Bridge: May 23, 2020

“ Simple Saturday ” columns are meant to help aspiring players improve technique and logical thinking .
The first step in dummy play is to count winners ( at notrump or a low-level suit contract ) or possible losers ( at a higher suit contract ) .
Then decide how to get extra winners or avoid losers .
At today ’ s 3NT , declarer counted his winners — five clubs , two hearts , one spade — but then went astray .
He won the first heart and let the ten of diamonds ride .
East took the queen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ played low and won the third heart .
When he led another diamond , East won and took two more hearts .
Down one .
After South wins the first heart , he must lead the ace and a low spade to set up his ninth trick in dummy .
The queen of clubs is an entry .
South ’ s actual play would be defensible at matchpoint duplicate .
Every North-South would be at 3NT , so South might take a risk to try for overtricks .
At other forms of scoring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You hold : S 9 8 5 2 H Q 9 8 6 4 D A Q C 8 6 .
Your partner opens one diamond , you respond one heart and he bids two clubs .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : Your partner suggests longer diamonds than clubs .
He would not bid as he has with a hand such as K 10 4 , 3 2 , K J 9 5 , A Q 5 4 .
Then , if he opened one diamond , his second bid would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Your hand is too weak for a bid of 2NT and certainly too weak for a forcing new-suit bid of two spades .

“Simple Saturday” columns are meant to help aspiring players improve technique and logical thinking.
The first step in dummy play is to count winners (at notrump or a low-level suit contract) or possible losers (at a higher suit contract). Then decide how to get extra winners or avoid losers.
At today’s 3NT, declarer counted his winners — five clubs, two hearts, one spade — but then went astray. He won the first heart and let the ten of diamonds ride. East took the queen and returned a heart, and South played low and won the third heart. When he led another diamond, East won and took two more hearts. Down one.
NINTH TRICK
After South wins the first heart, he must lead the ace and a low spade to set up his ninth trick in dummy. The queen of clubs is an entry.
South’s actual play would be defensible at matchpoint duplicate. Every North-South would be at 3NT, so South might take a risk to try for overtricks. At other forms of scoring, South must assure the contract.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S 9 8 5 2 H Q 9 8 6 4 D A Q C 8 6. Your partner opens one diamond, you respond one heart and he bids two clubs. What do you say?
ANSWER: Your partner suggests longer diamonds than clubs. He would not bid as he has with a hand such as K 10 4, 3 2, K J 9 5, A Q 5 4. Then, if he opened one diamond, his second bid would have been 1NT. Bid two diamonds. Your hand is too weak for a bid of 2NT and certainly too weak for a forcing new-suit bid of two spades.
South dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S Q J 6
H 5 3
D K J 8 7 4
C Q 3 2
WEST
S K 10 7 3
H J 10 7
D 5 3 2
C 9 7 4
EAST
S 9 8 5 2
H Q 9 8 6 4
D A Q
C 8 6
SOUTH
S A 4
H A K 2
D 10 9 6
C A K J 10 5
South West North East
1 C Pass 1 D Pass
2 NT Pass 3 NT All Pass
Opening lead — H J
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-05-23--Ask Amy: If they were good people, they would obey coronavirus rules

DEAR AMY : I am struggling in these uncertain times .
I am finding people are showing their true colors with how they are responding to “ stay at home ” orders and how the government is trying to reduce the risk associated with the novel coronavirus .
Unfortunately , political ideals are also being exacerbated because of this .
People who I thought were good people are now deliberately ignoring orders , traveling across state lines , having gatherings of more than 10 people , dismissing hygiene practices , and posting polarizing things on social media .
I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from social media and other virtual interactions to escape the negativity .
Clearly , I have no intent to control these people ’ s views and actions , but how can I cope with this better ?
• Ask Amy : I want out of our California bubble , but my wife says no • Ask Amy : My younger wife resents my common-sense rules • Ask Amy : My neighbor ’ s invitation was nuts , but of course I can ’ t say that • Ask Amy : I won ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t wear a mask • Ask Amy : I forgot all about this anguished letter .
My parents didn ’ t .
It feels as if I am losing all faith in people that I once considered to be close friends .
Trying to Do Right DEAR TRYING : Now is the time to adopt the axiom “ you be you ” with a vengeance .
In this regard , you should continue to disengage on social media .
That means disengaging from people you disagree with , but also avoiding the bubble @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with people who are enraged and afraid .
Drop back .
Read a good novel .
You be you .
DEAR AMY : I moved to a new city about a year ago .
I ’ ve made one really great friend here , but there ’ s a hitch : our incongruous approaches to timeliness .
“ Sam ” has been , without fail , late to everything we ’ ve ever planned .
His tardiness ranges from one to three hours .
Sometimes , I wait an hour and politely ask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
” and he replies with , “ Sorry , I ’ m just going to do 15 things and I ’ ll be on my way !
” Recently , he and I were studying at his place and I got hungry , so I said , “ I ’ m going to go to the grocery store next door , I ’ ll be back in five.
” I would have been back in five , except he wanted to join me .
First , he had to change his contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then he started telling me this story about his mom that I didn ’ t pay much attention to because I was annoyed .
About 10 more things and 25 minutes later , we finally left his place .
At the store , he spent about 30 minutes trying to decide on a snack to purchase .
I ’ m a very structured person and need him to try and follow a schedule .
What makes everything worse is that he apologizes all the time — and he is aware that his tardiness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been told I can be abrasive , and I ’ d really like to avoid conflict since he is one of my closest friends here , so I ’ m not sure how to move forward .
DEAR ANNOYED !
: You report : “ I ’ m a very structured person , and need him to try to follow a schedule.
” Nope .
That is not going to happen .
“ Sam ” has been Sam as long as you have been “ Annoyed.
” He is already aware of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and you know this because he is constantly apologizing .
You two seem like a classic mismatch — but many great friendships thrive despite very different temperaments .
One perspective on this is that Sam was sent into your life to test your patience .
Will you pass this test ?
( You seem to be working hard on it . )
You do need to decide on some commonsense boundaries , as well as a useful way of communicating those boundaries , including the consequences when Sam lets you down .
Don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but do be honest with him about the impact of his behavior on you .
Will you wait an hour for him to meet you ?
Maybe .
Should you wait for three hours ?
No .
The amateur diagnostician in me believes that your friend might have ADHD .
For many adults , identifying their scattered focus and attention challenges as ADHD ( rather than a character flaw ) can be a gamechanger .
DEAR AMY : “ Wondering ” was a bit frazzled about her sister ’ s obsession with her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I come from a family of higher scores ( mine included ) .
In 10th grade we were tested in school and then met with our assigned teacher to discuss .
I ’ ll admit I was showing off .
My teacher looked me in the eye and said , “ Don ’ t get cocky , kid .
You got that brain from your parents .
Now what you do with it will show how smart you are .
Show , don ’ t tell.
” You can email Amy Dickinson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ letter to Ask Amy , P.O .
Box 194 , Freeville , NY 13068 .
You can also follow her on Twitter @ askingamy or Facebook .

DEAR AMY: I am struggling in these uncertain times. I am finding people are showing their true colors with how they are responding to “stay at home” orders and how the government is trying to reduce the risk associated with the novel coronavirus.
Unfortunately, political ideals are also being exacerbated because of this. People who I thought were good people are now deliberately ignoring orders, traveling across state lines, having gatherings of more than 10 people, dismissing hygiene practices, and posting polarizing things on social media.
I have started to block and hide these people from social media and other virtual interactions to escape the negativity.
Clearly, I have no intent to control these people’s views and actions, but how can I cope with this better?
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Trying to Do Right
DEAR TRYING: Now is the time to adopt the axiom “you be you” with a vengeance. In this regard, you should continue to disengage on social media. That means disengaging from people you disagree with, but also avoiding the bubble of anxiety that can come from connecting with people who are enraged and afraid.
Drop back. Read a good novel. You be you.
DEAR AMY: I moved to a new city about a year ago. I’ve made one really great friend here, but there’s a hitch: our incongruous approaches to timeliness.
“Sam” has been, without fail, late to everything we’ve ever planned. His tardiness ranges from one to three hours. Sometimes, I wait an hour and politely ask, “What’s your ETA?” and he replies with, “Sorry, I’m just going to do 15 things and I’ll be on my way!”
Recently, he and I were studying at his place and I got hungry, so I said, “I’m going to go to the grocery store next door, I’ll be back in five.”
I would have been back in five, except he wanted to join me. First, he had to change his contact lenses and fix his hair, and then he started telling me this story about his mom that I didn’t pay much attention to because I was annoyed. About 10 more things and 25 minutes later, we finally left his place.
At the store, he spent about 30 minutes trying to decide on a snack to purchase. I’m a very structured person and need him to try and follow a schedule.
What makes everything worse is that he apologizes all the time — and he is aware that his tardiness is a problem.
I’ve been told I can be abrasive, and I’d really like to avoid conflict since he is one of my closest friends here, so I’m not sure how to move forward.
Advice?
Annoyed!
DEAR ANNOYED!: You report: “I’m a very structured person, and need him to try to follow a schedule.” Nope. That is not going to happen.
“Sam” has been Sam as long as you have been “Annoyed.” He is already aware of his behavior and its impact on you – and you know this because he is constantly apologizing.
You two seem like a classic mismatch — but many great friendships thrive despite very different temperaments.
One perspective on this is that Sam was sent into your life to test your patience. Will you pass this test? (You seem to be working hard on it.)
You do need to decide on some commonsense boundaries, as well as a useful way of communicating those boundaries, including the consequences when Sam lets you down. Don’t act annoyed or judgmental — but do be honest with him about the impact of his behavior on you. Will you wait an hour for him to meet you? Maybe. Should you wait for three hours? No.
The amateur diagnostician in me believes that your friend might have ADHD. For many adults, identifying their scattered focus and attention challenges as ADHD (rather than a character flaw) can be a gamechanger.
DEAR AMY: “Wondering” was a bit frazzled about her sister’s obsession with her and her children’s IQ scores.
I come from a family of higher scores (mine included). In 10th grade we were tested in school and then met with our assigned teacher to discuss. I’ll admit I was showing off.
My teacher looked me in the eye and said, “Don’t get cocky, kid. You got that brain from your parents. Now what you do with it will show how smart you are. Show, don’t tell.”
Best Advice Ever!
DEAR BEST: Smart teacher!
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--2020-05-23--Letter: Leaders rule based on fear for us, rather than trust in us

