latimes--2020-10-13--Black bear whose paws were scorched in North Complex fire returned to wilderness

A 10-year-old black bear burned in the North Complex fire has been released back into the wild after an innovative treatment helped heal his scorched feet , wildlife veterinarians said .
Officials with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife found the 370-pound bear in mid-September near the town of Berry Creek in Butte County , where the North Complex blaze has burned more than 318,000 acres since igniting Aug. 18 .
All four of the animal ’ s paw pads had been burned and he was unable to walk on his own .
After tranquilizing the bear , officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Rancho Cordova , where he was evaluated by Fish and Wildlife veterinarians Deana Clifford and Emma Lantz .
His lungs were damaged from smoke inhalation , his paws were badly burned and he had a minor eye injury .
Paw pad injuries are common for animals in wildfires , Clifford said , noting that when the tender tissue is damaged , it can present significant problems .
“ That ’ s the challenge , ” she said .
“ If they can ’ t walk , they can ’ t find water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
...
They become stuck.
” The bear ’ s rescue was the result of a partnership between the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine , which banded together in the midst of California ’ s worst-ever wildfire season to find and treat animals injured by flames .
Dubbed the Wildfire Disaster Network , the group comprises veterinarians , wildlife biologists , ecologists , trained animal care volunteers and rehabilitation centers .
Under the direction of Jamie Peyton , the chief of service at UC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bear was given a suite of treatments , including pain medication , fluids , infrared lasers and anti-inflammatory salve .
The animal also received an innovative treatment involving the use of tilapia skins as natural bandages for its paw pads .
Afterward , he was kept in a quiet enclosure for several days and monitored around-the-clock with a remote camera .
The bear ’ s appetite remained healthy throughout recovery , and he even put on weight , but officials were eager to take him home .
“ These are free-ranging animals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Clifford said , “ and so this is not an ideal situation for them .
What is ideal is for us to get them back in the wild.
” On Oct. 5 , staff deemed the bear ready for release , and wildlife biologist Henry Lomeli transported him back to Butte County .
Lomeli chose a site within 25 miles of his home range but safe from the wildfire ’ s path .
The bear quickly ran back into the wilderness and even managed to pull off his tracking collar along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of several animal patients this year .
The Wildfire Disaster Network is now treating a female mountain lion from the Bobcat fire in Los Angles County that arrived on Sept. 21 , and a 520-pound bear from the Zogg fire in Shasta County that arrived Sept. 30 .
“ It ’ s likely that we will receive more wildlife with burns , ” Clifford said .
“ We are only halfway through the regular fire season .
”

A 10-year-old black bear burned in the North Complex fire was released back into the wild in Butte County on Oct. 5.
A 10-year-old black bear burned in the North Complex fire has been released back into the wild after an innovative treatment helped heal his scorched feet, wildlife veterinarians said.
Officials with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife found the 370-pound bear in mid-September near the town of Berry Creek in Butte County, where the North Complex blaze has burned more than 318,000 acres since igniting Aug. 18. All four of the animal’s paw pads had been burned and he was unable to walk on his own.
After tranquilizing the bear, officials transported him to the Wildlife Investigations Laboratory in Rancho Cordova, where he was evaluated by Fish and Wildlife veterinarians Deana Clifford and Emma Lantz. His lungs were damaged from smoke inhalation, his paws were badly burned and he had a minor eye injury.
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California Department of Fish and Wildlife veterinarian Emma Lantz sutures sterilized tilapia skins onto the burned paw pads of a black bear, after medications had been applied. (Kirsten Macintyre / Department of Fish and Wildlife)
Paw pad injuries are common for animals in wildfires, Clifford said, noting that when the tender tissue is damaged, it can present significant problems.
“That’s the challenge,” she said. “If they can’t walk, they can’t find water and they can’t find prey. ... They become stuck.”
The bear’s rescue was the result of a partnership between the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, which banded together in the midst of California’s worst-ever wildfire season to find and treat animals injured by flames. Dubbed the Wildfire Disaster Network, the group comprises veterinarians, wildlife biologists, ecologists, trained animal care volunteers and rehabilitation centers.
Under the direction of Jamie Peyton, the chief of service at UC Davis’ Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, the bear was given a suite of treatments, including pain medication, fluids, infrared lasers and anti-inflammatory salve. The animal also received an innovative treatment involving the use of tilapia skins as natural bandages for its paw pads.
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Afterward, he was kept in a quiet enclosure for several days and monitored around-the-clock with a remote camera. The bear’s appetite remained healthy throughout recovery, and he even put on weight, but officials were eager to take him home.
“These are free-ranging animals that have never been in a cage,” Clifford said, “and so this is not an ideal situation for them. What is ideal is for us to get them back in the wild.”
On Oct. 5, staff deemed the bear ready for release, and wildlife biologist Henry Lomeli transported him back to Butte County. Lomeli chose a site within 25 miles of his home range but safe from the wildfire’s path.
The bear quickly ran back into the wilderness and even managed to pull off his tracking collar along the way.
He was the first of several animal patients this year. The Wildfire Disaster Network is now treating a female mountain lion from the Bobcat fire in Los Angles County that arrived on Sept. 21, and a 520-pound bear from the Zogg fire in Shasta County that arrived Sept. 30.
“It’s likely that we will receive more wildlife with burns,” Clifford said. “We are only halfway through the regular fire season.”


latimes--2020-10-13--Fall blast of heat and wind heightens California fire danger

More unseasonably warm weather is on tap for California this week , with officials warning that a combination of high temperatures and gusty winds will heighten fire danger throughout much of the state .
The menacing meteorological mix invokes an uncomfortable sense of déjà vu for a state that has already shattered numerous records during an unprecedented fire season .
The latest heat wave is expected Tuesday through Friday , boosting the mercury 10 to 20 degrees above normal , according to David Sweet , a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard .
In the Southland , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the beaches and the 90s inland , with valleys reaching the mid to upper 90s .
The hottest spots are expected to crack triple digits .
A heat advisory is in effect for much of the region from 11 a.m. Tuesday until 5 p.m. Friday .
Health officials stressed that residents should stay hydrated , wear lightweight , light-colored clothing and check in on those most vulnerable to the heat ’ s effects — including older adults , pregnant women and those who live alone .
Officials also said residents should abstain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or face coverings that aren ’ t normally meant for athletic use .
“ High temperatures are not just an inconvenience , they can be dangerous and even deadly .
But we can protect ourselves , our families and our neighbors if we take steps to remain cool and hydrated , ” Los Angeles County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis said in a statement .
“ It is critically important to never leave children , elderly people or pets unattended in homes with no air conditioning and particularly in vehicles — even if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open — as temperatures inside can quickly rise to life-threatening levels .
If you have an elderly or infirm neighbor who is without air conditioning , check on them throughout the day.
” Though it will undoubtedly be warm , Sweet said Tuesday that the upcoming heat event doesn ’ t look like an all-timer for areas in and around Los Angeles County .
“ I don ’ t think we ’ re looking at record-high temperatures , ” he said , “ but definitely well above normal.
” Other areas of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ however .
The city of Ukiah , as well as northern coastal areas , could see record temperatures Thursday and Friday , according to the National Weather Service .
Another unwelcome guest is also expected to join the heat later this week .
Though it ’ s not yet clear how strong they will be , Sweet said , “ Santa Ana type ” winds are expected to whip up Thursday and Friday — a combustible combination in Southern California .
“ Even now , without the wind , we ’ re in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said , “ and we ’ re instructing people to be very careful about doing anything that could potentially start a fire.
” The danger isn ’ t limited to the Southland .
Much of Northern California will be under a red flag warning — signifying critical fire weather conditions — from Wednesday morning though early Friday as the dangerous confluence of low humidity and gusty winds will make it easier for fires to both start and spread .
The warning covers a wide stretch of the already fire-besieged region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the Sierra foothills as well as down into the northern Bay Area mountains and valleys , east Bay hills and valleys and Santa Cruz Mountains in the San Francisco Bay Area .
During periods of heightened fire danger , officials say it ’ s particularly important to ward off wayward sparks .
Avoiding activities that involve open flames , keeping vehicles off dry grass , obeying burn bans and properly discarding cigarettes can all help keep new fires from igniting .
Given the forecast , the Pacific Gas & Electric Co. has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday — and could potentially affect about 50,000 customers in parts of 21 counties .
“ The highest probability areas ... are the Northern Sierra Nevada foothills ; the mid and higher elevations in the Sierra generally north of Yosemite ; the North Bay mountains near Mt .
St. Helena ; small pockets in the East Bay near Mt .
Diablo ; the Oakland Hills east of Piedmont ; the elevated terrain east of Milpitas around the Calaveras Reservoir ; and portions of the Santa Cruz and Big Sur mountains , ” utility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week .
“ This is not expected to be a widespread event in the Bay Area at this time .

