latimes--2020-06-17--Orange and Ventura counties see uptick in coronavirus hospitalizations amid reopening

Officials across Southern California are grappling with whether to temper reopening efforts in the face of rising coronavirus hospitalizations , a move that seems likely to spark public outcry .
Statewide , hospitalizations among COVID-19 patients have been relatively flat for the last six weeks , even as officials have allowed myriad businesses to open their doors and a number of residents have resumed daily routines .
But in Orange and Ventura counties , hospitalizations are again on the rise , prompting health experts to warn that if the trend continues , it could cause officials to slow the pace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before a wave of personal-care industries , including nail salons and massage therapy and tattoo shops , are set to reopen in California .
The reasons for the rising numbers vary , but health officials have expressed concern about some people not following health and safety recommendations , including wearing face coverings and social distancing .
Los Angeles County public health officials on Wednesday reemphasized the need for people to maintain a physical distance around others , wash their hands and continue wearing face coverings as more public spaces reopen .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cover your nose and your mouth , along with keeping your distance from others , is very effective at preventing the spread of your droplets to others and thus reduces the risk of you infecting someone else unknowingly , ” said Dr. Christina Ghaly , director of the county ’ s Department of Health Services .
“ We need to respect and work with the structural changes in our communities that are being put in place.
” Los Angeles County officials have not yet outlined plans for the next stage of reopening .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday , bringing the death toll to 2,991 .
In addition , 2,129 new cases were announced , raising the countywide infection total to 77,189 .
Despite the uptick in the number of deaths , the county ’ s daily fatality rate has declined compared with a month ago .
In early May , the average daily number of deaths in the county was about 45 .
By early June , that number had dropped to about 33 , county Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said .
Hospitalizations have also remained steady , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reached a new milestone in the number of COVID-19 patients in hospitals .
As of Monday , 328 people were hospitalized for issues related to the coronavirus , according to the most recent data available .
The number marks the highest reported tally in the county since the onset of the pandemic .
County data also show that 131 of those people were being treated in the intensive care unit .
L.A. County once had the worst ICU coronavirus hospitalization rate on a per capita basis among all of California ’ s 58 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with Imperial County , Kings County and now Orange County having higher ICU coronavirus hospitalization rates , a recent Los Angeles Times analysis found .
L.A. County reports five ICU coronavirus patients per 100,000 residents .
Orange County has 5.2 ICU patients per 100,000 residents , while Kings County has 6.1 and Imperial County has 9.9 .
Coronavirus-related ICU hospitalizations have jumped 76 % in the last six weeks in Orange County .
During the week of May 4 , the county reported a seven-day average of 94 people with confirmed or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Last week , that number rose to an average of 165 hospitalized .
In early May , the number of people hospitalized for the virus in Orange County was in the low 200s .
A month later , those figures had jumped to the high 200s and low 300s .
Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett attributes some of the uptick to outbreaks in skilled nursing homes .
She also noted that about two dozen patients in Orange County hospitals were from Imperial County .
She added that Orange County Health Care Agency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a plan to reopen personal-care businesses in the county beginning Friday .
“ I look to our public health officer to keep monitoring the data for positivity rates , hospitalizations , ICU beds and deaths to determine whether we need to readjust our reopening plans or other policies such as face coverings , ” Bartlett said .
Despite the uptick in hospitalizations , Orange County Board of Supervisors Chair Michelle Steel indicated Wednesday that county leaders have no plans to tamp down on reopening plans .
“ Orange County has continued to meet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopening process and remains below the state ’ s threshold to continue moving forward in the ‘ resilience roadmap , ’ ” she said in a statement .
“ We will continue to do so in accordance with state and federal guidelines while watching these numbers closely.
” County officials have said other data points — such as deaths and the number of positive COVID-19 tests — paint a more promising picture , as both numbers in Orange County compare favorably with neighboring counties .
“ While we are not out of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good position to continue moving forward , ” Steel said last week “ and we have reason to be positive about where we are.
” In recent weeks , there has been a significant push from some county leaders and residents to reopen sections of the economy and loosen restrictions put in place to stem the spread of the coronavirus .
In Orange County , the use of face coverings in public has been pushed to the forefront of the conversation after officials rolled back a mandate requiring residents to wear the masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a clash outside county offices Tuesday , when a small group who gathered to oppose Orange County ’ s relaxed rules on face coverings was met by a much larger group who opposed their message .
The protesters crowded around the group , holding signs and shouting , “ Hey hey , ho ho , these masks have got to go ” and “ Fake news has got to go ” in singsong refrains .
Gloria Alvarado , the executive director of the Orange County Labor Federation , said the county ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ healthcare professionals at risk .
Union members who work in grocery stores have told stories of being spit on and yelled at by residents who don ’ t want to wear a mask , she said .
“ That ’ s what ’ s painful , ” she said .
“ A few weeks ago , we were celebrating the heroes , the frontline workers .
Now they ’ re asking us to stand with them for safety , and we see people in the community saying no.
” The battle over masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer Dr. Nichole Quick issued an order requiring that county residents and visitors wear face coverings while in a public place , at work or visiting a business where they are unable to stay six feet apart .
The move set off a firestorm of controversy as some residents and elected officials challenged the need for the widespread use of face coverings as more businesses in the region .
After several intense weeks defending her order , Quick resigned last week .
A day after she left , Chau was appointed as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with questions from the Board of Supervisors about when he would lift the face-covering order .
“ We can not impose restrictions on people based on fear , just based on theoretical fear , ” Supervisor Andrew Do said at the time .
“ If we open up and we have testing and we start to see changes , I understand the change in position .
We ’ re shooting at a moving target .
I ’ m not asking you to be reckless , but the decision-making process to me is flawed.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ back the requirement .
The new order strongly recommends that people wear masks in public settings but stops short of mandating it .
In Ventura County , health officials have been clear that it ’ s possible the region may have to press the pause button on reopening additional sectors of the economy if hospitalizations continue to rise .
Last week , there were an average of 91 people hospitalized in Ventura County with confirmed or suspected coronavirus infections , the highest number since early April .
That ’ s a 75 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks , The Times analysis found .
“ At this point , it would be foolhardy to just open up and continue to open up everything given … what our numbers are doing , ” said Dr. Robert Levin , the health officer in Ventura County .

