latimes--2020-05-11--L.A. County jail inmates trying to infect themselves with coronavirus, sheriff says

The security videos show inmates at the North County Correctional Facility passing around containers of water , taking turns taking swigs , or breathing into a single mask .
Sheriff Alex Villanueva said Monday that the actions were part of a scheme to get sick that led to a coronavirus outbreak in the jail last month .
Within a week , he said , 21 of about 50 inmates housed in one of the modules tested positive for the virus .
“ It ’ s sad to think that someone deliberately tried to expose themselves to COVID-19 , ” Villanueva @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mistaken belief among the inmate population that if they tested positive that there was a way to force our hand and somehow release more inmates out of our jail environment — and that ’ s not gon na happen.
” He said investigators interviewed the individuals involved but no one admitted to the scheme .
“ I think their behavior itself is what convicts them , ” Villanueva said .
It ’ s unclear who was the first to get infected in the two modules where the security videos were taken and whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were captured on video sharing the items .
In the video dated April 26 , an inmate fills a container from the hot water dispenser inside a dorm and walks over to other inmates who appear lined up to see a nurse .
In about a minute and a half , three inmates appear to take swigs .
Deputies stand behind a counter just outside of the dorm .
Villanueva said the inmates were also using the hot water to try to elevate their temperatures .
In the second video , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ John Satterfield , was taken April 15 , inmates in a different module appear to share a Styrofoam cup and breathe into the same face mask .
But inmates had been quarantined at that jail since at least April 13 , according to figures released almost daily by the Sheriff ’ s Department .
Satterfield said the clips were “ just a sampling of the many other videos being reviewed and used in the ongoing investigation.
” Jackie Clark , director of Correctional Health Services , which provides medical treatment to inmates , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ North County jail was recorded just more than three weeks ago .
“ They ’ re in dorm settings , so it ’ s easy once one person is positive , if everybody is still in close contact with each other , or not wearing masks ” to get infected , Clark said .
She said she reviewed footage from dorms where hardly any inmates were wearing masks and instructed the nursing staff to advise prisoners to wear the coverings around the clock , even to sleep .
Clark also said she was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to limit inmates from being transferred to and from court , noting that two or three L.A. County inmates were exposed to the virus from a public defender .
She said health staff has begun testing vulnerable asymptomatic people housed in the Correctional Treatment Center with the goal of eventually testing the entire jail population .
“ Anyone who ’ s in any type of medical housing ... they ’ re our priorities , ” she said .
“ Trying to go from highest risk down to lowest risk.
” As of Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have tested positive for the coronavirus infection .
The number of infections has more than tripled since April 30 .
Officials , however , are conducting more testing , including of all new bookings .
Of the inmates who have been infected , 117 have fully recovered .
More than 4,500 inmates are being held in quarantine , meaning they had been housed in a unit with someone who either tested positive or is waiting for a result .
Nearly 2,000 of them are housed at the North County jail in Castaic where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significantly in response to the pandemic .
As of Monday , the jails , which typically house 17,000 people , held 11,723 inmates , according to the Sheriff ’ s Department .
Some critics contend that L.A. County has not done enough .
A claims that inmates are not being tested even when they show symptoms and lack sufficient space for physical distancing .
The lawsuit claims inmates don ’ t have enough soap or a safe way to dry their hands .
Patrisse Cullors , an activist whose uncle is a lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Villanueva is unable to protect people in L.A. County jails .
She called on him to release more people and on the Board of Supervisors to move to offer COVID-19 testing to all prisoners and staff .
“ In an attempt to demonize incarcerated people , he is taking a page right out of Trump ’ s playbook by gaslighting those who are already vulnerable and in absolute fear , ” Cullors said .
“ Contrary to the Sheriff ’ s allegations , what I ’ ve been hearing from prisoners is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is no hot water , that sheriff deputies are taunting folks inside by coughing in their presence , telling them they ’ re going to die of COVID.
” The Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission voted last week to subpoena Villanueva to appear at its next meeting to discuss his handling of the coronavirus outbreak in the jails .
It is the first use of the power approved by voters in March .
Inspector General Max Huntsman pointed to The Times ’ reporting on one dorm at the Men ’ s Central Jail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that are three feet apart and said he ’ s received complaints of bottlenecks in testing inmates with symptoms .
He said 43 of the people in that dorm appeared eligible for release .

The security videos show inmates at the North County Correctional Facility passing around containers of water, taking turns taking swigs, or breathing into a single mask.
Sheriff Alex Villanueva said Monday that the actions were part of a scheme to get sick that led to a coronavirus outbreak in the jail last month. Eventually, 30 people in the two modules where the videos were recorded tested positive for the virus and two have since been released, said Asst. Sheriff Bruce Chase.
“It’s sad to think that someone deliberately tried to expose themselves to COVID-19,” Villanueva said. “Somehow there was some mistaken belief among the inmate population that if they tested positive that there was a way to force our hand and somehow release more inmates out of our jail environment — and that’s not gonna happen.”
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He said investigators interviewed individuals involved but no one admitted to the scheme. “I think their behavior itself is what convicts them,” Villanueva said.
It’s unclear how the disease entered the two modules where the security videos were taken and whether inmates knew someone was sick when they were captured on video sharing the items.
In the video dated April 26, an inmate fills a container from the hot water dispenser inside a dorm and walks over to other inmates who appear lined up to see a nurse. In about a minute and a half, three inmates appear to take swigs. Deputies stand behind a counter just outside of the dorm. Villanueva said the inmates were also using the hot water to try to elevate their temperatures.
Sometime in the next day, nine inmates fell ill and were removed from the dorm. Eventually, 21 tested positive, Chase said.
That dorm had been quarantined since April 22 when an inmate who showed symptoms was pulled out and placed in isolation, Chase said. The same thing happened with a second inmate the next day. Both those inmates ended up testing negative, but there were other infections in the building. Chase said the first positive test in the North County jail came around April 15 from another dorm on the same floor.
In the second video, which is not dated but, according to Lt. John Satterfield, was taken April 15, inmates in a different module on another floor appear to share a Styrofoam cup and breathe into the same face mask. Nine inmates from that module ended up testing positive, Chase said.
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Inmates had been quarantined at the North County jail since at least April 13, according to figures released almost daily by the Sheriff’s Department. Satterfield said the clips were “just a sampling of the many other videos being reviewed and used in the ongoing investigation.”
Jackie Clark, director of Correctional Health Services, which provides medical treatment to inmates, said the first positive infection at the North County jail was recorded just more than three weeks ago.
“They’re in dorm settings, so it’s easy once one person is positive, if everybody is still in close contact with each other, or not wearing masks” to get infected, Clark said. She said she reviewed footage from dorms where hardly any inmates were wearing masks and instructed the nursing staff to advise prisoners to wear the coverings around the clock, even to sleep.
Clark also said she was working to encourage more video court hearings to limit inmates from being transferred to and from court, noting that two or three L.A. County inmates were exposed to the virus from a public defender.
She said health staff has begun testing vulnerable asymptomatic people housed in the Correctional Treatment Center with the goal of eventually testing the entire jail population.
“Anyone who’s in any type of medical housing ... they’re our priorities,” she said. “Trying to go from highest risk down to lowest risk.”
As of Monday, 357 inmates in L.A. County jails have tested positive for the coronavirus infection. The number of infections has more than tripled since April 30. Officials, however, are conducting more testing, including of all new bookings. Of the inmates who have been infected, 117 have fully recovered.
More than 4,500 inmates are being held in quarantine, meaning they had been housed in a unit or had close contact with someone who either tested positive or is waiting for a result. Nearly 2,000 of them are housed at the North County jail in Castaic where the videos were taken.
Villanueva has significantly reduced the jail population in response to the pandemic. As of Monday, the jails, which typically house 17,000 people, held 11,723 inmates, according to the Sheriff’s Department.
Some critics contend that L.A. County has not done enough. A recent class-action lawsuit claims that inmates are not being tested even when they show symptoms and lack sufficient space for physical distancing. The lawsuit claims inmates don’t have enough soap or a safe way to dry their hands.
Patrisse Cullors, an activist whose uncle is a lead plaintiff, said in a statement that Villanueva is unable to protect people in L.A. County jails. She called on him to release more people and on the Board of Supervisors to move to offer COVID-19 testing to all prisoners and staff.
“In an attempt to demonize incarcerated people, he is taking a page right out of Trump’s playbook by gaslighting those who are already vulnerable and in absolute fear,” Cullors said. “Contrary to the Sheriff’s allegations, what I’ve been hearing from prisoners is that there isn’t enough soap, there is no hot water, that sheriff deputies are taunting folks inside by coughing in their presence, telling them they’re going to die of COVID.”
The Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission voted last week to subpoena Villanueva to appear at its next meeting to discuss his handling of the coronavirus outbreak in the jails. It is the first use of the power approved by voters in March.


latimes--2020-05-11--California coronavirus deaths hit stubborn plateau; experts fearful about future

