mercurynews--2020-08-01--California tops 500,000 coronavirus cases. Is the surge finally slowing?

July ended Friday as California ’ s worst month yet of the COVID-19 pandemic , with deaths hitting record after record and cases doubling to cross the half-million threshold — but there are signs that the spread of the virus has begun to slow down .
A total of 2,844 deaths were recorded in July , nearly 800 more than any month before it .
Meanwhile , California counted 254,606 cases , surpassing the entirety of the pandemic before July .
But growth appeared to be leveling off as the month came to a close , with test positivity and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hotspots like Southern California .
So where is California headed next ?
“ Overall , the data seem to indicate that we have perhaps reached a peak and are moving into a new plateau phase , ” said Dr. George Lemp , an epidemiologist and former Director of the HIV/AIDS Research Program at the University of California , Office of the President .
“ We should continue to expect the impact of the surge for the next few weeks — but I ’ d expect that sometime later in August , we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitalizations and deaths.
” Over the past week , the state counted 5,000 fewer cases than the previous week — decreasing about 7 % .
The seven-day average number of new cases was at its lowest level in 11 days on Thursday , at 8,852 per day , while the seven-day average for testing positivity had fallen to about 7 % for the first time since July 1 .
The World Health Organization recommends areas hit a positivity rate of 5 % or lower before loosening lockdown restrictions .
In other words , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in June and July — which epidemiologists say resulted from a hasty reopening , workplace outbreaks and impatient residents flouting social distancing practices — has finally begun to ebb .
Still , the state ’ s overall improvement conceals starkly divergent situations across regions , said Dr. Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo , professor and chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at University of California , San Francisco .
According to the California Department of Public Health , the 14-day average for test positivity rates have crept toward or past 20 % in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Bay Area , many counties remained below statewide levels .
In Santa Clara County , the positivity rate is now at 3.3 % , and it is even lower in San Francisco — 2.1 % .
Los Angeles County , home to about a quarter of the state ’ s population and previously the pandemic ’ s epicenter , now has an average positivity of about 6.1 % — lower than the state as a whole .
And while the Southern California county still accounted for the largest share of COVID-19 deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 13 % increase in its death toll from 1,018 deaths in June .
Meanwhile , in the San Joaquin Valley , where cases per capita are rising at the fastest rate in the state , the number of deaths from COVID-19 more than tripled to 399 in July , from 118 in June .
“ On average we ’ re doing better because Southern California is doing much better — but that ’ s happening when the Central Valley is doing much worse , and while other parts of the state , like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watching closely , ” Bibbins-Domingo said .
On Friday , the state counted the first death of a California child linked to COVID-19 : A teenager in the Central Valley with underlying health conditions .
More deaths and hospitalizations are likely in early August as early July ’ s surge in cases plays out , epidemiologists say .
“ There ’ s no parts of the state where transmission is so low we can discard those strategies to mitigate spread , ” Bibbins-Domingo added .
Other Bay Area public health officials seconded those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Public Health Director Dr. Grant Colfax said Thursday that his county is in a “ major surge ” with a record 107 people hospitalized with the virus — up from just 26 patients about six weeks ago .
If infection rates continue apace , Colfax predicts more than 750 San Franciscans hospitalized by mid-October .
“ The unknown variable of all predictions is human behavior .
Humans can do whatever they want to do given the facts , ” said Dr. Peter Chin-Hong , professor of medicine and infectious disease expert at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll have a dip again , and then we ’ ll reopen hopefully slower — but then we ’ ll have another surge .
”

July ended Friday as California’s worst month yet of the COVID-19 pandemic, with deaths hitting another new record on the final day and cases doubling for the month to cross the half-million threshold — but there are signs that the spread of the virus has begun to slow down.
More than 3,000 deaths were recorded in July statewide, more than 1,000 more than in June. Meanwhile, California counted nearly 270,000 cases over the 31-day period, surpassing the entirety of the pandemic before July. But growth appeared to be leveling off as the month came to a close, with test positivity and death rates decreasing, especially in prior hotspots such as Southern California.
So where is California headed next?
“Overall, the data seem to indicate that we have perhaps reached a peak and are moving into a new plateau phase,” said Dr. George Lemp, an epidemiologist and former director of the HIV/AIDS Research Program at the University of California, Office of the President. “We should continue to expect the impact of the surge for the next few weeks — but I’d expect that sometime later in August, we’ll begin to see the turndowns of hospitalizations and deaths.”
Over the past week, the state counted 5,000 fewer cases than the previous week — decreasing about 7%. The seven-day average number of new cases was at its lowest level in 11 days on Thursday, at 8,852 per day, while the seven-day average for testing positivity had fallen to about 7% for the first time since July 1. The World Health Organization recommends areas hit a positivity rate of 5% or lower before loosening lockdown restrictions.
In other words, the flood of cases that hit California in June and July — which epidemiologists say resulted from a hasty reopening, workplace outbreaks and impatient residents flouting social distancing practices — has finally begun to ebb.
Still, the state’s overall improvement conceals starkly divergent situations across regions, said Dr. Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, professor and chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at University of California, San Francisco.
According to the California Department of Public Health, the 14-day average for test positivity rates have crept toward or past 20% in the hardest-hit Central Valley counties, while in the Bay Area, many counties remained below statewide levels. In Santa Clara County, the positivity rate is now at 3.3%, and it is even lower in San Francisco — 2.1%.
Los Angeles County, home to about a quarter of the state’s population and previously the pandemic’s epicenter, now has an average positivity of about 6.1% — lower than the state as a whole. And while the Southern California county still accounted for the largest share of COVID-19 deaths in July, it only saw a 13% increase in its death toll from 1,018 deaths in June.
Meanwhile, in the San Joaquin Valley, where cases per capita are rising at the fastest rate in the state, the number of deaths from COVID-19 more than tripled to 399 in July, from 118 in June.
“On average we’re doing better because Southern California is doing much better — but that’s happening when the Central Valley is doing much worse, and while other parts of the state, like the Bay Area, we’re watching closely,” Bibbins-Domingo said.
On Friday, counties reported a record 215 deaths — the previous daily record of 193 was set Wednesday — while the state announced the first death of a California child linked to COVID-19: a teenager in the Central Valley with underlying health conditions. More deaths and hospitalizations are likely in early August as early July’s surge in cases plays out, epidemiologists say.
“There’s no parts of the state where transmission is so low we can discard those strategies to mitigate spread,” Bibbins-Domingo added.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge Other Bay Area public health officials seconded those warnings this week. San Francisco Department of Public Health Director Dr. Grant Colfax said Thursday that his county is in a “major surge” with a record 107 people hospitalized with the virus — up from just 26 patients about six weeks ago. If infection rates continue apace, Colfax predicts more than 750 San Franciscans will be hospitalized by mid-October.
“The unknown variable of all predictions is human behavior. Humans can do whatever they want to do given the facts,” said Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, professor of medicine and infectious disease expert at UCSF. “My prediction is we’ll have a dip again, and then we’ll reopen hopefully slower — but then we’ll have another surge.”
Evan Webeck contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-08-01--James Murdoch resigns from News Corp

James Murdoch resigns from News Corp

James Murdoch , the youngest son of billionaire media mogul Rupert Murdoch , made a dramatic break from the family business on Friday .
He resigned from the board of directors of News Corp , the family ’ s publishing empire , and said he was exiting the company over “ disagreements over certain editorial content published ” by its news outlets and “ certain other strategic decisions.
” James Murdoch , whose older brother Lachlan Murdoch serves as the CEO of Fox Corporation , had already left that side of the family business , partly due to his disgust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remained on the board of News Corp — something that had intrigued friends of the family .
The younger Murdoch repeatedly clashed with his father and brother ’ s conservative political views , occasionally even in public .
He donated to Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg and fumed about climate change denialism .
By staying on the board of News Corp , he was “ testing the proposition of making change from the inside , ” an insider said in an interview earlier this year .
Friday ’ s move indicates that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The News Corp umbrella includes papers such as The Wall Street Journal and New York Post .
It also includes the book publisher HarperCollins and a raft of newspapers in the United Kingdom and Australia .
A spokesperson for James Murdoch had no further comment and said that the letter spoke for itself .
In a joint statement , his father Rupert Murdoch and brother Lachlan said , “ We ’ re grateful to James for his many years of service to the company .
We wish him the very best in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include additional investments in news startups and other media enterprises .
He launched an investment company , Lupa Systems , in early 2019 .
His Friday resignation from News Corp represents his growing distance from the family business .
But he is still connected to the family through the Murdoch Family Trust , which holds key voting shares in both companies .
Rupert Murdoch has four votes in the trust , and his four adult children have the other four votes .
What happens to the companies in the event of Rupert ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media industry speculation .
On Friday night a source indicated that the resignation letter was not the result of any abrupt action within New York .
On the contrary , the source said , tensions had been building for months .
In January , for example , James and his wife Kathryn joined the criticism of Murdoch properties ’ coverage of wildfires in Australia .
• August TV calendar : Dates for new and returning shows • Streaming ’ s oddest couplings : ‘ Simpsons ’ on Disney+ — say what ?
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Kathryn had “ well established ” views on climate change and were “ particularly disappointed with the ongoing denial among the news outlets in Australia given obvious evidence to the contrary .
”

