latimes--2020-12-21--Coronavirus stay-home orders likely to be extended in Southern California

Sweeping restrictions on businesses and activities are expected to remain in place past their original expiration date across a wide swath of California , as the availability of precious intensive care beds continues to dwindle in the face of an unrelenting COVID-19 surge , state officials said .
Though nothing is definite yet , Gov .
Gavin Newsom acknowledged Monday that the stay-at-home orders issued for Southern California and the San Joaquin Valley will likely need to be extended .
The two regions — which combined cover 23 of California ’ s 58 counties — are technically eligible to emerge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , as Newsom noted , it ’ s doubtful either will do so , as both have seen a steady erosion in their stocks of intensive care unit beds that are available to treat COVID-19 patients .
As of Monday , the ICU availability in both regions remained at 0 % , state figures show .
That doesn ’ t mean there are no unoccupied ICU beds at all , as the state uses a weighted formula to ensure that some remain open for non-COVID patients .
However , officials and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overburden doctors and nurses , imperiling the quality of care for everyone from COVID-19 patients to heart attack victims to those who were seriously injured in a car accident .
“ It ’ s very likely , based on those current trends , that we ’ ll need to extend that stay-at-home order , ” Newsom said during a briefing .
Such an order is implemented when ICU availability falls below 15 % within a state-defined region , as has happened in Southern California , the San Joaquin Valley , Greater Sacramento and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only rural Northern California has been able to avoid the additional restrictions — which include reduced capacity at retail stores ; the closure of some businesses including hair salons , nail salons , card rooms , museums , zoos and aquariums ; and a prohibition on most gatherings , hotel stays for tourism and outdoor restaurant dining .
Regional stay-at-home orders have a mandatory three-week lifespan .
After that , they can be lifted depending on a specific region ’ s expected conditions in the near future .
“ At the moment our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the regions that could first exit the regional stay-at-home order will likely do that , ” Dr. Mark Ghaly , California ’ s health and human services secretary , said during Monday ’ s briefing .
“ But , as they say , we will only make that call when we actually do the calculations , when the time is right.
” The specifics of that remain a bit murky , however .
According to the state , the orders “ will remain in effect in a region if its ICU capacity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 15 % .
” “ The order will remain in effect until the region ’ s projected ICU capacity is equal or greater than 15 % , ” per the state guidance .
“ This would be assessed approximately twice a week.
” It remains unclear , though , whether a region would be required to remain under the order for a set period of time following the initial calculation , or whether the restrictions could be lifted as soon as projections come in above the established threshold .
The California Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respond to a request for clarification Monday afternoon .
The prospect of extending the restrictions , though unwelcome in many corners , is not surprising given the continued havoc the coronavirus is wreaking throughout the state .
More Californians are dying from the disease than ever before .
The state has averaged 233 daily deaths over the last week , more than double the number two weeks ago , according to data compiled by The Times .
More than 2,700 Californians have died from COVID-19 over the last 14 days , a staggering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state ’ s 22,600-plus fatalities .
Those numbers serve as a “ sober , sober reminder of how deadly this disease is , and how tragic the loss of every life is , ” Newsom said .
Newly confirmed coronavirus infections have soared to levels first unprecedented , then unthinkable in recent weeks , and hospitals are struggling to keep pace with the flood of COVID-19 patients packing their emergency rooms .
“ Our hospitals are already over capacity , and the high quality medical care we ’ re accustomed to in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as our frontline healthcare workers are beyond stretched to the limit , ” county Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said during a briefing Monday .
As of Sunday , the most recent day for which complete data are available , there were 5,866 coronavirus-positive patients hospitalized in L.A. County — accounting for roughly a third of the statewide total of 17,190 .
The number of Angelenos battling COVID-19 in the ICU , 1,202 , is the highest it ’ s ever been , according to figures from the state .
The region ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under immense pressure , ” according to Dr. Christina Ghaly , the county ’ s director of health services .
The number of available ICU beds countywide had dwindled to 30 as of Sunday morning , she said .
Though that figure changes constantly as patients are admitted , discharged or die , it still illustrates the extent to which hospitals are being overtaxed and their employees being overworked .
“ I ’ ve been a physician for almost 20 years .
There ’ s not any situation that I have seen in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , affected in the way that they ’ re affected right now , ” Christina Ghaly said .
And officials have said they fully expect things to get worse .
Due to the lagging nature of the coronavirus , today ’ s hospitalizations largely reflect people who were infected two to three weeks ago — when case numbers , though high , were significantly lower than they are today .
Going off of the recent record-high average of more than 14,000 new cases per day , Ferrer said L.A. County could see 7,000-plus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the resulting number of daily deaths potentially topping 110 .
Staving off that “ surge on top of a surge on top of a surge , ” Ferrer said , requires everyone , residents and businesses alike , to use all the tools at their disposal to protect themselves and their loved ones from becoming infected .
That means wearing face masks in public , staying home when you ’ re sick and regularly washing your hands .
Most critically , officials also stress that residents should stay home as much as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they don ’ t live with , even for the holidays .
Too many people failed to heed that call when it came to celebrating Thanksgiving , Ferrer said , and doing so again for Christmas or New Year ’ s could have devastating results .
“ Another spike in cases from the winter holidays will be disastrous for our hospital system and , ultimately , will mean many more people simply won ’ t be with us in 2021 , ” she said .

Sweeping restrictions on businesses and activities are expected to remain in place past their original expiration date across a wide swath of California, as the availability of precious intensive care beds continues to dwindle in the face of an unrelenting COVID-19 surge, state officials said.
Though nothing is definite yet, Gov. Gavin Newsom acknowledged Monday that the stay-at-home orders issued for Southern California and the San Joaquin Valley will probably need to be extended.
The two regions — which combined cover 23 of California’s 58 counties — are technically eligible to emerge from the state order beginning next week.
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However, as Newsom noted, it’s doubtful either will do so, as both have seen a steady erosion in their stocks of intensive care unit beds that are available to treat COVID-19 patients.
California once again shattered its daily record for the number of coronavirus cases in a single day. A county-by-county tally conducted by The Times for Monday found 62,661 new coronavirus cases reported — the most in a single day since Friday, when 53,326 coronavirus cases were reported.
The state is now averaging nearly 45,000 new coronavirus cases a day over the last week — more than seven times the comparable figure from six weeks ago.
As of Monday, the ICU availability in both Southern California and the San Joaquin Valley remained at 0%, state figures show.
That doesn’t mean there are no unoccupied ICU beds at all, as the state uses a weighted formula to ensure that some remain open for non-COVID patients. However, officials and experts warn that an overcrowded ICU can overburden doctors and nurses, imperiling the quality of care for everyone from COVID-19 patients to heart attack victims to those who were seriously injured in a car accident.
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“It’s very likely, based on those current trends, that we’ll need to extend that stay-at-home order,” Newsom said during a briefing.
Such an order is implemented when ICU availability falls below 15% within a state-defined region, as has happened in Southern California, the San Joaquin Valley, Greater Sacramento and the Bay Area.
So far, only rural Northern California has been able to avoid the additional restrictions — which include reduced capacity at retail stores; the closure of some businesses including hair salons, nail salons, card rooms, museums, zoos and aquariums; and a prohibition on most gatherings, hotel stays for tourism and outdoor restaurant dining.
California L.A. County outlines wrenching moves to ration healthcare if COVID-19 hospital crisis worsens Already, hospitals are struggling to keep up with the pace of new COVID-19 patients. With the surge showing no signs of slowing down, L.A. County facilities are preparing for how to allocate care in a crisis situation.
Regional stay-at-home orders have a mandatory three-week lifespan. After that, they can be lifted depending on a specific region’s expected conditions in the near future.
“At the moment our projections don’t show that any of the regions that could first exit the regional stay-at-home order will likely do that,” Dr. Mark Ghaly, California’s health and human services secretary, said during Monday’s briefing. “But, as they say, we will only make that call when we actually do the calculations, when the time is right.”
The specifics of that remain a bit murky, however. According to the state, the orders “will remain in effect in a region if its ICU capacity projected out four weeks ... is less than 15%.”
“The order will remain in effect until the region’s projected ICU capacity is equal or greater than 15%,” per the state guidance. “This would be assessed approximately twice a week.”
It remains unclear, though, whether a region would be required to remain under the order for a set period of time following the initial calculation, or whether the restrictions could be lifted as soon as projections come in above the established threshold.
The California Health and Human Services Agency did not immediately respond to a request for clarification Monday afternoon.
The prospect of extending the restrictions, though unwelcome in many corners, is not surprising given the continued havoc the coronavirus is wreaking throughout the state.
More Californians are dying from the disease than ever before. The state has averaged 233 daily deaths over the last week, more than double the number two weeks ago, according to data compiled by The Times.
More than 2,700 Californians have died from COVID-19 over the last 14 days, a staggering number that accounts for 12% of the state’s 22,600-plus fatalities.
Those numbers serve as a “sober, sober reminder of how deadly this disease is, and how tragic the loss of every life is,” Newsom said.
Newly confirmed coronavirus infections have soared to levels first unprecedented, then unthinkable in recent weeks, and hospitals are struggling to keep pace with the flood of COVID-19 patients packing their emergency rooms.
“Our hospitals are already over capacity, and the high-quality medical care we’re accustomed to in L.A. County is beginning to be compromised as our frontline healthcare workers are beyond stretched to the limit,” county Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said during a briefing Monday.
As of Sunday, the most recent day for which complete data are available, there were 5,866 coronavirus-positive patients hospitalized in L.A. County — accounting for roughly a third of the statewide total of 17,190.
The number of Angelenos battling COVID-19 in the ICU, 1,202, is the highest it’s ever been, according to figures from the state.
The region’s hospitals are “under siege and under immense pressure,” said Dr. Christina Ghaly, the county’s director of health services.
The number of available ICU beds countywide had dwindled to 30 as of Sunday morning, she said. Though that figure changes constantly as patients are admitted, discharged or die, it still illustrates the extent to which hospitals are being overtaxed and their employees being overworked.
“I’ve been a physician for almost 20 years. There’s not any situation that I have seen in which hospitals are, across the board, affected in the way that they’re affected right now,” Christina Ghaly said.
And officials have said they fully expect things to get worse.
Because of the lagging nature of the coronavirus, today’s hospitalizations largely reflect people who were infected two to three weeks ago — when case numbers, though high, were significantly lower than they are today.
Going off of the recent record-high average of more than 14,000 new cases per day, Ferrer said L.A. County could see 7,000-plus COVID-19 hospitalizations two weeks from now, with the resulting number of daily deaths potentially topping 110.
Staving off that “surge on top of a surge on top of a surge,” Ferrer said, requires everyone, residents and businesses alike, to use all the tools at their disposal to protect themselves and their loved ones from becoming infected.
That means wearing face masks in public, staying home when you’re sick and regularly washing your hands. Most critically, officials also stress that residents should stay home as much as possible — and avoid gathering with those they don’t live with, even for the holidays.
Too many people failed to heed that call when it came to celebrating Thanksgiving, Ferrer said, and doing so again for Christmas or New Year’s could have devastating results.
“Another spike in cases from the winter holidays will be disastrous for our hospital system and, ultimately, will mean many more people simply won’t be with us in 2021,” she said.
Times staff writer John Myers contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-12-21--Attorneys decry 'cleanups' of homeless encampments  during pandemic