Laura Martinez, 8, of Santa Ana cools off at a Fountain Valley park on Sept. 7. More high temperatures are expected to bake California this week.
More unseasonably warm weather is on tap for California this week, with officials warning that a combination of high temperatures and gusty winds will heighten fire danger throughout much of the state.
The menacing meteorological mix invokes an uncomfortable sense of déjà vu for a state that has already shattered numerous records during an unprecedented fire season.
The latest heat wave is expected Tuesday through Friday, boosting the mercury 10 to 20 degrees above normal, according to David Sweet, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard.
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In the Southland, that means highs from the lower to mid-80s at the beaches and the 90s inland, with valleys reaching the mid to upper 90s. The hottest spots are expected to crack triple digits.
A heat advisory is in effect for much of the region from 11 a.m. Tuesday until 5 p.m. Friday.
Health officials stressed that residents should stay hydrated, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and check in on those most vulnerable to the heat’s effects — including older adults, pregnant women and those who live alone.
Officials also said residents should abstain from strenuous outdoor activities while wearing masks or face coverings that aren’t normally meant for athletic use.
“High temperatures are not just an inconvenience, they can be dangerous and even deadly. But we can protect ourselves, our families and our neighbors if we take steps to remain cool and hydrated,” Los Angeles County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis said in a statement.
“It is critically important to never leave children, elderly people or pets unattended in homes with no air conditioning and particularly in vehicles — even if the windows are ‘cracked’ or open — as temperatures inside can quickly rise to life-threatening levels. If you have an elderly or infirm neighbor who is without air conditioning, check on them throughout the day.”
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California Southern California braces for another heat wave this week After a brief reprieve of cool temperatures over the weekend, Southern California is expected to get hit with another heat wave this week that could bring periods of elevated fire risk, according to forecasters.
Though it will undoubtedly be warm, Sweet said Tuesday that the upcoming heat event doesn’t look like an all-timer for areas in and around Los Angeles County.
“I don’t think we’re looking at record-high temperatures,” he said, “but definitely well above normal.”
Other areas of the state may not escape that distinction, however. The city of Ukiah, as well as northern coastal areas, could see record temperatures Thursday and Friday, according to the National Weather Service.
Another unwelcome guest is also expected to join the heat later this week.
Though it’s not yet clear how strong they will be, Sweet said, “Santa Ana type” winds are expected to whip up Thursday and Friday — a combustible combination in Southern California.
“Even now, without the wind, we’re in a situation where fire danger is elevated,” he said, “and we’re instructing people to be very careful about doing anything that could potentially start a fire.”
The danger isn’t limited to the Southland. Much of Northern California will be under a red flag warning — signifying critical fire weather conditions — from Wednesday morning though early Friday as the dangerous confluence of low humidity and gusty winds will make it easier for fires to both start and spread.
The warning covers a wide stretch of the already fire-besieged region, reaching from north of Redding southeast into the Sierra foothills as well as down into the northern Bay Area mountains and valleys, east Bay hills and valleys and Santa Cruz Mountains in the San Francisco Bay Area.
#RedFlagWarning in effect for portions of Northern California for Wednesday through Friday for gusty winds and low humidity. This is #CriticalFireWeather so use caution outdoors. More tips: https://t.co/upBwccxXFO pic.twitter.com/zleQS3QRpD — CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) October 13, 2020
During periods of heightened fire danger, officials say it’s particularly important to ward off wayward sparks. Avoiding activities that involve open flames, keeping vehicles off dry grass, obeying burn bans and properly discarding cigarettes can all help keep new fires from igniting.
Given the forecast, the Pacific Gas & Electric Co. has warned that power shutoffs are possible starting Wednesday — and could potentially affect about 50,000 customers in parts of 21 counties.
“The highest probability areas ... are the Northern Sierra Nevada foothills; the mid and higher elevations in the Sierra generally north of Yosemite; the North Bay mountains near Mt. St. Helena; small pockets in the East Bay near Mt. Diablo; the Oakland Hills east of Piedmont; the elevated terrain east of Milpitas around the Calaveras Reservoir; and portions of the Santa Cruz and Big Sur mountains,” utility officials wrote in a statement earlier this week. “This is not expected to be a widespread event in the Bay Area at this time.


latimes--2020-10-13--As holidays approach, California unveils new rules on family gatherings, social events

With the holiday season approaching , California last week released new for socializing that prohibit gatherings among more than three households .
While coronavirus cases are dipping — and hospitalizations and deaths are at their lowest levels in months — officials are emphasizing the importance of maintaining health safety measures .
“ We are entering into the holidays , but also we ’ re entering into the part of the year when things cool down and people are more likely to congregate ... in settings that put their physical proximity and likelihood of transmitting disease at higher risk , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Don ’ t be misled that this disease is any less deadly .
Quite the contrary — it is as deadly as it ’ s ever been in the context of those that are high risk.
” Newsom has warned about the , which could create added challenges in battling the coronavirus , as well as the arrival of colder weather that may prompt people to spend more time indoors .
To protect public health and slow the rate of transmission , the state had previously banned all gatherings of any kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Here are the latest guidelines : • Gatherings that include more than three households are prohibited .
This includes everyone present , including hosts and guests .
Remember , the smaller the number of people , the safer .
• Keep the households that you interact with stable over time .
By spending time with the same people , risk of transmission is reduced .
Participating in multiple gatherings with different households or groups is strongly discouraged .
• The host should collect names of all attendees and contact information in case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gatherings that occur outdoors are significantly safer than indoor gatherings .
All gatherings must be held outside .
Attendees may go inside to use restrooms as long as the restrooms are frequently sanitized .
• Gatherings may occur in outdoor spaces that are covered by umbrellas , canopies , awnings , roofs , and other shade structures provided that at least three sides of the space ( or 75 % ) are open to the outdoors .
• A gathering of no more than three households is permitted in a public park or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gatherings of other groups up to three households are also occurring in the same park or other outdoor space .
If multiple such gatherings are occurring , mixing between group gatherings is not allowed .
Additionally , multiple gatherings of three households can not be jointly organized or coordinated to occur in the same public park or other outdoor space at the same time — this would constitute a gathering exceeding the permitted size .
3 .
Don ’ t attend gatherings if you feel sick or are in a high-risk group • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , cough , shortness of breath , chills , night sweats , sore throat , nausea , vomiting , diarrhea , tiredness , muscle or body aches , headaches , confusion , or loss of sense of taste/smell ) , must stay home and not come into contact with anyone outside their household .
• Anyone who develops COVID-19 within 48 hours after attending a gathering should notify the other attendees as soon as possible regarding the potential exposure .
• People at higher risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19 ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chronic medical conditions ) are strongly urged not to attend any gatherings .
• For any gatherings permitted under this guidance , the space must be large enough so that everyone at a gathering can maintain at least a six-foot physical distance from others ( not including their own household ) at all times .
• Seating must provide at least six feet of distance ( in all directions — front-to-back and side-to-side ) between different households .
• Everyone at a gathering should frequently wash their hands with soap and water , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ water are not available .
A place to wash hands or hand sanitizer must be available for participants to use .
• Shared items should not be used during a gathering .
As much as possible , any food or beverages at outdoor gatherings must be in single-serve disposable containers .
If providing single-serve containers is not possible , food and beverages must be served by a person who washes or sanitizes their hands frequently , and wears a face covering .
Self-serve items from communal containers should not be used .
5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus from spreading • When gathering , face coverings must be worn in accordance with the California Department of Public Health guidance , unless an exemption is applicable .
• People at gatherings may remove their face coverings briefly to eat or drink as long as they stay at least six feet away from everyone outside their own household , and put their face covering back on as soon as they are done with the activity .
• Face coverings can also be removed to meet urgent medical needs ( for example @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take medication , or if feeling light-headed ) .
• Gatherings should be two hours or less .
The longer the duration , the risk of transmission increases .
7 .
Rules for singing , chanting and shouting at outdoor gatherings • Singing , chanting , shouting and physical exertion significantly increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission because these activities increase the release of respiratory droplets and fine aerosols into the air .
Because of this , singing , chanting and shouting are strongly discouraged , but if they occur , the following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ music is allowed as long as the musicians maintain at least six-foot physical distancing .
Musicians must be from one of the three households .
Playing of wind instruments ( any instrument played by the mouth , such as a trumpet or clarinet ) is strongly discouraged .
• All people who are singing or chanting should wear a face covering at all times while singing or chanting , including anyone who is leading a song or chant .
Because these activities pose a very high risk of COVID-19 transmission , face coverings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respiratory droplets and fine aerosols ; • People who are singing , shouting , chanting , or exercising are strongly encouraged to maintain physical distancing beyond six feet to further reduce risk .
• People who are singing or chanting are strongly encouraged to do so quietly ( at or below the volume of a normal speaking voice ) .

