latimes--2020-06-11--Few if any residents of remote Bolinas have been infected with coronavirus, study finds

Few if any residents of the tiny Marin County hamlet of Bolinas have antibodies for COVID-19 , researchers reported Thursday .
Residents of this isolated beach town , famously known for trying to keep out strangers , were tested in late April both for the coronavirus and its antibodies .
Residents raised money for the tests , and UC San Francisco subsidized the project .
No one tested was found to have an active case of the disease , and the results of the antibody tests show that between zero and three in 1,000 people in Bolinas were previously infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Our goal with this study was to understand how widely the novel coronavirus had spread in a relatively isolated community like Bolinas before or soon after the stay-home orders went into effect , ” said Dr. Bryan Greenhouse , a professor at UCSF .
The results “ suggest that few if any people in Bolinas had ever been infected by the virus as of the end of April , ” he added .
Researchers analyzed 1,880 blood samples , using two different tests to look for antibodies , and combined results from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infection rates .
“ It is quite possible that no people in Bolinas were ever infected , ” Greenhouse said in an interview .
He noted that all tests render some false positive findings , and the results had to be estimated .
“ While the antibody tests we used are amongst the most accurate available , no test is perfect , and individual results should be taken with a grain of salt , ” he said .
Researchers said the results show the effectiveness of stay-home orders , particularly for remote , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , researchers said .
After the Bay Area issued stay-home orders in March , surfers arrived in Bolinas in droves .
Residents posted themselves at the entrance of town to shout at drivers to turn around and go home .
The townspeople also made signs and posted them on roads leading into town .
“ Bolinas closed to visitors for duration of pandemic .
Residents , deliveries only , ” said one sign .
Bolinas historically has been unwelcome to visitors .
Town leaders limited water hookups decades ago to deter development , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that showed how to get to the beach community .
Bolinas is surrounded by the sea on three sides and reachable from San Francisco only by a long , windy road .
Tech executives eventually moved in , and the newcomers came up with the idea to test everyone in town for the coronavirus .
Bolinas has a high percentage of elderly residents , many who live below the poverty line , and the newcomers feared the virus might ravage them .

Few if any residents of the tiny Marin County hamlet of Bolinas have antibodies for COVID-19, researchers reported Thursday.
Residents of this isolated beach town, famously known for trying to keep out strangers, were tested in late April both for the coronavirus and its antibodies. Residents raised money for the tests, and UC San Francisco subsidized the project.
No one tested was found to have an active case of the disease, and the results of the antibody tests show that between zero and three in 1,000 people in Bolinas were previously infected, UCSF infectious disease researchers said.
“Our goal with this study was to understand how widely the novel coronavirus had spread in a relatively isolated community like Bolinas before or soon after the stay-home orders went into effect,” said Dr. Bryan Greenhouse, a professor at UCSF.
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The results “suggest that few if any people in Bolinas had ever been infected by the virus as of the end of April,” he added.
Researchers analyzed 1,880 blood samples, using two different tests to look for antibodies, and combined results from the two tests to statistically estimate population-level infection rates.
“It is quite possible that no people in Bolinas were ever infected,” Greenhouse said in an interview.
He noted that all tests render some false positive findings, and the results had to be estimated.
“While the antibody tests we used are amongst the most accurate available, no test is perfect, and individual results should be taken with a grain of salt,” he said.
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Researchers said the results show the effectiveness of stay-home orders, particularly for remote, rural places many miles away from highways, researchers said.
After the Bay Area issued stay-home orders in March, surfers arrived in Bolinas in droves. Residents posted themselves at the entrance of town to shout at drivers to turn around and go home.
The townspeople also made signs and posted them on roads leading into town. “Bolinas closed to visitors for duration of pandemic. Residents, deliveries only,” said one sign.
Bolinas historically has been unwelcome to visitors. Town leaders limited water hookups decades ago to deter development, and residents regularly tore down traffic signs that showed how to get to the beach community. Bolinas is surrounded by the sea on three sides and reachable from San Francisco only by a long, windy road.
Tech executives eventually moved in, and the newcomers came up with the idea to test everyone in town for the coronavirus. Bolinas has a high percentage of elderly residents, many who live below the poverty line, and the newcomers feared the virus might ravage them.


latimes--2020-06-11--Mask-wearing shoppers greeted with long lines at newly reopened South Coast Plaza

Hundreds of shoppers flocked to the newly reopened South Coast Plaza on Thursday , where frustrated guests were met with long lines to enter stores in the upscale mall .
The Costa Mesa shopping mecca opened its doors at 11 a.m. after a three-month closure amid the COVID-19 pandemic .
Within 15 minutes , mask-wearing customers found themselves standing in amusement-park-like queues , waiting to be let inside one of the hundreds of stores that had reopened .
A few storefronts — Victoria ’ s Secret , Aldo and Pandora , among them — were still locked and notices were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peered into the shuttered Versace store , where the marble displays were stripped of merchandise and the lights were off .
Other businesses , including Prada , Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels , were so overwhelmed , however , they asked customers to come back later .
By early afternoon , Cartier shoppers had to schedule appointments for the following day .
Cypress resident Paul Kim was frustrated when he was turned away from the jewelry store , one of several shops he had come specifically to visit .
“ We wanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And the jewelries , you need to wear it before you buy it .
We don ’ t want to order it online and have to return it , so we decided to wait for the stores to open up again , ” Kim said .
Kim arrived at the mall right at its opening because he thought it was going to be busy , but he didn ’ t expect the lines .
As boutiques worked to limit capacity to 50 % , the overflow of waiting guests flooded the shopping center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ front of Louis Vuitton ’ s red-cushion storefront display .
Customers wanting to enter the Gucci and Zara stores backed up across neighboring storefronts .
Jasmine Harris , a 28-year-old nurse , waited in line for more than an hour to get her Gucci purse cleaned , an errand she ’ d been waiting to run for more than a month .
“ I don ’ t know why they ’ re limiting people in the store when there ’ s more people out , ” Harris said , unable to stay socially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the size of the hallway .
Across the mall , the line in front of Zara stretched around the square banister .
Maggie Collins , a 29-year-old nurse , drove from her home in Long Beach after months of quarantining at home .
“ I don ’ t really get why we ’ re limiting in the stores if we ’ re all still congregated out here , ” Collins said .
“ If they ’ re mandating the masks , I don ’ t think the proximity of things matters — and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not concerned for her health because of the safety precautions the facility had taken , Collins said .
Customers were mandated to wear a mask while shopping and were given free face coverings if they didn ’ t have any .
Signs were posted in the halls to restrict walking on the right side — though shoppers didn ’ t always comply because of the crowds .
Workers also stood by the escalators and elevators , frequently cleaning .
Hand-sanitizing stations were positioned at the mall entrances , and some businesses provided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among the stores with sanitizer on hand .
Store manager Paula Monma said the store ’ s policy is to clean after each visitor .
“ The company has put a lot of safety and health measures in place that we ’ re certainly getting used to , ” Monma said .
“ We want to make sure it ’ s a safe place for everyone involved , and we ’ re certainly going to follow our maximum capacity .
”

Hundreds of shoppers flocked to the newly reopened South Coast Plaza on Thursday, where frustrated guests were met with long lines to enter stores in the upscale mall.
The Costa Mesa shopping mecca opened its doors at 11 a.m. after a three-month closure amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Within 15 minutes, mask-wearing customers found themselves standing in amusement-park-like queues, waiting to be let inside one of the hundreds of stores that had reopened.
A few storefronts — Victoria’s Secret, Aldo and Pandora, among them — were still locked and notices were plastered on windows. Several would-be buyers peered into the shuttered Versace store, where the marble displays were stripped of merchandise and the lights were off.
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Other businesses, including Prada, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, were so overwhelmed, however, they asked customers to come back later.
By early afternoon, Cartier shoppers had to schedule appointments for the following day. Cypress resident Paul Kim was frustrated when he was turned away from the jewelry store, one of several shops he had come specifically to visit.
“We wanted to buy for a while now. And the jewelries, you need to wear it before you buy it. We don’t want to order it online and have to return it, so we decided to wait for the stores to open up again,” Kim said.
1 / 9 Arielle Wing, 3, of Newport Beach pulls her balloon while shopping with her mom, Aileen Wing, not pictured, as a long line of shoppers wait to enter Zara. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 9 Shoppers wear masks as they wait outside Gucci. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 9 Mall employee Glenby Ramirez, center, wipes down the escalator handrail. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 9 Mayra Trejo, a guest services employee at the mall entrance, gives shopper Ada Gao, 8, of Irvine a mask to wear while shopping with her family. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 9 A shopper runs past a long line of shoppers waiting to enter Zara. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 6 / 9 Donald Tarbell, 90, of Newport Beach, aided by caretaker Ted Forro, celebrates the end of the stay-at-home order by buying seven large balloons. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 7 / 9 Customers shop at South Coast Plaza as it reopens. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 8 / 9 Masked shoppers on the Bridge of Gardens at South Coast Plaza. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 9 / 9 A Saint Laurent employee assists customers. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Kim arrived at the mall right at its opening because he thought it was going to be busy, but he didn’t expect the lines.
As boutiques worked to limit capacity to 50%, the overflow of waiting guests flooded the shopping center’s hallways. Dozens waited in front of Louis Vuitton’s red-cushion storefront display. Customers wanting to enter the Gucci and Zara stores backed up across neighboring storefronts.
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Jasmine Harris, a 28-year-old nurse, waited in line for more than an hour to get her Gucci purse cleaned, an errand she’d been waiting to run for more than a month.
“I don’t know why they’re limiting people in the store when there’s more people out,” Harris said, unable to stay socially distanced from those around her because of the size of the hallway.
Across the mall, the line in front of Zara stretched around the square banister. Maggie Collins, a 29-year-old nurse, drove from her home in Long Beach after months of quarantining at home.
“I don’t really get why we’re limiting in the stores if we’re all still congregated out here,” Collins said. “If they’re mandating the masks, I don’t think the proximity of things matters — and everyone is still touching everything.”
She was not concerned for her health because of the safety precautions the facility had taken, Collins said.
Customers were mandated to wear a mask while shopping and were given free face coverings if they didn’t have any. Signs were posted in the halls to restrict walking on the right side — though shoppers didn’t always comply because of the crowds.
Workers also stood by the escalators and elevators, frequently cleaning. Hand-sanitizing stations were positioned at the mall entrances, and some businesses provided their own.
Tod’s was among the stores with sanitizer on hand. Store manager Paula Monma said the store’s policy is to clean after each visitor.
“The company has put a lot of safety and health measures in place that we’re certainly getting used to,” Monma said. “We want to make sure it’s a safe place for everyone involved, and we’re certainly going to follow our maximum capacity.”