Leaders rule based on fear , rather than trust in us I recognize that our leaders are doing the best @ @ @ @ @ .
I also believe that as long as they make decisions based on fear for @ @ @ @ @ us we will continue to decrease in well-being .
Responding in fear moves us into @ @ @ @ @ coming up with creative solutions .
American people are resourceful .
Trust us to make @ @ @ @ @ never forgetting that we are one nation , under God , indivisible , with liberty @ @ @ @ @ • Letter : Are you ready to die for your economy ?
• Letter : @ @ @ @ @ test in Contra Costa County but couldn ’ t • Letter : Oakland isn ’ @ @ @ @ @ sheltering in place So let ’ s , once again , trust in God and @ @ @ @ @ he has so graciously given us .
Submit your letter to the editor via this @ @ @ @ @ the Editor

Leaders rule based on fear,
rather than trust in us
I recognize that our leaders are doing the best they can to protect us. I also believe that as long as they make decisions based on fear for us instead of trust in us we will continue to decrease in well-being.
Responding in fear moves us into inertia, keeping us from coming up with creative solutions.
American people are resourceful. Trust us to make wise and thoughtful choices while never forgetting that we are one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
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Marilee Goodykoontz
Alamo
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mercurynews--2020-05-23--Harriette Cole: We found letters from dad’s other woman but my mom won’t let me read them

DEAR HARRIETTE : My father passed away a few years ago , and we just got around to packing up the rest of his belongings because my mother decided to sell her house .
While we were going through the things in his office , we found a box with letters in it that turned out to be from another woman .
It turns out he had an affair for an extended period of time , as detailed in this pack of letters .
My mother immediately took the letters away and has refused to talk about it , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ press her on this ?
I am curious about this new discovery , and I wish I could actually read the letters , but she has them now .
Should my siblings and I query her on this situation , and would it be wrong for me to ask if I can read them ?
DEAR TROUBLING DISCOVERY : Your father ’ s affair is none of your business .
You should not ask to read the letters .
You should not press her about this at all .
If she wants to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to you .
For now , leave it alone .
• Harriette Cole : I overheard what he asked my teenage daughter • Harriette Cole : Why won ’ t they invite me to their online parties ?
• Harriette Cole : I walked in on my daughter and saw sex on her screen • Harriette Cole : The women all turn off their video .
Is that OK ?
• Harriette Cole : Should I take the funeral home ’ s advice about my grandma ?
DEAR HARRIETTE : I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only venturing out occasionally to go to the grocery store , although I have mostly organized that for delivery .
Now that things are loosening up , I ’ m still concerned about how much I should go outside .
I have a couple of medical conditions , and I am very worried that if I catch this disease , I won ’ t survive .
I haven ’ t told anyone in my neighborhood or my job that I have these health challenges .
I don ’ t want people to look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my life just fine , thank you .
But I don ’ t know how well I will do if I put myself out in the general population .
One neighbor keeps asking me to take a walk with her .
She has been great about walking a few miles every day .
I , on the other hand , have sat around for weeks , and my body is not happy about that .
I do need to get more exercise .
I ’ m just not sure what to do .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ WEIGHING THE ODDS : Schedule a call with your doctor and discuss your health and your activities to determine what he or she recommends .
Review your health challenges and how you have been taking care of yourself during this period of quarantine .
Talk about your lack of exercise .
Share any details you know about your job and the plan to reopen .
Provide all of the facts so that your doctor can give you advice based on a clear picture of your life .
What I have read is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wear masks the entire time they are out of the home ; that they keep a distance of at least 6 feet from others ; that they avoid touching their faces ; and that they regularly wash their hands for at least 20 seconds .
If you do that every time you go outside , you will reduce the chances of contracting the virus .
If you get the green light for walking with your neighbor , remember to keep your distance .
Be vigilant .
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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: My father passed away a few years ago, and we just got around to packing up the rest of his belongings because my mother decided to sell her house.
While we were going through the things in his office, we found a box with letters in it that turned out to be from another woman. It turns out he had an affair for an extended period of time, as detailed in this pack of letters.
My mother immediately took the letters away and has refused to talk about it, but she seemed visibly upset.
Should we press her on this? I am curious about this new discovery, and I wish I could actually read the letters, but she has them now. Should my siblings and I query her on this situation, and would it be wrong for me to ask if I can read them?
Troubling Discovery
DEAR TROUBLING DISCOVERY: Your father’s affair is none of your business. You should not ask to read the letters. You should not press her about this at all.
If she wants to talk about it, she will open up to you. For now, leave it alone.
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I haven’t told anyone in my neighborhood or my job that I have these health challenges. I don’t want people to look at me with pity. I manage my life just fine, thank you. But I don’t know how well I will do if I put myself out in the general population.
One neighbor keeps asking me to take a walk with her. She has been great about walking a few miles every day. I, on the other hand, have sat around for weeks, and my body is not happy about that. I do need to get more exercise. I’m just not sure what to do. How should I handle this?
Weighing the Odds
DEAR WEIGHING THE ODDS: Schedule a call with your doctor and discuss your health and your activities to determine what he or she recommends. Review your health challenges and how you have been taking care of yourself during this period of quarantine. Talk about your lack of exercise. Share any details you know about your job and the plan to reopen.
Provide all of the facts so that your doctor can give you advice based on a clear picture of your life.
What I have read is that doctors are continuing to recommend that people wear masks the entire time they are out of the home; that they keep a distance of at least 6 feet from others; that they avoid touching their faces; and that they regularly wash their hands for at least 20 seconds. If you do that every time you go outside, you will reduce the chances of contracting the virus. If you get the green light for walking with your neighbor, remember to keep your distance. Be vigilant.
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--2020-05-23--Miss Manners: Who is the rude theatergoer in this tale?

