latimes--2020-06-08--Eliminate school police, L.A. teachers union leaders say

Leaders of United Teachers Los Angeles said Monday they support a movement to eliminate the Los Angeles School Police Department , a force of about 400 that serves the L.A. Unified School District and accounts for about $ 70 million of the district ’ s $ 7.9 billion budget .
“ We have to dismantle white supremacy .
We must ... defund the police and bring in the mental health services that our students need , ” said Cecily Myart-Cruz , the incoming president of UTLA , which represents about 30,000 teachers , nurses , counselors and other staff in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s board of directors voted last week , 35-2 , to “ start a process ” that will ultimately lead to a larger union vote on whether or not to push the school board to “ take money out of the school police department and put it directly into mental health support , counselors , academic counselors , ” current UTLA president Alex Caputo-Pearl said .
“ We can have 800 mental health supporters by using that money.
” The movement to defund school police has been a concern of education equity advocates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the death of George Floyd and calls to defund the Los Angeles Police Department and some others throughout the country nationwide reinvigorated their calls in the past days .
The union leadership endorsement and public announcement during a labor news conference with Black Lives Matter Los Angeles bring an influential voice to what is certain to be an intense debate over school safety .
School police are necessary to keep the peace at schools and are trained in deescalate situations better than other officers , who would be called to campuses in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president of the school police union .
“ We are trained different .
We have a vested interest ... we had restorative justice [ training ] , our police officers come from the communities they serve , ” Gamez said .
Many , he said , are L.A. Unified graduates and work closely with school counselors .
“ To see us be demonized and ostracized , I don ’ t get it.
” Sarah Djato , a Dorsey High School student who said she last year watched L.A. School Police pepper-spray classmates during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as many around them , said school police presence is detrimental .
“ When you ’ re having this continuously happen ... to black students , it becomes in our minds that that is normal and that ’ s the way we ’ re supposed to treat situations and you defuse it by force , and that violence is OK and violence is normal , ” said Sarah , 16 , an organizer in the local youth activism group Students Deserve .
“ I don ’ t even know how to describe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t grown yet .
”

Sarah Djato, right, listens to speakers for the removal of police from the Los Angeles school system on June 8.
Leaders of United Teachers Los Angeles said Monday they support a movement to eliminate the Los Angeles School Police Department, a force of about 400 that serves the L.A. Unified School District and accounts for about $70 million of the district’s $7.9 billion budget.
“We have to dismantle white supremacy. We must ... defund the police and bring in the mental health services that our students need,” said Cecily Myart-Cruz, the incoming president of UTLA, which represents about 30,000 teachers, nurses, counselors and other staff in the school district.
The union’s board of directors voted last week, 35-2, to “start a process” that will ultimately lead to a larger union vote on whether or not to push the school board to “take money out of the school police department and put it directly into mental health support, counselors, academic counselors,” current UTLA president Alex Caputo-Pearl said. “We can have 800 mental health supporters by using that money.”
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The movement to defund school police has been a concern of education equity advocates for year. But the nationwide protests over the death of George Floyd and calls to defund the Los Angeles Police Department and some others throughout the country nationwide reinvigorated their calls in the past days.
The union leadership endorsement and public announcement during a labor news conference with Black Lives Matter Los Angeles bring an influential voice to what is certain to be an intense debate over school safety.
School police are necessary to keep the peace at schools and are trained in deescalate situations better than other officers, who would be called to campuses in their absence, said Gil Gamez, president of the school police union.
“We are trained different. We have a vested interest ... we had restorative justice [training], our police officers come from the communities they serve,” Gamez said. Many, he said, are L.A. Unified graduates and work closely with school counselors. “To see us be demonized and ostracized, I don’t get it.”
Sarah Djato, a Dorsey High School student who said she last year watched L.A. School Police pepper-spray classmates during a fight, impacting those fighting as well as many around them, said school police presence is detrimental.
“When you’re having this continuously happen ... to black students, it becomes in our minds that that is normal and that’s the way we’re supposed to treat situations and you defuse it by force, and that violence is OK and violence is normal,” said Sarah, 16, an organizer in the local youth activism group Students Deserve.
“I don’t even know how to describe how detrimental that is because I haven’t grown yet.”


latimes--2020-06-08--Nearly 1,000 infected at Chuckawalla Valley State Prison in worst coronavirus outbreak to hit prison

Nearly 1,000 infected at Chuckawalla Valley State Prison in worst coronavirus outbreak to hit prison system

In three weeks , Chuckawalla Valley State Prison has gone from having zero confirmed cases of COVID-19 to 993 , the worst coronavirus outbreak to hit the California prison system to date .
About 44 % of the 2,256 men incarcerated at Chuckawalla , which sits on the eastern edge of Riverside County , have tested positive for COVID-19 , the disease caused by the novel coronavirus , according to figures published by the state prison system .
While no inmates have died at Chuckawalla , the virus has spread swiftly : Before May 15 , no inmate had tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Simas , a spokeswoman for the California prison system .
Nearly 1,000 have been infected since .
Every case remains active .
By comparison , the California Institute for Men in Chino , where 12 inmates have died , has recorded 759 total cases of COVID-19 , 521 of them still active .
Chuckawalla houses about 2 % of the state prison system ’ s institutional population but accounts for 40 % of its active cases of COVID-19 , according to state prison figures .
“ We didn ’ t bring this on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inmate who has tested positive for COVID-19 , said in a telephone interview .
“ It came to us.
” Upon learning some inmates had tested positive for COVID-19 , Simas said , prison officials immediately placed the buildings they lived in under quarantine and began testing the rest of the prison ’ s population .
Officials began moving inmates out of buildings under quarantine and into areas of the prison untouched by the virus , potentially circulating it , according to Robert McBride , who is serving a 16-year sentence for robbery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six men were moved from a quarantined building to his own .
While the men had tested negative for COVID-19 at the time , when they were tested again last week , McBride said , five of the six learned they were infected .
“ We ’ re captive .
We are the definition of captive , ” McBride said .
“ We have to do as we ’ re told .
They tell us to do something — we can ’ t say no.
” Inmates intend to file a formal grievance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , over its decision to move people out of quarantined sectors and into those that were COVID-free .
No new inmates have been admitted to Chuckawalla since the outbreak began , Simas said .
The prison has designated separate housing for inmates who have tested negative for COVID-19 , and officials are freeing up vacant space to accommodate social distancing measures , she added .
But Duran , who has spent the last 35 years in prison on a second-degree murder conviction , questioned how the prison could sequester healthy inmates when nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Built to hold 1,738 men , Chuckawalla currently houses 2,256 , according to state prison figures .
“ Where are they going to put everyone ?
” Duran asked .
“ There ’ s COVID-positive people everywhere.
” Social-distancing measures might work outside of prison , but here , he said , “ there ’ s nowhere to go .
Where are you going to go ?
We ’ re stuck with each other .
We ’ re breathing the same air.
” Inside Chuckawalla , Duran , 57 , said they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ verdict.
” He said he tested positive three weeks ago but has no symptoms beyond a stubborn cough .
McBride , 58 , worries about contracting the virus , given he is nine months shy of finishing his 16-year sentence .
He wants to meet with the prison administration to discuss their plan to contain the virus and keep inmates safe .
“ There ’ s an underlying anger , ” McBride said .
“ There ’ s a great deal of frustration .
There ’ s no leadership that we can come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talk about this .
”

