latimes--2020-07-15--Mineral fire in Fresno County grows to 11,000 acres as firefighters battle 'extreme' behavior

A wind-whipped wildfire has now charred 11,000 acres west of Coalinga in Fresno County , and firefighters are contending with “ extreme ” fire behavior as they work to contain the blaze .
The Mineral fire — which ignited about 3:30 p.m. Monday in the area of South Coalinga Mineral Springs Road and Highway 198 — was 5 % contained as of Wednesday morning , according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection .
The blaze has forced the evacuation of the community of Bingham Springs and residents on Los Gatos Creek Road from Indian Springs to Union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could not immediately provide an estimate of how many residents were affected .
No structures have been damaged or destroyed , but 50 were threatened as of 6 a.m. , according to a Cal Fire update .
The fire “ is currently burning in difficult-to-access areas and in fuels with no fire history , ” officials wrote in the update .
“ Containment efforts will be hampered due to extreme fire behavior , which includes rapid uphill and wind-driven runs.
” An estimated 555 personnel were battling the blaze as of Wednesday morning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to Cal Fire .

The Mineral fire in Fresno County has grown to 11,000 acres and prompted evacuations.
A wind-whipped wildfire has now charred 11,000 acres west of Coalinga in Fresno County, and firefighters are contending with “extreme” fire behavior as they work to contain the blaze.
The Mineral fire — which ignited about 3:30 p.m. Monday in the area of South Coalinga Mineral Springs Road and Highway 198 — was 5% contained as of Wednesday morning, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
The blaze has forced the evacuation of the community of Bingham Springs and residents on Los Gatos Creek Road from Indian Springs to Union Carbide Road. A Cal Fire spokeswoman could not immediately provide an estimate of how many residents were affected.
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No structures have been damaged or destroyed, but 50 were threatened as of 6 a.m., according to a Cal Fire update.
The fire “is currently burning in difficult-to-access areas and in fuels with no fire history,” officials wrote in the update. “Containment efforts will be hampered due to extreme fire behavior, which includes rapid uphill and wind-driven runs.”
An estimated 555 personnel were battling the blaze as of Wednesday morning. Expected containment is July 24, according to Cal Fire.


latimes--2020-07-15--LA Pride is leaving West Hollywood after four decades in the city

LA Pride , one of the nation ’ s oldest and largest LGBTQ pride celebrations , is leaving West Hollywood after more than four decades in the iconic gay-friendly city .
In a letter to the West Hollywood City Council on Tuesday , Christopher Street West , the nonprofit that produces LA Pride , says the annual parade and festival will be moved from the city in 2021 .
A new location has not been announced .
“ The Board of Directors decided to take this approach for several reasons , ” the letter says .
“ These include construction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demographics of Greater Los Angeles , our commitment to being responsive to the LGBTQIA+ community ’ s needs , and our allyship and collaboration with other movements for social change.
” LA Pride , which has taken place in West Hollywood every summer since 1979 , draws hundreds of thousands of people to the city each year .
It is a major economic driver for local bars , nightclubs , restaurants and other businesses , many of which have been hard-hit by the coronavirus pandemic of late .
West Hollywood responded with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s LGBTQ history , saying the city embraces “ Pride each and every day , year-round.
” “ With its high concentration of LGBTQ residents and businesses — more than 40 % of residents in West Hollywood identify as LGBTQ and three of the five members of the West Hollywood City Council are openly gay — the City of West Hollywood remains the heart of the region ’ s LGBTQ community , ” the city ’ s statement reads .
At a meeting Monday , the City Council is set to discuss how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LGBTQ pride events in West Hollywood next June .
In recent years , Christopher Street West — named after the New York City street on which the Stonewall Inn stands — has been criticized as too white , too corporate and dismissive of transgender people .
In 2017 , the annual parade morphed into the # ResistMarch to protest the election of President Trump .
This year , the parade — which started in the Los Angeles city limits in 1970 and was celebrating its 50th anniversary — was canceled because of COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in May , Christopher Street West announced what was called a solidarity march with Black Lives Matter , to be held on the same day the LA Pride parade would have taken place .
But the Black Lives Matter Los Angeles group never endorsed the event , and numerous leaders within the Black LGBTQ community said Christopher Street West did not communicate with them before announcing it .
Critics said organizers appropriated the Black Lives Matter cause in order to hold a “ mini Pride ” and denounced Christopher Street West for trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Los Angeles Police Department .
On June 14 , tens of thousands of people filled the streets of Hollywood and West Hollywood for the All Black Lives Matter march , which was organized by a newly formed group , Black LGBTQ+ Activists for Change , or BLAC , whose board is composed entirely of Black LGBTQ people .
In an email to The Times , West Hollywood Councilman John D ’ Amico said he was “ excited that we ’ re given a clean slate ” to determine how the city would celebrate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the times.
” Last week , D ’ Amico submitted an agenda item asking his City Council colleagues to discuss opening the bidding process for a new producer for LGBTQ pride events .
According to the agenda item , the city , which co-sponsors LA Pride , has supported the event with direct financial contributions to Christopher Street West , providing access to municipal facilities and emergency services support , including medical tents and law enforcement .
The city ’ s financial contribution in 2015 was about $ 500,000 , the agenda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place this year , public safety costs were estimated to be around $ 2.7 million , with the city ’ s full contribution just under $ 3 million .
D ’ Amico said he “ had grown uncomfortable with spending nearly $ 3 million on a party — and never soliciting bids to be sure we were getting our money ’ s worth — especially now.
” In its letter to the City Council , the Christopher Street West board members said they had had a positive relationship with West Hollywood and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanted to “ explore opportunities for collaboration in 2021 and beyond and hope West Hollywood can be part of a more diversified celebration throughout Greater Los Angeles.
” Mayor Lindsey Horvath said in an email that the city and Christopher Street West had “ enjoyed an incredible partnership , and , on a personal note , I will treasure the memories I have made celebrating Pride with CSW within our city.
” Councilman John Duran told The Times in an email that West Hollywood would have its own pride events next summer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West .
“ We remain the heart of the LGBT community in Southern California and will continue to do so , ” he said .
“ There are numerous Prides in Southern California on an annual basis in Long Beach , Orange County and the San Fernando Valley .
West Hollywood Pride will continue uninterrupted as it always has on Santa Monica Boulevard and San Vicente .
”

LA Pride, one of the nation’s oldest and largest LGBTQ pride celebrations, is leaving West Hollywood after more than four decades in the iconic gay-friendly city.
In a letter to the West Hollywood City Council on Tuesday, Christopher Street West, the nonprofit that produces LA Pride, says the annual parade and festival will be moved from the city in 2021. A new location has not been announced.
“The Board of Directors decided to take this approach for several reasons,” the letter says. “These include construction in West Hollywood Park, the changing demographics of Greater Los Angeles, our commitment to being responsive to the LGBTQIA+ community’s needs, and our allyship and collaboration with other movements for social change.”
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LA Pride, which has taken place in West Hollywood every summer since 1979, draws hundreds of thousands of people to the city each year.
It is a major economic driver for local bars, nightclubs, restaurants and other businesses, many of which have been hard-hit by the coronavirus pandemic of late.
West Hollywood responded with a statement Tuesday that emphasized the city’s LGBTQ history, saying the city embraces “Pride each and every day, year-round.”
“With its high concentration of LGBTQ residents and businesses — more than 40% of residents in West Hollywood identify as LGBTQ and three of the five members of the West Hollywood City Council are openly gay — the City of West Hollywood remains the heart of the region’s LGBTQ community,” the city’s statement reads.
At a meeting Monday, the City Council is set to discuss how to select an event production company for LGBTQ pride events in West Hollywood next June.
In recent years, Christopher Street West — named after the New York City street on which the Stonewall Inn stands — has been criticized as too white, too corporate and dismissive of transgender people.
In 2017, the annual parade morphed into the #ResistMarch to protest the election of President Trump. This year, the parade — which started in the Los Angeles city limits in 1970 and was celebrating its 50th anniversary — was canceled because of COVID-19.
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California Coronavirus torpedoes 50th L.A. Pride parade; online celebration planned The L.A. Pride parade, which would have marked its 50th year, joins the list of events canceled or postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak.
After the killing of George Floyd in May, Christopher Street West announced what was called a solidarity march with Black Lives Matter, to be held on the same day the LA Pride parade would have taken place.
But the Black Lives Matter Los Angeles group never endorsed the event, and numerous leaders within the Black LGBTQ community said Christopher Street West did not communicate with them before announcing it.
Critics said organizers appropriated the Black Lives Matter cause in order to hold a “mini Pride” and denounced Christopher Street West for trying to organize the march collaboratively with the Los Angeles Police Department.
On June 14, tens of thousands of people filled the streets of Hollywood and West Hollywood for the All Black Lives Matter march, which was organized by a newly formed group, Black LGBTQ+ Activists for Change, or BLAC, whose board is composed entirely of Black LGBTQ people.
In an email to The Times, West Hollywood Councilman John D’Amico said he was “excited that we’re given a clean slate” to determine how the city would celebrate Pride Month in ways “more reflective of the times.”
Last week, D’Amico submitted an agenda item asking his City Council colleagues to discuss opening the bidding process for a new producer for LGBTQ pride events.
According to the agenda item, the city, which co-sponsors LA Pride, has supported the event with direct financial contributions to Christopher Street West, providing access to municipal facilities and emergency services support, including medical tents and law enforcement.
The city’s financial contribution in 2015 was about $500,000, the agenda item states. If it had taken place this year, public safety costs were estimated to be around $2.7 million, with the city’s full contribution just under $3 million.
D’Amico said he “had grown uncomfortable with spending nearly $3 million on a party — and never soliciting bids to be sure we were getting our money’s worth — especially now.”
In its letter to the City Council, the Christopher Street West board members said they had had a positive relationship with West Hollywood and that, although locations might change, they wanted to “explore opportunities for collaboration in 2021 and beyond and hope West Hollywood can be part of a more diversified celebration throughout Greater Los Angeles.”
Mayor Lindsey Horvath said in an email that the city and Christopher Street West had “enjoyed an incredible partnership, and, on a personal note, I will treasure the memories I have made celebrating Pride with CSW within our city.”
Councilman John Duran told The Times in an email that West Hollywood would have its own pride events next summer, separate from LA Pride and Christopher Street West.
“We remain the heart of the LGBT community in Southern California and will continue to do so,” he said. “There are numerous Prides in Southern California on an annual basis in Long Beach, Orange County and the San Fernando Valley. West Hollywood Pride will continue uninterrupted as it always has on Santa Monica Boulevard and San Vicente.”


