latimes--2020-03-16--Bay Area sees another spike in coronavirus cases

The Bay Area continued to see a growing number of cases of the coronavirus , with the Silicon Valley region @ @ @ @ @ .
Santa Clara County has been the epicenter of the virus in California , with @ @ @ @ @ cases were a result of community spread .
Officials in Santa Clara County and other @ @ @ @ @ to social gatherings .
“ As the outbreak of COVID-19 in Santa Clara County continues @ @ @ @ @ measures are designed to slow the spread of disease and protect critical healthcare system capacity @ @ @ @ @ ” said Dr. Sara Cody , Santa Clara County public health officer , in a @ @ @ @ @ these actions will have a significant impact on the lives of our citizens , but @ @ @ @ @ to protect the well-being of our community.
” The coronavirus in California has caused six @ @ @ @ @ cases .

The Bay Area continued to see a growing number of cases of the coronavirus, with the Silicon Valley region reporting 114 cases and rising.
Santa Clara County has been the epicenter of the virus in California, with officials saying 52 of those cases were a result of community spread.
Officials in Santa Clara County and other counties have ordered an end to social gatherings.
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Tracking the coronavirus in California The latest maps and charts on the spread of COVID-19 in California.
“As the outbreak of COVID-19 in Santa Clara County continues to accelerate, our aggressive measures are designed to slow the spread of disease and protect critical healthcare system capacity and other essential services,” said Dr. Sara Cody, Santa Clara County public health officer, in a statement. “We recognize these actions will have a significant impact on the lives of our citizens, but we believe they are necessary to protect the well-being of our community.”
San Francisco reported 37 coronavirus infections; San Mateo County, 37; Contra Costa County, 29; Alameda County, 15.
The coronavirus in California has caused six deaths, with 335 confirmed cases.


latimes--2020-03-15--Otro grupo de madres sin hogar y familias están ocupando viviendas desocupadas, esta vez en Los Ánge

Otro grupo de madres sin hogar y familias están ocupando viviendas desocupadas, esta vez en Los Ángeles

Semanas después de que un grupo de madres sin hogar tomó una casa vacía en Oakland y logró quedarse en ella , otro grupo similar está tratando de hacer lo mismo en Los Ángeles .
El sábado por la mañana , los manifestantes y sus familias se mudaron a un bungalow de dos dormitorios en El Sereno .
Dicen que planean permanecer indefinidamente y potencialmente apoderarse de más casas .
Piden a los gobiernos estatales y locales que utilicen todas las viviendas vacantes de propiedad pública , bibliotecas , centros de recreación y otras propiedades para alojar a las personas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ falta de casas asequibles en la región y la amenaza del nuevo coronavirus los empujó a actuar de esta manera .
“ Soy madre de dos hijas .
Necesito un hogar ” , dijo Martha Escudero , de 42 años , quien ha pasado los últimos 18 meses viviendo en sofás con amigos y familiares en vecindarios del Este de Los Ángeles .
“ Hay casas que están vacías y pertenecen a la comunidad ” .
Escudero y su familia se mudaron a la casa con Ruby Gordillo , de 33 años , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ habían estado viviendo en un pequeño estudio en Pico-Union .
Junto a las dos familias en la casa de El Sereno está Benito Flores , de 64 años , un soldador que había estado viviendo en su camioneta .
Al igual que el grupo Moms 4 Housing en Oakland , los manifestantes en Los Ángeles reciben asistencia de la Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment , un grupo organizador que ha abogado por medidas estatales para expandir el control de alquileres y otras protecciones para los inquilinos .
Pero a diferencia de Oakland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Wedgewood Inc. de Redondo Beach para que vendiera una casa vacante que la compañía planeaba renovar y cambiar , las familias en Los Ángeles se mudan a una casa que , según dicen , es propiedad del estado .
La casa es una de las muchas que Caltrans compró hace años en preparación para un plan ahora abortado para extender la Autopista 710 .
Décadas de litigios y legislación pararon el proyecto de 6.2 millas antes de que pudiera comenzar la construcción , dejando a los funcionarios de transporte como propietarios de @ @ @ @ @ @ @ en El Sereno hasta mansiones en calles en el sur de Pasadena .
Una de las más conocidas es la casa de la infancia de la chef Julia Child .
La casa de Pasadena , construida en 1911 , ha estado vacía por más de 35 años .
Caltrans ha comenzado el proceso de venta de las viviendas , que la ley exige que se ofrezcan primero a los antiguos propietarios e inquilinos actuales que cumplen con ciertos requisitos de ingresos , pero la gran mayoría aún son propiedad del estado .
Caltrans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Escudero , que trabaja dos días a la semana como cuidadora de ancianos , dijo que las madres en Oakland la inspiraron a ocupar la casa vacía el sábado por la mañana .
Ella expuso que los manifestantes están tratando de presionar al estado y la ciudad para que cuiden a los residentes sin hogar y a aquellos que no tienen una vivienda estable , especialmente dados los nuevos riesgos asociados con la propagación de COVID-19 .
“ Con el coronavirus , quieren que seamos puestos en cuarentena en nuestros hogares , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” , manifestó .
Al hablar con los simpatizantes , los manifestantes , que se autodenominan ‘ Reclamando nuestras casas ’ , dijeron que entendieron que lo que estaban haciendo es ilegal , pero el problema más importante fue que las viviendas quedaron vacías mientras las personas de la comunidad no tenían hogar .
“ Dicen que es un crimen venir y ocupar estas casas ” , dijo Benito Flores .
“ Pero esto no es un crimen .
Esto es justicia ” .
Roberto Flores , de 72 años , que forma @ @ @ @ @ @ @ que la agencia estatal ha descuidado por mucho tiempo sus propiedades .
Los inquilinos han demandado a Caltrans , alegando que no ha seguido sus propias reglas para garantizar que los residentes de bajos ingresos tengan acceso a las viviendas .
Él estima que 200 de las casas de la agencia ahora están vacías .
“ No las están arreglando y tampoco alquilando ” , aseveró .
Los registros mantenidos por el Times muestran que en 2015 , 37 de las casas de El Sereno fueron catalogadas como “ inhabitables ” , incluidas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Con los años , los residentes se han quejado de robos , moho e infestaciones de bichos .
Esa cifra parece haber aumentado en los últimos años .
Una investigación realizada por Pasadena Star-News descubrió que 163 de las 460 casas estaban vacías el año pasado .
Caltrans manifestó en ese momento que las viviendas vacantes se venderían de acuerdo con las leyes estatales , pero no proporcionó un cronograma .
El sábado por la mañana , las familias y sus partidarios trasladaron muebles y plantas de un camión de U-Haul al interior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planeaban traer un generador de electricidad e instó a los funcionarios estatales y locales a activar el servicio de agua .
Originalmente , los manifestantes habían planeado hacerse cargo de varias casas vacías , propiedad de Caltrans en El Sereno .
Pero en las horas previas al amanecer , el Departamento de Policía de Los Ángeles fue alertado de que varios hombres intentaban ingresar a una propiedad , reveló el oficial de policía de Los Ángeles , Drake Madison , un portavoz del LAPD .
Dos personas fueron arrestadas y acusadas de robo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ la mañana , los agentes se habían reunido al otro lado de la calle , pero no intentaban desalojar a las familias .
Mientras observaban , los partidarios se pusieron de pie y corearon : “ La vivienda es un derecho humano ” .
En los últimos meses , los residentes sin hogar y de bajos ingresos en Los Ángeles y el Área de la Bahía han citado la crisis de vivienda asequible del estado como justificación para simplemente ocupar las casas .
El intento del sábado es sólo el último ejemplo .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ millones de hogares para familias de bajos ingresos y su población sin vivienda es de alrededor de 151.000 en una noche cualquiera , un aumento del 16 % respecto al año pasado .
El mes pasado , el concejal de la ciudad de Los Ángeles , Gil Cedillo , propuso usar un poder para obligar a un propietario en el barrio chino a vender su edificio .
La propuesta de Cedillo se produjo después de que los inquilinos protestaron por un plan para que el edificio cambiara a alquileres a precio de mercado @ @ @ @ @ @ @ la ciudad para mantener bajas las rentas .
Este esfuerzo está esperando una audiencia en el Ayuntamiento de Los Ángeles .
En Oakland , el grupo de madres ocupó la casa durante dos meses antes de ser desalojadas en enero .
Después de que eso sucedió , Wedgewood acordó otorgar a los fideicomisos de tierras comunitarias , organizaciones de vivienda asequible y a la ciudad el derecho de preferencia de la casa vacante y de otras 50 que poseía en Oakland .
La compañía está finalizando un acuerdo con el fideicomiso de tierras @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a albergar a quienes la ocuparon .
El caso atrajo la atención nacional y el gobernador Gavin Newsom ayudó a negociar el acuerdo , que se anunció el día de Martin Luther King Jr. y que algunos describieron como un acto exitoso de desobediencia civil .
Los manifestantes enviaron una carta a Newsom el sábado por la mañana , solicitando su asistencia directa .
En respuesta a la crisis más amplia de personas sin hogar , Newsom ha permitido , entre otras acciones , que los remolques de viaje de propiedad estatal se @ @ @ @ @ @ @ casa y ofreció propiedades estatales a los gobiernos locales para usarlos como refugios y otras soluciones .
Los manifestantes dijeron que sus acciones estaban alineadas con el llamado del gobernador para convertir la propiedad pública en casas para personas sin hogar .
Pero sostuvieron que Newsom y otros funcionarios electos necesitaban hacer más y trabajar más rápido para sacar a la gente de las calles y tener viviendas estables .
La oficina del gobernador no respondió a una solicitud de comentarios .
“ Hay tantas casas vacías mientras que la gente vive en @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Debería poder empatizar con eso y descubrir cómo llegar a un acuerdo con nosotros ” .
Para leer esta nota en inglés , haga clic aquí .