The California Institution For Men in Chino, where 12 inmates have died after contracting the coronavirus.
In three weeks, Chuckawalla Valley State Prison has gone from having zero confirmed cases of COVID-19 to 993, the worst coronavirus outbreak to hit the California prison system to date.
About 44% of the 2,256 men incarcerated at Chuckawalla, which sits on the eastern edge of Riverside County, have tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, according to figures published by the state prison system.
While no inmates have died at Chuckawalla, the virus has spread swiftly: Before May 15, no inmate had tested positive for COVID-19, according to Dana Simas, a spokeswoman for the California prison system. Nearly 1,000 have been infected since. Every case remains active.
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By comparison, the California Institute for Men in Chino, where 12 inmates have died, has recorded 759 total cases of COVID-19, 521 of them still active.
Chuckawalla houses about 2% of the state prison system’s institutional population but accounts for 40% of its active cases of COVID-19, according to state prison figures.
“We didn’t bring this on ourselves,” Michael Duran, an inmate who has tested positive for COVID-19, said in a telephone interview. “It came to us.”
Upon learning some inmates had tested positive for COVID-19, Simas said, prison officials immediately placed the buildings they lived in under quarantine and began testing the rest of the prison’s population.
Officials began moving inmates out of buildings under quarantine and into areas of the prison untouched by the virus, potentially circulating it, according to Robert McBride, who is serving a 16-year sentence for robbery. Last month, McBride said, six men were moved from a quarantined building to his own. While the men had tested negative for COVID-19 at the time, when they were tested again last week, McBride said, five of the six learned they were infected.
“We’re captive. We are the definition of captive,” McBride said. “We have to do as we’re told. They tell us to do something — we can’t say no.”
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Inmates intend to file a formal grievance against the prison administration, McBride said, over its decision to move people out of quarantined sectors and into those that were COVID-free.
No new inmates have been admitted to Chuckawalla since the outbreak began, Simas said. The prison has designated separate housing for inmates who have tested negative for COVID-19, and officials are freeing up vacant space to accommodate social distancing measures, she added.
But Duran, who has spent the last 35 years in prison on a second-degree murder conviction, questioned how the prison could sequester healthy inmates when nearly half the prison population has been infected. Built to hold 1,738 men, Chuckawalla currently houses 2,256, according to state prison figures.
“Where are they going to put everyone?” Duran asked. “There’s COVID-positive people everywhere.” Social-distancing measures might work outside of prison, but here, he said, “there’s nowhere to go. Where are you going to go? We’re stuck with each other. We’re breathing the same air.”
Inside Chuckawalla, Duran, 57, said they call a COVID-19 diagnosis a “guilty verdict.” He said he tested positive three weeks ago but has no symptoms beyond a stubborn cough.
McBride, 58, worries about contracting the virus, given he is nine months shy of finishing his 16-year sentence. He wants to meet with the prison administration to discuss their plan to contain the virus and keep inmates safe.
“There’s an underlying anger,” McBride said. “There’s a great deal of frustration. There’s no leadership that we can come to, to sit down with and talk about this.”


latimes--2020-06-08--Brush fire in Corona burns 110 acres, but firefighters halt its progress

A brush fire broke out Monday evening in Corona , burning 110 acres in less than two hours , the @ @ @ @ @ .
The fire , first reported at 4:20 p.m. , spread from the intersection of @ @ @ @ @ Road near Lake Matthews .
Burning at a “ critical rate , ” the blaze @ @ @ @ @ 6 p.m. , when scores of firefighters , helicopters and air tankers managed to halt @ @ @ @ @ .
As of 6:15 p.m. , the fire was 25 % contained .
The Riverside @ @ @ @ @ dispatched 172 firefighters , three helicopters and four air tankers to battle the flames .
@ @ @ @ @ was reported early Monday evening .

A brush fire near Lake Mathews had covered 110 acres by 6 p.m.
A brush fire broke out Monday evening in Corona, burning 110 acres in less than two hours, the Riverside County Fire Department said.
The fire, first reported at 4:20 p.m., spread from the intersection of La Sierra Avenue and Cajalco Road near Lake Matthews.
Burning at a “critical rate,” the blaze had covered 110 acres by 6 p.m., when scores of firefighters, helicopters and air tankers managed to halt its spread, authorities said.
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As of 6:15 p.m., the fire was 25% contained.
The Riverside County and Corona fire departments dispatched 172 firefighters, three helicopters and four air tankers to battle the flames. No injuries or property damage was reported early Monday evening.


latimes--2020-06-08--California to allow movie theaters to reopen in most counties

California counties that have been allowed to accelerate their reopening of their economy , including Los Angeles County , could decide to reopen movie theaters as early as Friday , according to new state guidelines released Monday .
Each local health officer has the authority to decide whether to move forward with relaxing restrictions on reopening theaters .
While the state provides guidance on how businesses can reopen , counties decide when they occur .
The new rules would limit the number of guests in a movie theater to 25 % of theater capacity or a maximum of 100 attendees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ theaters would need to implement a reservation system to limit the number of attendees entering the theater at a time when possible .
“ Designate arrival times as part of reservations , if possible so that customers arrive at and enter the theater in staggered groups , ” the state ’ s rules say .
To keep guests six feet away from others , theaters are to close or otherwise remove seats from use , which may require seating every other row or blocking off seats in a checkerboard style , in which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patrons .
The rules would ask patrons to wear face coverings when not eating or drinking .
Staff would need to be available to help usher people before the show begins and at its conclusion to reduce crowding when entering or exiting .
The guidelines also suggest using disposable or washable seat covers in theaters , “ particularly on porous surfaces that are difficult to properly clean .
Discard and replace seat covers between each use , ” the guidelines say .
Los Angeles , San Diego , Orange , Riverside , San @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counties that will be given the option by the state to allow movie theaters to reopen .
All but seven of California ’ s 58 counties have filed attestation paperwork to reopen their economies at an accelerated pace .
Six of the counties that have not done so are in the San Francisco Bay Area — Alameda , Contra Costa , Marin , San Francisco , San Mateo and Santa Clara — and the seventh is Imperial County east of San Diego , which is facing a bad outbreak .
The rules would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , such as bowling alleys , miniature golf , batting cages and arcades to reopen .
Last week , state officials released suggested industry guidance for fitness facilities that could allow gyms to open up in much of California as early as this Friday .
Suggested rules include spacing equipment at least six feet apart , with greater distance for treadmills and other high-exertion aerobic fitness equipment , considering suspending childcare service and food service , and limiting capacity by enacting a reservation system .
Under the guidelines , personal trainers must use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and patrons are strongly encouraged to wear a face covering too .
Group exercise classes would need to be limited to keep six feet of distance between people , and the guidelines suggest moving the classes outdoors or larger spaces such as a full-sized basketball court .
Saunas , steam rooms and hot tubs should remain closed , the guidance says .

The Vista Theatre on Sunset Drive in Los Angeles posted the message, “To be Continued...” on its marquee in April during the coronavirus crisis.
California counties that have been allowed to accelerate their reopening of their economy, including Los Angeles County, could decide to reopen movie theaters as early as Friday, according to new state guidelines released Monday.
Each local health officer has the authority to decide whether to move forward with relaxing restrictions on reopening theaters. While the state provides guidance on how businesses can reopen, counties decide when they occur.
The new rules would limit the number of guests in a movie theater to 25% of theater capacity or a maximum of 100 attendees, whichever is lower.
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Also, theaters would need to implement a reservation system to limit the number of attendees entering the theater at a time when possible. “Designate arrival times as part of reservations, if possible so that customers arrive at and enter the theater in staggered groups,” the state’s rules say.
To keep guests six feet away from others, theaters are to close or otherwise remove seats from use, which may require seating every other row or blocking off seats in a checkerboard style, in which no one is sitting directly behind other patrons.
The rules would ask patrons to wear face coverings when not eating or drinking. Staff would need to be available to help usher people before the show begins and at its conclusion to reduce crowding when entering or exiting.
The guidelines also suggest using disposable or washable seat covers in theaters, “particularly on porous surfaces that are difficult to properly clean. Discard and replace seat covers between each use,” the guidelines say.
Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura are among 51 California counties that will be given the option by the state to allow movie theaters to reopen.
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All but seven of California’s 58 counties have filed attestation paperwork to reopen their economies at an accelerated pace. Six of the counties that have not done so are in the San Francisco Bay Area — Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara — and the seventh is Imperial County east of San Diego, which is facing a bad outbreak.
The rules would also allow other family entertainment center operators, such as bowling alleys, miniature golf, batting cages and arcades to reopen.
Last week, state officials released suggested industry guidance for fitness facilities that could allow gyms to open up in much of California as early as this Friday.
Suggested rules include spacing equipment at least six feet apart, with greater distance for treadmills and other high-exertion aerobic fitness equipment, considering suspending childcare service and food service, and limiting capacity by enacting a reservation system.
Under the guidelines, personal trainers must use face coverings and avoid close contact, and patrons are strongly encouraged to wear a face covering too. Group exercise classes would need to be limited to keep six feet of distance between people, and the guidelines suggest moving the classes outdoors or larger spaces such as a full-sized basketball court.
Saunas, steam rooms and hot tubs should remain closed, the guidance says.
Lin reported from San Francisco, Willon from Sacramento.


latimes--2020-06-08--Somber memorials for George Floyd as protesters demand police reforms