latimes--2020-07-15--32 stranded chimpanzees need permanent new homes

The fates of 32 chimpanzees stranded in the shuttered Wildlife Waystation in the Angeles National Forest depend on raising the funds needed to build permanent new homes at sanctuaries willing to take them , officials said on Tuesday .
More than 500 exotic animals , including lions , tigers , alligators , wolves , owls and Vietnamese potbellied pigs , have been relocated since the troubled 44-year-old center surrendered its California Department of Fish and Wildlife permits and shut down for good a year ago .
The challenge now will be raising the estimated $ 10 million it will take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ installing accommodations for them at the Center for Great Apes in Florida , Primarily Primates Inc. in Texas , Chimp Haven Inc. in Louisiana and Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest in Washington .
“ The problem is that sanctuaries are at capacity because demand has skyrocketed since the use of chimps in research laboratories ended in 2016 , ” said Erika Fleury , spokeswoman for the nonprofit North American Primate Sanctuary Alliance .
“ For these agile and intelligent animals , ” she said , “ enclosures have to be large and strong for them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ongoing care for them is a complex and costly matter.
” “ But they are innocents , ” she added .
“ They were brought into this world to benefit humans who used them as exotic pets and living test tubes.
” The chimps living within the 160-acre center , which was briefly opened Tuesday to help spread the word among potential donors , include Jeff , a 45-year-old amicable but assertive leader of a social group that includes his 15-year-old daughter Magic , who was born in the facility .
“ If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ d be president by now , ” said Anher Flores , 37 , a caretaker whose emphasis on creature comforts and animal welfare includes treating the chimps to red licorice candy and fresh red apples .
As for Magic , he said , “ We had no idea she was coming .
When we watched her being born , it seemed a wonderful miracle .
That ’ s why we named her Magic.
” Then there ’ s Mystery , a chimp rescued from a biomedical laboratory who enjoys fresh fruit , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The state Department of Fish and Wildlife has been making monthly payments of about $ 100,000 to sustain the chimps and maintain the facility with food , water , veterinary care , insurance and security , officials said .
It has partnered with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection on fuel reduction projects in the surrounding slopes .
“ The situation was so dire when the Waystation surrendered its restricted species permit , ” recalled Ed Pert , a spokesman for the department , “ that we had to step up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t happen to the animals.
” “ We also started taking a hard look at regulations governing facilities like this one , ” he added , “ to ensure this never happens again.
” The Waystation grew from a small volunteer-run refuge for abused , abandoned and sick animals into an internationally known refuge for exotic animals in little more than two decades .
Funded solely by private donations , the “ ranch , ” as it was called by employees , provided homes for more than 1,000 animals .
Over the years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a dedicated animal welfare advocate , charmed Hollywood celebrities such as Bruce Willis , Will Smith and Drew Barrymore into opening their wallets for her cause .
The Waystation filled a need by taking in animals from research labs and abandoned from private collections and roadside attractions , as well as many other injured and orphaned animals , and housing them until they found a home .
In 1995 , the Waystation accepted its first animals retired from medical research , eight chimpanzees from New York University .
Other primates followed , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ primate-retirement home in a remote area of the ranch .
The compound was built specifically for “ retired ” chimps and included a 7,000-square-foot enclosed building as well as several open “ play yards.
” It was able to accommodate 75 to 100 chimps .
A few years after the compound opened , however , federal , state and Los Angeles County animal welfare authorities began scrutinizing the Waystation , one of the largest of its kind , for alleged environmental and animal-safety violations .
Authorities closed the facility to the public in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ additional sick , injured or abandoned animals .
A year later , federal authorities suspended operations after inspections revealed that the Waystation had not fixed long-standing crowded , unsanitary and unsafe conditions .
The Waystation ’ s license was reinstated after it spent $ 2 million to bring habitation for animals into compliance .
But the facility , just outside Los Angeles city limits , suffered extensive damage in the 2017 Creek Fire near Tujunga , followed by severe flooding two years later .
Colette resigned in 2019 as president and chief operating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Waystation ’ s board of directors voted to close the facility and assist state Fish and Wildlife officials in finding new homes for its animals .
As of Tuesday , the only animals left in spider web-like networks of wire cages and pens maintained by a cadre of volunteers included the chimps , three baboons , two hybrid wolf dogs and several exotic birds .
Terry Tamminen , president of the nonprofit 7th Generation Advisors and former secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency , acknowledged that critics might ask whether this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on in the U.S. and the world , to be seeking donations “ to help some animals.
” “ We ’ ve all been witnessing history in the making in the Black Lives Matter protests and supporting social justice efforts , ” he said .
“ And these dynamics are set against the backdrop of the climate crisis and so many other issues that nonprofits and government are tackling every day.
” So , why donate to the chimps ?
“ The answer for me , ” he said , is “ because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s way in the first place , robbing them of a healthy , happy fulfilling natural life — and because we ’ re the only ones who can right the wrong .
”

One of the chimps that still reside at the shuttered Wildlife Waystation in Angeles National Forest in Sylmar.
The fates of 32 chimpanzees stranded in the shuttered Wildlife Waystation in the Angeles National Forest depend on raising the funds needed to build permanent new homes at sanctuaries willing to take them, officials said on Tuesday.
More than 500 exotic animals, including lions, tigers, alligators, wolves, owls and Vietnamese potbellied pigs, have been relocated since the troubled 44-year-old center surrendered its California Department of Fish and Wildlife permits and shut down for good a year ago.
The challenge now will be raising the estimated $10 million it will take to continue caring for the chimps and installing accommodations for them at the Center for Great Apes in Florida, Primarily Primates Inc. in Texas, Chimp Haven Inc. in Louisiana and Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest in Washington.
A chimpanzees that still resides at the shuttered Wildlife Waystation hangs onto its enclosure on World Chimpanzee Day in the Angeles National Forest in Sylmar. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
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“The problem is that sanctuaries are at capacity because demand has skyrocketed since the use of chimps in research laboratories ended in 2016,” said Erika Fleury, spokeswoman for the nonprofit North American Primate Sanctuary Alliance.
“For these agile and intelligent animals,” she said, “enclosures have to be large and strong for them to stay busy and happy — and ongoing care for them is a complex and costly matter.”
“But they are innocents,” she added. “They were brought into this world to benefit humans who used them as exotic pets and living test tubes.”
Erika Fleury, with North American Primate Sanctuary Alliance, holds a photo of Jeff, one of the chimpanzees at Wildlife Waystation. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
The chimps living within the 160-acre center, which was briefly opened Tuesday to help spread the word among potential donors, include Jeff, a 45-year-old amicable but assertive leader of a social group that includes his 15-year-old daughter Magic, who was born in the facility.
“If Jeff was a human politician, he’d be president by now,” said Anher Flores, 37, a caretaker whose emphasis on creature comforts and animal welfare includes treating the chimps to red licorice candy and fresh red apples.
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As for Magic, he said, “We had no idea she was coming. When we watched her being born, it seemed a wonderful miracle. That’s why we named her Magic.”
Then there’s Mystery, a chimp rescued from a biomedical laboratory who enjoys fresh fruit, banana bread and snuggling with blankets.
The fates of the chimpanzees are uncertain because reputable sanctuaries willing to take them lack the funding needed to give the animals permanent new homes, officials say. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
The state Department of Fish and Wildlife has been making monthly payments of about $100,000 to sustain the chimps and maintain the facility with food, water, veterinary care, insurance and security, officials said. It has partnered with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection on fuel reduction projects in the surrounding slopes.
“The situation was so dire when the Waystation surrendered its restricted species permit,” recalled Ed Pert, a spokesman for the department, “that we had to step up and ensure that something horrible didn’t happen to the animals.”
“We also started taking a hard look at regulations governing facilities like this one,” he added, “to ensure this never happens again.”
The Waystation grew from a small volunteer-run refuge for abused, abandoned and sick animals into an internationally known refuge for exotic animals in little more than two decades. Funded solely by private donations, the “ranch,” as it was called by employees, provided homes for more than 1,000 animals.
A fundraiser was announced to help sanctuaries take on these chimpanzees and to assist with the care expenses of the primates while they wait at the Wildlife Waystation. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)
Over the years, its founder, Martine Colette, a dedicated animal welfare advocate, charmed Hollywood celebrities such as Bruce Willis, Will Smith and Drew Barrymore into opening their wallets for her cause.
The Waystation filled a need by taking in animals from research labs and abandoned from private collections and roadside attractions, as well as many other injured and orphaned animals, and housing them until they found a home.
In 1995, the Waystation accepted its first animals retired from medical research, eight chimpanzees from New York University. Other primates followed, and the Waystation began construction on a massive primate-retirement home in a remote area of the ranch.
The compound was built specifically for “retired” chimps and included a 7,000-square-foot enclosed building as well as several open “play yards.” It was able to accommodate 75 to 100 chimps.
A few years after the compound opened, however, federal, state and Los Angeles County animal welfare authorities began scrutinizing the Waystation, one of the largest of its kind, for alleged environmental and animal-safety violations.
Authorities closed the facility to the public in 2001 and barred it from taking in additional sick, injured or abandoned animals. A year later, federal authorities suspended operations after inspections revealed that the Waystation had not fixed long-standing crowded, unsanitary and unsafe conditions.
The Waystation’s license was reinstated after it spent $2 million to bring habitation for animals into compliance.
But the facility, just outside Los Angeles city limits, suffered extensive damage in the 2017 Creek Fire near Tujunga, followed by severe flooding two years later.
Colette resigned in 2019 as president and chief operating officer. A short while later, Waystation’s board of directors voted to close the facility and assist state Fish and Wildlife officials in finding new homes for its animals.
As of Tuesday, the only animals left in spider web-like networks of wire cages and pens maintained by a cadre of volunteers included the chimps, three baboons, two hybrid wolf dogs and several exotic birds.
Terry Tamminen, president of the nonprofit 7th Generation Advisors and former secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency, acknowledged that critics might ask whether this is a proper time, given everything going on in the U.S. and the world, to be seeking donations “to help some animals.”
“We’ve all been witnessing history in the making in the Black Lives Matter protests and supporting social justice efforts,” he said. “And these dynamics are set against the backdrop of the climate crisis and so many other issues that nonprofits and government are tackling every day.”
So, why donate to the chimps? “The answer for me,” he said, is “because humans put these chimps in harm’s way in the first place, robbing them of a healthy, happy fulfilling natural life — and because we’re the only ones who can right the wrong.”


