latimes--2020-05-06--These businesses can open in L.A. County beginning Friday

It ’ s not much , but Los Angeles County announced the very first steps in easing stay-at-home rules that have slowed the spread of coronavirus .
While some counties have defied the state and reopened widely , Los Angeles County said its easing efforts are much more modest , given the region remains the epicenter of coronavirus in California with more than 1,300 deaths .
Florists , car dealers and various types of brick-and-mortar stores — including those that sell toys , music , books , clothing and sporting goods — will be allowed to be open for curbside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be permitted .
Nonessential business : reopening for curbside pick-up with adherence to distancing and infection-control protocols • Car dealership showrooms ( open for sales with adherence to distancing and infection control protocols ) Outdoor parks and recreational facilities are open provided all activities adhere to distancing and infection-control protocols • Wear a face covering while on trails and when running errands • Stay six feet away from people who don ’ t live with you Gov .
Gavin that some stay-at-home rules will be modestly But he has given local officials a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hot spots like the Bay Area have decided to reopen slowly , arguing a faster approach could cause new outbreaks .
Rural counties with fewer or no cases want to reopen more quickly .
Here is what Newsom is proposing : Bookstores , music stores , toy stores , florists , sporting goods retailers , clothing stores and others can reopen for pickup as early as Friday .
Additional businesses could be named later this week , also with curbside pickup .
Right now , only essential businesses such as grocery stores , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stations and auto repair are open , with social distancing .
Factories that supply those businesses would also be allowed to resume .
Offices , shopping malls , and seated dining at restaurants are still ordered shut .
Personal grooming businesses , entertainment venues , live concerts and sports are also not included in the first phase of Newsom ’ s reopening plan .

It’s not much, but Los Angeles County announced the very first steps in easing stay-at-home rules that have slowed the spread of coronavirus.
While some counties have defied the state and reopened widely, Los Angeles County said its easing efforts are much more modest, given the region remains the epicenter of coronavirus in California with more than 1,300 deaths.
Florists, car dealers and various types of brick-and-mortar stores — including those that sell toys, music, books, clothing and sporting goods — will be allowed to be open for curbside pickup only. In-store shopping will not be permitted.
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Here are details:
Nonessential business: reopening for curbside pick-up with adherence to distancing and infection-control protocols
Bookstores
Clothing stores
Florists
Music stores
Sporting goods stores
Toy stores
Car dealership showrooms (open for sales with adherence to distancing and infection control protocols)
Outdoor parks and recreational facilities are open provided all activities adhere to distancing and infection-control protocols
Golf courses (not including pro-shops or dine-in restaurants)
Trails and trailheads
Parks
These rules remain:
Wear a face covering while on trails and when running errands
Wash hands throughout the day
Stay six feet away from people who don’t live with you
Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced that some stay-at-home rules will be modestly eased later this week.
But he has given local officials a voice in how that occurs. Coronavirus hot spots like the Bay Area have decided to reopen slowly, arguing a faster approach could cause new outbreaks. Rural counties with fewer or no cases want to reopen more quickly.
Here is what Newsom is proposing:
Businesses that can open
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Bookstores, music stores, toy stores, florists, sporting goods retailers, clothing stores and others can reopen for pickup as early as Friday. Additional businesses could be named later this week, also with curbside pickup. Right now, only essential businesses such as grocery stores, drug stores, medical offices, gas stations and auto repair are open, with social distancing. Factories that supply those businesses would also be allowed to resume.
Businesses that can’t
Offices, shopping malls, and seated dining at restaurants are still ordered shut. Personal grooming businesses, entertainment venues, live concerts and sports are also not included in the first phase of Newsom’s reopening plan.


latimes--2020-05-06--Here are the Orange County communities with coronavirus cases

Orange County reported four more coronavirus-linked fatalities Wednesday , bringing the region ’ s total death toll to 65 .
@ @ @ @ @ new coronavirus infections , the second highest in a single day since the outbreak began @ @ @ @ @ s cumulative total to 3,004 .
As of the latest update , 192 COVID-19 patients @ @ @ @ @ to the Orange County Health Care Agency , and 73 of them were in intensive @ @ @ @ @ 40,707 COVID-19 tests have been administered in the county .
Note : The “ other @ @ @ @ @ , as well as cases in the county ’ s jails .
Daily updates are @ @ @ @ @ as the county receives new information .

Protesters rally against beach closures in Newport Beach on Saturday. Gov. Gavin Newsom closed Orange County beaches to slow the spread of the coronavirus last week, but most have since been allowed to reopen for active recreation.
Orange County reported four more coronavirus-linked fatalities Wednesday, bringing the region’s total death toll to 65.
Health officials also announced 131 new coronavirus infections, the second highest in a single day since the outbreak began, boosting the county’s cumulative total to 3,004.
As of the latest update, 192 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized countywide, according to the Orange County Health Care Agency, and 73 of them were in intensive care.
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To date, 40,707 COVID-19 tests have been administered in the county.
Tracking the coronavirus in California The latest maps and charts on the spread of COVID-19 in California.
Age breakdown of cases:
0-17 — 63
18-24 — 286
25-34 — 551
35-44 — 441
45-54 — 552
55-64 — 492
65-74 — 300
75-84 — 193
85+ — 123
Unknown — 3
Age breakdown of deaths:
25-34 — 2
35-44 — 3
45-54 — 5
55-64 — 8
65-74 — 12
75-84 — 19
85+ — 16
California Do you know someone who has lost the battle with COVID-19? In our effort to cover this pandemic as thoroughly as possible, we’d like to hear from the loved ones of people who have died from the coronavirus.
Cases by community:
Aliso Viejo — 18
Anaheim — 438
Brea — 22
Buena Park — 98
Costa Mesa — 44
Coto de Caza — 5
Cypress — 45
Dana Point — 22
Fountain Valley — 37
Fullerton — 107
Garden Grove — 153
Huntington Beach — 238
Irvine — 138
La Habra — 58
La Palma — 15
Ladera Ranch — 12
Laguna Beach — 38
Laguna Hills — 23
Laguna Niguel — 32
Laguna Woods — 8
Lake Forest — 32
Los Alamitos — 35
Midway City — 7
Mission Viejo — 49
Newport Beach — 103
Orange — 135
Placentia — 67
Rancho Mission Viejo — 6
Rancho Santa Margarita — 15
San Clemente — 51
San Juan Capistrano — 30
Santa Ana — 389
Seal Beach — 11
Stanton — 29
Trabuco Canyon — 12
Tustin — 46
Villa Park — 5
Westminster — 47
Yorba Linda — 52
Other — 218
Unknown — 114
Note: The “other” category includes unincorporated areas, as well as cases in the county’s jails. Daily updates are preliminary and subject to change as the county receives new information.


latimes--2020-05-06--Some wine country businesses in Napa Valley defy Newsom and reopen

Terry Letson watched business at his Napa Valley restaurant drop by 25 % over the last six weeks .
With no help yet from the state , no uptick in coronavirus cases in the county and still no sign of a lifting of restrictions on his eatery before Mother ’ s Day — the busiest day of the year for restaurants — enough was enough .
“ We ’ re protecting the people that are high-risk at the sacrifice of our well-being , income and livelihood , ” he said .
“ When the cure is more damaging than the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Defying county orders , Letson , 58 , reopened his Fume Bistro on Monday after weeks of following state rules and serving only takeout .
The tables are set 10 feet apart , employees are temperature-checked every morning and only 45 people are allowed inside the 18-year-old establishment , which typically serves up to 100 people at a time , Letson said .
Public health officials have already visited him in person and informed Letson by email that they will attempt to shut down the restaurant by Thursday .
But he ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been 47 days now .
At some point we need to move on a bit.
” The restaurant typically employs 36 individuals , but is currently allowing 11 people with the largest families and no other means of income to work part-time .
Napa County has reported 75 COVID-19 infections among its roughly 138,000 residents and two deaths — one of the lowest numbers in a state that has seen nearly 60,000 infections and more than 2,400 deaths .
As Gov .
Gavin Newsom has announced that certain restrictions on businesses will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throughout the state have pressed for faster and more liberal action amid ongoing protests to reopen the state .
Some , such as Sutter and Yuba counties , reopened ahead of the state ’ s permission .
“ They ’ re making a big mistake .
They ’ re putting their public at risk .
They ’ re putting our progress at risk , ” Newsom said during a briefing Tuesday in Sacramento about those counties .
“ These are real exceptions .
The overwhelming majority of Californians are playing by the rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that county leaders for Napa Valley have yet to take such steps , despite the low numbers in comparison to a hot spot such as Los Angeles County , which accounts for the majority of the state ’ s COVID-19 deaths .
He and other business owners are instead taking action independently .
The restaurant ’ s reopening came as a nearby art gallery announced last week that it would reopen Monday , despite the county ’ s orders , so it could support the 30 artists and employees who rely on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Art encouraged other businesses to do the same .
“ We ’ ve risked everything ; we ’ ve worked too hard and fought too long to bring our business to life , to keep it alive , and to grow it over the past 24 years to sit passively and watch it die for the unwillingness of some in the community to permit others to live and work on their own terms , to accept and deal with any marginal risk at their own judgment and discretion , ” gallery owners Quent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ letter .
The message came with a warning , “ Public officials : Know that we ’ re prepared to risk fines , arrest or jail.
” The art space typically sees less than 10 people at a time , but is limiting that number to no more than six after its reopening .
Neither Cordair was immediately available for an interview , but recently said during a YouTube livestream that while online sales continue , in-person sales are key to the survival of the gallery .
“ This is life and death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Photos shared on Twitter showed people standing outside the gallery Monday holding signs that read “ Freedom is Essential ” and “ Let Napa reopen.
” Letson said that residents have similarly supported his restaurant ’ s decision .
He trusts that people who are sick will not enter the restaurant and insists that the opening is no different than large retail stores such as Target and Walmart being allowed to continue operating .
“ Hospitality has completely shut down .
I ’ m not unique in the struggle — I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ”