The protests over the police killing of George Floyd took a sober turn Monday with memorials across the city as well as calls for fundamental changes in policing in Los Angeles .
To commemorate Floyd ’ s public viewing service in Houston , four car processions were organized around Southern California .
They departed from Leimert Park , Long Beach , Reseda and Santa Ana , and converged on downtown L.A. for a noontime rally .
Some of the processions were led by hearses .
One car had the names of dozens of people killed by police written on its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Once the caravans reached downtown and people exited their vehicles , mourners could be seen carrying floral arrangements .
At the intersection of Broadway and 1st Street , four hearses were parked in the middle of the street , surrounded by hundreds of protesters .
Those gathered clapped as a woman gave a speech about defunding the police , and she led them in a repeating chant of Floyd ’ s and Breonna Taylor ’ s names .
Taylor was shot and killed in her Louisville , Ky. , apartment by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been filed in connection with her death .
“ Do not let this system of white supremacy define who you are and take you away from your community , ” the speaker said .
“ You have to fight for all black people , and that means all black people.
” Near the front of the stage , four caskets were covered in flowers .
They had photos next to each — one for Floyd , Taylor , Ahmaud Arbery and Ryan Charles Twyman .
Arbery was fatally shot by a white @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Georgia neighborhood in February .
Twyman was shot and killed by sheriff ’ s deputies at a South Los Angeles apartment complex last year .
Family members of people fatally shot by police gave emotional speeches about losing their loved ones and fighting for justice .
The mother of Eric Rivera , who was killed by police in Wilmington in 2017 , spoke about how her son was shot , run over and left in the street , his body uncovered .
“ I got ta come out , and I got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she told the crowd .
Santa Ana resident Samuel Justiss Vance , 64 , clapped and chanted along with the crowd .
Vance , a member of the Orange County Racial Justice Collaborative , said it was his third day protesting since the movement began nearly two weeks ago .
He said he ’ s been involved in fighting for equality since the 1960s .
“ Our rights are never secured , ” he said , describing the never-ending struggle for equality as he stood in the crowd , the hot afternoon sun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continuum.
” His reason for being there ?
“ Christ said , ‘ Blessed are the peacemakers , ’ ” he said .
“ And so I am here today.
” At 1:50 p.m. , the caskets were returned to the hearse and a small procession followed .
Pat , 57 , sat off to the side of the crowd .
In her lap was her dog , Kenji , and a handwritten sign that read , “ Love is the answer .
No justice : no peace.
” The Los Angeles resident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ name for privacy reasons , said she came out because there is strength in numbers .
“ The murdered , the injustices , the incarcerations have gone on for generations — not decades , generations , ” she said .
The native Angeleno said that police brutality was often talked about in the black community , but it took a killing as brutal as Floyd ’ s for everyone else to understand .
This time felt different , she said , because the world was paying attention .
“ Because of his death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” she said , gesturing to the crowd around her .
Just before 3 p.m. , the protesters marched to City Hall , chanting , “ Black lives , they matter here.
” In unison they asked those inside — where a budget meeting was being held — to defund the police .
For William Boyi II , the movement is personal .
His brother was beaten by officers in Florida , he said .
“ This keeps happening , and until we dismantle the police , it ’ ll keep happening , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t afford one more death .
We ’ re done going through this.
” The protesters then headed down Spring and Figueroa streets and through the 2nd Street tunnel — where their voices were amplified .
Leaders asked them to take a knee , and for a moment , the deafening chants were silenced as they took a moment to remember Floyd .
On a nearby tunnel wall someone had written , “ Riot every cop.
” The crowd arrived back at City Hall about 4 p.m. , with many of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shade as speakers continued .
Police presence was light , with officers appearing mostly at intersections to direct the protesters .
At several points the crowd chanted , “ How do you spell ‘ racist ’ ?
” Leaders of United Teachers Los Angeles said Monday they support a movement to eliminate the Los Angeles School Police Department , a force of about 400 that serves the L.A. Unified School District and accounts for about $ 70 million of the district ’ s $ 7.9 billion budget .
“ We have to dismantle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the police and bring in the mental health services that our students need , ” said Cecily Myart-Cruz , the incoming president of UTLA , which represents about 30,000 teachers , nurses , counselors and other staff in the school district .
The union ’ s board of directors voted last week , 35-2 , to “ start a process ” that will ultimately lead to a larger union vote on whether or not to push the school board to “ take money out of the school police department and put it directly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ academic counselors , ” current UTLA President Alex Caputo-Pearl said .
“ We can have 800 mental health supporters by using that money.
” The movement to defund school police has been a concern of education equity advocates for years .
But the over the death of Floyd and calls to and some others throughout the country reinvigorated their calls in the past days .
Floyd ’ s death has become a rallying point for many who say that police abuses against black people have persisted unchecked for too long , prompting sweeping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world .
“ This is a movement , ” said activist AJ Lovelace , gesturing to City Hall .
“ They thought we were going to get tired and give up .
And we ’ re still here.
” In Los Angeles , demonstrations remained peaceful over the weekend .
They included a huge march in Hollywood that drew an estimated 20,000 people Sunday and a caravan of motorcycles , demonstrators and cowboys that made its way through Compton .
At 9 a.m. on Tuesday , the downtown Cathedral of Our Lady @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 8 minutes and 46 seconds — the length of time Officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee against Floyd ’ s neck .
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles invited all its parishes to do the same .
“ We need to make sure that George Floyd did not die for no reason .
We should honor the sacrifice of his life by removing racism and hate from our hearts and renewing our commitment to fulfill our nation ’ s sacred promise — to be a beloved community of life , liberty and equality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gomez said in a statement .

