latimes--2020-06-03--Driver arrested on suspicion of pepper-spraying protesters after video goes viral

Police have arrested a Thousand Oaks woman after a online video allegedly shows her pepper-spraying protesters .
A group of demonstrators , who appeared to be teenagers , were standing on the side of the road chanting “ Black Lives Matter , ” when a driver at a red light rolled down her window and pepper-sprayed them , video footage shows .
The video was filmed on Sunday at a protest in the wake of the killing of George Floyd .
“ Get her license plate , ” a voice in the video says after the incident .
The video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the plate , which read “ LUVMYUX.
” The driver was in a Lexus UX .
The incident came to the Ventura County Sheriff Department ’ s attention after it was posted to Twitter , Capt .
Denise Silva said .
Detectives identified the driver as Amy Atkisson , 46 , according to a department press release .
The primary victim was a 16-year-old female .
“ A racist white woman pepper sprayed me today for peacefully protesting , those are her plates Tik tok do your thing 😘 # blm # georgefloyd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the TikTok video .
The video has nearly 110,000 views and more than 34,000 likes on the platform .
Silva said her department received the video on Sunday and spoke with witnesses to gather more information .
“ There wasn ’ t much more than was in the video , ” she said .
Atkisson was arrested at home on Tuesday and booked for on suspicion of unlawful use of tear gas before being released as mandated by the state Judicial Council ’ s zero-dollar bail order .
The order resets presumptive bail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ non-violent felonies to zero .
She has a court date set for July 31 , the release said .
The release also encouraged witnesses to contact Detective JD Eisenhard at ( 805 ) 494-8224 .

Amy Atkisson was arrested after authorities said she pepper-sprayed a protester.
Police have arrested a Thousand Oaks woman after a online video allegedly shows her pepper-spraying protesters.
A group of demonstrators, who appeared to be teenagers, were standing on the side of the road chanting “Black Lives Matter,” when a driver at a red light rolled down her window and pepper-sprayed them, video footage shows. The video was filmed on Sunday at a protest in the wake of the killing of George Floyd.
“Get her license plate,” a voice in the video says after the incident.
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The video then moves behind the car to capture the plate, which read “LUVMYUX.” The driver was in a Lexus UX.
a white WOMAN pepper sprayed CHILDREN protesting for #BLM yesterday in Thousand Oaks, CA.
Her license plate is recorded.
Twitter, do your thing pic.twitter.com/ZOlPlAeC7S — kayla butterfly (@MVKDRE) June 1, 2020
The incident came to the Ventura County Sheriff Department’s attention after it was posted to Twitter, Capt. Denise Silva said.
Detectives identified the driver as Amy Atkisson, 46, according to a department press release. The primary victim was a 16-year-old female.
“A racist white woman pepper sprayed me today for peacefully protesting, those are her plates Tik tok do your thing 😘 #blm #georgefloyd #fyp” read the caption on the TikTok video. The video has nearly 110,000 views and more than 34,000 likes on the platform.
Silva said her department received the video on Sunday and spoke with witnesses to gather more information.
“There wasn’t much more than was in the video,” she said.
Atkisson was arrested at home on Tuesday and booked for on suspicion of unlawful use of tear gas before being released as mandated by the state Judicial Council’s zero-dollar bail order. The order resets presumptive bail for people arrested for misdemeanors and many non-violent felonies to zero.
She has a court date set for July 31, the release said. The release also encouraged witnesses to contact Detective JD Eisenhard at (805) 494-8224.


latimes--2020-06-03--Column: No, white people. You can't ease your guilt over racism by paying black people via Cash App

The first message arrived the day after George Floyd died , as the video of him being suffocated , a white police officer ’ s knee on his neck on a Minneapolis street , started circulating and as protesters were first taking to the streets .
“ Hi .
Just checking in .
How are you feeling ?
Are you worried ?
” It was from someone , a white person , I hadn ’ t exchanged two words with in at least a decade .
The second message arrived a few hours later .
Also from a white person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This time , the person wanted to know how she could help and what she should read to learn about racism and black lives .
The next day , there were even more — on Twitter , on Facebook .
At first , I thought it was just me .
And then I realized that , no , this is a thing .
A strange and bewildering thing that , in the days of unrest since Floyd ’ s death , has provoked emotions ranging from appreciation to annoyance to aggravation to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the limit .
It has gotten to the point that someone has actually developed and distributed a list of canned responses for black people to answer questions from suddenly curious white people .
For the culture , I can not divulge more .
There also have been instances of white people sending black people they don ’ t know money through the Cash App .
A friend of mine runs a Facebook group that he bills as a safe space for black people to grouse about life and current events , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requests from white people to join it .
“ Every other day , I ’ m getting three or four requests from white folks that I don ’ t know to be friends on Facebook , ” he told me , asking that I not use his name .
“ We have no mutual friends.
” All of this was probably inevitable .
After every police killing of a black man or woman or child — and there have been many — white people are told to be good allies , to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to listen and , above all else , to “ do the work ” of getting to know black people and understanding racism .
And people are genuinely trying .
I don ’ t want to knock that , especially because people of every race and ethnicity have been moved to march over Floyd ’ s death .
But with peaceful protests and violent revolts happening nationwide and even worldwide , I also wonder if something else is going on , too .
For it ’ s one thing to inquire about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or of an acquaintance you often see out and about or chat with regularly online .
That ’ s appreciated .
It ’ s quite another thing to suddenly hit up a stranger — a someone not thought about in five , six , seven , 20 years — and demand attention and emotional energy .
Perhaps some of this reaching out over social media has to do with our country being so segregated ?
Depending on where you live in California , for example , making black friends — or friends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ takes real work .
Although our state is diverse , the neighborhoods of our cities are incredibly divided , one of the side effects of rampant gentrification .
And our rural areas aren ’ t very diverse at all .
Or it could be that these messages reflect a new level of white guilt brought on by a new level of black rage .
The unrest over Floyd has done nothing if not rip away the facade , making it clear that the United States , including liberal California , is steeped in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system to the economy .
A recent Monmouth University poll found that a majority of Americans now agree that police are more likely to use excessive force against black people than white people in similar situations .
Only one-third of the country held this opinion four years ago .
Also , the percentage of respondents who said racial and ethnic discrimination is a big problem is up to nearly 75 % , up from about 50 % in 2015 .
So what happens when white people who aren ’ t racist suddenly can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everywhere — that they have unwittingly benefited from a racist system all of their lives ?
That maybe the college they attended , the house and the business they own , the car they drive were easier attain because they didn ’ t , say , get popped for smoking weed like the black folks a neighborhood over or that they didn ’ t have trouble getting a loan from a bank like millions of people of color do every year .
Any moral person would feel at least little guilty about that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to believe most of these messages are coming from a good place .
But there ’ s some ego wrapped up in this , too .
It ’ s what I see in many of the Instagram selfies and stories from Black Lives Matter protests .
It ’ s as if white people are trying to broadcast to the world that they aren ’ t racist .
My friend Tiffani Sharp , a Sacramento attorney with a specialty in cannabis equity , described it as a need to share sympathy , rather than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tell me , ‘ My soul is aching about what happened.
’ You ?
” she said .
“ What about me ?
” So , please , don ’ t do that , white people .
Another thing not to do is ask black people — especially black people you barely know — to teach you about racism or to give you a list of books to read about racism .
“ Use your internet .
It ’ s the same thing I ’ m about to do , ” said my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consultant .
“ If you ’ re not willing to read on your own and you want me read for you , I don ’ t trust you to liberate me anytime soon.
” It ’ s insulting — not to mention tiring — because of the privileged assumption that now that you are ready to learn , black people should be ready to teach you .
Sharp says one of her friends has been asked so many times that she has started charging people via her Cash App , figuring if they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she should be paid like one .
“ People only want to be educated when something like this happens .
Nobody is sitting around when everything is great , thinking there ’ s this gap in my knowledge , ” she said .
“ Like , ‘ Whoops !
I don ’ t have any black friends .
Let me get some black friends.
’ Now is not the time to be making black friends .
If you don ’ t already have them , you are part of the problem.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you all the things you shouldn ’ t do , you ’ re probably wondering what you can do .
For one , talk to your relatives who still support President Trump , even though he appears ready to declare martial law .
Also , think about how you vote , not just for president , but for ballot propositions and candidates who want to make things more equitable , especially for district attorney .
Shop at black-owned businesses .
Don ’ t be so quick to say no to that affordable housing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kids to speak up about racism .
In short , do the work — every day , not just when a black man dies and there ’ s a protest — of dismantling a system that , for too long , has benefited too few Americans .
“ ‘ Elika , what do I do to help ?
’ is the most infuriating question , ” said my friend and community organizer Elika Bernard .
“ Because we ’ ve been telling white people .
It ’ s all there , right in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ haven ’ t been listening.
” Listening is one thing .
Doing is quite another .

