latimes--2020-03-31--Bay Area hospital desperately needs coronavirus supplies: 'I see a disaster on the brink of happenin

Bay Area hospital desperately needs coronavirus supplies: 'I see a disaster on the brink of happening'

An elected official in the San Francisco Bay Area pleaded for help Tuesday , appalled by the shortage of personal protective equipment at a hospital leased by the state of California to care for coronavirus patients .
“ Here ’ s what I see : I see a disaster on the brink of happening , ” San Mateo County Supervisor David Canepa said at a meeting of the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday , of the shortage of personal protective equipment , a category that includes masks , gowns and gloves , at Seton Medical Center in Daly City .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been unresponsive to calls for help , Canepa said : “ Us not hearing from the state is problematic .
Because we don ’ t have the resources — the hospital can only acquire 20 % of what they need — we could have the potential of having all these COVID patients and no PPE [ personal protective equipment ] , ” Canepa said .
“ This is about a life and death issue.
” There ’ s also a shortage of staffing at hospitals in San Mateo County , and there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as of Tuesday , out of a total of 66 available across the county , said Louise Rogers , chief of San Mateo County Health .
Located just south of San Francisco , San Mateo County is one of the hardest-hit counties in California ’ s coronavirus outbreak , with 309 confirmed cases and 10 deaths .
There are about 70 people under investigation who may have the virus in San Mateo County , which has a population of about 770,000 people and is home to companies such as YouTube and Facebook .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ mostly assisted living facilities — have reported one or more COVID-19 residents .
Rogers said state officials didn ’ t seem to have a plan to get adequate personal protective equipment to Seton Medical Center in Daly City , despite the state of California leasing 177 beds at the facility .
Before the coronavirus crisis , Seton had been expected to be closed by its owner , Verity Health System .
“ The PPE in particular has been a huge challenge .
It really hasn ’ t been resolved , ” Rogers told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of hospitals typically make sure the need for personal protective equipment is met within their own supply chains .
Seton is purchasing personal protective equipment from a supplier , but the supplier is rationing the supplies , Rogers said .
There is a system for the county to call for mutual aid , where every county is grouped into a region , and the region is tied to the state .
There ’ s a process for hospitals and nursing homes to request personal protective equipment through that system , and ultimately , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state , and there are efforts to access a national stockpile .
But unfortunately , “ they ’ re not fulfilling all those requests , because they themselves are rationing , ” Rogers said .
“ The state has indicated that eventually that they ’ re going to try to fulfill them .
But that has not happened.
” Seton Medical Center may have also been starting at a low inventory of supplies , Rogers said .
Seton was on the brink of closure before the coronavirus crisis began .
Given the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rogers said the county asked whether it would help .
But , she said , “ they didn ’ t seem to have a plan for doing that .
So that was very concerning , and one reason I highlighted it this morning.
” Seton Medical Center is currently caring for eight patients who have COVID-19 , and six others who are under investigation for having the disease .
San Mateo County Manager Mike Callagy said the county has asked the state Emergency Medical Services Authority for the personal protective equipment , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ... .The state really needs to push on the feds to get those supplies in so they can be distributed down through the system that ’ s in place here.
” There are also major challenges related to staffing hospitals in San Mateo County , Rogers said .
She said she hopes Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s effort to call for recent retirees to rejoin the healthcare workforce can help .
Hospitals are also concerned about whether skilled nursing and assisted living facilities will accept COVID-19 patients who no longer need care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those facilities to be able to manage COVID-positive cases on sight in their facilities to the extent possible if they don ’ t need hospital care , ” Rogers said .
Licensed facilities have the latitude to not take patients back if they don ’ t feel comfortable doing so , Rogers said .
That ’ s why she hopes the county , state and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention can figure out a way to get COVID-19 patients back into nursing homes if they no longer need to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 250 beds is being set up at the San Mateo County Event Center as a spillover area for patients who are recovering or have mild illness in case the hospitals are full .
In addition , a hotel with 145 rooms is being used by the county as an alternative care and housing site .
There are currently seven occupants there , but the hotel would need more medical support if more people move in with medical needs , Rogers said .

An elected official in the San Francisco Bay Area pleaded for help Tuesday, appalled by the shortage of personal protective equipment at a hospital leased by the state of California to care for coronavirus patients.
“Here’s what I see: I see a disaster on the brink of happening,” San Mateo County Supervisor David Canepa said at a meeting of the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, of the shortage of personal protective equipment, a category that includes masks, gowns and gloves, at Seton Medical Center in Daly City.
After a county official said the state has been unresponsive to calls for help, Canepa said: “Us not hearing from the state is problematic. Because we don’t have the resources — the hospital can only acquire 20% of what they need — we could have the potential of having all these COVID patients and no PPE [personal protective equipment],” Canepa said. “This is about a life and death issue.”
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There’s also a shortage of staffing at hospitals in San Mateo County, and there are five empty intensive care unit beds as of Tuesday, out of a total of 66 available across the county, said Louise Rogers, chief of San Mateo County Health.
Located just south of San Francisco, San Mateo County is one of the hardest-hit counties in California’s coronavirus outbreak, with 309 confirmed cases and 10 deaths. There are about 70 people under investigation who may have the virus in San Mateo County, which has a population of about 770,000 people and is home to companies such as YouTube and Facebook. About eight different congregate care facilities — mostly assisted living facilities — have reported one or more COVID-19 residents.
Tracking the coronavirus in California The latest maps and charts on the spread of COVID-19 in California.
Rogers said state officials didn’t seem to have a plan to get adequate personal protective equipment to Seton Medical Center in Daly City, despite the state of California leasing 177 beds at the facility. Before the coronavirus crisis, Seton had been expected to be closed by its owner, Verity Health System.
“The PPE in particular has been a huge challenge. It really hasn’t been resolved,” Rogers told the supervisors.
Rogers said the owners of hospitals typically make sure the need for personal protective equipment is met within their own supply chains. Seton is purchasing personal protective equipment from a supplier, but the supplier is rationing the supplies, Rogers said.
There is a system for the county to call for mutual aid, where every county is grouped into a region, and the region is tied to the state. There’s a process for hospitals and nursing homes to request personal protective equipment through that system, and ultimately, requests can end up going to the state, and there are efforts to access a national stockpile.
But unfortunately, “they’re not fulfilling all those requests, because they themselves are rationing,” Rogers said. “The state has indicated that eventually that they’re going to try to fulfill them. But that has not happened.”
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Seton Medical Center may have also been starting at a low inventory of supplies, Rogers said. Seton was on the brink of closure before the coronavirus crisis began.
Given the state’s agreement to lease Seton, Rogers said the county asked whether it would help. But, she said, “they didn’t seem to have a plan for doing that. So that was very concerning, and one reason I highlighted it this morning.”
Seton Medical Center is currently caring for eight patients who have COVID-19, and six others who are under investigation for having the disease.
San Mateo County Manager Mike Callagy said the county has asked the state Emergency Medical Services Authority for the personal protective equipment, “and they simply do not have them....The state really needs to push on the feds to get those supplies in so they can be distributed down through the system that’s in place here.”
There are also major challenges related to staffing hospitals in San Mateo County, Rogers said. She said she hopes Gov. Gavin Newsom’s effort to call for recent retirees to rejoin the healthcare workforce can help.
Hospitals are also concerned about whether skilled nursing and assisted living facilities will accept COVID-19 patients who no longer need care in a hospital. “We need those facilities to be able to manage COVID-positive cases on sight in their facilities to the extent possible if they don’t need hospital care,” Rogers said.
California Social distancing may have helped California slow the virus and avoid New York’s fate The coronavirus continues to spread rapidly in the Bay Area and Seattle, but so far at a rate slower than in the country’s other hot spots such as New York, New Jersey, Michigan and Louisiana.
Licensed facilities have the latitude to not take patients back if they don’t feel comfortable doing so, Rogers said. That’s why she hopes the county, state and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention can figure out a way to get COVID-19 patients back into nursing homes if they no longer need to be hospitalized.
A federal medical site with 250 beds is being set up at the San Mateo County Event Center as a spillover area for patients who are recovering or have mild illness in case the hospitals are full. In addition, a hotel with 145 rooms is being used by the county as an alternative care and housing site. There are currently seven occupants there, but the hotel would need more medical support if more people move in with medical needs, Rogers said.


latimes--2020-03-31--Riverside County opens third coronavirus drive-through testing site