Although some hope the worst of California ’ s coronavirus crisis has passed , there are signs the pandemic in the Golden State has merely stabilized , and the worst may be yet to come .
The number of COVID-19 deaths in California has hit a stubborn plateau , and the number of cases has not begun a sustained week-over-week decline , a Los Angeles Times analysis has found .
For the seven-day period that ended Sunday , 503 people in California died from the virus — the second-highest weekly death toll in the course of the pandemic and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In fact , the latest tally shows that the death toll has continued to average about 500 fatalities each week over the past month .
The week before last , there were 495 deaths .
Prior to that , there were 542 fatalities , and the week before that , 497 .
Coronavirus cases shot up to a new weekly record last week , with more than 13,000 new infections reported .
On Sunday , an influential coronavirus forecast projected a worsening death toll by early August .
The University of Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Evaluation now forecasts a California death toll of more than 6,000 by early August , up from 4,600 from a forecast issued a week ago — an increase of more than 1,400 deaths .
“ If we were to see the kind of spike that ’ s predicted in that model , that would be extraordinarily worrisome , ” said Barbara Ferrer , director of public health for Los Angeles County , which so far has seen 56 % of all of California ’ s coronavirus deaths despite being home to one-quarter of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the model ’ s projections became reality , Ferrer said that would result in an even slower reopening of society in L.A. County or force the nation ’ s most populous county to re-implement stricter stay-at-home measures again .
L.A. County implemented its first major easing of stay-at-home measures on Friday , allowing some retail businesses to open for curbside pickup , and plans to reopen beaches for active recreation this week .
California is among eight states predicted to see the largest increases in projected cumulative deaths , according to a forecast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This group of states included Pennsylvania , Illinois , Arizona , Florida , Mississippi , Missouri and Connecticut .
As a whole , the U.S. is now projected to record more than 137,000 deaths by early August , up from a forecast of over 134,000 issued last week .
The U.S. death toll was more than 80,000 as of Monday , an astonishing total that has accumulated in less than three months .
It has exceeded the death toll of the Vietnam War , in which more than 58,000 members of the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the total number of deaths in the 2018-19 flu season , which was 34,200 , and the preceding flu season , which was 61,000 .
Experts attribute the rising forecast of coronavirus-linked deaths to the public growing more weary of stay-at-home orders , as well as moves across the nation to roll them back .
California is in its eighth week of statewide restrictions aimed to stop the spread of the coronavirus .
“ We ’ re seeing just explosive increases in mobility in a number of states that we expect will translate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know , in 10 days from now , ” the director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation , Dr. Chris Murray , said Sunday on the CBS program “ Face the Nation.
” Experts say the number of cases will grow as testing capabilities increase .
Still , tracking the number is still seen as a useful indicator , as at some point , scientists expect testing capacities will eventually catch up to the demand .
As government officials begin rolling back restrictions , health experts have urged caution and pushed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to choose between the economy and public health .
Reopening society at a dangerous pace and then being hit by a spike in deaths would shatter public confidence and hurt the economy further , they said .
Polls show that large majorities want to move slowly on ending stay-at-home orders .
“ We have to show people that this disease is under good control , and people will then have confidence in going out and reengaging the economy , ” Dr. Thomas Inglesby , director of Johns Hopkins ’ Center for Health Security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
California is still in its first wave of cases California officials have noted the state ’ s death toll — which sits at more than 2,700 — is markedly lower than New York ’ s , with over 26,000 dead , or New Jersey ’ s , more than 9,000 .
But there are many more Californians who haven ’ t been infected yet .
It would be a mistake to think California has turned the corner , experts say .
UC San Francisco epidemiologist and infectious disease expert Dr. George Rutherford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , said California hadn ’ t left its first wave of cases .
“ As long as it ’ s going up , it has not ended , ” he said .
“ It ’ s got to come down for it to end.
” Nationally , too , “ we ’ re in a steady state , ” Rutherford said , “ with about 25,000 to 30,000 cases of COVID being reported daily nationwide.
” Health officials in both Los Angeles County and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indicators have also merely stabilized , and haven ’ t gone down .
L.A. County has seen the average weekly number of deaths remain constant at around 300 a week for each of the past four weeks .
In San Francisco , the number of hospitalized people with confirmed or suspected coronavirus infections has remained steady since mid-April , averaging at 100 for the last three weeks .
“ It is not decreasing substantially , ” the San Francisco director of public health , Dr. Grant Colfax , said Monday .
Although Latinos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s population , they make up about half of all positive cases in the state .
Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders also are being diagnosed at a rate greater than their demographic in the population , Rutherford said .
Blacks are dying at a disproportionately higher rate in California .
Blacks made up 10 % of total deaths , higher than the 6 % share they comprise in California ’ s population .
Asian Americans , Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders are dying at a slightly higher rate than their share of California ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California being diagnosed with COVID-19 are adults under the age of 50 .
Rutherford called that “ a surprisingly large number.
” ‘ Headed for potentially a very large outbreak in the fall ’ Experts expect the number of fatalities to grow nationally .
“ We ’ re headed for potentially a very large outbreak in the fall , which will make whatever we ’ ve seen pale in comparison , ” Rutherford said .
It ’ s possible , he said , that children could further spread the disease when they return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 1918-19 flu pandemic , the first wave occurred in the early summer of 1918 but noticeably receded by mid-summer .
A second wave , far deadlier than the first , started in the fall and did not let up until the beginning of winter .
Then , a third wave picked up in late winter , persisting through the springtime .
This coronavirus pandemic is different .
Instead of deaths declining , they ’ ve stabilized , but at a higher level .
Rutherford says there ’ s a risk that some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will see a rising death toll — and the effects of the pandemic will disproportionately hit Latinos and blacks .
Rutherford says society does need to reopen — it ’ s too destructive to continue to be closed — but that it should be done carefully .
“ If we have a prolonged depression , that has tremendous costs in morbidity and mortality as well .
So it ’ s a tradeoff : Just understand that we ’ re trading economy for lives , ” Rutherford said .
“ Make no mistake … @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the more people are going to die , ” he added .
“ You have to be really careful to minimize that number and make sure it ’ s not on the backs of all the poor people who are doing the front-line jobs who are going to get the most exposed .
”

People sit on the grass at San Francisco’s Alamo Square Park during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although some hope the worst of California’s coronavirus crisis has passed, there are signs the pandemic in the Golden State has merely stabilized, and the worst may be yet to come.
The number of weekly COVID-19 deaths in California has hit a stubborn plateau, and the number of cases has not begun a sustained week-over-week decline, a Los Angeles Times analysis has found. For the seven-day period that ended Sunday, 503 people in California died from the virus — the second-highest weekly death toll in the course of the pandemic and a 1.6% increase from the previous week.
In fact, the latest tally shows that the death toll has continued to average about 500 fatalities each week over the past month. The week before last, there were 495 deaths. Prior to that, there were 542 fatalities, and the week before that, 497.
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Coronavirus cases shot up to a new weekly record last week, with more than 13,000 new infections reported.
On Sunday, an influential coronavirus forecast projected a worsening death toll by early August. The University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation now forecasts a California death toll of more than 6,000 by early August, up from 4,600 from a forecast issued a week ago — an increase of more than 1,400 deaths.
“If we were to see the kind of spike that’s predicted in that model, that would be extraordinarily worrisome,” said Barbara Ferrer, director of public health for Los Angeles County, which so far has seen 56% of all of California’s coronavirus deaths despite being home to one-quarter of the state’s population.
If the model’s projections became reality, Ferrer said that would result in an even slower reopening of society in L.A. County or force the nation’s most populous county to reimplement stricter stay-at-home measures. L.A. County implemented its first major easing of stay-at-home measures on Friday, allowing some retail businesses to open for curbside pickup, and plans to reopen beaches for active recreation this week.
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California is among eight states predicted to see the largest increases in projected cumulative deaths, according to a forecast issued May 4 and updated Sunday. This group of states included Pennsylvania, Illinois, Arizona, Florida, Mississippi, Missouri and Connecticut. As a whole, the U.S. is now projected to record more than 137,000 deaths by early August, up from a forecast of over 134,000 issued last week.
The U.S. death toll was more than 80,000 as of Monday, an astonishing total that has accumulated in less than three months. It has exceeded the death toll of the Vietnam War, in which more than 58,000 members of the U.S. Armed Forces died, and has surpassed the total number of deaths in the 2018-19 flu season, which was 34,200, and the preceding flu season, which was 61,000.
Experts attribute the rising forecast of coronavirus-linked deaths to the public growing more weary of stay-at-home orders, as well as moves across the nation to roll them back. California is in its eighth week of statewide restrictions aimed to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
“We’re seeing just explosive increases in mobility in a number of states that we expect will translate into more cases and deaths, you know, in 10 days from now,” the director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Dr. Chris Murray, said Sunday on the CBS program “Face the Nation.”
Experts say the number of cases will grow as testing capabilities increase. Still, tracking the number is still seen as a useful indicator, as at some point, scientists expect testing capacities will eventually catch up to the demand.
As government officials begin rolling back restrictions, health experts have urged caution and pushed back against the idea that officials need to choose between the economy and public health.
Reopening society at a dangerous pace and then being hit by a spike in deaths would shatter public confidence and hurt the economy further, they said. Polls show that large majorities want to move slowly on ending stay-at-home orders.
“We have to show people that this disease is under good control, and people will then have confidence in going out and reengaging the economy,” Dr. Thomas Inglesby, director of Johns Hopkins’ Center for Health Security, said on Fox News on Sunday.
California is still in its first wave of cases
California officials have noted the state’s death toll — which sits at more than 2,700 — is markedly lower than New York’s, with over 26,000 dead, or New Jersey’s, more than 9,000.
But there are many more Californians who haven’t been infected yet.
It would be a mistake to think California has turned the corner, experts say.
UC San Francisco epidemiologist and infectious disease expert Dr. George Rutherford, a former epidemic intelligence service officer with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said California hadn’t left its first wave of cases.
“As long as it’s going up, it has not ended,” he said. “It’s got to come down for it to end.”
Nationally, too, “we’re in a steady state,” Rutherford said, “with about 25,000 to 30,000 cases of COVID being reported daily nationwide.”
Health officials in both Los Angeles County and San Francisco also warned that key pandemic indicators have also merely stabilized and haven’t gone down.
L.A. County has seen the average weekly number of deaths remain constant at around 300 a week for each of the past four weeks.
In San Francisco, the number of hospitalized people with confirmed or suspected coronavirus infections has remained steady since mid-April, averaging at 100 for the last three weeks.
“It is not decreasing substantially,” the San Francisco director of public health, Dr. Grant Colfax, said Monday.
More infections among minorities
Although Latinos make up 39% of California’s population, they make up about half of all positive cases in the state.
Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders also are being diagnosed at a rate greater than their demographic in the population, Rutherford said.
Blacks are dying at a disproportionately higher rate in California. Blacks made up 10% of total deaths, higher than the 6% share they comprise in California’s population. Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders are dying at a slightly higher rate than their share of California’s population.
About half the people in California being diagnosed with COVID-19 are adults under the age of 50. Rutherford called that “a surprisingly large number.”
‘Headed for potentially a very large outbreak in the fall’
Experts expect the number of fatalities to grow nationally.
“We’re headed for potentially a very large outbreak in the fall, which will make whatever we’ve seen pale in comparison,” Rutherford said. It’s possible, he said, that children could further spread the disease when they return to school in the fall.
In the 1918-19 flu pandemic, the first wave occurred in the early summer of 1918 but noticeably receded by mid-summer.
A second wave, far deadlier than the first, started in the fall and did not let up until the beginning of winter. Then, a third wave picked up in late winter, persisting through the springtime.
This COVID-19 pandemic is different. Instead of deaths declining, they’ve stabilized, but at a higher level.
Rutherford says there’s a risk that some states that are opening up too quickly will see a rising death toll — and the effects of the pandemic will disproportionately hit Latinos and blacks.
Rutherford says society does need to reopen — it’s too destructive to continue to be closed — but that it should be done carefully.
“If we have a prolonged depression, that has tremendous costs in morbidity and mortality as well. So it’s a tradeoff: Just understand that we’re trading economy for lives,” Rutherford said.
“Make no mistake … the more the economy opens up, the more people are going to die,” he added. “You have to be really careful to minimize that number and make sure it’s not on the backs of all the poor people who are doing the front-line jobs who are going to get the most exposed.”
Lin reported from San Francisco, Lee from Los Angeles.