Motorists cruise Santa Rosa Avenue, better known as Christmas Tree Lane, in Altadena in 2018.
With the holiday season approaching, California last week released new guidelines for socializing that prohibit gatherings among more than three households.
While coronavirus cases are dipping — and hospitalizations and deaths are at their lowest levels in months — officials are emphasizing the importance of maintaining health safety measures.
“We are entering into the holidays, but also we’re entering into the part of the year when things cool down and people are more likely to congregate ... in settings that put their physical proximity and likelihood of transmitting disease at higher risk,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said Monday.
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“Don’t be misled that this disease is any less deadly. Quite the contrary — it is as deadly as it’s ever been in the context of those that are high risk.”
Newsom has warned about the upcoming flu season , which could create added challenges in battling the coronavirus, as well as the arrival of colder weather that may prompt people to spend more time indoors.
To protect public health and slow the rate of transmission, the state had previously banned all gatherings of any kind as well as any mingling of households.
Here are the latest guidelines:
1. Attendance
Gatherings that include more than three households are prohibited. This includes everyone present, including hosts and guests. Remember, the smaller the number of people, the safer.
Keep the households that you interact with stable over time. By spending time with the same people, risk of transmission is reduced. Participating in multiple gatherings with different households or groups is strongly discouraged.
The host should collect names of all attendees and contact information in case contact tracing is needed later.
2. Gather outdoors
Gatherings that occur outdoors are significantly safer than indoor gatherings. All gatherings must be held outside. Attendees may go inside to use restrooms as long as the restrooms are frequently sanitized.
Gatherings may occur in outdoor spaces that are covered by umbrellas, canopies, awnings, roofs, and other shade structures provided that at least three sides of the space (or 75%) are open to the outdoors.
A gathering of no more than three households is permitted in a public park or other outdoor space, even if unrelated gatherings of other groups up to three households are also occurring in the same park or other outdoor space. If multiple such gatherings are occurring, mixing between group gatherings is not allowed. Additionally, multiple gatherings of three households cannot be jointly organized or coordinated to occur in the same public park or other outdoor space at the same time — this would constitute a gathering exceeding the permitted size.
3. Don’t attend gatherings if you feel sick or are in a high-risk group
Anyone with any COVID-19-like symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, night sweats, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tiredness, muscle or body aches, headaches, confusion, or loss of sense of taste/smell ), must stay home and not come into contact with anyone outside their household.
must stay home and not come into contact with anyone outside their household. Anyone who develops COVID-19 within 48 hours after attending a gathering should notify the other attendees as soon as possible regarding the potential exposure.
People at higher risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19 (such as older adults and people with chronic medical conditions) are strongly urged not to attend any gatherings.
4. Practice physical distancing and hand hygiene at gatherings
For any gatherings permitted under this guidance, the space must be large enough so that everyone at a gathering can maintain at least a six-foot physical distance from others (not including their own household) at all times.
Seating must provide at least six feet of distance (in all directions — front-to-back and side-to-side) between different households.
Everyone at a gathering should frequently wash their hands with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. A place to wash hands or hand sanitizer must be available for participants to use.
Shared items should not be used during a gathering. As much as possible, any food or beverages at outdoor gatherings must be in single-serve disposable containers. If providing single-serve containers is not possible, food and beverages must be served by a person who washes or sanitizes their hands frequently, and wears a face covering. Self-serve items from communal containers should not be used.
5. Wear a face covering to keep the coronavirus from spreading
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When gathering, face coverings must be worn in accordance with the California Department of Public Health guidance, unless an exemption is applicable.
People at gatherings may remove their face coverings briefly to eat or drink as long as they stay at least six feet away from everyone outside their own household, and put their face covering back on as soon as they are done with the activity.
Face coverings can also be removed to meet urgent medical needs (for example, to use an asthma inhaler, take medication, or if feeling light-headed).
6. Keep it short
Gatherings should be two hours or less. The longer the duration, the risk of transmission increases.
7. Rules for singing, chanting and shouting at outdoor gatherings


latimes--2020-10-13--Massive blaze rips through 2 Fashion District buildings in downtown Los Angeles

More than 130 firefighters were called in to battle a two-building blaze early Tuesday in the Fashion District of downtown Los Angeles .
The fire ignited around 4:45 a.m. near Crocker and East 8th streets and quickly spread to a nearby commercial building occupied by a fabric wholesaler .
The textiles inside the building helped fuel the flames .
“ [ The fabric ] creates what we call a heavy fire load , ” Los Angeles Fire Department spokeswoman Margaret Stewart said .
The fire appeared to be under control by 5:30 a.m. , only to reignite and expand to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ houses textiles .
By 7 a.m. , massive plumes of heavy smoke and flames were billowing into the air as crews tackled the fire with heavy water streams , ladder pipes and ground operations .
“ Despite firefighters ’ dedicated efforts , they discovered the fire extended into the structure on the [ northwest ] side , ” the Fire Department said .
Two firefighting units tackled the blaze , according to Stewart , one working at the first building and a second attacking the flames next door .
By 9 a.m. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the fire , authorities said .
“ Firefighters worked tirelessly to prevent the fire from further extension and to save exposed businesses , ” the Fire Department said .
“ Over 130 firefighters achieved a full extinguishment of the fire in just over 3½ hours.
” One firefighter was transported to the hospital for heat-related illness that did not appear to be life-threatening , officials said .
No other injuries were reported .
The Fire Department ’ s arson section is actively investigating the cause of the blaze “ based on protocols @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” authorities said , and crews will remain on the scene to ensure that all flames remain extinguished .

Firefighters fight a stubborn commercial fire burning Tuesday in the 800 block of South Crocker Street in the Fashion District of Los Angeles.
More than 130 firefighters were called in to battle a two-building blaze early Tuesday in the Fashion District of downtown Los Angeles.
The fire ignited around 4:45 a.m. near Crocker and East 8th streets and quickly spread to a nearby commercial building occupied by a fabric wholesaler. The textiles inside the building helped fuel the flames.
“[The fabric] creates what we call a heavy fire load,” Los Angeles Fire Department spokeswoman Margaret Stewart said.
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The fire appeared to be under control by 5:30 a.m., only to reignite and expand to the building next door, which also houses textiles. By 7 a.m., massive plumes of heavy smoke and flames were billowing into the air as crews tackled the fire with heavy water streams, ladder pipes and ground operations.
Firefighters fight a stubborn fire burning through textile businesses in the Fashion District of Los Angeles early Tuesday morning. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
“Despite firefighters’ dedicated efforts, they discovered the fire extended into the structure on the [northwest] side,” the Fire Department said.
Two firefighting units tackled the blaze, according to Stewart, one working at the first building and a second attacking the flames next door.
By 9 a.m., crews were able to gain full control over the fire, authorities said.
“Firefighters worked tirelessly to prevent the fire from further extension and to save exposed businesses,” the Fire Department said. “Over 130 firefighters achieved a full extinguishment of the fire in just over 3½ hours.”
One firefighter was transported to the hospital for heat-related illness that did not appear to be life-threatening, officials said. No other injuries were reported.
The Fire Department’s arson section is actively investigating the cause of the blaze “based on protocols due to the size of the incident,” authorities said, and crews will remain on the scene to ensure that all flames remain extinguished.


latimes--2020-10-13--Column: Latino Republicans face a tough task: turning blue Orange County red again

