latimes--2020-12-04--L.A. County reports more than 8,880 new COVID-19 cases, setting a stunning new record

Los Angeles County set another all-time record for daily coronavirus cases , recording more than 8,800 on Friday in a sign that the surge continues to worsen as new stay-at-home orders loom .
It marked a jump of more than 1,000 cases compared with Thursday , when 7,854 new cases were reported .
The hard-hit county has set a record with 2,668 people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized .
Of those , nearly a quarter are in intensive care , where beds are rapidly filling up .
Statewide over the last week , the state has averaged 17,007 new cases per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Times .
That ’ s a 61.6 % increase from two weeks ago , and dwarfs even the darkest days of the summertime surge , when the rolling average never topped 10,000 .
To put that number into perspective , 119,050 Californians have tested positive for the coronavirus in just the last seven days — almost the equivalent of everyone living in the city of Berkeley being infected .
The state reported 21,185 new cases on Thursday alone , the second-highest figure ever for a single day .
The record , 21,848 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number was inflated somewhat by reporting delays over the Thanksgiving weekend .
The unprecedented case counts aren ’ t merely a byproduct of ramped-up testing .
The average rate at which coronavirus tests are coming back positive has also soared , from 5.2 % two weeks ago to 7.7 % .
With case numbers that are historically high and show no signs of relenting , California officials are turning their eyes toward the state ’ s hospital system , which they ’ ve long warned is at risk of being flooded by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8,831 Californians were hospitalized with a confirmed case as of Wednesday — an all-time high and nearly double the number seen two weeks ago .
There are also more coronavirus-positive patients in intensive care , 2,066 , than ever before .
“ The bottom line is if we don ’ t act now , our hospital system will be overwhelmed , ” Gov .
Gavin Newsom said Thursday .
“ If we don ’ t act now , we ’ ll continue to see a death rate climb , more lives lost.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 confirmed COVID-19 fatalities on each of the last three days .
That hasn ’ t happened since early September .
More than 19,600 Californians have died from COVID-19 throughout the pandemic , and should the current rate continue , the total death toll would surpass 20,000 by early next week .
“ This is the most challenging moment since the beginning of this pandemic , ” Newsom said .
“ This is the time ... to put aside your doubt , to put aside your skepticism , to put aside your cynicism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to put aside any consideration except this : Lives are in the balance .
Lives will be lost unless we do more than we ’ ve ever done.
” Faced with COVID-19 ’ s relentless acceleration , the state on Thursday pulled an emergency brake — announcing new and far-reaching restrictions tied to regional strains on critical care services .
For purposes of the new statewide order , officials carved California into five regions : Southern California , the San Joaquin Valley , the Bay Area , the Greater Sacramento area and rural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as closing hair and nail salons , playgrounds , zoos , museums , aquariums and wineries ; and requiring restaurants to return to takeout service only — would be implemented when a region ’ s intensive care unit capacity falls below 15 % .
The new stay-at-home order takes effect Saturday , although the earliest it would be imposed is Sunday .
So far , none of the regions have dipped below the state-set threshold — though officials have said they expect all of them will do so soon .
“ Based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case to this point in time , the anticipation is that threshold might be reached at some point early next week , ” Dr. Christina Ghaly , L.A. County ’ s director of health services , said during a briefing Thursday .
Clouding the metric somewhat is that ICU capacity is not a static number , as hospitals can increase their available beds to a point should the need arise .
“ I think we still need to understand the detail about how exactly they ’ re defining that , ” Ghaly said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is contending with unprecedented numbers of new infections and hospitalizations .
The county set records for both Thursday — reporting an all-time-daily high of 7,713 new cases and 2,668 patients with a confirmed case in its hospitals .
Though their regional ICU capacity has yet to fall below the designated level , health officers for Alameda , Contra Costa , Marin , San Francisco and Santa Clara counties , as well as the city of Berkeley , announced Friday that they would proactively implement the additional restrictions .
“ We can not wait @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cliff to pull the emergency brake , ” Santa Clara County Health Officer Dr. Sara Cody said in a statement .
“ We understand that the closures under the state order will have a profound impact on our local businesses .
However , if we act quickly , we can both save lives and reduce the amount of time these restrictions have to stay in place , allowing businesses and activities to reopen sooner.
” The new closures are scheduled to take hold across most of the Bay Area starting Sunday and will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The latest state mandate has been met with consternation in some corners and controversy in others .
Some have questioned the regional approach — saying it doesn ’ t make sense to potentially drop the hammer on one county because of its neighbors ’ circumstances .
Others have dismissed the restrictions themselves as arbitrary and unscientific .
“ The governor has been clamping down on our residents ’ ability to provide for themselves and their families for weeks , with no evidence it has slowed the spread , ” Michelle Steel , chairwoman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said in a statement Friday .
“ The evidence we have seen is more depression , more closed businesses and less work for those who need it most.
” Steel , a Republican who was recently elected to Congress , added that “ the governor and state health officials should focus on protecting the most vulnerable in our communities and stop these sweeping orders that harm all of us.
” L.A. County Supervisor Hilda Solis , on the other hand , commended Newsom “ for taking this difficult but necessary measure so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once again , and perhaps for the last time.
” “ The transmission of COVID-19 is not limited to the borders of our county , and is killing people across the state and country at a terrible pace , ” she said in a statement .
“ Although we are more physically distanced now than in years past , we can come together as Californians to guard the health of our neighbors.
” A cadre of state lawmakers also sent a letter to Newsom Friday asking that he reconsider closing public outdoor playgrounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we must appropriately consider best practices to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission , we also must ensure the children across the state are not unfairly deprived of their opportunities for outdoor access and play , ” states the letter , which is signed by a dozen legislators .
“ The broad closure of playgrounds unfairly negatively impacts children and families.
” Newsom has expressed hope that this new shutdown would be the final time such measures prove necessary , particularly with the state expecting to receive its initial shipment of COVID-19 vaccines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the meantime , experts and officials urge residents to take steps to keep themselves and their loved ones from being infected — including wearing masks in public , regularly washing their hands and staying home as much as possible ; as well as keeping physical distance from , and avoiding gatherings with , those they do not live with .
“ We will get through this .
This is the final surge , ” Newsom said .
“ We have a light at the end of the tunnel with these vaccines , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Southern California’s intensive-care bed shortage entered the zone that, if it persists, would trigger the state’s stay-at-home order as early as Sunday.
On Friday night, the California Department of Public Health released new numbers showing that Southern California as well as the San Joaquin Valley now face a critical shortage of ICU beds, with each area having less than 15% of its capacity available.
That percentage is the threshold by which the state would order, within 24 hours, a regional stay-at-home order, which would shut outdoor restaurant dining, hair salons, nail salons, playgrounds, cardrooms, museums, zoos, aquariums and wineries and restrict retail capacity to 20%.
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Friday’s numbers do not trigger the stay-at-home order. But if the percentages remain below 15% on Saturday, the order would be triggered as early as Sunday.
Current available ICU capacity by region as of Friday night:
· Bay Area: 21.2%
· Greater Sacramento Region: 21.4%
· Rural Northern California: 20.9%
· San Joaquin Valley: 14.1%
· Southern California: 13.1%
The news came as California and Los Angeles County on Friday set all-time records for coronavirus cases reported in a single day.
A county-by-county tally by The Times found that more than 22,300 coronavirus cases were reported across California on Friday alone, exceeding the record set Monday, when 21,848 cases were reported. The Times tallied 204 deaths reported Friday, the second highest total recorded in a single day of the entire pandemic.
Cumulatively, California has reported 1.3 million coronavirus cases and more than 19,700 deaths.
L.A. County has broken single-day coronavirus case records in three of the last four days this week. On Friday, 8,562 cases were reported, according to The Times’ tally, breaking the record set Thursday, when 7,713 were reported.
There were also 56 deaths recorded in L.A. County, a single-day tally not seen since Aug. 19.
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The hard-hit county hit its fifth consecutive daily record for COVID-19 hospitalizations, with 2,769 people currently hospitalized. Of those, nearly a quarter are in intensive care, where numbers have tripled in the last six weeks.
Statewide over the last week, the state has averaged more than 17,800 new cases per day, according to data compiled by The Times. That’s quadruple the average from election day, and dwarfs even the darkest days of the summertime surge, when the rolling average never topped 10,000.
To put that number into perspective, 119,050 Californians have tested positive for the coronavirus in just the last seven days — almost the equivalent of everyone living in the city of Berkeley being infected.
The unprecedented case counts aren’t merely a byproduct of ramped-up testing.
The average rate at which coronavirus tests are coming back positive has soared and reached its highest level since May.
As of Friday, the rate at which coronavirus test results came back positive over the last week was 8.5%, more than triple what it was in early October.
The test positivity rate is now worse than at any point during California’s summer coronavirus wave, which has been the state’s deadliest. The rising positivity rate, which comes at a time that the number of tests performed has been increasing, is proof that the virus’ reach is spreading, epidemiologists say.
With case numbers that are historically high and show no signs of relenting, California officials are turning their eyes toward the state’s hospital system, which they’ve long warned is at risk of being flooded by a wave of coronavirus patients.
Statewide, 9,065 Californians were hospitalized with a confirmed case as of Thursday — an all-time high and nearly double the number seen two weeks ago.
“The bottom line is if we don’t act now, our hospital system will be overwhelmed,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said Thursday. “If we don’t act now, we’ll continue to see a death rate climb, more lives lost.”
The state has also seen more than 100 confirmed COVID-19 fatalities on each of the last four days. That hasn’t happened since early September.
Should the current rate of deaths continue, the total death toll would surpass 20,000 by early next week.
“This is the most challenging moment since the beginning of this pandemic,” Newsom said. “This is the time ... to put aside your doubt, to put aside your skepticism, to put aside your cynicism, to put aside your ideology, to put aside any consideration except this: Lives are in the balance. Lives will be lost unless we do more than we’ve ever done.”
Faced with COVID-19’s relentless acceleration, the state Thursday pulled an emergency brake — announcing new and far-reaching restrictions tied to regional strains on critical care services.
For purposes of the new statewide order, officials carved California into five regions: Southern California, the San Joaquin Valley, the Bay Area, the Greater Sacramento area and rural Northern California.
Additional restrictions — such as closing hair and nail salons, playgrounds, zoos, museums, aquariums and wineries; and requiring restaurants to return to takeout service only — would be implemented when a region’s intensive care unit capacity falls below 15%.
The earliest the stay-at-home order can be imposed on any region by the state is Sunday.
ICU capacity is not a static number, as hospitals can increase their available beds to a point should the need arise.
Though their regional ICU capacity has yet to fall below the designated level, health officers for Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco and Santa Clara counties, as well as the city of Berkeley, announced Friday that they would proactively implement the additional restrictions.
“We cannot wait until after we have driven off the cliff to pull the emergency brake,” Santa Clara County Health Officer Dr. Sara Cody said in a statement. “We understand that the closures under the state order will have a profound impact on our local businesses. However, if we act quickly, we can both save lives and reduce the amount of time these restrictions have to stay in place, allowing businesses and activities to reopen sooner.”
The new closures are scheduled to take hold across most of the Bay Area starting Sunday and will stay in place until Jan. 4.
The latest state mandate has been met with consternation in some corners and controversy in others.
Some have questioned the regional approach — saying it doesn’t make sense to potentially drop the hammer on one county because of its neighbors’ circumstances. Others have dismissed the restrictions themselves as arbitrary and unscientific.
“The governor has been clamping down on our residents’ ability to provide for themselves and their families for weeks, with no evidence it has slowed the spread,” Michelle Steel, chairwoman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, said in a statement Friday. “The evidence we have seen is more depression, more closed businesses and less work for those who need it most.”
Steel, a Republican who was recently elected to Congress, added that “the governor and state health officials should focus on protecting the most vulnerable in our communities and stop these sweeping orders that harm all of us.”
L.A. County Supervisor Hilda Solis, on the other hand, commended Newsom “for taking this difficult but necessary measure so we can bend the curve of COVID-19 once again, and perhaps for the last time.”
“The transmission of COVID-19 is not limited to the borders of our county, and is killing people across the state and country at a terrible pace,” she said in a statement. “Although we are more physically distanced now than in years past, we can come together as Californians to guard the health of our neighbors.”
A cadre of state lawmakers also sent a letter to Newsom Friday asking that he reconsider closing public outdoor playgrounds under the new order.
“While we must appropriately consider best practices to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, we also must ensure the children across the state are not unfairly deprived of their opportunities for outdoor access and play,” states the letter, which is signed by a dozen legislators. “The broad closure of playgrounds unfairly negatively impacts children and families.”
Newsom has expressed hope that this new shutdown would be the final time such measures prove necessary, particularly with the state expecting to receive its initial shipment of COVID-19 vaccines in a matter of weeks.
In the meantime, experts and officials urge residents to take steps to keep themselves and their loved ones from being infected — including wearing masks in public, regularly washing their hands and staying home as much as possible; as well as keeping physical distance from, and avoiding gatherings with, those they do not live with.
“We will get through this. This is the final surge,” Newsom said. “We have a light at the end of the tunnel with these vaccines, but we need to take seriously this moment.”