Melissa Gomez, Alex Wigglesworth, Luke Money, Sonali Kohli

The protests over the police killing of George Floyd took a sober turn Monday with memorials across the city as well as calls for fundamental changes in policing in Los Angeles.
To commemorate Floyd’s public viewing service in Houston, four car processions were organized around Southern California. They departed from Leimert Park, Long Beach, Reseda and Santa Ana, and converged on downtown L.A. for a noontime rally.
Some of the processions were led by hearses. One car had the names of dozens of people killed by police written on its windshield, images on social media showed.
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1 / 18 Four coffins are displayed in downtown Los Angeles in memory of George Floyd and others killed by police. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times) 2 / 18 Pastor Eddie Anderson, foreground, joins hundreds at a funeral procession memorial service and to honor George Floyd in Downtown Los Angeles. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times) 3 / 18 Hundreds join a Black Lives Matter-LA memorial service and funeral procession honor George Floyd and demanding justice for those killed by the hands of the police in Los Angeles on June 8, 2020. Interfaith leaders, labor, people of color, immigrants and victims of police brutality attended. The memorial services consisted of four funeral processions beginning in South Los Angeles, Long Beach, Orange County, and the San Fernando Valley. The processions converged in downtown Los Angeles at the crossing of 1st St and Broadway Blvd.. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times) 4 / 18 Participants honor George Floyd during a memorial service in downtown Los Angeles. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times) 5 / 18 Michael Ashley, left, joins hundreds at a memorial service for George Floyd in downtown Los Angeles. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times) 6 / 18 A coffin is carried at a memorial service honoring George Floyd in downtown Los Angeles. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times) 7 / 18 Melina Abdullah, co-founder of Black Lives-LA addresses the crowd during a memorial service for George Floyd. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times) 8 / 18 At Monday’s demonstration in L.A., Dewayne Winrow, left, James Thomas and Fluke Fluker take a knee before an empty casket in memory of George Floyd. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times) 9 / 18 Hospital Chaplain Charles Clemons puts an arm around son John, 7, during a prayer at Reseda Church of Christ. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times) 10 / 18 People place an empty casket, in memory of George Floyd, into a hearse at Reseda Church of Christ before forming a vehicle procession to a memorial service in downtown Los Angeles on Monday. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times) 11 / 18 A hearse leads a procession of cars on the 101 Freeway toward downtown Los Angeles. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times) 12 / 18 Makeda Harding waits for a car caravan to depart Leimert Park on Monday. (Christina House/Los Angeles Times) 13 / 18 A demonstrator rides in the procession departing Leimert Park for the memorial service in honor of George Floyd. (Christina House/Los Angeles Times) 14 / 18 Morris Griffin walks between rows of cars at Leimert Park. (Christina House/Los Angeles Times) 15 / 18 Nickey Bennett, center, and her children, from left, Calliope, 8, Nixon, 10, Roxi, 14, and Caiden Reed, 17, turn out to support those at Leimert Park. (Christina House/Los Angeles Times) 16 / 18 Nickey Bennett, right, hugs daughter Roxi Reed at Leimert Park as a car procession departs in honor of George Floyd, who was killed by police. (Christina House/Los Angeles Times) 17 / 18 The crowd at Leimert Park shows their support as the procession begins. (Christina House/Los Angeles Times) 18 / 18 A hearse leads the caravan from Leimert Park for downtown Los Angeles on Monday. (Christina House/Los Angeles Times)
Once the caravans reached downtown and people exited their vehicles, mourners could be seen carrying floral arrangements. At the intersection of Broadway and 1st Street, four hearses were parked in the middle of the street, surrounded by hundreds of protesters.
Those gathered clapped as a woman gave a speech about defunding the police, and she led them in a repeating chant of Floyd’s and Breonna Taylor’s names. Taylor was shot and killed in her Louisville, Ky., apartment by a police officer in March. No charges have been filed in connection with her death.
“Do not let this system of white supremacy define who you are and take you away from your community,” the speaker said. “You have to fight for all black people, and that means all black people.”
Near the front of the stage, four caskets were covered in flowers. They had photos next to each — one for Floyd, Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and Ryan Charles Twyman. Arbery was fatally shot by a white father and son as he jogged in a Georgia neighborhood in February. Twyman was shot and killed by sheriff’s deputies at a South Los Angeles apartment complex last year.
Family members of people fatally shot by police gave emotional speeches about losing their loved ones and fighting for justice.
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The mother of Eric Rivera, who was killed by police in Wilmington in 2017, spoke about how her son was shot, run over and left in the street, his body uncovered.
“I gotta come out, and I gotta fight for my justice,” she told the crowd.
Santa Ana resident Samuel Justiss Vance, 64, clapped and chanted along with the crowd. Vance, a member of the Orange County Racial Justice Collaborative, said it was his third day protesting since the movement began nearly two weeks ago. He said he’s been involved in fighting for equality since the 1960s.
“Our rights are never secured,” he said, describing the never-ending struggle for equality as he stood in the crowd, the hot afternoon sun beating down. “This is a continuum.”
His reason for being there? “Christ said, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers,’” he said. “And so I am here today.”
At 1:50 p.m., the caskets were returned to the hearse and a small procession followed.
Pat, 57, sat off to the side of the crowd. In her lap was her dog, Kenji, and a handwritten sign that read, “Love is the answer. No justice: no peace.”
The Los Angeles resident, who declined to give her last name for privacy reasons, said she came out because there is strength in numbers.
“The murdered, the injustices, the incarcerations have gone on for generations — not decades, generations,” she said.
The native Angeleno said that police brutality was often talked about in the black community, but it took a killing as brutal as Floyd’s for everyone else to understand. This time felt different, she said, because the world was paying attention.
“Because of his death, this movement has been born,” she said, gesturing to the crowd around her.
Just before 3 p.m., the protesters marched to City Hall, chanting, “Black lives, they matter here.”
In unison they asked those inside — where a budget meeting was being held — to defund the police.
For William Boyi II, the movement is personal. His brother was beaten by officers in Florida, he said.
“This keeps happening, and until we dismantle the police, it’ll keep happening,” he said. “We just can’t afford one more death. We’re done going through this.”
The protesters then headed down Spring and Figueroa streets and through the 2nd Street tunnel — where their voices were amplified.
Leaders asked them to take a knee, and for a moment, the deafening chants were silenced as they took a moment to remember Floyd.
On a nearby tunnel wall someone had written, “Riot every cop.”
The crowd arrived back at City Hall about 4 p.m., with many of those in attendance taking refuge in the shade as speakers continued.
Police presence was light, with officers appearing mostly at intersections to direct the protesters.
At several points the crowd chanted, “How do you spell ‘racist’?”
“LAPD” came the response.
Leaders of United Teachers Los Angeles said Monday they support a movement to eliminate the Los Angeles School Police Department, a force of about 400 that serves the L.A. Unified School District and accounts for about $70 million of the district’s $7.9 billion budget.
“We have to dismantle white supremacy. We must ... defund the police and bring in the mental health services that our students need,” said Cecily Myart-Cruz, the incoming president of UTLA, which represents about 30,000 teachers, nurses, counselors and other staff in the school district.
The union’s board of directors voted last week, 35-2, to “start a process” that will ultimately lead to a larger union vote on whether or not to push the school board to “take money out of the school police department and put it directly into mental health support, counselors, academic counselors,” current UTLA President Alex Caputo-Pearl said. “We can have 800 mental health supporters by using that money.”
The movement to defund school police has been a concern of education equity advocates for years. But the nationwide protests over the death of Floyd and calls to defund the Los Angeles Police Department and some others throughout the country reinvigorated their calls in the past days.
Floyd’s death has become a rallying point for many who say that police abuses against black people have persisted unchecked for too long, prompting sweeping protests across the U.S. and elsewhere around the world.
“This is a movement,” said activist AJ Lovelace, gesturing to City Hall. “They thought we were going to get tired and give up. And we’re still here.”
In Los Angeles, demonstrations remained peaceful over the weekend.
They included a huge march in Hollywood that drew an estimated 20,000 people Sunday and a caravan of motorcycles, demonstrators and cowboys that made its way through Compton.
California Compton Cowboys join spirited caravan through city to protest police brutality The Compton Cowboys joined a caravan of motorcycles and demonstrators as part of a growing national movement to end police brutality and systemic racism.
At 9 a.m. on Tuesday, the downtown Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels will toll its bells for 8 minutes and 46 seconds — the length of time
Officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee against Floyd’s neck.
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles invited all its parishes to do the same.
“We need to make sure that George Floyd did not die for no reason. We should honor the sacrifice of his life by removing racism and hate from our hearts and renewing our commitment to fulfill our nation’s sacred promise — to be a beloved community of life, liberty and equality for all,” Archbishop José H. Gomez said in a statement.
Times staff writers Kevin Rector, Richard Winton contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-06-09--All Black Lives Matter march will take place June 14, without L.A. Pride's involvement

There will still be a march in support of Black Lives Matter in L.A. on June 14 .
But Christopher Street West , the organization that produces L.A .
Pride , will not be involved .
After announcing a solidarity protest march last week , L.A .
Pride organizers faced backlash for seeking a police permit to hold the event and for not collaborating with Black Lives Matter leadership before announcing it .
On Friday evening , the board of directors posted an apology on social media and said it was “ reevaluating ” the event .
On Monday afternoon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social media saying a march would happen on June 14 , but without the involvement of Christopher Street West .
“ The CSW board members who conceived the idea for the march began speaking with Black LGBTQ+ leaders and organizations in advance of the announcement , however they had not been able to align directly with Black Lives Matter leaders prior to the announcement .
For that , we apologize to the Black Lives Matter Organizers , ” the statement read .
It also said permits had been withdrawn and there would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not a Pride Parade or celebration event .
This is a solidarity protest march and there will be no corporate participation.
” The All Black Lives Matter march will be organized by the newly formed Black Advisory Board made up of Black LGBTQ+ leaders and organizations .
On the event ’ s website , the board posted a statement announcing a protest “ in direct response to racial injustice , systemic racism , and all forms of oppression ” for 10 a.m. on Sunday , June 14 .
“ We are here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together in solidarity .
Endorsed by BLM-LA and the Black Advisory Board , the All Black Lives Matter solidarity march aims to bring the community together to peacefully exercise our First Amendment rights and heal together , ” the statement read .
“ Out of recognition and respect to the years of work and action of Black LGBTQ+ leadership and community organizers , Christopher Street West and LA Pride will no longer co-organize the All Black Lives Matter march .
However , they are in full support and stand unapologetically in solidarity with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oppression , institutional barriers , police brutality and discrimination of all kinds.
” The statement also recommended participants adhere to California Department of Public Health recommendations for coronavirus prevention , including wearing face coverings .
More event details are expected to be announced in the coming days on the .

