latimes--2020-09-03--Sorry, but your beloved L.A. holiday event has probably been canceled. Blame coronavirus

Does anyone remember summer 2020 ?
Because somehow , our novel coronavirus spring of masks and marching came and went and suddenly , we ’ re facing Labor Day , the bittersweet three-day weekend when we traditionally celebrate the last few moments of beach and barbecue while looking ahead to that magical pumpkin-spice time of year , when we ’ re all cookies and candies and anticipation of holiday delights .
Except it ’ s 2020 , remember ?
Our through-the-looking-glass pandemic year when nothing is as it should be , nor will be , because in case you didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the traditional holiday events and beloved light shows that enliven the last quarter of the year have already been canceled .
In other words , this is not the year to plan on a photo with Santa , unless he ’ s already part of your family bubble .
And early indications are that traditional trick-or-treating will be a no-go for Halloween , along with a lot of other traditional scary events .
Universal Studios , Knott ’ s Berry Farm and the Queen Mary have been closed since March , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ houses over COVID-19 concerns .
Descanso Gardens has shelved plans to expand its “ Carved Halloween ” event , which last year featured about 1,000 exquisitely carved pumpkins and sold out every night .
Sherman Library & Gardens in Corona del Mar is also canceling its Halloween event , which allows children to get close to spooky “ creatures ” such as wolves and birds of prey .
“ We couldn ’ t see any way to host this event while practicing social distancing , ” said Sherman Gardens spokeswoman Beverly Morgan .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ dominated our collective Instagram feeds with their luminescent nighttime beauty have also been canceled , including Descanso ’ s Enchanted Forest of Lights , the L.A. Arboretum ’ s Moonlight Forest Lantern Art Festival and Zoolights , the evening holiday tour of the L.A .
Zoo .
( Although the zoo itself has reopened by reservation only . )
The Pasadena Tournament of Roses has announced “ with reluctance and tremendous disappointment ” the cancellation of what would have been the 132nd Rose Parade ( a first since World War II ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City Rockettes have canceled their Christmas Spectacular for the first time in 87 years .
Even Riverside ’ s Festival of Lights , which drew more than 750,000 visitors last year , is being dimmed for 2020 .
The Mission Inn will decorate extensively inside its hotel , for the enjoyment of its guests , but plans on only limited lighting outside , said spokeswoman Amanda Ruisi .
Hotel security guards will ensure that only registered guests or restaurant patrons can come inside , to keep crowds at bay .
Last year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 5 million lights and 400 animated figures , drawing huge crowds of people who stood in Disneyland-long lines to tour part of the grounds .
Those tours won ’ t be happening this year , Ruisi said , and the staging area at the inn ’ s main entrance will be closed to everyone except those who are valet parking .
The city , which partners with the hotel , has also shut down the other festival events , such as six blocks of vendors , carriage and hay rides and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live entertainment , fireworks and a crowd of 75,000 tightly packed admirers .
“ Historically , the city has spent $ 600,000 to $ 700,000 on the event , but due to COVID , we ’ re doing just a limited amount , about $ 60,000 worth of lights and decorations this year , ” said Margie Haupt , the city ’ s arts and cultural affairs manager .
“ We ’ ll have some ornaments and holiday trees , and a few selfie stations , but nothing that will draw a crowd.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is a big part of the challenge , said Arboretum Executive Director Richard Schulhof .
“ Right now , we ’ re operating at 50 % capacity with expanded hours so we can spread people out , ” he added .
“ As you know , we never closed during the pandemic , but if we ’ re not confident we could hold an event with complete safety , we ’ re not going to do it.
” It ’ s also not financially feasible .
“ The model for these events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to recoup costs and help support our mission , ” Schulhof said , “ and those numbers aren ’ t possible under pandemic conditions.
” But why all these announcements now ?
( As if the end of summer weren ’ t sad enough ... . )
Because this is typically when organizations start signing contracts to create these light-show extravaganzas , said Juliann Rook , executive director of Descanso Gardens .
The gardens invest more than $ 1 million in events such as “ Carved ” and its “ Enchanted Forest of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ usually worth the investment , with events drawing huge numbers of visitors .
Last year ’ s light festival drew more than 130,000 people over 44 days .
Descanso believes it could keep people safe during the festival , but there ’ s too much uncertainty about whether there ’ ll be another lockdown this winter prompted by another surge of the novel coronavirus .
“ It just seemed a little too scary to commit financially when the world is so uncertain , ” Rook said .
“ It ’ s just too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events are huge money makers for the botanic gardens and L.A .
Zoo , which makes the cancellations even more difficult .
The zoo was closed all spring and could sorely use that extra revenue from its popular Zoolights event , which gives visitors a rare glimpse of the night life at the zoo , while walking through a sea of beautiful lights .
“ We do have memberships , but those have been a real struggle to sell this year , since one of the main benefits of being a member is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you want , ” said Kait Hilliard , vice president of marketing and communications for the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Assn.
, the fundraising arm of the city-owned facility .
“ I think this has been the challenge for every cultural institution in L.A. How do we keep our members engaged and happy when we can ’ t give them the experience for which they made their contribution ?
” Other organizations are looking for ways to continue their holiday traditions in relative safety .
Sherman Gardens intends to proceed with a pared-down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , minus visits with Santa but still offering tours of the gardens decorated with holiday lights .
Dana Point Harbor Partners is still planning to hold its 46th Boat Parade of Lights the first two weekends in December .
“ However , this is subject to change based on public health restrictions and recommendations at that time , ” said spokeswoman Christine Barnes .
The harbor is usually awash in lights after Thanksgiving , but at this point , “ Dana Point Harbor Partners will not host a lighting ceremony , as they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Barnes said in an email .
“ However , they do plan to have the lights turn on earlier this year ( closer to mid-November instead of late November ) for Harbor guests and the community to enjoy .
They hope this will spread the crowds out for people to enjoy in a safe environment.
” Dana Point ’ s popular by-donation boat rides with Santa will go as well , said Donna Kalez , managing partner of Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching , but with several provisos .
Kalez ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children every Christmas for a quick ride around the harbor while they visit with Santa .
The donations go to local charities .
“ We ’ re just going to limit our capacity this year , and require reservations , and probably only do it for one day , ” Kalez said .
“ And the kids won ’ t be able to sit on Santa ’ s lap .
Santa always sits at the back of the boat , so we ’ ll just have to put up little stanchions to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they ’ ll be able to wave to Santa and get a little boat ride.
” Riverside city officials recognize that many families treat the Festival of Lights as an annual holiday tradition , Haupt said , so as a consolation prize , the city is trying to create a “ Home for the Holidays ” box that will feature merchandise typically sold during the event such as kettle corn , roasted nuts , special hot chocolate mixes and even a few toys .
The idea , Haupt said , is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and open them in the safety of their homes , to try to re-create a little of the annual event .
They better include plenty of lights .