latimes--2020-05-11--Magnitude 3.1 earthquake hits near Palm Springs

A magnitude 3.1 earthquake was reported Monday morning at 9:40 a.m. PDT eight miles from Palm Springs , according to the U.S. Geological Survey .
The earthquake occurred 12 miles from Palm Desert , 13 miles from La Quinta , 15 miles from Rancho Mirage and 18 miles from Cathedral City .
In the past 10 days , there have been three earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 or greater centered nearby .
An average of 234 earthquakes with magnitudes between 3.0 and 4.0 occur per year in California and Nevada , according to a recent three-year data sample .
The earthquake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Did you feel this earthquake ?
Consider reporting what you felt to the USGS .
Even if you didn ’ t feel this small earthquake , you never know when the Big One is going to strike .
Ready yourself by following our five-step earthquake preparedness guide and building your own emergency kit .
This story was automatically generated by Quakebot , a computer application that monitors the latest earthquakes detected by the USGS .
A Times editor reviewed the post before it was published .
If you ’ re interested in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our list of frequently asked questions .

The epicenter of the earthquake that occurred eight miles from Palm Springs at 9:40 a.m. Monday.
A magnitude 3.1 earthquake was reported Monday morning at 9:40 a.m. PDT eight miles from Palm Springs, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
The earthquake occurred 12 miles from Palm Desert, 13 miles from La Quinta, 15 miles from Rancho Mirage and 18 miles from Cathedral City.
In the past 10 days, there have been three earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 or greater centered nearby.
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An average of 234 earthquakes with magnitudes between 3.0 and 4.0 occur per year in California and Nevada, according to a recent three-year data sample.
The earthquake occurred at a depth of 7.8 miles. Did you feel this earthquake? Consider reporting what you felt to the USGS.
Even if you didn’t feel this small earthquake, you never know when the Big One is going to strike. Ready yourself by following our five-step earthquake preparedness guide and building your own emergency kit.
This story was automatically generated by Quakebot, a computer application that monitors the latest earthquakes detected by the USGS. A Times editor reviewed the post before it was published. If you’re interested in learning more about the system, visit our list of frequently asked questions.


latimes--2020-05-11--Seal Beach joins other Orange County beaches in reopening for active recreation

Another Orange County beach reopened Monday after officials temporarily cordoned off the coastline in a bid to stem the spread of the coronavirus .
Like its neighbors farther south , Seal Beach has restored access to its shores for active use — walking , running , swimming , surfing and other activities “ where the participant keeps moving along the beach or in the ocean , ” according to the city .
More leisurely pursuits , like lounging or sunbathing , are prohibited , as are items that go with those passive pastimes : coolers , blankets , tents , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also warned that there are to be no gatherings of any kind and that beachgoers must maintain appropriate social distancing .
The sand will be accessible Monday through Thursday during daylight hours .
“ We understand how important it is for people to enjoy our beautiful coastline , and this plan will ensure that people have access to the sand and water for active uses while still remaining safe , ” Mayor Schelly Sustarsic said in a statement last week .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom ordered a temporary “ hard close ” of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on April 30 , citing concerns with crowds who had flocked to the coast the previous weekend .
“ We want to work very closely with local elected officials , and we ’ re committed to doing that if we can get some framework and guidelines to get this right , ” Newsom said at the time .
“ We can reopen very , very quickly but ... we ’ ve got to make sure we get this right.
” Though some strongly disputed that conditions at the local beaches warranted such an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans to the state outlining how they would gradually reopen their beaches .
Every coastal city there , as well as the county itself , has since received state approval to reopen their shores for active recreation .
Seal Beach ’ s plan , which it calls “ Beach in Motion , ” is broken into four phases , with restrictions gradually vanishing as conditions warrant .
Ahead of the beach ’ s reopening Monday , the Seal Beach Police Department posted answers to frequently asked questions on its Facebook page .
Among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m sitting on the beach , will you give me a ticket ?
” “ Thankfully in our line of work , we are given discretion , ” department officials wrote .
“ Could we write a citation ?
Sure .
Could we give someone a warning ?
Absolutely .
It depends on the situation.
” Police also pointed out that the city ’ s pier remains closed .
“ Hopefully , people continue to be respectful of the ‘ Beaches in Motion ’ plan and understand that if we succeed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
...
These plans are adaptive and can literally change overnight for better or for worse , ” department officials said .

Daniel Boyd boogie boards at Seal Beach on Monday, as the city reopened the beach to active use during daylight hours Monday through Thursday.
Another Orange County beach reopened Monday after officials temporarily cordoned off the coastline in a bid to stem the spread of the coronavirus.
Like its neighbors farther south, Seal Beach has restored access to its shores for active use — walking, running, swimming, surfing and other activities “where the participant keeps moving along the beach or in the ocean,” according to the city.
More leisurely pursuits, like lounging or sunbathing, are prohibited, as are items that go with those passive pastimes: coolers, blankets, tents, umbrellas and the like.
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City officials also warned that there are to be no gatherings of any kind and that beachgoers must maintain appropriate social distancing.
A police officer patrols along Seal Beach, making sure people are not sitting on the sand. Seal Beach reopened to active use during daylight hours Monday through Thursday. (Dania Maxwell/Los Angeles Times)
The sand will be accessible Monday through Thursday during daylight hours.
“We understand how important it is for people to enjoy our beautiful coastline, and this plan will ensure that people have access to the sand and water for active uses while still remaining safe,” Mayor Schelly Sustarsic said in a statement last week.
Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered a temporary “hard close” of state and local beaches in Orange County on April 30, citing concerns with crowds who had flocked to the coast the previous weekend.
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“We want to work very closely with local elected officials, and we’re committed to doing that if we can get some framework and guidelines to get this right,” Newsom said at the time. “We can reopen very, very quickly but ... we’ve got to make sure we get this right.”
Though some strongly disputed that conditions at the local beaches warranted such an aggressive response, Orange County cities sent plans to the state outlining how they would gradually reopen their beaches.
Every coastal city there, as well as the county itself, has since received state approval to reopen their shores for active recreation.
Seal Beach’s plan, which it calls “Beach in Motion,” is broken into four phases, with restrictions gradually vanishing as conditions warrant.
Ahead of the beach’s reopening Monday, the Seal Beach Police Department posted answers to frequently asked questions on its Facebook page. Among those was, “What if I’m sitting on the beach, will you give me a ticket?”
“Thankfully in our line of work, we are given discretion,” department officials wrote. “Could we write a citation? Sure. Could we give someone a warning? Absolutely. It depends on the situation.”
Tracking coronavirus in Orange County The latest maps and charts on the spread of COVID-19 in Orange County, including cases, deaths, closures and restrictions.
Police also pointed out that the city’s pier remains closed.
“Hopefully, people continue to be respectful of the ‘Beaches in Motion’ plan and understand that if we succeed in keeping gatherings down, we all win. ... These plans are adaptive and can literally change overnight for better or for worse,” department officials said.