People gather in downtown L.A. for a memorial service honoring George Floyd and demanding justice for those killed by police in Los Angeles.
There will still be a march in support of Black Lives Matter in L.A. on June 14. But Christopher Street West, the organization that produces L.A. Pride, will not be involved.
After announcing a solidarity protest march last week, L.A. Pride organizers faced backlash for seeking a police permit to hold the event and for not collaborating with Black Lives Matter leadership before announcing it.
For the record: A previous version of this story misstated the organizations endorsing the June 14 march as BLM-LA and the Black Advisory Board. The event is endorsed by BLM and B.L.A.C., according to the event website.
On Friday evening, the board of directors posted an apology on social media and said it was “reevaluating” the event. On Monday afternoon, the board posted a statement on social media saying a march would happen on June 14, but without the involvement of Christopher Street West.
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“The CSW board members who conceived the idea for the march began speaking with Black LGBTQ+ leaders and organizations in advance of the announcement, however they had not been able to align directly with Black Lives Matter leaders prior to the announcement. For that, we apologize to the Black Lives Matter Organizers,” the statement read. It also said permits had been withdrawn and there would be no involvement from police. “This is not a Pride Parade or celebration event. This is a solidarity protest march and there will be no corporate participation.”
The All Black Lives Matter march will be organized by the newly formed Black Advisory Board made up of Black LGBTQ+ leaders and organizations. On the event’s website, the board posted a statement announcing a protest “in direct response to racial injustice, systemic racism, and all forms of oppression” for 10 a.m. on Sunday, June 14.
“We are here to amplify Black Queer voices and come together in solidarity. Endorsed by BLM and B.L.A.C (Black LGBTQIA Advisory Board Council), the All Black Lives Matter solidarity march aims to bring the community together to peacefully exercise our First Amendment rights and heal together,” the statement read. “Out of recognition and respect to the years of work and action of Black LGBTQ+ leadership and community organizers, Christopher Street West and LA Pride will no longer co-organize the All Black Lives Matter march. However, they are in full support and stand unapologetically in solidarity with efforts to dismantle racial justice, systemic oppression, institutional barriers, police brutality and discrimination of all kinds.”
The statement also recommended participants adhere to California Department of Public Health recommendations for coronavirus prevention, including wearing face coverings.


latimes--2020-06-09--Tribal casinos sue California for more time to qualify legal sports betting measure amid coronavirus

A coalition of California Native American tribes sued the state Tuesday seeking more time to qualify a sports betting initiative for the statewide ballot , arguing that the state ‘ s coronavirus shutdown kept them from collecting voter signatures in recent months .
The lawsuit comes as state officials express concerns that the virus could impede the ability of Californians to go to the polls to vote , leading Gov .
Gavin Newsom last month to order ballots to be mailed to the state ’ s 20.6 million voters .
The new legal claim was filed by the Coalition to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 25 Native American tribes throughout California and hopes to qualify an initiative for the 2022 ballot that would legalize sports betting at tribal casinos and horse racing tracks .
The coalition originally hoped to make the Nov. 3 ballot but said it has run out of time , although the state says it could still qualify by June 25 to get on this year ’ s ballot .
The coalition is seeking an extension of at least 90 days in hopes of qualifying for the following election .
State law gives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to gather the signatures needed , regardless of the timing of the election in which it will be considered by voters .
“ This is about seeking to preserve the people ’ s democratic right to pursue an initiative during the pandemic , ” said Kenneth Kahn , chairman of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians .
“ Tribal leaders temporarily suspended signature gathering as a sacrifice to protect everyone ’ s public health.
” The tribes began circulating petitions for the initiative in January and the lawsuit says the July 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make the 2022 ballot “ presents an impossible burden that prevents Petitioners from exercising their right to propose legislation by initiative , as guaranteed by the State Constitution.
” Enforcing the deadline would also violate the tribes ’ rights under the 1st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to petition the government for a redress of grievances , according to the lawsuit , filed in Sacramento County Superior Court against Secretary of State Alex Padilla .
The tribes spent $ 7 million to collect 971,373 signatures by mid-March when Newsom issued the stay-at-home order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the deadline and have to start over collecting signatures for a ballot in a future year , the suit says .
The lawsuit asks the court to extend the deadline until all counties in California have moved to the third of four stages in Newsom ’ s phased reopening plan for the state , or at least 90 days .
Padilla ’ s staff members are “ reviewing the litigation and do not have specific comment on it at this time , ” said Sam Mahood , a spokesman for the Secretary of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ betting at tribal casinos and horse tracks but not at rival card clubs or online , and would create a 10 % tax on sports gaming revenue at the racetracks .
A competing ballot measure opposed by the tribes is being considered by the state Legislature .
It would more broadly allow sports betting , including online , and give card clubs the discretion to continue offering some card games the tribes believe violate their exclusive tribal gambling rights .
State Sen. Bill Dodd ( D-Napa ) said his bill to legalize sports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tax and fee revenue for the state in the first year and up to $ 700 million when the market is mature .
The Senate Governmental Organization Committee voted to support the bill last week after Dodd argued it was important to bring sports betting out of the shadows in California .
“ The legalization of sports wagering gives California an opportunity to provide much-needed revenue to our state during tough economic times , ” Dodd said .
“ Because sports betting will continue to occur regardless of its legality.
” Twenty-two other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a 2018 U.S. Supreme Court decision that overturned the federal ban on sports betting , but California ’ s voters must agree to change the state Constitution for the practice to be allowed here .

A coalition of California Native American tribes sued the state Tuesday seeking more time to qualify a sports betting initiative for the statewide ballot, arguing that the state‘s coronavirus shutdown kept them from collecting voter signatures in recent months.
The lawsuit comes as state officials express concerns that the virus could impede the ability of Californians to go to the polls to vote, leading Gov. Gavin Newsom last month to order ballots to be mailed to the state’s 20.6 million voters.
The new legal claim was filed by the Coalition to Authorize Regulated Sports Wagering, which represents more than 25 Native American tribes throughout California and hopes to qualify an initiative for the 2022 ballot that would legalize sports betting at tribal casinos and horse racing tracks.
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The coalition originally hoped to make the Nov. 3 ballot but said it has run out of time, although the state says it could still qualify by June 25 to get on this year’s ballot.
The coalition is seeking an extension of at least 90 days in hopes of qualifying for the following election. State law gives proponents of a ballot measure 180 days to gather the signatures needed, regardless of the timing of the election in which it will be considered by voters.
“This is about seeking to preserve the people’s democratic right to pursue an initiative during the pandemic,” said Kenneth Kahn, chairman of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. “Tribal leaders temporarily suspended signature gathering as a sacrifice to protect everyone’s public health.”
The tribes began circulating petitions for the initiative in January and the lawsuit says the July 20 deadline for turning in 997,139 signatures to make the 2022 ballot “presents an impossible burden that prevents Petitioners from exercising their right to propose legislation by initiative, as guaranteed by the State Constitution.”
Enforcing the deadline would also violate the tribes’ rights under the 1st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to petition the government for a redress of grievances, according to the lawsuit, filed in Sacramento County Superior Court against Secretary of State Alex Padilla.
The tribes spent $7 million to collect 971,373 signatures by mid-March when Newsom issued the stay-at-home order and would face hardship if they miss the deadline and have to start over collecting signatures for a ballot in a future year, the suit says.
The lawsuit asks the court to extend the deadline until all counties in California have moved to the third of four stages in Newsom’s phased reopening plan for the state, or at least 90 days.
Padilla’s staff members are “reviewing the litigation and do not have specific comment on it at this time,” said Sam Mahood, a spokesman for the Secretary of State.
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The initiative would allow sports betting at tribal casinos and horse tracks but not at rival card clubs or online, and would create a 10% tax on sports gaming revenue at the racetracks.
A competing ballot measure opposed by the tribes is being considered by the state Legislature. It would more broadly allow sports betting, including online, and give card clubs the discretion to continue offering some card games the tribes believe violate their exclusive tribal gambling rights.
State Sen. Bill Dodd (D-Napa) said his bill to legalize sports betting could generate $200 million in tax and fee revenue for the state in the first year and up to $700 million when the market is mature.
The Senate Governmental Organization Committee voted to support the bill last week after Dodd argued it was important to bring sports betting out of the shadows in California.
“The legalization of sports wagering gives California an opportunity to provide much-needed revenue to our state during tough economic times,” Dodd said. “Because sports betting will continue to occur regardless of its legality.”
Twenty-two other states have legalized sports betting in response to a 2018 U.S. Supreme Court decision that overturned the federal ban on sports betting, but California’s voters must agree to change the state Constitution for the practice to be allowed here.


latimes--2020-06-09--LAPD officer charged with assault in videotaped beating of homeless man

A Los Angeles police officer has been charged with assault in connection with a video that shows him repeatedly punching an unarmed homeless man in Boyle Heights , authorities said Tuesday .
Frank Hernandez , who has been with the LAPD for more than 20 years , was charged with one count of assault under color of authority in connection with the April 27 incident .
“ This is a disturbing case of the illegal use of force at the hands of a police officer , ” Lacey said in a statement .
“ In this case , we believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasonable.
” Hernandez and his partner were responding to a trespassing call in the 2400 block of Houston Street when they confronted a homeless man who had set up a tent in a lot adjacent to a local church .
Cellphone video of the incident shows the officer throwing more than a dozen punches at the man ’ s head and body .
The man does not appear to be armed or resisting , at one point stumbling away from Hernandez .
The victim , who has since been described by attorneys and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was known in the neighborhood , suffered abrasions but did not require hospitalization .
Hernandez was assigned to home once the video became public .
Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore called the incident disturbing .
Hernandez has been involved in three on-duty shootings over the course of his career , including the 2010 killing of a Guatemalan day laborer , which sparked days of violent protests in the Westlake area .
A call to Hernandez ’ s attorney seeking comment was not immediately returned .

