latimes--2020-05-07--Coronavirus undercuts LAPD recruitment just as a decline in black officers looms

Leaders of the Los Angeles Police Department are growing increasingly concerned about a looming decline in black officers on the force , particularly as pandemic-related restrictions on recruitment undercut their efforts to turn the tide .
“ That makes it really tough , with us being hampered by COVID-19 and unable to go out and do business as we normally do business , ” said Capt .
Aaron McCraney , commanding officer of the LAPD ’ s recruitment and employment division .
Black officers currently represent about 9 % of the police force , matching the percentage of black city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joined the force during a hiring push in the 1980s and ’ 90s and are expected to retire soon , McCraney said .
Some already have .
Without a robust effort to bring on more black officers now , officials estimate the force will be only about 5 % black within five years , McCraney said .
In a department that ’ s long struggled to earn trust in black communities , it ’ s an outcome no one wants .
The brutal beating of Rodney King by LAPD officers in 1991 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers were acquitted , highlighted long simmering tensions between black communities and police and cast a long shadow on the department .
A string of newer issues , including officers searching black and Latino motorists at disproportionate rates , have kept those tensions fresh .
Police Commission President Eileen Decker says the attrition has been a concern for more than a year , but the coronavirus ’ effect on recruitment has made things worse .
“ The Commission believes it is imperative that the Department not reduce the current percentage of African American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase the current percentage , ” Decker said in a statement .
Assistant Chief Beatrice Girmala briefed the commission last month on the upcoming retirements and the diminished recruitment due to the pandemic .
Chief Michel Moore has identified the coming decline as unacceptable and something to be headed off , McCraney said .
Moore wants the percentage of black officers not just on parity with city demographics , but also to go beyond it , McCraney said .
When Moore was sworn in as chief in 2018 , he said that increasing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was one of his goals .
“ He recognizes that many people in the African American community feel that there are not enough African American police officers , ” McCraney said .
“ A way to address that , and to work on community engagement in the African American community , is to look at going beyond parity.
” Civil rights organizations that advocate for cities to hire officers who look like the people they serve say a decline in black officers on the LAPD would be a step backward .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do something about this .
It ’ s their duty and responsibility to change this trajectory , ” said Scot X. Esdaile , chairman of the NAACP ’ s national criminal justice committee .
Esdaile said it was no wonder that young black people weren ’ t applying to become officers .
There is a long history of police abuse in the black community , including King ’ s beating , and the modern prevalence of cellphones and other cameras has meant documentation that the abuse persists today , he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , are pretty much turned off from being involved in the profession of law enforcement , ” he said .
“ This is a direct reflection of what ’ s going on across the country.
” Still , there must be black cops on police forces if departments are to have the trust they need in communities to get tips and solve crime , Esdaile said .
“ Law enforcement is going to have to find out a way , if they are sincere , for being more diversified , ” he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to protect and serve a community , it ’ s imperative that people see their own.
” The demographics of the LAPD , like the city , have changed dramatically in the last 30 years .
In 1990 , the force was 61.4 % white , 21.5 % Latino , 13.8 % black and 3 % Asian .
Now it is far more diverse , and more diverse than other big departments in the country , at about 50 % Latino , 30 % white , 10 % Asian Pacific Islander and 9 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbers mirror Los Angeles as a whole , which in 2019 was 48.6 % Latino , 28.5 % white , 11.6 % Asian and 8.9 % black , according to U.S. Census data .
But women , despite making up half the city ’ s population , account for only 18 % of department employees .
Girmala said that , before the pandemic , the police force was on pace to meet recruitment goals for hiring more black , Asian Pacific Islander and female officers .
Now , it has fallen behind .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at one of the biggest malls in Los Angeles , Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza , was recently canceled .
With schools , universities and churches closed , other recruitment opportunities also have been blocked .
As a result , “ our testing numbers have plummeted , ” he said .
In March , 392 people took the department ’ s test to become an officer , a 40 % drop over March 2019 , McCraney said .
The department has about 10,000 sworn officers , and 3,000 more civilian employees .
It generally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per year , to keep up with attrition , McCraney said .
That ’ s not easy even when there isn ’ t a pandemic .
In the past , only about 3 % of applicants have been hired , McCraney said .
More recently , the department has been hiring about 1 out of every 12 applicants , he said .
That means “ in order for us to hire 500 , we need to test probably 6,000 or 7,000 candidates , ” he said .
In addition to canceled recruitment events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in applications was due in part to a shift from in-person tests to online tests .
That transition could lead to more applicants in the long run but might have spurred a temporary slowdown .
He said he hadn ’ t seen any uptick in applications , even with the recent spike in unemployment — but had noticed those applying being extra diligent in seeing the process through .
The decline in test takers puts a personnel strain on an already depleted force .
As of this week , 87 department employees had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 846 tested , and another 111 were awaiting tests .
There were also 125 officers not working because of potential exposure to the virus .
One employee was hospitalized .
McCraney , who has been on the force for 28 years , said the department was now in the process of developing new social media and marketing campaigns to draw in the diverse candidates it wanted to see .
He hopes more diverse candidates consider the Police Department .
They should check out potential careers in the force , he said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ A lot of times , people look at how things were 20 , 30 , 50 years ago , and they apply it to today , ” he said .
“ I ’ d encourage people to come and help make the change .
Be the change.
” New officers in the department start at $ 67,000 a year .

Leaders of the Los Angeles Police Department are growing increasingly concerned about a looming decline in black officers on the force, particularly as pandemic-related restrictions on recruitment undercut their efforts to turn the tide.
“That makes it really tough, with us being hampered by COVID-19 and unable to go out and do business as we normally do business,” said Capt. Aaron McCraney, commanding officer of the LAPD’s recruitment and employment division.
Black officers currently represent about 9% of the police force, matching the percentage of black city residents. But many of those officers joined the force during a hiring push in the 1980s and ’90s and are expected to retire soon, McCraney said. Some already have.
Advertisement
Without a robust effort to bring on more black officers now, officials estimate the force will be only about 5% black within five years, McCraney said.
In a department that’s long struggled to earn trust in black communities, it’s an outcome no one wants.
The brutal beating of Rodney King by LAPD officers in 1991, which was followed by rioting when the officers were acquitted, highlighted long simmering tensions between black communities and police and cast a long shadow on the department. A string of newer issues, including officers searching black and Latino motorists at disproportionate rates, have kept those tensions fresh.
Police Commission President Eileen Decker says the attrition has been a concern for more than a year, but the coronavirus’ effect on recruitment has made things worse.
“The Commission believes it is imperative that the Department not reduce the current percentage of African American police officers and our goal is to increase the current percentage,” Decker said in a statement.
Assistant Chief Beatrice Girmala briefed the commission last month on the upcoming retirements and the diminished recruitment due to the pandemic. Chief Michel Moore has identified the coming decline as unacceptable and something to be headed off, McCraney said.
Moore wants the percentage of black officers not just on parity with city demographics, but also to go beyond it, McCraney said. When Moore was sworn in as chief in 2018, he said that increasing the number of black and women officers was one of his goals.
Advertisement
“He recognizes that many people in the African American community feel that there are not enough African American police officers,” McCraney said. “A way to address that, and to work on community engagement in the African American community, is to look at going beyond parity.”
Civil rights organizations that advocate for cities to hire officers who look like the people they serve say a decline in black officers on the LAPD would be a step backward.
“It’s on law enforcement and politicians to do something about this. It’s their duty and responsibility to change this trajectory,” said Scot X. Esdaile, chairman of the NAACP’s national criminal justice committee.
Esdaile said it was no wonder that young black people weren’t applying to become officers. There is a long history of police abuse in the black community, including King’s beating, and the modern prevalence of cellphones and other cameras has meant documentation that the abuse persists today, he said.
“Young people, young black people, are pretty much turned off from being involved in the profession of law enforcement,” he said. “This is a direct reflection of what’s going on across the country.”
Still, there must be black cops on police forces if departments are to have the trust they need in communities to get tips and solve crime, Esdaile said.
“Law enforcement is going to have to find out a way, if they are sincere, for being more diversified,” he said. “If you’re going to protect and serve a community, it’s imperative that people see their own.”
The demographics of the LAPD, like the city, have changed dramatically in the last 30 years.
In 1990, the force was 61.4% white, 21.5% Latino, 13.8% black and 3% Asian. Now it is far more diverse, and more diverse than other big departments in the country, at about 50% Latino, 30% white, 10% Asian Pacific Islander and 9% black, McCraney said.
Those numbers mirror Los Angeles as a whole, which in 2019 was 48.6% Latino, 28.5% white, 11.6% Asian and 8.9% black, according to U.S. Census data.
But women, despite making up half the city’s population, account for only 18% of department employees.
Girmala said that, before the pandemic, the police force was on pace to meet recruitment goals for hiring more black, Asian Pacific Islander and female officers. Now, it has fallen behind.
McCraney said a major recruitment fair planned at one of the biggest malls in Los Angeles, Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, was recently canceled. With schools, universities and churches closed, other recruitment opportunities also have been blocked.
As a result, “our testing numbers have plummeted,” he said.
In March, 392 people took the department’s test to become an officer, a 40% drop over March 2019, McCraney said.
The department has about 10,000 sworn officers, and 3,000 more civilian employees. It generally likes to hire about 500 new officers per year, to keep up with attrition, McCraney said. That’s not easy even when there isn’t a pandemic.
In the past, only about 3% of applicants have been hired, McCraney said. More recently, the department has been hiring about 1 out of every 12 applicants, he said. That means “in order for us to hire 500, we need to test probably 6,000 or 7,000 candidates,” he said.
In addition to canceled recruitment events, McCraney said he suspected the decline in applications was due in part to a shift from in-person tests to online tests. That transition could lead to more applicants in the long run but might have spurred a temporary slowdown.
He said he hadn’t seen any uptick in applications, even with the recent spike in unemployment — but had noticed those applying being extra diligent in seeing the process through.
The decline in test takers puts a personnel strain on an already depleted force.
As of this week, 87 department employees had tested positive for coronavirus infection, out of 846 tested, and another 111 were awaiting tests. There were also 125 officers not working because of potential exposure to the virus. One employee was hospitalized.
McCraney, who has been on the force for 28 years, said the department was now in the process of developing new social media and marketing campaigns to draw in the diverse candidates it wanted to see.
He hopes more diverse candidates consider the Police Department. They should check out potential careers in the force, he said, and not rely on preconceived notions.
“A lot of times, people look at how things were 20, 30, 50 years ago, and they apply it to today,” he said. “I’d encourage people to come and help make the change. Be the change.”
New officers in the department start at $67,000 a year.
Times reporter Leila Miller contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-05-07--Brush fire erupts in exclusive Hollister Ranch amid strong winds and sweltering temperatures