Randall Avila looked every bit the undercover agent as he asked for two tongue tacos from a lonchera last month in Santa Ana .
The 30-year-old first ordered in English , then haltingly said “ dos de lengua ” when he realized the cashier only spoke Spanish .
While the other customers wore loose clothes or hats to help against the heat , Avila barely broke a sweat in a long-sleeve white shirt , well-tailored face mask and shiny shoes .
Avila stood out from the crowd — and they didn ’ t know the half of it .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican Party of Orange County , once the citadel of the American conservative movement .
But the county went for Hillary Clinton in 2016 — the first Democratic presidential candidate to carry it since FDR ; its congressional delegation went all-blue two years ago for the first time ever .
So Avila has taken on a mission that seems downright Sisyphean : Not only help take Orange County back for the Republicans , but also bring Latinos to a party that demonized them , in this very county , decades before Trump sauntered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ rapists.
” And you thought fighting the Bobcat fire was tough .
Still , Avila exuded a quiet confidence when we met .
The fact that he agreed to see me at my favorite lonchera , instead of a GOP hangout like Gulfstream in Newport Beach , showed he ’ s savvy enough .
No errant cilantro leaves stained his tie as he alternated between his tacos and arguments as to why more Latinos should vote Republican .
“ The distrust that Latinos have against the Republican Party has been cultural and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the skinny Avila said .
“ But those turn into sound bites that reinforce an opinion that ’ s wrong .
We have a lot more in common with Latinos than what the misconception is.
” “ Misconceptions ” ?
I reminded Avila about Trump , who said in his inaugural campaign speech that when Mexico sees its residents migrate to the United States , “ they ’ re not sending their best.
” I brought up the O.C .
GOP ’ s notorious 1988 poll-guard fiasco , where party leaders were fined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voting precincts in Santa Ana — a move that Trump is now actively calling for .
“ There can be some hesitance ” for Latinos to go Republican , he allowed .
“ It ’ s not that the history doesn ’ t matter .
It ’ s not that it wasn ’ t wrong .
But the folks of the past are not who ’ s in the party today.
” Um , Trump ?
Let me repeat that : Trump .
And the Mexican-obsessed — and not in a good way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Might have heard of him .
Santa Monica kid named Stephen Miller .
“ He ’ s a double-edged sword , ” Avila acknowledged of Trump .
“ But it ’ s about who these other candidates are instead of just the president .
It ’ s about policies .
You can ’ t run as a pro- or anti-Trump .
You have to run as you are.
” As a pro-border wall , anti-ethnic studies kind of party ?
Got it .
It ’ s tortured justifications like these in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republicans a favorite piñata every election cycle .
Democratic pollsters obsess over why anyone in America ’ s largest minority would side with a party that snuggled up to xenophobia long before Trump .
Progressive Latinos scream “ ¡Vendidos !
” ( Sellouts ! )
at Latino Republicans if they ’ re nice , and create savagely funny memes when they ’ re not : one is a photo of Tejana music legend Selena and her assassin , Yolanda Saldivar , with “ Latinos ” superimposed over the singer and “ Latinos 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But every time I see such venom directed at people like Avila , I cringe a little .
That ’ s because it ’ s dangerously arrogant and ignorant of what ’ s happening with Latinos and the GOP : Far from abandoning him , polls show Trump ’ s support among Latinos hasn ’ t slipped since his 2016 victory over Clinton .
Surveys by Democrat-run Equis Research found he ’ s actually gaining among young Latino males in key battleground states like Arizona and Texas .
The election in places like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ North Carolina can be won or lost — with the most razor-thin of margins — thanks to the Latino vote .
Trump ’ s Latino supporters have assiduously rallied for months with actions that have included everything from caravans in the Rio Grande Valley to roundtables in Phoenix where Los Angeles Angels owner Arte Moreno declared it was “ very necessary ” for fellow Latinos to vote Trump .
There was even “ Latinos for Trump 2020 ” graffiti in Pico Rivera that someone quickly crossed out and replaced with “ Not in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Biden ?
So far , he has sparked nowhere near the same love from Latinos as former Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders — and that has party leaders worried .
Trump isn ’ t going to win Latinos across the U.S. No Republican presidential candidate ever has .
But in a race that has the potential to be super close in key battleground states , the GOP is smart to try to chip away , just enough , at the Latino support that Democrats count on .
“ Yeah , it makes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a candidate that has tried in every way imaginable to alienate Latinos , ” said Northwestern history professor Geraldo Cadava , who studies Latino Republicans and released a book about the subject earlier this year .
“ But calling them traitors only further pushes them away.
” And leads them straight into the hands of the GOP .
Just ask Avila .
He was born and raised in Monterey Park to working-class Mexican American parents — dad is still a security guard , while mom works in the L.A. County foster care system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ household , although Avila said the family leaned conservative due to their opposition to abortion and their father ’ s upbringing in East Los Angeles .
“ He ’ s one of those wanna-be-left-alone people who never trusted politicians because they never fixed anything , ” Avila said .
“ A lot of East L.A. is like that .
People aren ’ t reliant on government .
They just take care of each other.
” I ’ m familiar with this trait — that ’ s how most of the rural Mexicans I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a nickname for it : rancho libertarianism .
Ronald Reagan mostly had it right when he memorably said “ Latinos are Republican .
They just don ’ t know it yet.
” We grumble at tax increases , have a soft spot for strongmen real and imagined , and smirk at the excesses of political correctness .
( I won ’ t even get into our tendency toward conspiracies ) .
The GOP could ’ ve easily courted my friends and family members long ago with such catnip .
Except most of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the California GOP ’ s racist track record .
Avila knows O.C .
Republicans will forever have to battle this legacy .
His political awakening happened at Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary High School in Montebello .
During a government class , Avila said the teacher told students — overwhelmingly Latino and blue-collar — that the GOP didn ’ t like them for being “ brown ” and wanted to bring McDonald ’ s into the barrios to make their communities fat .
“ Everyone accepted it , ” Avila said .
“ But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Republicans share most of the same goals of trying to improve this country ; there ’ s just a difference in opinion in how to get there .
Neither party is actively trying to kill Americans .
But this teacher made it seem like Republicans did.
” Soon after , Avila began to volunteer for the few Republicans he could find on the Eastside , taking the bus to Commerce to moonlight on campaigns .
That led to jobs with the California Republican Party while he attended UCLA , and a political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prowess in organizing events and fundraising got the attention of O.C .
GOP chairman Fred Whitaker , who hired Avila as his party ’ s executive director at the beginning of 2018 .
“ As a millennial and a Latino from L.A. , there are things that he knows that we just don ’ t do as well , ” Whitaker said .
“ I like his demeanor and his approach with people , but he ’ s relentless .
He gets the job done.
” “ He comes from a unique vantage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from L.A. trying to change O.C.
” said LuisAndres Cruz , political director for the Democratic Party of Orange County from 2018 until this January .
The two became friends after they found themselves staffing tables at community events like the Orange County Fair and naturalization ceremonies .
“ We [ Latinos ] blame white people as a whole for degrading us , but in L.A. County , the elected officials are majority Democrat and Latino .
And they can ’ t seem to fix issues .
That ’ s what Randall knows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I don ’ t agree with him.
” Avila ’ s star took a thrashing , however , after the O.C .
GOP ’ s disastrous 2018 election .
Although Avila insists that it was a “ green wave ” of outside money that helped the Democrats win all of Orange County ’ s congressional seats and not a changed county , he took the blame for the losses .
Shortly after election day , he submitted his resignation to Whitaker , who declined it .
“ He did his job , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We turned out more Republicans to vote than we did in the 2016 elections .
The Democrats just turned out even more.
” That ’ s why the job people like Avila do is important , Cruz said .
“ The GOP as a whole has the largest runway to change their viewpoint and embrace Latinos , ” he said .
“ But that ’ s why the party needs to listen to people like Randall .
It ’ ll remain irrelevant if they don ’ t. ” But the national Grand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stocked with people who don ’ t like people who look like me , my friends and family .
It has had generations to change that .
It has had numerous chances to learn from its mistakes .
I brought this up to Avila , who accepted my critique .
“ We ’ re not in an Orange County anymore where just because you ’ re a Republican , you win , ” he said .
“ But I ’ ve never seen us try this hard [ for Latino votes ] .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I hope we learn our lesson.
” He declined my invitation to a second round of tacos — a full day of work lay ahead .
And as Avila took off , I remembered what he said about his dad .
Politics mattered so little to the guy that he had never even registered to vote until 2016 .
And Avila ’ s dad only did it so he could vote for Trump .