Hannah Fry, Rong-Gong Lin II, Luke Money, Iris Lee

Employees at Finney’s Crafthouse in Ventura work last month to prepare the bar to open.
Officials across Southern California are grappling with whether to temper reopening efforts in the face of rising coronavirus hospitalizations, a move that seems likely to spark public outcry.
Statewide, hospitalizations among COVID-19 patients have been relatively flat for the last six weeks, even as officials have allowed myriad businesses to open their doors and a number of residents have resumed daily routines. But in Orange and Ventura counties, hospitalizations are again on the rise, prompting health experts to warn that if the trend continues, it could cause officials to slow the pace of reopening.
The warning comes days before a wave of personal-care industries, including nail salons and massage therapy and tattoo shops, are set to reopen in California. The reasons for the rising numbers vary, but health officials have expressed concern about some people not following health and safety recommendations, including wearing face coverings and social distancing.
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Los Angeles County public health officials on Wednesday reemphasized the need for people to maintain a physical distance around others, wash their hands and continue wearing face coverings as more public spaces reopen.
“We have learned that simple face coverings that cover your nose and your mouth, along with keeping your distance from others, is very effective at preventing the spread of your droplets to others and thus reduces the risk of you infecting someone else unknowingly,” said Dr. Christina Ghaly, director of the county’s Department of Health Services. “We need to respect and work with the structural changes in our communities that are being put in place.”
Los Angeles County officials have not yet outlined plans for the next stage of reopening.
County officials announced 34 new coronavirus-related fatalities Wednesday, bringing the death toll to 2,991. In addition, 2,129 new cases were announced, raising the countywide infection total to 77,189.
Despite the uptick in the number of deaths, the county’s daily fatality rate has declined compared with a month ago. In early May, the average daily number of deaths in the county was about 45. By early June, that number had dropped to about 33, county Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said.
Hospitalizations have also remained steady, officials said. But neighboring Orange County reached a new milestone in the number of COVID-19 patients in hospitals.
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As of Monday, 328 people were hospitalized for issues related to the coronavirus, according to the most recent data available. The number marks the highest reported tally in the county since the onset of the pandemic. County data also show that 131 of those people were being treated in the intensive care unit.
L.A. County once had the worst ICU coronavirus hospitalization rate on a per capita basis among all of California’s 58 counties. But that’s changed, with Imperial County, Kings County and now Orange County having higher ICU coronavirus hospitalization rates, a recent Los Angeles Times analysis found.
L.A. County reports five ICU coronavirus patients per 100,000 residents. Orange County has 5.2 ICU patients per 100,000 residents, while Kings County has 6.1 and Imperial County has 9.9.
Coronavirus-related ICU hospitalizations have jumped 76% in the last six weeks in Orange County. During the week of May 4, the county reported a seven-day average of 94 people with confirmed or suspected coronavirus infections in its ICU beds. Last week, that number rose to an average of 165 hospitalized.
In early May, the number of people hospitalized for the virus in Orange County was in the low 200s. A month later, those figures had jumped to the high 200s and low 300s.
Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett attributes some of the uptick to outbreaks in skilled nursing homes. She also noted that about two dozen patients in Orange County hospitals were from Imperial County.
She added that Orange County Health Care Agency Director Dr. Clayton Chau is still reviewing a plan to reopen personal-care businesses in the county beginning Friday.
“I look to our public health officer to keep monitoring the data for positivity rates, hospitalizations, ICU beds and deaths to determine whether we need to readjust our reopening plans or other policies such as face coverings,” Bartlett said.
Despite the uptick in hospitalizations, Orange County Board of Supervisors Chair Michelle Steel indicated Wednesday that county leaders have no plans to tamp down on reopening plans.
“Orange County has continued to meet the state’s metrics in the reopening process and remains below the state’s threshold to continue moving forward in the ‘resilience roadmap,’” she said in a statement. “We will continue to do so in accordance with state and federal guidelines while watching these numbers closely.”
County officials have said other data points — such as deaths and the number of positive COVID-19 tests — paint a more promising picture, as both numbers in Orange County compare favorably with neighboring counties.
“While we are not out of this completely yet, Orange County is in good position to continue moving forward,” Steel said last week “and we have reason to be positive about where we are.”
In recent weeks, there has been a significant push from some county leaders and residents to reopen sections of the economy and loosen restrictions put in place to stem the spread of the coronavirus. In Orange County, the use of face coverings in public has been pushed to the forefront of the conversation after officials rolled back a mandate requiring residents to wear the masks in public.
The debate led to a clash outside county offices Tuesday, when a small group who gathered to oppose Orange County’s relaxed rules on face coverings was met by a much larger group who opposed their message.
The protesters crowded around the group, holding signs and shouting, “Hey hey, ho ho, these masks have got to go” and “Fake news has got to go” in singsong refrains.
Gloria Alvarado, the executive director of the Orange County Labor Federation, said the county’s loosened mask policy had put workers and healthcare professionals at risk. Union members who work in grocery stores have told stories of being spit on and yelled at by residents who don’t want to wear a mask, she said.
“That’s what’s painful,” she said. “A few weeks ago, we were celebrating the heroes, the frontline workers. Now they’re asking us to stand with them for safety, and we see people in the community saying no.”
The battle over masks began in May, when then-county health officer Dr. Nichole Quick issued an order requiring that county residents and visitors wear face coverings while in a public place, at work or visiting a business where they are unable to stay six feet apart.
The move set off a firestorm of controversy as some residents and elected officials challenged the need for the widespread use of face coverings as more businesses in the region continued to reopen . After several intense weeks defending her order, Quick resigned last week.
A day after she left, Chau was appointed as the interim health officer and was immediately peppered with questions from the Board of Supervisors about when he would lift the face-covering order.
“We cannot impose restrictions on people based on fear, just based on theoretical fear,” Supervisor Andrew Do said at the time. “If we open up and we have testing and we start to see changes, I understand the change in position. We’re shooting at a moving target. I’m not asking you to be reckless, but the decision-making process to me is flawed.”
Two days later, Chau rolled back the requirement. The new order strongly recommends that people wear masks in public settings but stops short of mandating it.
In Ventura County, health officials have been clear that it’s possible the region may have to press the pause button on reopening additional sectors of the economy if hospitalizations continue to rise.
Last week, there were an average of 91 people hospitalized in Ventura County with confirmed or suspected coronavirus infections, the highest number since early April. That’s a 75% increase from each of the previous two weeks, The Times analysis found.
“At this point, it would be foolhardy to just open up and continue to open up everything given … what our numbers are doing,” said Dr. Robert Levin, the health officer in Ventura County.


latimes--2020-06-17--Apparent nooses found hanging from trees at Oakland lake spur debate, hate-crime probe

Oakland launched a hate-crime investigation after knotted ropes resembling nooses were found hanging from trees around a city lake , according to a statement from Mayor Libby Schaaf .
But later on Wednesday , the Oakland Police Department issued a statement suggesting that the five apparent nooses discovered near Lake Merritt could be part of an exercise routine or equipment .
Some neighbors expressed skepticism at that suggestion , and Schaaf noted that even if they were used for that purpose , it did not “ remove nor excuse their tortuous and terrorizing effects.
” The ropes , found Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Symbols of racial violence have no place in Oakland and will not be tolerated , ” Schaaf said in her statement .
There was wide debate on social media Wednesday on whether the knotted ropes were nooses or something else .
The Bay Area ’ s ABC-7 interviewed a man who said the ropes were used to hook up a swing .
At a news conference , Wednesday afternoon , Nicholas Williams , the city ’ s director of Parks , Recreation and Youth Development , said while some of the ropes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ some of it absolutely was not.
” Blake Simons , an Oakland resident and co-host of the Hella Black podcast , also rejected speculation that the ropes were used for recreation .
“ People don ’ t exercise like that , ” he said .
“ The rope was hella high up in the tree , ” he said , noting there were many .
He added that Lake Merritt is a place where Black residents hang out and congregate , and this incident represents just one more act of racial aggression @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a spate of recent , high-profile occurrences in the area .
In 2018 , a white woman , later dubbed “ BBQ Becky ” on social media , called the police on two Black men grilling by the lake .
That same year , there was “ Jogger Joe , ” a white man who paused during his run to dismantle and destroy a homeless man ’ s shelter .
Simons is not satisfied with the mayor ’ s response .
“ This happened yesterday morning , ” he said .
“ And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only now ?
” In a statement issued by the Oakland Police Department , the law enforcement agency noted that it recognized “ especially at this time ... any ropes on or attached to trees , limbs or other objects can be associated with hate crimes and racial violence.
” “ We remind and ask our community to be mindful when using this equipment in a recreational manner , ” wrote Johnna Watson , the department ’ s press officer .
The discovery of the ropes comes as much of California is on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FBI and California Department of Justice are monitoring investigations into the deaths of two Black men found hanging from trees in Victorville and Palmdale .
Authorities initially said the men died by suicide .
The incident also comes as Oakland has been roiled by protests and property damage in response to the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody , as well as a federal investigation that revealed Tuesday that the man who fatally shot a guard in Oakland in late May had ties to a right-wing extremist movement known as “ @ @ @

Oakland launched a hate-crime investigation after knotted ropes resembling nooses were found hanging from trees around a city lake, according to a statement from Mayor Libby Schaaf.
But later on Wednesday, the Oakland Police Department issued a statement suggesting that the five apparent nooses discovered near Lake Merritt could be part of an exercise routine or equipment.
Some neighbors expressed skepticism at that suggestion, and Schaaf noted that even if they were used for that purpose, it did not “remove nor excuse their tortuous and terrorizing effects.”
The ropes, found Tuesday morning, have since been removed.
“Symbols of racial violence have no place in Oakland and will not be tolerated,” Schaaf said in her statement.
There was wide debate on social media Wednesday on whether the knotted ropes were nooses or something else. The Bay Area’s ABC-7 interviewed a man who said the ropes were used to hook up a swing.
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At a news conference, Wednesday afternoon, Nicholas Williams, the city’s director of Parks, Recreation and Youth Development, said while some of the ropes may have been used for exercise, “some of it absolutely was not.”
Blake Simons, an Oakland resident and co-host of the Hella Black podcast, also rejected speculation that the ropes were used for recreation.
“People don’t exercise like that,” he said.
“The rope was hella high up in the tree,” he said, noting there were many.
He added that Lake Merritt is a place where Black residents hang out and congregate, and this incident represents just one more act of racial aggression and “white supremacist terror” in a spate of recent, high-profile occurrences in the area.
In 2018, a white woman, later dubbed “BBQ Becky” on social media, called the police on two Black men grilling by the lake. That same year, there was “Jogger Joe,” a white man who paused during his run to dismantle and destroy a homeless man’s shelter.
Simons is not satisfied with the mayor’s response.
“This happened yesterday morning,” he said. “And she’s sending out a statement only now?”
In a statement issued by the Oakland Police Department, the law enforcement agency noted that it recognized “especially at this time ... any ropes on or attached to trees, limbs or other objects can be associated with hate crimes and racial violence.”
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“We remind and ask our community to be mindful when using this equipment in a recreational manner,” wrote
Johnna Watson, the department’s press officer.
Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf issued this statement Wednesday. (Oakland Office of the Mayor)
The discovery of the ropes comes as much of California is on edge about potential racial violence. The FBI and California Department of Justice are monitoring investigations into the deaths of two Black men found hanging from trees in Victorville and Palmdale. Authorities initially said the men died by suicide.
The incident also comes as Oakland has been roiled by protests and property damage in response to the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody, as well as a federal investigation that revealed Tuesday that the man who fatally shot a guard in Oakland in late May had ties to a right-wing extremist movement known as “boogaloo.”


