washingtontimes--2020-09-30--Ted Wheeler, Portland mayor, asks U.S. to end deputization of police

PORTLAND , Ore. — The mayor of Portland has asked U.S. officials to end the federal deputation of dozens of police officers in Oregon ’ s largest city as part of the response to ongoing protests in the city .
Mayor Ted Wheeler said late Tuesday that he had “ asked the U.S. attorney ’ s office to withdraw the designation ” that deputized the officers .
Deputizing the Portland officers gives federal prosecutors the option to charge anyone arrested by those officers with federal crimes , which often come with more severe penalties than the state crimes for which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also could allow law enforcement a way around Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt ’ s decision not to file state charges against hundreds of protesters who were arrested for lower-level and non-violent offenses , a policy that has angered some in the law enforcement community .
Portland has seen protests almost every night for more than four months since George Floyd was killed by police in Minneapolis .
Many of them end in vandalism of police and government buildings and violence against police officers .
Fifty-six Portland officers were deputized before a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the far-right Proud Boys group .
During Tuesday ’ s presidential debate , President Donald Trump refused to condemn armed militias .
When prompted about the Proud Boys , he said : “ Proud Boys , stand back and stand by.
” Portland city officials apparently did not know that their officers ’ federal deputization status would last until the end of this year .
“ A key feature of the designation is that anyone who assaults a federally deputized official could be subject to federal charges , ” Wheeler ’ s statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confident the Multnomah County district attorney will continue to prosecute anyone who assaults or otherwise harms police officers or others.
” In an email to the U.S. attorney ’ s office , Portland city attorney Tracy Reeve wrote that city leaders had been under the impression that the deputization would end with the termination of the governor ’ s state of emergency declared only for last weekend ’ s protests , which ended Sunday evening .
On Wednesday , Wheeler condemned Trump ’ s statements on the Proud Boys .
“ Yesterday morning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States Center for a training about the history and tactics of white supremacy .
We learned about its hallmarks , and how to recognize it , ” he said .
“ Then , last night , we saw it in action when Donald Trump refused to denounce white supremacy , and in his not-so-veiled call for his supporters to engage in intimidation at the polls and elsewhere.
” The Proud Boys have visited the city several times since Trump ’ s election , often drawing a response from hundreds of counterprotesters .
Alan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boys , was booked Wednesday on suspicions of a dozen charges , including allegations he pointed a revolver at counterprotesters and fired a paintball gun and mace at them on two separate occasions in August .
Swinney , who is scheduled for a court appearance Thursday , was charged in a secret indictment Sept. 11 but not arrested until Wednesday .
An attorney for Swinney was not listed in court records .
Swinney remained in custody Wednesday and it wasn ’ t immediately clear if he had retained an attorney or would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrests were made after police told protesters not to go on the property of a public safety building and officers towed a vehicle that had shields , helmets , gas masks and paintball guns that demonstrators may have planned to use .
Two juveniles were detained and released and a man was arrested on a charge of interfering with a peace officer , disorderly conduct , trespass and escape , according to police .

PORTLAND, Ore. — The mayor of Portland has asked U.S. officials to end the federal deputation of dozens of police officers in Oregon’s largest city as part of the response to ongoing protests in the city.
Mayor Ted Wheeler said late Tuesday that he had “asked the U.S. attorney’s office to withdraw the designation” that deputized the officers.
Deputizing the Portland officers gives federal prosecutors the option to charge anyone arrested by those officers with federal crimes, which often come with more severe penalties than the state crimes for which local police usually make arrests. It also could allow law enforcement a way around Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt’s decision not to file state charges against hundreds of protesters who were arrested for lower-level and non-violent offenses, a policy that has angered some in the law enforcement community.
Portland has seen protests almost every night for more than four months since George Floyd was killed by police in Minneapolis. Many of them end in vandalism of police and government buildings and violence against police officers.
Fifty-six Portland officers were deputized before a rally in the city last weekend by the far-right Proud Boys group. During Tuesday’s presidential debate, President Donald Trump refused to condemn armed militias. When prompted about the Proud Boys, he said: “Proud Boys, stand back and stand by.”
Portland city officials apparently did not know that their officers’ federal deputization status would last until the end of this year.
“A key feature of the designation is that anyone who assaults a federally deputized official could be subject to federal charges,” Wheeler’s statement said. “Fortunately, I am confident the Multnomah County district attorney will continue to prosecute anyone who assaults or otherwise harms police officers or others.”
In an email to the U.S. attorney’s office, Portland city attorney Tracy Reeve wrote that city leaders had been under the impression that the deputization would end with the termination of the governor’s state of emergency declared only for last weekend’s protests, which ended Sunday evening.
On Wednesday, Wheeler condemned Trump’s statements on the Proud Boys.
“Yesterday morning, City leaders met with the Western States Center for a training about the history and tactics of white supremacy. We learned about its hallmarks, and how to recognize it,” he said. “Then, last night, we saw it in action when Donald Trump refused to denounce white supremacy, and in his not-so-veiled call for his supporters to engage in intimidation at the polls and elsewhere.”
The Proud Boys have visited the city several times since Trump’s election, often drawing a response from hundreds of counterprotesters. Alan Swinney, a member of the Proud Boys, was booked Wednesday on suspicions of a dozen charges, including allegations he pointed a revolver at counterprotesters and fired a paintball gun and mace at them on two separate occasions in August.
Swinney, who is scheduled for a court appearance Thursday, was charged in a secret indictment Sept. 11 but not arrested until Wednesday. An attorney for Swinney was not listed in court records. Swinney remained in custody Wednesday and it wasn’t immediately clear if he had retained an attorney or would be assigned a public defender.
Protests in Portland continued overnight Tuesday.
Authorities said arrests were made after police told protesters not to go on the property of a public safety building and officers towed a vehicle that had shields, helmets, gas masks and paintball guns that demonstrators may have planned to use.
Two juveniles were detained and released and a man was arrested on a charge of interfering with a peace officer, disorderly conduct, trespass and escape, according to police.


washingtontimes--2020-09-30--Portland: Contractor created false woman-owned business

PORTLAND , Ore. ( AP ) - The City of Portland said Wednesday it will fine the owners of a painting contractor $ 20,000 , saying they created a “ front company ” in order to qualify as a woman-owned business .
The city is accusing the business , Portland Coatings , of receiving over $ 1 million in contracts while falsely claiming to be owned by a woman .
Portland began investigating Terezia Nyland and her husband , Michael , in 2017 after an unspecified tip to the city ’ s ombudsman office , The Oregonian/OregonLive reported .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actually the loading dock for a business Michael Nyland owns , Williamsen & Bleid .
In addition to the $ 20,000 fine , the city suspended the Nylands ’ eligibility to do business for the city for three years .
The Nylands ’ lawyer said Tuesday they plan to challenge the city ’ s findings .
“ Terezia Nyland is , and has always been , Portland Coatings ’ majority shareholder and chief executive , ” attorney Matthew Colley wrote in an email .
“ She and her husband have done nothing wrong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the appeals process.
” This is the first time Portland enforced a 2015 state law that gives the city the authority to investigate whether businesses qualify for public contracts that give preference to “ disadvantaged businesses.
” That category includes businesses owned by people who are Blacks , Hispanic , Native American , women and others who have historically had less access to lucrative government contracts .
Last month , a city audit that found Portland ’ s efforts to reduce disparities in city construction contracting had some effect , “ but they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and were vulnerable to gamesmanship .
”

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - The City of Portland said Wednesday it will fine the owners of a painting contractor $20,000, saying they created a “front company” in order to qualify as a woman-owned business.
The city is accusing the business, Portland Coatings, of receiving over $1 million in contracts while falsely claiming to be owned by a woman.
Portland began investigating Terezia Nyland and her husband, Michael, in 2017 after an unspecified tip to the city’s ombudsman office, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported.
The city said Portland Coatings’ address is actually the loading dock for a business Michael Nyland owns, Williamsen & Bleid. In addition to the $20,000 fine, the city suspended the Nylands’ eligibility to do business for the city for three years.
The Nylands’ lawyer said Tuesday they plan to challenge the city’s findings.
“Terezia Nyland is, and has always been, Portland Coatings’ majority shareholder and chief executive,” attorney Matthew Colley wrote in an email. “She and her husband have done nothing wrong, and they will be vindicated in the appeals process.”
This is the first time Portland enforced a 2015 state law that gives the city the authority to investigate whether businesses qualify for public contracts that give preference to “disadvantaged businesses.” That category includes businesses owned by people who are Blacks, Hispanic, Native American, women and others who have historically had less access to lucrative government contracts.
Last month, a city audit that found Portland’s efforts to reduce disparities in city construction contracting had some effect, “but they also suffered from design flaws and mismanagement, and were vulnerable to gamesmanship.”


washingtontimes--2020-09-30--Mexican congress votes to fine people who block beach access

MEXICO CITY ( AP ) - Mexico ’ s Senate has voted to levy fines of up to $ 47,000 against hotels , restaurants or other property owners who restrict access to the country ’ s beaches .
The bill approved unanimously Tuesday also requires property owners to allow the public access through their lots to beaches that do not have access roads .
The bill now goes to the president for his approval .
Mexicans have long been angered by private restaurants , clubs and hotels that erect barriers or employ guards to keep locals off “ their ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states the public can not be denied access to a space 20 meters inland from the high tide line , but some businesses mark off exclusive areas almost up to the water ’ s edge .
Business that repeatedly break the law could lose their permits to operate on any part of the beach .
In February , two Mexican tourists were briefly arrested in the Caribbean resort of Playa del Carmen after refusing to leave a stretch of sand that had been taken over by a local restaurant to set up tables @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protests , and the local government later apologized .
The private “ beach club ” had been charging to use lounge chairs placed almost up to the water ’ s edge , and it called municipal police when the couple refused to leave what the club called “ a service aisle ” on the sand .
Video posted on social media showed the couple being handcuffed and wrestled off the beach by police as other people objected , noting beach access is protected by law .
The issue has also gained prominence during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officially closed along much of Mexico ’ s Caribbean coast as a health measure , but tourists - often foreigners - could still enjoy the sands through resorts or hotels that have direct beach access .
Labor Party Sen. Alejandra del Carmen León praised the new law and said the practice of granting beach “ concessions ” to private businesses in the past constituted “ an act of classism and discrimination ” against local Mexican families .