latimes--2020-06-11--Goldenvoice announces Coachella festival dates for 2021

The on-again , off-again next installment of Coachella is on again .
On Thursday , festival promoter Goldenvoice announced that the annual Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival , which has been postponed because of the pandemic , will occur , “ as of now , ” on April 9-11 , with the second weekend occurring April 16-18 .
As well , Goldenvoice announced that its flagship country music festival , Stagecoach , will convene on April 23-25 .
“ This is not the future that any of us hoped to confront , but our main focus remains the well-being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , desert partners and everyone involved in the festival , ” wrote the promoter in its announcement .
All 2020 passes will be honored in 2021 , and those with passes will be contacted with further details via email by Monday .
Information regarding refunds will also be made available .
Both festivals will feature new rosters .
The announcement comes a day after Riverside County public health officer Dr. Cameron Kaiser announced that , because of the risks of the ongoing pandemic , Coachella and Stagecoach wouldn ’ t be permitted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Initially planned for April , with Rage Against the Machine , Frank Ocean and Travis Scott as headliners , Coachella had been scheduled to return to the Empire Polo Grounds on Oct. 9 .
“ I am concerned as indications grow that COVID-19 could worsen in the fall , ” Kaiser said on Wednesday .
“ In addition , events like Coachella and Stagecoach would fall under Gov .
Newsom ’ s Stage 4 , which he has previously stated would require treatments or a vaccine to enter .
Given the projected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be comfortable moving forward.
” In late April , Gov .
Gavin Newsom announced that concerts in California would be on hold until a vaccine or other therapeutic treatments for COVID-19 are developed .
Wednesday ’ s announcement was a further blow to an already embattled concert industry .
In a company-wide memo sent to AEG employees Monday announcing company-wide layoffs and furloughs , Chief Executive Dan Beckerman wrote , “ This global pandemic has disrupted life for everyone , and the shelter-in-place orders , while critical to flatten the curve , have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is clear now that live events with fans will not resume for many months and likely not until sometime in 2021 , so we are faced with no easy options.
” AEG is the second-largest concert promoter in the U.S , and co-owns the Coachella and Stagecoach festivals with Goldenvoice .

The on-again, off-again next installment of Coachella is on again.
On Thursday, festival promoter Goldenvoice announced that the annual Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, which has been postponed because of the pandemic, will occur, “as of now,” on April 9-11, with the second weekend occurring April 16-18. As well, Goldenvoice announced that its flagship country music festival, Stagecoach, will convene on April 23-25.
“This is not the future that any of us hoped to confront, but our main focus remains the well-being of our fans, staff, artists, desert partners and everyone involved in the festival,” wrote the promoter in its announcement.
All 2020 passes will be honored in 2021, and those with passes will be contacted with further details via email by Monday. Information regarding refunds will also be made available. Both festivals will feature new rosters.
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Music Coachella and Stagecoach music festivals officially canceled for 2020 Riverside County health officials announced the cancellation of the two-weekend Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival as well as the Stagecoach country music festival.
The announcement comes a day after Riverside County public health officer Dr. Cameron Kaiser announced that, because of the risks of the ongoing pandemic, Coachella and Stagecoach wouldn’t be permitted to take place until 2021 at the earliest. Initially planned for April, with Rage Against the Machine, Frank Ocean and Travis Scott as headliners, Coachella had been scheduled to return to the Empire Polo Grounds on Oct. 9.
“I am concerned as indications grow that COVID-19 could worsen in the fall,” Kaiser said on Wednesday. “In addition, events like Coachella and Stagecoach would fall under Gov. Newsom’s Stage 4, which he has previously stated would require treatments or a vaccine to enter. Given the projected circumstances and potential, I would not be comfortable moving forward.”
In late April, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that concerts in California would be on hold until a vaccine or other therapeutic treatments for COVID-19 are developed.
Wednesday’s announcement was a further blow to an already embattled concert industry. In a company-wide memo sent to AEG employees Monday announcing company-wide layoffs and furloughs, Chief Executive Dan Beckerman wrote, “This global pandemic has disrupted life for everyone, and the shelter-in-place orders, while critical to flatten the curve, have dealt a devastating blow to our businesses. It is clear now that live events with fans will not resume for many months and likely not until sometime in 2021, so we are faced with no easy options.”
AEG is the second-largest concert promoter in the U.S, and co-owns the Coachella and Stagecoach festivals with Goldenvoice.


latimes--2020-06-11--L.A. County preps for openings of gyms and more as coronavirus cases climb

Los Angeles will continue pushing forward with additional reopenings Friday as the county continues to ease restrictions put in place to stem the spread of the coronavirus .
But the move comes amid an expected increase in the transmission of the virus , and the numbers are worrisome to health officials .
Officials reported 46 more deaths and an additional 1,857 cases of the virus on Thursday .
The county ’ s total infections are nearly 69,000 , almost half of the state ’ s case count of more than 140,000 .
There are currently 1,416 people hospitalized for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group , 29 % are in intensive care , and 20 % of those are on ventilators .
And those numbers are what concern health officials the most .
With rising transmissions , there is a chance that the nation ’ s most populous county could run out of intensive care unit beds in two to four weeks , officials said this week .
The numbers have not reached danger levels yet , but health officials said they are monitoring conditions carefully for any signs of new pressures on hospitals .
Despite the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with plans to of the economy .
Gyms and fitness facilities , pro-league arenas without audiences , day camps , museums , galleries , zoos , aquariums , campgrounds , outdoor recreational areas and hotels for leisure travel will be allowed to reopen under guidelines issued by the county Thursday .
Among the rules are a limit on capacity , stringent cleaning requirements and a mandate that staff wear face coverings at all times .
Additionally , anyone visiting such facilities are advised to practice social distancing and to wear face masks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has noted , however , that anyone with a breathing problem and children under 2 should not wear face coverings .
At gyms and fitness facilities , employees and customers will be screened for symptoms before entering .
Reservations are encouraged , as occupancy will be limited , and group training classes will also be limited in size .
Pools will be allowed to reopen , but saunas , steam rooms and hot tubs will remain closed .
Visitors are required to wear face coverings while entering and exiting the gym and are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At day camps , employees and staffers will be screened for symptoms via temperature check , and campers are advised to bring their own meals .
Capacity will be limited at museums , galleries , zoos and aquariums , though it is unclear to what degree .
Interactive exhibits will remain closed , and tours can include only members of the same household .
Officials have not yet permitted gatherings or the mixing of households , as the virus continues to pose danger .
“ We are completely not out of the woods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the woods , and we still have a lot of risk , ” Los Angeles County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said Wednesday .
“ I know how desperate people are to be able to get back to events , but that is not in our health officer order nor is it in the state health officer order.
” The only exceptions to gatherings are political protests and religious services .
Visitors to campgrounds , RV parks and outdoor recreation areas are advised to make reservations and to obtain any needed permits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visit .
Staff working in professional sports areas will be required to wear masks and will be screened for symptoms before work .
Athletes will be required to wear masks at all times , except while exercising , and broadcasters should expect different camera placements that allow for physical distancing .
At hotels and short-term rentals , guests will be screened for symptoms and will not be allowed to stay overnight if showing signs of illness .
Reusable materials in rooms , including magazines and menus , will be removed , and rooms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 72 hours following a guest ’ s departure .
“ In the event of a presumptive case of COVID-19 , the guest ’ s room will be removed from service and quarantined .
In the event of a positive case , the room should only be returned to service after undergoing a deep cleaning in accordance with [ CDC ] guidelines , ” the county wrote .
As with gyms , saunas , steam rooms and hot tubs at rental properties and hotels will remain closed .