Terry Letson watched business at his Napa Valley restaurant drop by 25% over the last six weeks. With no help yet from the state, no uptick in coronavirus cases in the county and still no sign of a lifting of restrictions on his eatery before Mother’s Day — the busiest day of the year for restaurants — enough was enough.
“We’re protecting the people that are high-risk at the sacrifice of our well-being, income and livelihood,” he said. “When the cure is more damaging than the disease, we’re in trouble.”
Defying county orders, Letson, 58, reopened his Fume Bistro on Monday after weeks of following state rules and serving only takeout. The tables are set 10 feet apart, employees are temperature-checked every morning and only 45 people are allowed inside the 18-year-old establishment, which typically serves up to 100 people at a time, Letson said.
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Public health officials have already visited him in person and informed Letson by email that they will attempt to shut down the restaurant by Thursday. But he’s undeterred.
“It’s been 47 days now. At some point we need to move on a bit.”
The restaurant typically employs 36 individuals, but is currently allowing 11 people with the largest families and no other means of income to work part-time.
Napa County has reported 75 COVID-19 infections among its roughly 138,000 residents and two deaths — one of the lowest numbers in a state that has seen nearly 60,000 infections and more than 2,400 deaths.
As Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced that certain restrictions on businesses will be modified as early as Friday, counties throughout the state have pressed for faster and more liberal action amid ongoing protests to reopen the state. Some, such as Sutter and Yuba counties, reopened ahead of the state’s permission.
“They’re making a big mistake. They’re putting their public at risk. They’re putting our progress at risk,” Newsom said during a briefing Tuesday in Sacramento about those counties. “These are real exceptions. The overwhelming majority of Californians are playing by the rules doing the right thing.”
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Letson said that county leaders for Napa Valley have yet to take such steps, despite the low numbers in comparison to a hot spot such as Los Angeles County, which accounts for the majority of the state’s COVID-19 deaths. He and other business owners are instead taking action independently.
The restaurant’s reopening came as a nearby art gallery announced last week that it would reopen Monday, despite the county’s orders, so it could support the 30 artists and employees who rely on the gallery for income. Quent Cordair Fine Art encouraged other businesses to do the same.
“We’ve risked everything; we’ve worked too hard and fought too long to bring our business to life, to keep it alive, and to grow it over the past 24 years to sit passively and watch it die for the unwillingness of some in the community to permit others to live and work on their own terms, to accept and deal with any marginal risk at their own judgment and discretion,” gallery owners Quent and Linda Cordair wrote in an open letter. The message came with a warning, “Public officials: Know that we’re prepared to risk fines, arrest or jail.”
The art space typically sees less than 10 people at a time, but is limiting that number to no more than six after its reopening. Neither Cordair was immediately available for an interview, but recently said during a YouTube livestream that while online sales continue, in-person sales are key to the survival of the gallery.
“This is life and death for us,” Quent Cordair said.
Photos shared on Twitter showed people standing outside the gallery Monday holding signs that read “Freedom is Essential” and “Let Napa reopen.”
Letson said that residents have similarly supported his restaurant’s decision. He trusts that people who are sick will not enter the restaurant and insists that the opening is no different than large retail stores such as Target and Walmart being allowed to continue operating.
“Hospitality has completely shut down. I’m not unique in the struggle — I’m just unique in pushing it.”


latimes--2020-05-06--Whale that washed ashore in Ventura County towed out to sea

A gray whale that washed up along the Ventura County coast late last week was probably dead for a few days before it reached the shore , researchers said Wednesday .
Reports of the marine mammal lying along a stretch of sand at Emma Wood State Beach came in Friday .
The California state park is because of the coronavirus pandemic , but locals are permitted to walk along the waterfront .
Researchers with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration were called to investigate but were limited in their ability to perform a full necropsy on the massive animal , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stranding and response coordinator .
Because of this , the cause of death of the young adult male will probably be inconclusive .
“ When you have a 35-foot whale that ’ s dead on the beach and you ’ ve only got two people down there ... it ’ s really difficult ” to document the whale in its entirety , Viezbicke said , referring to the social distancing that is required under the state ’ s stay-at-home order .
Such an examination typically takes six to 12 people , but a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collect information that should prove useful in identifying other factors affecting the gray whale population , Viezbicke said .
Ashley Baustisa , Ventura County ’ s spokeswoman , was walking along the beach Sunday with her sons when they encountered the dead whale and took photographs .
“ Sad for the whale but my boys thought it was pretty interesting to get so close to such a large animal today , ” she posted on Facebook .
Sometimes , the carcasses are given sand burials , but this animal was towed out to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whales showing up along the California coast are not uncommon as the route follows the animals ’ migratory path .
Last May , NOAA declared an “ unusual mortality event ” and after 70 gray whale carcasses were spotted along the West Coast from Alaska to California , the highest number of documented deaths since 2000 .
This time last year , there had been 27 reported dead whales , Viezbicke said .
Dozens and showing signs of starvation .
The animal found in Ventura County was the 14th gray whale casualty this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 ’ s lower numbers could be a sign the mortality event is leveling out .
Some of the dead whales from this year were considered emaciated , while other carcasses were too far gone to determine whether the animals were underweight .
“ This is nature ’ s way of keeping balance , ” Viezbicke said .
Sometimes , a cause of death for beached mammals is impossible to determine , depending on the condition of the carcass and other factors .
In this case , the gray whale showed no obvious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bellman , spokeswoman for the Channel Coast District of the state parks department .
The whale was the first wash ashore in the area this year , she said .
A team of researchers from the Channel Islands Cetacean Research Unit examined the whale over the weekend before it was towed out to sea , past onshore currents and away from shipping lanes , Bellman said .

Ashley Bautista, Ventura County’s spokeswoman, was on a walk with her sons May 3, 2020, when she spotted a gray whale carcass at Emma Wood State Beach. It was towed out to sea May 5, 2020, after researchers conducted a brief investigation into its cause of death.
A gray whale that washed up along the Ventura County coast late last week was probably dead for a few days before it reached the shore, researchers said Wednesday.
Reports of the marine mammal lying along a stretch of sand at Emma Wood State Beach came in Friday. The California state park is currently closed because of the coronavirus pandemic, but locals are permitted to walk along the waterfront.
Researchers with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration were called to investigate but were limited in their ability to perform a full necropsy on the massive animal, said Justin Viezbicke, California’s stranding and response coordinator. Because of this, the cause of death of the young adult male will probably be inconclusive.
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“When you have a 35-foot whale that’s dead on the beach and you’ve only got two people down there ... it’s really difficult” to document the whale in its entirety, Viezbicke said, referring to the social distancing that is required under the state’s stay-at-home order.
Such an examination typically takes six to 12 people, but a small number of staff were able to collect information that should prove useful in identifying other factors affecting the gray whale population, Viezbicke said.
Ashley Baustisa, Ventura County’s spokeswoman, was walking along the beach Sunday with her sons when they encountered the dead whale and took photographs.
“Sad for the whale but my boys thought it was pretty interesting to get so close to such a large animal today,” she posted on Facebook.
Sometimes, the carcasses are given sand burials, but this animal was towed out to sea Tuesday, officials said.
Gray whales showing up along the California coast are not uncommon as the route follows the animals’ migratory path. Last May, NOAA declared an “unusual mortality event” and launched an investigation after 70 gray whale carcasses were spotted along the West Coast from Alaska to California, the highest number of documented deaths since 2000.
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This time last year, there had been 27 reported dead whales, Viezbicke said. Dozens were found emaciated and showing signs of starvation.
The animal found in Ventura County was the 14th gray whale casualty this year in California. Research indicates that 2020’s lower numbers could be a sign the mortality event is leveling out. Some of the dead whales from this year were considered emaciated, while other carcasses were too far gone to determine whether the animals were underweight.
“This is nature’s way of keeping balance,” Viezbicke said.
Sometimes, a cause of death for beached mammals is impossible to determine, depending on the condition of the carcass and other factors. In this case, the gray whale showed no obvious signs of fatal injuries, said Dena Bellman, spokeswoman for the Channel Coast District of the state parks department. The whale was the first wash ashore in the area this year, she said.
A team of researchers from the Channel Islands Cetacean Research Unit examined the whale over the weekend before it was towed out to sea, past onshore currents and away from shipping lanes, Bellman said.


latimes--2020-05-06--New cost details emerge in California's secretive coronavirus masks deal with Chinese company

