latimes--2020-12-02--Three alleged gang members charged with killing Gardena man

Three alleged gang members were charged Tuesday with shooting a man to death in Gardena , an attack that turned into a gun battle when the victim ’ s father returned fire and fatally wounded one of the assailants .
Three men — Jesus Hernandez , 27 , Antonio Yanez , 22 , and Justin Arteaga , 20 — are charged in federal court with killing a 29-year-old man on Nov. 13 outside his family ’ s home in Gardena , a crime prosecutors contend was committed to raise the defendants ’ standing in the Gardena-13 street gang .
Gardena-13 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counts roughly 300 members and claims a territory bounded by 135th Street to the north , 190th Street to the south , Crenshaw Boulevard to the west and Gardena ’ s Main Street to the east , an investigator , Manuel Aguirre , wrote in an affidavit unsealed Tuesday .
Gardena-13 , like most Latino gangs in Southern California , answers to the Mexican Mafia , an organization of about 140 men drawn from the upper ranks of the region ’ s street gangs .
Although nearly all members of the Mexican Mafia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the street through intermediaries and smuggled cell phones , ordering their underlings to collect extortion payments , or “ taxes , ” from gang members , drug dealers , credit card scammers and other low-level criminals operating in territories that they claim .
Aguirre , a special agent with Homeland Security Investigations , said in his affidavit that members of Gardena-13 pay taxes to the Mexican Mafia and are believed to be trafficking methamphetamine to associates in Hawaii and importing “ ghost guns ” — firearms assembled from unregistered and untraceable parts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The killing in which Hernandez , Yanez and Arteaga are charged took place on a stretch of 144th Street frequented by Gardena-13 members , who call the area “ the Four Block , ” Aguirre ’ s affidavit said .
The victim of the shooting , Evan Campbell , lived “ in the heart of ” Gardena-13 territory , the affidavit said .
Spray-painted on the fence of his family ’ s home were the monikers for Jesus Hernandez ( “ Rowdy ” ) and Yanez ( “ Tank ” ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was Black , is referenced in the affidavit only by his initials ; the Los Angeles County coroner and the Gardena police , however , have identified Campbell as the victim of the shooting .
At 9:45 p.m. on Nov. 13 , Campbell and his brother were sitting in their car near their home when they saw three men approach , the affidavit said .
Through reviewing security camera footage , investigators identified the three men as Yanez , Arteaga and Hernandez ’ s older brother , George .
As the three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and another asked , “ What ’ s your problem ?
What are you doing here ?
” “ Look , we live here , ” Campbell ’ s brother said , according to the affidavit .
“ We don ’ t gang bang .
We mind our own business .
We stay over here .
Ya ’ ll go back around to that corner.
” He texted their father , who was inside the house , telling him there was trouble and asking him to bring his gun , the affidavit said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ identified as George Hernandez , took a swing at Evan Campbell , who swung back , the affidavit said .
Then , all three of the men pulled out guns , Campbell ’ s brother told investigators .
Campbell ’ s father ran outside with his gun just as Campbell ’ s brother ran toward the family ’ s home , the affidavit said .
The father told investigators he heard between 15 to 20 shots .
George Hernandez opened fire at Campbell ’ s father and he shot back , hitting him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the affidavit .
The father ran over to his son , who was lying outside their home , hit 10 times in the chest , stomach and back .
Paramedics pronounced him dead 20 minutes later .
George Hernandez was lying in the street about 50 feet away , grievously wounded .
The 33-year-old died at a hospital three days later , coroner ’ s records show .
The police found Jesus Hernandez that night hiding behind lawn furniture and trash cans in the backyard of a neighboring home , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him , the officers noticed Yanez hiding in the same yard , his grey sweatshirt and hands “ covered in blood , ” the affidavit said .
Jesus Hernandez ’ s attorney declined to comment .
It couldn ’ t be determined Tuesday if Yanez had a lawyer who could speak on his behalf .
Four days after the shooting , agents learned that Arteaga had booked a flight to Guadalajara , Mexico , according to the affidavit .
It was departing from LAX in two hours .
When they apprehended Arteaga at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be wearing the same hat worn in the video of the shooting incident , ” the affidavit said .
Arteaga waived his Miranda rights and , according to the affidavit , told Gardena detectives that on the night of the shooting , a car had driven by playing “ loud music , ” with one of its occupants asking Arteaga and his friends , “ What the f— you looking at ?
” In fact , Aguirre wrote in the affidavit , surveillance video shows that the windows of Campbell ’ s car @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a group of Gardena-13 gang members .
Arteaga said George Hernandez — “ the big homie ” — had requested backup , and when the confrontation turned physical , he fired his gun in a state of shock , according to the affidavit .
It couldn ’ t be determined Tuesday if Arteaga had a lawyer who could speak for him .
Arteaga and Yanez had been arrested on suspicion of murder — but not charged — in a separate incident in August , Aguirre wrote in the affidavit .
The details of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

The office of U.S. Attorney Nicola Hanna, above, charged three men Tuesday with murder in aid of racketeering.
Three alleged gang members were charged Tuesday with shooting a man to death in Gardena, an attack that turned into a gun battle when the victim’s father returned fire and fatally wounded one of the assailants.
Three men — Jesus Hernandez, 27, Antonio Yanez, 22, and Justin Arteaga, 20 — are charged in federal court with killing a 29-year-old man on Nov. 13 outside his family’s home in Gardena, a crime prosecutors contend was committed to raise the defendants’ standing in the Gardena-13 street gang.
Gardena-13, also known as Gardena Trece, counts roughly 300 members and claims a territory bounded by 135th Street to the north, 190th Street to the south, Crenshaw Boulevard to the west and Gardena’s Main Street to the east, an investigator, Manuel Aguirre, wrote in an affidavit unsealed Tuesday.
Advertisement
Gardena-13, like most Latino gangs in Southern California, answers to the Mexican Mafia, an organization of about 140 men drawn from the upper ranks of the region’s street gangs. Although nearly all members of the Mexican Mafia are incarcerated, they direct gang activities on the street through intermediaries and smuggled cell phones, ordering their underlings to collect extortion payments, or “taxes,” from gang members, drug dealers, credit card scammers and other low-level criminals operating in territories that they claim.
Aguirre, a special agent with Homeland Security Investigations, said in his affidavit that members of Gardena-13 pay taxes to the Mexican Mafia and are believed to be trafficking methamphetamine to associates in Hawaii and importing “ghost guns” — firearms assembled from unregistered and untraceable parts — to Southern California from Las Vegas.
The killing in which Hernandez, Yanez and Arteaga are charged took place on a stretch of 144th Street frequented by Gardena-13 members, who call the area “the Four Block,” Aguirre’s affidavit said.
The victim of the shooting, Evan Campbell, lived “in the heart of” Gardena-13 territory, the affidavit said. Spray-painted on the fence of his family’s home were the monikers for Jesus Hernandez (“Rowdy”) and Yanez (“Tank”), according to the affidavit.
Campbell, who was Black, is referenced in the affidavit only by his initials; the Los Angeles County coroner and the Gardena police, however, have identified Campbell as the victim of the shooting.
Advertisement
At 9:45 p.m. on Nov. 13, Campbell and his brother were sitting in their car near their home when they saw three men approach, the affidavit said. Through reviewing security camera footage, investigators identified the three men as Yanez, Arteaga and Hernandez’s older brother, George.
As the three drew closer, one flashed gang signs and another asked, “What’s your problem? What are you doing here?”
“Look, we live here,” Campbell’s brother said, according to the affidavit. “We don’t gang bang. We mind our own business. We stay over here. Ya’ll go back around to that corner.” He texted their father, who was inside the house, telling him there was trouble and asking him to bring his gun, the affidavit said.
One of the men, later identified as George Hernandez, took a swing at Evan Campbell, who swung back, the affidavit said. Then, all three of the men pulled out guns, Campbell’s brother told investigators.
Campbell’s father ran outside with his gun just as Campbell’s brother ran toward the family’s home, the affidavit said. The father told investigators he heard between 15 to 20 shots. George Hernandez opened fire at Campbell’s father and he shot back, hitting him in the head and the chest, according to the affidavit.
The father ran over to his son, who was lying outside their home, hit 10 times in the chest, stomach and back. Paramedics pronounced him dead 20 minutes later. George Hernandez was lying in the street about 50 feet away, grievously wounded. The 33-year-old died at a hospital three days later, coroner’s records show.
The police found Jesus Hernandez that night hiding behind lawn furniture and trash cans in the backyard of a neighboring home, according to the affidavit. As they handcuffed him, the officers noticed Yanez hiding in the same yard, his grey sweatshirt and hands “covered in blood,” the affidavit said.
Jesus Hernandez’s attorney declined to comment. It couldn’t be determined Tuesday if Yanez had a lawyer who could speak on his behalf.
Four days after the shooting, agents learned that Arteaga had booked a flight to Guadalajara, Mexico, according to the affidavit. It was departing from LAX in two hours. When they apprehended Arteaga at the airport, he “appeared to be wearing the same hat worn in the video of the shooting incident,” the affidavit said.
Arteaga waived his Miranda rights and, according to the affidavit, told Gardena detectives that on the night of the shooting, a car had driven by playing “loud music,” with one of its occupants asking Arteaga and his friends, “What the f— you looking at?” In fact, Aguirre wrote in the affidavit, surveillance video shows that the windows of Campbell’s car were rolled up when he drove past a group of Gardena-13 gang members.
Arteaga said George Hernandez — “the big homie” — had requested backup, and when the confrontation turned physical, he fired his gun in a state of shock, according to the affidavit. It couldn’t be determined Tuesday if Arteaga had a lawyer who could speak for him.
Arteaga and Yanez had been arrested on suspicion of murder — but not charged — in a separate incident in August, Aguirre wrote in the affidavit. The details of that case weren’t immediately clear.