latimes--2020-12-04--Strong winds, freezing temps, high surf: Southern California under multiple weather warnings

From freezing temperatures to gusty winds and frothing seas , Southern California can expect to see some extreme weather conditions over the next few days .
Several warnings and advisories are in place in different regions .
With temperatures expected to drop as low as a teeth-chattering 16 degrees , the National Weather Service issued a hard freeze warning early Friday morning for the Antelope Valley and other valley and inland areas , including the cities of Palmdale and Lancaster .
A watch will remain in effect through Saturday morning .
One chief concern is that below-freezing temperatures — 32 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to burst when the water in them expands , according to Ryan Kittell , a meteorologist with the National Weather Service ’ s Oxnard station .
To avoid damage , pipes “ should be wrapped , drained , or allowed to drip slowly , ” the weather service said in the advisory .
Those with in-ground sprinkler systems are advised to drain them and cover above-ground pipes to protect them from freezing .
Residents are also advised to cover or shelter plants , livestock and pets .
Animals , plants “ and anybody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harmed , Kittell said .
Meanwhile , strong Santa Ana winds that arrived in Southern California earlier this week are continuing to plague the area , sharply increasing the risk of wildfires .
A Red Flag warning will remain in place for most of Los Angeles and Ventura counties until 6 p.m Friday .
The warning will remain in effect for the Santa Clarita Valley and mountains and mountain areas through Saturday .
While winds peaked on Thursday — with gusts reaching 85 mph near Magic Mountain — a new wind event may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Kittell said .
With vegetation parched from lower-than-normal rainfall , and no precipitation in sight for the next week , Kittell said more wind means more risk for wildfires .
Weather officials warned earlier this week that gusty Santa Anas could ignite dry brush .
The Bond fire in Orange County exploded on Thursday , burning more than 7,000 acres and forcing residents to flee from their homes .
A pair of smaller brushfires also broke out in Riverside County , causing some initial evacuations .
All of the fires continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not out of the woods yet , ” Kittell said .
With Santa Ana season running through January , “ we just have to wait for rain to lower that threat for fires.
” A high surf advisory is in place for Los Angeles and Ventura counties until 2 a.m. on Saturday , with waves expected to reach 4 to 7 feet .
Even higher surf is expected to arrive between Monday and Wednesday next week , Kittell said .
For those who brave the water , there ’ s an elevated risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be risky to just get close , he said .
“ There ’ s a history of people just getting swept off the rocks , ” he said , “ and it can cause fatalities as well .
”