The first message arrived the day after George Floyd died, as the video of him being suffocated, a white police officer’s knee on his neck on a Minneapolis street, started circulating and as protesters were first taking to the streets.
“Hi. Just checking in. How are you feeling? Are you worried?”
It was from someone, a white person, I hadn’t exchanged two words with in at least a decade.
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The second message arrived a few hours later. Also from a white person I barely know. Then a third. This time, the person wanted to know how she could help and what she should read to learn about racism and black lives. The next day, there were even more — on Twitter, on Facebook.
At first, I thought it was just me. And then I realized that, no, this is a thing. A strange and bewildering thing that, in the days of unrest since Floyd’s death, has provoked emotions ranging from appreciation to annoyance to aggravation to utter exhaustion among black Americans already stressed to the limit.
i am calling for a national moratorium on texts from guilty white liberals — Steadman™ (@AsteadWesley) June 1, 2020
It has gotten to the point that someone has actually developed and distributed a list of canned responses for black people to answer questions from suddenly curious white people. For the culture, I cannot divulge more.
There also have been instances of white people sending black people they don’t know money through the Cash App.
A friend of mine runs a Facebook group that he bills as a safe space for black people to grouse about life and current events, and he says he has been inundated with requests from white people to join it.
“Every other day, I’m getting three or four requests from white folks that I don’t know to be friends on Facebook,” he told me, asking that I not use his name. “We have no mutual friends.”
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All of this was probably inevitable. After every police killing of a black man or woman or child — and there have been many — white people are told to be good allies, to be empathetic, to check their privilege, to listen and, above all else, to “do the work” of getting to know black people and understanding racism.
And people are genuinely trying. I don’t want to knock that, especially because people of every race and ethnicity have been moved to march over Floyd’s death.
But with peaceful protests and violent revolts happening nationwide and even worldwide, I also wonder if something else is going on, too. For it’s one thing to inquire about the well-being of a friend or a coworker, or of an acquaintance you often see out and about or chat with regularly online. That’s appreciated. It’s quite another thing to suddenly hit up a stranger — a someone not thought about in five, six, seven, 20 years — and demand attention and emotional energy.
Perhaps some of this reaching out over social media has to do with our country being so segregated? Depending on where you live in California, for example, making black friends — or friends of a different race, period — takes real work. Although our state is diverse, the neighborhoods of our cities are incredibly divided, one of the side effects of rampant gentrification. And our rural areas aren’t very diverse at all.
Or it could be that these messages reflect a new level of white guilt brought on by a new level of black rage. The unrest over Floyd has done nothing if not rip away the facade, making it clear that the United States, including liberal California, is steeped in systemic racism — from the criminal justice system to the economy.
A recent Monmouth University poll found that a majority of Americans now agree that police are more likely to use excessive force against black people than white people in similar situations. Only one-third of the country held this opinion four years ago. Also, the percentage of respondents who said racial and ethnic discrimination is a big problem is up to nearly 75%, up from about 50% in 2015.
So what happens when white people who aren’t racist suddenly can’t ignore — because protesters are everywhere — that they have unwittingly benefited from a racist system all of their lives? That maybe the college they attended, the house and the business they own, the car they drive were easier attain because they didn’t, say, get popped for smoking weed like the black folks a neighborhood over or that they didn’t have trouble getting a loan from a bank like millions of people of color do every year.
Any moral person would feel at least little guilty about that. That’s why I choose to believe most of these messages are coming from a good place.
But there’s some ego wrapped up in this, too. It’s what I see in many of the Instagram selfies and stories from Black Lives Matter protests. It’s as if white people are trying to broadcast to the world that they aren’t racist. My friend Tiffani Sharp, a Sacramento attorney with a specialty in cannabis equity, described it as a need to share sympathy, rather than empathy.
“I had one lady tell me, ‘My soul is aching about what happened.’ You?” she said. “What about me?”
So, please, don’t do that, white people.
Another thing not to do is ask black people — especially black people you barely know — to teach you about racism or to give you a list of books to read about racism.
“Use your internet. It’s the same thing I’m about to do,” said my friend Tre Borden, a L.A.-based art consultant. “If you’re not willing to read on your own and you want me to read for you, I don’t trust you to liberate me anytime soon.”
It’s insulting — not to mention tiring — because of the privileged assumption that now that you are ready to learn, black people should be ready to teach you. Sharp says one of her friends has been asked so many times that she has started charging people via her Cash App, figuring if they want her to act like a consultant, she should be paid like one.
“People only want to be educated when something like this happens. Nobody is sitting around when everything is great, thinking there’s this gap in my knowledge,” she said. “Like, ‘Whoops! I don’t have any black friends. Let me get some black friends.’ Now is not the time to be making black friends. If you don’t already have them, you are part of the problem.”
So now that I’ve told you all the things you shouldn’t do, you’re probably wondering what you can do.
Police and protesters face off in the Fairfax District on May 30. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)
For one, talk to your relatives who still support President Trump, even though he appears ready to declare martial law. Also, think about how you vote, not just for president, but for ballot propositions and candidates who want to make things more equitable, especially for district attorney.
Shop at black-owned businesses. Don’t be so quick to say no to that affordable housing complex in your neighborhood. Encourage your kids to speak up about racism. In short, do the work — every day, not just when a black man dies and there’s a protest — of dismantling a system that, for too long, has benefited too few Americans.
“‘Elika, what do I do to help?’ is the most infuriating question,” said my friend and community organizer Elika Bernard. “Because we’ve been telling white people. It’s all there, right in front of their faces, but they haven’t been listening.”
Listening is one thing. Doing is quite another.


latimes--2020-06-03--L.A.'s nighttime curfew faces growing criticism as arrests mount

The nighttime curfews imposed in Los Angeles County due to protests over police brutality and the death of George Floyd are coming under growing scrutiny .
After several nights of scattered looting , there were very few problems Tuesday night even as thousands protested peacefully across the region .
The arrests were mainly of protesters who refused to obey the curfew .
Los Angeles County extended its sweeping curfew for a fourth day — this time with reduced hours .
But Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn said that while the curfews may have been warranted on Sunday and Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are being used to arrest peaceful protesters.
” “ I don ’ t think they are needed anymore , ” she wrote on Twitter .
On Tuesday , an attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union sent a letter to Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Kathryn Barger requesting that she rescind or restrict the curfew order .
ACLU senior counsel Ahilan Arulanantham wrote in the letter that the U.S. Constitution does not permit the county to order such a sweeping restriction on free speech and travel to address “ a few localized attacks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the last few days some individuals have damaged and stolen property in areas where many others have engaged in peaceful protests , but that unlawful conduct can not justify a state of emergency in the entire county that effectively places over 10 million people under house arrest for twelve hours every evening and morning , ” Arulanantham wrote .
On Wednesday , county officials opted to begin the curfew at 9 p.m. instead of the usual 6 p.m .
The curfew , which does not apply to law enforcement , first responders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and unsheltered individuals , will last until 5 a.m. Thursday .
Sheriff Alex Villanueva said early Wednesday that officials had been assessing whether to continue the curfew for another day , noting “ big improvements from previous days ” related to the protests .
Police said the curfew has helped clear the streets at night so they can focus on looters who hit some communities Saturday , Sunday and Monday .
Some protesters also questioned the need for curfews if demonstrations are peaceful .
“ It ’ s ridiculous that 1,000 protesters have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 25 , said Tuesday during the Hollywood protest .
She held a sign that read , “ Stop killing black people , ” and was punctuated by an expletive .
She said that on Monday night , she and her boyfriend held signs up past curfew , protesting peacefully .
“ I ’ m all for doing what ’ s safe for yourself .
In order to make a change we have to stay above six feet , we have to stay alive .
They ’ re setting these curfews so that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can kill us.
” “ I encourage everyone else to try and do this as safely as possible.
” At 8th Street and Crenshaw Bouelvard on Tuesday night , police detained dozens of protesters who had converged at the mayor ’ s residence .
The crowd chanted “ peaceful protest ” intermittently and , for the most part , calmly complied with police as they were cuffed with plastic bands .
Police arrested the crowd methodically and had protesters stand with legs spread against a gate — collecting names and information before escorting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sheriff bus .
After each person was arrested , some in the crowd yelled , “ We love you , ” and clapped .

Hannah Fry, Matt Hamilton, Brittny Mejia

People are arrested for violating curfew in Los Angeles after peaceful protests on June 2, 2020, over police brutality and the death of George Floyd.
The nighttime curfews imposed in Los Angeles County due to protests over police brutality and the death of George Floyd are coming under growing scrutiny.
The American Civil Liberties Union filed suit Wednesday against the cities of Los Angeles and San Bernardino and L.A. county to end the curfews.
“The curfews’ extraordinary suppression of all political protest in the evening hours plainly violates the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, and their blanket restrictions on movement outside working hours violate the Constitution’s protection of freedom of movement,” the ACLU said in a statement.
The suit was filed on behalf on Black Lives Matter and others.
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After several nights of scattered looting, there were very few problems Tuesday and Wednesday night even as thousands protested peacefully across the region. The arrests were mainly of protesters who refused to obey the curfew.
Los Angeles County extended its sweeping curfew for a fourth day — this time with reduced hours.
But Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn said that while the curfews may have been warranted on Sunday and Monday nights, “now it seems like they are being used to arrest peaceful protesters.”
“I don’t think they are needed anymore,” she wrote on Twitter.
On Wednesday, county officials opted to begin the curfew at 9 p.m. instead of the usual 6 p.m. The curfew, which does not apply to law enforcement, first responders, people traveling to and from work and unsheltered individuals, will last until 5 a.m. Thursday.
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Sheriff Alex Villanueva said early Wednesday that officials had been assessing whether to continue the curfew for another day, noting “big improvements from previous days” related to the protests. Police said the curfew has helped clear the streets at night so they can focus on looters who hit some communities Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Some protesters also questioned the need for curfews if demonstrations are peaceful.
“It’s ridiculous that 1,000 protesters have been arrested,” Heaven Bouldin, 25, said Tuesday during the Hollywood protest.
She held a sign that read, “Stop killing black people,” and was punctuated by an expletive.
She said that on Monday night, she and her boyfriend held signs up past curfew, protesting peacefully.
“I’m all for doing what’s safe for yourself. In order to make a change we have to stay above six feet, we have to stay alive. They’re setting these curfews so that they can arrest us, so that they can kill us.”
“I encourage everyone else to try and do this as safely as possible.”
At 8th Street and Crenshaw Bouelvard on Tuesday night, police detained dozens of protesters who had converged at the mayor’s residence.
The crowd chanted “peaceful protest” intermittently and, for the most part, calmly complied with police as they were cuffed with plastic bands.
Police arrested the crowd methodically and had protesters stand with legs spread against a gate — collecting names and information before escorting each protester to a Los Angeles County sheriff bus.
After each person was arrested, some in the crowd yelled, “We love you,” and clapped.