As coronavirus cases jump to nearly 300 over the weekend in Riverside County , officials have announced plans to open a third drive-through testing site on Wednesday .
On Monday , the county reported 291 positive cases , a nearly 60-person increase from the previous day , records show .
Virus-related deaths increased by one over the weekend , bringing the county ’ s total to nine .
The drive-through testing site will be stationed at Harvest Christian Fellowship church , 6115 Arlington Avenue , in Riverside .
In order to receive a COVID-19 test , residents must show symptoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throat , and call ( 800 ) 945-6171 to schedule an appointment .
Operators will assess if residents meet the criteria to have an appointment .
Those who may have been exposed to the novel coronavirus — by another person who has tested positive — may also be tested at the site , county officials said .
The Coachella Valley testing site in Indian Wells , which had been in operation since March 17 , was relocated to the Riverside County Fairgrounds in Indio on Tuesday , county officials said .
The testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ location as the federal medical station , County Board Chair and Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez said .
Testing will take place in the parking lots 5 and 5A near Arabia Street , between Highway 111 and Dr Carreon Boulevard .
“ The Riverside County Fairgrounds is a great location for testing , ” Perez said .
“ The fairgrounds have been a safe haven for families .
Many visit this location for the Date Festival and for health care services , and it makes perfect sense with the federal medical station @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s other drive-through testing site is at Diamond Stadium in Lake Elsinore , where physicians have been “ seeing hundreds of patients ” daily , Brooke Federico , the county ’ s public information officer said .
To make an appointment at the Lake Elsinore site , residents can also schedule .
More than 3,000 residents have been tested at the drive-through locations and the Riverside University Health System clinics so far , according to county officials .
Dr. Mahbuba Khan , a physician at the Riverside Medical Center , who has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that she ’ s grateful for healthcare workers who have been volunteering their time and making the testing process more efficient .
“ I think our team [ is ] doing a really good job talking to patients , guiding them through , giving them instructions , calming them down , telling them what COVID-19 is [ and ] what to expect , ” Khan said in a video on the county ’ s website .
“ I can see people leaving [ and ] smiling.
” Khan said that a patient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at them as they left , it made them feel “ really good about coming here and [ that they felt ] really warm.
” As the county ramps up their testing efforts , officials are seeking more medical volunteers .
They are calling for physicians , nurses , pharmacists , assistants and technicians to help prepare for an influx of patients .
Only licensed practitioners or students pursuing degrees in any of these areas can volunteer .
County officials are also requesting that the public send donations to support hospitals .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ventilators , cardiac monitors , masks ( including surgical , N-95 or handmade ) , personal protective equipment ( such as hoods and face guards ) , isolation gowns and gloves .
For more information on how to volunteer or donate supplies , visit the county ’ s .

A passenger gets a coronavirus test at a drive-though facility for Coachella Valley residents in the parking lot of the Southwest church in Indian Wells last week. That site was relocated to the Riverside County Fairgrounds in Indio.
As coronavirus cases jump to nearly 300 over the weekend in Riverside County, officials have announced plans to open a third drive-through testing site on Wednesday.
On Monday, the county reported 291 positive cases, a nearly 60-person increase from the previous day, records show. Virus-related deaths increased by one over the weekend, bringing the county’s total to nine.
The drive-through testing site will be stationed at Harvest Christian Fellowship church, 6115 Arlington Avenue, in Riverside. In order to receive a COVID-19 test, residents must show symptoms, such as fever or a sore throat, and call (800) 945-6171 to schedule an appointment. Operators will assess if residents meet the criteria to have an appointment. Those who may have been exposed to the novel coronavirus — by another person who has tested positive — may also be tested at the site, county officials said.
The Coachella Valley drive-through testing site in Indian Wells, which had been in operation since March 17, was relocated to the Riverside County Fairgrounds in Indio on Tuesday, county officials said. The testing site will be housed at the same location as the federal medical station, County Board Chair and Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez said. Testing will take place in the parking lots 5 and 5A near Arabia Street, between Highway 111 and Dr Carreon Boulevard.
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Riverside County medical personnel screen a car of four people at a coronavirus drive-though testing facility in Indian Wells. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)
“The Riverside County Fairgrounds is a great location for testing,” Perez said. “The fairgrounds have been a safe haven for families. Many visit this location for the Date Festival and for health care services, and it makes perfect sense with the federal medical station also located there.”
The county’s other drive-through testing site is at Diamond Stadium in Lake Elsinore, where physicians have been “seeing hundreds of patients” daily, Brooke Federico, the county’s public information officer said. To make an appointment at the Lake Elsinore site, residents can also schedule online .
More than 3,000 residents have been tested at the drive-through locations and the Riverside University Health System clinics so far, according to county officials.
Dr. Mahbuba Khan, a physician at the Riverside Medical Center, who has been working at the Lake Elsinore site, said that she’s grateful for healthcare workers who have been volunteering their time and making the testing process more efficient.
“I think our team [is] doing a really good job talking to patients, guiding them through, giving them instructions, calming them down, telling them what COVID-19 is [and] what to expect,” Khan said in a video on the county’s website. “I can see people leaving [and] smiling.”
Khan said that a patient told her that when the staff waved at them as they left, it made them feel “really good about coming here and [that they felt] really warm.”
A nurse takes a break at a drive-though testing facility for Coachella Valley residents. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)
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As the county ramps up their testing efforts, officials are seeking more medical volunteers. They are calling for physicians, nurses, pharmacists, assistants and technicians to help prepare for an influx of patients. Only licensed practitioners or students pursuing degrees in any of these areas can volunteer.


latimes--2020-03-31--It's warming up, but don't venture out: Health officials issue virus reminder

The sun is out , the skies are blue , and the springtime temperatures may be beckoning .
But don ’ t heed that siren song , Los Angeles County public health officials warn .
A warming trend this week may tempt Angelenos to congregate at outdoor spaces , but the public is reminded it ’ s better to remain at home to avoid spreading the coronavirus .
L.A. is getting a break from a series of northern storms that have kept the region chilly and rainy .
Highs on Tuesday are expected in the mid-60s to low 70s near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said David Sweet , a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard .
Temperatures will cool slightly over the next few days but remain mild , with highs Friday expected in the lower to mid-60s along the coast and in the lower 70s inland , Sweet said .
A storm on the horizon could drop temperatures into the lower to mid-60s by Sunday and bring a chance of showers .
The warm weather is worrisome for county officials , who are urging residents to remain indoors while the state grapples with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the county reminded residents that the local Safer at Home directives are still in effect and cautioned against “ behavioral fatigue ” — or growing tired of behaving a certain way — especially with the temptation of warming weather .
If people go outside , they risk contracting the virus or putting someone else at risk .
Instead , the county listed alternatives , some of which include fostering a pet , using free online resources offered by the county for all ages or doing at-home art activities .
There are signs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be working to slow the spread of the virus .
But many outdoor spaces such as beaches and hiking trails have been closed because too many people have clustered in those areas .

Warm weather is expected this week, which may tempt residents to go find a place to bask in the sun. Officials say: Just don’t.
The sun is out, the skies are blue, and the springtime temperatures may be beckoning. But don’t heed that siren song, Los Angeles County public health officials warn.
A warming trend this week may tempt Angelenos to congregate at outdoor spaces, but the public is reminded it’s better to remain at home to avoid spreading the coronavirus.
L.A. is getting a break from a series of northern storms that have kept the region chilly and rainy. Highs on Tuesday are expected in the mid-60s to low 70s near the beaches and in the 70s inland, said David Sweet, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard.
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Temperatures will cool slightly over the next few days but remain mild, with highs Friday expected in the lower to mid-60s along the coast and in the lower 70s inland, Sweet said. A storm on the horizon could drop temperatures into the lower to mid-60s by Sunday and bring a chance of showers.
The warm weather is worrisome for county officials, who are urging residents to remain indoors while the state grapples with the spreading coronavirus pandemic.
On Tuesday, the county reminded residents that the local Safer at Home directives are still in effect and cautioned against “behavioral fatigue” — or growing tired of behaving a certain way — especially with the temptation of warming weather.
If people go outside, they risk contracting the virus or putting someone else at risk. Instead, the county listed alternatives, some of which include fostering a pet, using free online resources offered by the county for all ages or doing at-home art activities.
There are signs recent efforts to enforce social distancing may be working to slow the spread of the virus. But many outdoor spaces such as beaches and hiking trails have been closed because too many people have clustered in those areas.


latimes--2020-03-31--Here's where the coronavirus has been found in Orange County

Orange County now has 502 confirmed coronavirus infections as the disease continues to spread throughout the region .
Along with the latest case numbers , county health officials also announced three new fatalities Tuesday , bringing the death toll to seven .
Among the dead was one person between the age of 25 and 34 .
As of Tuesday , 94 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized — 46 of them in intensive care .
Cases by community : Aliso Viejo 4 Anaheim 46 Brea 3 Buena Park 16 Costa Mesa 10 Cypress 11 Dana Point 9 Fountain Valley 8 Fullerton 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 50 La Habra 2 La Palma 6 Laguna Beach 22 Laguna Hills 2 Laguna Niguel 16 Laguna Woods Fewer than 5* Lake Forest 10 Los Alamitos Fewer than 5* Mission Viejo 9 Newport Beach 46 Orange 15 Placentia 6 Rancho Santa Margarita 5 San Clemente 20 San Juan Capistrano 10 Santa Ana 24 Seal Beach 1 Stanton 1 Tustin 7 Villa Park Fewer than 5* Westminster 7 Yorba Linda 15 Other 16 Unknown 51 *The county does not provide exact counts for cities that have fewer than 25,000 residents and fewer than five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results from unincorporated areas , are reflected in the “ other ” category .
Note : Daily updates are preliminary and subject to change as the county receives new information .

