latimes--2020-04-30--Coronavirus death toll passes 2,000 in California, more than half in L.A. County

California ’ s largest county accounts for more than 1,100 of those victims , according to public health officials .
“ Many in our county are mourning the loss of their loved ones , and our community is very much with all of you and you are in our thoughts and our prayers every single day , ” county Public Health Department Director Barbara Ferrer said Thursday .
The recent surge in the number of cases and deaths linked to the coronavirus has pushed California to the brink of another sobering milestone , as the state is poised to surpass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Los Angeles County , which continues to be a hotbed of the coronavirus even as other parts of the state have seen signs the illness is retreating , confirmed 733 new cases Thursday — boosting the confirmed infection count past 23,000 , according to Ferrer .
The previous day , Ferrer announced 1,541 new cases , the largest increase reported in a single day since the pandemic began .
The county accounts for nearly half of all California ’ s coronavirus cases .
Only three other counties — Riverside , San Diego @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 100 fatalities .
Los Angeles County ’ s sharp uptick in new cases is mostly attributable to expanded testing , which health officials stress is essential in getting a better sense of how many people have the virus .
That data , in turn , could be used to ease California ’ s stay-at-home rules .
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced Wednesday that all county residents could now get free coronavirus testing at city-run sites .
Previously , only residents with symptoms , essential workers or those in institutional settings such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The county , though , didn ’ t go quite that far .
Instead , officials announced they would continue to prioritize testing for people with symptoms of COVID-19 , including newly recognized ones such as sore throat and sudden loss of taste or smell .
Only certain individuals can get tested if they don ’ t have symptoms — such as those who are essential workers , over the age of 65 , have a chronic underlying health condition or live in institutional living facilities , such as nursing homes .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or coordinated sites , meaning county residents who don ’ t meet eligibility requirements can still sign up to be tested at a city-run center .
The city and county use the same portal to book COVID-19 testing appointments , and that system “ is able to distinguish ” between those who would need to go to a city center compared with a county one , according to Dr. Christina Ghaly , the county ’ s health services director .
Asked whether the county and city were sending mixed messages on testing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closely on a “ rapidly evolving topic.
” “ We think that this is the best approach moving forward , ” she said .
“ We also believe that this is what is most supported in terms of the clinical evidence about who would benefit from a test.
” She said that the “ testing supply chain and capacity is still limited across the country , ” and that eventually , when the supply is no longer constrained and stay-at-home orders begin to be relaxed , the county could move to expand its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She also cautioned that testing is not a panacea , and regardless of whether residents have been tested , they still need to follow health orders and stay at home as much as possible , keep their distance from others and wear cloth face coverings when outside their homes .
“ I understand that testing can provide individuals with a sense of security and can make people feel more comfortable ... but I want to caution everyone on holding on too tightly to that security because , medically , it is fleeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negative test one day does not mean you won ’ t get infected the next.
” Although state- and county-level officials have expressed optimism that California is headed in the right direction , the continued growth in the number of cases and deaths shows the state isn ’ t out of the woods .
Even so , some counties are pushing for Gov .
Gavin Newsom to allow them to ease stay-at-home restrictions .
That ’ s particularly true in less crowded , more remote areas where COVID-19 activity has been scant .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ counties that have not reported a single case of coronavirus infection , plans to allow all businesses , schools and churches to reopen starting Friday , as long as people stay six feet apart , according to a statement signed by county officials .
It ’ s unclear whether that would lead to a legal showdown between the county and Newsom , whose statewide stay-at-home order supersedes local laws .
Other counties and cities have already started allowing select activities to resume , or reopening outdoor and recreational spaces that were shuttered to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Newsom cautioned that moving too quickly could have disastrous consequences — citing other locations that saw a rebound in the virus after restrictions were relaxed .
“ Look what happened in Japan .
Look what happened in Singapore .
Looked what happened in China , ” he said Thursday .
“ When you pull back too quickly , you put people ’ s lives at risk .
People are literally dying.
” A major flashpoint this week has been beaches .
During the weekend heat wave , thousands flocked to the coastline in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Angeles County ’ s , was open to the public .
Although there ’ s dispute over whether beachgoers were abiding by social distancing guidelines — officials in Orange County and elsewhere insist visitors were acting responsibly — images over the weekend drew a rebuke from Newsom , who a source said was considering ordering the closure of all California beaches .
On Thursday , though , Newsom announced a more limited directive .
He said all state and local beaches in Orange County must temporarily close .
He cited “ specific issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] have raised alarm bells — people that are congregating there that weren ’ t practicing physical distancing , that may go back to their community outside of Orange County and may not even know they contracted the disease and put other people at risk , put our hospital system at risk.
” In many of the state ’ s coastal areas , Newsom said , “ we saw people doing all the right things.
” “ In areas where we didn ’ t see that , you have to acknowledge that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to own that , and you have to figure that out.
” As far as L.A. County is concerned , “ we , too , will be looking to relax and figure out how we can once again safely enjoy our beaches , ” Ferrer said .
“ We ’ re not there today.
” Newsom expressed confidence that this “ temporary pause ” in Orange County could be lifted “ very , very quickly , but we ’ ve got to make sure we get this right.
” “ Why undo all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Let ’ s move this state forward together.
” Times staff writers Melanie Mason , Rosanna Xia , John Myers and Rong-Gong Lin II contributed to this report .

Luke Money, Hannah Fry, Richard Winton, Marisa Gerber

A woman wearing a protective mask walks by a shuttered store on the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica.
Los Angeles County health officials announced 55 new coronavirus-related fatalities Thursday, pushing the pandemic’s statewide death toll past 2,000.
California’s largest county accounts for more than 1,100 of those victims, public health officials said.
“Many in our county are mourning the loss of their loved ones, and our community is very much with all of you and you are in our thoughts and our prayers every single day,” county Public Health Department Director Barbara Ferrer said Thursday.
The recent surge in the number of cases and deaths linked to the coronavirus pushed California across another sobering milestone, as the state surpassed 50,000 infections by the end of Thursday.
Los Angeles County, which continues to be a hotbed of the coronavirus even as other parts of the state have seen signs that the illness is retreating, confirmed 733 new cases Thursday — boosting the confirmed infection count past 23,000, Ferrer said.
The previous day, Ferrer announced 1,541 new cases, the largest increase reported in a single day since the pandemic began.
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The county accounts for nearly half of California’s coronavirus cases. Only three other counties — Riverside, San Diego and Santa Clara — have recorded more than 100 fatalities.
Los Angeles County’s sharp uptick in new cases is mostly attributable to expanded testing, which health officials say is essential in getting a better sense of how many people have the virus. That data, in turn, could be used to ease California’s stay-at-home rules.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced Wednesday that all county residents could now get free coronavirus testing at city-run sites. Previously, only residents with symptoms, essential workers or those in institutional settings such as nursing homes could be tested.
The county, though, didn’t go quite that far. Instead, officials announced they would continue to prioritize testing for people with symptoms of COVID-19, including newly recognized ones such as sore throat and sudden loss of taste or smell. Only certain individuals can get tested if they don’t have symptoms — such as those who are essential workers, over the age of 65, have a chronic underlying health condition or live in institutional living facilities, such as nursing homes.
However, those criteria apply only at county-operated or coordinated sites, meaning county residents who don’t meet eligibility requirements can still sign up to be tested at a city-run center.
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The city and county use the same portal to book COVID-19 testing appointments, and that system “is able to distinguish” between those who would need to go to a city center compared with a county one, said Dr. Christina Ghaly, the county’s health services director.
Asked whether the county and city were sending mixed messages on testing, Ghaly said the two entities were working closely on a “rapidly evolving topic.”
“We think that this is the best approach moving forward,” she said. “We also believe that this is what is most supported in terms of the clinical evidence about who would benefit from a test.”
She said that the “testing supply chain and capacity is still limited across the country,” and that eventually, when the supply is no longer constrained and stay-at-home orders begin to be relaxed, the county could move to expand its criteria for those who should be tested.
She also cautioned that testing is not a panacea, and regardless of whether residents have been tested, they still need to follow health orders and stay at home as much as possible, keep their distance from others and wear cloth face coverings when outside their homes.
“I understand that testing can provide individuals with a sense of security and can make people feel more comfortable ... but I want to caution everyone on holding on too tightly to that security because, medically, it is fleeting,” she said. “A negative test one day does not mean you won’t get infected the next.”
For his part, Garcetti said he consulted with county public health department leaders and received positive feedback on the testing plan. But he said his announcement wasn’t something that county officials had to sign off on.
Garcetti stressed that front-line workers, people with COVID-19 symptoms and other high-risk individuals remain the priority for testing. But he said Los Angeles now has the capacity to test 18,000 people per day and supply is no issue. Saving lives starts with knowing where the virus is located, he said.
“This is a silent killer,” he said. “We know asymptomatic people spread this. I’m never going to let tests go to waste.”
Although state- and county-level officials have expressed optimism that California is headed in the right direction, the continued growth in the number of cases and deaths shows the state isn’t out of the woods.
Even so, some counties are pushing for Gov. Gavin Newsom to allow them to ease stay-at-home restrictions.
That’s particularly true in less crowded, more remote areas where COVID-19 activity has been scant.
Modoc County, one of four California counties that have not reported a single case of coronavirus infection, plans to allow all businesses, schools and churches to reopen starting Friday, as long as people stay six feet apart, according to a statement signed by county officials.
It’s unclear whether that would lead to a legal showdown between the county and Newsom, whose statewide stay-at-home order supersedes local laws.
Other counties and cities have already started allowing select activities to resume, or reopening outdoor and recreational spaces that were shuttered to stem the spread of the coronavirus.
Newsom cautioned that moving too quickly could have disastrous consequences — citing other locations that saw a rebound in the virus after restrictions were relaxed.
“Look what happened in Japan. Look what happened in Singapore. Looked what happened in China,” he said Thursday. “When you pull back too quickly, you put people’s lives at risk. People are literally dying.”
A major flashpoint this week has been beaches. During the weekend heat wave, thousands flocked to the coastline in Orange County, which, unlike Los Angeles County’s, was open to the public.
Although there’s dispute over whether beachgoers were abiding by social distancing guidelines — officials in Orange County and elsewhere insist visitors were acting responsibly — images over the weekend drew a rebuke from Newsom, who a source said was considering ordering the closure of all California beaches.
On Thursday, though, Newsom announced a more limited directive. He said all state and local beaches in Orange County must temporarily close.
He cited “specific issues on some of those beaches [that] have raised alarm bells — people that are congregating there that weren’t practicing physical distancing, that may go back to their community outside of Orange County and may not even know they contracted the disease and put other people at risk, put our hospital system at risk.”
In many of the state’s coastal areas, Newsom said, “we saw people doing all the right things.”
“In areas where we didn’t see that, you have to acknowledge that,” he said. “You have to own that, and you have to figure that out.”
Huntington Beach Mayor Lyn Semeta said she was concerned and disappointed with Newsom’s actions.
“The City has put careful thought and invested considerable effort and expense in order to discourage overcrowding and facilitate effective social distancing at our beaches,” she said in a statement. “In fact, we’ve taken Governor Newsom’s words to heart in Huntington Beach, to provide public access — in a safe way — so that our residents can experience physical and mental health benefits from accessing the Pacific Ocean. Our experience here locally has been that most people are being responsible and complying with social distancing, and given that Orange County has among the lowest per-capita COVID-19 death rates in California, the state’s action today seems to prioritize politics over data.”
Newsom expressed confidence that this “temporary pause” in Orange County could be lifted “very, very quickly, but we’ve got to make sure we get this right.”
“Why undo all the great progress?” he said. “Let’s move this state forward together.”
Garcetti said he supported Newsom’s decision.
“This virus affects all of us. It cares not what a county border is,” he said. “We don’t know the impact of moves for two to three weeks. So if we do things ahead of everybody else, we may not just be endangering our people but endangering other folks who drive in from neighboring counties.”
As far as L.A. County is concerned, “we, too, will be looking to relax and figure out how we can once again safely enjoy our beaches,” Ferrer said. “We’re not there today.”
Times staff writers Melanie Mason, Rosanna Xia, John Myers and Rong-Gong Lin II contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-04-30--Robert Durst seeks mistrial in murder case because of coronavirus delays