Firefighters cut a fire break as a helicopter drops water on the Bond fire in unincorporated Orange County, where Santa Ana winds fueled the blaze.
From freezing temperatures to gusty winds and frothing seas, Southern California can expect to see some extreme weather conditions over the next few days. Several warnings and advisories are in place in different regions.
With temperatures expected to drop as low as a teeth-chattering 16 degrees, the National Weather Service issued a hard freeze warning early Friday morning for the Antelope Valley and other valley and inland areas, including the cities of Palmdale and Lancaster. A watch will remain in effect through Saturday morning.
One chief concern is that below-freezing temperatures — 32 degrees Fahrenheit — can cause outdoor pipes to
burst when the water in them expands, according to Ryan Kittell, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Oxnard station.
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To avoid damage, pipes “should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly,” the weather service said in the advisory. Those with in-ground sprinkler systems are advised to drain them and cover above-ground pipes to protect them from freezing.
Residents are also advised to cover or shelter plants, livestock and pets.
Animals, plants “and anybody that’s outside” can be harmed, Kittell said.
Meanwhile, strong Santa Ana winds that arrived in Southern California earlier this week are continuing to plague the area, sharply increasing the risk of wildfires.
A Red Flag warning will remain in place for most of Los Angeles and Ventura counties until 6 p.m Friday. The warning will remain in effect for the Santa Clarita Valley and mountains and mountain areas through Saturday.
While winds peaked on Thursday — with gusts reaching 85 mph near Magic Mountain — a new wind event may begin as soon as Monday or Tuesday, Kittell said.
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How windy was it? Here are the strongest #SantaAnaWind gusts recorded in the last 24 hours (in mph):
Magic Mtn Truck Trail 85
Boney Mtn 77
Browns Canyon 74
E Simi Valley 71
Happy Camp Rd 70
Find your location:https://t.co/lYdy9SVRCT#CAwx #LAWind pic.twitter.com/UkaqJiPRIr — NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) December 4, 2020
With vegetation parched from lower-than-normal rainfall, and no precipitation in sight for the next week, Kittell said more wind means more risk for wildfires.
Weather officials warned earlier this week that gusty Santa Anas could ignite dry brush.
The Bond fire in Orange County exploded on Thursday, burning more than 7,000 acres and forcing residents to flee from their homes. A pair of smaller brushfires also broke out in Riverside County, causing some initial evacuations. All of the fires continue to burn.
The wind at the #bondfire was definitely something. pic.twitter.com/hpuYTAmYZa — Kent K. Nishimura (@kentnish) December 3, 2020
“We’re certainly not out of the woods yet,” Kittell said. With Santa Ana season running through January, “we just have to wait for rain to lower that threat for fires.”
A high surf advisory is in place for Los Angeles and Ventura counties until 2 a.m. on Saturday, with waves expected to reach 4 to 7 feet. Even higher surf is expected to arrive between Monday and Wednesday next week, Kittell said.
For those who brave the water, there’s an elevated risk for rip currents, and it can be risky to just get close, he said.
“There’s a history of people just getting swept off the rocks,” he said, “and it can cause fatalities as well.”


latimes--2020-12-04--Observation wheel in San Diego's Balboa Park wins preliminary approval

A plan to temporarily place a 148-foot-high observation wheel in the middle of San Diego ’ s Balboa Park has received the support of the city ’ s park advisory group .
The Balboa Park Committee voted 7-1 Thursday night in favor of the short-term attraction , or what ’ s being called the Balboa Park Star , with one member abstaining .
The vote marks an important first step in erecting the temporary park ride .
“ The Park and Recreation Department has identified a number of potential operational impacts that must be contemplated in order to fully appreciate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Christina Chadwick , the city ’ s assistant deputy director for the parks department .
“ Given the committee ’ s conceptual approval tonight , we will now be moving forward with the goal of getting this installation up and running on a temporary basis.
” First pitched by David and Leslie Cohn of the Cohn Restaurant Group and operator Sky Views of America in October , the Balboa Park Star is intended as a pandemic-friendly activity to help revitalize the heart of the park , which has seen crowds wane amid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan calls for Sky Views of America to erect the company ’ s 148-foot observation wheel , the R50 XL , in the Plaza de Panama near the San Diego Museum of Art for three to six months .
Cohn , who operates the Prado restaurant , also intends to offer visitors food and beverages inside the ride ’ s 36 climate-controlled gondolas .
Ticket prices would likely run around $ 16 per person , with potential discounts available to families , seniors and members of the military .
The proponents have also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , offering to contribute $ 1 per ticket to a park fund .
“ When we thought about this project and brought it to you in October , we honestly were naive and had no idea what we were facing ... but we think we ’ ve made great progress , ” said David Cohn .
The group , for instance , has received clearance from the Federal Aviation Administration , and has held frequent discussions with park institutions and stakeholders to alleviate their concerns .
The goal , Cohn said , remains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Diegans and bring something unusual to Balboa Park to reenergize the park as we hopefully come out of COVID-19.
” The proposal , although largely supported by committee members , received pushback during the public comment portion of the meeting .
Commenters who submitted their letters in advance of the meeting objected to the size and purpose of the attraction , calling it an “ eyesore ” and “ tacky.
” Several voiced concerns that the ride would detract from the historic nature of the park .
But committee members mostly lauded Cohn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reinvigorate Balboa Park .
The one dissenting vote came from member Vicki Granowitz , who is also a San Diego planning commissioner .
“ In a vacuum , I think it ’ s a wonderful idea and I applaud your creativity , ” she said .
“ I think this is the wrong solution for the park and for the public at this time — for when it would be up and operating ” in the spring and summer , she said .
“ I think the plaza needs to be for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sends a message that could be problematic for what we want to do in the future.
” The Balboa Park Star proposal still needs to be reviewed by the city attorney ’ s office and evaluated by the city ’ s historical resources board .
There is one other potential obstacle .
State and county health officials must also sign off on operation of the observation wheel .
This means that San Diego County must , at a minimum , maintain its standing in the state ’ s red tier , the second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system .
Because of consistently high COVID-19 case rates , San Diego County is days away from potentially landing in the most restrictive purple tier .

A plan to temporarily place a 148-foot-high observation wheel in the middle of San Diego’s Balboa Park has received the support of the city’s park advisory group.
The Balboa Park Committee voted 7-1 Thursday night in favor of the short-term attraction, or what’s being called the Balboa Park Star, with one member abstaining. The vote marks an important first step in erecting the temporary park ride.
“The Park and Recreation Department has identified a number of potential operational impacts that must be contemplated in order to fully appreciate the feasibility of this project,” said Christina Chadwick, the city’s assistant deputy director for the parks department. “Given the committee’s conceptual approval tonight, we will now be moving forward with the goal of getting this installation up and running on a temporary basis.”
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First pitched by David and Leslie Cohn of the Cohn Restaurant Group and operator Sky Views of America in October, the Balboa Park Star is intended as a pandemic-friendly activity to help revitalize the heart of the park, which has seen crowds wane amid varying state and county regulations.
The plan calls for Sky Views of America to erect the company’s 148-foot observation wheel, the R50 XL, in the Plaza de Panama near the San Diego Museum of Art for three to six months. Cohn, who operates the Prado restaurant, also intends to offer visitors food and beverages inside the ride’s 36 climate-controlled gondolas.
Ticket prices would likely run around $16 per person, with potential discounts available to families, seniors and members of the military. The proponents have also suggested a revenue-sharing approach with the city, offering to contribute $1 per ticket to a park fund.
“When we thought about this project and brought it to you in October, we honestly were naive and had no idea what we were facing ... but we think we’ve made great progress,” said David Cohn. The group, for instance, has received clearance from the Federal Aviation Administration, and has held frequent discussions with park institutions and stakeholders to alleviate their concerns.
The goal, Cohn said, remains to “bring some joy to San Diegans and bring something unusual to Balboa Park to reenergize the park as we hopefully come out of COVID-19.”
The proposal, although largely supported by committee members, received pushback during the public comment portion of the meeting. Commenters who submitted their letters in advance of the meeting objected to the size and purpose of the attraction, calling it an “eyesore” and “tacky.” Several voiced concerns that the ride would detract from the historic nature of the park.
But committee members mostly lauded Cohn for coming up with a creative way to reinvigorate Balboa Park. The one dissenting vote came from member Vicki Granowitz, who is also a San Diego planning commissioner.
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“In a vacuum, I think it’s a wonderful idea and I applaud your creativity,” she said. “I think this is the wrong solution for the park and for the public at this time — for when it would be up and operating” in the spring and summer, she said. “I think the plaza needs to be for the public, and I think it sends a message that could be problematic for what we want to do in the future.”
The Balboa Park Star proposal still needs to be reviewed by the city attorney’s office and evaluated by the city’s historical resources board.
There is one other potential obstacle. State and county health officials must also sign off on operation of the observation wheel. This means that San Diego County must, at a minimum, maintain its standing in the state’s red tier, the second most restrictive level of its COVID-19 monitoring system.
Because of consistently high COVID-19 case rates, San Diego County is days away from potentially landing in the most restrictive purple tier .
Van Grove writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune


latimes--2020-12-04--Mandatory evacuations still in effect as decreasing winds help slow Bond fire in O.C.

