washingtontimes--2020-12-05--Mexican president's cousin managed to get oil contracts

The Mexican government pledged Saturday to investigate how a cousin of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador managed to get two contracts with the state-owned oil company Petroleos Mexicanos , known as Pemex .
The issue goes to the core of López Obrador ’ s central campaign promise to rid Mexico of corruption and insider deals .
The company Litoral Laboratorios Industriales is part owned by the president ’ s first cousin , Felipa Guadalupe Obrador Olan .
The firm , founded in 2006 , has won government contracts since 2013 , long before López Obrador took office in December 2018 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Industriales in December 2019 to stop filing for bids because of the blood ties .
However , as late as November 2019 the firm somehow managed to join consortiums with several other firms to win two bids , first as part of a three-company alliance and the second time with seven other firms .
The relationship should have been listed on disclosure forms .
Pemex pledged to investigate why the bids by the company and its associates were not disallowed .
Pemex said that at the time Obrador Olan was told she could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advise Pemex that her company was already participating in other bidding processes .
The company ’ s existing contracts will be cancelled , Pemex said in a statement .
The company ’ s website says it provides “ chemical and microbiological testing of water , food and oil products.
” López Obrador has specifically pledged that relatives of government officials would not be allowed to get government contracts .

The Mexican government pledged Saturday to investigate how a cousin of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador managed to get two contracts with the state-owned oil company Petroleos Mexicanos, known as Pemex.
The issue goes to the core of López Obrador’s central campaign promise to rid Mexico of corruption and insider deals.
The company Litoral Laboratorios Industriales is part owned by the president’s first cousin, Felipa Guadalupe Obrador Olan. The firm, founded in 2006, has won government contracts since 2013, long before López Obrador took office in December 2018.
But the government told Litoral Laboratorios Industriales in December 2019 to stop filing for bids because of the blood ties.
However, as late as November 2019 the firm somehow managed to join consortiums with several other firms to win two bids, first as part of a three-company alliance and the second time with seven other firms.
The relationship should have been listed on disclosure forms. Pemex pledged to investigate why the bids by the company and its associates were not disallowed.
Pemex said that at the time Obrador Olan was told she could not longer compete, she did not advise Pemex that her company was already participating in other bidding processes.
The company’s existing contracts will be cancelled, Pemex said in a statement.
The company’s website says it provides “chemical and microbiological testing of water, food and oil products.”
López Obrador has specifically pledged that relatives of government officials would not be allowed to get government contracts.


washingtontimes--2020-12-05--Cheating Nebraska man's clothes bleached, puppy missing

OMAHA , Neb .
( AP ) - A Nebraska man says his apartment was trashed and his puppy and @ @ @ @ @ his girlfriend discovered he cheated on her , the Omaha Journal-World reported Saturday .
The @ @ @ @ @ that he came home to a ransacked apartment Friday after his girlfriend confronted him about @ @ @ @ @ say clothes were tossed in his bathtub and soaked in bleach , the Christmas tree @ @ @ @ @ diapers were dumped on the bed .
The man also told police that his white @ @ @ @ @ 4 and two katana swords are gone .

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - A Nebraska man says his apartment was trashed and his puppy and two swords are missing after his girlfriend discovered he cheated on her, the Omaha Journal-World reported Saturday.
The 20-year-old man told Omaha police that he came home to a ransacked apartment Friday after his girlfriend confronted him about cheating on her.
Police say clothes were tossed in his bathtub and soaked in bleach, the Christmas tree was knocked over and dirty diapers were dumped on the bed.
The man also told police that his white Siberian husky puppy, PlayStation 4 and two katana swords are gone.


washingtontimes--2020-12-05--New Mexico reports 1,928 more COVID-19 cases, 32 deaths

SANTA FE , N.M. ( AP ) - New Mexico on Saturday reported 1,925 additional known COVID-19 cases and 32 more deaths , increasing the statewide totals since the pandemic ’ s start to 106,856 known cases and 1,738 deaths .
The number of current COVID-19-related hospitalizations dropped to 925 from 934 , according to the state ’ s coronavirus dashboard .
Most of the additional deaths were people in the 70s and 80s but a few were men and women in their 30s and 40s .
New Mexico is dealing with a surge of COVID-19 cases and related deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily deaths in New Mexico increased in the past two weeks while rolling averages of daily new cases and COVID-19 testing positivity declined , according to Johns Hopkins University and The COVID Tracking Project data .
Health officials had been warning that cases could go up in weeks following family gatherings over the Thanksgiving holiday and related travel .
The number of infections is thought to be far higher than reported because many people have not been tested , and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick .

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - New Mexico on Saturday reported 1,925 additional known COVID-19 cases and 32 more deaths, increasing the statewide totals since the pandemic’s start to 106,856 known cases and 1,738 deaths.
The number of current COVID-19-related hospitalizations dropped to 925 from 934, according to the state’s coronavirus dashboard.
Most of the additional deaths were people in the 70s and 80s but a few were men and women in their 30s and 40s.
New Mexico is dealing with a surge of COVID-19 cases and related deaths and hospitalizations.
Seven-day rolling averages of daily deaths in New Mexico increased in the past two weeks while rolling averages of daily new cases and COVID-19 testing positivity declined, according to Johns Hopkins University and The COVID Tracking Project data.
Health officials had been warning that cases could go up in weeks following family gatherings over the Thanksgiving holiday and related travel.
The number of infections is thought to be far higher than reported because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick.


washingtontimes--2020-12-05--Former Iowa reporter donates $3M estate to local causes

DAVENPORT , Iowa ( AP ) - A former Iowa newspaper reporter and his wife left a $ 3 million @ @ @ @ @ the Quad-City Times reported Saturday .
A former reporter for the paper , John Willard @ @ @ @ @ Carol , donated the estate to the Quad-Cities Community Foundation .
Willard , of Davenport @ @ @ @ @ for more than three decades and died in 2017 .
His wife died in July @ @ @ @ @ 3 million estate will be divided evenly between nine organizations each year .
The foundation @ @ @ @ @ Sherry Ristau said that ’ s about $ 15,000 per organization based on current interest @ @ @ @ @ benefit from the estate include a local public library , a local Humane Society and @ @ @ @ @

DAVENPORT, Iowa (AP) - A former Iowa newspaper reporter and his wife left a $3 million estate for local causes, the Quad-City Times reported Saturday.
A former reporter for the paper, John Willard, and his wife, Carol, donated the estate to the Quad-Cities Community Foundation.
Willard, of Davenport, worked for the paper for more than three decades and died in 2017. His wife died in July.
Interest from the $3 million estate will be divided evenly between nine organizations each year. The foundation’s President and CEO Sherry Ristau said that’s about $15,000 per organization based on current interest rates.
Organizations that will benefit from the estate include a local public library, a local Humane Society and the Iowa PBS Foundation.


washingtontimes--2020-12-05--Young kids in critical condition after St. Louis car crash

ST. LOUIS ( AP ) - Three children are in critical condition after being injured in a car accident late @ @ @ @ @ The 30-year-old driver of a Pontiac G6 sedan crashed with a 4-year-old girl , 7-year-old @ @ @ @ @ the car , the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported .
Police said the driver was trying @ @ @ @ @ same time another vehicle moved into the lane .
The driver overcorrected and ran the @ @ @ @ @ .
The vehicle was then engulfed in flames , according to police .
The children @ @ @ @ @ in critical condition , and the 9-year-old boy was also unstable .
The driver was @ @ @ @ @ hospital .

ST. LOUIS (AP) - Three children are in critical condition after being injured in a car accident late Friday in St. Louis.
The 30-year-old driver of a Pontiac G6 sedan crashed with a 4-year-old girl, 7-year-old boy and 9-year-old boy in the car, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.
Police said the driver was trying to change lanes at the same time another vehicle moved into the lane. The driver overcorrected and ran the car into a guard rail. The vehicle was then engulfed in flames, according to police.
The children were taken to the hospital in critical condition, and the 9-year-old boy was also unstable. The driver was in stable condition at the hospital.


washingtontimes--2020-12-05--SC city's fire chief to retire after 35 years

ISLE OF PALMS , S.C. ( AP ) - A South Carolina city ’ s fire chief takes her final call at the end of the month .
Isle of Palms Fire Chief Ann Graham is scheduled to retire Dec. 31 after 35 years with the department , WCBD-TV reported .
“ She ’ s done a great job , I couldn ’ t have asked for better people to work with , ” Stith said .
From walking to the fire station bus stop to seeing her neighbor die in a fire , Graham said she knew her destiny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ swore … that I was going to put myself in a position where nobody could ever tell me that I couldn ’ t help again , ” Graham said .
Graham said one of her proudest moments with the department was noticing a problem in the county ’ s radio system , and pushing for a $ 20 million upgrade , which likely saved the lives of countless firefighters .
“ Had I kept my mouth shut , I just don ’ t know , ” Graham said .
“ I really truly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There is an old saying that a good leader always knows when the time to go is right .
For Graham , she said the timing couldn ’ t feel better .
“ I stepped up even though I wasn ’ t ready but I believe I made the best of it and I just feel that it ’ s time to step out , ” she said .
Graham ’ s plan in retirement is to spend more time with family , planning camping trips to the mountains and enjoying life .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Palms Fire Department will always hold a special place in her heart .
“ I want to thank them for their support , tell them to stay safe , ” Graham said .
“ I ’ m right around the corner , a phone call away .
”

ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (AP) - A South Carolina city’s fire chief takes her final call at the end of the month.
Isle of Palms Fire Chief Ann Graham is scheduled to retire Dec. 31 after 35 years with the department, WCBD-TV reported.
Sullivan’s Island Fire Chief Anthony Stith gave Graham her start as a volunteer firefighter.
“She’s done a great job, I couldn’t have asked for better people to work with,” Stith said.
From walking to the fire station bus stop to seeing her neighbor die in a fire, Graham said she knew her destiny was to help others.
“I swore … that I was going to put myself in a position where nobody could ever tell me that I couldn’t help again,” Graham said.
Graham said one of her proudest moments with the department was noticing a problem in the county’s radio system, and pushing for a $20 million upgrade, which likely saved the lives of countless firefighters.
“Had I kept my mouth shut, I just don’t know,” Graham said. “I really truly believe someone was going to die.”
There is an old saying that a good leader always knows when the time to go is right. For Graham, she said the timing couldn’t feel better.
“I stepped up even though I wasn’t ready but I believe I made the best of it and I just feel that it’s time to step out,” she said.
Graham’s plan in retirement is to spend more time with family, planning camping trips to the mountains and enjoying life.
Still, she said, Isle of Palms Fire Department will always hold a special place in her heart.
“I want to thank them for their support, tell them to stay safe,” Graham said. “I’m right around the corner, a phone call away.”


washingtontimes--2020-12-05--Ex-NFL player Burfict arrested in Vegas on battery charge

LAS VEGAS ( AP ) - Former NFL player Vontaze Burfict , a linebacker who in 2019 received the most severe punishment in league history for an on-field infraction , was arrested Saturday in Las Vegas , according to court records .
Online records for Las Vegas Justice Court said Burfict was arrested on a misdemeanor battery charge .
The records did not list a defense attorney for Burfict who could comment on his behalf about the allegation .
Burfict , 30 , was released on his own recognizance , according to court records .
Police officials did not immediately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and circumstances of Burfict ‘ s arrest weren ’ t immediately available .
Burfict was playing for the Oakland Raiders when the NFL on Sept. 30 , 2019 , suspended him for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Indianapolis Colts tight end Jack Doyle .
The league cited “ repeated violations of unnecessary roughness rules ” by Burfict , and his appeal of the suspension was denied .
It was the third time Burfict had been suspended for a dangerous hit on the field to go along with several others that led to fines .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , seven of which were with the Cincinnati Bengals .
The Bengals released Burfict in March 2019 .

LAS VEGAS (AP) - Former NFL player Vontaze Burfict, a linebacker who in 2019 received the most severe punishment in league history for an on-field infraction, was arrested Saturday in Las Vegas, according to court records.
Online records for Las Vegas Justice Court said Burfict was arrested on a misdemeanor battery charge. The records did not list a defense attorney for Burfict who could comment on his behalf about the allegation.
Burfict, 30, was released on his own recognizance, according to court records.
Police officials did not immediately return a call from The Associated Press and circumstances of Burfict’s arrest weren’t immediately available.
Burfict was playing for the Oakland Raiders when the NFL on Sept. 30, 2019, suspended him for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Indianapolis Colts tight end Jack Doyle.
The league cited “repeated violations of unnecessary roughness rules” by Burfict, and his appeal of the suspension was denied.
It was the third time Burfict had been suspended for a dangerous hit on the field to go along with several others that led to fines.
Burfict played parts of eight NFL seasons, seven of which were with the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals released Burfict in March 2019.
A Los Angeles native, Burfict attended Arizona State University.


washingtontimes--2020-12-05--House passes bill to reduce deadliness of landslides

ANCHORAGE , Alaska ( AP ) - The U.S. House has passed a bill to reduce the deadliness of landslides a day after one in Alaska , though the motivation for the proposed law came from a 2014 Washington state landslide .
The bill , which passed on Thursday , was initially introduced in 2016 , two years after the Oso landslide killed 43 people .
Washington Democratic Rep. Suzan DelBene , who introduced the bill , said its provisions would help broaden scientific knowledge about landslides and develop better protocols on how best to respond to them .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sending aid after a tragic natural disaster is insufficient , ” DelBene said .
“ We need to do more to fund programs and research efforts to prevent natural disasters from becoming national tragedies.
” The U.S. Geological Survey would also be tasked with developing a publicly accessible national landslide hazard database and strengthening an early warning system for debris flow .
The bill must now go before the Senate and President for approval .
The Senate had passed a similar bill before the House ’ s revised version was approved .
DelBene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it was highly likely that the Senate would approve the revised bill .
On Saturday , authorities in Alaska continued the search for two people missing after a landslide slammed into a neighborhood in Haines earlier this week .
The debris field estimated to be 600 feet wide took out four homes .
Missing were David Simmons , who owned one of those homes , and Jenae Larson , who rented an apartment above Simmons ’ garage .

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - The U.S. House has passed a bill to reduce the deadliness of landslides a day after one in Alaska, though the motivation for the proposed law came from a 2014 Washington state landslide.
The bill, which passed on Thursday, was initially introduced in 2016, two years after the Oso landslide killed 43 people.
Washington Democratic Rep. Suzan DelBene, who introduced the bill, said its provisions would help broaden scientific knowledge about landslides and develop better protocols on how best to respond to them.
“As the Oso landslide demonstrated, simply sending aid after a tragic natural disaster is insufficient,” DelBene said. “We need to do more to fund programs and research efforts to prevent natural disasters from becoming national tragedies.”
The U.S. Geological Survey would also be tasked with developing a publicly accessible national landslide hazard database and strengthening an early warning system for debris flow.
The bill must now go before the Senate and President for approval. The Senate had passed a similar bill before the House’s revised version was approved. DelBene’s staff told Alaska Public Media that it was highly likely that the Senate would approve the revised bill.
On Saturday, authorities in Alaska continued the search for two people missing after a landslide slammed into a neighborhood in Haines earlier this week. The debris field estimated to be 600 feet wide took out four homes. Missing were David Simmons, who owned one of those homes, and Jenae Larson, who rented an apartment above Simmons’ garage.


washingtontimes--2020-12-05--Maryland has 3K virus cases for second straight day

ANNAPOLIS , Md .
( AP ) - Maryland has reported more than 3,000 cases of the coronavirus for the @ @ @ @ @ reported Saturday morning that the state had 3,193 confirmed COVID-19 cases over 24 hours .
@ @ @ @ @ Friday .
That was the highest number of cases reported on a day in Maryland @ @ @ @ @ number had been 2,910 on Nov. 19 .
Hospitalizations went up by four people to @ @ @ @ @ people in intensive care .
Maryland ’ s highest number of COVID-19 hospitalizations was 1,711 @ @ @ @ @ state also reported 29 new deaths from the virus .
Maryland has had a total @ @ @ @ @ virus .

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Maryland has reported more than 3,000 cases of the coronavirus for the second straight day.
Maryland reported Saturday morning that the state had 3,193 confirmed COVID-19 cases over 24 hours.
Maryland reported 3,792 cases on Friday. That was the highest number of cases reported on a day in Maryland yet. The previous highest number had been 2,910 on Nov. 19.
Hospitalizations went up by four people to 1,598. That includes 379 people in intensive care. Maryland’s highest number of COVID-19 hospitalizations was 1,711 on April 30.
The state also reported 29 new deaths from the virus. Maryland has had a total of 4,659 deaths from the virus.


washingtontimes--2020-12-05--Texas coronavirus hospitalizations decline, now below 9,000

AUSTIN , Texas ( AP ) - The number of people in Texas who are hospitalized with the coronavirus declined @ @ @ @ @ week for the first time since summer .
The Texas health department reported 8,916 hospitalizations @ @ @ @ @ Friday .
The department reported 11,672 new cases and 247 additional deaths for totals of @ @ @ @ @ deaths since the pandemic began .
The true number of infections in Texas is likely @ @ @ @ @ t been tested , and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick @ @ @ @ @ of new cases in Texas has risen from 9,673 cases per day on Nov. 20 @ @ @ @ @ the positivity rate increased from 10.7 % to 13.35 % during the same time frame @ @ @ @ @ deaths also rose , from 139 per day on Nov. 20 to 149 per day @ @ @

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - The number of people in Texas who are hospitalized with the coronavirus declined Saturday after topping 9,000 this week for the first time since summer.
The Texas health department reported 8,916 hospitalizations, down from 9,015 reported Friday. The department reported 11,672 new cases and 247 additional deaths for totals of 1.24 million cases and 22,502 deaths since the pandemic began. The true number of infections in Texas is likely higher because many haven’t been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick.
The seven-day rolling average of new cases in Texas has risen from 9,673 cases per day on Nov. 20 to 11,681 on Friday and the positivity rate increased from 10.7% to 13.35% during the same time frame. The average of daily deaths also rose, from 139 per day on Nov. 20 to 149 per day on Friday.


washingtontimes--2020-12-05--Honolulu bikeshare program lost city about $460K in 2019

HONOLULU ( AP ) - Honolulu ’ s nearly bikeshare program lost the city an estimated $ 460,000 in 2019 , according to a city audit .
The audit released on Friday said that the bikeshare program known as Biki has benefitted its operator Bikeshare Hawaii at the expense of taxpayers , the Honolulu Star Advertiser reported .
“ Bikeshare Hawaii is reaping significant benefits , with little return to the city and its taxpayers , beyond bike operations itself , ” the audit said .
“ Going forward , the city should re-evaluate its relationship , right-size the benefits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grant agreement with Bikeshare Hawaii.
” The city Department of Transportation Services sent a letter Wednesday to the acting city auditor , Troy Shimasaki , saying it was considering several options to improve the program .
In addition to a loss in revenue from the displacement of metered stalls and permit fee exemptions , the city does not get a share of Bikeshare ’ s fare or sponsorship revenue .
That ’ s despite the fact that similar arrangements between cities and their bikeshare programs exist in other jurisdictions .
The audit also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provided proper oversight over Bikeshare .
Bikeshare Hawaii offers about 1,300 bikes at more than 130 self-service stops over a 6.25-mile ( 10-kilometer ) area in the city .
Bikeshare Hawaii Executive Director Todd Boulanger said in a statement the organization is currently reviewing the city audit .
“ Rental payment of public street space is still an emerging issue nationwide and not all mobility providers pay a fee to use street space , ” Boulanger said in the statement .
“ We look forward to continuing our evolving partnership with the City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will enhance our collaboration and continue to provide the public with an affordable and dependable transportation option .
”