latimes--2020-06-03--Fundraiser pleads guilty in L.A. City Hall corruption case

A political operative pleaded guilty to bribery Wednesday , admitting he helped a real estate developer pay off a Los Angeles City Council member for help with a major development project .
The guilty plea by Justin Jangwoo Kim , 53 , is the latest turn in an on-going investigation by the FBI and the U.S. Attorney ’ s Office into pay-to-play schemes and other corruption in City Hall .
At a hearing Wednesday , which U.S. District Judge John F. Walter conducted over videoconference , Kim listened as a prosecutor read a lengthy narrative detailing his role in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Walter asked whether Kim had done all the things the government claimed .
A real estate appraiser and consultant , Kim was a top fundraiser for a City Council member whom federal prosecutors have referred to as “ Councilmember A ” in court filings against Kim and others charged in the case .
Many details included in the court records have identified the council member as Jose Huizar , who served on a council committee that handles real estate projects and and whose offices and home were raided by FBI agents in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a crime in the case .
The bribery scheme involving Kim began in the summer of 2016 , when a labor organization challenged a developer ’ s plans to build a large residential project in the council member ’ s district .
The challenge threatened to derail the project as it was making its way through the city ’ s approval process , prosecutors said .
Kim , who prosecutors said was a major fundraiser for the council member , admitted to helping to negotiate and carry out a $ 500,000 payment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scuttling the labor group ’ s efforts .
The name of the developer has not been made public .
The council member allegedly sought the help of a lobbyist , who successfully convinced the labor group to drop its appeal of the project , according to court records .
Court records show Kim kept more than $ 100,000 of the bribe money for himself , although prosecutors did not specify the amount .
With investigators bearing down on him , the council member allegedly instructed an aide to hold on to part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to court filings .
It is unknown whether the council member ever received any of the money .
Kim is one of four people now charged in the case .
Former councilman Mitchell Englander has agreed to plead guilty to charges that he tried to obstruct an investigation into he allegedly received from another developer .
And a former aide to Huizar , George Esparza , and a real estate consultant , George Chiang , have agreed to plead guilty to charges stemming from allegations they conspired with the council member on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ developers .
Kim is scheduled to be sentenced in August .
He faces a maximum of 10 years in prison , although prosecutors have agreed to seek leniency from the judge in exchange for Kim ’ s cooperation .

A political operative pleaded guilty to bribery Wednesday, admitting he helped a real estate developer pay off a Los Angeles City Council member for help with a major development project.
The guilty plea by Justin Jangwoo Kim, 53, is the latest turn in an on-going investigation by the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office into pay-to-play schemes and other corruption in City Hall.
At a hearing Wednesday, which U.S. District Judge John F. Walter conducted over videoconference, Kim listened as a prosecutor read a lengthy narrative detailing his role in the bribery scheme. When it was over, Walter asked whether Kim had done all the things the government claimed.
“Yes, I did, your honor,” Kim replied.
A real estate appraiser and consultant, Kim was a top fundraiser for a City Council member whom federal prosecutors have referred to as “Councilmember A” in court filings against Kim and others charged in the case.
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Many details included in the court records have identified the council member as Jose Huizar, who served on a council committee that handles real estate projects and and whose offices and home were raided by FBI agents in 2018. Huizar has not been charged with a crime in the case.
The bribery scheme involving Kim began in the summer of 2016, when a labor organization challenged a developer’s plans to build a large residential project in the council member’s district. The challenge threatened to derail the project as it was making its way through the city’s approval process, prosecutors said.
Kim, who prosecutors said was a major fundraiser for the council member, admitted to helping to negotiate and carry out a $500,000 payment the developer paid in exchange for help scuttling the labor group’s efforts. The name of the developer has not been made public.
The council member allegedly sought the help of a lobbyist, who successfully convinced the labor group to drop its appeal of the project, according to court records. Court records show Kim kept more than $100,000 of the bribe money for himself, although prosecutors did not specify the amount.
With investigators bearing down on him, the council member allegedly instructed an aide to hold on to part of his share of the bribe money, according to court filings. It is unknown whether the council member ever received any of the money.
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Kim is one of four people now charged in the case.
Former councilman Mitchell Englander has agreed to plead guilty to charges that he tried to obstruct an investigation into payments and other gifts he allegedly received from another developer. And a former aide to Huizar, George Esparza, and a real estate consultant, George Chiang, have agreed to plead guilty to charges stemming from allegations they conspired with the council member on plans to extract illicit payments from estate developers.
Kim is scheduled to be sentenced in August. He faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, although prosecutors have agreed to seek leniency from the judge in exchange for Kim’s cooperation.


latimes--2020-06-03--Newsom says California would 'reject' Trump's attempts to send military into major cities

In his most outspoken public rebuke of President Trump in months , Gov .
Gavin Newsom said Wednesday that California would “ reject ” any attempts by the White House to deploy the military in major cities to end civil unrest following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody .
“ It won ’ t happen , ” Newsom said during a visit to Hot & Cool Cafe in Leimert Park .
“ It ’ s not going to happen .
We would reject it .
We would push back against that.
” Dubbing himself a “ president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threatened Monday to send “ thousands and thousands of heavily armed soldiers , military personnel and law enforcement officers ” into U.S. cities .
Addressing Trump ’ s threat for the first time , Newsom called the president ’ s remarks “ just another zig and zag deflection from the administration.
” The governor said he was pleased to hear U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper also voice opposition to the use of active-duty military forces in law enforcement roles to contain street protests .
Once a frequent Trump critic , Newsom has declined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic began .
The governor has largely described his own silence as a desire to not play politics during a crisis , even as other Democratic governors have taken more combative stances with the White House .
This week , Newsom refused to directly respond to a question about a phone call early Monday between Trump and governors in which the president urged them to crack down harder on protesters .
“ I could be part of the daily back and forth in the news cycle and continue to perpetuate the problems that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Monday .
“ Or , I can choose to focus a message that I think is so much more powerful , and I hope has more residence with people watching , and that is : I care more about them than some of the noise I heard on a morning phone call.
” Newsom ’ s own decision to deploy nearly 2,600 California National Guard troops to Los Angeles , Long Beach , Sacramento , San Diego and other areas over the last week also sparked concerns .
The presence of any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by law enforcement may only add to those feelings of fear , said Assemblywoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove ( D-Los Angeles ) .
“ I think it ’ s important for people to recognize that we all are looking through life with very different lenses , ” she said .
The state legislator said she discussed the deployment of the Guard troops with Newsom on Wednesday when she joined him in South Los Angeles and said she felt that he was responding to the needs and requests of cities .
Mayor Eric Garcetti called for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and looting .
Brian Ferguson , a spokesman for the Governor ’ s Office of Emergency Services , said Newsom has deployed the Guard only in response to specific requests from local leaders .
The troops were originally intended to focus on the protection of critical infrastructure , such as electrical substations and water treatment plants , instead of directly taking the place of local police .
But in some instances , depending on direction by law enforcement in a municipality , they are supporting operations on the ground , Ferguson said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ deploy the military against the will of local leaders .
“ If a city or state refuses to take the actions necessary to defend the life and property of the residents , I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them , ” Trump said Monday .
Newsom arrived at the Hot & Cool Cafe in Leimert Park late Wednesday morning , his first appearance in Los Angeles since the protests began last week .
The cafe ’ s owners , Tina Amin and Anthony Jolly , have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide meals , but they are also using their own money and donations .
They regularly make about 350 meals for older residents and other community members in need .
The governor put together meals alongside volunteers and Kamlager-Dove , state Sen. Holly Mitchell ( D-Los Angeles ) and Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas .
Newsom said he planned to meet with L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti , Black Lives Matter organizers and the Los Angeles Police Department later in the day .
On Tuesday , the governor attended an event hosted by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unarmed black man shot and killed by police in 2018 , to clean up downtown Sacramento after a night of looting .
In pictures and videos shared on social media , the governor scrubbed graffiti off a government building and praised Stevante Clark , who has become an activist for reform since his brother ’ s death , for encouraging peaceful protests in the city .