MEXICO CITY (AP) - Mexico’s Senate has voted to levy fines of up to $47,000 against hotels, restaurants or other property owners who restrict access to the country’s beaches.
The bill approved unanimously Tuesday also requires property owners to allow the public access through their lots to beaches that do not have access roads.
The bill now goes to the president for his approval. Mexicans have long been angered by private restaurants, clubs and hotels that erect barriers or employ guards to keep locals off “their” stretch of beach.
Federal law already states the public cannot be denied access to a space 20 meters inland from the high tide line, but some businesses mark off exclusive areas almost up to the water’s edge. Business that repeatedly break the law could lose their permits to operate on any part of the beach.
In February, two Mexican tourists were briefly arrested in the Caribbean resort of Playa del Carmen after refusing to leave a stretch of sand that had been taken over by a local restaurant to set up tables for paying customers. The arrests sparked protests, and the local government later apologized.
The private “beach club” had been charging to use lounge chairs placed almost up to the water’s edge, and it called municipal police when the couple refused to leave what the club called “a service aisle” on the sand. Video posted on social media showed the couple being handcuffed and wrestled off the beach by police as other people objected, noting beach access is protected by law.
The issue has also gained prominence during the pandemic, as public beaches were officially closed along much of Mexico’s Caribbean coast as a health measure, but tourists - often foreigners - could still enjoy the sands through resorts or hotels that have direct beach access.
Labor Party Sen. Alejandra del Carmen León praised the new law and said the practice of granting beach “concessions” to private businesses in the past constituted “an act of classism and discrimination” against local Mexican families.


washingtontimes--2020-09-30--Deonte Lee Murray arrested in ambush shooting of Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies

LOS ANGELES — California investigators have arrested and charged a man in connection with the shooting of two Los Angeles County sheriff ’ s deputies earlier this month as they sat in their squad car , authorities said Wednesday .
Murray , a resident of the city of Compton , where the shooting happened , was arrested two weeks ago in connection with a separate carjacking and he was expected to be arraigned later Wednesday on charges in both cases .
Prosecutors planned to request for bail of $ 6.15 million .
Sheriff ’ s Homicide Bureau Capt .
Kent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigation , did not suggest a specific motive for the attack “ other than the fact that he obviously hates policemen and he wants them dead.
” The deputies suffered head wounds in the Sept. 12 ambush and have since been released from the hospital and are recovering .
Sheriff Alex Villanueva said , however , that they face further reconstructive surgeries and that their recoveries will be a long process .
Surveillance video showed a person walking toward the patrol car , parked at a Metro rail station and firing a handgun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ radioed for help despite their wounds .
The deputies , a 31-year-old woman and 24-year-old man who have not been identified publicly , graduated together from the sheriff ’ s academy 14 months ago .
Investigators determined that the suspect fled in a black Mercedes Benz and learned that type of vehicle was stolen in a Sept. 1 carjacking in which the driver was shot and wounded .
A suspect was identified in the carjacking and photographs were compared to images from the ambush , strengthening a connection to the shooting of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15 , investigator spotted the suspect driving another vehicle and attempted to stop him .
A gun was thrown out before the suspect abandoned the car in the city of Lynwood and fled on foot and was ultimately captured .
The black Mercedes was found nearby .
Ballistics testing of the gun discarded during the pursuit showed it was the one used in the attack on the deputies , Wegener said .
He also noted that the gun held eight rounds , five short of its capacity , and that five rounds had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Murray has a criminal history including convictions for sales and possession of narcotics , firearm possession , receiving stolen property , burglary and terrorist threats .
The new complaint includes allegations of association with a criminal street gang .
Compton is among communities near South Los Angeles , an area with a large Black population that has long been a flashpoint for racial tension and mistrust of police .
In recent weeks , demonstrators have marched to protest fatal shootings in the area , where deputies killed a Black man on Aug. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After the ambush , a handful of protesters gathered outside the hospital where the deputies were treated and tried to block the emergency room entrance .
Videos from the scene recorded protesters shouting expletives at police and at least one yelling “ I hope they … die.
” Wednesday ’ s announcement of the arrest in the shooting of the deputies followed a separate , seemingly unprovoked assault on another law enforcement officer in Southern California .
A Los Angeles police officer was attacked Saturday night inside the Harbor Community police station @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recorded on surveillance video as he knocked the officer to the ground inside the station , pistol-whipped him with his own gun and pointed it at his chest .
The officer is recovering from his injuries .
The summary of this story has been corrected to spell the district attorney ’ s last name as Lacey , not Lacy .

LOS ANGELES — California investigators have arrested and charged a man in connection with the shooting of two Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies earlier this month as they sat in their squad car, authorities said Wednesday.
Attempted murder charges were filed against Deonte Lee Murray, 36, District Attorney Jackie Lacey told reporters.
Murray, a resident of the city of Compton, where the shooting happened, was arrested two weeks ago in connection with a separate carjacking and he was expected to be arraigned later Wednesday on charges in both cases. Prosecutors planned to request for bail of $6.15 million.
Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau Capt. Kent Wegener, who provided details about the investigation, did not suggest a specific motive for the attack “other than the fact that he obviously hates policemen and he wants them dead.”
The deputies suffered head wounds in the Sept. 12 ambush and have since been released from the hospital and are recovering. Sheriff Alex Villanueva said, however, that they face further reconstructive surgeries and that their recoveries will be a long process.
Surveillance video showed a person walking toward the patrol car, parked at a Metro rail station and firing a handgun through the passenger-side window. The deputies radioed for help despite their wounds.
The deputies, a 31-year-old woman and 24-year-old man who have not been identified publicly, graduated together from the sheriff’s academy 14 months ago.
Investigators determined that the suspect fled in a black Mercedes Benz and learned that type of vehicle was stolen in a Sept. 1 carjacking in which the driver was shot and wounded. A suspect was identified in the carjacking and photographs were compared to images from the ambush, strengthening a connection to the shooting of the deputies, Wegener said.
On Sept. 15, investigator spotted the suspect driving another vehicle and attempted to stop him. A gun was thrown out before the suspect abandoned the car in the city of Lynwood and fled on foot and was ultimately captured. The black Mercedes was found nearby.
Ballistics testing of the gun discarded during the pursuit showed it was the one used in the attack on the deputies, Wegener said. He also noted that the gun held eight rounds, five short of its capacity, and that five rounds had been fired at the deputies.
Authorities said Murray has a criminal history including convictions for sales and possession of narcotics, firearm possession, receiving stolen property, burglary and terrorist threats. The new complaint includes allegations of association with a criminal street gang.
Compton is among communities near South Los Angeles, an area with a large Black population that has long been a flashpoint for racial tension and mistrust of police.
In recent weeks, demonstrators have marched to protest fatal shootings in the area, where deputies killed a Black man on Aug. 31 and a Black teenager in 2018.
After the ambush, a handful of protesters gathered outside the hospital where the deputies were treated and tried to block the emergency room entrance. Videos from the scene recorded protesters shouting expletives at police and at least one yelling “I hope they … die.”
Wednesday’s announcement of the arrest in the shooting of the deputies followed a separate, seemingly unprovoked assault on another law enforcement officer in Southern California.
A Los Angeles police officer was attacked Saturday night inside the Harbor Community police station in San Pedro.
The assailant was recorded on surveillance video as he knocked the officer to the ground inside the station, pistol-whipped him with his own gun and pointed it at his chest. The officer is recovering from his injuries.
___
The summary of this story has been corrected to spell the district attorney’s last name as Lacey, not Lacy.


washingtontimes--2020-09-30--Gavin Newsom, California governor, signs bill requiring minority quotas for corporate boards