HONOLULU (AP) - Honolulu’s nearly bikeshare program lost the city an estimated $460,000 in 2019, according to a city audit.
The audit released on Friday said that the bikeshare program known as Biki has benefitted its operator Bikeshare Hawaii at the expense of taxpayers, the Honolulu Star Advertiser reported.
“Bikeshare Hawaii is reaping significant benefits, with little return to the city and its taxpayers, beyond bike operations itself,” the audit said. “Going forward, the city should re-evaluate its relationship, right-size the benefits and exemptions, and properly monitor its grant agreement with Bikeshare Hawaii.”
The city Department of Transportation Services sent a letter Wednesday to the acting city auditor, Troy Shimasaki, saying it was considering several options to improve the program.
In addition to a loss in revenue from the displacement of metered stalls and permit fee exemptions, the city does not get a share of Bikeshare’s fare or sponsorship revenue. That’s despite the fact that similar arrangements between cities and their bikeshare programs exist in other jurisdictions.
The audit also said the city transportation department has not provided proper oversight over Bikeshare.
Bikeshare Hawaii offers about 1,300 bikes at more than 130 self-service stops over a 6.25-mile (10-kilometer) area in the city.
Bikeshare Hawaii Executive Director Todd Boulanger said in a statement the organization is currently reviewing the city audit.
“Rental payment of public street space is still an emerging issue nationwide and not all mobility providers pay a fee to use street space,” Boulanger said in the statement. “We look forward to continuing our evolving partnership with the City in 2021 and working on items that will enhance our collaboration and continue to provide the public with an affordable and dependable transportation option.”


washingtontimes--2020-12-05--Fox News crew heckled at Georgia rally ahead of Trump appearance

Fox News faced hostility from supporters of President Trump while on the scene of a rally where he is set to speak Saturday in support of Georgia Republicans competing in next month ’ s Senate races .
People waiting to attend the rally in the southern Georgia city of Valdosta were caught on camera heckling a Fox News crew reporting ahead of the president speaking at the event several hours later .
A producer for Australia ’ s Sky News shared a video that captured some of the people complaining loudly about Fox News having called the presidential race for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video showed an unidentified man angrily telling the TV crew : “ Fox News does not call the election !
No media does !
” In another clip shared by a reporter for Al Jazeera , a man in a baseball cap bearing Mr. Trump ’ s campaign slogan , “ Make America Great Again , ” could be seen berating Fox correspondent Griff Jenkins .
“ Traitor !
Griff , why are you turning on us , man ?
” asked the man in the MAGA hat .
Another video aired live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interrupt a Fox News filming with chants of “ Fox is Fake News !
” followed by “ We Love Trump !
” “ Fox News journalists are getting the most abuse from the crowd lining up for Trump ’ s rally in Valdosta , ” Sky News producer Sarah Gough posted on Twitter .
“ Cries of ‘ we trusted you ’ and ‘ traitors ’ .
” Astead W. Herndon , a White House reporter for The New York Times , added on Twitter that the first three people he spoke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fox News for rival network Newsmax .
Mr. Trump has avidly promoted and appeared on Fox News while in office and regularly lauded conservative commentators who host opinion shows on the network , such as Sean Hannity and Tucker Carlson .
The president has increasingly criticized the network , however , which has most recently found itself clashing with Mr. Trump over the outcome of the White House race .
Multiple news outlets , including Fox News , have called the election for Mr. Biden .
Mr. Trump has refused to concede and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court , however .
The president is set to speak in Valdosta in support of Sens .
Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue , Georgia Republicans defending their seats in special runoff elections scheduled for Jan. 5 , 2021 .

Fox News faced hostility from supporters of President Trump while on the scene of a rally where he is set to speak Saturday in support of Georgia Republicans competing in next month’s Senate races.
People waiting to attend the rally in the southern Georgia city of Valdosta were caught on camera heckling a Fox News crew reporting ahead of the president speaking at the event several hours later.
A producer for Australia’s Sky News shared a video that captured some of the people complaining loudly about Fox News having called the presidential race for Democratic challenger Joseph R. Biden.
That video showed an unidentified man angrily telling the TV crew: “Fox News does not call the election! No media does!”
In another clip shared by a reporter for Al Jazeera, a man in a baseball cap bearing Mr. Trump’s campaign slogan, “Make America Great Again,” could be seen berating Fox correspondent Griff Jenkins.
“Traitor! Griff, why are you turning on us, man?” asked the man in the MAGA hat.
Another video aired live on YouTube showed Trump supporters attempting to interrupt a Fox News filming with chants of “Fox is Fake News!” followed by “We Love Trump!”
“Fox News journalists are getting the most abuse from the crowd lining up for Trump’s rally in Valdosta,” Sky News producer Sarah Gough posted on Twitter. “Cries of ‘we trusted you’ and ‘traitors’.”
Astead W. Herndon, a White House reporter for The New York Times, added on Twitter that the first three people he spoke to at the rally said they ditched Fox News for rival network Newsmax.
Mr. Trump has avidly promoted and appeared on Fox News while in office and regularly lauded conservative commentators who host opinion shows on the network, such as Sean Hannity and Tucker Carlson.
The president has increasingly criticized the network, however, which has most recently found itself clashing with Mr. Trump over the outcome of the White House race.
Multiple news outlets, including Fox News, have called the election for Mr. Biden. Mr. Trump has refused to concede and is trying to reverse his loss in court, however.
The president is set to speak in Valdosta in support of Sens. Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue, Georgia Republicans defending their seats in special runoff elections scheduled for Jan. 5, 2021.
• Andrew Blake can be reached at ablake@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-12-05--Michigan woman charged with '03 murders of newborn twin sons

CHICAGO ( AP ) - A Michigan woman has been charged with murder in the deaths of her newborn twin sons more than 17 years ago , police said Saturday .
Antoinette Briley , 41 , of Holland , Michigan , was charged Friday with two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of her sons .
The boys ’ bodies were discovered June 6 , 2003 , by a Waste Management employee who was emptying trash bins in an alley in unincorporated Stickney Township , police said .
The worker spotted the bodies in the front lift bucket of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ determined the victims were born alive and died of asphyxiation , and the deaths were ruled homicides .
Investigators in 2018 utilized DNA from evidence recovered from the scene in an effort to identify the birth mother using the latest developments in genetic genealogy , police said .
Cook County detectives eventually identified Briley as the victims ’ potential birth mother .
Detectives travelled to Holland , Michigan , and obtained a discarded cigarette containing Briley ’ s DNA , which was matched to the DNA from the victims .
Police learned Briley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into custody after a traffic stop in suburban Oak Lawn .

CHICAGO (AP) - A Michigan woman has been charged with murder in the deaths of her newborn twin sons more than 17 years ago, police said Saturday.
Antoinette Briley, 41, of Holland, Michigan, was charged Friday with two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of her sons.
The boys’ bodies were discovered June 6, 2003, by a Waste Management employee who was emptying trash bins in an alley in unincorporated Stickney Township, police said. The worker spotted the bodies in the front lift bucket of her garbage truck.
A subsequent autopsy determined the victims were born alive and died of asphyxiation, and the deaths were ruled homicides.
Investigators in 2018 utilized DNA from evidence recovered from the scene in an effort to identify the birth mother using the latest developments in genetic genealogy, police said. Cook County detectives eventually identified Briley as the victims’ potential birth mother.
Detectives travelled to Holland, Michigan, and obtained a discarded cigarette containing Briley’s DNA, which was matched to the DNA from the victims.
Police learned Briley was in Cook County and took her into custody after a traffic stop in suburban Oak Lawn.


washingtontimes--2020-12-05--Feds offering up to $20K for info on 2 seal deaths in Hawaii

HONOLULU ( AP ) - Federal wildlife officials are offering up to $ 20,000 for information regarding the deaths of two Hawaiian monk seals that occurred within two months of each other .
The first monk seal , a juvenile male identified as RL52 , was found dead in September .
The second seal , a juvenile female , was found dead in November , the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported Friday .
The Hawaiian monk seal is listed as endangered and is protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 from being killed , harmed , trapped , captured or harassed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ considered a felony under state law and can also be punished by federal law .
“ The intentional killing of an endangered Hawaiian monk seal is a violation of federal law , ” said Assistant Director Martina Sagapolu of OLE ’ s Pacific Islands Division in a statement .
“ It is our hope that this reward will encourage someone to provide us with the information needed to arrest and convict those who would commit such a heinous act.
” The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office of Law Enforcement said it would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information provided leads to a civil penalty or criminal conviction .