Firefighters on Friday were continuing to battle a wind-whipped wildfire that exploded in Orange County after igniting late Wednesday .
The Bond fire began as a “ fully engulfed house fire ” in the 29000 block of Silverado Canyon Road , according to Orange County Fire Authority Chief Brian Fennessy .
Gusty Santa Ana winds pushed flames into surrounding hillsides , where they met bone-dry vegetation that fueled the fire ’ s rapid growth .
At least two firefighters were injured , and “ a number of houses were damaged , potentially destroyed , ” Fennessey said during a news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homes is still being assessed .
The injured firefighters are “ doing OK ” and were released from the hospital , officials said Friday .
Officials initially said the fire had burned through 7,200 acres but later downgraded that number by nearly 1,000 acres after more accurate mapping .
As of Friday morning , the blaze had burned 6,400 acres and was 10 % contained , according to OCFA Capt .
Thanh Nguyen .
“ Firefighters last night were able to take advantage of the wind dying down , so that gave us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Their main focus last night was to get all the hot spots they could find and continue to improve the fire line and close it up .
I suspect we ’ re going to see some number changes as far as containment goes today.
” About 25,000 residents were evacuated Thursday as the fire spread .
Mandatory evacuations remain in effect for Modjeska Canyon , Williams Canyon , Silverado Canyon and Black Star and Baker canyons , according to the Orange County Sheriff ’ s Department .
Several areas remain under voluntary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been lifted in Lake Forest .
Residents can check the latest evacuation information .
Previous mandatory evacuation zones will remain under warnings through at least Saturday due to red flag warnings indicating fire weather conditions , according to the fire authority .
Nguyen said more than 500 firefighters from 30 agencies were on the fire lines Friday , including 11 helicopters .
“ We ’ re still going to be hitting it hard , ” he said .
“ Our focus is going to be on tightening the line.
” All roads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were reopened by 8 p.m. Thursday , except for Santiago Canyon Road , the fire authority said on Twitter .
The South Coast Air Quality Management District said the Bond fire , and the nearby Airport fire in Riverside County , were contributing to heavy smoke and very unhealthy air quality throughout Orange County and into the Long Beach area .
Smoke advisories are in effect for areas near the fires through Friday , and residents are advised to limit time outside and avoid vigorous physical activity , the agency said .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 13,400 acres in nearly the same terrain where the Bond fire is now burning — but Nguyen said there is still plenty of brush to burn because the two blazes were on opposite sides of Santiago Canyon Road .
The National Weather Service said the extreme wind gusts that helped fuel the fire Thursday would begin to die down Friday , although the threat of dangerous weather is not gone .
Fire weather warnings remain in effect through Saturday , with humidity hovering in the single digits .
“ Any fire start will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” the agency said .
Orange County fire crews will take advantage of decreasing wind speeds Friday to continue strengthening containment lines , Nguyen said , but the work is a race against the clock .
“ The big challenge for us , ” Nguyen said , “ is that we ’ ve only got a few days before the anticipated next round of Santa Ana wind shows up next week .
”

Firefighters extinguish hot spots from the Bond fire along Santiago Canyon Road in unincorporated Orange County.
Firefighters on Friday were continuing to battle a wind-whipped wildfire that exploded in Orange County after igniting late Wednesday.
The Bond fire began as a “fully engulfed house fire” in the 29000 block of Silverado Canyon Road, according to Orange County Fire Authority Chief Brian Fennessy.
Gusty Santa Ana winds pushed flames into surrounding hillsides, where they met bone-dry vegetation that fueled the fire’s rapid growth.
California Photos: Bond fire in Orange County prompts evacuations The Bond fire erupted overnight in Orange County in dry brush and prompted evacuations in mountain communities amid high winds.
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At least two firefighters were injured, and “a number of houses were damaged, potentially destroyed,” Fennessey said during a news conference Thursday. The number of damaged homes is still being assessed.
The injured firefighters are “doing OK” and were released from the hospital, officials said Friday.
Officials initially said the fire had burned through 7,200 acres but later downgraded that number by nearly 1,000 acres after more accurate mapping. As of Friday morning, the blaze had burned 6,400 acres and was 10% contained, according to OCFA Capt. Thanh Nguyen.
“Firefighters last night were able to take advantage of the wind dying down, so that gave us an opportunity,” Nguyen said. “Their main focus last night was to get all the hot spots they could find and continue to improve the fire line and close it up. I suspect we’re going to see some number changes as far as containment goes today.”
About 25,000 residents were evacuated Thursday as the fire spread.
The Bond fire began when a structure fire spread into nearby vegetation, according to the Orange County Fire Authority.
(Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times)
Mandatory evacuations remain in effect for Modjeska Canyon, Williams Canyon, Silverado Canyon and Black Star and Baker canyons, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Several areas remain under voluntary evacuation warnings as well.
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Evacuation orders have been lifted in Lake Forest. Residents can check the latest evacuation information here .
Previous mandatory evacuation zones will remain under warnings through at least Saturday due to red flag warnings indicating fire weather conditions, according to the fire authority.
Nguyen said more than 500 firefighters from 30 agencies were on the fire lines Friday, including 11 helicopters.
“We’re still going to be hitting it hard,” he said. “Our focus is going to be on tightening the line.”
All roads that had been closed by the blaze were reopened by 8 p.m. Thursday, except for Santiago Canyon Road, the fire authority said on Twitter.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District said the Bond fire, and the nearby Airport fire in Riverside County, were contributing to heavy smoke and very unhealthy air quality throughout Orange County and into the Long Beach area.
Smoke advisories are in effect for areas near the fires through Friday, and residents are advised to limit time outside and avoid vigorous physical activity, the agency said.
Smoke plumes from several wildfires that ignited overnight in Southern California. pic.twitter.com/kqfetSIi0N — CIRA (@CIRA_CSU) December 3, 2020
In October, the Silverado fire burned through 13,400 acres in nearly the same terrain where the Bond fire is now burning — but Nguyen said there is still plenty of brush to burn because the two blazes were on opposite sides of Santiago Canyon Road.
The National Weather Service said the extreme wind gusts that helped fuel the fire Thursday would begin to die down Friday, although the threat of dangerous weather is not gone. Fire weather warnings remain in effect through Saturday, with humidity hovering in the single digits.
“Any fire start will grow rapidly, with long-range spotting possible,” the agency said.
Orange County fire crews will take advantage of decreasing wind speeds Friday to continue strengthening containment lines, Nguyen said, but the work is a race against the clock.
“The big challenge for us,” Nguyen said, “is that we’ve only got a few days before the anticipated next round of Santa Ana wind shows up next week.”


latimes--2020-12-04--When will California's stay-at-home order hit my community? Here's what to look for