By Brian Stelter and Oliver Darcy | CNN
James Murdoch, the youngest son of billionaire media mogul Rupert Murdoch, made a dramatic break from the family business on Friday.
He resigned from the board of directors of News Corp, the family’s publishing empire, and said he was exiting the company over “disagreements over certain editorial content published” by its news outlets and “certain other strategic decisions.”
James Murdoch, whose older brother Lachlan Murdoch serves as the CEO of Fox Corporation, had already left that side of the family business, partly due to his disgust of Fox News.
But he had remained on the board of News Corp — something that had intrigued friends of the family.
The younger Murdoch repeatedly clashed with his father and brother’s conservative political views, occasionally even in public. He donated to Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg and fumed about climate change denialism.
By staying on the board of News Corp, he was “testing the proposition of making change from the inside,” an insider said in an interview earlier this year.
Friday’s move indicates that he has given up on that proposition.
The News Corp umbrella includes papers such as The Wall Street Journal and New York Post. It also includes the book publisher HarperCollins and a raft of newspapers in the United Kingdom and Australia.
A spokesperson for James Murdoch had no further comment and said that the letter spoke for itself.
In a joint statement, his father Rupert Murdoch and brother Lachlan said, “We’re grateful to James for his many years of service to the company. We wish him the very best in his future endeavors.”
Those further endeavors could include additional investments in news startups and other media enterprises. He launched an investment company, Lupa Systems, in early 2019.
His Friday resignation from News Corp represents his growing distance from the family business.
But he is still connected to the family through the Murdoch Family Trust, which holds key voting shares in both companies.
Rupert Murdoch has four votes in the trust, and his four adult children have the other four votes. What happens to the companies in the event of Rupert’s death is a constant source of media industry speculation.
On Friday night a source indicated that the resignation letter was not the result of any abrupt action within New York.
On the contrary, the source said, tensions had been building for months.
In January, for example, James and his wife Kathryn joined the criticism of Murdoch properties’ coverage of wildfires in Australia.


mercurynews--2020-08-01--State lawmaker among 7 killed in Alaska midair collision

ANCHORAGE , Alaska – A midair plane collision in Anchorage on Friday killed seven people , including a state lawmaker who was piloting one of the aircraft , Alaska officials said .
There were no survivors of the crash near the airport in Soldotna , a city on the Kenai Peninsula , the Alaska State Troopers said in a written statement .
State Rep. Gary Knopp , who represented the area , was alone in one of the planes .
The other plane was carrying four tourists from South Carolina , a guide from Kansas and a pilot from Soldotna @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victims were pronounced dead at the site except for one person who died while being transported to a hospital , according to the troopers .
Crash debris fell on a highway , which was shut down briefly out of safety concerns .
The Federal Aviation Administration identified one of the planes as a de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver .
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash .
Knopp , 67 , was a Republican and a member of the state House bipartisan majority .
Several colleagues expressed condolences .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learn of the crash that claimed Gary Knopp ’ s life , ” House Speaker Bryce Edgmon , an independent , said in a statement .
“ Gary was a one-of-a-kind leader and a true Alaskan who worked tirelessly for his district in the Legislature .
He will be missed by many.
” The other victims were identified as pilot Gregory Bell , 67 , guide David Rogers , 40 , and the South Carolina visitors : Caleb Hulsey , 26 ; Heather Hulsey , 25 ; Mackay Hulsey , 24 ; and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fatal midair collision in Alaska happened in May of 2019 near Ketchikan .
Six people were killed when two planes ferrying cruise ship passengers on sightseeing expeditions struck each other .
Ten survivors of that collision were rescued from the site .

By Yereth Rosen | Reuters
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A midair plane collision in Anchorage on Friday killed seven people, including a state lawmaker who was piloting one of the aircraft, Alaska officials said.
There were no survivors of the crash near the airport in Soldotna, a city on the Kenai Peninsula, the Alaska State Troopers said in a written statement.
State Rep. Gary Knopp, who represented the area, was alone in one of the planes. The other plane was carrying four tourists from South Carolina, a guide from Kansas and a pilot from Soldotna, the troopers said.
All seven victims were pronounced dead at the site except for one person who died while being transported to a hospital, according to the troopers.
Crash debris fell on a highway, which was shut down briefly out of safety concerns.
The Federal Aviation Administration identified one of the planes as a de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash.
Knopp, 67, was a Republican and a member of the state House bipartisan majority. Several colleagues expressed condolences.
“I’m devastated and shocked to learn of the crash that claimed Gary Knopp’s life,” House Speaker Bryce Edgmon, an independent, said in a statement. “Gary was a one-of-a-kind leader and a true Alaskan who worked tirelessly for his district in the Legislature. He will be missed by many.”
The other victims were identified as pilot Gregory Bell, 67, guide David Rogers, 40, and the South Carolina visitors: Caleb Hulsey, 26; Heather Hulsey, 25; Mackay Hulsey, 24; and Kirstin Wright, 23.
The last fatal midair collision in Alaska happened in May of 2019 near Ketchikan. Six people were killed when two planes ferrying cruise ship passengers on sightseeing expeditions struck each other. Ten survivors of that collision were rescued from the site.


mercurynews--2020-08-01--Theranos founder Holmes hit with 12th fraud charge — again

The Stanford University dropout is accused of bilking investors out of hundreds of millions of dollars and defrauding doctors and patients with false claims about her now-defunct Palo Alto startup ’ s blood-testing technology .
She is in pre-trial proceedings , conducted via video-conference , in U.S. District Court in San Jose .
Holmes was first indicted in June 2018 on 11 fraud counts .
She and her co-accused , former company president Sunny Balwani , have pleaded not guilty .
The charge added this week in a new indictment relates to a patient ’ s blood test .
Prosecutors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in a process Holmes ’ lawyers in a court filing called “ patently unconstitutional.
” Then the government filed a second indictment that removed the charge , without explaining why .
And on Tuesday , prosecutors filed a third indictment , which restored the charge .
Holmes ’ lawyers had already claimed the second indictment may have violated her rights because the grand jury that produced it was created during the coronavirus pandemic , and they had asked Judge Edward Davila to give them access to grand jury selection records .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broadened their claim and request to include the grand jury that produced the third indictment .
Holmes legal team said it had “ serious concerns ” about whether a grand jury representing a cross-section of the community could be pulled together , as required by law , amid the economic crisis and health threats created by the pandemic .
Holmes ’ trial has been delayed by the pandemic and Davila has suggested it could go ahead in February .

Federal prosecutors have restored a 12th felony fraud charge against Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes.
The Stanford University dropout is accused of bilking investors out of hundreds of millions of dollars and defrauding doctors and patients with false claims about her now-defunct Palo Alto startup’s blood-testing technology. She is in pre-trial proceedings, conducted via video-conference, in U.S. District Court in San Jose. Holmes was first indicted in June 2018 on 11 fraud counts. She and her co-accused, former company president Sunny Balwani, have pleaded not guilty.
The charge added this week in a new indictment relates to a patient’s blood test.
Prosecutors had originally added that charge in May, in a process Holmes’ lawyers in a court filing called “patently unconstitutional.” Then the government filed a second indictment that removed the charge, without explaining why. And on Tuesday, prosecutors filed a third indictment, which restored the charge.
Holmes’ lawyers had already claimed the second indictment may have violated her rights because the grand jury that produced it was created during the coronavirus pandemic, and they had asked Judge Edward Davila to give them access to grand jury selection records.
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Holmes’ trial has been delayed by the pandemic and Davila has suggested it could go ahead in February.


mercurynews--2020-07-31--San Jose: Man found shot to death near elementary school

SAN JOSE – A man was found shot to death near Windmill Springs Elementary School in San Jose early Friday @ @ @ @ @ were called to the 2900 block of Aetna Way about 6:45 a.m. for a report @ @ @ @ @ in the grass outside a residence , said San Jose police Sgt .
Enrique Garcia @ @ @ @ @ a man suffering from at least one gunshot wound .
Garcia said the man was @ @ @ @ @ .
His identity will be released by the Santa Clara County Medical Examiner-Coroner ’ s @ @ @ @ @ confirmed and his next of kin is notified .
The death marks the city ’ @ @ @ @ @ year .
No suspects have been arrested or identified in the shooting , said Garcia @ @ @ @ @ and circumstances surrounding the shooting are under investigation .
Anyone with information about the homicide @ @ @ @ @ John Cary or Detective Elizabeth Ramirez at 408-277-5283 , or leave a tip with Silicon @ @ @ @ @ or at svcrimestoppers.org .
Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward .

SAN JOSE – A 24-year-old man was found shot to death near Windmill Springs Elementary School in San Jose early Friday morning, authorities said.
Officers were called to the 2900 block of Aetna Way about 6:45 a.m. for a report of a person face down in the grass outside a residence, said San Jose police Sgt. Enrique Garcia. They arrived to find a man, later identified as Tyrone Lampley, suffering from at least one gunshot wound.
Lampley, 24, was pronounced dead at the scene, Garcia said.
The death marks the city’s 22nd homicide of the year.
No suspects have been arrested or identified in the shooting, Garcia said, adding that the motive and circumstances surrounding the shooting are under investigation.
Anyone with information about the homicide can contact Detective Sgt. John Cary or Detective Elizabeth Ramirez at 408-277-5283, or leave a tip with Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers at 408-947-7867 or at svcrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.


mercurynews--2020-07-31--Campbell restaurants can now offer street dining with closure of East Campbell Avenue

The city of Campbell has joined the street-dining crowd .
From now through Aug. 31 , the city ’ s restaurant-rich downtown stretch will be closed to vehicular traffic to allow for alfresco dining and retail sales .
East Campbell Avenue from Third Street to Ainsley Park near Railway Avenue will be reserved for restaurants , small businesses and pedestrians .
The cross streets of First , Second and Third streets and Central Avenue will remain open to traffic .
“ Face coverings are required at all times except when eating or drinking at a restaurant , ” city officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6 feet of distance between tables that is required during this COVID-19 era .
This “ Good Clean Fun — Campbell Outdoors ” initiative is a joint project of the city , the Campbell Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Campbell Business Association .
Businesses that want to expand to the street must apply for a permit with the city ’ s Public Works Department .
Campbell is the latest Bay Area city to embrace the alfresco dining trend , joining San Jose , Palo Alto , Redwood City and others .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and designated curbside parking and other areas , click on https : //campbellca.gov/1168/E-Campbell-Ave-Closure .

The city of Campbell has joined the street-dining crowd.
From now through Aug. 31, the city’s restaurant-rich downtown stretch will be closed to vehicular traffic to allow for alfresco dining and retail sales.
East Campbell Avenue from Third Street to Ainsley Park near Railway Avenue will be reserved for restaurants, small businesses and pedestrians. The cross streets of First, Second and Third streets and Central Avenue will remain open to traffic.
“Face coverings are required at all times except when eating or drinking at a restaurant,” city officials announced, and restaurants must maintain the 6 feet of distance between tables that is required during this COVID-19 era.
This “Good Clean Fun — Campbell Outdoors” initiative is a joint project of the city, the Campbell Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Campbell Business Association. Businesses that want to expand to the street must apply for a permit with the city’s Public Works Department.
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For a map of the new street closure and designated curbside parking and other areas, click on https://campbellca.gov/1168/E-Campbell-Ave-Closure.


mercurynews--2020-08-01--Editorial: Prop. 19 perpetuates California property tax inequity

Proposition 19 on the Nov. 3 ballot would close one inequity in California ’ s byzantine property tax laws and create another .
It would eliminate provisions that allow often-wealthy parents to transfer without tax consequences ownership of family homes to their children who use the residences as rental properties .
But it would also expand rules allowing residents age 55 or older to transfer the tax value of their homes when they purchase a new one .
The proposed expansion , like a measure voters resoundingly rejected two years ago , would be a windfall for homeowners who already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s property tax laws .
And it would add to the competition for a short supply of more-affordable smaller homes , squeezing out first-time buyers .
The net effect of the two provisions could eventually increase state and local tax revenues by hundreds of millions of dollars annually , according to the Legislative Analyst ’ s Office .
The local portion would benefit municipal governments and schools .
The state portion would mostly be earmarked for fire protection , another example of ballot-box budgeting that hamstrings state lawmakers ’ discretion to spend tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put Prop .
19 on the ballot at the urging of the real estate industry , which would benefit from more home sales , and the state ’ s largest firefighter union , which would receive more jobs for its members .
Voters should reject it .
Prop .
19 merely plugs one hole in the state ’ s porous property tax laws while creating another .
It ’ s time for holistic reform that simplifies the system and makes it more equitable .
This isn ’ t it .
To understand the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 1978 , when voters angry about rising property taxes passed the landmark Proposition 13 .
The measure limited increases in property values for tax purposes , called the assessed value or tax value , to 2 percent annually even though market values often escalate more rapidly .
When property is sold , the tax value is reset to match the sale price , leading to huge disparities in tax bills .
The annual levy for a house purchased three decades ago is just a fraction of an identical one next door purchased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1978 have exacerbated the inequities .
Some of those changes would be altered by Proposition 19 .
In 1986 , voters passed Proposition 58 , enabling parents to transfer homes to their children without triggering a reset of the tax value .
Thus , the tax value remains artificially low and the disparity is magnified over another generation .
It ’ s a tax break unique to California .
The reassessment exclusion applies even if property is used for rental income .
A 2018 investigation by the Los Angeles Times found that 63 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Los Angeles County were second residences or rental properties .
The tax break deprived schools , cities and county government of more than $ 280 million in tax revenue in 2017 .
The Times analysis found similar trends in 12 other coastal counties , including some in the Bay Area .
Prop .
19 would eliminate the tax break for inherited homes that aren ’ t used as the owners ’ primary residences .
That makes sense .
Had Prop .
19 stopped there , it would deserve voter support .
Sadly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1986 , voters also passed Proposition 60 , which allowed property owners age 55 and older one chance to purchase a cheaper home in the same county and transfer the tax value of the property they were selling .
This most benefits long-time homeowners with low tax values .
The concern was that , because of the oddities of Prop .
13 , long-time homeowners seeking to downsize for retirement or when children move out could face higher property taxes when buying a cheaper home .
Counties were later given the option to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Of California ’ s 58 counties , only 10 — including Alameda , San Mateo and Santa Clara — allow a buyer to transfer a tax value from another county .
At least eight other counties — including Contra Costa , Marin and Monterey — stopped participating because the tax loss was too great .
Two years ago , the real estate industry spent $ 13 million on an initiative campaign to expand the program statewide and sweeten the deal for eligible homeowners .
Sixty percent of voters wisely rejected Proposition 5 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is trying again .
This time , the measure would : • Apply the transfer program to moves anywhere in California .
Counties could no longer opt out .
• Allow eligible homeowners to transfer the tax value of their homes up to three times .
Currently they can do so only once .
• Expand the tax transfer program from the currently allowed moves to cheaper homes to also cover more-expensive ones .
Gone is the original premise that the program was for downsizing .
The tax value on a more-expensive home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ price of the old home and the purchase price of the new one added to the old home ’ s tax value .
So , someone who sold a $ 600,000 home , with a tax value of $ 300,000 , and bought a new one for $ 700,000 would have a tax value on the new home of $ 400,000 .
The longer a person had owned their current home , and already benefited from inordinately low tax bills due to Prop .
13 , the greater the tax break on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would often be competing with first-time buyers for more-affordable smaller homes .
The real reform would be to abolish the tax-transfer program , not expand it .
Vote no on Prop .
19 .

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Proposition 19 on the Nov. 3 ballot would close one inequity in California’s byzantine property tax laws and create another.
It would eliminate provisions that allow often-wealthy parents to transfer without tax consequences ownership of family homes to their children who use the residences as rental properties.
But it would also expand rules allowing residents age 55 or older to transfer the tax value of their homes when they purchase a new one. The proposed expansion, like a measure voters resoundingly rejected two years ago, would be a windfall for homeowners who already reap the biggest benefits from California’s property tax laws. And it would add to the competition for a short supply of more-affordable smaller homes, squeezing out first-time buyers.
The net effect of the two provisions could eventually increase state and local tax revenues by hundreds of millions of dollars annually, according to the Legislative Analyst’s Office.
The local portion would benefit municipal governments and schools. The state portion would mostly be earmarked for fire protection, another example of ballot-box budgeting that hamstrings state lawmakers’ discretion to spend tax money for most-critical services.
The Legislature put Prop. 19 on the ballot at the urging of the real estate industry, which would benefit from more home sales, and the state’s largest firefighter union, which would receive more jobs for its members.
Voters should reject it. Prop. 19 merely plugs one hole in the state’s porous property tax laws while creating another. It’s time for holistic reform that simplifies the system and makes it more equitable. This isn’t it.
Property tax history
To understand the context of Proposition 19, go back to 1978, when voters angry about rising property taxes passed the landmark Proposition 13. The measure limited increases in property values for tax purposes, called the assessed value or tax value, to 2 percent annually even though market values often escalate more rapidly.
When property is sold, the tax value is reset to match the sale price, leading to huge disparities in tax bills. The annual levy for a house purchased three decades ago is just a fraction of an identical one next door purchased three years ago.
Voter-approved changes since 1978 have exacerbated the inequities. Some of those changes would be altered by Proposition 19.
Inherited property
In 1986, voters passed Proposition 58, enabling parents to transfer homes to their children without triggering a reset of the tax value. Thus, the tax value remains artificially low and the disparity is magnified over another generation. It’s a tax break unique to California.
The reassessment exclusion applies even if property is used for rental income. A 2018 investigation by the Los Angeles Times found that 63% of homes inherited under the system in Los Angeles County were second residences or rental properties.
The tax break deprived schools, cities and county government of more than $280 million in tax revenue in 2017. The Times analysis found similar trends in 12 other coastal counties, including some in the Bay Area.
Prop. 19 would eliminate the tax break for inherited homes that aren’t used as the owners’ primary residences. That makes sense. Had Prop. 19 stopped there, it would deserve voter support. Sadly, it doesn’t.
Rerun of failed measure
In 1986, voters also passed Proposition 60, which allowed property owners age 55 and older one chance to purchase a cheaper home in the same county and transfer the tax value of the property they were selling. This most benefits long-time homeowners with low tax values.
The concern was that, because of the oddities of Prop. 13, long-time homeowners seeking to downsize for retirement or when children move out could face higher property taxes when buying a cheaper home.
Counties were later given the option to accept tax-value transfers from other counties. Of California’s 58 counties, only 10 — including Alameda, San Mateo and Santa Clara — allow a buyer to transfer a tax value from another county. At least eight other counties — including Contra Costa, Marin and Monterey — stopped participating because the tax loss was too great.
Two years ago, the real estate industry spent $13 million on an initiative campaign to expand the program statewide and sweeten the deal for eligible homeowners. Sixty percent of voters wisely rejected Proposition 5.
With Prop. 19, the industry is trying again. This time, the measure would:
• Apply the transfer program to moves anywhere in California. Counties could no longer opt out.
• Allow eligible homeowners to transfer the tax value of their homes up to three times. Currently they can do so only once.
• Expand the tax transfer program from the currently allowed moves to cheaper homes to also cover more-expensive ones. Gone is the original premise that the program was for downsizing.
The tax value on a more-expensive home would be the difference between the sale price of the old home and the purchase price of the new one added to the old home’s tax value. So, someone who sold a $600,000 home, with a tax value of $300,000, and bought a new one for $700,000 would have a tax value on the new home of $400,000.
The longer a person had owned their current home, and already benefited from inordinately low tax bills due to Prop. 13, the greater the tax break on the new property. And those who downsize would often be competing with first-time buyers for more-affordable smaller homes.
The real reform would be to abolish the tax-transfer program, not expand it. Vote no on Prop. 19.