This is the time of year we typically start thinking about traditional fall festivities — such as pumpkin carving.
Does anyone remember summer 2020? Because somehow, our novel coronavirus spring of masks and marching came and went and suddenly, we’re facing Labor Day, the bittersweet three-day weekend when we traditionally celebrate the last few moments of beach and barbecue while looking ahead to that magical pumpkin-spice time of year, when we’re all cookies and candies and anticipation of holiday delights.
Except it’s 2020, remember? Our through-the-looking-glass pandemic year when nothing is as it should be, nor will be, because in case you didn’t get the memo, most of the traditional holiday events and beloved light shows that enliven the last quarter of the year have been canceled.
For the record: An earlier version of this story misidentified the spokeswoman for Dana Point Harbor Partners.
In other words, this is not the year to plan on a photo with Santa, unless he’s already part of your family bubble. And early indications are that traditional trick-or-treating will be a no-go for Halloween, along with a lot of other traditional scary events.
Universal Studios, Knott’s Berry Farm and the Queen Mary have been closed since March, and they all have canceled their popular haunted houses over COVID-19 concerns. Descanso Gardens has shelved plans to expand its “Carved Halloween” event, which last year featured about 1,000 exquisitely carved pumpkins and sold out every night. Sherman Library & Gardens in Corona del Mar is also canceling its Halloween event, which allows children to get close to spooky “creatures” such as wolves and birds of prey.
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“We couldn’t see any way to host this event while practicing social distancing,” said Sherman Gardens spokeswoman Beverly Morgan.
Meanwhile, yuletide light events that have dominated our Instagram feeds with their luminescent nighttime beauty have also been canceled, including Descanso’s Enchanted Forest of Light, the L.A. Arboretum’s Moonlight Forest Magical Lantern Art Festival and Zoolights, the evening holiday tour of the L.A. Zoo. (Although the zoo itself has reopened by reservation only.)
The Pasadena Tournament of Roses has announced “with reluctance and tremendous disappointment” the cancellation of what would have been the 132nd Rose Parade (a first since World War II), and New York City’s Radio City Rockettes have canceled their Christmas Spectacular for the first time in 87 years.
Even Riverside’s Festival of Lights, which drew more than 750,000 visitors last year, is being dimmed for 2020. The Mission Inn will decorate extensively inside the hotel, for the enjoyment of its guests, but plans only limited lighting outside, said spokeswoman Amanda Ruisi. Hotel security guards will ensure that only registered guests or restaurant patrons can come inside, to keep crowds at bay.
Last year, the historic block-wide hotel was festooned with about 5 million lights and 400 animated figures, drawing huge crowds who stood in Disneyland-long lines to tour part of the grounds. Those tours won’t be happening this year, Ruisi said, and the staging area at the inn’s main entrance will be closed to everyone except those who are valet parking.
The city, which partners with the hotel, has also shut down the other festival events, such as six blocks of vendors, carriage and hay rides and the day-after-Thanksgiving lighting ceremony, which usually features live entertainment, fireworks and a crowd of 75,000 tightly packed admirers.
“Historically, the city has spent $600,000 to $700,000 on the event, but due to COVID, we’re doing just a limited amount, about $60,000 worth of lights and decorations this year,” said Margie Haupt, the city’s arts and cultural affairs manager. “We’ll have some ornaments and holiday trees, and a few selfie stations, but nothing that will draw a crowd.”
Lifestyle 12 fun kids’ face masks for the COVID-19 pandemic The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children ages 2 and older wear a face mask when in public or around people who don’t live with them.
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Managing crowds, especially at night, is a big part of the challenge, said Arboretum Executive Director Richard Schulhof. “Right now, we’re operating at 50% capacity with expanded hours so we can spread people out,” he added. “As you know, we never closed during the pandemic, but if we’re not confident we could hold an event with complete safety, we’re not going to do it.”
It’s also not financially feasible. “The model for these events typically assumes a certain number of visitors to recoup costs and help support our mission,” Schulhof said, “and those numbers aren’t possible under pandemic conditions.”
But why all these announcements now? (As if the end of summer weren’t sad enough.)
This is typically when organizations start signing contracts to create these light-show extravaganzas, said Juliann Rooke, executive director of Descanso Gardens. The gardens invest more than $1 million in events such as “Carved” and its “Enchanted Forest of Light,” and the payoff is usually worth the investment, with events drawing huge numbers of visitors. Last year’s light festival drew more than 130,000 people over 44 days.
Lifestyle 8/24 is Kobe Bryant Day. Expect fanfare and tributes around L.A. The world lost Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven of their friends in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26, but fans are expected to honor and remember the basketball great on Aug. 24, or 8-24, the numbers he wore on his jerseys during his NBA career, and just one day after what would have been his 42nd birthday.
Descanso believes it could keep people safe during the festival, but there’s too much uncertainty about whether there’ll be another shutdown this winter prompted by another surge of the novel coronavirus.
“It just seemed a little too scary to commit financially when the world is so uncertain,” Rooke said. “It’s just too much of a financial gamble.”
These events are huge moneymakers for the botanic gardens and L.A. Zoo, which makes the cancellations even more difficult. The zoo was closed all spring and could sorely use the extra revenue from its popular Zoolights event, which gives visitors a rare glimpse of the nightlife at the zoo while walking through a sea of beautiful lights.
“We do have memberships, but those have been a real struggle to sell this year, since one of the main benefits of being a member is you get to visit the zoo whenever you want,” said Kait Hilliard, vice president of marketing and communications for the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Assn., the fundraising arm of the city-owned facility.
“I think this has been the challenge for every cultural institution in L.A. How do we keep our members engaged and happy when we can’t give them the experience for which they made their contribution?”
Other organizations are looking for ways to continue their holiday traditions in relative safety. Sherman Gardens intends to proceed with a pared-down version of its Nights of 1,000 Lights, minus visits with Santa but still offering tours of the gardens decorated with holiday lights.
Dana Point Harbor Partners is still planning to hold its 46th Boat Parade of Lights the first two weekends in December. “However, this is subject to change based on public health restrictions and recommendations at that time,” said spokeswoman Emma Opie
.
The harbor is usually awash in lights after Thanksgiving, but at this point, “Dana Point Harbor Partners will not host a lighting ceremony, as they do not want to encourage crowds,” Opie said in an email. “However, they do plan to have the lights turn on earlier this year (closer to mid-November instead of late November) for Harbor guests and the community to enjoy. They hope this will spread the crowds out for people to enjoy in a safe environment.”
Dana Point’s popular by-donation boat rides with Santa will go on as well, said Donna Kalez, managing partner of Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, but with several provisos. Kalez’s business typically takes out boatloads of children every Christmas for a quick ride around the harbor while they visit with Santa. The donations go to local charities.
“We’re just going to limit our capacity this year, and require reservations, and probably only do it for one day,” Kalez said. “And the kids won’t be able to sit on Santa’s lap. Santa always sits at the back of the boat, so we’ll just have to put up little stanchions to keep them 6 feet away. This year, they’ll be able to wave to Santa and get a little boat ride.”
Riverside city officials recognize that many families treat the Festival of Lights as a holiday tradition, Haupt said, so as a consolation prize, the city is trying to create a “Home for the Holidays” box that will feature merchandise typically sold during the event, such as kettle corn, roasted nuts, hot chocolate mixes and a few toys.
The idea, Haupt said, is that people can order the boxes before Thanksgiving and open them in the safety of their homes, to try to re-create a little of the annual event.
They better include plenty of lights.


latimes--2020-09-03--House subcommittee seeks federal probe of 'criminal gangs' among L.A. County deputies

A congressional subcommittee has requested that the Department of Justice investigate allegations of systemic abuses by “ criminal gangs ” that employ aggressive policing tactics within the Los Angeles County Sheriff ’ s Department .
“ The allegations of abusive behavior by these criminal gangs within the LASD are deeply disturbing , ” Reps. Jimmy Gomez ( D-Los Angeles ) and Jamie Raskin ( D-Md . )
wrote Thursday in a letter to Assistant Atty .
Gen. Eric S. Dreiband of the Justice Department ’ s Civil Rights Division .
“ If true , they represent egregious violations of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communities subjected to their violence and to the deputies who oppose these heinous practices.
” The Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment .
A Sheriff ’ s Department spokesman said that the letter is “ filled with unsubstantiated allegations and inflammatory rhetoric ” and that the FBI and attorney general were already asked to monitor certain ongoing investigations within the agency .
“ So this request by Mr. Raskin and Mr. Gomez was already placed into motion by Sheriff [ Alex ] Villanueva months ago , ” Lt. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the department “ is taking aggressive action in disciplining those employees that use their association in cliques to engage in misconduct against others , inside or outside the organization.
” Citing reporting by The Times , the letter says that deputy gangs have plagued the Sheriff ’ s Department for decades , since 1971 , and that settlements related to “ gang-affiliated deputies ” have cost L.A. County taxpayers roughly $ 55 million .
“ Not surprisingly , gang members have been implicated in heinous acts of brutality against Black people , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the House Oversight and Reform subcommittee on civil rights and civil liberties .
The allegations have come up in recent excessive force and wrongful death claims and lawsuits , including one filed this week by the family of Andres Guardado , 18 , who was shot and killed in June by a deputy in Gardena in an incident that sparked weeks of protests .
Villanueva has denied the existence of gangs within the department , saying trial attorneys are exaggerating the problem to get the best deals for their clients .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Villanueva said during a live broadcast Wednesday .
“ They don ’ t care that the product they ’ re selling doesn ’ t really hold weight , doesn ’ t have the facts to support it.
” A whistleblower deputy , who has filed a retaliation claim against the department , said under oath recently that the two deputies involved in Guardado ’ s shooting were prospective members of a deputy gang called the Executioners entrenched at the Compton sheriff ’ s station , claims their lawyers have denied .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15 to 20 deputies are Executioners , who mark themselves with distinctive tattoos , and that at least a handful more are prospective members who are “ chasing ink ” by trying to prove they ’ re worthy of a tattoo .
He said that it was his understanding that only two deputies are inked each year and that women and Black people aren ’ t allowed to join .
A vast majority of members and prospects , he said , have been involved in high-profile shootings or beatings .
Villanueva said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — a new policy that prohibits membership in illicit groups .