latimes--2020-12-02--L.A. police chief says city officials are 'seriously contemplating' laying off police officers

Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore said Wednesday that city officials are “ seriously contemplating ” layoffs of police officers as part of the effort to close a projected budget deficit expected to reach or exceed $ 600 million .
Moore made his remarks just two days before the city ’ s budget analysts are expected to issue a report on the city ’ s financial crisis and the steps needed to address it .
Mayor Eric Garcetti and members of the City Council will begin examining those proposals — and discussing the size of the city workforce — over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As they look for solutions , city leaders are considering layoffs for police officers and civilians at the LAPD , the chief said .
“ We have already experienced … a reduction in our workforce , between sworn and civilian , in excess of 500 personnel , ” Moore said during a video Q & A with members of the news media .
“ To suffer further losses would be devastating to the safety of the city.
” The city ’ s financial crisis , brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with hotel taxes , parking fines and other forms of revenue falling short of amounts in previous years .
In July , the council cut $ 150 million from the LAPD budget , taking staffing down to 9,757 officers by June , the lowest level since 2008 .
Asked about Moore ’ s remarks , Garcetti acknowledged that L.A. and its residents are experiencing a “ brutal ” year economically .
The mayor said city leaders must be ready to make difficult decisions , particularly if the federal government fails to provide relief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic .
“ It is my hope we will do everything we can to avoid layoffs , ” Garcetti said .
“ So , I know it ’ s kind of sexy to lead with the worst .
But I hope that ’ s at the very bottom of our list.
” Garcetti said layoffs would harm city services for years and would probably hit the city ’ s most vulnerable employees — those who are younger and people of color — the hardest .
Craig Lally , president of the Los @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that represents LAPD officers , said city leaders are seeking new reductions just as homicides and gun violence are rising .
“ Unfortunately , this is not make-believe , and these proposed cuts will lead to thousands of more violent crime victims , 70 % being Black or Hispanic , and devastate thousands of families , ” he said .
“ Whoever cooked up this approach clearly does not care about our communities overwhelmed by violence.
” So far this year , Los Angeles has seen a 28 % increase in homicides — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 40 % increase in shooting victims compared with 2019 , Moore said .
The increase in shooting victims is connected , in part , to violence among street gangs , the chief said .
“ Also we ’ ve seen an increase in persons experiencing homelessness … being victims of homicides at the hands of other individuals who are experiencing homelessness , ” he said .
Moore is not the first city official to raise the prospect of LAPD layoffs in recent days .
Last week , in an interview with The Times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is looking at job cuts for police officers and firefighters .
“ I don ’ t see a way to avoid layoffs of city employees , ” said Krekorian , who heads the council ’ s powerful Budget and Finance Committee .
“ And I do not think it would make sense to exempt any category of employees in doing that.
” Krekorian added that if the city received a federal aid package , or concessions from its employee unions , those layoffs could be avoided .
Budget officials are projecting a revenue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a figure that represents about 9 % of the city ’ s general fund , which pays for such basic services as police officers and firefighters .
City negotiators sent a letter last month to the LAPD union asking its leaders to return to the bargaining table to discuss the financial crisis .
The union declined , saying city leaders should look elsewhere for cuts .
League members are on track to receive a 3.25 % pay increase in January .
Civilian city workers are scheduled to receive a 2 % increase that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % raise in June .
Garcetti asked city department heads to begin working on a “ potential layoff scenario ” in September .
City leaders are planning to move ahead with furloughs — representing a 10 % pay cut — on civilian workers next month .

Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore said Wednesday that city officials are “seriously contemplating” layoffs of police officers as part of the effort to close a projected budget deficit expected to reach or exceed $600 million.
Moore made his remarks just two days before the city’s budget analysts are expected to issue a report on the city’s financial crisis and the steps needed to address it. Mayor Eric Garcetti and members of the City Council will begin examining those proposals — and discussing the size of the city workforce — over the next few weeks, he said.
As they look for solutions, city leaders are considering layoffs for police officers and civilians at the LAPD, the chief said.
“We have already experienced … a reduction in our workforce, between sworn and civilian, in excess of 500 personnel,” Moore said during a video Q&A with members of the news media. “To suffer further losses would be devastating to the safety of the city.”
The city’s financial crisis, brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, has been steadily growing for months, with hotel taxes, parking fines and other forms of revenue falling short of amounts in previous years. In July, the council cut $150 million from the LAPD budget, taking staffing down to 9,757 officers by June, the lowest level since 2008.
Asked about Moore’s remarks, Garcetti acknowledged that L.A. and its residents are experiencing a “brutal” year economically. The mayor said city leaders must be ready to make difficult decisions, particularly if the federal government fails to provide relief to cities and states hit hard by the pandemic.
Advertisement
“It is my hope we will do everything we can to avoid layoffs,” Garcetti said. “So, I know it’s kind of sexy to lead with the worst. But I hope that’s at the very bottom of our list.”
California Coronavirus hospitalizations surge to unprecedented level as L.A. announces stay-at-home rules The number of Californians hospitalized with coronavirus surged to a record high for a fourth straight day — soaring above 8,000 amid continued concerns that a sustained spike in patients may eventually swamp the state’s healthcare system.
Garcetti said layoffs would harm city services for years and would probably hit the city’s most vulnerable employees — those who are younger and people of color — the hardest.
Craig Lally, president of the Los Angeles Police Protective League, the union that represents LAPD officers, said city leaders are seeking new reductions just as homicides and gun violence are rising.
“Unfortunately, this is not make-believe, and these proposed cuts will lead to thousands of more violent crime victims, 70% being Black or Hispanic, and devastate thousands of families,” he said. “Whoever cooked up this approach clearly does not care about our communities overwhelmed by violence.”
So far this year, Los Angeles has seen a 28% increase in homicides — an additional 68 murders — and a 40% increase in shooting victims compared with 2019, Moore said.
The increase in shooting victims is connected, in part, to violence among street gangs, the chief said. “Also we’ve seen an increase in persons experiencing homelessness … being victims of homicides at the hands of other individuals who are experiencing homelessness,” he said.
Moore is not the first city official to raise the prospect of LAPD layoffs in recent days.
Last week, in an interview with The Times, Councilman Paul Krekorian said the city is looking at job cuts for police officers and firefighters.
“I don’t see a way to avoid layoffs of city employees,” said Krekorian, who heads the council’s powerful Budget and Finance Committee. “And I do not think it would make sense to exempt any category of employees in doing that.”
Advertisement
Krekorian added that if the city received a federal aid package, or concessions from its employee unions, those layoffs could be avoided.
Budget officials are projecting a revenue gap of around $600 million, a figure that represents about 9% of the city’s general fund, which pays for such basic services as police officers and firefighters.
City negotiators sent a letter last month to the LAPD union asking its leaders to return to the bargaining table to discuss the financial crisis.
The union declined, saying city leaders should look elsewhere for cuts.
League members are on track to receive a 3.25% pay increase in January. Civilian city workers are scheduled to receive a 2% increase that same month, followed by another 2% raise in June.
Garcetti asked city department heads to begin working on a “potential layoff scenario” in September. City leaders are planning to move ahead with furloughs — representing a 10% pay cut — on civilian workers next month.