mercurynews--2020-08-01--49ers camp: Do tight ends need Jalen Hurd to assist George Kittle?

The 49ers have the NFL ’ s best tight end and then , hmmm .
They indeed return a couple backups and used one of their five draft picks on a blocking tight end .
Is that enough for an offense that often deploys two tight ends per snap ?
If a veteran free agent arrives in camp , it wouldn ’ t be shocking , nor would it be if Jalen Hurd slides over from wide receiver on occasion .
Hurd has the desirable frame ( 6-foot-5 ) but durability is a greater concern than tenacity .
The 49ers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Celek ( retired ) and Levine Toilolo ( New York Giants ) .
Depth is vital this season , so let ’ s look at all the 49ers tight ends : George Kittle : If you pass a Brink ’ s armored car , ask them if they ’ re headed to Kittle ’ s house .
The First-Team All-Pro is due a record contract extension — say $ 14 million to $ 16 million annually — preferably before the season so it won ’ t overshadow an already uncertain season .
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ block is matched by his leadership spirit and work ethic .
Ross Dwelley : Kittle ’ s primary backup at tight end can fill in at fullback in a pinch like 2019 .
He came through in the clutch at Arizona last Halloween and has the opportunity to gain more traction if no veteran competition arrives .
Daniel Helm : This former practice-squad player is viewed as a blocking specialist , but he ’ s yet to play in an actual game .
Charlie Woerner : This 6-foot-5 , blocking tight end could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playing about 20 percent of the snaps .
Woerner produced one touchdown among 34 college receptions ; Kittle came out of Iowa with just 48 receptions , 10 for touchdowns .
Chase Harrell : The undrafted rookie is new to tight end , having switched there from wide receiver last season for Arkansas .
He transferred there in 2018 from Kansas , after his older brother , Cole , was fatally shot at a Houston house party .
Count on Kittle to post a third consecutive 1,000-yard season , perhaps one that rivals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end ( 1,377 yards ) .
Ross Dwelley had only 15 catches for 91 yards last season but is worth taking a flier on in fantasy football as he enters his third year in this system .
If Hurd converts to a No .
2 tight end , a 500-yard season easily could be within reach .

The 49ers have the NFL’s best tight end and then, hmmm. They indeed return a couple backups and used one of their five draft picks on a blocking tight end.
Is that enough for an offense that often deploys two tight ends per snap? If a veteran free agent arrives in camp, it wouldn’t be shocking, nor would it be if Jalen Hurd slides over from wide receiver on occasion. Hurd has the desirable frame (6-foot-5) but durability is a greater concern than tenacity.
The 49ers will miss the veteran presence of Garrett Celek (retired) and Levine Toilolo (New York Giants).
Depth is vital this season, so let’s look at all the 49ers tight ends:
PROJECTED STARTER
George Kittle: If you pass a Brink’s armored car, ask them if they’re headed to Kittle’s house. The First-Team All-Pro is due a record contract extension — say $14 million to $16 million annually — preferably before the season so it won’t overshadow an already uncertain season. His all-around ability to catch, run and block is matched by his leadership spirit and work ethic.
BACKUP OPTIONS
Ross Dwelley: Kittle’s primary backup at tight end can fill in at fullback in a pinch like 2019. He came through in the clutch at Arizona last Halloween and has the opportunity to gain more traction if no veteran competition arrives.
Daniel Helm: This former practice-squad player is viewed as a blocking specialist, but he’s yet to play in an actual game.
Charlie Woerner: This 6-foot-5, blocking tight end could fill the role Levine Toilolo held in playing about 20 percent of the snaps. Woerner produced one touchdown among 34 college receptions; Kittle came out of Iowa with just 48 receptions, 10 for touchdowns.
Chase Harrell: The undrafted rookie is new to tight end, having switched there from wide receiver last season for Arkansas. He transferred there in 2018 from Kansas, after his older brother, Cole, was fatally shot at a Houston house party.
PROJECTED STATS
Count on Kittle to post a third consecutive 1,000-yard season, perhaps one that rivals his record-setting 2018 haul for a tight end (1,377 yards). Ross Dwelley had only 15 catches for 91 yards last season but is worth taking a flier on in fantasy football as he enters his third year in this system. If Hurd converts to a No. 2 tight end, a 500-yard season easily could be within reach.


mercurynews--2020-08-01--Horoscopes Aug. 1, 2020: Madison Bumarner, keep track of statistics this year