HONOLULU (AP) - Federal wildlife officials are offering up to $20,000 for information regarding the deaths of two Hawaiian monk seals that occurred within two months of each other.
The first monk seal, a juvenile male identified as RL52, was found dead in September. The second seal, a juvenile female, was found dead in November, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported Friday.
The Hawaiian monk seal is listed as endangered and is protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 from being killed, harmed, trapped, captured or harassed. Intentionally killing a monk seal is considered a felony under state law and can also be punished by federal law.
“The intentional killing of an endangered Hawaiian monk seal is a violation of federal law,” said Assistant Director Martina Sagapolu of OLE’s Pacific Islands Division in a statement. “It is our hope that this reward will encourage someone to provide us with the information needed to arrest and convict those who would commit such a heinous act.”
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office of Law Enforcement said it would give up to $20,000 if the information provided leads to a civil penalty or criminal conviction.


washingtontimes--2020-12-05--Former Washington player accused twice of sexual assault

SEATTLE ( AP ) - Nahziah Carter left the Washington basketball program this week after being suspended by the university following investigation of two sexual assault allegations against him .
Carter announced Friday he was leaving Washington to begin his professional career .
Carter , who was expected to be Washington ’ s top player this season , had not taken part in any basketball activities for Washington since October .
Washington athletics said Oct. 15 that Carter was suspended for violating the school ’ s intercollegiate athletics student code of conduct and was suspended from all team activities .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ two students reported accusations of sexual assault by Carter to Washington ’ s Title IX office earlier this year .
In each case , an administrative hearing officer determined Carter had violated the school ’ s policy against sexual assault .
Carter ’ s suspension was finalized earlier this week following unsuccessful appeals of both cases .
The suspension from was for three quarters , through next summer .
Balta said the first complaint against Carter came in January and the second in March .
The 6-foot-6 guard averaged 12.2 points last season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prayer and conversation with my family .
I have decided to leave the University of Washington and pursue my professional career , ” Carter tweeted .
“ Coach ( Mike ) Hopkins and the University of Washington has brought out the best in me .
For that I will forever be thankful .
Forever a Husky !
”

SEATTLE (AP) - Nahziah Carter left the Washington basketball program this week after being suspended by the university following investigation of two sexual assault allegations against him.
Carter announced Friday he was leaving Washington to begin his professional career. Carter, who was expected to be Washington’s top player this season, had not taken part in any basketball activities for Washington since October. Washington athletics said Oct. 15 that Carter was suspended for violating the school’s intercollegiate athletics student code of conduct and was suspended from all team activities.
University spokesman Victor Balta said Saturday that two students reported accusations of sexual assault by Carter to Washington’s Title IX office earlier this year. In each case, an administrative hearing officer determined Carter had violated the school’s policy against sexual assault.
Carter’s suspension was finalized earlier this week following unsuccessful appeals of both cases. The suspension from was for three quarters, through next summer. Balta said the first complaint against Carter came in January and the second in March.
The 6-foot-6 guard averaged 12.2 points last season as a junior.
“After much prayer and conversation with my family. I have decided to leave the University of Washington and pursue my professional career,” Carter tweeted. “Coach (Mike) Hopkins and the University of Washington has brought out the best in me. For that I will forever be thankful. Forever a Husky!”


washingtontimes--2020-12-05--Trump assails vote integrity while urging turnout in Ga.

VALDOSTA , Georgia ( AP ) - President Donald Trump pressed his grievances over losing the presidential election Saturday , using a rally to spread baseless allegations of misconduct in last month ’ s voting in Georgia and beyond even as he pushed supporters to turn out for a pair of Republican Senate candidates in a runoff election in January .
“ Let them steal Georgia again , you ’ ll never be able to look yourself in the mirror , ” Trump told rallygoers .
Trump ’ s 100-minute rally before thousands of largely maskless supporters came not long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Republican governor in his astounding call for a special legislative session to give him the state ’ s electoral votes , even though President-elect Joe Biden won the majority of the vote .
The Jan. 5 Senate runoffs in Georgia will determine the balance of power in Washington after Biden takes office .
Republicans in the state are worried that Trump is stoking so much suspicion about Georgia elections that voters will think the system is rigged and decide to sit out the two races .
The latest futile attempt to subvert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s unprecedented campaign to undermine confidence in the democratic process , but overshadowed his stated purpose in traveling to Georgia - boosting Sens .
David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler .
Republicans need one victory to maintain their Senate majority .
Democrats need a Georgia sweep to force a 50-50 Senate and position Vice President-elect Kamala Harris as the tiebreaking vote .
Party officials had hoped the president would dedicate his energy to imploring supporters to vote in the runoff , when Perdue and Loeffler try to hold off Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican rhetoric that the races amounted to “ the most important congressional runoff , probably in American history.
” That is only true because he lost .
But after Air Force One landed , it quickly became apparent that Trump was intent on airing his own complaints and stoking baseless doubts about the conduct of last month ’ s vote , rather than boosting his party .
“ I want to stay on presidential , ” Trumps said minutes into his speech .
“ But I got to get to these two.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for his support for military spending and Loeffler for pushing for early coronavirus relief spending .
But he quickly pivoted back to his own defeat .
Trump pulled out a piece of paper and read a list of his electoral achievements , including falsely asserting he won Georgia and the White House .
Biden carried the state by 12,670 votes and won a record 81 million votes nationally .
Trump continued to reiterate his unsubstantiated claims of fraud , despite his own administration assessing the election to have been conducted without any major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ” drowned out the two senators as they briefly spoke to the crowd .
Hours before the event , Trump asked Georgia Gov .
Brian Kemp in a phone call to order the legislative session ; the governor refused , according to a senior government official in Georgia with knowledge of the call who was not authorized to discuss the private conversation and spoke on the condition of anonymity .
A person close to the White House who was briefed on the matter verified that account of the call .
Kemp , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked him to order an audit of signatures on absentee ballot envelopes in his state , a step Kemp is not empowered to take because he has no authority to interfere in the electoral process on Trump ’ s behalf .
Trump , though , vented his frustrations with Kemp on Twitter and at the rally .
“ Your people are refusing to do what you ask , ” he complained in a tweet , as if speaking with Kemp .
“ What are they hiding ?
At least immediately ask for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can easily , and immediately , do.
” At the rally , he took aim once again at Kemp , saying he could assure him victory “ if he knew what the hell he was doing.
” Trump ’ s personal contact with the governor demonstrated he is intent on amplifying his conspiratorial and debunked theories of electoral fraud even as Georgia Republicans want him to turn his focus to the runoff and encourage their supporters to get out and vote .
In his tweet , Kemp said : “ As I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve publicly called for a signature audit three times ( 11/20 , 11/24 , 12/3 ) to restore confidence in our election process and to ensure that only legal votes are counted in Georgia.
” While the governor does not have the authority to order a signature audit , an audit was initiated by Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and it triggered a full hand recount that confirmed Biden ’ s victory in Georgia .
The race has been certified for Biden and affirmed by the state ’ s Republican election officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with none of the systemic errors Trump alleges .
But after two pro-Trump lawyers this past week questioned whether voting again is even worth it - in echoes of the president ’ s baseless accusations of widespread voter fraud - even Vice President Mike Pence betrayed concerns that the Republican coalition could crack under the force of Trump ’ s grievances .
“ I know we ’ ve all got our doubts about the last election , and I hear some of you saying , ‘ Just don ’ t vote , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Perdue in Savannah .
“ If you don ’ t vote , they win.
” Few Republicans in Washington or Georgia believe wide swaths of the electorate in this newfound battleground would opt out of voting because of Trump ’ s false claims or his denigration of the Georgia governor and secretary of state for certifying Biden ’ s victory in the state .
The risk for the GOP is that it wouldn ’ t take much of a drop-off to matter if the runoffs are as close as the presidential contest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ votes out of 5 million cast .
There ’ s enough noise to explain why Pence felt the need to confront the matter head on after two Trump loyalists floated the idea of the president ’ s supporters bailing on Perdue and Loeffler .
Trump ’ s false claims have resonated with voters such as Barry Mann , a 61-year-old business owner who came to hear Pence in Savannah .
Mann hasn ’ t decided whether he ’ ll vote for his senators a second time .
“ I think there ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigation needs to be done , ” Mann said , adding that he doesn ’ t think Perdue and Loeffler have done enough to support Trump ’ s efforts to overturn the results .
“ I want to see what happens between now and January , ” Mann said .
Nadler reported from Atlanta and Miller from Wilmington , Delaware .
Associated Press writers Bill Barrow in Atlanta and Russ Bynum in Savannah , Georgia , contributed to this report .