California Gov .
Gavin Newsom signed Wednesday a first-in-the-nation bill requiring every corporate board to include at least one director from an “ underrepresented community , ” a year after the state did the same for women .
The law requires publicly held corporations to have at least one diverse director on their boards by Dec. 31 , 2021 , and boards with nine or more directors must have at least three such directors by Dec. 31 , 2022 .
“ Today ’ s actions build on the Newsom Administration ’ s work to acknowledge historic wrongs and combat structural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said the governor ’ s office in a statement .
Under AB 979 , individuals from “ underrepresented communities ” are defined as those who self-identify as Black , African American , Hispanic , Latino , Asian , Pacific Islander , Native American , Native Hawaiian or Alaska Native , or gay , lesbian , bisexual or transgender .
“ The new law represents a big step forward for racial equity , ” said Democratic Assemblymember Chris Holden , who jointly sponsored the bill .
“ While some corporations were already leading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now , all of California ’ s corporate boards will better reflect the diversity of our State .
This is a win-win as ethnically diverse boards have shown to outperform those that lack diversity.
” San Francisco lawyer Harmeet Dhillon , the Republican National Committeewoman from California , said the law has “ the same flaws as its woke predecessor for women , ” the 2019 law that requires corporate boards to include female directors .
“ I support the idea of boards being diverse and reflecting the community of consumers , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or say about it , nor should the state , ” said Ms. Dhillon .
“ There are well-established mechanisms for activist shareholders to demand change in companies , demand divestment , demand leadership and management , and these have worked well for over a century.
” The so-called “ gender quota ” law has been challenged in court by Judicial Watch .
Ms. Dhillon , CEO and founder of the Center for American Liberty , predicted the law would drive more companies from the Golden State .
“ Every time Gavin Newsom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and/or costly requirements on the state that limit shareholder freedom and profit , that make it more difficult to do business and comply with myriad regulations , they drive another tax-paying company and jobs out of California , ” she said .
The newly signed law also requires corporations with at least four board members to have two minority board directors by the end of 2022 .
About 625 companies have their headquarters in California .
A 2018 study found that 77 % of new board directors on Fortune 100 companies were White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California ’ s boards and upper level corporate positions is a challenge we urged corporations to address on their own during our time in the Legislature , ” said Democratic Assemblymember Christina Garcia .
“ However , it is clear we can no longer wait for corporations to figure it out on their own.
” Ms. Dhillon said the two diversity mandates could lead to confusion , given that both women and transgender women are included .
“ There ’ s a lot of tension between ‘ women are discriminated against ’ and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ compared to the position ‘ there is no gender in gender fluid , ’ ” she said .
“ So I ’ m not sure that ’ s been thought through .
”

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Wednesday a first-in-the-nation bill requiring every corporate board to include at least one director from an “underrepresented community,” a year after the state did the same for women.
The law requires publicly held corporations to have at least one diverse director on their boards by Dec. 31, 2021, and boards with nine or more directors must have at least three such directors by Dec. 31, 2022.
“Today’s actions build on the Newsom Administration’s work to acknowledge historic wrongs and combat structural racism and bias in our institutions,” said the governor’s office in a statement.
Under AB 979, individuals from “underrepresented communities” are defined as those who self-identify as Black, African American, Hispanic, Latino, Asian, Pacific Islander, Native American, Native Hawaiian or Alaska Native, or gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender.
“The new law represents a big step forward for racial equity,” said Democratic Assemblymember Chris Holden, who jointly sponsored the bill. “While some corporations were already leading the way to combat implicit bias, now, all of California’s corporate boards will better reflect the diversity of our State. This is a win-win as ethnically diverse boards have shown to outperform those that lack diversity.”
San Francisco lawyer Harmeet Dhillon, the Republican National Committeewoman from California, said the law has “the same flaws as its woke predecessor for women,” the 2019 law that requires corporate boards to include female directors.
“I support the idea of boards being diverse and reflecting the community of consumers, but Gavin Newsom really has nothing to do or say about it, nor should the state,” said Ms. Dhillon. “There are well-established mechanisms for activist shareholders to demand change in companies, demand divestment, demand leadership and management, and these have worked well for over a century.”
The so-called “gender quota” law has been challenged in court by Judicial Watch.
Ms. Dhillon, CEO and founder of the Center for American Liberty, predicted the law would drive more companies from the Golden State.
“Every time Gavin Newsom and the state legislature impose additional nonsensical and/or costly requirements on the state that limit shareholder freedom and profit, that make it more difficult to do business and comply with myriad regulations, they drive another tax-paying company and jobs out of California,” she said.
Disney just laid off 27,000 people, the state is plagued with wildfires, earthquakes, droughts, and moving trucks going the wrong direction; kids can’t go to school and their parents can’t go to work — and Gavin Newsom thinks it’s a good time to do this: https://t.co/8TfKxoUOtL — Harmeet K. Dhillon (@pnjaban) September 30, 2020
The newly signed law also requires corporations with at least four board members to have two minority board directors by the end of 2022.
About 625 companies have their headquarters in California. A 2018 study found that 77% of new board directors on Fortune 100 companies were White.
“The lack of diversity on California’s boards and upper level corporate positions is a challenge we urged corporations to address on their own during our time in the Legislature,” said Democratic Assemblymember Christina Garcia. “However, it is clear we can no longer wait for corporations to figure it out on their own.”
Ms. Dhillon said the two diversity mandates could lead to confusion, given that both women and transgender women are included.
“There’s a lot of tension between ‘women are discriminated against’ and ‘women are entitled to special rights’ compared to the position ‘there is no gender in gender fluid,’” she said. “So I’m not sure that’s been thought through.”
• Valerie Richardson can be reached at vrichardson@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-09-30--California legislation bans toxic chemicals in cosmetics

SACRAMENTO , Calif. ( AP ) - California Gov .
Gavin Newsom on Wednesday signed legislation banning two dozen toxic chemicals from being used in cosmetics , making the state the first in the nation to prohibit the use of the hazardous ingredients for that purpose .
“ Children , communities of color and pregnant women are especially vulnerable to these ingredients , which are not actively regulated by the federal government , ” Newsom said in a statement following the signing .
The Toxic Free Cosmetics Act bans 24 chemicals starting in 2025 .
It was authored by Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ landmark ” bill .
The chemicals are known to cause cancer , reproductive harm and hormone disruption , he said .
All the chemicals have already been banned by the European Union , but California is the first U.S. state to prohibit their use .
Another piece of legislation signed by Newsom requires companies to disclose possibly harmful ingredients being used in personal care products .
The ingredients involve some fragrances , flavors and other chemicals linked to allergic reactions , cancer and birth defects , the governor said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 312 which will ensure that consumers in California know what ingredients are in the beauty and personal care products they bring home to their families and use on their bodies , ” said Democratic state Sen.Connie Leyva , who authored the bill .
The law will protect professional salon workers , who are disproportionately exposed to toxic chemicals , Leyva said .

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday signed legislation banning two dozen toxic chemicals from being used in cosmetics, making the state the first in the nation to prohibit the use of the hazardous ingredients for that purpose.
“Children, communities of color and pregnant women are especially vulnerable to these ingredients, which are not actively regulated by the federal government,” Newsom said in a statement following the signing.
The Toxic Free Cosmetics Act bans 24 chemicals starting in 2025. It was authored by Democratic Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, who called it a “landmark” bill.
The chemicals are known to cause cancer, reproductive harm and hormone disruption, he said. All the chemicals have already been banned by the European Union, but California is the first U.S. state to prohibit their use.
Another piece of legislation signed by Newsom requires companies to disclose possibly harmful ingredients being used in personal care products.
The ingredients involve some fragrances, flavors and other chemicals linked to allergic reactions, cancer and birth defects, the governor said.
“I thank Governor Newsom for signing SB 312 which will ensure that consumers in California know what ingredients are in the beauty and personal care products they bring home to their families and use on their bodies,” said Democratic state Sen.Connie Leyva, who authored the bill.
The law will protect professional salon workers, who are disproportionately exposed to toxic chemicals, Leyva said.


washingtontimes--2020-09-30--California governor signs corporate boardroom diversity law