A brush fire bolstered by strong sundowner winds erupted early Thursday , charring 200 acres and threatening homes in the exclusive coastal enclave of Hollister Ranch in Santa Barbara County .
The fire broke out shortly after 2 a.m. in medium brush between Gaviota State Beach and the Hollister Ranch guard gate .
The blaze , pushed by gusty winds blowing up to 25 mph , quickly began burning downhill toward the ocean , said Daniel Bertucelli , a spokesman for the Santa Barbara County Fire Department .
Roughly 120 firefighters are battling the blaze , which is 10 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aircraft and water-dropping helicopters .
The rural coastal area ’ s topography , which presents access challenges for firefighters , is frequently buffeted by strong winds .
The sundowner winds , similar to Santa Ana winds , have fueled many brush fires in Southern California , including the massive Thomas fire , which burned more than 281,000 acres in 2017 .
Officials issued voluntary evacuation warnings for a handful of properties in the area .
However , those residents chose to shelter in place .
No homes have been damaged , Bertucelli said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fire started .
While fire activity appeared to have diminished significantly by daybreak , crews still face another hot day in the region , with temperatures spiking up to 90 degrees in the area .
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the coastal region through 9 p.m. “ Looking at it now , I feel pretty good about it , but we ’ re going to continue to be cautious , ” Bertucelli said .
“ With the heat wave that we ’ re having and the windy conditions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take anything for granted.
” Another day of sweltering temperatures is also in store elsewhere across Southern California .
A heat advisory is in effect for Los Angeles County , warning of temperatures between 85 and 90 degrees along the coast and up to 100 degrees inland .
In downtown Los Angeles , temperatures are expected to spike to 95 degrees on Thursday , a roughly 20-degree departure from normal for this time of year , said David Sweet , a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard .
Temperatures in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even higher .
Woodland Hills is expected to see the mercury rise to 100 degrees , Sweet said .
“ It ’ s definitely going to be another hot day , but we ’ ll start to see some cooling today in areas closest to the coast , ” Sweet said .
In response , Los Angeles County opened emergency cooling centers that will provide relief from the heat while also complying with physical-distancing guidelines implemented in response to .
This week ’ s heat has even broken some temperature records .
Los @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday , breaking the previous record for the day of 84 degrees set in 1953 , according to the weather service .
Cooler conditions and a thicker marine layer will begin to return Friday and over the weekend into early next week , the weather service said .

A firefighter battles a brush fire that broke out in the Hollister Ranch area of Santa Barbara County early Thursday.
A brush fire bolstered by strong sundowner winds erupted early Thursday, charring 200 acres and threatening homes in the exclusive coastal enclave of Hollister Ranch in Santa Barbara County.
The fire broke out shortly after 2 a.m. in medium brush between Gaviota State Beach and the Hollister Ranch guard gate. The blaze, pushed by gusty winds blowing up to 25 mph, quickly began burning downhill toward the ocean, said Daniel Bertucelli, a spokesman for the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.
Roughly 120 firefighters are battling the blaze, which is 10% contained, with the help of fixed-wing aircraft and water-dropping helicopters. The rural coastal area’s topography, which presents access challenges for firefighters, is frequently buffeted by strong winds.
Advertisement
The sundowner winds, similar to Santa Ana winds, have fueled many brush fires in Southern California, including the massive Thomas fire, which burned more than 281,000 acres in 2017.
Officials issued voluntary evacuation warnings for a handful of properties in the area. However, those residents chose to shelter in place. No homes have been damaged, Bertucelli said.
It is not clear how the fire started.
While fire activity appeared to have diminished significantly by daybreak, crews still face another hot day in the region, with temperatures spiking up to 90 degrees in the area. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the coastal region through 9 p.m.
“Looking at it now, I feel pretty good about it, but we’re going to continue to be cautious,” Bertucelli said. “With the heat wave that we’re having and the windy conditions, we don’t want to take anything for granted.”
Another day of sweltering temperatures is also in store elsewhere across Southern California.
Advertisement
A heat advisory is in effect for Los Angeles County, warning of temperatures between 85 and 90 degrees along the coast and up to 100 degrees inland.
In downtown Los Angeles, temperatures are expected to spike to 95 degrees on Thursday, a roughly 20-degree departure from normal for this time of year, said David Sweet, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard.
Temperatures in the San Fernando Valley are expected to be even higher. Woodland Hills is expected to see the mercury rise to 100 degrees, Sweet said.
“It’s definitely going to be another hot day, but we’ll start to see some cooling today in areas closest to the coast,” Sweet said.
In response, Los Angeles County 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 .
This week’s heat has even broken some temperature records. Los Angeles International Airport reached 86 degrees on Wednesday, breaking the previous record for the day of 84 degrees set in 1953, according to the weather service.
Cooler conditions and a thicker marine layer will begin to return Friday and over the weekend into early next week, the weather service said.


latimes--2020-05-07--California reopening begins Friday: Here is what it is going to look like

California will begin the first steps in easing stay-at-home orders Friday .
The latest changes in Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s four-stage plan to gradually reopen the state expand decision-making at the local level , allowing some communities to move further ahead into the second phase of the reopening process at their own pace and open more businesses beyond those outlined in the statewide policy .
The changes will affect a small set of businesses at first and are unlikely to jump-start the coronavirus-battered economy in a significant way .
Newsom on Monday announced modest changes to take effect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toy stores , sporting goods stores , clothing stores and florists can reopen for curbside pickup .
Additional businesses could be added to the list later , also with curbside pickup .
Factories that supply those businesses would also be allowed to resume operating .
Here is where California stands : L.A. County officials on Wednesday laid out first steps toward easing stay-at-home orders which have been credited with slowing the spread of the coronavirus .
The county remains at the center of the outbreak in California , with more than 1,300 deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 800 new cases reported Wednesday .
Under the county plan , select retailers — including those that sell flowers , toys , music , books , clothing and sporting goods — car dealers and other types of bricks-and-mortar businesses will be allowed to open for curbside pickup only starting Friday .
In-store shopping will not be permitted .
Under the plan , 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules are being relaxed , Los Angeles city leaders are also considering more restrictions .
Among them is a requirement that all Angelenos wear a mask or other facial covering whenever they leave their homes , a proposal championed by City Councilman Paul Koretz as a way to prevent new infections .
“ The last thing we need is another spike in cases to set us back as we ’ re trying to move forward , ” Koretz said .
“ People still walk dogs .
They still ride bicycles .
They still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This would reduce the spread.
” The City Council has not decided to draft such a law , but voted Wednesday to ask city staffers to report back on health guidelines for wearing face coverings , what requirements have been imposed by other cities and how such rules might be enforced .
And beginning Monday , anyone traveling through Los Angeles International Airport must wear a mask or face covering , Mayor Eric Garcetti announced .
Health officials on Wednesday also outlined for the first time a five-stage plan for reopening L.A. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be permitted to reopen with conditions this week under Stage 2 , the county hopes to allow other low-risk business — including manufacturers , offices and larger retail — to also open their doors soon .
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 .
L.A. County beaches remain closed for the time being .
With some people calling for a faster reopening of businesses and others urging caution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials say they are sticking with a plan to begin a slow and phased reopening of some retailers Friday .
“ San Diegans have sacrificed much to flatten the curve , and many are now struggling , ” City Councilman Scott Sherman said Wednesday , referring to the fact that there has not been a surge of patients in the local hospital system .
“ Our region has shown that we can act responsibly .
I urge the County Board of Supervisors to begin immediate work so our region can move more quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Economists have suggested that the unemployment rate could be more than 20 % in San Diego County , elected officials said .
“ The only way to get our region back to work is through our small businesses , ” San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones said .
“ Ninety-eight percent of businesses in our region are small businesses .
It ’ s only right that small-business owners who can open responsibly be given the same opportunities as big box corporations.
” El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells said , “ I appreciate the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the curve of this dangerous virus , but now is the time to give local governments more control to safely open up our economy.
” County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher said the fact that the curve had been flattened was not a sign that the crisis was over , but rather an indication that the county ’ s response has worked .
“ The integrity of our health system remains at risk if we don ’ t do this responsibly , if we don ’ t do it in the right order and if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the right way , ” he said .
Ventura County is gearing up to allow some of its businesses to open by the end of the week .
Curbside pickup will be available at bookstores , clothing stores , florists and sporting goods stores , according to County Executive Officer Michael Powers .
Associated manufacturers and supply chains for these retail stores will also be allowed to open .
The county is expected to receive more guidance from the governor ’ s office before Friday on how such openings should be handled .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a while , ” said Rigoberto Vargas , the county ’ s public health director , during Tuesday ’ s Board of Supervisors meeting .
Vargas told the board that health officials are proceeding with optimism and caution , and that they ’ ll monitor the opening in case they need to reinstate stay-at-home measures .
Officials say the Bay Area ’ s stay-at-home orders will continue to be enforced and most stores will remain closed even as statewide guidelines are relaxed .
Mayor London Breed said Wednesday the city will retain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that has “ everything to do ” with the in the Bay Area .
“ The numbers are still going up , ” Breed said .
“ The number of deaths are still going up and we have not lowered the curve , and we have to be mindful of that .
“ The more that people have interactions with other people , the [ greater the ] likelihood that other folks will continue to get infected.
” Dr. Grant Colfax , San Francisco ’ s public health director , said one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before reopening is the ability to trace contacts of infected people and test them for the coronavirus .
“ We are still building our surveillance system across the Bay Area , ” he said .
To do that , local officials are working with scientists from the city ’ s public hospital , UC San Francisco and UC Berkeley .
“ We must hold steady and let the data guide us , ” he said .
After seeing Orange County beaches closed by Newsom last week , officials cheered as most of them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On April 28 , the county released some general guidelines for how businesses could operate as stay-at-home orders are relaxed .
Employers should require customer-facing workers to wear disposable gloves or wash their hands or use hand sanitizer every 30 minutes , according to the guidelines .
“ Face coverings should be provided to all employees , ” the guidelines state .
“ All employees , before starting a shift , should have their temperatures taken and not be permitted to work upon a temperature reading above 100.4 degrees.
” Patrons “ should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the guidelines add .
Businesses also should “ make every effort to limit touch points , ” according to the guidelines , and “ significantly increase [ the ] frequency of sanitizing workstations and equipment.
” The guidelines also include wording related to physical distancing in the workplace — “ a minimum of six feet should be maintained between customer-facing employees and the general public and , to the extent practical , between employee workstations .
Where six feet ... between workstations is impractical , face coverings should be worn.
” When practical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the guidelines .
The Riverside County Board of Supervisors , after more than eight hours of debate , voted Tuesday to delay a vote on whether to rescind the county ’ s health orders and wait until Newsom provides more guidelines later this week .
Riverside County has some of the strictest public health orders in the state .
Officials met to discuss whether the county should that closed schools , restricted golf courses , and required people to stay six feet apart and wear facial coverings while grocery shopping and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the county ’ s public health officer , had put the restrictions in place until June 19 .
Local officials said they are prepared to allow some low-risk businesses to reopen when Newsom gives the go-ahead .
Those could include retailers that can accommodate social distancing .
Some outdoor public spaces also could reopen .
“ The county has progressed in fighting COVID-19 , and while we ’ re well-prepared and ready to respond to a surge , we ’ re happy to report in the last 30 days , as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ curve , ” county Chief Executive Leonard Hernandez told the San Bernardino Sun .
Times staff writers Luke Money , Rong-Gong Lin II , Kailyn Brown and Phil Willon contributed to this report .