latimes--2020-07-15--News Analysis: As coronavirus surges, new pressure on Gov. Newsom for a schools reopening plan

Pressed by reporters to explain why California doesn ’ t have a statewide rule for when its 6 million schoolchildren can return to their classrooms , Gov .
Gavin Newsom insisted Monday that his administration had already offered detailed plans .
“ We ’ ve fortunately done just that , a number of months ago , ” Newsom said .
But the plan he appeared to reference , crafted in March , offered support for schools that had decided to close over coronavirus fears — not guidelines noting when to do so .
Nor are there any rules in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last month that focus on school safety tips such as hand washing and physical distancing .
Now , with the number of COVID-19 cases steadily rising across California and less than three weeks to go before some school districts are poised to begin a new academic year , there are no statewide rules laying out the conditions under which schools can , or can not , open .
It ’ s a position even some of Newsom ’ s supporters say is no longer tenable .
“ I think the governor ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said Jeff Freitas , president of the California Federation of Teachers , citing Newsom ’ s reliance on local officials to make choices that fit their communities .
“ But the burden of making this decision has to rest on his shoulders.
” The California Department of Education ’ s guide for schools , updated last month , says the decision to open will be made by each of the state ’ s more than 1,000 school districts .
But after the summertime surge in coronavirus cases led to new state-imposed restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s hands-off approach to schools has been puzzling .
“ If indoor activity is bad , why allow any — especially indoor classrooms ?
” state Sen. Steve Glazer ( D-Orinda ) asked Monday in a Twitter post .
Newsom hinted Monday at soon-to-be-announced limits on school activities but deflected when asked about the lack of a clear statewide standard for in-person attendance .
“ He has allowed local agencies to make the decision , ” Freitas said .
“ But I think he needs to change his thinking on this.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since the onset of the pandemic .
He has often expressed empathy , sharing stories of how his four children suffered from anxiety caused by being away from friends and their school-day routines .
As the weeks dragged on , he focused on the state ’ s need to provide financial help for remote learning and student nutrition — though the state budget he proposed in May in response to the collapse in tax revenue would have slashed school spending by some $ 15 billion .
Legislators rejected the plan , choosing instead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amounts to a long-term borrowing plan .
Along the way , the governor has won praise for calling out the need to close the learning gap created by remote schooling for students in California ’ s poorest families .
He has said those issues may continue if kids are not sent back to campus .
But Newsom has consistently refused to create a statewide standard for schools based on metrics similar to those used in his decision this week to throttle back the state ’ s reopening process and force communities to shutter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he has emphasized that the decision to reopen schools isn ’ t his to make .
“ All of these things need to be managed at the local level with the foundational framework of keeping our kids and our teachers healthy and safe , ” he said July 8 .
That same day , one of Newsom ’ s powerful political allies suggested local officials weren ’ t up to the task .
“ The recent surge in the infection rate and the closure of indoor activities in 26 counties gives us pause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe in-person school instruction in a short six- to eight-week time frame , ” wrote leaders of the California Teachers Assn .
to Newsom and legislative leaders .
The three-page letter amounted to a vote of no-confidence in local decision making .
The association ’ s leaders demanded “ consistent ” public health standards and “ uniform ” protocols .
“ Simply said , California can not reopen schools unless they are safe , ” the educators wrote .
As the start of the new school year approaches , tensions have mounted .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ media , clashing over the potential impact of closing or reopening campuses on students with special needs , parents who can ’ t work from home and teachers afraid of the risks for their own families from increased exposure .
Conflicting local decisions haven ’ t helped .
On Monday , leaders of the Los Angeles Unified School District announced the school year will begin next month with distance learning for all of its 734,000 students .
Hours later , the Orange County Board of Education did just the opposite , voting to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no requirement that students or staff wear protective masks .
The only obvious difference between the two communities is political .
The Times ’ coronavirus tracker shows that Orange County has 383 coronavirus cases per 100,000 residents — slightly outpacing L.A. County ’ s 353 cases per 100,000 residents .
Newsom applauded the leaders of LAUSD and San Diego schools for their decisions to begin the school year with distance learning .
But the governor again carefully avoided giving any impression that he was endorsing the choices that were made , saying instead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ recognizing their responsibility at this moment.
” Those with a predisposition to criticize the Democratic governor have pounced .
Jessica Millan Patterson , chairwoman of the California Republican Party , jabbed Newsom on Monday by saying that his “ lack of direction on opening schools will further harm California ’ s schoolchildren.
” “ His failure to accept responsibility and provide direction to help our state navigate this crisis shows how he clearly is not the leader California needs , ” Patterson wrote on social media .
Not all Democratic governors have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo laid out detailed rules Monday for deciding whether schools will open , using average infection rates over a 14-day period as a measuring stick and requiring schools to close their doors if the rates spike too high .
“ We are not going to use our children as a litmus test , ” Cuomo said during a livestreamed event .
“ We ’ re not going to put children in a place where their health is in danger.
” Meanwhile , the Trump administration could demand a statewide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already banked on : a substantial new round of coronavirus relief , totaling at least $ 14 billion in the state budget Newsom signed last month .
“ I think the president would be willing to consider additional funding for state and local governments if the schools do reopen , ” Larry Kudlow , the president ’ s economic advisor , said in an interview on the Fox News Channel .
Some local school districts in California have felt pressure to reopen their campuses , citing language tucked inside the state budget mandating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Legislature later argued that it would be superseded by a public health order .
But they have also wondered why Newsom isn ’ t offering a more definitive path forward .
Maybe a plan is coming .
Or maybe not .
The governor labored over the issue in an exchange with a reporter Monday , jumping back and forth in an answer that lasted more than two minutes .
He pointed out the “ bottom-up ” governance structure of schools but assured he is “ well aware of my responsibilities , ” while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unique and distinctive.
” “ The dynamic nature of the spread of this virus , ” Newsom said , “ means you ’ ll be hearing a lot more in the next few days , and presumably weeks , as we get closer to the opening of the school year .
”