Robert Hennie works out at a makeshift gym in a closed playground area at De Portola Park in Torrance on April 2. On Friday, L.A. County will allow fitness centers and gyms to reopen.
Los Angeles County is facing a critical new test in its battle against the coronavirus.
Officials are taking another major step in reopening the economy as a slew of additional businesses get the green light to begin accepting customers — and anxious health officials wait to see how much these new activities worsen the spread of the highly contagious virus.
On Friday, L.A. County will allow the reopening of gyms; venues such as museums, zoos and aquariums; campgrounds; and hotels for leisure travel. It will also greenlight the resumption of music, film and TV productions.
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The reopening comes as the virus’s toll continues to grow. Officials Thursday reported 50 more deaths and an additional 1,848 cases of the virus. The county’s total infections are more than 68,000, almost half of the state’s case count of more than 143,000. The cumulative death toll in L.A. County — 2,818 — represents 57% of the state’s death toll of more than 4,900, despite the county being home to one-quarter of the state’s population.
Officials always expected an increase in the number of coronavirus cases as the strictest version of the stay-at-home order was gradually weakened.
The question now is whether the virus will cause the hospitalizations of a moderate number of people that the hospital system can handle, or if it will grow into a surge of severely ill patients, overwhelming intensive-care units.
It’s too soon to say what will happen. Here’s a rundown on bits of the bad news and some good news in terms of where L.A. County stands.
Virus transmission rate is rising
There is even more evidence that the spread of the novel coronavirus is rising, according to data released this week.
Before the county began easing stay-at-home requirements last month, the effective transmission rate of the coronavirus was in a good spot: For every one person infected, that person on average infected less than one other person, said Dr. Christina Ghaly, L.A. County’s director of health services.
But on Friday, Ghaly disclosed publicly for the first time that the transmission rate is now greater than 1.
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Then, on Wednesday, Ghaly said county scientists are now more certain the transmission rate is indeed increasing.
The county published a chart showing how the effective transmission rate, which was below 1 in April, began ticking upward, rising above 1 by the last week in May. That means every one person infected with the virus was, by that point, infecting more than one other person, on average.
The effective transmission rate of the coronavirus rose above 1 in late May, meaning for every 1 person infected by the coronavirus, that person on average infected more than 1 other person. (Los Angeles County Department of Health Services)
That increase occurred about two weeks after Mother’s Day, and a little more than two weeks after L.A. County allowed many retail stores to open for pickup service .
“The model predicts more firmly that the spread of COVID-19 in the Los Angeles County area is likely to increase gradually over time,” Ghaly said Wednesday.
As a result, the computer model used by L.A. County to estimate future demand on hospitals predicts there will be heavier use by coronavirus patients in the next two to four weeks, Ghaly said. Still, there should be sufficient hospital beds and ventilators to accommodate the increased demand, she said.
L.A. County could run short of ICU beds
But it’s possible the county’s public and private hospitals could run out of ICU beds in the next two to four weeks, Ghaly said.
A computer model released on Wednesday by L.A. County scientists projects the possibility the county’s public and private hospitals could run out of intensive care unit beds in the next two to four weeks if the effective transmission rate of the coronavirus continues to rise. (Los Angeles County Department of Health Services )
At the same time, county health officials have defended their reopening plan. Authorities are still asking people to stay home as much as possible, but “there are good reasons why sometimes people need to or want to leave their home,” Ghaly said.
“Some people don’t have the privilege of being able to telework, and they have to leave their home to work. Many people wish to lend their voice in the fight for justice that is going on around all of us,” she said. “The key to controlling the virus does not have to mean remaining at home.”
Business reopenings continue
Businesses allowed to reopen Friday include gyms and fitness facilities, pro-league arenas without audiences, day camps, museums, galleries, zoos, aquariums, campgrounds, outdoor recreational areas and hotels for leisure travel. There are limits on capacity, stringent cleaning requirements and a mandate that staff wear face coverings at all times.
Additionally, anyone visiting such facilities is advised to practice social distancing and to wear face masks. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has noted, however, that anyone with a breathing problem and children under 2 should not wear face coverings.
At gyms and fitness facilities, employees and customers will be screened for symptoms before entering. Reservations are encouraged because occupancy will be limited, and group training classes will also be limited in size.
Pools will be allowed to reopen, but saunas, steam rooms and hot tubs will remain closed. Visitors are required to wear face coverings while entering and exiting the gym and are advised to wear them while exercising.
At day camps, employees and staffers will be screened for symptoms via temperature check, and campers are advised to bring their own meals.
Capacity will be limited at museums, galleries, zoos and aquariums, though it is unclear to what degree. Interactive exhibits will remain closed, and tours can include only members of the same household. Officials have not permitted gatherings or the mixing of households, because the virus continues to pose danger.
The only exceptions to the ban on gatherings are political protests and religious services, although there are limits to the number of people who are allowed to attend those gatherings as well.
Visitors to campgrounds, RV parks and outdoor recreation areas are advised to make reservations and to obtain any needed permits online or by phone before their visit.
Staff working in professional sports areas will be required to wear masks and will be screened for symptoms before work. Athletes will be required to wear masks at all times, except while exercising, and broadcasters should expect different camera placements that allow for physical distancing.
At hotels and short-term rentals, guests will be screened for symptoms and will not be allowed to stay overnight if showing signs of illness. Reusable materials in rooms, including magazines and menus, will be removed, and rooms will be left vacant for 24 to 72 hours following a guest’s departure.
“In the event of a presumptive case of COVID-19, the guest’s room will be removed from service and quarantined. In the event of a positive case, the room should only be returned to service after undergoing a deep cleaning in accordance with [CDC] guidelines,” the county wrote.
Saunas, steam rooms and hot tubs at rental properties and hotels will remain closed.


latimes--2020-06-11--USC removes name of Rufus Von KleinSmid, a eugenics supporter, from prominent building

USC has removed the name of one of its former longtime presidents , Rufus Von KleinSmid , from a prominent campus building because his active support of eugenics is “ at direct odds ” with the university ’ s multicultural community and mission of diversity and inclusion , President Carol L. Folt announced Thursday .
The name , along with a bust of Von KleinSmid , was removed from the Center for International and Public Affairs building after the executive committee of the USC Board of Trustees unanimously approved the decision Wednesday .
Folt , in her letter to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the university ’ s fifth president for 25 years and expanded research , academic programs , and curriculum in international relations .
But his support of eugenics clash with USC ’ s values today , she said .
“ This moment is our Call to Action , a call to confront anti-Blackness and systemic racism , and unite as a diverse , equal , and inclusive university , ” Folt wrote .
“ You have asked for actions , not rhetoric , and actions , now.
” On Thursday , tweets with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ circulated among USC students after photos of the building without Von KleinSmid ’ s name were posted on the platform .
USC had failed to respond to years of demands from within the university and among community members to remove Von KleinSmid ’ s name from the campus building .
They include Japanese Americans , who say Von KleinSmid prevented them from enrolling at USC after World War II , when tens of thousands were wrongly incarcerated after Japan ’ s 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor .
USC professor George Sanchez documented such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But mass protests triggered by the death of George Floyd , pushed USC to action .
Folt said her office has been deluged with input from students , staff , faculty leadership , deans , alumni and neighbors .
Earlier this week , students began circulating an online petition calling for the renaming of the building .
They launched a similar petition in 2018 .
And last September , just an hour before Folt was sworn in as USC president , the bust of Von KleinSmid was found with a rag over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ VKC ” on it and a piece of cardboard with the word “ NAZI ” hung around its neck .
Last year , then-Provost Michael Quick announced the formation of a Nomenclature Task Force to address concerns regarding building names , symbols and monuments .
The committee ’ s formation came after members of the Undergraduate Student Government had called for it a year before .
Folt also announced five other actions USC would immediately take to confront systemic racism .
• Form a Community Advisory Board for the Department of Public Safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on best practices regarding safety , policing and community engagement .
Racial and identity profiling , officer training , education , disciplinary matters , financial resources and partnerships with the Los Angeles Police Department are among issues that will be examined .
• Convene a new Taskforce on Diversity , Equity and Inclusion .
Folt said she will charge a new committee to identify structural and institutional processes that perpetuate racism and inequality .
The committee will develop new initiatives , such as mandatory training programs on implicit bias and sensitivity , courses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A 2015 committee formed by the provost did not implement some of the 20 recommended actions , she said .
• Hire a Chief Diversity , Equity and Inclusion Officer .
USC hopes to select an officer for this new position by fall .
• Expand space and programming for underserved students .
USC will open new student spaces in the fall on two floors of the Student Union to better serve underrepresented students .
The university will also launch a program to provide support and resources for students who are undocumented , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their families to attend college .
Plans are underway to provide more space and programming for students who are Black , Asian Pacific American , Latino , Native American , Middle Eastern , LGBTQ+ and veterans , and former foster youths .
• Mandatory Unconscious Bias Training .
USC is developing on online program for fall semester to raise awareness of conscious and unconscious bias .