Hannah Fry, Marisa Gerber, Maura Dolan, Priscella Vega, Gary Warth

Jaime Miranda creates an arrangement at Lupita’s Flowers in downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday. Flower wholesalers have already been allowed to reopen and other select retailers can open Friday.
California will begin the first steps in easing stay-at-home orders Friday.
The latest changes in Gov. Gavin Newsom’s four-stage plan to gradually reopen the state expand decision-making at the local level, allowing some communities to move further ahead into the second phase of the reopening process at their own pace and open more businesses beyond those outlined in the statewide policy.
The changes will affect a small set of businesses at first and are unlikely to jump-start the coronavirus-battered economy in a significant way.
Advertisement
But officials say it’s a start.
Newsom on Monday announced modest changes to take effect Friday. Bookstores, music stores, toy stores, sporting goods stores, clothing stores and florists can reopen for curbside pickup. Additional businesses could be added to the list later, also with curbside pickup. Factories that supply those businesses would also be allowed to resume operating.
Here is where California stands:
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.
Los Angeles County
L.A. County officials on Wednesday laid out first steps toward easing stay-at-home orders , which have been credited with slowing the spread of the coronavirus. The county remains at the center of the outbreak in California, with more than 1,300 deaths and 28,000 confirmed cases, including about 800 new cases reported Wednesday.
Under the county plan, select retailers — including those that sell flowers, toys, music, books, clothing and sporting goods — car dealers and other types of bricks-and-mortar businesses will be allowed to open for curbside pickup only starting Friday. In-store shopping will not be permitted.
Under the plan, 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.
Advertisement
At the same time some rules are being relaxed, Los Angeles city leaders are also considering more restrictions.
Among them is a requirement that all Angelenos wear a mask or other facial covering whenever they leave their homes, a proposal championed by City Councilman Paul Koretz as a way to prevent new infections.
“The last thing we need is another spike in cases to set us back as we’re trying to move forward,” Koretz said. “People still walk dogs. They still ride bicycles. They still may stop and chat with their neighbors. This would reduce the spread.”
The City Council has not decided to draft such a law, but voted Wednesday to ask city staffers to report back on health guidelines for wearing face coverings, what requirements have been imposed by other cities and how such rules might be enforced.
And beginning Monday, anyone traveling through Los Angeles International Airport must wear a mask or face covering, Mayor Eric Garcetti announced.
Health officials on Wednesday also 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 allow other low-risk business — including manufacturers, offices and larger retail — to also open their doors soon.
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.
L.A. County beaches remain closed for the time being.
San Diego County
With some people calling for a faster reopening of businesses and others urging caution about moving too quickly, county health officials say they are sticking with a plan to begin a slow and phased reopening of some retailers Friday.
“San Diegans have sacrificed much to flatten the curve, and many are now struggling,” City Councilman Scott Sherman said Wednesday, referring to the fact that there has not been a surge of patients in the local hospital system. “Our region has shown that we can act responsibly. I urge the County Board of Supervisors to begin immediate work so our region can move more quickly through Phase 2 and open more businesses.”
Economists have suggested that the unemployment rate could be more than 20% in San Diego County, elected officials said.
“The only way to get our region back to work is through our small businesses,” San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones said. “Ninety-eight percent of businesses in our region are small businesses. It’s only right that small-business owners who can open responsibly be given the same opportunities as big box corporations.”
El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells said, “I appreciate the strong efforts of the governor to flatten the curve of this dangerous virus, but now is the time to give local governments more control to safely open up our economy.”
County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher said the fact that the curve had been flattened was not a sign that the crisis was over, but rather an indication that the county’s response has worked.
“The integrity of our health system remains at risk if we don’t do this responsibly, if we don’t do it in the right order and if we don’t do it in the right way,” he said.
Ventura County
Ventura County is gearing up to allow some of its businesses to open by the end of the week.
Curbside pickup will be available at bookstores, clothing stores, florists and sporting goods stores, according to County Executive Officer Michael Powers. Associated manufacturers and supply chains for these retail stores will also be allowed to open.
The county is expected to receive more guidance from the governor’s office before Friday on how such openings should be handled.
“Social distancing will stay with us for a while,” said Rigoberto Vargas, the county’s public health director, during Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting.
Vargas told the board that health officials are proceeding with optimism and caution, and that they’ll monitor the opening in case they need to reinstate stay-at-home measures.
San Francisco Bay Area
Officials say the Bay Area’s stay-at-home orders will continue to be enforced and most stores will remain closed even as statewide guidelines are relaxed.
Mayor London Breed said Wednesday the city will retain tighter restrictions than what the state requires, and that has “everything to do” with the numbers of cases and deaths in the Bay Area.
“The numbers are still going up,” Breed said. “The number of deaths are still going up and we have not lowered the curve, and we have to be mindful of that.
“The more that people have interactions with other people, the [greater the] likelihood that other folks will continue to get infected.”
Dr. Grant Colfax, San Francisco’s public health director, said one of the goals that need to be met before reopening is the ability to trace contacts of infected people and test them for the coronavirus.
“We are still building our surveillance system across the Bay Area,” he said. To do that, local officials are working with scientists from the city’s public hospital, UC San Francisco and UC Berkeley.
“We must hold steady and let the data guide us,” he said.
Orange County
After seeing Orange County beaches closed by Newsom last week, officials cheered as most of them were allowed to reopen this week.
On April 28, the county released some general guidelines for how businesses could operate as stay-at-home orders are relaxed.
Employers should require customer-facing workers to wear disposable gloves or wash their hands or use hand sanitizer every 30 minutes, according to the guidelines.
“Face coverings should be provided to all employees,” the guidelines state. “All employees, before starting a shift, should have their temperatures taken and not be permitted to work upon a temperature reading above 100.4 degrees.”
Patrons “should also wear appropriate face coverings,” the guidelines add.
Businesses also should “make every effort to limit touch points,” according to the guidelines, and “significantly increase [the] frequency of sanitizing workstations and equipment.”
The guidelines also include wording related to physical distancing in the workplace — “a minimum of six feet should be maintained between customer-facing employees and the general public and, to the extent practical, between employee workstations. Where six feet ... between workstations is impractical, face coverings should be worn.”
When practical, businesses also should allow telecommuting, according to the guidelines.
Riverside County
The Riverside County Board of Supervisors, after more than eight hours of debate, voted Tuesday to delay a vote on whether to rescind the county’s health orders and wait until Newsom provides more guidelines later this week.
Riverside County has some of the strictest public health orders in the state.
Officials met to discuss whether the county should lift local orders that closed schools, restricted golf courses, and required people to stay six feet apart and wear facial coverings while grocery shopping and during other essential activities.
Cameron Kaiser, the county’s public health officer, had put the restrictions in place until June 19.
San Bernardino County
Local officials said they are prepared to allow some low-risk businesses to reopen when Newsom gives the go-ahead. Those could include retailers that can accommodate social distancing.
Some outdoor public spaces also could reopen.
“The county has progressed in fighting COVID-19, and while we’re well-prepared and ready to respond to a surge, we’re happy to report in the last 30 days, as a county, we’ve flattened the curve,” county Chief Executive Leonard Hernandez told the San Bernardino Sun.
The county plans to submit a recovery plan Thursday.
Times staff writers Luke Money, Rong-Gong Lin II, Kailyn Brown and Phil Willon contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-05-07--Pool rules: Riverside County says spread out, stay in your lane