Las hermanas Meztli Escudero, de 8 años, a la izquierda, y Victoria Escudero, de 10, miran por la ventana de una casa vacía, ocupada por ellas y sus familias el sábado por la mañana. Los manifestantes dijeron que se inspiraron en una protesta similar en Oakland a principios de este año y por el temor al brote de coronavirus.
Semanas después de que un grupo de madres sin hogar tomó una casa vacía en Oakland y logró quedarse en ella, otro grupo similar está tratando de hacer lo mismo en Los Ángeles.
El sábado por la mañana, los manifestantes y sus familias se mudaron a un bungalow de dos dormitorios en El Sereno. Dicen que planean permanecer indefinidamente y potencialmente apoderarse de más casas.
Piden a los gobiernos estatales y locales que utilicen todas las viviendas vacantes de propiedad pública, bibliotecas, centros de recreación y otras propiedades para alojar a las personas de inmediato. Dicen que la extrema falta de casas asequibles en la región y la amenaza del nuevo coronavirus los empujó a actuar de esta manera.
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“Soy madre de dos hijas. Necesito un hogar”, dijo Martha Escudero, de 42 años, quien ha pasado los últimos 18 meses viviendo en sofás con amigos y familiares en vecindarios del Este de Los Ángeles. “Hay casas que están vacías y pertenecen a la comunidad”.
Escudero y su familia se mudaron a la casa con Ruby Gordillo, de 33 años, y su tres hijos. Los Gordillo habían estado viviendo en un pequeño estudio en Pico-Union. Junto a las dos familias en la casa de El Sereno está Benito Flores, de 64 años, un soldador que había estado viviendo en su camioneta.
Al igual que el grupo Moms 4 Housing en Oakland, los manifestantes en Los Ángeles reciben asistencia de la Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment, un grupo organizador que ha abogado por medidas estatales para expandir el control de alquileres y otras protecciones para los inquilinos.
Un grupo de personas y familias con viviendas inadecuadas e individuos sin hogar y sus partidarios organizan una manifestación en Sheffield Avenue el sábado por la mañana para “reclamar” una casa vacía que, según dicen, es propiedad de Caltrans. (Irfan Khan/Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times)
Pero a diferencia de Oakland, donde las madres presionaron con éxito a Wedgewood Inc. de Redondo Beach para que vendiera una casa vacante que la compañía planeaba renovar y cambiar, las familias en Los Ángeles se mudan a una casa que, según dicen, es propiedad del estado.
La casa es una de las muchas que Caltrans compró hace años en preparación para un plan ahora abortado para extender la Autopista 710. Décadas de litigios y legislación pararon el proyecto de 6.2 millas antes de que pudiera comenzar la construcción, dejando a los funcionarios de transporte como propietarios de 460 propiedades que van desde modestos bungalows en El Sereno hasta mansiones en calles en el sur de Pasadena.
Una de las más conocidas es la casa de la infancia de la chef Julia Child. La casa de Pasadena, construida en 1911, ha estado vacía por más de 35 años.
Caltrans ha comenzado el proceso de venta de las viviendas, que la ley exige que se ofrezcan primero a los antiguos propietarios e inquilinos actuales que cumplen con ciertos requisitos de ingresos, pero la gran mayoría aún son propiedad del estado.
Caltrans no respondió a una solicitud de comentarios.
Escudero, que trabaja dos días a la semana como cuidadora de ancianos, dijo que las madres en Oakland la inspiraron a ocupar la casa vacía el sábado por la mañana. Ella expuso que los manifestantes están tratando de presionar al estado y la ciudad para que cuiden a los residentes sin hogar y a aquellos que no tienen una vivienda estable, especialmente dados los nuevos riesgos asociados con la propagación de COVID-19.
“Con el coronavirus, quieren que seamos puestos en cuarentena en nuestros hogares, pero algunos de nosotros no tenemos casa”, manifestó.
Al hablar con los simpatizantes, los manifestantes, que se autodenominan ‘Reclamando nuestras casas’, dijeron que entendieron que lo que estaban haciendo es ilegal, pero el problema más importante fue que las viviendas quedaron vacías mientras las personas de la comunidad no tenían hogar.
“Dicen que es un crimen venir y ocupar estas casas”, dijo Benito Flores. “Pero esto no es un crimen. Esto es justicia”.
Roberto Flores, de 72 años, que forma parte de United Caltrans Tenants, argumentó que la agencia estatal ha descuidado por mucho tiempo sus propiedades. Los inquilinos han demandado a Caltrans, alegando que no ha seguido sus propias reglas para garantizar que los residentes de bajos ingresos tengan acceso a las viviendas. Él estima que 200 de las casas de la agencia ahora están vacías.
“No las están arreglando y tampoco alquilando”, aseveró.
Los voluntarios ayudan a trasladar a Martha Escudero a una casa vacía que ella y otros manifestantes ocuparon el sábado por la mañana. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times)
Los registros mantenidos por el Times muestran que en 2015, 37 de las casas de El Sereno fueron catalogadas como “inhabitables”, incluidas dos docenas de unidades de apartamentos. Con los años, los residentes se han quejado de robos, moho e infestaciones de bichos. Esa cifra parece haber aumentado en los últimos años.
Una investigación realizada por Pasadena Star-News descubrió que 163 de las 460 casas estaban vacías el año pasado. Caltrans manifestó en ese momento que las viviendas vacantes se venderían de acuerdo con las leyes estatales, pero no proporcionó un cronograma.
El sábado por la mañana, las familias y sus partidarios trasladaron muebles y plantas de un camión de U-Haul al interior de la unidad. Escudero dijo que planeaban traer un generador de electricidad e instó a los funcionarios estatales y locales a activar el servicio de agua.
Originalmente, los manifestantes habían planeado hacerse cargo de varias casas vacías, propiedad de Caltrans en El Sereno. Pero en las horas previas al amanecer, el Departamento de Policía de Los Ángeles fue alertado de que varios hombres intentaban ingresar a una propiedad, reveló el oficial de policía de Los Ángeles, Drake Madison, un portavoz del LAPD. Dos personas fueron arrestadas y acusadas de robo, dijo Madison.
Al final de la mañana, los agentes se habían reunido al otro lado de la calle, pero no intentaban desalojar a las familias. Mientras observaban, los partidarios se pusieron de pie y corearon: “La vivienda es un derecho humano”.
En los últimos meses, los residentes sin hogar y de bajos ingresos en Los Ángeles y el Área de la Bahía han citado la crisis de vivienda asequible del estado como justificación para simplemente ocupar las casas. El intento del sábado es sólo el último ejemplo.
California tiene una escasez estimada de 1.4 millones de hogares para familias de bajos ingresos y su población sin vivienda es de alrededor de 151.000 en una noche cualquiera, un aumento del 16% respecto al año pasado.
El mes pasado, el concejal de la ciudad de Los Ángeles, Gil Cedillo, propuso usar un poder para obligar a un propietario en el barrio chino a vender su edificio. La propuesta de Cedillo se produjo después de que los inquilinos protestaron por un plan para que el edificio cambiara a alquileres a precio de mercado tras la expiración de un acuerdo con la ciudad para mantener bajas las rentas. Este esfuerzo está esperando una audiencia en el Ayuntamiento de Los Ángeles.
Un grupo de manifestantes sin hogar y con vivienda ’insegura’ y sus partidarios realizan una protesta en Sheffield Avenue el sábado para “reclamar” una casa vacía. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times)
En Oakland, el grupo de madres ocupó la casa durante dos meses antes de ser desalojadas en enero. Después de que eso sucedió, Wedgewood acordó otorgar a los fideicomisos de tierras comunitarias, organizaciones de vivienda asequible y a la ciudad el derecho de preferencia de la casa vacante y de otras 50 que poseía en Oakland. La compañía está finalizando un acuerdo con el fideicomiso de tierras para la propiedad, que está destinado a albergar a quienes la ocuparon.
El caso atrajo la atención nacional y el gobernador Gavin Newsom ayudó a negociar el acuerdo, que se anunció el día de Martin Luther King Jr. y que algunos describieron como un acto exitoso de desobediencia civil.
Los manifestantes enviaron una carta a Newsom el sábado por la mañana, solicitando su asistencia directa.
En respuesta a la crisis más amplia de personas sin hogar, Newsom ha permitido, entre otras acciones, que los remolques de viaje de propiedad estatal se utilicen como viviendas temporales para gente sin casa y ofreció propiedades estatales a los gobiernos locales para usarlos como refugios y otras soluciones.
Los manifestantes dijeron que sus acciones estaban alineadas con el llamado del gobernador para convertir la propiedad pública en casas para personas sin hogar. Pero sostuvieron que Newsom y otros funcionarios electos necesitaban hacer más y trabajar más rápido para sacar a la gente de las calles y tener viviendas estables.
La oficina del gobernador no respondió a una solicitud de comentarios.
“Hay tantas casas vacías mientras que la gente vive en las calles”, dijo Escudero. “Debería poder empatizar con eso y descubrir cómo llegar a un acuerdo con nosotros”.
Para leer esta nota en inglés, haga clic aquí.