USC has removed the name of former President Rufus von KleinSmid from a prominent campus building because of his active support of eugenics.
With its soaring arches, international flags and globe-topped tower, the Von KleinSmid Center for International and Public Affairs is one of the most prominent buildings at USC. Its namesake, the late Rufus B. von KleinSmid, has held a place of distinction as the university’s fifth president.
But on Thursday, USC announced it had stripped Von KleinSmid’s name from the building as the university at last reconciled with his disturbing leadership role in California’s eugenics movement.
The scholar, who is credited with expanding the university’s academic programs and international relations curriculum as president from 1921 to 1947, believed that people with “defects” had no ethical right to parenthood and should be sterilized. His “Human Betterment Foundation” was instrumental in supporting the 1909 California legislation that authorized the forced sterilization of those deemed “unfit” — essentially anyone non-white, said Alexandra Minna Stern, a University of Michigan history professor and expert on eugenics.
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His active support of eugenics is “at direct odds with USC’s multicultural community and our mission of diversity and inclusion,” President Carol L. Folt announced.
“This moment is our Call to Action, a call to confront anti-Blackness and systemic racism, and unite as a diverse, equal, and inclusive university,” Folt wrote. “You have asked for actions, not rhetoric, and actions, now.”
The university also removed Von KleinSmid’s bust from the building after a unanimous vote by the Board of Trustees’ executive committee.
Tweets with the hashtag #VKCIsOverParty celebrating the change circulated Thursday among USC students after photos of the building without Von KleinSmid’s name were posted on the platform.
“Everything he believed in is a threat to the Black community and any marginalized community, so I do think it’s a step in the right direction,” said junior Jaya Hinton, co-director of USC’s Black Student Assembly. “But anti-Blackness is more than just names on buildings. USC is an institution and systemic, institutional racism is a real thing.”
USC had failed to respond to years of demands from within and outside the university to remove Von KleinSmid’s name from the building.
They include Japanese Americans, who say Von KleinSmid prevented more than 150 second-generation Nisei students from returning to USC after World War II, when tens of thousands were wrongly incarcerated following Japan’s 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.
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Von KleinSmid was the only West Coast university president who refused to send their transcripts to colleges in other states, where Japanese Americans released from incarceration camps were trying to finish their education, said Jon Kaji, past president of the USC Asian Pacific Alumni Assn. He began pressing USC in 2012 to remove Von KleinSmid’s name from the building but officials did not respond, he said.
But mass protests calling for racial justice, triggered by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, finally pushed USC to action. Folt said her office has been deluged with input from students, staff, faculty leadership, deans, alumni and neighbors.
Earlier this week, students began circulating an online petition, similar to one in 2018, calling for the renaming of the building. Last September, just an hour before Folt was sworn in as USC president, the bust of Von KleinSmid was found with a rag over its face with the words “rename VKC” on it and a piece of cardboard inscribed with “NAZI” hung around its neck.
Last year, then-Provost Michael Quick announced the formation of a Nomenclature Task Force to address concerns regarding building names, symbols and monuments. The committee’s formation came after members of the Undergraduate Student Government had called for it a year before.
Folt also announced five other actions USC would immediately take to confront systemic racism.
Form a Community Advisory Board for the Department of Public Safety. Racial and identity profiling, officer training, education, disciplinary matters, financial resources and partnerships with the Los Angeles Police Department are among issues that will be examined.
Convene a new Taskforce on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Folt said she will charge a new committee to identify structural and institutional processes that perpetuate racism and inequality.
Hire a Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer.
Expand space and programming for underserved students, including those who are undocumented, along with those who are the first in their families to attend college. The expanded services will include students who are Black, Asian Pacific American, Latino, Native American, Middle Eastern, LGBTQ+ , veterans and former foster youths.
Require Unconscious Bias Training.
Folt’s announcement drew cautious support from students who have been pressing for action on the issue.
“She’s using the right words for sure, I’m just hoping there’s action behind them,” said USC rising senior Michael Mikail, who is majoring in political science. “I think it’s one step in the right direction, but we have a lot of steps to go.”
In a Daily Trojan letter to the editor last week, Mikail had included the name change on a list of actions he wanted Folt to take to better support Black students.
“I, and other Black students advocating for change, did not come to USC to be activists or agitators,” said Mikail, who also serves as executive director of USC’s Pan-African Student Assembly. “We came for an education, and USC’s institutional failings have forced us into these roles.”
Hinton, who is studying business administration, commended Folt’s other actions, such as instituting implicit bias training. But she said she hoped not just students, but also faculty members, administration and Department of Public Safety members would be required to take it.
George Sanchez, a professor of American studies and ethnicity and history at the school, who has documented Von KleinSmid’s history, said the former USC president was a key figure in pushing California to the forefront of the eugenics movement. The German Nazis were reading writings by California scientists leading the movement, which was couched as a scientific way to improve public health and welfare by regulating the makeup of America’s “racial stock.”
“They were seen as reformers,” Sanchez said. “At the time, these ideas were seen as what the social sciences and science should work together to make a better society.”
California’s sterilization law did not call out race explicitly, instead targeting those with “mental deficiencies” and “feeblemindedness.” But the labels were disproportionately applied to racial and ethnic minorities, people with actual and perceived disabilities, poor people and women, Stern said, and the eugenics literature of the time specifically mentioned Mexicans, Filipinos and, later, Japanese and Japanese Americans.
Overall, about 20,000 people in a dozen California state institutions were sterilized throughout the 20th century under the law, which was repealed in 1979, Stern said. Her research lab has found that Latinos were sterilized at significantly higher rates than others in the institutions, the majority of whom were white. Latinas were 59% more likely to be sterilized than non-Latinas, the lab found.
Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo (D-Los Angeles) has introduced legislation to compensate survivors of sterilization.
“To me, this is California’s version of Confederate monuments,” Sanchez said. “This history of eugenics and sterilization is central to California’s racial history. In a sense, USC understands that it has a long history that is implicated in this, but I think they waited until a moment like this to act.”


latimes--2020-06-11--Immigration officials bought dirt bikes and boats instead of food and medicine, report says

U.S. Customs and Border Protection broke the law by misusing money meant for medical care and food for those in immigration detention , a government watchdog says .
Instead , the agency spent the funds on dirt bikes , dog food and leashes , boats and other unrelated items , according to a Government Accountability Office report released Thursday .
The discovery was made during an audit of Customs and Border Protection treatment of adults and children in immigration custody last year during a significant increase in the number of migrant families and children crossing the U.S.-Mexico border .
Many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Protection facilities , resulting in a humanitarian crisis .
Several children died in federal custody , most falling ill in the temporary holding areas .
In response , Congress advanced the agency $ 4.6 billion , a large proportion of it intended for the care of children and families on the southern border .
Within the bill , Congress provided several line-item appropriations , including an estimated $ 112 million specifically for “ consumables and medical care ” for adults and children in custody and $ 708 million for “ establishing and operating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Border Protection officials spent some of the $ 112 million on items that did not qualify , the GAO report said .
The agency spent it on “ CBP ’ s canine program ; the CBP-wide vaccine program for CBP personnel ; computer network upgrades ; transportation-related items such as boats , all-terrain vehicles ( ATVs ) , and dirt bikes ; and building equipment and services such as HVAC upgrades , sewer system upgrades , and janitorial services , ” the report stated .
Customs and Border Protection is working to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ correct the accounts , agency spokesman Jim Burns said in a statement .
“ We emphasize that ( and GAO ’ s opinion does not suggest otherwise ) all of CBP ’ s obligations were for lawful objects related to agency operations and the care of those in our custody ; the violations identified are technical in nature and prompt remedial action will be taken , ” the statement said .
Customs and Border Protection did not provide an explanation as to how many of these items relate to the “ consumables and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report stated .
“ Therefore , we conclude that CBP violated the purpose statute when it obligated the consumables and medical care line item appropriation for these purposes and should adjust its accounts , ” according to the report .
“ Instead of helping migrants and improving conditions on the ground , CBP then broke the law by spending this taxpayer money on things that were not authorized — such as ATVs , dirt bikes and computer systems , ” Rep. Bennie Thompson ( D-Miss . )
, chairman of the House Homeland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ This callous disregard for the law is yet another example of this administration ’ s continuing failure to carry out its duty to provide humane conditions and medical care for migrants in its care .
”