Happy Birthday : Keep track of statistics this year .
Staying on top of your game will require fundamental input and maneuvers that ensure you don ’ t let anything take you by surprise .
Take care of your health , personal finances , legal matters and anything regarding institutions or large corporations .
Don ’ t try to test the system this year .
Put honesty and integrity first .
Your numbers are 9 , 14 , 23 , 27 , 30 , 36 , 48 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Keep moving forward .
Do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ room for error .
Don ’ t create problems ; do your best to solve what ’ s not functioning correctly .
Listen to complaints , offer solutions and do your best to get along .
2 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : A change of heart will lead to a better relationship with someone who has plenty to offer in return .
Make alterations that are conducive to a project you want to pursue .
Consistency will be vital if you are going to succeed .
5 stars GEMINI ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helping hand , but don ’ t let anyone take advantage of your kindness and generosity .
Joint ventures will result in an emotional confrontation .
Keep your finances separate and your temper under control to avoid a stressful situation .
3 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Take the high road when dealing with partners and people who challenge you .
Concentrate on creative endeavors , spiritual growth and what you can do to bring about positive changes in your life and the lives of those you love .
3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Use your energy to make personal improvements , fine-tune your plans or lifestyle , and focus on doing what ’ s right and best for everyone .
Don ’ t let a tempting offer someone makes entice you to take part in a risky venture .
3 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : A change will lift your spirits and give you hope for a brighter future .
Reach out through social media and connect with an old friend or someone who shares your sentiments .
Sharing your thoughts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ follow through .
5 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Take time to pamper yourself .
Giving yourself a new look or tending to your physical , spiritual or intellectual needs will be uplifting .
Don ’ t buy into the changes someone is making or enticing you to make .
Do your own thing .
2 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : A change to your routine will lead to valuable information .
Expand your mind , and address emotional issues that have left you tangled in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to personal freedom .
It ’ s up to you to choose your destination .
4 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Look for an innovative way to earn extra income .
Call on your resources , and update your skills .
Clear a space at home , and follow through with your pursuit .
Engaging in romance and sharing your plans with someone you love are encouraged .
3 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Take the high road .
Refuse to let anyone upset you or disrupt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t working for you , and fine-tune what you enjoy doing most .
A partnership based on shared interests will prompt you to forge ahead .
3 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Sit tight , take care of unfinished business and don ’ t feel you have to participate in something that doesn ’ t interest you .
Letting go of the past , making personal improvements and focusing on fitness are favored .
Romance is in the stars .
3 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Observe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggestions or opinions .
When in doubt or when uncertainty prevails , let your intuition guide you .
Concentrate on giving back , paying it forward and doing something that you find gratifying ; an opportunity will follow .
4 stars Birthday Baby : You are insightful , passionate and competitive .
You are emotional and challenging .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Madison Bumgarner, 31; Jason Momoa, 41; Adam Duritz, 56; Coolio, 57.
Happy Birthday: Keep track of statistics this year. Staying on top of your game will require fundamental input and maneuvers that ensure you don’t let anything take you by surprise. Take care of your health, personal finances, legal matters and anything regarding institutions or large corporations. Don’t try to test the system this year. Put honesty and integrity first. Your numbers are 9, 14, 23, 27, 30, 36, 48.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Keep moving forward. Do what you say, and leave no room for error. Don’t create problems; do your best to solve what’s not functioning correctly. Listen to complaints, offer solutions and do your best to get along. 2 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): A change of heart will lead to a better relationship with someone who has plenty to offer in return. Make alterations that are conducive to a project you want to pursue. Consistency will be vital if you are going to succeed. 5 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Lend a helping hand, but don’t let anyone take advantage of your kindness and generosity. Joint ventures will result in an emotional confrontation. Keep your finances separate and your temper under control to avoid a stressful situation. 3 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Take the high road when dealing with partners and people who challenge you. Concentrate on creative endeavors, spiritual growth and what you can do to bring about positive changes in your life and the lives of those you love. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Use your energy to make personal improvements, fine-tune your plans or lifestyle, and focus on doing what’s right and best for everyone. Don’t let a tempting offer someone makes entice you to take part in a risky venture. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): A change will lift your spirits and give you hope for a brighter future. Reach out through social media and connect with an old friend or someone who shares your sentiments. Sharing your thoughts, beliefs and dreams will encourage you to follow through. 5 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Take time to pamper yourself. Giving yourself a new look or tending to your physical, spiritual or intellectual needs will be uplifting. Don’t buy into the changes someone is making or enticing you to make. Do your own thing. 2 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): A change to your routine will lead to valuable information. Expand your mind, and address emotional issues that have left you tangled in the past. Happiness is pursuing the march to personal freedom. It’s up to you to choose your destination. 4 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Look for an innovative way to earn extra income. Call on your resources, and update your skills. Clear a space at home, and follow through with your pursuit. Engaging in romance and sharing your plans with someone you love are encouraged. 3 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Take the high road. Refuse to let anyone upset you or disrupt your plans. Alter what isn’t working for you, and fine-tune what you enjoy doing most. A partnership based on shared interests will prompt you to forge ahead. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Sit tight, take care of unfinished business and don’t feel you have to participate in something that doesn’t interest you. Letting go of the past, making personal improvements and focusing on fitness are favored. Romance is in the stars. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Observe how others respond to your requests, suggestions or opinions. When in doubt or when uncertainty prevails, let your intuition guide you. Concentrate on giving back, paying it forward and doing something that you find gratifying; an opportunity will follow. 4 stars
Birthday Baby: You are insightful, passionate and competitive. You are emotional and challenging.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


Bridge: Aug. 1, 2020

You ’ re today ’ s East , and North-South reach 3NT .
South ’ s 2NT invites game , and since North has nine points — a maximum single raise — he accepts .
He bids the nine-trick notrump game , not the 11-trick club game .
West leads the deuce of diamonds , dummy plays low and your king wins .
To return your partner ’ s lead is tempting , but South surely has something in diamonds to bid 2NT , and since West ’ s lead suggests only four diamonds , a diamond return may not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you brave partner ’ s wrath by shifting to a low spade : jack , queen , five .
When he returns the seven , play low to keep communication .
You hope he has an entry plus a third spade .
Sure enough , South has only eight tricks .
When he loses a club finesse to the king , West leads his last spade , and you win and run your suit .
South could — maybe should — make 3NT by winning the first trick and finessing in clubs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is part of winning .
You hold : S K J H A Q J 2 D Q 10 5 C A J 10 8 .
You open one club ( your range for a 1NT opening is 15 to 17 points ) , and your partner bids one spade .
The opponents pass .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : Bid 2NT , promising 18 to maybe 20 points with balanced pattern .
A bid of two hearts would be an error .
Though that bid would be a “ reverse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it would suggest a more distributional hand : longer clubs than hearts .

You’re today’s East, and North-South reach 3NT. South’s 2NT invites game, and since North has nine points — a maximum single raise — he accepts. He bids the nine-trick notrump game, not the 11-trick club game.
West leads the deuce of diamonds, dummy plays low and your king wins. To return your partner’s lead is tempting, but South surely has something in diamonds to bid 2NT, and since West’s lead suggests only four diamonds, a diamond return may not set up enough defensive tricks.
ENTRY
Say you brave partner’s wrath by shifting to a low spade: jack, queen, five. When he returns the seven, play low to keep communication. You hope he has an entry plus a third spade.
Sure enough, South has only eight tricks. When he loses a club finesse to the king, West leads his last spade, and you win and run your suit.
South could — maybe should — make 3NT by winning the first trick and finessing in clubs. Taking advantage of your opponents’ misguesses is part of winning.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S K J H A Q J 2 D Q 10 5 C A J 10 8. You open one club (your range for a 1NT opening is 15 to 17 points), and your partner bids one spade. The opponents pass. What do you say?
ANSWER: Bid 2NT, promising 18 to maybe 20 points with balanced pattern. A bid of two hearts would be an error. Though that bid would be a “reverse” and would show substantial extra strength, it would suggest a more distributional hand: longer clubs than hearts.
South dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S 10 6 5
H K 6
D A 8 4 3
C Q 9 6 3
WEST
S Q 7 2
H 8 7 4
D J 9 6 2
C K 7 4
EAST
S A 9 8 4 3
H 10 9 5 3
D K 7
C 5 2
SOUTH
S K J
H A Q J 2
D Q 10 5
C A J 10 8
South West North East
1 C Pass 2 C Pass
2 NT Pass 3 NT All Pass
Opening lead — D 2
(C)2020 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-08-01--Word Game: Aug. 1, 2020

Word Game: Aug. 1, 2020

TODAY ’ S WORD — SOUNDER ( SOUNDER : SOUN-der : Having a more firm and unshakable basis . )
@ @ @ @ @ more words in SOUNDER ?
The list will be published Monday .
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 — SOUNDER (SOUNDER: SOUN-der: Having a more firm and unshakable basis.)
Average mark 35 words
Time limit 45 minutes
Can you find 48 or more words in SOUNDER? The list will be published Monday.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — MUCILAGE mace magi magic mail male malice maul
meal mica mice milage mile mule cage calm came camel claim clam clime clue
image lace laic lame lice lieu lime luge acme agile ague alum amice gale game
gleam glue glum guile email
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--2020-08-01--Harriette Cole: Who should I call if I don’t want cops involved?

DEAR HARRIETTE : What should I do instead of calling the cops ?
I am an Asian woman , and I live in an apartment in Philadelphia in an area with a fairly high crime rate .
Because of my hours ( I work at a grocery store ) , I often have to walk home alone just as it ’ s getting dark , and I am concerned that this puts me at risk .
That said , I am concerned about calling the police to a neighborhood that has many people of color , especially Black people .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at risk of being attacked by a Black person , and I would strongly prefer not to introduce the police into any situation in this community .
However , if something were to happen while I ’ m walking back at night , which I have been raised to remember is all too possible as a young woman , what are some alternative actions I could take ?
DEAR NEED PROTECTION : You are right to be concerned about your safety during your evening walk home , and , sadly , you are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to engage police when there is a heightened understanding that Black people can be accused of crimes even when they are not committing them .
Our police departments across the country are evaluating their procedures and redefining how they can support communities — and it will take some time .
• Harriette Cole : Should I fix my nose , or just learn to live with it ?
• Harriette Cole : My dream withered when I had to come home from the beach • Harriette Cole : Why would you tell her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cole : I deeply hurt my partner , and ‘ sorry ’ just doesn ’ t cut it Two things you can do : Be proactive , and go speak to someone at your police precinct to inquire about what they would recommend to best support you .
If extra patrolling happens during evening hours , that may be more helpful than a 911 call .
You can also talk to your community board or neighborhood organization ( if you have one ) and suggest forming a neighborhood watch , where neighbors look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : At my job , we ’ ve just begun to go to the office a couple of days a week .
During the remote period , we hired some new staff into our company .
I was looking forward to finally meeting everyone and having in-person interactions with them , even in a limited capacity .
However , one of the new employees seems to be flirting with me , and I am not interested .
He keeps complimenting me and has tried to inquire about my personal life .
I chalked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nice , but now he will text me after work hours and has asked me to get coffee sometime .
Am I being paranoid ?
Does this guy just want a friend because of quarantine , or is he looking for love ?
Either way , how should I approach this situation ?
I don ’ t think I ’ m looking for an office romance .
DEAR DRAWING THE LINES : Be direct with this man so that there is no guessing going on .
Tell him it is nice to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you are getting mixed signals from him .
Say that you are happy to get to know him as a colleague , but you are not interested in dating , in case that ’ s what he had in mind .
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS , an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams .
You can send questions to askharriette @ harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