latimes--2020-03-16--More rain headed to Southern California this week. Forecasters call it 'March Madness'

A cold storm will slip in just under the winter wire this week , bringing widespread rainfall to Southern California and a potential dusting of snow to the Grapevine .
The storm moved in over Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties early Monday morning , prompting the National Weather Service to issue a flood advisory for the area .
However , forecasters didn ’ t seem to think there was a significant risk .
“ We like this kind of rain , ” said John Dumas , a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re not overly concerned about burn scars or things like that .
It ’ s been a nice , steady rain.
” The storm is expected to trek into Ventura and Los Angeles counties later in the day , eventually hitting downtown Los Angeles by about 4 p.m. or so , according to Dumas .
Showers will continue Tuesday , and possibly stick around into Thursday .
All told , 1.5 to 3 inches of rain are expected to fall in the foothills and mountains .
Coastal areas will see 0.75 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be about 5,000 feet on Monday , with areas at or above that elevation seeing several inches of fresh powder , according to the National Weather Service .
Accumulations of more than a foot are possible above 6,000 feet , forecasts show .
The snow level will drop to about 3,500 feet Monday night — low enough to affect the Grapevine section of the 5 Freeway north of Castaic .
However , Dumas said only light accumulation is expected .
“ We had kind of good luck with the timing on this , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the one last week have combined to give Southern California a much-needed soaking .
But the region is still short of the normal level of rainfall .
By this time of year , downtown Los Angeles would typically have received about 12.5 inches of rain , Dumas said .
So far , only about 9.75 inches has fallen .
“ We have some making up to do , ” he said .
Another opportunity to catch up could come later this week in the form of yet another storm .
The steady stream @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a “ March miracle ” that could help the region recover after a historically dry January and February .
Dumas said another term is perhaps more appropriate , though .
“ This could be ‘ March Madness ’ since the other one is canceled , ” he said , referring to the NCAA basketball championship tournament that was scrapped because of the coronavirus pandemic .
“ Go bet on rain .
”