Three-year-old Angie Garcia, originally from El Salvador, washes her hands in a bucket before eating lunch at a refugee camp in Matamoros, Mexico.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection broke the law by misusing money meant for medical care and food for those in immigration detention, a government watchdog says. Instead, the agency spent the funds on dirt bikes, dog food and leashes, boats and other unrelated items, according to a Government Accountability Office report released Thursday.
The discovery was made during an audit of Customs and Border Protection treatment of adults and children in immigration custody last year during a significant increase in the number of migrant families and children crossing the U.S.-Mexico border.
Many were detained in crowded Customs and Border Protection facilities, resulting in a humanitarian crisis. Several children died in federal custody, most falling ill in the temporary holding areas.
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In response, Congress advanced the agency $4.6 billion, a large proportion of it intended for the care of children and families on the southern border.
Migrants wash their clothes in a facility at the Matamoros refugee camp. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
Within the bill, Congress provided several line-item appropriations, including an estimated $112 million specifically for “consumables and medical care” for adults and children in custody and $708 million for “establishing and operating migrant care and processing facilities.”
Customs and Border Protection officials spent some of the $112 million on items that did not qualify, the GAO report said. The agency spent it on “CBP’s canine program; the CBP-wide vaccine program for CBP personnel; computer network upgrades; transportation-related items such as boats, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and dirt bikes; and building equipment and services such as HVAC upgrades, sewer system upgrades, and janitorial services,” the report stated.
Customs and Border Protection is working to itemize all the expenses in question and correct the accounts, agency spokesman Jim Burns said in a statement.
“We emphasize that (and GAO’s opinion does not suggest otherwise) all of CBP’s obligations were for lawful objects related to agency operations and the care of those in our custody; the violations identified are technical in nature and prompt remedial action will be taken,” the statement said.
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Customs and Border Protection did not provide an explanation as to how many of these items relate to the “consumables and medical care” line-item appropriation, the report stated.
“Therefore, we conclude that CBP violated the purpose statute when it obligated the consumables and medical care line item appropriation for these purposes and should adjust its accounts,” according to the report.
Congressional Democrats immediately pounced on the report.
“Instead of helping migrants and improving conditions on the ground, CBP then broke the law by spending this taxpayer money on things that were not authorized — such as ATVs, dirt bikes and computer systems,” Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, said in a statement. “This callous disregard for the law is yet another example of this administration’s continuing failure to carry out its duty to provide humane conditions and medical care for migrants in its care.”


latimes--2020-06-11--Man fed homeless people food laced with chemical stronger than pepper spray, prosecutors say

A 38-year-old man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities allege he poisoned eight homeless people in a series of videotaped attacks last month in Orange County .
Prosecutors allege William Robert Cable , 38 , of San Andreas provided the unsheltered individuals in Huntington Beach with food laced with oleoresin capsicum , a chemical that is twice as strong as pepper spray used by police , and then filmed their reactions .
Many were unaware that the food they were given had been tampered with .
Some were told they were participating in a “ spicy food challenge.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to entice them to eat the poisoned fare , prosecutors said .
After eating the food , the individuals suffered a variety of ailments , including seizure-like symptoms , difficulty breathing , vomiting and intense mouth and stomach pain .
Several were hospitalized .
“ These human beings were preyed upon because they are vulnerable , ” Orange County Dist .
Atty .
Todd Spitzer said in a prepared statement .
“ They were exploited and poisoned as part of a twisted form of entertainment , and their pain was recorded so that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over and over again.
” Cable is charged with eight counts of poisoning and a count of inflicting injury on an elder adult — all felonies .
He is also charged with eight misdemeanor counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and an infraction for consuming alcohol or smoking marijuana while driving .
He has not yet entered a plea , according to Orange County Superior Court records .
If convicted , he faces a maximum sentence of 19 years and three months in jail .
Cable , who was arrested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is being held at Theo Lacy Facility , the jail in Orange , in lieu of $ 500,000 bail .
Cable ’ s booking photo was not immediately provided on Thursday .
Authorities are asking for the public ’ s help in identifying any additional victims in the case .
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Huntington Beach Police Department at ( 714 ) 960-8825 or the Orange County district attorney ’ s office .
“ The cruel nature of these crimes shocks the conscience of our community , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a prepared statement .
“ I am proud of the persistence of our HBPD detectives in finding those responsible for these heinous acts .
We also appreciate our partnership with the District Attorney ’ s office in the continued pursuit of this important investigation .
”

An aerial view of the Huntington Beach shoreline near the pier in May.
A 38-year-old man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities allege he poisoned eight homeless people in a series of videotaped attacks last month in Orange County.
Prosecutors allege William Robert Cable, 38, of San Andreas provided the unsheltered individuals in Huntington Beach with food laced with oleoresin capsicum, a chemical that is twice as strong as pepper spray used by police, and then filmed their reactions.
Many were unaware that the food they were given had been tampered with. Some were told they were participating in a “spicy food challenge.” Others were given different food and beer to entice them to eat the poisoned fare, prosecutors said.
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After eating the food, the individuals suffered a variety of ailments, including seizure-like symptoms, difficulty breathing, vomiting and intense mouth and stomach pain. Several were hospitalized.
“These human beings were preyed upon because they are vulnerable,” Orange County Dist. Atty. Todd Spitzer said in a prepared statement. “They were exploited and poisoned as part of a twisted form of entertainment, and their pain was recorded so that it could be relived by their attacker over and over again.”
Cable is charged with eight counts of poisoning and a count of inflicting injury on an elder adult — all felonies. He is also charged with eight misdemeanor counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and an infraction for consuming alcohol or smoking marijuana while driving. He has not yet entered a plea, according to Orange County Superior Court records.
If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 19 years and three months in jail. Cable, who was arrested by Huntington Beach police on May 22, is being held at Theo Lacy Facility, the jail in Orange, in lieu of $500,000 bail.
Cable’s booking photo was not immediately provided on Thursday.
Authorities are asking for the public’s help in identifying any additional victims in the case. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Huntington Beach Police Department at (714) 960-8825 or the Orange County district attorney’s office.
“The cruel nature of these crimes shocks the conscience of our community,” Huntington Beach Mayor Lyn Semeta said in a prepared statement. “I am proud of the persistence of our HBPD detectives in finding those responsible for these heinous acts. We also appreciate our partnership with the District Attorney’s office in the continued pursuit of this important investigation.”


latimes--2020-06-11--Orange County rescinds coronavirus mask mandate amid pushback, resignation

Orange County residents no longer have to wear masks in public , officials announced Thursday — an abrupt shift in health orders following weeks of debate over the use of face coverings to stem the spread of the coronavirus .
Masks will go from being required to being strongly recommended in public settings under a revised health order from new Orange County Health Care Agency Director Dr. Clayton Chau .
Chau said at a news conference that he would issue the new order later Thursday .
“ I want to be clear : This does not diminish the importance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I stand with the public health experts and believe wearing cloth face coverings helps to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community and save lives .
By being consistent with the state , this will give our business community and individuals the ability to make the most appropriate decision for them and their situation.
” The new order , he said , “ will no longer require that most residents wear a face covering , but strongly recommends that they should when outside of their home and unable to physically distance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At several points on Thursday , Chau said the motivation was to make the county ’ s mask rules consistent with the state ’ s .
“ This decision is not because of public pushback , ” he said .
County Supervisor Michelle Steel cautioned that if residents are feeling ill , they should stay home , but if they are out , “ it is strongly recommended to wear a mask and social distance.
” “ Public health is at the utmost importance during this crisis , ” she said .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late May , when former county health officer Dr. Nichole Quick issued an order mandating that county residents and visitors wear cloth face coverings while in a public place , at work or visiting a business where they are unable to stay at least six feet apart .
The switch set off a firestorm of controversy as some residents and elected officials challenged the need for the widespread use of face coverings as more businesses in the region continued to reopen .
Quick herself became a target for criticism during county Board of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her for the order .
During one meeting , public speakers displayed a poster showing Quick ’ s photo with a Hitler mustache on her face and swastikas .
The Orange County Sheriff ’ s Department provided a security detail for the doctor after she received what officials deemed to be a death threat during a meeting last month .
After several intense weeks defending her order , Quick resigned Monday .
The county agreed to pay her $ 75,000 in severance in exchange for her decision to leave voluntarily , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Tuesday , Chau stepped into Quick ’ s role and was immediately peppered with questions from elected officials about the necessity of a mandatory mask order .
Members of the public could be heard shouting in the background as Chau responded to questions from the board .
Supervisors pushed Chau for a definitive answer about when he planned to lift the requirement .
“ There ’ s always going to be community infection going on , ” Supervisor Don Wagner said .
“ There ’ s always flu infection going on .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ your professional opinion , are going to be necessary until the end of time or until there ’ s a vaccine or what ?
” Chau later said he planned to look at the county ’ s infection rate and hospitalization numbers over the next 21 days as more public spaces continue to reopen to determine whether those numbers show it is safe to amend the mask order .
The dispute over the requirement has unfolded as the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths continue to rise in Orange County .
Health officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boosting the county ’ s cumulative case count to 7,987 .
Of those , an estimated 3,726 people have already recovered .
The county also announced four new fatalities , raising the death toll to 202 .
Of those who have died , 94 were residents of skilled-nursing facilities , according to the county .
The push to alter the county ’ s order also comes as the region prepares to reopen additional sectors of its economy .
The county on Friday is expected to further relax restrictions on businesses to allow bars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , community pools , zoos , hotels and other spaces to reopen .
“ We have to watch and see how we do when we enter that ecosystem before we make any decision to downgrade the mask order , ” Chau said Tuesday .
Supervisors Andrew Do , Steel and Wagner expressed dissatisfaction with the response and pushed for more firm numbers from Chau .
“ We can not impose restrictions on people based on fear , just based on theoretical fear , ” Do said .
“ If we open up and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see changes , I understand the change in position .
We ’ re shooting at a moving target .
I ’ m not asking you to be reckless , but the decision-making process , to me , is flawed.
” Many health officials say that face coverings are an integral tool in the fight against COVID-19 — as they can block transmission of the respiratory droplets released by asymptomatic people when breathing or talking .
Research published by found that homemade cloth masks “ significantly ” reduced the amount of potentially infectious droplets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether wearing masks should be recommended or mandated has become the subject of impassioned debate in Southern California .
Some counties , including Los Angeles and San Diego , require residents to wear masks in public settings .
However , doing so is only strongly recommended in Riverside and San Bernardino counties .
L.A. County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer has routinely touted the health benefits of wearing face coverings in public .
That , along with other practices like physical distancing and regular handwashing , can stave off a spike in coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It remains so important for all of us , businesses and residents , to follow the directives and to do our part every day to keep ourselves and our friends , our loved ones and our families as safe as possible , ” she said Wednesday .
“ This is really the only way for us to reopen without creating huge increases in cases , hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19.
” Leaders in Orange County , however , have noted that not everyone is adhering to the mask requirement and that law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department , has said they will not enforce the mandate .
Over the past several days , county staff has continued discussions with Chau about the mask order .
Some have suggested that it could be downgraded to a recommendation with similar results and without as much outcry from members of the public who oppose it .
Dozens of residents have also pledged their support for the mask requirement publicly and in letters to the Board of Supervisors .
Shoppers at a newly reopened South Coast Plaza were split on the issue Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Gap store in the Costa Mesa shopping center , Andrew de Guia , a 73-year-old Chino Hills resident , said he plans to continue wearing a face covering , likely until July .
As he spoke to a reporter , he was careful to keep his distance from other shoppers during the upscale mall ’ s first day of business after a months-long closure amid the pandemic .
“ I ’ m used to wearing a face mask , ” he said .
Nearby , 56-year-old Westminster resident Irene Bunya said she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to lift the mask requirement .
“ My immune system is compromised , so I will likely keep wearing a mask for the next few months , ” Bunya said .
“ I think the worst is over , but I ’ m not sure about when flu season picks up.
” On her way to what would be a long shift at Louis Vuitton , where nearly 30 customers were lined up out front , 40-year-old Irvine resident Janelle Aranda bemoaned having to wear a face mask during work .
Aranda said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will breathe in carbon dioxide for the six hours she has to wear one .
“ I think the conversation is so one-sided , ” she said .
“ It ’ s unfair because some people feel the need to go out to protest and say what they have to say when they don ’ t have their masks , but the people who stay home have to.
” Pay Wykoff — a 65-year-old Irvine resident who waited weeks to come to South Coast Plaza to get a watch battery and find a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bright yellow handsewn mask , but said she thought it was unnecessary .
“ Not everyone agrees that masks are helpful , ” Wykoff said .
“ I think masks are hurtful because you ’ re breathing in your own germs .
”