latimes--2020-05-11--Testing students for coronavirus in the fall is a big unanswered question

Although the school year in Los Angeles is set to begin in mid-August , the prospect of opening 900 campuses will rely on solutions for daunting and costly problems — including whether half a million students and their families would be tested for COVID-19 , Supt .
Austin Beutner said .
“ There has been discussion about the need to have students with families tested , but no clear picture yet drawn as to where the tests would be provided and who will pay for them , ” Beutner said in an interview .
His staff is working with state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UCLA experts on reopening protocols .
Two other major concerns include coming up with a plan — and funding — for supplying masks for students and staff , perhaps multiple masks a day for children , and sanitizing schools , he said .
“ The top-to-bottom cleaning that will be necessary and appropriate is different than it might have been just a few months ago , ” Beutner said .
“ Schools were cleaned every day , but not necessarily sanitized .
It ’ s two different things .
Sanitizing is more intensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the difficulty of managing students ’ safely once they return to campus .
He referenced research suggesting that a school environment ranks among the settings where infections would be more likely to spread , on par with college dorms and nightclubs .
As for masks : “ Where will those come from ?
Are we buying them ?
” asked Beutner , who foresees difficult economic times .
The concern over finances is timely .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom this week is expected to release his revised budget proposal for next year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decimated the state budget with a projected $ 54.3-billion deficit through the summer , the largest in state history .
In a worst-case scenario , analysts forecast a 20 % cut to education funding .
Beutner responded last week to that dire prospect in a joint statement with Cindy Marten , the superintendent of San Diego Unified , the second-largest district in California .
“ That level of spending reduction would make it impossible for schools to safely reopen this fall , ” the superintendents said .
“ There is no substitute for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total reliance on online learning may result in many , perhaps the majority of students , losing the equivalent of a year of their education , permanently damaging their future and exacerbating inequality in our society.
” In Los Angeles , the coronavirus emergency has resulted in well over $ 200 million in unbudgeted expenses .
The district has so far drawn on reserves and the proceeds of voter-approved school construction and modernization bonds .
L.A. Unified also is expected to receive about 20 % of the federal bailout money that has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The L.A. share , estimated at more than $ 291 million , is so large because the federal aid is tied to poverty and about 80 % of district students are members of low-income households .
Despite the budget uncertainties , Beutner made clear that the district will push forward with its massive food-distribution program throughout the summer , providing meals to tens of thousands of students and their families .
However , he also said it was wrong for other government agencies to rely on L.A. Unified to pay for feeding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school system should be reimbursed for much of this cost .
“ Each day we ’ re providing enough meals to give one to every person who lives in Wyoming or Vermont ... a stark reminder of how real the struggle is for many families in the communities we serve , ” Beutner said in remarks prepared for what has become a weekly broadcast update on Monday .
A districtwide distribution of computers to students would be substantially complete by the end of this week , he said , with a last group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ internet hot spots .
Other schools and higher grades have received laptop-style devices .
“ My commitment when we closed school facilities on March 13th was to do the best we could , even in these extraordinary circumstances , ” he said .
“ Part of that is to make sure every student has a digital device and internet access.
” Students in families without adequate technology have been relying on paper packets , phone calls with teachers and managing assignments on smartphones .
Beutner called technology “ a necessary precondition ” to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re not connected , and I mean connected in a literal sense , if you don ’ t have a device that works and access to the internet , your chance of engaging in the learning is zero.
” In his remarks , the superintendent also relayed several additional developments , including a new process to manage the needs of students with disabilities through online conferences .
Not as good as meetings in person , he said , but a step forward .
In addition , Beutner highlighted partnerships to provide new and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include : • Instruction on creating an animated film from Illumination , the creators of “ Despicable Me ” and “ The Secret Life of Pets.
” • A “ Voyage of the Titanic ” with director James Cameron , for high school students to learn about the biology and physics of the deep ocean , underwater exploration and artifact conservation and to hear survivors ’ stories .
• Instruction on the science , nutrition and medicine of sports — along with practical advice on a healthy lifestyle from the Los Angeles Chargers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provided by the Columbia Memorial Space Center .
• Free guitars and ukuleles for up to 1,500 middle school students with help from the guitar company Fender .

Although the school year in Los Angeles is set to begin in mid-August, the prospect of opening 900 campuses will rely on solutions for daunting and costly problems — including whether half a million students and their families would be tested for COVID-19, Supt. Austin Beutner said.
“There has been discussion about the need to have students with families tested, but no clear picture yet drawn as to where the tests would be provided and who will pay for them,” Beutner said in an interview. His staff is working with state and local authorities and a team of UCLA experts on reopening protocols.
Two other major concerns include coming up with a plan — and funding — for supplying masks for students and staff, perhaps multiple masks a day for children, and sanitizing schools, he said.
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“The top-to-bottom cleaning that will be necessary and appropriate is different than it might have been just a few months ago,” Beutner said. “Schools were cleaned every day, but not necessarily sanitized. It’s two different things. Sanitizing is more intensive, costs more.”
Beutner also spoke of the difficulty of managing students’ safety once they return to campus. He referenced research suggesting that a school environment ranks among the settings where infections would be more likely to spread, on par with college dorms and nightclubs.
As for masks: “Where will those come from? Are we buying them?” asked Beutner, who foresees difficult economic times.
The concern over finances is timely. Gov. Gavin Newsom this week is expected to release his revised budget proposal for next year — as measures to combat COVID-19 have decimated the state budget with a projected $54.3-billion deficit through the summer, the largest in state history. In a worst-case scenario, analysts forecast a 20% cut to education funding.
Beutner responded last week to that dire prospect in a joint statement with Cindy Marten, the superintendent of San Diego Unified, the second-largest district in California.
“That level of spending reduction would make it impossible for schools to safely reopen this fall,” the superintendents said. “There is no substitute for learning in a classroom setting and a total reliance on online learning may result in many, perhaps the majority of students, losing the equivalent of a year of their education, permanently damaging their future and exacerbating inequality in our society.”
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In Los Angeles, the coronavirus emergency has resulted in well over $200 million in unbudgeted expenses. The district has so far drawn on reserves and the proceeds of voter-approved school construction and modernization bonds.
L.A. Unified also is expected to receive about 20% of the federal bailout money that has been set aside for California’s schools. The L.A. share, estimated at more than $291 million, is so large because the federal aid is tied to poverty and about 80% of district students are members of low-income households.
Despite the budget uncertainties, Beutner made clear that the district will push forward with its massive food-distribution program throughout the summer, providing meals to tens of thousands of students and their families.
However, he also said it was wrong for other government agencies to rely on L.A. Unified to pay for feeding the broader community. He insisted the school system should be reimbursed for much of this cost.
“Each day we’re providing enough meals to give one to every person who lives in Wyoming or Vermont ... a stark reminder of how real the struggle is for many families in the communities we serve,” Beutner said in remarks prepared for what has become a weekly broadcast update on Monday.
A districtwide distribution of computers to students would be substantially complete by the end of this week, he said, with a last group of elementary schools receiving tablet computers and internet hot spots. Other schools and higher grades have received laptop-style devices.
“My commitment when we closed school facilities on March 13th was to do the best we could, even in these extraordinary circumstances,” he said. “Part of that is to make sure every student has a digital device and internet access.”
Students in families without adequate technology have been relying on paper packets, phone calls with teachers and managing assignments on smartphones.
Beutner called technology “a necessary precondition” to effective learning: “If you’re not connected, and I mean connected in a literal sense, if you don’t have a device that works and access to the internet, your chance of engaging in the learning is zero.”
In his remarks, the superintendent also relayed several additional developments, including a new process to manage the needs of students with disabilities through online conferences. Not as good as meetings in person, he said, but a step forward.
In addition, Beutner highlighted partnerships to provide new and engaging online content for students. These include:


latimes--2020-05-11--8 photos from Santa Cruz during the coronavirus pandemic

Santa Cruz County , home of the idyllic seaside town of Santa Cruz , has reported 141 coronavirus cases and @ @ @ @ @ Clara County to the east has been hit harder by the virus .
The county @ @ @ @ @ 129 deaths .
Our statewide coronavirus tracker includes the status of counties throughout California .
@ @ @ @ @ Coronado went to Santa Cruz to give us this visual report on one of the @ @ @ @ @ in the time of the coronavirus .