AAMER MADHANI, BEN NADLER and ZEKE MILLER

VALDOSTA, Georgia (AP) - President Donald Trump pressed his grievances over losing the presidential election Saturday, using a rally to spread baseless allegations of misconduct in last month’s voting in Georgia and beyond even as he pushed supporters to turn out for a pair of Republican Senate candidates in a runoff election in January.
“Let them steal Georgia again, you’ll never be able to look yourself in the mirror,” Trump told rallygoers.
Trump’s 100-minute rally before thousands of largely maskless supporters came not long after he was rebuffed by Georgia’s Republican governor in his astounding call for a special legislative session to give him the state’s electoral votes, even though President-elect Joe Biden won the majority of the vote.
The Jan. 5 Senate runoffs in Georgia will determine the balance of power in Washington after Biden takes office. Republicans in the state are worried that Trump is stoking so much suspicion about Georgia elections that voters will think the system is rigged and decide to sit out the two races.
The latest futile attempt to subvert the presidential election results continued Trump’s unprecedented campaign to undermine confidence in the democratic process, but overshadowed his stated purpose in traveling to Georgia - boosting Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler.
Republicans need one victory to maintain their Senate majority. Democrats need a Georgia sweep to force a 50-50 Senate and position Vice President-elect Kamala Harris as the tiebreaking vote. Party officials had hoped the president would dedicate his energy to imploring supporters to vote in the runoff, when Perdue and Loeffler try to hold off Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, respectively.
Trump did echo Republican rhetoric that the races amounted to “the most important congressional runoff, probably in American history.” That is only true because he lost.
But after Air Force One landed, it quickly became apparent that Trump was intent on airing his own complaints and stoking baseless doubts about the conduct of last month’s vote, rather than boosting his party.
“I want to stay on presidential,” Trump said minutes into his speech. “But I got to get to these two.” He praised the GOP lawmakers, Perdue for his support for military spending and Loeffler for pushing for early coronavirus relief spending. But he quickly pivoted back to his own defeat.
Trump pulled out a piece of paper and read a list of his electoral achievements, including falsely asserting he won Georgia and the White House. Biden carried the state by 12,670 votes and won a record 81 million votes nationally. Trump continued to reiterate his unsubstantiated claims of fraud, despite his own administration assessing the election to have been conducted without any major issues.
Chants of “Fight for Trump” drowned out the two senators as they briefly spoke to the crowd.
Hours before the event, Trump asked Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp in a phone call to order the legislative session; the governor refused, according to a senior government official in Georgia with knowledge of the call who was not authorized to discuss the private conversation and spoke on the condition of anonymity. A person close to the White House who was briefed on the matter verified that account of the call.
Kemp, in a tweet, said Trump also asked him to order an audit of signatures on absentee ballot envelopes in his state, a step Kemp is not empowered to take because he has no authority to interfere in the electoral process on Trump’s behalf.
Trump, though, vented his frustrations with Kemp on Twitter and at the rally.
“Your people are refusing to do what you ask,” he complained in a tweet, as if speaking with Kemp. “What are they hiding? At least immediately ask for a Special Session of the Legislature. That you can easily, and immediately, do.”
At the rally, he took aim once again at Kemp, saying he could assure him victory “if he knew what the hell he was doing.”
Trump’s personal contact with the governor demonstrated he is intent on amplifying his conspiratorial and debunked theories of electoral fraud even as Georgia Republicans want him to turn his focus to the runoff and encourage their supporters to get out and vote.
In his tweet, Kemp said: “As I told the President this morning, I’ve publicly called for a signature audit three times (11/20, 11/24, 12/3) to restore confidence in our election process and to ensure that only legal votes are counted in Georgia.”
While the governor does not have the authority to order a signature audit, an audit was initiated by Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and it triggered a full hand recount that confirmed Biden’s victory in Georgia. The race has been certified for Biden and affirmed by the state’s Republican election officials as a fairly conducted and counted vote, with none of the systemic errors Trump alleges.
But after two pro-Trump lawyers this past week questioned whether voting again is even worth it - in echoes of the president’s baseless accusations of widespread voter fraud - even Vice President Mike Pence betrayed concerns that the Republican coalition could crack under the force of Trump’s grievances.
“I know we’ve all got our doubts about the last election, and I hear some of you saying, ‘Just don’t vote,’” Pence said Friday while campaigning with Perdue in Savannah. “If you don’t vote, they win.”
Few Republicans in Washington or Georgia believe wide swaths of the electorate in this newfound battleground would opt out of voting because of Trump’s false claims or his denigration of the Georgia governor and secretary of state for certifying Biden’s victory in the state.
The risk for the GOP is that it wouldn’t take much of a drop-off to matter if the runoffs are as close as the presidential contest: Biden won Georgia by about 12,500 votes out of 5 million cast. There’s enough noise to explain why Pence felt the need to confront the matter head on after two Trump loyalists floated the idea of the president’s supporters bailing on Perdue and Loeffler.
Trump’s false claims have resonated with voters such as Barry Mann, a 61-year-old business owner who came to hear Pence in Savannah. Mann hasn’t decided whether he’ll vote for his senators a second time.
“I think there’s some issues with our election and more investigation needs to be done,” Mann said, adding that he doesn’t think Perdue and Loeffler have done enough to support Trump’s efforts to overturn the results. “I want to see what happens between now and January,” Mann said.
___
Nadler reported from Atlanta and Miller from Wilmington, Delaware. Associated Press writers Bill Barrow in Atlanta and Russ Bynum in Savannah, Georgia, contributed to this report.


washingtontimes--2020-12-06--Eatery owner leads rally at home of L.A. official who voted to close outdoor dining

Frustration over California restaurant closures , favoritism and hypocrisy boiled over Saturday as protesters gathered outside the home of a Los Angeles County supervisor who dined outdoors after voting to ban such activity .
The rally featured Angela Marsden , owner of the Pineapple Hill Saloon and Grill , whose viral video showed a movie production company setting up food tents and tables next to her restaurant ’ s outdoor-dining set-up , which she was ordered to close under coronavirus restrictions .
The protesters , who included restaurant workers , held signs with messages like “ Stop the Hypocrisy ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” as shown on video posted online by Fox 11 Los Angeles .
“ We in the restaurant industry are losing everything , ” Ms. Marsden said at the rally .
“ We have bartenders with babies and children , and they can ’ t pay their rent !
They can ’ t eat !
And it ’ s because of you , Sheila [ Kuehl ] , as laugh and dine and eat out.
” The rally came after California Gov .
Gavin Newsom announced Thursday another shutdown pegged to hospital ICU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state ’ s five regions — Southern California and the San Joaquin Valley — under stay-at-home orders and business restrictions starting Sunday .
< blockquote class= ” twitter-tweet ” > < p lang= ” en ” dir= ” ltr ” > Restaraunt shutdown protesters currently outside the home of L.A. County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl chanting “ Let us work !
” < a href= ” https : //t.co/PFsfeq6vPu ” > https : //t.co/PFsfeq6vPu < /a > < /p > — Bill Melugin ( @ BillFOXLA ) < a href= ” https : //twitter.com/BillFOXLA/status/1335306028427055104 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 , 2020 < /a > < /blockquote > < script async src= ” https : //platform.twitter.com/widgets.js ” charset= ” utf-8 ” > < /script > The order prohibits both indoor and outdoor dining at restaurants and bars , as well as the closure of outdoor playgrounds , hair salons , movie theaters , campgrounds , wineries and amusement parks , and limits retailers to 20 % capacity .
“ We are at a tipping point in our fight against the virus and we need to take decisive action now to prevent California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the coming weeks , ” Mr. Newsom said in a statement .
“ By invoking a Stay at Home Order for regions where ICU capacity falls below 15 percent , we can flatten the curve as we ’ ve done before and reduce stress on our health care system.
” The state ’ s other three regions — Northern California , the Bay Area and Greater Sacramento — have reported that their ICU capacity still exceeds 20 % , according to the California Department of Public Health .
The state Health Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s ICU capacity has dropped to 8.6 % , while the Southern California region has 12.5 % .
Ms. Kuehl came under fire for dining outdoors at Il Forno Trattoria in Santa Monica just hours after voting Nov. 24 to uphold a county-wide ban on outdoor dining , which passed 3-2 , calling it “ probably more dangerous in terms of contagion than any other kind of business.
” Her office said in a statement that she wanted to support the restaurant , a favorite of hers , and that outdoor dining was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health rules .
Ms. Marsden became a social media sensation after accusing elected officials of a double-standard for allowing the production company to offer outdoor dining while forcing the closure of her Sherman Oaks restaurant ’ s outdoor dining area , which she said paid $ 80,000 to establish .
She blamed Mr. Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti for what “ every person that doesn ’ t have unemployment , that does not have a job , and for all the businesses that are going under.
” “ Obviously Mayor Garcetti @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being set up for a movie company , ” she said .
“ I ’ m losing everything .
Everything I own is being taken away from me , and they set up a movie company right next to my outdoor patio.
” A GoFundMe page for the Pineapple Hill Saloon had raised more than $ 87,000 , as of Sunday .
Ms. Marsden said : “ And people wonder why I ’ m protesting and why I ’ ve had enough ?
They have not given us money and they have shut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
My staff can not survive .
Look at this .
Tell me that this is dangerous , but right next to me , as a slap in my face , this is safe ?
Fifty feet away ?
” California reported that Friday ’ s figures show another 25,068 new daily positive cases , bringing the total cases to 1.3 million , and 19,791 deaths after adding an additional 209 fatalities .
The state ’ s population is 39.5 million .

Frustration over California restaurant closures, favoritism and hypocrisy boiled over Saturday as protesters gathered outside the home of a Los Angeles County supervisor who dined outdoors after voting to ban such activity.
The rally featured Angela Marsden, owner of the Pineapple Hill Saloon and Grill, whose viral video showed a movie production company setting up food tents and tables next to her restaurant’s outdoor-dining set-up, which she was ordered to close under coronavirus restrictions.
The protesters, who included restaurant workers, held signs with messages like “Stop the Hypocrisy” and chanted “Let us work,” as shown on video posted online by Fox 11 Los Angeles.
“We in the restaurant industry are losing everything,” Ms. Marsden said at the rally. “We have bartenders with babies and children, and they can’t pay their rent! They can’t eat! And it’s because of you, Sheila [Kuehl], as laugh and dine and eat out.”
The rally came after California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Thursday another shutdown pegged to hospital ICU capacity that will place two of the state’s five regions — Southern California and the San Joaquin Valley — under stay-at-home orders and business restrictions starting Sunday.
The order prohibits both indoor and outdoor dining at restaurants and bars, as well as the closure of outdoor playgrounds, hair salons, movie theaters, campgrounds, wineries and amusement parks, and limits retailers to 20% capacity.
“We are at a tipping point in our fight against the virus and we need to take decisive action now to prevent California’s hospital system from being overwhelmed in the coming weeks,” Mr. Newsom said in a statement. “By invoking a Stay at Home Order for regions where ICU capacity falls below 15 percent, we can flatten the curve as we’ve done before and reduce stress on our health care system.”
The state’s other three regions — Northern California, the Bay Area and Greater Sacramento — have reported that their ICU capacity still exceeds 20%, according to the California Department of Public Health.
The state Health Department said Saturday that San Joaquin Valley’s ICU capacity has dropped to 8.6%, while the Southern California region has 12.5%.
Ms. Kuehl came under fire for dining outdoors at Il Forno Trattoria in Santa Monica just hours after voting Nov. 24 to uphold a county-wide ban on outdoor dining, which passed 3-2, calling it “probably more dangerous in terms of contagion than any other kind of business.”
Her office said in a statement that she wanted to support the restaurant, a favorite of hers, and that outdoor dining was still allowed that night under county public health rules.
Ms. Marsden became a social media sensation after accusing elected officials of a double-standard for allowing the production company to offer outdoor dining while forcing the closure of her Sherman Oaks restaurant’s outdoor dining area, which she said paid $80,000 to establish.
She blamed Mr. Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti for what “every person that doesn’t have unemployment, that does not have a job, and for all the businesses that are going under.”
“Obviously Mayor Garcetti has approved this — has approved this being set up for a movie company,” she said. “I’m losing everything. Everything I own is being taken away from me, and they set up a movie company right next to my outdoor patio.”
A GoFundMe page for the Pineapple Hill Saloon had raised more than $87,000, as of Sunday.
Ms. Marsden said: “And people wonder why I’m protesting and why I’ve had enough? They have not given us money and they have shut us down. We cannot survive. My staff cannot survive. Look at this. Tell me that this is dangerous, but right next to me, as a slap in my face, this is safe? Fifty feet away?”
California reported that Friday’s figures show another 25,068 new daily positive cases, bringing the total cases to 1.3 million, and 19,791 deaths after adding an additional 209 fatalities. The state’s population is 39.5 million.
• Valerie Richardson can be reached at vrichardson@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-12-06--46 US students chosen for Marshall Scholarships to the UK

