latimes--2020-07-15--Coronavirus outbreak infects inmates at Imperial County's Calipatria State Prison

In Imperial County , California ’ s hardest hit by the coronavirus , a new hot spot is emerging behind bars .
Over the weekend , 18 inmates tested positive for COVID-19 at Calipatria State Prison , officials said .
The sudden spike has created a new battleground in the county ’ s pandemic fight : California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said no positive coronavirus cases had appeared in the prison ’ s general population before Thursday .
Previously , one Calipatria inmate had tested positive , but Department of Corrections officials said the man ’ s condition was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he was isolated from the prison population before entering the facility .
The barrage of positive tests began Friday , when a pre-parole inmate tested positive after a customary test ahead of release .
Prison officials then reached out to the Imperial County Public Health Department for help testing all inmates who had potentially been exposed .
According to Paula Kriner , the department ’ s epidemiologist , samples from 108 inmates were collected .
The following day , 17 of those tests came back positive .
Officials said the pre-parole inmate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released .
Prison staff immediately isolated all other inmates who had tested positive , Department of Corrections spokeswoman Dana Simas said .
“ The designated isolation unit has access to its own medical clinic and recreation yard , ” Simas said .
“ No other incarcerated people come into contact with those in this designated unit.
” Authorities also quarantined those known to have been in contact with those who tested positive .
Inmates in quarantine will be retested after 14 days , with their programs and movements restricted for the duration , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incarcerated population is younger and the COVID-positive individuals were largely asymptomatic , prison officials said , noting they would be monitored by health workers for new symptoms .
With 3,116 inmates , Calipatria State Prison is at 135 % occupancy , according to jail records .
More than 6,500 California prisoners — of a population hovering near 113,000 — have tested positive for COVID-19 .
The massive spread is believed to be linked to inmate transfers and has led to the removal of the state corrections system ’ s top medical officer .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of COVID-related illnesses , and Department of Corrections data show nearly half of the cases are at San Quentin State Prison .
The state ’ s prison population has been reduced by thousands since Gov .
Gavin Newsom first declared a statewide emergency in response to the coronavirus .
On July 10 , advisors to Newsom announced plans to release 8,000 California prisoners ahead of schedule , with most releases coming by the end of July .
Prisons are a prime example of the type of “ congregate ” environments where COVID-19 can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in small cells with bunkmates , not to mention in shared restrooms , showers and common areas .
Outside of Calipatria State Prison , the pandemic continues to tear through Imperial County , where the rate of COVID-19 spread — 1041.5 cases per 100,000 residents in the last 14 days as of Wednesday — is the highest in the state and almost three times greater than that of Los Angeles County .
Imperial County also has the highest mortality rate in the state .
Its 26.6 COVID-related deaths per 100,000 residents is nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death rate , in Marin County .
County public health officials are working with Calipatria ’ s operators to increase testing and investigate potential exposures among staff and inmates .
“ As of July 14 , there have been 51 cumulative cases ” among Calipatria employees , Simas said , noting that 19 have returned to work .
“ Beginning July 15 and continuing through the rest of the week , every employee ... will be tested.
” CDCR officials did not comment on how the virus may have entered Calipatria , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff and the incarcerated population , the CDCR and California Correctional Health Care Services conduct a contact investigation .

Sixteen new COVID cases emerged in Calipatria State Prison’s incarcerated population over the weekend. Only one inmate had previously tested positive.
In Imperial County, California’s hardest hit by the coronavirus, a new hot spot is emerging behind bars.
Over the weekend, 18 inmates tested positive for COVID-19 at Calipatria State Prison, officials said. The sudden spike has created a new battleground in the county’s pandemic fight: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said no positive coronavirus cases had appeared in the prison’s general population before Thursday.
Previously, one Calipatria inmate had tested positive, but Department of Corrections officials said the man’s condition was identified upon his arrival at the prison and he was isolated from the prison population before entering the facility.
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The barrage of positive tests began Friday, when a pre-parole inmate tested positive after a customary test ahead of release. Prison officials then reached out to the Imperial County Public Health Department for help testing all inmates who had potentially been exposed. According to Paula Kriner, the department’s epidemiologist, samples from 108 inmates were collected. The following day, 17 of those tests came back positive.
Officials said the pre-parole inmate who first tested positive has since been released. Prison staff immediately isolated all other inmates who had tested positive, Department of Corrections spokeswoman Dana Simas said.
“The designated isolation unit has access to its own medical clinic and recreation yard,” Simas said. “No other incarcerated people come into contact with those in this designated unit.”
Authorities also quarantined those known to have been in contact with those who tested positive. Inmates in quarantine will be retested after 14 days, with their programs and movements restricted for the duration, prison officials said.
Calipatria’s incarcerated population is younger and the COVID-positive individuals were largely asymptomatic, prison officials said, noting they would be monitored by health workers for new symptoms.
With 3,116 inmates, Calipatria State Prison is at 135% occupancy, according to jail records.
More than 6,500 California prisoners — of a population hovering near 113,000 — have tested positive for COVID-19. The massive spread is believed to be linked to inmate transfers and has led to the removal of the state corrections system’s top medical officer. At least 37 inmates have died because of COVID-related illnesses, and Department of Corrections data show nearly half of the cases are at San Quentin State Prison.
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The state’s prison population has been reduced by thousands since Gov. Gavin Newsom first declared a statewide emergency in response to the coronavirus. On July 10, advisors to Newsom announced plans to release 8,000 California prisoners ahead of schedule, with most releases coming by the end of July.
Prisons are a prime example of the type of “congregate” environments where COVID-19 can spread rapidly. Social distancing is impossible in small cells with bunkmates, not to mention in shared restrooms, showers and common areas.
Outside of Calipatria State Prison, the pandemic continues to tear through Imperial County, where the rate of COVID-19 spread — 1041.5 cases per 100,000 residents in the last 14 days as of Wednesday — is the highest in the state and almost three times greater than that of Los Angeles County. Imperial County also has the highest mortality rate in the state. Its 26.6 COVID-related deaths per 100,000 residents is nearly four times greater than the second highest death rate, in Marin County.
County public health officials are working with Calipatria’s operators to increase testing and investigate potential exposures among staff and inmates.
“As of July 14, there have been 51 cumulative cases” among Calipatria employees, Simas said, noting that 19 have returned to work. “Beginning July 15 and continuing through the rest of the week, every employee ... will be tested.”
CDCR officials did not comment on how the virus may have entered Calipatria, but said that for every positive test among staff and the incarcerated population, the CDCR and California Correctional Health Care Services conduct a contact investigation.


latimes--2020-07-15--O.C. officials warn residents of 'dangerous' sex offender released from mental hospital

A Costa Mesa man who officials say is a “ dangerous predator ” has been released after spending more than 20 years in a mental hospital , prompting Orange County officials to warn residents and urge Gov .
Gavin Newsom to intervene .
Cary Jay Smith , 59 , was sent to Patton State Hospital in San Bernardino in 1999 on a 72-hour psychiatric hold after his wife gave a psychiatrist a letter that detailed Smith describing sexual acts he wanted to perform on a 7-year-old boy who lived in his neighborhood , the Orange County District Attorney ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday .
Since 1999 , Smith has been held by the state under a section of the state ’ s Welfare and Institutions Code ( WIC 5300 ) as a result of a series of civil trials that determined he presented a “ demonstrated danger of inflicting substantial physical harm ” to children , ” the news release stated .
He was allowed a new trial every six months to determine whether he was still a threat .
“ During those hearings , Smith has repeatedly testified that he fantasizes about raping and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoid being identified , ” D.A.
’ s Office spokesperson Kimberly Edds said in the news release .
“ He claims that he has killed three boys and molested 200 .
He prefers to go by the name Mr. RTK , which stands for rape , torture , kill.
” Over the years , psychologists testified that Smith posed an “ imminent danger ” to the public and the county counsel argued to keep him confined .
However , the state hospital didn ’ t renew the hold against Smith , allowing it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news release stated .
The Orange County District Attorney ’ s Office , which is not a party to the civil hold on Smith , filed 20 felony counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a minor against him in 2002 , but prosecutors were forced to dismiss the charges due to the statute of limitations at the time , the news release stated .
In 1985 , Smith pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor sexual offense involving a child and was required to register as a sex offender .
That registration was removed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Supervisors Chairwoman Michelle Steel and Dist .
Atty .
Todd Spitzer are urging Newsom to reinstate the registration requirement .
“ The fact that he is being released back into our community is unconscionable , ” Steel said .
“ We must take this threat to our community very seriously and ensure that everyone in Orange County is aware of this individual ’ s grave threat to our children.
” Smith was released on Tuesday from Coalinga State Hospital in Fresno County , to which he was transferred at some point , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to return to Orange County , where he used to live and still has ties .
“ This sexual predator has repeatedly testified under oath that he will reoffend if he is released and we should believe him , ” Spitzer said .
“ As a state legislator , I was the author and founder of the State of California Sex Offender Management Board and the author of Megan ’ s Law on the Internet , which allows the public to see where these sex offenders are so that they can protect themselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The public has an absolute right to know that he is coming back into our community , and we will do everything we can to prevent another child from being harmed .
”