SACRAMENTO , Calif. ( AP ) - Hundreds of California-based corporations must have directors from racial or sexual minorities on their boards under a first-in-the-nation bill signed Wednesday by Gov .
Gavin Newsom .
The diversity legislation is similar to a 2018 measure that required boardrooms to have at least one female director by 2019 .
Like that measure , it could face court challenges from conservative groups who view it as a discriminatory quota .
Supporters evoked both the coronavirus pandemic that is disproportionately affecting minorities and weeks of unrest and calls for inclusion that followed the slaying of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Minneapolis police .
After Floyd ’ s death , many corporations issued statements of support for diversity , but many haven ’ t followed through , said Assemblyman Chris Holden ( D-Pasadena ) , who co-authored the bill .
“ The new law represents a big step forward for racial equity , ” Holden said .
“ While some corporations were already leading the way to combat implicit bias , now , all of California ’ s corporate boards will better reflect the diversity of our state .
This is a win-win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outperform those that lack diversity.
” By the end of 2021 , the more than 660 public corporations with California headquarters must have at least one board director from an “ underrepresented community , ” according to the measure .
Those who qualify would self-identify as Black , Latino , Asian , Pacific Islander , Native American , Native Hawaiian or Alaska Native , or as gay , lesbian , bisexual or transgender .
The measure requires at least two such directors by the end of 2022 on boards with four to nine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boards with nine or more directors .
Firms that don ’ t comply would face fines of $ 100,00 for first violations and $ 300,000 for repeated violations .
At an online signing ceremony , Newsom said it was important for minorities to have a voice on the boards of powerful corporations .
“ When we talk about racial justice , we talk about empowerment , we talk about power , and we need to talk about seats at the table , ” Newsom said .
The legislation was part of a package @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before a midnight deadline .
Others bar the use of peremptory challenges to remove potential jurors based on racial , religious or gender identity ; allow judges to alter sentences that are believed to involve racial or ethnic discrimination ; and set up a state task force to study the idea of reparations to African Americans for slavery .
The text of the corporate diversity bill cited the Latino Corporate Directors Association , which said 233 of 662 publicly traded companies headquartered in California had all-white boards as of this year .
Nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Latino directors , although Latinos make up 39 % of the state ’ s population .
Only 16 % had an African American board member .
The only official opponent in a legislative analysis was former California commissioner of corporations Keith Bishop .
He objected that that bill , coupled with the existing diversity law , would make it more desirable for corporations to pick women who also are members of the underrepresented communities to simultaneously meet both sets of quotas , to the detriment of men or women who do not meet @ @ @ @ @ @ @

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Hundreds of California-based corporations must have directors from racial or sexual minorities on their boards under a first-in-the-nation bill signed Wednesday by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
The diversity legislation is similar to a 2018 measure that required boardrooms to have at least one female director by 2019. Like that measure, it could face court challenges from conservative groups who view it as a discriminatory quota.
Supporters evoked both the coronavirus pandemic that is disproportionately affecting minorities and weeks of unrest and calls for inclusion that followed the slaying of George Floyd in May in the custody of Minneapolis police.
After Floyd’s death, many corporations issued statements of support for diversity, but many haven’t followed through, said Assemblyman Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), who co-authored the bill.
“The new law represents a big step forward for racial equity,” Holden said. “While some corporations were already leading the way to combat implicit bias, now, all of California’s corporate boards will better reflect the diversity of our state. This is a win-win as ethnically diverse boards have shown to outperform those that lack diversity.”
By the end of 2021, the more than 660 public corporations with California headquarters must have at least one board director from an “underrepresented community,” according to the measure.
Those who qualify would self-identify as Black, Latino, Asian, Pacific Islander, Native American, Native Hawaiian or Alaska Native, or as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender.
The measure requires at least two such directors by the end of 2022 on boards with four to nine directors. Three directors are required for boards with nine or more directors. Firms that don’t comply would face fines of $100,00 for first violations and $300,000 for repeated violations.
At an online signing ceremony, Newsom said it was important for minorities to have a voice on the boards of powerful corporations.
“When we talk about racial justice, we talk about empowerment, we talk about power, and we need to talk about seats at the table,” Newsom said.
The legislation was part of a package of racial justice measures signed by Newsom before a midnight deadline. Others bar the use of peremptory challenges to remove potential jurors based on racial, religious or gender identity; allow judges to alter sentences that are believed to involve racial or ethnic discrimination; and set up a state task force to study the idea of reparations to African Americans for slavery.
The text of the corporate diversity bill cited the Latino Corporate Directors Association, which said 233 of 662 publicly traded companies headquartered in California had all-white boards as of this year. Nearly 90% didn’t have any Latino directors, although Latinos make up 39% of the state’s population. Only 16% had an African American board member.
The only official opponent in a legislative analysis was former California commissioner of corporations Keith Bishop. He objected that that bill, coupled with the existing diversity law, would make it more desirable for corporations to pick women who also are members of the underrepresented communities to simultaneously meet both sets of quotas, to the detriment of men or women who do not meet the qualifications in the new bill.


washingtontimes--2020-09-30--Lieutenant to lead Georgia State Patrol after interim's exit

ATLANTA ( AP ) - The deputy commissioner of Georgia ’ s Department of Public Safety has been tapped to lead the department following the interim commissioner ’ s departure .
The Board of Public Safety on Wednesday voted to approve Chris Wright as the new commissioner of the department and Colonel of the Georgia State Patrol , according to a news release from Gov .
Brian Kemp ’ s office .
Wright will take over for Gary Vowell , a former sheriff chosen to head the department on an interim basis in February after the prior chief resigned in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state troopers .
Wright previously served as deputy commissioner and director of field operations under Vowell .
He began his career with the Georgia State Patrol as a radio operator in 1994 , according to the release .
In addition to Wright ’ s appointment , William Hitchens was named Lieutenant Colonel of the Georgia State Patrol and deputy commissioner of the department .
Stephanie Stallings was also named Lieutenant Colonel of the Georgia State Patrol and director of support and administrative operations .
“ As Colonel Vowell leaves the Department , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experienced leadership in state law enforcement to meet these unprecedented times , ” Kemp said in a statement .
“ With distinguished careers spanning several decades and an unparalleled commitment to the safety of all Georgians , incoming Colonel Chris Wright , Lieutenant Colonel Billy Hitchens , and Lieutenant Colonel Stephanie Stallings embody that leadership .
”

ATLANTA (AP) - The deputy commissioner of Georgia’s Department of Public Safety has been tapped to lead the department following the interim commissioner’s departure.
The Board of Public Safety on Wednesday voted to approve Chris Wright as the new commissioner of the department and Colonel of the Georgia State Patrol, according to a news release from Gov. Brian Kemp’s office.
Wright will take over for Gary Vowell, a former sheriff chosen to head the department on an interim basis in February after the prior chief resigned in the aftermath of a test-cheating scandal involving state troopers.
Wright previously served as deputy commissioner and director of field operations under Vowell. He began his career with the Georgia State Patrol as a radio operator in 1994, according to the release.
In addition to Wright’s appointment, William Hitchens was named Lieutenant Colonel of the Georgia State Patrol and deputy commissioner of the department. Stephanie Stallings was also named Lieutenant Colonel of the Georgia State Patrol and director of support and administrative operations.
“As Colonel Vowell leaves the Department, it is critical that we have strong, experienced leadership in state law enforcement to meet these unprecedented times,” Kemp said in a statement. “With distinguished careers spanning several decades and an unparalleled commitment to the safety of all Georgians, incoming Colonel Chris Wright, Lieutenant Colonel Billy Hitchens, and Lieutenant Colonel Stephanie Stallings embody that leadership.”


washingtontimes--2020-09-30--Police wait a day to confirm 2 killed in Portland shooting

PORTLAND , Ore. ( AP ) - Portland police have confirmed two people were shot and killed in North Portland @ @ @ @ @ after it happened .
Portland police said they responded around 5 a.m. Tuesday to reports @ @ @ @ @ Boulevard and North Force Avenue .
On Tuesday , police confirmed the shooting hours but @ @ @ @ @ was dead , The Oregonian/OregonLive reported .
On Wednesday , police confirmed two people were @ @ @ @ @ news release posted on Twitter .
Police refused to disclose any identifying information about either @ @ @ @ @ a suspect , or any information about the circumstances of the shooting .
Portland police @ @ @ @ @ explain why , according to the newspaper .

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Portland police have confirmed two people were shot and killed in North Portland Tuesday, a full day after it happened.
Portland police said they responded around 5 a.m. Tuesday to reports of gunshots near North Victory Boulevard and North Force Avenue.
On Tuesday, police confirmed the shooting hours but would not confirm whether anyone was dead, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported.
On Wednesday, police confirmed two people were killed, according to a news release posted on Twitter.
Police refused to disclose any identifying information about either victim, any details about a suspect, or any information about the circumstances of the shooting. Portland police officer Derek Carmon would not explain why, according to the newspaper.


washingtontimes--2020-09-30--Joe Biden nominated for Nobel Peace Prize

If Donald Trump is going to get a Nobel Peace Prize nomination , then left-wing lawmakers will ensure that Joe Biden , a man who holds no public office , will get one too .
Chris Bryant , a member of Britain ’ s Parliament , told the London Evening Standard that he had exercised his right as a national lawmaker to forward Mr. Biden ’ s name to the Norwegian panel that awards the prize .
“ When others have resorted to violent solutions , he has argued that the best force is the force of argument .
Because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ words can change many hearts , and many hearts can change a world , ” said Mr. Bryant , a member of the socialist Labor Party .
The Evening Standard , a conservative-leaning paper , characterized the public nomination of Mr. Biden as something that “ appeared to be timed to influence American public opinion.
” Mr. Trump has been nominated for this year ’ s prize by Christian Tybring-Gjedde , a member of Norway ’ s Parliament , who cited his role in brokering peace deals between Israel and multiple Arab states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more trying to create peace between nations than most other peace prize nominees , ” Mr. Tybring-Gjedde told Fox News .
A Swedish lawmaker nominated Mr. Trump separately , citing his work on normalizing relations between Serbia and Kosovo .
Should Mr. Biden win the prize next year , he would join his former boss in winning the Nobel Peace Prize despite having done nothing in the previous year but win an election .
President Barack Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009 .
And although he was president at the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meant he was almost certainly put forth as a candidate even before taking office .