California Governor Gavin Newsom, right, listens as he is introduced to Kirikou Muldrow, 8, by California Senator Holly Mitchell and California Assembly Member Sydney Kamlager-Dove, right, during a visit to the Hot and Cool Cafe in Leimert Park.
In his most outspoken public rebuke of President Trump in months, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday that California would “reject” any attempts by the White House to deploy the military in major cities to end civil unrest following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody.
“It won’t happen,” Newsom said during a visit to Hot & Cool Cafe in Leimert Park. “It’s not going to happen. We would reject it. We would push back against that.”
Dubbing himself a “president of law and order,” Trump threatened Monday to send “thousands and thousands of heavily armed soldiers, military personnel and law enforcement officers” into U.S. cities.
Addressing Trump’s threat for the first time, Newsom called the president’s remarks “just another zig and zag deflection from the administration.” The governor said he was pleased to hear U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper also voice opposition to the use of active-duty military forces in law enforcement roles to contain street protests.
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Once a frequent Trump critic, Newsom has declined to condemn the president since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The governor has largely described his own silence as a desire to not play politics during a crisis, even as other Democratic governors have taken more combative stances with the White House.
This week, Newsom refused to directly respond to a question about a phone call early Monday between Trump and governors in which the president urged them to crack down harder on protesters.
“I could be part of the daily back and forth in the news cycle and continue to perpetuate the problems that persist in this country,” Newsom said Monday. “Or, I can choose to focus a message that I think is so much more powerful, and I hope has more residence with people watching, and that is: I care more about them than some of the noise I heard on a morning phone call.”
Newsom’s own decision to deploy nearly 2,600 California National Guard troops to Los Angeles, Long Beach, Sacramento, San Diego and other areas over the last week also sparked concerns.
The presence of any military forces in communities that feel victimized by law enforcement may only add to those feelings of fear, said Assemblywoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Los Angeles).
“I think it’s important for people to recognize that we all are looking through life with very different lenses,” she said.
The state legislator said she discussed the deployment of the Guard troops with Newsom on Wednesday when she joined him in South Los Angeles and said she felt that he was responding to the needs and requests of cities. Mayor Eric Garcetti called for troops Saturday in anticipation of potential violence and looting.
Brian Ferguson, a spokesman for the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, said Newsom has deployed the Guard only in response to specific requests from local leaders. The troops were originally intended to focus on the protection of critical infrastructure, such as electrical substations and water treatment plants, instead of directly taking the place of local police. But in some instances, depending on direction by law enforcement in a municipality, they are supporting operations on the ground, Ferguson said.
In contrast, Trump has threatened to deploy the military against the will of local leaders.
“If a city or state refuses to take the actions necessary to defend the life and property of the residents, I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them,” Trump said Monday.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, second from left, listens to the concerns of Marcus Warren, center, while visiting the Hot and Cool Cafe in Leimert Park. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times / POOL)
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Newsom arrived at the Hot & Cool Cafe in Leimert Park late Wednesday morning, his first appearance in Los Angeles since the protests began last week. The cafe’s owners, Tina Amin and Anthony Jolly, have received some funding from the city to provide meals, but they are also using their own money and donations. They regularly make about 350 meals for older residents and other community members in need.
The governor put together meals alongside volunteers and Kamlager-Dove, state Sen. Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angeles) and Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas. Newsom said he planned to meet with L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti, Black Lives Matter organizers and the Los Angeles Police Department later in the day.
Gov. Gavin Newsom helps pack up lunches to be delivered to senior citizens at Hot & Cool Cafe in Leimert Park on Wednesday. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times / POOL)
On Tuesday, the governor attended an event hosted by the brother of Stephon Clark, an unarmed black man shot and killed by police in 2018, to clean up downtown Sacramento after a night of looting.
In pictures and videos shared on social media, the governor scrubbed graffiti off a government building and praised Stevante Clark, who has become an activist for reform since his brother’s death, for encouraging peaceful protests in the city.


latimes--2020-06-03--Among California reopenings: Pickleball courts. So, what's pickleball?

As she settled in to host another talk show from her living room , Ellen Degeneres recently told viewers of her show that she was having trouble walking .
No visible injury appeared to impair her .
She sat relaxed in an armchair .
Nonetheless , her lower back was bothering her .
“ Anybody who plays pickleball will understand , ” Degeneres said .
“ And if they don ’ t , then I ’ m way out of shape.
” If you are anything like the producer standing in the background of the shot , you may have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Andy Lassner , the show ’ s executive producer .
“ What is pickleball ?
” It ’ s a racquet sport — which does not involve a pickle , by the way — and has existed since 1965 .
The sport has begun to grow rapidly in recent years .
A spokesperson for the USA Pickleball Assn .
said in a December interview that more than 3.1 million people played pickleball in 2018 , up 12 % over the previous year .
Access to pickleball courts was restricted in March to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In recent weeks , however , the sport has been allowed to flourish again as parks and recreation facilities around California have started to reopen .
So what is it ?
It ’ s like tennis but played with a racquet resembling a ping pong paddle and a perforated ball on a smaller court .
Anyone .
It ’ s a particularly good sport for people who struggle with mobility because the playing surface is much smaller than a tennis court .
The rectangular courts measure 20 feet wide by 44 feet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Tennis courts are wider by a few feet and roughly twice as long .
What ’ s the objective of the game ?
Get the ball past your opponent and get to 11 points first .
But you have to win by two , and you can only score when serving .
Here are the basics : • Serve the ball diagonally across the court with an underhanded motion from behind the back line , making sure the paddle makes contact with the ball below the waist .
• You can only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ball touches the net on the serve and lands in the proper court .
Then you can try one more time before incurring a fault .
• Hit the ball on the bounce the first time it arrives on your side .
The return of the serve must also bounce once before being hit .
After that , he ball can be hit in the air or on the bounce .
• In general , do not enter the non-volley zone , also known as “ the kitchen.
” It extends 7 feet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You can enter the kitchen only to hit back a ball that bounces in the zone .
• You or your team continue to serve , alternating service courts , until you lose a rally or commit a fault .
Find more detailed explanations in the official rulebook of the USA Pickleball Assn .
What ’ s the best way to win ?
Heed these words from U.S. Open Pickleball gold medalist Glen Peterson : “ Consistency is more important than aggressive play.
” How long does one game last ?
Plan for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side .
Skill level will dictate the length of the match .
What ’ s the cheapest way to play ?
Acquire some ping pong racquets and Whiffle balls and mark the lines of a pickleball court in your driveway with chalk .
You don ’ t even need to put down a net .
The dimensions are on the pickleball association website .
That won ’ t cut it .
Where can I get real equipment ?
The Pickleball website offers a handful of options .
Nets range from $ 25 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does not include a frame system , so you would need to tie it to makeshift supports of your own .
Heavy outdoor furniture would probably do the trick .
Paddle and ball bundles are available for under $ 30 .
A starter pickleball set — including a net , four paddles and four outdoor balls — is priced at $ 146 .
If you ’ re looking for a fix quicker than the internet can supply , stores near you might have equipment .
Big 5 and Dick ’ s Sporting Goods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Target and Walmart .
Are there courts near me ?
The Places 2 Play website allows you to search for pickleball courts in your ZIP Code .

As she settled in to host another talk show from her living room, Ellen Degeneres recently told viewers of her show that she was having trouble walking. No visible injury appeared to impair her. She sat relaxed in an armchair.
Nonetheless, her lower back was bothering her.
“Anybody who plays pickleball will understand,” Degeneres said. “And if they don’t, then I’m way out of shape.”
If you are anything like the producer standing in the background of the shot, you may have been perplexed.
Advertisement
“What?” said Andy Lassner, the show’s executive producer. “What is pickleball?”
It’s a racquet sport — which does not involve a pickle, by the way — and has existed since 1965. The sport has begun to grow rapidly in recent years. A spokesperson for the USA Pickleball Assn. said in a December interview that more than 3.1 million people played pickleball in 2018, up 12% over the previous year.
Access to pickleball courts was restricted in March to stem the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. In recent weeks, however, the sport has been allowed to flourish again as parks and recreation facilities around California have started to reopen.
“It’s fun,” Degeneres said, “and I’m obsessed with it.”
So what is it?
It’s like tennis but played with a racquet resembling a ping pong paddle and a perforated ball on a smaller court.
Pickleball is similar to tennis, but the equipment is a little different and it’s played on a smaller court. (Gabriella Angotti-Jones / Los Angeles Times)
Who can play?
Anyone. It’s a particularly good sport for people who struggle with mobility because the playing surface is much smaller than a tennis court. The rectangular courts measure 20 feet wide by 44 feet long for both singles and doubles play. Tennis courts are wider by a few feet and roughly twice as long.
Advertisement
What’s the objective of the game?
Get the ball past your opponent and get to 11 points first. But you have to win by two, and you can only score when serving.
How do I play?
Here are the basics:
Serve the ball diagonally across the court with an underhanded motion from behind the back line, making sure the paddle makes contact with the ball below the waist.
You can only attempt to serve once, unless the ball touches the net on the serve and lands in the proper court. Then you can try one more time before incurring a fault.
Hit the ball on the bounce the first time it arrives on your side. The return of the serve must also bounce once before being hit. After that, he ball can be hit in the air or on the bounce.
In general, do not enter the non-volley zone, also known as “the kitchen.” It extends 7 feet from the net on each side. You can enter the kitchen only to hit back a ball that bounces in the zone.
You or your team continue to serve, alternating service courts, until you lose a rally or commit a fault.
Find more detailed explanations in the official rulebook of the USA Pickleball Assn.
What’s the best way to win?
Heed these words from U.S. Open Pickleball gold medalist Glen Peterson: “Consistency is more important than aggressive play.”
How long does one game last?
Plan for 30 minutes to be on the safe side. Skill level will dictate the length of the match.
What’s the cheapest way to play?
Acquire some ping pong racquets and Whiffle balls and mark the lines of a pickleball court in your driveway with chalk. You don’t even need to put down a net. The dimensions are on the pickleball association website.
The perforated ball and ping-pong-style paddle are distinctive to pickleball. (Gabriella Angotti-Jones / Los Angeles Times)
That won’t cut it. Where can I get real equipment?
The Pickleball website offers a handful of options. Nets range from $25 to $350. The least expensive option does not include a frame system, so you would need to tie it to makeshift supports of your own. Heavy outdoor furniture would probably do the trick.
Paddle and ball bundles are available for under $30.
A starter pickleball set — including a net, four paddles and four outdoor balls — is priced at $146.
If you’re looking for a fix quicker than the internet can supply, stores near you might have equipment. Big 5 and Dick’s Sporting Goods both carry pickleball gear. So do Target and Walmart.
Are there courts near me?
The Places 2 Play website allows you to search for pickleball courts in your ZIP Code.