Orange County residents no longer have to wear masks in public, officials announced Thursday — an abrupt shift in health orders following weeks of debate over the use of face coverings to stem the spread of the coronavirus.
Masks will go from being required to being strongly recommended in public settings under a revised order from new Orange County Health Care Agency Director Dr. Clayton Chau.
Chau said at a news conference that he would issue the new order later Thursday.
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“I want to be clear: This does not diminish the importance of face coverings,” he said. “I stand with the public health experts and believe wearing cloth face coverings helps to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community and save lives. By being consistent with the state, this will give our business community and individuals the ability to make the most appropriate decision for them and their situation.”
The county’s goal is to make its mask rules consistent with the state’s. Above, Harbor Boulevard in downtown Fullerton. (Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times)
The new order, he said, “will no longer require that most residents wear a face covering, but strongly recommends that they should when outside of their home and unable to physically distance themselves by six feet from others.”
At several points on Thursday, Chau said the motivation was to make the county’s mask rules consistent with the state’s.
“This decision is not because of public pushback,” he said.
County Supervisor Michelle Steel cautioned that if residents are feeling ill, they should stay home, but if they are out, “it is strongly recommended to wear a mask and social distance.”
“Public health is at the utmost importance during this crisis,” she said.
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The mask dispute has unfolded as the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths continue to rise in Orange County. (Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times)
The less-stringent recommendation had been in place until late May, when former county health officer Dr. Nichole Quick issued an order mandating that county residents and visitors wear cloth face coverings while in a public place, at work or visiting a business where they are unable to stay at least six feet apart.
The switch set off a firestorm of controversy as some residents and elected officials challenged the need for the widespread use of face coverings as more businesses in the region continued to reopen.
Quick herself became a target for criticism during county Board of Supervisors meetings, with some residents castigating her for the order. During one meeting, public speakers displayed a poster showing Quick’s photo with a Hitler mustache on her face and swastikas.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department provided a security detail for the doctor after she received what officials deemed to be a death threat during a meeting last month.
After several intense weeks defending her order, Quick resigned Monday. The county agreed to pay her $75,000 in severance in exchange for her decision to leave voluntarily, according to a signed settlement and release agreement.
California Orange County public health officer resigns in coronavirus controversy Dr. Nichole Quick mandated face coverings in Orange County in May to protect against the coronavirus, drawing ire from residents and elected officials.
On Tuesday, Chau stepped into Quick’s role and was immediately peppered with questions from elected officials about the need for a mask order. Members of the public could be heard shouting in the background as Chau responded to questions from the board.
“There’s always going to be community infection going on,” Supervisor Don Wagner said. “There’s always flu infection going on. Are you telling us masks, in your professional opinion, are going to be necessary until the end of time or until there’s a vaccine or what?”
Chau later said he planned to look at the county’s infection rate and hospitalization numbers over the next 21 days as more public spaces continue to reopen to determine whether those numbers show it is safe to amend the mask order.
The dispute over the requirement has unfolded as the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths continue to rise in Orange County.
Health officials reported 260 new coronavirus infections Thursday, boosting the county’s cumulative case count to 7,987. Of those, an estimated 3,726 people have already recovered.
Tracking coronavirus in Orange County The latest maps and charts on the spread of COVID-19 in Orange County, including cases, deaths, closures and restrictions.
Thursday saw the third-most new cases on any one day in the county since the pandemic began. The three largest single-day increases have all occurred within the past week.
The county also announced four new fatalities, raising the death toll to 202. Of those who have died, 94 were residents of skilled-nursing facilities, according to the county.
But Orange County officials said other data points — such as death and testing positivity rates — paint a more promising picture, as both compare favorably to neighboring counties.
“While we are not out of this completely yet, Orange County is in good position to continue moving forward, and we have reason to be positive about where we are,” Steel said.
The move to alter the county’s order also comes as the region prepares to reopen additional sectors of its economy. Chau’s new health order will further relax restrictions on businesses to allow bars, wineries, movie theaters, gyms, community pools, zoos, hotels and other spaces to reopen, he said.
Many health officials say that face coverings are an integral tool in the fight against COVID-19 — as they can block transmission of the respiratory droplets released by asymptomatic people when breathing or talking.
Research published by Cambridge University Press in 2013 found that homemade cloth masks significantly reduced the amount of potentially infectious droplets expelled by the wearer.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 20% to 50% of infected people never show symptoms of illness yet may be just as contagious as those who are visibly sick.
“Masks provide a hell of a lot of protection. And I’m more comfortable relaxing things if everybody is wearing masks than if they weren’t,” Dr. George Rutherford, a UC San Francisco epidemiologist and infectious-diseases expert, said recently.
But whether wearing masks should be recommended or mandated has become the subject of impassioned debate in Southern California. Some counties, including Los Angeles and San Diego, require residents to wear masks in public settings.
Doing so is only strongly recommended in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Like Orange County, both had mask requirements but later walked them back.
Dr. Geoffrey Leung, ambulatory medical director for the Riverside University Health System, said wearing masks not only helps prevent the unintentional sharing of respiratory droplets, but can keep people from touching their faces and provide a gentle social cue to remind people to maintain physical distancing.
Despite those benefits, he said the question of whether to require masks “is more complicated than most of us think.”
“If you are taking a walk outside by yourself and there’s no one nearby, or you’re biking, does it make sense to be required to wear a mask?” he said Thursday. “I think what we’re realizing is we really need to ask people to apply their best judgment and their common sense.”
Even without a mandate, though, Riverside County officials stress that residents should wear masks, particularly as more businesses and public spaces reopen.
“I do think, as more and more evidence has come out, it’s been fairly consistent in showing that it looks like covering the face is beneficial and it does reduce the risk of transmission of coronavirus,” Leung said.
L.A. County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer has routinely touted the health benefits of wearing face coverings in public. That, along with other practices like physical distancing and regular hand washing, can stave off a spike in coronavirus infections, she’s said.
“It remains so important for all of us, businesses and residents, to follow the directives and to do our part every day to keep ourselves and our friends, our loved ones and our families as safe as possible,” she said Wednesday. “This is really the only way for us to reopen without creating huge increases in cases, hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19.”
Leaders in Orange County, however, have noted that not everyone was adhering to the mask requirement and that law enforcement, including the Sheriff’s Department, had said they would not enforce the mandate.
Over the past several days, county staff continued discussions with Chau about the mask order.
Dozens of residents pledged their support for the mask requirement publicly and in letters to the Board of Supervisors.
1 / 8 Shoppers wear protective masks while walking on The Bridge Of Gardens at South Coast Plaza during their reopening. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times) 2 / 8 Donald Tarbell, 90, of Newport Beach, aided by caretaker Ted Forro, said he is celebrating the end of coronavirus pandemic stay-at-home order by buying seven large balloons and shopping on the first day that South Coast Plaza reopened in Costa Mesa. (Allen J. Schaben / Ls Angeles Times) 3 / 8 A shopper runs past a long line of shoppers waiting to enter Zara as South Coast Plaza reopens in Costa Mesa. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times) 4 / 8 Mayra Trejo, right, a guest services employee, gives shopper Ada Gao, 8, a protective mask to wear while shopping with her family at the entrance to South Coast Plaza during its reopening in Costa Mesa. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times) 5 / 8 Mall employee Glenby Ramirez, right, wipes down the escalator handrail while shopper pass by as South Coast Plaza reopens in Costa Mesa. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times) 6 / 8 Due to social distancing, shoppers wear protective masks while waiting in line outside Louis Vuitton in South Coast Plaza. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times) 7 / 8 Due to social distancing, shoppers are reflected in a display window as they wait outside Dolce & Gabbana during the South Coast Plaza reopening in Costa Mesa. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times) 8 / 8 A Saint Laurent employee assists customers as South Coast Plaza reopens. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)
Shoppers at a newly reopened South Coast Plaza were split on the issue Thursday.
While waiting for his wife outside the Gap store in the Costa Mesa shopping center, Andrew de Guia, a 73-year-old Chino Hills resident, said he plans to continue wearing a face covering, likely until July.
As he spoke to a reporter, he was careful to keep his distance from other shoppers during the upscale mall’s first day of business after a months-long closure amid the pandemic.
“I’m used to wearing a face mask,” he said.
Nearby, 56-year-old Westminster resident Irene Bunya said she disagrees with the county’s decision to lift the mask requirement.
“My immune system is compromised, so I will likely keep wearing a mask for the next few months,” Bunya said. “I think the worst is over, but I’m not sure about when flu season picks up.”
On her way to what would be a long shift at Louis Vuitton, where nearly 30 customers were lined up out front, 40-year-old Irvine resident Janelle Aranda bemoaned having to wear a face mask during work.
Aranda said she feels masks are harmful because she will breathe in carbon dioxide for the six hours she has to wear one.
Pay Wykoff — a 65-year-old Irvine resident who waited weeks to come to South Coast Plaza to get a watch battery and find a Father’s Day present — wore a bright yellow hand-sewn mask but said she thought it was unnecessary.
“Not everyone agrees that masks are helpful,” Wykoff said. “I think masks are hurtful because you’re breathing in your own germs.”
Times staff writer Rong-Gong Lin II contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-06-11--Graveyard shooting is California town's first homicide in nearly 25 years