Pressed by reporters to explain why California doesn’t have a statewide rule for when its 6 million schoolchildren can return to their classrooms, Gov. Gavin Newsom insisted Monday that his administration had already offered detailed plans.
“We’ve fortunately done just that, a number of months ago,” Newsom said.
But the plan he appeared to reference, crafted in March, offered support for schools that had decided to close over coronavirus fears — not guidelines noting when to do so. Nor are there any rules in a state Department of Public Health document released last month that focus on school safety tips such as hand washing and physical distancing.
Now, with the number of COVID-19 cases steadily rising across California and less than three weeks to go before some school districts are poised to begin a new academic year, there are no statewide rules laying out the conditions under which schools can, or cannot, open.
It’s a position even some of Newsom’s supporters say is no longer tenable.
“I think the governor’s heart is in the right place,” said Jeff Freitas, president of the California Federation of Teachers, citing Newsom’s reliance on local officials to make choices that fit their communities. “But the burden of making this decision has to rest on his shoulders.”
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The California Department of Education’s guide for schools, updated last month, says the decision to open will be made by each of the state’s more than 1,000 school districts. But after the summertime surge in coronavirus cases led to new state-imposed restrictions on businesses and indoor activities, Newsom’s hands-off approach to schools has been puzzling.
“If indoor activity is bad, why allow any — especially indoor classrooms?” state Sen. Steve Glazer (D-Orinda) asked Monday in a Twitter post.
Newsom hinted Monday at soon-to-be-announced limits on school activities but deflected when asked about the lack of a clear statewide standard for in-person attendance.
“He has allowed local agencies to make the decision,” Freitas said. “But I think he needs to change his thinking on this.”
The dilemma over schools has dogged Newsom since the onset of the pandemic. He has often expressed empathy, sharing stories of how his four children suffered from anxiety caused by being away from friends and their school-day routines. As the weeks dragged on, he focused on the state’s need to provide financial help for remote learning and student nutrition — though the state budget he proposed in May in response to the collapse in tax revenue would have slashed school spending by some $15 billion. Legislators rejected the plan, choosing instead to prop up K-12 operations through what amounts to a long-term borrowing plan.
Along the way, the governor has won praise for calling out the need to close the learning gap created by remote schooling for students in California’s poorest families. He has said those issues may continue if kids are not sent back to campus.
But Newsom has consistently refused to create a statewide standard for schools based on metrics similar to those used in his decision this week to throttle back the state’s reopening process and force communities to shutter a variety of services. Instead, he has emphasized that the decision to reopen schools isn’t his to make.
“All of these things need to be managed at the local level with the foundational framework of keeping our kids and our teachers healthy and safe,” he said July 8.
That same day, one of Newsom’s powerful political allies suggested local officials weren’t up to the task.
“The recent surge in the infection rate and the closure of indoor activities in 26 counties gives us pause around the state’s preparedness for safe in-person school instruction in a short six- to eight-week time frame,” wrote leaders of the California Teachers Assn. to Newsom and legislative leaders.
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The three-page letter amounted to a vote of no-confidence in local decision making. The association’s leaders demanded “consistent” public health standards and “uniform” protocols.
“Simply said, California cannot reopen schools unless they are safe,” the educators wrote.
As the start of the new school year approaches, tensions have mounted. Parents and teachers have quarreled on social media, clashing over the potential impact of closing or reopening campuses on students with special needs, parents who can’t work from home and teachers afraid of the risks for their own families from increased exposure.
Conflicting local decisions haven’t helped. On Monday, leaders of the Los Angeles Unified School District announced the school year will begin next month with distance learning for all of its 734,000 students. Hours later, the Orange County Board of Education did just the opposite, voting to allow local schools to open classrooms with no requirement that students or staff wear protective masks.
The only obvious difference between the two communities is political. The Times’ coronavirus tracker shows that Orange County has 383 coronavirus cases per 100,000 residents — slightly outpacing L.A. County’s 353 cases per 100,000 residents.
Newsom applauded the leaders of LAUSD and San Diego schools for their decisions to begin the school year with distance learning. But the governor again carefully avoided giving any impression that he was endorsing the choices that were made, saying instead that the schools’ leaders were rightly “recognizing their responsibility at this moment.”
Those with a predisposition to criticize the Democratic governor have pounced. Jessica Millan Patterson, chairwoman of the California Republican Party, jabbed Newsom on Monday by saying that his “lack of direction on opening schools will further harm California’s schoolchildren.”
“His failure to accept responsibility and provide direction to help our state navigate this crisis shows how he clearly is not the leader California needs,” Patterson wrote on social media.
Not all Democratic governors have chosen Newsom’s path. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo laid out detailed rules Monday for deciding whether schools will open, using average infection rates over a 14-day period as a measuring stick and requiring schools to close their doors if the rates spike too high.
“We are not going to use our children as a litmus test,” Cuomo said during a livestreamed event. “We’re not going to put children in a place where their health is in danger.”
Meanwhile, the Trump administration could demand a statewide standard in exchange for something California has already banked on: a substantial new round of coronavirus relief, totaling at least $14 billion in the state budget Newsom signed last month.
“I think the president would be willing to consider additional funding for state and local governments if the schools do reopen,” Larry Kudlow, the president’s economic advisor, said in an interview on the Fox News Channel.
Some local school districts in California have felt pressure to reopen their campuses, citing language tucked inside the state budget mandating in-person schooling, though members of the Legislature later argued that it would be superseded by a public health order.
But they have also wondered why Newsom isn’t offering a more definitive path forward. Maybe a plan is coming. Or maybe not.
The governor labored over the issue in an exchange with a reporter Monday, jumping back and forth in an answer that lasted more than two minutes. He pointed out the “bottom-up” governance structure of schools but assured he is “well aware of my responsibilities,” while later noting that school districts are “unique and distinctive.”
“The dynamic nature of the spread of this virus,” Newsom said, “means you’ll be hearing a lot more in the next few days, and presumably weeks, as we get closer to the opening of the school year.”


latimes--2020-07-16--Northern California city tables vote to remove noose from logo

After a marathon meeting this week , the Placerville City Council voted to postpone a decision on removing a controversial image of a noose from its municipal logo .
The issue was first brought up during a .
Then , council members heard comments about Placerville ’ s nickname , Old Hangtown , and other symbols related to the city ’ s history that “ may not be deemed appropriate by some.
” The council had a brief discussion , and there was interest in changing the logo .
They considered redesigning the logo to remove the noose that hangs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ logo would then have to be placed on all of the city ’ s facilities and documents , including signs , business cards and other stationary items .
Redesigning the logo would cost an estimated $ 5,357 for labor and fees , according to City Manager Cleve Morris .
Following a six-plus hour meeting that started Tuesday evening and went into Wednesday morning , council members voted 4 to 1 to revisit the logo issue in January , so they could have more time to discuss the matter in person rather than through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zoom meeting included more than an hour of public comment on the issue .
Mayor Michael Saragosa said tabling the discussion would give the council and Placerville residents more time to “ actually have a conversation where people can sit down , and we can actually talk to each other about history.
” Vice Mayor Dennis Thomas suggested the city do this through a town hall format .
Councilwoman Kara Taylor , who was the only dissenting vote , said that removing the noose was a “ small change ” and that delaying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She said the vote had nothing to do with changing the town ’ s name or removing a that is located on private property .
“ For me , it kind of seems silly to argue about having a noose on stationery , ” Taylor said .
“ It just does .
”

The city of Placerville in Northern California has a recommendation to redesign its logo.
After a marathon meeting this week, the Placerville City Council voted to postpone a decision on removing a controversial image of a noose from its municipal logo.
The issue was first brought up during a meeting on June 23 . Then, council members heard comments about Placerville’s nickname, Old Hangtown, and other symbols related to the city’s history that “may not be deemed appropriate by some.”
The council had a brief discussion, and there was interest in changing the logo.
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They considered redesigning the logo to remove the noose that hangs from a tree branch; the changed logo would then have to be placed on all of the city’s facilities and documents, including signs, business cards and other stationary items. Redesigning the logo would cost an estimated $5,357 for labor and fees, according to City Manager Cleve Morris.
Following a six-plus hour meeting that started Tuesday evening and went into Wednesday morning, council members voted 4 to 1 to revisit the logo issue in January, so they could have more time to discuss the matter in person rather than through an online broadcast. Tuesday’s Zoom meeting included more than an hour of public comment on the issue.
Mayor Michael Saragosa said tabling the discussion would give the council and Placerville residents more time to “actually have a conversation where people can sit down, and we can actually talk to each other about history.” Vice Mayor Dennis Thomas suggested the city do this through a town hall format.
Councilwoman Kara Taylor, who was the only dissenting vote, said that removing the noose was a “small change” and that delaying the vote will just repeat the process. She said the vote had nothing to do with changing the town’s name or removing a gold-rush clad dummy known as “George” that is located on private property.
“For me, it kind of seems silly to argue about having a noose on stationery,” Taylor said. “It just does.”


latimes--2020-07-16--Pacific Gas & Electric equipment is blamed for 2019 Kincade fire in Sonoma County

