latimes--2020-06-05--Newsom calls for new California restrictions on police use of force following death of George Floyd

After a week of protests across the state against police brutality and racial injustice , Gov .
Gavin Newsom on Friday called for new restrictions on crowd control techniques and the use of force by law enforcement , including a ban on so-called “ carotid holds , ” after George Floyd was killed by a Minneapolis police officer .
Newsom said the controversial technique , a restraint that puts pressure to the sides of a person ’ s neck to restrict blood flow and can render the person unconscious , should be barred from the state police training program , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ban the practice among law enforcement agencies statewide .
“ We train techniques on strangleholds that put people ’ s lives at risk , ” Newsom said during a press briefing in Sacramento .
“ Now we can argue that these are used as exceptions .
But at the end of the day , [ a ] carotid hold that literally is designed to stop people ’ s blood from flowing into their brain , that has no place any longer in 21st century practices and policing.
” The Democratic governor vowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Caucus , community leaders and law enforcement officials on new use-of-force standards , and restrictions on how to respond to protests and demonstrations .
“ Protesters have the right not to be harassed .
Protesters have the right to protest peacefully .
Protesters have the right to do so without being arrested , gassed , shot up by projectiles , ” Newsom said .
“ That ’ s a simple value statement.
” The announcement comes at the end of a week in which Newsom embarked on a listening tour in Los Angeles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police brutality and demands for racial justice continued across California , part of a nationwide uprising following Floyd ’ s death .
Newsom said the nation is in dire need of sweeping cultural change and commitments to equality and that the country as a whole has been paying “ lip service about that for generations ” to the black community .
Still , he has cautioned that there are no quick fixes , and that change must be driven by community groups , nonprofits , business leaders and individuals — along with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a leader in criminal justice reform , Newsom said , legalizing the use of marijuana and working to eliminate sentencing policies that discriminated against blacks , Latinos and Californians on the lower end of the income scale .
He noted that his proposed budget calls for the closure of two state prisons , and the elimination of the state Dept .
of Juvenile Justice .
He touched on his executive order enacting a moratorium on the death penalty , a sentence which he said “ discriminates based on the color of your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We ’ re trying our best in this state , but we have to do more , ” Newsom said .
Among the community leaders Newsom is consulting is Lateefah Simon , president of the Oakland-based Akonadi Foundation , an organization focused on the racial justice movement and efforts to eradicate structural racism .
“ This inflection moment in this country and , frankly , around the world , suggests that we get it right .
That we identify this moment for what it is — a sea change in facing race @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who appeared with Newsom on Friday .
“ We can ’ t go back.
” So for those men and women for decades and literally centuries who have been calling and demanding a shift — we owe them .
We owe them.
” On Friday , members of the Legislature ’ s black and Latino caucuses , among others , introduced legislation that would make it illegal for officers to use “ carotid holds.
” “ The world watched as the 200-pound weight of a police officer was leveraged on the neck of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said Assemblyman Mike Gipson ( D-Carson ) , the lead author of the legislation .
“ We all witnessed this execution .
This was far beyond the existing law that authorizes a peace officer to use reasonable force to effect the arrest , to prevent escape or to overcome resistance.
” Earlier this week , San Diego Police Chief David Nisleit said his officers will “ immediately ” stop using the controversial neck hold , calling the decision “ the right thing to do for our community.
” In 1982 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the use of the carotid chokehold after the death of James Mincey Jr. , a 20-year-old black man who was put in a carotid hold after leading officers on a high-speed car chase .
The LAPD restricts the use of a carotid restraint to situations requiring deadly force .
Gipson said his bill is supported by members of the California Legislative Black Caucus , the Latino Legislative Caucus , the Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus , the Legislative Jewish Caucus and the Legislative LGBTQ Caucus .
“ Speaking as a legislator and elected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Gipson said .
“ We have to hold those in authority accountable.
” Newsom on Thursday also announced his support for a proposal from Assemblywoman Shirley Weber ( D-San Diego ) to study the impact of slavery and consider potential reparations , a longtime priority of the California Legislative Black Caucus .
Newsom this week also pointed to Weber ’ s landmark police use-of-force bill that he signed into law in 2019 as evidence of progress at the state level .
In his second year in office , Newsom faces the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet another crisis , with the state ’ s major cities enveloped by demonstrations against decades of discrimination and racial inequality , as well as clashes with law enforcement and separate incidents of violence and looting .
Atty .
Gen. Xavier Becerra said Friday that his office will investigate the policies and actions of the Vallejo Police Department , which has come under fire in recent days after the shooting by police of Sean Monterrosa , a 22-year-old unarmed Latino man , amid this week ’ s protests against police abuse .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also asked Congress on Friday to expand federal law to give state attorneys general clear authority to investigate and resolve patterns and practices of unconstitutional policing .
“ When our communities speak up about their pain , we in law enforcement have to listen and take action , ” Becerra said during a telephone press conference .
“ George Floyd ’ s death didn ’ t happen in a vacuum ; it ’ s a symptom of the collective failing of our criminal justice system to adequately stand up for people of color @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Becerra said the review of the Vallejo Police Department is similar to those launched previously by the state Department of Justice for the San Francisco , Sacramento and Bakersfield police departments , and in regard to the Los Angeles Police Department ’ s use of a database of gang members .

Gov. Gavin Newsom greets Candace O’Connor, owner of Brimberry Barber and Beauty Salon, on Wednesday in Los Angeles after she shared her thoughts on running a business in the time of COVID-19 and the recent protests.
After a week of protests across the state against police brutality and racial injustice, Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday called for new restrictions on crowd control techniques and the use of force by law enforcement, including a ban on so-called “carotid holds,” after George Floyd was killed by a Minneapolis police officer.
Newsom said the controversial technique, a restraint that puts pressure to the sides of a person’s neck to restrict blood flow and can render the person unconscious, should be barred from the state police training program, adding that he will work with lawmakers to ban the practice among law enforcement agencies statewide.
“We train techniques on strangleholds that put people’s lives at risk,” Newsom said during a press briefing in Sacramento. “Now we can argue that these are used as exceptions. But at the end of the day, [a] carotid hold that literally is designed to stop people’s blood from flowing into their brain, that has no place any longer in 21st century practices and policing.”
The Democratic governor vowed to work with the California Legislative Black Caucus, community leaders and law enforcement officials on new use-of-force standards, and restrictions on how to respond to protests and demonstrations.