If Donald Trump is going to get a Nobel Peace Prize nomination, then left-wing lawmakers will ensure that Joe Biden, a man who holds no public office, will get one too.
Chris Bryant, a member of Britain’s Parliament, told the London Evening Standard that he had exercised his right as a national lawmaker to forward Mr. Biden’s name to the Norwegian panel that awards the prize.
“When others have resorted to violent solutions, he has argued that the best force is the force of argument. Because guns can stop a heart but well-placed words can change many hearts, and many hearts can change a world,” said Mr. Bryant, a member of the socialist Labor Party.
The Evening Standard, a conservative-leaning paper, characterized the public nomination of Mr. Biden as something that “appeared to be timed to influence American public opinion.”
Mr. Trump has been nominated for this year’s prize by Christian Tybring-Gjedde, a member of Norway’s Parliament, who cited his role in brokering peace deals between Israel and multiple Arab states.
“I think he has done more trying to create peace between nations than most other peace prize nominees,” Mr. Tybring-Gjedde told Fox News.
A Swedish lawmaker nominated Mr. Trump separately, citing his work on normalizing relations between Serbia and Kosovo.
Should Mr. Biden win the prize next year, he would join his former boss in winning the Nobel Peace Prize despite having done nothing in the previous year but win an election.
President Barack Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009. And although he was president at the time of the announcement, the nomination deadlines meant he was almost certainly put forth as a candidate even before taking office.
• Victor Morton can be reached at vmorton@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-09-30--Ban on chokeholds among California criminal justice reforms

SACRAMENTO , Calif. ( AP ) - Spurred by the slayings of George Floyd and other Black people in police custody across the country , California Gov .
Gavin Newsom on Wednesday banned certain chokeholds as he approved several new laws designed to increase oversight of the criminal justice system .
The California bill does not apply to the sort of suffocation that killed Floyd in May in Minneapolis and led to months of protests .
Floyd died when a police officer put his knee on Floyd ’ s neck while he was on the ground .
Still , Assemblyman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Floyd and “ many others ( who ) have cried out , ‘ I can ’ t breathe , ’ and law enforcement must now use alternative methods to restrain a suspect instead of these life-threatening holds.
” California ’ s ban applies to arm-based grips including chokeholds that apply pressure to a person ’ s windpipe , and to carotid holds , which slow the flow of blood to the brain .
The ban on chokeholds and other neck restraints followed an order by Newsom in June discouraging use of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one that has been years in the making , the state attorney general will be required to investigate fatal police shootings of unarmed civilians .
Newsom acted over the objection of the county sheriffs ’ association when he approved a law making it clear that county supervisors can create oversight boards and inspectors general with subpoena powers over independently elected sheriffs .
Attorney General Xavier Becerra opposed versions of the bill giving his office responsibility for investigating fatal shootings by police and blocked similar proposals in previous years , on the grounds that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed to take over from hundreds of local law enforcement agencies .
Some critics , meanwhile , said the attorney general ’ s office is too tied to law enforcement to be completely objective .
Assemblyman Kevin McCarty said his bill recognizes the “ inherent conflict of interest with police essentially policing themselves.
” Under another new law , suspects may be entitled to new trials or sentences if they can demonstrate that any part of their case , from arrest to sentencing , was tainted by racial bias .
Among other things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statistics that there are systemic racial disparities in bringing certain charges or that minorities are more likely to be convicted or receive longer sentences .
“ This bill gives me hope that one day we will have a justice system that deserves to have justice in its title , ” said Zachary Norris , executive director of the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights .
The California District Attorneys Association objected that the law will prompt mistrials or other steps “ without any showing that … the bias has any impact whatsoever on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the defendant was deprived of a fair trial.
” Newsom also approved a bill allowing judges , starting in 2022 , to assess whether lawyers illegally exclude jurors based on their race .
While the governor and advocates hailed the new laws , many more controversial measures died among law enforcement opposition in the closing hours of the legislative session last month .
They included proposals to end the careers of officers who commit serious misconduct , release more police misconduct records , require officers to intervene if they see excessive use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of rubber bullets and tear gas against peaceful protesters .
“ I hope people recognize we ’ re moving in the right direction , and again I just recognize we have a lot more work to do in this space and we are not walking away from that responsibility , ” Newsom said , promising renewed efforts next year .
Newsom also signed a bill he sought that will phase out the state ’ s remaining juvenile prisons , which currently hold about 750 youths , a move that state Sen. Nancy Skinner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California.
” Counties will stop sending juveniles to state lockups after July 1 .
The state will instead create an Office of Youth and Community Restoration and send grants to counties to provide custody and supervision .
Other measures approved by the governor : - Require law enforcement agencies to evaluate officers for any bias based on race , ethnicity , gender , nationality , religion , disability or sexual orientation .
Recruiting materials would “ deemphasize the paramilitary aspects of the job and place more emphasis on community interaction.
” - Limit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years for a felony conviction and one year for a misdemeanor conviction .
- Create a diversion program for misdemeanor offenders and allow felons over 50 who have served at least 20 years behind bars to apply for an elderly parole program that now involves inmates who are at least 60 .
The diversion program was opposed by the state prosecutors association and Mothers Against Drunk Driving , and Newsom said he wants an amendment next year excluding people convicted of driving while intoxicated .
- Bars law enforcement officials from wearing military-style @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civilians to distinguish officers from members of the National Guard .

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Spurred by the slayings of George Floyd and other Black people in police custody across the country, California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday banned certain chokeholds as he approved several new laws designed to increase oversight of the criminal justice system.
But amid national calls to defund the police, he vetoed a priority bill of reform groups that would have provided state funding for community organizations to take over some police duties in an effort to deescalate confrontations.
Newsom supported the concept of the bill, which passed with near-unanimous bipartisan support, but objected to how it would have been administered.
The veto “is in sharp contrast to his promises to address systemic racism and violence in policing,” said Cat Brooks, co-founder of Anti Police-Terror Project. “Shame on you.”
While she noted that Newsom promised to keep working on the issue with lawmakers next year, “how many lives will we lose between now and then?”
The California bill banning neck holds does not apply to the sort of suffocation that killed Floyd in May in Minneapolis and led to months of protests. Floyd died when a police officer put his knee on Floyd’s neck while he was on the ground.
Still, Assemblyman Mike Gipson said his bill was spurred by Floyd and “many others (who) have cried out, ‘I can’t breathe,’ and law enforcement must now use alternative methods to restrain a suspect instead of these life-threatening holds.”
California’s ban applies to arm-based grips including chokeholds that apply pressure to a person’s windpipe, and to carotid holds, which slow the flow of blood to the brain. The ban on chokeholds and other neck restraints followed an order by Newsom in June discouraging use of the holds.
Under another new law, one that has been years in the making, the state attorney general will be required to investigate fatal police shootings of unarmed civilians.
Newsom acted over the objection of the county sheriffs’ association when he approved a law making it clear that county supervisors can create oversight boards and inspectors general with subpoena powers over independently elected sheriffs.
Attorney General Xavier Becerra opposed versions of the bill giving his office responsibility for investigating fatal shootings by police and blocked similar proposals in previous years, on the grounds that his office lacks the funds or personnel needed to take over from hundreds of local law enforcement agencies. Some critics, meanwhile, said the attorney general’s office is too tied to law enforcement to be completely objective.
Assemblyman Kevin McCarty said his bill recognizes the “inherent conflict of interest with police essentially policing themselves.”
Under another new law, suspects may be entitled to new trials or sentences if they can demonstrate that any part of their case, from arrest to sentencing, was tainted by racial bias. Among other things, defendants can try to show with statistics that there are systemic racial disparities in bringing certain charges or that minorities are more likely to be convicted or receive longer sentences.
“This bill gives me hope that one day we will have a justice system that deserves to have justice in its title,” said Zachary Norris, executive director of the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights.
The California District Attorneys Association objected that the law will prompt mistrials or other steps “without any showing that … the bias has any impact whatsoever on the outcome of the trial, or that the defendant was deprived of a fair trial.”
Newsom also approved a bill allowing judges, starting in 2022, to assess whether lawyers illegally exclude jurors based on their race.
While the governor and advocates hailed the new laws, many more controversial measures died among law enforcement opposition in the closing hours of the legislative session last month. They included proposals to end the careers of officers who commit serious misconduct, release more police misconduct records, require officers to intervene if they see excessive use of force, and limit their use of rubber bullets and tear gas against peaceful protesters.
“I hope people recognize we’re moving in the right direction, and again I just recognize we have a lot more work to do in this space and we are not walking away from that responsibility,” Newsom said, promising renewed efforts next year.
Newsom also signed a bill he sought that will phase out the state’s remaining juvenile prisons, which currently hold about 750 youths, a move that state Sen. Nancy Skinner called “monumental for juvenile justice in California.”
Counties will stop sending juveniles to state lockups after July 1. The state will instead create an Office of Youth and Community Restoration and send grants to counties to provide custody and supervision.
Other measures approved by the governor:
- Require law enforcement agencies to evaluate officers for any bias based on race, ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, disability or sexual orientation. Recruiting materials would “deemphasize the paramilitary aspects of the job and place more emphasis on community interaction.”
- Limit probation terms to no longer than two years for a felony conviction and one year for a misdemeanor conviction. But he vetoed a separate bill that would have allowed parolees to reduce the length of their supervision by completing rehabilitation programs, saying the corrections department is working on a similar policy.
- Create a diversion program for misdemeanor offenders and allow felons over 50 who have served at least 20 years behind bars to apply for an elderly parole program that now involves inmates who are at least 60. The diversion program was opposed by the state prosecutors association and Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and Newsom said he wants an amendment next year excluding people convicted of driving while intoxicated.
- Bars law enforcement officials from wearing military-style uniforms that can make it difficult for civilians to distinguish officers from members of the National Guard.
He also vetoed several bills, including measures that would have:
- Required law enforcement agencies to notify the state whenever an officer is fired, saying it might derail efforts to permanently take away their badges.
- Created a new California Reentry Commission within the state corrections department to help inmates with health and safety issues. He said that could duplicat e other efforts.
- Barred police from interfering with journalists ’ ability to go behind police lines during demonstrations. He said the broad definition of journalist could have created a security risk.