Robert Durst ’ s defense team has asked for a mistrial in the real estate scion ’ s Los Angeles murder case , arguing that delays in court proceedings caused by the coronavirus will make it impossible for him to receive a fair trial .
Durst was standing trial in the 2000 murder of his longtime confidant Susan Berman when the pandemic paralyzed most of the nation .
Prosecutors contend that Durst killed Berman to prevent her from spilling incriminating information about the 1982 disappearance of his first wife , Kathleen , whose body was never found .
Durst , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s murder in 2015 , around the same time an HBO documentary reignited national interest in the case .
He has pleaded not guilty .
Trial testimony was suspended March 12 due to the virus .
“ Even in the best case scenario , assuming it will be safe to resume trial in early June , more than eighty days will have elapsed before the jury reconvenes , ” the 29-page motion said .
Durst ’ s defense team argued that the gap in time would make it “ unrealistic ” to believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testimony or avoid outside influences .
“ The risk that jurors will not be accurately able to recall the evidence introduced prior to adjournment is heightened here .
The trial is expected to be a long and complex one , lasting approximately four to five months , ” the motion said .
“ The People ’ s witness list contains approximately 115 names.
” Durst ’ s attorneys also expressed concerns about health risks if the trial were to proceed : Five jurors are older than 65 , and two members of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the motion .
Durst also has a history of medical problems .
“ At this time , forcing a relatively large group of trial participants , including several high-risk individuals , to congregate in facilities ‘ ill-equipped ’ for social distancing would create an unjustified risk of serious illness , ” the motion said .
A spokesman for the Los Angeles County district attorney ’ s office declined to comment .
The coronavirus outbreak has frozen most court proceedings statewide .
On Wednesday , California ’ s chief justice , Tani G. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delaying trials up to 90 days .
Other operations have been curtailed to limit the risk of spreading the coronavirus in the cramped confines of most courtrooms .
Concerns about the pandemic had been raised in the Durst trial before it was suspended .
Durst ’ s brother invoked the coronavirus to avoid answering a subpoena ordering him to travel from the Bay Area to Los Angeles to testify .
Thomas Durst , 70 , said he presented a note to prosecutors in which his personal doctor strongly advised “ against any travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unspecified medical issues .
The younger Durst ultimately appeared and took the stand sporting latex gloves .
In a motion filed Wednesday , prosecutors sought to have Judge Mark E. Windham declare several witnesses unavailable to appear personally because of the pandemic .
The four witnesses , all of whom are older than 65 and reside in New York or New Jersey , were questioned in Los Angeles in 2017 so their testimony could be preserved via videotape should they die or become unavailable before the trial .
Among those witnesses was Nick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who said the defendant admitted to killing Berman after they had dinner in New York City in 2014 .
“ We must not put these witnesses ’ health in peril when there is prior sworn testimony that was memorialized precisely and in preparation for the situation we face today , ” the prosecution ’ s motion said .
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for June 23 in the Airport Courthouse .

Real estate heir Robert Durst, shown during his murder trial in Los Angeles, wants a mistrial declared due to the lengthy delay in court proceedings.
Robert Durst’s defense team has asked for a mistrial in the real estate scion’s Los Angeles murder case, arguing that delays in court proceedings caused by the coronavirus will make it impossible for him to receive a fair trial.
Durst was standing trial in the 2000 murder of his longtime confidant Susan Berman when the pandemic paralyzed most of the nation. Prosecutors contend that Durst killed Berman to prevent her from spilling incriminating information about the 1982 disappearance of his first wife, Kathleen, whose body was never found.
Durst, 77, was charged with Berman’s murder in 2015, around the same time an HBO documentary reignited national interest in the case. He has pleaded not guilty.
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Trial testimony was suspended March 12 due to the virus.
“Even in the best case scenario, assuming it will be safe to resume trial in early June, more than eighty days will have elapsed before the jury reconvenes,” the 29-page motion said.
Durst’s defense team argued that the gap in time would make it “unrealistic” to believe jurors could retain important details from earlier testimony or avoid outside influences.
“The risk that jurors will not be accurately able to recall the evidence introduced prior to adjournment is heightened here. The trial is expected to be a long and complex one, lasting approximately four to five months,” the motion said. “The People’s witness list contains approximately 115 names.”
Durst’s attorneys also expressed concerns about health risks if the trial were to proceed: Five jurors are older than 65, and two members of the defense team are over 75, according to the motion. Durst also has a history of medical problems.
“At this time, forcing a relatively large group of trial participants, including several high-risk individuals, to congregate in facilities ‘ill-equipped’ for social distancing would create an unjustified risk of serious illness,” the motion said.
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A spokesman for the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office declined to comment.
The coronavirus outbreak has frozen most court proceedings statewide. On Wednesday, California’s chief justice, Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye, extended a previous emergency order delaying trials up to 90 days. Other operations have been curtailed to limit the risk of spreading the coronavirus in the cramped confines of most courtrooms.
Concerns about the pandemic had been raised in the Durst trial before it was suspended.
Durst’s brother invoked the coronavirus to avoid answering a subpoena ordering him to travel from the Bay Area to Los Angeles to testify. Thomas Durst, 70, said he presented a note to prosecutors in which his personal doctor strongly advised “against any travel, particularly airplane travel,” citing unspecified medical issues. The younger Durst ultimately appeared and took the stand sporting latex gloves.
In a motion filed Wednesday, prosecutors sought to have Judge Mark E. Windham declare several witnesses unavailable to appear personally because of the pandemic. The four witnesses, all of whom are older than 65 and reside in New York or New Jersey, were questioned in Los Angeles in 2017 so their testimony could be preserved via videotape should they die or become unavailable before the trial.
Among those witnesses was Nick Chavin, a longtime friend of Durst who said the defendant admitted to killing Berman after they had dinner in New York City in 2014.
“We must not put these witnesses’ health in peril when there is prior sworn testimony that was memorialized precisely and in preparation for the situation we face today,” the prosecution’s motion said.
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for June 23 in the Airport Courthouse.


latimes--2020-04-30--Podcast: Will coronavirus alter California's plan for denser cities with more housing?