As the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged communities , public health experts worried about the deadly consequences for homeless people sleeping on the streets .
It ’ s a group rife with other health problems that could make it especially susceptible to the easily transmissible coronavirus .
In the spring , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cautioned against disruptions such as clearing encampments , which could increase the potential for spreading the disease .
On Monday , a coalition of lawyers and advocates for the homeless complained that the city of Los Angeles was ignoring that advice by cleaning camps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city at heightened risk .
“ There is simply no public health justification for continuing the displacement of unhoused residents at this time , ” write Catherine Sweetser of Schonbrun Seplow Harris Hoffman & Zeldes LLP , along with Pui-Yee Yu and Shayla Myers of the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles , in a letter obtained by The Times .
The city had initially told the Department of Sanitation to halt its cleanups , which temporarily displace homeless people while city workers clean sidewalks .
In recent months , though , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city — particularly in specially delineated zones around homeless shelters .
During the cleanups , homeless people must take down their tents and move their belongings as cleaning crews power wash the sidewalks and remove trash .
Homeless people often lose important possessions as a result of these cleanups .
The coalition of activists and lawyers castigated Mayor Eric Garcetti and other city officials for allowing the cleanups to return as infection rates soar .
Sweetser , Yu and Myers cite Los Angeles Department of Public Health data showing that there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15 city shelters that are part of Garcetti ’ s A Bridge Home program .
The interim shelters were a centerpiece of the mayor ’ s plan to decrease homelessness , but have not lived up to their promise of funneling people into permanent housing .
Before the pandemic , elected officials had said the cleanups near shelters would help convince skeptical homeless people of the need for shelters .
The City Council voted in July to resume them and permitted cleanups at other locations in December .
The lawyers ’ letter pointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , when more than 15 city employees and contractors were present and about 10 people were forced to move for at least four hours .
A short time later , they said , the Department of Public Health announced a new outbreak at A Bridge Home shelter in Wilmington , where people from disrupted camps had been told to go .
In a sworn declaration sent with the letter , Dr. John Swartzberg , a clinical professor emeritus at UC Berkeley ’ s School of Public Health , said public officials shouldn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or permanent displacements of homeless people .
“ By displacing individuals from their specific encampments , even for a short amount of time , people may congregate together on the edges of the encampment site , which could result in the spread of the virus , ” Swartzberg wrote .
In general , the rate of COVID-19 in the homeless community hasn ’ t dramatically diverged from L.A. County as a whole .
There have been 3,068 confirmed cases among the homeless population through Dec. 17 .
Responding to the letter , Elena @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Sanitation , said the cleanings were being done only near A Bridge Home shelters and “ at three specific locations ” in City Council District 15 , which stretches from Watts to San Pedro .
Garcetti spokesman Alex Comisar said that keeping the streets clean while doing outreach and offering services “ is a matter of public health.
” “ That ’ s why the City ’ s efforts have been accompanied by mobile hygiene facilities , free testing and other measures , ” Comisar said .
“ We are working with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safely and in a limited capacity.
” Branimir Kvartuc , a spokesman for 15th District Councilman Joe Buscaino , said that while the CDC ’ s guidance made sense on paper , many homeless people are violating virus safety guidelines , much as other people are doing .
“ People are disregarding the rules , and now we ’ re being blamed for disrupting homeless people , ” Kvartuc said .
However , he added : “ The reality is that there are far bigger problems in encampments than the virus .
”

As the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged communities, public health experts worried about the deadly consequences for homeless people sleeping on the streets.
It’s a group rife with other health problems that could make it especially susceptible to the easily transmissible coronavirus. In the spring, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cautioned against disruptions such as clearing encampments, which could increase the potential for spreading the disease.
On Monday, a coalition of lawyers and advocates for homeless people complained that the city of Los Angeles was ignoring that advice by cleaning camps, putting people in encampments throughout the city at heightened risk.
“There is simply no public health justification for continuing the displacement of unhoused residents at this time,” write Catherine Sweetser of Schonbrun Seplow Harris Hoffman & Zeldes LLP, along with Pui-Yee Yu and Shayla Myers of the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, in a letter obtained by The Times.
The city had initially told the Department of Sanitation to halt its cleanups, which temporarily displace homeless people while city workers clean sidewalks.
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In recent months, though, the cleanups have returned in certain parts of the city — particularly in specially delineated zones around homeless shelters. During the cleanups, homeless people must take down their tents and move their belongings as cleaning crews power wash the sidewalks and remove trash. Homeless people often lose important possessions as a result of these cleanups.
The coalition of activists and lawyers castigated Mayor Eric Garcetti and other city officials for allowing the cleanups to return as infection rates soar.
Read the letter sent to the city of Los Angeles Lawyers and activists for homeless people are decrying the continued clean ups by the city of Los Angeles near shelters.
Sweetser, Yu and Myers cite Los Angeles Department of Public Health data showing that there are coronavirus cases among staff or residents of 15 city shelters that are part of Garcetti’s A Bridge Home program. The interim shelters were a centerpiece of the mayor’s plan to decrease homelessness, but have not lived up to their promise of funneling people into permanent housing.
Before the pandemic, elected officials had said the cleanups near shelters would help convince skeptical homeless people of the need for shelters. The City Council voted in July to resume them and permitted cleanups at other locations in December.
The lawyers’ letter pointed to a cleanup on Figueroa Street last week, when more than 15 city employees and contractors were present and about 10 people were forced to move for at least four hours. A short time later, they said, the Department of Public Health announced a new outbreak at A Bridge Home shelter in Wilmington, where people from disrupted camps had been told to go.
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In a sworn declaration sent with the letter, Dr. John Swartzberg, a clinical professor emeritus at UC Berkeley’s School of Public Health, said public officials shouldn’t make a distinction between temporary or permanent displacements of homeless people.
“By displacing individuals from their specific encampments, even for a short amount of time, people may congregate together on the edges of the encampment site, which could result in the spread of the virus,” Swartzberg wrote.
In general, the rate of COVID-19 in the homeless community hasn’t dramatically diverged from L.A. County as a whole. There have been 3,068 confirmed cases among the homeless population through Dec. 17.
Responding to the letter, Elena Stern, a spokeswoman for the Department of Sanitation, said the cleanings were being done only near A Bridge Home shelters and “at three specific locations” in City Council District 15, which stretches from Watts to San Pedro.
Garcetti spokesman Alex Comisar said that keeping the streets clean while doing outreach and offering services “is a matter of public health.”
“That’s why the City’s efforts have been accompanied by mobile hygiene facilities, free testing and other measures,” Comisar said. “We are working with the City Council to conduct these efforts safely and in a limited capacity.”
Branimir Kvartuc, a spokesman for 15th District Councilman Joe Buscaino, said that while the CDC’s guidance made sense on paper, many homeless people are violating virus safety guidelines, much as other people are doing.
“People are disregarding the rules, and now we’re being blamed for disrupting homeless people,” Kvartuc said. However, he added: “The reality is that there are far bigger problems in encampments than the virus.”


latimes--2020-12-21--Gov. Gavin Newsom's chief of staff leaves as new top advisor joins his team