latimes--2020-06-17--Amid outcry over failure to address police reform and racism, Healdsburg mayor to resign

The mayor of a California wine country town says she ’ ll resign after furor in recent weeks over her initial failure to address the topics of police brutality and racism amid the surging Black Lives Matter movement .
Healdsburg Mayor Leah Gold says she will step down on June 30 and hopes that a person of color will fill her position on the all-white City Council , a demand raised in a petition calling for her resignation .
“ Although I feel positively about my contributions and have many loyal supporters , I ’ m certain there are also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people of color ] members of our community who could serve our city well , ” Gold said in a statement Tuesday .
“ As I ’ ve considered how I can help Healdsburg advance in racial justice during this critical juncture , I believe that one of the ways I can contribute is by creating a space for a person of color to join the City Council.
” The mayor told The Times that her decision was largely due to the fact that the criticism , which she mostly received on social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ letters , was overwhelming .
“ We expect as public figures on the City Council to take a certain amount of abuse , but this was just more than I had signed up for .
I didn ’ t want to put myself in that position any longer , ” she said .
“ It ’ s going to be hard to get a citizen representative if they ’ re exposed to this treatment.
” The public scrutiny over Gold ’ s comments and actions began in early June .
Following outrage that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers , the Healdsburg City Council decided not to include police reform on its June 1 agenda after a resident raised the issue .
Gold said that misuse of force by police was not a problem in Healdsburg , a statement many residents deemed ignorant .
They said Gold believed that racism did not exist in the Sonoma County city of roughly 12,000 .
According to the U.S. census , the town is made up of 77.5 % white residents and 30 % Latino @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one box ) .
Less than 1 % of residents are identified as American Indian or Alaskan Native , and 1.5 % are identified as Asian .
The comments were followed by advice for people to refrain from demonstrations amid reports of violence in the early days of protests .
“ Speaking only for myself as a Healdsburg resident , I urge my community to refrain from any public demonstration at this time .
As has been evidenced in many other local communities , there are opportunistic , destructive factions involved who may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protest you envision , ” she wrote in a statement on Facebook .
Gold later denounced the sentiment that her views were racist , saying that “ racism is an issue everywhere ” and that the town should , after all , be involved in the conversation over police brutality .
She thanked peaceful protesters and said she signed the Obama Foundation ’ s Mayor ’ s Pledge to review police use-of-force polices .
“ At this time when the entire country is re-examining use of force by police and its inequitable application @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Healdsburg should be involved in the dialog , ” she said in the statement .
But for many , the mayor ’ s newfound understanding of a longtime issue came too late .
“ Clearly , the mayor is out of touch with reality and is not in a position to lead our city in an inclusive and forward-moving manner .
We call for her resignation immediately , and for her to be replaced by a BIPOC , so that all citizens of Healdsburg can be represented , ” read a Change.org petition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ petition garnered about 1,885 signatures from people who shared experiences of racism in Healdsburg and others who deemed Gold ’ s comments a sign of white privilege .
“ I ’ m signing because black lives matter .
WHITE SILENCE IS VIOLENCE , ” read one .
“ To say there is no racism in Healdsburg is to be completely out of touch with our community .
It has existed all of the nearly 50 years I have lived here .
I see it every day .
I have even been yelled at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country , ” read another .
Gold has lived in Healdsburg for about 28 years and has served on the City Council off and on for the past 20 years.Her term as mayor would have ended in December , though her term on the City Council would have run for two more years .

Healdsburg Mayor Leah Gold gets into a pointed exchange with protesters on June 11. Gold has said she will resign as mayor of the small wine country town.
The mayor of a California wine country town says she’ll resign after furor in recent weeks over her initial failure to address the topics of police brutality and racism amid the surging Black Lives Matter movement.
Healdsburg Mayor Leah Gold says she will step down on June 30 and hopes that a person of color will fill her position on the all-white City Council, a demand raised in a petition calling for her resignation.
“Although I feel positively about my contributions and have many loyal supporters, I’m certain there are also many BIPOC [Black, indigenous, people of color] members of our community who could serve our city well,” Gold said in a statement Tuesday. “As I’ve considered how I can help Healdsburg advance in racial justice during this critical juncture, I believe that one of the ways I can contribute is by creating a space for a person of color to join the City Council.”
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The mayor told The Times that her decision was largely due to the overwhelming criticism, which she mostly received on social media in addition to some calls and letters.
“We expect as public figures on the City Council to take a certain amount of abuse, but this was just more than I had signed up for. I didn’t want to put myself in that position any longer,” she said. “It’s going to be hard to get a citizen representative if they’re exposed to this treatment.”
The public scrutiny over Gold’s comments and actions began in early June. After the outrage that erupted throughout the country over the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers, the Healdsburg City Council decided not to include police reform on its June 1 agenda after a resident raised the issue.
Gold said that misuse of force by police was not a problem in Healdsburg, a statement many residents deemed ignorant. They said Gold believed that racism did not exist in the Sonoma County city of roughly 12,000. According to the U.S. census, the town is made up of 77.5% white residents and 30% Latino residents (people can check more than one box). Less than 1% of residents are identified as American Indian or Alaskan Native, and 1.5% are identified as Asian.
The comments were followed by advice for people to refrain from demonstrations amid reports of violence in the early days of protests.
“Speaking only for myself as a Healdsburg resident, I urge my community to refrain from any public demonstration at this time. As has been evidenced in many other local communities, there are opportunistic, destructive factions involved who may not allow you to have the peaceful protest you envision,” she wrote in a statement on Facebook.
Gold later denounced the sentiment that her views were racist, saying that “racism is an issue everywhere” and that the town should, after all, be involved in the conversation over police brutality. She thanked peaceful protesters and said she signed the Obama Foundation’s Mayor’s Pledge to review police use-of-force polices.
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“At this time when the entire country is re-examining use of force by police and its inequitable application to people of color, of course Healdsburg should be involved in the dialog,” she said in the statement.
But for many, the mayor’s newfound understanding of a longtime issue came too late.
“Clearly, the mayor is out of touch with reality and is not in a position to lead our city in an inclusive and forward-moving manner. We call for her resignation immediately, and for her to be replaced by a BIPOC, so that all citizens of Healdsburg can be represented,” read a Change.org petition that launched two weeks ago.
The petition garnered about 1,885 signatures from people who shared experiences of racism in Healdsburg and others who deemed Gold’s comments a sign of white privilege.
“I’m signing because black lives matter. WHITE SILENCE IS VIOLENCE,” read one.
“To say there is no racism in Healdsburg is to be completely out of touch with our community. It has existed all of the nearly 50 years I have lived here. I see it every day. I have even been yelled at, to go back to my own country,” read another.
Gold has lived in Healdsburg for about 28 years and has served on the City Council off and on for the past 20 years.Her term as mayor would have ended in December, though her term on the City Council would have run for two more years.


latimes--2020-06-17--Wind-driven brush fire in Northern California triggers evacuations

A fast-moving brush fire that ’ s charred 1,100 acres in a rural section of Calaveras County prompted officials to issue an evacuation warning for homes in the area ahead of strong winds expected in the region Wednesday .
The blaze , known as the Walker fire , broke out shortly before 5 p.m. Tuesday in a hilly area about 10 miles north of Copperopolis , the nearest community , and about 45 miles east of Stockton .
The fire was initially reported as being about 10 acres , but windy , dry conditions had primed the area for fast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the blaze had expanded to 1,000 acres , said Emily Kilgore , a public information officer for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection .
A remote video camera installed by the ALERTWildfire program at Upper Bear near New Hogan Lake recorded the fire ’ s first moments Tuesday evening .
The video shows thick , gray smoke billowing above the hillside as the fire expanded rapidly in the first hour .
The program , an effort by three universities — UC San Diego , the University of Nevada Reno and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help firefighters and first responders investigate fire origins and behavior .
The program is funded by California utilities .
Firefighters worked through the night to get a handle on the blaze ahead of strong winds expected to buffet the region Wednesday .
Officials also issued an evacuation warning for about 50 properties , mostly small ranches , in Angels Camp .
The Red Cross opened evacuation centers at Mountain Oaks School and at the Copperopolis Armory and Community Center .
The fire was 10 % contained Wednesday morning .
Two structures have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigating what sparked the fire .
The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning through 8 p.m. because of low humidity and gusty winds that could prime the fire for explosive growth .
Winds of 10-25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph and daytime relative humidity between 8 % and 15 % are expected through the day .
The winds and steep terrain in the area are hindering fire crews .
Roughly 415 firefighters are battling the blaze on the ground and from the airusing five helicopters and four tanker airplanes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make good headway on the fire last night , but we still have additional crews coming in today , ” she said .
“ The winds are definitely a primary concern .
”