For years , officials across California have pushed to increase home building as a way to address the state ’ s housing affordability and climate crises .
The strategy , which would shift cities from being dominated by single-family homes to having more townhomes , apartments and high-rises , has sparked significant debate about the state ’ s future .
And now , with the coronavirus ravaging New York City , urban density skeptics are again calling on California to pump the brakes .
On this episode of Gim me Shelter : The California Housing Crisis Podcast , we wade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that while New York City has reported a large outbreak , other dense urban areas , including San Francisco , have not .
Our guest is Conor Dougherty , a reporter with the New York Times and author of the new book about California ’ s housing problems , “ Golden Gates : Fighting for Housing in America.
” “ , ” 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Times , and Matt Levin , data and housing reporter for .
You can subscribe to “ Gim me Shelter ” on , , , , and .

For years, officials across California have pushed to increase home building as a way to address the state’s housing affordability and climate crises.
The strategy, which would shift cities from being dominated by single-family homes to having more townhomes, apartments and high-rises, has sparked significant debate about the state’s future. And now, with the coronavirus ravaging New York City, urban density skeptics are again calling on California to pump the brakes.
On this episode of Gimme Shelter: The California Housing Crisis Podcast, we wade into the debate over density — noting that while New York City has reported a large outbreak, other dense urban areas, including San Francisco, have not. Our guest is Conor Dougherty, a reporter with the New York Times and author of the new book about California’s housing problems, “Golden Gates: Fighting for Housing in America.”
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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--2020-04-30--California recommends coronavirus testing all essential workers, with or without symptoms

California public health officials announced late Wednesday another major expansion of coronavirus testing , recommending that all people in high-risk settings , including grocery store employees , bus drivers and law enforcement officers , join the ranks of a broadening group of candidates to receive routine screenings for the virus .
Such workers , considered “ essential ” even amid the shutdown , continue to come into regular contact with the public and , therefore , should be given priority access to testing , even if they don ’ t show symptoms , according to the new guidance by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest change to the state ’ s testing guidelines signals growing confidence among officials that testing capacity at laboratories is increasing enough to handle a bigger share of the state ’ s population .
County officials use their discretion to set restrictions on who can be tested .
When a region ’ s testing capacity is limited , the state guidance serves as an advisory tool for deciding which residents to prioritize .
The state ’ s latest announcement follows last week ’ s move to open up priority testing to asymptomatic people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or prisons .
Officials say that monitoring infections of essential workers to prevent the spread of the disease is another step toward lifting stay-at-home orders and reopening the economy .
If the state can provide routine testing and timely results for this group , it could provide a model for how to expand testing to California ’ s other industries as asymptomatic people return to workplaces in the future .
“ The first step in modifying the stay-at-home order and strengthening the economy is to put in place widespread testing , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have access to it is essential workers , ” said Dr. Bob Kocher , a member of Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s task force on testing .
“ Conceptually , people who have lots and lots of contacts are able to be screened .
And we want those people to be tested often , ” he added .
“ You want to find out if they ’ re sick before they have symptoms and unknowingly spread it to other people.
” The state ’ s new recommendations reflect an overall increase in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sufficient supplies to run more procedures , the public health department said , and the state has averaged more than 20,000 tests per day for the past several days .
But asked how many essential workers are active in the state and would presumably need testing , the public health department said it “ does not have that information.
” Low-risk people who have coronavirus symptoms also remain low on the testing priority list for now .
Adherence to the state ’ s recommendations varies by county .
In some areas , such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ labs appear well-equipped to handle more testing candidates .
There , all county residents can get a free swab test , L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti said Wednesday .
But in other areas , like Bakersfield or Fresno , testing sites can require a long commute .
Newsom ’ s team released a state diagram showing testing deserts in parts of the Central Valley and along the borders with Nevada and Oregon , as well as dense urban regions that house large numbers of minorities .
To address the discrepancies , he announced six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brown communities and focusing on rural communities , ” About 80 others are expected to follow by early May .
In a message to health departments and medical workers , the state health department acknowledged that health officers in some rural regions and high-density neighborhoods may not yet have the infrastructure and supplies to lift local restrictions .
Officials said the department ’ s prioritization guidelines should be used “ when testing availability is limited ” and that the policy “ should not supersede the recommendations of a clinician or local health officer.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing will help public health officials closely track potential cases , one of the essential requirements for California to ease into the next phase of the pandemic response .
Such tracking will require an army of at least 10,000 contact tracers , Newsom said .
But the governor has repeatedly emphasized a long , methodical road ahead before easing social restrictions , saying that the spread of the virus will ultimately decide what happens next .
“ Politics will not drive our decision-making .
Protests won ’ t drive our decision-making .
Political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he said in a Tuesday briefing .
“ Dates don ’ t .
But data does .
”

Riverside County medical personnel screen a car of load of four people at a coronavirus drive-though testing facility for Coachella Valley residents in the parking lot of the Southwest in Indian Wells. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)
Members of the Los Angeles Fire Dept. wear protective gear while handing out kits to people to swab the inside of their mouths to test for the coronavirus, inside a parking lot on Stadium Way, near Dodger Stadium. (Mel Melcon/Los Angeles Times)
Motorists, line up on Stadium Way, near Dodger Stadium, waiting to enter a parking lot and be tested for the coronavirus. (Mel Melcon/Los Angeles Times)
San Bernardino County health care worker takes a sample at a coronavirus drive-thru sample collection that took place at the county fairgrounds in Victorville. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times)
A woman shows her notice from her doctor that allows her to obtain a test for COVID-19 at a new drive-up testing site in a parking lot at the South Bay Galleria in Redondo Beach. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)
Cassidy Roosen, with Beach Cities Health District, holds up a sign that says, “We’re All In This Together,” while waiting to direct cars at a drive-through, appointment-only coronavirus testing location, at the South Bay Galleria, in Redondo Beach. (Jay L. Clendenin/Los Angeles Times)
A man misses the blue bin while dropping off his self-administered COVID-19 test at a drive-up test site at the Veterans Administration Parking Lot 15 outside of Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)
Workers direct drivers at a drive-up test site for COVID-19 at the Veterans Administration Parking Lot 15 outside of Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)
A man drops off his self-administered COVID-19 test in a blue bin at a drive-up test site at the Veterans Administration Parking Lot 15 outside of Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles. (Genaro Molina/Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)
Francis Gon-Gibbs, of LA County Fire Department Lifeguard Division, stands at the entrance of a new mobile testing site for people with symptoms of the coronavirus at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in South Los Angeles. (Christina House/Los Angeles Times)
Healthcare workers tend to a driver in line at a drive-through Coronavirus testing site at the Westminster Mall in Westminster. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)
Healthcare workers tend to a driver in line at a drive-through Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing site at the Westminster Mall in Westminster. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)
Nurses pose for a fun photo between breaks at a drive-through public testing for coronavirus at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times)
Julie Montez, right, sits in her car as a nurse administers a coronavirus test at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times)
A portrait and quote by Martin Luther King, Jr. overlooks a new mobile testing site for people with symptoms of the coronavirus at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in South Los Angeles. (Christina House/Los Angeles Times)
A specimen is turned in at the new mobile testing site for people with symptoms of the coronavirus at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in South Los Angeles. (Christina House/Los Angeles Times)
A man talks with a healthcare worker outside Kedren Community Health Center in South LA, where they are offering walk-up coronavirus testing along with other medical services. (Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times)
Carson residents Kaeli Burks, 3, left, and her cousin Bailey Watson, 5, look out the window of their car after their mothers helped them with self-testing at a drive-up testing site for COVID-19 in Carson. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
Carson City Mayor Albert Robles does self-testing at a new drive-up testing site for COVID-19 outside of a community center in Carson. Free COVID-19 testing is available to all city residents. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
Drive-through COVID-19 testing in Boyle Heights. Experts say widespread testing is crucial for states to be able to safely reopen their economies. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
Every California resident with symptoms of the coronavirus is now considered a top priority for testing, state public health officials announced Thursday in a move that signals growing confidence that testing capacity has increased enough to handle a significant portion of the state’s population.
Symptomatic low-risk people — including young adults without underlying health conditions — are now among the state’s top priorities for testing, along with six other specified groups, according to the new guidelines from the state Department of Public Health.
Officials also announced late Wednesday that all people in high-risk settings, including grocery store employees, bus drivers and law enforcement officers, should also be included among the highest priority to receive routine screenings for the virus.
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Such workers, considered “essential” even amid the shutdown, continue to come into regular contact with the public and therefore should be given priority access to testing, even if they don’t show symptoms, according to the new state guidelines.
The latest changes appear to move the state closer to being able to effectively monitor the infection rate among residents, a goal which public health officials consider necessary before stay-at-home orders can be lifted.
County officials have the ultimate authority to set testing restrictions. But the state guidance serves as an advisory tool when a region’s testing capacity is limited.
The state’s latest announcement follows last week’s move to open up priority testing to asymptomatic people who live or work in nursing homes or prisons.
Monitoring essential workers is also viewed as a key requirement before opening up the economy.
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“The first step in modifying the stay-at-home order and strengthening the economy is to put in place widespread testing, and the first group you’d want to have access to it is essential workers,” said Dr. Bob Kocher, a member of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s task force on testing.
“Conceptually, people who have lots and lots of contacts are able to be screened. And we want those people to be tested often,” he added. “You want to find out if they’re sick before they have symptoms and unknowingly spread it to other people.”
A specimen is turned in at the new mobile testing site for people with symptoms of the coronavirus at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in South Los Angeles. (Christina House / Los Angeles Times)
The state’s new recommendations reflect an overall increase in testing capacity. Major labs have reported sufficient supplies to run more procedures, the public health department said, and the state has averaged more than 20,000 tests per day for the last several days. But asked how many essential workers are active in the state and would presumably need testing, the health department said it “does not have that information.”
Adherence to the state’s recommendations varies by county. In some areas, such as L.A. County, health clinics and labs appear well-equipped to handle more test subjects. All county residents can get a free swab test at city-run sites, L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti said Wednesday.
But in other areas, like Bakersfield or Fresno, testing sites can require a long commute. Newsom’s team released a state diagram showing testing deserts in parts of the Central Valley and along the Nevada and Oregon state lines, as well as in dense urban regions with large numbers of minorities.
To address the discrepancies, the governor announced six new testing sites prioritizing “black and brown communities and focusing on rural communities.” About 80 others are expected to follow by early May.
In a message to health agencies and medical workers, the state health department acknowledged that health officers in some rural regions and high-density neighborhoods may not yet have the infrastructure and supplies to lift local restrictions. Officials said the department’s prioritization guidelines should be used “when testing availability is limited” and that the policy “should not supersede the recommendations of a clinician or local health officer.”
Eventually, officials said, widespread testing will help public health officials closely track potential cases, one of the requirements for California to ease into the next phase of the pandemic response. Such tracking will require an army of at least 10,000 contact tracers, Newsom said.
But the governor has repeatedly emphasized that there is a long, methodical road ahead before social restrictions are eased, saying that the spread of the virus will ultimately decide what happens next.
“Politics will not drive our decision-making. Protests won’t drive our decision-making. Political pressure will not drive our decision-making,” he said in a Tuesday briefing. “Dates don’t. But data does.”