DEAR HARRIETTE: What should I do instead of calling the cops? I am an Asian woman, and I live in an apartment in Philadelphia in an area with a fairly high crime rate. Because of my hours (I work at a grocery store), I often have to walk home alone just as it’s getting dark, and I am concerned that this puts me at risk.
That said, I am concerned about calling the police to a neighborhood that has many people of color, especially Black people. I do not think I am more at risk of being attacked by a Black person, and I would strongly prefer not to introduce the police into any situation in this community. However, if something were to happen while I’m walking back at night, which I have been raised to remember is all too possible as a young woman, what are some alternative actions I could take?
Need Protection
DEAR NEED PROTECTION: You are right to be concerned about your safety during your evening walk home, and, sadly, you are also right that it can be tricky to engage police when there is a heightened understanding that Black people can be accused of crimes even when they are not committing them.
Our police departments across the country are evaluating their procedures and redefining how they can support communities — and it will take some time.
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Two things you can do: Be proactive, and go speak to someone at your police precinct to inquire about what they would recommend to best support you. If extra patrolling happens during evening hours, that may be more helpful than a 911 call. You can also talk to your community board or neighborhood organization (if you have one) and suggest forming a neighborhood watch, where neighbors look out for one another.
DEAR HARRIETTE: At my job, we’ve just begun to go to the office a couple of days a week. During the remote period, we hired some new staff into our company. I was looking forward to finally meeting everyone and having in-person interactions with them, even in a limited capacity.
However, one of the new employees seems to be flirting with me, and I am not interested. He keeps complimenting me and has tried to inquire about my personal life. I chalked it up to him being awkward and nice, but now he will text me after work hours and has asked me to get coffee sometime.
Am I being paranoid? Does this guy just want a friend because of quarantine, or is he looking for love? Either way, how should I approach this situation? I don’t think I’m looking for an office romance.
Drawing the Lines
DEAR DRAWING THE LINES: Be direct with this man so that there is no guessing going on. Tell him it is nice to get to know a new co-worker, but you are getting mixed signals from him. Say that you are happy to get to know him as a colleague, but you are not interested in dating, in case that’s what he had in mind.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-08-01--Miss Manners: My friends told me not to repeat my stories about racism

DEAR MISS MANNERS : I had a conversation with friends that left me really upset , and I feel I need a second opinion as to whether or not I should be .
First of all , I am horrified at the injustices people of color have faced in this country .
However , I am a white male and I spent a number of years in another country , where people are primarily of a different race .
On numerous occasions there , I was shouted at with derogatory racial epithets , and one time was even hit lightly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
These instances were emotionally very hurtful .
I brought up these stories while discussing how evil racism is , and was told , “ It is not possible for a white male to suffer racism.
” Not only that , I was told that even though my friends know I am not racist , I should not repeat the stories , as I would be taken as a racist .
• Miss Manners : The bride canceled her wedding with a confusing note • Miss Manners : This guest got sneaky at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Any criticism of his red hat is likely to set him off • Miss Manners : I think their wedding plans are disrespectful • Miss Manners : I make these condolence notes on my computer .
Are they tacky ?
According to them , the definition of racism is “ thinking you are better than someone because of your race.
” They said it is unlikely that people in that foreign country said hurtful things to me because of racism , but rather out of resentment for white people ’ s history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I feel racism is racism , and what really matters is how the victim feels .
My partner is upset at me for my opinion .
Should I be offended ?
GENTLE READER : You are debating semantics .
Miss Manners is quite certain that you are destined to lose this argument — and alienate far more than your friends through its insistence .
Yes , there was a preconception made against you based on the color of your skin , but while admittedly horrid and unfair , it is different from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unpleasant as it was for you , it did not take away your rights , freedoms and basic equality .
The fact that it was likely a retaliatory bias , and not inherent , is key .
Persisting in your argument and in taking offense will only make you look naive .
Miss Manners suggests that you stop .
DEAR MISS MANNERS : I have long wondered when , if ever , it is acceptable to supplement — or even substitute — a verbal request with hand gestures to improve communication .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chide me for gesturing for the check across a noisy bar .
My question has renewed importance now that the wearing of masks is obscuring vocal projection , and moving closer to be heard is not advised .
GENTLE READER : It depends upon what the gesture is and how it is administered .
Impatience is still recognizable , even under a mask .
Which leaves Miss Manners wondering if it was that with which the bartender was taking issue , and not the gesture itself .
DEAR MISS MANNERS : What is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the possibility of returning a gift ?
Signed , Four Sizes Too Small .
GENTLE READER : Most retailers will accept returns in the form of credit , often without a receipt .
Miss Manners recommends that you try this first , in the hopes of exchanging it for the same item in the correct size .
If this does not work , you may ask the giver for help by saying , “ Although I am in love with the jersey , I am afraid that it is more of a crop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have the receipt , or know how I could exchange it ?
I do so want to wear it , but also not violate any decency laws.
” Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website , www.missmanners.com ; to her email , dearmissmanners @ gmail.com ; or through postal mail to Miss Manners , Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I had a conversation with friends that left me really upset, and I feel I need a second opinion as to whether or not I should be.
First of all, I am horrified at the injustices people of color have faced in this country. However, I am a white male and I spent a number of years in another country, where people are primarily of a different race. On numerous occasions there, I was shouted at with derogatory racial epithets, and one time was even hit lightly with a car while being shouted at. These instances were emotionally very hurtful.
I brought up these stories while discussing how evil racism is, and was told, “It is not possible for a white male to suffer racism.” Not only that, I was told that even though my friends know I am not racist, I should not repeat the stories, as I would be taken as a racist.
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Miss Manners: She wants to turn our music festival into a get-drunk weekend Advice | Miss Manners: My rule is no gift for a second wedding, no attendance for a third According to them, the definition of racism is “thinking you are better than someone because of your race.” They said it is unlikely that people in that foreign country said hurtful things to me because of racism, but rather out of resentment for white people’s history of cruelty and injustice towards others.
I feel racism is racism, and what really matters is how the victim feels. My partner is upset at me for my opinion. Should I be offended?
GENTLE READER: You are debating semantics. Miss Manners is quite certain that you are destined to lose this argument — and alienate far more than your friends through its insistence.
Yes, there was a preconception made against you based on the color of your skin, but while admittedly horrid and unfair, it is different from the experience of most marginalized groups. As unpleasant as it was for you, it did not take away your rights, freedoms and basic equality.
The fact that it was likely a retaliatory bias, and not inherent, is key. Persisting in your argument and in taking offense will only make you look naive. Miss Manners suggests that you stop.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have long wondered when, if ever, it is acceptable to supplement — or even substitute — a verbal request with hand gestures to improve communication. For instance, I once had a bartender chide me for gesturing for the check across a noisy bar.
My question has renewed importance now that the wearing of masks is obscuring vocal projection, and moving closer to be heard is not advised.
GENTLE READER: It depends upon what the gesture is and how it is administered.
Impatience is still recognizable, even under a mask. Which leaves Miss Manners wondering if it was that with which the bartender was taking issue, and not the gesture itself.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: What is the most polite way to ask about the possibility of returning a gift? Signed, Four Sizes Too Small.
GENTLE READER: Most retailers will accept returns in the form of credit, often without a receipt. Miss Manners recommends that you try this first, in the hopes of exchanging it for the same item in the correct size.
If this does not work, you may ask the giver for help by saying, “Although I am in love with the jersey, I am afraid that it is more of a crop top on me. Do you happen to have the receipt, or know how I could exchange it? I do so want to wear it, but also not violate any decency laws.”
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-08-01--Ask Amy: His mom doesn’t realize I’m pregnant, and I need to keep it that way