Undated photo of Cary Jay Smith, 59, who was sent to Patton State Hospital in San Bernardino in 1999.
A Costa Mesa man who officials say is a “dangerous predator” has been released after spending more than 20 years in a mental hospital, prompting Orange County officials to warn residents and urge Gov. Gavin Newsom to intervene.
Cary Jay Smith, 59, was sent to Patton State Hospital in San Bernardino in 1999 on a 72-hour psychiatric hold after his wife gave a psychiatrist a letter that detailed Smith describing sexual acts he wanted to perform on a 7-year-old boy who lived in his neighborhood, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office said in a news release on Tuesday.
Since 1999, Smith has been held by the state under a section of the state’s Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC 5300) as a result of a series of civil trials that determined he presented a “demonstrated danger of inflicting substantial physical harm” to children,” the news release stated. He was allowed a new trial every six months to determine whether he was still a threat.
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“During those hearings, Smith has repeatedly testified that he fantasizes about raping and then killing young boys in order to avoid being identified,” D.A.’s Office spokesperson Kimberly Edds said in the news release. “He claims that he has killed three boys and molested 200. He prefers to go by the name Mr. RTK, which stands for rape, torture, kill.”
Over the years, psychologists testified that Smith posed an “imminent danger” to the public and the county counsel argued to keep him confined.
However, the state hospital didn’t renew the hold against Smith, allowing it to expire on July 11, the news release stated.
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office, which is not a party to the civil hold on Smith, filed 20 felony counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a minor against him in 2002, but prosecutors were forced to dismiss the charges due to the statute of limitations at the time, the news release stated.
In 1985, Smith pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor sexual offense involving a child and was required to register as a sex offender. That registration was removed in 2005, but Orange County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Michelle Steel and Dist. Atty. Todd Spitzer are urging Newsom to reinstate the registration requirement.
“The fact that he is being released back into our community is unconscionable,” Steel said. “We must take this threat to our community very seriously and ensure that everyone in Orange County is aware of this individual’s grave threat to our children.”
Smith was released on Tuesday from Coalinga State Hospital in Fresno County, to which he was transferred at some point, Edds said Wednesday.
He is expected to return to Orange County, where he used to live and still has ties.
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“This sexual predator has repeatedly testified under oath that he will reoffend if he is released and we should believe him,” Spitzer said. “As a state legislator, I was the author and founder of the State of California Sex Offender Management Board and the author of Megan’s Law on the Internet, which allows the public to see where these sex offenders are so that they can protect themselves and their families.”
He added, “The public has an absolute right to know that he is coming back into our community, and we will do everything we can to prevent another child from being harmed.”


latimes--2020-07-15--Coronavirus testing hits snags in Inland Empire

Riverside and San Bernardino counties are feeling the impacts of nationwide coronavirus testing problems , officials said this week .
After a spike in the number of reported infections last week in Riverside County that went as high as 1,400 cases daily , the number dipped Tuesday to 733 .
Brooke Federico , the county ’ s public information officer , said the decline is related to a backup in test results from commercial testing labs LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics .
“ LabCorp has put out several public statements explaining that they have been experiencing delays in processing all of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s coming through , ” Federico said .
The county ’ s “ reduction in cases is not indicative of the disease slowing , but rather this lag time in getting results back.
” Riverside County currently has the ability to test 4,000 people daily , about 800 more than could be tested in May , Federico said .
The county has tested nearly 300,000 people , records show .
Dr. Cameron Kaiser , the county ’ s public health officer , said that despite the lower case count this week , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of the woods.
” “ Summer heat isn ’ t stopping COVID-19 , ” he said .
“ We need to reduce the impact on our hospitals by reducing transmission , and as long as the numbers keep rising , the state ’ s need to reimpose restrictions will keep rising too.
” Riverside County hospitals reached 99 % capacity in their intensive care units at their peak in late June .
Capacity has remained high — 90 % or greater — through mid-July , Federico said .
On Wednesday , 536 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ICUs , officials said .
Federico said the county can accommodate up to a 35 % surge at each hospital if necessary .
In San Bernardino County , a lack of supplies is also hampering testing efforts .
Last week , the county had to cancel 11,000 appointments at various sites amid the shortage , county spokesman David Wert said Wednesday .
Tests are still “ severely limited and haven ’ t improved , ” so facilities will be taking only a limited number of appointments each day , Wert said .
With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be conducted daily .
The county is securing agreements with a handful of additional testing vendors , which should allow normal testing capacity of 3,000 to 4,000 daily tests to return by July 27 , Wert said .
people had been tested for the coronavirus in San Bernardino County as of Wednesday morning .
San Bernardino County has also seen a spike in the number of hospitalizations among patients , with 587 in hospitals as of Wednesday , .
Among those patients , 166 are in intensive care , but the county @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ventilators available for use , health officials said .
Riverside and San Bernardino are both among the top five of the hardest hit counties in the state .
San Bernardino County has reported 20,456 coronavirus cases and 309 deaths .
Riverside County surpassed 25,000 cases over the weekend and had recorded 26,481 cases as of Wednesday morning , while 553 people have died in the county since the pandemic began in March .
Both counties have languished on the state ’ s coronavirus and were ordered Monday by Gov .
Gavin Newsom to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gyms and hair salons .
In addition , all indoor restaurants and bar service as well as family entertainment centers such as movie theaters , zoos and museums were ordered closed across all of California .

Riverside and San Bernardino counties are feeling the impacts of nationwide coronavirus testing problems, officials said this week.
After a spike in the number of reported infections last week in Riverside County that went as high as 1,400 cases daily, the number dipped Tuesday to 733. Brooke Federico, the county’s public information officer, said the decline is related to a backup in test results from commercial testing labs LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics.
“LabCorp has put out several public statements explaining that they have been experiencing delays in processing all of the samples due to the volume that’s coming through,” Federico said. The county’s “reduction in cases is not indicative of the disease slowing, but rather this lag time in getting results back.”
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Riverside County currently has the ability to test 4,000 people daily, about 800 more than could be tested in May, Federico said. The county has tested nearly 300,000 people, records show.
Dr. Cameron Kaiser, the county’s public health officer, said that despite the lower case count this week, “we’re far from being out of the woods.”
“Summer heat isn’t stopping COVID-19,” he said. “We need to reduce the impact on our hospitals by reducing transmission, and as long as the numbers keep rising, the state’s need to reimpose restrictions will keep rising too.”
Riverside County hospitals reached 99% capacity in their intensive care units at their peak in late June. Capacity has remained high — 90% or greater — through mid-July, Federico said.
On Wednesday, 536 people were hospitalized, with 136 in ICUs, officials said. Federico said the county can accommodate up to a 35% surge at each hospital if necessary.
In San Bernardino County, a lack of supplies is also hampering testing efforts. Last week, the county had to cancel 11,000 appointments at various sites amid the shortage, county spokesman David Wert said Wednesday.
Tests are still “severely limited and haven’t improved,” so facilities will be taking only a limited number of appointments each day, Wert said. With the reduced capacity, about 2,200 tests can be conducted daily.
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The county is securing agreements with a handful of additional testing vendors, which should allow normal testing capacity of 3,000 to 4,000 daily tests to return by July 27, Wert said. Records show that 185,794 people had been tested for the coronavirus in San Bernardino County as of Wednesday morning.
San Bernardino County has also seen a spike in the number of hospitalizations among patients, with 587 in hospitals as of Wednesday, records show . Among those patients, 166 are in intensive care, but the county still has 177 ICU beds and 482 ventilators available for use, health officials said.
Riverside and San Bernardino are both among the top five of the hardest hit counties in the state. San Bernardino County has reported 20,456 coronavirus cases and 309 deaths. Riverside County surpassed 25,000 cases over the weekend and had recorded 26,481 cases as of Wednesday morning, while 553 people have died in the county since the pandemic began in March.
Both counties have languished on the state’s coronavirus watch list and were ordered Monday by Gov. Gavin Newsom to shutter a variety of businesses, including gyms and hair salons. In addition, all indoor restaurants and bar service as well as family entertainment centers such as movie theaters, zoos and museums were ordered closed across all of California.
Times staff writer Kristi Sturgill contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-07-15--Admissions scandal: David Sidoo, former Canadian football player, sentenced to 90 days in prison