latimes--2020-04-30--Orange County officials push back after Gov. Newsom closes beaches

Orange County leaders are pushing back against Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s decision Thursday to temporarily close all beaches in the county in response to the crowds that gathered along the shore last weekend .
Photos of crowded Orange County beaches went viral over the weekend , prompting Newsom to note that beachgoers who ignored the state ’ s restrictions could prolong the spread of the coronavirus in California and put the well-being of others at risk .
During his daily COVID-19 briefing in Sacramento on Thursday , Newsom commended other counties , including Los Angeles and San Diego @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people off their beaches during last weekend ’ s heat wave .
However , he said the images circulating of Orange County beaches were “ disturbing.
” “ I just think we could tighten that up a little bit , and so we ’ re going to have a temporary pause on the beaches down there , state , local beaches , ” Newsom said .
“ We want to work very closely with local elected officials , and we ’ re committed to doing that and if we can get some framework @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can reopen very , very quickly .
But we ’ ve got to , we ’ ve got to make sure we get this right.
” A memo sent Wednesday evening to California police chiefs indicated that the governor had planned to go further , closing all state and local beaches and parks .
In response to that memo , Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner released a statement hammering the plan and saying the idea of closing the beaches was unwise .
“ Medical professionals tell us the importance of fresh air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including mental health benefits , ” he said .
“ Orange County citizens have been cooperative with California state and county restrictions thus far .
I fear that this overreaction from the state will undermine that cooperative attitude and our collective efforts to fight the disease , based on the best available medical information.
” Orange County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Michelle Steel called the governor ’ s decision an overreaction and an abuse of power .
She said she would be “ looking into an appropriate response ” to the situation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make good choices — wearing face masks , staying six feet apart and staying home when they don ’ t feel well , ” she said in a statement .
“ We have here an opportunity to embrace personal responsibility while also taking care of our neighbors .
Gov .
Newsom clearly doesn ’ t share that faith.
” It is not clear at this point when the closures will go into effect or how long they will last .
County officials say they have not received specifics from Sacramento about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individual cities will handle enforcement .
Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes said he intends to direct deputies in his department , which has jurisdiction over county beaches and certain cities , to seek voluntary compliance from residents .
“ We have been able to accomplish that and educate the public where necessary , ” he said .
“ To date , we have not had to take any enforcement action on any components of the governor ’ s orders.
” Some Orange County officials said images circulated last weekend painted a distorted picture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the beaches .
In an interview Thursday , Wagner said the telephoto lens apparently used to capture last weekend ’ s photographs has a shortening effect that made it appear as though people were sitting closer together .
Aerial photographs of the region that showed sparse crowds on the city ’ s sandy stretches painted a more accurate picture , he said .
“ The governor is making policy based on photographs instead of what the locals are saying is really happening in our communities , ” he said .
“ I would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s received from the county to be compromised by a decision that is an overreaction to a couple of photos.
” Huntington Beach police spokeswoman Angela Bennett said officers did not issue any citations last weekend related to social distancing .
Authorities were on the beach patrolling and educating visitors all weekend and found that the majority of people were staying in their own groups , officials said .
“ The vast majority of people were social distancing at our beaches , ” Bennett said .
In neighboring Newport Beach , Police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boyles said in a joint statement Thursday that there were some clusters of people who were crowded too closely together but that “ it was our personal observation , and that of our officers , that the overwhelming majority of Newport Beach residents and visitors were families or practicing social distancing.
” Newport Beach City Councilwoman Diane Dixon called the beach closures “ a clear abuse ” of the governor ’ s power .
She added that the decisions made by cities across Southern California were “ prudent , carefully thought out and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials had put in place plans to increase public safety staffing and enforce social distancing and other public health measures in an effort to allow people to enjoy the beach while still stemming the spread of the virus .
“ The governor reportedly was angered by misleading telephoto pictures in the news , and reacted hastily without consulting local officials on the ground , ” Dixon said .
“ It is painfully clear that the governor is making decisions based on politics and personal pique instead of fact .
The state ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rather than dictating it.
” San Clemente Mayor Pro Tem Laura Ferguson contacted the city manager and city attorney Wednesday night after she heard about Newsom ’ s proposed directive to suggest that they review what legal authority the governor has to close city beaches .
“ I ’ m hoping the governor can cite some valid reason under case law to be doing this to cities because , in my opinion , it appears to be government overreach .
Local beaches are under the control of the cities , not the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roughly two-week closure , San Clemente reopened its beaches last weekend with the stipulation that visitors would be permitted only to run , walk , swim , surf or partake in other activities along the coast .
Sunbathing or sitting on the sand was not permitted .
City leaders are expected to take up reopening the beaches entirely in the next few weeks .
In nearby Laguna Beach , officials on Tuesday moved to reopen their coastline for limited hours during weekdays , beginning Monday .
Now it appears this will not come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beach City Councilman Peter Blake said that , while he understands Newsom ’ s action , the move “ comes at a point when it seemed like we were on a trajectory to move forward and this now moves us back.
” Blake said he was supportive of closing the beaches when COVID-19 was beginning to take hold in California .
However , he said , the latest effort by the governor appears to be a power move more than a reasonable step toward reopening the state and restarting the economy .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , feel Newsom has gone beyond the scope of his authority and has taken on power that is not outlined in the [ California ] Constitution , ” he said .
Laguna Beach Mayor Pro Tem Steve Dicterow supports reopening beaches on a limited basis .
But he said that crowds like the ones seen in neighboring cities last weekend were exactly what prompted the city to shutter its beaches roughly six weeks ago .
“ This is not a time for politicizing things .
This is not a time for divisiveness , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governor believes this is the best thing to do for the state of California , then we need to follow that.
” Times staff writers Luke Money and Phil Willon contributed to this report .