With temperatures rising and summer fast approaching , Riverside County health officials issued coronavirus-related guidelines Wednesday for pool use .
The recommendations , which county officials stressed are not requirements , apply to pools and spas in apartment complexes or operated by homeowners associations .
City- and county-run pools in the area are still closed .
People should continue to keep 6 feet of separation , the guidance suggests , and swimmers should limit themselves to lanes .
While residents of the same home can swim together , large groups and pool parties are still a no-go , county officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be properly spaced , or stowed if distancing is not possible .
Residents should wear a face covering when making their way through common areas — including to and from the pool and in shared restrooms — and regularly sanitize their hands .
Pool operators also are recommended to limit spa occupancy to one person or household at a time , or close those features entirely , and to develop scheduled times for pool use on anticipated busy days .
The guidelines — which the Riverside County Department of Environmental Health developed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kaiser — also recommend that pool operators should regularly inspect and restock shared bathrooms , disinfect commonly touched surfaces , post advisory signs and monitor and maintain chlorine levels in the water .
“ While we continue to stay in place , we want residents to benefit from as much safe activity outdoors as possible , ” Board of Supervisors Chairman V. Manuel Perez said in a statement .
“ These guidelines are a sensible way to do that with community swimming pools.
” Riverside , like other counties throughout California , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some restrictions on outdoor recreation that were put in place to help stem the spread of the coronavirus .
In late April , the county began allowing some parks , trails and recreation areas including golf courses and tennis courts to reopen .
However , Kaiser later extended the county health order requiring residents to wear face coverings and practice social distancing through June 19 .
The Riverside County Board of Supervisors debated whether to rescind that order Tuesday , but ultimately held off on making a decision .
As of Thursday morning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases in Riverside County and 186 deaths .
Both those figures are second only to Los Angeles County .

A child dives into the pool at the Bobby Bonds Community Center in Riverside.
With temperatures rising and summer fast approaching, Riverside County health officials issued coronavirus-related guidelines Wednesday for pool use.
The recommendations, which county officials stressed are not requirements, apply to pools and spas in apartment complexes or operated by homeowners associations. City- and county-run pools in the area are still closed.
People should continue to keep 6 feet of separation, the guidance suggests, and swimmers should limit themselves to lanes.
While residents of the same home can swim together, large groups and pool parties are still a no-go, county officials said. Tables and lounge chairs also should be properly spaced, or stowed if distancing is not possible.
Advertisement
California Coronavirus updates: NFL prepared to alter schedule if necessary The Los Angeles Times will provide around-the-clock updates on COVID-19 from across Southern California and around the world.Tracking the coronavirus in California: latest numbers | Support our journalism with a subscriptionHave a question about coronavirus? Send us your questions here. | You also can sign up for our newsletterSee latest photo galleryCoronavirus updates for May 6 are here
Residents should wear a face covering when making their way through common areas — including to and from the pool and in shared restrooms — and regularly sanitize their hands.
Pool operators also are recommended to limit spa occupancy to one person or household at a time, or close those features entirely, and to develop scheduled times for pool use on anticipated busy days.
The guidelines — which the Riverside County Department of Environmental Health developed in consultation with Health Officer Dr. Cameron Kaiser — also recommend that pool operators should regularly inspect and restock shared bathrooms, disinfect commonly touched surfaces, post advisory signs and monitor and maintain chlorine levels in the water.
“While we continue to stay in place, we want residents to benefit from as much safe activity outdoors as possible,” Board of Supervisors Chairman V. Manuel Perez said in a statement. “These guidelines are a sensible way to do that with community swimming pools.”
Riverside, like other counties throughout California, has over the past few weeks gradually relaxed some restrictions on outdoor recreation that were put in place to help stem the spread of the coronavirus.
Advertisement
In late April, the county began allowing some parks, trails and recreation areas including golf courses and tennis courts to reopen. However, Kaiser later extended the county health order requiring residents to wear face coverings and practice social distancing through June 19.
The Riverside County Board of Supervisors debated whether to rescind that order Tuesday, but ultimately held off on making a decision.
As of Thursday morning, there had been 4,672 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Riverside County and 186 deaths. Both those figures are second only to Los Angeles County.


latimes--2020-05-07--Open for business in Yuba and Sutter counties

Reopening .
It ’ s a word we have waited close to two months to hear .
Some of the @ @ @ @ @ a jump on the rest of the state earlier this week , defying statewide restrictions @ @ @ @ @ counties , north of Sacramento , restaurants , tattoo parlors and florists have opened their @ @ @ @ @ for the counties ordered the easing of restrictions .
But there was fallout .
California @ @ @ @ @ risked losing their licenses to operate .
Health officer Dr. Phuong Luu also expressed concern @ @ @ @ @ distancing or wearing face coverings while visiting local shops .
Unlike metropolitan areas of California @ @ @ @ @ little affected by the coronavirus crisis , with only one suspected case as of Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ begins the first steps in easing stay-at-home orders on Friday .

Reopening. It’s a word we have waited close to two months to hear. Some of the rural counties in California got a jump on the rest of the state earlier this week, defying statewide restrictions.
In Sutter and Yuba counties, north of Sacramento, restaurants, tattoo parlors and florists have opened their doors. The health officer for the counties ordered the easing of restrictions. But there was fallout. California officials warned that some businesses risked losing their licenses to operate. Health officer Dr. Phuong Luu also expressed concern that people were not social distancing or wearing face coverings while visiting local shops.
Unlike metropolitan areas of California, the counties have been little affected by the coronavirus crisis, with only one suspected case as of Tuesday.
The rest of California begins the first steps in easing stay-at-home orders on Friday.
Advertisement
Ted Crumby, left, of Meridian, and Dennis Hillard, of Citrus Heights, meet for lunch at Linda’s Soda Bar and Grill in Yuba City. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)
Customers wait in line for body piercings at Heart & Soul Tattoo in Yuba City. (Gary Coronado/Los Angeles Times)
Tattoo artist Andrew Wagner applies an octopus design to the arm of Jordan Curiel at Heart & Soul Tattoo in Yuba City. The shop closes at 3 p.m. for an hour to sanitize the space. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)
Genesis Nieves, with Heart & Soul Tattoo owner Jake Hunter, has come to the Yuba City for a nose piercing. (Gary Coronado/Los Angeles Times)
Kim Hamilton, floral designer, prepares arrangements for Mother’s Day at Elegante Petals in Yuba City. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)
Wes Heryford, center, works on Ben Martin at Butte House Barber Shop in Yuba City. Heryford closed his business but said: “It was difficult to pay my bills and make ends meet for my family.” (Gary Coronado/Los Angeles Times)
Advertisement
Plumas Street in downtown in Yuba City. (Gary Coronado/Los Angeles Times)
Anthony Frank, center, and wife Melia Campbell enjoy their first night out in weeks at Silver Dollar Saloon in Marysville. Sutter and Yuba counties defied state orders in allowing sit-down dining early. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)
Lanie Gil cleans a table where guests recently had lunch at Courthouse Cafe in Marysville. (Gary Coronado/Los Angeles Times)
A guest leaves with a take-out order at Courthouse Cafe in Marysville. (Gary Coronado/Los Angeles Times)


latimes--2020-05-07--Coronavirus plunges California into worst budget deficit in state history