A Carnival cruise ship leaves the Port of Long Beach under stormy skies Friday. Rain and showers are forecast through most of this week for Southern California.
A cold storm will slip in just under the winter wire this week, bringing widespread rainfall to Southern California and a potential dusting of snow to the Grapevine.
The storm moved in over Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties early Monday morning, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a flood advisory for the area. However, forecasters didn’t seem to think there was a significant risk.
“We like this kind of rain,” said John Dumas, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard. “It’s not really intense; we’re not overly concerned about burn scars or things like that. It’s been a nice, steady rain.”
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The storm is expected to trek into Ventura and Los Angeles counties later in the day, eventually hitting downtown Los Angeles by about 4 p.m. or so, according to Dumas. Showers will continue Tuesday, and possibly stick around into Thursday.
All told, 1.5 to 3 inches of rain are expected to fall in the foothills and mountains. Coastal areas will see 0.75 to 1.5 inches.
The snow level will be about 5,000 feet on Monday, with areas at or above that elevation seeing several inches of fresh powder, according to the National Weather Service. Accumulations of more than a foot are possible above 6,000 feet, forecasts show.
The snow level will drop to about 3,500 feet Monday night — low enough to affect the Grapevine section of the 5 Freeway north of Castaic. However, Dumas said only light accumulation is expected.
“We had kind of good luck with the timing on this,” he said.
This storm and the one last week have combined to give Southern California a much-needed soaking. But the region is still short of the normal level of rainfall.
By this time of year, downtown Los Angeles would typically have received about 12.5 inches of rain, Dumas said. So far, only about 9.75 inches has fallen.
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“We have some making up to do,” he said.
Another opportunity to catch up could come later this week in the form of yet another storm.
The steady stream of precipitation this month has reawakened hopes of a “March miracle” that could help the region recover after a historically dry January and February. Dumas said another term is perhaps more appropriate, though.
“This could be ‘March Madness’ since the other one is canceled,” he said, referring to the NCAA basketball championship tournament that was scrapped because of the coronavirus pandemic. “Go bet on rain.”


latimes--2020-03-16--California has tested fewer than 9,000 for coronavirus. Officials hope to ramp up soon

Weeks since the first coronavirus case in California was confirmed , fewer than 9,000 tests have been conducted throughout the state .
The lack of testing has made it harder to track the spread of the virus .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom said Sunday he hopes the state can quickly ramp up testing in the coming days , with help from a Quest Lab in San Juan Capistrano , which is now conducting about 1,200 tests a day .
“ That will substantially ramp up in the next week or so with the two additional [ Quest ] labs that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get those tests just from that commercial lab up to 5,000 as much as 5,500 , a day , ” he said .
“ We are increasing our capacity on an hourly basis , not just a daily basis.
” A number of other hospitals are also doing tests .
“ We are getting new kits in real time that are arriving , ” he said .
“ So far , we ’ re in a good place .
And when we need something , we are very vocal and very honest and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the state has been in discussions with the Food and Drug Administration about how to get more tests out .
Current testing requires two swabs so that two specimens from each patient can be taken and tested for the virus .
He said officials are looking into new protocols to conduct just one swab , thereby doubling the number of patients who can be tested , Newsom said .
“ So those are ongoing conversations .
They ’ ve all been very , very positive , ” Newsom said about the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal officials .
Newsom on Sunday urged people 65 and older and those with chronic health conditions to isolate themselves from others .
He also called on bars and brewery and winery tasting rooms statewide to close their doors to patrons as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the state continued to rise .
The coronavirus in California has caused six deaths , with 335 confirmed cases .

Brian Bowland, senior clinical lab specialist in microbiology at UCLA Health. The University of California’s five medical centers are gearing up to expand their in-house testing for COVID-19.
Weeks since the first coronavirus case in California was confirmed, fewer than 9,000 tests have been conducted throughout the state.
The lack of testing has made it harder to track the spread of the virus.
Gov. Gavin Newsom said Sunday he hopes the state can quickly ramp up testing in the coming days, with help from a Quest Lab in San Juan Capistrano, which is now conducting about 1,200 tests a day.
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“That will substantially ramp up in the next week or so with the two additional [Quest] labs that will come online. We’ll get those tests just from that commercial lab up to 5,000 as much as 5,500, a day,” he said. “We are increasing our capacity on an hourly basis, not just a daily basis.”
A number of other hospitals are also doing tests.
“We are getting new kits in real time that are arriving,” he said. “So far, we’re in a good place. And when we need something, we are very vocal and very honest and forthright about what it is.”
Newsom said the state has been in discussions with the Food and Drug Administration about how to get more tests out. Current testing requires two swabs so that two specimens from each patient can be taken and tested for the virus. He said officials are looking into new protocols to conduct just one swab, thereby doubling the number of patients who can be tested, Newsom said.
“So those are ongoing conversations. They’ve all been very, very positive,” Newsom said about the state’s overall effort to work with federal officials.
Newsom on Sunday urged people 65 and older and those with chronic health conditions to isolate themselves from others.
He also called on bars and brewery and winery tasting rooms statewide to close their doors to patrons as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the state continued to rise.
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The coronavirus in California has caused six deaths, with 335 confirmed cases.


latimes--2020-03-16--Coronavirus has shut much of L.A., but many city employees are still heading to work