Halfway into his first term as governor and immersed in a historic struggle to slow the spread of COVID-19 in California , Gov .
Gavin Newsom confirmed on Monday the departure of his chief of staff and the selection of a veteran Sacramento strategist to lead his administration .
Ann O ’ Leary , who was one of the first appointments made by Newsom after his 2018 election , sent the governor her resignation letter on Monday .
Jim DeBoo , a former top advisor to members of the California Legislature who has more recently worked as a political consultant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the beginning of the year .
“ Ann came to my Administration as a national leader in the fight for working families and a best-in-class crisis manager , and I am incredibly grateful for her partnership and service over the last two years , ” Newsom said in a statement .
“ Jim DeBoo has a long legacy of service at all levels of government and , as we continue to carry our state through these unprecedented challenges , his ability to bring people together and drive the priorities most important to Californians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your side and helping you to lead California during this unique moment in California ’ s history has been a profound honor as well as the most intense , challenging , and humbling experience of my professional life , ” O ’ Leary said in her resignation letter to Newsom .
Newsom ’ s decision to turn to DeBoo marks a change in approach for the governor , whose hiring of O ’ Leary — a Washington , D.C. , policy veteran with little California political experience — stoked speculation about his electoral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But with the state facing public health and economic crises , DeBoo ’ s arrival could signal the beginnings of a closer relationship between Newsom and the Legislature as well as a wide array of interest groups .
DeBoo , 45 , enters the governor ’ s office at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic as demand for hospital care threatens to outstrip capacity , California begins the largest vaccine distribution effort in its history and the debate over school reopenings intensifies .
The political waters are also turbulent for Newsom as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hopes of triggering a special election to oust him from office .
DeBoo started his career in the Legislature in 1998 and said he wants to return to government service to try to help California at one of the most difficult times in state history .
“ When you ’ re watching something this difficult and people struggling and you think you can help , this is the exact time to step in , ” DeBoo said in an interview with The Times .
“ I don ’ t want to regret not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governor , his staff and the people of California.
” Democrats , labor union leaders and other interest groups were quick to commend the governor ’ s pick .
“ He is as compassionate as he is competent — and he is extraordinarily competent , ” said Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins ( D-San Diego ) .
“ Jim will be an excellent addition for Gov .
Newsom and an outstanding public servant for all of us in these trying times.
” DeBoo ’ s résumé includes work as a chief of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ John A. Pérez ; as an advisor to former state Supt .
of Public Instruction Jack O ’ Connell and as the statehouse representative for then-Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa .
But DeBoo ’ s quick transition from being a registered lobbyist into the governor ’ s inner circle has drawn scrutiny .
Critics quickly called out his work as a registered lobbyist for the California Apartment Assn .
and for the landlord-funded campaign opposing Proposition 21 , a measure that would have expanded California ’ s rent control law on the 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of friends and advisors has drawn attention after he attended a birthday dinner at the French Laundry in Napa Valley last month with lobbyists , including top advocates for the California Medical Assn .
The hiring of DeBoo , who previously counted the doctors ’ organization as a client , added to concerns about the interests of Newsom ’ s advisors .
“ The question is , whose side is the governor on ?
” said Michael Weinstein , president of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation , which funded the campaign to pass Proposition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that in a moment where there is such a spotlight on him and his privilege , whether it is the private school or the French laundry or the like , that he is so tone-deaf.
” DeBoo said his firm , DeBoo Communications , dropped all of its clients and he deregistered as a lobbyist earlier this month .
While working for Newsom , he would only consider political work for the governor ’ s candidate campaigns or for the California Democratic Party , DeBoo said .
As a registered lobbyist , DeBoo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Kaiser Foundation Health Plan , T-Mobile , the California Dental Assn.
, Newport Banning Ranch and Macerich Management .
His consulting business was also on the payroll of several major California companies , such as Disney and Southern California Gas Co.
It ’ s not unusual for top aides to California governors to arrive with a history of working for major companies and interest groups .
Then-Gov .
Jerry Brown ’ s executive secretary , Nancy McFadden , had been a PG & E executive before leading Brown ’ s team .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief of staff , Patricia Clarey , worked on his campaigns and in top jobs at Chevron , Transamerica and Health Net .
DeBoo is widely known in Sacramento for his work in public affairs and on statewide initiatives .
He led a campaign in 2016 to increase the tax on tobacco products in California before passing a similar effort in Oregon this year .
DeBoo was the campaign manager on a failed effort , championed by Newsom , to pass a $ 15-billion school bond in March , while working successfully against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In comparison to Newsom ’ s friend and advisor Jason Kinney , whose firm has reported receiving $ 10.9 million for lobbying from the governor ’ s inauguration in January 2019 through September of this year , DeBoo ’ s lobbying shop is substantially less active .
DeBoo Communications received less than $ 900,000 in that same period .
His grasp of state politics could help fill a void in the governor ’ s office .
O ’ Leary had served as a policy advisor to Hillary Clinton in the U.S. Senate and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and has a long record of interest in early childhood education and policies directed toward helping working families — issues she continued to champion as Newsom ’ s chief of staff with expansions of paid family leave and state ’ s earned income tax credit .
With O ’ Leary and Cabinet Secretary Ana Matosantos at the helm of his administration , the governor was able to land a deal on a historic rent cap , establish a $ 21-billion wildfire fund to shore up the state ’ s electrical utilities and sign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of deadly force .
His executive decision to halt the death penalty in California drew national headlines , as did his role as the first governor to issue a stay-at-home order when the pandemic hit .
“ It ’ s been extraordinary , ” O ’ Leary said .
“ I ’ ve learned a ton .
I ’ ve felt really privileged to be at the table during this time , but the multiple crises have been really challenging for everyone , too.
” James Manyika , chairman of the McKinsey Global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leary on the state ’ s Business and Jobs Recovery Taskforce , described her departure as “ a loss ” for the state .
“ Her ability to arm wrestle and get these diverse interests to do the right thing on behalf of California was honestly quite remarkable , ” Manyika said .
But a lack of Sacramento know-how came to define some of the administration ’ s struggles with lawmakers and outside interest groups .
Public blunders over legislation on vaccines , tampon and diaper taxes , gas tax proceeds and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ project highlighted the inexperience with political forces at the state Capitol .
O ’ Leary ’ s resignation marks the latest departure in a governor ’ s office exodus at the midway point of Newsom ’ s first term .
The governor ’ s communications director , Nathan Click , left in early December .
His legislative affairs secretary , Anthony Williams , resigned in late August and a senior strategist , Daniel Zingale , left at the beginning of the year .
In October , Newsom tapped Sahar Robertson , a former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kay Henry , to fill Zingale ’ s role as a senior advisor on communications and strategy .
Newsom promoted his press secretary Jesse Melgar to communications director .
Angie Wei , a former labor leader and special advisor to the governor , has taken over Williams ’ legislative role .
The governor ’ s office also announced a restructuring of the top roles in the administration on Monday .
DeBoo will not hold the title of chief of staff and will instead serve as executive secretary — the traditional designation given to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ embraced by Brown during his first and second run in the governor ’ s office .
His focus is to set the agenda and determine strategy for the administration , overseeing communications , external and intergovernmental affairs , and relations with the Legislature .
Matosantos will retain her job as Cabinet secretary , working with state agencies and departments .
She ’ ll also oversee the legal and operations team in the governor ’ s office .
Amid all the turmoil in the state , the biggest challenge for the administration will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said Dana Williamson , a political consultant who has worked with DeBoo and once served as Cabinet secretary to Brown .
“ They ’ ll have pulls from lots of people wanting different things , but Californians right now just want their lives back , and that has to be the priority , ” she said .

