mercurynews--2020-04-28--The Latest: Officials open portion of road to Alaska park

By The Associated Press The Latest on the coronavirus pandemic .
The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness or death .
—France aims for 700,000 tests each week starting May 11 .
DENALI NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE , Alaska — Officials have opened a portion of the 92-mile road into Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska .
Earlier this month , the park , citing travel restrictions imposed by state officials in response to coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ road .
The restrictions have since been modified , and the National Park Service said Tuesday the road will be open to mile marker 12 .
Further opening of the road is expected as conditions and staffing allow , the agency said in a release .
The state last week eased restrictions on travel within Alaska to allow for recreational activities .
When traveling , only household members are to be in a vehicle , and stops along the way are to be minimized .
The national park is about 240 miles north @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.N. Security Council has taken no action after discussing the humanitarian situation in Venezuela behind closed doors , but its European Union members are warning the coronavirus pandemic “ risks having a devastating human impact in a country grappling with an already grave economic , social and humanitarian situation.
” A statement by France , Germany , Belgium , Estonia and former council member Poland issued after Tuesday ’ s meeting reiterated their concerns “ about the sharply deteriorating crisis in Venezuela and its destabilizing effects across the region , including its severe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European Union is the largest donor to Venezuela ’ s humanitarian crisis , “ providing more than half of all funding , ” and they called for stepped up efforts to respond to the country ’ s underfunded humanitarian emergency .
WASHINGTON — The Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs departments are defending their response to the coronavirus outbreak .
In a joint statement , the agencies say they have worked with FEMA to ship 4.3 million respirator masks and 1 million surgical masks along with 1.5 million gloves and 14,000 face shields to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say an additional 1 million surgical masks will ship this week .
The VA also has made 1,500 acute and intensive care hospital beds available to non-veteran patients and is helping to provide support to state Veterans homes and private nursing homes .
LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles County has reported 59 new COVID-19-related deaths , raising the total to 1,000 .
“ LA County has hit the tragic milestone of 1,000 people dying from COVID-19 , ” county public health director Barbara Ferrer said in a statement .
“ Please know that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loved ones who have died from COVID-19 , our thoughts and prayers are with you , your family , and your friends.
” Los Angeles County , the nation ’ s most populous with 10 million residents , also reported 597 new cases , raising its total to 20,976 .
The number of deaths in institutional settings rose to 462 and the majority were residents of skilled nursing facilities , the county said .
FORT LAUDERDALE , Fla. — After waiting more than a month to have their unemployment application processed , many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their eligibility rejected even when they thought they had met the requirements .
The state ’ s CONNECT website to check status of claims was down for maintenance over the weekend , further frustrating thousands waiting for assistance after losing their jobs because of business closures caused by the coronavirus outbreak .
It functioned erratically Monday , with many users getting repeated error messages .
Many who filed on the state ’ s outdated website in March have been waiting five or six weeks with their claim stuck in pending status .
Many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believing they had met requirements , including proofs of prior income .
BOSTON — Nearly 70 residents sickened with the coronavirus have died at a central Massachusetts home for aging veterans .
State and federal officials are trying to figure out what went wrong in the deadliest outbreak at a long-term care facility in the U.S .
While the death toll at the state-run Holyoke Soldiers ’ Home continues to climb , federal officials are investigating whether residents were denied proper medical care while the state ’ s top prosecutor is deciding whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents who tested positive for the virus have died , officials said Monday , and the cause of another death is unknown .
Another 83 residents and 81 staff have tested positive .
The home ’ s superintendent , who ’ s been placed on administrative leave , has defended his response and accused state officials of falsely claiming they were unaware of the scope of the problem there .
NAIROBI , Kenya — Kenya ’ s Interior minister Fred Matiangi has announced a ban on movement into and out of two of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a measure to help stop the spread of the coronavirus .
The minister ’ s statement did not provide details , but aid organisation CARE said the camps have no capacity to deal with a possible outbreak of the virus .
CARE said in a statement that Dadaab refugee camp , in Kenya ’ s east , has a quarantine facility for 2,000 .
It has more than 270,000 refugees mainly from Somalia , and a further 20,000 refugees living with the host community .
Kakuma camp in Kenya ’ s north hosts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AUGUSTA , Maine — Maine will begin reopening its economy in phases this week on a schedule that is more ambitious than most of the rest of the hard-hit Northeast .
The state will extend its broad stay-at-home order until May 31 but also begin lifting restrictions Friday , said Gov .
Janet Mills , a Democrat .
The first stage will give residents access to personal services like barbers and drive-in churches .
Later phases , to spread across the summer , will reopen restaurants , hotels , summer camps and bars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the virus and more than 50 deaths .
SACRAMENTO , Calif. — California schoolchildren could return to their classrooms as early as July though there likely will be modifications .
No formal decisions have been made , but Gov .
Gavin Newsom is acknowledging there have been “ learning losses ” as parents have sought to teach their kids from home .
Most schools and classrooms have been closed since March , when Newsom issued a statewide stay-at-home order to try to slow the spread of the coronavirus .
Districts and families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Starting the new school year earlier would make up for some of that lost time , Newsom says .
But schools may look radically different than before .
Newsom previously said schools may launch with staggered start times to limit the number of students in the school at one time and make changes to recess , lunch and other normal school gatherings that draw large groups of students together .
SALEM , Oregon — Facing steep budget shortfalls , the state of Oregon is furloughing workers in order to save money .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s leaders will have to grapple with “ balancing limited revenues with increased need for programs to help Oregonians ” impacted by the economic shutdown to stem the coronavirus pandemic .
“ Things won ’ t bounce back overnight ” after the restrictions are lifted , Josh Lehner , who is helping produce Oregon ’ s economic and revenue forecast , said on a webcast .
Labor Commissioner Val Hoyle announced late Monday that managers in the agency she directs , the Bureau of Labor and Industries , must take one unpaid furlough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of the budget cycle .
“ The coronavirus pandemic has collapsed our economy , ” Hoyle said .
MOSCOW — Russian opposition activists have staged an online protest against lockdowns .
Participants in Tuesday ’ s video call charged that the government has used the coronavirus outbreak to impose illegal restrictions violating people ’ s rights .
Opposition politician Dmitry Gudkov denounced an electronic pass system introduced in Moscow as a “ digital concentration camp.
” He also criticized the Kremlin for failing to offer tangible support to private businesses .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Vladimir Putin has kept most Russians home since late March .
The measure was to expire Thursday , but Putin extended it through May 11 .
MOSCOW — Russia ’ s prison service says it has registered more than 300 coronavirus cases .
The Federal Penitentiary Service says 271 of its personnel and 40 inmates have tested positive for the new coronavirus .
It says it has conducted nearly 19,000 tests .
The announcement marked the first official acknowledgement of the contagion in Russia ’ s sprawling prison system that holds more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outbreak could quickly engulf Russia ’ s overcrowded prisons , noting the authorities ’ failure to observe the necessary precautions and the lack of protective gear .
The prison service insisted in Tuesday ’ s statement that it has conducted extensive medical checks of prison personnel and inmates and quarantined new arrivals .
PRAGUE — The lower house of Czech Parliament has agreed to extend the state of emergency at the request of the government amid the coronavirus pandemic .
The lawmakers approved the extension to May 17 .
The government argued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because its last restrictive measures to contain the pandemic will expire by that date .
But the opposition said it didn ’ t properly explain its demand .
The state of emergency gives the government extra powers to respond to the outbreak , including a power to limit basic rights .
Almost 7,500 people have been tested positive for the coronavirus in the Czech Republic , according to government figures released on Tuesday , 225 have died .
FRANKFORT , Ky. — It ’ s no joke — Tupac Shakur lives in Kentucky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bills .
The Lexington man ’ s name was brought up by Gov .
Andy Beshear on Monday night as he spoke about how the state is trying to process all unemployment claims filed in March amid the coronavirus pandemic by the end of April .
According to Beshear , a few “ bad apples , ” including a person who filed an unemployment claim under the name of the late rapper Tupac Shakur , are responsible for slowing down the state ’ s unemployment processing .
But the Lexington Herald-Leader reports Tupac @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Malik , lives in Lexington and worked as a cook before restrictions to stop the spread of the coronavirus shut down restaurants .
He filed for unemployment March 13 and has been waiting to receive his first check .
“ I ’ ve been struggling for like the last month trying to figure out how to pay the bills , ” Shakur said .
Beshear called Shakur personally on Tuesday to apologize and Shakur said he appreciated the gesture and forgave Beshear .
LONDON — The parent company of British Airways says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12,000 workers redundant .
IAG says the British flagship carrier , which employs some 42,000 people , will look into a “ restructuring and redundancy program ” until demand for air travel returns to pre-pandemic levels .
The proposals are subject to consultation but they will likely affect most of BA ’ s employees , the company said .
UNITED NATIONS — Human Rights Watch says medical supplies to prevent and treat the new coronavirus are not reaching northeast Syria because of restrictions imposed by the Syrian government and the Kurdish regional government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.N. Security Council to immediately adopt a resolution reopening the Al Yarubiyah border crossing from Iraq into the northeast , where Syrian Kurds established an autonomous zone in 2012 .
The crossing , which was used primarily to deliver medicine and medical supplies , was closed in January at the insistence of Russia .
Louis Charbonneau , U.N. director for Human Rights Watch , stressed at a video press briefing that “ this is not a political question , it ’ s a humanitarian question , ( and ) very easy for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — Spain ’ s prime minister says he hopes his country can scrap restrictions on movement because of the coronavirus by the end of June , after eight weeks of a phased relaxation of the rules .
But Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez warns the path to loosening limits will lead to a “ new normal , ” with safeguards such as wearing masks and strict hygiene rules staying in place until a vaccine is found .
In an address to the nation , Sánchez presented a blueprint for easing restrictions based on four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and there will be at least two weeks between each phase as experts assess the consequences .
It is “ highly recommended ” that people wear face masks until further notice , Sánchez said .
LUXEMBOURG — As part of its lockdown exit strategy , Luxembourg plans to test the whole of its population for COVID-19 .
The Luxembourg government says tests will be conducted on a voluntary basis and aim at avoiding a second wave of infections .
As of Tuesday , 3,741 people had tested positive for the coronavirus in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 89 deaths .
The Grand Duchy government says 17 test stations will be set up across the country , where cross-border commuters can also be tested .
LONDON — An official says the British government ’ s virus contact tracing app will be ready in two to three weeks .
Britain and many other countries are developing mobile apps to help reduce infections after they ease lockdown restrictions .
Matthew Gould , CEO of the National Health Service ’ s digital transformation unit , says a San Francisco-based software company Pivotal Labs has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ app .
He told Parliament ’ s science and technology select committee the rollout will be part of a wider post-lockdown strategy that includes expanded testing .
The app will use Bluetooth signals to anonymously log when a user comes into close contact with others .
The data is kept on devices .
But if users later develop COVID-19 symptoms or get positive test result , they can choose to upload the data to a central server so those contacts can be alerted .
Gould says such an approach would maintain user privacy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the movement of the virus .
Follow AP news coverage of the coronavirus pandemic at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak

By The Associated Press
The Latest on the coronavirus pandemic. The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death.
TOP OF THE HOUR:
—Putin extends Russia’s shutdown to May 11.
—China will hold annual meeting of its ceremonial parliament meeting late next month
—France aims for 700,000 tests each week starting May 11.
—Mexico’s Interior Department is urging towns and states to stop putting up roadblocks and curfews to stem the spread of the new coronavirus.
SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea officials have issued public pleas for vigilance to maintain hard-won gains against the coronavirus as the nation enters its longest holiday since infections surged in February.
South Korea’s Vice Health Minister Kim Gang-lip on Wednesday said 180,000 people are expected to visit the resort island of Jeju during a six-day break from Thursday to Tuesday, despite the island government pleading travelers not to come.
Hotels and other accommodation facilities are nearly fully booked in some seaside towns in Gangwon province, which hosted the Winter Olympics in 2018.
Kim urged travelers to wear masks, not to share food and stay at home if they have fever or respiratory symptoms. Gangwon has increased the number of thermal cameras at train stations, bus terminals and highway rest areas. Jeju plans to expand temperature checks at its airport and conduct virus tests on travelers with even mild fevers above 37.3 degrees Celsius.
“(I) hope that this ‘golden holiday’ could really be remembered as golden,” Kim said during a virus briefing. “We must not let a moment of carelessness trigger mass transmissions that would make the efforts we invested so far vanish like bubbles of water.”
___
CANBERRA, Australia — An Australian mining magnate and partner in the government’s pandemic response says a global inquiry into the coronavirus should be delayed until after the U.S. presidential election.
Andrew Forrest, who became a billionaire exporting iron ore to China as founder of Fortescue Metals Group, said on Wednesday such an inquiry made “common sense,” but should be held after the November election so “there’s not going to be a political dog in this fight.”
He told Australian Broadcasting Corp.: “Sure have a COVID-19 inquiry — not a Chinese inquiry — but let’s do it after the U.S. election, because there’s a bloke in the White House who really wants to stay there and he’s pushing blame as fast as he possibly can to anywhere else but himself and I don’t think this should be politically orientated.”
Australia announced on Wednesday it has secured an additional 10 million COVID-19 tests from China manufacturers through its partnership with Forrest’s charitable Minderoo Foundation that would enable a 20-fold increase in Australian testing by the end of the year.
Australian support for an international inquiry into the origins of coronavirus independent of the World Health Organization is damaging bilateral relations with China, which accused Australia of parroting the United States.
___
MEXICO CITY — Mexico’s Interior Department is urging towns and states to stop putting up roadblocks and curfews to stem the spread of the new coronavirus, as hundreds have done.
The department said in a statement Tuesday that such measures violate constitutional rights like the right to free movement, and argued that local governments don’t have the authority to enact them.
“The health emergency does not constitute a state of emergency or suspension of rights,” the department wrote.
The department said in a report that almost 20% percent of Mexican municipal governments, about 340, have put up checkpoints or filters to limit people’s movements. Most were concentrated along the country’s coasts, where many beach towns have tried to exclude travelers who might spread the coronavirus.
Dozens of towns have enacted curfews and at least three of the country’s 31 states have threatened to arrest people who don’t obey social distancing measures.
___
BEIJING — China has decided to hold the annual meeting of its ceremonial parliament late next month after postponing it for weeks because of the coronavirus outbreak.
The official Xinhua News Agency on Wednesday said the National People’s Congress would open in Beijing on May 22, according to a decision made by its standing committee, which handles most legislative affairs outside the annual two-week session of the full body.
The convening of the full session, which would encompass about 3,000 members, indicates China’s growing confidence that it has largely overcome the pandemic that was first detected in China late last year.
The meeting involves bringing delegates from across the country by plane and train to Beijing, where they first meet to hear a state of the country address from Premier Li Keqiang, seated shoulder-to-shoulder in the colossal auditorium at the Great Hall of the People.
It wasn’t clear from the report whether delegates would be meeting in person or virtually and there was no word on any meeting of the congress’ advisory body that meets around the same time.
___
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Malaysian lawyers and a rights group have voiced concern over the excessive sentencing of violators of the country’s virus lockdown. Malaysia, which has 5,851 infections and 100 deaths, has arrested more than 21,000 people since a partial lockdown began March 8.
Violators face a fine or a jail term of up to six months. It wasn’t clear how many have been imprisoned, but a number have been handed jail sentences ranging from a few days to several months.
The Bar Council, which represents some 15,000 lawyers, urged courts to temper justice with compassion as it doesn’t involve violent crime. Bar president Salim Bashir said in a statement that incarcerating violators raises the risk of virus transmissions in courts and already crowded prisons.
While flouting the lockdown must not be taken lightly, Bashir said “sending violators to jail is a cure that is worse than the disease.”
The Bar also said it was disturbed over cases of disparity in sentencing between ordinary people and those with influence. Malaysia’s deputy health minister on Tuesday was let off with a 1,000 ringgit ($229) fine for having a lunch gathering at a religious school.
In contrast, a university student was sentenced to seven days in jail and a 1,000 ringgit fine for leaving her house to take a cake to her boyfriend. She faces an additional two months in jail if she fails to pay the fine. Human Rights Watch said Malaysia should stop jailing violators as it was counter-productive to reducing the virus spread.
Although Malaysia has said created temporary detention facilities for lockdown violators, it said Malaysia should instead use these additional facilities to reduce overcrowding in its existing prisons.
___
BEIJING — China on Wednesday reported a jump in imported cases of coronavirus, but no new deaths from the disease it causes.
Out of 22 new cases, 21 were brought from abroad and one was a result of local transmission in the southern industrial province of Guangdong, the National Health Commission reported. China, the source of the worldwide pandemic, now has just 647 registered cases of COVID-19, along with just over 1,000 people under quarantine and monitoring for being suspected cases or having tested positive for the virus without showing symptoms.
China has registered a total of 4,633 deaths from the virus among 82,858 cases. Authorities have relaxed social distancing restrictions, but have maintained strict quarantine rules on those coming from abroad or other parts of the country to ward off a second wave of virus cases as summer approaches.
___
DENALI NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE, Alaska — Officials have opened a portion of the 92-mile road into Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska.
Earlier this month, the park, citing travel restrictions imposed by state officials in response to coronavirus concerns, closed public access to the road. The restrictions have since been modified, and the National Park Service said Tuesday the road will be open to mile marker 12.
Further opening of the road is expected as conditions and staffing allow, the agency said in a release.
The state last week eased restrictions on travel within Alaska to allow for recreational activities. When traveling, only household members are to be in a vehicle, and stops along the way are to be minimized.
The national park is about 240 miles north of Anchorage.
___
UNITED NATIONS — The U.N. Security Council has taken no action after discussing the humanitarian situation in Venezuela behind closed doors, but its European Union members are warning the coronavirus pandemic “risks having a devastating human impact in a country grappling with an already grave economic, social and humanitarian situation.”
A statement by France, Germany, Belgium, Estonia and former council member Poland issued after Tuesday’s meeting reiterated their concerns “about the sharply deteriorating crisis in Venezuela and its destabilizing effects across the region, including its severe humanitarian consequences.”
The members noted the European Union is the largest donor to Venezuela’s humanitarian crisis, “providing more than half of all funding,” and they called for stepped up efforts to respond to the country’s underfunded humanitarian emergency.
___
WASHINGTON — The Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs departments are defending their response to the coronavirus outbreak.
In a joint statement, the agencies say they have worked with FEMA to ship 4.3 million respirator masks and 1 million surgical masks along with 1.5 million gloves and 14,000 face shields to VA facilities across the country. They say an additional 1 million surgical masks will ship this week.
The VA also has made 1,500 acute and intensive care hospital beds available to non-veteran patients and is helping to provide support to state Veterans homes and private nursing homes.
___
LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles County has reported 59 new COVID-19-related deaths, raising the total to 1,000.
“LA County has hit the tragic milestone of 1,000 people dying from COVID-19,” county public health director Barbara Ferrer said in a statement. “Please know that if you are grieving the loss of loved ones who have died from COVID-19, our thoughts and prayers are with you, your family, and your friends.”
Los Angeles County, the nation’s most populous with 10 million residents, also reported 597 new cases, raising its total to 20,976.
The number of deaths in institutional settings rose to 462 and the majority were residents of skilled nursing facilities, the county said.
___
Follow AP news coverage of the coronavirus pandemic at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak


mercurynews--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: Berkeley’s Lalime’s restaurant closes after 35 years

“ Covid-19 has made the decision for us , ” the website read .
“ Lalime ’ s is retiring.
” When they write the history books , restaurant farewells like this , from a beloved north Berkeley restaurant of 35 years , will come to define the economic downturn triggered by coronavirus .
On Tuedsay , Lalime ’ s owners Haig and Cindy Krikorian posted a long and heartfelt goodbye to their customers and employees on their website and Facebook page .
When the shelter-in-place orders were first made , they hoped the closing would be temporary .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurants , including Benchmark in Oakland , San Francisco ’ s Locanda and Palo Alto ’ s Dan Gordon , that have shuttered for good .
The letter relays some of the owners ’ favorite memories of their small Cal-Med neighborhood restaurant , the site of weddings , bar mitzvahs , funerals , Mother ’ s Day celebrations and pre-Thanksgiving lobsters fests .
“ Thanks to all our small farmers especially from Yolo and Sonoma and other counties , ” the letter said .
“ To all our venders who gave us credit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you.
” The Krikorians also recalled how customers came to “ shelter in place at Lalimes ” during other times of tragedy , from fires to earthquakes .
But also during great triumphs .
“ When the Bears lost to the Cardinals , we had to deal with the smug faces of the foreigners from Palo Alto , and WHEN WE WON , oh boy , it was a sea of blue of gold , ” they wrote .
“ No foreigners would dare to come !
” The Krikorians first opened Lalime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before moving it to its Gilman Street location in Berkeley in 1988 .
On Tuesday , Haig Krikorian told KPIX 5 that this is his final act in the restaurant business .
“ We ’ re going to miss it dearly , it ’ s been my life , ” he said .
“ I love to cook but in the long term , this is going to be a hard thing to rebound from .
”

“Covid-19 has made the decision for us,” the website read. “Lalime’s is retiring.”
When they write the history books, restaurant farewells like this, from a beloved north Berkeley restaurant of 35 years, will come to define the economic downturn triggered by coronavirus.
On Tuedsay, Lalime’s owners Haig and Cindy Krikorian posted a long and heartfelt goodbye to their customers and employees on their website and Facebook page.
When the shelter-in-place orders were first made, they hoped the closing would be temporary. But now they join several other Bay Area restaurants, including Benchmark in Oakland, San Francisco’s Locanda and Palo Alto’s Dan Gordon, that have shuttered for good.
The letter relays some of the owners’ favorite memories of their small Cal-Med neighborhood restaurant, the site of weddings, bar mitzvahs, funerals, Mother’s Day celebrations and pre-Thanksgiving lobsters fests.
“Thanks to all our small farmers especially from Yolo and Sonoma and other counties,” the letter said. “To all our venders who gave us credit when times were hard, a thank you.”
The Krikorians also recalled how customers came to “shelter in place at Lalimes” during other times of tragedy, from fires to earthquakes. But also during great triumphs.
“When the Bears lost to the Cardinals, we had to deal with the smug faces of the foreigners from Palo Alto, and WHEN WE WON, oh boy, it was a sea of blue of gold,” they wrote. “No foreigners would dare to come!”
The Krikorians first opened Lalime’s on Solano Avenue in 1985 before moving it to its Gilman Street location in Berkeley in 1988. On Tuesday, Haig Krikorian told KPIX 5 that this is his final act in the restaurant business.
“We’re going to miss it dearly, it’s been my life,” he said. “I love to cook but in the long term, this is going to be a hard thing to rebound from.”
For more food and drink coverage
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mercurynews--2020-04-28--Streaming films will be eligible for Oscars — but for a year only

LOS ANGELES — Movies that debuted on a streaming service without a theatrical run will be eligible for the Oscars , but only for this year .
The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences on Tuesday announced the change for the 93rd Academy Awards as a response to how the coronavirus pandemic has affected the film industry .
The film academy also said it will condense the two sound categories into one and prohibit DVD screeners for 2022 ’ s 94th Oscars in an effort to become more carbon neutral .
Oscars eligibility has been a major question since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both the cancellation of major film festivals and the closure of movie theaters .
Previously , a film would have to have a minimum seven-day theatrical run in a Los Angeles County commercial theater in order to be considered for film ’ s highest honor .
Now films that had a previously planned theatrical release but are made available on a home video on demand service may qualify for best picture and other categories .
“ The Academy firmly believes there is no greater way to experience the magic of movies than to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commitment to that is unchanged and unwavering , ” said Academy President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson in a statement .
“ Nonetheless , the historically tragic COVID-19 pandemic necessitates this temporary exception to our awards eligibility rules.
” The academy ’ s board noted , however , that when theaters reopen , the rules exemption will no longer apply .
Many expect cinemas nationwide to reopen by June or July .
If that is the case , the film academy will expand the qualifying theaters beyond Los Angeles County to include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , San Francisco , Miami and Atlanta .
Other changes included combining the sound mixing and sound editing categories into best achievement in sound , to emphasize the teamwork involved .
Additionally , all film academy members are now able to vote in the first round for international feature film , the category formerly known as best foreign language film .
• Despite hospital ’ s policy , Pence refrains from wearing face mask during tour of Mayo Clinic • Here is Gov .
Newsom ’ s 4-part plan to reopen California from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a film score to be eligible in the original score category , it must have 60 % original music .
For sequels and franchise films , there must be a minimum of 80 % new music .
The 93rd Academy Awards are scheduled to be held in Los Angeles on Feb. 28 , 2021 .