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1 / 82 A protester dances on top of Donald Trump’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame during a demonstration by members of Refuse Fascism who are calling an end to the Trump administration on June 20, 2020. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 82 Deborah Jay Winams cries after singing a song at a Black Lives Matter Los Angeles rally to call for justice in the fatal shooting of Kenneth Ross Jr. by Gardena police in 2018. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times) 3 / 82 People participate in the All Black Lives Matter march in West Hollywood on Sunday, June 14. Thousands of demonstrators marched for racial justice and LGBTQ rights. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 82 A protester waves a rainbow flag on Sunset Boulevard during the All Black Lives Matter march on Sunday. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 82 Thousands hold up signs and march in the All Black Lives Matter solidarity protest on Hollywood Boulevard. The procession started at Hollywood and Highland and moved into West Hollywood. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) 6 / 82 Jason De Puy of West Hollywood wears a mask that reads “Black Trans Lives Matter” as people fill Hollywood Boulevard during a solidarity march called All Black Lives Matter on Sunday, June 14. (Christina House / Los Angeles Times) 7 / 82 Protesters hold up signs at the All Black Lives Matter march, which was organized by Black LGBTQ leaders and organizations in place of a previously planned event by the group behind LA Pride. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) 8 / 82 Protesters march, raising fists and signs in the air, on La Brea Avenue in Hollywood on Sunday. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) 9 / 82 The Compton Cowboys ride horseback down South Tamarind Avenue, joining thousand of protesters Sunday during the Compton peace ride, which ended at City Hall. (Jay L. Clendenin/Los Angeles Times) 10 / 82 Houston Rockets star Russell Westbrook speaks to the crowd of protesters and the Compton Cowboys at the end of a peace walk at Compton City Hall on Sunday. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times) 11 / 82 Elijah Estrada, 6, holds up his fist for 8:46, the length of time George Floyd was held down by Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, at the conclusion of a peace ride and walk with the Compton Cowboys at Compton City Hall on Sunday. (Jay L. Clendenin/Los Angeles Times) 12 / 82 A family member of Breonna Taylor, right, is hugged by another woman after speaking to protesters in Beverly Hills Saturday. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times) 13 / 82 A woman tries to get between Black Lives Matter protesters and pro-Trump counter protesters during a demonstration at the intersection of Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach on Saturday. (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times) 14 / 82 Los Angeles Police Deputy Chief Regina Scott takes knee next to Johnathan Jasper, brother of slain teen Anthony Weber, during a rally in front of LA City Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson’s office Saturday. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times) 15 / 82 A protester yells in front of a Black Lives Matter mural with the names of victims on Fairfax Ave. during a march Saturday. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times) 16 / 82 David Blackgold hugs Huntington Beach police officer K. Wood during a Black Lives Matter protest in Huntington Beach Saturday. (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times) 17 / 82 A National Guardsman holds a rose given to him by a protester along Fairfax Ave. during a march Saturday. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times) 18 / 82 A Black Lives Matter protester blows bubbles by a police line in Huntington Beach on Saturday. (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times) 19 / 82 A protester lies on the ground under his horse with his hands behind his back as demonstrators including some on horseback rally in front of LA City Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson’s office in Los Angeles Saturday. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times) 20 / 82 Tempers flare between Black Lives Matter demonstratiors and pro-Trump counterprotesters in Huntington Beach on Saturday. (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times) 21 / 82 Black Lives Matter demonstrators raise clenched fist in Huntington Beach on Saturday. (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times) 22 / 82 Mek Bitul held up a sign with the words, “This Is The Tipping Point!!!” in front of City Hall, joining nearly 1,000 people gathered to protest the death of George Floyd and in support of Black Lives Matter, in downtown Los Angeles. (Jay L. Clendenin/Los Angeles Times) 23 / 82 Katyana DeCampos, a citizen of France visiting California, marched with a sign with the words “Anti Racism,” joining nearly 1,000 people gathered to protest the death of George Floyd and in support of Black Lives Matter, in downtown Los Angeles. (Jay L. Clendenin/Los Angeles Times) 24 / 82 Zoe Perkins, 4, of Glendale and her mother brought flowers to the Hall of Justice in downtown Los Angeles to protest the death of George Floyd. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times) 25 / 82 LAPD Chief Michel Moore, left, talks with community leaders outside police headquarters after a candlelight vigil for George Floyd on Friday. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 26 / 82 A man lays a rose at the Hall of Justice in downtown Los Angeles. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times) 27 / 82 Braydon Deauce White, 4, fist-bumps a National Guardsman at LAPD headquarters Thursday morning. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 28 / 82 Allison Bracy of Fontana hugs daughter Brielle Bracy, 10, while attending a rally in Riverside on Thursday. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) 29 / 82 A protester drapes himself with a flag during a demonstration in downtown Los Angeles on Thursday. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 30 / 82 Gustavo R. Ramirez of Pomona kneels in front of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. statue in Riverside. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) 31 / 82 Protesters at Moonlight State Beach in Encinitas. (Gabriella Angotti-Jones / Los Angeles Times) 32 / 82 Crowds gather in downtown L.A. to protest the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. At 9 p.m., for exactly 8 minutes and 46 seconds, protesters shone lights into the sky. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 33 / 82 Protesters dance on Spring Street in downtown Los Angeles as a march attracted thousands of people. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 34 / 82 Thousands of protesters gather at the Los Angeles Civic Center. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 35 / 82 Thousands of protesters gather at the Los Angeles Civic Center. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 36 / 82 Thousands of protesters gather at the Los Angeles Civic Center. (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times) 37 / 82 Stephen Chang, 32, left, of Silver Lake, with an American flag draped over his head, joins other demonstrators at the intersection of Spring and Temple streets in downtown Los Angeles, as they protest against L.A. Dist. Atty. Jackie Lacey and also demand justice in the death of George Floyd. (Mel Melcon/Los Angeles Times) 38 / 82 Miles Miles, 8, left, and Memphis Miley, 6, center, of Newport Beach, join protest against racism in Newport Beach. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times) 39 / 82 Protester Vailing high-fives National Guardsmen as they march through Hollywood to demand justice for the killing of George Floyd in Hollywood. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times) 40 / 82 Protesters march through a residential neighborhood in Hollywood. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times) 41 / 82 Protesters walk through a residential neighborhood in Hollywood. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times) 42 / 82 A L.A. Sheriff’s deputy watches as protester Annik Chung holds a sign while cheering on marchers along La Brea Ave. in Hollywood. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times) 43 / 82 Mustafa-Ali, 27, from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, joins other demonstrators as they protest on Spring St. in downtown Los Angeles. (Mel Melcon/Los Angeles Times) 44 / 82 Paul Villalobos, 28, from Oakland, joins other demonstrators as they protest on Spring St. in downtown Los Angeles. (Mel Melcon/Los Angeles Times) 45 / 82 A huge crowd gathers in downtown Los Angeles to protest the death of George Floyd and in support of Black Lives Matter. (Gary Coronado/Los Angeles Times) 46 / 82 Protestors march through downtown Los Angeles. (Gary Coronado/Los Angeles Times) 47 / 82 Protestors march through downtown Los Angeles. (Gary Coronado/Los Angeles Times) 48 / 82 Protestors march through downtown Los Angeles. (Gary Coronado/Los Angeles Times) 49 / 82 Riverside County Sheriff Lt Chris Durham tries to calm nerves after hundreds of demonstrators that marched to the police station protest the death of George Floyd in Moreno Valley. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times) 50 / 82 In a sign of peace, protesters reach out to Riverside County Sheriff deputies, who were there to enforce an 8pm curfew during a demonstration to protest the death of George Floyd’s in Moreno Valley. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times) 51 / 82 Hundreds of demonstrators block traffic as they march down both sides of Balboa Blvd. to protest against racism in Newport Beach. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times) 52 / 82 Protesters march through West Hollywood to demand justice for the killing of George Floyd during march on Wednesday. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times) 53 / 82 Protesters march through West Hollywood to demand justice for the killing of George Floyd during march on Wednesday. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times) 54 / 82 Protestors rally on the steps Anaheim City Hall steps against last week’s in-custody death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times) 55 / 82 Protestors rally on the steps Anaheim City Hall steps against last week’s in-custody death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times) 56 / 82 Protestors rally on the steps Anaheim City Hall steps against last week’s in-custody death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times) 57 / 82 Protestors rally on the steps Anaheim City Hall steps against last week’s in-custody death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times) 58 / 82 Bando Kev prays along Hollywood Blvd. in front of the National Guard and near TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times) 59 / 82 A couple promote peace on Highland Ave. in Hollywood as protesters continue to demonstrate. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times) 60 / 82 Makenzie Anderson, 2, rides on her father, Shawn’s shoulders as they join hundreds of protesters marching throughout downtown. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times) 61 / 82 Marcus Owen, yells out chants for George Floyd as hundreds of protesters gather outside City Hall in a daylong protest. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times) 62 / 82 Hussain Sharif, left, Mari Drake, and Thomas Rosado chant as they ride along with hundreds of protesters at a downtown demonstration. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times) 63 / 82 Hundreds of protesters march throughout downtown ending with many arrested for curfew violations. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times) 64 / 82 “Hands up. Don’t shoot,” say hundreds participating in a march against the of George Floyd on Abbot Kinney Blvd. in Venice onTuesday. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times) 65 / 82 Members of the California National Guard flash peace signs after protesters had marched by in support of Black Lives Matter in Venice. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times) 66 / 82 Protesters shoot hoops while taking a break from marching against the death of George Floyd by police on Abbot Kinney Blvd. in Venice on Tuesday. The basketball hoop was attached to the front of a bus that followed the protest for a while. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times) 67 / 82 Several hundred protesters take a knee and hold their fists in the air during a moment of silence to honor George Floyd during a peaceful protest march from Manhattan Beach to Hermosa Beach. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times) 68 / 82 A woman stands next to an image of George Floyd as hundreds participate in a march against the in-custody death of Floyd in Venice. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times) 69 / 82 Terrence Burney, 36, left, and Commander of the LAPD Operation West Bureau Cory Palka, right, talk together peacefully in front of Getty House in Hancock Park. (Francine Orr/Los Angeles Times) 70 / 82 Protestors gather outside Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti’s Hancock Park house as they continue to demonstrate against police brutality. (Francine Orr/Los Angeles Times) 71 / 82 Jessica Jordan takes a knee as she joins other protesters at Sunset & Vine in Hollywood on Tuesday. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times) 72 / 82 A young woman reacts to a group chant, while gathered with a couple hundred people to protest the death of George Floyd and in support of Black Lives Matter, near the Manhattan Beach Pier. (Jay L. Clendenin/Los Angeles Times) 73 / 82 Jayse Garcia, 27, of Los Angeles takes part in a demonstration in Hollywood. (Francine Orr/Los Angeles Times) 74 / 82 Protesters sit in front of National Guardsmen closing Sunset Blvd at Vine Street in Hollywood. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times) 75 / 82 Mira Ercingoz,16, from Palos Verdes, center in red hat, holds a poster with an image of George Floyd alongside protesters in Manhattan Beach. (Jay L. Clendenin/Los Angeles Times) 76 / 82 Demonstrators take a knee during protests in Hollywood on Tuesday.