latimes--2020-06-03--Pediatricians say kids should be in school despite coronavirus risk

The damage done by keeping children out of school might outweigh the risks of COVID-19 transmission , a regional organization of pediatricians said Tuesday , pushing back against educators who have cautioned against reopening campuses too soon .
The Southern California chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics , which represents about 1,500 doctors , issued a statement pointing to research suggesting that the risks of COVID-19 transmission among children are lower than for adults , but that keeping children away from in-person instruction for longer will have negative consequences .
“ Prolonging a meaningful return to in-person education would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Los Angeles County being at risk for worsening academic , developmental and health outcomes , ” the statement said .
“ Children rely on schools for multiple needs , including but not limited to education , nutrition , physical activity , socialization , and mental health .
Special populations of students receive services for disabilities and other conditions that are virtually impossible to deliver online.
” While they acknowledged the county is too big for a single reopening plan , the doctors also took issue with some of the L.A. County Office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safely returning to schools .
While the 45-page framework left many decisions up to schools , it recommended measures including face masks for students and teachers , children eating lunch at their desks and greater use of outdoor areas for teaching .
“ Our concern is that recently issued guidelines for schools re-opening in Los Angeles County are not realistic or even developmentally appropriate for children , ” Dr. Alice Kuo , president of the pediatrics chapter , said in the statement .
“ For example , wearing masks throughout the day can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for younger children.
” L.A. Unified Supt .
Austin Beutner said in an address Wednesday morning that returning to school in any capacity will be risky without treatment or a vaccine — for children , vulnerable family members and school employees who could be infected .
“ If someone were to become ill and the source of the virus was traced to a school , who is going to pay the health bills ?
” he said .
Beutner reiterated his call for city authorities to plan for testing and contact tracing of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and criticized the state and local governments for not reimbursing LAUSD for feeding adults during the shutdown .
“ This is complicated work and we take it very seriously — lives and futures are at stake .
Returning to school facilities will need to balance three sometimes competing priorities — the health and safety of all in the school community , the impact of the pandemic on jobs and families and the educational needs of students , ” Beutner said .
The school district is considering options but has not made a decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like in the nation ’ s second-largest school district when the new school year begins on Aug. 18 , Beutner said .

Los Angeles County Office of Education Supt. Debra Duardo, left, and Glendale Unified Supt. Vivian Ekchian, right, are given a tour of Cerritos Elementary in Glendale by Principal Perla Chavez-Fritz on May 26.
The damage done by keeping children out of school might outweigh the risks of COVID-19 transmission, a regional organization of pediatricians said Tuesday, pushing back against educators who have cautioned against reopening campuses too soon.
The Southern California chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, which represents about 1,500 doctors, issued a statement pointing to research suggesting that the risks of COVID-19 transmission among children are lower than for adults, but that keeping children away from in-person instruction for longer will have negative consequences.
“Prolonging a meaningful return to in-person education would result in hundreds of thousands of children in Los Angeles County being at risk for worsening academic, developmental and health outcomes,” the statement said. “Children rely on schools for multiple needs, including but not limited to education, nutrition, physical activity, socialization, and mental health. Special populations of students receive services for disabilities and other conditions that are virtually impossible to deliver online.”
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While they acknowledged the county is too big for a single reopening plan, the doctors also took issue with some of the L.A. County Office of Education guidance issued last week about safely returning to schools. While the 45-page framework left many decisions up to schools, it recommended measures including face masks for students and teachers, children eating lunch at their desks and greater use of outdoor areas for teaching.
“Our concern is that recently issued guidelines for schools re-opening in Los Angeles County are not realistic or even developmentally appropriate for children,” Dr. Alice Kuo, president of the pediatrics chapter, said in the statement. “For example, wearing masks throughout the day can hinder language and socio-emotional development, particularly for younger children.”
L.A. Unified Supt. Austin Beutner said in an address Wednesday morning that returning to school in any capacity will be risky without treatment or a vaccine — for children, vulnerable family members and school employees who could be infected.
“If someone were to become ill and the source of the virus was traced to a school, who is going to pay the health bills?” he asked.
Beutner reiterated his call for city authorities to plan for testing and contact tracing of the virus if it hits schools, and criticized the state and local governments for not reimbursing LAUSD for feeding adults during the shutdown.
“This is complicated work and we take it very seriously — lives and futures are at stake. Returning to school facilities will need to balance three sometimes competing priorities — the health and safety of all in the school community, the impact of the pandemic on jobs and families and the educational needs of students,” Beutner said.
The school district is considering options but has not made a decision on what campuses or instruction will look like in the nation’s second-largest school district when the new school year begins on Aug. 18, Beutner said.


latimes--2020-06-03--California counties are reopening despite continued rise in coronavirus cases

California counties are pressing forward with plans to reopen the economy , even as the number of newly confirmed coronavirus cases continues to rise across the state .
Overall , the state has reported 117,687 confirmed cases and 4,361 deaths as of Wednesday .
As protesters filled the streets Wednesday for another day of marches sparked by the death of George Floyd , the Department of Corrections reported the deaths from the virus of two more inmates at the California Institution for Men in Chino , bringing the total number of deaths related to COVID-19 at the prison to 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases of the virus among inmates .
Across California , the total number of cases is approaching 120,000 , and more than 4,300 people have died .
The virus is not spreading at the same rate in all parts of the country , though , with some states seeing a decline in the number of new cases reported each day .
Data collected by researchers at Johns Hopkins University show that California is one of about 20 states where the number of new cases has continued to increase over the past five days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County especially hard .
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health announced 46 new deaths and 1,155 new cases Wednesday .
County officials said there have been a total of 58,234 confirmed cases in L.A. County , and a total of 2,489 deaths — more than any other county in the state .
Testing to see who has been infected with the virus continues to be an important strategy for controlling the spread of the disease , health officials said , but several testing sites in the county were scheduled to close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amid continued protests and curfews .
Residents who had appointments at closed facilities would be notified via email or phone to reschedule , officials said .
“ We are committed to ensuring that our testing sites are safe for both patients and staff , ” Dr. Christina Ghaly , director of the L.A. County Department of Health Services , said in a statement .
“ Testing remains a priority.
” Meanwhile , the Orange County Health Care Agency reported 100 new coronavirus infections on Tuesday and three additional deaths .
Even as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the state , some counties are announcing plans to open businesses that have been shuttered for months because of stay-at-home orders .
In Sonoma County , health officer Dr. Sundari Mase said she would allow stores to reopen for indoor shopping and restaurants for indoor dining by Saturday , barring immediate spikes in cases or hospitalizations , the Press-Democrat reported .
Wineries , brewpubs , barbershops and salons in the county also would be allowed to reopen , Mase said .
And if all goes well , religious congregations would be allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people at a time into churches and other houses of worship .
However , nail salons , tattoo and massage parlors , and gyms and fitness studios will remain closed in the county .
As of Tuesday night , Sonoma County had reported 579 confirmed cases of the virus since March 2 , and 42 hospitalizations .
Mase said that 71 % of the cases were in the Latino community , even though Latinos make up just 27 % of the local population .
She attributed this discrepancy to “ systemic and longstanding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Latino population .
For example , Latinos are more likely to live in closer quarters and work in jobs deemed essential that require them to leave their homes , she said .
Some stay-at-home orders also will be lifted in Santa Clara County on Friday , the Mercury News reported .
County health officer Sara Cody , who sounded an alarm a week ago about the clip of reopening across the state , said that on Friday , Santa Clara residents will be able to make use of outdoor seating at restaurants , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , Cody told the county ’ s board of supervisors Tuesday that she plans to wait at least three weeks before rolling back other parts of the health order .
This will give officials time to see how the looser restrictions have affected case counts , hospitalizations and deaths , she said .
“ Our goal remains to continue to contain this virus , suppress it as much as we possibly can , while we reopen .
… We ’ re in a very good position to pivot.
” In San @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday night on a new ordinance that requires individuals to wear face coverings in situations when they are likely to come in contact with others , the Mercury News reported .
The ordinance requires residents to wear masks inside or while waiting in line to enter any business , while obtaining healthcare services and while waiting for or riding on public transportation .
Residents do not need to use a mask when exercising outside , including while running , biking or hiking .
Officials are hopeful the new order will reduce new infections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really do believe that we ’ ve got to give everyone every tool possible to ensure that we can manage and reduce the potential spread so that we can get back to work , ” San Jose Mayor Liccardo said at a City Council meeting Tuesday night .
The council ’ s decision comes about a month after similar regulations were put in place in neighboring counties of San Francisco , San Mateo , Alameda and Marin .