A House subcommittee has asked the Department of Justice to investigate the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department.
A congressional subcommittee has requested that the Department of Justice investigate allegations of systemic abuses by “criminal gangs” that employ aggressive policing tactics within the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
“The allegations of abusive behavior by these criminal gangs within the LASD are deeply disturbing,” Reps. Jimmy Gomez (D-Los Angeles) and Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) wrote Thursday in a letter to Assistant Atty. Gen. Eric S. Dreiband of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “If true, they represent egregious violations of the civil rights of the residents of the communities subjected to their violence and to the deputies who oppose these heinous practices.”
The Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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A Sheriff’s Department spokesman said that the letter is “filled with unsubstantiated allegations and inflammatory rhetoric” and that the FBI and state attorney general were already asked to monitor certain ongoing investigations within the agency.
“So this request by Mr. Raskin and Mr. Gomez was already placed into motion by Sheriff [Alex] Villanueva months ago,” Lt. John Satterfield said.
He also said the department “is taking aggressive action in disciplining those employees that use their association in cliques to engage in misconduct against others, inside or outside the organization.”
Citing reporting by The Times, the letter says that deputy gangs have plagued the Sheriff’s Department for decades, since 1971, and that settlements related to “gang-affiliated deputies” have cost L.A. County taxpayers roughly $55 million.
“Not surprisingly, gang members have been implicated in heinous acts of brutality against Black people,” wrote Gomez and Raskin, who serve on the House Oversight and Reform subcommittee on civil rights and civil liberties.
The allegations have come up in recent excessive force and wrongful death claims and lawsuits, including one filed this week by the family of Andres Guardado, 18, who was shot and killed in June by a deputy in Gardena in an incident that sparked weeks of protests.
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Villanueva has denied the existence of gangs within the department, saying trial attorneys are exaggerating the problem to get the best deals for their clients.
“I’m not buying it,” Villanueva said during a live broadcast Wednesday. “They don’t care that the product they’re selling doesn’t really hold weight, doesn’t have the facts to support it.”
A whistleblower deputy, who has filed a retaliation claim against the department, said under oath recently that the two deputies involved in Guardado’s shooting were prospective members of a deputy gang called the Executioners entrenched at the Compton sheriff’s station, claims their lawyers have denied.
The whistleblower, Austreberto Gonzalez, testified that 15 to 20 deputies are Executioners, who mark themselves with distinctive tattoos, and that at least a handful more are prospective members who are “chasing ink” by trying to prove they’re worthy of a tattoo. He said that it was his understanding that only two deputies are inked each year and that women and Black people aren’t allowed to join. A vast majority of members and prospects, he said, have been involved in high-profile shootings or beatings.
Villanueva said he has implemented — and is vigorously enforcing — a new policy that prohibits membership in illicit groups.


latimes--2020-09-03--L.A. coronavirus testing centers will close amid extreme heat and Labor Day

Coronavirus testing centers operated by the city of Los Angeles will be closed this weekend amid the extreme heat that ’ s forecast for the region , as well as Labor Day , Mayor Eric Garcetti said Wednesday .
All drive-through testing sites run by the city will be closed Saturday , Sunday and Monday , Garcetti said .
But mobile teams will hold pop-up testing events at Union Station and the Carecen Day Labor Center in Westlake on Friday , and at Liberty Park in Koreatown and the L.A .
Downtown Medical Center on Saturday , he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Angeles City College in East Hollywood on Saturday , according to the city ’ s pop-up testing website .
“ These pop-up testing sites are critical for Angelenos who don ’ t have access to a car , ” Garcetti said .
“ You can simply walk up with no appointment , get a test and be on your way.
” Los Angeles and much of the state are under an excessive heat watch or warning beginning either Friday or Saturday and continuing through Sunday or Monday .
Temperatures are expected to climb @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or even higher — in some areas over the weekend .
All state-operated coronavirus testing sites , and some centers operated by the county , will also be closed Monday for the Labor Day holiday , officials said .
L.A. County will close its testing centers at Bellflower City Hall , East L.A. College , the Forum , the Martin Luther King Jr. Medical Campus and Montebello Civic Center on Monday .
Other sites operated by the county will remain open .
According to figures reported Wednesday by L.A. County public health officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been tested for the virus , with about 10 % testing positive .

Coronavirus testing centers operated by the city of Los Angeles will be closed this weekend amid the extreme heat that’s forecast for the region, as well as Labor Day, Mayor Eric Garcetti said Wednesday.
All drive-through testing sites run by the city will be closed Saturday, Sunday and Monday, Garcetti said.
But mobile teams will hold pop-up testing events at Union Station and the Carecen Day Labor Center in Westlake on Friday, and at Liberty Park in Koreatown and the L.A. Downtown Medical Center on Saturday, he said. Mobile teams also will be at Los Angeles City College in East Hollywood on Saturday, according to the city’s pop-up testing website.
“These pop-up testing sites are critical for Angelenos who don’t have access to a car,” Garcetti said. “You can simply walk up with no appointment, get a test and be on your way.”
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Los Angeles and much of the state are under an excessive heat watch or warning beginning either Friday or Saturday and continuing through Sunday or Monday. Temperatures are expected to climb 15 to 20 degrees above normal — or even higher — in some areas over the weekend.
All state-operated coronavirus testing sites, and some centers operated by the county, will also be closed Monday for the Labor Day holiday, officials said. L.A. County will close its testing centers at Bellflower City Hall, East L.A. College, the Forum, the Martin Luther King Jr. Medical Campus and Montebello Civic Center on Monday. Other sites operated by the county will remain open.
According to figures reported Wednesday by L.A. County public health officials, more than 2.3 million residents have been tested for the virus, with about 10% testing positive.


latimes--2020-09-03--Britney Spears doesn't want conservatorship case 'hidden away ... as a family secret'

The fan-fueled # FreeBritney movement just got its biggest endorsement , and it came from Britney Spears herself .
In a Wednesday filing in Los Angeles Superior Court , the 38-year-old pop singer gave credence to the viral campaign whose organizers her father and conservator James “ Jamie ” Spears recently characterized as “ conspiracy theorists.
” The `` ... Baby One More Time ” singer ’ s statement came when her court-appointed attorney filed a motion opposing her dad ’ s request to keep the case sealed .
“ Far from being a conspiracy theory or a ‘ joke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in large part this scrutiny is a reasonable and even predictable result of James ’ aggressive use of the sealing procedure over the years to minimize the amount of meaningful information made available to the public , ” wrote the artist ’ s attorney , Samuel D. Ingham III .
That motion , reviewed by The Times on Thursday , asked the court to open Spears ’ protracted conservatorship case to public scrutiny after being sealed at her father ’ s behest for years .
Jamie Spears has argued that the family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ T ] he public has a legitimate interest in understanding how its court system operates , ” Ingham wrote , citing the California Constitution .
Ingham argued that Spears ’ father ’ s sealing strategy might have had merits years ago , when the pop musician was trying to restart her career , but that has changed .
“ At this point in her life when she is trying to regain some measure of personal autonomy , Britney welcomes and appreciates the informed support of her many fans , ” her attorney said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supposedly for her ‘ protection , ’ Britney herself is vehemently opposed to this effort by her father to keep her legal struggle hidden away in the closet as a family secret.
” The # FreeBritney movement has closely followed the few publicly available developments in the case , and supporters have protested outside the courthouse during hearings .
The campaign has called for an investigation of the conservatorship — known in other states as a legal guardianship — which was put into place after the “ Toxic ” hitmaker ’ s public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Change.org petition has amassed more than 107,500 signatures in the past year and garnered celebrity support , including from Miley Cyrus , Ariel Winter , Ruby Rose and Paris Hilton as well as the American Civil Liberties Union .
Some organizers want to see the abolition of the arrangement , alleging abuse or theft that James Spears has denied , while other fans have been looking for coded messages in Spears ’ recent Instagram posts .
However , in a filing earlier this week , Spears ’ attorney said the conservatorship is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is “ strongly opposed ” to her father remaining the sole conservator of her person and estate and requested that a corporate fiduciary , Bessemer Trust Co. , be appointed to manage her estate .
In Wednesday ’ s filing , Spears said she opposes her father ’ s move to reappoint her former co-conservator , Andrew M. Wallet , who resigned from the case in 2019 .
( A temporary conservator is currently in charge of her person . )
“ Britney strongly believes it is consistent not only with her personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy generally that the decision to appoint a new conservator of her estate be made in as open and transparent a manner as possible , ” Ingham wrote .
“ The sealing motion is supposedly being brought by her father to ‘ protect ’ Britney ’ s interests , but she is adamantly opposed to it .
Therefore , the Wallet Appointment Sealing Motion should be denied.
” Ingham also argued that the moment her father obtained the power to handle Spears ’ affairs on her behalf , he “ surrendered a large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in which he exercises that power.
” “ Transparency is an essential component in order for this Court to earn and retain the public ’ s confidence with respect to protective proceedings like this one .
In this case , it is not an exaggeration to say that the whole world is watching , ” he wrote in conclusion .
# FreeBritney organizers were elated Thursday after reading Spears ’ acknowledgement in the court filing .
“ Reading the latest court document brought tears to my eyes , ” organizer Megan Radford of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to The Times .
“ We ’ ve always known our movement was on the right side of history .
We saw the abuse and didn ’ t believe the lies being fed to us .
But to see her support confirmed via a court document was truly an incredible moment for me .
I am so proud of the # FreeBritney movement and want Britney to know that we will NOT STOP until she ’ s free.
” “ I am over the moon that Britney ’ s lawyer is finally advocating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sealing of her conservator dad ’ s petition , ” added Kevin Wu of Los Angeles .
“ I completely agree that it ’ s simply good public policy to keep court proceedings open and transparent and am elated to know that Britney herself welcomes the support of her fans .
“ The new filing confirms what we in the # FreeBritney movement already suspected — that the sealing motions are to protect the conservators and their suspicious motives and not in the interest of Britney ’ s privacy , ” Wu said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that our efforts are paying off !
”