Santa Cruz County, home of the idyllic seaside town of Santa Cruz, has reported 141 coronavirus cases and two deaths.
Neighboring Santa Clara County to the east has been hit harder by the virus. The county has reported 2,339 cases and 129 deaths. Our statewide coronavirus tracker includes the status of counties throughout California.
Los Angeles Times photographer Gary Coronado went to Santa Cruz to give us this visual report on one of the state’s beautiful areas in the time of the coronavirus.
Steamer Lane
Surfers Memorial wears a mask at Santa Cruz’s Steamer Lane, a well-known surf spot. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)
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Lighthouse Point
Quinn Comer, left, and Alyssa Anzalone, both of Santa Cruz, walk to the end of Lighthouse Point to jump into the surf in Santa Cruz. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)
A surfer prepares to jump into the surf while a young couple shares a kiss at the end of Lighthouse Point in Santa Cruz. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)
Beachgoers maintain some social distance at Lighthouse Field State Beach in Santa Cruz. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)
Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse
A couple walk past Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse, which houses the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)
Bicyclist ride along West Cliff Drive near the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. (Gary Coronado/Los Angeles Times)
Parting shot
Teenagers jump into the surf at Lighthouse Point in Santa Cruz. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)


latimes--2020-05-11--Rebellion in Inland Empire over masks: 'I'm not afraid. ... People get old and they die'

How important is it to wear face coverings in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus ?
Many health experts say it ’ s essential and have required the use of masks when conducting essential business .
Some cities , such as Beverly Hills , have gone so far as to mandate the wearing of face coverings anytime residents leave their homes .
But there is also pushback in some California communities .
Riverside County officials voted unanimously late Friday to rescind all of the county ’ s stay-at-home orders that went beyond Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was one of the first in the state .
Officials voted for the use of face coverings to be “ strongly recommended ” by the county , instead of being mandated , as health director Cameron Kaiser had implemented last month .
The use of masks is only a recommendation on the state level .
During the meeting , 5th District Supervisor Jeff Hewitt said he didn ’ t feel like he needed to wear a mask , citing conflicting evidence of the benefits of face coverings , but that he would continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
“ That ’ s my personal choice , ” he said .
“ I think that people are smart enough to make [ that ] decision themselves.
” A 78-year-old man , who spoke in support of rescinding the order on face coverings , agreed with Hewitt , saying he wears a mask only when he ’ s around people who are afraid .
“ I ’ m not afraid .
... People get old and they die.
” “ The County strongly urges everyone to continue wearing face coverings in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 virus , and businesses may still require face coverings for customers and employees , ” Board of Supervisors Chairman Curt Hagman said in a statement .
But other communities are getting more aggressive with requirements on the use of face coverings .
Beginning Monday , anyone traveling through must wear a mask or face covering .
On top of the LAX mask rule — a move that Mayor Eric Garcetti said aligned with — the mayor announced that , starting Monday , anyone riding a city bus was also required to wear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are exploring whether to require residents to use masks or other facial coverings whenever they leave their homes — for instance , while strolling down the sidewalk or sitting in a public park — a proposal championed by City Councilman Paul Koretz as a way to prevent new infections .
“ The last thing we need is another spike in cases to set us back as we ’ re trying to move forward , ” Koretz said .
The council has not yet decided to draft such a law , but voted Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on health guidelines for wearing masks , what requirements have been imposed by other cities and how such rules might be enforced .
“ People still .
They still ride bicycles .
They still may stop and chat with their neighbors , ” Koretz said in an interview .
“ This would reduce the spread.
” Koretz said that , under such an ordinance , people would be required to have the masks either already on their faces or close at hand so they could put them on quickly whenever they approached someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believes mandating masks will help keep people who are infected but asymptomatic from unknowingly transmitting the virus .
He pointed to the Czech Republic , which imposed a similar requirement , as an example of how the mandate could reduce new infections .
At Wednesday ’ s meeting , some council members remained uncertain : Councilman Gil Cedillo raised concerns about racially discriminatory enforcement of mask rules against African Americans .
Councilman John Lee also expressed reluctance , saying that , in his district , people seemed to be behaving responsibly to maintain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as it is.
” The Bay Area and many other counties also require masks when conducting essential business like shopping .

Riverside County residents who want public health orders rescinded cheer during an emergency meeting of the Board of Supervisors on May 8.
How important is it to wear face coverings in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus?
Many health experts say it’s essential and have required the use of masks when conducting essential business. Some cities, such as Beverly Hills, have gone so far as to mandate the wearing of face coverings anytime residents leave their homes.
But there is also pushback in some California communities.
Riverside County officials voted unanimously late Friday to rescind all of the county’s stay-at-home orders that went beyond Gov. Gavin Newsom’s, including a face covering requirement that was one of the first in the state.
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Officials voted for the use of face coverings to be “strongly recommended” by the county, instead of being mandated, as health director Cameron Kaiser had implemented last month. The use of masks is only a recommendation on the state level.
During the meeting, 5th District Supervisor Jeff Hewitt said he didn’t feel like he needed to wear a mask, citing conflicting evidence of the benefits of face coverings, but that he would continue to do so if certain businesses required it.
“That’s my personal choice,” he said. “I think that people are smart enough to make [that] decision themselves.”
A 78-year-old man, who spoke in support of rescinding the order on face coverings, agreed with Hewitt, saying he wears a mask only when he’s around people who are afraid. “I’m not afraid. ... People get old and they die.”
Neighboring San Bernardino County rescinded its mandatory face-covering order last week.
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“The County strongly urges everyone to continue wearing face coverings in public to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, and businesses may still require face coverings for customers and employees,” Board of Supervisors Chairman Curt Hagman said in a statement.
Jessica Schuurnans of Riverside County writes down her comments she will present to the Riverside County Board of Supervisors during a emergency meeting.”It’s time to open California, “ she said. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)
But other communities are getting more aggressive with requirements on the use of face coverings.
Beginning Monday, anyone traveling through Los Angeles International Airport must wear a mask or face covering.
On top of the LAX mask rule — a move that Mayor Eric Garcetti said aligned with requirements by many major airlines — the mayor announced that, starting Monday, anyone riding a city bus was also required to wear a face covering.
Los Angeles leaders are exploring whether to require residents to use masks or other facial coverings whenever they leave their homes — for instance, while strolling down the sidewalk or sitting in a public park — a proposal championed by City Councilman Paul Koretz as a way to prevent new infections.
“The last thing we need is another spike in cases to set us back as we’re trying to move forward,” Koretz said.
The council has not yet decided to draft such a law, but voted Wednesday to ask city staffers to report back on health guidelines for wearing masks, what requirements have been imposed by other cities and how such rules might be enforced.
“People still walk dogs . They still ride bicycles. They still may stop and chat with their neighbors,” Koretz said in an interview. “This would reduce the spread.”
Koretz said that, under such an ordinance, people would be required to have the masks either already on their faces or close at hand so they could put them on quickly whenever they approached someone from outside their household.
The councilman believes mandating masks will help keep people who are infected but asymptomatic from unknowingly transmitting the virus. He pointed to the Czech Republic, which imposed a similar requirement, as an example of how the mandate could reduce new infections.
At Wednesday’s meeting, some council members remained uncertain: Councilman Gil Cedillo raised concerns about racially discriminatory enforcement of mask rules against African Americans.
Councilman John Lee also expressed reluctance, saying that, in his district, people seemed to be behaving responsibly to maintain social distancing and “already feel confined as it is.”
The Bay Area and many other counties also require masks when conducting essential business like shopping.
Times staff writer Emily Alpert Reyes contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-05-11--Institutional racism, inequity fuel high minority death toll from coronavirus, L.A. officials say

Extensive racial and economic disparities are emerging among victims of the coronavirus in Los Angeles County , and officials attribute the trend in part to systemic inequities and institutional racism .
Officials reported a rate of 89 deaths per 100,000 people among native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders and 18 per 100,000 among black people .
The rate was 15.5 for Latinos , 12 for Asians and nine for white people .
“ These rates are significantly higher than the mortality rate for other races and ethnicities , and although some of the numbers are small , they are still very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Director Barbara Ferrer said Friday at a news briefing .
People who live in areas with high poverty rates have nearly four times as many deaths from COVID-19 — 29 deaths per 100,000 people , compared with eight per 100,000 people in communities with low poverty rates , she said .
Public health officials have been working to address the disparities by opening more testing sites in hard-hit communities , participating in virtual town halls , releasing public service announcements , and ensuring that more racial and ethnic minorities are sampled in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are undertaking , she said .
“ Systematic injustices including discriminatory policies and institutional racism have led to the unequal distribution of wealth , resources and opportunities , and this is in fact contributing to the staggering disproportionality we see in the outcomes around COVID-19 , ” Ferrer said .
“ Only through a collaborative approach will we see improvements for our tremendously impacted communities.
” Of the 1,352 L.A. County residents who had died as of Friday for which race and ethnicity data were available , 39 % were Latino , 29 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asian , 12 % were black , 1 % were Native American or Pacific Islander , and 1 % identified as another race .
Ferrer noted that a recent analysis by the Advancement Project of California “ noted similarly concerning findings.
” That report found that the largest number of cases was initially reported in wealthier communities of Los Angeles , but that cases are now centered in areas with higher levels of poverty , including South and Southeast L.A. , communities in the San Fernando Valley and in Pomona , Santa Clarita @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found that case trajectories have been more steady in white communities but have grown more steeply in communities of color starting in mid-April .
To close the gap , officials must work together to improve access to testing and coordinate care and appropriate communications , Ferrer said .
Black and Latino Californians ages 18 to 64 are dying more frequently of COVID-19 than their white and Asian counterparts relative to their share of the population , a Los Angeles Times analysis of state health department data conducted in late April found .
When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the population , blacks and Latinos under the age of 65 had a higher share of fatalities than even older blacks and Latinos .
The trend is particularly noticeable among those ages 18 to 49 , The Times ’ analysis found .
During a four-day period , a team of community workers and volunteers with San Francisco ’ s Latino Task Force and infectious disease specialists at UC San Francisco tested 4,160 residents and workers for the novel coronavirus in a census tract of the city ’ s Mission District .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was the details of the group ’ s demographics that were more revealing .
Although Latinos made up 44 % of those tested , they accounted for more than 99 % of the positive COVID-19 cases .
In addition , 40 % of those tested earned less than $ 50,000 per year .
That group accounted for nearly 90 % of the positive cases .
More than half of those who tested positive — 53 % — had no symptoms of the illness .