Randall Avila, pictured at the Old County Courthouse in Santa Ana, is executive director of the Republican Party of Orange County, once the citadel of the American conservative movement.
Randall Avila looked every bit the undercover agent as he asked for two tongue tacos from a lonchera last month in Santa Ana.
The 30-year-old first ordered in English, then haltingly said “dos de lengua” when he realized the cashier only spoke Spanish. While the other customers wore loose clothes or hats to help against the heat, Avila barely broke a sweat in a long-sleeve white shirt, well-tailored face mask and shiny shoes.
Avila stood out from the crowd — and they didn’t know the half of it.
He’s the executive director for the Republican Party of Orange County, once the citadel of the American conservative movement. But the county went for Hillary Clinton in 2016 — the first Democratic presidential candidate to carry it since FDR; its congressional delegation went all-blue two years ago for the first time ever.
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So Avila has taken on a mission that seems downright Sisyphean: Not only help take Orange County back for the Republicans, but also bring Latinos to a party that demonized them, in this very county, decades before Trump sauntered into the White House by calling Mexicans “rapists.”
And you thought fighting the Bobcat fire was tough.
Still, Avila exuded a quiet confidence when we met. The fact that he agreed to see me at my favorite lonchera, instead of a GOP hangout like Gulfstream in Newport Beach, showed he’s savvy enough. No errant cilantro leaves stained his tie as he alternated between his tacos and arguments as to why more Latinos should vote Republican.
“The distrust that Latinos have against the Republican Party has been cultural and reinforced by our past actions,” the skinny Avila said. “But those turn into sound bites that reinforce an opinion that’s wrong. We have a lot more in common with Latinos than what the misconception is.”
“Misconceptions”? I reminded Avila about Trump, who said in his inaugural campaign speech that when Mexico sees its residents migrate to the United States, “they’re not sending their best.” I brought up the O.C. GOP’s notorious 1988 poll-guard fiasco, where party leaders were fined about half-a-million dollars for posting rent-a-cops outside voting precincts in Santa Ana — a move that Trump is now actively calling for.
Avila offered a pained smile.
“There can be some hesitance” for Latinos to go Republican, he allowed. “It’s not that the history doesn’t matter. It’s not that it wasn’t wrong. But the folks of the past are not who’s in the party today.”
Um, Trump? Let me repeat that: Trump. And the Mexican-obsessed — and not in a good way — Montgomery Burns-lookalike guiding him on immigration. Might have heard of him. Santa Monica kid named Stephen Miller.
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“He’s a double-edged sword,” Avila acknowledged of Trump. “But it’s about who these other candidates are instead of just the president. It’s about policies. You can’t run as a pro- or anti-Trump. You have to run as you are.”
As a pro-border wall, anti-ethnic studies kind of party? Got it.
It’s tortured justifications like these in the face of anti-Latino facts that make Latino Republicans a favorite piñata every election cycle. Democratic pollsters obsess over why anyone in America’s largest minority would side with a party that snuggled up to xenophobia long before Trump.
Progressive Latinos scream “¡Vendidos!” (Sellouts!) at Latino Republicans if they’re nice, and create savagely funny memes when they’re not: one is a photo of Tejana music legend Selena and her assassin, Yolanda Saldivar, with “Latinos” superimposed over the singer and “Latinos 4 Trump” pinned on her killer.
But every time I see such venom directed at people like Avila, I cringe a little. That’s because it’s dangerously arrogant and ignorant of what’s happening with Latinos and the GOP:
Far from abandoning him, polls show Trump’s support among Latinos hasn’t slipped since his 2016 victory over Clinton.
Surveys by Democrat-run Equis Research found he’s actually gaining among young Latino males in key battleground states like Arizona and Texas. The election in places like Florida, of course, but also North Carolina can be won or lost — with the most razor-thin of margins — thanks to the Latino vote.
Trump’s Latino supporters have assiduously rallied for months with actions that have included everything from caravans in the Rio Grande Valley to roundtables in Phoenix where Los Angeles Angels owner Arte Moreno declared it was “very necessary” for fellow Latinos to vote Trump. There was even “Latinos for Trump 2020” graffiti in Pico Rivera that someone quickly crossed out and replaced with “Not in This Hood” followed by a vulgarity.
Biden? So far, he has sparked nowhere near the same love from Latinos as former Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders — and that has party leaders worried.
Trump isn’t going to win Latinos across the U.S. No Republican presidential candidate ever has. But in a race that has the potential to be super close in key battleground states, the GOP is smart to try to chip away, just enough, at the Latino support that Democrats count on.
“Yeah, it makes no sense that as many Latinos support a candidate that has tried in every way imaginable to alienate Latinos,” said Northwestern history professor Geraldo Cadava, who studies Latino Republicans and released a book about the subject earlier this year. “But calling them traitors only further pushes them away.”
And leads them straight into the hands of the GOP. Just ask Avila.
**
He was born and raised in Monterey Park to working-class Mexican American parents — dad is still a security guard, while mom works in the L.A. County foster care system.
Politics was never important in his household, although Avila said the family leaned conservative due to their opposition to abortion and their father’s upbringing in East Los Angeles.
“He’s one of those wanna-be-left-alone people who never trusted politicians because they never fixed anything,” Avila said. “A lot of East L.A. is like that. People aren’t reliant on government. They just take care of each other.”
I’m familiar with this trait — that’s how most of the rural Mexicans I grew up with feel. I even have a nickname for it: rancho libertarianism. Ronald Reagan mostly had it right when he memorably said “Latinos are Republican. They just don’t know it yet.”
We grumble at tax increases, have a soft spot for strongmen real and imagined, and smirk at the excesses of political correctness. (I won’t even get into our tendency toward conspiracies).
The GOP could’ve easily courted my friends and family members long ago with such catnip. Except most of those mexicanos vote Democrat — because of the California GOP’s racist track record. Avila knows O.C. Republicans will forever have to battle this legacy.
His political awakening happened at Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary High School in Montebello. During a government class, Avila said the teacher told students — overwhelmingly Latino and blue-collar — that the GOP didn’t like them for being “brown” and wanted to bring McDonald’s into the barrios to make their communities fat.
“Everyone accepted it,” Avila said. “But that was just so evil. Democrats and Republicans share most of the same goals of trying to improve this country; there’s just a difference in opinion in how to get there. Neither party is actively trying to kill Americans. But this teacher made it seem like Republicans did.”
Soon after, Avila began to volunteer for the few Republicans he could find on the Eastside, taking the bus to Commerce to moonlight on campaigns. That led to jobs with the California Republican Party while he attended UCLA, and a political consulting firm in Orange County. His prowess in organizing events and fundraising got the attention of O.C. GOP chairman Fred Whitaker, who hired Avila as his party’s executive director at the beginning of 2018.
“As a millennial and a Latino from L.A., there are things that he knows that we just don’t do as well,” Whitaker said. “I like his demeanor and his approach with people, but he’s relentless. He gets the job done.”
“He comes from a unique vantage point — a Latino who’s from L.A. trying to change O.C.” said LuisAndres Cruz, political director for the Democratic Party of Orange County from 2018 until this January. The two became friends after they found themselves staffing tables at community events like the Orange County Fair and naturalization ceremonies. “We [Latinos] blame white people as a whole for degrading us, but in L.A. County, the elected officials are majority Democrat and Latino. And they can’t seem to fix issues. That’s what Randall knows and can argue well, even if I don’t agree with him.”
Avila’s star took a thrashing, however, after the O.C. GOP’s disastrous 2018 election. Although Avila insists that it was a “green wave” of outside money that helped the Democrats win all of Orange County’s congressional seats and not a changed county, he took the blame for the losses.
Shortly after election day, he submitted his resignation to Whitaker, who declined it.
“He did his job,” the O.C. GOP chairman said. “We turned out more Republicans to vote than we did in the 2016 elections. The Democrats just turned out even more.”
That’s why the job people like Avila do is important, Cruz said.
“The GOP as a whole has the largest runway to change their viewpoint and embrace Latinos,” he said. “But that’s why the party needs to listen to people like Randall. It’ll remain irrelevant if they don’t.”
But the national Grand Old Party still feels like one fully stocked with people who don’t like people who look like me, my friends and family. It has had generations to change that. It has had numerous chances to learn from its mistakes.
I brought this up to Avila, who accepted my critique.
“We’re not in an Orange County anymore where just because you’re a Republican, you win,” he said. “But I’ve never seen us try this hard [for Latino votes]. Even if we don’t win, I hope we learn our lesson.”
He declined my invitation to a second round of tacos — a full day of work lay ahead. And as Avila took off, I remembered what he said about his dad. Politics mattered so little to the guy that he had never even registered to vote until 2016.
And Avila’s dad only did it so he could vote for Trump.


latimes--2020-10-13--When cops abuse social media, the results are explosive: "One post can become a movement"

As a young cop in Richmond in 2008 , Ben Murdoch made a mistake that cost him his career and led some to label him a racist .
At a Halloween party , a Latino friend came dressed in a Ku Klux Klan outfit meant to be a costume of a pop culture character created by comedian Dave Chappelle — Clayton Bigsby , a blind Black man who is also a white supremacist .
Murdoch , dressed as a rock star , and the friend began spoofing the Bigsby skit , he said , including giving a Nazi salute .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ social media .
Local news picked it up , and two days short of finishing his probationary period , Murdoch said he was pressured to resign and has not worked in law enforcement since .
“ At the time you think it ’ s hilarious , and you don ’ t think about what you are doing , ” Murdoch said recently .
“ Think twice with all your decisions.
” Social media was in its infancy when it helped end Murdoch ’ s career .
Now , it is so widely used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so closely watched by their detractors — that its worst moments are casting a harsh spotlight on the mindset of law enforcement , and serving as proof to some that cops are inherently biased .
Plumas County Sheriff ’ s Deputy Ed Obayashi , who has developed the state ’ s first training course for officers on personal social media and has investigated multiple instances of online misconduct , said offending officers are often surprised by the uproar .
“ When I do these investigations , I get these excuses all the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not racist , it ’ s funny , ’ ” Obayashi said .
“ There is no excuse .
There is no justification .
What circumstances can you come up with to justify such postings ?
There aren ’ t any , and that ’ s why chiefs and sheriffs are tearing their hair out.
” In recent months in California , one sheriff ’ s deputy was fired and a deputy at a different department disciplined for posting a meme of a Black male porn star with his knee on George Floyd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ union for prison guards has come under fire for an online video where a Black legislator ’ s face was covered by a bullseye ; and a Los Angeles Sheriff ’ s Department captain was reassigned after a Facebook post that said Andres Guardado , a Salvadorian-American teenager killed by a deputy in Gardena , “ chose his fate.
” In San Jose , four officers were implicated in an ongoing investigation for participating in a private Facebook forum that included racist and anti-Muslim content .
At the California Highway Patrol last summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forwarded post disparaging transgender celebrity Caitlyn Jenner was brought to the department ’ s attention by a reporter .
Amid the George Floyd demonstrations , Los Angeles Police Protective League board member Jamie McBride came under scrutiny for posting Facebook messages supportive of former LAPD Chief Daryl F. Gates , who ran a department plagued by excessive force .
Also under scrutiny is McBride ’ s daughter , Toni McBride , an LAPD officer who in April shot and killed a man carrying a box cutter , provoking community protests .
Multiple stylish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at targets at a gun range can be found online , including one posted in recent days .
Police officers have free speech rights , and across California and the United States , departments are grappling with how to balance those protections with the potential for commentary that can trigger explosive responses , putting the profession further on the defensive .
The words and images have sometimes included serious misconduct , such as violent threats , misogyny and racism .
Officers have also found themselves facing public scrutiny and department ire for political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high-profile and contentious cases and vulgar images that offend average sensibilities .
“ It ’ s bigger than insensitivity , ” said Melina Abdullah , co-founder of Black Lives Matter Los Angeles .
“ It ’ s a doubling down on the threat to Black lives , and it is absolutely additional violence.
” Multiple law enforcement leaders across the state said the public nature of social media misconduct makes it one of the most urgent disciplinary matters when it happens , often necessitating action quicker than for other types of misconduct that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less attention .
“ One post can become a movement , ” said Wally Hebeish , assistant chief of police in Long Beach .
A probationary officer was recently fired in his department for posting a photo of his baton over a bloody sidewalk during protests for police reform .
While Hebeish said it was “ a young officer that made a mistake , ” it was not one the department could tolerate both because it hurt internal morale and caused anger in a community that was in the midst of upheaval .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ people to become angry with us , but that ’ s the type of emotion that image can create , ” Hebeish said .
Sekou Millington , chief of police in the San Francisco Bay Area city of Tracy , said the effects of a social media incident are long-lasting , making it imperative that departments respond quickly and in a way that mirrors community sentiment .
A part-time professional standards officer in his department , responsible for administrative investigations , was recently fired for participating in an online forum where a journalist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The incident has sparked an FBI investigation .
“ Now we have to work that much harder to build that trust back , ” Millington said .
“ It ’ s definitely 10 steps back.
” But legally , there is a limit to restrictions law enforcement agencies can place on their employees when it comes to free speech — though a 2018 ruling by a California appellate court involving a LAPD officer clarified that posts causing “ potential disruptiveness ” to an agency ’ s operation could warrant discipline .
Departments know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prohibit [ officers ] from posting based on the Constitution , ” said Mike Rains , a lawyer who has represented multiple officers in social media cases .
But even law enforcement unions , charged with defending on-duty misconduct for their members , have backed away from supporting those who post offensive material .
In San Jose , a fight has broken out within the police union over the perception that the union head did not defend officers in the recent scandal .
A similar union dust-up is happening in the ranks of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ union condemning the bullseye video from the rank-and-file union .
Art Gonzales , current president of the supervisors ’ organization said in a statement he was “ appalled at the video ” and considered it harassing and threatening a public official .
“ This is inciteful and borders on a racist call-to-action , ” he said .
Faced with the waterfall of bad judgment and no way to stop it , departments have crafted stricter policies for personal use of social media , though much remains as suggestions instead of dictates , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At the California Highway Patrol , an August memo to management , laying out an update to its 2013 social media policy , warns “ to treat every post as if it will end up on the front page of a major newspaper , because it may.
” But Obayashi said the desire among officers to participate in social media remains strong , and is more than “ just stupidity.
” Though , like Rains , he counsels officers to “ just stay off , ” he has seen the impulse to post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discourse has turned more vitriolic .
“ I ’ ve even had one officer say , ‘ If Trump can say this , why can ’ t I ?
’ ” Obayashi said .
“ A lot of cops are frustrated , they are very frustrated because of everything that has been transpiring : Black Lives Matter , defund the police , arrest those officers , a perception that leadership and politicians have abandoned them .
So they don ’ t have an outlet .
This is their outlet.
” Rains , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said some officers also feel a need to defend themselves and the profession .
“ You don ’ t let the narrative eat you alive , ” Rains said of how some officers justify social media .
“ When the narrative is something you care strongly about , you shouldn ’ t be quiet .
That is being a coward.
” Some officers said that social media provides a connection in a profession that is often insular and isolating .
Retired San Jose Officer Leroy Pyle was active nearly daily on the Facebook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of officers in his former department , but said he never saw offensive content .
Instead , he viewed it as “ an everyday thing where people could share news … what was going on in their life , who died , who had babies .
It was a chat room.
” Though he thought the flagged content was “ not acceptable , ” he has moved discussion to a private webpage to keep it alive .
The members-only space , he said , is a refuge .
“ It ’ s not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but if somebody does make a mistake or errors ... the whole world doesn ’ t have to know , ” he said .
Age also plays a part , said Hebeish , Millington and others .
For younger officers , digital natives , “ everything they do is virtual , ” said Millington , making it “ hard to say , ‘ Don ’ t use it.
’ ” Murdoch , the officer caught making the Nazi salute , said twelve years after his resignation , he has reinvented his life and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , settled down , ” who rescues dogs and tortoises .
But the incident still lingers .
“ I actually try to avoid all photos at any time these days , ” he said .
“ I don ’ t want to be seen on anything , anywhere .
”