The Walker fire in an image from a remote camera near New Hogan Lake in Calaveras County on Tuesday.
A fast-moving brush fire that’s charred 1,100 acres in a rural section of Calaveras County prompted officials to issue an evacuation warning for homes in the area ahead of strong winds expected in the region Wednesday.
The blaze, known as the Walker fire, broke out shortly before 5 p.m. Tuesday in a hilly area about 10 miles north of Copperopolis, the nearest community, and about 45 miles east of Stockton.
The fire was initially reported as being about 10 acres, but windy, dry conditions had primed the area for fast fire growth. Roughly an hour later, the blaze had expanded to 1,000 acres, said Emily Kilgore, a public information officer for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
A remote video camera installed by the ALERTWildfire program at Upper Bear near New Hogan Lake recorded the fire’s first moments Tuesday evening. The video shows thick, gray smoke billowing above the hillside as the fire expanded rapidly in the first hour.
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The program, an effort by three universities — UC San Diego, the University of Nevada Reno and the University of Oregon — aims to help firefighters and first responders investigate fire origins and behavior. The program is funded by California utilities.
Firefighters worked through the night to get a handle on the blaze ahead of strong winds expected to buffet the region Wednesday. Officials also issued an evacuation warning for about 50 properties, mostly small ranches, in Angels Camp.
The Red Cross opened evacuation centers at Mountain Oaks School and at the Copperopolis Armory and Community Center.
The fire was 10% contained Wednesday morning. Two structures have been destroyed in the blaze. Officials are investigating what sparked the fire.
The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning through 8 p.m. because of low humidity and gusty winds that could prime the fire for explosive growth. Winds of 10-25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph and daytime relative humidity between 8% and 15% are expected through the day.
The winds and steep terrain in the area are hindering fire crews. Roughly 415 firefighters are battling the blaze on the ground and from the airusing five helicopters and four tanker airplanes, Kilgore said.
“They did make good headway on the fire last night, but we still have additional crews coming in today,” she said. “The winds are definitely a primary concern.”


latimes--2020-06-17--Far-right 'boogaloo boys' linked to killing of California law officers and other violence

In the wake of the killing of two law enforcement officers in Northern California , more attention is being directed to the “ boogaloo ” movement , a far-right fringe group that has been tied to violence around the country .
On Tuesday , federal law enforcement officials announced they were charging Air Force Sgt .
Steven Carrillo , 32 , and suspected accomplice Robert A. Justus Jr. , 30 , in the May 29 shooting death of a federal security officer in Oakland .
Carrillo also faces state charges in the June 6 killing of a Santa Cruz sheriff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ executive director of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at Cal State San Bernardino , says boogaloo followers include ultra-libertarians and white supremacists , but they all share a belief that a second civil war is coming .
“ They are 2nd Amendment insurrectionists , ” Levin said .
“ The boogaloo boys believe in armed insurrection and include attacks on the police.
” Other experts on extremists said the boogaloo movement was still evolving and its philosophy varied depending on geography and the underlying beliefs of individual members .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ war to reset American society , experts say , their desired new society varies — some want to embrace racism , and others want to focus on armed libertarianism .
Many followers discovered the movement on internet chat sites .
It then migrated to more mainstream social media , including Facebook and TikTok , where young adherents post videos of themselves dancing in their trademark Hawaiian shirts .
How widespread is the movement ?
Devin Burghart , executive director of the Institute for Research and Education on Human Rights , which tracks far-right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including the boogaloo movement , increased their online presence dramatically when governments ordered shutdowns to protect people during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Adherents attended protests calling for businesses to reopen and later shifted to the demonstrations held following the police killing of George Floyd , he said .
Following President Trump ’ s call for “ MAGA night ” on Twitter after protesters demonstrated in front of the White House , Burghart said , he saw an uptick in alt-right participation in Floyd rallies .
“ We only saw a handful of instances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We saw more boogaloo boys showing up at rallies with their Hawaiian shirts.
” Members of the New Mexico Civil Guard militia group , one of whom is accused of shooting a protester recently over the removal of a statue , also have ties to the boogaloo movement , he said .
“ A number of boogaloo boys started in different elements of the far right , ” Burghart said , “ and have been drawn to the more confrontational stance of the boogaloo over time.
” Levin says the center ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homicides connected to far-right extremists in the U.S. since 2019 .
That number doesn ’ t include the most recent Bay Area killings .
The FBI arrested three devotees of the boogaloo movement in Nevada recently .
They were charged with inciting violence with the use of Molotov cocktails at protests .
What do we know about the California suspects ?
When authorities searched Carrillo ’ s home , they found ammunition , firearms , bomb-making equipment , and a bullet-resistant vest with a curious patch .
The patch included an igloo and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boogaloo .
Justus , the Millbrae , Calif. , man who is Carrillo ’ s suspected accomplice , had social media posts showing support for boogaloo memes .
One post reviewed by the Los Angeles Times names people who have been killed by law enforcement , including Oscar Grant , shot by transit police at Oakland ’ s Fruitvale station in 2009 , and Vicki Weaver , wife of white supremacist Randy Weaver , who was killed by an FBI sniper during the 1992 Ruby Ridge siege in Idaho .
The federal government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carrillo with the murder of federal security officer David Patrick Underwood , 53 , a resident of the small East Bay city of Pinole , and the attempted murder of Underwood ’ s partner .
The security officers were shot while guarding a federal building in downtown Oakland during a Floyd protest .
The pair used the protest as a cover for their plans to attack law enforcement , said FBI Special Agent in Charge Jack Bennett .
“ There is no evidence that these men had any intention to join the demonstration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Tuesday news conference .
“ They came to Oakland to kill cops.
” Federal officials said Justus was behind the wheel of a white van that carried Carrillo , who fired the shots .
Surveillance video showed that Carrillo slid open the van ’ s side door to fire his weapon , officials said , as Justus acted at the getaway driver .
The two men were linked through cellphone records , officials said .
Carrillo used a privately made , unmarked machine gun — a so-called ghost gun — with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The federal complaint against Carrillo said law enforcement found similarities in fired cartridge cases at the shootings in both Oakland and Santa Cruz .
Evidence in the van led authorities to Carrillo ’ s Ben Lomond , Calif. , home .
There , in the early afternoon , Carrillo allegedly opened fire on deputies , killing Sgt .
Damon Gutzwiller and injuring another deputy .
An explosion then rocked the property , the Sheriff ’ s Office said .
Carrillo was shot during the gunfire , ran away and then hijacked a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the federal complaint against him .
When he was arrested , he was bleeding from his hip .
Carrillo apparently used his own blood to write messages on the hood of the hijacked car , the complaint said .
It identified the writing as “ BOOG , ” “ I Became Unreasonable , ” and “ Stop the Duopoly .
”