DEAR MISS MANNERS : I saw a wonderful show recently , but the first act was nearly ruined by a seating problem .
I settled into my seat at 7:25 with the help of an usher .
During the overture , a mother and daughter arrived and sat in the two open seats on my right .
After the show started , another mother and daughter arrived and made their way to the sole remaining seat on our row , on my left .
The woman to my right loudly hissed at me , “ You ’ re in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She then said , louder , “ You ’ re in their seat.
” I replied , “ My ticket is for seat 125 .
I ’ m in seat 125.
” She asked what row , and I told her row E. On my left , the daughter sat in her mother ’ s lap for a few scenes , then they left our row for other seats ( climbing over about a dozen people for a second time while the show was in progress ) .
• Miss Manners : I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rude ?
• Miss Manners : This germ-spreading kid ’ s parents did nothing • Miss Manners : I ’ m hurt that the bride turned down my gift • Miss Manners : Why is my weight the first thing people mention ?
• Miss Manners : The pandemic is no excuse for the way they ’ ve treated me Several people around us then started asking the woman on my right to be quiet , as did I .
She replied very loudly , “ Don ’ t tell me to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I did so again .
I spent the rest of the first act dreading a confrontation at intermission .
When I have encountered seating problems like this on airplanes or in theaters , I start with the premise that I might be wrong , saying something neutral like , “ It seems one of us may be in the wrong seat ” or “ Did they assign us both the same seat ?
” Rather than accusing the other person of being wrong , I leave open the possibility that I might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has made a mistake .
Being accused of being in the wrong seat , loudly and while the show was underway — and by someone who had arrived late — set me off .
When the lights came up at intermission , I told the woman on my right that my ticket was for E-125 and that seemed to be the seat I was sitting in .
She summoned an usher , who happened to be the same usher who had seated me .
The usher looked at my ticket and said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and that I was sitting in the first balcony .
I apologized to the woman on my right , and told her that this is where I had been seated by the usher .
I got my things and left .
I wish that the usher or I had noticed that I was on the wrong level in the first place , or that the woman on my right and her friends had arrived before the show started .
We could have sorted this out beforehand and not caused a disruption .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have handled this better ?
GENTLE READER : By not taking Miss Manners on a journey of eight paragraphs before revealing that you were , in fact , wrong .
This does not mean that your fellow theatergoers were in the right .
They should have been on time , less noisy and more polite , but those irritants made you impervious to the fact that you were holding them to a standard to which you did not hold yourself .
Unfortunately , that cost you a full act , rather than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
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 saw a wonderful show recently, but the first act was nearly ruined by a seating problem.
I settled into my seat at 7:25 with the help of an usher. During the overture, a mother and daughter arrived and sat in the two open seats on my right. After the show started, another mother and daughter arrived and made their way to the sole remaining seat on our row, on my left.
The woman to my right loudly hissed at me, “You’re in the wrong seat.” I ignored her. She then said, louder, “You’re in their seat.”
I replied, “My ticket is for seat 125. I’m in seat 125.” She asked what row, and I told her row E. On my left, the daughter sat in her mother’s lap for a few scenes, then they left our row for other seats (climbing over about a dozen people for a second time while the show was in progress).
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When I have encountered seating problems like this on airplanes or in theaters, I start with the premise that I might be wrong, saying something neutral like, “It seems one of us may be in the wrong seat” or “Did they assign us both the same seat?” Rather than accusing the other person of being wrong, I leave open the possibility that I might be wrong, or that the venue has made a mistake. Being accused of being in the wrong seat, loudly and while the show was underway — and by someone who had arrived late — set me off.
When the lights came up at intermission, I told the woman on my right that my ticket was for E-125 and that seemed to be the seat I was sitting in. She summoned an usher, who happened to be the same usher who had seated me. The usher looked at my ticket and said that my seat was for the second balcony, and that I was sitting in the first balcony. I apologized to the woman on my right, and told her that this is where I had been seated by the usher. I got my things and left.
I wish that the usher or I had noticed that I was on the wrong level in the first place, or that the woman on my right and her friends had arrived before the show started. We could have sorted this out beforehand and not caused a disruption. But given the circumstances, how could I have handled this better?
GENTLE READER: By not taking Miss Manners on a journey of eight paragraphs before revealing that you were, in fact, wrong.
This does not mean that your fellow theatergoers were in the right. They should have been on time, less noisy and more polite, but those irritants made you impervious to the fact that you were holding them to a standard to which you did not hold yourself. Unfortunately, that cost you a full act, rather than a few minutes, of noisy behavior.
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--2020-05-23--Dear Abby: She won’t sleep with me and doesn’t like talking, either

DEAR ABBY : I have been married to the same woman for 34 years .
We have raised two great kids .
The problem is , my wife does not show , respond to or initiate any affection or intimacy .
I understand she has been through menopause , but is this the new normal ?
For me it is a lonely , cold existence .
Most nights she won ’ t even share the same bed with me .
She also does not respond well to talking about things .
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DEAR ROOMMATE : Your problem is less about the lack of affection and intimacy in your marriage and far more about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have with her .
If a problem can ’ t be discussed , there is no way to arrive at a solution or a compromise .
If you haven ’ t told her how lonely and isolated you feel , start there .
What ’ s happening is not fair to you .
This is something that should be discussed with her doctor because there may be a medical solution if sex is painful for her .
However , if it is more complicated than that , recognize that you need more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a letter or a newspaper column , and ask your doctor or insurance company to refer you to a licensed marriage and family therapist for the answers you are seeking .
If your wife refuses to go with you , go without her .
DEAR ABBY : My son , a high school senior , was in a relationship with a young woman who broke up with him and began dating his best friend .
He was heartbroken .
She played him into being friends and tells him he ’ s her best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His father and I comforted him as best we could , but he still has feelings for her .
It was a tough breakup for him , and he says he can ’ t understand why he feels this way for her .
We as parents are having a hard time keeping our opinions to ourselves .
We are not happy with him still being around her and try to discourage it as much as possible .
We all attend the same church , from which I ’ ve offered to remove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We limit the time he gets to be around her , but she has begun flaunting other dates in front of him , which is making it hard for us to be cordial toward her .
How can I help my boy heal his heart and move on ?
He ’ s my youngest , the last one ready to venture out to college , and I want him to have a fresh start for the new journey .
DEAR MOM : Some lessons in life people must learn for themselves , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As much as you wish to help your son heal his heart , he ’ s going to have to arrive at the realization that there ’ s more pain than pleasure associated with the girl who rejected him .
That is when he will move on , not before .
College will provide him an opportunity to meet new people and cultivate new interests .
Being in a new environment will also help .
In the meantime , be patient , refrain from saying anything nasty ( as tempting as it might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep your son as busy as you can .
TO MY MUSLIM READERS : It is time for the breaking of the Ramadan fast .
Happy Eid al-Fitr , everyone .
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 have been married to the same woman for 34 years. We have raised two great kids.
The problem is, my wife does not show, respond to or initiate any affection or intimacy. I understand she has been through menopause, but is this the new normal? For me it is a lonely, cold existence. Most nights she won’t even share the same bed with me.
She also does not respond well to talking about things.
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ROOMMATE IN VIRGINIA
DEAR ROOMMATE: Your problem is less about the lack of affection and intimacy in your marriage and far more about the lack of communication your wife allows you to have with her. If a problem can’t be discussed, there is no way to arrive at a solution or a compromise.
If you haven’t told her how lonely and isolated you feel, start there. What’s happening is not fair to you. This is something that should be discussed with her doctor because there may be a medical solution if sex is painful for her.
However, if it is more complicated than that, recognize that you need more help than I can give you in a letter or a newspaper column, and ask your doctor or insurance company to refer you to a licensed marriage and family therapist for the answers you are seeking. If your wife refuses to go with you, go without her.
DEAR ABBY: My son, a high school senior, was in a relationship with a young woman who broke up with him and began dating his best friend. He was heartbroken. She played him into being friends and tells him he’s her best friend, but her actions prove otherwise.
His father and I comforted him as best we could, but he still has feelings for her. It was a tough breakup for him, and he says he can’t understand why he feels this way for her.
We as parents are having a hard time keeping our opinions to ourselves. We are not happy with him still being around her and try to discourage it as much as possible.
We all attend the same church, from which I’ve offered to remove myself, but my son says no. We limit the time he gets to be around her, but she has begun flaunting other dates in front of him, which is making it hard for us to be cordial toward her.
How can I help my boy heal his heart and move on? He’s my youngest, the last one ready to venture out to college, and I want him to have a fresh start for the new journey.
HEAVY-HEARTED MOM
DEAR MOM: Some lessons in life people must learn for themselves, and this is one of them. As much as you wish to help your son heal his heart, he’s going to have to arrive at the realization that there’s more pain than pleasure associated with the girl who rejected him. That is when he will move on, not before.
College will provide him an opportunity to meet new people and cultivate new interests. Being in a new environment will also help. In the meantime, be patient, refrain from saying anything nasty (as tempting as it might be) about his former girlfriend and keep your son as busy as you can.
TO MY MUSLIM READERS: It is time for the breaking of the Ramadan fast. Happy Eid al-Fitr, everyone.
ABBY
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--2020-05-24--They’ve survived earthquakes and Prohibition, but can Bay Area bars survive coronavirus?