Equipment owned by Pacific Gas & Electric sparked last year ’ s Kincade fire , which forced thousands of Northern Californians to flee their homes , according to a state fire department investigation .
The fire started Oct. 23 , 2019 and burned for nearly two weeks amid dry , gusty winds that pushed the flames west through wine country as much of the region was enduring days of power outages — also caused by PG & E .
The utility had resorted to shutting down power to millions of customers on the hottest , windiest days in a bid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more vital transmission lines energized .
In the days after the Kincade fire took off , the utility filed a notice with the watchdog Public Utilities Commission , saying it had issues with transmission equipment near the fire about the time it began .
PG & E said the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection also pointed out a “ broken jumper on the same tower.
” But in announcing the conclusion of its investigation Thursday , Cal Fire declined to explain how PG & E ’ s equipment sparked the fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 374 buildings .
“ After a very meticulous and thorough investigation , Cal Fire has determined that the Kincade fire was caused by electrical transmission lines ” northeast of Geyserville owned and operated by PG & E , the agency said in a statement .
“ Tinder-dry vegetation and strong winds combined with low humidity and warm temperatures contributed to extreme rates of fire spread.
” Cal Fire referred further comment to the Sonoma County district attorney ’ s office .
PG & E officials said they learned of Cal Fire ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At this time , we do not have access to Cal Fire ’ s investigative report or the evidence it has collected .
We look forward to reviewing both at the appropriate time , ” the utility said .
Cal Fire ’ s finding comes just as the utility looks to rebuild its reputation after years of deadly disasters brought on by negligent corporate governance .
The company declared bankruptcy after the 2018 Camp fire added billions of dollars in liabilities on top of what it had already accumulated as future losses from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emerged from bankruptcy July 1 and said in a news release that the day marked “ just the beginning of PG & E ’ s next era — as a fundamentally improved company and the safe , reliable utility that our customers , communities and California deserve.
” PG & E ’ s then-chief executive pleaded guilty in June on behalf of the utility to 84 criminal counts of manslaughter in connection with the 2018 fire in Paradise , which was caused by failed equipment that had been long overdue to be replaced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a profits-over-safety culture .
The utility was also found criminally responsible for a 2010 San Bruno gas explosion that killed eight people .
Sonoma County prosecutors will review the Kincade fire investigation to consider any possible charges against the utility .

Equipment owned by Pacific Gas & Electric sparked last year’s Kincade fire, which forced thousands of Northern Californians to flee their homes, according to a state fire department investigation.
The fire started Oct. 23, 2019 and burned for nearly two weeks amid dry, gusty winds that pushed the flames west through wine country as much of the region was enduring days of power outages — also caused by PG&E. The utility had resorted to shutting down power to millions of customers on the hottest, windiest days in a bid to avoid sparking blazes but left its more vital transmission lines energized.
In the days after the Kincade fire took off, the utility filed a notice with the watchdog Public Utilities Commission, saying it had issues with transmission equipment near the fire about the time it began. PG&E said the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection also pointed out a “broken jumper on the same tower.”
But in announcing the conclusion of its investigation Thursday, Cal Fire declined to explain how PG&E’s equipment sparked the fire, which burned 77,758 acres and destroyed 374 buildings.
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“After a very meticulous and thorough investigation, Cal Fire has determined that the Kincade fire was caused by electrical transmission lines” northeast of Geyserville owned and operated by PG&E, the agency said in a statement. “Tinder-dry vegetation and strong winds combined with low humidity and warm temperatures contributed to extreme rates of fire spread.”
Business PG&E emerges from bankruptcy Now PG&E is left to fend for itself as a new wildfire season is already underway.
Cal Fire referred further comment to the Sonoma County district attorney’s office. PG&E officials said they learned of Cal Fire’s conclusion after it was announced.
“At this time, we do not have access to Cal Fire’s investigative report or the evidence it has collected. We look forward to reviewing both at the appropriate time,” the utility said.
Cal Fire’s finding comes just as the utility looks to rebuild its reputation after years of deadly disasters brought on by negligent corporate governance. The company declared bankruptcy after the 2018 Camp fire added billions of dollars in liabilities on top of what it had already accumulated as future losses from fires in 2017.
PG&E emerged from bankruptcy July 1 and said in a news release that the day marked “just the beginning of PG&E’s next era — as a fundamentally improved company and the safe, reliable utility that our customers, communities and California deserve.”
PG&E’s then-chief executive pleaded guilty in June on behalf of the utility to 84 criminal counts of manslaughter in connection with the 2018 fire in Paradise, which was caused by failed equipment that had been long overdue to be replaced but wasn’t as part of a profits-over-safety culture. The utility was also found criminally responsible for a 2010 San Bruno gas explosion that killed eight people.
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Sonoma County prosecutors will review the Kincade fire investigation to consider any possible charges against the utility.


latimes--2020-07-16--Three California churches sue Newsom over singing ban

Three churches in Northern California have filed a federal lawsuit against Gov .
Gavin Newsom , claiming a ban on singing in places of worship — implemented to help stem the spread of the coronvirus — violates their 1st Amendment rights .
“ Singing in church is a biblical mandate , ” said Kevin Green , pastor of Calvary Chapel in Fort Bragg .
Churches , like all facilities in the state deemed nonessential , were closed in March amid the governor ’ s stay-at-home orders at the beginning of the pandemic .
But as restrictions were eased and more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of worship were allowed to welcome worshipers , beginning in May , provided they adhered to health and safety protocols , which limited attendance and , at the time , discouraged singing .
Since then , however , as the virus has surged across the state and Newsom enacted a second shutdown in much of California , the governor further tamped down on acceptable activities at church , specifying that “ places of worship must ... discontinue indoor singing and chanting activities.
” The suit , filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support of recent Black Lives Matter protests , many of which were prompted by the death of George Floyd while in custody of Minneapolis police .
The plaintiffs — Green ’ s church , along with Calvary Chapel in Ukiah and the River of Life Church in Oroville — say the governor has protected protesters ’ freedom of expression , but not that of churchgoers .
“ He wasn ’ t singling out the church until he got to that singing thing , ” he said of the governor ’ s latest orders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a man is that inconsistent , I can ’ t believe him , and that ’ s why we filed the suit.
” The lawsuit argues that Newsom has specifically targeted churches as spaces where singing and chanting are not allowed , but he hasn ’ t placed the same restrictions on other locations that remain open , such as shopping malls , child-care centers , and TV and film production locations .
“ Banning singing in California churches is an unconstitutional abuse of power , and to do it in the name @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Jordan Sekulow , one of the plaintiffs , whose father , Jay Sekulow , is a member of President Trump ’ s legal team .
“ This ban is clearly targeted at religion.
” Court records cite the governor ’ s endorsement of the recent Black Lives Matter protests as an example of his inconsistency when it comes to freedom of speech and crowds gathering , noting that “ on or about June 5 , 2020 , Newsom tweeted that protesters ‘ have the right to protest peacefully , ’ showing further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thousands have turned out across California to protest and other Black Americans at the hands of police , many singing and chanting together as they marched in recent weeks .
Some demonstrations even turned into giant dance parties .
Such disparities prompted the suit , which notes that singing is an integral part of church services .
“ According to sincerely held religious beliefs and the commands of the Bible , plaintiffs hold weekly worship services that consist of various forms of worship , including singing , prayer , recitation of Scripture and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” the document states .
The governor ’ s office could not immediately be reached for comment Thursday .
The new guidance , released by the California Department of Public Health , notes that singing indoors can lead to an increase in coronavirus infection , even when proper social distancing is practiced .
Researchers at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have found that the virus spreads through respiratory aerosols , which can float beyond six feet — the recommended distance to maintain to avoid spreading the disease .
While singing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than they normally would , inhaling more of the air around them , further enhancing the risk of infection .
The lawsuit is not the first filed by places of worship against Newsom .
In April , three Southern California churches sued Newsom and other state officials , arguing that stay-at-home orders that forced their closure violate the 1st Amendment right to freedom of religion and assembly .
Later that month , a small evangelical church in Lodi filed a similar lawsuit , saying that a ban on gatherings was unconstitutional .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before Newsom relaxed restrictions that allowed houses of worship to reopen , the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the governor ’ s ban on in-person church services .
“ We ’ re dealing here with a highly contagious and often fatal disease for which there presently is no known cure .
In the words of Justice Robert Jackson , if a ' [ c ] ourt does not temper its doctrinaire logic with a little practical wisdom , it will convert the constitutional Bill of Rights into a suicide pact , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ split decision on May 22 .
Neither Mendocino County — where the two Calvary Chapel churches are located — nor Butte County , where the River of Life Church is , is currently on the state ’ s watchlist , which contains more than 30 counties facing extended restrictions from the state , including the closure of indoor church services .
But on Wednesday evening , Mendocino County officials announced the first coronavirus-related death and said it was likely the county would be added to the monitoring list in the next 48 hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the county ’ s public health officer , issued a revised order requiring the additional shutdown of indoor activities , including places of worship .
Green posted a notice on Calvary Chapel ’ s Facebook page , saying , “ Due to Mendocino County orders , Calvary Chapel Fort Bragg will be suspending all public meetings once again until further notice .
“ We will go back to live streaming our services again .
”