The new stay-at-home order Gov .
Gavin Newsom unveiled Thursday in hopes of slowing the unprecedented spread of the coronavirus in California takes effect Saturday , and the earliest it would be imposed is Sunday .
But when — or whether — your community goes under the order depends on one key factor : It would be implemented by region and triggered when the area ’ s intensive care unit capacity falls below 15 % .
When that occurs , regions stay under the order for at least three weeks .
For the mandate to end , the region must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next four weeks be 15 % or greater .
The counties can then return to the existing reopening tier system , determined by their individual coronavirus case and test positivity rates , to determine what industries can reopen .
There are five : These are the counties in each region : None of these regions have met the 15 % ICU threshold , but all are expected to hit that mark soon .
Four of the regions are expected to have less than 15 % of ICU capacity by early December : Southern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the greater Sacramento area and rural Northern California .
The Bay Area is expected to hit that threshold in mid- to late December .
Here ’ s the current available ICU capacity by region , based on actual numbers , according to the California Health and Human Services Agency : show the state has averaged nearly 15,000 cases a day over the last week , triple the rate in the last month .
COVID-19 hospitalizations have also tripled over the same period .
And an average of 67 Californians were dying daily from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 60 % jump from mid-November .
Hard-hit Los Angeles County broke another record for daily coronavirus cases Thursday .
Officials reported 7,713 new coronavirus cases in L.A. County , according to a Times tally , the second time in three days the daily total has surpassed 7,500 .
Along with the staggering case count — which boosted the county ’ s — hospitalizations also continue to hit new highs .
There are 2,668 patients with a confirmed case in hospitals countywide , according to the latest tally .
That number has more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since Nov. 15 , the number of COVID-19 patients in L.A. County ’ s intensive care units has doubled , from 308 to 632 .
Officials have said some hospital ICUs could fill later this month if trends continue .
Though hospitals can increase capacity should the need arise , they can not perpetually do so .
ICUs present a particular challenge , as they typically need specialized space , staff and equipment .
“ If steps to curb transmission are abandoned , then the number of people requiring hospitalization can still overwhelm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to create , ” Dr. Christina Ghaly , the county ’ s director of health services , said Wednesday .
There have been concerns about having enough medical staff to cover expansions in patient capacity .
Many of the state ’ s new provisions are already part of the targeted safer-at-home orders the city and county of Los Angeles have previously unveiled .
“ A lot of it looks similar to some of the things that we ’ re already doing and have implemented in Los Angeles County — with some additional measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think this does get closer to what we saw earlier on in the pandemic in terms of more businesses being temporarily closed.
” One difference , for instance , would be personal service businesses such as hair and nail salons , which are currently allowed to remain open with modifications .
Those would be closed if L.A. County falls under the scope of the new state order .
Additionally , though L.A. County has already tightened capacity limits at nonessential retail , the state regulations would further lower the indoor cap at stores @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 % .
Affected communities will be required to close personal service businesses , including hair and nail salons , playgrounds , zoos , museums , aquariums and wineries .
Overnight , short-term stays at campgrounds would be prohibited .
Restaurants will be required to return to takeout service only .
Retail businesses will be limited to 20 % of their customer capacity inside at any one time , with requirements for store officials to ensure there ’ s no indoor drinking or eating .
Unlike the shutdown Newsom issued in the spring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ access and hiking , are not affected .
Similar to other state government rules , the order allows local leaders to impose public health rules that are stricter .
But stronger orders by the state would supersede more permissive local orders .
That means the expected implementation of the order in Southern California would require , for example , restaurants to shutter outdoor dining currently allowed in their local jurisdiction .
The new restrictions appear to remove the distinction between essential and nonessential retail — a 20 % cap on capacity at all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at essential retailers , including supermarkets and drugstores .
In most of the state , essential stores had been capped at 50 % of capacity ; in L.A. County , they were capped at 35 % ; and in Santa Clara County , 25 % .
Cardrooms will be required to shut down , and hotels won ’ t be allowed to accept tourists .
Entertainment production and professional sports continue to be allowed without a live audience .
Santa Clara County , however , on Monday enacted a ban on contact sports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ temporarily relocate to Arizona for the team ’ s December games .
Times staff writers John Myers and Jaclyn Cosgrove contributed to this report .

A man passes by boarded-up but open storefronts in Union Square in San Francisco. City health officials say a surge in coronavirus infections may trigger another lockdown.
The new stay-at-home order Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiled Thursday in hopes of slowing the unprecedented spread of the coronavirus in California takes effect Saturday, and the earliest it would be imposed is Sunday.
But when — or whether — your community goes under the order depends on one key factor: It would be implemented by region and triggered when the area’s intensive care unit capacity falls below 15%.
When that occurs, regions stay under the order for at least three weeks. For the mandate to end, the region must have its forecasted ICU capacity for the next four weeks be 15% or greater. The counties can then return to the existing reopening tier system, determined by their individual coronavirus case and test positivity rates, to determine what industries can reopen.
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The regions
There are five:
Southern California
San Joaquin Valley
Bay Area
Greater Sacramento area
Rural Northern California
These are the counties in each region:
Rural Northern California: Del Norte, Glenn, Humboldt, Lake, Lassen, Mendocino, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama, Trinity
Del Norte, Glenn, Humboldt, Lake, Lassen, Mendocino, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama, Trinity Bay Area: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Monterey, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma
Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Monterey, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma Greater Sacramento : Alpine, Amador, Butte, Colusa, El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, Sierra, Sutter, Yolo, Yuba
: Alpine, Amador, Butte, Colusa, El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, Sierra, Sutter, Yolo, Yuba San Joaquin Valley: Calaveras, Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, San Benito, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tulare, Tuolumne
Calaveras, Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, San Benito, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tulare, Tuolumne Southern California: Imperial, Inyo, Los Angeles, Mono, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura
None of these regions have met the 15% ICU threshold, but all are expected to hit that mark soon.
Four of the regions are expected to have less than 15% of ICU capacity by early December: Southern California, the San Joaquin Valley, the greater Sacramento area and rural Northern California. The Bay Area is expected to hit that threshold in mid- to late December.
Here’s the current available ICU capacity by region, based on actual numbers, according to the California Health and Human Services Agency:
Bay Area: 25.4%
25.4% Greater Sacramento: 22%
22% Southern California: 20.6%
20.6% San Joaquin Valley: 19.7%
19.7% Rural Northern California: 18.6%
The conditions
Data compiled by The Times show the state has averaged nearly 15,000 cases a day over the last week, triple the rate in the last month. COVID-19 hospitalizations have also tripled over the same period. And an average of 67 Californians were dying daily from COVID-19 over the last week, a 60% jump from mid-November.
Hard-hit Los Angeles County broke another record for daily coronavirus cases Thursday. Officials reported 7,713 new coronavirus cases in L.A. County, according to a Times tally, the second time in three days the daily total has surpassed 7,500.
Along with the staggering case count — which boosted the county’s infection total above 420,000 — hospitalizations also continue to hit new highs.
There are 2,668 patients with a confirmed case in hospitals countywide, according to the latest tally. That number has more than doubled from two weeks ago.
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And since Nov. 15, the number of COVID-19 patients in L.A. County’s intensive care units has doubled, from 308 to 632.
Officials have said some hospital ICUs could fill later this month if trends continue.
Though hospitals can increase capacity should the need arise, they cannot perpetually do so. ICUs present a particular challenge, as they typically need specialized space, staff and equipment.
“If steps to curb transmission are abandoned, then the number of people requiring hospitalization can still overwhelm any additional capacity that hospitals are able to create,” Dr. Christina Ghaly, the county’s director of health services, said Wednesday.
There have been concerns about having enough medical staff to cover expansions in patient capacity.
California California pioneered the COVID-19 stay-at-home lockdown. Now, it faces a backlash State officials are considering the kind of stay-at-home order that helped curb the virus’ spread in the spring. What is unclear is whether Californians will stomach even a modified lockdown as they did in March and April.
Many of the state’s new provisions are already part of the targeted safer-at-home orders the city and county of Los Angeles have previously unveiled.
“A lot of it looks similar to some of the things that we’re already doing and have implemented in Los Angeles County — with some additional measures,” Davis said. “I think this does get closer to what we saw earlier on in the pandemic in terms of more businesses being temporarily closed.”
One difference, for instance, would be personal service businesses such as hair and nail salons, which are currently allowed to remain open with modifications. Those would be closed if L.A. County falls under the scope of the new state order.
Additionally, though L.A. County has already tightened capacity limits at nonessential retail, the state regulations would further lower the indoor cap at stores considered essential — from 25% to 20%.
The rules
Affected communities will be required to close personal service businesses, including hair and nail salons, playgrounds, zoos, museums, aquariums and wineries. Overnight, short-term stays at campgrounds would be prohibited. Restaurants will be required to return to takeout service only.
Retail businesses will be limited to 20% of their customer capacity inside at any one time, with requirements for store officials to ensure there’s no indoor drinking or eating.
Unlike the shutdown Newsom issued in the spring, most outdoor activities, including beach access and hiking, are not affected. Similar to other state government rules, the order allows local leaders to impose public health rules that are stricter. But stronger orders by the state would supersede more permissive local orders. That means the expected implementation of the order in Southern California would require, for example, restaurants to shutter outdoor dining currently allowed in their local jurisdiction.
The new restrictions appear to remove the distinction between essential and nonessential retail — a 20% cap on capacity at all stores is likely to significantly reduce capacity at essential retailers, including supermarkets and drugstores. In most of the state, essential stores had been capped at 50% of capacity; in L.A. County, they were capped at 35%; and in Santa Clara County, 25%.
Cardrooms will be required to shut down, and hotels won’t be allowed to accept tourists.
Entertainment production and professional sports continue to be allowed without a live audience. Santa Clara County, however, on Monday enacted a ban on contact sports, forcing the San Francisco 49ers to temporarily relocate to Arizona for the team’s December games.
Times staff writers John Myers and Jaclyn Cosgrove contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-12-04--Critically hurt Orange County firefighters were trapped between two spot fires