Weekend beach crowds, such as those in Huntington Beach, spurred alarm among some officials. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
A man in a protective mask walks his dog past a closed park near the pier in Newport Beach on Tuesday. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
A surfer catches a wave while joining some of the thousands of beachgoers over the weekend in Newport Beach. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
An aerial view shows visitors enjoying the sun and sand near the pier in Newport Beach on Tuesday. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
An aerial view of Huntington Beach after Gov. Newsom announced the “hard close” of all Orange County state and local beaches. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)
Emergency room nurse Rebecca McFarlane, of Covina, relaxes on her one day off from treating COVID-19 patients, on an open stretch of sand far away from other beach-goers on the last day of open beaches in Huntington Beach. “As a nurse, I have to wear all the PPE and on my one day off, I just want to relax on the beach,” McFarlane said. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)
Surfers ride the waves on the north side of the Huntington Beach Pier Friday, May 1, 2020. Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered Orange County beaches closed on Thursday despite opposition from local leaders. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)
Steve Christopher, right, reads a book in the shade of the pier as a beach-goer does flips across the beach on the last day of open beaches in Huntington Beach. “I think it’s what needs to be done,” Christopher said. “I saw it last week and it was packed.” (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)
Huntington Beach lifeguards patrol with a boat to try to get surfers to stop defying Gov. Gavin Newsom’s “hard close” order. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)
Saturday’s beach closure did not keep surfers out of the water in Newport Beach. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times)
Surfers and others ventured to the beach in Newport Beach on Saturday despite the governor’s closure order. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times)
A motorcycle officer watches the bike path near the Huntington Beach Pier on Saturday. California Gov. Gavin Newson ordered a hard closure of Orange County beaches this weekend. (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)
A couple walks along the sand while others venture into the surf in Newport Beach even though Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered Orange County beaches closed. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times)
Under the watchful eyes of police officers, protesters against beach closures walk along Newport Beach even though a beach closure went into effect Saturday. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times)
People walk on the sand in Newport Beach despite the beach closure that went into effect Saturday. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times)
Protesters against beach closures walk in Newport Beach even though a beach closure went into effect Saturday. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times)
Huntington Beach resident Kyle Richardson, 35, holds a sign telling California Gov. Gavin Newson to lift stay-at-home orders and reopen beaches, parks and the California economy, during a protest near the Huntington Beach Pier on Saturday. (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)
Newport Beach lifeguards and police clear the beach during a closure that went into effect Saturday. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times)
A surfer climbs over a barrier meant to keep visitors off the beach in Newport Beach on Saturday morning. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times)
Bill Beukers and his wife, Teresa, claim their constitutional rights as they speak to Newport Beach police officers. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times)
An aerial view of the Newport Beach pier, where a few surfers and beach-goers enjoy a nice day at the beach despite Gov. Gavin Newsom’s hard closure, which is still in place in Newport Beach. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)
Bicyclists and pass the closed Boardwalk Sports store on the boardwalk in Newport Beach, on Monday. The business is only renting bicycles but is hoping to fully open after Gov. Newsom’s announcement that some businesses will be able to reopen. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)
An aerial view of a few surfers and beach-goers enjoying a nice day at the beach despite Gov. Gavin Newsom’s hard closure, which is still in place in Newport Beach on Monday. (Allen J. Schaben/Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)
An aerial view of a few surfers and beach-goers enjoying a nice day at the beach despite Gov. Gavin Newsom’s hard closure, which is still in place in Newport Beach. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)
An aerial view of beach-goers playing volleyball on a nice day at the beach despite Gov. Gavin Newsom’s hard closure, which is still in place in Newport Beach. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)
People stroll along Laguna’s Main Beach after it reopened its beaches for active use only. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times)
Cathie Lawler with her dogs, Milo and Charlie, said “Absolutely fabulous. So good to see the beach” as she walked along Laguna Beach after it reopened for active use only. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times)
Mathew Hanna jumps on a skim board at Laguna’s Main Beach on Tuesday morning as city reopened its beaches for active use only. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times)
People stroll along Laguna’s Main Beach after it reopened its beaches for active use only. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times)
Orange County leaders are pushing back against Gov. Gavin Newsom’s decision Thursday to temporarily close all beaches in the county in response to the crowds that gathered along the shore last weekend.
Photos of crowded Orange County beaches went viral over the weekend, prompting Newsom to note that beachgoers who ignored the state’s restrictions could prolong the spread of the coronavirus in California and put the well-being of others at risk.
During his daily COVID-19 briefing in Sacramento on Thursday, Newsom commended other counties, including Los Angeles and San Diego counties, for their leadership in keeping people off their beaches during last weekend’s heat wave. However, he said the images circulating of Orange County beaches were “disturbing.”
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“I just think we could tighten that up a little bit, and so we’re going to have a temporary pause on the beaches down there, state, local beaches,” Newsom said. “We want to work very closely with local elected officials, and we’re committed to doing that and if we can get some framework and guidelines to get this right, we can reopen very, very quickly. But we’ve got to, we’ve got to make sure we get this right.”
A memo sent Wednesday evening to California police chiefs indicated that the governor had planned to go further, closing all state and local beaches and parks. In response to that memo, Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner released a statement hammering the plan and saying the idea of closing the beaches was unwise.
Please read my statement on the closure of Orange County beaches by @GavinNewsom. pic.twitter.com/blo7h3GoVl — Supervisor Don Wagner 🇺🇸 (@DonWagnerCA) April 30, 2020
“Medical professionals tell us the importance of fresh air and sunlight in fighting infectious diseases, including mental health benefits,” he said. “Orange County citizens have been cooperative with California state and county restrictions thus far. I fear that this overreaction from the state will undermine that cooperative attitude and our collective efforts to fight the disease, based on the best available medical information.”
Orange County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Michelle Steel called the governor’s decision an overreaction and an abuse of power. She said she would be “looking into an appropriate response” to the situation.
“I trust our Orange County residents to make good choices — wearing face masks, staying six feet apart and staying home when they don’t feel well,” she said in a statement. “We have here an opportunity to embrace personal responsibility while also taking care of our neighbors. Gov. Newsom clearly doesn’t share that faith.”
It is not clear at this point when the closures will go into effect or how long they will last. County officials say they have not received specifics from Sacramento about the closures.
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It is also unclear how individual cities will handle enforcement. Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes said he intends to direct deputies in his department, which has jurisdiction over county beaches and certain cities, to seek voluntary compliance from residents.
“We have been able to accomplish that and educate the public where necessary,” he said. “To date, we have not had to take any enforcement action on any components of the governor’s orders.”
California Photos show county lines separate packed beaches from empty ones Southern California had its first big heat wave over the weekend, but L.A. County beaches are closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Beaches in nearby counties were open, however. Here are a few scenes from the weekend.
Some Orange County officials said images circulated last weekend painted a distorted picture of what conditions were actually like at the beaches.
In an interview Thursday, Wagner said the telephoto lens apparently used to capture last weekend’s photographs has a shortening effect that made it appear as though people were sitting closer together. Aerial photographs of the region that showed sparse crowds on the city’s sandy stretches painted a more accurate picture, he said.
“The governor is making policy based on photographs instead of what the locals are saying is really happening in our communities,” he said. “I would hate for the spirit of cooperation he’s received from the county to be compromised by a decision that is an overreaction to a couple of photos.”
Huntington Beach police spokeswoman Angela Bennett said officers did not issue any citations last weekend related to social distancing. Authorities were on the beach patrolling and educating visitors all weekend and found that the majority of people were staying in their own groups, officials said.
“The vast majority of people were social distancing at our beaches,” Bennett said.
In neighboring Newport Beach, Police Chief Jon Lewis and Fire Chief Jeff Boyles said in a joint statement Thursday that there were some clusters of people who were crowded too closely together but that “it was our personal observation, and that of our officers, that the overwhelming majority of Newport Beach residents and visitors were families or practicing social distancing.”
Newport Beach City Councilwoman Diane Dixon called the beach closures “a clear abuse” of the governor’s power. She added that the decisions made by cities across Southern California were “prudent, carefully thought out and in the public interest.”
Newport Beach officials had put in place plans to increase public safety staffing and enforce social distancing and other public health measures in an effort to allow people to enjoy the beach while still stemming the spread of the virus.
“The governor reportedly was angered by misleading telephoto pictures in the news, and reacted hastily without consulting local officials on the ground,” Dixon said. “It is painfully clear that the governor is making decisions based on politics and personal pique instead of fact. The state’s role should now be coordinating the process rather than dictating it.”
San Clemente Mayor Pro Tem Laura Ferguson contacted the city manager and city attorney Wednesday night after she heard about Newsom’s proposed directive to suggest that they review what legal authority the governor has to close city beaches.
“I’m hoping the governor can cite some valid reason under case law to be doing this to cities because, in my opinion, it appears to be government overreach. Local beaches are under the control of the cities, not the state,” she said.
After a roughly two-week closure, San Clemente reopened its beaches last weekend with the stipulation that visitors would be permitted only to run, walk, swim, surf or partake in other activities along the coast. Sunbathing or sitting on the sand was not permitted. City leaders are expected to take up reopening the beaches entirely in the next few weeks.
In nearby Laguna Beach, officials on Tuesday moved to reopen their coastline for limited hours during weekdays, beginning Monday. Now it appears this will not come to pass, officials say.
Laguna Beach City Councilman Peter Blake said that, while he understands Newsom’s action, the move “comes at a point when it seemed like we were on a trajectory to move forward and this now moves us back.”
Blake said he was supportive of closing the beaches when COVID-19 was beginning to take hold in California. However, he said, the latest effort by the governor appears to be a power move more than a reasonable step toward reopening the state and restarting the economy.
“There are people that, rightfully so, feel Newsom has gone beyond the scope of his authority and has taken on power that is not outlined in the [California] Constitution,” he said.
Laguna Beach Mayor Pro Tem Steve Dicterow supports reopening beaches on a limited basis. But he said that crowds like the ones seen in neighboring cities last weekend were exactly what prompted the city to shutter its beaches roughly six weeks ago.
“This is not a time for politicizing things. This is not a time for divisiveness,” Dicterow said. “If the governor believes this is the best thing to do for the state of California, then we need to follow that.”
Times staff writers Luke Money and Phil Willon contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-04-30--Arrested 4 times in 3 weeks: L.A. police blame zero bail for rise in repeat offenders