Halfway into his first term as governor and immersed in a historic struggle to slow the spread of COVID-19 in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom confirmed on Monday the departure of his chief of staff and the selection of a veteran Sacramento strategist to lead his administration.
Ann O’Leary, who was one of the first appointments made by Newsom after his 2018 election, sent the governor her resignation letter on Monday. Jim DeBoo, a former top advisor to members of the California Legislature who has more recently worked as a political consultant and lobbyist, will step in at the beginning of the year.
“Ann came to my administration as a national leader in the fight for working families and a best-in-class crisis manager, and I am incredibly grateful for her partnership and service over the last two years,” Newsom said in a statement. “Jim DeBoo has a long legacy of service at all levels of government and, as we continue to carry our state through these unprecedented challenges, his ability to bring people together and drive the priorities most important to Californians will be pivotal.”
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In her resignation letter to Newsom, O’Leary said: “Working by your side and helping you to lead California during this unique moment in California’s history has been a profound honor as well as the most intense, challenging, and humbling experience of my professional life.”
Newsom’s decision to turn to DeBoo marks a change in approach for the governor, whose hiring of O’Leary — a Washington, D.C., policy veteran with little California political experience — stoked speculation about his electoral ambitions beyond the state’s borders. But with the state facing public health and economic crises, DeBoo’s arrival could signal the beginnings of a closer relationship between Newsom and the Legislature as well as a wide array of interest groups.
DeBoo, 45, enters the governor’s office at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic as demand for hospital care threatens to outstrip capacity, California begins the largest vaccine distribution effort in its history and the debate over school reopenings intensifies. The political waters are also turbulent for Newsom as a Republican-led recall campaign gathers steam in hopes of triggering a special election to oust him from office.
Ann O’Leary resignation letter Ann O’Leary’s resignation letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom
DeBoo started his career in the Legislature in 1998 and said he wants to return to government service to try to help California at one of the most difficult times in state history.
“When you’re watching something this difficult and people struggling and you think you can help, this is the exact time to step in,” DeBoo said in an interview with The Times. “I don’t want to regret not coming in and trying to assist the governor, his staff and the people of California.”
Democrats, labor union leaders and other interest groups were quick to commend the governor’s pick.
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“He is as compassionate as he is competent — and he is extraordinarily competent,” said Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins (D-San Diego). “Jim will be an excellent addition for Gov. Newsom and an outstanding public servant for all of us in these trying times.”
DeBoo’s résumé includes work as a chief of staff to legislators and former Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez; as an advisor to former state Supt. of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell and as the statehouse representative for then-Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
But DeBoo’s quick transition from being a registered lobbyist to a member of the governor’s inner circle has drawn scrutiny. Critics quickly called out his work as a registered lobbyist for the California Apartment Assn. and for the landlord-funded campaign opposing Proposition 21, a measure that would have expanded California’s rent control law on the 2020 ballot.
Newsom’s close network of friends and advisors has drawn attention after he attended a birthday dinner at the French Laundry in Napa Valley last month with lobbyists, including top advocates for the California Medical Assn. The hiring of DeBoo, who previously counted the doctors’ organization as a client, added to concerns about the interests of Newsom’s advisors.
“The question is, whose side is the governor on?” said Michael Weinstein, president of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, which funded the campaign to pass Proposition 21. “I find it staggering that in a moment where there is such a spotlight on him and his privilege, whether it is the private school or the French Laundry or the like, that he is so tone-deaf.”
DeBoo said his firm, DeBoo Communications, dropped all of its clients and he deregistered as a lobbyist earlier this month. While working for Newsom, he would only consider political work for the governor’s candidate campaigns or for the California Democratic Party, DeBoo said.
As a registered lobbyist, DeBoo’s roster of clients also included the Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, T-Mobile, the California Dental Assn., Newport Banning Ranch and Macerich Management. His consulting business was also on the payroll of several major California companies, such as Walt Disney Co. and Southern California Gas Co.
It’s not unusual for top aides to California governors to arrive with a history of working for major companies and interest groups. Then-Gov. Jerry Brown’s executive secretary, Nancy McFadden, had been a PG&E executive before leading Brown’s team. Then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s first chief of staff, Patricia Clarey, worked on his campaigns and in top jobs at Chevron, Transamerica and Health Net.
DeBoo is widely known in Sacramento for his work in public affairs and on statewide initiatives.
He led a campaign in 2016 to increase the tax on tobacco products in California before helping a similar effort in Oregon succeed this year. DeBoo was the campaign manager on a failed effort, championed by Newsom, to pass a $15-billion school bond in March, while working successfully against this fall’s Proposition 21.
In comparison to the lobbying firm of Newsom’s friend and advisor Jason Kinney, which has reported receiving $10.9 million for lobbying from the governor’s inauguration in January 2019 through September of this year, DeBoo’s lobbying shop is substantially less active. DeBoo Communications received less than $900,000 in that same period.
His grasp of state politics could help fill a void in the governor’s office. O’Leary had served as a policy advisor to Hillary Clinton in the U.S. Senate and during Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign and has a long record of interest in early childhood education and policies directed toward helping working families — issues she continued to champion as Newsom’s chief of staff with expansions of paid family leave and the state’s earned income tax credit.
With O’Leary and Cabinet Secretary Ana Matosantos at the helm of his administration, the governor was able to land a deal on a historic rent cap, establish a $21-billion wildfire fund to shore up the state’s electrical utilities and sign legislation that tightened rules over police use of deadly force. His executive decision to halt the death penalty in California drew national headlines, as did his role as the first governor to issue a stay-at-home order when the pandemic hit.
“It’s been extraordinary,” O’Leary said. “I’ve learned a ton. I’ve felt really privileged to be at the table during this time, but the multiple crises have been really challenging for everyone, too.”
James Manyika, chairman of the McKinsey Global Institute who worked closely with O’Leary on the state’s Business and Jobs Recovery Taskforce, described her departure as “a loss” for the state.
“Her ability to arm wrestle and get these diverse interests to do the right thing on behalf of California was honestly quite remarkable,” Manyika said.
But a lack of Sacramento know-how came to define some of the administration’s struggles with lawmakers and outside interest groups. Public blunders over legislation on vaccines, tampon and diaper taxes, gas tax proceeds and the future of California’s high-speed rail project highlighted the inexperience with political forces at the state Capitol.
O’Leary’s resignation marks the latest departure in a governor’s office exodus at the midway point of Newsom’s first term. The governor’s communications director, Nathan Click, left in early December. His legislative affairs secretary, Anthony Williams, resigned in late August and a senior strategist, Daniel Zingale, left at the beginning of the year.
In October, Newsom tapped Sahar Robertson, a former communications advisor to SEIU International President Mary Kay Henry, to fill Zingale’s role as a senior advisor on communications and strategy. Newsom promoted his press secretary Jesse Melgar to communications director. Angie Wei, a former labor leader and special advisor to the governor, has taken over Williams’ legislative role.
The governor’s office also announced a restructuring of the top roles in the administration on Monday.
DeBoo will not hold the title of chief of staff and will instead serve as executive secretary — the traditional designation given to a governor’s top aide and embraced by Brown during his first and second run in the governor’s office. His focus is to set the agenda and determine strategy for the administration, overseeing communications, external and intergovernmental affairs, and relations with the Legislature.
Matosantos will retain her job as Cabinet secretary, working with state agencies and departments. She’ll also oversee the legal and operations team in the governor’s office.
Amid all the turmoil in the state, the biggest challenge for the administration will be to focus on a return to normalcy, said Dana Williamson, a political consultant who has worked with DeBoo and once served as Cabinet secretary to Brown.
“They’ll have pulls from lots of people wanting different things, but Californians right now just want their lives back, and that has to be the priority,” she said.


latimes--2020-12-21--L.A. restaurateur sues Newsom over outdoor dining ban

A Los Angeles restaurateur is suing Gov .
Gavin Newsom in federal court , seeking to overturn a ban on outdoor dining implemented across vast swaths of California in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus .
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of the Pineapple Hill Saloon and Grill in Sherman Oaks .
The owner , Angela Marsden , was seen in a viral video fighting back tears over the ban , which had forced the closure of her restaurant even as an outdoor dining area was set up by a Hollywood movie crew a short distance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by famed attorney Mark Geragos , seeks to overturn the ban , calling it an unconstitutional stretch of power by Newsom that is not supported by scientific evidence .
“ The state health director admitted they had no data to support the outdoor closures , and the governor has obviously lost any moral authority due to his rank hypocrisy , ” Geragos said , referring to Newsom ’ s dinner last month at the French Laundry .
“ Meanwhile , L.A. County is the world epicenter of COVID because science isn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Geragos said .
“ Tragically , tens of thousands of small businesses are the ones who pay the price.
” The ban is part of a larger stay-at-home order implemented this month and is the latest in a series of attempts to slow the spread of the virus and prevent local healthcare systems from becoming overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients .
A series of restrictions , including a ban on outdoor dining , kicks in when a region ’ s intensive care unit capacity drops below 15 % .
Most Californians are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ availability of ICU beds reached 0 % in Southern California on Thursday .
Two weeks ago , Geragos , who owns downtown L.A. ’ s Engine Co. No .
25 , and a team of lawyers for the California Restaurant Assn .
convinced L.A. County Superior Court Judge James Chalfant that the county should not be allowed to continue the ban indefinitely .
In a rebuke of the ban a week later , the judge ruled Los Angeles County would need to provide a risk-benefit analysis to justify the restriction if it wanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three weeks , which ended Dec. 16 .
Despite the L.A. County decision , Newsom ’ s state order prohibiting in-person dining remains in place , meaning outdoor dining will remain off-limits until at least Dec. 28 , when the state rules will either expire or be extended .
Outdoor dining had offered a lifeline to restaurants struggling amid the pandemic , which has affected more than 30,000 owners and their employees .
The latest lawsuit , filed on behalf of Case Ventures , which owns Pineapple Hill , says the governor ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have left restaurant owners unable to “ fully utilize ... leased property by serving dining opportunities to the general public.
” The lawsuit also names Atty .
Gen. Xavier Becerra and the state ’ s public health officer , noting the hypocrisy in which “ a major Hollywood production was recently in full operation , where it had an outdoor tent set up and was permitted to serve meals to its team of employees and contractors ” 20 feet from Pineapple Hill .
California has deemed movie production an essential business .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their power , have seized the coronavirus pandemic to expand their authority by unprecedented lengths , depriving plaintiff and all other similarly situated small business owners in California of fundamental rights protected by the U.S. and California constitutions , including freedom of assembly and due process and equal protection under the law , ” the suit states .
In a video highlighting the disparities , Marsden showed viewers her shuttered eatery next to the massive movie production .
“ So this is my place , the Pineapple Hill Saloon and Grill .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ page you can see all the work I did for outdoor dining , for tables being seven feet apart , ” she says .
“ 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 , which is right over here , ” she continues .
“ And people wonder why I ’ m protesting and why I have had enough .
... We can not survive .
My staff can not survive.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Van Nuys Boulevard , has complied with rules to curb the spread of COVID-19 , and in doing so , has “ invested considerable time and resources into ensuring a safe and secure CDC-compliant workplace for its employees and patrons , including mandatory mask-wearing , socially distanced outdoor dining , sanitized surfaces after each patron use and temperature checks for employees.
” After months allowing such practices , the new ban upended the dining scene again .
The suit argues that there is no scientific data that the virus is spread via @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have seen “ unprecedented rates of coronavirus infections making it likelier than ever that a co-worker or customer could be ill. ” In fact , the suit points out , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Nov. 18 advised that “ outdoor dining may occur with relative safety at restaurants if precautionary measures are observed , including but not limited to , social distancing and mask-wearing by servers and by patrons.
” In addition to Los Angeles , Orange , Ventura and Riverside counties , the Southern California counties affected by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based are Imperial , Inyo , Mono , San Bernardino , San Diego , San Luis Obispo , Santa Barbara and Ventura .