(Francine Orr/Los Angeles Times) 77 / 82 A mother and daughter pass protestors in Hollywood. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times) 78 / 82 Several hundred protesters gather to demand justice for George Floyd at the Manhattan Beach Pier Plaza Tuesday. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times) 79 / 82 Janie Hill,15, from Lawndale, receives a hug from a friend, following an emotional discussion with a Manhattan Beach Police officer, at the conclusion of a protest in Manhattan Beach. (Jay L. Clendenin/Los Angeles Times) 80 / 82 LAPD Cmdr. Gerald Woodyard takes a knee with clergy members from the Los Angeles area as they participate in a march and demonstration outside LAPD headquarters in Los Angeles. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) 81 / 82 L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti walks out to address protesters and clergy members outside LAPD headquarters on Tuesday. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) 82 / 82 Several hundred protesters take a knee and hold their fists in the air during a moment of silence to honor George Floyd during a peaceful protest march from Manhattan Beach to Hermosa Beach. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)
“Protesters have the right not to be harassed. Protesters have the right to protest peacefully. Protesters have the right to do so without being arrested, gassed, shot up by projectiles,” Newsom said. “That’s a simple value statement.”
The announcement comes at the end of a week in which Newsom embarked on a listening tour in Los Angeles, Stockton and Sacramento as protests against police brutality and demands for racial justice continued across California, part of a nationwide uprising following Floyd’s death.
Newsom said the nation is in dire need of sweeping cultural change and commitments to equality and that the country as a whole has been paying “lip service about that for generations” to the black community. Still, he has cautioned that there are no quick fixes, and that change must be driven by community groups, nonprofits, business leaders and individuals — along with the government.
California already has established itself as a leader in criminal justice reform, Newsom said, legalizing the use of marijuana and working to eliminate sentencing policies that discriminated against blacks, Latinos and Californians on the lower end of the income scale.
He noted that his proposed budget calls for the closure of two state prisons, and the elimination of the state Dept. of Juvenile Justice. He touched on his executive order enacting a moratorium on the death penalty, a sentence which he said “discriminates based on the color of your skin, discriminates based on wealth.”
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“We’re trying our best in this state, but we have to do more,” Newsom said.
Among the community leaders Newsom is consulting is Lateefah Simon, president of the Oakland-based Akonadi Foundation, an organization focused on the racial justice movement and efforts to eradicate structural racism.
“This inflection moment in this country and, frankly, around the world, suggests that we get it right. That we identify this moment for what it is — a sea change in facing race and racism,” said Simon, who appeared with Newsom on Friday. “We can’t go back.” So for those men and women for decades and literally centuries who have been calling and demanding a shift — we owe them. We owe them.”
On Friday, members of the Legislature’s black and Latino caucuses, among others, introduced legislation that would make it illegal for officers to use “carotid holds.”
“The world watched as the 200-pound weight of a police officer was leveraged on the neck of George Floyd for over eight minutes,” said Assemblyman Mike Gipson (D-Carson), the lead author of the legislation. “We all witnessed this execution. This was far beyond the existing law that authorizes a peace officer to use reasonable force to effect the arrest, to prevent escape or to overcome resistance.”
Earlier this week, San Diego Police Chief David Nisleit said his officers will “immediately” stop using the controversial neck hold, calling the decision “the right thing to do for our community.”
In 1982, the Los Angeles Police Commission acted to limit the use of the carotid chokehold after the death of James Mincey Jr., a 20-year-old black man who was put in a carotid hold after leading officers on a high-speed car chase.
The LAPD restricts the use of a carotid restraint to situations requiring deadly force.
Gipson said his bill is supported by members of the California Legislative Black Caucus, the Latino Legislative Caucus, the Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, the Legislative Jewish Caucus and the Legislative LGBTQ Caucus.
“Speaking as a legislator and elected official, we have to do better,” Gipson said. “We have to hold those in authority accountable.”
Newsom on Thursday also announced his support for a proposal from Assemblywoman Shirley Weber (D-San Diego) to study the impact of slavery and consider potential reparations, a longtime priority of the California Legislative Black Caucus. Newsom this week also pointed to Weber’s landmark police use-of-force bill that he signed into law in 2019 as evidence of progress at the state level.
In his second year in office, Newsom faces the delicate task of helping lead California through yet another crisis, with the state’s major cities enveloped by demonstrations against decades of discrimination and racial inequality, as well as clashes with law enforcement and separate incidents of violence and looting.
Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra said Friday that his office will investigate the policies and actions of the Vallejo Police Department, which has come under fire in recent days after the shooting by police of Sean Monterrosa, a 22-year-old unarmed Latino man, amid this week’s protests against police abuse.
The state’s top law enforcement officer also asked Congress on Friday to expand federal law to give state attorneys general clear authority to investigate and resolve patterns and practices of unconstitutional policing.
“When our communities speak up about their pain, we in law enforcement have to listen and take action,” Becerra said during a telephone press conference. “George Floyd’s death didn’t happen in a vacuum; it’s a symptom of the collective failing of our criminal justice system to adequately stand up for people of color. We have to do better.”
Becerra said the review of the Vallejo Police Department is similar to those launched previously by the state Department of Justice for the San Francisco, Sacramento and Bakersfield police departments, and in regard to the Los Angeles Police Department’s use of a database of gang members.


latimes--2020-06-05--SoFi Stadium construction worker killed in fall; work on project halted

An ironworker died after falling at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Friday morning and work has been temporarily stopped , according to the joint venture overseeing the $ 5-billion project .
One person briefed on the incident , who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter , said the ironworker fell off the roof while working in the southeast corner of the stadium near one of the massive concrete columns that support the structure .
“ This is an extremely sad day , ” a spokesman for Turner-AECOM Hunt said in a statement confirming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prayers are with his family , friends and colleagues at this extremely difficult time .
We work extremely hard to prevent days like this and we have halted all construction activity.
” The statement said counseling is being provided to workers .
It ’ s not clear when construction will resume .
A spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County medical examiner-coroner said the victim is a male in his 30s who was pronounced dead by paramedics at 11:10 a.m .
Identification is being withheld until his next of kin are notified .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of known cases of COVID-19 among workers at the stadium increased to 12 , seven coming in the last eight days .
According to the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health , the worker fell from 110 feet .
The agency is investigating the incident .
A large crane collapsed at the site in late February , but no one was injured .
The first major event at the stadium is scheduled to be the preseason game between the Rams and the New Orleans Saints on Aug. 14 .
A statement on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Chargers called the death “ heartbreaking.
” “ The safety of our construction team and all of our employees is the foremost priority of our organizations , and we will continue to work with our partners and local authorities to deliver on this commitment , ” the statement said .

An ironworker died after falling at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Friday morning and work has been temporarily stopped, according to the joint venture overseeing the $5-billion project.
One person briefed on the incident, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, said the ironworker fell off the roof while working in the southeast corner of the stadium near one of the massive concrete columns that support the structure.
“This is an extremely sad day,” a spokesman for Turner-AECOM Hunt said in a statement confirming the death. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues at this extremely difficult time. We work extremely hard to prevent days like this and we have halted all construction activity.”
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The statement said counseling is being provided to workers. It’s not clear when construction will resume.
A spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County medical examiner-coroner said the victim is a male in his 30s who was pronounced dead by paramedics at 11:10 a.m. Identification is being withheld until his next of kin are notified. The death came a day after the number of known cases of COVID-19 among workers at the stadium increased to 12, seven coming in the last eight days.
According to the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, the worker fell from 110 feet. The agency is investigating the incident.
A large crane collapsed at the site in late February, but no one was injured.
The first major event at the stadium is scheduled to be the preseason game between the Rams and the New Orleans Saints on Aug. 14.