The fan-fueled #FreeBritney movement just got its biggest endorsement, and it came from Britney Spears herself.
In a Wednesday filing in Los Angeles Superior Court, the 38-year-old pop singer gave credence to the viral campaign whose organizers her father and conservator James “Jamie” Spears recently characterized as “conspiracy theorists.”
The “... Baby One More Time” singer’s statement came when her court-appointed attorney filed a motion opposing her dad’s request to keep the case sealed.
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“Far from being a conspiracy theory or a ‘joke’ as James reportedly told the media, in large part this scrutiny is a reasonable and even predictable result of James’ aggressive use of the sealing procedure over the years to minimize the amount of meaningful information made available to the public,” wrote the artist’s attorney, Samuel D. Ingham III.
That motion, reviewed by The Times on Thursday, asked the court to open Spears’ protracted conservatorship case to public scrutiny after being sealed at her father’s behest for years. Jamie Spears has argued that the family business should remain private.
“[T]he public has a legitimate interest in understanding how its court system operates,” Ingham wrote, citing the California Constitution.
Ingham argued that Spears’ father’s sealing strategy might have had merits years ago, when the pop musician was trying to restart her career, but that has changed.
“At this point in her life when she is trying to regain some measure of personal autonomy, Britney welcomes and appreciates the informed support of her many fans,” her attorney said. “Although the sealing motion is supposedly for her ‘protection,’ Britney herself is vehemently opposed to this effort by her father to keep her legal struggle hidden away in the closet as a family secret.”
The #FreeBritney movement has closely followed the few publicly available developments in the case, and supporters have protested outside the courthouse during hearings. The campaign has called for an investigation of the conservatorship — known in other states as a legal guardianship — which was put into place after the “Toxic” hitmaker’s public unraveling in 2008.
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The campaign’s Change.org petition has amassed more than 107,500 signatures in the past year and garnered celebrity support, including from Miley Cyrus, Ariel Winter, Ruby Rose and Paris Hilton as well as the American Civil Liberties Union.
Some organizers want to see the abolition of the arrangement, alleging abuse or theft that James Spears has denied, while other fans have been looking for coded messages in Spears’ recent Instagram posts.
However, in a filing earlier this week, Spears’ attorney said the conservatorship is “voluntary.” He added that Spears is “strongly opposed” to her father remaining the sole conservator of her person and estate and requested that a corporate fiduciary, Bessemer Trust Co., be appointed to manage her estate.
Jamie Spears, father of singer Britney Spears, leaves the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in 2012. (Nick Ut / AP)
In Wednesday’s filing, Spears said she opposes her father’s move to reappoint her former co-conservator, Andrew M. Wallet, who resigned from the case in 2019. (A temporary conservator is currently in charge of her person.)
“Britney strongly believes it is consistent not only with her personal best interests but also with good public policy generally that the decision to appoint a new conservator of her estate be made in as open and transparent a manner as possible,” Ingham wrote. “The sealing motion is supposedly being brought by her father to ‘protect’ Britney’s interests, but she is adamantly opposed to it. Therefore, the Wallet Appointment Sealing Motion should be denied.”
Ingham also argued that the moment her father obtained the power to handle Spears’ affairs on her behalf, he “surrendered a large measure of privacy as to the manner in which he exercises that power.”
“Transparency is an essential component in order for this Court to earn and retain the public’s confidence with respect to protective proceedings like this one. In this case, it is not an exaggeration to say that the whole world is watching,” he wrote in conclusion.
California Britney Spears hearing on conservatorship draws fans to downtown L.A. courthouse Dozens of Britney Spears fans holding signs reading “FREE BRITNEY” and “Brit is Stronger” gathered outside the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in downtown Los Angeles on Friday afternoon in anticipation of a status hearing on the pop star’s contentious conservatorship.
#FreeBritney organizers were elated Thursday after reading Spears’ acknowledgement in the court filing.
“Reading the latest court document brought tears to my eyes,” organizer Megan Radford of Oklahoma City, said in a statement to The Times. “We’ve always known our movement was on the right side of history. We saw the abuse and didn’t believe the lies being fed to us. But to see her support confirmed via a court document was truly an incredible moment for me. I am so proud of the #FreeBritney movement and want Britney to know that we will NOT STOP until she’s free.”
“I am over the moon that Britney’s lawyer is finally advocating for her interests and objecting to the sealing of her conservator dad’s petition,” added Kevin Wu of Los Angeles. “I completely agree that it’s simply good public policy to keep court proceedings open and transparent and am elated to know that Britney herself welcomes the support of her fans.
“The new filing confirms what we in the #FreeBritney movement already suspected — that the sealing motions are to protect the conservators and their suspicious motives and not in the interest of Britney’s privacy,” Wu said. “It feels incredible to know that our efforts are paying off!”


latimes--2020-09-03--Ferocious heat wave could bring record temperatures to California over Labor Day weekend