LOS ANGELES — Movies that debuted on a streaming service without a theatrical run will be eligible for the Oscars, but only for this year.
The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences on Tuesday announced the change for the 93rd Academy Awards as a response to how the coronavirus pandemic has affected the film industry.
The film academy also said it will condense the two sound categories into one and prohibit DVD screeners for 2022’s 94th Oscars in an effort to become more carbon neutral.
Oscars eligibility has been a major question since stay-at-home and social distancing orders led to both the cancellation of major film festivals and the closure of movie theaters.
Previously, a film would have to have a minimum seven-day theatrical run in a Los Angeles County commercial theater in order to be considered for film’s highest honor. Now films that had a previously planned theatrical release but are made available on a home video on demand service may qualify for best picture and other categories.
“The Academy firmly believes there is no greater way to experience the magic of movies than to see them in a theater. Our commitment to that is unchanged and unwavering,” said Academy President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson in a statement. “Nonetheless, the historically tragic COVID-19 pandemic necessitates this temporary exception to our awards eligibility rules.”
The academy’s board noted, however, that when theaters reopen, the rules exemption will no longer apply. Many expect cinemas nationwide to reopen by June or July. If that is the case, the film academy will expand the qualifying theaters beyond Los Angeles County to include venues in New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Miami and Atlanta.
Other changes included combining the sound mixing and sound editing categories into best achievement in sound, to emphasize the teamwork involved.
Additionally, all film academy members are now able to vote in the first round for international feature film, the category formerly known as best foreign language film.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Movies | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge The board also said for a film score to be eligible in the original score category, it must have 60% original music. For sequels and franchise films, there must be a minimum of 80% new music.
The 93rd Academy Awards are scheduled to be held in Los Angeles on Feb. 28, 2021.


mercurynews--2020-04-29--Disneyland and other California theme parks can’t reopen for months under state’s plan

Disneyland and other California theme parks currently closed by the COVID-19 pandemic can ’ t reopen for months , possibly until an as-yet-undeveloped coronavirus treatment becomes available , according to state government officials .
California Gov .
Gavin Newsom and California Department of Public Health director Dr. Sonia Angell laid out a four-stage road map for reopening California ’ s economy during a livestream presentation on Tuesday , April 28 .
“ Politics will not drive our decision making .
Protests will not drive our decision making .
Political pressure will not drive our decision making , ” Newsom said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health will drive our decision making.
” Newsom did not explicitly mention theme parks in his four-stage plan .
Disneyland , Universal Studios Hollywood , Knott ’ s Berry Farm , Six Flags Magic Mountain , SeaWorld San Diego , Legoland California and other theme parks in the state would appear to fall into Stage 4 — the last phase of the plan .
It ’ s possible some California theme parks could fall into the earlier Stage 3 if they adopt substantial operational changes that promote social distancing and other health and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stage 1 with stay-at-home orders still in place .
Stage 2 is “ weeks ” away , Stage 3 is likely “ months ” away and Stage 4 would require coronavirus treatments that have not yet been developed , Newsom said .
“ Lower risk ” workplaces such as retail , manufacturing , offices , schools and childcare facilities would reopen with adaptations in Stage 2 .
• Disney to stop paying 100,000 workers but is still on track to give shareholders $ 1.5 billion • Disneyland coronavirus closure could stretch to June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warn • Disneyland might check your temperature before letting you in after coronavirus shutdown • Take a # StayAtHome virtual tour of Disneyland with these 88 movies and shows during coronavirus shutdown “ Higher risk ” businesses and gatherings that include close contact — like salons , gyms , theaters , religious services , weddings and sporting events without live audiences — would reopen in Stage 3 with adaptations and limits on the size of gatherings .
Concerts , live-audience sports and other large events , venues and mass gatherings deemed the “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4 .
Angell said moving to Stage 4 would require coronavirus therapeutics to be in place : “ This is going to be a while , but there are ways we can modify the way we move around in our environment that will make it more possible ( to reopen ) .
” No drugs or other therapeutics are presently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to prevent or treat COVID-19 , according to the Centers for Disease Control .

Disneyland and other California theme parks currently closed by the COVID-19 pandemic can’t reopen for months, possibly until an as-yet-undeveloped coronavirus treatment becomes available, according to state government officials.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom and California Department of Public Health director Dr. Sonia Angell laid out a four-stage road map for reopening California’s economy during a livestream presentation on Tuesday, April 28.
“Politics will not drive our decision making. Protests will not drive our decision making. Political pressure will not drive our decision making,” Newsom said. “Science, data and public health will drive our decision making.”
Newsom did not explicitly mention theme parks in his four-stage plan. Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott’s Berry Farm, Six Flags Magic Mountain, SeaWorld San Diego, Legoland California and other theme parks in the state would appear to fall into Stage 4 — the last phase of the plan. It’s possible some California theme parks could fall into the earlier Stage 3 if they adopt substantial operational changes that promote social distancing and other health and safety measures.
California is currently in Stage 1 with stay-at-home orders still in place. Stage 2 is “weeks” away, Stage 3 is likely “months” away and Stage 4 would require coronavirus treatments that have not yet been developed, Newsom said.
“Lower risk” workplaces such as retail, manufacturing, offices, schools and childcare facilities would reopen with adaptations in Stage 2.
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Concerts, live-audience sports and other large events, venues and mass gatherings deemed the “highest risk” would reopen in Stage 4.
Angell said moving to Stage 4 would require coronavirus therapeutics to be in place: “This is going to be a while, but there are ways we can modify the way we move around in our environment that will make it more possible (to reopen).”
No drugs or other therapeutics are presently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to prevent or treat COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control.


mercurynews--2020-04-29--Lawsuit: US citizens with immigrant spouses should get stimulus checks

By ASTRID GALVAN | The Associated Press PHOENIX — The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund has sued the federal government over its denial of coronavirus relief payments to U.S. citizens who are married to immigrants without social security numbers .
The lawsuit was filed in Maryland on Tuesday on behalf of six American citizens who were denied coronavirus relief checks because they filed and paid taxes with a spouse who has what ’ s known as an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number , or a way for immigrants without legal status to still pay federal taxes , which millions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is violating Americans ’ First and Fifth Amendments by denying them payment simply because of who they are married to .
Congress last month passed a $ 2.2 trillion package to help businesses , workers and a health care system staggered by the coronavirus .
Many Americans had their share deposited into their accounts in the last couple of weeks .
It ’ s estimated that 2 million U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents are married to people without social security numbers , although it ’ s unclear how many of them file @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the families are very much like other families in the U.S .
They have children at home , they are facing contraction of the economy and they still have to pay their rent , and buy groceries and buy gas , ” said Nina Perales , MALDEF ’ s vice president of litigation .
Christina Segundo-Hernandez , who lives in Fort Worth , Texas , is one of the plaintiffs in the case .
Segundo-Hernandez is a U.S. citizen married to a Mexican immigrant who pays federal taxes through his ITIN .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jointly each year .
They ’ re both working fewer hours because of the coronavirus pandemic , and they ’ ve fallen behind on bills .
Getting a coronavirus relief check would have helped .
“ I would have been able to fill up my refrigerator for my kids , ” said Segundo-Hernandez , who has four children .
“ I think it needs to be known that there ’ s people out there that are doctors and things like that that are putting their lives at risk going through the same thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their government because of who they ’ re married to.
” • Coronavirus : Trails in 13 San Mateo County parks to reopen May 4 • The Latest : South Korea hopes for vigilance during holiday David Hessell-Cercado , a fourth-grade teacher in Los Angeles , is an American citizen married to a Mexican immigrant who is close to getting his permanent resident status .
Hessell-Cercado isn ’ t involved in the lawsuit , but will also not benefit from the coronavirus relief payments that went out to millions of Americans recently .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ work , but thinks it ’ s unfair that Americans are being left out of the coronavirus relief package because of who they married .
“ What hurt more was just the sheer meanness of it , ” he said .
“ Anyone who marries someone and goes through an immigration process already has to deal with years and years and years of just delays and obstacles and hurdles to get over .
It just seems like something else that they put out there just to sort of be mean to us .
@

By ASTRID GALVAN | The Associated Press
PHOENIX — The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund has sued the federal government over its denial of coronavirus relief payments to U.S. citizens who are married to immigrants without social security numbers.
The lawsuit was filed in Maryland on Tuesday on behalf of six American citizens who were denied coronavirus relief checks because they filed and paid taxes with a spouse who has what’s known as an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or a way for immigrants without legal status to still pay federal taxes, which millions do.
MALDEF says the Treasury Department is violating Americans’ First and Fifth Amendments by denying them payment simply because of who they are married to. Congress last month passed a $2.2 trillion package to help businesses, workers and a health care system staggered by the coronavirus. Many Americans had their share deposited into their accounts in the last couple of weeks.
It’s estimated that 2 million U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents are married to people without social security numbers, although it’s unclear how many of them file jointly with them.
“All of the families are very much like other families in the U.S. They have children at home, they are facing contraction of the economy and they still have to pay their rent, and buy groceries and buy gas,” said Nina Perales, MALDEF’s vice president of litigation.
Christina Segundo-Hernandez, who lives in Fort Worth, Texas, is one of the plaintiffs in the case. Segundo-Hernandez is a U.S. citizen married to a Mexican immigrant who pays federal taxes through his ITIN. The couple, married eight years, file jointly each year. They’re both working fewer hours because of the coronavirus pandemic, and they’ve fallen behind on bills.
Getting a coronavirus relief check would have helped.
“I would have been able to fill up my refrigerator for my kids,” said Segundo-Hernandez, who has four children. “I think it needs to be known that there’s people out there that are doctors and things like that that are putting their lives at risk going through the same thing. They’re being betrayed by their government because of who they’re married to.”
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Hessell-Cercado said he feels lucky to still work, but thinks it’s unfair that Americans are being left out of the coronavirus relief package because of who they married.
“What hurt more was just the sheer meanness of it,” he said. “Anyone who marries someone and goes through an immigration process already has to deal with years and years and years of just delays and obstacles and hurdles to get over. It just seems like something else that they put out there just to sort of be mean to us.”