A statement on behalf of SoFi Stadium, the Rams and Chargers called the death “heartbreaking.”
“The safety of our construction team and all of our employees is the foremost priority of our organizations, and we will continue to work with our partners and local authorities to deliver on this commitment,” the statement said.


latimes--2020-06-05--Police are banning a controversial neck hold after George Floyd's death

Law enforcement agencies and elected officials across the country moved quickly this week to ban officers from using a controversial neck hold , responding to nationwide outrage over the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer who knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom and members of the California Legislature ’ s black and Latino caucuses called for a statewide ban on carotid holds , which involve using an arm to put pressure on the sides of a person ’ s neck to restrict blood flow .
The move followed widespread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law enforcement agencies in California — including the San Diego police and sheriff ’ s departments — to announce in recent days that they would stop officers from using carotid neck restraints .
“ We all witnessed this execution , ” said Assemblyman Mike Gipson ( D-Carson ) , the lead author of a bill introduced Friday that would ban the use of the holds throughout California .
“ This was far beyond the existing law that authorizes a peace officer to use reasonable force to effect the arrest , to prevent escape @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restraint is markedly different from the video-recorded actions of the Minneapolis police officer charged in Floyd ’ s death .
But the image of the 46-year-old black man losing consciousness with an officer ’ s knee pressed into his neck has generated renewed criticism of police tactics such as the carotid hold .
The city of Minneapolis agreed Friday to ban the use of all chokeholds , including neck restraints , as part of a settlement with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights .
The carotid restraint , also known as a sleeper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a troubled history .
The Los Angeles Police Commission severely restricted its use in 1982 after the deaths of a dozen black men and then-LAPD Chief Daryl Gates ’ notorious comment that African Americans were dying because the “ veins or arteries of blacks do not open up as fast as they do in normal people.
” Other law enforcement agencies , however , continued to allow the holds with fewer restrictions .
A Times analysis of California Department of Justice data found that law enforcement around the state reported officers seriously injuring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 2016 through 2018 , the most recent years for which data is available .
Two people were killed and 91 were left unconscious .
Black people , who comprise about 6.5 % of California ’ s population , made up 23 % of people injured by neck restraints .
White people accounted for 33 % of the incidents and Latinos 38 % .
The analysis counted incidents in which carotid holds were listed in the data as the most severe type of force used .
The San Diego County Sheriff ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restraints that resulted in serious injury , according to The Times ’ data analysis .
“ In light of community concerns and after consultation with many elected officials throughout the country , I am stopping the use of the carotid restraint by my deputies effective immediately , ” San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore said in a statement on Wednesday .
San Diego ’ s city police had resisted calls to ban carotid holds as recently as last year , saying the technique was used safely hundreds of times and can help end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But Police Chief David Nisleit said this week that he would stop the use of the neck holds immediately .
Police departments in Santa Cruz , Watsonville , Oceanside , Coronado and La Mesa have announced similar bans .
In Sacramento , Mayor Darrell Steinberg has called for a review on whether to ban the controversial restraint .
Shane Harris , president of the advocacy group the People ’ s Alliance for Justice , said local departments made the “ morally right ” decision to halt use of the “ dangerous ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer use this kind of restraint to cut off the artery at any length anymore , ” Harris said .
“ But I think that we have a lot more work to do on reforming sheriff and police departments across the state of California .
I think that we ’ re at a turning point in America , where we ’ re gon na go one way toward progress or go the other way toward regress.
” Los Angeles County Supervisors Janice Hahn and Mark Ridley-Thomas have introduced a motion urging the Sheriff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the county to reform their use-of-force policies , including by restricting or prohibiting the use of carotid holds , chokeholds and strangleholds .
The motion will be discussed Tuesday at the Board of Supervisors ’ meeting .
When employing a carotid hold , an officer puts pressure on the carotid arteries to slow or block blood flow .
If applied correctly , the person can fall unconscious .
But it can also lead to injury or death .
In 2016 , a Bakersfield police officer used a carotid hold to subdue 63-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from blunt-force trauma and a neck compression due to the hold , according to a coroner ’ s report .
Vilorio had reportedly threatened his girlfriend with a machete that day .
Officer Timothy McIrvin responded to Vilorio ’ s apartment , saw the man was armed and applied a carotid hold on him for 10 to 15 seconds until he lost consciousness , according to departmental review of the incident .
Another officer soon realized Vilorio was not breathing and performed CPR until paramedics arrived .
Vilorio died at a hospital the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the carotid hold was deemed within department policy , according to a report from the agency ’ s Critical Incident Review Board .
Bakersfield Police Sgt .
Nathan McCauley said this week that the department is reviewing its policy on the carotid hold and its effectiveness .
The department ’ s website shows officers employed the hold 22 times from 2016 through 2018 .
Some law enforcement officers have long argued the dangers of using the carotid hold are overblown and defend the technique as safe if used properly .
They say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers resorting to more dangerous methods to subdue a resisting suspect , such as using batons or firearms .
According to The Times ’ analysis of statewide data , officers were assaulted in 74 % of the carotid incidents reported to the state .
In 94 % of all incidents , the person restrained was unarmed .
Ed Obayashi , a Plumas County sheriff ’ s deputy and use-of-force advisor to the California Assn .
of Police Training Officers , said police departments for years have shifted away from using the carotid technique @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in which pressure is applied to the windpipe .
“ The whole point is to render someone unconscious and not cut off their airway , but it could potentially result in that , ” Obayashi said .
“ You still have your arm around someone ’ s neck.
” The overall number of carotid restraints resulting in serious injury is low considering the millions of police interactions that occur each year in California , he said .
Officers are trained how to use other nonlethal options , such as Tasers or pepper spray @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas without a partner and need to be able to use a carotid neck restraint if they feel their lives are in danger .
“ I know cases where deputies have had to fight for their lives and they were by themselves .
We won ’ t take away that option from them given the solitary nature of policing in these counties , ” he said .
In the Minneapolis case , Officer Derek Chauvin used his knee to apply pressure to Floyd ’ s neck for more than eight minutes .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pleaded , “ I can ’ t breathe.
” His words echoed the last pleas of Eric Garner , an unarmed black man who was killed in 2014 when a New York police officer placed him in a chokehold .
Chauvin has been charged with second-degree murder , and three other Minneapolis officers have been charged with lesser offenses .
Robert Weisberg , a professor at Stanford Law School , said there is now “ unquestionably a serious public perception problem ” regarding the use of neck holds , but he stressed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not in line with what officers in California are trained to do .
“ It was a damn knee on the guy ’ s neck , ” Weisberg said .
“ It was really just a sadistic way of keeping him on the ground.
” The state justice department requires agencies to report only cases in which carotid holds resulted in serious injury or death .
In Los Angeles County , the Long Beach Police Department led all agencies with 12 reported incidents during the three-year period , according to the state data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ San Bernardino police logged six .
The L.A. County Sheriff ’ s Department reported two incidents that resulted in serious injury and the Los Angeles Police Department one incident , the data show .
Sheriff ’ s Lt. John Satterfield said his department ’ s policy classifies carotid holds as a high-risk technique .
Since 2010 , deputies have used the hold 193 times with no deaths , he said .
Neck holds have long been banned or restricted by the LAPD .
In 1982 , Gates , the chief , banned the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uses his forearm to apply pressure directly against the windpipe , after a 24-year-old black motorist sued in an effort to forbid the move .
Weeks later , the city ’ s Police Commission voted to limit the use of the carotid hold after the death of James Mincey Jr. , a 20-year-old black man who was put in a carotid hold after leading officers on a high-speed car chase .
His death was the 16th over seven years that was attributed to the carotid restraint , The Times reported in 1993 when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 450,000 settlement to Mincey ’ s father .
The LAPD still allows officers to use a carotid restraint , but restricts it to situations where deadly force is justified .
The technique is seldom used , LAPD records show .
It has been used a total of seven times since 2015 , according to the department ’ s 2019 use-of-force report .
Times staff writer Patrick McGreevy and Teri Figueroa of the San Diego Union-Tribune contributed to this report .

After the death of George Floyd, a Minneapolis man killed in police custody, more than a dozen police agencies in California said this week that they are banning the use of carotid neck restraints.
Law enforcement agencies and elected officials across the country moved quickly this week to ban officers from using a controversial neck hold, responding to nationwide outrage over the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer who knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes.
Gov. Gavin Newsom and members of the California Legislature’s black and Latino caucuses called for a statewide ban on carotid holds, which involve putting pressure on the sides of a person’s neck to restrict blood flow.