Two Orange County firefighters critically injured last month while battling the Silverado fire were overrun by flames that were ignited when their own crew set a defensive blaze , according to a preliminary report of the incident .
In a Green Sheet report summarizing serious injuries on fire incidents , investigators detailed how the two firefighters were part of a team of eight who suddenly became trapped between two spot fires on Oct. 26 .
The firefighters were positioned uphill of an ongoing “ firing operation , ” or a relatively small , defensive fire that crews use to burn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ larger , uncontrolled wildfires .
Crews had set the defensive fire at the bottom of a slope , in dry creek bed .
The expectation was the fire would burn along the creek bed , but also uphill where it would be stopped by a bulldozed containment line before reaching the firefighters .
The report says firefighters were scattered on the uphill side of the containment line like outfielders , watching for fires sparked by wind-blown embers — a well-known risk in windy conditions .
Sometime during or after the time the creek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ erupted 80 feet beyond the containment line and uphill of the firefighters in a bed of bone-dry fuel .
The blaze grew in size from 5-by-15 feet to 100-by-100 feet “ in an estimated five to 10 seconds , ” according to the report .
The firefighters moved up the slope to attack the fire , the report said .
But simultaneously , a second spot fire erupted downhill from the firefighters who were working the first spot fire .
“ A [ firefighter ] shouted , ‘ Get out of there , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” the report said .
A wildfire expert who was interviewed by The Times and who had read the report , speculated that the area blew up in a sort of “ area ignition , ” where vegetation is so dry and the air so hot that light fuels like grass will spontaneously combust , “ like gasoline going off.
” Six of the eight firefighters made it out of the path of the second spot fire with singed hair , the report said .
But the remaining two suffered critical burns , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tatters .
Both men remain hospitalized .
Frank Carroll , a retired , 31-year firefighting veteran with the U.S. Forest Service , who led hotshot crews and managed firefighting strategy during his career , said the incident revealed the inherent risks of battling wildfires in high winds .
It would be unfair to second-guess the crews for setting defensive fires in such conditions , since the fire broke out on the outskirts of suburban Orange County and was moving toward homes , increasing the urgency of containment .
“ That ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a firefighter in charge , what are you supposed to do ?
” he said .
“ If you fail to put that fire out , people are going to die .
So firefighters are trained to use all their tremendous skills and training to catch those fires and put them out .
And sometimes things go south.
” Carroll characterized California as “ some of the most dangerous initial-attack fire country in the whole United States ...
The rest of the country looks at California and these ... high-dry winds that come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of us.
” The report noted that the conditions found in the incident were common to incidents where firefighters suffer injuries — working a small section of a large fire ; working in relatively light fuels and working with fire that moved uphill .
The incident served as a reminder that , among other things , firefighters need to recognize how quickly conditions can change around them and plan for it .
They must also analyze the risks versus gains when developing a plan .
In light of how fast the flames @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the right choice in running instead of trying to deploy their fire shelters , a move of last resort when firefighters are overrun , Carroll said .
“ It takes 30 seconds to pull out your fire shelter and get in it , if you ’ re really well-trained and focused , ” he said .
“ They had no time to get out .
If they had stood still to rip out their shelters , they would ’ ve died standing there .
”

Two Orange County firefighters critically injured last month while battling the Silverado fire were overrun by flames that were ignited when their own crew set a defensive blaze, according to a preliminary report of the incident.
In a Green Sheet report summarizing serious injuries on fire incidents, investigators detailed how the two firefighters were part of a team of eight who suddenly became trapped between two spot fires on Oct. 26.
The firefighters were positioned uphill of an ongoing “firing operation,” or a relatively small, defensive fire that crews use to burn vegetation and possibly alter the path of larger, uncontrolled wildfires.
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Crews had set the defensive fire at the bottom of a slope, in dry creek bed. The expectation was the fire would burn along the creek bed, but also uphill where it would be stopped by a bulldozed containment line before reaching the firefighters.
The report says firefighters were scattered on the uphill side of the containment line like outfielders, watching for fires sparked by wind-blown embers — a well-known risk in windy conditions.
Sometime during or after the time the creek fire was set, a spot fire erupted 80 feet beyond the containment line and uphill of the firefighters in a bed of bone-dry fuel. The blaze grew in size from 5-by-15 feet to 100-by-100 feet “in an estimated five to 10 seconds,” according to the report.
The firefighters moved up the slope to attack the fire, the report said.
But simultaneously, a second spot fire erupted downhill from the firefighters who were working the first spot fire. “A [firefighter] shouted, ‘Get out of there, there’s a spot!’” the report said.
A wildfire expert who was interviewed by The Times and who had read the report, speculated that the area blew up in a sort of “area ignition,” where vegetation is so dry and the air so hot that light fuels like grass will spontaneously combust, “like gasoline going off.”
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Six of the eight firefighters made it out of the path of the second spot fire with singed hair, the report said. But the remaining two suffered critical burns, leaving their protective clothing scorched and in tatters. Both men remain hospitalized.
Frank Carroll, a retired, 31-year firefighting veteran with the U.S. Forest Service, who led hotshot crews and managed firefighting strategy during his career, said the incident revealed the inherent risks of battling wildfires in high winds. It would be unfair to second-guess the crews for setting defensive fires in such conditions, since the fire broke out on the outskirts of suburban Orange County and was moving toward homes, increasing the urgency of containment.
“That’s a huge difficult problem when you’re a firefighter in charge, what are you supposed to do?” he said. “If you fail to put that fire out, people are going to die. So firefighters are trained to use all their tremendous skills and training to catch those fires and put them out. And sometimes things go south.”
Carroll characterized California as “some of the most dangerous initial-attack fire country in the whole United States ... The rest of the country looks at California and these ... high-dry winds that come down and it just scares the hell out of us.”
The report noted that the conditions found in the incident were common to incidents where firefighters suffer injuries — working a small section of a large fire; working in relatively light fuels and working with fire that moved uphill.
The incident served as a reminder that, among other things, firefighters need to recognize how quickly conditions can change around them and plan for it. They must also analyze the risks versus gains when developing a plan.
In light of how fast the flames were moving, the injured firefighters made the right choice in running instead of trying to deploy their fire shelters, a move of last resort when firefighters are overrun, Carroll said.
“It takes 30 seconds to pull out your fire shelter and get in it, if you’re really well-trained and focused,” he said. “They had no time to get out. If they had stood still to rip out their shelters, they would’ve died standing there.”


latimes--2020-12-04--CSU leaders urged to take aggressive action to limit spread of COVID-19 amid surge

Presidents of the 23 campuses of the California State University system are being urged to delay the resumption of any face-to-face instruction— even for classes that have only a limited in-person component — and reassess plans for the end of fall term and beginning of spring term amid the dramatic increase in COVID-19 cases in California .
“ The pandemic ’ s progression , coupled with the reality that many of our students and employees will be traveling and/or socializing with others over the next several weeks ... creates an immediate urgency to review — and likely adjust — campus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White and Chancellor-select Joseph I. Castro , who will assume office Jan. 4 , wrote in a letter to campus presidents this week .
The two leaders urged campuses to delay any in-person instruction to as late as possible in January or even February , with appropriate testing , quarantining and tracing protocols in place , to mitigate the potential for virus transmission .
Education across the CSU is already primarily virtual , with only 7 % of classes systemwide offering in-person instruction .
White announced earlier this fall that mostly online classes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which at many campuses won ’ t begin until the third or fourth week of January .
The letter asked each president to reconvene campus teams and consult with local public health departments .
“ The goal is to review your campus ’ practices to further mitigate the human-to-human ( faculty , staff and students ) interaction for the duration of this current surge , ” estimated to last about eight weeks through the end of January , the letter said .
In addition to teaching , the leaders cited research , creative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the repopulation of residence halls as areas to consider in their planning .
They noted that individuals who engage in “ higher-risk behavior , ” such as traveling to areas with high rates of infection or participating in social gatherings in contravention of public health mandates , will pose a particular challenge , and that as people return to residence halls , they should be tested and quarantined appropriately .
Despite the closure of many campus buildings and facilities and the shift to primarily online instruction and services , several universities within and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreaks among students shortly after the start of the fall semester , forcing schools to walk back their limited reopening .
In their letter , White and Castro said the current surge will probably make previous experiences with the pandemic “ seem diminutive in comparison ” and that their decisions are based on two overarching priorities : protecting the health and safety of students , staff and faculty while enabling as many students as possible to continue making progress toward their degrees .
“ There are no perfect solutions , ” the two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to mitigate and decrease the spread of the virus as we await broad vaccine availability currently projected for spring or early summer 2021 .
”