People exercise along the boardwalk near the Newport Beach pier amid coronavirus social distancing regulations in Newport Beach. Newport Beach has 46 confirmed coronavirus cases.
Orange County now has 502 confirmed coronavirus infections as the disease continues to spread throughout the region.
Along with the latest case numbers, county health officials also announced three new fatalities Tuesday, bringing the death toll to seven.
Among the dead was one person between the age of 25 and 34.
As of Tuesday, 94 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized — 46 of them in intensive care.
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Tracking the coronavirus in California The latest maps and charts on the spread of COVID-19 in California.
Age breakdown of cases:
0-17 — 3
18-24 — 53
25-34 — 84
35-44 — 82
45-64 — 190
65+ — 90
Age breakdown of deaths:
25-34 — 1
35-44 — 1
45-64 — 1
65+ — 4
Cases by community:
Aliso Viejo 4
Anaheim 46
Brea 3
Buena Park 16
Costa Mesa 10
Cypress 11
Dana Point 9
Fountain Valley 8
Fullerton 12
Garden Grove 10
Huntington Beach 32
Irvine 50
La Habra 2
La Palma 6
Laguna Beach 22
Laguna Hills 2
Laguna Niguel 16
Laguna Woods Fewer than 5*
Lake Forest 10
Los Alamitos Fewer than 5*
Mission Viejo 9
Newport Beach 46
Orange 15
Placentia 6
Rancho Santa Margarita 5
San Clemente 20
San Juan Capistrano 10
Santa Ana 24
Seal Beach 1
Stanton 1
Tustin 7
Villa Park Fewer than 5*
Westminster 7
Yorba Linda 15
Other 16
Unknown 51
*The county does not provide exact counts for cities that have fewer than 25,000 residents and fewer than five cases. Those, as well as results from unincorporated areas, are reflected in the “other” category.
Note: Daily updates are preliminary and subject to change as the county receives new information.


latimes--2020-03-31--California to release 3,500 inmates early as coronavirus spreads inside prisons

California is granting early release to 3,500 inmates in an effort to reduce crowding as coronavirus infections begin spreading through the state prison system .
Lawyers for Gov .
Gavin Newsom on Tuesday told a panel of federal judges the state is taking “ extraordinary and unprecedented protective measures ” to slow the spread of the virus and protect those who live and work within California ’ s 35 prisons .
The accelerated prison discharges — affecting inmates due to be released over the next 60 days — come in the face of pressure to do much more .
Lawyers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the prison system have asked those judges for broader prison releases , as well as protective measures to reduce the threat to older or medically vulnerable inmates not likely to be considered for release .
A court hearing on the emergency motion is set for Thursday .
In court filings , state lawyers said California intends to accelerate release and parole dates for 3,500 inmates serving terms for nonviolent crimes and already due to be released within 60 days .
The releases are to be conducted “ within the next several weeks.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ state prisons have been locking down cell blocks where inmates exhibit flu-like symptoms .
That has heightened fears among family members , especially of those inmates who are older or at risk of severe illness from COVID-19 , the disease caused by the novel coronavirus .
“ He feels like he ’ s in a Nazi Germany death camp .
They basically locked them all in the ‘ sick ’ dorm and are only taking guys out with a high fever , ” said the daughter of one such inmate at the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Men .
To date , one inmate and 11 state workers at the prison have tested positive for COVID-19 .
“ An inmate in his dorm of 150 men just tested positive , so they put his entire dorm on lockdown .
He can ’ t get bandages he needs for open sores from an autoimmune disease .
He ’ s 72 and due out in August , ” she said .
There are now COVID-19 cases at 10 prisons , affecting 22 workers and four inmates .
Inmate testing began March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Rehabilitation has shut down inmate visitation and volunteer programs , and this week began using touch thermometers to screen its 67,000 employees as they enter the lockups .
In the first three days of such screening , 170 workers had temperatures and were turned away .
At the same time , 886 employees on Sunday called in sick for work , a number that CDCR spokeswoman Dana Simas said is not large given the size of the workforce .
The state has also blocked the transfer of county jail inmates to prison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a judge will keep 3,000 additional people out of the penal system .
And the state intends to move 480 to 530 inmates out of dorms , where prisoners are bunked as close as two feet apart with shared sinks and showers .
They will be moved to other prison facilities , the court filing said .
Newsom disclosed his intent to release prisoners early in a comedy news-show appearance Monday night .
He told “ The Daily Show ” host Trevor Noah he planned “ thoughtful and judicious ” releases , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just saying , ‘ Hey , you people , ’ randomly.
” He said prisoners whose crimes were violent and those classified as sex offenders are not eligible for the early releases .
Those with domestic abuse cases also are not eligible .
The governor did not mention that the order for the releases was already executed by the state prison chief , CDCR Secretary Ralph Diaz , on Monday without public note .
Inmate advocates were skeptical about whether the early parole was enough .
“ It ’ s a step in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michael Bien , one of the lead plaintiffs in the civil rights litigation .
“ Whether or not it will be sufficient to address the pandemic ... and achieve safety and social distancing , we just don ’ t know .
My personal opinion is we ’ ll need to do more.
” In particular , Bien said he is concerned the state has taken no steps to move those most at risk of dying from COVID-19 , including older inmates and those with medical conditions , out of harm ’ s way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remains incarcerated , there is a real chance the two-year sentence will become a death sentence , ” said Anita Astorga , whose 67-year-old brother , a diabetic , is at the Chino prison where COVID-19 cases are mounting .

California prisons are to release up to 3,500 inmates as the coronavirus spreads .
California is granting early release to 3,500 inmates in an effort to reduce crowding as coronavirus infections begin spreading through the state prison system.
Lawyers for Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday told a panel of federal judges the state is taking “extraordinary and unprecedented protective measures” to slow the spread of the virus and protect those who live and work within California’s 35 prisons. The accelerated prison discharges — affecting inmates due to be released over the next 60 days — come in the face of pressure to do much more.
Lawyers representing inmates in long-standing civil rights litigation against the prison system have asked those judges for broader prison releases, as well as protective measures to reduce the threat to older or medically vulnerable inmates not likely to be considered for release. A court hearing on the emergency motion is set for Thursday.
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In court filings, state lawyers said California intends to accelerate release and parole dates for 3,500 inmates serving terms for nonviolent crimes and already due to be released within 60 days. The releases are to be conducted “within the next several weeks.”
Documents provided to The Times show state prisons have been locking down cell blocks where inmates exhibit flu-like symptoms. That has heightened fears among family members, especially of those inmates who are older or at risk of severe illness from COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
“He feels like he’s in a Nazi Germany death camp. They basically locked them all in the ‘sick’ dorm and are only taking guys out with a high fever,” said the daughter of one such inmate at the state prison in Chino, the California Institution for Men. To date, one inmate and 11 state workers at the prison have tested positive for COVID-19.
“An inmate in his dorm of 150 men just tested positive, so they put his entire dorm on lockdown. He can’t get bandages he needs for open sores from an autoimmune disease. He’s 72 and due out in August,” she said.
There are now COVID-19 cases at 10 prisons, affecting 22 workers and four inmates. Inmate testing began March 7.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has shut down inmate visitation and volunteer programs, and this week began using touch thermometers to screen its 67,000 employees as they enter the lockups. In the first three days of such screening, 170 workers had temperatures and were turned away. At the same time, 886 employees on Sunday called in sick for work, a number that CDCR spokeswoman Dana Simas said is not large given the size of the workforce.
The state has also blocked the transfer of county jail inmates to prison, a decision that state lawyers told a judge will keep 3,000 additional people out of the penal system. And the state intends to move 480 to 530 inmates out of dorms, where prisoners are bunked as close as two feet apart with shared sinks and showers. They will be moved to other prison facilities, the court filing said.
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Newsom disclosed his intent to release prisoners early in a comedy news-show appearance Monday night. He told “The Daily Show” host Trevor Noah he planned “thoughtful and judicious” releases, “not being flippant about this, not just saying, ‘Hey, you people,’ randomly.”
He said prisoners whose crimes were violent and those classified as sex offenders are not eligible for the early releases. Those with domestic abuse cases also are not eligible.
The governor did not mention that the order for the releases was already executed by the state prison chief, CDCR Secretary Ralph Diaz, on Monday without public note.
Inmate advocates were skeptical about whether the early parole was enough.
“It’s a step in the right direction,” said attorney Michael Bien, one of the lead plaintiffs in the civil rights litigation. “Whether or not it will be sufficient to address the pandemic ... and achieve safety and social distancing, we just don’t know. My personal opinion is we’ll need to do more.”
In particular, Bien said he is concerned the state has taken no steps to move those most at risk of dying from COVID-19, including older inmates and those with medical conditions, out of harm’s way.
“As long as my brother remains incarcerated, there is a real chance the two-year sentence will become a death sentence,” said Anita Astorga, whose 67-year-old brother, a diabetic, is at the Chino prison where COVID-19 cases are mounting.


latimes--2020-03-31--Bay Area extends coronavirus order; funerals limited and construction projects halted