Long Beach Police Chief Robert Luna, shown in 2014, announced in June that an officer who posted photos on social media amid the George Floyd protests has been “relieved from employment.”
As a young cop in Richmond, Calif., in 2008, Ben Murdoch made a mistake that cost him his career and led some to label him a racist.
At a Halloween party, a Latino friend came dressed in a Ku Klux Klan outfit meant to be a costume of a pop culture character created by comedian Dave Chappelle — Clayton Bigsby, a blind Black man who is also a white supremacist. Murdoch, dressed as a rock star, and the friend began spoofing the Bigsby skit, he said, including giving a Nazi salute.
A picture was taken and posted on social media. Local news picked it up, and two days short of finishing his probationary period, Murdoch said, he was pressured to resign and has not worked in law enforcement since.
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“At the time you think it’s hilarious, and you don’t think about what you are doing,” Murdoch said recently. “Think twice with all your decisions.”
Social media were in their infancy when they helped end Murdoch’s career. Now, they are so widely used by police and retired officers — and so closely watched by their detractors — that their worst moments are casting a harsh spotlight on the mindset of law enforcement, and serving as proof to some that cops are inherently biased.
Plumas County Sheriff’s Deputy Ed Obayashi, who has developed the state’s first training course for officers on personal social media and has investigated multiple instances of online misconduct, said offending officers are often surprised by the uproar.
“When I do these investigations, I get these excuses all the time, ‘No, I’m not racist, it’s funny,’” Obayashi said. “There is no excuse. There is no justification. What circumstances can you come up with to justify such postings? There aren’t any, and that’s why chiefs and sheriffs are tearing their hair out.”
In recent months in California, one sheriff’s deputy was fired and a deputy at a different department disciplined for posting a meme of a Black male porn star with his knee on George Floyd’s neck; a law enforcement union for prison guards has come under fire for an online video where a Black legislator’s face was covered by a bull’s-eye; and a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department captain was reassigned after a Facebook post that said Andres Guardado, a Salvadoran American killed by a deputy in Gardena, “chose his fate.”
A screenshot from CCPOA president Glen Stailey’s Facebook page, depicting part of an online advertisement that targets legislators the organization would like to defeat in the November election. (Courtesy of the office of Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer)
In San Jose, four officers were implicated in an ongoing investigation for participating in a private Facebook forum that included racist and anti-Muslim content. At the California Highway Patrol last summer, a chief was investigated after a forwarded post disparaging transgender celebrity Caitlyn Jenner was brought to the department’s attention by a reporter.
Amid the George Floyd demonstrations, Los Angeles Police Protective League board member Jamie McBride came under scrutiny for posting Facebook messages supportive of former LAPD Chief Daryl F. Gates, who ran a department plagued by excessive force. Also under scrutiny is McBride’s daughter, Toni McBride, an LAPD officer who in April shot and killed a man carrying a box cutter, provoking community protests. Multiple stylish videos and pictures of her blasting away at targets at a gun range can be found online, including one posted in recent days.
Police officers have free speech rights, and across California and the United States, departments are grappling with how to balance those protections with the potential for commentary that can trigger explosive responses, putting the profession further on the defensive.
Advertisement
The words and images have sometimes included serious misconduct, such as violent threats, misogyny and racism. Officers have also found themselves facing public scrutiny and department ire for political messages that crossed lines, comments on high-profile and contentious cases and vulgar images that offend average sensibilities.
“It’s bigger than insensitivity,” said Melina Abdullah, co-founder of Black Lives Matter Los Angeles. “It’s a doubling down on the threat to Black lives, and it is absolutely additional violence.”
Multiple law enforcement leaders across the state said the public nature of social media misconduct makes it one of the most urgent disciplinary matters when it happens, often necessitating action quicker than for other types of misconduct that may be more serious, but draw less attention.
“One post can become a movement,” said Wally Hebeish, assistant chief of police in Long Beach. A probationary officer was recently fired in his department for posting a photo of his baton over a bloody sidewalk during protests for police reform.
While Hebeish said it was “a young officer that made a mistake,” it was not one the department could tolerate both because it hurt internal morale and caused anger in a community that was in the midst of upheaval.
“We weren’t looking for people to become angry with us, but that’s the type of emotion that image can create,” Hebeish said.
Sekou Millington, chief of police in the San Francisco Bay Area city of Tracy, said the effects of a social media incident are long-lasting, making it imperative that departments respond quickly and in a way that mirrors community sentiment. A part-time professional standards officer in his department, responsible for administrative investigations, was recently fired for participating in an online forum where a journalist’s life was allegedly threatened. The incident has sparked an FBI investigation.
“Now we have to work that much harder to build that trust back,” Millington said. “It’s definitely 10 steps back.”
But legally, there is a limit to restrictions law enforcement agencies can place on their employees when it comes to free speech — though a 2018 ruling by a California appellate court involving a LAPD officer clarified that posts causing “potential disruptiveness” to an agency’s operation could warrant discipline.
Departments know “full well they couldn’t prohibit [officers] from posting based on the Constitution,” said Mike Rains, a lawyer who has represented multiple officers in social media cases.
But even law enforcement unions, charged with defending on-duty misconduct for their members, have backed away from supporting those who post offensive material.
In San Jose, a fight has broken out within the police union over the perception that the union head did not defend officers in the recent scandal. A similar union dust-up is happening in the ranks of state prison guards, with the supervisors’ union condemning the bullseye video from the rank-and-file union.
Art Gonzales, current president of the supervisors’ organization said in a statement he was “appalled at the video” and considered it harassing and threatening a public official.
“This is inciteful and borders on a racist call-to-action,” he said.
Faced with the waterfall of bad judgment and no way to stop it, departments have crafted stricter policies for personal use of social media, though much remains as suggestions instead of dictates, and departments are often playing catch-up. At the California Highway Patrol, an August memo to management, laying out an update to its 2013 social media policy, warns “to treat every post as if it will end up on the front page of a major newspaper, because it may.”
But Obayashi said the desire among officers to participate in social media remains strong, and is more than “just stupidity.” Though, like Rains, he counsels officers to “just stay off,” he has seen the impulse to post grow stronger in recent years as political discourse has turned more vitriolic.
“I’ve even had one officer say, ‘If Trump can say this, why can’t I?’” Obayashi said. “A lot of cops are frustrated, they are very frustrated because of everything that has been transpiring: Black Lives Matter, defund the police, arrest those officers, a perception that leadership and politicians have abandoned them. So they don’t have an outlet. This is their outlet.”
Rains, the lawyer for police officers and unions, said some officers also feel a need to defend themselves and the profession.
“You don’t let the narrative eat you alive,” Rains said of how some officers justify social media. “When the narrative is something you care strongly about, you shouldn’t be quiet. That is being a coward.”
Some officers said that social media provide a connection in a profession that is often insular and isolating. Retired San Jose Officer Leroy Pyle was active nearly daily on the Facebook page that recently led to the investigation of officers in his former department, but said he never saw offensive content. Instead, he viewed it as “an everyday thing where people could share news … what was going on in their life, who died, who had babies. It was a chat room.”
Though he thought the flagged content was “not acceptable,” he has moved discussion to a private webpage to keep it alive. The members-only space, he said, is a refuge.
“It’s not to encourage that kind of stuff, but if somebody does make a mistake or errors ... the whole world doesn’t have to know,” he said.
Age also plays a part, said Hebeish, Millington and others. For younger officers, digital natives, “everything they do is virtual,” said Millington, making it “hard to say, ‘Don’t use it.’”
Murdoch, the officer caught making the Nazi salute, said twelve years after his resignation, he has reinvented his life and is “an old man, married, settled down,” who rescues dogs and tortoises. But the incident still lingers.
“I actually try to avoid all photos at any time these days,” he said. “I don’t want to be seen on anything, anywhere.”


latimes--2020-10-14--Prop. 21: Does expanding rent control make sense in a COVID recession?