A student passes by the Walter Pyramid at Cal State Long Beach after the campus moved to online-only classes on March 11, 2020, because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Presidents of the 23 campuses of the California State University system are being urged to delay the resumption of any face-to-face instruction— even for classes that have only a limited in-person component — and reassess plans for the end of fall term and beginning of spring term amid the dramatic increase in COVID-19 cases in California.
“The pandemic’s progression, coupled with the reality that many of our students and employees will be traveling and/or socializing with others over the next several weeks ... creates an immediate urgency to review — and likely adjust — campus plans,” CSU Chancellor Timothy P. White and Chancellor-select Joseph I. Castro, who will assume office Jan. 4, wrote in a letter to campus presidents this week.
The two leaders urged campuses to delay any in-person instruction to as late as possible in January or even February, with appropriate testing, quarantining and tracing protocols in place, to mitigate the potential for virus transmission.
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Education across the CSU is already primarily virtual, with only 7% of classes systemwide offering in-person instruction. White announced earlier this fall that mostly online classes would continue through the spring term, which at many campuses won’t begin until the third or fourth week of January.
The letter asked each president to reconvene campus teams and consult with local public health departments.
“The goal is to review your campus’ practices to further mitigate the human-to-human (faculty, staff and students) interaction for the duration of this current surge,” estimated to last about eight weeks through the end of January, the letter said.
In addition to teaching, the leaders cited research, creative activities, cultural activities, athletics and the repopulation of residence halls as areas to consider in their planning.
They noted that individuals who engage in “higher-risk behavior,” such as traveling to areas with high rates of infection or participating in social gatherings in contravention of public health mandates, will pose a particular challenge, and that as people return to residence halls, they should be tested and quarantined appropriately.
Despite the closure of many campus buildings and facilities and the shift to primarily online instruction and services, several universities within and outside of the CSU system experienced COVID-19 outbreaks among students shortly after the start of the fall semester, forcing schools to walk back their limited reopening.
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In their letter, White and Castro said the current surge will probably make previous experiences with the pandemic “seem diminutive in comparison” and that their decisions are based on two overarching priorities: protecting the health and safety of students, staff and faculty while enabling as many students as possible to continue making progress toward their degrees.
“There are no perfect solutions,” the two leaders wrote. “Our challenge is to mitigate and decrease the spread of the virus as we await broad vaccine availability currently projected for spring or early summer 2021.”


latimes--2020-12-05--Lockdowns are depressing and economically devastating. But California might not have a choice