An AltaMed Health Services staff member collects a sample on an oral swab for COVID-19 testing in Boyle Heights.
Extensive racial and economic disparities are emerging among victims of the coronavirus in Los Angeles County, and officials attribute the trend in part to systemic inequities and institutional racism.
Officials reported a rate of 89 deaths per 100,000 people among native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders and 18 per 100,000 among black people. The rate was 15.5 for Latinos, 12 for Asians and nine for white people.
“These rates are significantly higher than the mortality rate for other races and ethnicities, and although some of the numbers are small, they are still very concerning,” Los Angeles County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said Friday at a news briefing.
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People who live in areas with high poverty rates have nearly four times as many deaths from COVID-19 — 29 deaths per 100,000 people, compared with eight per 100,000 people in communities with low poverty rates, she said.
Public health officials have been working to address the disparities by opening more testing sites in hard-hit communities, participating in virtual town halls, releasing public service announcements, and ensuring that more racial and ethnic minorities are sampled in a new round of serology testing researchers are undertaking, she said.
“Systematic injustices including discriminatory policies and institutional racism have led to the unequal distribution of wealth, resources and opportunities, and this is in fact contributing to the staggering disproportionality we see in the outcomes around COVID-19,” Ferrer said. “Only through a collaborative approach will we see improvements for our tremendously impacted communities.”
Of the 1,352 L.A. County residents who had died as of Friday for which race and ethnicity data were available, 39% were Latino, 29% were white, 18% were Asian, 12% were black, 1% were Native American or Pacific Islander, and 1% identified as another race.
Ferrer noted that a recent analysis by the Advancement Project of California “noted similarly concerning findings.”
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That report found that the largest number of cases was initially reported in wealthier communities of Los Angeles, but that cases are now centered in areas with higher levels of poverty, including South and Southeast L.A., communities in the San Fernando Valley and in Pomona, Santa Clarita, Palmdale and Lancaster. It also found that case trajectories have been more steady in white communities but have grown more steeply in communities of color starting in mid-April.
To close the gap, officials must work together to improve access to testing and coordinate care and appropriate communications, Ferrer said.
Black and Latino Californians ages 18 to 64 are dying more frequently of COVID-19 than their white and Asian counterparts relative to their share of the population, a Los Angeles Times analysis of state health department data conducted in late April found.
When accounting for each group’s percentage of the population, blacks and Latinos under the age of 65 had a higher share of fatalities than even older blacks and Latinos. The trend is particularly noticeable among those ages 18 to 49, The Times’ analysis found.
During a four-day period, a team of community workers and volunteers with San Francisco’s Latino Task Force and infectious disease specialists at UC San Francisco tested 4,160 residents and workers for the novel coronavirus in a census tract of the city’s Mission District.
They found that 2.1% of those tested were positive ; yet it was the details of the group’s demographics that were more revealing.
Although Latinos made up 44% of those tested, they accounted for more than 99% of the positive COVID-19 cases. In addition, 40% of those tested earned less than $50,000 per year. That group accounted for nearly 90% of the positive cases.
More than half of those who tested positive — 53% — had no symptoms of the illness.
Times staff writer Susanne Rust contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-05-11--Policing empty streets amid coronavirus: Cops are killjoys, bearers of goodwill

The police officers chased the suspected thief on foot , losing sight of him and spotting him again on the west side of Los Angeles .
They caught up and slapped handcuffs around his wrists .
Then , the adrenaline gave way to concern .
“ I had to put hands on this guy … Did I have my mask on ?
” LAPD Sgt .
Aron Alagren , who supervised the officers , said of the second thoughts cops sometimes had in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic .
In the weeks since that mid-March encounter , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city .
Donning a mask has become second nature for police officers pursuing a fleeing suspect or pulling over a reckless driver .
Veteran officers who have seen it all — riots , earthquakes , the HIV epidemic on Skid Row — have never seen anything like this .
Elite detectives are guarding homeless shelters .
Police cruisers patrol alone on streets normally teeming with traffic .
House parties , picnics in the park and restaurant dining are not only illegal but downright dangerous .
What was once grounds for arrest or citation— @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a tent — is now tacitly permitted .
For the most part , police officers in Los Angeles are not handing out tickets for violating stay-at-home orders .
Instead , they remind people about social distancing rules and encourage them to wear masks .
“ I told them , ‘ Look , I ’ m not here to put you under martial law and require you to be stir-crazy in the house , ’ ” said Rusty Redican , an LAPD officer who works on a homelessness task force in West L.A. “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and just tell them to abide by the rules and regulations.
” In Long Beach , however , as the weather warms and outdoor gatherings grow more tempting , officers have been instructed to issue citations , which can cost as much as $ 1,000 .
Normally stoic in the face of danger , police officers are coming to terms with their own vulnerability , including the risk of infecting their families after interacting with countless community members and co-workers each day .
More than a hundred LAPD employees , both civilian and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus .
At the Los Angeles County Sheriff ’ s Department , the number of employees who have been infected has also exceeded 100 .
Two Riverside County sheriff ’ s deputies and a Santa Rosa police detective have died of the virus .
Maribel Hernandez-Ramirez , who visits homeless encampments daily as a senior lead officer in the LAPD ’ s Harbor Division , isolated herself when she became sick .
Her test ultimately came back negative .
“ I couldn ’ t hug my kids .
That was the hardest part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ haven ’ t seen my dad in over a month .
My dad lives by himself .
That ’ s heartbreaking.
” In the weeks after stay-at-home orders from state and local officials , crime in Los Angeles took a nose dive .
By the end of April , crime was down 22 % from the same period last year .
Yet the average daily number of 911 calls routed to the LAPD stayed relatively steady , with some complaints bearing an unmistakable coronavirus stamp .
Through April 24 , disputes between roommates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % on average , according to a Times analysis of LAPD call data before and after the mid-March stay-at-home orders .
Landlord-tenant disputes were up 30 % during that time .
Meanwhile , LAPD officers made 37 % fewer arrests for misdemeanors like narcotics possession compared with the same period last year , according to Chief Michel Moore .
They were instructed to scale back on such arrests to minimize physical contact with suspects and to avoid sending minor offenders to jails , where the virus can easily spread .
As people tire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signs that the downward trends are reversing .
There have been more cars on the streets recently , along with upticks in traffic collisions and crime .
N95 masks , in short supply at the department , as elsewhere , are reserved for contact with people with coronavirus symptoms .
For most encounters , LAPD officers wear washable black masks .
They ask people who have called for help to meet them outside at a safe distance , rather than knocking and entering homes .
Despite the drop in crime , there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sometimes , they marvel at the weirdness of policing during coronavirus .
Brent Hopkins , who was among the LAPD detectives reassigned to some patrol duties in the early days of the pandemic , said a man flagged him down asking where to find a good deal on toilet paper .
At a Trader Joe ’ s , Hopkins responded to a call about a crowd disturbing the peace , only to find people politely waiting to enter the store under social distancing rules .
In Watts , LAPD officers are working with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several funerals for coronavirus victims drew crowds .
With L.A. County courts operating on a no-bail policy for most misdemeanors and low-level felonies , cops are running into the same suspects again and again .
One woman in the San Pedro area was arrested for stealing a car , then stole another in the same week , officers said .
“ They ’ ll be released before the paperwork is finished , ” said Alagren , the LAPD sergeant .
“ Don ’ t get me wrong , I understand why they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spread of the virus .
I don ’ t want to say it ’ s disconcerting , but it is odd.
” With most people stuck at home , police officers around the country have become vital bearers of goodwill , delivering food to elderly residents and organizing donations to help people thrown out of work by the virus .
Videos on social media show caravans of patrol cars flipping on their sirens and parading past children celebrating their birthdays without friends .
As enforcers of the new normal , police officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down livelihoods and pastimes .
One day at a skate park in San Pedro , LAPD Senior Lead Officer Dan Brown advised young people not to hang out .
When he returned a few hours later , a different group was there , less than six feet apart .
Later , yet another group appeared .
Early on in the pandemic , Brown made sure restaurants shut their doors except for takeout and delivery .
It is hard to explain to irritated residents why he is no longer ticketing broken down cars parked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because so many have lost their jobs ) or why officers did not break up the party next door ( they urge people to avoid gatherings but do not force them to leave ) .
Some elderly residents , at a loss for where else to turn , have dialed the LAPD ’ s Harbor station , desperate for groceries .
Officers ran to Smart and Final and made deliveries .
Nick Ferara , also a senior lead officer in Harbor Division , fielded a request to check on an elderly woman .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ own money , then did the same for 20 other residents .
People started sending donations .
On April 29 , Ferara and his colleagues delivered food and toys to 150 families .
In the beginning , many LAPD officers were not worried about the coronavirus .
They had signed up to be on the front lines .
They were physically fit and ready for any challenge .
Now , with co-workers sickened and the devastating impact on the community surrounding them every day , the reality has hit home .
“ In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s stressful on a daily basis , now you have to worry about this ?
It ’ s hard , ” said Sgt .
Catherine Plows , who supervises the Harbor Division senior lead officers .
“ We do generally talk every day and try to make sure that everybody ’ s in a good head space , that they ’ re feeling all right — because we ’ re here every single day .
”