Advisors to Gov .
Gavin Newsom agreed to pay Chinese electric car manufacturer BYD $ 3.30 for each mask the company made under a coronavirus response contract totaling almost $ 1 billion that has been kept under seal for the past month .
But invoices , emails and other documents obtained by The Times suggest the deal was still in the process of being vetted by state officials when Newsom suggested it was complete during a national TV broadcast on April 7 .
The price per mask was revealed in a document provided by the California state treasurer ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ release of the funds .
However , it lists only the sale of coveted N95 masks , those considered to provide the most protection , and not the cost of traditional surgical masks BYD has also sold to the state .
BYD has so far shipped only the less expensive surgical masks , with the first of them arriving late last month .
The Governor ’ s Office of Emergency Services refused Monday to provide the contract , insisting in a letter to The Times that the document is exempt from disclosure under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Legislature have also been stymied in their attempts to see the contract , though Newsom administration officials promised they would provide access once the deliveries of masks are complete .
Newsom abruptly shifted course on Wednesday , promising that the BYD contract will soon be released and blaming government attorneys for why that hasn ’ t happened sooner .
“ A lot of these contracts haven ’ t been made public as quickly as we would like them to be , ” he said during a midday briefing streamed online .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ deserve that information .
And you ’ ll be getting that very , very soon.
” Documents obtained from the office of State Treasurer Fiona Ma through a records request include an April 7 invoice from Global Healthcare Product Solutions , a subsidiary of BYD , for “ N95 face masks ” with a per-unit price of $ 3.30 .
It stipulates that the state will pay half of the total cost of the deal — $ 495 million — in advance of the first 150 million masks being delivered .
In all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks will be delivered by the time the contract ends .
“ All sales are FINAL .
We do not accept any returns or exchanges , ” the invoice says .
The cost of personal protective equipment during the early weeks of the global pandemic has fluctuated wildly , with healthcare professionals and government officials scrambling to find the gear while ensuring those supplies aren ’ t pilfered by outside actors .
States have also complained of supplies being commandeered by the federal government .
Newsom administration officials have told lawmakers those kinds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the terms of the contract confidential .
Newsom said Wednesday he welcomed public scrutiny of the costs .
“ We negotiated a pretty good price in the middle of all this , ” he said , noting inflated prices being paid by others in the early weeks of the crisis .
“ I hope you ’ ll consider those price points that we were able to negotiate , up against where the market was.
” Frank Girardot , a spokesman for BYD , said the per-mask price includes all taxes and duty fees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said once those costs are factored in , the pre-shipping cost per mask to the state was $ 2.88 .
“ Our cost is fair , ” Girardot said Wednesday .
“ There is nobody that can make this quantity , this fast.
” Sergio Fernandez de Cordova , the chairman of a New York media nonprofit group that is working with the government consulting firm Raymond Associates to secure better mask deals for government agencies , estimated the $ 3.30-per-mask price could be some 30 cents per mask higher than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manufacture and ship overseas .
He said with the amount of money California can muster , the state could have propped up its own factories in the state , employed Californians out of work and made large quantities of similar masks for “ easily under a dollar.
” “ The state could have launched 190 new companies around this , ” Fernandez de Cordova said .
“ Pandemic times lead to pandemic decisions , which are not usually well thought out.
” Ken Curley , a retired Army colonel and president of Raymond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t go to a manufacturer such as 3M , which already makes N95 masks , to broker a better deal .
“ The state has a lot of leadership , juice , money , ” Curley said .
U.S. company 3M has said the list price for its most common N95 respirators range from 63 cents to $ 3.40 , depending on the model .
It ’ s unclear what the equivalent type of N95 mask BYD is producing for California .
Last week , Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will cost the city 79 cents apiece — though most of the masks in that agreement won ’ t arrive until the summer and fall ; the ones purchased from BYD were expected to arrive this month .
Emails obtained through a records request show state officials notified the state treasurer ’ s office that there was a 90 % chance of a large personal protective equipment deal April 6 .
The next day , April 7 , the invoice was apparently sent to state officials by BYD and Newsom went on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the deal .
His administration quickly sent notification of the expense to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee .
On April 8 , Thomas Todd at the California Department of Finance emailed the treasurer ’ s office saying that the deal was all set .
“ Per the governor ’ s announcement last night , this payment has become certain ( pending 72-hour notification to the Legislature ) , ” Todd wrote .
“ The amount is now $ 495 million , and we will want to make the payment on Friday ( the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 72-hour notification ) .
” Following that email , officials at the treasurer ’ s office asked if the vendor had been vetted .
Thomas replied that “ they ’ re vetting the vendor as we speak.
” BYD announced in March that it had shifted its manufacturing from vehicles to protective gear .
Its U.S. subsidiary , headquartered in Los Angeles and long promoted by the state for its electric bus production , helped arrange the deal .
Global Healthcare Product Solutions , the limited liability company set up by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ address as BYD ’ s headquarters in L.A .
In describing the vetting process , Tabitha Stout of the Governor ’ s Office of Emergency Services told the treasurer ’ s office the state agency followed standard practices for contracting in an emergency and included Federal Emergency Management Agency contracting terms in the deal .
“ During the initial engagement with the vendor , Cal OES confirmed that FEMA along with large medical supply companies vetted this manufacturer as well , ” Stout wrote in an email April 9 .
In all , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with BYD will produce 200 million masks per month through the end of June .
The N95 masks , expected to total 150 million of that amount , must still first be approved for effectiveness by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health .
BYD ’ s Girardot said on Wednesday that the process may be delayed until the end of May .
The governor on Wednesday called it a “ little bit ” of a delay , though it could mean the sought-after masks arrive more than a month late .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Newsom said .

John Myers, Melody Gutierrez, Adam Elmahrek

Advisors to Gov. Gavin Newsom agreed to pay Chinese electric car manufacturer BYD $3.30 for each mask the company made under a coronavirus response contract totaling almost $1 billion that has been kept under seal for the past month.
But invoices, emails and other documents obtained by The Times suggest the deal was still in the process of being vetted by state officials when Newsom suggested it was complete during a national TV broadcast on April 7.
The price per mask was revealed in a document provided by the California state treasurer’s office, which was responsible for the release of the funds. However, it lists only the sale of coveted N95 masks, those considered to provide the most protection, and not the cost of traditional surgical masks BYD has also sold to the state.
BYD has so far shipped only the less expensive surgical masks, with the first of them arriving late last month.
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The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services refused Monday to provide the contract, insisting in a letter to The Times that the document is exempt from disclosure under the California Public Records Act. Members of the Legislature have also been stymied in their attempts to see the contract, though Newsom administration officials promised they would provide access once the deliveries of masks are complete.
Newsom abruptly shifted course on Wednesday, promising that the BYD contract will soon be released and blaming government attorneys for why that hasn’t happened sooner.
“A lot of these contracts haven’t been made public as quickly as we would like them to be,” he said during a midday briefing streamed online. “And you, the public, deserve that information. And you’ll be getting that very, very soon.”
Documents obtained from the office of State Treasurer Fiona Ma through a records request include an April 7 invoice from Global Healthcare Product Solutions, a subsidiary of BYD, for “N95 face masks” with a per-unit price of $3.30. It stipulates that the state will pay half of the total cost of the deal — $495 million — in advance of the first 150 million masks being delivered. In all, the invoice notes 300 million N95 masks will be delivered by the time the contract ends.
“All sales are FINAL. We do not accept any returns or exchanges,” the invoice says.
The cost of personal protective equipment during the early weeks of the global pandemic has fluctuated wildly, with healthcare professionals and government officials scrambling to find the gear while ensuring those supplies aren’t pilfered by outside actors. States have also complained of supplies being commandeered by the federal government. Newsom administration officials have told lawmakers those kinds of fears are why they have kept the terms of the contract confidential.
Newsom said Wednesday he welcomed public scrutiny of the costs.
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“We negotiated a pretty good price in the middle of all this,” he said, noting inflated prices being paid by others in the early weeks of the crisis. “I hope you’ll consider those price points that we were able to negotiate, up against where the market was.”
Frank Girardot, a spokesman for BYD, said the per-mask price includes all taxes and duty fees plus the freight costs for air delivery. He said once those costs are factored in, the pre-shipping cost per mask to the state was $2.88.
“Our cost is fair,” Girardot said Wednesday. “There is nobody that can make this quantity, this fast.”
Sergio Fernandez de Cordova, the chairman of a New York media nonprofit group that is working with the government consulting firm Raymond Associates to secure better mask deals for government agencies, estimated the $3.30-per-mask price could be some 30 cents per mask higher than it’s costing the company to manufacture and ship overseas.
He said with the amount of money California can muster, the state could have propped up its own factories in the state, employed Californians out of work and made large quantities of similar masks for “easily under a dollar.”
“The state could have launched 190 new companies around this,” Fernandez de Cordova said. “Pandemic times lead to pandemic decisions, which are not usually well thought out.”
Ken Curley, a retired Army colonel and president of Raymond Associates, questioned why the state didn’t go to a manufacturer such as 3M, which already makes N95 masks, to broker a better deal.
“The state has a lot of leadership, juice, money,” Curley said.
U.S. company 3M has said the list price for its most common N95 respirators range from 63 cents to $3.40, depending on the model. It’s unclear what the equivalent type of N95 mask BYD is producing for California. Last week, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced a deal with Honeywell for N95 masks that will cost the city 79 cents apiece — though most of the masks in that agreement won’t arrive until the summer and fall; the ones purchased from BYD were expected to arrive this month.
Emails obtained through a records request show state officials notified the state treasurer’s office that there was a 90% chance of a large personal protective equipment deal April 6.
The next day, April 7, the invoice was apparently sent to state officials by BYD and Newsom went on a national TV show that night to announce the deal. His administration quickly sent notification of the expense to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee.
On April 8, Thomas Todd at the California Department of Finance emailed the treasurer’s office saying that the deal was all set.
“Per the governor’s announcement last night, this payment has become certain (pending 72-hour notification to the Legislature),” Todd wrote. “The amount is now $495 million, and we will want to make the payment on Friday (the first day we can do so after the 72-hour notification).”
Following that email, officials at the treasurer’s office asked if the vendor had been vetted. Thomas replied that “they’re vetting the vendor as we speak.”
BYD announced in March that it had shifted its manufacturing from vehicles to protective gear. Its U.S. subsidiary, headquartered in Los Angeles and long promoted by the state for its electric bus production, helped arrange the deal. Global Healthcare Product Solutions, the limited liability company set up by the company in March, shares the same address as BYD’s headquarters in L.A.
In describing the vetting process, Tabitha Stout of the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services told the treasurer’s office the state agency followed standard practices for contracting in an emergency and included Federal Emergency Management Agency contracting terms in the deal.
“During the initial engagement with the vendor, Cal OES confirmed that FEMA along with large medical supply companies vetted this manufacturer as well,” Stout wrote in an email April 9.
In all, Newsom administration officials have said the agreement with BYD will produce 200 million masks per month through the end of June. The N95 masks, expected to total 150 million of that amount, must still first be approved for effectiveness by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. BYD’s Girardot said on Wednesday that the process may be delayed until the end of May.
The governor on Wednesday called it a “little bit” of a delay, though it could mean the sought-after masks arrive more than a month late.
“All these things work out themselves,” Newsom said.