Richard Winton, Maura Dolan, Anita Chabria

David L. Anderson, U.S. attorney for the Northern District of California, announces at a news conference Tuesday the charges brought in the shooting deaths of two officers.
In the wake of the killing of two law enforcement officers in Northern California, more attention is being directed to the “boogaloo” movement, a far-right fringe group that has been tied to violence around the country.
On Tuesday, federal law enforcement officials announced they were charging Air Force Sgt. Steven Carrillo, 32, and suspected accomplice Robert A. Justus Jr., 30, in the May 29 shooting death of a federal security officer in Oakland.
Carrillo also faces state charges in the June 6 killing of a Santa Cruz sheriff’s deputy.
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What is boogaloo?
Brian Levin, executive director of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at Cal State San Bernardino, says boogaloo followers include ultra-libertarians and white supremacists, but they all share a belief that a second civil war is coming.
“They are 2nd Amendment insurrectionists,” Levin said. “The boogaloo boys believe in armed insurrection and include attacks on the police.”
Other experts on extremists said the boogaloo movement was still evolving and its philosophy varied depending on geography and the underlying beliefs of individual members.
Although followers all want a second civil war to reset American society, experts say, their desired new society varies — some want to embrace racism, and others want to focus on armed libertarianism.
Many followers discovered the movement on internet chat sites. It then migrated to more mainstream social media, including Facebook and TikTok, where young adherents post videos of themselves dancing in their trademark Hawaiian shirts.
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How widespread is the movement?
Devin Burghart, executive director of the Institute for Research and Education on Human Rights, which tracks far-right extremist activity, said alt-right groups, including the boogaloo movement, increased their online presence dramatically when governments ordered shutdowns to protect people during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Adherents attended protests calling for businesses to reopen and later shifted to the demonstrations held following the police killing of George Floyd, he said.
Following President Trump’s call for “MAGA night” on Twitter after protesters demonstrated in front of the White House, Burghart said, he saw an uptick in alt-right participation in Floyd rallies.
“We only saw a handful of instances” before that, Burghart said. “We saw more boogaloo boys showing up at rallies with their Hawaiian shirts.”
Members of the New Mexico Civil Guard militia group, one of whom is accused of shooting a protester recently over the removal of a statue, also have ties to the boogaloo movement, he said.
“A number of boogaloo boys started in different elements of the far right,” Burghart said, “and have been drawn to the more confrontational stance of the boogaloo over time.”
Levin says the center’s research shows there have been 27 homicides connected to far-right extremists in the U.S. since 2019. That number doesn’t include the most recent Bay Area killings. The FBI arrested three devotees of the boogaloo movement in Nevada recently. They were charged with inciting violence with the use of Molotov cocktails at protests.
VIDEO | 07:01 Far-right ‘boogaloo boys’ are linked to killing of law enforcement officers and other violence. Watch LA Times Today at 7 PM/10PM on channel 1 on Spectrum News 1, and on Cox systems in Palos Verdes and Orange County on channel 99.
What do we know about the California suspects?
When authorities searched Carrillo’s home, they found ammunition, firearms, bomb-making equipment, and a bullet-resistant vest with a curious patch.
The patch included an igloo and a Hawaiian-style print, markings associated with boogaloo.
Justus, the Millbrae, Calif., man who is Carrillo’s suspected accomplice, had social media posts showing support for boogaloo memes. One post reviewed by the Los Angeles Times names people who have been killed by law enforcement, including Oscar Grant, shot by transit police at Oakland’s Fruitvale station in 2009, and Vicki Weaver, wife of white supremacist Randy Weaver, who was killed by an FBI sniper during the 1992 Ruby Ridge siege in Idaho.
The federal government on Tuesday announced that it had charged Carrillo with the murder of federal security officer David Patrick Underwood, 53, a resident of the small East Bay city of Pinole, and the attempted murder of Underwood’s partner.
The security officers were shot while guarding a federal building in downtown Oakland during a Floyd protest. The pair used the protest as a cover for their plans to attack law enforcement, said FBI Special Agent in Charge Jack Bennett.
“There is no evidence that these men had any intention to join the demonstration in Oakland,” Bennett said at a Tuesday news conference. “They came to Oakland to kill cops.”
Federal officials said Justus was behind the wheel of a white van that carried Carrillo, who fired the shots. Surveillance video showed that Carrillo slid open the van’s side door to fire his weapon, officials said, as Justus acted at the getaway driver.
The two men were linked through cellphone records, officials said. Carrillo used a privately made, unmarked machine gun — a so-called ghost gun — with a silencer to kill Underwood, Bennett said. The federal complaint against Carrillo said law enforcement found similarities in fired cartridge cases at the shootings in both Oakland and Santa Cruz.
Evidence in the van led authorities to Carrillo’s Ben Lomond, Calif., home. There, in the early afternoon, Carrillo allegedly opened fire on deputies, killing Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller and injuring another deputy. An explosion then rocked the property, the Sheriff’s Office said.
Carrillo was shot during the gunfire, ran away and then hijacked a car on a nearby highway, according to the federal complaint against him. When he was arrested, he was bleeding from his hip.
Carrillo apparently used his own blood to write messages on the hood of the hijacked car, the complaint said. It identified the writing as “BOOG,” “I Became Unreasonable,” and “Stop the Duopoly.”


latimes--2020-06-17--As L.A. reopens, an underground dance party draws revelers and worries health experts

At midnight on Friday , a security guard opened a thick steel door into a South L.A. warehouse .
Unfamiliar sounds of late poured out from underneath : music , laughing and dancing .
“ Inside , inside , ” the guard commanded , and slammed it shut behind a small line of wary but elated partygoers in paisley-print facemasks .
A pink neon light beckoned them to a pair of masked ushers , who checked tickets for what was likely L.A. ’ s first underground club night since the coronavirus lockdowns began .
Around a dozen techno fans clustered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an enclosed main dance floor .
The crowd wasn ’ t very big , at that point far fewer than 100 people .
But as more guests trickled in to see the dark-techno DJ Axkan perform , some looked around in giddy disbelief that this was actually happening during a pandemic .
One young woman , spritzing fellow guests with hand sanitizer as they walked in , seemed sanguine about the virus , which has claimed more than 5,000 lives in California .
“ I ’ m not worried .
I ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” she said , in a macabre , deadpan tone .
“ I guess I ’ m just not going to hang out with my grandma for a while.
” As COVID-19 shut down the concert industry and all nightlife in L.A. since March , artists , promoters and fans have worried that the pandemic is an existential threat to their livelihoods and culture .
Some have tried to replicate the experience with livestreams or drive-in concerts , and even Coachella had to finally wave the white flag for 2020 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ projected annual revenue all but obliterated this year , and musicians and nightlife workers often struggle to get unemployment benefits .
Although Los Angeles County ’ s retail stores , restaurants , museums and gyms have been allowed to resume business despite the ongoing coronavirus outbreak , concerts and music venues are still prohibited from opening under state rules and L.A. County ’ s Roadmap to Recovery .
From major festivals to neighborhood rock clubs , no one can legally return to live events until Gov .
Gavin Newsom moves the state into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses .
Perhaps it was only a matter of time until someone decided to throw one anyway .
So far , there have been no reports or accounts of other L.A. concert promoters holding similar underground shows .
But some promoters acknowledged they ’ re considering how to safely produce their own events once regulations loosen .
Is throwing a renegade concert with a pandemic still ripping through California , as the young woman put it , “ suicidal ” or inevitable , given that restaurants , churches and casinos are filling up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even those who are sympathetic to mass gatherings like the recent protests against police brutality , congregating at a party indoors is a head-spinning gamble .
“ Frankly , I think these are a terrible idea , ” said Dr. Tara C. Smith , an epidemiologist and professor at Kent State University ’ s College of Public Health , who has written and spoken widely on COVID-19 and its transmission risks .
“ I understand that everyone wants to get back to normal , but being in a small enclosed area in close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the highest-risk activities one can do.
” Organizers for Friday ’ s show , which was called Technometrik , were discreet about advertising it , knowing that they lacked permits for such an event .
But they did make an online promotion with contact information , and anyone over 21 could buy a $ 20 pass to attend through the popular event-ticketing platform Resident Advisor .
Inside the venue , promoters took many of the obvious precautions .
Masks were mandatory and hand sanitizer was abundant .
The 100-person crowd was well below @ @ @ @ @ @ @ floor , and the DJ ’ s stage was set way back from fans .
Smith , when told about the safety measures , was not convinced such measures were enough .
“ Masks on everyone could help reduce the risk a bit , but even if many in the crowd were wearing them , I suspect they ’ d pull them down to talk , likely in very close proximity if the music is loud .
Many would take them off to drink as well , ” she added .
“ Will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Tested for virus before performing ?
How are they being protected from the crowd and the crowd from them ?
We know that singing and shouting appear to help spread the virus farther than mere breathing or talking , which introduces additional risk.
” The event ’ s promoter , Xavier Perez , declined comment when reached by phone .
But the headlining DJ , veteran L.A. techno producer Axkan ( the alias of Federico Sánchez Leyva ) , said he felt confident in the party ’ s security measures and was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear with the promoter that if it doesn ’ t look safe I ’ m going to have to cancel , ” he said .
“ When I got there , I was worried it would be packed , but everyone had enough space to walk , and the stage was secluded in the back , with a big opening to the outdoors .
It felt safe enough .
I was a little worried in the morning , like , ‘ Am I OK ?
’ But to be honest , it felt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ produced and performed electronic music for two decades and toured across the globe , said he was sympathetic to techno fans starving for community , and to artists who desperately need to play to make a living .
“ This was the longest I ’ ve ever not played in five years .
But I was worried as well .
I ’ m not 20 , and the older you are there are more chances of [ the virus ] getting worse , ” he said .
“ I was a little nervous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ techno community .
Everyone ’ s eager to get out there .
Safety is everyone ’ s responsibility .
The promoter has to do their best , but you ’ re responsible for your own safety.
” Several other established promoters in the L.A. underground had mixed reactions to the idea of throwing a club night while COVID-19 rages .
None would speak on the record about the specific event , but when told about the party , many used words like “ reckless , ” “ unnecessary , ” “ surprised ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Some said they ’ d been exploring the possibility that an outdoor , distanced event might be possible in the next few months , but would not throw a show like this right now .
Others also lamented that total COVID-19 social-abstinence is impractical , and the virus has become a way to prove your righteousness through isolation .
Fans going into Friday ’ s event were often reluctant to say how they felt about it .
One young masked partygoer , who introduced himself as Alan , said , “ This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be following every precaution.
” Some treated it like any other night out : One young woman in sci-fi raver attire ordered a delivery burrito to her car parked outside the venue before going in .
Sacha Lopez , a 30-year-old dance music fan from L.A. , said outside the party gates that underground techno was her main social community , and she ’ d been suffering without its comradeship .
“ This is a celebration , it ’ s a beautiful feeling to be here , ” she said .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without this .
You do everything you can to be safe , but at some point , you have to take that chance.
” Most established L.A. underground club promoters , even if their events aren ’ t fully permitted , take a range of precautions to ensure fan safety , especially after the 2016 Ghost Ship venue fire in Oakland , which killed 36 people .
Such shows are an essential part of queer , multiracial music culture in L.A. , and set the tone for bigger events like the Coachella Valley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Los Angeles Nightlife Alliance have emerged to advocate for the scene and promote best practices for safety .
But the pandemic has scrambled any sense of what “ safe ” means when large gatherings like concerts are banned to prevent the spread of a deadly virus .
Nightlife will resume someday , but it ’ s clear that L.A. should be prepared for some kinds of concerts returning ahead of schedule .
“ I was scheduled to attend several concerts this summer , and am bummed to have to wait , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is just going to be one more venue for the virus to spread .
”