latimes--2020-12-02--L.A. mayor announces $800 stipends for food service workers

Los Angeles will offer a one-time $ 800 stipend to employees who work in food service industries , including restaurants , breweries and food stands , Mayor Eric Garcetti said Wednesday .
The Secure Emergency Relief for Vulnerable Employees , or SERVE , initiative will give 4,000 workers the cash using money from the nonprofit Mayor ’ s Fund for Los Angeles , Garcetti said in an evening briefing .
The news comes as the number of Californians hospitalized with the coronavirus reached more than 8,000 and 40 more deaths were reported in L.A. County on Wednesday , leading to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4 of every 10 employees in the food service industry have lost their jobs this year .
“ With outdoor dining suspended at our restaurants , the losses suffered by the industry ’ s workers and business owners are mounting , ” Garcetti said .
“ I ’ ve heard the pain in the voices of our service workers and from our restaurant owners.
” Eligible residents must be 18 or older and have 2019 income of $ 58,450 or less .
Applications open Monday and the link to apply will be available @ @ @ @ @ @

One block of Avenida de la Playa is closed to vehicular traffic for outdoor dining.
Los Angeles will offer a one-time $800 stipend to employees who work in food service industries, including restaurants, breweries and food stands, Mayor Eric Garcetti said Wednesday.
The Secure Emergency Relief for Vulnerable Employees, or SERVE, initiative will give 4,000 workers the cash using money from the nonprofit Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles, Garcetti said in an evening briefing. The news comes as the number of Californians hospitalized with the coronavirus reached more than 8,000 and 40 more deaths were reported in L.A. County on Wednesday, leading to restrictions on outdoor dining.
Garcetti said 4 of every 10 employees in the food service industry have lost their jobs this year.
Advertisement
“With outdoor dining suspended at our restaurants, the losses suffered by the industry’s workers and business owners are mounting,” Garcetti said. “I’ve heard the pain in the voices of our service workers and from our restaurant owners.”
Eligible residents must be 18 or older and have 2019 income of $58,450 or less. Applications open Monday and the link to apply will be available on the SERVE initiative website.


latimes--2020-12-02--Coronavirus hospitalizations surge to unprecedented level as L.A. announces stay-at-home rules

The number of Californians hospitalized with the coronavirus surged to a record high for a fourth straight day — soaring above 8,000 amid continued concerns that a sustained spike in patients may eventually swamp the state ’ s healthcare system .
Though the 8,517 hospitalizations seen Tuesday are unprecedented , officials caution that it likely doesn ’ t represent the ceiling of the latest COVID-19 surge , as the figure largely excludes anyone who was only recently infected , including over the Thanksgiving weekend .
“ We do have a choice to make , each one of us : Do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solution to this horrifying surge , or do we want to be the problem ?
” Los Angeles County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said during a briefing Wednesday .
“ Because where you fall in this effort now has a life-or-death consequence , possibly for people you know and love , but certainly for people across the county who are loved by others.
” Gov .
Gavin Newsom sounded the alarm on the state of the state ’ s hospitals earlier this week .
Unless things change , he said , California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capacity by mid-December , a possibility he warned could require dramatic action to keep from becoming reality .
On Wednesday night , the city of Los Angeles issued a modified stay-at-home order that conforms with an L.A. County order issued on Friday .
The city order says residents should stay at home whenever possible and prohibits gatherings of people outside immediate households , with some exceptions such as religious services and protests .
While the order tells people to stay home , it also allows retail businesses to remain open “ after implementing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Public Health Protocols for Retail Establishments Opening for In-person Shopping.
” Parks and trails remain open along with golf courses , tennis courts , beaches .
Music and television production is allowed .
“ The city and county orders are the same .
In the past there have been some minor differences but currently they are the same , ” said Alex Comisar , a spokesman for Garcetti .
Though ICU numbers have not yet reached the heights seen during the last COVID-19 surge over the summer , they are fast approaching those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most recent day for which state data are available — there were 2,006 COVID-19 patients in intensive care .
That ’ s up roughly 75 % from two weeks ago .
The state ’ s all-time record is 2,058 , set on July 21 .
Though hospitals have plans in place to expand their capacity should need arise , their ability to do so is limited .
ICUs present a particular challenge because they typically need specialized space , equipment and staff .
“ What matters is a hospital ’ s practical ability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come in the door , and that requires not just a bed but , more importantly , it requires people , it requires staff , it requires supplies and equipment , ” Dr. Christina Ghaly , L.A. County ’ s director of health services , said during a briefing .
With the number of patients rising rapidly , officials said they are increasingly concerned that demand could outpace the available supply — particularly in ICUs .
“ Unless there has been and continues to be changes in community transmission , we do anticipate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ICU beds over the next four weeks , ” Ghaly said of L.A. County .
“ Hospitals will have to take substantive action to meet the need for hospital and , particularly , for ICU level of care.
” Despite the distressing statistics , the prospect of even more restrictions — which Newsom said could include some form of new stay-at-home order for areas in the strictest purple tier of the state ’ s coronavirus reopening road map — will be a tough sell for pandemic-battered businesses and rule-weary Californians .
L.A. County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into opposition for recent steps it ’ s taken .
Most objectionable for many has been the renewed suspension of outdoor dining at restaurants — which officials said will help tamp down transmission by reducing lengthy interactions between largely unmasked patrons .
Critics , however , have derided the move as wholly unjustified by any kind of data and a capricious broadside against an already reeling industry .
Pasadena , which has its own city health department , has decided not to follow the county ’ s lead .
The Beverly Hills City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dining ban Tuesday , and asked staff to research the idea of forming an independent public health department that would allow the city to set its own rules .
The South Bay Cities Council of Governments , a joint powers authority of 16 cities and parts of the county , recently sent a letter to Newsom asking that he “ reconsider allowing significantly large areas that are less impacted by COVID cases and hospitalizations to have more local control over the restrictions on businesses in their area.
” “ It is time to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an ability to adopt local restrictions in designated areas , ” the letter states .
It ’ s not just restaurants that have emerged as a political flashpoint .
On the first day that card clubs in L.A. County were forced to close due to rising coronavirus cases , representatives for the casinos and the cities where they operate urged officials to allow them to reopen , citing the financial strain .
The card clubs were originally closed in March but were allowed to reopen only in outdoor settings in early October .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday .
“ Shutting down our casinos is like shutting down our cities , ” City of Commerce Mayor Ivan Altamirano said during a news conference at the Commerce Casino .
Altamirano joined Bell Gardens Mayor Alejandra Cortez and Hawaiian Gardens City Manager Ernie Hernandez to appeal to county officials , noting that the casinos generate up to 75 % of general fund revenue in those working-class cities .
Cortez said her city has already lost up to $ 9 million in tax revenue due to the closing of the Bicycle Hotel and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and has been forced to lay off staff and cut employees ’ salaries .
“ Our residents can ’ t afford further cuts , ” she said .
Ferrer said that , given the efficacy of some basic infection prevention measures like widespread masking and physical distancing , that the county ’ s latest regulations attempt to “ limit places where people were intermingling with others that weren ’ t in their households , to limit the capacity at those places so there wouldn ’ t be a lot of crowding.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we did months ago when we actually closed all of nonessential retail , all of nonessential business because we didn ’ t really have the tools we have now , ” she said .
“ The problem with the tools we have now , in all honesty , is that people have to then use them.
” As debate swirls over how best to contain COVID-19 , the pandemic is continuing its statewide rampage .
Over the last week , California has averaged 14,119 new coronavirus cases per day — a 55.6 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to data compiled by The Times .
State health officials estimate that 12 % of those who test positive are hospitalized two to three weeks later , meaning the past week ’ s unprecedented case load could trigger a wave of new hospitalizations .
L.A. County already has more than 2,400 coronavirus patients in its hospitals , and Ferrer said that figure is likely to get worse before it gets better .
Santa Clara County officials also warned Wednesday that the region ’ s system of hospitals is at risk of exceeding capacity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ units were at 93 % capacity at hospitals that traditionally serve the agricultural southern part of the county , like Gilroy ; and East San Jose , which is heavily Latino and has been hit hard by the pandemic .
None of those hospitals — including Regional Medical Center of San Jose , Kaiser Santa Clara , and the county-run Santa Clara Valley Medical Center , O ’ Connor Hospital and St. Louise Regional Hospital — had more than five ICU beds available Tuesday .
“ What this means is that the hospitals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beds available for those in need , ” Dr. Jennifer Tong , associate chief medical officer at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center , said at a news conference Wednesday .
ICU occupancy for other hospitals in the county was at 84 % .
Officials are working to redistribute patients as needed , Tong said , “ but these numbers are gravely concerning .
We want you and your loved ones to get the care that you need at our hospitals if you become seriously ill. “ We each must do our part to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our hospital capacity , thereby protecting those who live and work here , ” she said .
It ’ s important to remember , Ferrer said this week , that the metrics measuring the pandemic aren ’ t mere figures on a spreadsheet , they ’ re real people : Neighbors , friends , siblings , parents and other relatives .
More than 19,300 Californians — including roughly 7,700 residents of L.A. County — have died from COVID-19 throughout the pandemic , and officials say they ’ re concerned that fatalities could rise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new infections and hospitalizations have .
Aside from abiding by public health restrictions , experts say residents can help protect themselves from the coronavirus by wearing masks in public , regularly washing their hands and staying home when they ’ re sick ; as well as keeping physical distance from , and avoiding gatherings with , those they do not live with .
“ We ’ re seeing terrifying increases in numbers in L.A. County that can only be turned around if everyone , businesses and individuals , carefully use the tools we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ferrer said .
Times staff writers Hayley Smith and Jaclyn Cosgrove contributed to this report .