California will again be in the crosshairs of a potentially historic heat wave over Labor Day weekend — prompting officials to warn of heightened fire risk and urge residents to protect themselves from the dangerous temperatures .
Forecasters say the weather system will bring higher temperatures than August ’ s heat wave and potentially a slew of record-breaking highs .
The National Weather Service warned that “ this kind of heat can be life-threatening , and people are urged to use common sense , keep hydrated and stay out of the heat and in air-conditioned locations as much as possible.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we deal with — hurricanes , tornadoes , floods — the deadliest by far is heat , ” said Bill Patzert , a climatologist and local weather expert .
The bulk of the state will be in the heat wave ’ s throes starting Friday .
Temperatures are expected to climb 15 to 20 degrees above normal — or even higher — in some areas of Southern California over the weekend .
“ I ’ m personally going to British Columbia , ” joked David Sweet , a meteorologist with the National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rising mercury comes a heightened risk for heat-related illnesses , and experts say it ’ s vital that all residents avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to the heat .
“ We recommend that people suspend any plans they have for extended exposure to the daytime heat , because heat illnesses can strike anyone , especially young children and the elderly , ” Sweet said .
“ So if you have any elderly neighbors , you want to check on them.
” Aside from some northeastern areas , virtually all of California will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beginning either Friday or Saturday and continuing through Sunday or Monday .
The high temperatures will increase the threat of both power outages and large fires , unwelcome news after the one-two punch of rolling blackouts and a historic firestorm during another heat wave just weeks ago .
The California Independent System Operator , which runs the power grid for most of the state , issued a statewide flex alert Thursday — calling for voluntary electricity conservation from 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday through Monday .
If there is a silver lining , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while intense , won ’ t be as long-lived as the one that broiled the state in mid-August .
Temperatures will climb Friday and top out on Saturday and Sunday before beginning to tick down Monday .
“ Saturday and Sunday will be the hottest days , but Monday will still be pretty darn hot , ” said Samantha Connolly , a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in San Diego .
After that , temperatures will continue to trend downward , getting closer to normal by the end of next week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a shorter period of time , but it ’ s going to be hotter than the last one , ” he said .
On Sunday , which is expected to be the height of the heat wave in many areas , the mercury will likely top 100 degrees in downtown Los Angeles .
Some of Los Angeles County ’ s inland valleys will surpass 110 , with Woodland Hills forecast to reach 116 .
Coastal areas , though cooler , could still see temperatures above 90 degrees .
“ The entire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warning at some point , ” Connolly said .
Patzert said heat waves aren ’ t uncommon for September , though climate change has made them all the more potent .
“ Looking back over the past century or so , heat waves in Southern California have gotten longer , they ’ ve gotten more intense and they ’ re more frequent , ” he said .
“ And , of course , this is a global warming signal.
” The latest “ rather extraordinary , record-strength , late-season ridge of high pressure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heat ” to the West Coast , UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain wrote on Twitter on Tuesday .
“ Some all-time September records may be threatened , ” he added .
Both Connolly and Sweet said the heat wave may rewrite the record books for a wide swath of the state .
Some of the cites that could see new daily highs over the weekend include Long Beach , Camarillo , Paso Robles , Riverside , Anaheim and Escondido .
Connolly noted it is expected to be less humid than during the previous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warmer , might not feel as oppressive .
“ It ’ s looking like most of the state is going to see this heat , ” she said .
To reduce strain on the electrical grid , the California ISO recommends residents hold off on using major appliances , turn off unnecessary lights , close blinds and drapes and set thermostats to 78 degrees while the flex alert is in effect .
“ In some places they ’ re taking down statues ... but here in L.A. what we should do is build @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Patzert said , referencing Willis Carrier , the inventor of modern air conditioning .
Forecasters also said residents need to avoid the heat as much as possible .
While outside , officials recommend wearing light-colored , lightweight clothing and using a hat or umbrella for shade .
Children and pets also should never be left in cars , and residents should keep an eye out for symptoms of heat-related illnesses — including vomiting , pale and clammy skin and high body temperature .
Sweet also said it ’ s important to drink plenty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekend , he clarified , “ we recommend water , not alcohol .
Alcohol will dry you out.
” Aside from being a “ silent killer , ” Patzert said heat is also a socioeconomic one , as it disproportionately affects those who don ’ t have air conditioning or can ’ t afford to run it .
“ Of course , all this is exacerbated here in the time of coronavirus because many of the poorer sections of the city have to resort to cooling centers — but how do you do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ epidemic ?
” he said .
A number of cooling centers will be available in Los Angeles County during the heat wave , and officials said Thursday that those locations “ will operate in compliance with physical distancing and other COVID-19 safety criteria.
” Centers will be available at the following locations : • Griffith Manor Park , 1551 Flower St. , 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Tuesday • Pacific Community Center , 501 South Pacific Ave. , 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday through Monday • Crowther Teen & Family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Monday • Museum of Art and History , 665 West Lancaster Blvd.
, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily • Robinson Park , 1081 North Fair Oaks Ave. , 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Monday • Senior Center / Community Center , 201 East Bonita Ave. , 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Sept. 10 • Las Palmas Park , 505 South Huntington St. , 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday through Tuesday • Stevenson Ranch Library , 25950 The Old Road , @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Jeff Teho and wife, Debbie Paris, let their dogs, Dexter, left, and Lizzy, experience paddle boarding for the first time in Marina Del Rey. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)
Reana Gallardo cools off in the sprinkler at Mason Park in Chatsworth during her lunch break from work. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)
A kite surfer goes airborne while another glides across the water ahead of the Labor Day holiday weekend in Seal Beach. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Drone view of a skim boarder riding a wave on a sunny day ahead of the Labor Day holiday weekend in Seal Beach. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
A youngster does a flip on the beach near the San Clemente Pier on a warm sunny Wednesday ahead of the Labor Day holiday. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
A fisherman statue is fitted with a mask outside Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar in San Clemente. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
People enjoy a warm, sunny Wednesday ahead of the Labor Day holiday weekend at the San Clemente Pier. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Beachgoers enjoy a warm, sunny Wednesday ahead of the Labor Day holiday weekend near the San Clemente Pier. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Chrystabelle Ramirez of Los Angeles gets in her workout on the Terri and Jerry Kohl Staircase at the Music Center in downtown Los Angeles. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)
Ray Gonzalez takes a break from the heat near a water fountain after having lunch in the arts district in downtown Santa Ana. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Melinda Mena and her husband, Rick, apply primer to a wrought-iron fence in front of their Porter Ranch home. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)
Chris Ruiz finds a shady spot to practice his javelin throw at Newhall Park in Santa Clarita. Ruiz hopes to make it onto the Cal State Northridge track and field team. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)
Alexie Epstein, from left, Jackie Nuchow, Sammy Nuchow and Maddie Clark, all 17, cool off after a training session at Balboa Park in Encino. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)
Enrique Hernandez, 7, Ranfery Hernandez, 5, and Angeline Hernandez, 10, play in the ocean Friday at Will Rogers State Beach. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)
A man rides his bike through the Arts District in downtown Los Angeles. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Miguel Garcia of Tujunga after jogging at Hansen Dam Recreation Area in Pacoima. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)
Carlos Gutierrez creates his own shade while walking with inflatable balls for sale in Pacoima. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)
Cael Kirkland of Los Angeles and his son cool off at Will Rogers State Beach on Friday. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)
Lesandro Jimenez helps his daughter Genesis with some ice cream at Balboa Park in Van Nuys on Saturday. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times)
Children take shade at Balboa Park in Van Nuys on Saturday. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times)
A cyclist hydrates while waiting to cross Pacific Coast Highway at Main Street in Huntington Beach on Saturday. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
Surfers wait to catch a wave in the waters off Huntington Beach on Saturday. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
People cool off in the ocean at Hermosa Beach on Saturday. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
The parking lot is full at Junipero Beach in Long Beach on Saturday. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
Rowan Cook keeps cool Saturday on a water slide in his yard in Highland Park. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times)
Jessica Luebke puts goggles on her son Sebastian Longeretta, 3, while her son Enzo Longeretta, 7, jumps into their Silver Lake pool on Saturday. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times)
Rita Zeid, 79, left, works on puzzles and her husband, Mike, 84, reads magazines while cooling off Sunday at the Marina Community Center in Seal Beach. (Christina House / Los Angeles Times)
Charlotte Henderson and her dog Benny find relief from the heat at a cooling center in Seal Beach. (Christina House / Los Angeles Times)
Girls play in a stream near Lake Balboa/Anthony C. Beilenson Park on Sunday. (Gabriella Angotti-Jones / Los Angeles Times)
Girls play in a stream near Lake Balboa/Anthony C. Beilenson Park on Sunday. (Gabriella Angotti-Jones / Los Angeles Times)
Dan and Candy McCoy of La Habra relax in the back of their truck in Huntington Beach on Sunday. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Yolanda Soria of Glendale looks out over thousands of people at Huntington Beach on Sunday. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Guitarist Marcelo Sotelo of Anaheim leads members of the Iglesias Pentecostal United Church of Santa Ana in a song at Mile Square Park. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
From left, Annie Nguyen, 17, Kendra Cheung, 8, Katelyn Le, 9, and Phu Le, 17, enjoy a Labor Day picnic at Mile Square Park in Fountain Valley. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Laura Martinez, 8, of Santa Ana cools off at Mile Square Park in Fountain Valley. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
California will again be in the crosshairs of a potentially historic heat wave over Labor Day weekend — prompting officials to warn of heightened fire risk and urge residents to protect themselves from the dangerous temperatures.
Forecasters say the weather system will bring higher temperatures than August’s heat wave and potentially a slew of record-breaking highs.
The National Weather Service warned that “this kind of heat can be life-threatening, and people are urged to use common sense, keep hydrated and stay out of the heat and in air-conditioned locations as much as possible.”
“Of all the meteorological events that we deal with — hurricanes, tornadoes, floods — the deadliest by far is heat,” said Bill Patzert, a climatologist and local weather expert.
Advertisement
DANGEROUSLY hot conditions this Labor Day weekend over southwest California. Temperatures may reach ALL TIME highs. Heat illness can KILL. PLAN NOW! Check in on loved ones who are especially vulnerable (the very young, very old, outdoor enthusiasts and workers). #CAwx #LAheat pic.twitter.com/cwgiN4d3FT — NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) September 3, 2020
The bulk of the state will be in the heat wave’s throes starting Friday. Temperatures are expected to climb 15 to 20 degrees above normal — or even higher — in some areas of Southern California over the weekend.
“I’m personally going to British Columbia,” joked David Sweet, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard.
With the rising mercury comes a heightened risk for heat-related illnesses, and experts say it’s vital that all residents avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to the heat.
“We recommend that people suspend any plans they have for extended exposure to the daytime heat, because heat illnesses can strike anyone, especially young children and the elderly,” Sweet said. “So if you have any elderly neighbors, you want to check on them.”
Advertisement
Aside from some northeastern areas, virtually all of California will be under an excessive heat watch or warning beginning either Friday or Saturday and continuing through Sunday or Monday.
The high temperatures will increase the threat of both power outages and large fires, unwelcome news after the one-two punch of rolling blackouts and a historic firestorm during another heat wave just weeks ago.
The California Independent System Operator, which runs the power grid for most of the state, issued a statewide flex alert Thursday — calling for voluntary electricity conservation from 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday through Monday.
If there is a silver lining, it’s that this heat wave, while intense, won’t be as long-lived as the one that broiled the state in mid-August.
Temperatures will climb Friday and top out on Saturday and Sunday before beginning to tick down Monday.
“Saturday and Sunday will be the hottest days, but Monday will still be pretty darn hot,” said Samantha Connolly, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in San Diego.
After that, temperatures will continue to trend downward, getting closer to normal by the end of next week, according to Sweet.
“It’s a shorter period of time, but it’s going to be hotter than the last one,” he said.
On Sunday, which is expected to be the height of the heat wave in many areas, the mercury will likely top 100 degrees in downtown Los Angeles. Some of Los Angeles County’s inland valleys will surpass 110, with Woodland Hills forecast to reach 116.
Coastal areas, though cooler, could still see temperatures above 90 degrees.
“The entire region will be under an excessive heat warning at some point,” Connolly said.
Have we yelled about the heat enough yet? There is now an Excessive Heat Warning in place for Fri-Mon. Have you started drinking your water yet? Although it's a bummer, outdoor activities should be limited this holiday weekend, especially during the hottest part of the day. pic.twitter.com/dOZX3weXgw — NWS San Diego (@NWSSanDiego) September 2, 2020
Patzert said heat waves aren’t uncommon for September, though climate change has made them all the more potent.
“Looking back over the past century or so, heat waves in Southern California have gotten longer, they’ve gotten more intense and they’re more frequent,” he said. “And, of course, this is a global warming signal.”
The latest “rather extraordinary, record-strength, late-season ridge of high pressure” will likely bring “widespread record heat” to the West Coast, UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain wrote on Twitter on Tuesday.
“Some all-time September records may be threatened,” he added.
Both Connolly and Sweet said the heat wave may rewrite the record books for a wide swath of the state. Some of the cites that could see new daily highs over the weekend include Long Beach, Camarillo, Paso Robles, Riverside, Anaheim and Escondido.
Connolly noted it is expected to be less humid than during the previous heat wave, meaning conditions, though warmer, might not feel as oppressive.
“It’s looking like most of the state is going to see this heat,” she said.
California Essential California: Another heat wave is coming A major heat wave will be hitting California this weekend, complicating firefighting efforts and potentially bringing more challenges to the electrical grid.
To reduce strain on the electrical grid, the California ISO recommends residents hold off on using major appliances, turn off unnecessary lights, close blinds and drapes and set thermostats to 78 degrees while the flex alert is in effect.
“In some places they’re taking down statues ... but here in L.A. what we should do is build a statue for Mr. Carrier,” Patzert said, referencing Willis Carrier, the inventor of modern air conditioning.
Forecasters also said residents need to avoid the heat as much as possible.
While outside, officials recommend wearing light-colored, lightweight clothing and using a hat or umbrella for shade. Children and pets also should never be left in cars, and residents should keep an eye out for symptoms of heat-related illnesses — including vomiting, pale and clammy skin and high body temperature.
Sweet also said it’s important to drink plenty of liquids.
Given the upcoming holiday weekend, he clarified, “we recommend water, not alcohol. Alcohol will dry you out.”
Aside from being a “silent killer,” Patzert said heat is also a socioeconomic one, as it disproportionately affects those who don’t have air conditioning or can’t afford to run it.
“Of course, all this is exacerbated here in the time of coronavirus because many of the poorer sections of the city have to resort to cooling centers — but how do you do that in the middle of a coronavirus epidemic?” he said.
A number of cooling centers will be available in Los Angeles County during the heat wave, and officials said Thursday that those locations “will operate in compliance with physical distancing and other COVID-19 safety criteria.”
Centers will be available at the following locations:


latimes--2020-09-03--Search continues in Mexico for L.A. firefighter Garcetti said may have been kidnapped

Nearly two weeks after a Los Angeles firefighter went missing in Mexico , L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti announced during a news briefing Wednesday that “ we learned from Mexican authorities ” that Francisco Aguilar may have been violently kidnapped in Baja , California .
However , the spokesman for the Baja California state prosecutor ’ s office told The Times that he could not confirm that investigators believe Aguilar was the victim of a kidnapping .
“ The matter is under investigation , ” spokesman Raul Gutierrez said Wednesday night .
“ There is no definite hypothesis yet of what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Los Angeles Fire Department , disappeared from his condo in Mexico last month , according to family members .
Garcetti said at his media briefing that the city “ would work tirelessly ” to ensure Aguilar ’ s safe return .
He later clarified at the briefing that he had only read a news report that said Aguilar had possibly been kidnapped and had no additional information .
Alex Comisar , spokesman for Garcetti , said the mayor ’ s office has been in contact with both U.S. and Mexican authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said they have deployed “ a significant number ” of agents from the state ’ s missing persons team to find Aguilar , who disappeared two weeks ago .
According to a complaint filed with the Baja California attorney general ’ s office , Aguilar was last heard from at 8:44 p.m. Aug. 20 , when he sent his family members his location via WhatsApp .
The next day , after they didn ’ t hear from him , several of his relatives went to look for him at his home .
When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they contacted authorities for help .
Mexican investigators , who are working with U.S. authorities on the case , searched Aguilar ’ s home , interviewed possible witnesses and contacted area hospitals , but still have no clear leads , officials said .
Aguilar ’ s family members said they went to check on him after he stopped communicating with them and found his vehicle missing and the condo ransacked , .
During a recent vigil at the family ’ s home in Montebello , relatives said Aguilar , 48 , frequently visited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ town south of Tijuana , the TV station reported .
FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said last week the agency has offered assistance in the search for Aguilar but is not leading the investigation .

Family members gathered in Montebello on Aug. 24 for a vigil for Francisco Aguilar, a Los Angeles firefighter who disappeared from his condo in Rosarito, Mexico, last month.
Nearly two weeks after a Los Angeles firefighter went missing in Mexico, L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti announced during a news briefing Wednesday that “we learned from Mexican authorities” that Francisco Aguilar may have been violently kidnapped in Baja California.
However, the spokesman for the Baja California state prosecutor’s office told The Times that he could not confirm that investigators believe Aguilar was the victim of a kidnapping.
“The matter is under investigation,” spokesman Raul Gutierrez said Wednesday night. “There is no definite hypothesis yet of what happened.”
Aguilar, a 20-year veteran of the Los Angeles Fire Department, disappeared from his condo in Mexico last month, according to family members.
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Garcetti said at his media briefing that the city “would work tirelessly” to ensure Aguilar’s safe return. He later clarified at the briefing that he had only read a news report that said Aguilar had possibly been kidnapped and had no additional information.
Alex Comisar, spokesman for Garcetti, said the mayor’s office has been in contact with both U.S. and Mexican authorities about the case.
Baja California authorities said they have deployed “a significant number” of agents from the state’s missing persons team to find Aguilar, who disappeared two weeks ago.
According to a complaint filed with the Baja California attorney general’s office, Aguilar was last heard from at 8:44 p.m. Aug. 20, when he sent his family members his location via WhatsApp.
The next day, after they didn’t hear from him, several of his relatives went to look for him at his home.
When they didn’t find him, they contacted authorities for help. Mexican investigators, who are working with U.S. authorities on the case, searched Aguilar’s home, interviewed possible witnesses and contacted area hospitals, but still have no clear leads, officials said.
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Aguilar’s family members said they went to check on him after he stopped communicating with them and found his vehicle missing and the condo ransacked, KCAL-TV reported .
During a recent vigil at the family’s home in Montebello, relatives said Aguilar, 48, frequently visited his condo in Rosarito, a resort town south of Tijuana, the TV station reported.
FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said last week the agency has offered assistance in the search for Aguilar but is not leading the investigation.


latimes--2020-09-03--L.A. County is easing COVID-19 restrictions again: What you need to know

Los Angeles County on Wednesday began allowing additional reopenings as coronavirus cases continue to stabilize .
But the news came with a warning that COVID-19 remains a major threat and people must exercise caution .
“ The virus is widespread in our community , ” L.A. County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis said .
“ The improvements we see do not mean victory .
It is still easy to transmit , and often people who are contagious don ’ t have symptoms.
” Hair salons Hair salons and barbershops will be allowed to operate indoors at 25 % capacity if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employees wear masks and follow other health-related mandates .
Barbershop and salon owners welcomed the reopening news , but some worried the 25 % capacity rule was still too strict .
“ Landlords won ’ t be reducing their leases by 75 % , ” said Fred Jones , the legal counsel for the Professional Beauty Federation of California .
Shopping malls Malls remain closed for now .
That sparked concern from mall business owners and employees who ’ ve struggled these past few months with enormous financial uncertainty .
“ We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put a considerable number of people back to work , ” said Maria Mainville , director of strategic communications at Taubman , which owns the Beverly Center and operates several other shopping centers across the country .
Schools Beginning Sept. 14 , K-12 schools can offer in-school services for small groups of students with disabilities , students requiring instruction for English as a second language and students needing other specialized in-school services .
Schools can offer services to these students as long as they fully implement the county ’ s reopening protocols .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , stable groups of no more than 12 students and two supervisors in order to ensure the safety of teachers and students .
Schools must submit an operational plan to the county Department of Public Health and adhere to .
L.A. County Office of Education Supt .
Debra Duardo said Wednesday ’ s announcement was “ very encouraging.
” She added that “ our students with special needs and English learners are among the most vulnerable during this time of distance learning.
” While the county ’ s rules are meant to prioritize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that a school system will be ready to open for these small classes .
L.A. schools Supt .
Austin Beutner has noted in past statements that he , like many district employees , would fall into a high-risk category and that he wouldn ’ t ask employees to take a risk he would be unwilling to take himself .
Another unknown on Wednesday was the extent to which a district ’ s labor groups would have to sign off on plans to bring students back on campus .
L.A. 's teachers union — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — only recently completed an agreement on the rules for distance-only learning .
Rules for a return to campus will require a separate round of negotiations .
Long Beach Unified , the second-largest district in L.A. County with 85 schools and roughly 70,000 students , is discussing whether it will be ready to open by Sept. 14 for students with special needs .