David Sidoo , whose career as a professional football player , stockbroker and venture capitalist has been overshadowed by the revelation he paid $ 200,000 to fix his sons ’ college entrance exams , was sentenced Wednesday to 90 days in prison .
Sidoo , a Canadian citizen who lives in Vancouver , pleaded guilty in March to a single count of conspiring with William “ Rick ” Singer , the Newport Beach consultant at the center of the admissions scandal , to rig his two sons ’ SAT entrance exams .
Federal prosecutors dropped a money-laundering charge against him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ d committed fraud .
Sidoo is one of 28 parents charged by the U.S. attorney ’ s office in Boston to have acknowledged their guilt .
Another 10 have maintained their innocence and are moving toward a pair of trials , the first of which is scheduled to begin Oct. 5 in Boston .
The case ’ s highest-profile defendants — actress Lori Loughlin and her fashion designer husband , Mossimo Giannulli — pleaded guilty in May and were slated to be sentenced on Aug. 21 .
Before being sentenced , Sidoo apologized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his former coaches and the children he had mentored .
“ You deserved better , ” he told them .
“ I hope that in time , people will not judge me for the worst moment in my life , ” he said .
U.S. District Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton , ruling from Boston by videoconference , said he was “ appalled ” that Sidoo , a respected businessman and philanthropist , was standing before him to be sentenced for a felony .
Sidoo was undeniably generous and had mentored many young people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in conspiring with Singer , he had “ displayed an unbelievable lack of morality , integrity and common sense.
” Gorton ordered Sidoo to report to prison on Sept. 23 .
In addition to serving his prison term , Sidoo must pay a $ 250,000 fine .
In a series of indictments and other documents filed in court , prosecutors described how Sidoo worked with Singer to fix his sons ’ exams and falsify their college applications .
His criminal conduct was prolonged and “ not a one-off lapse in judgment , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assistant U.S. attorney , said during the sentencing hearing .
In 2011 , Mark Riddell , Singer ’ s Harvard-educated accomplice , used a fake ID with his face and Sidoo ’ s older son ’ s name to take the SAT in Vancouver .
Because the boy had previously earned a 1460 out of 2400 possible points , Singer told Riddell not to aim too high , an indictment says .
He notched a 1700 , and Sidoo paid Singer $ 100,000 , prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memo .
Singer and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felonies and have yet to be sentenced .
Riddell would return to Vancouver to take the boy ’ s high school graduation exams , the indictment said .
Sidoo ’ s son was admitted to Chapman University in Orange and later transferred to USC , prosecutors wrote in the memo .
In 2012 , Riddell took the SAT for Sidoo ’ s younger son .
Because the boy hadn ’ t previously taken the test , Riddell scored a 2280 out of 2400 , and Sidoo paid Singer another $ 100,000 , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an essay , brimming with falsehoods , that Sidoo ’ s son submitted to several schools , the indictment said .
An early draft described the boy being held at gunpoint by a Los Angeles street gang , only to be rescued by a rival gang member named “ Nugget , ” Eric S. Rosen , an assistant U.S. attorney , wrote in a memo .
When Singer emailed the draft to Sidoo , he wrote back , “ Can we lessen the interaction with the gangs .
Guns ... .
?
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ draft made no mention of guns , the indictment said .
Several years later , Sidoo and Singer discussed having Riddell take either the GMAT , for admission to an MBA program , or the LSAT for law school on behalf of his older son , according to the indictment .
Riddell went so far as to purchase a fake driver ’ s license from a supplier in China , but the plan fizzled when the ID arrived and turned out to be “ not of high quality , ” the indictment said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own , Sidoo ’ s lawyer , Martin G. Weinberg , described his client as a father “ who made a tremendous mistake , out of misplaced love for his sons , that is inconsistent with his entire personal life story.
” Sidoo had already been punished to a certain degree , Weinberg wrote : His reputation has been tarnished , his awards have been revoked , his board seats relinquished and his name removed from the football stadium of his alma mater , the University of British Columbia .
Sidoo played six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a defensive back for the Saskatchewan Roughriders and British Columbia Lions , according to the British Columbia Sports Hall of Fame , into which Sidoo was inducted in 2017 .
Dozens of Sidoo ’ s friends and business associates submitted letters to Gorton , the judge , attesting to his good deeds and remorse for his admitted crimes .
Among them was a letter written by Warren Moon , the Hall of Fame quarterback who played for the Houston Oilers , among other teams .
Although he competed against Sidoo in the Canadian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t get to know Sidoo until three decades later , when an AAU basketball coach introduced the two , he wrote .
“ We both care deeply for young people , sports and education , ” Moon said .
Sidoo funded 40 scholarships — $ 200,000 in all — to help kids go to college or pursue other post-high school education , Moon wrote .
Sidoo served as a mentor to many of them .
“ His passion and his presence have a value that doesn ’ t have a price @ @ @ @ @ @

David Sidoo, whose career as a professional football player, stockbroker and venture capitalist has been overshadowed by the revelation he paid $200,000 to fix his sons’ college entrance exams, was sentenced Wednesday to 90 days in prison.
Sidoo, a Canadian citizen who lives in Vancouver, pleaded guilty in March to a single count of conspiring with William “Rick” Singer, the Newport Beach consultant at the center of the admissions scandal, to rig his two sons’ SAT entrance exams. Federal prosecutors dropped a money-laundering charge against him in exchange for Sidoo acknowledging he’d committed fraud.
Sidoo is one of 28 parents charged by the U.S. attorney’s office in Boston to have acknowledged their guilt. Another 10 have maintained their innocence and are moving toward a pair of trials, the first of which is scheduled to begin Oct. 5 in Boston. The case’s highest-profile defendants — actress Lori Loughlin and her fashion designer husband, Mossimo Giannulli — pleaded guilty in May and were slated to be sentenced on Aug. 21.
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Before being sentenced, Sidoo apologized to his family, his colleagues, his former coaches and the children he had mentored. “You deserved better,” he told them.
“I hope that in time, people will not judge me for the worst moment in my life,” he said.
U.S. District Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton, ruling from Boston by videoconference, said he was “appalled” that Sidoo, a respected businessman and philanthropist, was standing before him to be sentenced for a felony. Sidoo was undeniably generous and had mentored many young people, the judge said, and yet in conspiring with Singer, he had “displayed an unbelievable lack of morality, integrity and common sense.”
Gorton ordered Sidoo to report to prison on Sept. 23. In addition to serving his prison term, Sidoo must pay a $250,000 fine.
In a series of indictments and other documents filed in court, prosecutors described how Sidoo worked with Singer to fix his sons’ exams and falsify their college applications. His criminal conduct was prolonged and “not a one-off lapse in judgment,” Justin D. O’Connell, an assistant U.S. attorney, said during the sentencing hearing.
In 2011, Mark Riddell, Singer’s Harvard-educated accomplice, used a fake ID with his face and Sidoo’s older son’s name to take the SAT in Vancouver. Because the boy had previously earned a 1460 out of 2400 possible points, Singer told Riddell not to aim too high, an indictment says. He notched a 1700, and Sidoo paid Singer $100,000, prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memo.
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Singer and Riddell have each pleaded guilty to several felonies and have yet to be sentenced.
Riddell would return to Vancouver to take the boy’s high school graduation exams, the indictment said. Sidoo’s son was admitted to Chapman University in Orange and later transferred to USC, prosecutors wrote in the memo.
In 2012, Riddell took the SAT for Sidoo’s younger son. Because the boy hadn’t previously taken the test, Riddell scored a 2280 out of 2400, and Sidoo paid Singer another $100,000, according to the indictment.
Singer also drafted an essay, brimming with falsehoods, that Sidoo’s son submitted to several schools, the indictment said. An early draft described the boy being held at gunpoint by a Los Angeles street gang, only to be rescued by a rival gang member named “Nugget,” Eric S. Rosen, an assistant U.S. attorney, wrote in a memo.
When Singer emailed the draft to Sidoo, he wrote back, “Can we lessen the interaction with the gangs. Guns....? That’s scary stuff.” The final draft made no mention of guns, the indictment said.
Sidoo’s younger son was admitted to UC Berkeley.
Several years later, Sidoo and Singer discussed having Riddell take either the GMAT, for admission to an MBA program, or the LSAT for law school on behalf of his older son, according to the indictment. Riddell went so far as to purchase a fake driver’s license from a supplier in China, but the plan fizzled when the ID arrived and turned out to be “not of high quality,” the indictment said.
In a sentencing memo of his own, Sidoo’s lawyer, Martin G. Weinberg, described his client as a father “who made a tremendous mistake, out of misplaced love for his sons, that is inconsistent with his entire personal life story.”
Sidoo had already been punished to a certain degree, Weinberg wrote: His reputation has been tarnished, his awards have been revoked, his board seats relinquished and his name removed from the football stadium of his alma mater, the University of British Columbia.
Sidoo played six seasons in the Canadian Football League as a defensive back for the Saskatchewan Roughriders and British Columbia Lions, according to the British Columbia Sports Hall of Fame, into which Sidoo was inducted in 2017.
Dozens of Sidoo’s friends and business associates submitted letters to Gorton, the judge, attesting to his good deeds and remorse for his admitted crimes. Among them was a letter written by Warren Moon, the Hall of Fame quarterback who played for the Houston Oilers, among other teams.
Although he competed against Sidoo in the Canadian Football League in the 1980s, Moon didn’t get to know Sidoo until three decades later, when an AAU basketball coach introduced the two, he wrote. “We both care deeply for young people, sports and education,” Moon said.
Sidoo funded 40 scholarships — $200,000 in all — to help kids go to college or pursue other post-high school education, Moon wrote. Sidoo served as a mentor to many of them. “His passion and his presence have a value that doesn’t have a price tag,” Moon said.


latimes--2020-07-15--San Francisco in coronavirus 'red zone,' freezes reopenings

San Francisco ’ s director of public health said Wednesday the rate of transmission of the coronavirus continued to climb in the Bay Area and the city would not move forward with reopening .
“ Unfortunately we are experiencing a surge in COVID-19 infections that is affecting our community ’ s health and reopening plans , ” Dr. Grant Colfax , the city ’ s health chief , said during a virtual news conference .
“ The virus is not only still out there , it is out there more than ever before .
It continues to spread locally in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ region.
” On Monday , Colfax said each person with the disease was infecting , on average , 1.25 others , a ratio that he said had to come down .
On Wednesday , that figure was 1.3 .
The so-called reproduction rate must come down to one or lower , he said .
“ If we do not do better , ” he said , “ we are looking at major problems by late August and September with an average peak of 900 hospitalized patients by early October.
” Hospital capacity in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Colfax said .
Twenty-seven percent of acute beds remained available as well as 28 % of intensive care beds .
During the last surge , in April , hospitalizations in San Francisco peaked at 94 .
He said there were 92 COVID-19 patients in San Francisco hospitals on Wednesday .
Of those , 76 were residents and 16 were transferred from other places .
Asked about reopening schools , Colfax said the rate of infection must come down before school buildings are opened for classes .
“ We will make a decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those physical spaces depending on where we stand with the virus and the surge in our city when the time comes , ” he said .
The new cases stem from people socializing at parties and barbecues with friends and family , he said , and from essential workers at businesses who are not adhering to precautions .
San Francisco is now in the “ red zone ” for rising transmissions .
The city has 7.7 cases for every 100,000 residents , he said .
The goal was to keep that rate at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rising by 33 % , Colfax noted : “ That is red , and a cause for grave concern.
” The goal is to keep hospitalization increases to under 10 % .
Testing , though , was in good shape , with the city averaging 2,950 tests a day .
Contact tracers were reaching 85 % of those infected and 85 % of their contacts , he said .
He warned that those percentages were likely to fall this week because of delays in getting test results from overwhelmed laboratories .