washingtontimes--2020-09-30--Silver: NBA still hoping to open next season in arenas

LAKE BUENA VISTA , Fla. — NBA Commissioner Adam Silver reiterated Wednesday that the league ’ s hope is to begin next season with teams in their home arenas and with fans in the seats , though cautioned that there are still numerous unknowns to work through before any plan can be finalized .
Silver , in his annual state-of-the-league address before Game 1 of the NBA Finals , also said the protocols that allowed the league to get through a restart in a so-called bubble at Walt Disney World - such as strict adherence to mask-wearing and social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struck “ between public health and economic necessity.
” “ It ’ s certainly our goal , ” Silver said , referring to playing in arenas .
“ But it ’ s dependent on some additional advancements .
Rapid testing may be the key here.
” The NBA was the first major sports league to shut down because of the coronavirus pandemic on March 11 , and it took more than four months to come up with the plan to restart the season at Disney .
The league restarted with 22 franchises that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers - the last two left - are nearing the three-month mark in the bubble .
League and team revenues will take a huge hit this year , partly because about 15 % of the regular season was lost to the virus , partly because the 88 games that were played at Disney before the postseason and then the entire playoff run was played without fans buying tickets , food , drink and souvenirs in arenas .
“ I don ’ t have expectations of labor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are issues on the table that have to be negotiated , ” Silver said .
“ I think while no doubt there will be issues and difficult negotiations ahead , I think we ’ ll work them out as we always have.
” The league still hasn ’ t decided when free agency will start , what the salary cap will be for next season , what the tax line will be and other key details .
All of that will have to be worked out with the National Basketball Players Association @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to intensify on those matters once the NBA Finals are over .
“ I think we all understand the essential parameters , ” Silver said .
Michele Roberts , the executive director of the NBPA , said in an interview with The Associated Press on Wednesday that “ either very simple or very complicated conversations are going to be had ” to work through the two primary issues - coming to grips with the lost revenue from this season , and how to best function in a world that is going to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future .
Her hope is that the NBA and NBPA figure out a deal in November , which would allow for next season to begin sometime in early 2021 .
“ We don ’ t have to be frozen paralyzed by this virus , but we don ’ t have to enact a doomsday scenario , assuming that the virus has destroyed our game in ways that will not be repaired , ” Roberts said .
“ If we can sit down like adults , I think we can get a new deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start of the season .
I don ’ t have any reason to doubt that we will be able to start in 2021 and have a full season.
” The NBA ’ s hope is to play most , if not all , of next season in arenas and before at least some fans .
A bubble or bubbles could happen , though it seems close to a worst-case scenario .
“ Do I want to do it again ?
Not if I can avoid it , ” said Roberts , who spent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Those are my marching orders : Not if we can avoid it .
Now , having said that , the players want to make sure we can save our season again.
” For his part , Silver also is hoping to avoid another bubble .
“ I ’ m hoping , ideally , that we do not return to a bubble environment , ” Silver said .
Only four of the league ’ s 24 current coaches - six jobs are vacant - are Black , and that ’ s not good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was let go by Indiana , Alvin Gentry by New Orleans and Doc Rivers by the Los Angeles Clippers .
“ I know we can do better , ” Silver said .
Silver said the league is in talks with all teams that have openings , trying to ensure that a diverse field of candidates are being considered .
Silver revealed that when the NBA was seeking ways to restart the season , Disney was not the first choice on his list .
“ I resisted it , frankly , ” Silver said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just not realistic.
” Silver said Disney kept pushing , and that Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins - the Magic have an obvious close relationship with Disney - also helped turn his mind toward seeing if the restart could occur in Lake Buena Vista .
“ He was someone who pushed hard and knows this community well , so thank you to Alex , ” Silver said .

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — NBA Commissioner Adam Silver reiterated Wednesday that the league’s hope is to begin next season with teams in their home arenas and with fans in the seats, though cautioned that there are still numerous unknowns to work through before any plan can be finalized.
Silver, in his annual state-of-the-league address before Game 1 of the NBA Finals, also said the protocols that allowed the league to get through a restart in a so-called bubble at Walt Disney World - such as strict adherence to mask-wearing and social distancing - proved that a balance can be struck “between public health and economic necessity.”
“It’s certainly our goal,” Silver said, referring to playing in arenas. “But it’s dependent on some additional advancements. Rapid testing may be the key here.”
The NBA was the first major sports league to shut down because of the coronavirus pandemic on March 11, and it took more than four months to come up with the plan to restart the season at Disney. The league restarted with 22 franchises that came to Disney in early July, and the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers - the last two left - are nearing the three-month mark in the bubble.
League and team revenues will take a huge hit this year, partly because about 15% of the regular season was lost to the virus, partly because the 88 games that were played at Disney before the postseason and then the entire playoff run was played without fans buying tickets, food, drink and souvenirs in arenas.
“I don’t have expectations of labor issues … there’s no doubt there are issues on the table that have to be negotiated,” Silver said. “I think while no doubt there will be issues and difficult negotiations ahead, I think we’ll work them out as we always have.”
The league still hasn’t decided when free agency will start, what the salary cap will be for next season, what the tax line will be and other key details. All of that will have to be worked out with the National Basketball Players Association, and Silver said he expects talks to intensify on those matters once the NBA Finals are over.
“I think we all understand the essential parameters,” Silver said.
Michele Roberts, the executive director of the NBPA, said in an interview with The Associated Press on Wednesday that “either very simple or very complicated conversations are going to be had” to work through the two primary issues - coming to grips with the lost revenue from this season, and how to best function in a world that is going to be dealing with the coronavirus for the foreseeable future.
Her hope is that the NBA and NBPA figure out a deal in November, which would allow for next season to begin sometime in early 2021.
“We don’t have to be frozen paralyzed by this virus, but we don’t have to enact a doomsday scenario, assuming that the virus has destroyed our game in ways that will not be repaired,” Roberts said. “If we can sit down like adults, I think we can get a new deal in November and we can announce the start of the season. I don’t have any reason to doubt that we will be able to start in 2021 and have a full season.”
The NBA’s hope is to play most, if not all, of next season in arenas and before at least some fans. A bubble or bubbles could happen, though it seems close to a worst-case scenario.
“Do I want to do it again? Not if I can avoid it,” said Roberts, who spent the entire restart in the bubble. “Those are my marching orders: Not if we can avoid it. Now, having said that, the players want to make sure we can save our season again.”
For his part, Silver also is hoping to avoid another bubble.
“I’m hoping, ideally, that we do not return to a bubble environment,” Silver said.
In other matters Silver discussed Wednesday:
BLACK COACHES
Only four of the league’s 24 current coaches - six jobs are vacant - are Black, and that’s not good enough, Silver said.
Nate McMillan was let go by Indiana, Alvin Gentry by New Orleans and Doc Rivers by the Los Angeles Clippers.
“I know we can do better,” Silver said.
Silver said the league is in talks with all teams that have openings, trying to ensure that a diverse field of candidates are being considered.
HOW DISNEY HAPPENED
Silver revealed that when the NBA was seeking ways to restart the season, Disney was not the first choice on his list.
“I resisted it, frankly,” Silver said. “I said it’s just not realistic.”
Silver said Disney kept pushing, and that Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins - the Magic have an obvious close relationship with Disney - also helped turn his mind toward seeing if the restart could occur in Lake Buena Vista.
“He was someone who pushed hard and knows this community well, so thank you to Alex,” Silver said.


washingtontimes--2020-09-30--Rangers owner hoped for Series in new park -- with his team