BOSTON ( AP ) - Forty-six students from across the United States have been chosen to receive Marshall Scholarships that will enable them to study in the United Kingdom , the British government announced Sunday .
For the first time in the program ’ s 66-year history , 52 % of the class are members of minority communities , including a record number of Black and Latinx scholars .
A majority are female and six are first-generation college students .
The 2021 class will take up their studies next September at 14 institutions across the U.K. “ This class , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the program ’ s history , is a wonderful mirror of modern American society and demonstrates the vital role that the Marshall Scholarship continues to play in maintaining a vibrant U.S.-U.K. relationship , ” Karen Pierce , the British ambassador to the United States said in a statement announcing the recipients .
The program , created in 1953 and principally funded by the British government , began as a gesture of gratitude to the U.S. for assistance the U.K. received after World War II under the Marshall Plan , the program that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between 1948 and 1951 .
Of the 35 U.S. institutions represented in the class , nearly half are from state or public universities .

BOSTON (AP) - Forty-six students from across the United States have been chosen to receive Marshall Scholarships that will enable them to study in the United Kingdom, the British government announced Sunday.
For the first time in the program’s 66-year history, 52% of the class are members of minority communities, including a record number of Black and Latinx scholars. A majority are female and six are first-generation college students.
The 2021 class will take up their studies next September at 14 institutions across the U.K.
“This class, one of the most diverse and inclusive in the program’s history, is a wonderful mirror of modern American society and demonstrates the vital role that the Marshall Scholarship continues to play in maintaining a vibrant U.S.-U.K. relationship,” Karen Pierce, the British ambassador to the United States said in a statement announcing the recipients.
The program, created in 1953 and principally funded by the British government, began as a gesture of gratitude to the U.S. for assistance the U.K. received after World War II under the Marshall Plan, the program that aided in Europe’s economic recovery between 1948 and 1951.
Of the 35 U.S. institutions represented in the class, nearly half are from state or public universities.


washingtontimes--2020-12-06--Member of Gov. Lamont's staff tests positive for COVID-19

HARTFORD , Conn. ( AP ) - A member of Connecticut Gov .
Ned Lamont ‘ s staff is in isolation after testing positive for the coronavirus , Lamont ‘ s chief of staff announced .
Lamont was close to the staff member as recently as Thursday but does not meet the criteria for close contact as outlined by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , chief of staff Paul Mounds said in a statement late Saturday .
Lamont , a Democrat , is feeling well but will undergo regularly scheduled testing in the coming days , Mounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events this weekend .
“ We have implemented further protocols to limit contact with the governor , but this is yet another reminder that the virus is spreading across our state and the across the country , ” Mounds said .
“ We all must continue to keep our guard up by wearing masks , avoiding gatherings , and taking necessary precautions like washing our hands regularly.
” The staff member who tested positive for the virus is experiencing mild symptoms , Mounds said .
Contact tracing is under way , he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after his chief spokesperson tested positive for COVID-19 .

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont’s deputy communications director, Rob Blanchard, is in quarantine after testing positive for the coronavirus, he announced Sunday.
Blanchard said in a statement posted on Twitter that he was tested on Thursday and received the positive result on Saturday. “As many of you know and have seen, I am extremely careful and take all precautions when around the governor and staff,” he said. “I cannot pinpoint the precise location that I may have contracted the virus as I was negative for my COVID test on Monday and did not begin to display any symptoms until Friday - when I did not come to work at the Capitol.”
Blanchard came forward after Lamont’s chief of staff, Paul Mounds, announced Saturday that an unnamed member of the governor’s staff had tested positive.
Mounds said in a statement that Lamont was close to the staff member as recently as Thursday but did not meet the criteria for close contact as outlined by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Lamont, a Democrat, is feeling well but will undergo regularly scheduled testing in the coming days, Mounds said. The governor had no public events scheduled for the weekend.
“We have implemented further protocols to limit contact with the governor, but this is yet another reminder that the virus is spreading across our state and the across the country,” Mounds said. “We all must continue to keep our guard up by wearing masks, avoiding gatherings, and taking necessary precautions like washing our hands regularly.”
Blanchard said he would quarantine for the next two weeks, adding he has been cooperating with public health official in the contact tracing process.
Mounds said Blanchard, who had yet to be named, was experiencing mild symptoms.
Lamont went into quarantine in November after his chief spokesperson tested positive for COVID-19.


washingtontimes--2020-12-06--Poll: Most Ga. voters want special session for ballot signature verification

Most Georgia voters want Republican Gov .
Brian Kemp to call a special session to require signature verification on absentee ballots , according to a new poll .
A McLaughlin & Associates survey released Saturday showed that 58 % of likely voters contacted in late November want Georgia ’ s legislature to “ require signature verification for every mail-in ballot for the Jan. 5 runoff elections for the U.S. Senate , ” versus 38 % who disagreed .
Pollster John McLaughlin said the poll was modeled on Nov. 3 presidential turnout and voters who participated in the race .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to call a special session of the state legislature to require signature verification for all mail-in ballots for the Senate runoff is strong and broad with a three-to-two statewide majority , ” Mr. McLaughlin told the Georgia Star News .
He said that the majority support was “ broad with approval from every key voter group in the state.
” “ The people in Georgia clearly want an honest and secure election , ” Mr. McLaughlin said .
“ They certainly view requiring signature verification of mail-in ballots as an important element of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governor should call on the legislature to act immediately.
” Mr. Kemp , who has resisted calls for a special session , tweeted Saturday that he has called for a signature audit of the votes on three separate occasions “ to restore confidence in our election process and to ensure that only legal votes are counted in Georgia ” after President Trump urged him to take legislative action .
“ But you never got the signature verification !
Your people are refusing to do what you ask .
What are they hiding ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Session of the Legislature .
That you can easily , and immediately , do , ” Mr. Trump tweeted Saturday .
Former Vice President Joseph R. Biden was declared the winner in Georgia after a hand recount , but Mr. Trump has challenged the vote count in Georgia ahead of the two Jan. 5 run-off races that will determine control of the U.S. Senate .
The president headlined a rally Saturday night in Valdosta , Georgia , to promote Republican Sens .
David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler , who are being challenged by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respectively .

Most Georgia voters want Republican Gov. Brian Kemp to call a special session to require signature verification on absentee ballots, according to a new poll.
A McLaughlin & Associates survey released Saturday showed that 58% of likely voters contacted in late November want Georgia’s legislature to “require signature verification for every mail-in ballot for the Jan. 5 runoff elections for the U.S. Senate,” versus 38% who disagreed.
Pollster John McLaughlin said the poll was modeled on Nov. 3 presidential turnout and voters who participated in the race.
“The voter sentiment now for Governor Kemp to call a special session of the state legislature to require signature verification for all mail-in ballots for the Senate runoff is strong and broad with a three-to-two statewide majority,” Mr. McLaughlin told the Georgia Star News.
He said that the majority support was “broad with approval from every key voter group in the state.”
“The people in Georgia clearly want an honest and secure election,” Mr. McLaughlin said. “They certainly view requiring signature verification of mail-in ballots as an important element of election integrity and fraud prevention. The governor should call on the legislature to act immediately.”
Mr. Kemp, who has resisted calls for a special session, tweeted Saturday that he has called for a signature audit of the votes on three separate occasions “to restore confidence in our election process and to ensure that only legal votes are counted in Georgia” after President Trump urged him to take legislative action.
“But you never got the signature verification! Your people are refusing to do what you ask. What are they hiding? At least immediately ask for a Special Session of the Legislature. That you can easily, and immediately, do,” Mr. Trump tweeted Saturday.
Former Vice President Joseph R. Biden was declared the winner in Georgia after a hand recount, but Mr. Trump has challenged the vote count in Georgia ahead of the two Jan. 5 run-off races that will determine control of the U.S. Senate.
The president headlined a rally Saturday night in Valdosta, Georgia, to promote Republican Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler, who are being challenged by Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, respectively.
• Valerie Richardson can be reached at vrichardson@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-12-06--A distanced season: Santa meets with Delaware kids on Zoom