San Francisco’s director of public health said Wednesday the rate of transmission of the coronavirus continued to climb in the Bay Area and the city would not move forward with reopening.
“Unfortunately we are experiencing a surge in COVID-19 infections that is affecting our community’s health and reopening plans,” Dr. Grant Colfax, the city’s health chief, said during a virtual news conference. “The virus is not only still out there, it is out there more than ever before. It continues to spread locally in our community and throughout the Bay Area region.”
On Monday, Colfax said each person with the disease was infecting, on average, 1.25 others, a ratio that he said had to come down.
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On Wednesday, that figure was 1.3. The so-called reproduction rate must come down to one or lower, he said. “If we do not do better,” he said, “we are looking at major problems by late August and September with an average peak of 900 hospitalized patients by early October.”
Hospital capacity in the city was still good this week, Colfax said. Twenty-seven percent of acute beds remained available as well as 28% of intensive care beds. During the last surge, in April, hospitalizations in San Francisco peaked at 94. He said there were 92 COVID-19 patients in San Francisco hospitals on Wednesday. Of those, 76 were residents and 16 were transferred from other places.
Asked about reopening schools, Colfax said the rate of infection must come down before school buildings are opened for classes.
“We will make a decision about whether it is safe to open those physical spaces depending on where we stand with the virus and the surge in our city when the time comes,” he said. The new cases stem from people socializing at parties and barbecues with friends and family, he said, and from essential workers at businesses who are not adhering to precautions.
San Francisco is now in the “red zone” for rising transmissions. The city has 7.7 cases for every 100,000 residents, he said. The goal was to keep that rate at 1.8.
Hospitalizations for coronavirus infection are rising by 33%, Colfax noted: “That is red, and a cause for grave concern.” The goal is to keep hospitalization increases to under 10%.
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Testing, though, was in good shape, with the city averaging 2,950 tests a day. Contact tracers were reaching 85% of those infected and 85% of their contacts, he said. He warned that those percentages were likely to fall this week because of delays in getting test results from overwhelmed laboratories.


latimes--2020-07-15--Sheriff's chief of staff reassigned after he posted Andres Guardado 'chose his fate'

Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva ’ s chief of staff is being reassigned after facing criticism for recent social media posts in which he said Andres Guardado , the 18-year-old who was fatally shot in the back by a deputy in Gardena last month , “ chose his fate.
” Capt .
John Burcher , one of Villanueva ’ s closest advisors , will be removed as chief of staff and transferred to the agency ’ s East Patrol Division , effective Sunday , according to an internal Sheriff ’ s Department announcement .
When reached by phone Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social media posts or the new assignment .
Screenshots of the posts show that Burcher also hurled insults at other Facebook users .
In one post , he called someone an idiot and a moron .
In a second he called someone a “ racist ” and used an expletive .
“ Sorry , your life does not matter more than mine does , you racist ... ” the post said .
A Sheriff ’ s Department spokesman said in a statement Wednesday that the agency has initiated an administrative investigation and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to comment further .
Attorneys representing Guardado ’ s family said Burcher ’ s comments show that the Sheriff ’ s Department is incapable of conducting an independent investigation into the shooting , which has generated large protests and widespread calls for an outside inquiry .
“ It is deeply troubling that on the same day Sheriff Villanueva issues a statement that the Sheriff ’ s Department would not be providing any commentary on the Andres Guardado case until the investigation has completed , the sheriff ’ s own chief of staff took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , ” attorney Nicholas Yoka said in a statement .
“ Not only did Capt .
Burcher personally vilify a young man who was shot and killed by one of his own deputies , he did so in a public forum and in the middle of a homicide investigation conducted by his own department.
” Burcher ’ s statements indicate the results of the department ’ s investigation are predetermined , Yoka contended .
The Sheriff ’ s Department has been tight-lipped about the shooting investigation .
Investigators have said that Guardado @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on June 18 , after two deputies saw him speaking to someone in a car blocking the entrance to a body shop on West Redondo Beach Boulevard .
Investigators said that Guardado “ produced a handgun ” and ran away and that deputies chased him .
When deputies reached him , one fired .
They said a firearm was recovered from the scene .
The deputy who fired , Miguel Vega , was not interviewed until Monday , nearly a month after Guardado ’ s death .
His attorney , Adam Marangell , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while face down on the ground and that the shooting was justified .
“ During this interview he made clear that he did everything possible that night to avoid firing his weapon , including repeated commands to ‘ not reach for the gun , ’ ” Marangell said in a statement .
“ Deputy Vega went to work that day to protect the citizens of the community and , unfortunately , was forced to take action which resulted in a loss of life .
”

Demonstrators protest after the death of Andres Guardado, who was fatally shot by a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy last month.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva’s chief of staff is being reassigned after facing criticism for recent social media posts in which he said Andres Guardado, the 18-year-old who was fatally shot in the back by a deputy in Gardena last month, “chose his fate.”
Capt. John Burcher, one of Villanueva’s closest advisors, will be removed as chief of staff and transferred to the agency’s East Patrol Division, effective Sunday, according to an internal Sheriff’s Department announcement.
When reached by phone Wednesday, Burcher declined to comment on the social media posts or the new assignment.
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Screenshots of the posts show that Burcher also hurled insults at other Facebook users. In one post, he called someone an idiot and a moron. In a second he called someone a “racist” and used an expletive.
“Sorry, your life does not matter more than mine does, you racist...” the post said.
A Sheriff’s Department spokesman said in a statement Wednesday that the agency has initiated an administrative investigation and that Burcher had been reassigned. He declined to comment further.
Attorneys representing Guardado’s family said Burcher’s comments show that the Sheriff’s Department is incapable of conducting an independent investigation into the shooting, which has generated large protests and widespread calls for an outside inquiry.
“It is deeply troubling that on the same day Sheriff Villanueva issues a statement that the Sheriff’s Department would not be providing any commentary on the Andres Guardado case until the investigation has completed, the sheriff’s own chief of staff took to social media and did exactly just that,” attorney Nicholas Yoka said in a statement. “Not only did Capt. Burcher personally vilify a young man who was shot and killed by one of his own deputies, he did so in a public forum and in the middle of a homicide investigation conducted by his own department.”
Burcher’s statements indicate the results of the department’s investigation are predetermined, Yoka contended.
The Sheriff’s Department has been tight-lipped about the shooting investigation.
Investigators have said that Guardado was shot and killed about 6 p.m. on June 18, after two deputies saw him speaking to someone in a car blocking the entrance to a body shop on West Redondo Beach Boulevard. Investigators said that Guardado “produced a handgun” and ran away and that deputies chased him. When deputies reached him, one fired. They said a firearm was recovered from the scene.
The deputy who fired, Miguel Vega, was not interviewed until Monday, nearly a month after Guardado’s death. His attorney, Adam Marangell, said that Guardado reached for his gun while face down on the ground and that the shooting was justified.
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“During this interview he made clear that he did everything possible that night to avoid firing his weapon, including repeated commands to ‘not reach for the gun,’” Marangell said in a statement. “Deputy Vega went to work that day to protect the citizens of the community and, unfortunately, was forced to take action which resulted in a loss of life.”


latimes--2020-07-15--Orange County opens new COVID-19 testing sites, but appointments are hard to get

As California announces new guidelines to prioritize the most vulnerable for COVID-19 testing , the Orange County Health Care Agency has launched new testing facilities to expand access to residents .
But already demand may outpace availability .
Irvine , which has confirmed more than 840 infections , was the county ’ s first city to open a drive-through testing location for city residents .
The facility — which opened Monday and is run by Curogram , an Irvine-based company that has helped develop testing sites in Houston , Atlanta and New York City — was offering appointments from 8 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a four-week testing program .
But within two days , all appointments were booked as demand for testing continues to rise throughout the state .
“ As appointments become available , the city will provide updates on an ongoing basis , ” a statement on the city ’ s online testing portal reads .
Another Orange County testing site aimed at Anaheim and Santa Ana residents launched Wednesday at the Anaheim Convention Center .
The facility , run by 360 Clinic , will give priority to those who can not get tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptomatic , have come into contact with a person with a known exposure to the virus , live in congregate or institutional settings or are considered essential workers .
By midmorning Wednesday , same-day appointments at the new “ super site ” appeared to be fully booked .
The Anaheim facility can conduct 600 to 800 tests per day , Wednesday through Sunday , with a goal of reaching 1,200 per day within two weeks .
The Irvine site , in lot No .
6 at the Orange County Great Park , can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is really helpful in our fight to get the novel coronavirus under control in Orange County , ” Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Michelle Steel said .
“ Ramping up testing , particularly among front-line workers and hard-hit communities , is essential as we work to better understand the spread of the virus in our communities and work to make better policy that will protect the public while also allowing our residents to go to work , pay their bills and put food on the table.
” Anaheim and Santa Ana account for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 cases , recording a combined total of nearly 9,500 infections .
The county has confirmed more than 26,100 infections , including 865 reported Tuesday .
“ This is so important for Anaheim , one of the hardest-hit cities in Orange County , ” Supervisor Doug Chaffee said in a statement .
“ Anaheim and Santa Ana , Orange County ’ s largest cities , make up nearly 22 % of our population , but they account for 40 % of the cases.
” Roughly 324,479 tests have been administered in the county @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been conducted since June 19 .
There are currently more than 50 sites offering free testing in the county .
Orange County ’ s seven-day average rate of positive infections is at 14.6 % , substantially higher than last week ’ s rate of 10 % .
The state ’ s safety threshold is 8 % or less .
California is testing about 105,000 people a day , California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly said Tuesday .
The cost of a test is $ 100 on average , he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supplies and a surge in testing demand that has exceeded current capacity , the state has issued new guidelines to ensure that the most vulnerable are tested first .
“ Although we want to maintain access for the general population to testing , focusing first on those whose clinical course or community can really benefit from this more targeted testing approach — not as an exclusive but as an initial priority group — is very important for us .
Especially during this time where transmission is high and turnaround times have increased , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Southern California have already adjusted their testing priorities or had to scale back amid dwindling supplies .
Los Angeles County last week revised recommendations on who should get tested .
And San Berndardino County recently had to cancel hundreds of appointments , citing a shortage in testing materials