The police officers chased the suspected thief on foot, losing sight of him and spotting him again on the west side of Los Angeles.
They caught up and slapped handcuffs around his wrists. Then, the adrenaline gave way to concern.
“I had to put hands on this guy. … Did I have my mask on?” LAPD Sgt. Aron Alagren, who supervised the officers, said of the second thoughts cops sometimes had in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic.
In the weeks since that mid-March encounter, the virus has tightened its grip on the city. Donning a mask has become second nature for police officers pursuing a fleeing suspect or pulling over a reckless driver.
Veteran officers who have seen it all — riots, earthquakes, the HIV epidemic on Skid Row — have never seen anything like this.
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Elite detectives are guarding homeless shelters. Police cruisers patrol alone on streets normally teeming with traffic.
House parties, picnics in the park and restaurant dining are not only illegal but downright dangerous. What was once grounds for arrest or citation— using narcotics, blocking the sidewalk with a tent — is now tacitly permitted.
Sgt. Catherine Plows , left, and Officer Jorge Noriega from LAPD Harbor Station patrol Point Fermin Park in San Pedro. They remind people that it is OK to run or walk but not OK to linger during the coronavirus restrictions. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times)
For the most part, police officers in Los Angeles are not handing out tickets for violating stay-at-home orders. Instead, they remind people about social distancing rules and encourage them to wear masks.
“I told them, ‘Look, I’m not here to put you under martial law and require you to be stir-crazy in the house,’” said Rusty Redican, an LAPD officer who works on a homelessness task force in West L.A. “I just have a conversation with them and just tell them to abide by the rules and regulations.”
In Long Beach, however, as the weather warms and outdoor gatherings grow more tempting, officers have been instructed to issue citations, which can cost as much as $1,000.
Normally stoic in the face of danger, police officers are coming to terms with their own vulnerability, including the risk of infecting their families after interacting with countless community members and co-workers each day.
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There are 110 LAPD employees, both civilian and sworn, who have tested positive for the coronavirus. At the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, 130 employees have been infected. Two Riverside County sheriff’s deputies and a Santa Rosa police detective have died of the virus.
Maribel Hernandez-Ramirez, who visits homeless encampments daily as a senior lead officer in the LAPD’s Harbor Division, isolated herself when she became sick. Her test ultimately came back negative.
“I couldn’t hug my kids. That was the hardest part,” she said. “I haven’t seen my dad in over a month. My dad lives by himself. That’s heartbreaking.”
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Sgt. Catherine Plows from LAPD Harbor Station patrols Point Fermin Park in San Pedro. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times)
In the weeks after stay-at-home orders from state and local officials, crime in Los Angeles took a nosedive.
By the end of April, crime was down 22% from the same period last year. Yet the average daily number of 911 calls routed to the LAPD stayed relatively steady, with some complaints bearing an unmistakable coronavirus stamp.
Through April 24, disputes between roommates and between neighbors were up about 50% on average, according to a Times analysis of LAPD call data before and after the mid-March stay-at-home orders. Landlord-tenant disputes were up 30% during that time.
Meanwhile, LAPD officers made 37% fewer arrests for misdemeanors such as narcotics possession compared with the same period last year, according to Chief Michel Moore. They were instructed to scale back on such arrests to minimize physical contact with suspects and to avoid sending minor offenders to jails, where the virus can easily spread.
As people tire of being shut in, there are signs that the downward trends are reversing. There have been more cars on the streets recently, along with upticks in traffic collisions and crime.
Officer Junior Nua sets out in his car wearing a black cloth mask at LAPD Harbor Station in San Pedro. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times)
N95 masks, in short supply at the department, as elsewhere, are reserved for contact with people with COVID-19 symptoms. For most encounters, LAPD officers wear washable black masks. They ask people who have called for help to meet them outside at a safe distance, rather than knocking and entering homes.
Despite the drop in crime, there is plenty for police officers to do. Sometimes, they marvel at the weirdness of policing during coronavirus.
Brent Hopkins, who was among the LAPD detectives reassigned to some patrol duties in the early days of the pandemic, said a man flagged him down asking where to find a good deal on toilet paper. At a Trader Joe’s, Hopkins responded to a call about a crowd disturbing the peace, only to find people politely waiting to enter the store under social distancing rules.
In Watts, LAPD officers are working with community leaders to calibrate mourning rituals after several funerals for coronavirus victims drew crowds.
With L.A. County courts operating on a no-bail policy for most misdemeanors and low-level felonies, cops are running into the same suspects again and again. One woman in the San Pedro area was arrested for stealing a car, then stole another in the same week, officers said.
“They’ll be released before the paperwork is finished,” said Alagren, the LAPD sergeant. “Don’t get me wrong, I understand why they’re doing that to try and stop the spread of the virus. I don’t want to say it’s disconcerting, but it is odd.”
With most people stuck at home, police officers around the country have become vital bearers of goodwill, delivering food to elderly residents and organizing donations to help people thrown out of work by the virus.
Videos on social media show caravans of patrol cars flipping on their sirens and parading past children celebrating their birthdays without friends.
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As enforcers of the new normal, police officers have had to be killjoys, shutting down livelihoods and pastimes.
One day at a skate park in San Pedro, LAPD Senior Lead Officer Dan Brown advised young people not to hang out. When he returned a few hours later, a different group was there, less than six feet apart. Later, yet another group appeared.
Early on in the pandemic, Brown made sure restaurants shut their doors except for takeout and delivery.
It is hard to explain to irritated residents why he is no longer ticketing broken-down cars parked on the street (department policy, because so many have lost their jobs) or why officers did not break up the party next door (they urge people to avoid gatherings but do not force them to leave).
Sgt. Catherine Plows organizes donation items for the community at LAPD Harbor Station in San Pedro. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times)
Some elderly residents, at a loss for where else to turn, dialed the LAPD’s Harbor station, desperate for groceries. Officers went to Smart and Final and made deliveries.
Nick Ferara, also a senior lead officer in Harbor Division, fielded a request to check on an elderly woman. He bought groceries for her with his own money, then did the same for 20 other residents.
People started sending donations. On April 29, Ferara and his colleagues delivered food and toys to 150 families.
In the beginning, many LAPD officers were not worried about the coronavirus. They had signed up to be on the front lines. They were physically fit and ready for any challenge.
Now, with co-workers sickened and the devastating effect on the community surrounding them every day, the reality has hit home.
“In addition to the work that policemen do that’s stressful on a daily basis, now you have to worry about this? It’s hard,” said Sgt. Catherine Plows, who supervises the Harbor Division senior lead officers. “We do generally talk every day and try to make sure that everybody’s in a good head space, that they’re feeling all right — because we’re here every single day.”
Times staff writer Ben Poston contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-05-11--Arts center in Gold Rush town opens, but coronavirus forces closure two days later. What now?