mercurynews--2020-04-29--Northern California police investigating after viral video shows deputy punching teen

A police department and sheriff ’ s office in Northern California are investigating a deputy ’ s use of force after a viral video showed an officer punching a teen lying on the ground while attempting to detain him .
A deputy was patrolling an area of the city after complaints of alcohol , tobacco , and drug sales to minors and “ saw what he believed to be a hand-to-hand exchange between an adult and juvenile , ” according to a statement from the Rancho Cordova Police Department and the Sacramento County Sheriff ’ s Office .
The deputy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the area , then attempted to detain the juvenile for further investigation , the statement said .
A 14-year-old boy , who is seen lying on the ground on his back in the video , was “ uncooperative ” and refused to give out his information , the department said .
The teen became “ physically resistive ” causing the deputy to lose control of his handcuffs , it said , and the deputy attempted to maintain control of the teen without his handcuffs while waiting for backup .
A 15-second clip posted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two million times shows an officer on top of the teen , punching him as he lay on the ground .
The video does not show the beginning of the altercation nor its conclusion .
“ My baby brother who is 14 years old .
All of this over a swisher there ’ s more footage but I wasn ’ t able to upload it all , ” said a Twitter user who said that she was the teen ’ s sister .
“ And to add on : my brother has a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very easily by being hit in his chest/back !
He ’ s a kid and has never been in any kind of trouble with the law !
He was very scared and in so much pain !
!
!
” CNN has reached out to the person who posted the video on Twitter .
‘ This type of situation is hard on everyone ’ Kevin Mickelson , president of the Sacramento County Deputy Sheriffs ’ Association , said the deputy did not know the teen ’ s age at the time of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with orders prompted the altercation .
“ He did not know he was a juvenile at the time , ” said Mickelson .
“ Had that person complied with the officer ’ s directives this would be a zero — we wouldn ’ t be talking about this.
” Mickelson said he was not concerned by the contents of the video and cautioned it was not yet known what prompted it .
“ We ’ re seeing about a minute of video of an incident that lasted maybe 10 minutes , and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to this , ” he said .
Julián Castro , a former presidential candidate and secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development , shared the video on Twitter , calling it “ sickening ” and calling for action in the case .
“ This video of a @ RanchoCordovaPD officer beating a 14-year-old is sickening , and demands immediate action , ” he said .
“ How many of these videos must we see before we do something about police violence in this country ?
” • DA : San Jose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ near school on Halloween The statement on the police department website says the teen initially told the deputy he was 18 years old and the deputy later recovered tobacco products from him .
The teen was cited and released to his guardians , according to the department , but the statement did not detail charges against the teen .
The sheriff ’ s office and police department are investigating use of force by the deputy “ in order to gain a complete and thorough understanding of the events that took place during this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ This type of situation is hard on everyone — the young man , who resisted arrest , and the officer , who would much rather have him cooperate , ” the statement said .

A police department and sheriff’s office in Northern California are investigating a deputy’s use of force after a viral video showed an officer punching a teen lying on the ground while attempting to detain him.
A deputy was patrolling an area of the city after complaints of alcohol, tobacco, and drug sales to minors and “saw what he believed to be a hand-to-hand exchange between an adult and juvenile,” according to a statement from the Rancho Cordova Police Department and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office.
The deputy lost sight of the adult who left the area, then attempted to detain the juvenile for further investigation, the statement said. A 14-year-old boy, who is seen lying on the ground on his back in the video, was “uncooperative” and refused to give out his information, the department said. The teen became “physically resistive” causing the deputy to lose control of his handcuffs, it said, and the deputy attempted to maintain control of the teen without his handcuffs while waiting for backup.
A 15-second clip posted Tuesday on Twitter and viewed more than two million times shows an officer on top of the teen, punching him as he lay on the ground. The video does not show the beginning of the altercation nor its conclusion.
“My baby brother who is 14 years old. All of this over a swisher there’s more footage but I wasn’t able to upload it all,” said a Twitter user who said that she was the teen’s sister. “And to add on: my brother has a serious heart condition that could be triggered very easily by being hit in his chest/back! He’s a kid and has never been in any kind of trouble with the law! He was very scared and in so much pain!!!”
My baby brother who is 14 years old. All of this over a swisher😤 there’s more footage but I wasn’t able to upload it all. Please repost, we just want justice for my baby!😭💯 #JUSTICE4JAH pic.twitter.com/reftDDyHha — nana mf bangah💋 (@0hnana__) April 28, 2020
CNN has reached out to the person who posted the video on Twitter.
‘This type of situation is hard on everyone’
Kevin Mickelson, president of the Sacramento County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association, said the deputy did not know the teen’s age at the time of the incident and suggested his failure to comply with orders prompted the altercation.
“He did not know he was a juvenile at the time,” said Mickelson. “Had that person complied with the officer’s directives this would be a zero — we wouldn’t be talking about this.”
Mickelson said he was not concerned by the contents of the video and cautioned it was not yet known what prompted it.
“We’re seeing about a minute of video of an incident that lasted maybe 10 minutes, and we don’t know what led up to this,” he said.
Julián Castro, a former presidential candidate and secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, shared the video on Twitter, calling it “sickening” and calling for action in the case.
“This video of a @RanchoCordovaPD officer beating a 14-year-old is sickening, and demands immediate action,” he said. “How many of these videos must we see before we do something about police violence in this country?”
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A small business was wrecked in raid by LAPD SWAT team, but city won’t pay for damage Crime and Public Safety | Why the independent Oakland Police Commission may be coming apart at the seams The statement on the police department website says the teen initially told the deputy he was 18 years old and the deputy later recovered tobacco products from him. The teen was cited and released to his guardians, according to the department, but the statement did not detail charges against the teen.
The sheriff’s office and police department are investigating use of force by the deputy “in order to gain a complete and thorough understanding of the events that took place during this incident,” the statement said.
“This type of situation is hard on everyone — the young man, who resisted arrest, and the officer, who would much rather have him cooperate,” the statement said.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2020 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.


mercurynews--2020-04-29--Letter: At my grocery store, 50% of staff wear masks below the nose

Last week was the beginning of mandatory mask wearing in public .
I was at my local grocery store three days ago and again today , each time noting about 50 % of employees wearing masks below the nose .
This completely negates the purpose and protects neither the wearer nor the public .
I reported this to the management at the store and received a tepid response .
I don ’ t doubt this is a problem in many places .
I am a retired health care provider , with asthma , and I know it is uncomfortable to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , there are multiple mask designs and I can find several that work for me .
They don ’ t have to hurt ears , give headaches or fog up glasses .
• Worried about virus , US House won ’ t return — for now • COVID-19 : Bevy of local organizations helping meet increasing food needs in Union City • Despite hospital ’ s policy , Pence refrains from wearing face mask during tour of Mayo Clinic • Letter : No child without access in San Jose post-COVID-19 • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan is ill-timed in midst of COVID-19 • Letter : Our progress on climate gives hope but more to do • Letter : Calling leaders asking us to shelter fascists , communists is patriotic ?
• Letter : Trump doesn ’ t intend for anyone to inject Lysol Let ’ s protect ourselves and others during this difficult time .
Learn how to wear and remove masks and gloves the right way .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Last week was the beginning of mandatory mask wearing in public. I was at my local grocery store three days ago and again today, each time noting about 50% of employees wearing masks below the nose.
This completely negates the purpose and protects neither the wearer nor the public. I reported this to the management at the store and received a tepid response.
I don’t doubt this is a problem in many places.
I am a retired health care provider, with asthma, and I know it is uncomfortable to wear a mask for hours on end. However, there are multiple mask designs and I can find several that work for me. They don’t have to hurt ears, give headaches or fog up glasses.
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Sandra Mackenzie-Cioppa
Moraga
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
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mercurynews--2020-04-29--Letter: No child without access in San Jose post-COVID-19