Medical technician Marissa Arzate retrieves a completed self-administered COVID-19 test from a patient at the drive-through testing site at Orange County Great Park in Irvine on Monday.
As California announces new guidelines to prioritize the most vulnerable for COVID-19 testing, the Orange County Health Care Agency has launched new testing facilities to expand access to residents. But already demand may outpace availability.
Irvine, which has confirmed more than 840 infections, was the county’s first city to open a drive-through testing location for city residents. The facility — which opened Monday and is run by Curogram, an Irvine-based company that has helped develop testing sites in Houston, Atlanta and New York City — was offering appointments from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday for a four-week testing program.
But within two days, all appointments were booked as demand for testing continues to rise throughout the state.
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“As appointments become available, the city will provide updates on an ongoing basis,” a statement on the city’s online testing portal reads.
California California campuses likely to remain closed amid coronavirus spike, state schools chief says The ongoing discussion about what school will look like in the months ahead comes on the heels of a record-breaking day among the number of daily coronavirus cases reported in the state.
Another Orange County testing site aimed at Anaheim and Santa Ana residents launched Wednesday at the Anaheim Convention Center. The facility, run by 360 Clinic, will give priority to those who cannot get tested through a healthcare provider and are either symptomatic, have come into contact with a person with a known exposure to the virus, live in congregate or institutional settings or are considered essential workers.
By midmorning Wednesday, same-day appointments at the new “super site” appeared to be fully booked.
The Anaheim facility can conduct 600 to 800 tests per day, Wednesday through Sunday, with a goal of reaching 1,200 per day within two weeks. The Irvine site, in lot No. 6 at the Orange County Great Park, can conduct 260 tests per day.
“This is really helpful in our fight to get the novel coronavirus under control in Orange County,” Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Michelle Steel said.
“Ramping up testing, particularly among front-line workers and hard-hit communities, is essential as we work to better understand the spread of the virus in our communities and work to make better policy that will protect the public while also allowing our residents to go to work, pay their bills and put food on the table.”
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California The inside story of how California failed mass coronavirus testing California failed to establish an effective coronavirus testing system early on, leaving it far behind — even now — in the fight against COVID-19.
Anaheim and Santa Ana account for the bulk of the county’s COVID-19 cases, recording a combined total of nearly 9,500 infections. The county has confirmed more than 26,100 infections, including 865 reported Tuesday.
“This is so important for Anaheim, one of the hardest-hit cities in Orange County,” Supervisor Doug Chaffee said in a statement. “Anaheim and Santa Ana, Orange County’s largest cities, make up nearly 22% of our population, but they account for 40% of the cases.”
Roughly 324,479 tests have been administered in the county, and about 100,000 of those have been conducted since June 19. There are currently more than 50 sites offering free testing in the county.
Orange County’s seven-day average rate of positive infections is at 14.6%, substantially higher than last week’s rate of 10%. The state’s safety threshold is 8% or less.
California is testing about 105,000 people a day, California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly said Tuesday. The cost of a test is $100 on average, he said.
Amid a nationwide shortage in testing supplies and a surge in testing demand that has exceeded current capacity, the state has issued new guidelines to ensure that the most vulnerable are tested first.
“Although we want to maintain access for the general population to testing, focusing first on those whose clinical course or community can really benefit from this more targeted testing approach — not as an exclusive but as an initial priority group — is very important for us. Especially during this time where transmission is high and turnaround times have increased,” Ghaly said.
Other communities in Southern California have already adjusted their testing priorities or had to scale back amid dwindling supplies. Los Angeles County last week revised recommendations on who should get tested. And San Berndardino County recently had to cancel hundreds of appointments, citing a shortage in testing materials
Times Community News writer Matt Szabo contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-07-15--Judge denies request to block LAPD from using batons, projectiles

A federal judge has denied a request from Black Lives Matter - Los Angeles and other litigants that Los Angeles police be precluded from using batons and tactical projectiles on protesters pending the outcome of a lawsuit over the tactics .
U.S. Dist .
Judge Conseulo B. Marshall ruled in an opinion dated Tuesday that the activists and protesters suing the LAPD did not demonstrate , as required , that they would be “ likely to suffer irreparable harm ” without the temporary restraining order they sought .
Although those suing “ proffer evidence that they previously suffered irreparable harm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activities , the irreparable harm [ they ] allege rests on the assumption that more protests will lead to more constitutional violations , ” Marshall wrote .
The city and LAPD , however , “ offered undisputed evidence that protests have continued after June 3 , 2020 , but no mass arrests or use of kinetic projectiles and batons has occurred , which tends to dispel ” the protesters ’ theory , Marshall wrote .
Black Lives Matter Los Angeles joined a coalition of other protesters and partners , including the local chapter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Los Angeles Community Action Network , in suing the LAPD for its protest tactics last month .
They alleged police brutally suppressed legitimate protests using excessive force , seriously injuring many protesters and subjecting others to inhumane and unlawful detentions .
Thousands of people were arrested over the course of six nights in late May and early June amid protests and curfews — mirrored nationwide — over police killings of Black people , including George Floyd in Minneapolis .
The activists said they needed a restraining order to prevent the LAPD from using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ argued the threat of such tactics unfairly discouraged people from exercising their rights to free speech and assembly .
“ The LAPD has used so-called rubber bullets and batons indiscriminately to disrupt and disperse protesters with many serious injuries resulting , ” attorney Paul Hoffman wrote on behalf of those suing the LAPD .
“ The images of baton-wielding LAPD officers and protesters ’ injuries unacceptably increase the cost of public participation in these important exercises of First Amendment rights.
” City attorneys had called the request “ unwarranted and overbroad , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using any force against protesters .
Carol Sobel , an attorney for the protesters , says Marshall ’ s ruling rejects the idea that police must be prevented from using such tactics and weapons on an emergency basis but does not end the effort to halt their use moving forward .
A more permanent end to such tactics is a goal of the class-action lawsuit , she said , and could still be achieved through a different legal mechanism — an injunction .
“ Nothing prevents us from moving for a preliminary injunction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a permanent injunction , ” Sobel said .
“ And that is what we are going to do .
”

City Hall reflected on the Los Angeles Police Department headquarters in downtown Los Angeles. (Photo by Nick Agro / For The Times)
A federal judge has denied a request from Black Lives Matter - Los Angeles and other litigants that Los Angeles police be precluded from using batons and tactical projectiles on protesters pending the outcome of a lawsuit over the tactics.
U.S. Dist. Judge Conseulo B. Marshall ruled in an opinion dated Tuesday that the activists and protesters suing the LAPD did not demonstrate, as required, that they would be “likely to suffer irreparable harm” without the temporary restraining order they sought.
Although those suing “proffer evidence that they previously suffered irreparable harm while protesting and intend to continue those activities, the irreparable harm [they] allege rests on the assumption that more protests will lead to more constitutional violations,” Marshall wrote.
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The city and LAPD, however, “offered undisputed evidence that protests have continued after June 3, 2020, but no mass arrests or use of kinetic projectiles and batons has occurred, which tends to dispel” the protesters’ theory, Marshall wrote.
Black Lives Matter Los Angeles joined a coalition of other protesters and partners, including the local chapter of the National Lawyers Guild and the Los Angeles Community Action Network, in suing the LAPD for its protest tactics last month. They alleged police brutally suppressed legitimate protests using excessive force, seriously injuring many protesters and subjecting others to inhumane and unlawful detentions.
Thousands of people were arrested over the course of six nights in late May and early June amid protests and curfews — mirrored nationwide — over police killings of Black people, including George Floyd in Minneapolis.
The activists said they needed a restraining order to prevent the LAPD from using similar tactics at ongoing protests. They argued the threat of such tactics unfairly discouraged people from exercising their rights to free speech and assembly.
“The LAPD has used so-called rubber bullets and batons indiscriminately to disrupt and disperse protesters with many serious injuries resulting,” attorney Paul Hoffman wrote on behalf of those suing the LAPD. “The images of baton-wielding LAPD officers and protesters’ injuries unacceptably increase the cost of public participation in these important exercises of First Amendment rights.”
City attorneys had called the request “unwarranted and overbroad,” citing subsequent protests that occurred without police using any force against protesters.
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Carol Sobel, an attorney for the protesters, says Marshall’s ruling rejects the idea that police must be prevented from using such tactics and weapons on an emergency basis but does not end the effort to halt their use moving forward. A more permanent end to such tactics is a goal of the class-action lawsuit, she said, and could still be achieved through a different legal mechanism — an injunction.
“Nothing prevents us from moving for a preliminary injunction. Nothing prevents us from moving for a permanent injunction,” Sobel said. “And that is what we are going to do.”