Health officers in six counties in the San Francisco Bay Area extended a stay-at-home order to slow the spread of the coronavirus through May 3 and put new restrictions on such things as residential construction projects and the number of people who can attend funerals .
Dr. Sara Cody , the Santa Clara County public health officer , said the Bay Area ’ s strict stay-at-home order was working , but it needs more time .
“ I want to say that : The incredible sacrifice that everyone has made , I believe it is starting to bend the curve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it hasn ’ t been in place long enough , so we need to keep at it , we just need to keep at it , ” Cody said at a news conference .
“ I believe it ’ s beginning to make a difference , and it ’ s giving our hospitals more time .
The counties extending the order are San Francisco , San Mateo , Santa Clara , Alameda , Contra Costa and Marin .
“ While the prior order has been effective in reducing the rate of transmission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it is not enough , ” the health officers said in a statement .
“ There has been a significant increase in the number of positive cases , hospitalization and deaths from COVID-19 , which is beginning to strain healthcare resources .
The health officers have determined that more and stricter social distancing is needed to slow the rate of spread , prevent deaths , and stop the health care system from becoming overwhelmed.
” “ Extending the stay-at-home order should reduce the number of sick patients seeking care at one time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical supplies for providers who will be providing care to people sick with COVID-19 .
The extension will allow doctors and nurses to better treat those who do get sick , and save countless lives , ” Dr. Chris Farnitano , health officer for Contra Costa County , said in a statement .
The first order mandating residents shelter in place as much as possible was issued on March 16 and was set to expire on April 7 .
It ’ s meant to complement the statewide stay-at-home order issued by Gov .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I want to be very clear about the overall goal we are trying to achieve , ” said Santa Clara County public health officer , Dr. Sara Cody .
“ The goal is to decrease , to the greatest extent possible , the average number of contacts that each of us has with each other every day.
” • Use of playgrounds , dog parks , public picnic areas and similar recreational areas is prohibited .
These areas must be closed to public use .
• Use of shared public recreational facilities such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ courts , pools and rock walls is prohibited .
These facilities must be closed for recreational use .
• Sports requiring people to share a ball or other equipment must be limited to people in the same household .
• Most construction — residential and commercial — is prohibited .
• Funerals are limited to no more than 10 people attending • The definition of “ essential businesses ” is expanded to include service providers that enable residential transactions ( notaries , title companies , Realtors , etc . )
; funeral homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car companies and ride-hailing services that specifically enable essential activities .
• Essential businesses that continue to operate must scale down operations to their essential components only .
Los Angeles Police Department Chief Michel Moore said Los Angeles may extend its own rules into May .
In L.A. County , officials reported seven more deaths Monday , bringing the total to 44 — the highest concentration in the state .
The order by the Bay Area counties comes as coronavirus cases in Northern California keep increasing .
Alameda County reported 283 confirmed COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus as of Monday .
The city of Berkeley , which has its own public health division , recorded 19 infected people .
In Marin County , the death toll jumped to four after three additional victims were reported this week .
Two men in their 60s and a woman in her 90s died , county spokeswoman Laine Hendricks said .
As of Monday , the county had reported at least 99 cases , the bulk of whom are ages 50-64 .
In Los Angeles County , officials reported seven more deaths Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the highest concentration in the state .
L.A. Police Chief Michel Moore said the city may extend its own stay-at-home rules into May .

Susanne Rust, Colleen Shalby, Rong-Gong Lin II

Health officers in six counties in the San Francisco Bay Area extended a stay-at-home order to slow the spread of the coronavirus through May 3 and put new restrictions on such things as residential construction projects and the number of people who can attend funerals.
Dr. Sara Cody, the Santa Clara County public health officer, said the Bay Area’s strict stay-at-home order was working, but it needs more time.
“I want to say that: The incredible sacrifice that everyone has made, I believe it is starting to bend the curve. But it’s not enough and it hasn’t been in place long enough, so we need to keep at it, we just need to keep at it,” Cody said at a news conference. “I believe it’s beginning to make a difference, and it’s giving our hospitals more time.
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The counties extending the order are San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa and Marin.
“While the prior order has been effective in reducing the rate of transmission of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), it is not enough,” the health officers said in a statement. “There has been a significant increase in the number of positive cases, hospitalization and deaths from COVID-19, which is beginning to strain healthcare resources. The health officers have determined that more and stricter social distancing is needed to slow the rate of spread, prevent deaths, and stop the health care system from becoming overwhelmed.”
“Extending the stay-at-home order should reduce the number of sick patients seeking care at one time, giving us time to acquire more medical supplies for providers who will be providing care to people sick with COVID-19. The extension will allow doctors and nurses to better treat those who do get sick, and save countless lives,” Dr. Chris Farnitano, health officer for Contra Costa County, said in a statement.
The first order mandating residents shelter in place as much as possible was issued on March 16 and was set to expire on April 7. It’s meant to complement the statewide stay-at-home order issued by Gov. Gavin Newsom on March 19.
“I want to be very clear about the overall goal we are trying to achieve,” said Santa Clara County public health officer, Dr. Sara Cody. “The goal is to decrease, to the greatest extent possible, the average number of contacts that each of us has with each other every day.”
The officials clarified language on essential business activities:
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Use of playgrounds, dog parks, public picnic areas and similar recreational areas is prohibited. These areas must be closed to public use.
Use of shared public recreational facilities such as golf courses, tennis and basketball courts, pools and rock walls is prohibited. These facilities must be closed for recreational use.
Sports requiring people to share a ball or other equipment must be limited to people in the same household.
Essential businesses must develop a social distancing protocol before April 3.
Most construction — residential and commercial — is prohibited.
Funerals are limited to no more than 10 people attending
The definition of “essential businesses” is expanded to include service providers that enable residential transactions (notaries, title companies, Realtors, etc.); funeral homes and cemeteries; moving companies, rental car companies and ride-hailing services that specifically enable essential activities.
Essential businesses that continue to operate must scale down operations to their essential components only.
Los Angeles Police Department Chief Michel Moore said Los Angeles may extend its own rules into May.
In L.A. County, officials reported seven more deaths Monday, bringing the total to 44 — the highest concentration in the state.
The order by the Bay Area counties comes as coronavirus cases in Northern California keep increasing.
Alameda County reported 283 confirmed COVID-19 cases and seven deaths linked to the virus as of Monday. The city of Berkeley, which has its own public health division, recorded 19 infected people.
In Marin County, the death toll jumped to four after three additional victims were reported this week. Two men in their 60s and a woman in her 90s died, county spokeswoman Laine Hendricks said.
As of Monday, the county had reported at least 99 cases, the bulk of whom are ages 50-64.
In Los Angeles County, officials reported seven more deaths Monday, bringing the total to 44 — the highest concentration in the state.


latimes--2020-03-31--Three new coronavirus deaths are confirmed in Orange County as total infections top 500

Orange County announced three new coronavirus-related deaths Tuesday as the number of confirmed infections surged to 502 .
Seven people have died as a result of COVID-19 since the pandemic began , according to the Orange County Health Care Agency .
Four of those patients were at least 65 years old , and the other three were between 25 and 34 ; 35 and 44 ; and 45 and 64 , respectively .
Four of the deceased were women and three were men , health officials said .
Countywide , 94 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized as of Tuesday .
Of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Throughout the county , 6,674 people have been tested for coronavirus infections so far .
Among those who have tested positive are two staff members at the 224-bed Anaheim Emergency Shelter , which the Salvation Army runs .
City spokesman Mike Lyster declined to identify the pair , but said both “ are now self-isolating and recovering at home ” and “ are generally in good spirits and generally in good health.
” “ We know of no confirmed cases among residents ” of the shelter , he said , adding that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a precaution .
Those results are expected within 48 hours .
Amid the steady increase in cases — two weeks ago there were only 29 confirmed countywide — officials are imploring residents to abide by “ stay at home ” orders and venture out only when absolutely necessary .
To those who continue to head out on a whim or gather in non-family groups , county Supervisor Andrew Do had a simple message : “ Stop it.
” “ In the face of past threats , our nation has always pulled together to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enemies .
This is no different , ” he said Tuesday .
“ Stay at home .
Don ’ t have play dates for your kids .
Don ’ t visit your cousins .
Don ’ t play basketball with friends .
Just don ’ t .
The longer people don ’ t comply with our public health orders , the more people will die and the longer our restaurants and businesses will suffer from closures and reduced hours.
” Do said he wants the county to “ go back to normal but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are at least a month from that happening.
” “ Even when we do go back to normal , that normal will be different than what we had before , ” he said .
One thing that has become more commonplace during the coronavirus outbreak is the extension of previously announced closures .
South Coast Plaza , the popular Costa Mesa mall , had originally planned to reopen Tuesday but will instead remain closed until further notice , a spokeswoman said .
As the number of cases continues to rise , county @ @ @ @ @ @ @ additional hospital beds to accommodate the expected wave of patients .
“ The surge that we ’ re anticipating is probably going to be in two or three weeks — probably into early May ... and what that means is we do have to be ready , ” said Richard Sanchez , director of the county Health Care Agency .
Presently , the county has 5,367 beds available , he told the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday .
While that ’ s enough to serve the county ’ s current needs , officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state-owned Fairview Developmental Center in Costa Mesa — that could harbor additional patients .
“ The surge is for low-acuity patients who may be transported off-site to a hospital location , ” Sanchez said , so it ’ s possible that “ those who would have lower conditions that can be put off-site may be put in Fairview , ” rather than those who have tested positive for COVID-19 .
Costa Mesa officials — who fiercely fought a proposal in February to move coronavirus patients to Fairview — said this week that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the city is now working with its counterparts at the local , state and federal levels .
“ All of those talks are ongoing as we speak and we hope to have more firm details in the coming days , ” David Souleles , the county ’ s director of public health services , said Tuesday .
The state is also looking into whether the Orange County fairgrounds could be used as a makeshift hospital site , according to Costa Mesa officials .