Eric Medina has been arrested four times on suspicion of grand theft auto in the last three weeks .
It began with the theft of a Ford van April 9 , authorities said .
Within a day , he was back on the streets , helped by California ’ s statewide zero-bail policy for lesser offenders fueled by the coronavirus outbreak .
Five days later , officers apprehended him with a stolen Toyota truck , officials allege .
Again he went to jail , only to be freed without bail .
Police say he stole another Toyota truck on April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Medina was arrested yet again in a stolen 2009 Ford Focus .
Los Angeles police say Medina , 31 , is part of a larger problem related to sweeping changes in the judicial system amid the COVID-19 pandemic , which has shuttered many courts and prompted officials to reduce jail populations to slow the spread of the coronavirus .
On March 27 , Los Angeles County implemented a zero-bail requirement for most misdemeanors and low-level felonies .
In the first 30 days of the policy , the Los Angeles Police Department has arrested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being arrested three or more times .
They account for about 5 % of all of those booked on misdemeanors or felonies , records show .
LAPD Chief Michel Moore said while crime in Los Angeles is down in almost all categories since the pandemic began and L.A. implemented its stay-at-home order , career criminals are now exploiting the situation , getting arrested over and over with no real consequences .
“ I think repeat offenders need to be off the streets , ” Moore said , calling for a reexamination of zero @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of LAPD arrests shows that while arrests are down 37 % in the last month , those arrested multiple times is up compared to the same time last year .
Persons with multiple arrests now account for 5 % of all arrests compared with 4 % the same period in 2019 .
Multiple arrests now account for 10 % of all arrests compared with 8 % in 2019 for that time .
In early April , California ’ s Judicial Council , the body that sets policy for all the courts , opted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Gov .
Gavin Newsom declared the coronavirus emergency .
Zero bails for misdemeanor and low-level felonies has long been a goal of justice reform advocates who say the current cash bail system unfairly locks up those without means prior to trial or resolution of their case .
In announcing a series of widespread changes to the courts , including the temporary zero bails earlier this month , California Chief Justice Tani Cantil Sakauye , chair of the state Judicial Council , said to say “ there is no playbook is a gross @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came as the state also was releasing 3,500 inmates and closing entry to prisons for new inmates to allow for social distancing to slow the spread of the virus .
Dist .
Atty .
Jackie Lacey endorsed the move , noting L.A. County implemented it early .
“ Zero bail has been an effective tool in reducing the jail population and minimizing the spread of the coronavirus , ” Lacey said in a statement .
“ Unfortunately , a few defendants have taken advantage of this public health effort .
We will ask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extraordinary circumstances.
” Former San Francisco Dist .
Atty .
George Gascon , who is challenging Lacey in a November runoff election , said the virus has accomplished what criminal justice advocates and research studies could not .
“ The novel coronavirus has forced our system of justice to confront a not-so-novel question , one that largely defined the criminal justice reform movement even prior to the pandemic : Does keeping huge numbers of people in custody on small-time offenses pose a greater threat to us all than letting them out ?
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not care if you ’ re a prosecutor , victim or a defendant .
Innocent or guilty , this virus can still kill you.
” But LAPD Asst .
Police Chief Robert Arcos said zero bail has also had negative consequences : “ We like to think at these tough times people won ’ t exploit the system , but the reality is far different.
” Examining Medina ’ s recent arrests , Arcos noticed the fourth arrest .
“ Oh geez , he was arrested again over the weekend , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Arcos said one category is going the opposite direction — automobile thefts .
According to LAPD Capt .
Paul Vernon , who oversees the department ’ s Compstat data operations , car thefts in the last month have shot up across Los Angeles by nearly a third .
Armando Llamas was arrested on suspicion of a car burglary on April 23 in South Los Angeles .
He was released without bail within hours .
Llamas was back behind bars that evening for allegedly stealing a car , only to be released again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrested again .
One man has been arrested six times on suspicion of a variety of crimes , including brandishing a weapon and trespassing in the North Hollywood area , records show .
Arcos said the department is working with prosecutors to seek a means to having repeat offenders held with some bail .
Statewide , in more conservative counties , prosecutors and sheriffs have publicly questioned the move to release some suspected offenders without bail .
Orange County Dist .
Atty .
Todd Spitzer said the council should have allowed pretrial services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some zero-bail cases , because some of the defendants may have prior strikes .
He said the approach does not allow any real scrutiny of defendants .
“ This shortsighted order handcuffs law enforcement , fails to take into account criminal history , and completely ignores the rights of victims , ” he said .

Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore, shown Jan. 15, said while crime in L.A. is down in almost all categories since the pandemic began, career criminals are exploiting the situation, getting arrested over and over with no real consequences.
Eric Medina has been arrested four times on suspicion of grand theft auto in the last three weeks.
It began with the theft of a Ford van April 9, authorities said. Within a day, he was back on the streets, helped by California’s statewide zero-bail policy for lesser offenders fueled by the coronavirus outbreak.
Five days later, officers apprehended him with a stolen Toyota truck, officials allege. Again he went to jail, only to be freed without bail. Police say he stole another Toyota truck on April 20. And then last weekend, Medina was arrested yet again in a stolen 2009 Ford Focus.
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Los Angeles police say Medina, 31, is part of a larger problem related to sweeping changes in the judicial system amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which has shuttered many courts and prompted officials to reduce jail populations to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
On March 27, Los Angeles County implemented a zero-bail requirement for most misdemeanors and low-level felonies.
In the first 30 days of the policy, the Los Angeles Police Department has arrested 213 individuals multiple times, with 23 being arrested three or more times. They account for about 5% of all of those booked on misdemeanors or felonies, records show.
LAPD Chief Michel Moore said while crime in Los Angeles is down in almost all categories since the pandemic began and L.A. implemented its stay-at-home order, career criminals are now exploiting the situation, getting arrested over and over with no real consequences.
“I think repeat offenders need to be off the streets,” Moore said, calling for a reexamination of zero bail for repeat offenders.
An examination of LAPD arrests shows that while arrests are down 37% in the last month, those arrested multiple times is up compared to the same time last year. Persons with multiple arrests now account for 5% of all arrests compared with 4% the same period in 2019. Multiple arrests now account for 10% of all arrests compared with 8% in 2019 for that time.
In early April, California’s Judicial Council, the body that sets policy for all the courts, opted to implement the emergency bail schedule statewide after Gov. Gavin Newsom declared the coronavirus emergency.
Zero bails for misdemeanor and low-level felonies has long been a goal of justice reform advocates who say the current cash bail system unfairly locks up those without means prior to trial or resolution of their case.
Advertisement
In announcing a series of widespread changes to the courts, including the temporary zero bails earlier this month, California Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye, chair of the state Judicial Council, said to say “there is no playbook is a gross understatement of the situation.”
The move came as the state also was releasing 3,500 inmates and closing entry to prisons for new inmates to allow for social distancing to slow the spread of the virus.
Dist. Atty. Jackie Lacey endorsed the move, noting L.A. County implemented it early.
“Zero bail has been an effective tool in reducing the jail population and minimizing the spread of the coronavirus,” Lacey said in a statement. “Unfortunately, a few defendants have taken advantage of this public health effort. We will ask the court to consider bail in any extraordinary circumstances.”
Former San Francisco Dist. Atty. George Gascón, who is challenging Lacey in a November runoff election, said the virus has accomplished what criminal justice advocates and research studies could not.
“The novel coronavirus has forced our system of justice to confront a not-so-novel question, one that largely defined the criminal justice reform movement even prior to the pandemic: Does keeping huge numbers of people in custody on small-time offenses pose a greater threat to us all than letting them out?” Gascón asked. “This virus does not care if you’re a prosecutor, victim or a defendant. Innocent or guilty, this virus can still kill you.”
But LAPD Asst. Police Chief Robert Arcos said zero bail has also had negative consequences: “We like to think at these tough times people won’t exploit the system, but the reality is far different.”
Examining Medina’s recent arrests, Arcos noticed the fourth arrest. “Oh geez, he was arrested again over the weekend,” he said.
Despite the overall crime drop, Arcos said one category is going the opposite direction — automobile thefts.
According to LAPD Capt. Paul Vernon, who oversees the department’s Compstat data operations, car thefts in the last month have shot up across Los Angeles by nearly a third.
Armando Llamas was arrested on suspicion of a car burglary on April 23 in South Los Angeles. He was released without bail within hours. Llamas was back behind bars that evening for allegedly stealing a car, only to be released again. Two days later, he was arrested again.
One man has been arrested six times on suspicion of a variety of crimes, including brandishing a weapon and trespassing in the North Hollywood area, records show.
Arcos said the department is working with prosecutors to seek a means to having repeat offenders held with some bail.
Statewide, in more conservative counties, prosecutors and sheriffs have publicly questioned the move to release some suspected offenders without bail.
Orange County Dist. Atty. Todd Spitzer said the council should have allowed pretrial services professionals to do a risk assessment on some zero-bail cases, because some of the defendants may have prior strikes. He said the approach does not allow any real scrutiny of defendants.
“This shortsighted order handcuffs law enforcement, fails to take into account criminal history, and completely ignores the rights of victims,” he said.