OAKLAND — Heinold ’ s First and Last Chance Saloon has only closed twice since 1884 , once when the 1906 earthquake leveled much of the Bay Area , and in 1929 when then-owner Johnny Heinold had surgery .
The bar survived the 1918 flu pandemic and Prohibition — they sold soft drinks during that dark time — and has been serving Oaklanders through a couple of world wars , the rise and fall of the Black Panther Party and two tech booms .
But the bar where Jack London used to do his high school homework might ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic and a lockdown order that has brought the bar ’ s revenues down to zero .
Heinold ’ s is in better shape than other bars thanks to a robust reserve fund the owners have been using to pay their five bartenders and other assorted bills during the lockdown .
But how long will those savings last ?
“ I am refusing to answer that question in my own head , on grounds that it would cause me to go insane , ” co-owner Elliott Myles said .
“ I need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” As the region enters its 11th week under lockdown , bar owners are faced with a daunting decision : do they keep going , feeding off savings and whatever they can make on to-go orders , or do they call it quits and close up the treasured dive bars , watering holes and music clubs that help fuel the Bay Area ’ s celebrated nightlife .
“ It ’ s going to lead to business and personal bankruptcies , we ’ re going to lose beloved cultural institutions , ” said Ben @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bar Owners Alliance .
“ I wouldn ’ t be surprised if 40 , 50 percent of the bars in San Francisco never reopened.
” It ’ s already started .
Such well-known spots as Oakland ’ s Stork Club , the famed Saddle Rack country bar in Fremont and The Stud , San Francisco ’ s oldest gay bar , have all announced they will not reopen , although the Stork Club holds out hope of eventually finding a new home .
Bleiman , who owns three bars in the city including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maybe one in 100 bars are doing okay business right now .
In an effort to provide some relief , the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control started allowed bars to sell closed bottles of beer or liquor to go , though Myles noted his customers can get the same stuff cheaper at stores like BevMo .
Bars with kitchens can sell mixed drinks to go if the order is paired with food , and on Friday the department expanded that and will now allow bars without kitchens to sell cocktails if they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s what Elly Simmons is trying to do at Spec ’ s Twelve Adler Museum , the bar her father started in the heart of San Francisco ’ s North Beach 52 years ago .
So far , they ’ ve been able to sell some closed beers to go , as well as face masks bearing the bar ’ s eponymous spectacles on them .
“ We have no idea what ’ s going to happen , I have no idea how well it ’ s going to go , ” Simmons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and they want to support us.
” Simmons , who owns the bar with her daughter , also launched a GoFundMe drive to help pay the bills .
She ’ s been blown away by the support , but still runs into regulars who just want to go back to the bar for a drink and some conversation .
“ I wish my dad was here to hear them all .
The place is very beloved , ” she said .
“ Many people , their parents met here — or they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a blow to the local music and live entertainment scene .
The Caravan Lounge in downtown San Jose , for example , is unable to host its punk and metal shows , as well as a long-running comedy night , burlesque revue and performance art show called Circus of Sin and even a poetry slam .
Ron Lucatelli , who owns the bar with his wife , Bev , said he ’ s worried about the Caravan ’ s future and is frustrated by what he says is a lack of clear information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t think the rules around selling drinks with food will help him much .
“ Our menu consists of a bag of potato chips and peanuts , occasionally , ” he said , adding that he ’ s still paying $ 700 just in PG & E bills to keep the venue refrigeration system going .
If it closes , it ’ ll be the end of an era — it ’ s been around since the 1960s and is the only one left of a chain of 10 independently-owned Caravan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California .
“ This is the craziest bunch of malarkey I ’ ve ever seen , ” Lucatelli said “ In addition to the crisis itself , which is real , we need to be safe .
But we also need to live and make a living.
” Even the places that have been selling to-go aren ’ t exactly thriving .
Eli ’ s Mile High Club , which has been a revered blues club , and mainstay Oakland bar since the 1970s , is selling bottles of liquor , cases of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meal combos for pickup and delivery .
The bar has let go of about 30 of its 40 pre-pandemic staffers , and is scraping in enough money to stay afloat .
“ I ’ m maybe 75 percent sure we ’ re good , ” said co-owner Billy Agan .
But Agan ’ s biggest fear is the health officials will allow bars to reopen for regular service too early .
If bars hire back their workers and stock up on alcohol — a COVID-19 second wave could be devastating .
Even if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a socially-distant bar will be challenging .
Eli ’ s has a back patio where customers can spread out , which will help .
But the bar makes a lot of its money from shows and events , and there ’ s no telling when those will be back.. For most bars , it ’ s hard to know what the future holds .
Throughout the city , bars are chained shut or boarded up in a way that would make that Anti-Saloon League swoon .
From touristy spots like Tommy ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in baby blue plywood , to padlocked Chinatown mainstays like Buddha Lounge and Li Po , to the White Horse Tavern on Nob Hill , where the hobby horse mascot hangs from the building front wearing a bandana face mask — they ’ re all closed indefinitely .
And for some , like Oakland ’ s famed Stork Club , the worst has already come .
Husband-and-wife managers Laura and Tom Chittock had to pack up and leave their Telegraph Avenue home of more than 20 years earlier this week .
With no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t keep paying the $ 10,000 a month in rent and other bills it cost to keep the rock venue going .
“ We had to stop , ” Laura Chittock said .
“ We had to make a very difficult decision.
” The Chittocks say they have every intention of reopening in a new location once the pandemic is over .
But it won ’ t be quite the same : The Stork Club first opened on Oakland ’ s 12th Street in the early 1900s , and the bar is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have played there .
“ We can ’ t take that with us , ” Laura Chittock said .
“ It ’ s all lost .
”

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OAKLAND — Heinold’s First and Last Chance Saloon has only closed twice since 1884, once when the 1906 earthquake leveled much of the Bay Area, and in 1929 when then-owner Johnny Heinold had surgery.
The bar survived the 1918 flu pandemic and Prohibition — they sold soft drinks during that dark time — and has been serving Oaklanders through a couple of world wars, the rise and fall of the Black Panther Party and two tech booms. But the bar where Jack London used to do his high school homework might’ve finally met its match: the coronavirus pandemic and a lockdown order that has brought the bar’s revenues down to zero.
Heinold’s is in better shape than other bars thanks to a robust reserve fund the owners have been using to pay their five bartenders and other assorted bills during the lockdown. But how long will those savings last?
“I am refusing to answer that question in my own head, on grounds that it would cause me to go insane,” co-owner Elliott Myles said. “I need to take it a day at a time.”
As the region enters its 11th week under lockdown, bar owners are faced with a daunting decision: do they keep going, feeding off savings and whatever they can make on to-go orders, or do they call it quits and close up the treasured dive bars, watering holes and music clubs that help fuel the Bay Area’s celebrated nightlife.
“It’s going to lead to business and personal bankruptcies, we’re going to lose beloved cultural institutions,” said Ben Bleiman, founder of the San Francisco Bar Owners Alliance. “I wouldn’t be surprised if 40, 50 percent of the bars in San Francisco never reopened.”
It’s already started. Such well-known spots as Oakland’s Stork Club, the famed Saddle Rack country bar in Fremont and The Stud, San Francisco’s oldest gay bar, have all announced they will not reopen, although the Stork Club holds out hope of eventually finding a new home. (Here’s a rundown of all the Bay Area clubs and restaurants that won’t be reopening.)
Bleiman, who owns three bars in the city including Dr. Teeth and Soda Popinski, said maybe one in 100 bars are doing okay business right now.
In an effort to provide some relief, the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control started allowed bars to sell closed bottles of beer or liquor to go, though Myles noted his customers can get the same stuff cheaper at stores like BevMo. Bars with kitchens can sell mixed drinks to go if the order is paired with food, and on Friday the department expanded that and will now allow bars without kitchens to sell cocktails if they partner with a restaurant.
That’s what Elly Simmons is trying to do at Spec’s Twelve Adler Museum, the bar her father started in the heart of San Francisco’s North Beach 52 years ago. So far, they’ve been able to sell some closed beers to go, as well as face masks bearing the bar’s eponymous spectacles on them.
“We have no idea what’s going to happen, I have no idea how well it’s going to go,” Simmons said. “People miss each other, and they want to support us.”
Simmons, who owns the bar with her daughter, also launched a GoFundMe drive to help pay the bills. She’s been blown away by the support, but still runs into regulars who just want to go back to the bar for a drink and some conversation.
“I wish my dad was here to hear them all. The place is very beloved,” she said. “Many people, their parents met here — or they did.”
The closures have also been a blow to the local music and live entertainment scene. The Caravan Lounge in downtown San Jose, for example, is unable to host its punk and metal shows, as well as a long-running comedy night, burlesque revue and performance art show called Circus of Sin and even a poetry slam.
Ron Lucatelli, who owns the bar with his wife, Bev, said he’s worried about the Caravan’s future and is frustrated by what he says is a lack of clear information or guidance from government officials. He doesn’t think the rules around selling drinks with food will help him much.
“Our menu consists of a bag of potato chips and peanuts, occasionally,” he said, adding that he’s still paying $700 just in PG&E bills to keep the venue refrigeration system going.
If it closes, it’ll be the end of an era — it’s been around since the 1960s and is the only one left of a chain of 10 independently-owned Caravan Lounge bars inside Greyhound bus stations throughout California.
“This is the craziest bunch of malarkey I’ve ever seen,” Lucatelli said “In addition to the crisis itself, which is real, we need to be safe. But we also need to live and make a living.”
Even the places that have been selling to-go aren’t exactly thriving. Eli’s Mile High Club, which has been a revered blues club, and mainstay Oakland bar since the 1970s, is selling bottles of liquor, cases of beer, and beer, shot and meal combos for pickup and delivery.
The bar has let go of about 30 of its 40 pre-pandemic staffers, and is scraping in enough money to stay afloat.
“I’m maybe 75 percent sure we’re good,” said co-owner Billy Agan.
But Agan’s biggest fear is the health officials will allow bars to reopen for regular service too early. If bars hire back their workers and stock up on alcohol — a COVID-19 second wave could be devastating. Even if that doesn’t happen, running a socially-distant bar will be challenging. Eli’s has a back patio where customers can spread out, which will help. But the bar makes a lot of its money from shows and events, and there’s no telling when those will be back..
For most bars, it’s hard to know what the future holds. Throughout the city, bars are chained shut or boarded up in a way that would make that Anti-Saloon League swoon. From touristy spots like Tommy’s Joynt on Van Ness Avenue, covered in baby blue plywood, to padlocked Chinatown mainstays like Buddha Lounge and Li Po, to the White Horse Tavern on Nob Hill, where the hobby horse mascot hangs from the building front wearing a bandana face mask — they’re all closed indefinitely.
And for some, like Oakland’s famed Stork Club, the worst has already come. Husband-and-wife managers Laura and Tom Chittock had to pack up and leave their Telegraph Avenue home of more than 20 years earlier this week. With no shows to host, the Chittocks couldn’t keep paying the $10,000 a month in rent and other bills it cost to keep the rock venue going.
“We had to stop,” Laura Chittock said. “We had to make a very difficult decision.”
The Chittocks say they have every intention of reopening in a new location once the pandemic is over. But it won’t be quite the same: The Stork Club first opened on Oakland’s 12th Street in the early 1900s, and the bar is covered floor-to-ceiling with stickers left by bands who have played there.
“We can’t take that with us,” Laura Chittock said. “It’s all lost.”
Staff photographer Karl Mondon contributed to this report


mercurynews--2020-05-24--Coronavirus: New cases spike in San Mateo, Contra Costa counties