The tiny town of Colma , Calif. , where most of the land is taken up by cemeteries , reported its first homicide in more than two decades , and the attack took place in a graveyard , officials said this week .
Police were called to Olivet Memorial Park , one of 17 massive , manicured cemeteries in the town , just before 9:30 p.m. Monday to investigate a shooting , officials said in a news release .
There they found 26-year-old Jaquan Cheatham of Citrus Heights suffering from gunshot wounds .
Cheatham was transported to a hospital , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colma Police Cmdr .
Sherwin Lum said it appeared that Cheatham was among a group who was visiting a gravesite at the cemetery when the shooting occurred .
The attack , which is still under investigation , was an “ isolated incident with no threat to the general public , ” officials said .
The shooting death was the first homicide in Colma since 1997 , Lum said .
The Bay Area town is only about two square miles in size and has fewer than It ’ s most known for its sprawling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buried .
“ It ’ s a relatively safe city , so this is an unfortunate situation , ” Lum said .
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the Detective Bureau at ( 650 ) 997-8321 .
Those wishing to remain anonymous may call ( 650 ) 997-8337 .

Colma, Calif., a tiny town in San Mateo County known for its cemeteries, reported its first homicide since 1997.
The tiny town of Colma, Calif., where most of the land is taken up by cemeteries, reported its first homicide in more than two decades, and the attack took place in a graveyard, officials said this week.
Police were called to Olivet Memorial Park, one of 17 massive, manicured cemeteries in the town, just before 9:30 p.m. Monday to investigate a shooting, officials said in a news release.
There they found 26-year-old Jaquan Cheatham of Citrus Heights suffering from gunshot wounds. Cheatham was transported to a hospital, where he died, police said.
Colma Police Cmdr. Sherwin Lum said it appeared that Cheatham was among a group who was visiting a gravesite at the cemetery when the shooting occurred. The attack, which is still under investigation, was an “isolated incident with no threat to the general public,” officials said.
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(Los Angeles Times)
The shooting death was the first homicide in Colma since 1997, Lum said. The Bay Area town is only about two square miles in size and has fewer than 2,000 residents. It’s most known for its sprawling cemeteries, where nearly 2 million are buried.
“It’s a relatively safe city, so this is an unfortunate situation,” Lum said.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the Detective Bureau at (650) 997-8321. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call (650) 997-8337.


latimes--2020-06-11--LAPD officer shown in video striking homeless man defends actions, pleads not guilty

A Los Angeles police officer accused of assault in the beating of a homeless man caught on video in Boyle Heights earlier this year defended his tactics in court Thursday , saying he “ acted appropriately.
” Frank Hernandez , 49 , who was charged with assault under color of authority this week , pleaded not guilty during a brief hearing downtown .
The veteran LAPD officer was caught on video repeatedly punching an unarmed homeless man in the head and body after responding to a trespassing call in the 2400 block of Houston Street on April 27 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , identified as Richard Castillo , retreating from Hernandez and trying to shield himself as the officer throws more than a dozen punches .
Wearing a beige suit and a black face mask , Hernandez remained silent for most of his hearing Thursday morning while his attorney entered a not guilty plea for him .
“ No comment , but I was in fear of imminent danger and acted appropriately , ” Hernandez said outside the courtroom when asked about his actions .
His attorney , Nicole Castronovo , declined to comment further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
An attorney for Castillo called the prosecution of Hernandez a “ turning point ” in holding law enforcement officers accountable for their actions .
The decision to prosecute Hernandez “ is a tremendous first step in demonstrating to the public that our government officials , at all levels , are no longer willing to tolerate or accept misconduct committed by members of our law enforcement , ” said Wesley Ouchi , who filed a federal lawsuit against the city earlier this year in connection with the video .
Hernandez was arrested and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his own recognizance .
L.A. County Deputy Dist .
Atty .
Christopher Baker said he would not be seeking bail due to the emergency order allowing defendants to be released without bail for a wide array of criminal charges during the coronavirus pandemic .
Hernandez is due back in court in July .
His actions have been widely condemned by law enforcement officials .
LAPD Chief Michel Moore said he was concerned by the cellphone video and the union representing rank-and-file LAPD officers said in a statement that Hernandez ’ s behavior was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are trained to do .
”

LAPD Officer Frank Hernandez pleaded not guilty to assault charges Thursday after a video showed him repeatedly punching an unarmed homeless man in Boyle Heights on April 27. He is due back in court in July.
A Los Angeles police officer accused of assault in the beating of a homeless man caught on video in Boyle Heights earlier this year defended his tactics in court Thursday, saying he “acted appropriately.”
Frank Hernandez, 49, who was charged with assault under color of authority this week, pleaded not guilty during a brief hearing downtown. The veteran LAPD officer was caught on video repeatedly punching an unarmed homeless man in the head and body after responding to a trespassing call in the 2400 block of Houston Street on April 27.
The cellphone video appeared to show the man, identified as Richard Castillo, retreating from Hernandez and trying to shield himself as the officer throws more than a dozen punches.
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Wearing a beige suit and a black face mask, Hernandez remained silent for most of his hearing Thursday morning while his attorney entered a not guilty plea for him.
“No comment, but I was in fear of imminent danger and acted appropriately,” Hernandez said outside the courtroom when asked about his actions.
His attorney, Nicole Castronovo, declined to comment further and pulled Hernandez away from a reporter.
An attorney for Castillo called the prosecution of Hernandez a “turning point” in holding law enforcement officers accountable for their actions.
The decision to prosecute Hernandez “is a tremendous first step in demonstrating to the public that our government officials, at all levels, are no longer willing to tolerate or accept misconduct committed by members of our law enforcement,” said Wesley Ouchi, who filed a federal lawsuit against the city earlier this year in connection with the video.
Hernandez was arrested and charged Tuesday. He remains free on his own recognizance. L.A. County Deputy Dist. Atty. Christopher Baker said he would not be seeking bail due to the emergency order allowing defendants to be released without bail for a wide array of criminal charges during the coronavirus pandemic.
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Hernandez is due back in court in July. His actions have been widely condemned by law enforcement officials. LAPD Chief Michel Moore said he was concerned by the cellphone video and the union representing rank-and-file LAPD officers said in a statement that Hernandez’s behavior was “unacceptable and is not what we are trained to do.”


latimes--2020-06-11--Landlord group sues city of L.A. over coronavirus anti-eviction protections