As businesses across Los Angeles temporarily close or ask employees to work from home to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus , the city ’ s more than 50,000 government employees are still being asked to go to work , with several exceptions , according to emergency guidelines issued by the city ’ s personnel department .
City employees can ’ t refuse to go to work out of fear that they ’ ll be infected with the virus , Wendy Macy , general manager of the city ’ s personnel department , wrote in a memo to department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for some employees , though , the memo said .
Alex Comisar , spokesman for Mayor Eric Garcetti , said the city is taking guidance from public health experts on its leave policy .
“ The city has a duty to deliver critical services throughout this public health crisis , ” Comisar said .
“ That means we need healthy workers on the job.
” The rise in coronavirus cases in California has prompted city officials to enact sweeping measures to try to slow the spread .
Garcetti on Sunday ordered restaurants to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , nightclubs and other venues to close until the end of the month .
He also has implemented a ban on all public gatherings of 50 people or more at city-owned properties , prompting Griffith Observatory , the Los Angeles Zoo and the city ’ s public library system to shut down .
Los Angeles County will close all county government buildings Monday , Los Angeles County Board of Supervisor Kathryn Barger announced Sunday .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom also has called for the closure of all bars , nightclubs and wineries across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or older and those with chronic health conditions to stay indoors for the foreseeable future .
It ’ s unclear how many city of Los Angeles employees are 65 or older .
A handful of Los Angeles City Council members fall in that age group , including Gil Cedillo , who represents several Eastside neighborhoods .
Cedillo said Sunday night he plans to attend Tuesday ’ s scheduled council meeting , telling The Times : “ I have balanced the minimal risk with the greater need for leadership at this point in time.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Angeles County ’ s biggest employers , with its workers trimming trees , paving roads , issuing building permits , directing traffic and answering 311 phone calls .
The city also offers walk-in counters so the public can access financial , planning and development services .
The city ’ s development services centers are still open on an appointment basis to the public at several city buildings , including Figueroa Plaza in downtown , according to a mass email sent Friday by the Planning Department .
At least one city employee said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my friends who work at the public counter , ” said the employee who asked to remain anonymous because he wasn ’ t authorized to speak to reporters .
“ We ’ re putting the workers at risk.
” Yeghig Keshishian , a spokesman for the Planning Department , said the health and safety of its employees , their families and the public is a priority .
“ That ’ s why we moved to an appointment-only system at our public counters and are partnering with our fellow departments to limit the concentration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ create space for our employees to be healthy , ” he said .
City workers who have been diagnosed with the coronavirus , have been exposed to someone who is sick , exhibiting symptoms or recently traveled to a region affected by the virus should telecommute , take sick time , paid leave or compensated time off , according to Macy ’ s memo .
And workers who have an underlying medical condition that could make them more vulnerable to the virus may be able to telecommute , according to the memo .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ nonessential workers .
Essential workers are classified as police , firefighters and others who perform key city services , but it ’ s unclear how many workers fall into that category .
“ This is an emergency situation and none of these guidelines should be construed as a permanent change to policy , ” the memo states .
Many federal workers are still being asked to report for work across the country .
The White House on Monday asked federal departments operating in the Washington , D.C. , area to maximize telecommuting options @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Exchange Commission also has reportedly asked some employees to work from home .
Service Employees International Union 721 , which represents thousands of workers in the city and county , has been sending updates to its members about the virus and workplace safety in recent days .
In response to the memo , Bob Schoonover , president of SEIU Local 721 , told The Times that the union is glad the city is accommodating the “ emerging needs of their public workers.
” “ It will be important for the city to continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ develops in order to continue to minimize the impact on the working families who not only deliver the public services to this city , but also reside in our communities , ” Schoonover said Sunday .
Tree trimmer surgeon Art Sweatman works in a city office at Broadway and 12th Street and said Sunday that workers were still coming into the office last week .
“ We ’ re not in panic mode , ” Sweatman said .
Still , on Friday , Sweatman ’ s managers asked employees for a list of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case more are forced to telecommute , he said .
The closure of Los Angeles Unified School District on Monday also will likely force city workers to stay at home .
Larger employers must allow their workers to take time off for a child-care provider or school emergency under state law .

Los Angeles City Hall. Mayor Eric Garcetti suggested Monday that more employees would be able to telecommute.
As businesses across Los Angeles temporarily close or ask employees to work from home to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus, the city’s more than 50,000 government employees are still being asked to go to work, with several exceptions, according to emergency guidelines issued by the city’s personnel department.
City employees can’t refuse to go to work out of fear that they’ll be infected with the virus, Wendy Macy, general manager of the city’s personnel department, wrote in a memo to department heads Friday. Telecommuting options are available for some employees, though, the memo said.
At the end of business day Monday, however, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced the city would put out new guidelines for employees on Tuesday, suggesting that more employees could telecommute, unless they can’t or are a critical city worker.
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“I think we are going to flip from what we have today,” Garcetti said.
The rise in coronavirus cases in California has prompted city officials to enact sweeping measures to try to slow the spread. Garcetti on Sunday ordered restaurants to stop dine-in service and for all gyms, nightclubs and other venues to close until the end of the month. He also has implemented a ban on all public gatherings of 50 people or more at city-owned properties, prompting Griffith Observatory, the Los Angeles Zoo and the city’s public library system to shut down.
Coronavirus FAQs Coronavirus FAQs
Los Angeles County will close all county government buildings Monday, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisor Kathryn Barger announced Sunday.
Gov. Gavin Newsom also has called for the closure of all bars, nightclubs and wineries across the state, and urged people 65 or older and those with chronic health conditions to stay indoors for the foreseeable future.
It’s unclear how many city of Los Angeles employees are 65 or older. A handful of Los Angeles City Council members fall in that age group, including Gil Cedillo, who represents several Eastside neighborhoods. Cedillo said Sunday night he plans to attend Tuesday’s scheduled council meeting, telling The Times: “I have balanced the minimal risk with the greater need for leadership at this point in time.”
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The city is one of Los Angeles County’s biggest employers, with its workers trimming trees, paving roads, issuing building permits, directing traffic and answering 311 phone calls. The city also offers walk-in counters so the public can access financial, planning and development services.
The city’s development services centers are still open on an appointment basis to the public at several city buildings, including Figueroa Plaza in downtown, according to a mass email sent Friday by the Planning Department.
At least one city employee said he was worried.
“I worry about my friends who work at the public counter,” said the employee who asked to remain anonymous because he wasn’t authorized to speak to reporters. “We’re putting the workers at risk.”
Yeghig Keshishian, a spokesman for the Planning Department, said the health and safety of its employees, their families and the public is a priority.
“That’s why we moved to an appointment-only system at our public counters and are partnering with our fellow departments to limit the concentration of people in our public buildings to create space for our employees to be healthy,” he said.
Garcetti on Monday noted that the public counters have been open, albeit with restrictions, and that “tomorrow we will go further” in terms of guidance about telecommuting.
Alex Comisar, spokesman for Garcetti, said over the weekend that the city is taking guidance from public health experts on its leave policy. “The city has a duty to deliver critical services throughout this public health crisis,” Comisar said. “That means we need healthy workers on the job.”
City workers who have been diagnosed with the coronavirus, have been exposed to someone who is sick, exhibiting symptoms or recently traveled to a region affected by the virus should telecommute, take sick time, paid leave or compensated time off, according to Macy’s memo.
And workers who have an underlying medical condition that could make them more vulnerable to the virus may be able to telecommute, according to the memo.
Macy’s directive applies only to nonessential workers. Essential workers are classified as police, firefighters and others who perform key city services, but it’s unclear how many workers fall into that category.
“This is an emergency situation and none of these guidelines should be construed as a permanent change to policy,” the memo states.
Many federal workers are still being asked to report for work across the country. The White House on Monday asked federal departments operating in the Washington, D.C., area to maximize telecommuting options for employees. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission also has reportedly asked some employees to work from home.
Service Employees International Union 721, which represents thousands of workers in the city and county, has been sending updates to its members about the virus and workplace safety in recent days.
In response to the memo, Bob Schoonover, president of SEIU Local 721, told The Times that the union is glad the city is accommodating the “emerging needs of their public workers.”
“It will be important for the city to continue to revisit their policies as the situation develops in order to continue to minimize the impact on the working families who not only deliver the public services to this city, but also reside in our communities,” Schoonover said Sunday.
Tree trimmer surgeon Art Sweatman works in a city office at Broadway and 12th Street and said Sunday that workers were still coming into the office last week. “We’re not in panic mode,” Sweatman said.
Still, on Friday, Sweatman’s managers asked employees for a list of duties they could do at home in case more are forced to telecommute, he said.
The closure of Los Angeles Unified School District on Monday also will likely force city workers to stay at home. Larger employers must allow their workers to take time off for a child-care provider or school emergency under state law.
Times staff writer Emily Alpert Reyes contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-03-16--Many Orange County schools, churches are shut down as coronavirus cases jump to 17