A Los Angeles police officer has been charged with assault in connection with a video that shows him repeatedly punching an unarmed homeless man in Boyle Heights, authorities said Tuesday.
Frank Hernandez, who has been with the LAPD for more than 20 years, was charged with one count of assault under color of authority in connection with the April 27 incident.
“This is a disturbing case of the illegal use of force at the hands of a police officer,” Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. Jackie Lacey said in a statement. “In this case, we believe the force was neither legally necessary nor reasonable.”
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Hernandez and his partner were responding to a trespassing call in the 2400 block of Houston Street when they confronted a homeless man who had set up a tent in a lot adjacent to a local church. Cell phone video of the incident shows the officer throwing more than a dozen punches at the man’s head and body. The man does not appear to be armed or resisting, at one point stumbling away from Hernandez.
AGRO COP ASSAULTS NON VIOLENT FOO IN BOYLE HEIGHTS pic.twitter.com/VPeIpVG4YG — FOOS GONE WILD (@foosgonewild) May 5, 2020
Although the incident did not meet the standards requiring the LAPD to release video, Chief Michel Moore ordered body-worn camera footage from the scene to be released in mid-May after the cellphone video surfaced and sparked outrage.
Hernandez was arrested Tuesday afternoon and released on his own recognizance in less than an hour, according to booking records. He is scheduled to appear in a downtown courtroom Thursday, prosecutors said.
The victim, described by attorneys and activists as an area homeless man who was known in the neighborhood, suffered abrasions but did not require hospitalization. Hernandez was assigned to home once the video became public. Moore called the incident disturbing.
Hernandez has been involved in three on-duty shootings over the course of his career, including the 2010 killing of a Guatemalan day laborer, which sparked days of violent protests in the Westlake area.
A call to Hernandez’s attorney seeking comment was not immediately returned.
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Carlos Montes, a member and organizer with Centro CSO: Community Service Organization in Boyle Heights, said, “I’m glad that he’s charged, but I hope that he’s found guilty, though. I’m always a little leery of the trial process.”


latimes--2020-06-09--What a drive-through graduation experience is like

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has kept California schools and colleges closed since March , it has not stopped students from continuing their education or experiencing their graduation .
The state ’ s restrictions on large gatherings means that graduation ceremonies have been different from others before them .
Theirs will be either a virtual or a drive-through graduation .
Traditionally , graduates get to sit next to their classmates dressed in their caps and gowns while their family and friends observe from a distance .
A two-hour event is filled with inspirational messages from keynote speakers and a valedictorian , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the band .
Graduates walk up one by one to the stage to receive a congratulatory handshake from the principal and cheers from classmates and loved ones .
In the end , the class is presented as a whole and then a burst of caps go up in the air , symbolizing completion of one chapter and the beginning of the next one .
The coronavirus outbreak changed all that , and , depending on whether counties have met benchmarks set by the state , school districts have been offering virtual and even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start allowing schools to reopen on Friday , Los Angeles County is not close to meeting the state ’ s requirements to lift restrictions .
Schools in the L.A. Unified School District are limited to online graduation ceremonies only .
In Riverside County , some schools in the Coachella Valley School District have been able to do drive-through graduations with social distancing and limited crowds , making the experience different and unique .
Such is the case for seniors like Lexander Ortega , who graduated last week from Coachella Valley High School .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ graduates arrive at different times , based on their last names .
One by one , cars drove onto the grounds of the Empire Polo Club in Indio .
At 9:45 a.m. , Lexander and his family , like other families , slowly drove up to the first station of the graduation staging .
Lexander got out of the car wearing a cap , gown and face mask .
Lexander walked over and took his place in line six feet behind a classmate .
The line moved up while his mother Sonia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ father Miguel remained in the car .
His father slowly drove along as Lexander walked .
“ This feels like a drive-through restaurant or a drive-in , ” said his sister .
His mother recorded with her cellphone from inside the car .
There were no speakers or live band , but recorded music played in the background .
With a fast pace , this ceremony did last not the traditional two hours , but just about 10 minutes .
“ We didn ’ t have time to wait , ” says Lexander @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just that very short moment of joy ” when her son ’ s name was announced and the principal shook his hand .
Applause from school administrators and cheers from volunteers were heard .
The family cheered from their car .
Lexander smiled under his face mask .
He posed momentarily for a photo with the principal .
He made a peace sign .
He then proceeded to the last station for individual photos , the family following along closely in the car .
Large green and yellow “ C ” and “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , were propped as a backdrop .
Lexander was allowed to remove his mask here .
Rose bushes and the club ’ s lion sculpture slightly obscured the family ’ s view .
He joined his family in the car , where he was congratulated and cheered once more .
The Ortegas ’ drive-through graduation experience was complete .
It was now 9:54 a.m .
Under different circumstances , graduates would be celebrating with their friends and loved ones , taking pictures and spending more time together .
Here , large group gatherings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very common to be with friends that you know .
It was weird not being with your friends or throwing caps in the air , ” says his sister Sonia .
Like many families picking up their new graduates from drive-through ceremonies , the Ortegas ’ reactions to the experience were a mix of wishfulness and gratitude .
Many graduates couldn ’ t celebrate with their friends because of the different time slots and social distancing .
“ I didn ’ t see my friends .
Felt happy , good experience .
Wishing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ glad that they [ school ] had an idea and went for it.
” says Lexander .
Lexander ’ s mother was grateful .
“ I wanted the moment to last longer , but grateful they had something .
Some people didn ’ t get anything.
” Later , Lexander connected with his friends over the phone .
Despite the pandemic , many schools and colleges have been able to offer their graduates selected moments of the traditional rites of passage .
“ I wish it could have been different , but in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they could tell their grandkids , ” — Sonia says .