Stay-at-home orders are increasingly unpopular , wreak havoc on the economy and leave some people feeling even more isolated and depressed .
But as California careens toward the most dangerous surge of the COVID-19 pandemic , many public health experts say the orders may well be the best — and possibly the only — way to slow the rapid spread of the virus .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s latest stay-at-home order has faced criticism from all sides , with some saying it ’ s too restrictive and will kill small businesses , while others question whether the rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be allowed to stay open .
Experts said the coronavirus is now spreading so quickly across the state and hospitalizations are soaring so fast that the time for incremental measures has passed , and the most effective way to bend the curve is to keep people home as much as possible .
Nuance can work in public health strategies , but sometimes “ when you take a more nuanced approach — what ’ s OK and what ’ s not OK — that makes people more confused , ” said Dr. Shruti @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and infection prevention at UC Irvine .
“ By unilaterally closing everything down , you do send the psychological message ... that we ought to stay home ; that now ’ s the time to hunker down again .
And that could save lives.
” Other parts of the world have been able to curb new surges with aggressive action .
When Europe saw a severe spike this fall , governments were forced to end an incremental approach and responded with swift lockdowns that turned the tide in just a few weeks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily coronavirus cases over October — decided to enact strong measures to deal with its second wave : imposing a broader curfew , from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. , in the bigger cities ; ordering the shutdown of nonessential businesses such as retail stores , restaurants and bars ; making masks mandatory for anyone age 6 and older ; and banning travel , including to second homes .
“ It suggests that these kinds of measures are met with fairly rapid success , like within a couple of weeks , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diseases expert at UC San Francisco .
In fact , some parts of California are now going a step further than Newsom .
Five counties in the Bay Area on Friday said they would get a head start and implement Newsom ’ s stay-at-home order at the beginning of next week , declining to wait until the region ’ s increasingly crowded intensive care units fall below 15 % of capacity , which is the state ’ s trigger for initiating the order .
“ It should ’ ve taken effect a week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like the Bay Area is doing .
I think the longer we wait , the more trouble we ’ re going to be in , ” said Dr. John Swartzberg , clinical professor emeritus of infectious diseases at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health .
By waiting longer to enact the order in the rest of the state , “ we may be out of ICU beds before the effects of the stay-at-home order really have a salutary effect.
” Southern California ’ s intensive-care bed shortage entered the zone Friday night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trigger the state ’ s stay-at-home order as early as Sunday .
On Friday night , the California Department of Public Health released new numbers showing that Southern California as well as the San Joaquin Valley now face a critical shortage of ICU beds , with each area having less than 15 % of its capacity available .
Once an order takes effect , it can take roughly two to three weeks before the effect is seen in intensive care units , as it generally takes that long before someone who is exposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need the ICU .
A stay-at-home order now would help California avoid plunging into a historic crisis that would leave the state ’ s intensive care units overwhelmed to a point never seen before in modern state history .
Not only would COVID-19 patients suffer from getting care from overwhelmed nurses and doctors , but so would victims of strokes , heart attacks and car crashes .
“ Today we had 22,000 cases , yesterday we had 18,700 , ” Dr. Mark Ghaly , the California Health and Human Services secretary , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these levels ... it tells you that the hospitals in just two weeks are going to be much more impacted than they are now.
” Some other countries have been able to avoid the painful shutdowns California is enduring .
That ’ s because they were far more successful in controlling the virus .
Taiwan has a death toll of just seven from the coronavirus , but never had to shut down broad swaths of the economy in part because officials instituted severe travel restrictions quickly and enforced strict quarantines , carefully monitoring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has about one-tenth of California ’ s death toll despite having more than triple the state ’ s population .
One reason is likely the nation ’ s adherence to universal mask wearing .
By contrast , the U.S. has arguably the world ’ s worst record in handling the pandemic .
The U.S. has 4 % of the world ’ s population but has 18 % of COVID-19 deaths .
The death toll of more than 279,000 is the worst of any nation worldwide .
“ One of the great failures in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ piecemeal patchwork set of responses , and that clearly does not work , ” said Dr. Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo , chair of UC San Francisco ’ s department of epidemiology and biostatistics .
Among the missteps : Political fights over wearing masks , both nationwide and in California , and a shoddy public health infrastructure , ill-equipped to enforce quarantines on arriving travelers .
“ What makes this crisis particularly dangerous to the U.S. is that we continue to have polarization and we really have not had the type of infrastructure investment in testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would expect for a country like ours , ” Bibbins-Domingo said .
The lack of ongoing substantial federal economic aid to businesses and workers suffering from pandemic restrictions has also played a role in fueling the latest outrage against new stay-at-home orders .
Economic shutdowns would be far more tolerable if the federal government were providing the kind of checks issued in the first wave of the pandemic .
Countries in Europe , by contrast , have much stronger social safety nets for people who get sick and those who lose work due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the general public .
It ’ s clear the restrictions are facing more pushback in Los Angeles County .
Parents have expressed outrage at playgrounds closing while retail businesses remain open .
The suspension of outdoor dining in L.A. County brought a lawsuit and protest , with owners and customers saying they were being unfairly targeted without clear evidence that eateries were spreading COVID .
High-profile incidents in which some of California ’ s top politicians dined with people outside their household at fancy restaurants while talking about the dangers have only fueled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experts say the dangers are real .
“ When you have widespread community transmission — as we are experiencing in this viral tsunami we now have — every place has to have control measures , ” said Dr. Robert Kim-Farley , medical epidemiologist and infectious diseases expert at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health .
“ At this stage , with this sharp increase in cases , basically all places are potentially at higher risk of transmissions.
” Playgrounds had been shut since the early days of the pandemic in March and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Since then , however , it ’ s become clear that kids and adults from different households still get pretty close to one another at a play structure , and some don ’ t wear masks , Ghaly said , even though that ’ s a requirement for those age 2 or older .
In addition , there ’ s no real way to enforce a capacity limit at many playgrounds , said Kate Folmar , a spokeswoman for the California Health and Human Services Agency .
One exception to the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including malls , to remain open , albeit at a capacity of just 20 % .
A big reason for that decision was what state officials observed in the spring .
With only certain stores , like those selling groceries , allowed open , that largely left only big-box stores open — and shoppers flocked there , resulting in long lines outside , and it was difficult for store employees to keep customers physically distanced as they waited , Ghaly said .
“ So the concept of having a broader range of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and sort of reduce the density in any one of these retail outlets — was the idea around keeping a broad swath of the retail sector open under this order , ” Ghaly said .
In fact , it ’ s possible that a big-box store at 20 % capacity is less risky than a small hair salon , given that — if everyone is following the rules — people are more than six feet from each other , the ventilation might be better , and they are spending less time in close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Anabel Garcia, left, walks with her aunt Sucelly Morales while visiting Plaza Mexico in Lynwood on Monday. They are from Gardena.
Stay-at-home orders are increasingly unpopular, wreak havoc on the economy and leave some people feeling even more isolated and depressed.
But as California careens toward the most dangerous surge of the COVID-19 pandemic, many public health experts say the orders may well be the best — and possibly the only — way to slow the rapid spread of the virus.
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s latest stay-at-home order has faced criticism from all sides, with some saying it’s too restrictive and will kill small businesses, while others question whether the rules are tough enough, wondering why malls will be allowed to stay open.
Experts said the coronavirus is now spreading so quickly across the state and hospitalizations are soaring so fast that the time for incremental measures has passed, and the most effective way to bend the curve is to keep people home as much as possible.
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Nuance can work in public health strategies, but sometimes “when you take a more nuanced approach — what’s OK and what’s not OK — that makes people more confused,” said Dr. Shruti Gohil, associate medical director of epidemiology and infection prevention at UC Irvine. “By unilaterally closing everything down, you do send the psychological message ... that we ought to stay home; that now’s the time to hunker down again. And that could save lives.”
Other parts of the world have been able to curb new surges with aggressive action.
When Europe saw a severe spike this fall, governments were forced to end an incremental approach and responded with swift lockdowns that turned the tide in just a few weeks.
France — which observed a quadrupling of daily coronavirus cases over October — decided to enact strong measures to deal with its second wave: imposing a broader curfew, from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., in the bigger cities; ordering the shutdown of nonessential businesses such as retail stores, restaurants and bars; making masks mandatory for anyone age 6 and older; and banning travel, including to second homes.
“It suggests that these kinds of measures are met with fairly rapid success, like within a couple of weeks,” said Dr. George Rutherford, epidemiologist and infectious diseases expert at UC San Francisco.
In fact, some parts of California are now going a step further than Newsom. Five counties in the Bay Area on Friday said they would get a head start and implement Newsom’s stay-at-home order at the beginning of next week, declining to wait until the region’s increasingly crowded intensive care units fall below 15% of capacity, which is the state’s trigger for initiating the order.
“It should’ve taken effect a week ago, or maybe right now, like the Bay Area is doing. I think the longer we wait, the more trouble we’re going to be in,” said Dr. John Swartzberg, clinical professor emeritus of infectious diseases at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health. By waiting longer to enact the order in the rest of the state, “we may be out of ICU beds before the effects of the stay-at-home order really have a salutary effect.”
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Southern California’s intensive-care bed shortage entered the zone Friday night that, if it persists, would trigger the state’s stay-at-home order as early as Sunday. On Friday night, the California Department of Public Health released new numbers showing that Southern California as well as the San Joaquin Valley now face a critical shortage of ICU beds, with each area having less than 15% of its capacity available.
Once an order takes effect, it can take roughly two to three weeks before the effect is seen in intensive care units, as it generally takes that long before someone who is exposed to the virus becomes sick enough to need the ICU.
A stay-at-home order now would help California avoid plunging into a historic crisis that would leave the state’s intensive care units overwhelmed to a point never seen before in modern state history.
Not only would COVID-19 patients suffer from getting care from overwhelmed nurses and doctors, but so would victims of strokes, heart attacks and car crashes.
“Today we had 22,000 cases, yesterday we had 18,700,” Dr. Mark Ghaly, the California Health and Human Services secretary, said Friday in an interview. “At these levels ... it tells you that the hospitals in just two weeks are going to be much more impacted than they are now.”
Some other countries have been able to avoid the painful shutdowns California is enduring. That’s because they were far more successful in controlling the virus.
Taiwan has a death toll of just seven from the coronavirus, but never had to shut down broad swaths of the economy in part because officials instituted severe travel restrictions quickly and enforced strict quarantines, carefully monitoring anyone coming into the country.
Japan has about one-tenth of California’s death toll despite having more than triple the state’s population. One reason is likely the nation’s adherence to universal mask wearing.
By contrast, the U.S. has arguably the world’s worst record in handling the pandemic. The U.S. has 4% of the world’s population but has 18% of COVID-19 deaths. The death toll of more than 279,000 is the worst of any nation worldwide.
“One of the great failures in the U.S. is that we have this piecemeal patchwork set of responses, and that clearly does not work,” said Dr. Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, chair of UC San Francisco’s department of epidemiology and biostatistics.
Among the missteps: Political fights over wearing masks, both nationwide and in California, and a shoddy public health infrastructure, ill-equipped to enforce quarantines on arriving travelers.
“What makes this crisis particularly dangerous to the U.S. is that we continue to have polarization and we really have not had the type of infrastructure investment in testing, tracing — all those things we would expect for a country like ours,” Bibbins-Domingo said.
The lack of ongoing substantial federal economic aid to businesses and workers suffering from pandemic restrictions has also played a role in fueling the latest outrage against new stay-at-home orders. Economic shutdowns would be far more tolerable if the federal government were providing the kind of checks issued in the first wave of the pandemic.
Countries in Europe, by contrast, have much stronger social safety nets for people who get sick and those who lose work due to shutdowns, lessening the blow to the general public.
It’s clear the restrictions are facing more pushback in Los Angeles County. Parents have expressed outrage at playgrounds closing while retail businesses remain open. The suspension of outdoor dining in L.A. County brought a lawsuit and protest, with owners and customers saying they were being unfairly targeted without clear evidence that eateries were spreading COVID.
High-profile incidents in which some of California’s top politicians dined with people outside their household at fancy restaurants while talking about the dangers have only fueled more skepticism and anger.
But many experts say the dangers are real.
“When you have widespread community transmission — as we are experiencing in this viral tsunami we now have — every place has to have control measures,” said Dr. Robert Kim-Farley, medical epidemiologist and infectious diseases expert at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health. “At this stage, with this sharp increase in cases, basically all places are potentially at higher risk of transmissions.”
Playgrounds had been shut since the early days of the pandemic in March and only began to reopen in late September. Since then, however, it’s become clear that kids and adults from different households still get pretty close to one another at a play structure, and some don’t wear masks, Ghaly said, even though that’s a requirement for those age 2 or older.
In addition, there’s no real way to enforce a capacity limit at many playgrounds, said Kate Folmar, a spokeswoman for the California Health and Human Services Agency.
One exception to the new stay-at-home order involves allowing nonessential retail stores, including malls, to remain open, albeit at a capacity of just 20%.
A big reason for that decision was what state officials observed in the spring. With only certain stores, like those selling groceries, allowed open, that largely left only big-box stores open — and shoppers flocked there, resulting in long lines outside, and it was difficult for store employees to keep customers physically distanced as they waited, Ghaly said.
“So the concept of having a broader range of places to be able to go — and sort of reduce the density in any one of these retail outlets — was the idea around keeping a broad swath of the retail sector open under this order,” Ghaly said.
In fact, it’s possible that a big-box store at 20% capacity is less risky than a small hair salon, given that — if everyone is following the rules — people are more than six feet from each other, the ventilation might be better, and they are spending less time in close contact with other people, Bibbins-Domingo said.