As state-wide data showed 90,000 people across California have tested positive for coronavirus , new confirmed infections in San Mateo and Contra Costa counties jumped significantly Saturday over recent daily averages , health officials reported .
While San Mateo had no new deaths Saturday , it saw 50 new cases , bringing its total number of confirmed infections to 1,833 .
During the previous seven days , the daily average was 30 new cases .
The number of people recorded as dead from the virus in San Mateo County remained at 76 .
Across Contra Costa County , total confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but 37 new cases were reported , compared to a daily average over the previous seven days of 23 , bringing total confirmed cases to 1,296 .
San Pablo , Orinda and Bay Point had the highest per-capita case rates , with each reporting nearly 300 infections per 100,000 people , compared to a county-wide average of less than half that number .
In Santa Clara County , the 25 new confirmed cases Saturday was slightly higher than the daily average of about 20 over the previous seven days .
One more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus infection , bringing the county ’ s death toll to 139 .
Nearly 90 % of the dead were reported to have suffered from underlying health conditions .
Alameda County saw two additional deaths attributed to the virus , bringing its toll to 92 .
The county reported 59 new cases , in line with the average of 58 per day over the previous seven days .
San Francisco County saw a significant drop in new cases Saturday , to 30 from the daily average of 42 over the previous seven days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the county , where the coronavirus toll remained at 40 .

As state-wide data showed 90,000 people across California have tested positive for coronavirus, new confirmed infections in San Mateo and Contra Costa counties jumped significantly Saturday over recent daily averages, health officials reported.
While San Mateo had no new deaths Saturday, it saw 50 new cases, bringing its total number of confirmed infections to 1,833. During the previous seven days, the daily average was 30 new cases. The number of people recorded as dead from the virus in San Mateo County remained at 76.
Increases in confirmed cases may result from increased testing. San Mateo County reported 925 people tested Monday, but test numbers dropped to 261 on Wednesday and the data from Thursday and Friday were not available Saturday. The County database shows it’s been taking just over a day and a half on average to get test results back.
Across Contra Costa County, total confirmed coronavirus deaths remained at 36 on Saturday, but 37 new cases were reported, compared to a daily average over the previous seven days of 23, bringing total confirmed cases to 1,296. San Pablo, Orinda and Bay Point had the highest per-capita case rates, with each reporting nearly 300 infections per 100,000 people, compared to a county-wide average of less than half that number.
Contra Costa County’s testing numbers have been climbing steadily, to a total of 28,782 Friday from Monday’s 23,710.
In Santa Clara County, the 25 new confirmed cases Saturday was slightly higher than the daily average of about 20 over the previous seven days. One more person was confirmed to have died from coronavirus infection, bringing the county’s death toll to 139. Nearly 90% of the dead were reported to have suffered from underlying health conditions.
Alameda County saw two additional deaths attributed to the virus, bringing its toll to 92. The county reported 59 new cases, in line with the average of 58 per day over the previous seven days.
San Francisco County saw a significant drop in new cases Saturday, to 30 from the daily average of 42 over the previous seven days. No new deaths were recorded in the county, where the coronavirus toll remained at 40.


mercurynews--2020-05-24--Photos: Coronavirus won’t stop Americans from keeping Memorial Day weekend traditions

Memorial Day weekend is a time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ solemn remembrances and gestures of thanks .
One of the most common traditions is the @ @ @ @ @ the graves of fallen soldiers .
That has presented a problem as some places suspended @ @ @ @ @ concerns .
Nevertheless , volunteers stepped up and placed the flags on graves themselves .
@ @ @ @ @ cemeteries in Oakland ; Wading River , New York ; and Tuscon , Arizona .
@ @ @ @ @ soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Regiment , or the “ Old Guard , ” did @ @ @ @ @ on the graves there .
Although other traditions such as parades have been put on @ @ @ @ @ t stopped others from marking the holiday in their own way .

Memorial Day weekend is a time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country.
It’s a holiday marked by solemn remembrances and gestures of thanks. One of the most common traditions is the placing of U.S. flags on the graves of fallen soldiers. That has presented a problem as some places suspended that tradition because of coronavirus concerns. Nevertheless, volunteers stepped up and placed the flags on graves themselves. That’s seen at cemeteries in Oakland; Wading River, New York; and Tuscon, Arizona.
In Arlington National Cemetery, soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Regiment, or the “Old Guard,” did their duty and placed flags on the graves there.
Although other traditions such as parades have been put on hold, that hasn’t stopped others from marking the holiday in their own way.


mercurynews--2020-05-24--The Latest: New York Times’ front page lists virus victims