latimes--2020-04-30--Beaches become coronavirus battleground as Newsom is poised to close them

California has been a model in the effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus as residents have largely followed orders to stay home except for essential trips .
The state has seen far fewer COVID-19 cases and deaths than hot spots such as New York and New Jersey .
And polls have shown wide support for the restrictions .
Then last weekend , a heat wave hit Southern California , and thousands flocked to beaches in Orange County , which — unlike beaches in Los Angeles County — were open to the public .
Although there is debate about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ photos of the scene made national headlines and sparked outrage from Gov .
Gavin Newsom .
“ This virus doesn ’ t take the weekends off , ” Newsom said Monday .
“ The only thing that will set us back is people [ not practicing ] physical distancing .
... That ’ s the only thing that ’ s going to slow down our ability to reopen this economy.
” Now , Newsom is poised to order all state beaches closed , the latest salvo in a battle over the sand .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s plan ?
A memo sent Wednesday evening to California police chiefs said the governor intended to make an announcement on Thursday about closing beaches .
A law enforcement source confirmed to the Los Angeles Times that authorities were briefed on the plans , which might also include the closure of some parks .
The governor ’ s office declined to comment Wednesday night .
But earlier in the day , Newsom said he was mulling more action on beaches .
“ I ’ m working with state parks and others , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coastal Commission , State Lands [ Commission ] and others — to really figure out what our next steps are , ” he said .
“ And I can assure you that ... clarity will come in a very short period of time.
” Why are some beaches open and some closed ?
Some counties , including Los Angeles , have ordered all beaches closed , an expansion of Newsom ’ s sweeping stay-at-home rules .
But others , such as Ventura and Orange , have allowed them to remain open .
Social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parking lots have been closed in an effort to keep out-of-town visitors away .
In advance of last weekend , Orange County officials urged outsiders to stay away .
Widely circulated photos appeared to show crowded conditions at Orange County ’ s beaches over the weekend , drawing a rebuke from Newsom .
“ We can ’ t see the images like we saw , particularly on Saturday , in Newport Beach and elsewhere in the state of California , ” he said Monday .
Some Orange County officials , though , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what conditions were actually like .
“ Despite what ’ s being reported , the majority of our beachgoers are complying [ with ] social distancing , ” Huntington Beach officials wrote on Facebook on Sunday .
Public safety officials there were “ on the beach patrolling and educating visitors and have found the majority of people staying in their own unit ; if not they are educated and have complied , ” the statement added .
“ There are hourly social distancing reminders from the loudspeaker on the pier , and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues with barriers and signage that needs to be put into place if needed.
” In neighboring Newport Beach , Police Chief Jon Lewis and Fire Chief Jeff Boyles said in a joint statement Thursday that there were some clusters of people who were crowded too closely together but that “ it was our personal observation , and that of our officers , that the overwhelming majority of Newport Beach residents and visitors were families or practicing social distancing.
” The departments also shared aerial photos captured Saturday afternoon that showed sparse crowds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But after complaints of crowds , some Orange County beach cities mulled what to do next .
City leaders in Newport Beach , during a meeting Tuesday night , debated closing their beaches .
But after hours of discussion , the council decided against it .
Laguna Beach plans to reopen city beaches for several hours on weekday mornings beginning Monday , allowing water activities and walking or jogging along the shore .
Impassioned residents sent hundreds of emails to Newport Beach officials , urging them either to keep beaches open or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the right thing and close the damn beach , ” wrote Linda Poole .
“ We need the beach .
It ’ s why I live here , ” Garrett Hall wrote .
“ I got laid off and I ’ m struggling , but I at least know I can put my feet in the sand and watch the sunset .
Please don ’ t close them !
” Of the emails the council received before Tuesday ’ s meeting , 391 were pro-closure and 664 were pro-access .
Some were lengthy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were palpable .
A few were profane .
But other urged caution .
“ No reason for any of our beaches to be opened .
May I remind you there is a pandemic happening , ” Christine Brown wrote .
Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner fired back at Newsom ’ s suggestion that the beaches should be closed , calling it an “ overreaction.
” “ Orange County citizens have been cooperative with California state and county restrictions thus far , ” Wagner said in a statement .
“ I fear that this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cooperative attitude.
” Until now , the tricky decision has been left to cities and counties , which must try to balance public health risks with providing equitable access to the outdoors .
Many counties , such as Santa Cruz and Monterey , have ordered partial closures but have struggled with overcrowding .
Communities in the on those who violate the rules .
San Mateo County officials ordered 275 people off Linda Mar Beach and threatened arrests and citations if people continued to violate the order .
Local officials decided this week to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to overcrowding .
The California Coastal Commission , usually the gatekeeper of the state ’ s beach access law , has been granting emergency waivers to local officials to make the decision whether to close their beaches .
Beaches have been a point of political debate in the coronavirus crisis .
Some surfers and other beach lovers say they don ’ t see the danger of being allowed back in the water and have been pressing their case to officials and in online polls .
Lifeguards at beaches that were open said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the weekend and that there were no incidents .
Angie Bennett , spokeswoman for the Huntington Beach Police Department , said beaches appeared somewhat busy , and no one was cited for violating social-distancing guidelines .
“ What the patrol officers are seeing is that people are staying within their own groups and appropriate distances apart , ” she said Saturday .
“ It ’ s been a nice , warm day , and it sounds like people are complying and doing what we are asking of them.
” Ashley Bautista , public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there was a law enforcement presence at all of the county ’ s beaches , and officers were informing visitors that they were only supposed to walk , run , swim or surf .
Beachgoers were complying , and the shores were not packed , she said .
Ventura County officials said their residents did a good job following the rules .
“ We appreciate the coordinated effort by law enforcement and that our community followed the guidelines , ” officials wrote in a message to residents Thursday .
“ There may be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beaches throughout California , and we want to make sure you know you did good job and our beaches were well-managed.
” Why do health officials want beaches closed ?
Health officials in Los Angeles County , which has been the hotbed of the pandemic in California , say staying at home now is essential to slowing the spread of the illness .
Los Angeles has recorded more than 1,000 death and an outsize share of cases and hospitalizations .
Others counties — especially those in rural areas — have been much less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health , has said repeatedly that the beaches must remain closed to prevent an overflow of visitors who might be ill or become infected .
Officials initially feared that , even with strong social distancing , coronavirus could spread deep into L.A. communities .
Officials now predict roughly two in 20 Angelenos , or 11 % of the county , could contract the virus by Aug. 1 under the current level of physical distancing .
That ’ s a substantial reduction from the model ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents could be infected .
Times staff writer Alex Wigglesworth and Times Community News reporter Hillary Davis contributed to this report .