latimes--2020-07-15--The 2021 Rose Parade is canceled for first time in 75 years

The 132nd Rose Parade will not take place on Jan. 1 , 2021 , because of the coronavirus pandemic , parade officials announced Wednesday morning .
It ’ s the first time in 75 years that the parade has been canceled .
Parade officials initially hoped they ’ d be able to hold the parade safely , but after weeks of assessment , it became clear such a feat would be impossible .
Instead , the Tournament of Roses is looking into options for celebrating the new year in a new way , said Tournament of Roses Chief Executive David @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was canceled was between 1942 and 1945 during World War II .
“ Like most people , having never lived through a pandemic before ... our thoughts were that the parade was 10 months away and we would be fine , ” Eads said in an interview with The Times .
But as the months went on and the virus continued ravaging the state , “ the reality of the pandemic set in.
” Several weeks ago , the Tournament of Roses partnered with public health officials at the USC Keck School of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feasibility of hosting the parade , Eads said .
The report concluded that the parade and related activities would inevitably lead to large numbers of people being in close proximity , creating a high risk for viral spread , he said .
On top of the risk , the Tournament of Roses is months behind in preparing the floats , Eads said .
Volunteers — many of whom are seniors — typically start building the floats in March , but they have not been able to start because of the “ safer-at-home ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheduled to participate have not been able to practice their performances due to school closures and a handful of international marching bands wouldn ’ t be able to attend because of travel limits , he said .
“ For 132 years , the Tournament of Roses has been able to bring the hope and joy of the new year to people around the world , ” Eads said .
“ We ’ re really disappointed that we ’ re not going to be able to do that again this year , but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and guests is our top priority.
” Eads said the Tournament of Roses is looking to team up with its broadcast partners to host a televised event for worldwide viewers as well as a local , socially distanced celebration .
Plans for those events will be announced in coming weeks .
The Rose Bowl football game on Jan. 1 , however , is still planned , whether it is with a socially distanced audience or an empty stadium , Eads said .
Decisions regarding some other traditions , such as the crowning of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ haven ’ t been made yet .
A spokeswoman said “ in the next few weeks , we ’ ll make an announcement about the Royal Court and the theme and the tournament leadership .
”

Lorena Jara and nephew Noe Jara, 6 months, try to keep warm before the start of the Rose Parade. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times)
Karina Sosa, left, and her sister Brenda Sosa with a Salvadoran flag before the start of the 2020 Rose Parade in Pasadena. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times)
Parade marshals wait on their scooters near the start of the Rose Parade. (Mark Boster / For The Times)
Spectators take a selfie in front of a display along Orange Grove Boulevard before the start of the 2020 Rose Parade in Pasadena. (Mark Boster / For The Times)
The 2020 Rose Parade gets underway in Pasadena. This year’s theme is “The Power of Hope.” (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
The UPS Store entry, “Stories Change Our World,” rolls down Colorado Boulevard during the 2020 Rose Parade in Pasadena. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times)
The city of Pasadena’s entry focused on the 100th-year celebration of the passage of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
Co-Grand Marshal Rita Moreno waves to the crowd on the parade route. (Mark Boster / For The Times)
Spectators follow the parade route on Colorado Boulevard after the end of the Rose Parade. (Mark Boster / For The Times)
The 132nd Rose Parade will not take place on Jan. 1, 2021, because of the coronavirus pandemic, parade officials announced Wednesday morning.
It’s the first time in 75 years that the parade has been canceled.
Parade officials initially hoped they’d be able to hold the parade safely, but after weeks of assessment, it became clear such a feat would be impossible. Instead, the Tournament of Roses is looking into options for celebrating the new year in a new way, said Tournament of Roses Chief Executive David Eads.
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The last time the parade was canceled was between 1942 and 1945 during World War II.
“Like most people, having never lived through a pandemic before ... our thoughts were that the parade was 10 months away and we would be fine,” Eads said in an interview with The Times. But as the months went on and the virus continued ravaging the state, “the reality of the pandemic set in.”
Several weeks ago, the Tournament of Roses partnered with public health officials at the USC Keck School of Medicine to conduct a report on the feasibility of hosting the parade, Eads said. The report concluded that the parade and related activities would inevitably lead to large numbers of people being in close proximity, creating a high risk for viral spread, he said.
The complications didn’t stop there.
On top of the risk, the Tournament of Roses is months behind in preparing the floats, Eads said. Volunteers — many of whom are seniors — typically start building the floats in March, but they have not been able to start because of the “safer-at-home” orders.
Dozens of high school bands scheduled to participate have not been able to practice their performances due to school closures and a handful of international marching bands wouldn’t be able to attend because of travel limits, he said.
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“For 132 years, the Tournament of Roses has been able to bring the hope and joy of the new year to people around the world,” Eads said. “We’re really disappointed that we’re not going to be able to do that again this year, but the health and well-being of all our participants and guests is our top priority.”
Eads said the Tournament of Roses is looking to team up with its broadcast partners to host a televised event for worldwide viewers as well as a local, socially distanced celebration. Plans for those events will be announced in coming weeks.
The Rose Bowl football game on Jan. 1, however, is still planned, whether it is with a socially distanced audience or an empty stadium, Eads said.
Decisions regarding some other traditions, such as the crowning of the Tournament of Roses Royal Court, haven’t been made yet. A spokeswoman said “in the next few weeks, we’ll make an announcement about the Royal Court and the theme and the tournament leadership.”


latimes--2020-07-15--California campuses likely to remain closed amid coronavirus spike, state schools chief says

With the first day of school just weeks away , California campuses should be prepared to offer distance learning instead of in-person instruction if coronavirus conditions don ’ t improve , state Supt .
of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond said Wednesday .
Though decisions around opening are ultimately made at the local level , Thurmond said the safety of students , staff and instructors needs to be the top priority .
“ I do think that , if school had to open tomorrow , most of our districts would open in distance learning , ” he said during a briefing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that I think is a good decision if conditions don ’ t change.
” Some districts have already announced they will forgo on-campus instruction .
The Los Angeles Unified School District will continue with online learning until further notice because of the worsening coronavirus surge , Supt .
Austin Beutner announced Monday .
San Diego Unified announced the same morning that it , too , would be online-only for the start of the semester .
“ At this time , the order of the day is to continue to plan , continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ create contingency plans if the conditions don ’ t change , ” Thurmond said .
Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis said Wednesday that , when it comes to how to reopen schools , “ the safety of our children and school employees must come first.
” “ This virus is unpredictable so , unfortunately , we need to adapt and do so quickly , ” she said .
“ If a district is not able to comply with the safety protocols , and if there is too much community transmission , then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The ongoing discussion about what school will look like in the months ahead comes as California continues to lose ground in its battle against COVID-19 .
The state reported its largest number of new infections in a single day Tuesday , hospitalizations hit a new high and deaths approached record levels .
The 11,142 cases recorded Tuesday were easily the most confirmed in any one day since the pandemic began , surpassing the previous record of 9,816 on July 9 , according to data from The Times ’ coronavirus tracker .
The state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus cases in a day five times — all since July 7 .
Statewide , more than 6,700 patients who ’ ve tested positive for COVID-19 are hospitalized , according to the latest official data .
That , too , is a new high .
Los Angeles County continues to bear a disproportionate share of the outbreak .
Public health officials there confirmed 4,244 new cases and 2,103 hospitalizations Tuesday — both single-day records .
Over the last few weeks , “ hospitalizations have increased significantly , and we are on an upward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barbara Ferrer said Wednesday .
“ The shift from declining rates to increasing rates happened very rapidly , and we now see a three-day average of over 2,000 people hospitalized on a given day , which is more people hospitalized each day for COVID-19 than at any other point during the pandemic.
” The number of average cases confirmed each day has also drastically increased .
The seven-day average of new daily cases has increased from 1,452 at the start of June to 2,859 .
“ This is double where we were at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s higher than it has been at any point in the pandemic , ” Ferrer said .
While the mortality rate is stable , the increase in hospitalizations will probably result in increased deaths , she said .
Ferrer announced 44 new fatalities in the county Wednesday — pushing the total death toll past 3,900 — as well as 2,758 new cases , boosting the cumulative count to more than 143,000 .
“ We are in an alarming and dangerous phase in this pandemic here , ” she said .
More than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statewide , and almost 7,300 Californians have died from COVID-19 since the pandemic reached the Golden State .
Communities of color have been particularly hard hit .
A recent Times analysis of statewide data found that for every 100,000 Latino residents , 767 have tested positive .
For every 100,000 Black residents , 396 have tested positive .
By comparison , for every 100,000 white residents , 261 have confirmed infections .
The recent surge in infections , hospitalizations and deaths has wiped out the progress the state made in the spring , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ successfully “ bent the curve ” to the point where it was safe to reopen wide sectors of the economy .
Health officials repeatedly said they expected that opening additional businesses and gathering spaces would likely lead to a rise in cases .
However , the virus rebounded with alarming speed and ferocity , forcing the state to pause or roll back many reopenings and pushing some areas to the brink of reimposing the sort of strict stay-at-home orders that , just weeks ago , seemed to be in the rearview mirror .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city is inching closer to another shutdown as dangers posed by the coronavirus continue to loom .
“ We made so much progress in March and April , ” he said Monday .
“ There is no question that the pandemic has gotten worse , here in L.A. , across California and across this country .
… We did the right thing before .
And now we have to do the right thing again.
” While nothing can be off the table , Ferrer said Wednesday that “ none of us want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order .
Ultimately , though , she said that decision will largely depend on residents and businesses behaving responsibly and taking appropriate safety precautions .
“ It ’ s for certain that , if we do a really good job on implementing all of the tools that we have at hand , we can get back to slowing the spread , and that makes it much less likely that we return to safer-at-home , ” she said .
“ We don ’ t have a lot of time , though.
” Amid the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced Monday statewide restrictions to again halt all indoor dining at restaurants and close bars , zoos and museums .
Most counties , including Los Angeles , San Bernardino , Orange and Riverside , must shutter gyms , houses of worship , hair salons , malls and other businesses under the new order .
Offices with nonessential workers in those counties also must close .
“ The virus is not going away anytime soon , ” Newsom said .
Dr. Grant Colfax , San Francisco ’ s director of public health , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has continued to climb in the Bay Area and that the city would not move forward with reopening .
“ Unfortunately , we are experiencing a surge in COVID-19 infections that is affecting our community ’ s health and reopening plans , ” he said during a virtual news conference .
“ The virus is not only still out there , ” he added , “ it is out there more than ever before .
It continues to spread locally in our community and throughout the Bay Area region.
” On Monday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was infecting 1.25 others , a number he said had to come down .
On Wednesday , that number was at 1.3 .
“ If we do not do better , ” he said , “ we are looking at major problems by late August and September with an average peak of 900 hospitalized patients by early October.
” Hospital capacity in the city has remained in relatively good shape this week , though , with 27 % of acute beds and 28 % of intensive care beds available , he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ County officials announced Wednesday that the state had approved its attestation paperwork — clearing the way for outdoor dining to resume , with face coverings required when not eating or drinking , and for the Oakland Zoo to open for outdoor activities , provided safety measures are in place .
However , since the county has remained on the state ’ s monitoring list for three days , indoor malls will have to close and places of worship can hold only outdoor services .
California ’ s backslide from seeming success story to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ list of counties that are experiencing elevated disease transmission and/or hospitalizations .
As of Wednesday , most of California ’ s 58 counties were on the list .
Officials have reported that outbreaks at indoor work settings and factories as well as private gatherings are major drivers of the state ’ s recent surge .
At the same time , high demand and a shortage of supplies are making it more difficult for Californians to get tested for coronavirus infection .
Health and Human Services Secretary Mark Ghaly said Tuesday that the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ensure that the most vulnerable have prioritized access .
“ Although we want to maintain access for the general population to testing , focusing first on those whose clinical course or community can really benefit from this more targeted testing approach — not as an exclusive but as an initial priority group — is very important for us .
Especially during this time where transmission is high and turnaround times have increased , ” he said .
Times staff writers Ben Welsh , Stephanie Lai , Rong-Gong Lin II , Howard Blume @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maura Dolan contributed to this report .