California ’ s government faces a $ 54.3-billion budget deficit through next summer according to an analysis released Thursday by advisors to Gov .
Gavin Newsom , marking the largest projected fiscal hole in state history and raising the possibility of deep spending cuts or substantial new tax revenues to make up the difference .
The estimate accounts for both a rapid erosion of tax revenues and a growing need for health and human services programs .
While it measures the gap between revenues and expenditures based on projections made by Newsom in January rather than existing funds , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state ’ s economy , one created in just a matter of weeks by the fast-moving COVID-19 pandemic .
“ This is a global pandemic , ” Newsom said .
“ And there ’ s not an economy around the world that has substantively , at least , been immune.
” Newsom ’ s budget team forecasts a $ 41.2-billion drop in tax revenue compared with their estimates from just four months ago .
Most of that — $ 32.2 billion — would appear in the fiscal year that begins in July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the report , are expected to miss the mark by $ 9.7 billion , even though most of the state ’ s budget year had already passed by the time the virus became an immediate concern in March .
In total , the projected deficit represents 37 % of general fund spending approved by lawmakers last year .
The shortfall is equivalent to three years of state funding for the University of California and Cal State University systems combined .
“ When you see those numbers , they should get your attention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ midday event providing an update on the coronavirus crisis .
As tax revenues plummet , government expenses are projected to skyrocket .
The fiscal report released Thursday assumes some $ 13 billion in higher state costs due to the pandemic , with a combined $ 7 billion in higher-than-expected caseloads for programs such as Medi-Cal , which provides free healthcare , and CalWorks , the state ’ s welfare assistance program .
As much as $ 6 billion in expenses are assumed to be the result of the state ’ s COVID-19 response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ask for even more to help the state ’ s neediest residents .
Assemblyman Phil Ting ( D-San Francisco ) , chairman of the Assembly Budget Committee , said he ’ d support a state-funded extension of enhanced unemployment benefits that could last into 2021 .
The goal , he said , would be to keep those Californians from having to rely on a variety of other social services programs .
“ While we would have a short-term budget hit , it would have a much larger budget benefit , ” Ting said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ estimate early — Newsom won ’ t present his revised state spending plan to the Legislature for another week — was likely prompted by a desire to calibrate the expectations of lawmakers and interest groups about what lies ahead .
“ These are going to be some tough decisions .
But we will work smarter and be strategic and recognize the fundamental role of government at a time like this , ” said state Sen. Holly Mitchell ( D-Los Angeles ) , chairwoman of the Senate Budget Committee .
The response by government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will have less than a month to consider and propose changes to Newsom ’ s budget before its June 15 constitutional deadline to finalize a plan .
But more than most years , that blueprint could need substantial revisions .
Revenue collections will take longer than usual , as millions of California taxpayers took advantage of a 90-day delay in filing their income tax returns and paying what ’ s owed .
Because of that , additional budget actions could be needed in late summer before the Legislature adjourns just before Labor Day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a placeholder for a conversation that they ’ ll be coming back to later this summer , ” said Chris Hoene , executive director of the California Budget and Policy Center , a nonprofit that advocates for programs to help low-income residents .
The impact on K-12 education funding could be especially severe .
Schools receive roughly 40 % of the state ’ s general fund revenues and , under a series of complicated constitutional formulas , could see their minimum funding cut by more than $ 18 billion under the Newsom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a really frightening number , ” said Kevin Gordon , a veteran education lobbyist .
“ The cuts allowed would eviscerate school budgets , ” Gordon said .
And the reductions could come as state officials are asking schools to do more to help children , especially those from low-income families , when it comes to distance learning and provided meals .
In January , with the economy still expanding , Newsom proposed a $ 222.2-billion budget plan that projected upticks in spending on K-12 schools and healthcare programs .
But that plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the governor declared a state of emergency to combat the coronavirus , assumed a steady growth in personal income of 4 % a year and continued low unemployment .
Those expectations have vanished .
The state has processed more than 4.2 million unemployment claims since mid-March , nearly equivalent to all of the jobs in Los Angeles County .
The Newsom administration estimates almost 478,000 jobless claims were filed in just the past week .
The state received approval this week for an $ 8-billion loan from the federal government to cover the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role of the federal government in shoring up the finances of California and dozens of other states looms large .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-San Francisco ) and other congressional Democrats have suggested a subsidy for state and local governments of as much as $ 1 trillion .
Meanwhile , many of California ’ s immediate coronavirus expenses could be reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency .
On Thursday , Newsom said additional help for local and state governments is essential to providing the funds needed for emergency workers who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continues .
“ We have to recognize that this moment requires an historic effort of partnership , not just between the governor and the Legislature , but between the states and our federal government , ” he said Thursday .
The projected $ 54.3-billion shortfall is the largest such estimate since the $ 40-billion deficit predicted by then-Gov .
Arnold Schwarzenegger during the Great Recession in January 2009 .
In 2011 , then-Gov .
Jerry Brown said the state stared down a $ 27-billion fiscal hole .
The Newsom analysis notes that projected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smaller in total dollars , but also constituted a smaller percentage of the general fund than what lawmakers face this year .
A steady uptick in jobs and tax revenues erased the red ink of the past , with some of the money set aside in cash reserves .
California voters boosted the maximum size of deposits in the state ’ s “ rainy day ” fund in 2014 .
The efforts by state lawmakers , led by Newsom and Brown , to sock cash into that reserve fund could help soften the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Office estimated last month that the state ’ s cash reserves total around $ 17.5 billion — money that could provide a cushion , but only under a series of strict conditions .
Still , the state has other resources at its disposal — including billions of dollars in special funds and other accounts that could be temporarily accessed — that California leaders in past recessions did not have .
“ They were not as well-positioned , because of the fiscal management preceding that , to weather that deficit , ” Newsom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this one .
“ And I think this is a long way of saying this , we ’ ll get through this .
”

California’s government faces a $54.3-billion budget deficit through next summer according to an analysis released Thursday by advisors to Gov. Gavin Newsom, marking the largest projected fiscal hole in state history and raising the possibility of deep spending cuts or substantial new tax revenues to make up the difference.
The estimate accounts for both a rapid erosion of tax revenues and a growing need for health and human services programs. While it measures the gap between revenues and expenditures based on projections made by Newsom in January rather than existing funds, the assessment nonetheless reflects a record-shattering collapse of the state’s economy, one created in just a matter of weeks by the fast-moving COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is a global pandemic,” Newsom said. “And there’s not an economy around the world that has substantively, at least, been immune.”
Advertisement
Newsom’s budget team forecasts a $41.2-billion drop in tax revenue compared with their estimates from just four months ago. Most of that — $32.2 billion — would appear in the fiscal year that begins in July. Current year tax revenues, according to the report, are expected to miss the mark by $9.7 billion, even though most of the state’s budget year had already passed by the time the virus became an immediate concern in March.
1 / 20 Christina Dagle and her daughter Eleanor Eades, 4, buy flowers from Devynn’s Garden in Seal Beach. Some businesses began reopening Friday under a relaxation of the state’s stay-at-home order. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 20 Manager Ruben Cortez with online orders ready to be picked up at Lovell’s Records in Whittier. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 20 Davon Artis, owner of Cool Kicks, sits with a bottle of hand sanitizer as he awaits customers Friday at his sports shoe and apparel store on Melrose Avenue. Artis said he had only a few curbside customers. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 20 Jessica Knudsen, a sales associate at Cookies, a street wear clothing store on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, gives change and a backpack purchase to customer Jason Green of Tampa, Fla. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 20 Kim Wicker, owner of Monte’s Camera in Whittier, continued to keep his shop closed Friday. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) 6 / 20 A security guard gets some exercise while keeping watch at the still-closed Apple Store on the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica on Friday. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 7 / 20 Katrina Woerner at her family business, Pour Le Bain in Whittier, which reopened Friday for online order pickup. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) 8 / 20 Ben, Julia, Luke and Ethan Brenier, from left, help ready their family store, the Wishing Well, for reopening in Whittier. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times) 9 / 20 Shopper Enid Koffler, left, talks with clothing store owner Holly Boies at her shop on Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice. Boies is planning to open her store Friday for curbside pickup.
(Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) 10 / 20 Ethan Brenier helps his mother prepare to reopen their family store in Whittier.
(Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times) 11 / 20 Rebecca Barnes prepares bouquets at a florist in Long Beach, set to open two days before Mother’s Day.
(Luis Sinco / Los Angelels Times) 12 / 20 Customers in San Clemente, without wearing masks or abiding by social distancing guidelines, stand in line at a newly reopened restaurant.
(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) 13 / 20 Linda McLoughlin Figel, owner of Pages a Bookstore in Manhattan Beach, left, helps customer Michael Leo. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times) 14 / 20 A mural decorates a closed business in Long Beach. (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times) 15 / 20 A closed thrift shop on Main Street in Santa Monica. Some retail businesses will reopen for curbside pickup Friday.
(Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) 16 / 20 Kay Kabir, 71, walks down a deserted Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) 17 / 20 Debra Consani prepares the Growing Wild florist for reopening in Manhattan Beach.
(Jay L. Clendenin/Los Angeles Times) 18 / 20 Jay Demircift, co-owner of Puzzle Zoo, prepares his shop in Santa Monica, which will be reopening at a later date. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) 19 / 20 A message board tracks the struggles of a shop owner on Main Street in Santa Monica.
(Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) 20 / 20 Alice Lefae cleans up a Long Beach shop’s exterior in preparation for Friday’s reopening.
(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
In total, the projected deficit represents 37% of general fund spending approved by lawmakers last year. The shortfall is equivalent to three years of state funding for the University of California and Cal State University systems combined.
“When you see those numbers, they should get your attention,” Newsom said Wednesday during a midday event providing an update on the coronavirus crisis.
As tax revenues plummet, government expenses are projected to skyrocket. The fiscal report released Thursday assumes some $13 billion in higher state costs due to the pandemic, with a combined $7 billion in higher-than-expected caseloads for programs such as Medi-Cal, which provides free healthcare, and CalWorks, the state’s welfare assistance program. As much as $6 billion in expenses are assumed to be the result of the state’s COVID-19 response.
Democratic legislative leaders are likely to ask for even more to help the state’s neediest residents. Assemblyman Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), chairman of the Assembly Budget Committee, said he’d support a state-funded extension of enhanced unemployment benefits that could last into 2021. The goal, he said, would be to keep those Californians from having to rely on a variety of other social services programs.
“While we would have a short-term budget hit, it would have a much larger budget benefit,” Ting said.
The decision to release the dire estimate early — Newsom won’t present his revised state spending plan to the Legislature for another week — was likely prompted by a desire to calibrate the expectations of lawmakers and interest groups about what lies ahead.
Advertisement
“These are going to be some tough decisions. But we will work smarter and be strategic and recognize the fundamental role of government at a time like this,” said state Sen. Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angeles), chairwoman of the Senate Budget Committee.
The response by government officials must come quickly. The Legislature will have less than a month to consider and propose changes to Newsom’s budget before its June 15 constitutional deadline to finalize a plan. But more than most years, that blueprint could need substantial revisions. Revenue collections will take longer than usual, as millions of California taxpayers took advantage of a 90-day delay in filing their income tax returns and paying what’s owed.
Because of that, additional budget actions could be needed in late summer before the Legislature adjourns just before Labor Day.
“I think this budget could be a placeholder for a conversation that they’ll be coming back to later this summer,” said Chris Hoene, executive director of the California Budget and Policy Center, a nonprofit that advocates for programs to help low-income residents.
The impact on K-12 education funding could be especially severe. Schools receive roughly 40% of the state’s general fund revenues and, under a series of complicated constitutional formulas, could see their minimum funding cut by more than $18 billion under the Newsom administration analysis.
“It’s a really frightening number,” said Kevin Gordon, a veteran education lobbyist. “The cuts allowed would eviscerate school budgets,” Gordon said.
And the reductions could come as state officials are asking schools to do more to help children, especially those from low-income families, when it comes to distance learning and provided meals.
In January, with the economy still expanding, Newsom proposed a $222.2-billion budget plan that projected upticks in spending on K-12 schools and healthcare programs. But that plan, introduced less than eight weeks before the governor declared a state of emergency to combat the coronavirus, assumed a steady growth in personal income of 4% a year and continued low unemployment.
Those expectations have vanished. The state has processed more than 4.2 million unemployment claims since mid-March, nearly equivalent to all of the jobs in Los Angeles County. The Newsom administration estimates almost 478,000 jobless claims were filed in just the past week. The state received approval this week for an $8-billion loan from the federal government to cover the rising cost of those benefits.
The role of the federal government in shoring up the finances of California and dozens of other states looms large. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) and other congressional Democrats have suggested a subsidy for state and local governments of as much as $1 trillion. Meanwhile, many of California’s immediate coronavirus expenses could be reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
On Thursday, Newsom said additional help for local and state governments is essential to providing the funds needed for emergency workers who have become ever more vital as the pandemic continues.
“We have to recognize that this moment requires an historic effort of partnership, not just between the governor and the Legislature, but between the states and our federal government,” he said Thursday.
The projected $54.3-billion shortfall is the largest such estimate since the $40-billion deficit predicted by then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger during the Great Recession in January 2009. In 2011, then-Gov. Jerry Brown said the state stared down a $27-billion fiscal hole. The Newsom analysis notes that projected deficits of the past not only were smaller in total dollars, but also constituted a smaller percentage of the general fund than what lawmakers face this year.
A steady uptick in jobs and tax revenues erased the red ink of the past, with some of the money set aside in cash reserves. California voters boosted the maximum size of deposits in the state’s “rainy day” fund in 2014.
The efforts by state lawmakers, led by Newsom and Brown, to sock cash into that reserve fund could help soften the blow. The independent Legislative Analyst’s Office estimated last month that the state’s cash reserves total around $17.5 billion — money that could provide a cushion, but only under a series of strict conditions.
Still, the state has other resources at its disposal — including billions of dollars in special funds and other accounts that could be temporarily accessed — that California leaders in past recessions did not have.
“They were not as well-positioned, because of the fiscal management preceding that, to weather that deficit,” Newsom said in comparing past fiscal crises to this one. “And I think this is a long way of saying this, we’ll get through this.”