The owner of Pineapple Hill Saloon & Grill is suing Gov. Gavin Newsom in an effort to stop his restrictions.
A Los Angeles restaurateur is suing Gov. Gavin Newsom in federal court, seeking to overturn a ban on outdoor dining implemented across vast swaths of California in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of the Pineapple Hill Saloon & Grill in Sherman Oaks. The owner, Angela Marsden, was seen in a viral video fighting back tears over the ban, which had forced the closure of her restaurant even as an outdoor dining area was set up by a Hollywood movie crew a short distance away.
The legal team, led by famed attorney Mark Geragos, seeks to overturn the ban, calling it an unconstitutional stretch of power by Newsom that is not supported by scientific evidence.
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“The state health director admitted they had no data to support the outdoor closures, and the governor has obviously lost any moral authority due to his rank hypocrisy,” Geragos said, referring to Newsom’s dinner last month at the French Laundry.
“Meanwhile, L.A. County is the world epicenter of COVID because science isn’t driving the government decisions; lobbyists are,” Geragos said. “Tragically, tens of thousands of small businesses are the ones who pay the price.”
The ban is part of a larger stay-at-home order implemented this month and is the latest in a series of attempts to slow the spread of the virus and prevent local healthcare systems from becoming overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients.
A series of restrictions, including a ban on outdoor dining, kicks in when a region’s intensive care unit capacity drops below 15%. Most Californians are now subject to the order. The availability of ICU beds reached 0% in Southern California on Thursday.
Two weeks ago, Geragos, who owns the downtown L.A. restaurant Engine Co. No. 28, and a team of lawyers for the California Restaurant Assn. convinced L.A. County Superior Court Judge James Chalfant that the county should not be allowed to continue the ban indefinitely.
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In a rebuke of the ban a week later, the judge ruled Los Angeles County would need to provide a risk-benefit analysis to justify the restriction if it wanted to extend the ban beyond its initial three weeks, which ended Dec. 16.
The county immediately appealed that ruling.
Despite the L.A. County decision, Newsom’s state order prohibiting in-person dining remains in place, meaning outdoor dining will remain off-limits until at least Dec. 28, when the state rules will either expire or be extended. Outdoor dining had offered a lifeline to restaurants struggling amid the pandemic, which has affected more than 30,000 owners and their employees.
The latest lawsuit, filed on behalf of Case Ventures, which owns Pineapple Hill, says the governor’s executive order and public health order have left restaurant owners unable to “fully utilize ... leased property by serving dining opportunities to the general public.”
The lawsuit also names state Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra and the state’s public health officer, noting the hypocrisy in which “a major Hollywood production was recently in full operation, where it had an outdoor tent set up and was permitted to serve meals to its team of employees and contractors” 20 feet from Pineapple Hill. California has deemed movie production an essential business.
“Defendants, in a gross abuse of their power, have seized the coronavirus pandemic to expand their authority by unprecedented lengths, depriving plaintiff and all other similarly situated small business owners in California of fundamental rights protected by the U.S. and California constitutions, including freedom of assembly and due process and equal protection under the law,” the suit states.
In a video highlighting the disparities, Marsden showed viewers her closed eatery next to the massive movie production.
“So this is my place, the Pineapple Hill Saloon & Grill. If you go to my [Facebook] page you can see all the work I did for outdoor dining, for tables being seven feet apart,” she says.
“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, which is right over here,” she continues. “And people wonder why I’m protesting and why I have had enough.... We cannot survive. My staff cannot survive.”
Geragos said Marsden’s restaurant, on Van Nuys Boulevard, has complied with rules to curb the spread of COVID-19, and in doing so, has “invested considerable time and resources into ensuring a safe and secure CDC-compliant workplace for its employees and patrons, including mandatory mask-wearing, socially distanced outdoor dining, sanitized surfaces after each patron use and temperature checks for employees.”
After months allowing such practices, the new ban upended the dining scene again.
The suit argues that there is no scientific data that the virus is spread via outdoor dining and notes that grocery stores have seen “unprecedented rates of coronavirus infections making it likelier than ever that a co-worker or customer could be ill.”
The lawsuit said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Nov. 18 advised that “outdoor dining may occur with relative safety at restaurants if precautionary measures are observed, including but not limited to, social distancing and mask-wearing by servers and by patrons.”
In addition to Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura and Riverside counties, the Southern California counties affected by the stay-at-home order that restricts outside dining based are Imperial, Inyo, Mono, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura.
The San Joaquin Valley region covers Calaveras, Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, San Benito, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tulare and Tuolumne counties.


latimes--2020-12-21--'Gimme Shelter': A conversation with Gov. Newsom's housing advisor

During his 2018 campaign for governor , Gavin Newsom unveiled a bold agenda to tackle the state ’ s housing affordability crisis , pledging to support the building of 3.5 million new homes by 2025 .
And this February , Newsom dedicated the entirety of his annual State of the State speech to California ’ s homelessness problems .
Have Newsom ’ s pledges made a difference ?
On this episode of “ Gim me Shelter : The California Housing Crisis Podcast , ” we speak with Jason Elliott , the governor ’ s top advisor on housing about Newsom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what ’ s coming next .
Newsom had not made much progress on his housing promises even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Elliott also discusses how the governor is closing in on likely the biggest housing achievement of his tenure : the quick conversion of more than 6,000 hotel and motel rooms across the state into permanent housing for homeless residents .
“ , ” a biweekly podcast that looks at why it ’ s so expensive to live in California and what the state can do about it , features Liam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the Los Angeles Times , and Matt Levin , data and housing reporter for .
You can subscribe to “ Gim me Shelter ” on , , , Google Podcasts and .

During his 2018 campaign for governor, Gavin Newsom unveiled a bold agenda to tackle the state’s housing affordability crisis, pledging to support the building of 3.5 million new homes by 2025. And this February, Newsom dedicated the entirety of his annual State of the State speech to California’s homelessness problems.
Have Newsom’s pledges made a difference? On this episode of “Gimme Shelter: The California Housing Crisis Podcast,” we speak with Jason Elliott, the governor’s top advisor on housing about Newsom’s mixed record so far and what’s coming next. Newsom had not made much progress on his housing promises even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Elliott also discusses how the governor is closing in on likely the biggest housing achievement of his tenure: the quick conversion of more than 6,000 hotel and motel rooms across the state into permanent housing for homeless residents.
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“ Gimme Shelter ,”a biweekly podcast that looks at why it’s so expensive to live in California and what the state can do about it, features Liam Dillon, who covers housing affordability issues for the Los Angeles Times, and Matt Levin, data and housing reporter for CalMatters .


latimes--2020-12-21--Captain of Calabasas girls' basketball team participates in Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine trial

For more than a week , 16-year-old Kearston Stepenosky lobbied her parents in October to be allowed to participate in a trial run by Pfizer to see if its COVID-19 vaccine would be safe for teenagers .
Her father , Dan , is superintendent of the Las Virgenes Unified School District and had volunteered to be a trial participant in August .
Kearston , captain of the Calabasas girls ’ basketball team , would not be denied .
“ I wanted to help , ” she said .
“ I had a lot of admiration for all the research that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thought it was a great opportunity to step up and participate .
There was no going back .
I was pestering him.
” “ For 10 straight days , it was , ‘ How are you ?
Is this the day ?
I want to be in the trial , ’ ” Dan recalled of his daughter ’ s persistency .
The participant doesn ’ t know if they receive the vaccine or a placebo .
Dan never had any side effects when he was given his shot in August and another 21 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parental approval and took her shot at 10 a.m. on an October morning .
“ I wasn ’ t anticipating side effects , ” she said .
“ I ’ ve never had any reaction to a vaccine.
” By 6 p.m. , she was feeling chills .
She said for five days she had aches and headaches but no fever .
After the second shot three weeks later , her side effects lasted one day and were gone .
“ I have absolutely no regrets , ” she said .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I had minor side effects , it ’ s better than having COVID and endangering my family .
It ’ s very hectic right now and very sad , but at same time it ’ s a really hopeful time .
I have a lot of hope in this vaccine .
One of the biggest reasons is being grateful it ’ s going to make life easier for doctors , nurses and frontline workers .
It ’ s insane what they are having to navigate.
” Kearston was chosen as a candidate to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an athlete participating in workouts with others outside of her family .
She still doesn ’ t know if she received the vaccine or the placebo , but her reaction made her think she got the vaccine .
“ My family had a big discussion whether it was good idea to get involved .
‘ This is your junior year in high school .
You ’ ve got basketball , you ’ re taking AP classes .
It ’ s going to hurt you if you have to miss school .
You don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for error.
’ When I did have those negative side effects , my parents , were , ‘ Oh , no.
’ As it turned out it was temporary , ” Kearston said .
Kearston continues to work out on her own outside , shooting baskets and running in the hills .
She ’ s waiting to see if her sports season will resume .
But she ’ s most happy she has found a way as a teenager to contribute during a pandemic .
She committed to 26 months of participating and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ My parents started mentioning , ‘ You ’ re going to tell your grandchildren , ’ ” Kearston said .
“ I didn ’ t go into it thinking it would change my life .
I went in thinking I want to help .
This is something that ’ s going to help .
And when vaccines are available , take it .
”