At midnight on Friday, a security guard opened a thick steel door into a South L.A. warehouse. Unfamiliar sounds of late poured out from underneath: music, laughing and dancing. “Inside, inside,” the guard commanded, and slammed it shut behind a small line of wary but elated partygoers in paisley-print facemasks. A pink neon light beckoned them to a pair of masked ushers, who checked tickets for what was likely L.A.’s first underground club night since the coronavirus lockdowns began.
Around a dozen techno fans clustered on the small outdoor patio next to an enclosed main dance floor. The crowd wasn’t very big, at that point far fewer than 100 people. But as more guests trickled in to see the dark-techno DJ Axkan perform, some looked around in giddy disbelief that this was actually happening during a pandemic. One young woman, spritzing fellow guests with hand sanitizer as they walked in, seemed sanguine about the virus, which has claimed more than 5,000 lives in California.
“I’m not worried. I’ve been suicidal since I was a teen,” she said, in a macabre, deadpan tone. “I guess I’m just not going to hang out with my grandma for a while.”
As COVID-19 shut down the concert industry and all nightlife in L.A. since March, artists, promoters and fans have worried that the pandemic is an existential threat to their livelihoods and culture. Some have tried to replicate the experience with livestreams or drive-in concerts, and even Coachella had to finally wave the white flag for 2020. The concert industry could see its $12.2-billion projected annual revenue all but obliterated this year, and musicians and nightlife workers often struggle to get unemployment benefits.
Although Los Angeles County’s retail stores, restaurants, museums and gyms have been allowed to resume business despite the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, concerts and music venues are still prohibited from opening under state rules and L.A. County’s Roadmap to Recovery. From major festivals to neighborhood rock clubs, no one can legally return to live events until Gov. Gavin Newsom moves the state into Phase 4 of his plan to reopen businesses.
Perhaps it was only a matter of time until someone decided to throw one anyway.
So far, there have been no reports or accounts of other L.A. concert promoters holding similar underground shows. But some promoters acknowledged they’re considering how to safely produce their own events once regulations loosen. Is throwing a renegade concert with a pandemic still ripping through California, as the young woman put it, “suicidal” or inevitable, given that restaurants, churches and casinos are filling up anyway?
For public health professionals, even those who are sympathetic to mass gatherings like the recent protests against police brutality, congregating at a party indoors is a head-spinning gamble.
“Frankly, I think these are a terrible idea,” said Dr. Tara C. Smith, an epidemiologist and professor at Kent State University’s College of Public Health, who has written and spoken widely on COVID-19 and its transmission risks. “I understand that everyone wants to get back to normal, but being in a small enclosed area in close contact with many others is one of the highest-risk activities one can do.”
Music What will concerts look like when California reopens? California is slowly reopening, providing hope that you might soon see your favorite artist in concert. But from an arena stage? A computer screen? A drive-in?
Organizers for Friday’s show, which was called Technometrik, were discreet about advertising it, knowing that they lacked permits for such an event. But they did make an online promotion with contact information, and anyone over 21 could buy a $20 pass to attend through the popular event-ticketing platform Resident Advisor.
Inside the venue, promoters took many of the obvious precautions. Masks were mandatory and hand sanitizer was abundant. The 100-person crowd was well below capacity, even on the main dance floor, and the DJ’s stage was set way back from fans.
Smith, when told about the safety measures, was not convinced such measures were enough.
“Masks on everyone could help reduce the risk a bit, but even if many in the crowd were wearing them, I suspect they’d pull them down to talk, likely in very close proximity if the music is loud. Many would take them off to drink as well,” she added. “Will the [artist] be behind plexiglass? Tested for virus before performing? How are they being protected from the crowd and the crowd from them? We know that singing and shouting appear to help spread the virus farther than mere breathing or talking, which introduces additional risk.”
The event’s promoter, Xavier Perez, declined comment when reached by phone. But the headlining DJ, veteran L.A. techno producer Axkan (the alias of Federico Sánchez Leyva), said he felt confident in the party’s security measures and was happy to play.
“I was clear with the promoter that if it doesn’t look safe I’m going to have to cancel,” he said. “When I got there, I was worried it would be packed, but everyone had enough space to walk, and the stage was secluded in the back, with a big opening to the outdoors. It felt safe enough. I was a little worried in the morning, like, ‘Am I OK?’ But to be honest, it felt great.”
Techno DJ/producer Axkan performed at the Technometrik party on Friday: “To be honest, it felt great.” (Dean Paul De Leon / Omen Recordings)
Sánchez Leyva, who has produced and performed electronic music for two decades and toured across the globe, said he was sympathetic to techno fans starving for community, and to artists who desperately need to play to make a living.
“This was the longest I’ve ever not played in five years. But I was worried as well. I’m not 20, and the older you are there are more chances of [the virus] getting worse,” he said. “I was a little nervous but I also wanted to support the techno community. Everyone’s eager to get out there. Safety is everyone’s responsibility. The promoter has to do their best, but you’re responsible for your own safety.”
Several other established promoters in the L.A. underground had mixed reactions to the idea of throwing a club night while COVID-19 rages. None would speak on the record about the specific event, but when told about the party, many used words like “reckless,” “unnecessary,” “surprised” or, more succinctly, “wow.” Some said they’d been exploring the possibility that an outdoor, distanced event might be possible in the next few months, but would not throw a show like this right now. Others also lamented that total COVID-19 social-abstinence is impractical, and the virus has become a way to prove your righteousness through isolation.
Fans going into Friday’s event were often reluctant to say how they felt about it. One young masked partygoer, who introduced himself as Alan, said, “This feels pretty safe, they seem to be following every precaution.” Some treated it like any other night out: One young woman in sci-fi raver attire ordered a delivery burrito to her car parked outside the venue before going in.
Music Goldenvoice announces Coachella festival dates for 2021 Promoter Goldenvoice announced April 2021 dates for the Coachella and Stagecoach festivals, which were canceled by Riverside Country officials on Wednesday
Sacha Lopez, a 30-year-old dance music fan from L.A., said outside the party gates that underground techno was her main social community, and she’d been suffering without its comradeship. “This is a celebration, it’s a beautiful feeling to be here,” she said. “It’s been so devastating to be without this. You do everything you can to be safe, but at some point, you have to take that chance.”
Most established L.A. underground club promoters, even if their events aren’t fully permitted, take a range of precautions to ensure fan safety, especially after the 2016 Ghost Ship venue fire in Oakland, which killed 36 people. Such shows are an essential part of queer, multiracial music culture in L.A., and set the tone for bigger events like the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Organizations like the Los Angeles Nightlife Alliance have emerged to advocate for the scene and promote best practices for safety.
But the pandemic has scrambled any sense of what “safe” means when large gatherings like concerts are banned to prevent the spread of a deadly virus. Nightlife will resume someday, but it’s clear that L.A. should be prepared for some kinds of concerts returning ahead of schedule.
“I was scheduled to attend several concerts this summer, and am bummed to have to wait,” Smith said. “But I think this is just going to be one more venue for the virus to spread.”


latimes--2020-06-17--'Is my son next?' Hanging death of Black man sparks outrage and suspicion in Victorville