Jaclyn Cosgrove, Nina Agrawal, Howard Blume, Sonja Sharp

Students gather books and belongings at El Camino Real Charter High School in April. Beginning Sept. 14, K-12 schools can offer in-school services for some students.
Los Angeles County on Wednesday began allowing additional reopenings as coronavirus cases continue to stabilize.
But the news came with a warning that COVID-19 remains a major threat and people must exercise caution.
“The virus is widespread in our community,” L.A. County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis said. “The improvements we see do not mean victory. It is still easy to transmit, and often people who are contagious don’t have symptoms.”
Advertisement
Hair salons
Hair salons and barbershops will be allowed to operate indoors at 25% capacity if they practice social distancing, and if employees wear masks and follow other health-related mandates.
Barbershop and salon owners welcomed the reopening news, but some worried the 25% capacity rule was still too strict.
“Landlords won’t be reducing their leases by 75%,” said Fred Jones, the legal counsel for the Professional Beauty Federation of California.
Shopping malls
Malls remain closed for now. That sparked concern from mall business owners and employees who’ve struggled these past few months with enormous financial uncertainty.
“We are anxious to fully reopen so we can put a considerable number of people back to work,” said Maria Mainville, director of strategic communications at Taubman, which owns the Beverly Center and operates several other shopping centers across the country.
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Schools
Beginning Sept. 14, K-12 schools can offer in-school services for small groups of students with disabilities, students requiring instruction for English as a second language and students needing other specialized in-school services. Schools can offer services to these students as long as they fully implement the county’s reopening protocols.
The county said schools must maintain small, stable groups of no more than 12 students and two supervisors in order to ensure the safety of teachers and students. Schools must submit an operational plan to the county Department of Public Health and adhere to reopening protocols .
L.A. County Office of Education Supt. Debra Duardo said Wednesday’s announcement was “very encouraging.” She added that “our students with special needs and English learners are among the most vulnerable during this time of distance learning.”
While the county’s rules are meant to prioritize safety, they don’t guarantee that a school system will be ready to open for these small classes. L.A. schools Supt. Austin Beutner has noted in past statements that he, like many district employees, would fall into a high-risk category and that he wouldn’t ask employees to take a risk he would be unwilling to take himself.
Another unknown on Wednesday was the extent to which a district’s labor groups would have to sign off on plans to bring students back on campus. L.A.’s teachers union — and unions in many other school systems — only recently completed an agreement on the rules for distance-only learning. Rules for a return to campus will require a separate round of negotiations.
Long Beach Unified, the second-largest district in L.A. County with 85 schools and roughly 70,000 students, is discussing whether it will be ready to open by Sept. 14 for students with special needs.


latimes--2020-09-03--California seeks immediate reversal of U.S. Postal Service changes

California is seeking the immediate reversal of changes at the U.S .
Postal Service that have caused widespread delays in mail delivery and have raised concerns that mail-in voting could be hampered ahead of the November election .
The legal move announced Thursday by Atty .
Gen. Xavier Becerra follows reports in The Times and other outlets about rotting food and dead animals in stockpiled packages in mail facilities , and customers who have gone long stretches without income and crucial medication due to the delays .
It also comes just after Postmaster General Louis DeJoy was served a congressional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delays and his appointment to the job , as well as his calendar and communications between him and the Trump campaign .
DeJoy , a former logistics executive and major donor to Republicans and President Trump , has emerged as a focal point for Democrats concerned by the president ’ s repeated attacks on mail-in voting and claim that the Postal Service shouldn ’ t receive an emergency bailout because he wants to limit the number of Americans who can vote by mail .
The motion for a preliminary injunction by Becerra — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of attorneys general who have sued DeJoy and Postal Service leaders over the changes — is an effort to immediately undo the changes , instead of waiting for the resolution of the existing lawsuit , which accuses the Trump administration of trying to hobble the Postal Service ahead of the election .
“ The U.S .
Postal Service is an American institution .
For many , it ’ s a lifeline — their Social Security or paychecks , their medicine , their connection to loved ones .
And for a vast , growing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to democracy , ” Becerra said in a statement .
Democrats have decried changes that include a mandate that mail delivery trucks leave exactly on time and avoid extra trips , practices that have led to mail being left behind and delayed .
The directive runs counter to a longstanding Postal Service custom that mail can not be left unprocessed , even if it means workers need to stay late or make additional trips .
At Southern California mail facilities , including a processing and distribution plant in South L.A. , a surge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overtime hours , combined with the stricter trucking schedule , created chaos , workers said .
Packages began piling up in July , workers said .
Soon , the backlog had grown so large that boxes sat unsorted for days , some with meat and other perishable foods rotting inside .
During hearings in Congress last month , DeJoy said under oath that the only changes he had personally ordered at the Postal Service were an executive shakeup and a mandate that the agency ’ s trucks hew to their schedules and leave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that were highlighted in the news — including the removal of blue collection boxes and mail sorting machines — were part of long-running plans at the organization that preceded his tenure .
First-class mail has long been in decline , he noted , prompting the removal of mail sorters .
“ I had nothing to do with the collection boxes , the sorting machines , the post office hours , or limiting overtime , ” he said at the hearing .
DeJoy , who took office June 15 , said Aug. 18 that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Nov. 3 to avoid the appearance of interfering with the election .
But he said he did not plan to roll back his requirement that trucks leave on time or that extra trips be avoided .
“ I would not know how to reverse that now , ” DeJoy said .
“ Am I to say , ‘ Don ’ t run the trucks on time ?
’ ” An audit by the Postal Service ’ s inspector general that was published the week DeJoy was sworn in found that the agency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fiscal year in late and extra transportation costs — an “ absolutely astonishing ” amount of money , given its finances , DeJoy said .
DeJoy said that since he imposed the stricter schedule requirement , on-time performance for the agency ’ s trucks has risen from 88 % to 97 % , and late trips have dropped from 3,500 to 600 a day .
“ We had some delays in the mail , ” DeJoy said .
“ Our recovery process in this should have been a few days , and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks.
” DeJoy also said he had not changed the agency ’ s overtime policy since becoming postmaster general .
A widely circulated Postal Service memo that said overtime would soon be eliminated because it was not “ cost effective ” had not been sent on his orders , DeJoy said .
He said he did not know which of the agency ’ s 50,000 managers had sent the memo , and had “ purposefully not tried to find out.
” A spokesman for the Postal Service did not immediately respond to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Times is collecting information from readers about problems with the Postal Service and is also seeking to hear from people who work for the organization .

California is seeking the immediate reversal of changes at the U.S. Postal Service that have caused widespread delays in mail delivery and have raised concerns that mail-in voting could be hampered ahead of the November election.
The legal move announced Thursday by Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra follows reports in The Times and other outlets about rotting food and dead animals in stockpiled packages in mail facilities, and customers who have gone long stretches without income and crucial medication due to the delays.
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It also comes just after Postmaster General Louis DeJoy was served a congressional subpoena Wednesday for records about the mail delays and his appointment to the job, as well as his calendar and communications between him and the Trump campaign.
DeJoy, a former logistics executive and major donor to Republicans and President Trump, has emerged as a focal point for Democrats concerned by the president’s repeated attacks on mail-in voting and claim that the Postal Service shouldn’t receive an emergency bailout because he wants to limit the number of Americans who can vote by mail.
The motion for a preliminary injunction by Becerra — acting as part of a multistate coalition of attorneys general who have sued DeJoy and Postal Service leaders over the changes — is an effort to immediately undo the changes, instead of waiting for the resolution of the existing lawsuit, which accuses the Trump administration of trying to hobble the Postal Service ahead of the election.
“The U.S. Postal Service is an American institution. For many, it’s a lifeline — their Social Security or paychecks, their medicine, their connection to loved ones. And for a vast, growing number, it’s their franchise to democracy,” Becerra said in a statement.
Democrats have decried changes that include a mandate that mail delivery trucks leave exactly on time and avoid extra trips, practices that have led to mail being left behind and delayed. The directive runs counter to a longstanding Postal Service custom that mail cannot be left unprocessed, even if it means workers need to stay late or make additional trips.
Advertisement
At Southern California mail facilities, including a processing and distribution plant in South L.A., a surge in package volume and a cutback in overtime hours, combined with the stricter trucking schedule, created chaos, workers said.
Packages began piling up in July, workers said. Soon, the backlog had grown so large that boxes sat unsorted for days, some with meat and other perishable foods rotting inside.
During hearings in Congress last month, DeJoy said under oath that the only changes he had personally ordered at the Postal Service were an executive shakeup and a mandate that the agency’s trucks hew to their schedules and leave on time.
He said other changes that were highlighted in the news — including the removal of blue collection boxes and mail sorting machines — were part of long-running plans at the organization that preceded his tenure. First-class mail has long been in decline, he noted, prompting the removal of mail sorters.
“I had nothing to do with the collection boxes, the sorting machines, the post office hours, or limiting overtime,” he said at the hearing.
California California vs. Trump hits the 100-lawsuit mark with new challenge to environmental rules California reached a milestone Friday in its ongoing legal feud with President Trump when Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra announced he had filed his 100th lawsuit against the administration, this time challenging changes in environmental rules.
DeJoy, who took office June 15, said Aug. 18 that he would suspend some operational changes until after Nov. 3 to avoid the appearance of interfering with the election.
But he said he did not plan to roll back his requirement that trucks leave on time or that extra trips be avoided.
“I would not know how to reverse that now,” DeJoy said. “Am I to say, ‘Don’t run the trucks on time?’”
An audit by the Postal Service’s inspector general that was published the week DeJoy was sworn in found that the agency spent $280 million in the 2019 fiscal year in late and extra transportation costs — an “absolutely astonishing” amount of money, given its finances, DeJoy said.
DeJoy said that since he imposed the stricter schedule requirement, on-time performance for the agency’s trucks has risen from 88% to 97%, and late trips have dropped from 3,500 to 600 a day.
“We had some delays in the mail,” DeJoy said. “Our recovery process in this should have been a few days, and it’s mounted to be a few weeks.”
DeJoy also said he had not changed the agency’s overtime policy since becoming postmaster general.
A widely circulated Postal Service memo that said overtime would soon be eliminated because it was not “cost effective” had not been sent on his orders, DeJoy said. He said he did not know which of the agency’s 50,000 managers had sent the memo, and had “purposefully not tried to find out.”
A spokesman for the Postal Service did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.
The Times is collecting information from readers about problems with the Postal Service and is also seeking to hear from people who work for the organization.