With the first day of school just weeks away, California campuses should be prepared to offer distance learning instead of in-person instruction if coronavirus conditions don’t improve, state Supt. of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond said Wednesday.
Though decisions around opening are ultimately made at the local level, Thurmond said the safety of students, staff and instructors needs to be the top priority.
“I do think that, if school had to open tomorrow, most of our districts would open in distance learning,” he said during a briefing. “And that is a decision that I think is a good decision if conditions don’t change.”
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Some districts have already announced they will forgo on-campus instruction.
The Los Angeles Unified School District will continue with online learning until further notice because of the worsening coronavirus surge, Supt. Austin Beutner announced Monday. San Diego Unified announced the same morning that it, too, would be online-only for the start of the semester.
“At this time, the order of the day is to continue to plan, continue to monitor and, as needed, to create contingency plans if the conditions don’t change,” Thurmond said.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis said Wednesday that, when it comes to how to reopen schools, “the safety of our children and school employees must come first.”
“This virus is unpredictable so, unfortunately, we need to adapt and do so quickly,” she said. “If a district is not able to comply with the safety protocols, and if there is too much community transmission, then it should continue with distance learning.”
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The ongoing discussion about what school will look like in the months ahead comes as California continues to lose ground in its battle against COVID-19.
The state reported its largest number of new infections in a single day Tuesday, hospitalizations hit a new high and deaths approached record levels.
The 11,142 cases recorded Tuesday were easily the most confirmed in any one day since the pandemic began, surpassing the previous record of 9,816 on July 9, according to data from The Times’ coronavirus tracker.
The state has now reported at least 9,000 new coronavirus cases in a day five times — all since July 7.
1 / 18 Sharon Chavez, 26, use the oral swab on her 7-year-old daughter Melany Garcia to test for Coronavirus the parking lot of a Food4Less Grocery in the Westlake area. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times) 2 / 18 Thomas Aleman Jr. 9, and sister Hailey Aleman, 7, use the oral swab for their first coronavirus test in the parking lot of a Food4Less Grocery in the Westlake area. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times) 3 / 18 Tuntipumiamorin Thawat, 60, gets instruction from lead tester Daniela Burza as he uses the oral swab for Coronavirus testing in the parking lot of a Food4Less Grocery in the Westlake area. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times) 4 / 18 Michael Lewis Childress Sr. waits for coronavirus testing in the parking lot of a Food4Less Grocery in the Westlake area. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times) 5 / 18 Carlos Miranda deposits his test for Coronavirus in the parking lot of a Food4Less Grocery in the Westlake area. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times) 6 / 18 Gerardo Garibay, 75, uses the oral swab to test for coronavirus in the parking lot of a Food4Less Grocery in the Westlake area. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times) 7 / 18 Cynthia Leonard helps her son Messi McDaniel, 6, with an oral swab test outside the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in South Los Angeles. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times) 8 / 18 A worker registers a driver who is celebrating a birthday with a test for coronavirus infection at the Hansen Dam Recreation Area testing site. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times) 9 / 18 Cars wait in line at the free COVID-19 testing site at the Hansen Dam Recreation Area in Sylmar. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times) 10 / 18 A worker checks the coronavirus test registration of a driver at the Hansen Dam site. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times) 11 / 18 Motorists line up for COVID-19 testing at Dodger Stadium. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times) 12 / 18 Mari Cruz takes a COVID-19 test from Tiffany Im at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times) 13 / 18 Hundreds of motorists wait for COVID-19 tests in the Dodger Stadium parking lot. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times) 14 / 18 Maritza Perez, a registered nurse, puts on her personal protective equipment before administering COVID tests to some 50 to 65 patients at AltaMed Health Services in Anaheim. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times) 15 / 18 Wilma Thomas, a registered nurse, left, and Viviana Robles, a licensed practical nurse, stand near a mister on a hot day of coronavirus testing at AltaMed Health Services in Anaheim. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times) 16 / 18 Gregory Williams helps daughter Althea, 7, with an oral swab COVID-19 test at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in South L.A. His wife, Zulema Cuevas, holds their 2-year-old. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times) 17 / 18 Walk-ins wait at the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science testing site. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times) 18 / 18 Dalton Caputo delivers his family’s test samples at the Charles R. Drew site. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times)
Statewide, more than 6,700 patients who’ve tested positive for COVID-19 are hospitalized, according to the latest official data. That, too, is a new high.
Officials also announced 144 additional COVID-19 fatalities Tuesday, the state’s second-highest single-day death toll.
Los Angeles County continues to bear a disproportionate share of the outbreak. Public health officials there confirmed 4,244 new cases and 2,103 hospitalizations Tuesday — both single-day records.
Over the last few weeks, “hospitalizations have increased significantly, and we are on an upward trajectory,” county Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said Wednesday.
“The shift from declining rates to increasing rates happened very rapidly, and we now see a three-day average of over 2,000 people hospitalized on a given day, which is more people hospitalized each day for COVID-19 than at any other point during the pandemic.”
The number of average cases confirmed each day has also drastically increased. The seven-day average of new daily cases has increased from 1,452 at the start of June to 2,859.
“This is double where we were at the beginning of June, and it’s higher than it has been at any point in the pandemic,” Ferrer said.
While the mortality rate is stable, the increase in hospitalizations will probably result in increased deaths, she said.
Ferrer announced 44 new fatalities in the county Wednesday — pushing the total death toll past 3,900 — as well as 2,758 new cases, boosting the cumulative count to more than 143,000.
“We are in an alarming and dangerous phase in this pandemic here,” she said.
More than 349,000 total coronavirus cases have been confirmed statewide, and almost 7,300 Californians have died from COVID-19 since the pandemic reached the Golden State.
Communities of color have been particularly hard hit.
A recent Times analysis of statewide data found that for every 100,000 Latino residents, 767 have tested positive. For every 100,000 Black residents, 396 have tested positive. By comparison, for every 100,000 white residents, 261 have confirmed infections.
The recent surge in infections, hospitalizations and deaths has wiped out the progress the state made in the spring, when officials were optimistic that California had successfully “bent the curve” to the point where it was safe to reopen wide sectors of the economy.
Health officials repeatedly said they expected that opening additional businesses and gathering spaces would likely lead to a rise in cases.
However, the virus rebounded with alarming speed and ferocity, forcing the state to pause or roll back many reopenings and pushing some areas to the brink of reimposing the sort of strict stay-at-home orders that, just weeks ago, seemed to be in the rearview mirror.
L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti has warned that the city is inching closer to another shutdown as dangers posed by the coronavirus continue to loom.
“We made so much progress in March and April,” he said Monday. “There is no question that the pandemic has gotten worse, here in L.A., across California and across this country. … We did the right thing before. And now we have to do the right thing again.”
While nothing can be off the table, Ferrer said Wednesday that “none of us want to go back” to a safer-at-home order. Ultimately, though, she said that decision will largely depend on residents and businesses behaving responsibly and taking appropriate safety precautions.
“It’s for certain that, if we do a really good job on implementing all of the tools that we have at hand, we can get back to slowing the spread, and that makes it much less likely that we return to safer-at-home,” she said. “We don’t have a lot of time, though.”
Amid the continuing surge, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Monday statewide restrictions to again halt all indoor dining at restaurants and close bars, zoos and museums.
Most counties, including Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange and Riverside, must shutter gyms, houses of worship, hair salons, malls and other businesses under the new order. Offices with nonessential workers in those counties also must close.
“The virus is not going away anytime soon,” Newsom said.
Dr. Grant Colfax, San Francisco’s director of public health, said Wednesday that the rate of coronavirus transmission has continued to climb in the Bay Area and that the city would not move forward with reopening.
“Unfortunately, we are experiencing a surge in COVID-19 infections that is affecting our community’s health and reopening plans,” he said during a virtual news conference.
“The virus is not only still out there,” he added, “it is out there more than ever before. It continues to spread locally in our community and throughout the Bay Area region.”
On Monday, Colfax said each person with the disease was infecting 1.25 others, a number he said had to come down. On Wednesday, that number was at 1.3.
California San Francisco in coronavirus ‘red zone,’ freezes reopenings San Francisco’s health chief says the rate of transmission of the coronavirus continues to climb in the Bay Area and the city won’t move forward with reopening.
“If we do not do better,” he said, “we are looking at major problems by late August and September with an average peak of 900 hospitalized patients by early October.”
Hospital capacity in the city has remained in relatively good shape this week, though, with 27% of acute beds and 28% of intensive care beds available, he said.
Elsewhere in the Bay Area, Alameda County officials announced Wednesday that the state had approved its attestation paperwork — clearing the way for outdoor dining to resume, with face coverings required when not eating or drinking, and for the Oakland Zoo to open for outdoor activities, provided safety measures are in place.
However, since the county has remained on the state’s monitoring list for three days, indoor malls will have to close and places of worship can hold only outdoor services.
California’s backslide from seeming success story to cautionary tale is reflected in its monitoring list of counties that are experiencing elevated disease transmission and/or hospitalizations. As of Wednesday, most of California’s 58 counties were on the list.
Officials have reported that outbreaks at indoor work settings and factories as well as private gatherings are major drivers of the state’s recent surge.
At the same time, high demand and a shortage of supplies are making it more difficult for Californians to get tested for coronavirus infection. Health and Human Services Secretary Mark Ghaly said Tuesday that the state is working on new guidelines for testing to ensure that the most vulnerable have prioritized access.
“Although we want to maintain access for the general population to testing, focusing first on those whose clinical course or community can really benefit from this more targeted testing approach — not as an exclusive but as an initial priority group — is very important for us. Especially during this time where transmission is high and turnaround times have increased,” he said.
Times staff writers Ben Welsh, Stephanie Lai, Rong-Gong Lin II , Howard Blume, Melody Gutierrez, Hannah Fry and Maura Dolan contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-07-15--Admissions scandal: Newport Beach socialite sentenced to five weeks in prison