As the number of coronavirus infections rises in Orange County, officials are looking at several sites — including the Fairview Developmental Center in Costa Mesa — that could be used to provide additional hospital beds.
Orange County announced three new coronavirus-related deaths Tuesday as the number of confirmed infections surged to 502.
Seven people have died as a result of COVID-19 since the pandemic began, according to the Orange County Health Care Agency. Four of those patients were at least 65 years old, and the other three were between 25 and 34; 35 and 44; and 45 and 64, respectively.
Four of the deceased were women and three were men, health officials said.
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Countywide, 94 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized as of Tuesday. Of those, 46 were in intensive care.
Throughout the county, 6,674 people have been tested for coronavirus infections so far. Among those who have tested positive are two staff members at the 224-bed Anaheim Emergency Shelter, which the Salvation Army runs.
City spokesman Mike Lyster declined to identify the pair, but said both “are now self-isolating and recovering at home” and “are generally in good spirits and generally in good health.”
“We know of no confirmed cases among residents” of the shelter, he said, adding that 34 of them were tested Monday as a precaution. Those results are expected within 48 hours.
Amid the steady increase in cases — two weeks ago there were only 29 confirmed countywide — officials are imploring residents to abide by “stay at home” orders and venture out only when absolutely necessary.
Advertisement
To those who continue to head out on a whim or gather in non-family groups, county Supervisor Andrew Do had a simple message: “Stop it.”
“In the face of past threats, our nation has always pulled together to make personal sacrifices to defeat our common enemies. This is no different,” he said Tuesday. “Stay at home. Don’t have play dates for your kids. Don’t visit your cousins. Don’t play basketball with friends. Just don’t. The longer people don’t comply with our public health orders, the more people will die and the longer our restaurants and businesses will suffer from closures and reduced hours.”
Do said he wants the county to “go back to normal but, even in the best scenario, we are at least a month from that happening.”
“Even when we do go back to normal, that normal will be different than what we had before,” he said.
One thing that has become more commonplace during the coronavirus outbreak is the extension of previously announced closures. South Coast Plaza, the popular Costa Mesa mall, had originally planned to reopen Tuesday but will instead remain closed until further notice, a spokeswoman said.
As the number of cases continues to rise, county officials say they are working to secure additional hospital beds to accommodate the expected wave of patients.
“The surge that we’re anticipating is probably going to be in two or three weeks — probably into early May ... and what that means is we do have to be ready,” said Richard Sanchez, director of the county Health Care Agency.
Tracking the coronavirus in California The latest maps and charts on the spread of COVID-19 in California.
Presently, the county has 5,367 beds available, he told the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.
While that’s enough to serve the county’s current needs, officials are looking at several sites — including the state-owned Fairview Developmental Center in Costa Mesa — that could harbor additional patients.
“The surge is for low-acuity patients who may be transported off-site to a hospital location,” Sanchez said, so it’s possible that “those who would have lower conditions that can be put off-site may be put in Fairview,” rather than those who have tested positive for COVID-19.
Costa Mesa officials — who fiercely fought a proposal in February to move coronavirus patients to Fairview — said this week that much has changed on that front, and the city is now working with its counterparts at the local, state and federal levels.
“All of those talks are ongoing as we speak and we hope to have more firm details in the coming days,” David Souleles, the county’s director of public health services, said Tuesday.
The state is also looking into whether the Orange County fairgrounds could be used as a makeshift hospital site, according to Costa Mesa officials.
Times Community News staff writer Faith E. Pinho contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-03-31--As coronavirus spreads, Los Angeles County scores an A in social distancing; other counties lag

Freeways once clogged with daily commuters are nearly empty .
The windows of bars that were packed with patrons just weeks ago are now boarded up .
Sandy stretches of beach lay barren , even on sunny days .
Southern California ’ s desolate landscape amid the coronavirus outbreak has highlighted people ’ s unprecedented efforts to restrict their movement and help stem the virus ’ spread .
Staying at home was somewhat slow to catch on , with people packing beaches , parks and hiking trails in the early days , a move that eventually forced officials to order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s hard to have our favorite places — our beaches and hiking trails — closed .
But these restrictions will save lives , ” Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti tweeted Friday .
But just how much are Californians reducing their travel ?
It varies by county , according to an interactive map released last week by Unacast , a New York-based technology company that aims to put a grade on people ’ s social distancing efforts .
The company ’ s social distancing scoreboard uses data from millions of anonymous mobile phones to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ county in the United States traveled before the outbreak began and after it took hold .
Areas that observe at least a 40 % decrease in average distance traveled are assigned an A grade , while those that show less than a 10 % decrease or an increase are given an F , Unacast CEO Thomas Walle wrote in a post on the company ’ s website .
California , where cases of COVID-19 spiked to more than 7,400 Tuesday , received an A for reducing movement .
The company ’ s data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traveled by 41 % from late February to Thursday .
Los Angeles County also received an A after residents reduced their average distance traveled by 46 % from late January to Thursday .
Nearby coastal counties , including Orange , San Diego , Ventura and Santa Barbara , where cases have also spiked in recent weeks , received high marks as well .
However , the data show disparities between the state ’ s counties .
Some have cut travel significantly , while others have seen an increase .
In Mono County , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 70 % -- the highest reduction in travel statewide .
The analysis also found that Bay Area counties were among the biggest travel reducers .
The company ’ s data also compares the county ’ s letter grade to the number of new COVID-19 cases reported in an area to help people draw conclusions about social distancing behavior and the spread of the virus over time .
“ Our goal in developing this and our COVID-19 Toolkit is to empower organizations to unearth reliable and valuable information to guide critical decision making and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Walle wrote in a statement .
“ We are updating the Scorecard and enhancing this COVID-19 Toolkit to provide the most timely and accurate information possible , with the hope of ultimately saving lives.
” The data show that counties with more confirmed COVID-19 cases were more likely to reduce their average travel distance than counties with few or no cases .
People in several sparsely populated counties in the northeastern portion of the state , where fewer cases are reported , have actually increased their average distance traveled .
Modoc County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has a population of about 9,000 people , had increased travel 41 % as of last week , data show .
Elizabeth Cavasso , chair of the Modoc County Board of Supervisors , said the criteria used in the company ’ s study may not be applicable to more rural portions of the state where people frequently travel long distances to get takeout or shop at a grocery store .
The county , where agriculture is big business , also still has a lot of people heading to work every day , Cavasso @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just a way of life here , ” she said .
While Modoc County does not have any reported cases of coronavirus , Cavasso said that “ a lot of people are staying home and being safe.
” Inland counties in Southern California have also failed to significantly reduce their average travel distance despite an uptick in confirmed coronavirus cases in recent weeks .
San Bernardino County residents have reduced their travel by 13 % as of Thursday , earning them a D. Riverside County fared slightly better , earning a C after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Unacast ’ s study doesn ’ t draw conclusions about why certain areas have reduced their average distance traveled more than others .
Walle noted in a post on the company ’ s website that simply looking at travel distance doesn ’ t paint a full picture of social distancing efforts .
The company is working to add layers to its data that will capture more of the complexity of the issue , including exploring how a change in the number of encounters in an area along with the change in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an area ’ s social distancing score .
“ Travel distance is one aspect , but of course people can travel far without meeting a soul or travel 50 feet and end up in a crowd — so we know that the real world picture can be quite complex , ” Walle wrote .

Freeways once clogged with daily commuters are nearly empty. The windows of bars that were packed with patrons just weeks ago are now boarded up. Sandy stretches of beach lay barren, even on sunny days.
Southern California’s desolate landscape amid the coronavirus outbreak has highlighted people’s unprecedented efforts to restrict their movement and help stem the virus’ spread. Staying at home was somewhat slow to catch on, with people packing beaches, parks and hiking trails in the early days, a move that eventually forced officials to order closures.
“I know it’s hard to have our favorite places — our beaches and hiking trails — closed. But these restrictions will save lives,” Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti tweeted Friday.
But just how much are Californians reducing their travel?
It varies by county, according to an interactive map released last week by Unacast, a New York-based technology company that aims to put a grade on people’s social distancing efforts.
Advertisement
The company’s social distancing scoreboard uses data from millions of anonymous mobile phones to compare the distance that people in each county in the United States traveled before the outbreak began and after it took hold. Areas that observe at least a 40% decrease in average distance traveled are assigned an A grade, while those that show less than a 10% decrease or an increase are given an F, Unacast CEO Thomas Walle wrote in a post on the company’s website.
California, where cases of COVID-19 spiked to more than 7,400 Tuesday, received an A for reducing movement. The company’s data shows Californians overall reduced their average distance traveled by 41% from late February to Thursday.
Los Angeles County also received an A after residents reduced their average distance traveled by 46% from late January to Thursday. Nearby coastal counties, including Orange, San Diego, Ventura and Santa Barbara, where cases have also spiked in recent weeks, received high marks as well.
However, the data show disparities between the state’s counties. Some have cut travel significantly, while others have seen an increase.
In Mono County, residents slashed their travel by more than 70% -- the highest reduction in travel statewide. The analysis also found that Bay Area counties were among the biggest travel reducers.
The company’s data also compares the county’s letter grade to the number of new COVID-19 cases reported in an area to help people draw conclusions about social distancing behavior and the spread of the virus over time.
Advertisement
“Our goal in developing this and our COVID-19 Toolkit is to empower organizations to unearth reliable and valuable information to guide critical decision making and planning in relation to COVID-19 containment,” Walle wrote in a statement. “We are updating the Scorecard and enhancing this COVID-19 Toolkit to provide the most timely and accurate information possible, with the hope of ultimately saving lives.”
The data show that counties with more confirmed COVID-19 cases were more likely to reduce their average travel distance than counties with few or no cases.
People in several sparsely populated counties in the northeastern portion of the state, where fewer cases are reported, have actually increased their average distance traveled. Modoc County, which borders Nevada and Oregon and has a population of about 9,000 people, had increased travel 41% as of last week, data show.
Elizabeth Cavasso, chair of the Modoc County Board of Supervisors, said the criteria used in the company’s study may not be applicable to more rural portions of the state where people frequently travel long distances to get takeout or shop at a grocery store.
The county, where agriculture is big business, also still has a lot of people heading to work every day, Cavasso said.
“Traveling long distances is just a way of life here,” she said.
While Modoc County does not have any reported cases of coronavirus, Cavasso said that “a lot of people are staying home and being safe.”
Inland counties in Southern California have also failed to significantly reduce their average travel distance despite an uptick in confirmed coronavirus cases in recent weeks. San Bernardino County residents have reduced their travel by 13% as of Thursday, earning them a D. Riverside County fared slightly better, earning a C after residents reduced their travel by 30%.
Unacast’s study doesn’t draw conclusions about why certain areas have reduced their average distance traveled more than others. Walle noted in a post on the company’s website that simply looking at travel distance doesn’t paint a full picture of social distancing efforts.
The company is working to add layers to its data that will capture more of the complexity of the issue, including exploring how a change in the number of encounters in an area along with the change in the number of locations visited can contribute to an area’s social distancing score.
“Travel distance is one aspect, but of course people can travel far without meeting a soul or travel 50 feet and end up in a crowd — so we know that the real world picture can be quite complex,” Walle wrote.