BEAR , Del .
( AP ) - Realizing coronavirus would make many children feel sad they can ’ t sit on Santa ’ s lap this Christmas season , a local Santa Claus decided to try what many have been doing during the pandemic – Zoom .
With the help of tech-savvy friends , a blue screen and a bit of Christmas magic , this Santa converted a second-floor bedroom in Bear to the North Pole , complete with a snowing backdrop , Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the occasional visit from Boots the cat .
“ Who knew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happen ?
” said Daniel Slipetsky , who has been playing Santa for more than two decades .
“ I mean , I ’ m 75 and I ’ ve never seen anything like it .
Who has ?
” The video conferencing service , which has kept people remotely socializing and working during much of the pandemic , is allowing Slipetsky to visit with children who otherwise would miss out on Father Christmas this year .
Zoom , and similar services , are also allowing other Santas to work during the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , well , less jolly .
With restrictions on large group gatherings and recommendations to stay home as infections surge , in-person Santa Claus visits were expected to be down this season , anywhere from 25 % to 40 % , Mitch Allen , founder of HireSanta.com , told USA Today .
A mall Santa with “ a real beard , real belly , real laugh , ″ can make anywhere between $ 5,000 and $ 10,000 working through November and December , Allen said .
For many Santa Claus entertainers , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ these gentlemen are retired … and so this loss of income will be substantial , ″ Allen said .
“ They ’ ve talked to me about how this is going to be a really tough season because of that.″ Slipetsky , who can be found on Facebook at Santa Dan Slipetsky , said he ’ s fortunate that he ’ s not hurting as badly as others , but acknowledged this is a rough season to be Santa .
“ Because of no large-group gatherings my breakfasts with Santa are gone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ My home visits are just about gone except for some people I know that I ’ m willing to take a chance there , ” he said .
“ Even the mall work has changed , where children will not sit with Santa and Santa needs to wear a mask – even for the picture .
“ This is all very , very different.
” Despite the virtual visits , Santa continues to be a big draw for retailers who after being largely shut down in the spring , may need him more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this holiday season .
HireSanta worked with a manufacturer to create plexiglass shields that allow kids to see Santa in person but without contact .
“ We think we ’ ll be putting this in a number of our large retailers that we deal with because they really rely on Santa … to draw people into their establishment , ” Allen said .
Some clients are also doing outdoor events .
“ They ’ ll still have Santa , but he ’ ll be sitting on a sleigh and kids will be 6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Some Delaware businesses , including at the Concord Mall where Slipetsky works on Mondays , have installed plexiglass between Santa and the children .
The visits are followed by cleanings .
While some might question how intimate a remote visit with Santa can be , Robert Mahoney said it was worth the money to have his son , Jude , be virtually visited by Slipetsky ’ s Santa .
“ Dan had me send him an entire list of different things Jude was into or activities he was attending , ” Mahoney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) knew everything and totally told Jude everything that was going on .
It just added to the magic.
” Santa even knew the name of the wrestler Jude wanted to go by : Kane Jr. “ He was crying at the end of the day because he didn ’ t want the day to end , ” Mahoney said of his son .
“ He said his favorite part was his conversation with Santa.
” The Mahoneys chose the virtual visit because they did not want to risk exposing their only child @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And perhaps best of all was that Santa ’ s 15-minute visit was on Tuesday , Jude ’ s eighth birthday .
People who use Slipetsky ’ s service , which costs $ 50 , can record the visit .
Jude ’ s conversation with Santa is a keeper , especially when he was asked by the jolly one what he wanted for Christmas .
“ Can you grant me a spectacular Christmas even though it ’ s been a bad year ?
, ” the boy asked .
“ Well , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ answer that except to say this : I will do the very very best I can .
OK ?
” Santa responded .

BEAR, Del. (AP) - Realizing coronavirus would make many children feel sad they can’t sit on Santa’s lap this Christmas season, a local Santa Claus decided to try what many have been doing during the pandemic – Zoom.
With the help of tech-savvy friends, a blue screen and a bit of Christmas magic, this Santa converted a second-floor bedroom in Bear to the North Pole, complete with a snowing backdrop, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the occasional visit from Boots the cat.
“Who knew (the pandemic) was going to happen?” said Daniel Slipetsky, who has been playing Santa for more than two decades. “I mean, I’m 75 and I’ve never seen anything like it. Who has?”
The video conferencing service, which has kept people remotely socializing and working during much of the pandemic, is allowing Slipetsky to visit with children who otherwise would miss out on Father Christmas this year. Zoom, and similar services, are also allowing other Santas to work during the pandemic that has left many jolly elves feeling, well, less jolly.
With restrictions on large group gatherings and recommendations to stay home as infections surge, in-person Santa Claus visits were expected to be down this season, anywhere from 25% to 40%, Mitch Allen, founder of HireSanta.com, told USA Today.
A mall Santa with “a real beard, real belly, real laugh,″ can make anywhere between $5,000 and $10,000 working through November and December, Allen said. For many Santa Claus entertainers, that extra cash is crucial.
Often, “these gentlemen are retired … and so this loss of income will be substantial,″ Allen said. “They’ve talked to me about how this is going to be a really tough season because of that.″
Slipetsky, who can be found on Facebook at Santa Dan Slipetsky, said he’s fortunate that he’s not hurting as badly as others, but acknowledged this is a rough season to be Santa.
“Because of no large-group gatherings my breakfasts with Santa are gone. My firehouse parties are gone. My home visits are just about gone except for some people I know that I’m willing to take a chance there,” he said. “Even the mall work has changed, where children will not sit with Santa and Santa needs to wear a mask – even for the picture.
“This is all very, very different.”
Despite the virtual visits, Santa continues to be a big draw for retailers who after being largely shut down in the spring, may need him more than ever to bring in foot traffic this holiday season.
HireSanta worked with a manufacturer to create plexiglass shields that allow kids to see Santa in person but without contact. “We think we’ll be putting this in a number of our large retailers that we deal with because they really rely on Santa … to draw people into their establishment,” Allen said.
Some clients are also doing outdoor events.
“They’ll still have Santa, but he’ll be sitting on a sleigh and kids will be 6 feet away,’” Allen said.
Some Delaware businesses, including at the Concord Mall where Slipetsky works on Mondays, have installed plexiglass between Santa and the children. The visits are followed by cleanings.
While some might question how intimate a remote visit with Santa can be, Robert Mahoney said it was worth the money to have his son, Jude, be virtually visited by Slipetsky’s Santa.
“Dan had me send him an entire list of different things Jude was into or activities he was attending,” Mahoney said. “And he (Santa) knew everything and totally told Jude everything that was going on. It just added to the magic.”
Santa even knew the name of the wrestler Jude wanted to go by: Kane Jr.
“He was crying at the end of the day because he didn’t want the day to end,” Mahoney said of his son. “He said his favorite part was his conversation with Santa.”
The Mahoneys chose the virtual visit because they did not want to risk exposing their only child to the virus with an in-person visit. And perhaps best of all was that Santa’s 15-minute visit was on Tuesday, Jude’s eighth birthday.
People who use Slipetsky’s service, which costs $50, can record the visit.
Jude’s conversation with Santa is a keeper, especially when he was asked by the jolly one what he wanted for Christmas.
“Can you grant me a spectacular Christmas even though it’s been a bad year?,” the boy asked.
“Well, I’m not sure how to answer that except to say this: I will do the very very best I can. OK?” Santa responded.


washingtontimes--2020-12-06--WVa ski business spends millions on makeovers, new lifts