The move followed widespread protests that prompted more than a dozen law enforcement agencies in California — including the San Diego police and sheriff’s departments — to announce in recent days that they would stop officers from using carotid neck restraints.
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“We all witnessed this execution,” said Assemblyman Mike Gipson (D-Carson), the lead author of a bill introduced Friday that would ban the use of the holds throughout California. “This was far beyond the existing law that authorizes a peace officer to use reasonable force to effect the arrest, to prevent escape or to overcome resistance.”
The carotid restraint technique taught to police involves an officer using an arm and is markedly different from the video-recorded actions of the Minneapolis police officer charged with murder in Floyd’s death. But the image of the 46-year-old black man losing consciousness with an officer’s knee pressed into his neck has generated renewed criticism of police tactics such as the carotid hold.
The city of Minneapolis agreed Friday to ban the use of all chokeholds, including neck restraints, as part of a settlement with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights.
The carotid restraint, also known as a sleeper hold or a blood choke, has a troubled history.
The Los Angeles Police Commission severely restricted its use in 1982 after the deaths of a dozen black men and then-LAPD Chief Daryl Gates’ notorious comment that African Americans were dying because the “veins or arteries of blacks do not open up as fast as they do in normal people.”
Other law enforcement agencies, however, continued to allow the holds with fewer restrictions.
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A Times analysis of California Department of Justice data found that law enforcement around the state reported officers seriously injuring 103 people while using carotid neck restraints from 2016 through 2018, the most recent years for which data are available.
Two people were killed and 91 were left unconscious. Black people, who compose about 6.5% of California’s population, made up 23% of people injured by neck restraints. White people accounted for 33% of the incidents and Latinos 38%.
The analysis counted incidents in which carotid holds were listed in the data as the most severe type of force used.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department led the state with 21 carotid restraints that resulted in serious injury, according to The Times’ data analysis.
“In light of community concerns and after consultation with many elected officials throughout the country, I am stopping the use of the carotid restraint by my deputies effective immediately,” San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore said in a statement on Wednesday.
San Diego’s city police had resisted calls to ban carotid holds as recently as last year, saying the technique was used safely hundreds of times and can help end potentially dangerous encounters quickly before they escalate.
But Police Chief David Nisleit said this week that he would stop the use of the neck holds immediately.
Police departments in Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Oceanside, Coronado and La Mesa have announced similar bans. In Sacramento, Mayor Darrell Steinberg has called for a review on whether to ban the controversial restraint.
Shane Harris, president of the advocacy group the People’s Alliance for Justice, said local departments made the “morally right” decision to halt use of the “dangerous” carotid hold.
“We can no longer use this kind of restraint to cut off the artery at any length anymore,” Harris said. “But I think that we have a lot more work to do on reforming sheriff and police departments across the state of California. I think that we’re at a turning point in America, where we’re going to go one way toward progress or go the other way toward regress.”
Los Angeles County Supervisors Janice Hahn and Mark Ridley-Thomas have introduced a motion urging the Sheriff’s Department and 46 police agencies in the county to reform their use-of-force policies, including by restricting or prohibiting the use of carotid holds, chokeholds and strangleholds. The motion will be discussed Tuesday at the Board of Supervisors’ meeting.
When employing a carotid hold, an officer puts pressure on the carotid arteries to slow or block blood flow. If applied correctly, the person can fall unconscious. But it can also lead to injury or death.
In 2016, a Bakersfield police officer used a carotid hold to subdue 63-year-old Jose Cesar Vilorio, who later died from blunt-force trauma and a neck compression due to the hold, according to a coroner’s report.
Vilorio had reportedly threatened his girlfriend with a machete that day. Officer Timothy McIrvin responded to Vilorio’s apartment, saw the man was armed and applied a carotid hold on him for 10 to 15 seconds until he lost consciousness, according to departmental review of the incident. Another officer soon realized Vilorio was not breathing and performed CPR until paramedics arrived. Vilorio died at a hospital the next day.
McIrvin’s use of the carotid hold was deemed within department policy, according to a report from the agency’s Critical Incident Review Board.
Bakersfield Police Sgt. Nathan McCauley said this week that the department is reviewing its policy on the carotid hold and its effectiveness. The department’s website shows officers employed the hold 22 times from 2016 through 2018.
Some law enforcement officers have long argued the dangers of using the carotid hold are overblown and defend the technique as safe if used properly. They say that banning it altogether could result in officers resorting to more dangerous methods to subdue a resisting suspect, such as using batons or firearms.
According to The Times’ analysis of statewide data, officers were assaulted in 74% of the carotid incidents reported to the state. In 94% of all incidents, the person restrained was unarmed.
Ed Obayashi, a Plumas County sheriff’s deputy and use-of-force advisor to the California Assn. of Police Training Officers, said police departments for years have shifted away from using the carotid technique, which is different from a chokehold in which pressure is applied to the windpipe.
“The whole point is to render someone unconscious and not cut off their airway, but it could potentially result in that,” Obayashi said. “You still have your arm around someone’s neck.”
The overall number of carotid restraints resulting in serious injury is low considering the millions of police interactions that occur each year in California, he said. Officers are trained how to use other options, such as Tasers or pepper spray.
Obayashi said many deputies patrol rural areas without a partner and need to be able to use a carotid neck restraint if they feel their lives are in danger.
“I know cases where deputies have had to fight for their lives and they were by themselves. We won’t take away that option from them given the solitary nature of policing in these counties,” he said.
In the Minneapolis case, Officer Derek Chauvin used his knee to apply pressure to Floyd’s neck for more than eight minutes. As Floyd lay on the ground, he pleaded, “I can’t breathe.” His words echoed the last pleas of Eric Garner, an unarmed black man who was killed in 2014 when a New York police officer placed him in a chokehold.
Chauvin has been charged with second-degree murder, and three other Minneapolis officers have been charged with lesser offenses.
Robert Weisberg, a professor at Stanford Law School, said there is now “unquestionably a serious public perception problem” regarding the use of neck holds, but he stressed that the technique used by Minneapolis police is not in line with what officers in California are trained to do.
“It was a damn knee on the guy’s neck,” Weisberg said. “It was really just a sadistic way of keeping him on the ground.”
The state justice department requires agencies to report only cases in which carotid holds resulted in serious injury or death. In Los Angeles County, the Long Beach Police Department led all agencies with 12 reported incidents during the three-year period, according to the state data. Riverside police reported 17 incidents and San Bernardino police logged six.
The L.A. County Sheriff’s Department reported two incidents that resulted in serious injury and the Los Angeles Police Department one incident, the data show.
Sheriff’s Lt. John Satterfield said his department’s policy classifies carotid holds as a high-risk technique. Since 2010, deputies have used the hold 193 times with no deaths, he said.
Neck holds have long been banned or restricted by the LAPD. In 1982, Gates, the chief, banned the bar-arm chokehold, in which an officer uses his forearm to apply pressure directly against the windpipe, after a 24-year-old black motorist sued in an effort to forbid the move.
Weeks later, the city’s Police Commission voted to limit the use of the carotid hold after the death of James Mincey Jr., a 20-year-old black man who was put in a carotid hold after leading officers on a high-speed car chase. His death was the 16th over seven years that was attributed to the carotid restraint, The Times reported in 1993 when the City Council agreed to pay a $450,000 settlement to Mincey’s father.
The LAPD still allows officers to use a carotid restraint, but restricts it to situations where deadly force is justified. The technique is seldom used, LAPD records show. It has been used a total of seven times since 2015, according to the department’s 2019 use-of-force report.
Times staff writer Patrick McGreevy and Teri Figueroa of the San Diego Union-Tribune contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-06-05--California could reopen gyms, bars and professional sports soon but warns 'guidance doesn't mean go'

California officials said Friday that counties could begin reopening gyms , day camps , bars and some professional sports by as early as next Friday , but specifics remain unclear .
The state said it would release more detailed guidelines later in the day .
Officials stressed that such reopenings would be based on local conditions .
Rural counties where COVID-19 has been less of a problem will likely be able to reopen much quicker .
“ By far and away the most important thing is for county and local officials to use the state ’ s guidance and consider @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and their own trends , ” said Dr. Mark Ghaly , secretary of the California Health and Human Services .
The state thinks that “ if counties do this under the strong guidance of their public health officers — and with the consideration for the local conditions — that they can do this in a lower risk and safer manner.