latimes--2020-05-06--California makes it easier to receive workers' comp for coronavirus claims

Gov .
Gavin Newsom signed an executive order Wednesday that will make it easier for essential workers who contract COVID-19 to obtain workers ’ compensations benefits in a win for labor unions that called for the change .
The order streamlines workers ’ compensation claims and establishes a rebuttable presumption that any essential workers infected with COVID-19 contracted the virus on the job , Newsom said .
In effect , the change shifts the burden of proof that typically falls on workers and instead requires companies or insurers to prove that the employees didn ’ t get sick at work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is so important , because we want people to feel confident , comfortable , they ’ ll have their benefits , ” Newsom said .
“ The whole idea is , as we move into this second phase , we want to keep workers healthy and keep them safe.
” Newsom announced a four-phase plan last week to gradually transition back to normal .
The second phase begins Friday with the reopening of some retail businesses for curbside pickup .
The California Federation of Labor , which asked for the workers ’ compensation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the governor and legislative leaders , applauded the governor ’ s decision on Wednesday .
“ Gov .
Newsom ’ s order today adds a vital layer of protection to essential workers putting their lives at risk to provide for our families during this pandemic , ” Art Pulaski , the federation ’ s executive secretary-treasurer , said in a statement .
“ We commend the governor for taking action to ensure workers on the front lines of this crisis are able to access healthcare and other benefits from workers ’ compensation without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health and safety.
” In the absence of changes , workers ’ compensation claims stemming from COVID-19 could be difficult to prove , considering how easily the virus spreads .
Dozens of business groups , led by the California Chamber of Commerce , pushed back last month on the labor federation ’ s request for a revision to the rules and other changes .
In an April 7 letter , employers said the changes would force businesses to be the “ safety net to mitigate the unprecedented outcomes of this natural disaster and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chamber said Wednesday that federal relief funds are already available under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program for employees with symptoms who can not work .
“ The executive order issued today will unnecessarily and significantly drive up costs for California employers through increased workers ’ compensation insurance rates at a time when they are struggling to keep Californians employed , ” the chamber said in a statement .
John Kapateck , California director of the National Federation of Independent Business , expressed similar concerns Monday “ Our policymakers need to make sure they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , rules and costs don ’ t have the opposite effect of drying up jobs , ” said Kapateck , whose organization represents 15,000 small business owners in the state .
“ There ’ s not a tree in a small business owner ’ s backyard where they can pluck the Benjamins.
” Rob Lapsley , head of the California Business Roundtable , said the business community had expressed their opposition to the potential changes for the last five weeks .
“ With today ’ s executive order , Gov .
Newsom has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employers precisely at the same time businesses are trying to rehire employees to restart the economy , ” Lapsley said in a statement .
Some of California ’ s largest workers ’ compensation insurers have already removed requirements that essential workers with COVID-19 prove they contracted the virus on the job .
Under the existing workers ’ compensation system , workers who are injured on the job can qualify for medical care paid for by an employer , temporary disability benefits , permanent disability benefits , supplemental job displacement benefits and death benefits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers ’ compensation , either through an outside insurance policy or self-insurance .
Newsom ’ s change covers claims filed for 60 days from Wednesday ’ s announcement and is retroactive to claims filed as early as March 19 .
The new rules apply to workers who tested positive for COVID-19 within 14 days of performing work , or those who received a diagnosis within 14 days that was confirmed by a positive test no more than 30 days later .
Employers have 30 days to rebut a claim .

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order Wednesday that will make it easier for essential workers who contract COVID-19 to obtain workers’ compensations benefits in a win for labor unions that called for the change.
The order streamlines workers’ compensation claims and establishes a rebuttable presumption that any essential workers infected with COVID-19 contracted the virus on the job, Newsom said. In effect, the change shifts the burden of proof that typically falls on workers and instead requires companies or insurers to prove that the employees didn’t get sick at work.
For the record: A previous version of this story misspelled the last name of John Kabateck, California director of the National Federation of Independent Business.
“This workers’ comp presumption is so important, because we want people to feel confident, comfortable, they’ll have their benefits,” Newsom said. “The whole idea is, as we move into this second phase, we want to keep workers healthy and keep them safe.”
Newsom announced a four-phase plan last week to gradually transition back to normal. The second phase begins Friday with the reopening of some retail businesses for curbside pickup.
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The California Federation of Labor, which asked for the workers’ compensation change in a March 27 letter to the governor and legislative leaders, applauded the governor’s decision on Wednesday.
“Gov. Newsom’s order today adds a vital layer of protection to essential workers putting their lives at risk to provide for our families during this pandemic,” Art Pulaski, the federation’s executive secretary-treasurer, said in a statement. “We commend the governor for taking action to ensure workers on the front lines of this crisis are able to access healthcare and other benefits from workers’ compensation without costly delays that could acutely endanger their health and safety.”
In the absence of changes, workers’ compensation claims stemming from COVID-19 could be difficult to prove, considering how easily the virus spreads.
Dozens of business groups, led by the California Chamber of Commerce, pushed back last month on the labor federation’s request for a revision to the rules and other changes. In an April 7 letter, employers said the changes would force businesses to be the “safety net to mitigate the unprecedented outcomes of this natural disaster and the government’s response.”
The chamber said Wednesday that federal relief funds are already available under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program for employees with symptoms who cannot work.
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“The executive order issued today will unnecessarily and significantly drive up costs for California employers through increased workers’ compensation insurance rates at a time when they are struggling to keep Californians employed,” the chamber said in a statement.
John Kabateck, California director of the National Federation of Independent Business, expressed similar concerns Monday
“Our policymakers need to make sure they are doing the math so these regulations, rules and costs don’t have the opposite effect of drying up jobs,” said Kabateck, whose organization represents 15,000 small business owners in the state. “There’s not a tree in a small business owner’s backyard where they can pluck the Benjamins.”
Rob Lapsley, head of the California Business Roundtable, said the business community had expressed their opposition to the potential changes for the last five weeks.
“With today’s executive order, Gov. Newsom has bypassed the Legislature and increased costs on employers precisely at the same time businesses are trying to rehire employees to restart the economy,” Lapsley said in a statement.
Some of California’s largest workers’ compensation insurers have already removed requirements that essential workers with COVID-19 prove they contracted the virus on the job.
California Thousands of healthcare workers are laid off or furloughed as coronavirus spreads Thousands of nurses, doctors and other medical staff have been laid off, furloughed or taken a pay cut in California since mid-March, even as the coronavirus remains a threat.
Under the existing workers’ compensation system, workers who are injured on the job can qualify for medical care paid for by an employer, temporary disability benefits, permanent disability benefits, supplemental job displacement benefits and death benefits.
California employers are required to provide workers’ compensation, either through an outside insurance policy or self-insurance.
Newsom’s change covers claims filed for 60 days from Wednesday’s announcement and is retroactive to claims filed as early as March 19.
The new rules apply to workers who tested positive for COVID-19 within 14 days of performing work, or those who received a diagnosis within 14 days that was confirmed by a positive test no more than 30 days later. Employers have 30 days to rebut a claim.
Times staff writer Phil Willon contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-05-06--Newport Beach reopens shoreline as California continues unlocking Orange County coast