Ray Davis and the Texas Rangers ownership group will host the 2020 World Series , just as they had hoped when they broke ground on a new stadium three years ago .
Just not with the team they expected .
Instead of a splashy debut year in the the $ 1.2 billion ballpark with a retractable roof , the Rangers finished an American League-worst 22-38 in the pandemic-shortened season in front of no fans .
“ All I can say for this year is I am embarrassed .
I am embarrassed for our team .
I am embarrassed for our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out a lot differently , ” Davis said Wednesday .
“ The fact is we have to correct what we didn ’ t do this year and make it better.
” Globe Life Field will have a national showcase when it hosts the first neutral site World Series .
The ballpark also will host a National League Division Series and the NL Championship Series , with a limited number of fans allowed for the final two rounds .
While disappointed about his team ’ s record , Davis said he feels good about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through the season .
He expressed confidence in 15-year general manager Jon Daniels and said he was impressed with how second-year manager Chris Woodward and his staff handled a difficult season .
The Rangers missed the playoffs for the fourth year in a row since back-to-back AL West titles in 2015-16 , the end of a seven-season span that included their only two World Series appearances in 2010 and ‘ 11 , right after Davis and his group bought the team .
“ Jon has demonstrated that he and his team can put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ If you thought about going out and replacing him , all you have is a question mark .
We have a known entity.
” After newly acquired two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber and closer Jose LeClerc both tore shoulder muscles the first week , and an eight-game losing streak during August , the Rangers focused more on kids summoned from the alternate training site .
As many as four players 22 years old or younger were in the lineup .
They were among nine players who made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season .
“ They are fun to watch .
They are full of enthusiasm , ” Davis said .
“ This foundation is strong , and in a year or two you are going to see a team with these young guys is going to be more than competitive.
” The Rangers will have a smaller payroll next season , largely because of the financial uncertainty created by the pandemic .
Texas furloughed about 60 full-time employees in mid-July , about 12 % of its roughly 500 full-time workers .
Davis said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them and restore their salaries Jan. 1 , but he said that could change based on the pandemic .
Davis didn ’ t provide specific payroll numbers but said Daniels will have flexibility to be opportunistic , whether go re-sign a current player or add a free agent .
The club isn ’ t likely to exercise its $ 17.5 million club option for Kluber , obtained from Cleveland in a trade last December , around the time they agreed to mutiyear deals with free agent pitchers Kyle Gibson and Jordan Lyles .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ start .
Lefty Mike Minor , a 2019 All-Star in the last year of his contract , was traded to Oakland on Aug. 31 .
Lance Lynn also was offered at the trade deadline but wound up staying .
“ When we went into this year , I looked at our starting five and our three guys behind it , some of the pundits rated us as having one of the best starting five , ” Davis said .
“ When we got a month into the season I ’ m sitting here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ”

Ray Davis and the Texas Rangers ownership group will host the 2020 World Series, just as they had hoped when they broke ground on a new stadium three years ago . Just not with the team they expected.
Instead of a splashy debut year in the the $1.2 billion ballpark with a retractable roof, the Rangers finished an American League-worst 22-38 in the pandemic-shortened season in front of no fans.
“All I can say for this year is I am embarrassed. I am embarrassed for our team. I am embarrassed for our fans and I wish it had turned out a lot differently,” Davis said Wednesday. “The fact is we have to correct what we didn’t do this year and make it better.”
Globe Life Field will have a national showcase when it hosts the first neutral site World Series. The ballpark also will host a National League Division Series and the NL Championship Series, with a limited number of fans allowed for the final two rounds.
While disappointed about his team’s record, Davis said he feels good about a youth movement that took over midway through the season. He expressed confidence in 15-year general manager Jon Daniels and said he was impressed with how second-year manager Chris Woodward and his staff handled a difficult season.
The Rangers missed the playoffs for the fourth year in a row since back-to-back AL West titles in 2015-16, the end of a seven-season span that included their only two World Series appearances in 2010 and ‘11, right after Davis and his group bought the team.
“Jon has demonstrated that he and his team can put together winning ball teams,” Davis said. “If you thought about going out and replacing him, all you have is a question mark. We have a known entity.”
After newly acquired two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber and closer Jose LeClerc both tore shoulder muscles the first week, and an eight-game losing streak during August, the Rangers focused more on kids summoned from the alternate training site.
As many as four players 22 years old or younger were in the lineup. They were among nine players who made their big league debuts for Texas this season.
“They are fun to watch. They are full of enthusiasm,” Davis said. “This foundation is strong, and in a year or two you are going to see a team with these young guys is going to be more than competitive.”
The Rangers will have a smaller payroll next season, largely because of the financial uncertainty created by the pandemic. Texas furloughed about 60 full-time employees in mid-July, about 12% of its roughly 500 full-time workers. Davis said the plan is to bring back most of them and restore their salaries Jan. 1, but he said that could change based on the pandemic.
Davis didn’t provide specific payroll numbers but said Daniels will have flexibility to be opportunistic, whether go re-sign a current player or add a free agent.
The club isn’t likely to exercise its $17.5 million club option for Kluber, obtained from Cleveland in a trade last December, around the time they agreed to mutiyear deals with free agent pitchers Kyle Gibson and Jordan Lyles. Kluber pitched one inning in his only start.
Lefty Mike Minor, a 2019 All-Star in the last year of his contract, was traded to Oakland on Aug. 31. Lance Lynn also was offered at the trade deadline but wound up staying.
“When we went into this year, I looked at our starting five and our three guys behind it, some of the pundits rated us as having one of the best starting five,” Davis said. “When we got a month into the season I’m sitting here … what in the world happened?”
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washingtontimes--2020-09-30--Prosecutor: 2 officers brutally beat Black man in Alabama

SELMA , Ala. ( AP ) - A prosecutor said two on-duty white Alabama officers brutally beat a Black man five months ago after the victim got into a road-rage incident with the wife of one of the officers .
Dallas County District Attorney Michael Jackson announced felony assault charges against former Selma police officer Matthew Blaine Till and former Dallas County sheriff ’ s Deputy John Nicholas Taccone at a news conference Wednesday , news outlets reported .
According to court documents , Till ’ s wife got into the dispute with the victim on April 30 in Selma @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know about the incident with a “ black guy in a red Charger.
” Both officers then arrived at the scene and eventually pursued the driver of that car .
When the man pulled over , court documents said the officers approached him and got into a physical struggle with him , striking his head and face .
Till had tried to put handcuffs on the man before the struggle ensued , AL.com reported .
During the 90-second encounter , Jackson said Till also pulled out a gun and told the victim that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him.
” “ They Tased him multiple times , threw him to the ground and were punching and kicking him , ” Jackson said .
“ It was a brutal beating.
” All this was happening while the victim was repeatedly asking the officers “ What did I do ?
” Jackson said .
The unidentified Black man eventually got into his car and fled , but crashed his vehicle a short time later .
He was then transported to a holding cell at the city ’ s police department where federal agents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inside his car , court documents said .
“ These officers escalated a personal matter that should have been a traffic stop at worse into a Rocky Horror beating , ” Jackson said .
Till was fired , and Taccone is no longer employed with the sheriff ’ s office , according to the prosecutor .
It was not immediately clear if either of the two men had an attorney who could comment .
“ Public officials are held to a higher standard , ” Jackson said , according to the Selma Times-Journal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The badge is a symbol of integrity and protection.
” Till pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice in federal court last week for telling Taconne not to speak with anyone about the call he received from his wife before the incident .
A federal judge has set his sentencing date to Dec. 28 .
Both men were then charged Tuesday with felony second-degree assault , unlawful imprisonment and obstructing governmental operations .

SELMA, Ala. (AP) - A prosecutor said two on-duty white Alabama officers brutally beat a Black man five months ago after the victim got into a road-rage incident with the wife of one of the officers.
Dallas County District Attorney Michael Jackson announced felony assault charges against former Selma police officer Matthew Blaine Till and former Dallas County sheriff’s Deputy John Nicholas Taccone at a news conference Wednesday, news outlets reported.
According to court documents, Till’s wife got into the dispute with the victim on April 30 in Selma and called her husband to let him know about the incident with a “black guy in a red Charger.”
Both officers then arrived at the scene and eventually pursued the driver of that car. When the man pulled over, court documents said the officers approached him and got into a physical struggle with him, striking his head and face.
Till had tried to put handcuffs on the man before the struggle ensued, AL.com reported. During the 90-second encounter, Jackson said Till also pulled out a gun and told the victim that “he’s going to kill him.”
“They Tased him multiple times, threw him to the ground and were punching and kicking him,” Jackson said. “It was a brutal beating.” All this was happening while the victim was repeatedly asking the officers “What did I do?” Jackson said.
The unidentified Black man eventually got into his car and fled, but crashed his vehicle a short time later. He was then transported to a holding cell at the city’s police department where federal agents interviewed him about weapons that were found inside his car, court documents said.
“These officers escalated a personal matter that should have been a traffic stop at worse into a Rocky Horror beating,” Jackson said.
Till was fired, and Taccone is no longer employed with the sheriff’s office, according to the prosecutor. It was not immediately clear if either of the two men had an attorney who could comment.
“Public officials are held to a higher standard,” Jackson said, according to the Selma Times-Journal. “It was a bullying situation. The badge is a symbol of integrity and protection.”
Till pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice in federal court last week for telling Taconne not to speak with anyone about the call he received from his wife before the incident. A federal judge has set his sentencing date to Dec. 28.
Both men were then charged Tuesday with felony second-degree assault, unlawful imprisonment and obstructing governmental operations.


washingtontimes--2020-09-30--At least 25 COVID-19 cases connected to Salish Lodge & Spa

SNOQUALMIE , Wash. ( AP ) - At least 25 COVID-19 cases have been reported at the Salish Lodge & Spa in Snoqualmie , public health officials said Wednesday .
The outbreak involves 23 staff and two guests , according to a news release sent by Public Health - Seattle & King County spokeswoman Sharon Bogan .
Anyone who visited the popular lodge east of Seattle next to Snoqualmie Falls overnight or during the day from Sept. 16-30 should get tested for COVID-19 and monitor for symptoms , the news release said .
Salish Lodge & Spa is fully cooperating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is facilitating testing for staff and is currently closed , according to health officials .
The Salish Lodge & Spa restaurants will be closed the week of Sept. 28 , says a message on its website .
“ We have done everything possible to protect our guests and team members since the beginning of the pandemic , including elevating our health , hygiene , safety and sanitation protocols and following health agency guidance , ” Alan Stephens , General Manager of Salish Lodge & Spa said in the news release .
Stephens also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
State health officials on Wednesday reported 480 additional COVID-19 cases in Washington as of Tuesday night , and two more deaths , The Seattle Times reported .
The update brings the state ’ s totals to 87,522 cases and 2,126 deaths , according to the state Department of Health .