For more than a week, 16-year-old Kearston Stepenosky lobbied her parents in October to be allowed to participate in a trial run by Pfizer to see if its COVID-19 vaccine would be safe for teenagers. Her father, Dan, is superintendent of the Las Virgenes Unified School District and had volunteered to be a trial participant in August.
Kearston, captain of the Calabasas girls’ basketball team, would not be denied. “I wanted to help,” she said. “I had a lot of admiration for all the research that went into making the vaccine. I thought it was a great opportunity to step up and participate. There was no going back. I was pestering him.”
“For 10 straight days, it was, ‘How are you? Is this the day? I want to be in the trial,’” Dan recalled of his daughter’s persistency.
The participant doesn’t know if they receive the vaccine or a placebo. Dan never had any side effects when he was given his shot in August and another 21 days later. But Kearston finally received parental approval and took her shot at 10 a.m. on an October morning.
“I wasn’t anticipating side effects,” she said. “I’ve never had any reaction to a vaccine.”
By 6 p.m., she was feeling chills. She said for five days she had aches and headaches but no fever. After the second shot three weeks later, her side effects lasted one day and were gone.
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“I have absolutely no regrets,” she said. “I’m incredibly grateful. Even if I had minor side effects, it’s better than having COVID and endangering my family. It’s very hectic right now and very sad, but at same time it’s a really hopeful time. I have a lot of hope in this vaccine. One of the biggest reasons is being grateful it’s going to make life easier for doctors, nurses and frontline workers. It’s insane what they are having to navigate.”
Kearston was chosen as a candidate to participate because she was doing conditioning as an athlete participating in workouts with others outside of her family. She still doesn’t know if she received the vaccine or the placebo, but her reaction made her think she got the vaccine.
“My family had a big discussion whether it was good idea to get involved. ‘This is your junior year in high school. You’ve got basketball, you’re taking AP classes. It’s going to hurt you if you have to miss school. You don’t have a lot of room for error.’ When I did have those negative side effects, my parents, were, ‘Oh, no.’ As it turned out it was temporary,” Kearston said.
Kearston continues to work out on her own outside, shooting baskets and running in the hills. She’s waiting to see if her sports season will resume. But she’s most happy she has found a way as a teenager to contribute during a pandemic. She committed to 26 months of participating and monitoring while having occasional blood tests.
“My parents started mentioning, ‘You’re going to tell your grandchildren,’” Kearston said. “I didn’t go into it thinking it would change my life. I went in thinking I want to help. This is something that’s going to help. And when vaccines are available, take it.”


latimes--2020-12-21--Orange County obliterates coronavirus record as surging infections strain state hospitals

Orange County reported its highest daily number of coronavirus cases over the weekend , the latest record to fall amid the most brutal barrage of a disease that is now infecting , hospitalizing and killing Californians at levels never seen before .
The 4,606 new coronavirus infections announced Sunday shattered the county ’ s previous one-day high of 3,445 , according to data compiled by The Times .
There have been 3,000-plus new daily cases logged countywide only five times throughout the entire pandemic — all since Dec. 13 .
Over the last week , Orange County has seen roughly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , The Times ’ data show — far lower than other Southern California counties but still 14th highest among the state .
“ Our hearts break for our neighbors lost to this pandemic , ” county health officials wrote Sunday on Twitter .
“ We ALL have the power to protect each other and # stopthesurge.
” More than 124,000 Orange County residents have been infected throughout the pandemic , and officials say nearly 73,000 of those have recovered .
Almost 1,800 county residents have died from COVID-19 .
Orange County is far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ books .
The pandemic ’ s worst wave is washing over the state and hitting Southern California especially hard .
Overall , the region — which the state defines as Imperial , Inyo , Los Angeles , Mono , Orange , Riverside , San Bernardino , San Diego , San Luis Obispo , Santa Barbara and Ventura counties — has recorded 828 new coronavirus cases per 100,000 residents over the last seven days , Times data show .
That figure is easily the highest of the five state-outlined regions and is more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Northern California and the Bay Area .
Along with Orange County , four others in Southern California rank among the top 14 statewide in terms of newly confirmed infections per 100,000 residents in the last week .
San Bernardino is second , at 1,448 ; Riverside is fourth , with 1,180 ; Imperial is seventh at 1,045 and Los Angeles is ninth , at 973 .
“ The number of infections in our county , in our surrounding counties , has been rising every day , ” Dr. Clayton Chau , Orange County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Agency director , said last week .
“ Every day , we break the record , the number of people who have been infected .
So I ’ m pleading with the community : Please , please do not gather .
And make sure you follow the public health guidance because our hospitals are now bombarded.
” Just because counties don ’ t rank among the hardest-hit in terms of new infections doesn ’ t mean they ’ re escaping the latest surge unscathed .
San Diego County health officials on Friday also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 3,611 .
“ I urge San Diegans to follow the public health orders , avoid gatherings and wear a facial covering whenever they leave their residence so we can get this virus under control , ” Dr. Wilma Wooten , the county ’ s public health officer , said in a statement .
While many of those infected with the coronavirus may experience only mild symptoms , or even none at all , a significant proportion — state officials have estimated about 12 % — will fall ill enough to require hospitalization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other words , the ramifications of these record case counts won ’ t ripple through the healthcare system for a few more weeks — a frightening prospect , given that hospitals and intensive care units are already inundated with COVID-19 patients .
On Sunday , the most recent day for which complete data are available , there were record-high numbers of coronavirus-positive patients hospitalized ( 17,190 ) and in intensive care ( 3,644 ) statewide .
The situation is particularly precarious in ICUs , which are needed to care for the sickest patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relentless COVID-19 surge , and bottomed out at 0 % in both Southern California and the San Joaquin Valley .
“ I ’ m not going to sugarcoat this : We are getting crushed , ” said Dr. Brad Spellberg , chief medical officer at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center .
Hospitals are already having to take steps to keep up with the influx of ICU patients — including placing them in other parts of hospitals not designed for that purpose , clearing out critical care wards of patients who can survive elsewhere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ambulances for as long as eight hours until space is available .
The concern , though , is that there eventually may be too many critically ill patients for the limited numbers of available ICU doctors and nurses — a chilling prospect that could result in patients not getting the care they need and , potentially , increases in mortality .
Many hospitals are preparing for the possibility of rationing care in the coming weeks as the number of patients exceeds their staffs ’ abilities to care for them .
“ Think New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March , ” Spellberg said .
“ That ’ s how bad things could get.
” Already , COVID-19 is killing more Californians than ever before .
The state has averaged 233 daily deaths over the last week , more than double the number two weeks ago .
More than 2,700 Californians have died from COVID-19 over the last 14 days , a staggering number that accounts for 12 % of the state ’ s 22,600-plus fatalities .
Officials have said the surge is being fueled , at least in part , by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving .
Significant numbers of people choosing to do the same for the winter holidays , officials warn , will only pour gasoline on a pandemic that ’ s already blazing out of control .
“ I have yet to see any clear signals that things are slowing down , and I ’ m very concerned about the next two months , ” said Dr. Timothy Brewer , an epidemiologist at UCLA .
Times staff writers Alex Wigglesworth , Soumya Karlamangla and Adam Elmahrek contributed to this @ @