The last time California voters weighed a ballot measure that would have enabled the sharp expansion of rent control , the economy was growing , rent was rising and many tenants were struggling .
Now , after rejecting that measure in 2018 , voters are deciding on a similar initiative , Proposition 21 .
This time the backdrop is different : Rent is falling in big cities , but millions of people are out of work .
Tenants worry they ’ ll lose their homes ; mom-and-pop landlords fret they ’ ll face foreclosure .
Both supporters and opponents of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as they push for the passage or rejection of the measure on the Nov. 3 ballot .
Here ’ s what you should know .
What is happening in the rental market ?
Rent is on the decline in many of California ’ s metro areas .
According to rental website Apartment List , the largest drops are in ultra-pricey San Francisco and Santa Clara counties .
In Los Angeles County , rent for a vacant apartment fell 5.8 % on average in September from a year earlier , even without factoring in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rent payment .
In Orange County , rent slipped 1 % .
Demand for more affordable suburban locations is rising , though .
Rent rose 5 % in Riverside County and 2.3 % in Sacramento .
Landlords say they are lowering rents because they need to lure tenants as vacancies rise .
Richard Green , director of the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate , said some tenants are leaving because they ’ ve lost their jobs .
Others are still employed but don ’ t want to live in an expensive apartment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shut down or operating at reduced capacity .
Tenants who aren ’ t moving find landlords less likely to raise rent , data from real estate firm RealPage indicate .
Average rent for renewals dropped 7.2 % in San Francisco in July and was down 0.3 % in Los Angeles County .
Within markets , there are disparities .
In San Francisco and San Jose , double-digit declines were seen in the fanciest buildings , as well at the lower end .
But in L.A. , RealPage data show average asking rent in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buildings without all the bells and whistles , while no longer rising by 3 % to 4 % as it was last year , was still up 0.2 % in September — and that ’ s including concessions such as a month free of rent payments .
Proposition 21 would let cities regulate rent on properties they currently can not .
A statewide rent cap law that took effect this year limits annual rent increases to 5 % plus inflation for apartment buildings more than 15 years old as well as single-family homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corporations or other institutional investors .
Local governments may impose stricter limits , but because of a 1995 state law known as the Costa-Hawkins Act , they generally can do so only on apartments built on or before a specific date : Feb 1 , 1995 .
In some cities , the date is earlier .
In Los Angeles , the cut off is Oct. 1 , 1978 , and annual increases in those buildings are usually limited to 3 % .
Costa-Hawkins gives landlords the right to set the initial rent when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any annual caps then applying to that tenant .
Local governments can ’ t regulate rent for single-family homes and condominiums .
Under Proposition 21 , cities could put stricter caps on buildings more than 15 years old , including single-family homes and condos .
A person who owns one or two single-family homes or condos , however , would be exempt .
Landlords could also face restrictions on increases for vacant units , something cities including West Hollywood and Santa Monica imposed until Costa-Hawkins outlawed the practice .
Under Proposition 21 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ landlord can raise the rent after a vacancy , as long as they allow at least a 15 % increase from the previous tenant ’ s rent spread over a three-year period .
Cities can also choose to do what today is their only option : allow unlimited increases on vacant units .
As with current rent control laws , landlords under Proposition 21 must have the right to receive a “ fair rate of return , ” so it would be difficult for cities to force further rent cuts , said Fredric @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on 21 campaign .
What do supporters say ?
René Moya , director for the Yes on 21 campaign , said expanding tougher caps is needed now more than ever .
Yes , average rents have declined in some places , but the declines are uneven and don ’ t mean housing is suddenly affordable , he said .
The California unemployment rate stood at 11.4 % in August and before the coronavirus crisis , more than half of California renters paid at least 30 % of their income on rent , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Housing Studies .
That ’ s the typical threshold above which rent is deemed unaffordable and those most likely to cross it were Black and Latino households — who are now more likely to have lost income because of the pandemic .
Although some landlords have lowered rent , some may still want to raise it , particularly if their tenants pay way below the current market .
Moya said limits on increases upon vacancy would reduce the incentive for landlords to harass such tenants to leave both in good times and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it would also be easier for cities to institute outright rent freeze , Moya said .
Citing the coronavirus crisis , the Los Angeles City Council recently debated freezing rents on all rental units , but after the city attorney warned that was probably a violation of state law , the council settled on prohibiting increases in units subject to L.A. 's current rent control law — buildings built on or before Oct. 1 , 1978 .
Proposition 21 would also enable cities to lock in today ’ s relatively lower rents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raise them when the economy recovers , Moya said .
“ Every recession , renters bear the brunt of the crisis , and when the rebound happens , they are stuck with the costs of economic growth , ” Moya said .
“ Let ’ s make sure [ this ] recovery is a just one .
“ Right now local communities have neither the tools nor the choice to do what they need to do to protect people.
” What do opponents say ?
Debra Carlton , executive vice president of government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said adding the prospect of stricter rent controls down the line will result in far fewer rental units built , which would exacerbate the state ’ s supply shortage and make it harder to find a place to live .
Already , developers say they find it hard to make projects work financially given the high cost of construction , not to mention the uncertainty surrounding the economy .
Carlton pointed to bills the state Legislature recently passed that she said help tenants without the negative effects of Proposition 21 .
Those include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as an eviction protection measure for those affected financially by the coronavirus crisis .
That measure allows renters who attest to a financial hardship to be protected against eviction through the end of January , with most missed rent payments converted to consumer debt that landlords can ’ t evict for in the future , but can try to recover in small claim ’ s court .
“ All the things the proponents are claiming for Proposition 21 and the reasons for it , don ’ t exist , ” Carlton said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Apartment Assn .
of Greater Los Angeles , said his members aren ’ t counting on getting the missed rent the state converted to consumer debt .
He said tenants have already abandoned leases early and landlords can ’ t collect what they ’ re owed .
If Proposition 21 passed , he said it would be another hit at precisely the wrong time — when some mom-and-pop landlords worry they ’ ll lose their properties because tenants can stay and not pay rent .
If cities put limits on increases for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — many who got into the business to fund their retirement — will find it tougher to keep up with rising costs for maintenance , insurance and other items such as trash hauling .
That ’ s particularly true for people who have tenants now paying below-market rents .
“ We call this the bankruptcy bill , ” Yukelson said of Proposition 21 .
“ People are just going to get out of the business — they are already getting out of the business.
” What do experts say ?
Brian Asquith , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michigan , said he thinks most property owners would be all right financially if cities imposed restrictions on vacant units because they ’ d have the ability to raise rent at least 15 % from what the previous tenant last paid .
Under a landlord ’ s right to a “ fair rate of return , ” they ’ d also have the right — as they do today under existing measures — to petition for additional increases if they ’ re losing money .
But Yukelson said such options are too cumbersome @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Proposition 21 if it passes and cities impose tougher measures : landlords converting apartment units into condos .
A frequently cited study from Stanford economists , for example , found rent control in San Francisco did just that and probably put upward pressure on rents citywide .
“ It ’ s less about ‘ Can I turn a profit anymore ?
’ ” said Asquith , who has studied California rent control laws .
“ It ’ s ‘ The value proposition for doing this has been diminished and may be more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ places that would enact stricter rules , Asquith predicted higher rents over time as supply is reduced and landlords who weren ’ t raising rents by 15 % between vacancies start to do so .
Green of USC said the allowable rent increase limits for vacancies would probably keep that regulated market cheaper , though , but cause more properties to fall into disrepair as landlords find it harder to pay for maintenance .
And because he believes construction would fall and landlords would convert to condos , he forecasts higher rents in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve got to get vacancies up , ” Green said .
“ What is happening in San Francisco right now or downtown L.A. shows what vacancies do .
“ You have these places being vacated and you have rents falling very rapidly.
” Gary Painter , an economist and director of USC ’ s Sol Price Center for Social Innovation , said it is necessary to increase construction to help with affordability , but it will take a long time to make meaningful change .
In the meantime , he said Proposition 21 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reforms that will help tenants far sooner .
For instance , the Stanford study also found rent control provided stability and reduced displacement , particularly among Black , Latino and other renters of color .
As it relates to building , Painter said he thinks the 15-year exemption for new construction means developers won ’ t pull back in a meaningful way .
He said it may increase building as capital flows toward construction rather than the purchase of older properties .
“ It can be more profitable to add supply if landlords @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Painter said .
Los Angeles developer Paul Schon said that ’ s not how his business partners view it .
“ Our investors are already telling us that if Prop .
21 passes , they would want us to look at development opportunities in other states , ” the co-founder of the Schon Tepler Group said , explaining even the fear cities would pass stricter rules is enough to scramble investment decisions .