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 .
— Sunday ’ s New York Times devotes entire front page to list of COVID-19 victims .
— Protesters gather outside California ’ s state Capitol to rally against stay-at-home orders .
NEW YORK — The New York Times has devoted Sunday ’ s entire front page to a long list of names of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The names and brief descriptions culled from obituaries from around the country fill six columns under the headline “ U.S .
Deaths Near 100,000 , an Incalculable Loss , ” with a subheadline reading : “ They Were Not Simply Names on a List .
They Were Us.
” The all-text list takes the place of the usual articles , photographs and graphics in an effort to convey the vastness and variety of lives lost , according to Simone Landon , assistant editor of the graphics desk .
A tally kept by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have died of COVID-19 in the United States .
Tom Bodkin , chief creative officer of The Times , said he did not remember any front pages without images , though there have been pages with only graphics , during his 40 years at the newspaper .
SANTA FE , N.M. — A New Mexico state official says gatherings of more than 100 people may not be possible for more than a year because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Tourism Secretary Jen Paul Schroer said it could be a year or 18 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine or herd immunity .
That creates the prospect that sports stadiums , concert halls and conference centers in the state could remain empty for months .
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that Schroer spoke during a webinar Thursday on reopening the state ’ s hospitality industry .
The state had nearly 6,800 cases of COVID-19 with 308 deaths as of Saturday .
SACRAMENTO , Calif. — Hundreds of protesters rallied outside California ’ s state Capitol on Saturday to protest stay-at-home orders even as residents entered the Memorial Day weekend with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Highway Patrol officers closed the Capitol lawn to demonstrators , so speakers addressed the crowd from the back of a flatbed truck as an airplane flew above towing a banner with a picture of Gov .
Gavin Newsom and the words “ End his tyranny !
” Protesters waved dozens of flags and signs , many in support of President Donald Trump .
Few people wore masks and there was little room for social distancing .
The protest came as restrictions eased across much of the state .
Some 45 of 58 counties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and many public spaces by meeting state standards for controlling the novel coronavirus .
Authorities continue to warn people to practice social distancing and other anti-virus measures , noting that the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths continues to rise .
HAGATNA , Guam — The Department of Agriculture in Guam has invited hunters to participate in a pig-hunting derby to provide food for families in need during the coronavirus pandemic .
The Pacific Daily News reported that the department announced that the two-day derby is scheduled to begin next Saturday .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is intended to feed families , foster familial hunter development and reduce the feral pig population .
Event organizers are working with mayors to distribute pigs whole and unprocessed to residents within their villages and provide safe handling guidelines .
RALEIGH , N.C. — Coronavirus outbreaks at meat processing plants are forcing North Carolina farmers to euthanize 1.5 million chickens , according to a state official .
Assistant Agriculture Commissioner Joe Reardon told The News & Observer that this is the first time during the pandemic that farmers in the state have had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third of the 1.5 million chickens already had been killed , Reardon said .
Chicken and hog farmers in other states also have been euthanizing millions of animals during the COVID-19 pandemic .
North Carolina hog farmers have not taken steps to euthanize their animals , Reardon said .
FORT CAMPBELL , Ky. — Eighteen soldiers assigned to the U.S. Army ’ s 101st Airborne Division have returned to Fort Campbell after spending more than a month in New Jersey helping with COVID-19 response operations .
Fort Campbell officials say the soldiers deployed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the response to the new coronavirus outbreak throughout the Northeast .
The troops helped receive , process and move supplies , equipment and personnel in critical areas affected by the virus outbreak .
The soldiers will undergo a precautionary quarantine under medical supervision .
An official welcome-home event is being planned , officials said .
The Fort Campbell Army post is located along the Kentucky-Tennessee border .
MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Gov .
Tim Walz is scrapping his 10-person limit on group gatherings and allowing churches to open at 25 % occupancy if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s decision comes after the state reported a record number of COVID-19 cases .
He says the issue has been “ a challenging one ” because large gatherings raise the risk of spreading the virus .
Walz says he understands the toll the pandemic has taken on the spiritual health of residents .
His new executive order applies only to religious gatherings and not receptions .
While the leader of the Catholic Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis welcomed the change , the governor said parishes should not open if they don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures .
Archbishop Bernard Hebda said in a letter to parishioners that limiting gatherings to 10 people had “ burdened the Church ’ s ability to fully meet the sacramental needs of our faithful.
” TALLAHASSEE , Fla. — A woman who raised questions about Florida ’ s COVID-19 data after being ousted as the data ’ s curator had been reprimanded several times for violating Health Department policy , including for posting political commentary about the information , state records show .
Rebekah Jones ’ comments over the past week and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a handful of media outlets , and blog posts have sought to sow doubt about the credibility of the data now that she is no longer in that role .
State health officials strenuously deny any issue with the information ’ s accuracy as Republican Gov .
Ron DeSantis seeks to make a data-driven case for a step-by-step reopening of the state ’ s battered economy following safer-at-home orders .
Jones has not alleged any tampering with data on deaths , hospital symptom surveillance , hospitalizations for COVID-19 , numbers of new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She has , however , suggested Health Department managers wanted her to manipulate information to paint a rosier picture and that she pushed back .
SPRINGFIELD , Mo .
— A hairstylist served 84 clients over eight days recently while experiencing symptoms of coronavirus , Missouri health officials say .
The Springfield-Greene County Health Department said in a news briefing that the stylist worked between May 12-20 and announced in a Facebook post Saturday that 56 other clients were potentially exposed by a second stylist who worked five shifts from May 16-20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus .
All clients of the two stylists wore masks and will be tested .
The owner of the business said in a statement that the salon will be closed until it goes through sanitizing and deep cleaning The state health department reported 218 new confirmed cases of the new coronavirus , bringing the total to 11,558 since the pandemic began .
That was the largest one-day total since 319 cases were reported May 1 .
Ten new deaths brought that total to 671 .
RALEIGH , N.C. — North Carolina has failed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that voters can safely cast ballots during the COVID-19 pandemic , voting rights advocates claim in a federal lawsuit .
The nonprofit Democracy North Carolina and the League of Women Voters of North Carolina sued Friday on behalf of several elderly or disabled residents whose medical conditions make them more vulnerable to coronavirus .
The lawsuit alleges that several aspects of North Carolina ’ s absentee vote-by-mail requirements are unconstitutional because voters will have to risk exposure to COVID-19 to successfully vote .
For example , mail-in absentee voters are required to complete @ @ @ @ @ @ @ witnesses or a notary .
State law also requires voters to submit their registration applications at least 25 days before the election or else register in-person at an early voting site , the suit notes .
The lawsuit says that will result in millions of state residents either losing their right to vote or being forced to compromise their health in order to cast a ballot .
The state Board of Elections and other state officials are named as defendants .
STURGIS , S.D .
— The mayor of Sturgis says city officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the annual motorcycle gathering in the Black Hills of South Dakota , regardless of the new coronavirus .
The 80th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is scheduled for Aug. 7-16 .
The City Council has said it would make an official decision in mid-June on whether to go forward with hosting the event , the Rapid City Journal reported .
Mayor Mark Carstensen said in a Facebook video that “ tourism is coming ” to the Black Hills and Sturgis .
A manager with The Hotel Sturgis said all 22 rooms have been booked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is a waiting list .
DOVER , Del .
— The University of Delaware says it is laying off more than 1,100 part-time employees , mostly students , in a move to cut costs during the COVID-19 pandemic .
The News Journal reports that students account for 805 of the 1,146 part-time employees who were notified of their layoffs on Thursday .
An email to employees said the layoffs , which take effect on June 1 , do not affect adjunct faculty , graduate students , work-study students or employees whose wages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many adjunct professors will not have a teaching position in the fall due to a hiring freeze .
In April , the university announced that it faced a $ 65 million budget shortfall due to pandemic ’ s financial toll , including revenue lost from prorated housing and canceled athletic events .
The university hopes to reopen campus in phases starting June 1 with certain research facilities .
BAGHDAD — Iraq ’ s Health Ministry is reporting the steepest single-day spike in confirmed coronavirus cases since the government began recording cases in late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases Saturday , one day ahead of celebrations to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan .
Curfew hours had been relaxed during the month of fasting , which contributed to higher daily rates of infection .
According to ministry figures , more than 4,200 people have tested positive for the virus in Iraq .
At least 152 people have died .
Roads have been clogged with traffic and supermarkets and shops have been packed with people preparing for the celebrations , likely contributing to the increase in infections .
ALBANY @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its lowest number of daily coronavirus deaths in weeks in what Gov .
Andrew Cuomo described Saturday as a critical benchmark .
The daily death tally was 84 after a peak of 799 on April 8 .
Reducing the state ’ s daily death count to fewer than 100 seemed almost impossible several weeks ago , the Democratic governor said .
That figure has remained stubbornly high even amid other signs of encouragement .
“ In my head , I was always looking to get under 100 , ” Cuomo said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sign that we ’ re making real progress.
” The number of hospitalized patients in the state that has been the epicenter of the pandemic in the U.S. continued to fall , dropping to over 4,600 .
Cuomo also announced that the region along the Hudson River north of New York City and south of Albany is set to begin reopening Tuesday , and that Long Island could follow suit Wednesday .
ATHENS — Two fatalities from COVID-19 were reported in Greece during the most recent 24-hour period , bringing the death toll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Another three new infections have been recorded since Friday afternoon , raising the nation ’ s total to 2,876 .
The number of patients on ventilators stands at 20 , while 99 have left intensive care .
Greek authorities say they have performed 152,998 tests for the disease .
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:
— Montana outbreak tied to golf and country club developed by Charles Schwab
— Pasta factory in Spokane reports virus outbreak as Washington state prepare to reopen
— Sunday’s New York Times devotes entire front page to list of COVID-19 victims.
— Protesters gather outside California’s state Capitol to rally against stay-at-home orders.
— New York state records 24-hour death total under 100.
___
HAMILTON, Mont. — An outbreak of COVID-19 in western Montana is tied to an exclusive golf and country club developed by financial executive Charles Schwab.
Stock Farm Club General Manager Steve Buck says the eight people who tested positive for COVID-19 in Ravalli County are employees of the club near Hamilton. One person had been hospitalized and seven others remained in isolation on Saturday.
The health department has said it was believed the first person who tested positive had contracted the respiratory virus outside the county.
Montana reported no new positive COVID-19 tests from samples run on Friday. The state has had 479 confirmed cases.
___
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The Alaska Baseball League has canceled its summer season, as the future of sports worldwide remains uncertain during the coronavirus pandemic.
The summer league season was scheduled to begin on June 29. The league website says this season will be canceled to keep everyone safe from exposure to COVID-19.
KTVA-TV reported that if competition resumed on time there would have been travel and housing challenges during the seven weeks of play. The five-team league is made up of college players from mostly the Lower 48 but also from places as far away as Taiwan.
___
SPOKANE, Wash. — A pasta company has announced there was a coronavirus outbreak at its Spokane factory as Washington state prepares to reopen parts of its economy.