latimes--2020-03-31--Gun sales spike in Riverside County as confusion over gun store closures roils L.A.

Much like toilet paper and water bottles , firearms and ammunition are flying off the shelves in Riverside County , where gun stores are considered an essential business , according to the Sheriff ’ s Department .
In California ’ s updated stay-at-home order , Gov .
Gavin Newsom left the distinction up to county sheriffs to determine whether gun stores should be considered necessary and allowed to remain open .
When firearm activists filed a against the state Friday after Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villaneuva announced he would close gun shops in L.A. , Riverside County Sheriff Chad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep gun shops there open .
“ Not only do they seem to fit in the ‘ essential ’ category , closing them and denying people the right to own a handgun is an obvious violation of the 2nd Amendment , ” Bianco said on to a resident ’ s question Friday .
By Saturday , the Trump administration had ruled that and should remain open .
Bianco joked that his tweet might have encouraged the president ’ s decision .
The brouhaha began last week when Villaneuva ordered the closure of all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they didn ’ t shut down , they would be cited and potentially lose their business licenses .
One day later , the Los Angeles County sheriff walked back that announcement , saying it was up to the governor to decide what businesses must close .
But when Newsom turned the tables , saying the decision should be made at the local level , Villaneuva doubled down and said his department would allow gun purchases to be made during the coronavirus pandemic only by police or security personnel , not average citizens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday , the Department of Homeland Security stepped in , announcing that essential businesses include firearm and ammunition manufacturing , sales and distribution .
On Monday , Villaneuva made another about-face , announcing on Twitter that gun shops would reopen in Los Angeles County .
But by then , gun enthusiasts were flocking to Riverside County , especially first-time buyers .
Warrior One Guns and Ammo owner Norris Sweden posted a video on Facebook expressing his frustration with the initial call to close gun shops .
“ We are essential , and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” the owner of the Riverside store vented in the post , which has received more than 750,000 views and over 1,000 comments .
Sweden , who ’ s been running the shop for 15 years , said he didn ’ t expect the video to go viral .
He said he was “ just frustrated ” with some first-time buyers — who make up about 90 % of his new clients — giving him attitude because they didn ’ t understand the process for purchasing firearms in the state .
Since posting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been coming from as far away as Livermore to the north and San Diego to the south .
People start lining up outside the store as early as 6 a.m. most days , he said .
Sweden encourages social distancing in the store by allowing only a certain number of people inside at a time and by disinfecting the store every other hour .
“ We ’ re doing the best we can possibly do , ” he said .
“ Honestly , we don ’ t think too much about [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re doing here , we know it ’ s important so we have to stick to it .
...
The support and love that we ’ ve gotten is what has kept us motivated to help people.
” At Second Amendment Sports in Palm Desert , store manager Kent Miller said sales had doubled recently and the store had had to limit the amount of ammunition for specific calibers to manage the high demand .
Since Newsom ’ s stay-at-home order , customers have been lining up outside hours before the store opens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shop has had to adjust its hours amid the surge in sales , the vast majority of whom are first-time buyers .
“ When people started hoarding ammunition , I needed to make sure that I [ had ] enough to protect sales and make sure that I [ didn ’ t ] sell out , ” he said .
The uptick in sales comes as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases continues to grow in Riverside County .
As of Tuesday , there were 291 confirmed COVID-19 cases and nine deaths , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health officials expect those numbers to rise .
“ The incoming surge is not fake nor a hoax .
It is real , and we have to be as prepared as possible , ” Supervisor V. Manuel Perez said .
And for some , being prepared has meant the purchase of guns .
Tom Reese , who owns Riverside Indoor Shooting Range , said new buyers accounted for nearly half the recent sales at his store .
The shop , which has been open for six years , allows customers to buy guns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on how to properly use their newly purchased firearms .
Reese said he hadn ’ t seen an influx in sales like this since arguments over gun control “ when the government tried to take our guns away.
” “ I think we are seeing anti-gun people now worried about gun protection , ” he said .
“ They ’ re the ones that voted against our gun rights and now they ’ re buying them .
It ’ s crazy.
” Bianco said gun ownership was not as politically divided a topic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think it ’ s just common sense , ” the sheriff said .
“ It ’ s easy to be emotional and say that there shouldn ’ t be guns , but that ’ s not the right answer , especially in times like this .
… Everyone wants to protect themselves .
”

Customers wait in line Tuesday to buy guns at Warrior One Guns and Ammo in Riverside.
Much like toilet paper and water bottles, firearms and ammunition are flying off the shelves in Riverside County, where gun stores are considered an essential business, according to the Sheriff’s Department.
In California’s updated stay-at-home order, Gov. Gavin Newsom left the distinction up to county sheriffs to determine whether gun stores should be considered necessary and allowed to remain open.
When firearm activists filed a federal lawsuit against the state Friday after Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villaneuva announced he would close gun shops in L.A., Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco sided with protesters and decided to keep gun shops there open.
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“Not only do they seem to fit in the ‘essential’ category, closing them and denying people the right to own a handgun is an obvious violation of the 2nd Amendment,” Bianco said on Twitter in response to a resident’s question Friday.
By Saturday, the Trump administration had ruled that gun shops were considered essential and should remain open. Bianco joked that his tweet might have encouraged the president’s decision.
I’d like to think I influenced his decision. :) https://t.co/sMRfwvHoai — Chad Bianco (@SheriffBianco) March 29, 2020
The brouhaha began last week when Villaneuva ordered the closure of all L.A. County gun shops, noting that if they didn’t shut down, they would be cited and potentially lose their business licenses.
One day later, the Los Angeles County sheriff walked back that announcement, saying it was up to the governor to decide what businesses must close. But when Newsom turned the tables, saying the decision should be made at the local level, Villaneuva doubled down and said his department would allow gun purchases to be made during the coronavirus pandemic only by police or security personnel, not average citizens.
Freddy Torres of Buena Park shoots his gun at a paper target inside Riverside Indoor Shooting Range in Riverside. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
Gun activists sued, and by Saturday, the Department of Homeland Security stepped in, announcing that essential businesses include firearm and ammunition manufacturing, sales and distribution.
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On Monday, Villaneuva made another about-face, announcing on Twitter that gun shops would reopen in Los Angeles County. But by then, gun enthusiasts were flocking to Riverside County, especially first-time buyers.
Warrior One Guns and Ammo owner Norris Sweden posted a video on Facebook expressing his frustration with the initial call to close gun shops.
“We are essential, and it’s as simple as that,” the owner of the Riverside store vented in the post, which has received more than 750,000 views and over 1,000 comments.
Sweden, who’s been running the shop for 15 years, said he didn’t expect the video to go viral. He said he was “just frustrated” with some first-time buyers — who make up about 90% of his new clients — giving him attitude because they didn’t understand the process for purchasing firearms in the state.
Since posting the video, Sweden said that people had been coming from as far away as Livermore to the north and San Diego to the south. People start lining up outside the store as early as 6 a.m. most days, he said.
Sweden encourages social distancing in the store by allowing only a certain number of people inside at a time and by disinfecting the store every other hour.
Customers wait in line recently to buy guns at Warrior One Guns and Ammo in Riverside. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
“We’re doing the best we can possibly do,” he said. “Honestly, we don’t think too much about [the virus]. What we’re doing here, we know it’s important so we have to stick to it. ... The support and love that we’ve gotten is what has kept us motivated to help people.”
At Second Amendment Sports in Palm Desert, store manager Kent Miller said sales had doubled recently and the store had had to limit the amount of ammunition for specific calibers to manage the high demand.
Since Newsom’s stay-at-home order, customers have been lining up outside hours before the store opens, said Miller, adding that the shop has had to adjust its hours amid the surge in sales, the vast majority of whom are first-time buyers.
“When people started hoarding ammunition, I needed to make sure that I [had] enough to protect sales and make sure that I [didn’t] sell out,” he said.
The uptick in sales comes as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases continues to grow in Riverside County. As of Tuesday, there were 291 confirmed COVID-19 cases and nine deaths, records show.
Local and state public health officials expect those numbers to rise. “The incoming surge is not fake nor a hoax. It is real, and we have to be as prepared as possible,” Supervisor V. Manuel Perez said.
And for some, being prepared has meant the purchase of guns. Tom Reese, who owns Riverside Indoor Shooting Range, said new buyers accounted for nearly half the recent sales at his store. The shop, which has been open for six years, allows customers to buy guns and ammunition and take a training class on how to properly use their newly purchased firearms.
Reese said he hadn’t seen an influx in sales like this since arguments over gun control “when the government tried to take our guns away.”
“I think we are seeing anti-gun people now worried about gun protection,” he said. “They’re the ones that voted against our gun rights and now they’re buying them. It’s crazy.”
Bianco said gun ownership was not as politically divided a topic as in places like L.A.
“I think it’s just common sense,” the sheriff said. “It’s easy to be emotional and say that there shouldn’t be guns, but that’s not the right answer, especially in times like this. … Everyone wants to protect themselves.”