” Any reopening will come with strict safety rules and social distancing mandates .
The announcement marks the latest effort to rapidly reopen the economy after months of closures because of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases and deaths , and there has been debate about whether the state is reopening too quickly .
“ Just because some businesses are opening doesn ’ t mean your risk for COVID-19 is gone .
We all need to continue to keep physical distancing , wash our hands and wear face coverings in public , ” said Dr. Sonia Angell , the state ’ s public health officer and director of the California Department of Public Health .
“ As we continue to release guidance on how different sections can reopen with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidance doesn ’ t mean ‘ go.
’ Your local health officer will make the final decision about which sectors will open guided by data specific to your community .
With coronavirus restrictions beings eased , combined with a week of protests and rallies across the state against police brutality and racial inequality , state health officials expect to see the number of COVID-19 cases in California to increase .
“ Certainly , we ’ re prepared , ” Ghaly said .
“ We ’ re going see an increase in cases and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sick and dying.
” Ghaly said that ’ s why it ’ s so critical for county public health officials to assess the scope of the COVID-19 pandemic in their areas , and their ability to respond adequately , before implementing any of the new guidelines released by the state .
If counties do that , they should be prepared to care for an uptick in coronavirus cases , he said .
Some counties continue to struggle with the virus .
As the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Orange County topped 7,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worried about the spread of the virus at the large anti-racism protests .
“ Is it a concern ?
Absolutely .
Do we respect their right to protest ?
Certainly , ” Orange County Executive Officer Frank Kim said at a news conference Thursday .
“ We would hope that they would do so and use as much caution and safety protocols as reasonably possible.
” Orange County on Friday reported 296 new COVID-19 cases , bringing the total to 7,064 .
The county also reported nine additional deaths , bringing the total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ estimated 3,021 residents have recovered from COVID-19 .
There were 283 people hospitalized as of Friday , including 123 in intensive care .
Orange County was quicker than other urban areas , including Los Angeles County , to begin reopening public life .
Huge crowds that descended on Orange County beaches at the end of April prompted Gov .
Gavin Newsom to temporarily close them — a move that irked local leaders , who responded by suing Newsom .
County beaches have since reopened .
In recent days , there have been massive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rest of the country , over the death of George Floyd , a black man who died May 25 after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee into Floyd ’ s neck for almost nine minutes .
“ We ’ re always concerned when we see large gatherings , and I think it ’ s a real balance between preserving the rights of individuals to express their 1st Amendment rights as well as a desire and a request from the county that individuals do their best to maintain their six feet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Some of the Orange County cities now seeing protests against Floyd ’ s death are the same ones that saw raucous street demonstrations last month calling for the state to lift coronavirus restrictions .
The overwhelmingly white makeup of the crowds at the smaller reopening protests last month was not lost on people of color who have been marching the last several days .
Some called it an overt display of privilege at a time when a disproportionate number of people who have been infected by and died of COVID-19 in California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ More antiracism protests are planned in Orange County and elsewhere throughout the weekend .
Meanwhile , Orange County has been told by the state it will have to wait to reopen community swimming pools , said Lilly Simmering , assistant director of the county health agency .
A county order requiring face coverings in public , which officials said prompted a death threat against County Health Officer Dr. Nichole Quick last week , remains in place .
Simmering said that “ should our numbers start to look better , ” officials would discuss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current health order .
Simmering said officials “ understand the frustration , ” but also that masks are one of the few ways to slow the spread of the disease , for which there is no cure or vaccine .
“ Your concerns are the same as our concerns , ” she said .
She also clarified details of the face covering and distancing rules .
“ My husband likes to go on long bike rides .
He doesn ’ t have to wear a mask , ” Simmering explained .
“ You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can not maintain the six feet of social distancing .
If you can maintain the six feet of social distancing , you have a choice.
” In Los Angeles County , where many COVID-19 testing sites had been shut down at some point amid the protests , all sites were reopened as of Friday , officials said .
The closures and resulting drop in the number of people being tested could hurt the region ’ s response to the outbreak , health experts warned .
“ We are committed to ensuring that testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them , ” Dr. Christina Ghaly , director of the L.A. County Department of Health Services , said in a statement .
Ghaly said it was “ inspiring on many levels ” to see the anti-racism protests .
She said the county did not issue a mandate to close COVID-19 testing facilities amid the demonstrations but allowed each site to make its own decision on whether to close or adjust hours .
Officials saw the volume of testing “ decline slightly ” over the last week because of both closures and “ a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ county , ” she said .
Los Angeles County on Friday reported 1,445 new cases of COVID-19 , bringing the total to 61,045 .
The county also announced 36 new deaths , bringing the total to 2,565 .
Of those 36 deaths , 25 were older than 65 , nine were between the ages of 41 and 65 , and one was between the ages of 18 and 40 , officials said .
Twenty-nine had underlying health conditions .
Officials said that 94 % of people who have died in L.A. County to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health officials said they anticipate an increase in cases in the coming weeks because of both the reopening of many businesses and aspects of public life , as well as the protests .
L.A. County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said a risk of exposure exists in any large gathering , “ whether on the boardwalk in Venice or joining a protest against racism.
” Ferrer said that if a person is in a large crowd , in close contact for at least 15 minutes with people not wearing face coverings , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks to see if symptoms develop .
She said people should remember that the virus “ has a long incubation period ” and that “ if you do get tested right away after exposure , you ’ re likely to test negative ” because the viral load could still be low .
“ Testing negative does not mean you can not become infected later in the incubation period , ” and it is still advised to stay away from others for 14 days , she said .
The Public Policy Institute of California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Californians were wary of reopening too quickly amid the continuing pandemic .
The poll found widespread support for current statewide restrictions implemented to curb the spread of the virus .
Some even want tougher safeguards , and many remain fearful about contracting COVID-19 .
Of those polled , 36 % said the virus was the most important issue facing the state today , compared with 23 % who said they believed jobs and the economy were the top concerns .

California officials said Friday that counties could begin reopening gyms, day camps, bars and some professional sports by as early as next Friday, but specifics remain unclear.
The state said it would release more detailed guidelines later. Officials stressed that such reopenings would be based on local conditions. Rural counties where COVID-19 has been less of a problem will likely be able to reopen much quicker.
“By far and away the most important thing is for county and local officials to use the state’s guidance and consider it in light of their own data, and their own trends,” said Dr. Mark Ghaly, secretary of California Health and Human Services.
The state thinks that “if counties do this under the strong guidance of their public health officers — and with the consideration for the local conditions — that they can do this in a lower risk and safer manner,” he said.
Any reopening will come with strict safety rules and social distancing mandates.
Advertisement
The announcement marks the latest effort to rapidly reopen the economy after months of closures because of the pandemic. California continues to see new cases and deaths, and there has been debate about whether the state is reopening too quickly.
“Just because some businesses are opening doesn’t mean your risk for COVID-19 is gone. We all need to continue to keep physical distancing, wash our hands and wear face coverings in public,” said Dr. Sonia Angell, the state’s public health officer and director of the California Department of Public Health.
“As we continue to release guidance on how different sections can reopen with modifications, it is important to remember guidance doesn’t mean ‘go,‘” Angell said. “Your local health officer will make the final decision about which sectors will open guided by data specific to your community.”
With coronavirus restrictions beings eased, combined with a week of protests and rallies across the state against police brutality and racial inequality, state health officials expect to see the number of COVID-19 cases in California to increase.
“Certainly, we’re prepared,” Ghaly said. “We’re going see an increase in cases and with that the risk of people becoming sick and dying.”
Ghaly said that’s why it’s so critical for county public health officials to assess the scope of the COVID-19 pandemic in their areas, and their ability to respond adequately, before implementing any of the new guidelines released by the state. If counties do that, they should be prepared to care for an uptick in coronavirus cases, he said.
Advertisement
Some counties continue to struggle with the virus.
As the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Orange County topped 7,000 this week, officials said they were worried about the spread of the virus at the large anti-racism protests.
“Is it a concern? Absolutely. Do we respect their right to protest? Certainly,” Orange County Executive Officer Frank Kim said at a media briefing Thursday. “We would hope that they would do so and use as much caution and safety protocols as reasonably possible.”
Orange County on Friday reported 296 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total to 7,064. The county also reported nine additional deaths, bringing the total to 174.
Health officials said an estimated 3,021 residents have recovered from COVID-19. There were 283 people hospitalized as of Friday, including 123 in intensive care.