Luke Money, Rong-Gong Lin II, Hugo Martín, Dakota Smith

EMT Giselle Dorgalli, second from right, looks at a monitor while performing chest compression on a patient who tested positive for coronavirus in the emergency room at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in the Mission Hills section of Los Angeles.
The number of Californians hospitalized with the coronavirus surged to a record high for a fourth straight day — soaring above 8,000 amid continued concerns that a sustained spike in patients may eventually swamp the state’s healthcare system.
Though the 8,517 hospitalizations seen Tuesday are unprecedented, officials caution that it likely doesn’t represent the ceiling of the latest COVID-19 surge, as the figure largely excludes anyone who was only recently infected, including over the Thanksgiving weekend.
“We do have a choice to make, each one of us: Do we want to be part of the solution to this horrifying surge, or do we want to be the problem?” Los Angeles County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said during a briefing Wednesday. “Because where you fall in this effort now has a life-or-death consequence, possibly for people you know and love, but certainly for people across the county who are loved by others.”
Advertisement
Gov. Gavin Newsom sounded the alarm on the state of the state’s hospitals earlier this week. Unless things change, he said, California could exceed its existing intensive care unit capacity by mid-December, a possibility he warned could require dramatic action to keep from becoming reality.
On Wednesday night, the city of Los Angeles issued a modified stay-at-home order that conforms with an L.A. County order issued on Friday. The city order says residents should stay at home whenever possible and prohibits gatherings of people outside immediate households, with some exceptions such as religious services and protests.
While the order tells people to stay home, it also allows retail businesses to remain open “after implementing the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health Protocols for Retail Establishments Opening for In-person Shopping.”
Parks and trails remain open along with golf courses, tennis courts, beaches. Music and television production is allowed.
“The city and county orders are the same. In the past there have been some minor differences but currently they are the same,” said Alex Comisar, a spokesman for Garcetti.
Advertisement
Though ICU numbers have not yet reached the heights seen during the last COVID-19 surge over the summer, they are fast approaching those levels.
As of Tuesday — the most recent day for which state data are available — there were 2,006 COVID-19 patients in intensive care. That’s up roughly 75% from two weeks ago.
The state’s all-time record is 2,058, set on July 21.
Though hospitals have plans in place to expand their capacity should need arise, their ability to do so is limited. ICUs present a particular challenge because they typically need specialized space, equipment and staff.
“What matters is a hospital’s practical ability to take care of the patients that come in the door, and that requires not just a bed but, more importantly, it requires people, it requires staff, it requires supplies and equipment,” Dr. Christina Ghaly, L.A. County’s director of health services, said during a briefing.
With the number of patients rising rapidly, officials said they are increasingly concerned that demand could outpace the available supply — particularly in ICUs.
“Unless there has been and continues to be changes in community transmission, we do anticipate that we will have a shortage of ICU beds over the next four weeks,” Ghaly said of L.A. County. “Hospitals will have to take substantive action to meet the need for hospital and, particularly, for ICU level of care.”
Despite the distressing statistics, the prospect of even more restrictions — which Newsom said could include some form of new stay-at-home order for areas in the strictest purple tier of the state’s coronavirus reopening road map — will be a tough sell for pandemic-battered businesses and rule-weary Californians.
L.A. County, for instance, has already run into opposition for recent steps it’s taken.
Most objectionable for many has been the renewed suspension of outdoor dining at restaurants — which officials said will help tamp down transmission by reducing lengthy interactions between largely unmasked patrons.
Critics, however, have derided the move as wholly unjustified by any kind of data and a capricious broadside against an already reeling industry.
Pasadena, which has its own city health department, has decided not to follow the county’s lead. The Beverly Hills City Council voted unanimously to oppose the outdoor dining ban Tuesday, and asked staff to research the idea of forming an independent public health department that would allow the city to set its own rules.
The South Bay Cities Council of Governments, a joint powers authority of 16 cities and parts of the county, recently sent a letter to Newsom asking that he “reconsider allowing significantly large areas that are less impacted by COVID cases and hospitalizations to have more local control over the restrictions on businesses in their area.”
“It is time to replace the ‘one-size-fits-all policies’ with an ability to adopt local restrictions in designated areas,” the letter states.
It’s not just restaurants that have emerged as a political flashpoint. On the first day that card clubs in L.A. County were forced to close due to rising coronavirus cases, representatives for the casinos and the cities where they operate urged officials to allow them to reopen, citing the financial strain.
The card clubs were originally closed in March but were allowed to reopen only in outdoor settings in early October. The casinos were ordered to close again Monday.
“Shutting down our casinos is like shutting down our cities,” City of Commerce Mayor Ivan Altamirano said during a news conference at the Commerce Casino.
Altamirano joined Bell Gardens Mayor Alejandra Cortez and Hawaiian Gardens City Manager Ernie Hernandez to appeal to county officials, noting that the casinos generate up to 75% of general fund revenue in those working-class cities.
Cortez said her city has already lost up to $9 million in tax revenue due to the closing of the Bicycle Hotel and Casino since the start of the pandemic and has been forced to lay off staff and cut employees’ salaries.
“Our residents can’t afford further cuts,” she said.
Ferrer said that, given the efficacy of some basic infection prevention measures like widespread masking and physical distancing, that the county’s latest regulations attempt to “limit places where people were intermingling with others that weren’t in their households, to limit the capacity at those places so there wouldn’t be a lot of crowding.”
“That’s very different than what we did months ago when we actually closed all of nonessential retail, all of nonessential business because we didn’t really have the tools we have now,” she said. “The problem with the tools we have now, in all honesty, is that people have to then use them.”
As debate swirls over how best to contain COVID-19, the pandemic is continuing its statewide rampage.
Over the last week, California has averaged 14,119 new coronavirus cases per day — a 55.6% increase from two weeks ago, according to data compiled by The Times.
State health officials estimate that 12% of those who test positive are hospitalized two to three weeks later, meaning the past week’s unprecedented case load could trigger a wave of new hospitalizations.
L.A. County already has more than 2,400 coronavirus patients in its hospitals, and Ferrer said that figure is likely to get worse before it gets better.
Santa Clara County officials also warned Wednesday that the region’s system of hospitals is at risk of exceeding capacity. As of Tuesday, intensive care units were at 93% capacity at hospitals that traditionally serve the agricultural southern part of the county, like Gilroy; and East San Jose, which is heavily Latino and has been hit hard by the pandemic.
None of those hospitals — including Regional Medical Center of San Jose, Kaiser Santa Clara, and the county-run Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, O’Connor Hospital and St. Louise Regional Hospital — had more than five ICU beds available Tuesday.
“What this means is that the hospitals in our hardest-hit communities have the fewest beds available for those in need,” Dr. Jennifer Tong, associate chief medical officer at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, said at a news conference Wednesday.
ICU occupancy for other hospitals in the county was at 84%.
Officials are working to redistribute patients as needed, Tong said, “but these numbers are gravely concerning. We want you and your loved ones to get the care that you need at our hospitals if you become seriously ill.
“We each must do our part to slow the spread of transmission and protect our hospital capacity, thereby protecting those who live and work here,” she said.
It’s important to remember, Ferrer said this week, that the metrics measuring the pandemic aren’t mere figures on a spreadsheet, they’re real people: Neighbors, friends, siblings, parents and other relatives.
More than 19,300 Californians — including roughly 7,700 residents of L.A. County — have died from COVID-19 throughout the pandemic, and officials say they’re concerned that fatalities could rise in the near future, much as new infections and hospitalizations have.
Aside from abiding by public health restrictions, experts say residents can help protect themselves from the coronavirus by wearing masks in public, regularly washing their hands and staying home when they’re sick; as well as keeping physical distance from, and avoiding gatherings with, those they do not live with.
“We’re seeing terrifying increases in numbers in L.A. County that can only be turned around if everyone, businesses and individuals, carefully use the tools we have to slow the spread,” Ferrer said.
Times staff writers Hayley Smith and Jaclyn Cosgrove contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-12-03--Former aide to Gavin Newsom arrested on domestic violence charges