Three churches in Northern California have sued Gov. Gavin Newsom over his ban on singing in church.
Three churches in Northern California have filed a federal lawsuit against Gov. Gavin Newsom, claiming a ban on singing in places of worship — implemented to help stem the spread of the coronvirus — violates their 1st Amendment rights.
“Singing in church is a biblical mandate,” said Kevin Green, pastor of Calvary Chapel in Fort Bragg.
Churches, like all facilities in the state deemed nonessential, were closed in March amid the governor’s stay-at-home orders at the beginning of the pandemic. But as restrictions were eased and more sectors of the economy reopened, houses of worship were allowed to welcome worshipers, beginning in May, provided they adhered to health and safety protocols, which limited attendance and, at the time, discouraged singing.
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Since then, however, as the virus has surged across the state and Newsom enacted a second shutdown in much of California, the governor further tamped down on acceptable activities at church, specifying that “places of worship must ... discontinue indoor singing and chanting activities.”
The suit, filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Redding, focuses on Newsom’s support of recent Black Lives Matter protests, many of which were prompted by the death of George Floyd while in custody of Minneapolis police. The plaintiffs — Green’s church, along with Calvary Chapel in Ukiah and the River of Life Church in Oroville — say the governor has protected protesters’ freedom of expression, but not that of churchgoers.
“It’s the inconsistency,” Green said.
“He wasn’t singling out the church until he got to that singing thing,” he said of the governor’s latest orders, issued July 6. “When a man is that inconsistent, I can’t believe him, and that’s why we filed the suit.”
The lawsuit argues that Newsom has specifically targeted churches as spaces where singing and chanting are not allowed, but he hasn’t placed the same restrictions on other locations that remain open, such as shopping malls, child-care centers, and TV and film production locations.
“Banning singing in California churches is an unconstitutional abuse of power, and to do it in the name of a pandemic is despicable,” said Jordan Sekulow, one of the plaintiffs, whose father, Jay Sekulow, is a member of President Trump’s legal team. “This ban is clearly targeted at religion.”
Court records cite the governor’s endorsement of the recent Black Lives Matter protests as an example of his inconsistency when it comes to freedom of speech and crowds gathering, noting that “on or about June 5, 2020, Newsom tweeted that protesters ‘have the right to protest peacefully,’ showing further support of mass protests.”
Tens of thousands have turned out across California to protest the death of Floyd and other Black Americans at the hands of police, many singing and chanting together as they marched in recent weeks. Some demonstrations even turned into giant dance parties.
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Such disparities prompted the suit, which notes that singing is an integral part of church services.
“According to sincerely held religious beliefs and the commands of the Bible, plaintiffs hold weekly worship services that consist of various forms of worship, including singing, prayer, recitation of Scripture and a sermon preached by the pastor,” the document states.
The governor’s office could not immediately be reached for comment Thursday. The new guidance, released by the California Department of Public Health, notes that singing indoors can lead to an increase in coronavirus infection, even when proper social distancing is practiced.
World & Nation Scientists to choirs: Group singing can spread the coronavirus, despite what CDC may say Scientists studying tiny exhaled particles that could transmit the coronavirus say a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention decision to drop warnings against choral singing is dangerous, risking more “super spreading events” such as a Washington state choir practice linked to two deaths.
Researchers at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have found that the virus spreads through respiratory aerosols, which can float beyond six feet — the recommended distance to maintain to avoid spreading the disease. While singing, people are often breathing more deeply than they normally would, inhaling more of the air around them, further enhancing the risk of infection.
The lawsuit is not the first filed by places of worship against Newsom. In April, three Southern California churches sued Newsom and other state officials, arguing that stay-at-home orders that forced their closure violate the 1st Amendment right to freedom of religion and assembly. Later that month, a small evangelical church in Lodi filed a similar lawsuit, saying that a ban on gatherings was unconstitutional.
In late May, however, just days before Newsom relaxed restrictions that allowed houses of worship to reopen, the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the governor’s ban on in-person church services.
“We’re dealing here with a highly contagious and often fatal disease for which there presently is no known cure. In the words of Justice Robert Jackson, if a ‘[c]ourt does not temper its doctrinaire logic with a little practical wisdom, it will convert the constitutional Bill of Rights into a suicide pact,’ ” the justices wrote in a split decision on May 22.
Neither Mendocino County — where the two Calvary Chapel churches are located — nor Butte County, where the River of Life Church is, is currently on the state’s watchlist, which contains more than 30 counties facing extended restrictions from the state, including the closure of indoor church services.
But on Wednesday evening, Mendocino County officials announced the first coronavirus-related death and said it was likely the county would be added to the monitoring list in the next 48 hours. Because of that Dr. Noemi Doohan, the county’s public health officer, issued a revised order requiring the additional shutdown of indoor activities, including places of worship.
Green posted a notice on Calvary Chapel’s Facebook page, saying, “Due to Mendocino County orders, Calvary Chapel Fort Bragg will be suspending all public meetings once again until further notice.
“We will go back to live streaming our services again.”


latimes--2020-07-16--USC paid former President C.L. Max Nikias more than $7.6 million in exit package

When C.L .
Max Nikias was ousted as president of USC amid a sex abuse scandal involving a onetime campus gynecologist , the university ’ s trustees sent him off with a compensation package that exceeded $ 7.6 million , according to newly released tax filings .
The filings , made public by the university this week , cover the 2019 fiscal year , a period during which Nikias served just 38 days as president .
He stepped down in August of that year in the face of faculty and student outrage over the handling of Dr. George Tyndall , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abusing and harassing students for decades .
USC ’ s board defended the payout in a statement , saying it was necessary to abide by the terms of Nikias ’ contract and “ in order to move forward with a leadership change.
” “ The board also agreed to certain other provisions to accelerate [ Nikias ’ ] departure prior to the end of his three-year term , ” the statement said .
“ The compensation reflects money owed to him for salary , retirement and other benefits , some of which date @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into when he became President in 2010.
” Nikias separately received a $ 3-million loan from the university to buy a Manhattan Beach home formerly owned by sports broadcaster Colin Cowherd .
Nikias , who remains a USC professor and a lifetime trustee , could not immediately be reached for comment .
But the revelations quickly sparked debate .
Diane Ghirardo , an architecture professor and historian who has taught at USC since 1984 , called Nikias ’ exit package “ scandalous , ” “ disgusting ” and “ beyond belief.
” Ghirardo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Concerned Faculty of USC , rejected the notion that the multimillion-dollar award was necessary to turn the page on his tenure as president , saying it displayed a total disregard for accountability .
“ You fire him , ” she said .
“ If he doesn ’ t resign , you fire him and you ’ ve got grounds for firing him.
” Stanley Gold , a trustee who maintains a close friendship with Nikias , said the compensation was “ appropriate and proper.
” “ It was something that was agreed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chairman [ Rick ] Caruso and Wanda Austin , ” Gold said , referring to the trustee who became interim president after f Nikias ’ resignation .
Caruso rejected the assertion that Nikias ’ monetary award was fully supported by the board of trustees .
“ This was a difficult and painful negotiation , and I was eager to see new leadership installed , but I was never urging the passage of this financial package , ” Caruso said .
Austin , a retired aerospace executive , took over as interim president and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ portion of the fiscal year reflected in the tax filings .
Last year , Carol Folt took over as president .
Nikias was hugely popular among the trustees , a who ’ s who of power along the Pacific Rim , for much of his tenure .
A core group continued to back him after revelations that complaints about Tyndall were ignored for years .
But as scores of lawsuits piled up against the university and state , and federal and local agencies launched investigations into the doctor and USC , it became @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nikias could not continue as president .
During an emotional trustees meeting in August 2018 , Nikias stepped down , and the board — rife with tension and infighting — approved the departure package , though the financial details were kept secret .
The trustees opted to honor Nikias ’ employment agreement , which was negotiated at his 2016 reappointment .
He received his annual base compensation of $ 1.46 million for two months of work , along with nearly $ 600,000 in retirement and deferred compensation , according to the tax returns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ payout : $ 5.48 million in “ other compensation.
” It ’ s unclear what USC has continued to pay him for his current role as engineering and classics professor and president emeritus .
His predecessor , Steven Sample , was paid about $ 400,000 a year as president emeritus before his death in 2016 .
Nikias , a former provost who ascended to president , was often credited with transforming USC into a elite research institution , and his successes — including a $ 7-billion capital campaign — endeared him to many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ powerful trustees .
He and his wife , Niki Nikias , cultivated close bonds with many on the board , traveling with prominent trustees and donors to Europe , and socializing with alumni in Sun Valley , where the couple have a second home .
The Nikiases became so close to two trustees in particular , John Mork and Tamara Hughes Gustavson , that they designated them among those who could hold power of attorney in case they became incapacitated , public records show .
During his exit negotiations , Nikias was represented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bruce Ramer , another longtime USC booster and trustee who in recent years has served as a “ life trustee , ” a non-voting position with the governing board .
Ramer did not participate in the discussion of Nikias ’ deal , and Gold , who works at Ramer ’ s law firm , recused himself from the vote .
“ I pride myself on maintaining as pure ethics as I can , ” Ramer said in a previous interview about his role in securing the exit package .
He did not return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the hefty payout comes as USC grapples with financial challenges .
In addition to the devastating fiscal impact of the coronavirus , the university is contending with enormous legal costs stemming from lawsuits by hundreds of Tyndall ’ s former patients .
The university has already paid $ 215 million to settle a federal class action suit and faces additional financial exposure from more than 600 plaintiffs in pending cases .
Gold said that when evaluating the payout , people should note it occurred before the pandemic caused financial woes for all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a rearview mirror to see that things have changed , but you ’ ve got to put in context of when it was done , ” he said .
Ghirardo , the architecture professor , said the millions given to Nikias make it clear that despite the presence of women among USC ’ s trustees , the governing body remains a “ boy ’ s club ” through and through .
“ It ’ s really hard to break the pattern .
They drink together .
They golf together , ” she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business … would they have given him this kind of package ?
I don ’ t think so.
” Other payouts were revealed in the filings , including a $ 1.55-million payment to Dr. Rohit Varma , who succeeded Carmen Puliafito as medical school dean .
Varma received the payout pursuant to an agreement with Nikias ’ administration .
“ The university is legally obligated to honor that agreement , ” USC spokeswoman Teri Everett said via email .
Niki Nikias was paid more than $ 194,000 for her role as “ first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nikias ’ employment stopped when her husband resigned , but she still received a salary for a full year , along with a severance payment .
Carol Amir , who stepped down as general counsel in 2019 , was awarded a $ 100,000 bonus .
Earlier this year , the U.S. Department of Education faulted Amir ’ s office for possibly exceeding its advisory role to the point of undermining the Title IX investigation into allegations against Tyndall .
The university declined to comment on bonuses or whether it would seek to recoup @ @ @