Orange County was quicker than other urban areas, including Los Angeles County, to begin reopening public life. Huge crowds that descended on Orange County beaches at the end of April prompted Gov. Gavin Newsom to temporarily close them — a move that irked local leaders, who responded by suing Newsom. County beaches have since reopened.
In recent days, there have been massive protests across Orange County, as in the rest of the country, over the death of George Floyd, a black man who died May 25 after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes.
“We’re always concerned when we see large gatherings, and I think it’s a real balance between preserving the rights of individuals to express their 1st Amendment rights as well as a desire and a request from the county that individuals do their best to maintain their six feet of social distancing,” Kim said.
Some of the Orange County cities now seeing protests against Floyd’s death are the same ones that saw raucous street demonstrations last month calling for the state to lift coronavirus restrictions.
The overwhelmingly white makeup of the crowds at the smaller reopening protests last month was not lost on people of color who have been marching the last several days. Some called it an overt display of privilege at a time when a disproportionate number of people who have been infected by and died of COVID-19 in California are black, Latino and poor.
More antiracism protests are planned in Orange County and elsewhere throughout the weekend.
Meanwhile, Orange County has been told by the state it will have to wait to reopen community swimming pools, said Lilly Simmering, assistant director of the county health agency.
A county order requiring face coverings in public, which officials said prompted a death threat against County Health Officer Dr. Nichole Quick last week, remains in place.
Simmering said that “should our numbers start to look better,” officials would discuss an end date or loosening of the current health order.
Simmering said officials “understand the frustration,” but added that masks are one of the few ways to slow the spread of the disease, for which there is no cure or vaccine. “Your concerns are the same as our concerns,” she said.
She also clarified details of the face covering and distancing rules. “My husband likes to go on long bike rides. He doesn’t have to wear a mask,” Simmering explained.
“You put on a face mask when you cannot maintain the six feet of social distancing. If you can maintain the six feet of social distancing, you have a choice.”
In Los Angeles County, where many COVID-19 testing sites had been shut down at some point amid the protests, all sites were reopened as of Friday, officials said. The closures and resulting drop in the number of people being tested could hurt the region’s response to the outbreak, health experts warned.
“We are committed to ensuring that testing is widely available to people who need them,” Dr. Christina Ghaly, director of the L.A. County Department of Health Services, said in a statement.
Christina Ghaly said it was “inspiring on many levels” to see the antiracism protests. She said the county did not issue a mandate to close COVID-19 testing facilities amid the demonstrations but allowed each site to make its own decision on whether to close or adjust hours.
Officials saw the volume of testing “decline slightly” over the last week because of both closures and “a higher-than-usual no-show rate at sites across the county,” she said.
Los Angeles County on Friday reported 1,445 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total to 61,045. The county also announced 36 new deaths, bringing the total to 2,565.
Of those 36 deaths, 25 were older than 65, nine were between the ages of 41 and 65, and one was between the ages of 18 and 40, officials said. Twenty-nine had underlying health conditions.
Officials said that 94% of people who have died in L.A. County to date had underlying health conditions.
County health officials said they anticipate an increase in cases in the coming weeks because of the reopening of many businesses and other aspects of public life, as well as the protests. L.A. County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said a risk of exposure exists in any large gathering, “whether on the boardwalk in Venice or joining a protest against racism.”
Ferrer said that if a person is in a large crowd, in close contact for at least 15 minutes with people not wearing face coverings, he or she should consider self-quarantining for two weeks to see if symptoms develop.
She said that people should remember that the virus “has a long incubation period” and that “if you do get tested right away after exposure, you’re likely to test negative” because the viral load could still be low.
“Testing negative does not mean you cannot become infected later in the incubation period,” and it is still advised to stay away from others for 14 days, she said.
The Public Policy Institute of California on Wednesday released a new poll showing most Californians were wary of reopening too quickly amid the continuing pandemic.
The poll found widespread support for current statewide restrictions implemented to curb the spread of the virus. Some even want tougher safeguards, and many remain fearful about contracting COVID-19.
Of those polled, 36% said the virus was the most important issue facing the state today, compared with 23% who said they believed jobs and the economy were the top concerns.


latimes--2020-06-05--How to be civically or politically active during a pandemic

Recent protests galvanized many to take to the streets championing a cause , but for many others in this election year , activism will happen at home .
And activists for a variety of candidates and issues are urging people — whether they broke quarantine to hit the streets or still haven ’ t left the house — that now is the time to act .
“ Sitting around watching the news all day and people dying and police harming African Americans and COVID-19 killing people , it ’ s heartbreaking .
But if you get involved with other people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least be a small drop in that bucket that makes a positive difference , ” said Gina Fields , chairperson of the Empowerment Congress West Area Neighborhood Development Council , representing the Baldwin Hills/Crenshaw area .
“ The best way to feel better about the world is to get out and help.
” With partisan divides over issues such as immigration , healthcare and climate change , 2020 was already on track to be a very newsy election year .
Then , like spotlights clicking on , the pandemic , economic devastation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ true colors during crisis .
“ This is really judgment time on our candidates , our elected officials in seeing how they respond to everything — to the health concerns , to the economic concerns , to the community concerns , ” said Randall Avila , executive director of the Republican Party of Orange County .
“ This is affecting us 360 degrees in our lives .
It ’ s more important now than ever to get involved and to elect people that you trust.
” Voters upset about how leaders have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anger into action , Avila advised .
“ This is it , ” agreed Jon Katz , president of the Santa Monica Democratic Club .
“ Either this country is going to be completely ruined or we can have a chance of saving it.
” While many of the issues affecting the U.S. are national or even global in scale , most roads to change begin locally .
The federal and state governments supply money and give guidance , but local officials carry out health orders , set police department budgets and coordinate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for example .
“ Presidential elections are sexy , ” said Jane Wishon , political vice president for the Stonewall Democratic Club .
“ Everybody wants to talk about the presidential election .
But the president doesn ’ t pick up my trash.
” If you ’ re a first-time volunteer , don ’ t be intimidated , Wishon said .
Look up your representatives at the city , county , state and congressional levels and sign up for their newsletters .
Determine what issues matter to you ( Renters ’ rights ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ or chosen candidates about them in a phone call , email or online message .
“ It ’ s the election of our lifetime , ” Wishon said .
“ So much is at stake that we can ’ t just sit back and say , ‘ Oh well , it ’ s a pandemic .
I guess we just won ’ t make calls.
’ ” Most political parties or candidates for elected office have a volunteer button or contact information on their websites .
To get involved with a political party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chapter online .
From there , you can sign up to volunteer , attend a meeting , donate or sign an online petition of support .
Of course , it ’ s also possible to exercise your civic muscle without picking a political party .
In Los Angeles , anyone can attend meetings of the 99 , which advise the City Council and inform residents on hyper-local issues .
Depending where you live , the city council or county board of supervisors may be the best place to learn about decisions that affect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lived in Costa Mesa more than half of her 75 years , religiously attends City Council meetings to opine about policy or act as a political watchdog and levy critiques against council members .
She recommends tuning into the television or online stream of local council meetings and , at first , just observing how they are run .
Then voice your opinion by calling in or writing a comment .
“ We all want to wave the flag and be part of the process , and I think that our local government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Spadoni said .
“ This is like the breeding grounds for tomorrow ’ s politicians and tomorrow ’ s future , locally .
We ’ re a democratic building block.
” As nearly two weeks of protests have shown , in-the-world activism is alive and well despite the coronavirus pandemic .
But for those choosing to remain home because of fear of catching or spreading the coronavirus , Audrena Redmond , one of the founders of the Black Lives Matter Long Beach chapter , said there is plenty of work to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your hands on books , engage in webinars and follow reputable organizations on social media , she advised .
Tune into a podcast or audiobook while you walk around your neighborhood .
“ Bored out of [ her ] mind at home , ” Redmond began carrying a notebook wherever she goes , to jot down questions or ideas to research later .
“ Now is the time to spend a little time educating yourself , ” Redmond said .
“ A lot of folks hesitate because they say , ‘ Well , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ’ or ‘ I ’ m not sure.
’ Well , now ’ s the time to get sure.
” What will I do when I get involved ?
Fields ’ neighborhood council has organized a South Los Angeles-specific Black History Month celebration , a park clean-up , a City Council candidate forum and a fire safety day , among other events .
When the pandemic struck , her team pivoted to distributing food to homebound seniors and collecting diapers for new parents .
Now , they are coordinating safety patrols for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekend .
Getting involved from home can be easy .