The hanging death of a Black man in Victorville has sparked community outrage about larger racial issues in the high desert city and calls for a full investigation into whether Malcolm Harsch was the victim of foul play .
Harsch was found hanging from a tree on the morning of May 31 near the city ’ s library .
Authorities have said there is no evidence of foul play , but the man ’ s family and others are skeptical and are demanding an independent investigation .
About 200 people turned out for a peaceful demonstration Tuesday afternoon in Victorville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further investigation into Harsch ’ s death .
Demonstrators marched on the sidewalk along Civic Drive , holding signs that read , “ Defund the Police ” and “ Is My Son Next ?
” They chanted , “ No justice , no peace , ” as cars drove by and honked .
Stevevonna Evans , 36 , an organizer of the protest , said the group was calling for a transparent and independent investigation into the death — the first of two hanging deaths of Black men in Southern California in two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California attorney general to supervise the investigation .
“ Unfortunately , we can ’ t leave this in the hands of the San Bernardino County Sheriff ’ s Department , ” Evans said .
“ We ’ re getting conflicting stories with what they ’ re saying took place and what witnesses say took place.
” Some demonstrators used chalk to write on the sidewalk the names of people killed by police , such as George Floyd and Breonna Taylor .
They also wrote “ Defund , Demilitarize , Deescalate.
” Standing nearby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sheriff ’ s Department , which the city contracts for policing services .
The protest , organized by the grassroots group For the People , comes after the hanging deaths of Harsch , 38 , and , in Palmdale , 24-year-old Robert Fuller .
After questions and protests , the FBI announced Monday it would examine both cases .
The Victorville Fire Department found Harsch ’ s body May 31 after receiving a dispatch call around 7 a.m. , officials said .
On Monday , the San Bernardino County Sheriff ’ s Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying deputies were called to a homeless encampment regarding Harsch .
“ The caller said she and [ her ] boyfriend , later identified as Malcolm Harsch , had been together during the morning , but she had since returned to her tent for a short period of time .
She was alerted by others in the encampment that Mr. Harsch was found hanging from a tree and cut down .
People in the encampment were performing CPR , attempting to revive Mr. Harsch , ” the statement said .
“ Upon arrival @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CPR .
Emergency medical personnel arrived on scene a short time later , and despite additional lifesaving efforts , pronounced Mr. Harsch deceased , ” officials added .
An autopsy was conducted , and officials said they saw no signs of foul play .
But the investigation continues with help from the FBI .
In a statement sent to the Victor Valley News , Harsch ’ s family members in Ohio said they found it hard to accept that his death was a suicide .
They said Harsch had recent conversations with his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to those who knew him , he didn ’ t seem to be depressed .
“ The explanation of suicide does not seem plausible , ” the family wrote .
“ There are many ways to die , but considering the current racial tension , a Black man hanging himself from a tree definitely doesn ’ t sit well with us right now .
“ We want justice , not comfortable excuses , ” they wrote .
During the demonstration outside Victorville City Hall , some protesters waited to address the City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting .
Standing in line was Jessica Powell , 35 , of Victorville .
She held a sign that read , “ We ’ re Not Anti-Police , We ’ re Anti-Police Brutality.
” Powell said she wanted officers to be held accountable when they killed people or when they used excessive force .
“ We need change , ” she said .
“ There needs to be some type of equality , some accountability.
” Powell said that last July her unarmed brother was shot and killed by police in Adelanto .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the back and chest .
She said for almost a year she had been trying to get her brother ’ s autopsy report but had yet to receive anything .
She said police had made it difficult for her to obtain basic information about the shooting .
Eli West , 57 , a community activist , said there was a lot that needed to be brought to light in Victorville .
He said police in the town had racially profiled residents , including himself and his family , and there had been police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a perfect storm , ” he said .
“ When the system is not right for everyone , then it needs to be changed .
“ The Constitution says ‘ justice for all , ’ ” he added , “ and if it ’ s not justice , then we need to redefine that word until we have the right meaning.
” Standing nearby , Barry Harris , 52 , of Victorville , said he came to support the Black Lives Matter movement and call for police accountability .
“ Police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long time now , ” he said .
Harris wanted to attend the City Council meeting , but the chambers had reached capacity .
He said if he ’ d had a chance to address the members , he would have called on them to hold police officers accountable .
Some demonstrators said they wanted Victorville to redirect policing funds for public health and social programs in the city .
The gathering was peaceful , but many took offense with the number of deputies standing nearby and a sheriff ’ s helicopter circling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sidewalk .
West said he didn ’ t like that .
“ I don ’ t think it ’ s necessary .
Everything is peaceful , ” he said .
“ All it is is an act of containment to keep you in line.
” Later in the evening , a small group held up their signs as eight deputies kept watch from afar .
“ Are you all waiting to put your knees in our neck ?
” one woman shouted at them .
“ Are you going to hold your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intimidation , ” the woman yelled as she walked away .
Inside the City Council chambers , more than 50 members of the public spoke for nearly 2½ hours , and at times , the meeting became tense .
Victorville Mayor Gloria Garcia warned Councilwoman Blanca Gomez three times to put a sign down reading , “ Justice for George Floyd.
” At one point , Garcia walked over to Gomez as public comment was taking place and the two councilwomen spoke off-microphone in a brief but lively conversation .
While Garcia returned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sign , holding it aloft for most of the rest of the public comment period .

A protest was held Tuesday in Victorville over the hanging death of Malcolm Harsch. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of death.
The hanging death of a Black man in Victorville has sparked community outrage about larger racial issues in the high desert city and calls for a full investigation into whether Malcolm Harsch was the victim of foul play.
Harsch was found hanging from a tree on the morning of May 31 near the city’s library. Authorities have said there is no evidence of foul play, but the man’s family and others are skeptical and are demanding an independent investigation.
About 200 people turned out for a peaceful demonstration Tuesday afternoon in Victorville, calling for police accountability and the further investigation into Harsch’s death.
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Demonstrators marched on the sidewalk along Civic Drive, holding signs that read, “Defund the Police” and “Is My Son Next?” They chanted, “No justice, no peace,” as cars drove by and honked.
Stevevonna Evans, 36, an organizer of the protest, said the group was calling for a transparent and independent investigation into the death — the first of two hanging deaths of Black men in Southern California in two weeks — and also would like the California attorney general to supervise the investigation.
“Unfortunately, we can’t leave this in the hands of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department,” Evans said. “We’re getting conflicting stories with what they’re saying took place and what witnesses say took place.”
Some demonstrators used chalk to write on the sidewalk the names of people killed by police, such as George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. They also wrote “Defund, Demilitarize, Deescalate.”
Standing nearby were deputies with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, which the city contracts for policing services.
Peaceful protest outside of the Victorville City Hall. Many holding signs. They were mats Hong earlier and chanting “no justice to peace” pic.twitter.com/AksTZtnJvd — Ruben Vives (@LATvives) June 17, 2020
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The protest, organized by the grassroots group For the People, comes after the hanging deaths of Harsch, 38, and, in Palmdale, 24-year-old Robert Fuller.
After questions and protests, the FBI announced Monday it would examine both cases.
The Victorville Fire Department found Harsch’s body May 31 after receiving a dispatch call around 7 a.m., officials said.
On Monday, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department offered more details about what happened, saying deputies were called to a homeless encampment regarding Harsch.
“The caller said she and [her] boyfriend, later identified as Malcolm Harsch, had been together during the morning, but she had since returned to her tent for a short period of time. She was alerted by others in the encampment that Mr. Harsch was found hanging from a tree and cut down. People in the encampment were performing CPR, attempting to revive Mr. Harsch,” the statement said.
“Upon arrival, deputies immediately took over and continued CPR. Emergency medical personnel arrived on scene a short time later, and despite additional lifesaving efforts, pronounced Mr. Harsch deceased,” officials added.
An autopsy was conducted, and officials said they saw no signs of foul play. But the investigation continues with help from the FBI.
In a statement sent to the Victor Valley News, Harsch’s family members in Ohio said they found it hard to accept that his death was a suicide. They said Harsch had recent conversations with his children about seeing them soon and that, to those who knew him, he didn’t seem to be depressed.
“The explanation of suicide does not seem plausible,” the family wrote. “There are many ways to die, but considering the current racial tension, a Black man hanging himself from a tree definitely doesn’t sit well with us right now.
“We want justice, not comfortable excuses,” they wrote.
During the demonstration outside Victorville City Hall, some protesters waited to address the City Council, which was holding its scheduled meeting.
Standing in line was Jessica Powell, 35, of Victorville. She held a sign that read, “We’re Not Anti-Police, We’re Anti-Police Brutality.”
Powell said she wanted officers to be held accountable when they killed people or when they used excessive force.
“We need change,” she said. “There needs to be some type of equality, some accountability.”
Powell said that last July her unarmed brother was shot and killed by police in Adelanto. She said her brother was struck in the back and chest.
She said for almost a year she had been trying to get her brother’s autopsy report but had yet to receive anything. She said police had made it difficult for her to obtain basic information about the shooting.
Eli West, 57, a community activist, said there was a lot that needed to be brought to light in Victorville. He said police in the town had racially profiled residents, including himself and his family, and there had been police killings that were questionable.
“It’s a perfect storm,” he said. “When the system is not right for everyone, then it needs to be changed.
“The Constitution says ‘justice for all,’” he added, “and if it’s not justice, then we need to redefine that word until we have the right meaning.”
Standing nearby, Barry Harris, 52, of Victorville, said he came to support the Black Lives Matter movement and call for police accountability.
“Police have been unfair to us for a long time now,” he said.
Harris wanted to attend the City Council meeting, but the chambers had reached capacity. He said if he’d had a chance to address the members, he would have called on them to hold police officers accountable.
Some demonstrators said they wanted Victorville to redirect policing funds for public health and social programs in the city.
The gathering was peaceful, but many took offense with the number of deputies standing nearby and a sheriff’s helicopter circling overheard, commanding that protesters stay on the sidewalk.
West said he didn’t like that.
“I don’t think it’s necessary. Everything is peaceful,” he said. “All it is is an act of containment to keep you in line.”
Later in the evening, a small group held up their signs as eight deputies kept watch from afar.
“Are you all waiting to put your knees in our neck?” one woman shouted at them. “Are you going to hold your officers accountable?”
The officers looked on.
“This is intimidation,” the woman yelled as she walked away.
Inside the City Council chambers, more than 50 members of the public spoke for nearly 2½ hours, and at times, the meeting became tense.
Victorville Mayor Gloria Garcia warned Councilwoman Blanca Gomez three times to put a sign down reading, “Justice for George Floyd.” At one point, Garcia walked over to Gomez as public comment was taking place and the two councilwomen spoke off-microphone in a brief but lively conversation.
While Garcia returned to her seat, Gomez again hoisted the sign, holding it aloft for most of the rest of the public comment period.