latimes--2020-09-03--Eviction court is back. Financially struggling tenants remain protected, for now

California ’ s courts are resuming eviction hearings this week , but a flurry of new protections could ensure that financially struggling tenants will not lose their homes , at least through the rest of the year .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom on Monday signed urgent legislation aimed at preventing landlords from throwing out tenants who ’ ve been financially affected by the novel coronavirus .
And on Tuesday , citing the risk of increased homelessness , overcrowding and the potential spread of COVID-19 , the Trump administration announced a moratorium on all pandemic-related residential evictions nationwide through the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an estimated 17 million tenants in California and 40 million across the country .
Because they apply so broadly , the measures provide basic protections for all tenants who previously had to decipher an uneven patchwork of rules governing who was allowed to be evicted and when .
But enforcement of the new regulations remains complicated and leaves significant gaps .
None of the new efforts waive rent payments , which could result in huge debts for tenants that ultimately need to be made up .
For their part , landlords are receiving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And the state program could require completing an elaborate legal process to qualify for relief , worrying tenant advocates who point to studies showing that upwards of 90 % of renters don ’ t have lawyers in eviction cases .
Here ’ s how tenants and landlords can navigate the new rules .
What should a tenant do if they haven ’ t been paying rent or won ’ t be able to for the rest of the year ?
The simplest answer : Tell your landlord .
The new federal rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , tenants must expect to make less than $ 99,000 this year .
Affected tenants have to notify their landlord in writing that they ’ ve lost income due to COVID-19 , and will have unstable housing if they lose their apartment .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has published the form tenants need to fill out , and it ’ s accessible through the federal register .
Once the tenant does this , they ’ re protected from eviction until Jan. 1 , though all unpaid rent would be due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is simple , the new state and some existing local government protections in California are more generous for tenants .
What extra protections do renters get under the new state rules ?
Landlords can ’ t evict tenants under the new state law if they didn ’ t pay their rent from March through August .
Importantly , like the federal program , these rent debts don ’ t go away .
But unlike the federal rules , landlords can never evict tenants for this overdue rent .
Instead , landlords can take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collect what ’ s owed as early as March 2021 .
For rent between now and the end of January , the state rules are a little more complicated .
They require tenants to pay at least a quarter of the rent owed during that time .
The money , however , isn ’ t due until the end of January .
In other words , tenants are able to avoid getting evicted for missed rent payments during the next five months as long as they pay a quarter of what ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the payment comes in one lump sum on that date .
In theory , this means that landlords could not begin evicting tenants for unpaid rent related to the pandemic until February .
Again , even if the tenant is able to pay a quarter of the rent needed to prevent their eviction , landlords could still try to collect the remaining debt in small claims court in the future .
Though landlords are barred from pandemic-related evictions , they can now initiate eviction proceedings — even for unpaid rent — that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect themselves , tenants have to make sure to respond to formal eviction notices .
Before going to court , landlords must give renters 15 business days to respond with a letter attesting to their financial hardship due to COVID-19 .
Tenant households that earn greater than $ 100,000 — or even more in counties with higher median incomes such as those in the Bay Area — may have to provide additional documentation to demonstrate they ’ ve been economically affected by the pandemic .
It ’ s possible that landlords could file @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if a tenant doesn ’ t pay rent .
In that case , a tenant would have to respond each time to ensure they ’ re protected .
On Wednesday , the Newsom administration announced a new informational campaign and website called “ Housing Is Key ” to inform tenants and landlords of their rights under the new state program .
So what eviction cases can move forward ?
Landlords can bring cases against tenants for anything besides not paying rent .
Landlords have been frustrated that they ’ ve been unable to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activity and other lease violations .
They ’ re allowed to do so now unless a city has passed additional prohibitions against other forms of evictions .
It took frantic negotiations over the past couple weeks for Newsom , state legislators , landlords and tenant groups to reach a deal to avert a wave of evictions that , by one estimate , could ensnare 5.4 million renters in California .
But all sides involved in the effort called the new law a stopgap that could allow lawmakers to come up with a more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again in January .
The governor and legislative leaders are pinning their hopes on more financial assistance from the federal government by then .
“ As significant as these new protections are , we acknowledge that the COVID-19 pandemic will still lead to some foreclosures and evictions , causing great pain for the families experiencing them , ” said Newsom , Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins ( D-San Diego ) and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon ( D-Lakewood ) in a statement announcing the eviction deal last week .

California’s courts are resuming eviction hearings this week, but a flurry of new protections could ensure that financially struggling tenants will not lose their homes, at least through the rest of the year.
Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday signed urgent legislation aimed at preventing landlords from throwing out tenants who’ve been financially affected by the novel coronavirus. And on Tuesday, citing the risk of increased homelessness, overcrowding and the potential spread of COVID-19, the Trump administration announced a moratorium on all pandemic-related residential evictions nationwide through the end of 2020.
The new rules cover an estimated 17 million tenants in California and 40 million across the country. Because they apply so broadly, the measures provide basic protections for all tenants who previously had to decipher an uneven patchwork of rules governing who was allowed to be evicted and when.
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But enforcement of the new regulations remains complicated and leaves significant gaps. None of the new efforts waive rent payments, which could result in huge debts for tenants that ultimately need to be made up. For their part, landlords are receiving slim relief for their own mounting bills. And the state program could require completing an elaborate legal process to qualify for relief, worrying tenant advocates who point to studies showing that upwards of 90% of renters don’t have lawyers in eviction cases.
Here’s how tenants and landlords can navigate the new rules.
What should a tenant do if they haven’t been paying rent or won’t be able to for the rest of the year?
The simplest answer: Tell your landlord.
The new federal rules provide the easiest option. To qualify, tenants must expect to make less than $99,000 this year. Affected tenants have to notify their landlord in writing that they’ve lost income due to COVID-19, and will have unstable housing if they lose their apartment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has published the form tenants need to fill out, and it’s accessible through the federal register.
Once the tenant does this, they’re protected from eviction until Jan. 1, though all unpaid rent would be due then.
Even though the federal program is simple, the new state and some existing local government protections in California are more generous for tenants.
What extra protections do renters get under the new state rules?
Landlords can’t evict tenants under the new state law if they didn’t pay their rent from March through August. Importantly, like the federal program, these rent debts don’t go away. But unlike the federal rules, landlords can never evict tenants for this overdue rent. Instead, landlords can take their tenants to small claims court to collect what’s owed as early as March 2021.
Advertisement
For rent between now and the end of January, the state rules are a little more complicated. They require tenants to pay at least a quarter of the rent owed during that time. The money, however, isn’t due until the end of January. In other words, tenants are able to avoid getting evicted for missed rent payments during the next five months as long as they pay a quarter of what’s owed by Jan. 31 — even if the payment comes in one lump sum on that date.
In theory, this means that landlords could not begin evicting tenants for unpaid rent related to the pandemic until February.
Again, even if the tenant is able to pay a quarter of the rent needed to prevent their eviction, landlords could still try to collect the remaining debt in small claims court in the future.
What’s the catch?
Though landlords are barred from pandemic-related evictions, they can now initiate eviction proceedings — even for unpaid rent — that they believe are unrelated to COVID-19. To protect themselves, tenants have to make sure to respond to formal eviction notices.
Before going to court, landlords must give renters 15 business days to respond with a letter attesting to their financial hardship due to COVID-19. Tenant households that earn greater than $100,000 — or even more in counties with higher median incomes such as those in the Bay Area — may have to provide additional documentation to demonstrate they’ve been economically affected by the pandemic.
It’s possible that landlords could file an eviction notice every month going forward if a tenant doesn’t pay rent. In that case, a tenant would have to respond each time to ensure they’re protected.
On Wednesday, the Newsom administration announced a new informational campaign and website called “Housing Is Key” to inform tenants and landlords of their rights under the new state program.
So what eviction cases can move forward?
Landlords can bring cases against tenants for anything besides not paying rent. Landlords have been frustrated that they’ve been unable to oust tenants for property damage, criminal activity and other lease violations. They’re allowed to do so now unless a city has passed additional prohibitions against other forms of evictions.
What’s next?
It took frantic negotiations over the past couple weeks for Newsom, state legislators, landlords and tenant groups to reach a deal to avert a wave of evictions that, by one estimate, could ensnare 5.4 million renters in California.
But all sides involved in the effort called the new law a stopgap that could allow lawmakers to come up with a more comprehensive proposal once they begin debating legislation again in January. The governor and legislative leaders are pinning their hopes on more financial assistance from the federal government by then.
“As significant as these new protections are, we acknowledge that the COVID-19 pandemic will still lead to some foreclosures and evictions, causing great pain for the families experiencing them,” said Newsom, Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) in a statement announcing the eviction deal last week.