These extraordinary times require bold leadership .
Elected/community leaders must right past wrongs and build a future more equitable than ever before .
Mayor Sam Liccardo and Matt Hammer nailed it in their oped titled “ Our most vulnerable students need learning , internet now ” ( Opinion section , Mercurynews.com , April 24 ) .
The global epicenter of the tech world is here in Silicon Valley .
Zoom ( a platform for video conferencing and remote learning ) has its global headquarters in downtown San Jose .
As pointed out by the San Jose mayor and Mr. Hammer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ internet connectivity at home and 19,512 do not have access to a tablet or computer .
This indicates that our elected and community leaders ( I count myself as one ) have not worked hard enough to right this wrong .
• Letter : At my grocery store , 50 % of staff wear masks below the nose • Letter : Union City Sanitation ’ s plan is ill-timed in midst of COVID-19 • Letter : Our progress on climate gives hope but more to do • Letter : Calling leaders asking us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
• Letter : Trump doesn ’ t intend for anyone to inject Lysol I urge us to collaborate to address a post-pandemic San Jose where no child is left behind with technology .
Who will own the plan and its funding ?
Silicon Valley , do we have this ?
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

These extraordinary times require bold leadership. Elected/community leaders must right past wrongs and build a future more equitable than ever before.
Mayor Sam Liccardo and Matt Hammer nailed it in their oped titled “Our most vulnerable students need learning, internet now” (Opinion section, Mercurynews.com, April 24).
The global epicenter of the tech world is here in Silicon Valley. Zoom (a platform for video conferencing and remote learning) has its global headquarters in downtown San Jose.
As pointed out by the San Jose mayor and Mr. Hammer, 15,824 San Jose students have no internet connectivity at home and 19,512 do not have access to a tablet or computer. This indicates that our elected and community leaders (I count myself as one) have not worked hard enough to right this wrong.
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Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps I urge us to collaborate to address a post-pandemic San Jose where no child is left behind with technology. Who will own the plan and its funding? Silicon Valley, do we have this?
Joseph Di Salvo
Trustee
SCC Board of Education
San Jose
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
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mercurynews--2020-04-29--Word Game: April 29, 2020

Word Game: April 29, 2020

Can you find 34 or more words in COLLEAGUE ?
The list will be published tomorrow .
To purchase the @ @ @ @ @ WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 while supplies last !
1 .
@ @ @ @ @ or more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four letters by the addition of @ @ @ @ @ as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” are not allowed .
3 .
@ @ @ @ @ a “ d ” or an “ s ” may not be used .
For @ @ @ @ @ ” is used , “ baked ” or “ bakes ” are not allowed , @ @ @ @ @ “ baking ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper nouns , slang words , or @ @ @ @ @ are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — COLLEAGUE (COLLEAGUE: KAHL-eeg: A fellow member of a staff, profession, faculty, etc.)
Average mark 25 words
Time limit 30 minutes
Can you find 34 or more words in COLLEAGUE? The list will be published tomorrow.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — INEDIBLE idle need edible elide dele deli diel dine been
belie bend bide bile bind bine bled bleed blend blind blini lend lied lien line
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--2020-04-29--Horoscopes April 29, 2020: Uma Thurman and Michelle Pfeiffer share advice.

Happy Birthday : Assess and reassess before making a decision .
Too much , too quick and too time-consuming should all be considerations when thinking about what you want to accomplish this year .
You are best to concentrate on what ’ s reasonable and likely to bring a safe and beneficial return .
Refuse to let someone take over or push you in a direction that is not suitable .
Your numbers are 9 , 11 , 20 , 26 , 34 , 38 , 46 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Be creative .
Use your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about what you want to do and more on finishing what you start .
Make physical improvements .
Time spent with someone you love will lead to new developments .
2 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Make a positive change at home that will encourage you to have more time to relax or spend time with your lover , family or friends .
Someone you help will give you something unexpected in return .
An opportunity will not turn out as planned .
4 stars GEMINI ( May 21-June 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you are gullible .
A business trip , educational pursuit or get-together with peers will prompt you to make a change .
Consider your motives before you take action .
Physical activity will help to de-stress .
3 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Lend a helping hand , and you will make a difference .
The decisions you make will have an impact on the way people view you .
Creative input and original ideas will help you advance .
A personal contract looks promising .
3 stars LEO ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others do , but don ’ t follow them .
Take care of your interests and health .
Channel your energy , and make no mistake when it ’ s time to make a decision .
Being upfront about the way you feel will make a difference .
3 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Someone you deal with has ulterior motives .
It ’ s OK to do for others , but don ’ t become a martyr .
Set boundaries , ask questions and honor promises .
A positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on experience , and learn from your mistakes .
4 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Watching documentaries about distant lands , taking online courses or being a part of something that matters is the right route for you .
Express yourself through your actions , and minimize what isn ’ t necessary .
Concentrate on what matters most to you , and you will make a difference .
2 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Refuse to let anger or frustration get to you .
Separate yourself from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Look for opportunities , and stick to those who share your beliefs and concerns .
A unique approach to life will lead to peace of mind .
5 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Refuse to let your emotions take over when it comes to money , health and legal matters .
Do what ’ s right , stick to the truth and prepare to move along quickly .
Treat yourself to something special , or take on a physical challenge that exhilarates you .
3 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place .
Do the work yourself , and reap the rewards .
An emotional incident will bring you closer to someone you love .
Don ’ t dismiss an unusual or unexpected opportunity .
A move or home improvement will lower your overhead .
3 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Sit tight ; if you make an abrupt move , you will miss an important detail .
Don ’ t argue with someone who is looking for a fight .
Time is on your side , and concentrating on what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best interest .
3 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Get together with old friends .
Use your experience to help you make a better decision regarding money , health or a legal situation .
What you do to help others will reflect your reputation .
Pay attention to detail .
5 stars Birthday Baby : You are optimistic , original and sensitive .
You are intellectual and patient .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Andre Agassi, 50; Uma Thurman, 50; Michelle Pfeiffer, 62; Jerry Seinfeld, 66.
Happy Birthday: Assess and reassess before making a decision. Too much, too quick and too time-consuming should all be considerations when thinking about what you want to accomplish this year. You are best to concentrate on what’s reasonable and likely to bring a safe and beneficial return. Refuse to let someone take over or push you in a direction that is not suitable. Your numbers are 9, 11, 20, 26, 34, 38, 46.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Be creative. Use your skills differently. Spend less time talking about what you want to do and more on finishing what you start. Make physical improvements. Time spent with someone you love will lead to new developments. 2 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Make a positive change at home that will encourage you to have more time to relax or spend time with your lover, family or friends. Someone you help will give you something unexpected in return. An opportunity will not turn out as planned. 4 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Someone will mislead you if you are gullible. A business trip, educational pursuit or get-together with peers will prompt you to make a change. Consider your motives before you take action. Physical activity will help to de-stress. 3 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Lend a helping hand, and you will make a difference. The decisions you make will have an impact on the way people view you. Creative input and original ideas will help you advance. A personal contract looks promising. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Observe what others do, but don’t follow them. Take care of your interests and health. Channel your energy, and make no mistake when it’s time to make a decision. Being upfront about the way you feel will make a difference. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Someone you deal with has ulterior motives. It’s OK to do for others, but don’t become a martyr. Set boundaries, ask questions and honor promises. A positive change will encourage new beginnings. Rely on experience, and learn from your mistakes. 4 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Watching documentaries about distant lands, taking online courses or being a part of something that matters is the right route for you. Express yourself through your actions, and minimize what isn’t necessary. Concentrate on what matters most to you, and you will make a difference. 2 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Refuse to let anger or frustration get to you. Separate yourself from the people who push your buttons. Look for opportunities, and stick to those who share your beliefs and concerns. A unique approach to life will lead to peace of mind. 5 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Refuse to let your emotions take over when it comes to money, health and legal matters. Do what’s right, stick to the truth and prepare to move along quickly. Treat yourself to something special, or take on a physical challenge that exhilarates you. 3 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Put your plans in place. Do the work yourself, and reap the rewards. An emotional incident will bring you closer to someone you love. Don’t dismiss an unusual or unexpected opportunity. A move or home improvement will lower your overhead. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Sit tight; if you make an abrupt move, you will miss an important detail. Don’t argue with someone who is looking for a fight. Time is on your side, and concentrating on what you can accomplish will be in your best interest. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Get together with old friends. Use your experience to help you make a better decision regarding money, health or a legal situation. What you do to help others will reflect your reputation. Pay attention to detail. 5 stars
Birthday Baby: You are optimistic, original and sensitive. You are intellectual and patient.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-04-29--Bridge: April 29, 2020