Once you ’ re connected to a group or cause you care about , the options for activism are many .
You can start by picking up your phone and calling a family member , Redmond said .
Engage in difficult conversations about current events .
You may choose to attend an in-person rally , but you won ’ t be signing up people to vote at the canceled Orange County Fair or canvassing door-to-door for a candidate as in past years .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ or participating in social media campaigns .
Some groups have held virtual rallies , bike and car parades , and teleconference community meetings .
Local chapters of political parties have also ramped up text- and phone-banking operations .
Volunteers enjoy it , people can participate remotely from across the country , and more voters respond , Katz said .
“ Those remote calls , they ’ re king right now , ” Avila said , noting that the answer rate has increased at least 15 % since the pandemic .
“ People are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bit of a captive audience , if you will , and people are eager to interact with someone.
” Virtual politicking will never replace door-knocking , but it may free up time to reach more voters .
In past elections , Katz sometimes spent 10 hours a day braving Southern California traffic , collecting campaign materials , driving to neighborhoods and knocking on doors .
“ We were actually only canvassing for like two hours , and during that time , maybe half of the doors didn ’ t open at all .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is completely spent .
You get home , you just want to go to bed , ” Katz said .
“ On the other hand , texting and calling from home , I could have been reaching voters the entire time.
” How you get involved is up to you , but there is one simple act a citizen can do : vote .
In California , the deadline to register for the Nov. 3 election is Oct. 19 .

Recent protests galvanized many to take to the streets championing a cause, but for many others in this election year, activism will happen at home.
And activists for a variety of candidates and issues are urging people — whether they broke quarantine to hit the streets or still haven’t left the house — that now is the time to act.
“Sitting around watching the news all day and people dying and police harming African Americans and COVID-19 killing people, it’s heartbreaking. But if you get involved with other people, you can find a way to at least be a small drop in that bucket that makes a positive difference,” said Gina Fields, chairperson of the Empowerment Congress West Area Neighborhood Development Council, representing the Baldwin Hills/Crenshaw area.
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“The best way to feel better about the world is to get out and help.”
With partisan divides over issues such as immigration, healthcare and climate change, 2020 was already on track to be a very newsy election year. Then, like spotlights clicking on, the pandemic, economic devastation and demonstrations for racial justice showed leaders’ true colors during crisis.
“This is really judgment time on our candidates, our elected officials in seeing how they respond to everything — to the health concerns, to the economic concerns, to the community concerns,” said Randall Avila, executive director of the Republican Party of Orange County. “This is affecting us 360 degrees in our lives. It’s more important now than ever to get involved and to elect people that you trust.”
Voters upset about how leaders have handled the national crises should channel their anger into action, Avila advised.
“This is it,” agreed Jon Katz, president of the Santa Monica Democratic Club. “Either this country is going to be completely ruined or we can have a chance of saving it.”
While many of the issues affecting the U.S. are national or even global in scale, most roads to change begin locally. The federal and state governments supply money and give guidance, but local officials carry out health orders, set police department budgets and coordinate the economy’s on-the-ground reopening, for example.
“Presidential elections are sexy,” said Jane Wishon, political vice president for the Stonewall Democratic Club. “Everybody wants to talk about the presidential election. But the president doesn’t pick up my trash.”
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How to make sure your mail ballot gets counted Check your registration status Every voter should do this now. Just go to https://www.nass.org/can-I-vote, a portal created by the National Assn. of Secretaries of State. If you find you are not on the voting rolls, use the portal to register. Get a mail ballot California and some other states will automatically send them to all registered voters. In other places, you must request one. You can find out whether you need to request one -- and submit the request, if you do -- through the NASS.org portal. Do this now. Mail your ballot by Oct. 27 Earlier is even better. This will give the postal service plenty of time to deliver it. While California will count votes that arrive up to 17 days late -- provided they are postmarked by election day -- many states will not. They will toss any votes that arrive after November 3rd. Don't panic if your ballot is not mailed by Oct. 27 Again, in California it will still get counted as long as it is postmarked by election day and arrives within 17 days after. In other states, if you haven’t mailed your ballot by a week before election day, hang onto it. You can drop your mail ballot in one of the drop boxes at polling places and -- in California and several states -- on street corners, sidewalks and in municipal buildings. If your state has early voting, you can drop your mail ballot off anywhere that is being held. Track your ballot Many states now enable voters to track the status of their mail-in ballot online. Californians can do this at WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov. Voters in other states can register for tracking online through their state or local elections website.
How do I start?
If you’re a first-time volunteer, don’t be intimidated, Wishon said. Look up your representatives at the city, county, state and congressional levels and sign up for their newsletters. Determine what issues matter to you (renters’ rights? schools?) and tell your representatives or chosen candidates about them in a phone call, email or online message.
“It’s the election of our lifetime,” Wishon said. “So much is at stake that we can’t just sit back and say, ‘Oh well, it’s a pandemic. I guess we just won’t make calls.’”
Most political parties or candidates for elected office have a volunteer button or contact information on their websites. To get involved with a political party, search for their state or local chapter online. From there, you can sign up to volunteer, attend a meeting, donate or sign an online petition of support.
Of course, it’s also possible to exercise your civic muscle without picking a political party. In Los Angeles, anyone can attend meetings of the 99 neighborhood councils , which advise the City Council and inform residents on hyper-local issues. Depending where you live, the city council or county board of supervisors may be the best place to learn about decisions that affect you.
Mary Spadoni, who has lived in Costa Mesa more than half of her 75 years, religiously attends City Council meetings to opine about policy or act as a political watchdog and levy critiques against council members. She recommends tuning into the television or online stream of local council meetings and, at first, just observing how they are run. Then voice your opinion by calling in or writing a comment.
“We all want to wave the flag and be part of the process, and I think that our local government is the ground floor of the process,” Spadoni said. “This is like the breeding grounds for tomorrow’s politicians and tomorrow’s future, locally. We’re a democratic building block.”
As nearly two weeks of protests have shown, in-the-world activism is alive and well despite the coronavirus crisis. But for those choosing to remain home because of fear of catching or spreading the coronavirus, Audrena Redmond, one of the founders of the Black Lives Matter Long Beach chapter, said there is plenty of work to do — starting with yourself.
Get your hands on books, engage in webinars and follow reputable organizations on social media, she advised. Tune into a podcast or audiobook while you walk around your neighborhood. “Bored out of [her] mind at home,” Redmond began carrying a notebook wherever she goes, to jot down questions or ideas to research later.
“Now is the time to spend a little time educating yourself,” Redmond said.
“A lot of folks hesitate because they say, ‘Well, I just don’t know enough,’ or ‘I’m not sure.’ Well, now’s the time to get sure.”
What will I do when I get involved?
Fields’ neighborhood council has organized a South Los Angeles-specific Black History Month celebration, a park cleanup, a City Council candidate forum and a fire safety day, among other events. When the pandemic struck, her team pivoted to distributing food to homebound seniors and collecting diapers for new parents. Now, they are coordinating safety patrols for a planned protest honoring George Floyd this weekend.
Getting involved from home can be easy. Once you’re connected to a group or cause you care about, the options for activism are many.
You can start by picking up your phone and calling a family member, Redmond said. Engage in difficult conversations about current events.
You may choose to attend an in-person rally, but you won’t be signing up people to vote at the canceled Orange County Fair or canvassing door-to-door for a candidate as in past years. Instead, you may be writing postcards or participating in social media campaigns. Some groups have held virtual rallies, bike and car parades, and teleconference community meetings.
Local chapters of political parties have also ramped up text- and phone-banking operations. Volunteers enjoy it, people can participate remotely from across the country, and more voters respond, Katz said.
“Those remote calls, they’re king right now,” Avila said, noting that the answer rate has increased at least 15% since the pandemic. “People are at home. We have a little bit of a captive audience, if you will, and people are eager to interact with someone.”
Virtual politicking will never replace door-knocking, but it may free up time to reach more voters. In past elections, Katz sometimes spent 10 hours a day braving Southern California traffic, collecting campaign materials, driving to neighborhoods and knocking on doors.
“We were actually only canvassing for like two hours, and during that time, maybe half of the doors didn’t open at all. It’s like the whole day is completely spent. You get home, you just want to go to bed,” Katz said. “On the other hand, texting and calling from home, I could have been reaching voters the entire time.”
One more thing
How you get involved is up to you, but there is one simple act a citizen can do: vote. In California, the deadline to register for the Nov. 3 election is Oct. 19.