When C.L. Max Nikias was ousted as president of USC amid a sex abuse scandal involving a onetime campus gynecologist, the university’s trustees sent him off with a compensation package that exceeded $7.6 million, according to newly released tax filings.
The filings, made public by the university this week, cover the 2019 fiscal year, a period during which Nikias served just 38 days as president. He stepped down in August of that year in the face of faculty and student outrage over the handling of Dr. George Tyndall, a student health center doctor accused of abusing and harassing students for decades.
USC’s board defended the payout in a statement, saying it was necessary to abide by the terms of Nikias’ contract and “in order to move forward with a leadership change.”
“The board also agreed to certain other provisions to accelerate [Nikias’] departure prior to the end of his three-year term,” the statement said. “The compensation reflects money owed to him for salary, retirement and other benefits, some of which date back to the employment agreement he entered into when he became President in 2010.”
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Nikias separately received a $3-million loan from the university to buy a Manhattan Beach home formerly owned by sports broadcaster Colin Cowherd.
Nikias, who remains a USC professor and a lifetime trustee, could not immediately be reached for comment. But the revelations quickly sparked debate.
Diane Ghirardo, an architecture professor and historian who has taught at USC since 1984, called Nikias’ exit package “scandalous,” “disgusting” and “beyond belief.” Ghirardo, who is also a member of Concerned Faculty of USC, rejected the notion that the multimillion-dollar award was necessary to turn the page on his tenure as president, saying it displayed a total disregard for accountability.
“You fire him,” she said. “If he doesn’t resign, you fire him and you’ve got grounds for firing him.”
Stanley Gold, a trustee who maintains a close friendship with Nikias, said the compensation was “appropriate and proper.”
“It was something that was agreed to by the entire board, urged by Chairman [Rick] Caruso and Wanda Austin,” Gold said, referring to the trustee who became interim president after f Nikias’ resignation.
Caruso rejected the assertion that Nikias’ monetary award was fully supported by the board of trustees.
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“This was a difficult and painful negotiation, and I was eager to see new leadership installed, but I was never urging the passage of this financial package,” Caruso said.
Austin, a retired aerospace executive, took over as interim president and received nearly $700,000 for working a portion of the fiscal year reflected in the tax filings. Last year, Carol Folt took over as president.
Nikias was hugely popular among the trustees, a who’s who of power along the Pacific Rim, for much of his tenure.
A core group continued to back him after revelations that complaints about Tyndall were ignored for years. But as scores of lawsuits piled up against the university and state, and federal and local agencies launched investigations into the doctor and USC, it became clear to many on the board that Nikias could not continue as president.
During an emotional trustees meeting in August 2018, Nikias stepped down, and the board — rife with tension and infighting — approved the departure package, though the financial details were kept secret.
The trustees opted to honor Nikias’ employment agreement, which was negotiated at his 2016 reappointment.
He received his annual base compensation of $1.46 million for two months of work, along with nearly $600,000 in retirement and deferred compensation, according to the tax returns. The largest category of his generous payout: $5.48 million in “other compensation.”
It’s unclear what USC has continued to pay him for his current role as engineering and classics professor and president emeritus. His predecessor, Steven Sample, was paid about $400,000 a year as president emeritus before his death in 2016.
Nikias, a former provost who ascended to president, was often credited with transforming USC into a elite research institution, and his successes — including a $7-billion capital campaign — endeared him to many of the university’s rich and powerful trustees.
He and his wife, Niki Nikias, cultivated close bonds with many on the board, traveling with prominent trustees and donors to Europe, and socializing with alumni in Sun Valley, where the couple have a second home.
The Nikiases became so close to two trustees in particular, John Mork and Tamara Hughes Gustavson, that they designated them among those who could hold power of attorney in case they became incapacitated, public records show.
During his exit negotiations, Nikias was represented by the prominent Beverly Hills entertainment lawyer Bruce Ramer, another longtime USC booster and trustee who in recent years has served as a “life trustee,” a non-voting position with the governing board.
Ramer did not participate in the discussion of Nikias’ deal, and Gold, who works at Ramer’s law firm, recused himself from the vote.
“I pride myself on maintaining as pure ethics as I can,” Ramer said in a previous interview about his role in securing the exit package. He did not return a message seeking comment.
The disclosure of the hefty payout comes as USC grapples with financial challenges. In addition to the devastating fiscal impact of the coronavirus, the university is contending with enormous legal costs stemming from lawsuits by hundreds of Tyndall’s former patients.
The university has already paid $215 million to settle a federal class action suit and faces additional financial exposure from more than 600 plaintiffs in pending cases.
Gold said that when evaluating the payout, people should note it occurred before the pandemic caused financial woes for all educational institutions.
“Everybody has used a rearview mirror to see that things have changed, but you’ve got to put in context of when it was done,” he said.
Ghirardo, the architecture professor, said the millions given to Nikias make it clear that despite the presence of women among USC’s trustees, the governing body remains a “boys’ club” through and through.
“It’s really hard to break the pattern. They drink together. They golf together,” she said. “If it were their private business … would they have given him this kind of package? I don’t think so.”
Other payouts were revealed in the filings, including a $1.55-million payment to Dr. Rohit Varma, who succeeded Carmen Puliafito as medical school dean. Varma received the payout pursuant to an agreement with Nikias’ administration. “The university is legally obligated to honor that agreement,” USC spokeswoman Teri Everett said via email.
Niki Nikias was paid more than $194,000 for her role as “first lady.” According to Everett, Niki Nikias’ employment stopped when her husband resigned, but she still received a salary for a full year, along with a severance payment.
Carol Amir, who stepped down as general counsel in 2019, was awarded a $100,000 bonus. Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Education faulted Amir’s office for possibly exceeding its advisory role to the point of undermining the Title IX investigation into allegations against Tyndall.
The university declined to comment on bonuses or whether it would seek to recoup the payouts.


latimes--2020-07-16--California worker safety agency 'missing in action' during the coronavirus, critics say