Bridge: April 29, 2020

Like many players , Cy the Cynic would get better results if he were more supportive of his partners .
Cy expects the worst from them and is seldom disappointed .
“ Your people skills are poor , ” I told the Cynic .
“ Partnership empathy is important.
” “ My people skills are fine , ” Cy growled .
“ It ’ s my tolerance for idiots that needs work.
” Cy was today ’ s North , and West led the nine of hearts against four spades : ten , jack , king .
South led a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next a trump to his king .
West took the ace and led another heart , and South took the ace , led a trump to his hand and returned a second diamond .
This time West took his ace and counted 10 winners for South .
So West led a low club .
East produced the king and cashed a heart for down one , and the Cynic muttered his distress .
I must admit I might have been distressed also .
After dummy ’ s king wins the first diamond , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes his game by removing East ’ s only entry to his heart trick .
You hold : S A 5 H 9 3 D A J 10 7 3 C A Q 6 2 .
You open one diamond , your partner responds one spade , you bid two clubs and he rebids two spades .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : Your partner suggests six cards in spades but fewer than 10 points .
If his hand were K Q J 7 3 2 , A 4 2 , 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have jumped to three spades at his second turn .
Eight tricks may be your limit , but game is still possible .
Raise to three spades and let partner decide .

Like many players, Cy the Cynic would get better results if he were more supportive of his partners. Cy expects the worst from them and is seldom disappointed.
“Your people skills are poor,” I told the Cynic. “Partnership empathy is important.”
“My people skills are fine,” Cy growled. “It’s my tolerance for idiots that needs work.”
Cy was today’s North, and West led the nine of hearts against four spades: ten, jack, king. South led a diamond to dummy’s king and next a trump to his king. West took the ace and led another heart, and South took the ace, led a trump to his hand and returned a second diamond.
10 WINNERS
This time West took his ace and counted 10 winners for South. So West led a low club. East produced the king and cashed a heart for down one, and the Cynic muttered his distress.
I must admit I might have been distressed also. After dummy’s king wins the first diamond, South must lead a club. He makes his game by removing East’s only entry to his heart trick.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S A 5 H 9 3 D A J 10 7 3 C A Q 6 2. You open one diamond, your partner responds one spade, you bid two clubs and he rebids two spades. What do you say?
ANSWER: Your partner suggests six cards in spades but fewer than 10 points. If his hand were K Q J 7 3 2, A 4 2, 4 2, 5 3, he would have jumped to three spades at his second turn. Eight tricks may be your limit, but game is still possible. Raise to three spades and let partner decide.
West dealer
Both sides vulnerable
NORTH
S Q 7 3
H A 10 8
D K Q 6
C 10 8 5 4
WEST
S A 5
H 9 3
D A J 10 7 3
C A Q 6 2
EAST
S 4
H Q J 7 6 2
D 9 5 2
C K J 9 3
SOUTH
S K J 10 9 8 6 2
H K 5 4
D 8 4
C 7
West North East South
1 D Pass 1 H 3 S
Pass 4 S All Pass
Opening lead — H 9
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-04-29--Ask Amy: The man-boys are running wild in my house, and I’m sick of it

DEAR AMY : I married my wife a few months ago .
She and I have been friends for 33 years .
She has three sons , ages 22 , 17 and 15 .
For the most part , they are all good kids ; however , they have never been given any responsibilities .
Ever .
Our house constantly looks like a war zone — there are clothes everywhere , dishes in the sink , and they wrestle with each other until all hours of the night .
I tried to put my foot down and assign responsibilities and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but they never follow through .
My wife and I are constantly picking up , cooking , and then cleaning up after them .
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He called me a snoop .
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Should I let him know he ’ s not ?
The oldest has recently dropped out of college and lives with us , paying no expenses .
I think he should be paying rent and his car insurance since he is no longer in school , but his mother won ’ t have it .
We are struggling to pay our bills , and this is causing friction between us .
I get upset with the kids , and then my wife gets upset at me for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrong for feeling angry ?
How do I get my wife to cut the cord and realize that I am just trying to help them to become responsible adults ?
DEAR MR. NICE GUY : The dynamic you describe was already established when you chose to officially enter the family .
If you hoped that things would magically change when you got married , then — well , you were wrong .
Instead of being your partner , your wife has partnered primarily with her sons , and your assigned role is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to be entitled man-boys , who have little respect for their surroundings , and no life skills .
These sons are behaving exactly as they have been taught .
A 10-year-old can make his bed , load the dishwasher , and learn how to make pancakes for the family .
Yes , even teens will do their jobs ( reluctantly ) if there are consistent consequences attached to both positive and negative behavior .
High-functioning families work as a team , understanding that their daily health and happiness is interconnected .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your ( new ) marriage will have to change .
Your wife will have to agree to put the marriage at the center of the family system .
She will have to stand alongside you , instead of undermining you .
You and she should have a heartfelt talk — not about the kids , but about your marriage , and how devalued you feel .
This book should help you to get started : “ Ten Lessons to Transform Your Marriage : America ’ s Love Lab Experts Share Their Strategies for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ researchers John Gottman and Julie Schwartz Gottman ( 2007 , Harmony ) .
DEAR AMY : Help !
My family and I have been trapped in our home for a month now , due to our state ’ s shelter-in-place rule .
We are all coping pretty well .
Our kids are staying pretty much on track , and my wife and I are doing our best to stick to a routine .
Our anxiety isn ’ t too bad .
Obviously , we are all spending a lot of time together — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good for us .
My problem is this : boredom .
In normal times , my wife and I stay very busy .
Now , I feel bored — super-bored — for a part of every day .
DEAR BORED : I could give you a list of suggestions about trying new things , doing home workouts , and reading all the books , but for most of us , boredom creeps in , anyway .
Boredom can actually be something of a gift , if you lean into it — and simply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few years ago , I decided to do some of the exercises in Julia Cameron ’ s groundbreaking book , “ The Artist ’ s Way ” ( 25th anniversary edition , 2006 TarcherParigee ) .
The gamechanger for me was a free-association writing exercise .
Every morning you write three pages of just whatever you want ( this is not a journal ) .
You can write “ I am so bored ” over and over across the page .
( I tend to write a lot about the weather . )
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ : ideas , fantasies , feelings , and insight .
DEAR AMY : Thank you for publishing the question from “ Caring Neighbors , ” who were looking for ways to help their hard-working immigrant neighbors during this challenging time .
I thought your suggestions were good — and their intentions were golden .
DEAR IMPRESSED : Weird times can bring out the wonder in people .
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy , P.O .
Box 194 , Freeville , NY 13068 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twitter @ askingamy or Facebook .

DEAR AMY: I married my wife a few months ago. She and I have been friends for 33 years.
She has three sons, ages 22, 17 and 15. For the most part, they are all good kids; however, they have never been given any responsibilities. Ever.
Our house constantly looks like a war zone — there are clothes everywhere, dishes in the sink, and they wrestle with each other until all hours of the night.
I tried to put my foot down and assign responsibilities and chores for them to help us out, but they never follow through. My wife and I are constantly picking up, cooking, and then cleaning up after them.
I am burnt out!
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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 The oldest has recently dropped out of college and lives with us, paying no expenses. I think he should be paying rent and his car insurance since he is no longer in school, but his mother won’t have it.
We are struggling to pay our bills, and this is causing friction between us. I get upset with the kids, and then my wife gets upset at me for saying something to them.
Am I wrong for feeling angry? How do I get my wife to cut the cord and realize that I am just trying to help them to become responsible adults?
Mr. Nice Guy
DEAR MR. NICE GUY: The dynamic you describe was already established when you chose to officially enter the family. If you hoped that things would magically change when you got married, then — well, you were wrong.
Instead of being your partner, your wife has partnered primarily with her sons, and your assigned role is to assist her in making sure they grow up to be entitled man-boys, who have little respect for their surroundings, and no life skills.
These sons are behaving exactly as they have been taught. A 10-year-old can make his bed, load the dishwasher, and learn how to make pancakes for the family. Yes, even teens will do their jobs (reluctantly) if there are consistent consequences attached to both positive and negative behavior. High-functioning families work as a team, understanding that their daily health and happiness is interconnected.
For things in your household to change, your (new) marriage will have to change. Your wife will have to agree to put the marriage at the center of the family system. She will have to stand alongside you, instead of undermining you.
You and she should have a heartfelt talk — not about the kids, but about your marriage, and how devalued you feel. This book should help you to get started: “Ten Lessons to Transform Your Marriage: America’s Love Lab Experts Share Their Strategies for Strengthening Your Relationship,” by relationship researchers John Gottman and Julie Schwartz Gottman (2007, Harmony).
DEAR AMY: Help! My family and I have been trapped in our home for a month now, due to our state’s shelter-in-place rule.
We are all coping pretty well. Our kids are staying pretty much on track, and my wife and I are doing our best to stick to a routine. Our anxiety isn’t too bad. Obviously, we are all spending a lot of time together — and that has been (mostly) good for us.
My problem is this: boredom. In normal times, my wife and I stay very busy. Now, I feel bored — super-bored — for a part of every day.
Any advice?
Bored Dad
DEAR BORED: I could give you a list of suggestions about trying new things, doing home workouts, and reading all the books, but for most of us, boredom creeps in, anyway.
Boredom can actually be something of a gift, if you lean into it — and simply let yourself feel that way!
A few years ago, I decided to do some of the exercises in Julia Cameron’s groundbreaking book, “The Artist’s Way” (25th anniversary edition, 2006 TarcherParigee). The gamechanger for me was a free-association writing exercise. Every morning you write three pages of just whatever you want (this is not a journal). You can write “I am so bored” over and over across the page. (I tend to write a lot about the weather.)
Doing this unlocks … lots of things: ideas, fantasies, feelings, and insight.
Want Ask Amy delivered to your inbox for free on weekdays?
DEAR AMY: Thank you for publishing the question from “Caring Neighbors,” who were looking for ways to help their hard-working immigrant neighbors during this challenging time. I thought your suggestions were good — and their intentions were golden.
Impressed
DEAR IMPRESSED: Weird times can bring out the wonder in people.
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--2020-04-29--Letter: Union City Sanitation’s plan is ill-timed in midst of COVID-19