latimes--2020-05-07--We need to prepare for the mental health impact of coronavirus on kids

Four-year-olds have playdates through closed windows , sliding their toy cars in unison on either side of the glass .
A high school student worries about his mother going to work in a food-packing warehouse , at risk for contracting COVID-19 .
Another teen says “ there is nothing to look forward to , ” as he tries to avoid sliding into depression .
Worried parents are calling school district hotlines seeking help for their troubled children .
Experts say when kids return to campuses , the demand for mental-health care will be greater than the available services , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cut across societal strata , affecting children throughout California .
Yet schools , the safe havens that provide the only access many children have to mental-health care , are ill-prepared to support the magnitude of expected need .
“ We ’ re only going through the first wave of the disaster , ” said Dr. Curley Bonds , chief medical officer for the L.A. County Department of Mental Health .
“ This is the equivalent of people waiting on rooftops to be saved after Hurricane Katrina.
” Los Angeles schools chief Austin Beutner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second-largest school district , acknowledged the shortfall .
“ We have an adequacy issue and I could give you a long list of things where we are not able to provide the resources that should be provided in our public schools , ” said Beutner , a persistent advocate for more school funding .
“ We do not have the sufficient number of counselors or social workers in our schools that we should.
” Why children will need more help While not every child will experience the COVID-19 pandemic as a trauma , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , many will experience loss if the disease attacked their loved ones .
Also , secluded at home during the coronavirus outbreak , more children than usual may witness substance abuse , neglect , violence or abuse , experts said .
Because of this pandemic , “ we ’ re going to see increased stress-related cognitive impairment and diseases ” and likely increased toxic stress , said Dr. Nadine Burke Harris , California ’ s surgeon general .
Long-ranging research has shown that children who face adverse childhood experiences have higher risk for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ autoimmune diseases , asthma , depression , anxiety and substance abuse deep into adulthood , Burke Harris said .
At higher risk are children who have experienced untreated trauma before this outbreak .
California has been increasing efforts to train primary care providers to screen for such experiences , Burke-Harris said .
But now many of those reporters who help remove children from dangerous situations — teachers and trusted adults in school — are distant .
Even before the pandemic , the need was intense .
According to the 2017-18 data from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a nationally representative survey of households with children , 7.1 % of California respondents said their child received counseling or treatment from a mental health professional in the past year , and 2 % said their children needed mental-health care but didn ’ t receive it .
This translates to almost 200,000 children before the coronavirus crisis .
In California public schools last year there were about 20,000 counselors , school psychologists , social workers and nurses — not all of whom are addressing mental health — for 6.1 million children .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ year , making expanded counseling even more difficult .
“ The resources that we would need to be able to implement some of these interventions are more constrained , ” Burke Harris said .
The American Federation of Teachers , one of the nation ’ s two major teachers unions , has called for more school mental health resources .
Students Deserve , an L.A Unified.-based youth activism group , included in a list of requests “ mental health support for trauma and setbacks from this period .
We demand a permanent college @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , AND grief counselor at every school when schools reopen.
” Students need “ a better support system ” than their current one , which largely involves talking to each other , rather than to mental health professionals , said Hamilton High School senior Asia Bryant .
L.A. County Office of Education Supt .
Debra Duardo said schools will need to partner with local and county mental health departments and outside providers who can offer free services for students on campus .
The string of disappointments combined with isolation — no prom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no athletic games or favorite activities — may also take an emotional toll .
In 2013 , researchers found that children who were quarantined for disease containment scored four times higher on a post-traumatic stress test than those who were not .
Schools are trying to start the work now to help students build resilience .
In Las Virgenes Unified School District , student safety and wellness deans who used to deal largely with discipline referrals now provide check-ins and weekly support sessions for students who are grappling with being alone and being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff .
The district also has begun training teachers in mindfulness and stress reduction , skills that mental health experts say will be important to fold in when students return .
L.A. Unified is running a mental health hotline staffed 12 hours a day open to students , parents and school employees during the week , though they won ’ t turn away anyone asking for help .
Since April 1 , the line has received about 660 calls , mostly from teachers and parents , many seeking resources and mental health aid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number for the L.A. Unified hotline is 213-241-3840 .
In Long Beach , officials are conducting “ check-in ” calls with students — not to replace counseling , said Long Beach Unified school psychologist Tom Sopp , but “ to connect with students and express empathy .
It ’ s a method to … monitor a student ’ s stress reaction.
” What should parents and students do now ?
In the short term , Burke Harris said , parents and caretakers can try to maintain regular schedules for children as much as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about their feelings , and take care of themselves so their stress doesn ’ t impact the young ones in the house .
Families can also seek help from outside providers , some of which have agreements to provide services on school grounds .
Parents whose children have special needs , like Bay Area mother Isabella Brown , face additional challenges .
“ It ’ s sometimes very difficult to talk him down from being very anxious and having really repetitive negative thoughts , ” she said of her 16-year-old son , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other disruptions worsened his anxiety .
When he started to express suicidal thoughts , she said , she brought in a therapist .
Parents of little ones also have concerns about the abrupt changes .
Lorena Taboas , 34 , said her son Oliver Vengoechea can only see his friends and attempt a playdate through the window of their Mar Vista home , or passing by in a car .
Usually he ’ d be in a Spanish-speaking preschool in Culver City with a dozen other kids , growing his vocabulary and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the morning while his mother , a Univision producer , works remotely .
She is concerned about this isolation and the future return to a school .
Right now Oliver seems fine —and mental health experts say many children will emerge from this crisis unharmed .
But a classroom setting is “ going to be like a shock to him , ” she said .
“ Is he going to be timid ?
Or is he going to be hyperactive ?
You don ’ t know how it ’ s going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a junior at a Camino Nuevo Charter Academy high school campus in Westlake , said mental health professionals shouldn ’ t wait for students to reach out to them while school is closed .
He attended therapy at school for two years through an outside provider , which greatly helped manage his depression and anxiety , he said .
Now he relies on the tools he learned — writing ; trying to find something productive to do like cooking , instead of staying in bed all day when he feels unmotivated ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off a relapse .
“ There ’ s nothing for me to look forward to during the day .
I just overthink how everything is the same and there ’ s nothing new ... sometimes I don ’ t really feel anything , ” Alejandro said .
“ I ’ m kind of worried for how I ’ m going to deal with it all .
I ’ m telling myself just go day by day , but I keep wondering how long is this ?
How long can I ... be OK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone you know is feeling suicidal , call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 .
For the Disaster Distress Helpline , call 800-985-5990 .