A Newport Beach socialite who admitted paying $ 9,000 for a conspirator to take her son ’ s online courses at Georgetown University was sentenced Wednesday to five weeks in prison .
Karen Littlefair , who has hosted fundraisers for high-profile Republican politicians at her Lido Isle home , was also ordered by U.S. District Judge Allison D. Burroughs in Boston to pay a $ 209,000 fine and serve 300 hours of community service .
Littlefair , 57 , became the 18th parent sentenced and the 16th sent to prison for conspiring with William “ Rick ” Singer , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a decade rigged standardized tests and bribed college coaches , then helped federal agents unravel the scheme and ensnare his co-conspirators in a bid to reduce his eventual prison sentence .
Singer , who pleaded guilty to four felonies last March , has yet to be sentenced .
The case ’ s highest-wattage defendants — actress Lori Loughlin and her fashion designer husband , Mossimo Giannulli — pleaded guilty in May to conspiring to commit fraud and agreed to spend two and five months , respectively , in federal prison .
They will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ District Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton , who is not bound by the proposed punishments in the couple ’ s plea deals and can impose any sentence he sees fit .
Littlefair , who was charged months after the celebrity couple and most other parents embroiled in the scandal , maintained a much lower profile .
She pleaded guilty to a single wire fraud charge and admitted to a narrow set of facts , drawn up in negotiations between her lawyers and the U.S. attorney ’ s office in Boston .
In 2017 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on academic probation , Littlefair and Singer agreed to have his employees take her son ’ s online courses for him , Eric S. Rosen , an assistant U.S. attorney , wrote in a sentencing memo .
In exchange for $ 9,000 , Singer ’ s employees completed four courses in Littlefair ’ s son ’ s name .
When Singer billed her $ 3,000 for one of the classes , Littlefair requested a discount , saying , “ The grade was a C and the experience was a nightmare.
” Singer didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a nightmare for all , ” he wrote back .
Littlefair ’ s lawyer , Kenneth B. Julian , asked Burroughs to spare his client prison and punish her instead with probation .
Her son has resigned from his “ ideal job ” at the U.S. Treasury Department , his Georgetown degree has been revoked , and the Littlefair family has been publicly humiliated , Julian wrote in a sentencing memo .
“ The curse of carrying around a felony conviction is a significant punishment and deterrent that promotes respect for the law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had sought a four-month sentence for Littlefair , arguing she took part in several frauds , not just the one that involved a third party taking her son ’ s online classes .
While Littlefair admitted only to this scheme in her plea agreement , Rosen said the government has evidence that Mark Riddell , Singer ’ s Harvard-educated accomplice , used a fake ID to take the ACT exam for Littlefair ’ s son in 2011 , lifting the young man ’ s score by eight points .
Julian said there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of or took part in the cheating .
He noted the government chose not to charge Littlefair with the offense , yet raised it to argue for a longer sentence .
“ It should not be the tail that wags the dog , ” he wrote .
Yet Littlefair ’ s uncharged crimes weren ’ t limited to cheating on the ACT , Rosen wrote .
Littlefair made a $ 200,000 donation to the Georgetown tennis team , which investigators believe was made “ in exchange for having the tennis coach , Gordon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spot , ” he said .
Ernst is accused of slipping about a dozen children of Singer ’ s clients into Georgetown by designating them as tennis recruits in exchange for six-figure bribes .
He has pleaded not guilty to conspiring to commit racketeering , fraud and bribery .
Although Ernst didn ’ t formally designate Littlefair ’ s son as a tennis recruit , the boy ’ s application described him , falsely , as an elite tennis player who played six hours a week and was highly ranked at the local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Julian , Littlefair ’ s lawyer , said she didn ’ t know her son was being admitted to Georgetown through the tennis program , and Singer told her he was merely “ friends ” with Ernst .
He submitted her son ’ s application to Georgetown without Littlefair reviewing it , Julian added .
In an essay included in that application , which prosecutors filed in court , Littlefair ’ s son wrote , “ My parents did not become so overzealous like so many other parents because they knew tennis was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a healthy lifetime activity .
”

A Newport Beach socialite who admitted paying $9,000 for a conspirator to take her son’s online courses at Georgetown University was sentenced Wednesday to five weeks in prison.
Karen Littlefair, who has hosted fundraisers for high-profile Republican politicians at her Lido Isle home, was also ordered by U.S. District Judge Allison D. Burroughs in Boston to pay a $209,000 fine and serve 300 hours of community service.
Littlefair, 57, became the 18th parent sentenced and the 16th sent to prison for conspiring with William “Rick” Singer, a Newport Beach college admissions consultant who for a decade rigged standardized tests and bribed college coaches, then helped federal agents unravel the scheme and ensnare his co-conspirators in a bid to reduce his eventual prison sentence.
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Singer, who pleaded guilty to four felonies last March, has yet to be sentenced. The case’s highest-wattage defendants — actress Lori Loughlin and her fashion designer husband, Mossimo Giannulli — pleaded guilty in May to conspiring to commit fraud and agreed to spend two and five months, respectively, in federal prison. They will be sentenced on Aug. 21 by U.S. District Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton, who is not bound by the proposed punishments in the couple’s plea deals and can impose any sentence he sees fit.
Littlefair, who was charged months after the celebrity couple and most other parents embroiled in the scandal, maintained a much lower profile. She pleaded guilty to a single wire fraud charge and admitted to a narrow set of facts, drawn up in negotiations between her lawyers and the U.S. attorney’s office in Boston.
In 2017, after Georgetown placed Littlefair’s son on academic probation, Littlefair and Singer agreed to have his employees take her son’s online courses for him, Eric S. Rosen, an assistant U.S. attorney, wrote in a sentencing memo.
In exchange for $9,000, Singer’s employees completed four courses in Littlefair’s son’s name. When Singer billed her $3,000 for one of the classes, Littlefair requested a discount, saying, “The grade was a C and the experience was a nightmare.”
Singer didn’t budge. It “was a nightmare for all,” he wrote back.
California California couple agrees to guilty pleas in college scam Diane Blake and Todd Blake will plead guilty before a judge at a future date, the U.S. attorney’s office says. The California couple had initially pleaded not guilty.
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Littlefair’s lawyer, Kenneth B. Julian, asked Burroughs to spare his client prison and punish her instead with probation. Her son has resigned from his “ideal job” at the U.S. Treasury Department, his Georgetown degree has been revoked, and the Littlefair family has been publicly humiliated, Julian wrote in a sentencing memo.
“The curse of carrying around a felony conviction is a significant punishment and deterrent that promotes respect for the law,” he said.
Government lawyers had sought a four-month sentence for Littlefair, arguing she took part in several frauds, not just the one that involved a third party taking her son’s online classes. While Littlefair admitted only to this scheme in her plea agreement, Rosen said the government has evidence that Mark Riddell, Singer’s Harvard-educated accomplice, used a fake ID to take the ACT exam for Littlefair’s son in 2011, lifting the young man’s score by eight points.
Julian said there is “zero evidence” that Littlefair knew of or took part in the cheating. He noted the government chose not to charge Littlefair with the offense, yet raised it to argue for a longer sentence. “It should not be the tail that wags the dog,” he wrote.
Yet Littlefair’s uncharged crimes weren’t limited to cheating on the ACT, Rosen wrote. Littlefair made a $200,000 donation to the Georgetown tennis team, which investigators believe was made “in exchange for having the tennis coach, Gordon Ernst, give up an athletic recruitment spot,” he said.
Ernst is accused of slipping about a dozen children of Singer’s clients into Georgetown by designating them as tennis recruits in exchange for six-figure bribes. He has pleaded not guilty to conspiring to commit racketeering, fraud and bribery.
Although Ernst didn’t formally designate Littlefair’s son as a tennis recruit, the boy’s application described him, falsely, as an elite tennis player who played six hours a week and was highly ranked at the local and regional level, Rosen said.
Julian, Littlefair’s lawyer, said she didn’t know her son was being admitted to Georgetown through the tennis program, and Singer told her he was merely “friends” with Ernst. He submitted her son’s application to Georgetown without Littlefair reviewing it, Julian added.
In an essay included in that application, which prosecutors filed in court, Littlefair’s son wrote, “My parents did not become so overzealous like so many other parents because they knew tennis was a vehicle to learn how to compete and a healthy lifetime activity.”