A former political advisor to Gov .
Gavin Newsom and well-known Democratic strategist was arrested in October on charges of domestic violence and child abuse , including an alleged attempt to “ suffocate ” a 4-year-old child with a pillow , according to the Napa County Sheriff ’ s Office .
Napa County Assistant Dist .
Atty .
Paul Gero said his office filed a two-count felony complaint Thursday against Nathan Ballard , 51 , alleging domestic violence and child abuse following his Oct. 18 arrest .
Ballard , who worked as Newsom ’ s communications director when Newsom was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a recent Marin Magazine profile on Newsom and his wife , documentary filmmaker Jennifer Siebel Newsom , that he was a “ longtime friend and advisor ” to the governor .
According to the Napa County sheriff , an unnamed woman alleged that Ballard , who she said had been under the influence of alcohol and marijuana , pushed her against a glass door Oct. 17 , causing her head to strike the glass .
Sheriff ’ s Office spokesman Henry Wofford said the woman told authorities that Ballard fell to the floor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then grabbed a pillow and “ attempted to suffocate the child with the pillow.
” The woman told an investigator that she was able to remove the child and a 3-year-old boy from where the alleged incident occurred , and went to a separate room and locked the door , Wofford said .
Ballard ’ s arrest was first reported by Politico , which also reported that the alleged incident occurred at the upscale Carneros Resort and Spa in Napa .
Ballard ’ s attorney , Anthony Brass , said he was “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cleared of the charges .
“ Nate is a well-respected professional and a member of the bar with a spotless ethical record .
He has no criminal history .
In his 51 years , Nate has never been accused of , arrested for , nor charged with any crime before these unsubstantiated allegations , ” Brass said in a written statement .
“ After nearly eight years of continuous sobriety , Nate resumed drinking in April , after his father died .
He is now clean and sober again , and he is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal with his drinking problem in a responsible , comprehensive manner.
” Ballard is the founder of the Press Shop , a San Francisco public relations firm .
He has worked as a communications advisor for the NBA ’ s Golden State Warriors , Super Bowl 50 , the Democratic National Committee and the California Democratic Party , and he has served as a spokesman for former senator and Secretary of State John Kerry ’ s 2004 presidential campaign .
Ballard also serves on the board of the Representation Project , a nonprofit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ combat social injustice and gender stereotypes .
The news of Ballard ’ s arrest comes at a politically sensitive time for Newsom .
The Democratic governor has come under fire for visiting an upscale Napa Valley restaurant with his wife to attend a birthday party for his political advisor , Jason Kinney , on Nov. 6 .
Newsom apologized for his behavior , saying it contradicted the spirit of the safety guidelines and precautions he has asked Californians to follow during the COVID-19 pandemic .
The governor ’ s office did not respond @ @ @ @ @

Nathan Ballard, who served as an aide to Gov. Gavin Newsom, pictured, when Newsom was mayor of San Francisco, has been arrested in Napa County on charges of domestic violence and child abuse.
A former political advisor to Gov. Gavin Newsom and well-known Democratic strategist was arrested in October on charges of domestic violence and child abuse, including an alleged attempt to “suffocate” a 4-year-old child with a pillow, according to the Napa County Sheriff’s Office.
Napa County Assistant Dist. Atty. Paul Gero said his office filed a two-count felony complaint Thursday against Nathan Ballard, 51, alleging domestic violence and child abuse following his Oct. 18 arrest.
For the record: This story incorrectly states that Nathan Ballard serves on the board of directors of the Representation Project, a nonprofit founded by Gov. Gavin Newsom’s wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom. Ballard resigned from the Representation Project board Oct. 19, according to Soraya Chemaly, executive director of the nonprofit.
Ballard, who worked as Newsom’s communications director when Newsom was mayor of San Francisco, said in a recent Marin Magazine profile on Newsom and his wife, documentary filmmaker Jennifer Siebel Newsom, that he was a “longtime friend and advisor” to the governor.
According to the Napa County sheriff, an unnamed woman alleged that Ballard, who she said had been under the influence of alcohol and marijuana, pushed her against a glass door Oct. 17, causing her head to strike the glass. Sheriff’s Office spokesman Henry Wofford said the woman told authorities that Ballard fell to the floor, bloodying his nose and forehead, then grabbed a pillow and “attempted to suffocate the child with the pillow.”
The woman told an investigator that she was able to remove the child and a 3-year-old boy from where the alleged incident occurred, and went to a separate room and locked the door, Wofford said.
Ballard’s arrest was first reported by Politico, which also reported that the alleged incident occurred at the upscale Carneros Resort and Spa in Napa.
Ballard’s attorney, Anthony Brass, said he was “fully confident” that Ballard would be cleared of the charges.
“Nate is a well-respected professional and a member of the bar with a spotless ethical record. He has no criminal history. In his 51 years, Nate has never been accused of, arrested for, nor charged with any crime before these unsubstantiated allegations,” Brass said in a written statement. “After nearly eight years of continuous sobriety, Nate resumed drinking in April, after his father died. He is now clean and sober again, and he is currently in a residential recovery program to deal with his drinking problem in a responsible, comprehensive manner.”
Ballard is the founder of the Press Shop, a San Francisco public relations firm. He has worked as a communications advisor for the NBA’s Golden State Warriors, Super Bowl 50, the Democratic National Committee and the California Democratic Party, and he has served as a spokesman for former senator and Secretary of State John Kerry’s 2004 presidential campaign. Ballard also serves on the board of the Representation Project, a nonprofit founded by Siebel Newsom that works to combat social injustice and gender stereotypes.
The news of Ballard’s arrest comes at a politically sensitive time for Newsom. The Democratic governor has come under fire for visiting an upscale Napa Valley restaurant with his wife to attend a birthday party for his political advisor, Jason Kinney, on Nov. 6. Newsom apologized for his behavior, saying it contradicted the spirit of the safety guidelines and precautions he has asked Californians to follow during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The governor’s office did not respond to requests for comment.