CANAAN VALLEY , W.Va. ( AP ) - A skiff of snow from daylong flurries clung to the spruce-shaded upper slopes of Timberline Mountain ski area last week as temperatures warmed from a pre-dawn low of 9 into the 50s under a blazing sun in a cloudless midday sky .
One thousand feet downslope , Tom Price , Timberline Mountain ’ s operations manager , showed visitors the newly installed and passenger-ready Doppelmayr six-pack detachable chairlift , its base station painted in West Virginia University blue and gold .
“ This is West Virginia ’ s first six-person per chair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It can make the trip to the top of the mountain in 4 minutes and 19 seconds.
” The new , state-of-the-art chairlift replaces Thunderstruck , an aging triple chair that was the primary people-mover for the ski area ’ s previous owner , Timberline Four Seasons Resort .
Ascents could take upward of 18 minutes .
About 100 yards south , a new Doppelmayr quad lift is ready to begin carrying up to four skiers and snowboarders per chair to Timberline Mountain ’ s mid-mountain station for access to intermediate-level trails , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ snowfall allows , slopes accommodating glade skiing .
The two new chairlifts , along with a new surface lift on a new beginners ’ slope , are among more than $ 10 million in new equipment and infrastructure upgrades the ski area ’ s new owner , Perfect North Slopes , has installed at Timberline Mountain to prepare for its season debut , likely on the first or second weekend in December .
Timberline Mountain ’ s predecessor , Timberline Four Seasons Resort , ceased operating in February 2019 following a series of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , financing and the water utility it operated .
The resort filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy two months later and its ski operation went on the auction block in November 2019 .
Perfect North Slopes acquired it with a $ 2.2 million bid .
The new owner lacked the time needed to make repairs , buy equipment , acquire licenses and permits and hire staff in time to capture 2019-20 ski season business .
Instead , Perfect North Slopes launched an ambitious capital improvements effort in March to prepare for an opening at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Perfect North Slopes is a family-owned ski area that began operating in 1980 on the hilly southeastern Indiana farm of Clyde Perfect , who also ran a brick-building business in Cincinnati , about a half-hour drive west .
The family made the most of their terrain , as well as the latest developments in snowmaking technology , to steadily grow a clientele of regional skiers and snowboarders .
A son , Chip Perfect , has run the business for years in addition to serving in the Indiana Senate .
“ For the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s been looking for ski areas to buy , but never found the right fit , ” Price said .
Timberline was among ski areas Perfect visited while shopping for possible acquisitions .
When he learned it was about to be sold in a bankruptcy auction , he revisited the property , did some due diligence and placed a bid .
“ It was really exciting to walk the property and envision where the lifts would go , ” Price said .
“ That ’ s the dream of every ski operator .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a cool place - I couldn ’ t be happier.
” To boost the ski area ’ s snowmaking capacity , new pumps have been purchased , two miles of new water pipe have been installed and serviceable older snowmakers have been reconditioned , Price said .
“ We ’ re ready to make snow the next time it ’ s cold enough to make it happen , ” he said .
“ We ’ ve probably doubled the snowmaking capacity here.
” Most preparation for the upcoming season now is focused on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ building , which housed warming areas , a restaurant , bar , rental and retail shops , office space and restrooms .
The interior has been gutted , remodeled and re-arranged , outfitted with new appliances and food service gear and enlarged with a 5,000-square-foot addition to accommodate more seating .
The rental area has been rearranged and refitted to get visitors on the slopes faster than ever .
From bins and racks on which sizes are clearly marked , guests snag their own boots , poles and helmets before being assigned the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bindings set to accommodate boot size and body weight .
A new boot rack pumps dry , heated air into newly returned rental boots , including the 850 pairs of new Head boots on the rack Thursday .
Elsewhere in the lodge , dozens of workers were busy installing new kitchen equipment , windows and bathroom fixtures in time for the season ’ s first wave of snow enthusiasts .
“ Our office staff has been staining the ceiling and walls , and our ski school director has been scraping accumulated soot off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We ’ ve still got a lot to do , but we ’ ll be ready to go in a week or two when there ’ s enough snow on the ground to open.
” Price said he doesn ’ t view Timberline Mountain as a competitor with neighboring Canaan Valley Resort ’ s ski area .
Having Timberline Mountain and Canaan Valley both open , along with White Grass Touring Center ’ s cross country trails system , makes it possible for visitors to make one trip and ski three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Canaan Valley in March , predicted 2020-21 will be a busy season for Tucker County and its snow resorts .
“ The Valley ’ s been packed this year , ” he said .
“ People are anxious to get out of the city and be outside where they can practice social distancing while having fun with family and friends.
” COVID-19 precautions practiced at Timberline Mountain this season include operating touch-free and online ticket sales , daily wellness screenings for employees , requiring guests and staff to wear masks while indoors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ snowboard group instruction and establishing queuing patterns that increase distancing in lift lines .
“ We will follow state regulations and West Virginia Ski Areas Association guidelines , ” Price said .
Some skiing and snowboarding practices lend themselves to meeting social distancing goals , he said .
“ Everyone ’ s wearing gloves , helmets and face masks and the length of skis and snowboards keep people feet away from each other in lift lines , ” he said .
Price said guests are encouraged to ride lifts with friends and relatives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and riders will not be forced to ride lifts with those not in their groups .
The six-person seats on the new Doppelmayr lift to the top of the mountain are wide enough to provide adequate distancing for two unaffiliated riders , he said .
West Virginia Ski Areas Association spokesman Joe Stevens suggested that skiers and snowboarders check with the resorts they plan to visit before traveling to them .
“ Every resort has its own COVID-19 plan , so before you go , it ’ s best to know what it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas are encouraging midweek visits and buying lift tickets online in advance of planned arrival dates .
On some weekends and peak holidays , capacity limits might be imposed to prevent crowding .
That could restrict or eliminate walk-up ticket sales .
Canaan Valley Resort plans to open its ski-snowboard season Dec. 12 , weather permitting , while Snowshoe Mountain Resort in Pocahontas County plans to kick off the ski season Friday .
In Raleigh County south of Beckley , Winterplace Resort ’ s opening date remains to be announced .

RICK STEELHAMMER, The Charleston Gazette-Mail

CANAAN VALLEY, W.Va. (AP) - A skiff of snow from daylong flurries clung to the spruce-shaded upper slopes of Timberline Mountain ski area last week as temperatures warmed from a pre-dawn low of 9 into the 50s under a blazing sun in a cloudless midday sky.
One thousand feet downslope, Tom Price, Timberline Mountain’s operations manager, showed visitors the newly installed and passenger-ready Doppelmayr six-pack detachable chairlift, its base station painted in West Virginia University blue and gold.
“This is West Virginia’s first six-person per chair lift,” Price said. “It can make the trip to the top of the mountain in 4 minutes and 19 seconds.”
The new, state-of-the-art chairlift replaces Thunderstruck, an aging triple chair that was the primary people-mover for the ski area’s previous owner, Timberline Four Seasons Resort. Ascents could take upward of 18 minutes.
About 100 yards south, a new Doppelmayr quad lift is ready to begin carrying up to four skiers and snowboarders per chair to Timberline Mountain’s mid-mountain station for access to intermediate-level trails, a terrain park and, when natural snowfall allows, slopes accommodating glade skiing.
The two new chairlifts, along with a new surface lift on a new beginners’ slope, are among more than $10 million in new equipment and infrastructure upgrades the ski area’s new owner, Perfect North Slopes, has installed at Timberline Mountain to prepare for its season debut, likely on the first or second weekend in December.
Timberline Mountain’s predecessor, Timberline Four Seasons Resort, ceased operating in February 2019 following a series of problems with its lifts, snowmaking gear, financing and the water utility it operated. The resort filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy two months later and its ski operation went on the auction block in November 2019. Perfect North Slopes acquired it with a $2.2 million bid.
The new owner lacked the time needed to make repairs, buy equipment, acquire licenses and permits and hire staff in time to capture 2019-20 ski season business. Instead, Perfect North Slopes launched an ambitious capital improvements effort in March to prepare for an opening at the start of the 2020-21 season.
Perfect North Slopes is a family-owned ski area that began operating in 1980 on the hilly southeastern Indiana farm of Clyde Perfect, who also ran a brick-building business in Cincinnati, about a half-hour drive west. The family made the most of their terrain, as well as the latest developments in snowmaking technology, to steadily grow a clientele of regional skiers and snowboarders.
A son, Chip Perfect, has run the business for years in addition to serving in the Indiana Senate.
“For the past 15 or 20 years, Chip’s been looking for ski areas to buy, but never found the right fit,” Price said.
Timberline was among ski areas Perfect visited while shopping for possible acquisitions. When he learned it was about to be sold in a bankruptcy auction, he revisited the property, did some due diligence and placed a bid.
“It was really exciting to walk the property and envision where the lifts would go,” Price said. “That’s the dream of every ski operator. To be here now, in such a cool place - I couldn’t be happier.”
To boost the ski area’s snowmaking capacity, new pumps have been purchased, two miles of new water pipe have been installed and serviceable older snowmakers have been reconditioned, Price said.
“We’re ready to make snow the next time it’s cold enough to make it happen,” he said. “We’ve probably doubled the snowmaking capacity here.”
Most preparation for the upcoming season now is focused on the ski area’s 35-year-old lodge building, which housed warming areas, a restaurant, bar, rental and retail shops, office space and restrooms. The interior has been gutted, remodeled and re-arranged, outfitted with new appliances and food service gear and enlarged with a 5,000-square-foot addition to accommodate more seating.
The rental area has been rearranged and refitted to get visitors on the slopes faster than ever. From bins and racks on which sizes are clearly marked, guests snag their own boots, poles and helmets before being assigned the appropriate size snowboards and skis with ski bindings set to accommodate boot size and body weight. A new boot rack pumps dry, heated air into newly returned rental boots, including the 850 pairs of new Head boots on the rack Thursday.
Elsewhere in the lodge, dozens of workers were busy installing new kitchen equipment, windows and bathroom fixtures in time for the season’s first wave of snow enthusiasts.
“Our office staff has been staining the ceiling and walls, and our ski school director has been scraping accumulated soot off the fireplace rocks,” Price said. “We’ve still got a lot to do, but we’ll be ready to go in a week or two when there’s enough snow on the ground to open.”
Price said he doesn’t view Timberline Mountain as a competitor with neighboring Canaan Valley Resort’s ski area. Having Timberline Mountain and Canaan Valley both open, along with White Grass Touring Center’s cross country trails system, makes it possible for visitors to make one trip and ski three different areas.
Price, who moved to Canaan Valley in March, predicted 2020-21 will be a busy season for Tucker County and its snow resorts.
“The Valley’s been packed this year,” he said. “People are anxious to get out of the city and be outside where they can practice social distancing while having fun with family and friends.”
COVID-19 precautions practiced at Timberline Mountain this season include operating touch-free and online ticket sales, daily wellness screenings for employees, requiring guests and staff to wear masks while indoors, reduced class sizes for ski and snowboard group instruction and establishing queuing patterns that increase distancing in lift lines.
“We will follow state regulations and West Virginia Ski Areas Association guidelines,” Price said.
Some skiing and snowboarding practices lend themselves to meeting social distancing goals, he said.
“Everyone’s wearing gloves, helmets and face masks and the length of skis and snowboards keep people feet away from each other in lift lines,” he said.
Price said guests are encouraged to ride lifts with friends and relatives from their travel groups. Individual skiers and riders will not be forced to ride lifts with those not in their groups. The six-person seats on the new Doppelmayr lift to the top of the mountain are wide enough to provide adequate distancing for two unaffiliated riders, he said.
West Virginia Ski Areas Association spokesman Joe Stevens suggested that skiers and snowboarders check with the resorts they plan to visit before traveling to them.
“Every resort has its own COVID-19 plan, so before you go, it’s best to know what it is,” he said.
Ski areas are encouraging midweek visits and buying lift tickets online in advance of planned arrival dates. On some weekends and peak holidays, capacity limits might be imposed to prevent crowding. That could restrict or eliminate walk-up ticket sales.
Canaan Valley Resort plans to open its ski-snowboard season Dec. 12, weather permitting, while Snowshoe Mountain Resort in Pocahontas County plans to kick off the ski season Friday. In Raleigh County south of Beckley, Winterplace Resort’s opening date remains to be announced.