A rally in support of Proposition 21, a statewide rent control ballot measure, was held at Los Angeles City Hall on Sept. 8.
The last time California voters weighed a ballot measure that would have enabled the sharp expansion of rent control, the economy was growing, rent was rising and many tenants were struggling.
Now, after rejecting that measure in 2018, voters are deciding on a similar initiative, Proposition 21.
This time the backdrop is different: Rent is falling in big cities, but millions of people are out of work. Tenants worry they’ll lose their homes; mom-and-pop landlords fret they’ll face foreclosure.
Both supporters and opponents of Proposition 21 cite the new COVID-19 reality as they push for the passage or rejection of the measure on the Nov. 3 ballot.
Here’s what you should know.
Advertisement
What is happening in the rental market?
Rent is on the decline in many of California’s metro areas.
According to rental website Apartment List, the largest drops are in ultra-pricey San Francisco and Santa Clara counties.
In Los Angeles County, rent for a vacant apartment fell 5.8% on average in September from a year earlier, even without factoring in concessions such as a month without a rent payment. In Orange County, rent slipped 1%.
Demand for more affordable suburban locations is rising, though. Rent rose 5% in Riverside County and 2.3% in Sacramento.
Landlords say they are lowering rents because they need to lure tenants as vacancies rise.
Richard Green, director of the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate, said some tenants are leaving because they’ve lost their jobs. Others are still employed but don’t want to live in an expensive apartment when the perks of city living are shut down or operating at reduced capacity.
Tenants who aren’t moving find landlords less likely to raise rent, data from real estate firm RealPage indicate. Average rent for renewals dropped 7.2% in San Francisco in July and was down 0.3% in Los Angeles County.
Within markets, there are disparities.
In San Francisco and San Jose, double-digit declines were seen in the fanciest buildings, as well at the lower end.
But in L.A., RealPage data show average asking rent in so-called Class C properties, usually older buildings without all the bells and whistles, while no longer rising by 3% to 4% as it was last year, was still up 0.2% in September — and that’s including concessions such as a month free of rent payments.
Advertisement
How would Proposition 21 work?
Proposition 21 would let cities regulate rent on properties they currently cannot.
A statewide rent cap law that took effect this year limits annual rent increases to 5% plus inflation for apartment buildings more than 15 years old as well as single-family homes that are that old and owned by corporations or other institutional investors.
Local governments may impose stricter limits, but because of a 1995 state law known as the Costa-Hawkins Act, they generally can do so only on apartments built on or before a specific date: Feb 1, 1995.
In some cities, the date is earlier. In Los Angeles, the cut off is Oct. 1, 1978, and annual increases in those buildings are usually limited to 3%.
Costa-Hawkins gives landlords the right to set the initial rent when a new tenant moves in, with any annual caps then applying to that tenant. Local governments can’t regulate rent for single-family homes and condominiums.
Under Proposition 21, cities could put stricter caps on buildings more than 15 years old, including single-family homes and condos. A person who owns one or two single-family homes or condos, however, would be exempt.
Landlords could also face restrictions on increases for vacant units, something cities including West Hollywood and Santa Monica imposed until Costa-Hawkins outlawed the practice.
Under Proposition 21, local governments could limit the amount a landlord can raise the rent after a vacancy, as long as they allow at least a 15% increase from the previous tenant’s rent spread over a three-year period.
Cities can also choose to do what today is their only option: allow unlimited increases on vacant units.
As with current rent control laws, landlords under Proposition 21 must have the right to receive a “fair rate of return,” so it would be difficult for cities to force further rent cuts, said Fredric Woocher, the attorney for the Yes on 21 campaign.
What do supporters say?
René Moya, director for the Yes on 21 campaign, said expanding tougher caps is needed now more than ever. Yes, average rents have declined in some places, but the declines are uneven and don’t mean housing is suddenly affordable, he said.
The California unemployment rate stood at 11.4% in August and before the coronavirus crisis, more than half of California renters paid at least 30% of their income on rent, according to Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies. That’s the typical threshold above which rent is deemed unaffordable and those most likely to cross it were Black and Latino households — who are now more likely to have lost income because of the pandemic.
Although some landlords have lowered rent, some may still want to raise it, particularly if their tenants pay way below the current market. Moya said limits on increases upon vacancy would reduce the incentive for landlords to harass such tenants to leave both in good times and bad.
In times of pressing need, it would also be easier for cities to institute an outright rent freeze, Moya said.
Citing the coronavirus crisis, the Los Angeles City Council recently debated freezing rents on all rental units, but after the city attorney warned that was probably a violation of state law, the council settled on prohibiting increases in units subject to L.A.’s current rent control law — buildings built on or before Oct. 1, 1978.
Proposition 21 would also enable cities to lock in today’s relatively lower rents by restricting the ability of landlords to raise them when the economy recovers, Moya said.
“Every recession, renters bear the brunt of the crisis, and when the rebound happens, they are stuck with the costs of economic growth,” Moya said. “Let’s make sure [this] recovery is a just one.
“Right now local communities have neither the tools nor the choice to do what they need to do to protect people.”
What do opponents say?
Debra Carlton, executive vice president of government affairs for the California Apartment Assn., said adding the prospect of stricter rent controls down the line will result in far fewer rental units built, which would exacerbate the state’s supply shortage and make it harder to find a place to live. Already, developers say they find it hard to make projects work financially given the high cost of construction, not to mention the uncertainty surrounding the economy.
Carlton pointed to bills the state Legislature recently passed that she said help tenants without the negative effects of Proposition 21. Those include the state rent cap law, as well as an eviction protection measure for those affected financially by the coronavirus crisis.
That measure allows renters who attest to a financial hardship to be protected against eviction through the end of January, with most missed rent payments converted to consumer debt that landlords can’t evict for in the future, but can try to recover in small claim’s court.
“All the things the proponents are claiming for Proposition 21 and the reasons for it, don’t exist,” Carlton said.
Daniel Yukelson, executive director of the Apartment Assn. of Greater Los Angeles, said his members aren’t counting on getting the missed rent the state converted to consumer debt.
He said tenants have already abandoned leases early and landlords can’t collect what they’re owed.
If Proposition 21 passed, he said it would be another hit at precisely the wrong time — when some mom-and-pop landlords worry they’ll lose their properties because tenants can stay and not pay rent.
If cities put limits on increases for vacant units, Yukelson said mom-and-pop landlords — many who got into the business to fund their retirement — will find it tougher to keep up with rising costs for maintenance, insurance and other items such as trash hauling. That’s particularly true for people who have tenants now paying below-market rents.
“We call this the bankruptcy bill,” Yukelson said of Proposition 21. “People are just going to get out of the business — they are already getting out of the business.”
What do experts say?
Brian Asquith, an economist with the Upjohn Institute in Michigan, said he thinks most property owners would be all right financially if cities imposed restrictions on vacant units because they’d have the ability to raise rent at least 15% from what the previous tenant last paid.
Under a landlord’s right to a “fair rate of return,” they’d also have the right — as they do today under existing measures — to petition for additional increases if they’re losing money.
But Yukelson said such options are too cumbersome.
One side effect that Asquith foresees from Proposition 21 if it passes and cities impose tougher measures: landlords converting apartment units into condos.
A frequently cited study from Stanford economists, for example, found rent control in San Francisco did just that and probably put upward pressure on rents citywide.
“It’s less about ‘Can I turn a profit anymore?’” said Asquith, who has studied California rent control laws. “It’s ‘The value proposition for doing this has been diminished and may be more so in the future.’”
In places that would enact stricter rules, Asquith predicted higher rents over time as supply is reduced and landlords who weren’t raising rents by 15% between vacancies start to do so.
Green of USC said the allowable rent increase limits for vacancies would probably keep that regulated market cheaper, though, but cause more properties to fall into disrepair as landlords find it harder to pay for maintenance. And because he believes construction would fall and landlords would convert to condos, he forecasts higher rents in the unregulated market.
“We’ve got to get vacancies up,” Green said. “What is happening in San Francisco right now or downtown L.A. shows what vacancies do.
“You have these places being vacated and you have rents falling very rapidly.”
Gary Painter, an economist and director of USC’s Sol Price Center for Social Innovation, said it is necessary to increase construction to help with affordability, but it will take a long time to make meaningful change.
In the meantime, he said Proposition 21 can give cities the option to enact reforms that will help tenants far sooner. For instance, the Stanford study also found rent control provided stability and reduced displacement, particularly among Black, Latino and other renters of color.
As it relates to building, Painter said he thinks the 15-year exemption for new construction means developers won’t pull back in a meaningful way. He said it may increase building as capital flows toward construction rather than the purchase of older properties.
“It can be more profitable to add supply if landlords can’t price as high,” Painter said.
Los Angeles developer Paul Schon said that’s not how his business partners view it.
“Our investors are already telling us that if Prop. 21 passes, they would want us to look at development opportunities in other states,” the co-founder of the Schon Tepler Group said, explaining even the fear cities would pass stricter rules is enough to scramble investment decisions.