Newport Beach can partially reopen its coastline after the state signed off on an active recreation plan for the city ’ s beaches , officials said Wednesday .
Beginning immediately , residents can now use the beaches for activities such as walking , running , hiking , biking , swimming , surfing and fishing from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily , according to the city .
Beach parking lots remain closed , and more passive activities such as loitering and sunbathing are still off-limits .
Beachgoers also must avoid gatherings with people they do not live with .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our beaches for the physical and mental well-being of our residents , ” Mayor Will O ’ Neill said in a statement .
“ While the active recreation model was not the preferred choice by the City Council after discussions with our public safety personnel , we are confident that city staff will manage the beaches effectively under the approved plan.
” Wednesday ’ s announcement means every coastal Orange County city has now received state approval to reopen its local beaches in some capacity .
The Orange County Board of Supervisors also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would allow county-operated beaches to reopen for active recreation , as well .
The wave of reopenings comes after Gov .
Gavin Newsom ordered a “ hard closuree ” of all Orange County beaches last week in response to thousands of people flocking to the sand in some communities seeking relief from an April heat wave .
Newsom called the images that circulated of people congregating on Orange County ’ s shores “ disturbing ” and chastised beachgoers for ignoring state restrictions put in place to stem the spread of the coronavirus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ from affected communities .
Some officials said the images the governor cited were misleading , and didn ’ t accurately portray that many beachgoers were acting responsibly and maintaining appropriate social distancing .
City leaders in Huntington Beach and Dana Point voted to take legal action against the governor .
Even though beaches in both communities have since been allowed to reopen , Huntington Beach City Atty .
Michael Gates said Tuesday that the city is continuing to seek an injunction against the governor ’ s order .
Rather than officially join that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opted to file a court brief supporting the effort .
Councilman Kevin Muldoon , however , has personally sued Newsom in federal court over the beach closures .

Beachgoers spread out across the sand in Newport Beach on Monday, when Gov. Gavin Newsom’s hard closure of Orange County beaches was still in place.
Newport Beach can partially reopen its coastline after the state signed off on an active recreation plan for the city’s beaches, officials said Wednesday.
Beginning immediately, residents can now use the beaches for activities such as walking, running, hiking, biking, swimming, surfing and fishing from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, according to the city.
Beach parking lots remain closed, and more passive activities such as loitering and sunbathing are still off-limits. Beachgoers also must avoid gatherings with people they do not live with.
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“The city is very pleased to reopen our beaches for the physical and mental well-being of our residents,” Mayor Will O’Neill said in a statement. “While the active recreation model was not the preferred choice by the City Council after discussions with our public safety personnel, we are confident that city staff will manage the beaches effectively under the approved plan.”
Wednesday’s announcement means every coastal Orange County city has now received state approval to reopen its local beaches in some capacity. The Orange County Board of Supervisors also voted Tuesday to submit a plan that would allow county-operated beaches to reopen for active recreation, as well.
The wave of reopenings comes after Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered a “hard closuree” of all Orange County beaches last week in response to thousands of people flocking to the sand in some communities seeking relief from an April heat wave.
Newsom called the images that circulated of people congregating on Orange County’s shores “disturbing” and chastised beachgoers for ignoring state restrictions put in place to stem the spread of the coronavirus.
The move incited protests in and push-back from affected communities. Some officials said the images the governor cited were misleading, and didn’t accurately portray that many beachgoers were acting responsibly and maintaining appropriate social distancing.
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City leaders in Huntington Beach and Dana Point voted to take legal action against the governor. Even though beaches in both communities have since been allowed to reopen, Huntington Beach City Atty. Michael Gates said Tuesday that the city is continuing to seek an injunction against the governor’s order.
California Protesters rally in Orange County to denounce Newsom’s beach closure At the Huntington Beach pier about 50 protesters gathered to pick up where they had left off on Friday. The turnout was light, but the rhetoric was just as passionate.
Rather than officially join that lawsuit, the Newport Beach City Council opted to file a court brief supporting the effort.
Councilman Kevin Muldoon, however, has personally sued Newsom in federal court over the beach closures.


latimes--2020-05-06--Coronavirus halted legal marriages in L.A. County. It could be weeks before they resume

The Los Angeles County clerk ’ s office closed March 16 because of the spreading coronavirus , and it hasn ’ t issued a marriage license since , leaving many couples wondering when they can tie the knot .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom last week signed an executive order allowing couples to legally wed through videoconferencing during the coronavirus pandemic , but unlike several other counties in Southern California , L.A. County is weeks away from having a system in place to accommodate that .
One might not arrive until June , according to Mike Sanchez , a spokesman for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s something we ’ re developing actively , ” he said .
“ We know people are anxious to marry their loved ones , and we ’ re doing the best to our ability.
” Several officiants and wedding chapel operators in the county expressed frustration over the continued delay .
A scarcity of marriage licenses means fewer marriages .
And that means minimal work during what would have been the beginning of peak wedding season .
“ People like me are sitting around , twiddling our thumbs , trying to figure out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our living now , ” said Chris Robinson , who runs wedding services as the Officiant Guy .
Robinson is a notary public authorized by the county to officiate marriages , which entails signing a valid marriage license .
Those licenses must be procured through the county .
He said the county didn ’ t give notaries a warning about the closure , leaving him with a limited number of licenses on hand .
Those quickly ran out .
If a couple were to come to him with a valid license , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t access new licenses .
All weddings that were scheduled to be held through June at St. Vincent de Paul , a Roman Catholic church in South Los Angeles , have been postponed , according to secretary Kevelyn Lucas .
It ’ s one of many churches , synagogues and religious institutions in the metro area that have temporarily halted ceremonies .
Meanwhile , Orange County and Riverside County officials said teleconferencing systems for marriages would likely be up and running in a matter of days , although they agreed it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out a system that was safe and functional .
“ It ’ s got to work , ” Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen said .
“ It ’ s stressful when you get the order at 5:15 on Thursday , and on Friday morning we get bombarded by phone calls.
” Both counties have systems in place to allow couples to obtain marriage licenses and wed in person — in Orange County , they can do so at an Anaheim stadium parking lot , and in Riverside County , the locations are a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on opposite sides of the county .
Teleconferencing could extend the opportunity to wed to those who might not be able to make the journey for health reasons , including being at high risk for a serious case of COVID-19 .
Others may need to get married quickly to access healthcare through a spouse or to stay in the country as their visa expiration date nears .
“ If you ’ re young , you just get behind the wheel and drive to another county .
If you ’ re elderly and need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s really hard , ” said Maria Kharlash , owner of Instant Marriage L.A. , a weddings services company in Encino .
In some counties where marriage services are still available , including San Diego , Ventura and Kings , there are no plans to develop an electronic system .
( San Diego ’ s services are offered only to county residents and military families . )
“ We ’ re just going the usual-fashioned way , ” Kings County Clerk-Recorder Kristine Lee said .
She added that their lobby had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to wear masks , which “ does add a little more sense of security.
” Couples in Riverside County can put their names on a waiting list by phone or email to be first in line to take advantage of the coming teleconference service .
To date , there are 53 couples on the list .
“ We ’ re going into it thinking that it is potentially the new normal , ” Assistant County Clerk-Recorder Michele Martinez-Barrera said .
“ So we want to make sure the process we put in place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a permanent process.
” Some couples , like Jasmynn and Joshua Abernathy , both 31 , already opted to go digital with their vows , even though the ceremony wasn ’ t legally binding .
The Torrance couple had locked in a wedding venue for a planned ceremony on April 30 .
When the pandemic scuttled those plans , they decided to hold their ceremony on Zoom .
The date , their three-year anniversary as a couple , was important to keep , they said .
Wearing masks and keeping their distance , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s godfather .
“ It worked ; it served its purpose .
It ’ s definitely weird because , in a moment like that , you want to be able to hug him [ Joshua ’ s godfather ] .
That ’ s that kind of awkward distancing that all of us aren ’ t used to , ” said Joshua Abernathy , who works in retail .
There was an unexpected benefit .
With fewer in-person eyes trained on her , Jasmynn Abernathy , a therapist , said she felt less anxiety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moment.
” In mid-May , they have an appointment to tie the knot legally in Orange County and another ceremony tentatively scheduled for the original venue in September .
They ’ ve already begun using the same last name and believe the paperwork is just a formality at this point .
Others have opted to postpone their weddings in anticipation of a tomorrow when crowds can gather and a buffet isn ’ t viewed as a threat .
Christopher Powers , 35 , and his fiancée , Lauren Bernd , 30 , canceled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 in Spain .
The Echo Park-based movie producers said they were holding off on rescheduling until the new normal came into better focus , including what international travel will entail .
As for a videoconference wedding ?
“ That was never really going to be an option for us , ” Powers said .
“ No disrespect to those who decide to go down this path , but a Zoom wedding is not going to satisfy anybody.
” The majority of couples scheduled to wed at the Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more out , said Rabbi Jonathan Aaron .
But a few are choosing not to delay .
Aaron said he officiated two weddings early on in the coronavirus crisis .
One was a legal wedding held in the temple ’ s sanctuary , with strict social distancing observed .
The other was held over Zoom .
The latter isn ’ t binding from a legal perspective , but he said it was official from a Jewish perspective .
“ It ’ s ordained when it ’ s done under the eyes of God @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through paperwork .
”