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has kept California schools and colleges closed since March, it has not stopped students from continuing their education or experiencing their graduation. The state’s restrictions on large gatherings means that graduation ceremonies have been different from others before them. Theirs will be either a virtual or a drive-through graduation.
Traditionally, graduates get to sit next to their classmates dressed in their caps and gowns while their family and friends observe from a distance. A two-hour event is filled with inspirational messages from keynote speakers and a valedictorian, mixed with uplifting and celebratory music from the band. Graduates walk up one by one to the stage to receive a congratulatory handshake from the principal and cheers from classmates and loved ones. In the end, the class is presented as a whole and then a burst of caps go up in the air, symbolizing completion of one chapter and the beginning of the next one.
The coronavirus outbreak changed all that, and, depending on whether counties have met benchmarks set by the state, school districts have been offering virtual and even drive-through graduations. Although the state will start allowing schools to reopen on Friday, Los Angeles County is not close to meeting the state’s requirements to lift restrictions. Schools in the L.A. Unified School District are limited to online graduation ceremonies only.
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In Riverside County, some schools in the Coachella Valley School District have been able to do drive-through graduations with social distancing and limited crowds, making the experience different and unique. Such is the case for seniors like Lexander Ortega, who graduated last week from Coachella Valley High School.
Strategies to keep everyone safe included having graduates arrive at different times, based on their last names. One by one, cars drove onto the grounds of the Empire Polo Club in Indio. At 9:45 a.m., Lexander and his family, like other families, slowly drove up to the first station of the graduation staging. Lexander got out of the car wearing a cap, gown and face mask.
Lexander walked over and took his place in line six feet behind a classmate. The line moved up while his mother Sonia, oldest sister Sonia “Sonitos” and father Miguel remained in the car. His father slowly drove along as Lexander walked. “This feels like a drive-through restaurant or a drive-in,” said his sister.
His mother recorded with her cellphone from inside the car.
(Lorena Elebee / Los Angeles Times)
There were no speakers or live band, but recorded music played in the background. With a fast pace, this ceremony did last not the traditional two hours, but just about 10 minutes. “We didn’t have time to wait,” says Lexander’s mother. “There was just that very short moment of joy” when her son’s name was announced and the principal shook his hand.
Applause from school administrators and cheers from volunteers were heard. The family cheered from their car. Lexander smiled under his face mask.
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He posed momentarily for a photo with the principal. He made a peace sign. He then proceeded to the last station for individual photos, the family following along closely in the car. Large green and yellow “C” and “V” letters, for Coachella Valley, were propped as a backdrop. Lexander was allowed to remove his mask here. Rose bushes and the club’s lion sculpture slightly obscured the family’s view.
He joined his family in the car, where he was congratulated and cheered once more.
The Ortegas’ drive-through graduation experience was complete. It was now 9:54 a.m.
Under different circumstances, graduates would be celebrating with their friends and loved ones, taking pictures and spending more time together. Here, large group gatherings were banned. “It’s very common to be with friends that you know. It was weird not being with your friends or throwing caps in the air,” says his sister Sonia.
Like many families picking up their new graduates from drive-through ceremonies, the Ortegas’ reactions to the experience were a mix of wishfulness and gratitude. Many graduates couldn’t celebrate with their friends because of the different time slots and social distancing. “I didn’t see my friends. Felt happy, good experience. Wishing there was an actual graduation, but glad that they [school] had an idea and went for it.” says Lexander.
Lexander’s mother was grateful. “I wanted the moment to last longer, but grateful they had something. Some people didn’t get anything.”
Later, Lexander connected with his friends over the phone.
Despite the pandemic, many schools and colleges have been able to offer their graduates selected moments of the traditional rites of passage.
“I wish it could have been different, but in a way it is unique. Something they could tell their grandkids,” — Sonia says.


latimes--2020-06-09--After coronavirus closure, Los Angeles County Library offers curbside pickup

After being closed for nearly three months amid the coronavirus pandemic , two dozen of Los Angeles County Library ’ s locations reopened for sidewalk service Monday .
Library patrons can reserve books , CDs and DVDs online or by phone at 24 locations .
Once the materials are available , the library will notify customers they are ready for pick up .
Those who placed holds on materials prior to the March 15 closure will be notified when their items are available .
Pickups are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays .
Although the buildings remain closed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. , officials said .
Library patrons should call to schedule a pickup .
Parking spots will be designated for “ Sidewalk Service Holds.
” After arriving , customers can call the number listed on the parking sign .
“ You ’ ll be asked to wait in a designated area , wearing a face covering , while your holds are brought to a table for you to pick up , ” the library website states .
Although only 24 locations will offer sidewalk pickups for now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any of the county ’ s book drops .
Due dates for existing checkouts have been extended through July 15 .
Newly checked-out items must be returned within three weeks for books and CDs and one week for DVDs .
Returned materials will be held out of circulation for a period of time before being reissued , in keeping with recommendations by health and safety officials , library officials said .
For those who prefer not to use the sidewalk service , digital offerings remain available .

A library patron and her daughter browse the stacks at L.A. County Library’s La Cañada Flintridge branch in 2012.
After being closed for nearly three months amid the coronavirus pandemic, two dozen of Los Angeles County Library’s locations reopened for sidewalk service Monday.
Library patrons can reserve books, CDs and DVDs online or by phone at 24 locations. Once the materials are available, the library will notify customers they are ready for pick up. Those who placed holds on materials prior to the March 15 closure will be notified when their items are available.
Pickups are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Although the buildings remain closed to the public, staff will be on call from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., officials said.
Library patrons should call to schedule a pickup. Parking spots will be designated for “Sidewalk Service Holds.” After arriving, customers can call the number listed on the parking sign.
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“You’ll be asked to wait in a designated area, wearing a face covering, while your holds are brought to a table for you to pick up,” the library website states.
Although only 24 locations will offer sidewalk pickups for now, library materials may be returned at any of the county’s book drops.
Due dates for existing checkouts have been extended through July 15. Newly checked-out items must be returned within three weeks for books and CDs and one week for DVDs.
Returned materials will be held out of circulation for a period of time before being reissued, in keeping with recommendations by health and safety officials, library officials said.
For those who prefer not to use the sidewalk service, digital offerings remain available.


latimes--2020-06-09--California coronavirus cases remain on upward trajectory

The number of coronavirus infections throughout California continues to rise steadily as counties further lift stay-at-home restrictions amid increasing efforts to restore the battered economy .
On Monday , health officials reported nearly 3,100 cases , bringing the total to more than 134,000 infections in the state .
California surpassed 100,000 cases a little less than two weeks ago and has reported at least 2,000 infections every day since .
In Sacramento County , officials have seen a recent surge in hospitalizations linked to gatherings , including birthday parties and one funeral , over the past two weeks .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people were hospitalized , including nine in intensive care .
By Tuesday , that number had increased to 33 hospitalized patients , 14 of whom were in intensive care .
Dr. Olivia Kasirye , the county ’ s health officer , said that most of the 33 hospitalized individuals were connected to the same household and attended the same events .
Those hospitalized have underlying health conditions , including diabetes , high blood pressure , kidney and heart disease .
Beyond assembly for religious worship and political protests , gatherings are not yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But Kasirye thinks that many may believe it ’ s safe to reunite , despite the ongoing prohibition .
Residents heeded warnings to self-isolate when stay-at-home orders were first implemented , Kasirye said .
“ Now , there ’ s probably a sense that we ’ re out of the woods , and many who have not seen relatives and friends for a long time have started venturing out.
” The county has reported more than 1,600 infections and 61 deaths .
Kasirye said that about 50 % of the infections were among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bed capacity is one of the key metrics counties are tracking to ensure they can continue to lift restrictions .
Sacramento County still has a large number of beds available , but officials are continuing to check with hospitals on a regular basis to make sure they can manage any surge in hospitalized patients , Kasirye said .
State officials will work with Sacramento County and other areas to address the uptick in coronavirus cases .
“ The state will work closely with local health departments to identify action steps and timelines for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” officials wrote in a statement .
Other counties of focus include San Bernardino , Imperial , Santa Clara , Tulare , San Joaquin , Kings , Fresno and Los Angeles .
The bulk of the state ’ s infections and deaths are still occurring in Los Angeles County .
On Tuesday , officials announced 56 new deaths and 1,225 new cases , bringing the number of infections to more than 65,800 and the death toll to to 2,707 .
On Saturday and Sunday , officials announced 81 deaths — the highest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in more than a month .
Officials have said the increase in the number of cases partly stems from an increase in testing .
But although testing remains the biggest weapon in the fight against the disease —absent a vaccine or other medical therapies — results are not always accurate .
Los Angeles County announced it was shifting testing methods at drive-through sites to nasal swabs over oral swabs .
On Monday , Dr. Christina Ghaly , director of health services for L.A. County , said officials thought the specimen collection by nasal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collected via mouth and would likely lead to fewer false negatives .
“ The likelihood of getting the correct test result is higher than it is with the oral swabs , ” Ghaly said .
The incubation period of the virus can take up to 14 days , so it ’ s too soon to tell if there ’ s been a surge in cases connected to the protests against police brutality and inequality in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd .
Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer on Monday encouraged anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large gathering to get tested .
But she warned that when a test was done too early after possible exposure to the coronavirus , it could result in a false negative as there might not yet be enough of the virus to detect .
It ’ s unclear how many people have falsely tested negative for the virus .
So far , more than 720,000 of the county ’ s 10 million residents have been tested for COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
Of those , 8 % have tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a person doesn ’ t have symptoms , Ferrer said , it doesn ’ t necessarily mean the individual is not a carrier .
“ I do want to say that there is , unequivocally , asymptomatic spread .
So I don ’ t want anyone to get confused that people who are asymptomatic may not be capable of spreading .
They are in fact capable of spreading .
And we all need to keep that in mind .
The question is : How much are they spreading ?
” In fact , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an uptick in disease transmission .
After the “ effective transmission rate ” of the virus fell from its original 3 to 3½ — meaning one infected person on average transmitted the virus to an average of three or 3½ other people — the rate dipped to its lowest point in mid-May to just under 1 .
But the transmission rate has begun to climb again , causing further worry among health officials about the potential for a second wave .
They had warned of a possible surge in cases after many stay-at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Memorial Day weekend .
Previously asked in May what would happen if a surge in cases were to occur in L.A. County after stay-at-home orders were lifted , Ferrer said that restrictions would not be reimplemented .
Instead , the state would help the county address specific needs as they arose .