Sloane Sires carries drinks to customers dining in at the San Pedro Brewing Company on Friday.
California counties are pressing forward with plans to reopen the economy, even as the number of newly confirmed coronavirus cases continues to rise across the state.
Overall, the state has reported 117,687 confirmed cases and 4,361 deaths as of Wednesday.
As protesters filled the streets Wednesday for another day of marches sparked by the death of George Floyd, the Department of Corrections reported the deaths from the virus of two more inmates at the California Institution for Men in Chino, bringing the total number of deaths related to COVID-19 at the prison to 12.
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The Chino prison has reported 444 cases of the virus among inmates.
Across California, the total number of cases is approaching 120,000, and more than 4,300 people have died.
The virus is not spreading at the same rate in all parts of the country, though, with some states seeing a decline in the number of new cases reported each day.
Data collected by researchers at Johns Hopkins University show that California is one of about 20 states where the number of new cases has continued to increase over the past five days.
The pandemic has hit Los Angeles County especially hard. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health announced 46 new deaths and 1,155 new cases Wednesday. County officials said there have been a total of 58,234 confirmed cases in L.A. County, and a total of 2,489 deaths — more than any other county in the state.
Testing to see who has been infected with the virus continues to be an important strategy for controlling the spread of the disease, health officials said, but several testing sites in the county were scheduled to close early Wednesday or not open at all amid continued protests and curfews.
Residents who had appointments at closed facilities would be notified via email or phone to reschedule, officials said.
“We are committed to ensuring that our testing sites are safe for both patients and staff,” Dr. Christina Ghaly, director of the L.A. County Department of Health Services, said in a statement. “Testing remains a priority.”
Meanwhile, the Orange County Health Care Agency reported 100 new coronavirus infections on Tuesday and three additional deaths.
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Even as the number of new cases continues to grow across the state, some counties are announcing plans to open businesses that have been shuttered for months because of stay-at-home orders.
In Sonoma County, health officer Dr. Sundari Mase said she would allow stores to reopen for indoor shopping and restaurants for indoor dining by Saturday, barring immediate spikes in cases or hospitalizations, the Press-Democrat reported.
Wineries, brewpubs, barbershops and salons in the county also would be allowed to reopen, Mase said. And if all goes well, religious congregations would be allowed to host groups of up to 100 people at a time into churches and other houses of worship.
However, nail salons, tattoo and massage parlors, and gyms and fitness studios will remain closed in the county.
As of Tuesday night, Sonoma County had reported 579 confirmed cases of the virus since March 2, and 42 hospitalizations.
Mase said that 71% of the cases were in the Latino community, even though Latinos make up just 27% of the local population. She attributed this discrepancy to “systemic and longstanding inequities” among the county’s Latino population.
For example, Latinos are more likely to live in closer quarters and work in jobs deemed essential that require them to leave their homes, she said.
Some stay-at-home orders also will be lifted in Santa Clara County on Friday, the Mercury News reported.
County health officer Sara Cody, who sounded an alarm a week ago about the clip of reopening across the state, said that on Friday, Santa Clara residents will be able to make use of outdoor seating at restaurants, shop indoors and attend outdoor religious services.
However, Cody told the county’s board of supervisors Tuesday that she plans to wait at least three weeks before rolling back other parts of the health order. This will give officials time to see how the looser restrictions have affected case counts, hospitalizations and deaths, she said.
“Our goal remains to continue to contain this virus, suppress it as much as we possibly can, while we reopen. … We’re in a very good position to pivot.”
In San Jose, the City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night on a new ordinance that requires individuals to wear face coverings in situations when they are likely to come in contact with others, the Mercury News reported.
The ordinance requires residents to wear masks inside or while waiting in line to enter any business, while obtaining healthcare services and while waiting for or riding on public transportation.
Residents do not need to use a mask when exercising outside, including while running, biking or hiking.
Officials are hopeful the new order will reduce new infections as the city reopens.
“I really do believe that we’ve got to give everyone every tool possible to ensure that we can manage and reduce the potential spread so that we can get back to work,” San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo said at a City Council meeting Tuesday night.
The council’s decision comes about a month after similar regulations were put in place in neighboring counties of San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda and Marin.


latimes--2020-06-03--12th inmate at Chino prison dies after testing positive for COVID-19

A 12th inmate from the California Institution for Men in Chino has died after testing positive for the coronavirus as corrections officials contend with major outbreaks at three state prisons .
The death of the unidentified inmate Wednesday came after the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation transferred nearly 700 inmates considered vulnerable to the coronavirus because of their age or medical condition from the San Bernardino County facility to a dozen other prisons around the state , officials said .
The latest death occurred at a hospital near the prison , officials said .
Officials said that two other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be complications related to COVID-19 , the disease caused by the novel coronavirus .
About 672 inmates at the prison have tested positive for the coronavirus , with 447 of those still in custody .
At in Riverside County , 816 inmate have tested positive for COVID-19 .
Avenal State Prison in Kings County has seen 599 inmates testing positive .
The outbreaks at Avenal , Chuckawalla , Chino , the California State Prison in Los Angeles County and the California Institution for Women in Corona account for 98 % of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 .
Under a plan agreed upon by the California attorney general , corrections officials and the nonprofit Prison Law Office , 691 Chino inmates have been rehoused at 12 other state prisons , a reversal in department policy that normally forbids transfers .
California Correctional Health Care Services , which oversees medical care for prisoners , had previously opposed such transfers , saying that “ mass movement of high-risk inmates between institutions without outbreaks is ill-advised and potentially dangerous ” because of the risk of spreading transmission .
The Corrections Department has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entering prisons , which are increasingly becoming “ powder kegs ” in the spread of COVID-19 .
All prison employees are required to wear cloth masks and have been ordered to maintain physical distancing as much as possible .
The Chino and Avenal facilities have required that all workers be tested .
The state has also instituted strict cleaning protocols within the prisons , with logs documenting that showers , toilets and sinks are disinfected after use .
California ’ s prisons resumed processing inmates this week for the first time since Gov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ county jails in March .
New inmates will be accepted from four counties : Los Angeles , San Bernardino , San Diego and Fresno .
“ It is anticipated that no more than 200 inmates will be accepted from those counties through June 19 , ” the corrections department said .
Inmates will go to one of two intake centers — North Kern State Prison or Wasco State Prison .
At each location they will be offered coronavirus testing .
If they test positive , they ’ ll be isolated .
Any inmate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days .
Thousands of state prisoners — including about 3,500 who were nearing their discharge date — have been released as the state has sought to promote social distancing among inmates to stem the virus ’ spread .
The pause in intakes from county jails further reduced the number of prisoners by about 6,000 , according to statements made in recent federal court hearings .
However , courts have rejected moves by lawyers seeking more releases in a long-standing legal fight over overcrowding and medical treatment in California ’ s prisons .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have tested positive for COVID-19 and 12 have died at two .
The ACLU is suing to force the release of some federal inmates , citing health dangers .

At the California Institution for Men in Chino, 12 inmates have died after testing positive for COVID-19.
A 12th inmate from the California Institution for Men in Chino has died after testing positive for the coronavirus as corrections officials contend with major outbreaks at three state prisons.
The death of the unidentified inmate Wednesday came after the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation transferred nearly 700 inmates considered vulnerable to the coronavirus because of their age or medical condition from the San Bernardino County facility to a dozen other prisons around the state, officials said.
The latest death occurred at a hospital near the prison, officials said. Officials said that two other inmates this week died from what appear to be complications related to COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
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About 672 inmates at the prison have tested positive for the coronavirus, with 447 of those still in custody.
At Chuckawalla Valley State Prison in Riverside County, 816 inmate have tested positive for COVID-19.
Avenal State Prison in Kings County has seen 599 inmates testing positive.
The outbreaks at Avenal, Chuckawalla, Chino, the California State Prison in Los Angeles County and the California Institution for Women in Corona account for 98% of the prison system’s confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Under a plan agreed upon by the California attorney general, corrections officials and the nonprofit Prison Law Office, 691 Chino inmates have been rehoused at 12 other state prisons, a reversal in department policy that normally forbids transfers.
California Correctional Health Care Services, which oversees medical care for prisoners, had previously opposed such transfers, saying that “mass movement of high-risk inmates between institutions without outbreaks is ill-advised and potentially dangerous” because of the risk of spreading transmission.
The Corrections Department has instituted daily screenings for all staff before entering prisons, which are increasingly becoming “powder kegs” in the spread of COVID-19.
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All prison employees are required to wear cloth masks and have been ordered to maintain physical distancing as much as possible. The Chino and Avenal facilities have required that all workers be tested.
The state has also instituted strict cleaning protocols within the prisons, with logs documenting that showers, toilets and sinks are disinfected after use.
California’s prisons resumed processing inmates this week for the first time since Gov. Gavin Newsom suspended their intake from county jails in March. New inmates will be accepted from four counties: Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego and Fresno.
“It is anticipated that no more than 200 inmates will be accepted from those counties through June 19,” the corrections department said.
Inmates will go to one of two intake centers — North Kern State Prison or Wasco State Prison. At each location they will be offered coronavirus testing. If they test positive, they’ll be isolated. Any inmate declining testing will be quarantined for 14 days.
Thousands of state prisoners — including about 3,500 who were nearing their discharge date — have been released as the state has sought to promote social distancing among inmates to stem the virus’ spread.
The pause in intakes from county jails further reduced the number of prisoners by about 6,000, according to statements made in recent federal court hearings.
However, courts have rejected moves by lawyers seeking more releases in a long-standing legal fight over overcrowding and medical treatment in California’s prisons.