Russel and Kathleen Sion of Torrance were married at the Honda Center in Anaheim, where the Orange County clerk recorder is holding weddings and issuing licenses.
The Los Angeles County clerk’s office closed March 16 because of the spreading coronavirus, and it hasn’t issued a marriage license since, leaving many couples wondering when they can tie the knot.
Gov. Gavin Newsom last week signed an executive order allowing couples to legally wed through videoconferencing during the coronavirus pandemic, but unlike several other counties in Southern California, L.A. County is weeks away from having a system in place to accommodate that. One might not arrive until June, according to Mike Sanchez, a spokesman for the county clerk.
“It’s something we’re developing actively,” he said. “We know people are anxious to marry their loved ones, and we’re doing the best to our ability.”
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Several officiants and wedding chapel operators in the county expressed frustration over the continued delay. A scarcity of marriage licenses means fewer marriages. And that means minimal work during what would have been the beginning of peak wedding season.
“People like me are sitting around, twiddling our thumbs, trying to figure out how we’re going to make our living now,” said Chris Robinson, who runs wedding services as the Officiant Guy.
Robinson is a notary public authorized by the county to officiate marriages, which entails signing a valid marriage license. Those licenses must be procured through the county. He said the county didn’t give notaries a warning about the closure, leaving him with a limited number of licenses on hand. Those quickly ran out. If a couple were to come to him with a valid license, he could officiate their marriage, but he can’t access new licenses.
All weddings that were scheduled to be held through June at St. Vincent de Paul, a Roman Catholic church in South Los Angeles, have been postponed, according to secretary Kevelyn Lucas. It’s one of many churches, synagogues and religious institutions in the metro area that have temporarily halted ceremonies.
Meanwhile, Orange County and Riverside County officials said teleconferencing systems for marriages would likely be up and running in a matter of days, although they agreed it wasn’t easy to immediately roll out a system that was safe and functional.
“It’s got to work,” Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen said. “It’s stressful when you get the order at 5:15 on Thursday, and on Friday morning we get bombarded by phone calls.”
Both counties have systems in place to allow couples to obtain marriage licenses and wed in person — in Orange County, they can do so at an Anaheim stadium parking lot, and in Riverside County, the locations are a pair of currently unused movie ticket booths on opposite sides of the county.
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Teleconferencing could extend the opportunity to wed to those who might not be able to make the journey for health reasons, including being at high risk for a serious case of COVID-19. Others may need to get married quickly to access healthcare through a spouse or to stay in the country as their visa expiration date nears.
“If you’re young, you just get behind the wheel and drive to another county. If you’re elderly and need to get married for insurance purposes, it’s really hard,” said Maria Kharlash, owner of Instant Marriage L.A., a weddings services company in Encino.
In some counties where marriage services are still available, including San Diego, Ventura and Kings, there are no plans to develop an electronic system. (San Diego’s services are offered only to county residents and military families.)
“We’re just going the usual-fashioned way,” Kings County Clerk-Recorder Kristine Lee said. She added that their lobby had glass in place and everyone was required to wear masks, which “does add a little more sense of security.”
Couples in Riverside County can put their names on a waiting list by phone or email to be first in line to take advantage of the coming teleconference service. To date, there are 53 couples on the list.
“We’re going into it thinking that it is potentially the new normal,” Assistant County Clerk-Recorder Michele Martinez-Barrera said. “So we want to make sure the process we put in place is not a temporary process, but a permanent process.”
Joshua and Jasmynn Abernathy held a Zoom wedding ceremony on April 30, the date they originally intended to tie the knot surrounded by family and friends. (The Abernathys )
Some couples, like Jasmynn and Joshua Abernathy, both 31, already opted to go digital with their vows, even though the ceremony wasn’t legally binding.
The Torrance couple had locked in a wedding venue for a planned ceremony on April 30. When the pandemic scuttled those plans, they decided to hold their ceremony on Zoom. The date, their three-year anniversary as a couple, was important to keep, they said.
Wearing masks and keeping their distance, the couple was wed by Joshua’s godfather.
“It worked; it served its purpose. It’s definitely weird because, in a moment like that, you want to be able to hug him [Joshua’s godfather]. That’s that kind of awkward distancing that all of us aren’t used to,” said Joshua Abernathy, who works in retail.
There was an unexpected benefit. With fewer in-person eyes trained on her, Jasmynn Abernathy, a therapist, said she felt less anxiety: “It felt like a quieter moment.”
In mid-May, they have an appointment to tie the knot legally in Orange County and another ceremony tentatively scheduled for the original venue in September. They’ve already begun using the same last name and believe the paperwork is just a formality at this point.
Others have opted to postpone their weddings in anticipation of a tomorrow when crowds can gather and a buffet isn’t viewed as a threat.
Christopher Powers, 35, and his fiancée, Lauren Bernd, 30, canceled their large destination wedding set for Sept. 5 in Spain. The Echo Park-based movie producers said they were holding off on rescheduling until the new normal came into better focus, including what international travel will entail.
Lauren Bernd and Christopher Powers, of Echo Park, called off their September wedding in Spain and were waiting for things to settle down before rescheduling. (Courtesy of Lauren Bernd and Christopher Powers)
As for a videoconference wedding? “That was never really going to be an option for us,” Powers said. “No disrespect to those who decide to go down this path, but a Zoom wedding is not going to satisfy anybody.”
The majority of couples scheduled to wed at the Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills synagogue have rescheduled for a year or more out, said Rabbi Jonathan Aaron.
But a few are choosing not to delay. Aaron said he officiated two weddings early on in the coronavirus crisis. One was a legal wedding held in the temple’s sanctuary, with strict social distancing observed. The other was held over Zoom. The latter isn’t binding from a legal perspective, but he said it was official from a Jewish perspective.
“It’s ordained when it’s done under the eyes of God,” Aaron said, “not through paperwork.”


latimes--2020-05-06--3 men gunned down in high school parking lot in Visalia, police say

Authorities are searching for a gunman who killed three men in the parking lot of a high school in Visalia @ @ @ @ @ .
Officers with the Visalia Police Department found the wounded men in the Golden West @ @ @ @ @ 11:15 p.m. while responding to a report of gunshots in the area , said Sgt @ @ @ @ @ is no known connection between the men and the high school .
The campus is @ @ @ @ @ classes online because of the coronavirus , Sanchez said .
Authorities have not provided a @ @ @ @ @ Detectives remained at the scene Wednesday morning trying to piece together what led to the @ @ @ @ @ currently in the middle of the investigation .
Our crime scene team is out here @ @ @ @ @ , ” Visalia Police Lt. Daniel Ford told ABC 30 Action News .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ evidence that will help us in the investigation.
” Anyone with information is being asked @ @ @ @ @ Department ’ s anonymous tip line at ( 559 ) 713-4738 .

Three men were fatally shot May 5 outside Golden West High School in Visalia.
Authorities are searching for a gunman who killed three men in the parking lot of a high school in Visalia late Tuesday, police said.
Officers with the Visalia Police Department found the wounded men in the Golden West High School parking lot around 11:15 p.m. while responding to a report of gunshots in the area, said Sgt. Celestina Sanchez.
There is no known connection between the men and the high school. The campus is closed and students are taking classes online because of the coronavirus, Sanchez said.
Authorities have not provided a description of a suspect. Detectives remained at the scene Wednesday morning trying to piece together what led to the shooting.
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“We are currently in the middle of the investigation. Our crime scene team is out here processing the scene right now,” Visalia Police Lt. Daniel Ford told ABC 30 Action News. “We’re looking for any evidence that will help us in the investigation.”
Anyone with information is being asked to call the Visalia Police Department’s anonymous tip line at (559) 713-4738.


latimes--2020-05-06--Stay at home, preferably by an air conditioner: L.A. area heat wave may set temperature records

A heat wave will bake Southern California on Wednesday and Thursday , boosting temperatures to record-threatening levels in some areas .
The unseasonably warm temperatures — some 10 to 20 degrees above normal for this time of year — are the result of a “ dome of warm air ” that ’ s settled over the region and blocked cooler onshore flows from the ocean , according to David Sweet , a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard .
“ Those sea breezes are like our natural air conditioning , ” he said , and once Mother Nature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ we ’ ll be right back to normal.
” The next two days will be a challenge , though .
A heat advisory is in effect for Los Angeles and neighboring counties through Thursday night .
Wednesday is expected to be the height of the heat wave , with temperatures in the 70s along the coast and the mid-80s to 90s inland .
Downtown L.A. is forecast to hit 95 degrees Wednesday , just below its daily record of 97 , according to Sweet .
Some inland areas could see triple-digit temperatures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s heat isn ’ t expected to be one for the history books in the Los Angeles area .
“ There could be one or two locations that will approach or break or tie a record , but it looks like it ’ s just going to be close , ” Sweet said .
Other areas have already reached historic marks this week .
The city of Indio climbed to 105 degrees Tuesday , tying a daily record high , and Anaheim , Newport Beach and Escondido all matched or surpassed their highest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the National Weather Service .
Thursday ’ s temperatures will be much the same as Wednesday , but maybe a few degrees cooler , Sweet said .
The heat will begin to break starting Friday .
“ Then our warm spell will be over as we go through the weekend and into early next week , ” Sweet said .
“ Temperatures will continue to cool so that , by Monday and Tuesday , downtown Los Angeles goes to the mid-70s.
” In anticipation of the sweltering conditions , Los Angeles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will provide relief from the heat while also complying with physical-distancing guidelines implemented in response to the coronavirus outbreak .
Centers will be open from noon to 6 p.m , Wednesday and Thursday at the following locations : For more information , visit ready.lacounty.gov/heat or dial 211 .
During the heat wave , officials advise residents to stay indoors and avoid the sun as much as possible , as well as drink plenty of fluids .
People and pets should not be left in cars .
Despite the dry and , in some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Weather Service hadn ’ t issued any local fire weather watches or warnings as of Wednesday morning .
While the conditions could be cause for concern , Sweet said potential fire fuel should still be in good shape following a significant springtime soaking .
“ As we continue to have hot , dry weather like this , you certainly do tend to dry out the fuels , but we just got finished with a pretty good amount of rain in March and early April , so the fuel conditions are not quite there @ @ @ @ @ @

