access by cars for public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The closure begins around the road ’ s intersection with Ridge Terrace , and ends roughly where Morrison Canyon intersects with Vargas Road , which is the other road hillside residents above the middle portion of the road can use to access their property .
Michael Colantuono , an attorney who said he is representing people living near the upper portion of Morrison Canyon Road , said those residents feel like the city isn ’ t fully considering how much of a “ community asset ” the road is to them , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the flexible barricades stopped public safety personnel or residents from using the road , forcing them to take another , longer route on Vargas .
“ We see no balancing here , we see a clear set of losers and a clear set of winners , and we think we ’ re the losers .
We ’ re losing access to town , and we ’ re losing access to public safety services , ” Colantuono said .
“ We want the city ’ s help to look for a win-win solution , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you tonight .
Safety of those who use the roadway is of course important , but safety for people who live up the roadway is equally a claim that you should consider , ” he said to the council .
He suggested the city should consider the alternative of letting the road be used as a one-way , downhill , or westbound road for cars during weekdays , since most of the commuter traffic the city is concerned about is eastbound .
However , the city ’ s envoironamrtal impact report on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isn ’ t feasible because it conflicts with two major goals of the city ’ s which is to “ substantially reduce conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians/bicyclists on Morrison Canyon Road , ” and to preserve bike and pedestrian access “ the open space resources along upper Morrison Canyon Road.
” Councilman Rick Jones , a former Fremont police officer , said the road closure wouldn ’ t change much for emergency safety needs , as the road is so narrow that fire vehicles or ambulances already likely need to take Vargas Road @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Road .
City staff noted it would be very difficult and expensive to upgrade the road into a good enough condition to be considered safe for both cars and pedestrians , even with only one lane of traffic .
Barbara Krishnan , a resident , said the road has become a “ beautiful resource for our community for doing physical activity and to access the Vargas Plateau park , ” and thanked city officials for the closure work .
“ I understand that those people who live up in the Vargas Plateau area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is a problem for them , but it is such a huge resource to so many more people within Fremont to use it in a safe manner , ” Krishnan said .
“ There are literally pedestrian and bicycle traffic jams on the weekends sometimes , so mixing vehicles in with that is just very , very unsafe , ” she said .

FREMONT — A portion of Morrison Canyon Road, a narrow and steep rural route in the Fremont hills that commuters seized upon in recent years to bypass highway traffic, will be permanently closed to cars, the Fremont City Council decided unanimously this month.
The move comes more than two years after the council approved a temporary closure of the same stretch of road in the name of safety, as there are frequently conflicts for space on the road, involving bicyclists and pedestrians as well as motorists.
Some hillside residents who live above the portion that will be closed opposed the decision, as they use Morrison Canyon to more quickly get into the city center. They also claim the closure will slow emergency response to their homes.
On the other hand, the decision was welcomed by bicyclists and hikers who said the change will make it much safer for those who use the road as a recreational path and a connection to Vargas Plateau Regional Park, especially on weekends.
“In my opinion, this is a no-brainer that we should go ahead with the closure,” Fremont Councilman Vinnie Bacon said at a Dec. 1 meeting.
City officials say the road isn’t good for regular traffic. It’s curvy, as narrow as nine feet in some spots, and is bounded by a steep hillside on one side and a canyon on the other.
“The idea of a bicyclist going up there, and a car coming racing down, it’s simply incompatible,” Bacon said. “We need to decide on one or the other.”
Before the pandemic, the city said, the road was seeing around 400 daily car trips during weekday afternoon commute times, with most of the cars headed uphill, or eastbound, as drivers used the road as a shortcut to Interstate 680.
Hans Larsen, the city’s public works director, also said the road has also seen increased use for hiking and bicycling, which was “stimulated” in recent years by the opening of Vargas Plateau. On weekends, he said, it is common to have more people hiking and biking than driving on the road.
In June 2018, the council directed city staff to work up a closure plan, and in November 2018, the city began a temporary closure, which was originally planned to last a year. The city installed flexible plastic bollards and signs that prohibit use of the road by cars, while allowing access by local residents and for emergencies.
The closure begins around the road’s intersection with Ridge Terrace, and ends roughly where Morrison Canyon intersects with Vargas Road, which residents above the middle portion of the road can use to access their property.
Michael Colantuono, an attorney who said he is representing people living near the upper portion of Morrison Canyon Road, said those residents feel like the city isn’t fully considering how much of a “community asset” the road is to them, and claimed that in three recent examples, the flexible barricades stopped public safety personnel or residents from using the road, forcing them to take another, longer route on Vargas.
“We see no balancing here, we see a clear set of losers and a clear set of winners, and we think we’re the losers. We’re losing access to town, and we’re losing access to public safety services,” Colantuono said.
“We want the city’s help to look for a win-win solution, not the win-lose solution that is before you tonight. Safety of those who use the roadway is of course important, but safety for people who live up the roadway is equally a claim that you should consider,” he said to the council.
He suggested the city should consider the alternative of letting the road be used as a one-way road — open to downhill, or westbound, traffic — on weekdays, since most of the commuter traffic the city is concerned about is eastbound.
However, the city’s environmental impact report on the closure determined westbound-only traffic on the road isn’t feasible because it conflicts with two major goals of the city: to “substantially reduce conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians/bicyclists on Morrison Canyon Road,” and to preserve bike and pedestrian access to “the open space resources along upper Morrison Canyon Road.”
Councilman Rick Jones, a former Fremont police officer, said the road closure wouldn’t change much for emergency safety needs, as the road is so narrow that fire vehicles or ambulances are already likely to take Vargas Road to access the homes above Morrison Canyon Road.
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Barbara Krishnan, a resident, said the road has become a “beautiful resource for our community for doing physical activity and to access the Vargas Plateau park,” and thanked city officials for the closure work.
“I understand that those people who live up in the Vargas Plateau area do have a division of community here that is a problem for them, but it is such a huge resource to so many more people within Fremont to use it in a safe manner,” Krishnan said.
“There are literally pedestrian and bicycle traffic jams on the weekends sometimes, so mixing vehicles in with that is just very, very unsafe,” she said.