latimes--2020-12-03--L.A. County breaks single-day coronavirus case record as new restrictions loom

Los Angeles County broke another record for daily coronavirus cases Thursday , the same day state officials unveiled new guidelines that soon could subject the county — along with the rest of Southern California — to additional limits on businesses and activities in a bid to beat back the pandemic ’ s strongest surge .
County health officials reported 7,854 new coronavirus cases , the second time in three days the daily total has surpassed 7,500 .
“ I can ’ t emphasize this enough : Everyone must take personal steps to protect themselves from getting and spreading this virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Officer Dr. Muntu Davis said during a briefing .
“ Actions need to be taken now and on a daily basis.
” Along with the staggering case count — which boosted the county ’ s infection total above 420,000 — hospitalizations also continue to hit new highs .
There are 2,572 patients with a confirmed case in hospitals countywide , according to the latest tally .
That number has more than doubled from two weeks ago .
Over the same period , the number of COVID-19 patients in intensive care units has swelled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 601 , according to data compiled by The Times .
County officials have said the latter number is particularly alarming .
Though hospitals can increase capacity should the need arise , they can not perpetually do so .
ICUs present a particular challenge , as they typically need specialized space , staff and equipment .
“ If steps to curb transmission are abandoned , then the number of people requiring hospitalization can still overwhelm any additional capacity that hospitals are able to create , ” Dr. Christina Ghaly , the county ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
How much public appetite there is for more stringent restrictions remains to be seen .
Policymakers and public health officials have long warned of the consequences of pandemic fatigue and emphasized that the only path forward is through collective vigilance and a doubling down on infection prevention protocols — including wearing masks in public , regularly washing your hands and staying home when you ’ re sick , as well as keeping distance from , and avoiding gatherings with , those outside your household .
“ We ’ re not asking you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re asking you to take the precautions needed to prevent the continued spread of this virus , ” Davis said .
“ If more of us take these steps , we stand a very good chance of seeing transmission rates decline.
” Social media lit up Wednesday night when the city of Los Angeles unrolled it own “ targeted ” stay-at-home order following a rise in covid-19 cases .
Critics on social media complained the latest rules appeared to be contradictory and questioned the seemingly sudden announcement by the city .
In fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same order days earlier .
But the county ’ s order failed to generate the same attention , in part because the county didn ’ t send out a text message about the order , as the city did .
Both the city and the county directives order people to stay home , while also exempting a slew of activities , including tennis , beach-going , and more , with some restrictions .
Asked about the criticism , Los Angeles County health officials said Thursday that they were trying to achieve a balance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that getting out and having physical activity is good for your health and your mental wellbeing , ” said Davis .
He said those activities can happen with family members , but that “ intermingling and mixing with other households ” is to be avoided .
He also said people have to be able to go to their jobs .
“ We ’ re asking that people stay at home and really only do what ’ s essential , and the basic necessities that you need to , to avoid potentially coming in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infected and expose you or your family to the disease , ” Davis said .
Times staff writers Rong-Gong Lin II , John Myers and Dakota Smith contributed to this report .

Nurses oversee the Emergency Department patients details on monitors as they treat patients who have been brought in with possible COVID-19 symptoms at Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego
Los Angeles County broke another record for daily coronavirus cases Thursday, the same day state officials unveiled new guidelines that soon could subject the county — along with the rest of Southern California — to additional limits on businesses and activities in a bid to beat back the pandemic’s strongest surge.
Officials reported 7,713 new coronavirus cases in L.A. County, according to a Times tally, the second time in three days the daily total has surpassed 7,500.
“I can’t emphasize this enough: Everyone must take personal steps to protect themselves from getting and spreading this virus to others,” L.A. County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis said during a briefing. “Actions need to be taken now and on a daily basis.”
Advertisement
Along with the staggering case count — which boosted the county’s infection total above 420,000 — hospitalizations also continue to hit new highs.
There are 2,668 patients with a confirmed case in hospitals countywide, according to the latest tally. That number has more than doubled from two weeks ago.
And since Nov. 15, the number of COVID-19 patients in L.A. County’s intensive care units has doubled, from 308 to 632.
County officials have said the latter number is particularly alarming.
Though hospitals can increase capacity should the need arise, they cannot perpetually do so. ICUs present a particular challenge, as they typically need specialized space, staff and equipment.
Advertisement
“If steps to curb transmission are abandoned, then the number of people requiring hospitalization can still overwhelm any additional capacity that hospitals are able to create,” Dr. Christina Ghaly, the county’s director of health services, said Wednesday.
California California pioneered the COVID-19 stay-at-home lockdown. Now, it faces a backlash State officials are considering the kind of stay-at-home order that helped curb the virus’ spread in the spring. What is unclear is whether Californians will stomach even a modified lockdown as they did in March and April.
How much public appetite there is for more stringent restrictions remains to be seen.
Policymakers and public health officials have long warned of the consequences of pandemic fatigue and emphasized that the only path forward is through collective vigilance and a doubling down on infection prevention protocols — including wearing masks in public, regularly washing your hands and staying home when you’re sick, as well as keeping distance from, and avoiding gatherings with, those outside your household.
“We’re not asking you to live in fear; we’re asking you to take the precautions needed to prevent the continued spread of this virus,” Davis said. “If more of us take these steps, we stand a very good chance of seeing transmission rates decline.”
Social media lighted up Wednesday night when the city of Los Angeles unrolled it own “targeted” stay-at-home order following a rise in coronavirus cases.
Critics on social media complained the latest rules appeared to be contradictory and questioned the seemingly sudden announcement by the city.
In fact, Los Angeles County had released the same order days earlier. But the technical language of the county’s order failed to generate the same attention, in part because the county didn’t send out a text message about the order, as the city did.
Both the city and the county directives order people to stay home, while also exempting a slew of activities, including tennis, beach-going, and more, with some restrictions.
Asked about the criticism, Los Angeles County health officials said Thursday that they were trying to achieve a balance with the rules.
“We recognize that getting out and having physical activity is good for your health and your mental wellbeing,” said Davis.
He said those activities can happen with family members, but that “intermingling and mixing with other households” is to be avoided. He also said people have to be able to go to their jobs.
“We’re asking that people stay at home and really only do what’s essential, and the basic necessities that you need to, to avoid potentially coming in contact with others who may unknowingly be infected and expose you or your family to the disease,” Davis said.
Times staff writers Rong-Gong Lin II and John Myers contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-12-03--California's new stay-at-home order: What you need to know, from supermarkets to playgrounds

Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s new regional stay-at-home order is similar to the original sweeping order issued in March , but is significantly limited in some ways .
All retail stores will be allowed to remain open , as will be outdoor spaces like parks and beaches .
The order prohibits gatherings and requires people to stay home and minimize their interactions with other households as much as possible .
The practice of keeping people physically distant from one another interrupts the transmission of the virus .
Nearly 20,000 Californians have died after being infected with the coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than a century .
State officials are forecasting that intensive care units will exceed capacity within weeks , which could worsen mortality in hospitals .
Unless the current surge in cases is turned around , California ’ s death toll could double by the end of winter .
Here ’ s how the new order works .
When the stay-at-home order goes into effect Where : A stay-at-home order would be implemented by region , triggered when the region ’ s intensive care unit capacity falls below 15 % .
When : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours after a region hits the ICU capacity threshold .
What are the regions ?
There are five : Southern California , the San Joaquin Valley , the Bay Area , the Greater Sacramento area and rural Northern California .
Projections : None of these regions have met this threshold , but all are expected to meet it soon .
Four of the regions are expected to have less than 15 % of ICU capacity by early December — Southern California , the San Joaquin Valley , the Greater Sacramento area and rural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected to hit that threshold in mid- to late December .
Here ’ s the current available ICU capacity by region , based on actual numbers , according to the California Health and Human Services Agency : The percentages change daily as intensive care units admit and release patients , according to the agency .
What closes once a region hits this threshold Retail would stay open , but with more limited capacity This is a major difference — all retail would be allowed to remain open under this stay-at-home order , although @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impose tougher rules than the state ’ s .
• Most of California : In much of the state , essential retail , like supermarkets and drug stores , were allowed to open at 50 % of capacity ; non-essential retail , like other stores and malls , opened at 25 % capacity .
The new order would lower capacity of all retail to 20 % .
• Los Angeles County : L.A. County on Monday already had tightened capacity limits at retail .
When L.A. County falls into the scope of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would remain the same at 20 % .
Essential retail capacity would fall from 25 % of capacity to 20 % .
• Santa Clara County : Whenever Santa Clara County falls into the scope of the new order , the home of Silicon Valley would see its own toughened capacity limits for essential stores go from 25 % to 20 % .
Santa Clara County has an even tougher limit for nonessential retail , 10 % , that would remain in place .
Shopping centers would also be capped at 20 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stores would be prohibited and someone would need to be stationed at the entrance to ensure the capacity limit is not exceeded .
Special hours should be imposed for seniors or those with compromised immune systems .
Travel and use of hotels and lodging for tourism and leisure prohibited After the first statewide stay-at-home order imposed in the spring , California allowed counties to reopen hotels for tourism and individual travel in June .
The new regional stay-at-home order , when effective , again prohibits hotel use for tourism , leisure and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether it be a vacation or a road trip to see family or friends .
Specifically , it allows hotel and lodging for essential reasons only , defined as supporting “ critical infrastructure sectors , ” which includes a category of designated essential sectors , including workers in healthcare , food , agriculture , energy , utilities , transportation , communications , government operations , manufacturing , financial services and the entertainment industry .
• Professional sports without live audiences , except for Santa Clara County , which has its own order banning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ San Francisco 49ers to temporarily relocate to Arizona for its December home games • Schools that are already open for in-person learning can remain open How long do regions stay under the order ?
Regions stay under the order for at least three weeks .
To be released , the region must have its area ’ s forecasted ICU capacity for the next four weeks reach 15 % or greater .
The counties then return to the existing reopening tier system , determined by the coronavirus case rate and test positivity rate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Officials can make forecasts on ICU capacity because they know that on average , about 12 % of people who test positive for the coronavirus will need hospitalization two weeks after they receive their positive test result , a portion of whom will need to be transferred to the intensive care unit about a week or 10 days after admission .
The explosion of cases and hospitalizations in recent weeks could overwhelm the state ’ s intensive care units .
Average daily case rates and hospitalizations have tripled over the last month , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dying daily from COVID-19 over the last week , a 60 % jump from mid-November .
Should ICUs become overwhelmed , mortality is certain to skyrocket , experts say , with nurses and doctors suddenly responsible for more critically ill patients than they can handle .
Some critically ill patients would have to be moved to parts of the hospital not designed to handle such patients .
And physicians warn that there are only so many doctors , nurses and other providers who are highly trained in providing intensive care .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and mixing for a short period of time , we can get the gains that we need to bend this curve ... and save lives now , ” said Dr. Mark Ghaly , the California Health and Human Services secretary .
Ghaly noted that Europe has been successful recently in reimposing stricter stay-at-home orders and driving down the spread of the virus , after incremental approaches , while less economically harmful , proved ineffective .
How will it be enforced ?
Realistically , the order will work only if most Californians comply .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Californians collective decide to defy it .
Newsom said he ’ s seen support for enforcing the order from a number of local officials , although he acknowledged that some officials have said they ’ re not planning to enforce the rules .
Newsom said among counties unwilling to enforce rules or adopt measures to reduce the spread of disease , he plans to withhold funding set aside to address the pandemic .
Newsom said state agencies are also able to enforce the order , such as through the Department of Alcoholic Beverage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California issued a travel advisory last month that urged against nonessential out-of state trips and asked people to quarantine for 14 days after arriving from another state or country .
Now that the regional stay-at-home order is expected to be in place soon , “ we ’ re asking people then to consider canceling their travel plans now , ” Ghaly said .
Once the order goes into effect , the state is asking people to stay at home and not mix and move around .
Part of the recent surge in California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travelers coming to California from other areas .
“ All nonessential travel we are ordering to be temporarily restricted , ” Newsom said .
The directive to cancel nonessential travel plans is a requirement , not an advisory .
The requirement really isn ’ t enforceable , but Ghaly said he hoped that labeling it a requirement would encourage compliance .
The regional approach is being used because that ’ s how hospitals and healthcare delivery systems work when some hospitals reach capacity , Ghaly said .
When one county is full , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help .