latimes--2020-03-31--Defying higher authority, Pasadena church furloughs workers amid coronavirus outbreak

After Catholic schools and churches closed due to the coronavirus pandemic , the Archdiocese of Los Angeles urged parishes to continue paying their staff .
Those employees had accepted meager salaries for years , they said , and now wasn ’ t the time to abandon them .
“ These people have responsibilities , have families .
You ’ ve got to think of that , ” Msgr .
Albert Bahhuth , the vicar general for the archdiocese , said in a March 24 webinar .
“ If we lay them off , if we stop paying them , what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
” That didn ’ t stop St. Andrew Catholic Church and its school in Pasadena from going ahead with their furlough , without pay , of more than a dozen workers , a decision Father Marcos Gonzalez said was prompted because there was “ no income to pay the employees.
” Workers , who spoke with the Los Angeles Times on the condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation , said they worried about being able to pay their bills and expressed disillusionment with the church .
“ This was probably the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one furloughed worker said .
“ At least being part of a Catholic church.
” The Archdiocese of L.A. has not responded to requests for comment .
Across the state , and country , there have been a surge of layoffs as employers grapple with the economic effects of the coronavirus .
But even as Catholic schools and churches closed their doors and moved services and classes online , the Archdiocese of L.A. said it was not at the point of needing to take such drastic actions .
“ I would like to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ please don ’ t lay off any employees at this time , ” Bahhuth , said in the webinar .
“ Don ’ t put them on furlough.
” Bahhuth , who sat beside Archbishop José H. Gomez in the video , said parishes could apply for a loan from the diocese to help with payroll .
And , rather than eliminating workers ’ income entirely , Bahhuth suggested reducing hours if needed .
“ For many years , many of them have accepted to work at our schools , at our parishes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the church and fulfill their mission , ” he added .
“ Let ’ s not abandon them at this time.
” Days after St. Andrew Catholic School closed on March 13 , church employees said , Gonzalez directed the principal to furlough nine workers .
At the parish , three full-time and four part-time staffers were furloughed .
In an email to the Times , Gonzalez confirmed that most of the nonteaching personnel at the school had been furloughed and that everyone at the parish was furloughed , “ except one part-time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed.
” “ This was a very sad decision but required since we have no regular collections so there is no income to pay the employees , ” Gonzalez said .
The parish has not applied for a loan , but may do so in the future , according to Gonzalez .
“ The suggestion from Msgr .
Bahhuth was not practical for us as we have no savings and only recently had started to balance our budget after paying off debt which I inherited when I was appointed pastor last July , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struggling to find work and to explain the situation to their families , especially their children .
“ It ’ s still draining to see that this was the first resort , ” one furloughed worker said .
“ In the midst of a crisis , this is how you ’ re going to do the people who kept that school going ?
It ’ s heartbreaking.
” “ I ’ m left here stressed trying to figure out what the hell I ’ m going to do , ” another worker said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re treated ?
Like we ’ re the trash on the floor ?
We deserve more than that.
” In a Facebook Live gathering on March 25 , the school ’ s principal , Raphael Domingo , acknowledged to parents that school aides had been furloughed and that they were in the process of trying to get them back .
“ We have a financial obligation to our employees and to our staff and I take that obligation very seriously , ” he said .
In the video , he said the school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our cash flow.
” Domingo said he anticipated that the furloughed workers would return once school reopened , potentially on April 20 .
But that return date is uncertain after President Trump announced that federal social distancing guidelines meant to slow the spread of the coronavirus would be extended to April 30 .
Churches across the country are facing financial struggles .
In a message to parishioners , Archbishop of New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan said it “ may be necessary to implement an archdiocesan-wide salary furlough of up to 25 % for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many church employees in the Archdiocese of L.A. have been furloughed .
In comments left on the March 24 webinar , a Diamond Bar church ’ s director of administration said their workers had already been put on furlough and asked to use vacation time in order to get paid .
The director asked if the archdiocese ’ s guidance meant “ that our furlough will be suspended and our staff do not have to use their vacation.
” In the webinar , Bahhuth addressed questions about some who “ might have already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on furlough.
” “ You can bring them back , ” he said .
In interviews with The Times , some St. Andrew parents said they are considering sending their children to a different school next year .
Although instruction has shifted online , families continue to pay about $ 500 a month in tuition .
“ I think if you ’ re going to come out in the green after this , then there ’ s a problem , ” said one parent , who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really need it are the furloughed aides and assistants .
”

Colleen Raucci prays outside St. Andrew Catholic Church on Monday. Over a dozen workers at the church and parish school have been put on furlough without pay in recent weeks.
After Catholic schools and churches closed due to the coronavirus outbreak, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles urged parishes to continue paying their staff.
Those employees had accepted meager salaries for years, it said, and now wasn’t the time to abandon them.
“These people have responsibilities, have families. You’ve got to think of that,” Msgr. Albert Bahhuth, the vicar general for the archdiocese, said in a March 24 webinar. “If we lay them off, if we stop paying them, what’s going to happen to them?”
That didn’t stop St. Andrew Catholic Church and its school in Pasadena from going ahead with their furlough, without pay, of more than a dozen workers, a decision Father Marcos Gonzalez said was prompted because there was “no income to pay the employees.”
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Workers, who spoke with the Los Angeles Times on the condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation, said they worried about being able to pay their bills and expressed disillusionment with the church.
“This was probably the last thing I saw coming,” one furloughed worker said. “At least being part of a Catholic church.”
The Archdiocese of L.A. said it is helping parishes and schools to continue to pay their employees and cover bills.
“The Archdiocese continues to urge all our parishes and schools to find ways to make sure that staff are kept on and avoid any layoffs or furloughs,” spokeswoman Carolina Guevara said in an email. “That said the economic impact on our local church and the ability for our ministries to continue to serve our communities may be substantial as the crisis continues, requiring the Archdiocese to continually reevaluate the situation, especially since many of our ministries rely on donations and the generosity of our faithful and people of goodwill.”
A sign outside St. Andrew Church. Over a dozen parish and school employees were furloughed. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times)
Across the state, and country, there have been a surge of layoffs as employers grapple with the economic effects of the coronavirus.
Advertisement
But even as Catholic schools and churches closed their doors and moved services and classes online, the Archdiocese of L.A. said it was not at the point of needing to take such drastic actions.
“I would like to plead with you and beg you to please don’t lay off any employees at this time,” Bahhuth, said in the webinar. “Don’t put them on furlough.”
Bahhuth, who sat beside Archbishop José H. Gomez in the video, said parishes could apply for a loan from the diocese to help with payroll. And, rather than eliminating workers’ income entirely, Bahhuth suggested reducing hours if needed.
“For many years, many of them have accepted to work at our schools, at our parishes at lower pay so they can support the church and fulfill their mission,” he added. “Let’s not abandon them at this time.”
Days after St. Andrew Catholic School closed on March 13, church employees said, Gonzalez directed the principal to furlough nine workers. At the parish, three full-time and four part-time staffers were furloughed.
In an email to The Times, Gonzalez confirmed that most of the nonteaching personnel at the school had been furloughed and that everyone at the parish was furloughed, “except one part-time bookkeeper since the church and office are closed.”
“This was a very sad decision but required since we have no regular collections so there is no income to pay the employees,” Gonzalez said.
The parish has not applied for a loan, but may do so in the future, according to Gonzalez.
“The suggestion from Msgr. Bahhuth was not practical for us as we have no savings and only recently had started to balance our budget after paying off debt, which I inherited when I was appointed pastor last July,” he said.
Church employees described struggling to find work and to explain the situation to their families, especially their children.
“It’s still draining to see that this was the first resort,” one furloughed worker said. “In the midst of a crisis, this is how you’re going to do the people who kept that school going? It’s heartbreaking.”
“I’m left here stressed trying to figure out what the hell I’m going to do,” another worker said. “This is how we’re treated? Like we’re the trash on the floor? We deserve more than that.”
St. Andrew Catholic School in Pasadena has furloughed nine employees. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times)
In a Facebook Live gathering on March 25, the school’s principal, Raphael Domingo, acknowledged to parents that school aides had been furloughed and that they were in the process of trying to get them back.
“We have a financial obligation to our employees and to our staff and I take that obligation very seriously,” he said. In the video, he said the school was “doing well in terms of our cash flow.”
Domingo said he anticipated that the furloughed workers would return once school reopened, potentially on April 20. But that return date is uncertain after President Trump announced that federal social distancing guidelines meant to slow the spread of the coronavirus would be extended to April 30.
Churches across the country are facing financial struggles. In a message to parishioners, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the archbishop of New York, said it “may be necessary to implement an archdiocesan-wide salary furlough of up to 25% for all employees.”
It is unclear how many church employees in the Archdiocese of L.A. have been furloughed.
In comments left on the March 24 webinar, a Diamond Bar church’s director of administration said their workers had already been put on furlough and asked to use vacation time in order to get paid.
The director asked if the archdiocese’s guidance meant “that our furlough will be suspended and our staff do not have to use their vacation.”
In the webinar, Bahhuth addressed questions about some who “might have already jumped the gun and put their staff on furlough.”
“You can bring them back,” he said.
In interviews with The Times, some St. Andrew parents said they are considering sending their children to a different school next year.
Although instruction has shifted online, families continue to pay about $500 a month in tuition.
“I think if you’re going to come out in the green after this, then there’s a problem,” said one parent, who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation against their child. “The people who really need it are the furloughed aides and assistants.”