latimes--2020-06-03--Looters drive off with $90,000 muscle cars in San Leandro over weekend, police say

As protests over the death of Minneapolis man George Floyd turned violent Sunday night , hundreds of looters targeted a car dealership in San Leandro .
By the time police arrived , scores of cars had filed out of the parking lot : Dodge Chargers , Jeep Wranglers , Jeep Cherokees .
All told , nearly 80 cars were stolen , with some being driven out right in front of police .
Looters even drove off in high-end Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcats , which sell for about $ 90,000 each , authorities said .
“ Looters [ were ] vandalizing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , getting access to the keys , and taking cars , ” San Leandro Police Lt. Ted Henderson said .
So far , about 30 of the stolen vehicles have been located , and some are damaged , police said .
Nearby Oakland had seen two nights of unrest , with widespread looting and vandalism , including the lighting of several fires .
San Leandro police were expecting to help with that city ’ s patrols , and officials said they were caught off-guard when problems began .
`` [ We ] , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to join the Oakland Police Department in their city to help with their riots because that ’ s where we thought all of the riots were going to happen .
It wasn ’ t until much later that we learned it [ was ] going to take place in San Leandro , ” Henderson said .
Looting began in San Leandro at the Marina Square Center , across the street from the car dealership , in the afternoon .
A Nike Clearance Store was completely emptied , with “ nothing left but racks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That evening , thieves targeted the the dealership , driving away with cars throughout the night and early morning .
Henderson said the looting was rampant throughout the city , and officers were spread thin .
“ When we controlled one area of town , another area of town was left without police .
Without police in the area , [ looters ] had a large amount of time to wreak havoc in those areas , ” he said .
“ For a while there , we were on an island to ourselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department hadn ’ t expected problems Sunday night , and a citywide curfew was not posted until 11 p.m. — but by then , plenty of damage had already occurred .
Carlos Hidalgo , the dealership ’ s owner , said that over $ 2.7 million worth of cars were stolen by 10:30 p.m. Sunday , as mayhem raged across much of the Bay Area .
“ Oh , it was a war zone , ” he told KRON-TV Channel 4 .
As police arrived at different stores — Walmart , Home Depot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 looters would rush out , police said .
But at the area surrounding the car dealership , Henderson said there were “ hundreds of looters , if not thousands.
” San Leandro police haven ’ t arrested anyone in connection with the car thefts , though a few drivers have been arrested by other departments at traffic stops .
The San Leandro Police Department is continuing to investigate the thefts , using fingerprints , photographs and other evidence , and Henderson said they may pursue arrests in the future .

As protests over the death of Minneapolis man George Floyd turned violent Sunday night, hundreds of looters targeted a car dealership in San Leandro.
By the time police arrived, scores of cars had filed out of the parking lot: Dodge Chargers, Jeep Wranglers, Jeep Cherokees. All told, nearly 80 cars were stolen, with some being driven out right in front of police.
Looters even drove off in high-end Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcats, which sell for about $90,000 each, authorities said.
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“Looters [were] vandalizing the store or even burglarizing the store, getting access to the keys, and taking cars,” San Leandro Police Lt. Ted Henderson said.
So far, about 30 of the stolen vehicles have been located, and some are damaged, police said.
Nearby Oakland had seen two nights of unrest, with widespread looting and vandalism, including the lighting of several fires. San Leandro police were expecting to help with that city’s patrols, and officials said they were caught off-guard when problems began.
“[We], like many other agencies, were planning to join the Oakland Police Department in their city to help with their riots because that’s where we thought all of the riots were going to happen. It wasn’t until much later that we learned it [was] going to take place in San Leandro,” Henderson said.
Looting began in San Leandro at the Marina Square Center, across the street from the car dealership, in the afternoon.
A Nike Clearance Store was completely emptied, with “nothing left but racks and hangers,” Henderson said. That evening, thieves targeted the the dealership, driving away with cars throughout the night and early morning.
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Henderson said the looting was rampant throughout the city, and officers were spread thin.
“When we controlled one area of town, another area of town was left without police. Without police in the area, [looters] had a large amount of time to wreak havoc in those areas,” he said. “For a while there, we were on an island to ourselves, we were overwhelmed.”
The Police Department hadn’t expected problems Sunday night, and a citywide curfew was not posted until 11 p.m. — but by then, plenty of damage had already occurred.
Carlos Hidalgo, the dealership’s owner, said that over $2.7 million worth of cars were stolen by 10:30 p.m. Sunday, as mayhem raged across much of the Bay Area.
“Oh, it was a war zone,” he told KRON-TV Channel 4.
As police arrived at different stores — Walmart, Home Depot and Costco — anywhere from 50 to 100 looters would rush out, police said. But at the area surrounding the car dealership, Henderson said there were “hundreds of looters, if not thousands.”
San Leandro police haven’t arrested anyone in connection with the car thefts, though a few drivers have been arrested by other departments at traffic stops.
The San Leandro Police Department is continuing to investigate the thefts, using fingerprints, photographs and other evidence, and Henderson said they may pursue arrests in the future.


latimes--2020-06-03--'Heartbreaking': These families were set to adopt, but coronavirus put their plans on hold

Finalizing the adoption of Stephanie Rivero and Ryan Cameron ’ s two foster sons meant more than providing closure for the Merced family .
The couple would finally be able to make medical decisions for the 5-year-old , who has a life-threatening genetic condition and is scheduled for surgery this summer .
But the procedure may have to be delayed as family courts across the state have largely closed because of the coronavirus crisis .
The family ’ s adoption hearing , originally scheduled for April , has been repeatedly pushed back and is now tentatively set for June 27 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical needs and surgery coming up and not being able to make those important decisions for your child is heartbreaking , ” Rivero said .
“ If we don ’ t have the adoption before then , we can ’ t be the ones that make the decisions , even though we ’ re his parents and we ’ ve done the research .
We ’ re his strongest advocates.
” They are among thousands of foster families in California whose adoption plans have been thrown into chaos with family courts closed because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is withholding identifying details about the foster children in this article to comply with privacy laws .
California is home to 55,000 foster children .
Most in the foster system are reunited with their families , but about 1 in 10 are adopted every year .
Los Angeles County ’ s child welfare and public adoption agency is the largest in the nation and the one hit hardest by the crisis .
There are about 20,000 foster children in the county , roughly 3,200 of whom can not be reunited with their birth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the adoption pipeline .
About 1,500 foster children are adopted in the county every year .
Family courts in Los Angeles County , which play a role in every step of the process — from a child being removed from a home to that child being reunited with their family or adopted — faced a lack of resources even before the pandemic .
Then courts closed March 19 for nonessential matters , exponentially increasing the backlog .
Natalia and Randall Bergman had an April 7 court date to finalize their adoption of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2½ years .
The hearing in a Los Angeles County courtroom was delayed to April 25 because of the coronavirus crisis .
Now , it has been delayed until early 2021 .
The girls are young enough that they don ’ t understand the delay .
But the Bergmans are devastated .
The couple initially decided to foster children after they struggled with infertility .
They have raised the girls since they were 3 months old , making a home for them in south Orange County .
Their backyard is full of toys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playhouse — and at night the twins sleep in matching white spindle beds with rose-colored linens .
The couple decided to adopt the girls once it became clear that their birth parents would not be able to raise them .
“ I was looking forward to having some closure .
I was looking forward to that sense of permanency .
I was looking forward to my daughters having my last name , ” Natalia Bergman , 40 , said , her voice breaking .
“ I was looking forward to being able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without having to seek approval from someone else .
I was looking forward to this chapter closing.
” Under state law , adoption finalization hearings are supposed to take place in person .
So when family courts around the state closed for nonessential matters , that left families like the Bergmans in limbo .
Currently , in Los Angeles County , eight judicial officers and eight clerks are handling emergency matters , such as removing a child from an abusive household .
All other hearings have been delayed .
But the state ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hearings that could be held remotely in her response to the coronavirus crisis .
A spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County courts said the presiding judge of family courts hoped to increase the number of remote hearings taking place .
“ The Presiding Judge of Juvenile , Judge Victor Greenberg , is examining all possibilities to handle every juvenile case , including adoptions , as expeditiously as possible , ” spokeswoman Mary Hearn said in a statement .
“ The Court recently introduced [ online ] technology to handle some juvenile matters remotely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to other courtrooms.
” Cynthia Billey , director of the foster care adoption program at the Alliance for Children ’ s Rights , said online technology had been used in a handful of cases in Los Angeles County , including for children who were about to turn 18 , families moving out of state and children who faced medical needs that could not wait .
Billey , whose organization has urged Greenberg to consider several efforts to expedite adoptions , is hopeful the number of such hearings increases once the family courts reopen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important , ” she said .
“ I don ’ t want them pushed off until January or February.
” One new option the alliance is pursuing with the state ’ s judicial counsel — the rule-making arm for California courts — is to allow families to sign notarized adoption agreements and then send them to the judges , who could sign the documents in their chambers without a telephone or online hearing with the families and the children .
A response is expected in June .
“ The hope I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may not have to be waiting until January , February , March 2021 , ” Billey said .
“ But some may.
” Foster parents say they are used to being flexible because delays are so frequently part of their experience with the foster care system .
But they worry about how the delays in finalizing adoption — the pinnacle of stability — are internalized by children whose lives can be studded with transience , rejection and abandonment .
Megan Vest said her 16-year-old foster son didn ’ t lash out or react @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hearing , initially scheduled for March 27 , then May 1 , was again delayed until Feb. 8 of next year .
“ He ’ s just so conditioned to being disappointed with the system , if that makes sense , ” said the La Habra resident .
He has been with Vest and her husband , Matt , for three years ; before that , he bounced around foster homes for much of his life , she said .
“ I feel L.A. County is neglecting my son right now , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what they are doing [ to him ] right now by putting him off till February .
All they need is one judge to do a video chat.
” Vest said she had been trying to remain patient but had grown angry as others complained about how the coronavirus outbreak had changed their lives .
“ I see other people crying over beaches being closed , and I ’ m like , ‘ You can ’ t wait a couple weeks to walk on the beach ?
Do you know how privileged you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ He thought in March he wouldn ’ t have to deal with a social worker checking in on him every month.
” The Cameron-Rivero family had been planning a large adoption commemoration in April , including a weeklong trip to Disneyland , with their 5-year-old and his 8-year-old half-brother , whom they also plan on adopting .
The amusement park is closed because of the pandemic , but the family still tried to mark the moment .
“ We still celebrated the day the adoption was supposed to be , ” Rivero @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talked about how excited we were going to be when we finalized .
And then after that , for a whole week we did virtual Disney stuff.
” The parents played YouTube videos of various rides , twisting and tumbling their children in their arms to mimic the movements of the screen .
For Splash Mountain , they spritzed them with water from spray bottles .
They watched videos of performances and nightly fireworks and made recipes based on signature Disney food such as corndogs from Main Street USA and the peanut butter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kitchen .
The activities helped take the boys ’ minds off their disappointment over their adoption hearing delay and trip cancellation .
“ They were laughing , ” Rivero said , “ they were joyous , they were having a great time .
”