Dear Amy : My partner and I are expecting a baby .
It ’ s our first baby , and the only grandchild in his family .
I moved in with him and his family right after we discovered that we were pregnant .
The problem is that during this time , his parents ’ relationship deteriorated , resulting in a messy divorce after 42 years .
We ’ ve decided that it was best to hide the pregnancy from his family as long as we can , due to how childish and toxic his mother is .
His father @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serious resentments toward his mother from a past fueled by alcoholism and emotional abuse .
I don ’ t feel safe with her being alone with our baby since she drinks and drives all the time .
She ’ s so self-absorbed that she doesn ’ t even notice that I am seven months pregnant .
• Ask Amy : After his creepy comments , I can ’ t be around my boyfriend ’ s father • Ask Amy : My dead husband ’ s parents have made an unreasonable demand • Ask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to come to her wedding , and I ’ m scared • Ask Amy : I cringe when I see my wife in her ‘ professional ’ mode • Ask Amy : She told me she ’ d unfriend my husband if he doesn ’ t cut it out We are doing our best to save money to get our own place to live , because we don ’ t want to stay with her any longer than we have to , but the baby will be here soon .
We don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around the baby .
Are we wrong for not wanting to tell her or her side of the family ?
What should we do ?
Dear Ready : This is the first of many tests you will face as parents , so take responsibility for your lives and your choices , and tell the truth .
By living with your partner ’ s family , you have made your pregnancy their business .
The presence of a baby in the household will have a profound impact on all of you .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the last minute .
You feel strongly that your partner ’ s mother should not be alone with the baby .
So don ’ t leave her alone with the baby .
You are the child ’ s parents .
You are responsible for your child ’ s safety and well-being , even if that means confronting some challenging personal situations .
You and your partner need to get your act together , and keep it together .
This means telling the truth , creating boundaries while you are in the household @ @ @ @ @ @ @ household as soon as you can .
Dear Amy : People often write to you wondering what to say to others who are grieving .
My wife and I lost a son over four decades ago .
Before that tragedy befell us , I would feel uncomfortable if I met people who had lost a precious one .
Now , I know what to do and say .
Say to the bereaved , “ I can only imagine your sorrow.
” Offer to hug them and if it brings you to tears and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything else you might do or say , that gesture lets them know that you care .
Don ’ t ever say , “ I know how you feel.
” Only those who had experienced such a tragic loss know .
Don ’ t disappear from them .
When it happened to us , friends that we had been very close to vanished .
Other people that we had never met appeared and helped with hugs , tears and whatever else they could offer .
It has been a long time .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The sorrow , pain and ache in one ’ s heart never totally leaves , but it becomes easier to bear .
Dear DT : Thank you so much for sharing your own shattering experience .
I know it will help others .
Dear Amy : Thank you for including a reference to my work in your response to “ Not Born in the USA , ” a Russian who immigrated to the United States as a teenager and who wants to become more acculturated to American life as an adult .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reading list .
This is way cool .
Indians are rarely included in lists like this .
Reservation-raised Indians are even more invisible .
I know I ’ m a big name in American literature , but I ’ m also a kid who grew up in a HUD house on the rez across the street from the tribe ’ s K-12 school , and only a little farther away from the Indian Health Service Clinic .
So , you know — waaaaaaaaaay Indian .
So here ’ s to all of you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all who ’ ve gone urban ( like me ) .
Here ’ s to the unbroken connection to our ancestors .
To all of our indigenous beauty .
Dear Sherman : “ The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian ” ( Hachette , 2012 ) is taught in many schools , and along with your stories , novels , screenplays and poetry , has earned its place in the American canon .
Thank you for your work .
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Box 194 , Freeville , NY 13068 .
You can also follow her on Twitter @ askingamy or Facebook .

Dear Amy: My partner and I are expecting a baby. It’s our first baby, and the only grandchild in his family.
I moved in with him and his family right after we discovered that we were pregnant. The problem is that during this time, his parents’ relationship deteriorated, resulting in a messy divorce after 42 years.
We’ve decided that it was best to hide the pregnancy from his family as long as we can, due to how childish and toxic his mother is. His father has moved out.
My partner has serious resentments toward his mother from a past fueled by alcoholism and emotional abuse.
I don’t feel safe with her being alone with our baby since she drinks and drives all the time. She’s so self-absorbed that she doesn’t even notice that I am seven months pregnant.
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Ask Amy: I’ve told them they need therapy, and they refuse to do it. What now? Advice | Ask Amy: The man I love is my grandchild’s uncle, and things have gotten messy We are doing our best to save money to get our own place to live, because we don’t want to stay with her any longer than we have to, but the baby will be here soon. We don’t want her and her toxic behavior around the baby.
Are we wrong for not wanting to tell her or her side of the family?
What should we do?
Ready to Burst
Dear Ready: This is the first of many tests you will face as parents, so take responsibility for your lives and your choices, and tell the truth. By living with your partner’s family, you have made your pregnancy their business. The presence of a baby in the household will have a profound impact on all of you. It is not right to spring this on everyone at the last minute.
You feel strongly that your partner’s mother should not be alone with the baby. So don’t leave her alone with the baby. You are the child’s parents. You are responsible for your child’s safety and well-being, even if that means confronting some challenging personal situations.
You and your partner need to get your act together, and keep it together. This means telling the truth, creating boundaries while you are in the household and making solid plans to leave the household as soon as you can.
Dear Amy: People often write to you wondering what to say to others who are grieving.
My wife and I lost a son over four decades ago. Before that tragedy befell us, I would feel uncomfortable if I met people who had lost a precious one. Now, I know what to do and say.
Say to the bereaved, “I can only imagine your sorrow.” Offer to hug them and if it brings you to tears and sobs, that is OK. More than anything else you might do or say, that gesture lets them know that you care.
Don’t ever say, “I know how you feel.” Only those who had experienced such a tragic loss know.
Don’t disappear from them. When it happened to us, friends that we had been very close to vanished. Other people that we had never met appeared and helped with hugs, tears and whatever else they could offer.
It has been a long time. We will never be “over it.”
The sorrow, pain and ache in one’s heart never totally leaves, but it becomes easier to bear.
DT
Dear DT: Thank you so much for sharing your own shattering experience. I know it will help others.
Dear Amy: Thank you for including a reference to my work in your response to “Not Born in the USA,” a Russian who immigrated to the United States as a teenager and who wants to become more acculturated to American life as an adult.
I appreciate being including in your suggested American reading list. This is way cool. Indians are rarely included in lists like this. Reservation-raised Indians are even more invisible.
I know I’m a big name in American literature, but I’m also a kid who grew up in a HUD house on the rez across the street from the tribe’s K-12 school, and only a little farther away from the Indian Health Service Clinic. So, you know — waaaaaaaaaay Indian.
So here’s to all of you Indians living on the rez, and all who’ve gone urban (like me).
Here’s to the unbroken connection to our ancestors. To all of our indigenous beauty.
Sherman Alexie
Dear Sherman: “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian” (Hachette, 2012) is taught in many schools, and along with your stories, novels, screenplays and poetry, has earned its place in the American canon. Thank you for your work.
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.


mercurynews--2020-08-01--Dear Abby: I’m losing sleep over my customer’s rant

DEAR ABBY : I am a small-business owner .
My store has local ( repeat ) and one-time customers .
The other day , while checking out , one of my local customers spewed out a verbal and extremely bigoted rant .
I was stunned speechless .
I felt I should do something , but I wasn ’ t sure what it should be .
I have started losing sleep over it .
If it happens again , should I remain silent and keep the peace , or stand up for all Americans and lose this customer and probably more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my friend tell this woman he ’ ll never marry her ?
• Dear Abby : I want him back , but his new girlfriend is driving a wedge between us • Dear Abby : I asked what he said to this woman , and he blew up • Dear Abby : I want to apologize for something I did decades ago , but my family says no • Dear Abby : The new girlfriend has banned political talk , and we find that rude DEAR FREAKED OUT : To paraphrase a well-known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessary for evil to flourish is for good men to ignore it and say nothing.
” If the rant your bigoted customer spewed was aimed at another shopper , you had a responsibility to protect the victim of the onslaught .
In the future , it would not be out of line to state firmly that you don ’ t want that kind of talk in your establishment .
While doing that may ( or may not ) lose you a few customers , you would at least be able to sleep better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ P.S .
It may also gain you some customers once word gets around .
DEAR ABBY : I have been with the same doctor for 15 years , only requiring an annual checkup .
The problem is , the office is about a 40-minute drive , longer if I hit a rush hour .
I have stayed with the provider because the care is so good .
However , I recently found a doctor who is 10 minutes away and provides the same quality of care .
Do I call the original doctor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the practice ?
Write a note ?
Leave it alone ?
What is the proper protocol ?
DEAR PATIENT : Contact your longtime doctor ’ s office and ask either that your medical records be sent to your new doctor ’ s office , or they be readied for you to pick up so you can deliver them yourself .
In light of the fact that you have had a 15-year relationship with “ Longtime Doctor , ” it would be nice if you wrote a letter thanking him/her for taking such good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explain that the commute has become more than you can now handle , which is why you are leaving .
DEAR ABBY : I was sitting around bored with nothing to do and started thinking about my classmates from 1960 .
I hadn ’ t seen or heard from some of them in more than 55 years , so I decided to call them and found all but two .
Boy , was it ever worth it !
Most of the conversations lasted 30 minutes or more .
I enjoyed hearing their voices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couldn ’ t believe how quickly the day went by .
It made me feel great , and I hope it did the same for them .
When I told them why I was calling , some of them thought it was such a good idea they were going to do it too .
Maybe others will want to consider this .
Try it .
It ’ s worth it .
DEAR CATCHING UP : What you did was wonderful .
Many people have been using this quarantine period to reconnect with long-lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There ’ s no surer cure for the blues — or boredom — than reaching out to others .
Thank you for an upper of a letter .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .

DEAR ABBY: I am a small-business owner. My store has local (repeat) and one-time customers.
The other day, while checking out, one of my local customers spewed out a verbal and extremely bigoted rant. I was stunned speechless. I felt I should do something, but I wasn’t sure what it should be. I have started losing sleep over it.
If it happens again, should I remain silent and keep the peace, or stand up for all Americans and lose this customer and probably more?
FREAKED OUT IN FLORIDA
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Dear Abby: Our teen’s messy breakup has had awkward repercussions for us Advice | Dear Abby: I was annoyed to discover why our friends picked this restaurant DEAR FREAKED OUT: To paraphrase a well-known saying, “All that’s necessary for evil to flourish is for good men to ignore it and say nothing.”
If the rant your bigoted customer spewed was aimed at another shopper, you had a responsibility to protect the victim of the onslaught. In the future, it would not be out of line to state firmly that you don’t want that kind of talk in your establishment. While doing that may (or may not) lose you a few customers, you would at least be able to sleep better than you’re sleeping now.
P.S. It may also gain you some customers once word gets around.
DEAR ABBY: I have been with the same doctor for 15 years, only requiring an annual checkup. The problem is, the office is about a 40-minute drive, longer if I hit a rush hour. I have stayed with the provider because the care is so good.
However, I recently found a doctor who is 10 minutes away and provides the same quality of care. Do I call the original doctor to let them know I am leaving the practice? Write a note? Leave it alone? What is the proper protocol?
GOOD PATIENT IN MICHIGAN
DEAR PATIENT: Contact your longtime doctor’s office and ask either that your medical records be sent to your new doctor’s office, or they be readied for you to pick up so you can deliver them yourself. In light of the fact that you have had a 15-year relationship with “Longtime Doctor,” it would be nice if you wrote a letter thanking him/her for taking such good care of you all these years and explain that the commute has become more than you can now handle, which is why you are leaving.
DEAR ABBY: I was sitting around bored with nothing to do and started thinking about my classmates from 1960. I hadn’t seen or heard from some of them in more than 55 years, so I decided to call them and found all but two. Boy, was it ever worth it!
Most of the conversations lasted 30 minutes or more. I enjoyed hearing their voices and reminiscing about old times. I couldn’t believe how quickly the day went by. It made me feel great, and I hope it did the same for them.
When I told them why I was calling, some of them thought it was such a good idea they were going to do it too. Maybe others will want to consider this. Try it. It’s worth it.
CATCHING UP IN WISCONSIN
DEAR CATCHING UP: What you did was wonderful. Many people have been using this quarantine period to reconnect with long-lost friends, and I highly recommend it. There’s no surer cure for the blues — or boredom — than reaching out to others. Thank you for an upper of a letter.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.


mercurynews--2020-08-01--Photos: Drive-In Movie Nights at the Alameda County Fairgrounds

Click here if you are having trouble viewing the slideshow on a mobile device .
“ The Secret Life of @ @ @ @ @ ’ s family-friendly Drive-In Movie at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton .
Admission to @ @ @ @ @ the fairground ’ s Grab-n-Stay Food Truck Festival , where corndogs and shaved ice and @ @ @ @ @ could be purchased .
The fairground ’ s popular drive-in movie season has been extended @ @ @ @ @ .
Masks are required while at the fairgrounds , and social distancing is encouraged .
@ @ @ @ @ within an hour after being posted on the fairground ’ s website .
Click here @ @ @ @ @ in August .

Click here if you are having trouble viewing the slideshow on a mobile device.
“The Secret Life of Pets” was Friday night’s family-friendly Drive-In Movie at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton. Admission to the movie included access to the fairground’s Grab-n-Stay Food Truck Festival, where corndogs and shaved ice and other fair food and drinks could be purchased. The fairground’s popular drive-in movie season has been extended until the end of August. Masks are required while at the fairgrounds, and social distancing is encouraged. The movie nights sell out within an hour after being posted on the fairground’s website. Click here for information on the movies in August.


mercurynews--2020-08-02--‘I don’t know that we could be doing a better job in Oakland’: A’s discuss following health protocol

‘I don’t know that we could be doing a better job in Oakland’: A’s discuss following health protocols

OAKLAND — As the A ’ s prepped for their second road game in Seattle on Saturday , the state of the 2020 Major League Baseball season strayed deeper into uncertainty as coronavirus outbreaks hit three more teams .
Commissioner Rob Manfred on Friday warned MLB Player ’ s Association head Tony Clark that the season could be shut down by Monday if players continued to breech the league ’ s safety protocols .
A ’ s union player representative Marcus Semien said he expected some of the looser compliance rules to be “ tightened up ” in response .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ telling ESPN ’ s Karl Ravech , “ We are playing .
The players need to be better , but I am not a quitter in general and there is no reason to quit now .
We have had to be fluid , but it is manageable.
” Manfred is pointing blame for the recent outbreaks away from the league on the back of agreed upon health and safety protocols that ask , but don ’ t mandate , that players stay indoors throughout the season , stating : “ MLB will not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when they are away from Club facilities.
” That players need to stay indoors , away from crowded spaces and virus hot spots away from the isolated comforts of their homes and hotel rooms , is just a rule all teams assume the others are operating under .
Prior to the season , the A ’ s took the rule seriously , saying then and now that they know they can only control what they can control .
• Commissioner confident MLB can get through playoffs despite virus • Jesús Luzardo ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A ’ s need : ‘ When he ’ s on the mound , we ’ re expecting to win that game ’ • Oakland A ’ s react to Manfred ’ s threats : ‘ All we can do is control ourselves ’ In light of an MLB investigation reported by Bleacher Report ’ s Scott Miller that the Miami Marlins were lax in staying away from people — reportedly going to the hotel bar and out in Atlanta during a trip to play the Braves — the A ’ s expressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be as diligent .
“ We don ’ t want to be one of those teams like the Marlins that screws it up for everybody , ” A ” s third baseman Matt Chapman said earlier this week .
Bassitt added that the team ’ s affinity for video games helps them stay busy isolated indoors .
They play each other , in separate rooms , before the game , go to the field to play , then return home to play more video games .
“ I can ’ t speak for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team was doing what Oakland did we would be really well off , ” A ’ s pitcher Chris Bassitt said .
“ I ’ m talking from a players standpoint of being mature enough not to go out , from the front office taking care of us to trainers being on top of us 24/7 .
Whatever we need , we can get .
If every team was working the way we were working here , I think we would be better off than where we are .
You hear guys not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has to stop.
” Ramón Laureano acknowledged the necessary isolation can go against human nature .
“ How can I put this without insulting anybody , ” he laughed .
“ If we ’ re talking about 30 teams , 60 players on the whole roster , people have habits .
They have to go out , that ’ s how they relax , and that ’ s going to happen .
We ’ re human beings .
But we have to do our part as players , teammates , to not leave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spilled through the baseball world , the A ’ s made sure to convene and discuss — the front office head honchos reminding the players and staff what they needed to do to keep safe .
“ I don ’ t think we ’ ve had to worry about one thing on our team , ” Bassitt said .
“ So far , we have a very mature group that ’ s easy to keep inside .
”

OAKLAND — As the A’s prepped for their second road game in Seattle on Saturday, the state of the 2020 Major League Baseball season strayed deeper into uncertainty as coronavirus outbreaks hit three more teams.
Commissioner Rob Manfred on Friday warned MLB Player’s Association head Tony Clark that the season could be shut down by Monday if players continued to breech the league’s safety protocols. A’s union player representative Marcus Semien said he expected some of the looser compliance rules to be “tightened up” in response.
Saturday, Manfred flipped the scrip, telling ESPN’s Karl Ravech, “We are playing. The players need to be better, but I am not a quitter in general and there is no reason to quit now. We have had to be fluid, but it is manageable.”
Manfred is pointing blame for the recent outbreaks away from the league on the back of agreed upon health and safety protocols that ask, but don’t mandate, that players stay indoors throughout the season, stating: “MLB will not formally restrict the activities of Covered Individuals when they are away from Club facilities.”
That players need to stay indoors, away from crowded spaces and virus hot spots away from the isolated comforts of their homes and hotel rooms, is just a rule all teams assume the others are operating under. Prior to the season, the A’s took the rule seriously, saying then and now that they know they can only control what they can control.
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“We don’t want to be one of those teams like the Marlins that screws it up for everybody,” A”s third baseman Matt Chapman said earlier this week.
Bassitt added that the team’s affinity for video games helps them stay busy isolated indoors. They play each other, in separate rooms, before the game, go to the field to play, then return home to play more video games.
“I can’t speak for every other team, but if every team was doing what Oakland did we would be really well off,” A’s pitcher Chris Bassitt said. “I’m talking from a players standpoint of being mature enough not to go out, from the front office taking care of us to trainers being on top of us 24/7. Whatever we need, we can get. If every team was working the way we were working here, I think we would be better off than where we are. You hear guys not being smart and running around, it has to stop.”
Ramón Laureano acknowledged the necessary isolation can go against human nature.
“How can I put this without insulting anybody,” he laughed. “If we’re talking about 30 teams, 60 players on the whole roster, people have habits. They have to go out, that’s how they relax, and that’s going to happen. We’re human beings. But we have to do our part as players, teammates, to not leave our place.”
When news of outbreaks spilled through the baseball world, the A’s made sure to convene and discuss — the front office head honchos reminding the players and staff what they needed to do to keep safe.
“I don’t think we’ve had to worry about one thing on our team,” Bassitt said. “So far, we have a very mature group that’s easy to keep inside.”