Orange County now has 17 coronavirus cases , including three believed spread through the community .
Many Orange County schools will be closed beginning Monday , and officials are preparing grab-and-go meals for children in need .
Visits to local jails and juvenile facilities also have been suspended .
Officials said 160 people have been tested so far in the county .
Religious services have also been impacted .
Two weekend services at Congregation B ’ nai Tzedek in Fountain Valley also will take a new form for the rest of the month : Facebook livestream .
Typically , 50 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shabbat service , said Rabbi David Young .
Now , it will be one rabbi and one cantorial soloist .
“ A lot of people who have a lot of health issues might make Shabbat the one time to get out of their house every week , ” Young said .
“ While that ’ s wonderful and we encourage that in general , in a time when we ’ re worried about communicable disease and illnesses transferred through the air , we want to maintain the Jewish value of pikuach nefesh — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Church by the Sea canceled both of its Sunday services this weekend , opting for a video recorded by the church ’ s pastors that parishioners and their families can watch at home .
St. Mark ’ s Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach also is taking its worship to Facebook .
“ Flattening the curve requires a ‘ neighbor first ’ mentality , precisely the kind of mentality that we try to cultivate as followers of Christ , ” Pastor Mark Davis said in a Friday , referring to how social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the healthcare system .
UC Irvine is canceling its traditional graduation this spring as a precaution against the coronavirus , the first University of California campus to call off the iconic event .
“ We are saddened to share that the UCI commencement ceremonies will not take place in the same way as previous years , ” Willie Banks Jr. , vice chancellor of student affairs , wrote in a to students Friday .
California had recorded 335 cases of coronavirus as of Sunday , a 14 % increase from the day before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in San Mateo County , where 32 cases have been recorded .
Los Angeles County reported 15 new cases Sunday .
Five of the people are hospitalized ; one of them has an unknown source of exposure to the virus , and three cases are under investigation .
The new cases bring the total in L.A. County to 69 , 10 of which are believed to be a result of community transmission .

Alex Wigglesworth, Hillary Davis, Faith E. Pinho

The Pacifica Christian Orange County boys’ volleyball team hosted Brethren Christian in a nonleague match with no spectators on Friday.
Orange County now has 17 coronavirus cases, including three believed spread through the community.
Many Orange County schools will be closed beginning Monday, and officials are preparing grab-and-go meals for children in need. Visits to local jails and juvenile facilities also have been suspended.
Orange County public libraries are also closed.
Officials said 160 people have been tested so far in the county.
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Age range of coronavirus cases:
0 Younger than 18
7 18-49
6 50-64
4 65 and older
Religious services have also been impacted.
Two weekend services at Congregation B’nai Tzedek in Fountain Valley also will take a new form for the rest of the month: Facebook livestream. Typically, 50 to 150 people attend the Friday night Shabbat service, said Rabbi David Young. Now, it will be one rabbi and one cantorial soloist.
“A lot of people who have a lot of health issues might make Shabbat the one time to get out of their house every week,” Young said. “While that’s wonderful and we encourage that in general, in a time when we’re worried about communicable disease and illnesses transferred through the air, we want to maintain the Jewish value of pikuach nefesh — saving a life.”
Laguna Beach’s Church by the Sea canceled both of its Sunday services this weekend, opting for a video recorded by the church’s pastors that parishioners and their families can watch at home.
St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach also is taking its worship to Facebook.
“Flattening the curve requires a ‘neighbor first’ mentality, precisely the kind of mentality that we try to cultivate as followers of Christ,” Pastor Mark Davis said in a Friday statement to congregants , referring to how social distancing can keep infections from spiking and overwhelming the healthcare system.
UC Irvine is canceling its traditional graduation this spring as a precaution against the coronavirus, the first University of California campus to call off the iconic event.
“We are saddened to share that the UCI commencement ceremonies will not take place in the same way as previous years,” Willie Banks Jr., vice chancellor of student affairs, wrote in a message to students Friday.
California had recorded 335 cases of coronavirus as of Sunday, a 14% increase from the day before,
The state also reported six deaths, with the sixth one in San Mateo County, where 32 cases have been recorded.
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Los Angeles County reported 15 new cases Sunday. Five of the people are hospitalized; one of them has an unknown source of exposure to the virus, and three cases are under investigation. The new cases bring the total in L.A. County to 69, 10 of which are believed to be a result of community transmission.


latimes--2020-03-16--L.A. on coronavirus lockdown: Here is what you need to know about what's closed, open