SNOQUALMIE, Wash. (AP) - At least 25 COVID-19 cases have been reported at the Salish Lodge & Spa in Snoqualmie, public health officials said Wednesday.
The outbreak involves 23 staff and two guests, according to a news release sent by Public Health - Seattle & King County spokeswoman Sharon Bogan.
Anyone who visited the popular lodge east of Seattle next to Snoqualmie Falls overnight or during the day from Sept. 16-30 should get tested for COVID-19 and monitor for symptoms, the news release said.
Salish Lodge & Spa is fully cooperating with Public Health to implement recommendations, is facilitating testing for staff and is currently closed, according to health officials. The Salish Lodge & Spa restaurants will be closed the week of Sept. 28, says a message on its website.
“We have done everything possible to protect our guests and team members since the beginning of the pandemic, including elevating our health, hygiene, safety and sanitation protocols and following health agency guidance,” Alan Stephens, General Manager of Salish Lodge & Spa said in the news release.
Stephens also said the entire facility will be sanitized.
State health officials on Wednesday reported 480 additional COVID-19 cases in Washington as of Tuesday night, and two more deaths, The Seattle Times reported.
The update brings the state’s totals to 87,522 cases and 2,126 deaths, according to the state Department of Health.


washingtontimes--2020-09-30--San Francisco lifts rule of one person per church

San Francisco ’ s mayor has lifted citywide restrictions on indoor worship limiting one person per church , days after Justice Department attorneys described the pandemic-related order as a “ discriminatory scheme.
” In announcing new COVID-19 protocols on Tuesday , Mayor London Breed said the city had anticipated lifting its “ 1-congregant ” rule on indoor worship before the end of September .
State rules , however , still restrict attendance at houses of worship , drawing the ire of religious groups .
“ We want and we intend to worship God safely : with masks , social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such safety protocols , ” San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone wrote in an open letter Tuesday .
“ But we will not accept believers being treated more severely than other , comparable secular activities.
” Federal attorneys called on the city last week to scrap its limits on indoor worship , warning city officials that adopting California ’ s rules would “ severely and unnecessarily ” burden constitutionally protected religious expression .
“ The proposed ‘ goal ’ would also continue to disadvantage religious exercise compared to the permitted secular indoor activities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , assistant attorney general for the Civil Rights Division , and David Anderson , U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California , wrote in a Sept. 25 letter to Ms .
Breed .
The federal attorneys had threatened they “ may take further action ” against the city to “ protect the religious liberty rights of the people on San Francisco.
” In a statement , San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera said that “ weeks before this DOJ letter ” the city had announced places of worship could reopen to “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” on Sept. 30 .
The Department of Justice did not respond to a request for comment .
On Tuesday , the mayor touted the direction of COVID-19 numbers in the city , which have dipped from a high of 12,000 new cases in mid-August to less than 5,000 new cases for almost all of September .
“ We know this continues to be a challenging time with people struggling economically and emotionally , ” said Ms .
Breed .
Officials with the California Department of Health have transitioned San Francisco County to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the state ’ s reopening plan authorized last month for counties with “ moderate spread ” or positivity rates under 5 % .
Under new rules , indoor worship in “ orange tier ” counties is limited to 50 % max capacity or 200 people , whichever is fewer .
The state ’ s most lenient tier , “ minimal spread , ” also limits church worship to 50 % capacity .
Archdiocesan officials told The Washington Times that , while they are pleased with Ms.
Breed ’ s removal of city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain in either the “ red tier , ” demarcating moderate spread of the virus , or “ purple tier , ” for which indoor worship is prohibited .
San Francisco ’ s prior health rule permitted “ [ o ] nly one individual member of the public may enter the house of worship at a time ” and had become a target for scrutiny by religious liberty advocates .
By last week , tens of thousands of Catholics had signed a petition , in Spanish and English , calling on state , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free the Mass.
” In its letter to the mayor on Friday , the Justice Department cited the 2,400-seat Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption and Congregation Sherith Israel ’ s 1,400-seat synagogue , saying the city ’ s rules limited attendance to a “ vanishing fraction ” of capacity were unconstitutional .
A synagogue spokesperson said the congregation was aware it was cited in the letter but said it understands the tough measures taken by the city .
“ While we would love to be in a place to celebrate in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to practice our religion , ” wrote Gordon Gladstone , executive director of Congregation Sherith Israel in an email to The Washington Times .
As of Wednesday , city ordinances remain in place keeping shuttered indoor movie theaters and outdoor parks in San Francisco .
Ms .
Breed says the city ’ s goal is to lift those sometime in October .

San Francisco’s mayor has lifted citywide restrictions on indoor worship limiting one person per church, days after Justice Department attorneys described the pandemic-related order as a “discriminatory scheme.”
In announcing new COVID-19 protocols on Tuesday, Mayor London Breed said the city had anticipated lifting its “1-congregant” rule on indoor worship before the end of September. State rules, however, still restrict attendance at houses of worship, drawing the ire of religious groups.
“We want and we intend to worship God safely: with masks, social distancing, sanitation, ventilation, and other such safety protocols,” San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone wrote in an open letter Tuesday. “But we will not accept believers being treated more severely than other, comparable secular activities.”
Federal attorneys called on the city last week to scrap its limits on indoor worship, warning city officials that adopting California’s rules would “severely and unnecessarily” burden constitutionally protected religious expression.
“The proposed ‘goal’ would also continue to disadvantage religious exercise compared to the permitted secular indoor activities described above,” Eric S. Dreiband, assistant attorney general for the Civil Rights Division, and David Anderson, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California, wrote in a Sept. 25 letter to Ms. Breed.
The federal attorneys had threatened they “may take further action” against the city to “protect the religious liberty rights of the people on San Francisco.”
In a statement, San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera said that “weeks before this DOJ letter” the city had announced places of worship could reopen to “25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors” on Sept. 30.
The Department of Justice did not respond to a request for comment.
On Tuesday, the mayor touted the direction of COVID-19 numbers in the city, which have dipped from a high of 12,000 new cases in mid-August to less than 5,000 new cases for almost all of September.
“We know this continues to be a challenging time with people struggling economically and emotionally,” said Ms. Breed.
Officials with the California Department of Health have transitioned San Francisco County to the “orange tier,” designated in the state’s reopening plan authorized last month for counties with “moderate spread” or positivity rates under 5%. Under new rules, indoor worship in “orange tier” counties is limited to 50% max capacity or 200 people, whichever is fewer.
The state’s most lenient tier, “minimal spread,” also limits church worship to 50% capacity.
Archdiocesan officials told The Washington Times that, while they are pleased with Ms. Breed’s removal of city strictures, many counties in the archdiocese remain in either the “red tier,” demarcating moderate spread of the virus, or “purple tier,” for which indoor worship is prohibited.
San Francisco’s prior health rule permitted “[o]nly one individual member of the public may enter the house of worship at a time” and had become a target for scrutiny by religious liberty advocates.
By last week, tens of thousands of Catholics had signed a petition, in Spanish and English, calling on state, local and public health officials to “free the Mass.”
In its letter to the mayor on Friday, the Justice Department cited the 2,400-seat Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption and Congregation Sherith Israel’s 1,400-seat synagogue, saying the city’s rules limited attendance to a “vanishing fraction” of capacity were unconstitutional.
A synagogue spokesperson said the congregation was aware it was cited in the letter but said it understands the tough measures taken by the city.
“While we would love to be in a place to celebrate in our traditional manner, we are still able to practice our religion,” wrote Gordon Gladstone, executive director of Congregation Sherith Israel in an email to The Washington Times.
As of Wednesday, city ordinances remain in place keeping shuttered indoor movie theaters and outdoor parks in San Francisco. Ms. Breed says the city’s goal is to lift those sometime in October.
• Christopher Vondracek can be reached at cvondracek@washingtontimes.com.