Southern California ’ s largest landlord organization has launched a legal action against the city of Los Angeles aimed at stripping away protections from evictions during the novel coronavirus pandemic .
The Apartment Assn .
of Greater Los Angeles , in the federal lawsuit filed Thursday , argued that the city ’ s efforts to prevent evictions for those who can ’ t pay due to the economic or health effects of the coronavirus violate landlords ’ 5th Amendment rights against government taking of their property without compensation .
The lawsuit also targets a measure passed by the L.A. City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 600,000 apartments covered by the city ’ s rent stabilization program due to the pandemic .
“ If allowed to stand , the ordinances will not only continue to violate plaintiff ’ s members ’ rights under both the California and United States Constitutions , but will continue to inflict massive and widespread economic damage on property owners and landlords throughout the city , ” said the lawsuit , which was filed in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California .
The suit is the latest effort from landlord groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by local governments across the region in the wake of the coronavirus .
In at least one case , the city of Upland rescinded its eviction protections under threat of litigation .
A spokesman for L.A. City Atty .
Mike Feuer didn ’ t immediately respond to a request for comment about the lawsuit .
Property law experts have said that local governments have broad constitutional authority to temporarily ban evictions during emergencies .
Under the city of L.A. ’ s rules , landlords can not evict tenants for unpaid rent if they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve been economically affected by the coronavirus , including those who have lost jobs or wages during the pandemic .
Tenants must repay all past-due rent , but they have a year following the expiration of the city ’ s state of emergency related to the coronavirus to do it .
The city also has passed a measure allowing renters to sue their landlords if they violate the anti-eviction regulations .
These rules , however , still allow for evictions to occur .
Some tenant advocates have expressed alarm that renters may have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the protections and that historically tenants in the vast majority of eviction cases have not had legal representation .
A recent report from the UCLA Luskin Institute on Inequality and Democracy estimated that 365,000 renter households in the county are at high risk of evictions despite the rules aimed at preventing them in the city and across the region .
Currently , the state court system is blocking nearly all eviction and home foreclosure cases from moving forward until three months after the state of emergency due to the coronavirus ends .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the policy-making arm of the court system , considered allowing eviction lawsuits to proceed in early August , but backtracked after conversations with Gov .
Gavin Newsom , state lawmakers and interest groups , said Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye in a statement .
“ I believe the executive and legislative branches will need more time to sort through various policy proposals , ” Cantil-Sakauye said .

Southern California’s largest landlord organization has launched a legal action against the city of Los Angeles aimed at stripping away protections from evictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Apartment Assn. of Greater Los Angeles, in the federal lawsuit filed Thursday, argued that the city’s efforts to prevent evictions for those who can’t pay due to the economic or health effects of the coronavirus violate landlords’ 5th Amendment rights against government taking of their property without compensation. The lawsuit also targets a measure passed by the L.A. City Council to halt rent increases in more than 600,000 apartments covered by the city’s rent stabilization program due to the pandemic.
“If allowed to stand, the ordinances will not only continue to violate plaintiff’s members’ rights under both the California and United States Constitutions, but will continue to inflict massive and widespread economic damage on property owners and landlords throughout the city,” said the lawsuit, which was filed in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
The suit is the latest effort from landlord groups to attempt to overturn anti-eviction rules passed by local governments across the region in the wake of the coronavirus. In at least one case, the city of Upland rescinded its eviction protections under threat of litigation.
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A spokesman for L.A. City Atty. Mike Feuer didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment about the lawsuit. Property law experts have said that local governments have broad constitutional authority to temporarily ban evictions during emergencies.
Apartment Assn. of Greater Los Angeles lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles L.A. largest landlord group is arguing in a federal lawsuit that eviction protections passed by the city of Los Angeles are unconstitutional.
Under the city of L.A.’s rules, landlords cannot evict tenants for unpaid rent if they can show in court that they’ve been economically affected by the coronavirus, including those who have lost jobs or wages during the pandemic. Tenants must repay all past-due rent, but they have a year following the expiration of the city’s state of emergency related to the coronavirus to do it. The city also has passed a measure allowing renters to sue their landlords if they violate the anti-eviction regulations.
These rules, however, still allow for evictions to occur. Some tenant advocates have expressed alarm that renters may have to go to court to take advantage of the protections and that historically tenants in the vast majority of eviction cases have not had legal representation. A recent report from the UCLA Luskin Institute on Inequality and Democracy estimated that 365,000 renter households in the county are at high risk of evictions despite the rules aimed at preventing them in the city and across the region.
State courts are blocking almost all evictions and home foreclosures from going forward until three months after California ends its state of emergency because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier this week, the Judicial Council, the policymaking arm of the court system, considered allowing eviction lawsuits to proceed in early August, but backtracked after conversations with Gov. Gavin Newsom, state lawmakers and interest groups, said Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye in a statement.
“I believe the executive and legislative branches will need more time to sort through various policy proposals,” Cantil-Sakauye said.


latimes--2020-06-11--Arrest records of protesters who weren't charged should be destroyed, lawyers say

Protesters or failure to disperse during peaceful demonstrations over the death of George Floyd aren ’ t facing criminal charges in Los Angeles , and now their lawyers want prosecutors and the LAPD to seal and destroy the related records .
Los Angeles City Atty .
Mike Feuer , Los Angeles County Dist .
Atty Jackie Lacey and prosecutors in a number of other local jurisdictions have already declared they won ’ t seek criminal charges against about 3,000 people arrested during recent marches for misdemeanor curfew violations , unlawful assembly , failure to disperse , failure to follow a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying they support the exercise of 1st Amendment rights .
But attorneys with the National Lawyers Guild and Los Angeles County Public Defenders Union want prosecutors and the Los Angeles Police Department and other law enforcement agencies to take it a step further .
“ We now ask the city attorney and LAPD Chief Michel Moore to close this episode by sealing and destroying these protesters ’ arrest records .
Not just because arrestees are entitled to this relief by law , but because it would serve the interest of justice — for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can cause significant collateral consequences in the areas of housing , employment and immigration , ” the lawyers said Thursday in announcing the request .
While each person arrested could file a petition to have their record sealed , the lawyers said it would “ heavily burden our overwhelmed courts and will needlessly drain resources from the Law Offices of the Los Angeles County Public Defender and the broader indigent defense community.
” Instead , prosecutors and the LAPD could do so with a simple directive , they said .
Feuer ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was working on a response .
Similar requests are being made in communities with their local prosecutors .
Since Lacey confirmed Sunday that her office would not prosecute protesters arrested for breaking curfew or failing to disperse , other local prosecutors have followed .
Feuer announced Monday that instead of seeking penalties , he would divert arrestees into a program of dialog discussion .
But after receiving pushback from activists and local Black Lives Matter leaders , Feuer dropped the strings attached to dismissing the cases .
The decision by city law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protesters follows complaints by many of those arrested that they spent hours in plastic handcuffs crammed in buses without justification , leaving them with injuries and potentially exposing them to the coronavirus .
A lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California and Black Lives Matter L.A. claims the curfews used to justify many of the arrests illegally suppressed constitutionally protected protests and violated people ’ s right of freedom of movement .
The organizations have also decried videos that show police officers responding with violence against protesters , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ projectiles .

Protesters arrested for curfew violations or failure to disperse during peaceful demonstrations over the death of George Floyd in police custody aren’t facing criminal charges in Los Angeles, and now their lawyers want prosecutors and the LAPD to seal and destroy the related records.
Los Angeles City Atty. Mike Feuer, Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. Jackie Lacey and prosecutors in a number of other local jurisdictions have already declared they won’t seek criminal charges against about 3,000 people arrested during recent marches for misdemeanor curfew violations, unlawful assembly, failure to disperse, failure to follow a police order and similar low-level offenses, saying they support the exercise of 1st Amendment rights.
But attorneys with the National Lawyers Guild and Los Angeles County Public Defenders Union want prosecutors and the Los Angeles Police Department and other law enforcement agencies to take it a step further.
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“We now ask the city attorney and LAPD Chief Michel Moore to close this episode by sealing and destroying these protesters’ arrest records. Not just because arrestees are entitled to this relief by law, but because it would serve the interest of justice — for as we all know, arrest records can cause significant collateral consequences in the areas of housing, employment and immigration,” the lawyers said Thursday in announcing the request.
While each person arrested could file a petition to have their record sealed, the lawyers said it would “heavily burden our overwhelmed courts and will needlessly drain resources from the Law Offices of the Los Angeles County Public Defender and the broader indigent defense community.” Instead, prosecutors and the LAPD could do so with a simple directive, they said.
Feuer’s office told The Times on Thursday that it was working on a response.
Similar requests are being made in communities with their local prosecutors.
Since Lacey confirmed Sunday that her office would not prosecute protesters arrested for breaking curfew or failing to disperse, other local prosecutors have followed.
Feuer announced Monday that instead of seeking penalties, he would divert arrestees into a program of dialog discussion. But after receiving pushback from activists and local Black Lives Matter leaders, Feuer dropped the strings attached to dismissing the cases.
The decision by city law enforcement officials to not pursue punishment for protesters follows complaints by many of those arrested that they spent hours in plastic handcuffs crammed in buses without justification, leaving them with injuries and potentially exposing them to the coronavirus.
A lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California and Black Lives Matter L.A. claims the curfews used to justify many of the arrests illegally suppressed constitutionally protected protests and violated people’s right of freedom of movement. The organizations have also decried videos that show police officers responding with violence against protesters, including swinging batons and firing foam and sponge projectiles.