Tom Sean Foley takes a photo of his children, C.C. and Timothy Joseph, in front of a mural by artist Curtis Kulig in Culver City.
Four-year-olds have play dates through closed windows, sliding their toy cars in unison on either side of the glass. A high school student worries about his mother going to work in a food-packing warehouse, at risk for contracting COVID-19. Another teen says “there is nothing to look forward to,” as he tries to avoid sliding into depression. Worried parents are calling school district hotlines seeking help for their troubled children.
Experts say that when kids return to campuses, the demand for mental health care will be greater than the available services, as the effects of the coronavirus disruptions cut across societal strata, affecting children throughout California. But schools, the safe havens that provide the only access many children have to mental health care, are ill-prepared to support the magnitude of expected need.
“We’re only going through the first wave of the disaster,” said Dr. Curley Bonds, chief medical officer for the L.A. County Department of Mental Health. “This is the equivalent of people waiting on rooftops to be saved after Hurricane Katrina.”
Los Angeles schools chief Austin Beutner, who leads the nation’s second-largest school district, acknowledged the shortfall.
Advertisement
“We have an adequacy issue, and I could give you a long list of things where we are not able to provide the resources that should be provided in our public schools,” said Beutner, a persistent advocate for more school funding. “We do not have the sufficient number of counselors or social workers in our schools that we should.”
Oliver Vengoechea, 4, watches his friend on a drive-by play date, an attempt by his mother to lessen his isolation. (Lorena Taboas)
Why children will need more help
Not every child will experience the COVID-19 pandemic as a trauma, and some have already learned healthy coping skills, but many will experience loss if the disease has attacked their loved ones. Also, while secluded at home during the coronavirus outbreak, more children than usual may witness substance abuse, neglect, violence or abuse, experts said.
Because of this pandemic, “we’re going to see increased stress-related cognitive impairment and diseases” and probably increased toxic stress, said Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, California’s surgeon general.
Wide-ranging research has shown that children who face adverse childhood experiences have higher risk for worsening chronic diseases, autoimmune diseases, asthma, depression, anxiety and substance abuse deep into adulthood, Burke Harris said. At higher risk are children who have experienced untreated trauma before this outbreak.
California has been increasing efforts to train primary care providers to screen for such experiences, Burke Harris said. But now many of those reporters who help remove children from dangerous situations — teachers and trusted adults in school — are distant.
Advertisement
Even before the pandemic, the need was intense.
According to 2017-18 data from the National Survey of Children’s Health, a nationally representative survey of households with children, 7.1% of California respondents said their child had received counseling or treatment from a mental health professional in the last year, and 2% said their children needed mental health care but didn’t receive it. This translates to almost 200,000 children before the coronavirus crisis.
In California public schools last year, there were about 20,000 counselors, school psychologists, social workers and nurses — not all of whom are addressing mental health — for 6.1 million children. And schools expect massive budget cuts this year, making expanded counseling even more difficult to provide.
“The resources that we would need to be able to implement some of these interventions are more constrained,” Burke Harris said.
The American Federation of Teachers, one of the nation’s two major teachers unions, has called for more mental health resources at schools.
Students Deserve, a youth activism group based in the Los Angeles Unified School District, included in a list of requests “mental health support for trauma and setbacks from this period. We demand a permanent college counselor, PSW (psychiatric social worker), AND grief counselor at every school when schools reopen.”
Students need “a better support system” than their current one, which largely involves talking to one another rather than to mental health professionals, said Hamilton High School senior Asia Bryant.
L.A. County Office of Education Supt. Debra Duardo said schools will need to partner with local and county mental health departments and outside providers that can offer free services for students on campus.
How schools are preparing
The string of disappointments combined with isolation — no prom, no hanging out with friends, no athletic games or favorite activities — may also take an emotional toll. In 2013, researchers found that children who were quarantined for disease containment scored four times higher on a post-traumatic stress test than those who were not.
Schools are trying to start the work now to help students build resilience.
In the Las Virgenes Unified School District, student safety and wellness deans who used to deal largely with discipline referrals now provide check-ins and weekly support sessions for students who are grappling with being alone and being home, as well as parents and staff. The district also has begun training teachers in mindfulness and stress reduction, skills that mental health experts say will be important to fold in when students return.
L.A. Unified is running a mental health hotline staffed 12 hours a day open to students, parents and school employees during the week, though they won’t turn away anyone asking for help. Since April 1, the line has received about 660 calls, mostly from teachers and parents, many seeking resources and mental health aid for themselves or their children. The number for the L.A. Unified hotline is (213) 241-3840.
In Long Beach, officials are conducting check-in calls with students — not to replace counseling, said Long Beach Unified school psychologist Tom Sopp, but “to connect with students and express empathy. It’s a method to … monitor a student’s stress reaction.”
What should parents and students do now?
In the short term, Burke Harris said, parents and caretakers can try to maintain regular schedules for children as much as possible, pay attention to and ask about their feelings, and take care of themselves so their stress doesn’t affect the young ones in the household.
Families can also seek help from outside providers, some of which have agreements to provide services on school grounds.
Parents whose children have special needs, such as San Francisco Bay Area mother Isabella Brown, face additional challenges.
“It’s sometimes very difficult to talk him down from being very anxious and having really repetitive negative thoughts,” she said of her 16-year-old son, who is autistic. The break in routine and other disruptions worsened his anxiety. When he started to express suicidal thoughts, she said, she brought in a therapist.
Parents of little ones also have concerns about the abrupt changes. Lorena Taboas, 34, said her son Oliver Vengoechea can see his friends and attempt a play date only through the window of their Mar Vista home or while passing by in a car. Usually he’d be in a Spanish-speaking preschool in Culver City with a dozen other kids, growing his vocabulary and socializing. Now he largely entertains himself in the morning while his mother, a Univision producer, works remotely.
She is concerned about this isolation and the future return to a school. Right now Oliver seems fine — and mental health experts say many children will emerge from this crisis unharmed.
But a classroom setting is “going to be like a shock to him,” she said. “Is he going to be timid? Or is he going to be hyperactive? You don’t know how it’s going to affect them.”
Alejandro Silva, 17, a junior at a Camino Nuevo Charter Academy high school campus in Westlake, said mental health professionals shouldn’t wait for students to reach out to them while school is closed. He attended therapy at school for two years through an outside provider, which greatly helped manage his depression and anxiety, he said.
Now he relies on the tools he learned — writing; trying to find something productive to do, such as cooking, instead of staying in bed all day when he feels unmotivated; talking to friends often — to stave off a relapse.
“There’s nothing for me to look forward to during the day. I just overthink how everything is the same and there’s nothing new…. Sometimes I don’t really feel anything,” Alejandro said. “I’m kind of worried for how I’m going to deal with it all. I’m telling myself just go day by day, but I keep wondering how long is this? How long can I … be OK with this?”
If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. For the Disaster Distress Helpline, call 800-985-5990.
Times staff writer Deborah Netburn contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-05-07--Broken gel nails. Gnarly roots. Coronavirus disrupts L.A. beauty and wellness industry