Los Angeles will be on a form of lockdown it ’ s never seen in modern times amid the coronavirus outbreak .
“ Our decisions will determine the fate of our loved ones , the length of this crisis , ” Mayor Eric Garcetti said in announcing the restrictions Sunday .
“ We need to take these steps to protect our city right now .
The work we do now will have an impact on the city ’ s history .
We need to do everything now to stop the spread of this virus.
” The restrictions are to last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you need to know : • All bars and nightclubs that do not serve food • In addition , all restaurants and retail food facilities will be prohibited from serving food to dine-in customers .
• Restaurants , as well as bars and nightclubs that serve food , may continue to prepare and offer food to customers via delivery service or takeout .
• Houses of worship are urged to limit large gatherings on their premises and to explore and implement ways to practice their respective faiths while observing “ social distancing ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nursing homes or similar facilities will be allowed to continue operations .
• Grocery stores , pharmacies and food banks will also be allowed to continue operations .
• All Los Angeles Unified School District campuses -- and many other around the region -- are closed .
• Los Angeles school officials were racing Sunday to organize the complex logistics of opening 20 meal pickup sites and 40 family resource centers to serve students who will be displaced from campuses beginning Monday in an unprecedented shutdown to limit the spread of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resource centers are widely seen as vital in a school system where 80 % of students are from low-income households and 18,000 are homeless .
The centers , scheduled to open on Wednesday , are intended as a stopgap to offer food , child-care , counseling , health screening and educational activities in a system of nearly 900 campuses .
As of 4 p.m. Monday , some municipal services are closed , and other are running with restrictions .
This agency , among the hardest hit , has closed 147 recreation centers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pools .
Griffith Observatory , Travel Town in Griffith Park , the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro and the Sherman Oaks Castle also have been shut down .
Golfers may continue playing at the city ’ s 12 municipal golf courses , where workers are installing six-foot barriers to minimize contact .
`` Golfers are now allowed to ride alone in carts without a penalty , ” said agency spokeswoman Ashley Rodriguez .
Park bathrooms are open during regular operating hours , which vary from park to park .
Most parks are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Many senior centers will offer take-out meal service , but locations are still being finalized .
The agency will work with the Department of Aging to distribute meals to older adults between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. each day this week .
Older adults may pick up their meal or assign someone to pick it up on their behalf , Rodriguez said .
The Department of Water and Power has suspended utility shut-offs for nonpayment , said DWP spokesman Joe Ramallo .
“ We also continue to offer generous repayment plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ramallo said .
The Housing Authority of the city of Los Angeles , which runs public housing and issues housing vouchers , has closed its public lobby but is continuing to accept documents through a drop box , its President and Chief Executive Doug Guthrie said .
Guthrie said the agency will continue to fulfill its responsibilities to people who “ have vouchers issued and are trying to lease up a unit.
” The agency is also limiting its inspections to “ emergency matters , ” limiting its work orders at public housing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the doors of its property management offices .
Firefighters , paramedics and 911 operators continue to respond to emergencies .
Although the department ’ s City Hall offices are closed to the public , the agency is providing some over-the-counter services -- such as reviews of sprinkler systems for new buildings -- in its offices on Figueroa Street .
“ We are using social distancing to reduce the number of individuals our inspectors come into contact with at inspection locations and at our public counter , ” said LAFD spokesman Peter Sanders .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheduled .
But routine nonessential inspections have been postponed a week .
In addition , fire stations have been closed to the public , so no school tours , youth programs or meetings in the station ’ s community rooms .
The Housing and Community Investment Department has closed its public counters , but people can still call 866-557- RENT or 866-557-7368 or submit questions to .
The department has also suspended its Systematic Code Enforcement Program inspections at apartment buildings -- routine inspections that are not triggered by a complaint .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety violations .
Los Angeles public libraries will be closed through the end of March .
Readers can still access digital services such as e-books and digital subscriptions at lapl.org .
Librarians are also providing assistance by phone or through and .
No late fines are being charged and due dates are being automatically extended .
Sanitation crews equipped with face masks , gloves and protective suits are still doing cleanups of homeless encampments .
( In rainy weather , however , such cleanings are more limited than usual . )
The department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stations with sinks , showers and toilets across the city , according to spokeswoman Elena Stern .
The department has suspended a number of workshops and events , including composting and home gardening workshops and tours of its water reclamation plants .
StreetsLA is reviewing permits and applications for special events to decide if they should continue or be approved .
People can still apply for permits , but the department is controlling the number of people at its public counters to maintain social distancing .
The Bureau of Street Lighting has closed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online .
Street lights are still being repaired as usual .
The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety is still operating and providing permits , checking plans and inspecting buildings , but it is limiting how many members of the public can be on each floor of its offices at a time .
That will likely cause delays for customers , its spokesman Jeff Napier said .
It has also canceled meetings of the Board of Building and Safety Commissioners .
Public counters for the Office of Finance are open in Van @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not at City Hall , according to city Treasurer Claire Bartels .
People can also access online services or call by phone .
The Department of Cannabis Regulation has closed its public counter where people can walk in to ask questions , but employees are still available to answer questions by phone .
The cannabis department has also postponed a planned on public health inspections and canceled a Cannabis Regulation Commission meeting .
• Gov .
Gavin Newsom called on the elderly to remain at home , and his request also extended to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as blood disorders , chronic kidney disease , asthma , chronic liver disease , compromised immune systems , pregnancies in the last two weeks , metabolic disorders , heart disease and other conditions that make them more susceptible to serious illness from the coronavirus .
• He also urged family members to take care around the elderly and frail : “ People should conduct themselves around their grandparents as if they have it.
” • Garcetti announced the city would put a moratorium on residential evictions , aiming to protect people whose wages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work stoppages .
He said he has asked City Atty .
Mike Feuer to look into whether Los Angeles can “ legally help prevent commercial evictions ” as well .

Alex Wigglesworth, Howard Blume, Sonali Kohli, Suhauna Hussain, Emily Alpert Reyes, David Zahniser, Dakota Smith