Richard Winton, Hannah Fry, Rosanna Xia, Luke Money

California has been a model in the effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus as residents have largely followed orders to stay home except for essential trips.
The state has seen far fewer COVID-19 cases and deaths than hot spots such as New York and New Jersey. And polls have shown wide support for the restrictions.
Then last weekend, a heat wave hit Southern California, and thousands flocked to beaches in Orange County, which — unlike beaches in Los Angeles County — were open to the public. Although there is debate about how many people hit the sand, photos of the scene made national headlines and sparked outrage from Gov. Gavin Newsom.
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“This virus doesn’t take the weekends off,” Newsom said Monday. “The only thing that will set us back is people [not practicing] physical distancing. ... That’s the only thing that’s going to slow down our ability to reopen this economy.”
Now, Newsom is poised to order all state beaches closed, the latest salvo in a battle over the sand.
What do we know about Newsom’s plan?
A memo sent Wednesday evening to California police chiefs said the governor intended to make an announcement on Thursday about closing beaches. A law enforcement source confirmed to the Los Angeles Times that authorities were briefed on the plans, which might also include the closure of some parks.
The governor’s office declined to comment Wednesday night. But earlier in the day, Newsom said he was mulling more action on beaches.
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“I’m working with state parks and others, and a lot of our other partners — Coastal Commission, State Lands [Commission] and others — to really figure out what our next steps are,” he said. “And I can assure you that ... clarity will come in a very short period of time.”
Why are some beaches open and some closed?
Some counties, including Los Angeles, have ordered all beaches closed, an expansion of Newsom’s sweeping stay-at-home rules.
But others, such as Ventura and Orange, have allowed them to remain open. Social distancing has been required, and some parking lots have been closed in an effort to keep out-of-town visitors away. In advance of last weekend, Orange County officials urged outsiders to stay away.
Widely circulated photos appeared to show crowded conditions at Orange County’s beaches over the weekend, drawing a rebuke from Newsom.
California Photos show county lines separate packed beaches from empty ones Southern California had its first big heat wave over the weekend, but L.A. County beaches are closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Beaches in nearby counties were open, however. Here are a few scenes from the weekend.
“We can’t see the images like we saw, particularly on Saturday, in Newport Beach and elsewhere in the state of California,” he said Monday.
Some Orange County officials, though, said such images painted a distorted picture of what conditions were actually like.
“Despite what’s being reported, the majority of our beachgoers are complying [with] social distancing,” Huntington Beach officials wrote on Facebook on Sunday.
Public safety officials there were “on the beach patrolling and educating visitors and have found the majority of people staying in their own unit; if not they are educated and have complied,” the statement added. “There are hourly social distancing reminders from the loudspeaker on the pier, and we also have public works for any crowd-related issues with barriers and signage that needs to be put into place if needed.”
In neighboring Newport Beach, Police Chief Jon Lewis and Fire Chief Jeff Boyles said in a joint statement Thursday that there were some clusters of people who were crowded too closely together but that “it was our personal observation, and that of our officers, that the overwhelming majority of Newport Beach residents and visitors were families or practicing social distancing.”
The departments also shared aerial photos captured Saturday afternoon that showed sparse crowds on the city’s sandy stretches.
But after complaints of crowds, some Orange County beach cities mulled what to do next.
City leaders in Newport Beach, during a meeting Tuesday night, debated closing their beaches. But after hours of discussion, the council decided against it. Laguna Beach plans to reopen city beaches for several hours on weekday mornings beginning Monday, allowing water activities and walking or jogging along the shore.
Impassioned residents sent hundreds of emails to Newport Beach officials, urging them either to keep beaches open or to close them. “PLEASE do the right thing and close the damn beach,” wrote Linda Poole.
“We need the beach. It’s why I live here,” Garrett Hall wrote. “I got laid off and I’m struggling, but I at least know I can put my feet in the sand and watch the sunset. Please don’t close them!”
Of the emails the council received before Tuesday’s meeting, 391 were pro-closure and 664 were pro-access. Some were lengthy, others succinct. Frustration and anxiety were palpable. A few were profane. But other urged caution. “No reason for any of our beaches to be opened. May I remind you there is a pandemic happening,” Christine Brown wrote.
Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner fired back at Newsom’s suggestion that the beaches should be closed, calling it an “overreaction.”
“Orange County citizens have been cooperative with California state and county restrictions thus far,” Wagner said in a statement. “I fear that this overreaction from the state will undermine that cooperative attitude.”
Please read my statement on the closure of Orange County beaches by @GavinNewsom. pic.twitter.com/blo7h3GoVl — Supervisor Don Wagner 🇺🇸 (@DonWagnerCA) April 30, 2020
Until now, the tricky decision has been left to cities and counties, which must try to balance public health risks with providing equitable access to the outdoors. Many counties, such as Santa Cruz and Monterey, have ordered partial closures but have struggled with overcrowding.
Communities in the Bay Area have cracked down on those who violate the rules. San Mateo County officials ordered 275 people off Linda Mar Beach and threatened arrests and citations if people continued to violate the order.
Local officials decided this week to close Lovers Point Beach along Monterey Bay due to overcrowding.
The California Coastal Commission, usually the gatekeeper of the state’s beach access law, has been granting emergency waivers to local officials to make the decision whether to close their beaches.
Beaches have been a point of political debate in the coronavirus crisis. Some surfers and other beach lovers say they don’t see the danger of being allowed back in the water and have been pressing their case to officials and in online polls.
Were beachgoers following rules?
Lifeguards at beaches that were open said people tried to practice social distancing over the weekend and that there were no incidents.
Angie Bennett, spokeswoman for the Huntington Beach Police Department, said beaches appeared somewhat busy, and no one was cited for violating social-distancing guidelines.
“What the patrol officers are seeing is that people are staying within their own groups and appropriate distances apart,” she said Saturday. “It’s been a nice, warm day, and it sounds like people are complying and doing what we are asking of them.”
Ashley Bautista, public information officer for Ventura County, said there was a law enforcement presence at all of the county’s beaches, and officers were informing visitors that they were only supposed to walk, run, swim or surf. Beachgoers were complying, and the shores were not packed, she said.
Ventura County officials said their residents did a good job following the rules.
“We appreciate the coordinated effort by law enforcement and that our community followed the guidelines,” officials wrote in a message to residents Thursday. “There may be decisions coming from the state to close beaches throughout California, and we want to make sure you know you did good job and our beaches were well-managed.”
Why do health officials want beaches closed?
Health officials in Los Angeles County, which has been the hotbed of the pandemic in California, say staying at home now is essential to slowing the spread of the illness.
Los Angeles has recorded more than 1,000 death and an outsize share of cases and hospitalizations.
Others counties — especially those in rural areas — have been much less affected.
Barbara Ferrer, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, has said repeatedly that the beaches must remain closed to prevent an overflow of visitors who might be ill or become infected.
Officials initially feared that, even with strong social distancing, coronavirus could spread deep into L.A. communities.
Officials now predict roughly two in 20 Angelenos, or 11% of the county, could contract the virus by Aug. 1 under the current level of physical distancing. That’s a substantial reduction from the model’s original estimate that 30% of county residents could be infected.
Times staff writer Alex Wigglesworth and Times Community News reporter Hillary Davis contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-04-30--Inside this scrappy Silver Lake mask emporium

Laura S. Howe ’ s Silver Lake business was no different than any other nonessential business in Los Angeles — it was closed .
That ’ s when Howe came up with the idea of using the scraps she had saved from all the custom-made dresses over the years at her Matrushka Construction boutique .
The result : masks .
And a lot of them .
After displaying the masks on Instagram a few weeks ago , Matrushka sold 700 in the first two days .
Since then , the business has now sold more than 8,000 .
Because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to provide jobs for over 10 people , paying them $ 3 for each mask they make .
She provides them with a kit , with the material already pre-cut to form , so each person can make 25 to 75 masks a day .
Howe said she has run out of scraps , so now it ’ s a combination of buying fabric and receiving donated fabric from a company called Alexander Henry in Burbank .
In addition to selling the masks for $ 13 apiece , they have donated over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ L.A. City park rangers , a clinic in Bell Gardens and a correctional facility .

Laura S. Howe’s Silver Lake business was no different than any other nonessential business in Los Angeles — it was closed.
That’s when Howe came up with the idea of using the scraps she had saved from all the custom-made dresses over the years at her Matrushka Construction boutique.
The result: masks. And a lot of them.
After displaying the masks on Instagram a few weeks ago, Matrushka sold 700 in the first two days. Since then, the business has now sold more than 8,000.
Customer Joelle Corey, 32, of Echo Park points to the mask she wants after being shown a variety by Christine Flick. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)
Laura Howe irons the creases out of scraps from fabric, originally used to make dresses, that is now being used to make masks at her store in Silver Lake. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)
Choices
Laura Howe’s masks are made from leftover and donated fabric. The tennis shoe fabric was donated by Alexander Henry Fabrics in Burbank. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)
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Working off-site
Because of the high demand, she has been able to provide jobs for over 10 people, paying them $3 for each mask they make. She provides them with a kit, with the material already pre-cut to form, so each person can make 25 to 75 masks a day.
Kacey Barnes sews masks at her home in Echo Park. Barnes, who lost her job doing set tailoring and costume building for the film and television industry, said she averages making 50 masks a day, seven days a week. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)
Antje Block, who lost her job as a seamstress at Ragmop Vintage clothing store because of the coronavirus, averages making 20 to 25 masks a day. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)
Rhea Aldridge, an out of work digital technician on photo shoots, sews masks at her home in East Hollywood. In foreground helping out with ironing the masks is her boyfriend, Jason Costello, a freelance graphic designer (Mel Melcon/Los Angeles Times)
Delivery
Laura Howe receives another batch of finished masks at her store. So far, over 8,000 masks have been made. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)
Christine Flick sprays disinfectant on masks before individually bagging them and preparing for shipment. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)
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Physical barriers
Christine Flick uses the mail slot to exchange money for a mask with a walk-up customer at the front door to Matrushka Construction in Silver Lake. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)
Howe said she has run out of scraps, so now it’s a combination of buying fabric and receiving donated fabric from a company called Alexander Henry in Burbank.
In addition to selling the masks for $13 apiece, they have donated over 400 masks to various places, including L.A. City park rangers, a clinic in Bell Gardens and a correctional facility.
California Photos show county lines separate packed beaches from empty ones Southern California had its first big heat wave over the weekend, but L.A. County beaches are closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Beaches in nearby counties were open, however. Here are a few scenes from the weekend.