As week three of the coronavirus lockdown approached last month , a Hollywood costume designer called a stylist he knew to plan a hair-cutting party .
Industry people and writer friends would come at staggered hours and receive services on his expansive outdoor deck .
Socially distanced guests could work out on his SoulCycle bike , gazing at the Hollywood sign against the sweeping hillside vista .
Then , only a week before the event , the stylist ’ s boyfriend called a halt , fearing that his partner would pass him the virus .
The costume designer instead found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But the abortive party illuminates a very California legacy of COVID-19 , the great disrupter : In L.A. , where self-presentation is an art form , the lockdown of “ nonessential ” businesses has upended the beauty industry and wellness culture .
Some might wonder who cares if no one sees them — but then Zoom phone calls arrived .
Especially for celebrities and other hyper image-conscious Angelenos , it ’ s not an option to show up online in frayed jammies and Greyhound bus hair .
Still , some prominent stylists have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their community , in harm ’ s way simply to fix a broken gel nail or gnarly roots , at least for now .
And some influencers have embraced this new reality .
Singer Ariana Grande is doing her own hair and nails , and reality television star Kylie Jenner showed off natural nails on an Instagram Story .
But like other gig economy workers , makeup artists and hair stylists lost their entire incomes virtually overnight in the pandemic shutdown .
With “ We need a haircut ” emerging as the battle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many of their constituents demanding to reopen the economy , a number of Southern California beauty services have gone underground .
On Craigslist this week , a half-dozen people offered mobile or home beauty services , including barbering , hair cuts , nail art and hair extension care .
One stylist promised to wear an N95 mask and use high-octane “ barbicide ” sanitizers .
Another stylist , Jon-Paul Boyadjian , said that business has doubled for his 12-year-old Orange County-based mobile hairstyling business since the shutdown started .
When his wife objected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic , he said , “ Are you going to ask your dad to pay the rent ?
” After a long day , he strips in the garage and runs naked to the shower .
“ My family feels safe ; personally I ’ m not concerned.
” And neither are his clients ; he offers to wear a mask , but only 10 % of them take him up on it .
“ Most of them think it ’ s a joke ; you can ’ t believe everything you hear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I think it ’ s an Orange County thing.
” But Boyadjian ’ s client list stretches to West Hollywood .
And in the heart of Hollywood , one lifestyle influencer has been parading three personal assistants , a team of manicurists and a masseuse in and out of the apartment building , according to her neighbor Sylvie Shain , a freelance entertainment worker .
Shain said she was dumbfounded when the influencer offered her manicurist ’ s services to a resident undergoing chemotherapy .
“ She ’ s putting people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I could be exposed in the hallway , the elevator or going down to do the laundry.
” Other stylists say working now isn ’ t worth the risk .
Hair stylist Dylan Chavles said that taking a job would “ open up a Pandora ’ s box in the brain .
You start in that person ’ s house , they were in this person ’ s house , that person was in another person ’ s house….
” “ So you can ’ t get your hair done now .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said Chavles , who moved from Los Angeles to New York a year ago to do more fashion work .
“ It ’ s not the end of the world .
The end of the world is ending up sick , with hundreds of thousands of dollars in hospital bills , on a ventilator.
” One of makeup artist Alexa Hernandez ’ s last film shoots , before the shutdown order , cured her of any desire to work while the pandemic rages .
On set with psychedelic musician and producer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 backup dancers for “ a real greasy club scene ” then walk down Santee Alley , L.A .
Fashion District ’ s answer to a Moroccan bazaar .
“ I was really stressed out , ” she said .
“ There wasn ’ t even an inch between people.
” Josh Liu , an L.A.-based celebrity hairstylist whose clients include Grande , Miranda Kerr and Olivia Munn , lives with his parents and said he is keeping in strict isolation , in part out of concern for their welfare .
“ Luckily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to break quarantine , ” Liu said .
“ They are very respectful of me taking precautions.
” For the young and beautiful , appearing without makeup or DIY is a popular Instagram meme .
Older professionals face a different calculation , said Andi Scarbrough , whose Santa Monica salon CrownWorks incorporates spiritual and wellness practices into hair “ rituals.
” “ It ’ s still a very age-sensitive piece , to be exposed online at a business meeting having roots showing , “ said Scarbrough .
Some clients have seized on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a color change or go gray , she said , but for others she performs video consultations and sends out home color kits .
Many beauty rites have migrated online , a shift many believe may stick after the crisis passes .
Scarbrough staged a “ virtual gab fest from the chair ” to re-create the salon ’ s social atmosphere with her friend and business partner , Colleen McCann , a fashion stylist turned energy worker and shaman .
Hernandez , the makeup artist , collaborated with her friend and client Mishel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vida , ” on an Instagram takeover demonstrating a natural makeup look .
“ Almost as a joke , ” Chavles said , she also posted a hair-cutting party on the Houseparty app .
Now Chavles has racked up 40 video-guided haircuts , with people wielding whatever they can find in their homes — kitchen scissors , cuticle scissors and other nontraditional methods .
Nonprofessional beauty-minded people have also taken beauty into their own hands online .
Rachel Syme , a staff writer for the New Yorker , put out a Twitter call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday best “ distancebutmakeitfashion.
” Now in its eighth week , the dress-up party has drawn as many as 1,000 people wearing everything from overalls and scrubs to Coachella-style boho dresses .
“ They ’ re so glamorous for being at home , ” said Syme , who noted that social media showcases other public and private invitations to break out the finery .
“ It isn ’ t about denying the existence of the crisis , it ’ s to decide to get dressed , enjoy the fantasy and dive back into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The shift to online beauty and wellness practices will probably stick after the pandemic fades , said celebrity hairstylist Liu .
But people are raring to try out new looks when the stay-at-home orders are lifted , he said .
“ L.A .
is such a vibrant city , ” Liu said .
“ People ’ s colors have been muted so long , they are going to be excited to let them out again .
”

Andi Scarbrough owns a Santa Monica salon called CrownWorks, where she melds spiritual practices and rituals with basic hair services. The coronavirus outbreak has grounded her at home, from which she is doing virtual consultations, blogging and other projects.
As week three of the coronavirus lockdown approached last month, a Hollywood costume designer called a stylist he knew to plan a hair-cutting party.
Industry people and writer friends would come at staggered hours and receive services on his expansive outdoor deck. Socially distanced guests could work out on his SoulCycle bike, gazing at the Hollywood sign against the sweeping hillside vista.
Then, only a week before the event, the stylist’s boyfriend called a halt, fearing that his partner would pass him the virus. The costume designer instead found a friend to trim his locks.
But the abortive party illuminates a very California legacy of COVID-19, the great disrupter: In L.A., where self-presentation is an art form, the lockdown of “nonessential” businesses has upended the beauty industry and wellness culture.
Some might wonder who cares if no one sees them — but then Zoom phone calls arrived. Especially for celebrities and other hyper image-conscious Angelenos, it’s not an option to show up online in frayed jammies and Greyhound bus hair.
Advertisement
Still, some prominent stylists have vowed not to put themselves, or their community, in harm’s way simply to fix a broken gel nail or gnarly roots, at least for now. And some influencers have embraced this new reality. Singer Ariana Grande is doing her own hair and nails, and reality television star Kylie Jenner showed off natural nails on an Instagram Story.
But like other gig economy workers, makeup artists and hair stylists lost their entire incomes virtually overnight in the pandemic shutdown. With “We need a haircut” emerging as the battle cry of some Republican governors, and many of their constituents demanding to reopen the economy, a number of Southern California beauty services have gone underground.
On Craigslist this week, a half-dozen people offered mobile or home beauty services, including barbering, hair cuts, nail art and hair extension care. One stylist promised to wear an N95 mask and use high-octane “barbicide” sanitizers.
Another stylist, Jon-Paul Boyadjian, said that business has doubled for his 12-year-old Orange County-based mobile hairstyling business since the shutdown started. When his wife objected to him continuing to work during the pandemic, he said, “Are you going to ask your dad to pay the rent?”
After a long day, he strips in the garage and runs naked to the shower. “My family feels safe; personally I’m not concerned.” And neither are his clients; he offers to wear a mask, but only 10% of them take him up on it.
“Most of them think it’s a joke; you can’t believe everything you hear on the news,” Boyadjian said. “I think it’s an Orange County thing.”
But Boyadjian’s client list stretches to West Hollywood. And in the heart of Hollywood, one lifestyle influencer has been parading three personal assistants, a team of manicurists and a masseuse in and out of the apartment building, according to her neighbor Sylvie Shain, a freelance entertainment worker. Shain said she was dumbfounded when the influencer offered her manicurist’s services to a resident undergoing chemotherapy.
“She’s putting people at risk,” said Shain. “I could be exposed in the hallway, the elevator or going down to do the laundry.”
Advertisement
Other stylists say working now isn’t worth the risk. Hair stylist Dylan Chavles said that taking a job would “open up a Pandora’s box in the brain. You start in that person’s house, they were in this person’s house, that person was in another person’s house….”
“So you can’t get your hair done now. Chill out for a couple of months,” said Chavles, who moved from Los Angeles to New York a year ago to do more fashion work. “It’s not the end of the world. The end of the world is ending up sick, with hundreds of thousands of dollars in hospital bills, on a ventilator.”
One of makeup artist Alexa Hernandez’s last film shoots, before the shutdown order, cured her of any desire to work while the pandemic rages. On set with psychedelic musician and producer Tame Impala, she had to oil 100 backup dancers for “a real greasy club scene” then walk down Santee Alley, L.A. Fashion District’s answer to a Moroccan bazaar.
“I was really stressed out,” she said. “There wasn’t even an inch between people.”
Josh Liu, an L.A.-based celebrity hairstylist whose clients include Grande, Miranda Kerr and Olivia Munn, lives with his parents and said he is keeping in strict isolation, in part out of concern for their welfare.
“Luckily my clients haven’t asked me to break quarantine,” Liu said. “They are very respectful of me taking precautions.”
For the young and beautiful, appearing without makeup or DIY is a popular Instagram meme. Older professionals face a different calculation, said Andi Scarbrough, whose Santa Monica salon CrownWorks incorporates spiritual and wellness practices into hair “rituals.”
“It’s still a very age-sensitive piece, to be exposed online at a business meeting having roots showing,“ said Scarbrough. Some clients have seized on the crisis to shave their heads, make a color change or go gray, she said, but for others she performs video consultations and sends out home color kits.
Many beauty rites have migrated online, a shift many believe may stick after the crisis passes. Scarbrough staged a “virtual gab fest from the chair” to re-create the salon’s social atmosphere with her friend and business partner, Colleen McCann, a fashion stylist turned energy worker and shaman.
Hernandez, the makeup artist, collaborated with her friend and client Mishel Prada, from the Starz series “Vida,” on an Instagram takeover demonstrating a natural makeup look. “Almost as a joke,” Chavles said, she also posted a hair-cutting party on the Houseparty app.
Now Chavles has racked up 40 video-guided haircuts, with people wielding whatever they can find in their homes — kitchen scissors, cuticle scissors and other nontraditional methods.
Nonprofessional beauty-minded people have also taken beauty into their own hands online. Rachel Syme, a staff writer for the New Yorker, put out a Twitter call for people to dress up in their Sunday best “distancebutmakeitfashion.” Now in its eighth week, the dress-up party has drawn as many as 1,000 people wearing everything from overalls and scrubs to Coachella-style boho dresses.
I popped on my senior year Homecoming dress for this week’s #distancebutmakeitfashion Purchased at the now defunct Bonnie’s Vintage Clothing Emporium (RIP) which was heaven on earth for a gal who didn’t want to shop at the mall in the late 90s. pic.twitter.com/Jiev6k6Lnx — Giuliana Mayo (@lovely_giuliana) May 3, 2020
“They’re so glamorous for being at home,” said Syme, who noted that social media showcases other public and private invitations to break out the finery. “It isn’t about denying the existence of the crisis, it’s to decide to get dressed, enjoy the fantasy and dive back into feeling good in your own body.”
The shift to online beauty and wellness practices will probably stick after the pandemic fades, said celebrity hairstylist Liu. But people are raring to try out new looks when the stay-at-home orders are lifted, he said.
“L.A. is such a vibrant city,” Liu said. “People’s colors have been muted so long, they are going to be excited to let them out again.”