As Gov .
Gavin Newsom attempts to rein in the state ’ s rising coronavirus cases , the agency responsible for keeping California workers safe spent the July 4 holiday visiting more than 1,000 businesses to ensure they were following safety guidelines .
Newsom hailed the multi-agency effort as a success — saying the resulting showed most businesses were following the rules .
Worker rights ’ advocates , however , called the action more of a publicity stunt that distracts from the truth : an agency once considered among the best of its kind nationwide has largely abandoned in-person inspections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lives of millions of workers across California .
“ The administration appears to be concerned with optics , not substance , ” said , who leads the Pacific branch of or PEER .
The group ’ s members include current and former public employees , including those at California ’ s Division of Occupation Safety and Health , better known as Cal/OSHA .
Cal/OSHA employees required to carry out the July 4 blitz have not been tested for COVID-19 , Ruch said .
“ They could be making a bad situation worse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to agency employees ahead of the blitz were shared with The Times , including one from agency chief Doug Parker saying Newsom had enlisted Cal/OSHA to “ get the word out ” about the governor ’ s efforts to keep businesses in line .
Parker mandated employees work overtime during the 72-hour holiday weekend to visit select businesses across the state and , according to another email from an agency policy advisor , “ flag a few high-profile cases and well-known spots in Los Angeles and the Bay Area ” to help the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses targeted in the governor ’ s blitz were mostly commercial storefronts such as grocery chains , big-box stores and restaurants .
The centers of the state ’ s largest outbreaks to date have been workplaces like nursing homes , meatpacking plants , hospitals and prisons , which have struggled to contain infections despite intervention from local and state authorities .
Cal/OSHA has more than 50 inspector vacancies out of an authorized 270 positions .
According to an analysis by PEER , fewer than 50 inspectors are currently conducting on-site visits for all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the agency has racked up a growing backlog of 3,000 complaints of unsafe working conditions and “ a couple hundred ” delayed investigations into workplace fatalities , illnesses and injuries , which are required by law to be inspected promptly in person .
Agency spokesperson Erika Monterroza disputed PEER ’ s claims of a massive backlog .
As of July 12 , Cal/OSHA has responded to more than 3,200 complaints out of a total of 3,871 , she said in an email .
Monterroza would not comment on PEER ’ s claim that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in-person inspections across the state .
She also declined to answer questions relating to the availability of COVID-19 testing for Cal/OSHA employees .
“ While it is extremely important to Cal/OSHA to fill all vacancies , we do not let open positions stop us from fulfilling our mandate and engaging with as many employers and workers as possible , ” Monterroza wrote .
“ We always take employee complaints seriously and address them appropriately based on the severity of the hazard.
” The governor ’ s office declined to comment on vacancies at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s capacity to handle complaints .
Vacancies and cuts at Cal/OSHA aren ’ t new , critics admit , but have worsened under several administrations .
Now , when the agency ’ s mission is especially critical , the long-standing cutbacks threaten the safety and health of workers , advocates say .
“ The disinvestment in Cal/OSHA is long-standing and this is the moment to reverse it , ” said Stephen Knight , director of WorkSafe , a California-based nonprofit that advocates for stronger workplace safety .
“ We need a whole new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with employers and workers to help us find our way through this crisis.
” By PEER ’ s count , Cal/OSHA has just one inspector for every 99,000 workers in the state — far below the ratios for Washington state , which has 1 inspector for every 25,000 workers , and Oregon , which has 1 inspector for every 22,000 workers .
The pandemic ’ s impact has been most keenly and disproportionately felt by communities of color , particularly Black and Latino workers , Knight said .
Since the pandemic , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — moving away from physically inspecting workplaces .
In an email to The Times in early June , Cal/OSHA spokesperson Frank Polizzi said the agency was receiving more complaints “ than can be investigated in person ” and had pivoted to investigating complaints remotely using letter investigations .
Instead of on-site visits , which are “ technical , complex and time-consuming , ” letter investigations allow agency staff to reach out to employers “ via phone and letter to get them to implement COVID-19 precautions , ” Polizzi explained .
To date , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 283 in-person inspections .
Former Cal/OSHA investigator Garrett Brown , who retired in 2014 after 20 years with the agency , expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of remote investigations and criticized the number of inspectors willing to conduct on-site visits .
The agency ’ s workforce , Brown said , is supposed to be trained and equipped to deal with all types of serious occupational hazards , including infectious environments .
Brown runs a website called , which has tracked what he says is the agency ’ s decline over the years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be so much better than federal OSHA , ” but now , Brown said , the agency was “ indistinguishable ” after years of being “ starved to death.
” Federal OSHA officials have yet to do during the pandemic , encouraging states to take their own approach .
In 2017 , the Trump administration from creating workplace safety rules for infectious airborne diseases , such as COVID-19 .
A provision protecting some workers from airborne infections has been on the books in California since 2009 .
Under the state policy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to airborne diseases , including tuberculosis and pandemic influenza , regardless of whether they work in a hospital or a prison .
Enforcement of that policy , however , has been lacking , according to worker rights ’ advocates and nursing union officials .
WorkSafe with the state in May to extend those protections to all workers .
Last year , the group for emergency safety standards to protect workers against smoke during wildfires .
California has yet to act on WorkSafe ’ s petition , but other states , including and Oregon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protections .
Knight was less harsh in his assessment of Cal/OSHA than Brown , but agreed that the agency is far from where it needs to be .
“ If you measure [ Cal/OSHA ] by the standard of what we ’ re seeing by the federal government , California looks good , ” he said , “ but that ’ s grading on a very sharp curve.
” Are you facing any workplace safety issues ?
The Los Angeles Times wants to hear from you .
Contact Jie Jenny Zou at or @ @ @ @ @ @

As Gov. Gavin Newsom attempts to rein in the state’s rising coronavirus cases, the agency responsible for keeping California workers safe spent the July 4 holiday visiting more than 1,000 businesses to ensure they were following safety guidelines.
Newsom hailed the multi-agency effort as a success — saying the resulting 52 citations showed most businesses were following the rules. Worker rights’ advocates, however, called the action more of a publicity stunt that distracts from the truth: An agency once considered among the best of its kind nationwide has largely abandoned in-person inspections since the pandemic began, potentially endangering the lives of millions of workers across California.
“The administration appears to be concerned with optics, not substance,” said Jeff Ruch , who leads the Pacific branch of Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, or PEER. The group’s members include current and former public employees, including those at California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health, better known as Cal/OSHA.
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Cal/OSHA employees required to carry out the July 4 blitz have not been tested for COVID-19, Ruch said. “They could be making a bad situation worse,” he said.
Emails sent to agency employees ahead of the blitz were shared with The Times, including one from agency chief Doug Parker saying Newsom had enlisted Cal/OSHA to “get the word out” about the governor’s efforts to keep businesses in line.
Parker mandated employees work overtime during the 72-hour holiday weekend to visit select businesses across the state and, according to another email from an agency policy advisor, “flag a few high-profile cases and well-known spots in Los Angeles and the Bay Area” to help the governor “capture media attention.”
The businesses targeted in the governor’s blitz were mostly commercial storefronts such as grocery chains, big-box stores and restaurants. The centers of the state’s largest outbreaks to date have been workplaces such as nursing homes, meatpacking plants, hospitals and prisons, which have struggled to contain infections despite intervention from local and state authorities.
Cal/OSHA has more than 50 inspector vacancies out of an authorized 270 positions. According to an analysis by PEER, fewer than 50 inspectors are conducting on-site visits for all of California.
The group also claims the agency has racked up a growing backlog of 3,000 complaints of unsafe working conditions and “a couple hundred” delayed investigations into workplace fatalities, illnesses and injuries, which are required by law to be inspected promptly in person.
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Agency spokeswoman Erika Monterroza disputed PEER’s claims of a massive backlog. As of July 12, Cal/OSHA has responded to more than 3,200 complaints out of a total of 3,871, she said in an email.
Monterroza would not comment on PEER’s claim that fewer than 50 staffers are conducting in-person inspections across the state. She also declined to answer questions relating to the availability of COVID-19 testing for Cal/OSHA employees.
“While it is extremely important to Cal/OSHA to fill all vacancies, we do not let open positions stop us from fulfilling our mandate and engaging with as many employers and workers as possible,” Monterroza wrote. “We always take employee complaints seriously and address them appropriately based on the severity of the hazard.”
The governor’s office declined to comment on vacancies at Cal/OSHA as well as the agency’s capacity to handle complaints.
Vacancies and cuts at Cal/OSHA aren’t new, critics acknowledge, but have worsened under several administrations.
Now, when the agency’s mission is especially critical, the long-standing cutbacks threaten the safety and health of workers, advocates say.
“The disinvestment in Cal/OSHA is long-standing and this is the moment to reverse it,” said Stephen Knight, director of Worksafe, a California-based nonprofit that advocates for stronger workplace safety. “We need a whole new Cal/OSHA, bigger and stronger and working with employers and workers to help us find our way through this crisis.”
By PEER’s count, Cal/OSHA has just 1 inspector for every 99,000 workers in the state — far below the ratios for Washington state, which has 1 inspector for every 25,000 workers, and Oregon, which has 1 inspector for every 22,000 workers.
The pandemic’s impact has been most keenly and disproportionately felt by communities of color, particularly Black and Latino workers, Knight said.
Since the pandemic, the agency has shifted how it handles complaints — moving away from physically inspecting workplaces.
In an email to The Times in early June, Cal/OSHA spokesman Frank Polizzi said the agency was receiving more complaints “than can be investigated in person” and had pivoted to doing so remotely using letter investigations.
Instead of on-site visits, which are “technical, complex and time-consuming,” letter investigations allow agency staff to reach out to employers “via phone and letter to get them to implement COVID-19 precautions,” Polizzi explained.
To date, Cal/OSHA has conducted 3,218 letter investigations compared with 283 in-person inspections.
Former Cal/OSHA investigator Garrett Brown, who retired in 2014 after 20 years with the agency, expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of remote investigations and criticized the number of inspectors willing to conduct on-site visits. The agency’s workforce, Brown said, is supposed to be trained and equipped to deal with all types of serious occupational hazards, including infectious environments.
Brown runs a website called Inside Cal/OSHA , which has tracked what he says is the agency’s decline over the years including persistent vacancies.
“Cal/OSHA used to be so much better than federal OSHA,” but now, Brown said, the agency was “indistinguishable” after years of being “starved to death.”
Federal OSHA officials have yet to do much beyond issue voluntary safety guidelines during the pandemic, encouraging states to take their own approach. In 2017, the Trump administration sidelined the federal agency from creating workplace safety rules for infectious airborne diseases, such as COVID-19.
A provision protecting some workers from airborne infections has been on the books in California since 2009. Under the state policy, employers must reduce healthcare workers’ exposure to airborne diseases, including tuberculosis and pandemic influenza, regardless of whether they work in a hospital or a prison. Enforcement of that policy, however, has been lacking, according to worker rights’ advocates and nursing union officials.
Worksafe filed an emergency petition with the state in May to extend those protections to all workers. Last year, the group successfully argued for emergency safety standards to protect workers against smoke during wildfires.
California has yet to act on Worksafe’s petition, but other states, including Virginia and Oregon, are moving forward with pandemic workplace protections.
Knight was less harsh in his assessment of Cal/OSHA than Brown, but agreed that the agency is far from where it needs to be. “If you measure [Cal/OSHA] by the standard of what we’re seeing by the federal government, California looks good,” he said, “but that’s grading on a very sharp curve.”