The closure of many businesses due to coronavirus lockdown has resulted in light traffic on Grand Ave in downtown Los Angeles.
Los Angeles will be on a form of lockdown it’s never seen in modern times amid the coronavirus outbreak.
“Our decisions will determine the fate of our loved ones, the length of this crisis,” Mayor Eric Garcetti said in announcing the restrictions Sunday. “We need to take these steps to protect our city right now. The work we do now will have an impact on the city’s history. We need to do everything now to stop the spread of this virus.”
The restrictions are to last through March 31.
Here is what you need to know:
Closed
All movie theaters, live performance venues, bowling alleys and arcades
All gyms and fitness centers
All bars and nightclubs that do not serve food
All private social clubs
In addition, all restaurants and retail food facilities will be prohibited from serving food to dine-in customers.
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California California asks Navy for coronavirus support The latest updates from our reporters in California and around the world
Exceptions
Restaurants, as well as bars and nightclubs that serve food, may continue to prepare and offer food to customers via delivery service or takeout.
Houses of worship are urged to limit large gatherings on their premises and to explore and implement ways to practice their respective faiths while observing “social distancing” practices.
Cafeterias in hospitals, nursing homes or similar facilities will be allowed to continue operations.
Grocery stores, pharmacies and food banks will also be allowed to continue operations.
Source: City of Los Angeles
Schools
• All Los Angeles Unified School District campuses -- and many other around the region -- are closed.
• Los Angeles school officials were racing Sunday to organize the complex logistics of opening 20 meal pickup sites and 40 family resource centers to serve students who will be displaced from campuses beginning Monday in an unprecedented shutdown to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
• The food distribution sites and resource centers are widely seen as vital in a school system where 80% of students are from low-income households and 18,000 are homeless. The centers, scheduled to open on Wednesday, are intended as a stopgap to offer food, child-care, counseling, health screening and educational activities in a system of nearly 900 campuses.
City services
As of 4 p.m. Monday, some municipal services are closed, and other are running with restrictions.
Recreation and parks
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This agency, among the hardest hit, has closed 147 recreation centers, 28 senior centers and dozens of swimming pools. Griffith Observatory, Travel Town in Griffith Park, the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro and the Sherman Oaks Castle also have been shut down.
Golfers may continue playing at the city’s 12 municipal golf courses, where workers are installing six-foot barriers to minimize contact.”Golfers are now allowed to ride alone in carts without a penalty,” said agency spokeswoman Ashley Rodriguez.
Park bathrooms are open during regular operating hours, which vary from park to park. Most parks are open from dawn to dusk, Rodriguez said.
Many senior centers will offer take-out meal service, but locations are still being finalized. The agency will work with the Department of Aging to distribute meals to older adults between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. each day this week. Older adults may pick up their meal or assign someone to pick it up on their behalf, Rodriguez said.
Water and power
The Department of Water and Power has suspended utility shut-offs for nonpayment, said DWP spokesman Joe Ramallo. “We also continue to offer generous repayment plans that can be setup online,” Ramallo said.
Housing Authority
The Housing Authority of the city of Los Angeles, which runs public housing and issues housing vouchers, has closed its public lobby but is continuing to accept documents through a drop box, its President and Chief Executive Doug Guthrie said.
Guthrie said the agency will continue to fulfill its responsibilities to people who “have vouchers issued and are trying to lease up a unit.”
The agency is also limiting its inspections to “emergency matters,” limiting its work orders at public housing sites to urgent issues, and closing the doors of its property management offices.
Fire Department
Firefighters, paramedics and 911 operators continue to respond to emergencies. Although the department’s City Hall offices are closed to the public, the agency is providing some over-the-counter services -- such as reviews of sprinkler systems for new buildings -- in its offices on Figueroa Street.
“We are using social distancing to reduce the number of individuals our inspectors come into contact with at inspection locations and at our public counter,” said LAFD spokesman Peter Sanders.
Inspections of high-risk buildings are continuing as scheduled. But routine nonessential inspections have been postponed a week. In addition, fire stations have been closed to the public, so no school tours, youth programs or meetings in the station’s community rooms.
Housing department
The Housing and Community Investment Department has closed its public counters, but people can still call 866-557- RENT or 866-557-7368 or submit questions to hcidla.lacity.org/ask-hcidla .
The department has also suspended its Systematic Code Enforcement Program inspections at apartment buildings -- routine inspections that are not triggered by a complaint. It will continue to send out inspectors for safety violations.
Libraries
Los Angeles public libraries will be closed through the end of March. Readers can still access digital services such as e-books and digital subscriptions at lapl.org. Librarians are also providing assistance by phone or through Ask A Librarian and Book A Librarian . No late fines are being charged and due dates are being automatically extended.
Sanitation
Sanitation crews equipped with face masks, gloves and protective suits are still doing cleanups of homeless encampments. (In rainy weather, however, such cleanings are more limited than usual.) The department is also working to distribute additional sanitation stations with sinks, showers and toilets across the city, according to spokeswoman Elena Stern.
The department has suspended a number of workshops and events, including composting and home gardening workshops and tours of its water reclamation plants.
Special events
StreetsLA is reviewing permits and applications for special events to decide if they should continue or be approved. People can still apply for permits, but the department is controlling the number of people at its public counters to maintain social distancing.
Street lighting
The Bureau of Street Lighting has closed its public counters and is issuing permits online. Street lights are still being repaired as usual.
Building and Safety
The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety is still operating and providing permits, checking plans and inspecting buildings, but it is limiting how many members of the public can be on each floor of its offices at a time. That will likely cause delays for customers, its spokesman Jeff Napier said. It has also canceled meetings of the Board of Building and Safety Commissioners.
Finance
Public counters for the Office of Finance are open in Van Nuys and West Los Angeles, but not at City Hall, according to city Treasurer Claire Bartels. People can also access online services or call by phone.
Cannabis regulation
The Department of Cannabis Regulation has closed its public counter where people can walk in to ask questions, but employees are still available to answer questions by phone. The cannabis department has also postponed a planned workshop on public health inspections and canceled a Cannabis Regulation Commission meeting.
Older people and the frail
• Gov. Gavin Newsom called on the elderly to remain at home, and his request also extended to residents with underlying health issues, such as blood disorders, chronic kidney disease, asthma, chronic liver disease, compromised immune systems, pregnancies in the last two weeks, metabolic disorders, heart disease and other conditions that make them more susceptible to serious illness from the coronavirus.
• He also urged family members to take care around the elderly and frail: “People should conduct themselves around their grandparents as if they have it.”
Evictions
• Garcetti announced the city would put a moratorium on residential evictions, aiming to protect people whose wages will be diminished or lost by coronavirus-related work stoppages. He said he has asked City Atty. Mike Feuer to look into whether Los Angeles can “legally help prevent commercial evictions” as well.


latimes--2020-03-16--Officer fatally shoots woman attempting to stab her mother in Long Beach, police say

A woman who authorities say was attempting to stab her mother was shot and killed by police Sunday night in @ @ @ @ @ first called to a residence in the 200 block of Molino Avenue about 9:40 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ disturbance between a mother and her adult daughter .
Officers initially determined that no crime @ @ @ @ @ home , police said .
However , officers returned to the residence about 40 minutes @ @ @ @ @ that her daughter was armed with a knife and was threatening her , police said @ @ @ @ @ the home , they could hear an altercation occurring inside the residence .
An officer @ @ @ @ @ broken front window and saw the daughter armed with a utility knife attempting to stab @ @ @ @ @ .
The officer opened fire and fatally wounded the armed woman , according to police @ @ @ @ @ has not been identified , was pronounced dead at the scene .

A woman who authorities say was attempting to stab her mother was shot and killed by police Sunday night in Long Beach.
Officers were first called to a residence in the 200 block of Molino Avenue about 9:40 p.m. in response to a family disturbance between a mother and her adult daughter. Officers initially determined that no crime had occurred and left the home, police said.
However, officers returned to the residence about 40 minutes later when the mother reported that her daughter was armed with a knife and was threatening her, police said. When authorities arrived at the home, they could hear an altercation occurring inside the residence.
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An officer entered the home through a broken front window and saw the daughter armed with a utility knife attempting to stab her mother, police said. The officer opened fire and fatally wounded the armed woman, according to police.
The woman, who has not been identified, was pronounced dead at the scene.