With the heat on full blast, people strip down to the bare essentials, which include face masks, as they make their way around Silver Lake Reservoir on Monday. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
Lake Balboa/Beilenson Park is a draw in the San Fernando Valley, where temperatures Monday reached into the 90s. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
A woman takes the steps at Disney Hall on Monday as a heat wave dials up temperatures in downtown L.A. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)
Kirill Matweer, 4, clears sand from his shoes as he plays at Lake Balboa Beilenson Park. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
Anna Henke and 1-year-old daughter Galinda, right, with Bella Ghazaryan and her 1-year-old daughter, Eva, at Lake Balboa/Beilenson Park. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
Trevor Voeltner wipes his brow as he walks with wife Betty Voeltner and their 2-year-old son Carter at Lake Balboa Beilenson Park. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
Sam Kiamehr, 3, has a little fun with the yellow caution tape cordoning off playground equipment at Lake Balboa/Beilenson Park. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
Django, wearing a cone after surgery, looks for lizards while owner Jared Talla relaxes on a grassy patch near the Silver Lake Recreation Center on Monday. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
A heat wave will bake Southern California on Wednesday and Thursday, boosting temperatures to record-threatening levels in some areas.
The unseasonably warm temperatures — some 10 to 20 degrees above normal for this time of year — are the result of a “dome of warm air” that’s settled over the region and blocked cooler onshore flows from the ocean, according to David Sweet, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard.
“Those sea breezes are like our natural air conditioning,” he said, and once Mother Nature cranks that proverbial dial back down, “we’ll be right back to normal.”
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The next two days will be a challenge, though. A heat advisory is in effect for Los Angeles and neighboring counties through Thursday night.
Wednesday is expected to be the height of the heat wave, with temperatures in the 70s along the coast and the mid-80s to 90s inland.
Huge spread in the overnight lows this morning. As much as 30° just in the Santa Monica Mtns. Some places in the 70s, some in the 40s. Winds playing a huge role. It will be HOT today. Heat advisories in effect. Stay hydrated! #LAHeat #CAwx pic.twitter.com/6Ag1TtEUa4 — NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) May 6, 2020
Downtown L.A. is forecast to hit 95 degrees Wednesday, just below its daily record of 97, according to Sweet. Some inland areas could see triple-digit temperatures.
While significant, this week’s heat isn’t expected to be one for the history books in the Los Angeles area.
“There could be one or two locations that will approach or break or tie a record, but it looks like it’s just going to be close,” Sweet said.
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Other areas have already reached historic marks this week. The city of Indio climbed to 105 degrees Tuesday, tying a daily record high, and Anaheim, Newport Beach and Escondido all matched or surpassed their highest minimum temperature records for that day, according to the National Weather Service.
Thursday’s temperatures will be much the same as Wednesday, but maybe a few degrees cooler, Sweet said. The heat will begin to break starting Friday.
“Then our warm spell will be over as we go through the weekend and into early next week,” Sweet said. “Temperatures will continue to cool so that, by Monday and Tuesday, downtown Los Angeles goes to the mid-70s.”
In anticipation of the sweltering conditions, Los Angeles County has opened emergency cooling centers that will provide relief from the heat while also complying with physical-distancing guidelines implemented in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Centers will be open from noon to 6 p.m, Wednesday and Thursday at the following locations:
El Cariso Community Regional Park, 13100 Hubbard St. in Sylmar
Buena Vista Library, 300 N. Buena Vista St. in Burbank
Loma Alta Park, 3330 Lincoln Ave. in Altadena
Mary M. Bethune Park, 1244 E. 61st St. in Los Angeles
Ruben F. Salazar Park, 3864 Whittier Blvd. in Los Angeles
South Whittier Library, 11543 Colima Road in Whittier
Valleydale Park, 5525 Lark Ellen Ave. in Azusa
Jackie Robinson Park, 8773 E. Avenue R in Littlerock
For more information, visit ready.lacounty.gov/heat or dial 211.
During the heat wave, officials advise residents to stay indoors and avoid the sun as much as possible, as well as drink plenty of fluids. People and pets should not be left in cars.
Despite the dry and, in some places, gusty conditions, the National Weather Service hadn’t issued any local fire weather watches or warnings as of Wednesday morning.
While the conditions could be cause for concern, Sweet said potential fire fuel should still be in good shape following a significant springtime soaking.
“As we continue to have hot, dry weather like this, you certainly do tend to dry out the fuels, but we just got finished with a pretty good amount of rain in March and early April, so the fuel conditions are not quite there yet,” he said.


latimes--2020-05-06--Masks will be mandatory at LAX beginning Monday

Beginning Monday , anyone traveling through Los Angeles International Airport must wear a mask or face covering .
The new requirement announced Wednesday evening by Mayor Eric Garcetti came hours after L.A. County officials laid out the first steps toward easing stay-at-home orders imposed almost two months ago .
Those restrictions have been credited with slowing the spread of the coronavirus throughout Los Angeles and the region .
Florists , car dealers and various types of bricks-and-mortar stores — including those that sell toys , music , books , clothing and sporting goods — will be allowed to open for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shopping will not be permitted .
“ This list is less about what products are sold and more about the ability to maintain social distancing , ” county Supervisor Kathryn Barger said .
Recreational amenities including golf courses and trails will also reopen Friday .
People still must adhere to physical distancing requirements and wear face coverings when they ’ re in proximity to others .
Health officials on Wednesday outlined for the first time a five-stage plan for reopening L.A. County .
Though the first retailers will be permitted to reopen with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the county hopes to soon allow other low-risk business — including manufacturers , offices and larger retail — to also open their doors .
Stage 2 also allows for the reopening of libraries , museums , cultural centers and galleries .
The county has not provided a proposed date when those spaces could again be accessible .
Los Angeles County beaches will remain closed for the time being , despite other coastal stretches reopening — with limitations — this week in nearby Orange County with the state ’ s blessing .
Officials are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the “ slow reopening ” of L.A. ’ s coastal stretches , said Barbara Ferrer , director of the county ’ s Department of Public Health .
“ I know we can all look forward to that happening pretty soon , ” she said .
Stage 3 of the county ’ s plan includes businesses deemed to be at higher risk , including tattoo shops , massage parlors , bars , movie theaters , bowling alleys and schools .
Stage 4 includes the highest-risk businesses , such as entertainment venues hosting concerts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events .
At Stage 5 , all businesses will be considered to be operating as normal .
County officials did not provide a timeline for each individual stage of the plan .
News of the limited reopening comes as Los Angeles County health officials announced 55 new coronavirus-related fatalities Wednesday , bringing the county ’ s death toll to 1,368 .
The county also reported 851 new cases of the virus , bringing the total number of infections to 28,644 .
The loosened restrictions come a day after more than 2,500 new coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — the highest single-day total statewide since the pandemic began .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom announced this week that some lower-risk retailers would be allowed to reopen with modifications by Friday , marking the state ’ s first major easing of the social distancing rules that have been credited with leaving California with far fewer fatalities than hot spots such as New York and New Jersey .
California faces a particular challenge because some parts of the state have been hit much harder than others .
Nineteen rural counties have no confirmed deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number of deaths has been limited .
But many health officials are urging caution , saying reopening the economy rapidly would cause cases and deaths to increase again .
“ We do know as we reopen , more people will be out and about , and we ’ ll see more cases , ” Ferrer said this week .
“ Nothing has really changed about the virus since March .
The virus didn ’ t get less deadly .
The virus didn ’ t get less infectious .
The virus is still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set expectations , stressing that social distancing practices will remain in place as more people would be put at risk when restrictions are lifted .
The economy will start to reopen , but that doesn ’ t mean people can “ go back to normal , ” Newsom said .
Because COVID-19 is still present , the reopening relies on Californians remaining cautious and following safety protocols .
In line with this effort , the governor announced Wednesday an expansion of state workers ’ compensation benefits that will make it easier for essential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under the state program .
Under the governor ’ s executive order , if a worker tests positive for COVID-19 , it will be presumed that the illness was contracted during the course of employment .
Employers can appeal by providing evidence that the worker did not contract the virus on the job or that the person doesn ’ t have the illness .
Newsom ’ s change covers all claims filed for the next 60 days and is retroactive to March 19 .
“ This workers ’ comp presumption is so important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confident , comfortable they ’ ll have their benefits , ” Newsom said .
“ The whole idea is , as we move into this second phase , we want to keep workers healthy and keep them safe.
” The tension over when and how to reopen businesses and resume normal activities has begun heightening frustrations across the state .
Some businesses have reopened in violation of the state ’ s order .
In Victorville , the Gym , a 24-hour fitness studio , reopened last week with an 8-by-10-foot printout of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Employees changed the colors of the studio ’ s sign to red , white and blue and hung banners that read # GymsAreEssential and # ReopenAmerica , according to owner Jacob D. Lewis .
Sutter and Yuba counties , with a combined population of 171,000 people north of Sacramento , allowed many businesses to reopen Monday after a similar decision was made in Modoc County , which has fewer than 9,000 residents in California ’ s northeastern corner .
Officials in the three counties argued that they were less affected by the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the San Francisco Bay Area , and they said the shutdown was hurting their local economies .
“ They ’ re making a big mistake .
They ’ re putting their public at risk .
They ’ re putting our progress at risk , ” Newsom said Tuesday .
Tensions mounted in Orange County after Newsom ordered all beaches in the county to close last week .
A string of protests against the governor and the stay-at-home order were held over the weekend amid rising discontent .
The state relented this week and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coastlines with certain limitations .
Several Orange County business owners told the Board of Supervisors during a public meeting Tuesday that they plan to reopen for business next week regardless of the state ’ s order .
In San Clemente , restaurant Nomads Canteen reopened for dine-in service at noon Friday .
Orange County sheriff ’ s deputies , along with officials from the Orange County Health Care Agency , visited the restaurant over the weekend and said that a written warning would be issued , which could lead to permit suspension .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ action earned a swift rebuke from Orange County Supervisors Michelle Steel and Don Wagner , who have made it clear that it will be up to local cities and the state to enforce regulations .
“ We have worked with the Health Care Agency leadership about this unfortunate unilateral department action .
We understand that [ the agency ] will take no enforcement action against Nomads as long as it continues to comply with Orange County ’ s guidelines .
Further enforcement action pursuant to state or local orders will be up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials , ” the supervisors wrote in a joint statement .
Times staff writers Phil Willon and Dakota Smith contributed to this report .