latimes--2020-03-31--Demand for food stamps surges in California as virus takes economic toll

With many Californians losing income and jobs , the economic toll of the coronavirus pandemic has spurred a record surge in the number of applications for CalFresh , the state ’ s food stamp program , forcing operational changes to expedite help for those unable to put meals on the table .
The number of people applying for food assistance jumped to 55,624 in the third week of March , up from 34,882 during the same period last year , said Jason Montiel , a spokesman for the state Department of Social Services .
In Los Angeles County , CalFresh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third week of March 2019 to 17,532 during the same period this month .
“ This is higher than anything we have ever seen , “ said Tracey Patterson , senior director with Code for America , a nonprofit that partners with the state to sign people up for CalFresh .
Her group has seen a 350 % increase in the number of people applying online at GetCalFresh.org with help from Code for America since the COVID-19 crisis began .
“ Right now we are seeing a lot of folks who have never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are bartenders , hairstylists , folks who make decent money but still live paycheck to paycheck , ” Patterson said .
“ And when that evaporates , they don ’ t have savings.
” Holly Diaz has seen her hours at a Burger King in Sacramento cut from 40 to 30 per week because fewer people are patronizing the restaurant .
Diaz , who has a 4-year-old child , said her husband was out of work .
“ We are struggling to get by .
We ’ ve been out of food for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said tearfully .
Her family is anticipating a temporary supplemental boost to their CalFresh benefit thanks to congressional action in response to the pandemic .
CalFresh is California ’ s version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program , or SNAP , which provides $ 16 to $ 194 in federally funded benefits per month to low-income residents , older people and those on Supplemental Security Income , depending on their level of need .
The program , administered by California counties , served more than 4 million people statewide as of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on an electronic benefit transfer card that can be used to buy most foods at many markets and food stores .
“ CalFresh food benefits not only allow households to meet their nutrition needs and prevent food insecurity , ” Montiel said , “ but they also allow households to use other limited financial resources on basic needs , such as housing , ” Gov .
Gavin Newsom issued an executive order this month to ease rules for those applying for a host of social service programs , including CalFresh , Medi-Cal health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in-home support services .
The order suspends a requirement that the state periodically determine whether recipients remain eligible .
“ These social safety net programs are so important for families — especially during this crisis , ” Newsom said .
“ We don ’ t want Californians who rely on these services to lose them.
” The state has also asked federal officials to waive a rule that prohibits CalFresh recipients from purchasing food online for delivery , pointing out that forcing people into stores potentially exposes them to the virus and runs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order .
Pilot programs have operated in other parts of the country , but California has not yet heard back on its request .
The ability to buy food online with CalFresh has been pushed for years by Jessica Bartholow , legislative advocate for the Western Center on Law and Poverty .
“ Now that we are in [ the ] COVID-19 [ pandemic ] , there is an undeniable urgency to expedite the ability of the state to be able to do this , ” Bartholow said .
The federal government has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food stamps .
In the past , a major obstacle to getting food assistance has been the requirement for applicants to first undergo a phone interview .
Applicants often had to wait months for an interview ; as a result , people fell out of the process , said Patterson , whose group has an outreach contract with the state in order to partner with all the counties on CalFresh enrollment .
In the face of the public health crisis , the U.S. Department of Agriculture has provided a short-term waiver for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Interviews will still be held later .
Patterson said an applicant told her he normally would check dumpsters for leftover food , but many restaurants have shut down and he ‘ s concerned about risking exposure to the coronavirus .
Code for America , which was created to help people use digital means to get government services , would also like to see CalFresh increase its benefits , arguing $ 16 per month is not sufficient .
The group has also called on state and federal officials to remove other verification requirements for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ processing applications and provide money for technical support to agencies that have closed offices and overburdened call centers .
Making sure the program works efficiently is important at a time when many people are seeing jobs or income evaporate on a moment ’ s notice , according to Scott Gerber , a spokesman for Code For America .
“ The whole system is just flashing red that people are in trouble , ” Gerber said .
“ They need help .
They need assistance quickly .
”

With many Californians losing income and jobs, the economic toll of the coronavirus pandemic has spurred a record surge in the number of applications for CalFresh, the state’s food stamp program, forcing operational changes to expedite help for those unable to put meals on the table.
The number of people applying for food assistance jumped to 55,624 in the third week of March, up from 34,882 during the same period last year, said Jason Montiel, a spokesman for the state Department of Social Services.
In Los Angeles County, CalFresh applicants nearly doubled from 9,060 in the third week of March 2019 to 17,532 during the same period this month.
“This is higher than anything we have ever seen,“ said Tracey Patterson, senior director with Code for America, a nonprofit that partners with the state to sign people up for CalFresh.
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Her group has seen a 350% increase in the number of people applying online at GetCalFresh.org with help from Code for America since the COVID-19 crisis began.
“Right now we are seeing a lot of folks who have never applied for anything before — folks who are bartenders, hairstylists, folks who make decent money but still live paycheck to paycheck,” Patterson said. “And when that evaporates, they don’t have savings.”
Holly Diaz has seen her hours at a Burger King in Sacramento cut from 40 to 30 per week because fewer people are patronizing the restaurant. Diaz, who has a 4-year-old child, said her husband was out of work.
“We are struggling to get by. We’ve been out of food for three days,” Diaz, 42, said tearfully. Her family is anticipating a temporary supplemental boost to their CalFresh benefit thanks to congressional action in response to the pandemic.
CalFresh is California’s version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which provides $16 to $194 in federally funded benefits per month to low-income residents, older people and those on Supplemental Security Income, depending on their level of need.
The program, administered by California counties, served more than 4 million people statewide as of January, providing them with monthly benefits on an electronic benefit transfer card that can be used to buy most foods at many markets and food stores.
“CalFresh food benefits not only allow households to meet their nutrition needs and prevent food insecurity,” Montiel said, “but they also allow households to use other limited financial resources on basic needs, such as housing,”
On Tuesday, the administration of Gov. Gavin Newsom sent $24 million to counties to help pay for the increased CalFresh workload.
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Newsom also issued an executive order earlier this month to ease rules for those applying for a host of social service programs, including CalFresh, Medi-Cal health coverage, welfare assistance through CalWorks and in-home support services. The order suspends a requirement that the state periodically determine whether recipients remain eligible.
“These social safety net programs are so important for families — especially during this crisis,” Newsom said. “We don’t want Californians who rely on these services to lose them.”
The state has also asked federal officials to waive a rule that prohibits CalFresh recipients from purchasing food online for delivery, pointing out that forcing people into stores potentially exposes them to the virus and runs counter to Newsom’s statewide stay-at-home order.
Pilot programs have operated in other parts of the country, but California has not yet heard back on its request.
The ability to buy food online with CalFresh has been pushed for years by Jessica Bartholow, legislative advocate for the Western Center on Law and Poverty.
“Now that we are in [the] COVID-19 [pandemic], there is an undeniable urgency to expedite the ability of the state to be able to do this,” Bartholow said.
The federal government has also made changes to assist applicants for food stamps. In the past, a major obstacle to getting food assistance has been the requirement for applicants to first undergo a phone interview.
Applicants often had to wait months for an interview; as a result, people fell out of the process, said Patterson, whose group has an outreach contract with the state in order to partner with all the counties on CalFresh enrollment.
In the face of the public health crisis, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has provided a short-term waiver for the interview before benefits can be provided. Interviews will still be held later.
Patterson said an applicant told her he normally would check dumpsters for leftover food, but many restaurants have shut down and he‘s concerned about risking exposure to the coronavirus.
Code for America, which was created to help people use digital means to get government services, would also like to see CalFresh increase its benefits, arguing $16 per month is not sufficient.
The group has also called on state and federal officials to remove other verification requirements for new applicants, reduce the time for processing applications and provide money for technical support to agencies that have closed offices and overburdened call centers.
Making sure the program works efficiently is important at a time when many people are seeing jobs or income evaporate on a moment’s notice, according to Scott Gerber, a spokesman for Code For America.
“The whole system is just flashing red that people are in trouble,” Gerber said. “They need help. They need assistance quickly.”