The number of coronavirus infections throughout California continues to rise steadily as counties further lift stay-at-home restrictions amid increasing efforts to restore the battered economy.
On Monday, health officials reported nearly 3,100 cases, bringing the total to more than 134,000 infections in the state.
California surpassed 100,000 cases a little less than two weeks ago and has reported at least 2,000 infections every day since.
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In Sacramento County, officials have seen a recent surge in hospitalizations linked to gatherings, including birthday parties and one funeral, over the past two weeks.
On Friday, the county reported that 17 people were hospitalized, including nine in intensive care. By Tuesday, that number had increased to 33 hospitalized patients, 14 of whom were in intensive care.
Dr. Olivia Kasirye, the county’s health officer, said that most of the 33 hospitalized individuals were connected to the same household and attended the same events. Those hospitalized have underlying health conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney and heart disease.
Beyond assembly for religious worship and political protests, gatherings are not yet allowed under state or county orders. But Kasirye thinks that many may believe it’s safe to reunite, despite the ongoing prohibition.
Residents heeded warnings to self-isolate when stay-at-home orders were first implemented, Kasirye said. “Now, there’s probably a sense that we’re out of the woods, and many who have not seen relatives and friends for a long time have started venturing out.”
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The county has reported more than 1,600 infections and 61 deaths. Kasirye said that about 50% of the infections were among individuals ages 18 to 49.
Hospital bed capacity is one of the key metrics counties are tracking to ensure they can continue to lift restrictions. Sacramento County still has a large number of beds available, but officials are continuing to check with hospitals on a regular basis to make sure they can manage any surge in hospitalized patients, Kasirye said.
State officials will work with Sacramento County and other areas to address the uptick in coronavirus cases.
“The state will work closely with local health departments to identify action steps and timelines for addressing issues that impact indicators of concern,” officials wrote in a statement. Other counties of focus include San Bernardino, Imperial, Santa Clara, Tulare, San Joaquin, Kings, Fresno and Los Angeles.
The bulk of the state’s infections and deaths are still occurring in Los Angeles County. On Tuesday, officials announced 56 new deaths and 1,225 new cases, bringing the number of infections to more than 65,800 and the death toll to to 2,707. On Saturday and Sunday, officials announced 81 deaths — the highest number of deaths reported over a weekend in more than a month.
Officials have said the increase in the number of cases partly stems from an increase in testing. But although testing remains the biggest weapon in the fight against the disease —absent a vaccine or other medical therapies — results are not always accurate.
Los Angeles County announced it was shifting testing methods at drive-through sites to nasal swabs over oral swabs. On Monday, Dr. Christina Ghaly, director of health services for L.A. County, said officials thought the specimen collection by nasal swabs was of better quality than specimens collected via mouth and would likely lead to fewer false negatives.
“The likelihood of getting the correct test result is higher than it is with the oral swabs,” Ghaly said.
The incubation period of the virus can take up to 14 days, so it’s too soon to tell if there’s been a surge in cases connected to the protests against police brutality and inequality in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd.
Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer on Monday encouraged anyone who had been at a protest or large gathering to get tested. But she warned that when a test was done too early after possible exposure to the coronavirus, it could result in a false negative as there might not yet be enough of the virus to detect.
It’s unclear how many people have falsely tested negative for the virus. So far, more than 720,000 of the county’s 10 million residents have been tested for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. Of those, 8% have tested positive, health officials say.
If a person doesn’t have symptoms, Ferrer said, it doesn’t necessarily mean the individual is not a carrier.
“I do want to say that there is, unequivocally, asymptomatic spread. So I don’t want anyone to get confused that people who are asymptomatic may not be capable of spreading. They are in fact capable of spreading. And we all need to keep that in mind. The question is: How much are they spreading?”
In fact, health officials in L.A. County are detecting an uptick in disease transmission.
After the “effective transmission rate” of the virus fell from its original 3 to 3½ — meaning one infected person on average transmitted the virus to an average of three or 3½ other people — the rate dipped to its lowest point in mid-May to just under 1.
But the transmission rate has begun to climb again, causing further worry among health officials about the potential for a second wave. They had warned of a possible surge in cases after many stay-at home restrictions were eased in advance of the Memorial Day weekend.
Previously asked in May what would happen if a surge in cases were to occur in L.A. County after stay-at-home orders were lifted, Ferrer said that restrictions would not be reimplemented. Instead, the state would help the county address specific needs as they arose.


latimes--2020-06-09--California DMV to reopen all offices closed because of coronavirus

The last of the California Department of Motor Vehicle ’ s 169 field offices that were closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic will reopen on Thursday to customers who already have appointments , but not all services will be available , officials said Tuesday .
Customers requiring in-person transactions will be allowed in , while others are being told to conduct their business on the DMV website .
Behind-the-wheel driving tests are still not available because of physical distancing rules , according to DMV Director Steve Gordon .
“ Nearly all DMV tasks can be accomplished without an office visit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ To keep wait times down and to maintain public health guidelines , I ask you to only visit a DMV office when absolutely necessary and to come prepared.
” Gordon closed all field offices to the public on March 27 because of concern over crowded offices creating a risk for the spread of COVID-19 between customers and employees .
He said last week that 41 DMV employees had contracted COVID-19 in recent months but that all had since recovered and returned to work .
The backlog of teenagers needing a driving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ license was a concern raised last week when the Senate Rules Committee recommended confirmation of Gordon ’ s appointment to head the agency .
“ This is a real problem for families as parents go back to work , ” Sen. Patricia Bates ( R-Laguna Niguel ) said .
Gordon said physical distancing rules require customers and DMV employees to be at least six feet apart , which is difficult during a driving test , but he said he is looking at various options including the use of private driving schools to conduct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offices are being asked to wear face masks and abide by physical distancing requirements .
Those receiving appointments to visit field offices need to complete transactions that require an in-person visit , including paying registration fees for impounded vehicles , reinstating suspended or revoked licenses and applying for a commercial driver license .
The agency has begun rescheduling appointments canceled during the temporary closure and notifying customers of the new date .
“ Once the DMV has accommodated those customers , the DMV will begin offering a limited number of new appointments , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

The California Department of Motor Vehicles plans to reopen the last of its closed field offices by Thursday, but new physical distancing rules will prohibit the kinds of crowded situations seen before the pandemic.
The last of the California Department of Motor Vehicle’s 169 field offices that were closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic will reopen on Thursday to customers who already have appointments, but not all services will be available, officials said Tuesday.
Customers requiring in-person transactions will be allowed in, while others are being told to conduct their business on the DMV website. Behind-the-wheel driving tests are still not available because of physical distancing rules, according to DMV Director Steve Gordon.
“Nearly all DMV tasks can be accomplished without an office visit,” Gordon said in a statement. “To keep wait times down and to maintain public health guidelines, I ask you to only visit a DMV office when absolutely necessary and to come prepared.”
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Gordon closed all field offices to the public on March 27 because of concern over crowded offices creating a risk for the spread of COVID-19 between customers and employees. He said last week that 41 DMV employees had contracted COVID-19 in recent months but that all had since recovered and returned to work.
The backlog of teenagers needing a driving test while applying for their first driver license was a concern raised last week when the Senate Rules Committee recommended confirmation of Gordon’s appointment to head the agency.
“This is a real problem for families as parents go back to work,” Sen. Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) said.
Gordon said physical distancing rules require customers and DMV employees to be at least six feet apart, which is difficult during a driving test, but he said he is looking at various options including the use of private driving schools to conduct road tests.
Customers visiting DMV field offices are being asked to wear face masks and abide by physical distancing requirements.
Those receiving appointments to visit field offices need to complete transactions that require an in-person visit, including paying registration fees for impounded vehicles, reinstating suspended or revoked licenses and applying for a commercial driver license.
The agency has begun rescheduling appointments canceled during the temporary closure and notifying customers of the new date.
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“Once the DMV has accommodated those customers, the DMV will begin offering a limited number of new appointments,” the agency said in a statement.