Hannah Fry, Taryn Luna, Rong-Gong Lin II, Marisa Gerber

The requirement announced by L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti came hours after county officials laid out the first steps to easing stay-at-home orders.
Beginning Monday, anyone traveling through Los Angeles International Airport must wear a mask or face covering.
The new requirement announced Wednesday evening by Mayor Eric Garcetti came hours after L.A. County officials laid out the first steps toward easing stay-at-home orders imposed almost two months ago. Those restrictions have been credited with slowing the spread of the coronavirus throughout Los Angeles and the region.
Florists, car dealers and various types of bricks-and-mortar stores — including those that sell toys, music, books, clothing and sporting goods — will be allowed to open for curbside pickup only starting Friday. In-store shopping will not be permitted.
“This list is less about what products are sold and more about the ability to maintain social distancing,” county Supervisor Kathryn Barger said.
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Recreational amenities including golf courses and trails under county jurisdiction will also reopen Friday. People still must adhere to physical distancing requirements and wear face coverings when they’re in proximity to others.
California These businesses can open in L.A. County beginning Friday It’s not much, but Los Angeles County has announced the first steps in easing stay-at-home rules that have slowed the spread of the coronavirus.
Health officials on Wednesday outlined for the first time a five-stage plan for reopening L.A. County. Though the first retailers will be permitted to reopen with conditions this week under Stage 2, the county hopes to soon allow other low-risk business — including manufacturers, offices and larger retail — to also open their doors.
Stage 2 also allows for the reopening of libraries, museums, cultural centers and galleries. The county has not provided a proposed date when those spaces could again be accessible.
Los Angeles County beaches will remain closed for the time being, despite other coastal stretches reopening — with limitations — this week in nearby Orange County with the state’s blessing.
Advertisement
Officials are working on a plan that will allow for the “slow reopening” of L.A.’s coastal stretches, said Barbara Ferrer, director of the county’s Department of Public Health.
“I know we can all look forward to that happening pretty soon,” she said.
Stage 3 of the county’s plan includes businesses deemed to be at higher risk, including tattoo shops, massage parlors, bars, movie theaters, bowling alleys and schools. Stage 4 includes the highest-risk businesses, such as entertainment venues hosting concerts as well as large conventions and sporting events.
At Stage 5, all businesses will be considered to be operating as normal. County officials did not provide a timeline for each individual stage of the plan.
During a news conference Wednesday, Garcetti said that starting Saturday, people wearing face coverings can return to city golf courses and trails, excluding Runyon Canyon, which will remain closed. The eased restrictions, he stressed, don’t change other established rules, including asking those with underlying conditions and people 65 or older to remain indoors. Gatherings are still prohibited, Garcetti said, and only people who live in the same household should hit the trails in a group.
“This is not some sort of green light to slack off,” he said.
On top of the LAX mask rule — a move that Garcetti said aligns with similar requirements by many major airlines — the mayor announced that, starting Monday, anyone riding a city bus will be required to wear a face covering.
News of the limited reopening comes as Los Angeles County health officials announced 55 new coronavirus-related fatalities Wednesday, bringing the county’s death toll to 1,368. The county also reported 851 new cases of the virus, bringing the total number of infections to 28,644.
Ferrer said Wednesday that people living in institutional settings, namely those in skilled nursing facilities, continue to account for a disproportionate percentage of COVID-19 fatalities in L.A. County — now at 50%, she said.
“This is an alarming rate,” Ferrer said Tuesday. “We all need to work hard to make sure that we’re doing everything possible so that our most vulnerable residents are as safe.”
California surpassed 2,400 COVID-19 fatalities Wednesday and inched closer to 60,000 confirmed cases statewide.
The loosened restrictions come a day after more than 2,500 new coronavirus cases were reported in California on Tuesday — the highest single-day total statewide since the pandemic began.
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced this week that some lower-risk retailers would be allowed to reopen with modifications by Friday, marking the state’s first major easing of the social distancing rules that have been credited with leaving California with far fewer fatalities than hot spots such as New York and New Jersey.
California faces a particular challenge because some parts of the state have been hit much harder than others. Nineteen rural counties have no confirmed deaths, and in some suburban regions, the number of deaths has been limited.
But many health officials are urging caution, saying reopening the economy rapidly would cause cases and deaths to increase again.
“We do know as we reopen, more people will be out and about, and we’ll see more cases,” Ferrer said this week. “Nothing has really changed about the virus since March. The virus didn’t get less deadly. The virus didn’t get less infectious. The virus is still out there.”
California Will reopening California bring more coronavirus cases, deaths? Two weeks ago, California reported its highest one-week toll — 542 fatalities among people infected with the coronavirus. Last week, the weekly death toll dropped 9% to 495.
Newsom has tried to set expectations, stressing that social distancing practices will remain in place as more people would be put at risk when restrictions are lifted.
The economy will start to reopen, but that doesn’t mean people can “go back to normal,” Newsom said. Because COVID-19 is still present, the reopening relies on Californians remaining cautious and following safety protocols.
In line with this effort, the governor announced Wednesday an expansion of state workers’ compensation benefits that will make it easier for essential workers who contract COVID-19 to obtain benefits under the state program.
Under the governor’s executive order, if a worker tests positive for COVID-19, it will be presumed that the illness was contracted during the course of employment. Employers can appeal by providing evidence that the worker did not contract the virus on the job or that the person doesn’t have the illness. Newsom’s change covers all claims filed for the next 60 days and is retroactive to March 19.
“This workers’ comp presumption is so important, because we want people to feel confident, comfortable they’ll have their benefits,” Newsom said. “The whole idea is, as we move into this second phase, we want to keep workers healthy and keep them safe.”
The tension over when and how to reopen businesses and resume normal activities has begun heightening frustrations across the state. Some businesses have reopened in violation of the state’s order.
In Victorville, the Gym, a 24-hour fitness studio, reopened last week with an 8-by-10-foot printout of the Constitution posted by the front door. Employees changed the colors of the studio’s sign to red, white and blue and hung banners that read #GymsAreEssential and #ReopenAmerica, according to owner Jacob D. Lewis.
Sutter and Yuba counties, with a combined population of 171,000 people north of Sacramento, allowed many businesses to reopen Monday after a similar decision was made in Modoc County, which has fewer than 9,000 residents in California’s northeastern corner.
Officials in the three counties argued that they were less affected by the pandemic than spots such as Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area, and they said the shutdown was hurting their local economies.
“They’re making a big mistake. They’re putting their public at risk. They’re putting our progress at risk,” Newsom said Tuesday.
Tensions mounted in Orange County after Newsom ordered all beaches in the county to close last week. A string of protests against the governor and the stay-at-home order were held over the weekend amid rising discontent. The state relented this week and allowed all beach cities to reopen their coastlines with certain limitations.
Several Orange County business owners told the Board of Supervisors during a public meeting Tuesday that they plan to reopen for business next week regardless of the state’s order.
In San Clemente, restaurant Nomads Canteen reopened for dine-in service at noon Friday. Orange County sheriff’s deputies, along with officials from the Orange County Health Care Agency, visited the restaurant over the weekend and said that a written warning would be issued, which could lead to permit suspension.
However, the county’s enforcement action earned a swift rebuke from Orange County Supervisors Michelle Steel and Don Wagner, who have made it clear that it will be up to local cities and the state to enforce regulations.
“We have worked with the Health Care Agency leadership about this unfortunate unilateral department action. We understand that [the agency] will take no enforcement action against Nomads as long as it continues to comply with Orange County’s guidelines. Further enforcement action pursuant to state or local orders will be up to the appropriate state or local law enforcement officials,” the supervisors wrote in a joint statement.
Times staff writers Phil Willon and Dakota Smith contributed to this report.