Ryan Cameron and Stephanie Rivero carry their foster sons, ages 5 and 8. The delay of their adoption of the boys could also delay important surgery for the 5-year-old.
Finalizing the adoption of Stephanie Rivero and Ryan Cameron’s two foster sons meant more than providing closure for the Merced family. The couple would finally be able to make medical decisions for the 5-year-old, who has a life-threatening genetic condition and is scheduled for surgery this summer.
But the procedure may have to be delayed as family courts across the state have largely closed because of the coronavirus crisis. The family’s adoption hearing, originally scheduled for April, has been repeatedly pushed back and is now tentatively set for June 27.
“Having a child with significant medical needs and surgery coming up and not being able to make those important decisions for your child is heartbreaking,” Rivero said. “If we don’t have the adoption before then, we can’t be the ones that make the decisions, even though we’re his parents and we’ve done the research. We’re his strongest advocates.”
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They are among thousands of foster families in California whose adoption plans have been thrown into chaos with family courts closed because of the coronavirus outbreak. The Times is withholding identifying details about the foster children in this article to comply with privacy laws.
California is home to 55,000 foster children. Most in the foster system are reunited with their families, but about 1 in 10 are adopted every year.
Los Angeles County’s child welfare and public adoption agency is the largest in the nation and the one hit hardest by the crisis. There are about 20,000 foster children in the county, roughly 3,200 of whom cannot be reunited with their birth families and are in some stage of the adoption pipeline. About 1,500 foster children are adopted in the county every year.
Family courts in Los Angeles County, which play a role in every step of the process — from a child being removed from a home to that child being reunited with their family or adopted — faced a lack of resources even before the pandemic. Then courts closed March 19 for nonessential matters, exponentially increasing the backlog.
Natalia and Randall Bergman, shown with daughter Jessica, 16, have been foster parents of twin girls since the girls were 3 months old. They were set to adopt the twins in April. Their hearing is now scheduled for 2021. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)
Natalia and Randall Bergman had an April 7 court date to finalize their adoption of the twin girls they’d fostered for 2½ years. The hearing in a Los Angeles County courtroom was delayed to April 25 because of the coronavirus crisis. Now, it has been delayed until early 2021.
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The girls are young enough that they don’t understand the delay. But the Bergmans are devastated. The couple initially decided to foster children after they struggled with infertility. They have raised the girls since they were 3 months old, making a home for them in south Orange County. Their backyard is full of toys — tricycles, push cars and a playhouse — and at night the twins sleep in matching white spindle beds with rose-colored linens.
The couple decided to adopt the girls once it became clear that their birth parents would not be able to raise them.
“I was looking forward to having some closure. I was looking forward to that sense of permanency. I was looking forward to my daughters having my last name,” Natalia Bergman, 40, said, her voice breaking. “I was looking forward to being able to make all the decisions for my girls without having to seek approval from someone else. I was looking forward to this chapter closing.”
Under state law, adoption finalization hearings are supposed to take place in person. So when family courts around the state closed for nonessential matters, that left families like the Bergmans in limbo. Currently, in Los Angeles County, eight judicial officers and eight clerks are handling emergency matters, such as removing a child from an abusive household. All other hearings have been delayed.
But the state’s chief justice included adoptions among the hearings that could be held remotely in her response to the coronavirus crisis. A spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County courts said the presiding judge of family courts hoped to increase the number of remote hearings taking place.
“The Presiding Judge of Juvenile, Judge Victor Greenberg, is examining all possibilities to handle every juvenile case, including adoptions, as expeditiously as possible,” spokeswoman Mary Hearn said in a statement. “The Court recently introduced [online] technology to handle some juvenile matters remotely and continues to roll out this technology to other courtrooms.”
Cynthia Billey, director of the foster care adoption program at the Alliance for Children’s Rights, said online technology had been used in a handful of cases in Los Angeles County, including for children who were about to turn 18, families moving out of state and children who faced medical needs that could not wait.
Billey, whose organization has urged Greenberg to consider several efforts to expedite adoptions, is hopeful the number of such hearings increases once the family courts reopen on June 22. “Adoption is important,” she said. “I don’t want them pushed off until January or February.”
One new option the alliance is pursuing with the state’s judicial council — the rule-making arm for California courts — is to allow families to sign notarized adoption agreements and then send them to the judges, who could sign the documents in their chambers without a telephone or online hearing with the families and the children. A response is expected in June.
“The hope I’m holding out to families is hopefully they may not have to be waiting until January, February, March 2021,” Billey said. “But some may.”
Foster parents say they are used to being flexible because delays are so frequently part of their experience with the foster care system. But they worry about how the delays in finalizing adoption — the pinnacle of stability — are internalized by children whose lives can be studded with transience, rejection and abandonment.
Megan Vest said her 16-year-old foster son didn’t lash out or react when the family learned that their adoption hearing, initially scheduled for March 27, then May 1, was again delayed until Feb. 8 of next year.
“He’s just so conditioned to being disappointed with the system, if that makes sense,” said the La Habra resident. He has been with Vest and her husband, Matt, for three years; before that, he bounced around foster homes for much of his life, she said.
“I feel L.A. County is neglecting my son right now,” Vest said. “Emotional neglect is what they are doing [to him] right now by putting him off till February. All they need is one judge to do a video chat.”
Vest said she had been trying to remain patient but had grown angry as others complained about how the coronavirus outbreak had changed their lives.
“I see other people crying over beaches being closed, and I’m like, ‘You can’t wait a couple weeks to walk on the beach? Do you know how privileged you are?’” she said. “He thought in March he wouldn’t have to deal with a social worker checking in on him every month.”
The Cameron-Rivero family had been planning a large adoption commemoration in April, including a weeklong trip to Disneyland, with their 5-year-old and his 8-year-old half-brother, whom they also plan on adopting. The amusement park is closed because of the pandemic, but the family still tried to mark the moment.
“We still celebrated the day the adoption was supposed to be,” Rivero said. “We ate cake and talked about how excited we were going to be when we finalized. And then after that, for a whole week we did virtual Disney stuff.”
The parents played YouTube videos of various rides, twisting and tumbling their children in their arms to mimic the movements of the screen. For Splash Mountain, they spritzed them with water from spray bottles. They watched videos of performances and nightly fireworks and made recipes based on signature Disney food such as corndogs from Main Street USA and the peanut butter and jelly pizza from Goofy’s Kitchen.
The activities helped take the boys’ minds off their disappointment over their adoption hearing delay and trip cancellation.
“They were laughing,” Rivero said, “they were joyous, they were having a great time.”