latimes--2020-06-17--Netflix CEO Reed Hastings donates $120 million to support historically Black colleges and universiti

Netflix CEO Reed Hastings donates $120 million to support historically Black colleges and universities

Netflix CEO Reed Hastings and his wife , Patty Quillin , announced Wednesday morning that they have given $ 120 million toward scholarships at historically Black colleges and universities — the largest individual donation to the institutions to date .
Spelman College , Morehouse College and the United Negro College Fund each received $ 40 million .
The two colleges , focused on educating women and men , respectively , are located in Atlanta .
They are top producers of Black graduates receiving Fulbright scholarships and pursuing doctorates .
The United Negro College Fund is a minority education organization that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each year and financially supports 37 historically Black colleges and universities .
Endowments at historically Black colleges and universities remain significantly lower than at comparable colleges .
The median endowment for American historically Black colleges and universities is $ 15.7 million , compared with the median endowment of $ 36.8 million for non-HBCUs , a news release said .
Hastings attributes this to white people ’ s lack of understanding about the record of historically Black colleges and universities .
“ Because there ’ s so much social isolation in America , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ white community — certainly in my community — of the role that HBCUs have played over the last 150 years , ” said Hastings , who has a net worth of about $ 4.7 billion .
Hastings has been involved in education throughout his life .
After graduating from Bowdoin College , he taught math in Swaziland through the Peace Corps .
Since then , he ’ s financed a 1998 campaign to push for charter schools , provided start-up funding to the Aspire Public Schools charter network and served on the California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He had donated to his alma mater in Maine but hadn ’ t considered giving to historically Black colleges and universities until he spoke with United Negro College Fund President Michael Lomax .
“ He said , ‘ Well , capital is isolated also , in addition to social [ isolation ] .
So white people generally give to predominantly white institutions .
It ’ s natural , but it ’ s not healthy .
We need to do a better job of kind of getting to know each other and cross-investing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced Wednesday is not Hastings ’ first gift to benefit historically Black colleges and universities .
In 2016 , he created a $ 100-million Hastings Fund toward education , $ 1.5 million of which went toward the United Negro College Fund .
He then foreshadowed the 2020 gift , posting on Facebook that “ I hope to do more in the future.
” Morehouse College President David Thomas said the gift is powerful because Hastings and Quillin allocated it specifically toward scholarships .
The donation makes up nearly 10 % of Thomas ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Now , he plans to raise the target amount .
Ideally , the endowment would be large enough so the college can admit students without considering their family ’ s economic status .
“ We ’ ve done the calculations .
To be where I want our college to be , which is need-blind , we need an endowment of roughly $ 1.2 billion , ” he said .
Thomas hopes Hastings and Quillin ’ s donation will indicate to other high-income people that historically Black colleges and universities are worth investing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ giving ( more than 35 % at Spelman ) have not been enough to overcome educational inequality .
To reverse the inequity , more people must support HBCUs , a news release said .
If not for a scholarship , the school ’ s 2020 valedictorian , Kendra Grissom , wouldn ’ t have been in the same position to help others , Campbell said .
She was a mentor for 10 first-generation freshmen and sophomores .
She ’ d tutor them , advise them about course selection and tell them about off-campus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pursue a doctoral program in history at Johns Hopkins University .
And if it weren ’ t for his scholarship , Los Angeles native Lomax said he may not have become president of the United Negro College Fund .
“ In 1964 , my mom , who was a journalist , decided to go back to the Deep South and cover the civil rights movement .
I was going to be a senior at L.A. High .
My only option was to go to Tuskegee Institute High School , which was a segregated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his mother wrote to Benjamin Mays , the then-president of Morehouse .
After looking at Lomax ’ s transcript , he offered Lomax a spot in a Morehouse program for high school seniors .
“ I got a scholarship , a Charles E. Merrill early admissions scholarship , founded by the son of the man who created Merrill Lynch .
And that $ 1,200-a-year tuition scholarship gave me the opportunity to get a Morehouse education , the most powerful education I ’ ve had in my life , ” he said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ”

Netflix CEO Reed Hastings announced Wednesday that he will donate $40 million each to Spelman College, Morehouse College and the United Negro College Fund.
Netflix CEO Reed Hastings and his wife, Patty Quillin, announced Wednesday morning that they have given $120 million toward scholarships at historically Black colleges and universities — the largest individual donation to the institutions to date.
Spelman College, Morehouse College and the United Negro College Fund each received $40 million.
The two colleges, focused on educating women and men, respectively, are located in Atlanta. They are top producers of Black graduates receiving Fulbright scholarships and pursuing doctorates. The United Negro College Fund is a minority education organization that awards scholarships to more than 10,000 students each year and financially supports 37 historically Black colleges and universities.
Endowments at historically Black colleges and universities remain significantly lower than at comparable colleges. The median endowment for American historically Black colleges and universities is $15.7 million, compared with the median endowment of $36.8 million for non-HBCUs, a news release said.
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Hastings attributes this to white people’s lack of understanding about the record of historically Black colleges and universities.
“Because there’s so much social isolation in America, there’s just less awareness in the white community — certainly in my community — of the role that HBCUs have played over the last 150 years,” said Hastings, who has a net worth of about $4.7 billion.
Hastings has been involved in education throughout his life. After graduating from Bowdoin College, he taught math in Swaziland through the Peace Corps. Since then, he’s financed a 1998 campaign to push for charter schools, provided start-up funding to the Aspire Public Schools charter network and served on the California Board of Education and KIPP Foundation.
He had donated to his alma mater in Maine but hadn’t considered giving to historically Black colleges and universities until he spoke with United Negro College Fund President Michael Lomax.
“He said, ‘Well, capital is isolated also, in addition to social [isolation]. So white people generally give to predominantly white institutions. It’s natural, but it’s not healthy. We need to do a better job of kind of getting to know each other and cross-investing,’” Hastings said.
The donation announced Wednesday is not Hastings’ first gift to benefit historically Black colleges and universities. In 2016, he created a $100-million Hastings Fund toward education, $1.5 million of which went toward the United Negro College Fund. He then foreshadowed the 2020 gift, posting on Facebook that “I hope to do more in the future.”
Morehouse College President David Thomas said the gift is powerful because Hastings and Quillin allocated it specifically toward scholarships.
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The donation makes up nearly 10% of Thomas’ goal to reach a $500-million endowment. Now, he plans to raise the target amount.
Ideally, the endowment would be large enough so the college can admit students without considering their family’s economic status.
Morehouse College, located in Atlanta, was founded in 1867. The school educated Martin Luther King Jr., former U.S. Surgeon Gen. David Satcher and filmmaker Spike Lee. (Mike Stewart / Associated Press)
“We’ve done the calculations. To be where I want our college to be, which is need-blind, we need an endowment of roughly $1.2 billion,” he said.
Thomas hopes Hastings and Quillin’s donation will indicate to other high-income people that historically Black colleges and universities are worth investing in.
High rates of annual alumni giving (more than 35% at Spelman) have not been enough to overcome educational inequality. To reverse the inequity, more people must support HBCUs, a news release said.
Spelman President Mary Schmidt Campbell said scholarships relate directly to students’ success.
If not for a scholarship, the school’s 2020 valedictorian, Kendra Grissom, wouldn’t have been in the same position to help others, Campbell said. She was a mentor for 10 first-generation freshmen and sophomores. She’d tutor them, advise them about course selection and tell them about off-campus events. Now, she’ll pursue a doctoral program in history at Johns Hopkins University.
And if it weren’t for his scholarship, Los Angeles native Lomax said he may not have become president of the United Negro College Fund.
“In 1964, my mom, who was a journalist, decided to go back to the Deep South and cover the civil rights movement. I was going to be a senior at L.A. High. My only option was to go to Tuskegee Institute High School, which was a segregated school,” he said.
So his mother wrote to Benjamin Mays, the then-president of Morehouse. After looking at Lomax’s transcript, he offered Lomax a spot in a Morehouse program for high school seniors.
“I got a scholarship, a Charles E. Merrill early admissions scholarship, founded by the son of the man who created Merrill Lynch. And that $1,200-a-year tuition scholarship gave me the opportunity to get a Morehouse education, the most powerful education I’ve had in my life,” he said. “It has made all the difference.”