Over the last week, Orange County has seen roughly 693 new coronavirus cases per 100,000 residents, Times’ data show. Above: UC Irvine Medical Center.
Orange County reported its highest daily number of coronavirus cases over the weekend, the latest record to fall amid the most brutal barrage from a disease that is now infecting, hospitalizing and killing Californians at levels never seen before.
The 4,606 new coronavirus infections announced Sunday shattered the county’s previous one-day high of 3,445, according to data compiled by The Times. There have been 3,000-plus new daily cases logged countywide only five times throughout the entire pandemic — all since Dec. 13.
Over the last week, Orange County has seen roughly 693 new coronavirus cases per 100,000 residents, The Times’ data show — far lower than other Southern California counties but still 14th highest in the state.
“Our hearts break for our neighbors lost to this pandemic,” county health officials wrote Sunday on Twitter. “We ALL have the power to protect each other and #stopthesurge.”
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More than 124,000 Orange County residents have been infected throughout the pandemic, and officials say nearly 73,000 of those have recovered.
Almost 1,800 county residents have died from COVID-19.
Tracking coronavirus in Orange County The latest maps and charts on the spread of COVID-19 in Orange County, including cases, deaths, closures and restrictions.
Orange County is far from alone in rewriting the coronavirus record books. The pandemic’s worst wave is washing over the state and hitting Southern California especially hard.
Overall, the region — which the state defines as Imperial, Inyo, Los Angeles, Mono, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties — has recorded 828 new coronavirus cases per 100,000 residents over the last seven days, Times data show.
That figure is easily the highest of the five state-outlined regions and is more than double the per-capita caseloads seen in rural Northern California and the Bay Area.
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Along with Orange County, four others in Southern California rank among the top 14 statewide in terms of newly confirmed infections per 100,000 residents in the last week. San Bernardino is second, at 1,448; Riverside is fourth, with 1,180; Imperial is seventh at 1,045 and Los Angeles is ninth, at 973.
“The number of infections in our county, in our surrounding counties, has been rising every day,” Dr. Clayton Chau, Orange County’s health officer and Health Care Agency director, said last week. “Every day, we break the record, the number of people who have been infected. So I’m pleading with the community: Please, please do not gather. And make sure you follow the public health guidance because our hospitals are now bombarded.”
Just because counties don’t rank among the hardest-hit in terms of new infections doesn’t mean they’re escaping the latest surge unscathed. San Diego County health officials on Friday also reported a record number of COVID-19 cases, 3,611.
“I urge San Diegans to follow the public health orders, avoid gatherings and wear a facial covering whenever they leave their residence so we can get this virus under control,” Dr. Wilma Wooten, the county’s public health officer, said in a statement.
While many of those infected with the coronavirus may experience only mild symptoms, or even none at all, a significant proportion — state officials have estimated about 12% — will fall ill enough to require hospitalization within two to three weeks.
In other words, the ramifications of these record case counts won’t ripple through the healthcare system for a few more weeks — a frightening prospect, given that hospitals and intensive care units are already inundated with COVID-19 patients.
On Sunday, the most recent day for which complete data are available, there were record-high numbers of coronavirus-positive patients hospitalized (17,190) and in intensive care (3,644) statewide.
The situation is particularly precarious in ICUs, which are needed to care for the sickest patients. ICU availability has cratered amid the relentless COVID-19 surge, and bottomed out at 0% in both Southern California and the San Joaquin Valley.
“I’m not going to sugarcoat this: We are getting crushed,” said Dr. Brad Spellberg, chief medical officer at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center.
Hospitals are already having to take steps to keep up with the influx of ICU patients — including placing them in other parts of hospitals not designed for that purpose, clearing out critical care wards of patients who can survive elsewhere and in some cases keeping patients on ambulances for as long as eight hours until space is available.
The concern, though, is that there eventually may be too many critically ill patients for the limited numbers of available ICU doctors and nurses — a chilling prospect that could result in patients not getting the care they need and, potentially, increases in mortality.
Many hospitals are preparing for the possibility of rationing care in the coming weeks as the number of patients exceeds their staffs’ abilities to care for them.
“Think New York in April. Think Italy in March,” Spellberg said. “That’s how bad things could get.”
California L.A. County outlines wrenching moves to ration healthcare if COVID-19 hospital crisis worsens Already, hospitals are struggling to keep up with the pace of new COVID-19 patients. With the surge showing no signs of slowing down, L.A. County facilities are preparing for how to allocate care in a crisis situation.
Already, COVID-19 is killing more Californians than ever before. The state has averaged 233 daily deaths over the last week, more than double the number two weeks ago.
More than 2,700 Californians have died from COVID-19 over the last 14 days, a staggering number that accounts for 12% of the state’s 22,600-plus fatalities.
Officials have said the surge is being fueled, at least in part, by people ignoring public health guidance and gathering with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving.
Significant numbers of people choosing to do the same for the winter holidays, officials warn, will only pour gasoline on a pandemic that’s already blazing out of control.
“I have yet to see any clear signals that things are slowing down, and I’m very concerned about the next two months,” said Dr. Timothy Brewer, an epidemiologist at UCLA.
Times staff writers Alex Wigglesworth, Soumya Karlamangla and Adam Elmahrek contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-12-21--Santa Claus got run over by a power line in Sacramento

Well , Santa Claus was coming to town .
A man dressed in full Santa gear had just lifted off from his Rio Linda neighborhood north of Sacramento , intending to shower children below with candy canes .
But his paraglider sleigh got caught in some power lines , suspending the man for an hour before firefighters safely lowered him to the ground .
“ He was in good enough spirits , considering what happened , ” said Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District spokesman Chris Vestal , declining to give the man ’ s name .
“ He was disappointed he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ task.
” A “ semi-local celebrity , ” the man was headed to a community event when his trip was derailed , Vestal said .
The cause of Claus ’ incident — perhaps morning fog , wind or faulty directions to the North Pole — remains unclear .
“ Could have been any number of factors that could have caused him to become distracted and blown him into the power lines , ” Vestal said .
Power was shut off to about 200 people as firefighters worked to extract the jolly old elf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ His seatbelt strapped him to the machine , keeping him from falling out .
Firefighters used an aerial ladder to meet the man midair and lower him to safety .
“ That was one of those moments that you train for , ” said Keith Wade , spokesman for the Sacramento Fire Department .
” It ’ s a complicated and risky type of a rescue because of the charged power lines.
” Vestal said the incident hadn ’ t sheared any insulation from the cables , so no electricity shocked the man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be uninjured to the extent where he walked away , it ’ s remarkable , ” Vestal said .
The supply of candy canes remained intact in the vehicle as well , according to Vestal .
“ Couldn ’ t we have at least had some of those come down ?
” he said , joking .
The man ’ s Rio Linda neighbors heralded the news of his quick recovery as “ a Christmas miracle ” on a local Facebook forum .
“ Rest up , Santa , and thank you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
” one person wrote .
It ’ s not the first time Santa Claus was prevented from making the rounds in Sacramento .
In 2017 , a man got stuck in a chimney while allegedly trying to break into a business .
“ Must have been a Grinch !
” Vestal said .
You better watch out .

The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District rescued a paraglider dressed as Santa on Sunday after he became tangled in power lines while trying to deliver candy canes from the sky.
Well, Santa Claus was coming to town.
A man dressed in full Santa gear had just lifted off from his Rio Linda neighborhood north of Sacramento, intending to shower children below with candy canes. But his paraglider sleigh got caught in some power lines, suspending the man for an hour before firefighters safely lowered him to the ground.
“He was in good enough spirits, considering what happened,” said Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District spokesman Chris Vestal, declining to give the man’s name. “He was disappointed he didn’t get to finish his task.”
A “semi-local celebrity,” the man was headed to a community event when his trip was derailed, Vestal said. The cause of Claus’ incident — perhaps morning fog, wind or faulty directions to the North Pole — remains unclear.
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“Could have been any number of factors that could have caused him to become distracted and blown him into the power lines,” Vestal said.
Power was shut off to about 200 people as firefighters worked to extract the jolly old elf from the lines, Vestal said. His seatbelt strapped him to the machine, keeping him from falling out. Firefighters used an aerial ladder to meet the man midair and lower him to safety.
We are happy to report #Santa is uninjured and will be ready for #Christmas next week, but perhaps with a new sleigh! pic.twitter.com/muYQex4zYU — Metro Fire of Sacramento (@metrofirepio) December 20, 2020
“That was one of those moments that you train for,” said Keith Wade, spokesman for the Sacramento Fire Department. ”It’s a complicated and risky type of a rescue because of the charged power lines.”
Vestal said the incident hadn’t sheared any insulation from the cables, so no electricity shocked the man or his aircraft.
“For him to be uninjured to the extent where he walked away, it’s remarkable,” Vestal said.
The supply of candy canes remained intact in the vehicle as well, according to Vestal.
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“Couldn’t we have at least had some of those come down?” he said, joking.
The man’s Rio Linda neighbors heralded the news of his quick recovery as “a Christmas miracle” on a local Facebook forum.
“Rest up, Santa, and thank you for your gliding escapades during this pandemic!” one person wrote.
It’s not the first time Santa Claus was prevented from making the rounds in Sacramento. In 2017, a man got stuck in a chimney while allegedly trying to break into a business.
“Must have been a Grinch!” Vestal said.
You better watch out.


latimes--2020-12-21--L.A. Unified will not reopen campuses when the spring semester starts Jan. 11