The Spokesman-Review reported that Philadelphia Macaroni Company Inc. said in a statement Friday that 72 workers were tested for COVID-19 and 24 were positive. Health officials say there was an increase in Spokane County with 31 new positive cases between Thursday and Friday.
Company officials say all of the factory employees have since been tested and the facility was disinfected. The company is working with the Spokane Regional Health District to conduct contact tracing and determine further prevention measures.
___
BEIJING — China on Sunday reported three new confirmed cases of coronavirus.
Two of the cases were brought from outside the country and one locally transmitted in the northeastern province of Jilin that has experienced a minor outbreak now apparently largely contained.
No new deaths were reported and 79 people remain in treatment, with another 380 under isolation and monitoring for being suspected cases or having tested positive for COVID-19 without showing any symptoms.
China has reported a total of 4,634 COVID-19 deaths out of 82,974 cases.
___
CANBERRA, Australia — Government officials says six million Australians have downloaded a mobile telephone app that helps health authorities trace coronavirus infections
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said the COVIDSafe app is playing a strong role in Australia’s response to the pandemic and several countries have expressed interest in learning from its positive impacts. If a user is diagnosed, the app works to identify other users who have been in close proximity for 15 minutes or more in the previous three weeks.
The government has said at least 40% of Australia’s 26 million people need to use the app for it to be effective. There are approximately 17 million mobile phones in Australia.
The government and states have been easing restrictions on travel and increased use of restaurants and bars in the past few weeks. Australia has recorded more than 7,100 cases of COVID-19, with 102 deaths.
___
NEW YORK — The New York Times has devoted Sunday’s entire front page to a long list of names of people who have died in the coronavirus pandemic.
The names and brief descriptions culled from obituaries from around the country fill six columns under the headline “U.S. Deaths Near 100,000, an Incalculable Loss,” with a subheadline reading: “They Were Not Simply Names on a List. They Were Us.”
The all-text list takes the place of the usual articles, photographs and graphics in an effort to convey the vastness and variety of lives lost, according to Simone Landon, assistant editor of the graphics desk.
A tally kept by Johns Hopkins University says more than 96,000 people have died of COVID-19 in the United States.
Tom Bodkin, chief creative officer of The Times, said he did not remember any front pages without images, though there have been pages with only graphics, during his 40 years at the newspaper.
___
SANTA FE, N.M. — A New Mexico state official says gatherings of more than 100 people may not be possible for more than a year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Tourism Secretary Jen Paul Schroer said it could be a year or 18 months before there’s either a vaccine or herd immunity. That creates the prospect that sports stadiums, concert halls and conference centers in the state could remain empty for months.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that Schroer spoke during a webinar Thursday on reopening the state’s hospitality industry.
The state had nearly 6,800 cases of COVID-19 with 308 deaths as of Saturday.
___
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Hundreds of protesters rallied outside California’s state Capitol on Saturday to protest stay-at-home orders even as residents entered the Memorial Day weekend with newly expanded options for leisure.
California Highway Patrol officers closed the Capitol lawn to demonstrators, so speakers addressed the crowd from the back of a flatbed truck as an airplane flew above towing a banner with a picture of Gov. Gavin Newsom and the words “End his tyranny!”
Protesters waved dozens of flags and signs, many in support of President Donald Trump. Few people wore masks and there was little room for social distancing.
The protest came as restrictions eased across much of the state. Some 45 of 58 counties have received permission to reopen most stores and many public spaces by meeting state standards for controlling the novel coronavirus.
Authorities continue to warn people to practice social distancing and other anti-virus measures, noting that the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths continues to rise.
___
HAGATNA, Guam — The Department of Agriculture in Guam has invited hunters to participate in a pig-hunting derby to provide food for families in need during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Pacific Daily News reported that the department announced that the two-day derby is scheduled to begin next Saturday. The department released a statement saying the derby is intended to feed families, foster familial hunter development and reduce the feral pig population.
Event organizers are working with mayors to distribute pigs whole and unprocessed to residents within their villages and provide safe handling guidelines.
___
RALEIGH, N.C. — Coronavirus outbreaks at meat processing plants are forcing North Carolina farmers to euthanize 1.5 million chickens, according to a state official.
Assistant Agriculture Commissioner Joe Reardon told The News & Observer that this is the first time during the pandemic that farmers in the state have had to euthanize their animals. Roughly a third of the 1.5 million chickens already had been killed, Reardon said.
Chicken and hog farmers in other states also have been euthanizing millions of animals during the COVID-19 pandemic. North Carolina hog farmers have not taken steps to euthanize their animals, Reardon said.
___
FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. — Eighteen soldiers assigned to the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division have returned to Fort Campbell after spending more than a month in New Jersey helping with COVID-19 response operations.
Fort Campbell officials say the soldiers deployed April 14 to help provide logistical support for the response to the new coronavirus outbreak throughout the Northeast. The troops helped receive, process and move supplies, equipment and personnel in critical areas affected by the virus outbreak.
The soldiers will undergo a precautionary quarantine under medical supervision. An official welcome-home event is being planned, officials said.
The Fort Campbell Army post is located along the Kentucky-Tennessee border.
___
MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is scrapping his 10-person limit on group gatherings and allowing churches to open at 25% occupancy if certain safety guidelines are met.
Walz’s decision comes after the state reported a record number of COVID-19 cases. He says the issue has been “a challenging one” because large gatherings raise the risk of spreading the virus.
Walz says he understands the toll the pandemic has taken on the spiritual health of residents. His new executive order applies only to religious gatherings and not receptions.
While the leader of the Catholic Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis welcomed the change, the governor said parishes should not open if they don’t feel they can meet safety measures.
Archbishop Bernard Hebda said in a letter to parishioners that limiting gatherings to 10 people had “burdened the Church’s ability to fully meet the sacramental needs of our faithful.”
___
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A woman who raised questions about Florida’s COVID-19 data after being ousted as the data’s curator had been reprimanded several times for violating Health Department policy, including for posting political commentary about the information, state records show.
Rebekah Jones’ comments over the past week and a half in emails to researchers, interviews with a handful of media outlets, and blog posts have sought to sow doubt about the credibility of the data now that she is no longer in that role.
State health officials strenuously deny any issue with the information’s accuracy as Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis seeks to make a data-driven case for a step-by-step reopening of the state’s battered economy following safer-at-home orders.
Jones has not alleged any tampering with data on deaths, hospital symptom surveillance, hospitalizations for COVID-19, numbers of new confirmed cases, or overall testing rates. She has, however, suggested Health Department managers wanted her to manipulate information to paint a rosier picture and that she pushed back.
___
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — A hairstylist served 84 clients over eight days recently while experiencing symptoms of coronavirus, Missouri health officials say.
The Springfield-Greene County Health Department said in a news briefing that the stylist worked between May 12-20 and announced in a Facebook post Saturday that 56 other clients were potentially exposed by a second stylist who worked five shifts from May 16-20 while experiencing very mild symptoms of the coronavirus.
All clients of the two stylists wore masks and will be tested. The owner of the business said in a statement that the salon will be closed until it goes through sanitizing and deep cleaning
The state health department reported 218 new confirmed cases of the new coronavirus, bringing the total to 11,558 since the pandemic began. That was the largest one-day total since 319 cases were reported May 1. Ten new deaths brought that total to 671.
___
RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina has failed to change its election laws to ensure that voters can safely cast ballots during the COVID-19 pandemic, voting rights advocates claim in a federal lawsuit.
The nonprofit Democracy North Carolina and the League of Women Voters of North Carolina sued Friday on behalf of several elderly or disabled residents whose medical conditions make them more vulnerable to coronavirus.
The lawsuit alleges that several aspects of North Carolina’s absentee vote-by-mail requirements are unconstitutional because voters will have to risk exposure to COVID-19 to successfully vote.
For example, mail-in absentee voters are required to complete the ballot in the presence of two witnesses or a notary. State law also requires voters to submit their registration applications at least 25 days before the election or else register in-person at an early voting site, the suit notes.
The lawsuit says that will result in millions of state residents either losing their right to vote or being forced to compromise their health in order to cast a ballot. The state Board of Elections and other state officials are named as defendants.
___
STURGIS, S.D. — The mayor of Sturgis says city officials can’t stop people from coming to the annual motorcycle gathering in the Black Hills of South Dakota, regardless of the new coronavirus.
The 80th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is scheduled for Aug. 7-16. The City Council has said it would make an official decision in mid-June on whether to go forward with hosting the event, the Rapid City Journal reported.
Mayor Mark Carstensen said in a Facebook video that “tourism is coming” to the Black Hills and Sturgis. A manager with The Hotel Sturgis said all 22 rooms have been booked for the week of the rally and there is a waiting list.
___
DOVER, Del. — The University of Delaware says it is laying off more than 1,100 part-time employees, mostly students, in a move to cut costs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The News Journal reports that students account for 805 of the 1,146 part-time employees who were notified of their layoffs on Thursday.
An email to employees said the layoffs, which take effect on June 1, do not affect adjunct faculty, graduate students, work-study students or employees whose wages are paid through external funding.
But many adjunct professors will not have a teaching position in the fall due to a hiring freeze.
In April, the university announced that it faced a $65 million budget shortfall due to pandemic’s financial toll, including revenue lost from prorated housing and canceled athletic events.
The university hopes to reopen campus in phases starting June 1 with certain research facilities.
___
BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Health Ministry is reporting the steepest single-day spike in confirmed coronavirus cases since the government began recording cases in late February.
The ministry reported 308 new cases Saturday, one day ahead of celebrations to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Curfew hours had been relaxed during the month of fasting, which contributed to higher daily rates of infection.
According to ministry figures, more than 4,200 people have tested positive for the virus in Iraq. At least 152 people have died.
Roads have been clogged with traffic and supermarkets and shops have been packed with people preparing for the celebrations, likely contributing to the increase in infections.
___
ALBANY, N.Y. — New York state reported its lowest number of daily coronavirus deaths in weeks in what Gov. Andrew Cuomo described Saturday as a critical benchmark.
The daily death tally was 84 after a peak of 799 on April 8.
Reducing the state’s daily death count to fewer than 100 seemed almost impossible several weeks ago, the Democratic governor said. That figure has remained stubbornly high even amid other signs of encouragement.
“In my head, I was always looking to get under 100,” Cuomo said. “For me, it’s a sign that we’re making real progress.”
The number of hospitalized patients in the state that has been the epicenter of the pandemic in the U.S. continued to fall, dropping to over 4,600.
Cuomo also announced that the region along the Hudson River north of New York City and south of Albany is set to begin reopening Tuesday, and that Long Island could follow suit Wednesday.
___
ATHENS — Two fatalities from COVID-19 were reported in Greece during the most recent 24-hour period, bringing the death toll to 171, health authorities announced Saturday.
Another three new infections have been recorded since Friday afternoon, raising the nation’s total to 2,876. The number of patients on ventilators stands at 20, while 99 have left intensive care.
Greek authorities say they have performed 152,998 tests for the disease.
___
Follow AP news coverage of the coronavirus pandemic at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak


mercurynews--2020-05-23--Hundreds protest in Sacramento against stay-at-home order

SACRAMENTO — Hundreds of protesters rallied outside the state Capitol on Saturday to protest against California ’ s stay-at-home orders even as residents entered the Memorial Day weekend with newly expanded options for beachgoing , barbecuing and shopping .
The rally to demand that Gov .
Gavin Newsom lift his restrictions on business , religious gatherings and other activities took on the atmosphere of a political rally and festival on a closed-off street .
California Highway Patrol officers closed the Capitol lawn to demonstrators , so speakers addressed the crowd from the back of a flatbed truck as an airplane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ picture of Newsom and the words “ End his tyranny !
” Protesters waved dozens of flags and signs , many in support of President Donald Trump .
Few people wore masks and there was little room for social distancing on the sidewalk or closed-off street .
“ The mental and emotional impact can not even be fathomed , ” said Nita Brady , 68 , of Modesto , who added that she was angry that two of her granddaughters missed their middle school and high school graduations .
“ I think it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the schools and especially for the length that they did , ” she said .
Stay-at-home restrictions eased across much of the state .
Some 45 of 58 counties have received permission to reopen most stores — at least for curbside pickups — and many public spaces by meeting state standards for controlling the coronavirus .
Some saw it as a safety test as the state prepared to celebrate its first major holiday weekend since a statewide order in mid-March clamped down on all but essential trips and businesses .
Social distancing practices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rates of deaths and hospitalizations have slowed in many counties , and people were urged to keep their masks on and their guard up while enjoying recently reopened bike paths , hiking trails and beaches .
Many Southern California beaches were open only for swimming , running and other activities .
Sunbathing and group activities such as volleyball were prohibited .
Police , lifeguards and other officials were warning people to remember the seriousness of the virus as they enjoy their new freedom .
“ Don ’ t go crazy and stay out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as close as you can to as many people , ” Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said .
“ Don ’ t go out without a mask .
You see people without masks , avoid them.
” “ It ’ s also something that just saves more lives , including , perhaps , your own , ” he said .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks .
For some , especially older adults @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia and death .
Los Angeles County , the state ’ s largest with 10 million people , has been hardest-hit by COVID-19 , with more than 44,000 cases and nearly 2,100 deaths .
However , hospitalization and increased testing , which allows for quicker identification , treatment and isolation of people who tested positive for COVID-19 and their close contacts , helped slow the spread of infections , health officials said Saturday .
The county reopened beach bike paths and some beach parking lots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go-ahead to allow some restaurants , which have survived on deliveries and takeout orders , to reopen with limited seating .
The state is still seeing troubling COVID-19 flare-ups , however .
Imperial County , across the border from Mexico , has seen a surge .
In Northern California , Santa Cruz County ’ s public health officials were investigating four separate clusters of COVID-19 cases involving family gatherings , including a multi-generational Mother ’ s Day party and a large gathering involving individuals who traveled from out-of-state .
Avoiding temptation might be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up over the weekend , reaching into the 90s and even 100 degrees in some inland valleys by Sunday .
Traffic started to back up as drivers searched for parking along Huntington Beach and there were plenty of beachgoers lingering on the sand .
In San Francisco , officials drew large chalk “ social distancing ” circles on the grass at parks to show people where to sit .
Dolores Park has seen large masses of people on sunny weekends , prompting Mayor London Breed to warn that she would shut it down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Some popular getaway communities , which are suffering economically after more than two months of business shutdowns and stay-away crowds , welcomed visitors .
Big Bear Lake , a couple of hours northeast of Los Angeles , said officials won ’ t enforce the governor ’ s COVID-19 safety orders .
But South Lake Tahoe in the northern Sierra Nevada and Mammoth Lakes in the Eastern Sierra urged non-residents to stay away , concerned that swarms of tourists might spur more COVID-19 cases and overwhelm their medical systems .
“ We would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Tahoe right now , but that ’ s not the safest way to bring people back , ” City Manager Joe Irvin said in a statement .
“ We need to be responsible and make sure we are doing our part to keep our neighbors safe and Tahoe safe.
” The Santa Cruz County Sheriff ’ s Office warned that its beaches would be closed except for a few hours in the morning and strongly discouraged tourism from the San Francisco Bay Area , Central Valley and Sacramento areas .
North of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to several parks with majestic redwood trees , was open for residents only .
The county was among the first in the state to get the governor ’ s green light to open up restaurants and stores , but took a more cautious approach to reopening when it saw a surge of new cases and the first two deaths .
• Four coronavirus clusters in Santa Cruz County traced to family gatherings • Pinnacles National Park reopens , but with some restrictions “ Do not travel into our county , ” Sheriff William @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ People want to come here , find relief because the temperatures are rising in the valley , coming to the coast , coming to the beach .
We ask those people that are from another county to please stay in your county.
” Associated Press writers Julie Watson in San Diego , John Antczak , Robert Jablon and Frank Baker in Los Angeles , Juliet Williams in San Francisco and Martha Mendoza in Santa Cruz contributed to this report .

By Cuneyt Dil | Associated Press
SACRAMENTO — Hundreds of protesters rallied outside the state Capitol on Saturday to protest against California’s stay-at-home orders even as residents entered the Memorial Day weekend with newly expanded options for beachgoing, barbecuing and shopping.
The rally to demand that Gov. Gavin Newsom lift his restrictions on business, religious gatherings and other activities took on the atmosphere of a political rally and festival on a closed-off street.
California Highway Patrol officers closed the Capitol lawn to demonstrators, so speakers addressed the crowd from the back of a flatbed truck as an airplane flew above towing a banner with a picture of Newsom and the words “End his tyranny!” Protesters waved dozens of flags and signs, many in support of President Donald Trump.
Few people wore masks and there was little room for social distancing on the sidewalk or closed-off street.
“The mental and emotional impact cannot even be fathomed,” said Nita Brady, 68, of Modesto, who added that she was angry that two of her granddaughters missed their middle school and high school graduations.
“I think it’s absolutely ludicrous to shut down the schools and especially for the length that they did,” she said.
Stay-at-home restrictions eased across much of the state. Some 45 of 58 counties have received permission to reopen most stores — at least for curbside pickups — and many public spaces by meeting state standards for controlling the coronavirus.
Some saw it as a safety test as the state prepared to celebrate its first major holiday weekend since a statewide order in mid-March clamped down on all but essential trips and businesses.
Social distancing practices have been cited as the main reason rates of deaths and hospitalizations have slowed in many counties, and people were urged to keep their masks on and their guard up while enjoying recently reopened bike paths, hiking trails and beaches.
Many Southern California beaches were open only for swimming, running and other activities. Sunbathing and group activities such as volleyball were prohibited.
Police, lifeguards and other officials were warning people to remember the seriousness of the virus as they enjoy their new freedom.
“Don’t go crazy and stay out all weekend. Don’t get as close as you can to as many people,” Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said. “Don’t go out without a mask. You see people without masks, avoid them.”
“It’s also something that just saves more lives, including, perhaps, your own,” he said.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.
Los Angeles County, the state’s largest with 10 million people, has been hardest-hit by COVID-19, with more than 44,000 cases and nearly 2,100 deaths. However, hospitalization and increased testing, which allows for quicker identification, treatment and isolation of people who tested positive for COVID-19 and their close contacts, helped slow the spread of infections, health officials said Saturday.
The county reopened beach bike paths and some beach parking lots. Dozens of counties also got the go-ahead to allow some restaurants, which have survived on deliveries and takeout orders, to reopen with limited seating.
The state is still seeing troubling COVID-19 flare-ups, however. Imperial County, across the border from Mexico, has seen a surge. In Northern California, Santa Cruz County’s public health officials were investigating four separate clusters of COVID-19 cases involving family gatherings, including a multi-generational Mother’s Day party and a large gathering involving individuals who traveled from out-of-state.
Avoiding temptation might be difficult, however, with temperatures heating up over the weekend, reaching into the 90s and even 100 degrees in some inland valleys by Sunday.
Traffic started to back up as drivers searched for parking along Huntington Beach and there were plenty of beachgoers lingering on the sand.
In San Francisco, officials drew large chalk “social distancing” circles on the grass at parks to show people where to sit. Dolores Park has seen large masses of people on sunny weekends, prompting Mayor London Breed to warn that she would shut it down if people weren’t more responsible.
Some popular getaway communities, which are suffering economically after more than two months of business shutdowns and stay-away crowds, welcomed visitors. Big Bear Lake, a couple of hours northeast of Los Angeles, said officials won’t enforce the governor’s COVID-19 safety orders.
But South Lake Tahoe in the northern Sierra Nevada and Mammoth Lakes in the Eastern Sierra urged non-residents to stay away, concerned that swarms of tourists might spur more COVID-19 cases and overwhelm their medical systems.
“We would love nothing more than to welcome everyone to Tahoe right now, but that’s not the safest way to bring people back,” City Manager Joe Irvin said in a statement. “We need to be responsible and make sure we are doing our part to keep our neighbors safe and Tahoe safe.”
The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office warned that its beaches would be closed except for a few hours in the morning and strongly discouraged tourism from the San Francisco Bay Area, Central Valley and Sacramento areas.
North of San Francisco, Humboldt County, home to several parks with majestic redwood trees, was open for residents only. The county was among the first in the state to get the governor’s green light to open up restaurants and stores, but took a more cautious approach to reopening when it saw a surge of new cases and the first two deaths.
Related Articles Health | San Jose office building wobbles into default — again
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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 “Do not travel into our county,” Sheriff William Honsal said in a video Thursday. “People want to come here, find relief because the temperatures are rising in the valley, coming to the coast, coming to the beach. We ask those people that are from another county to please stay in your county.”
Associated Press writers Julie Watson in San Diego, John Antczak, Robert Jablon and Frank Baker in Los Angeles, Juliet Williams in San Francisco and Martha Mendoza in Santa Cruz contributed to this report.