In tiny , ravaged Grass Valley , best known as the site of the historic Empire gold mine , the last two years were marked by wildfires that left the town scarred , and dotted by blackouts that closed businesses for 22 days .
Locals worried for the future .
But the Gold Rush community had started to feel hopeful while preparing for the planned March 12 soft opening of the town ’ s $ 6.3-million Center for the Arts , housed in an Art Deco complex complete with a modern art gallery , theater , commercial kitchen and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arlo Guthrie and Amy Grant as part of the first season , and were working to uplift residents in the devastated area outside Sacramento , after so many setbacks .
For opening night , the center ’ s bar was stocked with craft beer and Cabernet .
Inside , in an illuminated gallery , sculptor Nancy Mintz greeted guests , who munched on polenta bites , highlighting her illuminated clay and metal works .
The next night , townspeople gathered to hear blues and rock guitarist Tinsley Ellis .
They couldn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ global pandemic sparked by the coronavirus would suddenly force the region ’ s new cultural jewel to shut its doors — triggering layoffs for its eight-member production staff and leaving it struggling to survive .
The center closed March 14 and officials have no idea when it may reopen .
“ We have waited so long and so patiently to open .
There was one delay after another , but then everything was finally sparkling and welcoming and wonderful .
Our rural community was ready for some good news , and all along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said Amber Jo Manuel , the center ’ s executive director .
Now , she hopes that the community will rally around the center again as it tries to raise the $ 150,000 it needs to cover operating expenses .
On top of that , officials still somehow must come up with the remaining $ 3.2 million of the $ 6.3 million renovation project cost .
“ We have to keep the faith because everyone , I mean everyone , needs the arts , ” Manuel said .
“ It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a population of about 13,000 , is located in Nevada County , home to almost 100,000 .
Its Gold Rush days left a lasting legacy , allowing Grass Valley and neighboring Nevada City to form diversified economies focusing on tourism and the services sector .
Many locals commute to the Sacramento Valley or work in agriculture , retail , trade , engineering and construction .
Before the center ’ s renovation , the nearest arts venue was a 60-mile drive to the state capital .
The building that houses the center used to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 1984 , according to Manuel , who was born and raised in the town .
It later became a beauty school and a gymnastics and dance center , among other rebirths , then evolved into a venue with 300 seats claimed from an old movie theater .
Workers staged 150 events annually , drawing art aficionados and more than 47,000 concertgoers .
After an 18-month renovation it briefly reopened , billing itself as an oasis of culture in the Sierra Nevada foothills .
“ I remember sitting there and listening to Tinsley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ No matter who ’ s playing .
I ’ m coming to every performance , ’ ” recalled Grass Valley Mayor Lisa Swarthout .
“ There was such a spirit and a sense of gratitude .
Small-town crowds are so thrilled for these special acts.
” She went to high school locally , then left for college and work in the Bay Area until her return to the town , and had been “ counting down the days ” to the opening .
“ I ’ ve been so excited that this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Swarthout said .
“ People visit us to learn more about the Empire Mine , one of the oldest and richest gold mines in the state , and I thought that they could also catch a show , soak up the friendliness of Grass Valley .
But who knew we would be interrupted by a pandemic ?
” Mintz , the artist , from Nevada County , said she spent months planning for her exhibition .
She said that “ the aura of that first night was just symbolic — marking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for the town .
We need to do what we can to share art and artistic vision.
” Manuel said supporters are scrambling to help , launching an emergency fund and boosted by a Small Business Administration loan , before tackling the “ huge outreach ” that ’ s needed to raise funds to cover the remaining construction costs .
“ It ’ s no surprise that during the COVID-19 lockdown people are turning to the arts for reflection and inspiration .
This is a gift that we give others and ourselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the shelter-in-place orders are gone , all of us will need art and music and gatherings for stimulation more than ever.
” Nationwide , studies show , the arts and cultural sectors may suffer a loss of as much as $ 3.6 billion due to the pandemic .
The burden could land especially hard on small arts venues in remote areas , as individual and government aid tends to target larger cities and institutions , Manuel said .
“ We are resilient .
We will be back .
But we need serious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said she is trying to reschedule all shows originally slated for spring and summer .
Some artists who have performed at the center in past years have expressed their eagerness to join a future lineup .
Others wonder if it would be a good financial move since ticket sales may be limited due to social distancing -- or whether it makes sense , safety-wise .
Marc Cohn , the folk-rock singer , songwriter and musician based in New York , cited the moral obligation not to risk the health of fans , center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I love the area .
It ’ s amazing and the audience is appreciative and amazing , ” he added .
“ But this is a different world that artists have to contend with.
” Still , he has fond memories of being onstage and looking out at attentive fans who “ are really feeling the vibe of what we ’ re delivering .
The connection between performers and people in a small community is quite special.
” “ No matter where you live , you need a gathering place that nurtures you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I can ’ t wait for it to reopen .
”

Interior view of the $6.3-million Center for the Arts in Grass Valley. Before the center’s multimillion-dollar renovation, the nearest arts venue was a 60-mile drive to Sacramento.
In tiny, ravaged Grass Valley, best known as the site of the historic Empire gold mine, the last two years were marked by wildfires that left the town scarred, and dotted by blackouts that closed businesses for 22 days.
Locals worried for the future. But the Gold Rush community had started to feel hopeful while preparing for the planned March 12 soft opening of the town’s $6.3-million Center for the Arts, housed in an Art Deco complex complete with a modern art gallery, theater, commercial kitchen and a 492-seat auditorium.
Culture boosters had booked Arlo Guthrie and Amy Grant as part of the first season, and were working to uplift residents in the devastated area outside Sacramento, after so many setbacks.
For opening night, the center’s bar was stocked with craft beer and Cabernet. Inside, in an illuminated gallery, sculptor Nancy Mintz greeted guests, who munched on polenta bites, highlighting her illuminated clay and metal works. The next night, townspeople gathered to hear blues and rock guitarist Tinsley Ellis.
They couldn’t know that by the following day a global pandemic sparked by the coronavirus would suddenly force the region’s new cultural jewel to shut its doors — triggering layoffs for its eight-member production staff and leaving it struggling to survive. The center closed March 14 and officials have no idea when it may reopen.
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“We have waited so long and so patiently to open. There was one delay after another, but then everything was finally sparkling and welcoming and wonderful. Our rural community was ready for some good news, and all along, they supported our mission deeply,” said Amber Jo Manuel, the center’s executive director.
Now, she hopes that the community will rally around the center again as it tries to raise the $150,000 it needs to cover operating expenses. On top of that, officials still somehow must come up with the remaining $3.2 million of the $6.3 million renovation project cost.
“We have to keep the faith because everyone, I mean everyone, needs the arts,” Manuel said. “It’s our sustenance.”
A gallery within the Center for the Arts in Grass Valley. (Melissa Clark)
Grass Valley, with a population of about 13,000, is located in Nevada County, home to almost 100,000. Its Gold Rush days left a lasting legacy, allowing Grass Valley and neighboring Nevada City to form diversified economies focusing on tourism and the services sector. Many locals commute to the Sacramento Valley or work in agriculture, retail, trade, engineering and construction. Before the center’s renovation, the nearest arts venue was a 60-mile drive to the state capital.
The building that houses the center used to be a cinderblock car dealership from 1947 to 1984, according to Manuel, who was born and raised in the town. It later became a beauty school and a gymnastics and dance center, among other rebirths, then evolved into a venue with 300 seats claimed from an old movie theater. Workers staged 150 events annually, drawing art aficionados and more than 47,000 concertgoers.
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After an 18-month renovation it briefly reopened, billing itself as an oasis of culture in the Sierra Nevada foothills.
“I remember sitting there and listening to Tinsley Ellis and the blues and thinking, ‘No matter who’s playing. I’m coming to every performance,’” recalled Grass Valley Mayor Lisa Swarthout. “There was such a spirit and a sense of gratitude. Small-town crowds are so thrilled for these special acts.”
She went to high school locally, then left for college and work in the Bay Area until her return to the town, and had been “counting down the days” to the opening.
“I’ve been so excited that this building would transform our downtown business district,” Swarthout said. “People visit us to learn more about the Empire Mine, one of the oldest and richest gold mines in the state, and I thought that they could also catch a show, soak up the friendliness of Grass Valley. But who knew we would be interrupted by a pandemic?”
Mintz, the artist, from Nevada County, said she spent months planning for her exhibition. She said that “the aura of that first night was just symbolic — marking a new beginning — for the building, for the town. We need to do what we can to share art and artistic vision.”
Manuel said supporters are scrambling to help, launching an emergency fund and boosted by a Small Business Administration loan, before tackling the “huge outreach” that’s needed to raise funds to cover the remaining construction costs.
“It’s no surprise that during the COVID-19 lockdown people are turning to the arts for reflection and inspiration. This is a gift that we give others and ourselves,” Manuel said, “and after the shelter-in-place orders are gone, all of us will need art and music and gatherings for stimulation more than ever.”
Exterior view of the Center for the Arts in Grass Valley. (Melissa Clark)
Nationwide, studies show, the arts and cultural sectors may suffer a loss of as much as $3.6 billion due to the pandemic. The burden could land especially hard on small arts venues in remote areas, as individual and government aid tends to target larger cities and institutions, Manuel said.
“We are resilient. We will be back. But we need serious public support to get there.”
Manuel said she is trying to reschedule all shows originally slated for spring and summer. Some artists who have performed at the center in past years have expressed their eagerness to join a future lineup. Others wonder if it would be a good financial move since ticket sales may be limited due to social distancing -- or whether it makes sense, safety-wise.
Marc Cohn, the folk-rock singer, songwriter and musician based in New York, cited the moral obligation not to risk the health of fans, center staff and his own band. “I love the area. It’s amazing and the audience is appreciative and amazing,” he added. “But this is a different world that artists have to contend with.”
Still, he has fond memories of being onstage and looking out at attentive fans who “are really feeling the vibe of what we’re delivering. The connection between performers and people in a small community is quite special.”
Swarthout, awaiting the postponed reopening, can relate.
“No matter where you live, you need a gathering place that nurtures you and inspires you,” she said. “I can’t wait for it to reopen.”