The Los Angeles school district will not reopen campuses when the spring semester starts Jan. 11 , and in a Monday statement Supt .
Austin Beutner provided no timetable for bringing students back to campuses , citing the dangerous coronavirus surge and “ alarming ” data from the district ’ s own testing program .
Beutner also announced that the nation ’ s second-largest school system would continue to provide households with free meals over the holidays .
In addition , people with a district connection can make an appointment for free virus testing at one of 41 sites across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all or parts of 26 cities .
But the news that all families were awaiting was the status of in-person instruction .
“ It will not be possible for us to reopen school campuses by the time next semester starts on Jan. 11 , ” Beutner said in a pre-recorded briefing .
“ We ’ ll remain in online-only mode until community health conditions improve significantly.
” His remarks also contained a foreboding data point : 10 % of students coming in to school-based coronavirus testing sites were positive for the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing program is alarming , ” Beutner said .
“ Over the past week , 5 % of adults — who did not report any exposure or symptoms — tested positive , and close to 10 % of children.
” He added : “ Think about that — 1 in 10 children being tested at schools show no symptoms but have the virus .
It ’ s clear we ’ re a long way from reopening schools with the level of virus this high.
” L.A. Unified ’ s action is in line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ systems in the region .
Students in Long Beach Unified , the fourth-largest system in California , will not return to campus until at least March 1 .
San Francisco won ’ t reopen campuses before February .
The status of campus reopening varies across Southern California .
Under state guidelines , public and private schools can fully reopen two weeks after a county exits the worst pandemic rating , which is called the “ purple tier.
” Until recently , areas with lower infection rates had included Ventura , Orange , San @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools in those counties reopened over the fall .
Now , however , the entire region has descended into the purple tier and hospitals are scrambling to find beds and staff to care for COVID patients .
Campuses that already had opened can remain open .
But schools can not reopen for the first time under current restrictions .
And many are returning to distance-only learning — briefly or for extended periods — including Vista Unified , Escondido Union School District , Oceanside Unified and Poway Unified , the San Diego Union-Tribune reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the virus has been spreading widely on campus , but safety protocols to prevent outbreaks result in campus closures when students or staff test positive .
In L.A. County , for instance , three cases on one campus could prompt a closure .
Santa Ana Unified had yet to reopen , but it was offering learning pods — which provide a setting for distance learning to students with unreliable internet access at home .
The learning pods , too , went into hiatus during the December surge .
“ We will still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with safety protocols in place after winter break , ” said Santa Ana district spokesman Fermin Leal .
“ Staff can still work from their work sites when working remotely is not possible .
But group gatherings of staff is discouraged.
” San Dieguito Union High School District in San Diego County is moving in the other direction .
Its board voted narrowly last week to reopen schools starting in January , despite warnings from district administrators , the teachers union and others that there won ’ t be enough staff and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The district plans to offer all students one-day-a-week , in-person instruction starting Jan. 4 , and five-days-a-week in-person instruction starting Jan. 27 .
Los Angeles County has yet to leave the purple tier , so no schools are allowed to fully open to all students .
But there are exceptions : Local schools can operate under a waiver for transitional kindergarten through second grade .
In addition , they can bring to campus up to 25 % of enrollment at a given time to serve students with special needs .
L.A. Unified has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far made limited use of allowances for students with special needs — reaching about 2,500 students , less than 1 % of enrollment .
The pandemic surge compelled Beutner to shut down all in-person services for the final two weeks of the winter term , which ended Friday .
It was not immediately clear if the delay in campus reopening also would apply to these limited in-person services .
Two advocacy groups have sued to pressure L.A. Unified to bring back greater numbers of students for this assistance .
Other advocacy groups are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teaching online — resulting in a separate lawsuit .
The district continues to distribute massive numbers of meals .
Over the winter break , the distribution will take place Monday through Wednesday , with extra meals provided on Wednesdays to help tide families over .
Late last week , the district and the teachers union , United Teachers Los Angeles , reached a revised distance-learning agreement .
It adds to the schedule additional live teaching and extended office hours — although the changes are unlikely to placate critics .
The announcement of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but it did provide clarity for parents .
Union leaders have gone further , saying there will be no full campus reopenings in January , which they see as an issue that would require negotiations .
Last week , the teachers union urged a more widespread economic shutdown in January to slow the virus .
They made this call in conjunction with unions representing nurses , other health workers , grocery store employees and hotel and restaurant workers .
The teachers also called for prioritizing the opening of schools at the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ access to school staff .
Speak Up , a local advocacy group that is often at odds with the teachers union , offered support on Monday for much of the union ’ s proposal .
“ We agree with UTLA that we need to take much stronger measures — and enforce them — in January to bring this virus under control so we can safely reopen campuses as soon as we turn the corner on this surge , ” Chief Executive Katie Braude said .
“ We hope that teachers will begin receiving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faulted the union and district , however , for not working together to ensure that more students received in-person services when infection rates were lower .

L.A. schools Supt. Austin Beutner, taking a coronavirus test in September at a school in Wilmington, says the LAUSD will continue to provide free meals over the holidays.
The Los Angeles school district will not reopen campuses when the spring semester starts Jan. 11, and in a Monday statement Supt. Austin Beutner provided no timetable for bringing students back to campuses, citing the dangerous coronavirus surge and “alarming” data from the district’s own testing program.
Beutner also announced that the nation’s second-largest school system would continue to provide households with free meals over the holidays. In addition, people with a district connection can make an appointment for free virus testing at one of 41 sites across the sprawling school system, which encompasses all or parts of 26 cities.
But the news that all families were awaiting was the status of in-person instruction.
“It will not be possible for us to reopen school campuses by the time next semester starts on Jan. 11,” Beutner said in a pre-recorded briefing. “We’ll remain in online-only mode until community health conditions improve significantly.”
His remarks also contained a foreboding data point: 10% of students coming in to school-based coronavirus testing sites were positive for the virus.
“The most recent data from our testing program is alarming,” Beutner said. “Over the past week, 5% of adults — who did not report any exposure or symptoms — tested positive, and close to 10% of children.”
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He added: “Think about that — 1 in 10 children being tested at schools show no symptoms but have the virus. It’s clear we’re a long way from reopening schools with the level of virus this high.”
L.A. Unified’s action is in line with those of other large urban school systems in the region. Students in Long Beach Unified, the fourth-largest system in California, will not return to campus until at least March 1. San Francisco won’t reopen campuses before February.
The status of campus reopening varies across Southern California.
Under state guidelines, public and private schools can fully reopen two weeks after a county exits the worst pandemic rating, which is called the “purple tier.” Until recently, areas with lower infection rates had included Ventura, Orange, San Diego and Riverside counties. And many schools in those counties reopened over the fall. Now, however, the entire region has descended into the purple tier and hospitals are scrambling to find beds and staff to care for COVID patients.
Campuses that already had opened can remain open. But schools cannot reopen for the first time under current restrictions. And many are returning to distance-only learning — briefly or for extended periods — including Vista Unified, Escondido Union School District, Oceanside Unified and Poway Unified, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported.
The problem isn’t necessarily that the virus has been spreading widely on campus, but safety protocols to prevent outbreaks result in campus closures when students or staff test positive. In L.A. County, for instance, three cases on one campus could prompt a closure.
Santa Ana Unified had yet to reopen, but it was offering learning pods — which provide a setting for distance learning to students with unreliable internet access at home. The learning pods, too, went into hiatus during the December surge.
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“We will still have meal distributions and in-person tech support with safety protocols in place after winter break,” said Santa Ana district spokesman Fermin Leal. “Staff can still work from their work sites when working remotely is not possible. But group gatherings of staff is discouraged.”
San Dieguito Union High School District in San Diego County is moving in the other direction. Its board voted narrowly last week to reopen schools starting in January, despite warnings from district administrators, the teachers union and others that there won’t be enough staff and that the reopening may violate state rules. The district plans to offer all students one-day-a-week, in-person instruction starting Jan. 4, and five-days-a-week in-person instruction starting Jan. 27.
Los Angeles County has yet to leave the purple tier, so no schools are allowed to fully open to all students. But there are exceptions: Local schools can operate under a waiver for transitional kindergarten through second grade. In addition, they can bring to campus up to 25% of enrollment at a given time to serve students with special needs.
L.A. Unified has not applied for waivers and has so far made limited use of allowances for students with special needs — reaching about 2,500 students, less than 1% of enrollment. The pandemic surge compelled Beutner to shut down all in-person services for the final two weeks of the winter term, which ended Friday.
It was not immediately clear if the delay in campus reopening also would apply to these limited in-person services. Two advocacy groups have sued to pressure L.A. Unified to bring back greater numbers of students for this assistance. Other advocacy groups are pressing the district to provide more live teaching online — resulting in a separate lawsuit.
The district continues to distribute massive numbers of meals. Over the winter break, the distribution will take place Monday through Wednesday, with extra meals provided on Wednesdays to help tide families over.
Late last week, the district and the teachers union, United Teachers Los Angeles, reached a revised distance-learning agreement. It adds to the schedule additional live teaching and extended office hours — although the changes are unlikely to placate critics.
The announcement of a delayed reopening was not really a surprise, but it did provide clarity for parents. Union leaders have gone further, saying there will be no full campus reopenings in January, which they see as an issue that would require negotiations.
Last week, the teachers union urged a more widespread economic shutdown in January to slow the virus. They made this call in conjunction with unions representing nurses, other health workers, grocery store employees and hotel and restaurant workers. The teachers also called for prioritizing the opening of schools at the end of any lockdown and providing early vaccine access to school staff.
Speak Up, a local advocacy group that is often at odds with the teachers union, offered support on Monday for much of the union’s proposal.
“We agree with UTLA that we need to take much stronger measures — and enforce them — in January to bring this virus under control so we can safely reopen campuses as soon as we turn the corner on this surge,” Chief Executive Katie Braude said. “We hope that teachers will begin receiving the vaccine in February.”
The group faulted the union and district, however, for not working together to ensure that more students received in-person services when infection rates were lower.