Union Sanitary District has proposed a rate increase of about 45 % over the next five years to fund capital @ @ @ @ @ , including salaries and benefits in a hurry amidst the COVID-19 related economical crisis to @ @ @ @ @ .
Thousands of people have lost jobs , many businesses have closed and we are @ @ @ @ @ the crisis and many people do not know when they will get their next paycheck @ @ @ @ @ my grocery store , 50 % of staff wear masks below the nose • Letter @ @ @ @ @ in San Jose post-COVID-19 • Letter : Our progress on climate gives hope but more @ @ @ @ @ Calling leaders asking us to shelter fascists , communists is patriotic ?
• Letter : @ @ @ @ @ for anyone to inject Lysol Why not delay the implementation to the later part of @ @ @ @ @ can have meaningful discussion first ?
Submit your letter to the editor via this form @ @ @ @ @ Editor

Union Sanitary District has proposed a rate increase of about 45% over the next five years to fund capital projects and rising operating costs, including salaries and benefits in a hurry amidst the COVID-19 related economical crisis to take effect beginning July 2020.
Thousands of people have lost jobs, many businesses have closed and we are still in the middle of the crisis and many people do not know when they will get their next paycheck.
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Subru Bhat
Union City
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
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mercurynews--2020-04-30--Trump says China wants him to lose re-election bid

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he believes China ’ s handling of the coronavirus is proof that Beijing “ will do anything they can ” to make him lose his re-election bid in November .
In an interview with Reuters in the Oval Office , Trump said he was looking at different options in terms of consequences for China over the virus .
“ I can do a lot , ” he said .
Trump has been heaping blame on China for a global pandemic that has killed at least 60,000 people in the United States according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. economy into a deep recession , putting in jeopardy his hopes for another four-year term .
The Republican president , often accused of not acting early enough to prepare the United States for the spread of the virus , said he believed China should have been more active in letting the world know about the coronavirus much sooner .
Asked whether he was considering the use of tariffs or even debt write-offs for China , Trump would not offer specifics .
“ There are many things I can do , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looking for what happened.
” “ China will do anything they can to have me lose this race , ” said Trump .
He said he believes Beijing wants his Democratic opponent , Joe Biden , to win the race to ease the pressure Trump has placed on China over trade and other issues .
Trump also said South Korea has agreed to pay the United States more money for a defense cooperation agreement but would not be drawn out on how much .

By Steve Holland | Reuters
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he believes China’s handling of the coronavirus is proof that Beijing “will do anything they can” to make him lose his re-election bid in November.
In an interview with Reuters in the Oval Office, Trump said he was looking at different options in terms of consequences for China over the virus. “I can do a lot,” he said.
Trump has been heaping blame on China for a global pandemic that has killed at least 60,000 people in the United States according to a Reuters tally, and thrown the U.S. economy into a deep recession, putting in jeopardy his hopes for another four-year term.
The Republican president, often accused of not acting early enough to prepare the United States for the spread of the virus, said he believed China should have been more active in letting the world know about the coronavirus much sooner.
Asked whether he was considering the use of tariffs or even debt write-offs for China, Trump would not offer specifics. “There are many things I can do,” he said. “We’re looking for what happened.”
“China will do anything they can to have me lose this race,” said Trump. He said he believes Beijing wants his Democratic opponent, Joe Biden, to win the race to ease the pressure Trump has placed on China over trade and other issues.
Trump also said South Korea has agreed to pay the United States more money for a defense cooperation agreement but would not be drawn out on how much.


mercurynews--2020-04-30--Bay Area basketball legend Mark McNamara dies at 60

Mark McNamara , a dominating Bay Area basketball presence at San Jose ’ s Del Mar High , Santa Clara University and Cal who won an NBA title as a rookie with Dr. J and Moses Malone , has died .
The Cal athletics website posted on Wednesday that McNamara , who reportedly had a history of health problems , had died two days earlier .
He was 60 .
McNamara , a 6-foot-11 power forward/center , was inducted into the Cal Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016 .
In 2009 , he was one of 30 players selected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a lasting impact for a guy who spent just two seasons with the Golden Bears after transferring from Santa Clara , where for two seasons he was teammates with fellow Bay Area native Kurt Rambis .
McNamara , the 1977 Mercury News high school player of the year , was the team MVP in each of his seasons with the Bears , averaging 22 points and 12.6 rebounds as senior .
He was first-team All-Pac-10 as a senior and led the Pac-10 in scoring , rebounding and field goal percentage – a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alcindor and Bill Walton , and Arizona State ’ s Ike Diogu in the history of the conference .
McNamara became the first player in Cal history to score at least 1,000 career points in two seasons .
His career 19.6 career scoring average is second in school history and his 11.6 rebounds per game average is third .
He still holds the school career record with a career 66.2 percent field goal shooting mark .
McNamara was a first-round pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1982 draft , selected 22nd overall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Julius Irving- and Malone-led Sixers swept Rambis ’ Lakers ( along with Magic Johnson , Kareen Abdul-Jabbar and Co. ) for the NBA title .
He played for five teams over eight seasons — as well as one in Italy — before retiring during the 1990-91 season .
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Mark McNamara, a dominating Bay Area basketball presence at San Jose’s Del Mar High, Santa Clara University and Cal who won an NBA title as a rookie with Dr. J and Moses Malone, has died.
The Cal athletics website posted on Wednesday that McNamara, who reportedly had a history of health problems, had died two days earlier. He was 60.
McNamara, a 6-foot-11 power forward/center, was inducted into the Cal Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016. In 2009, he was one of 30 players selected to the Golden Bears All-Century team.
That was a lasting impact for a guy who spent just two seasons with the Golden Bears after transferring from Santa Clara, where for two seasons he was teammates with fellow Bay Area native Kurt Rambis.
McNamara, the 1977 Mercury News high school player of the year, was the team MVP in each of his seasons with the Bears, averaging 22 points and 12.6 rebounds as senior. He was first-team All-Pac-10 as a senior and led the Pac-10 in scoring, rebounding and field goal percentage – a feat matched by UCLA’s Lew Alcindor and Bill Walton, and Arizona State’s Ike Diogu in the history of the conference.
Among his Cal records included:
• Six 30-point games
• 70.2 percent single-season field-goal shooting percentage
McNamara became the first player in Cal history to score at least 1,000 career points in two seasons. His career 19.6 career scoring average is second in school history and his 11.6 rebounds per game average is third. He still holds the school career record with a career 66.2 percent field goal shooting mark.
McNamara was a first-round pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1982 draft, selected 22nd overall. He played in 36 games as the Julius Erving- and Malone-led Sixers swept Rambis’ Lakers (along with Magic Johnson, Kareen Abdul-Jabbar and Co.) for the NBA title.
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According to the Cal site, McNamara had been based in Haines, Alaska, where he conducted basketball camps and coached a local high school basketball team, guiding Haines High School to divisional state championships in 2008 and 2010.