Martha Ortiz of Hawthorne carries her two Yorkie terriers while shopping at Plaza Mexico in Lynwood.
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s new regional stay-at-home order is similar to the original sweeping order issued in March, but is significantly limited in some ways.
All retail stores will be allowed to remain open, as will outdoor spaces like parks and beaches.
For the record: An earlier version of this article indicated essential retail capacity in Los Angeles County would be capped at 20% capacity, dropping from 25%. Current capacity for essential businesses in L.A. County is 35%.
Advertisement
The order prohibits gatherings and requires people to stay home and minimize their interactions with other households as much as possible. The practice of keeping people physically distant from one another interrupts the transmission of the virus.
Nearly 20,000 Californians have died after being infected with the coronavirus, responsible for the worst global pandemic in more than a century. State officials are forecasting that intensive care units will exceed capacity within weeks, which could worsen mortality in hospitals. Unless the current surge in cases is turned around, California’s death toll could double by the end of winter.
Here’s how the new order works.
When the stay-at-home order goes into effect
Where: A stay-at-home order would be implemented by region, triggered when the region’s intensive care unit capacity falls below 15%.
When: The order would go into effect 24 hours after a region hits the ICU capacity threshold. On Friday, five counties in the Bay Area — San Francisco, Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa and Marin — said they planned to implement the order early next week, without waiting for the region to hit the state’s threshold.
How soon: The earliest any region could see closures would be Sunday.
What are the regions? There are five: Southern California, the San Joaquin Valley, the Bay Area, the Greater Sacramento area and rural Northern California.
Projections: On Friday night, two regions — Southern California and the San Joaquin Valley crossed the threshold, which, if it continues on Saturday, would cause the stay-at-home order to be implemented in those regions by Sunday.
Advertisement
Here’s the current available ICU capacity by region, based on actual numbers, according to the California Department of Public Health, as of Friday night.
Bay Area: 21.2%
Greater Sacramento Region: 21.4%
Rural Northern California: 20.9%
San Joaquin Valley: 14.1%
Southern California: 13.1%
The percentages change daily as intensive care units admit and release patients, according to the agency.
What closes once a region hits this threshold
Outdoor restaurant dining
Hair salons, barbershops, nail salons and other personal care services
Playgrounds
Outdoor cardrooms and satellite wagering and casinos
Outdoor museums, zoos and aquariums
Outdoor movie theaters
Outdoor wineries
Overnight stays at campgrounds
Food, drink or alcohol sales at outdoor recreational facilities
Retail would stay open, but with more limited capacity
This is a major difference — all retail would be allowed to remain open under this stay-at-home order, although at a reduced capacity. Counties can impose tougher rules than the state’s.
Most of California: In much of the state, essential retail, like supermarkets and drug stores, were allowed to open at 50% of capacity; non-essential retail, like other stores and malls, opened at 25% capacity. The new order would lower capacity of all retail to 20%.
In much of the state, essential retail, like supermarkets and drug stores, were allowed to open at 50% of capacity; non-essential retail, like other stores and malls, opened at 25% capacity. The new order would lower capacity of all retail to 20%. Los Angeles County: L.A. County on Monday already had tightened capacity limits at retail. When L.A. County falls into the scope of the new order, nonessential retail capacity limits would remain the same at 20%. Essential retail capacity would fall from 35% of capacity to 20%.
L.A. County on Monday already had tightened capacity limits at retail. When L.A. County falls into the scope of the new order, nonessential retail capacity limits would remain the same at 20%. Essential retail capacity would fall from 35% of capacity to 20%. Santa Clara County: Santa Clara County also had already tightened capacity limits. When the county falls into the scope of the new order, the local, tougher limit for nonessential retail (10%) will be loosened to conform with the state’s limit, 20%. Essential retail capacity would fall from 25% to 20%.
Santa Clara County also had already tightened capacity limits. When the county falls into the scope of the new order, the local, tougher limit for nonessential retail (10%) will be loosened to conform with the state’s limit, 20%. Essential retail capacity would fall from 25% to 20%. Shopping centers would also be capped at 20% of capacity. Eating and drinking in stores would be prohibited. Special hours should be imposed for seniors or those with compromised immune systems.
Travel and use of hotels and lodging for tourism and leisure prohibited
After the first statewide stay-at-home order imposed in the spring, California allowed counties to reopen hotels for tourism and individual travel in June.
The new regional stay-at-home order, when effective, again prohibits hotel use for tourism, leisure and other nonessential reasons, like nonessential travel, whether it be a vacation or a road trip to see family or friends.
Specifically, it allows hotel and lodging for essential reasons only, defined as supporting “critical infrastructure sectors,” , including workers in healthcare, food, agriculture, energy, utilities, transportation, communications, government operations, manufacturing, financial services and the entertainment industry.
The order would prohibit nonessential travel.
What stays open
Entertainment production
Professional sports without live audiences, except for Santa Clara County. It has its own order banning contact sports, which has forced the San Francisco 49ers to temporarily relocate their team to Arizona for its December home games
Schools that are already open for in-person learning can remain open
Outdoor areas like beaches, parks, and hiking trails
Medical offices, dentist offices
Childcare and prekindergarten
Restaurants for takeout and delivery service
Critical infrastructure sectors
Gatherings would be banned
In early October, the state began to allow counties to permit small gatherings of people from different households, provided they occurred outdoors for a duration of no more than two hours and involved people from three or fewer households, who stayed at least six feet from one another and wore masks when not eating or drinking.
The new order would prohibit gatherings among people from different households. L.A. County implemented the same ban on Monday.
Outdoor church services and political demonstrations are still allowed.
How long do regions stay under the order?
Regions stay under the order for at least three weeks.
To be released, the region must have its area’s forecasted ICU capacity for the next four weeks reach 15% or greater.
The counties then return to the existing reopening tier system, determined by the coronavirus case rate and test positivity rate, to determine what industries can reopen.
How will it be enforced?
Realistically, the order will work only if most Californians comply.
Newsom said he’s seen support for enforcing the order from a number of local officials, although he acknowledged that some officials have said they’re not planning to enforce the rules. Newsom said among counties unwilling to enforce rules or adopt measures to reduce the spread of disease, he plans to withhold funding set aside to address the pandemic.
What about travel?
California issued a travel advisory last month that urged against nonessential out-of state trips and asked people to quarantine for 14 days after arriving from another state or country.
Now that the regional stay-at-home order is expected to be in place soon, “we’re asking people then to consider canceling their travel plans now,” Ghaly said.
Once the order goes into effect, the state is asking people to stay at home and not mix and move around. Part of the recent surge in California, Ghaly said, was caused by travelers coming to California from other areas.
“All nonessential travel we are ordering to be temporarily restricted,” Newsom said.
The directive to cancel nonessential travel plans is a requirement, not an advisory. The requirement really isn’t enforceable, but Ghaly said he hoped that labeling it a requirement would encourage compliance.
Why use a regional approach?
The regional approach is being used because that’s how hospitals and healthcare delivery systems work when some hospitals reach capacity, Ghaly said. When one county is full, it leans on a nearby county for help.
Rural Northern California: Del Norte, Glenn, Humboldt, Lake, Lassen, Mendocino, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama, Trinity
Bay Area: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Monterey, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma
Greater Sacramento: Alpine, Amador, Butte, Colusa, El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, Sierra, Sutter, Yolo, Yuba
San Joaquin Valley: Calaveras, Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, San Benito, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tulare, Tuolumne
Southern California: Imperial, Inyo, Los Angeles, Mono, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura


latimes--2020-12-03--State expands homeowners insurance protections to L.A. County residents around Bobcat fire

A state-mandated moratorium banning insurers from dropping homeowners policies in fire-stricken areas has been expanded to include hundreds of thousands of residents impacted by the Bobcat fire , officials announced Thursday .
The moratorium lasts a year and begins on Sept. 25 , the date when the state declared the Bobcat fire an emergency .
Insurers will be prohibited from cancelling or refusing to renew 347,000 homeowners ’ policies in specific ZIP codes in and around Bobcat fire burn scar until Sept. 25 , 2021 .
“ California ’ s devastating wildfires have affected millions of residents , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to search for new insurance while they are still recovering , ” said Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara .
“ By pushing the pause button on nonrenewals , we will give breathing room to wildfire-scarred communities and homeowners as we all adapt , take steps to mitigate risks and find further solutions to help stabilize the insurance market.
” The Bobcat fire started Sept. 6 and burned about 116,000 acres of forest between the San Gabriel and Antelope valleys and destroyed 160 homes and buildings .
It was one of many wildfires that broke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that made 2020 the state ’ s worst fire year on record .
More than 4 million acres have burned and dozens of people have been killed .
Thursday ’ s announcement expands on a moratorium Lara announced in November , bringing the total number of policies impacted to 2.4 million statewide .
It includes the foothill communities of Azusa , Monrovia , Arcadia , La Cañada , Flintridge , Pasadena , Altadena , Glendale , Covina , Baldwin Park , Claremont , La Crescenta , Upland , Sierra Madre , Glendora , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a challenging year for so many of our Los Angeles County communities , this resource is deeply needed and appreciated , ” County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said .
In the last few years , repeated , destructive wind-driven fires in forest and foothill communities have bled billions of dollars of insurance provider profits , leading them to raise premiums or flee the marketplace altogether .
Lara ’ s order includes homeowners in the following counties : Butte , Fresno , Lake , Los Angeles , Madera , Mariposa , Mendocino , Napa , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bernardino , San Diego , San Mateo , Santa Clara , Santa Cruz , Siskiyou , Solano , Stanislaus , Yolo and Yuba .
It ’ s the second moratorium Lara has issued since taking office in 2019 .
About 36,000 Los Angeles County policyholders who were protected under that order for the Saddleridge , Hillside and Tick fires will remain protected for another year .
Beyond the moratorium , the Department of Insurance is also and others to find agreement on how to stabilize the state ’ s insurance market , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Over the last three years , a number of issues , from climate change to California ’ s housing costs and availability , have met head-on in the state ’ s wildland-urban interface where the suburbs blend into rugged mountain terrain .
Residents are seeing policy premiums jump by hundreds of percent a year while others are opting to quietly forgo coverage altogether .
Still others have turned to the secondary market , which has fewer consumer protections , or to the state ’ s plan for high-risk policies , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Between 2018 and 2019 , there was a 31 % increase in homeowner policy nonrenewals statewide and a 61 % increase in areas deemed at moderate or very high risk of fire , according to state data .
The worst-hit counties watched insurers refuse to renew policies at an even greater clip while those that remained jacked up their policy premiums .
To stem the rising tide against homeowners , Lara ’ s office announced earlier this year that changes were coming for insurers , including a requirement that they offer an incentive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their property and greater transparency in how insurers calculate their risks and justify their premiums .
A second hearing on the possible changes is scheduled for Dec. 10 .

The remains of burned automobiles from the Bobcat fire in the Angeles National Forest in Juniper Hills in September.
A state-mandated moratorium banning insurers from dropping homeowners policies in fire-stricken areas has been expanded to include hundreds of thousands of residents impacted by the Bobcat fire, officials announced Thursday.
The moratorium lasts a year and begins Sept. 25, the date when the state declared the Bobcat fire an emergency. Insurers will be prohibited from canceling or refusing to renew 347,000 homeowners’ policies in specific ZIP Codes in and around Bobcat fire burn scar until Sept. 25, 2021.
“California’s devastating wildfires have affected millions of residents, and the last thing they need is to have to search for new insurance while they are still recovering,” said Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara. “By pushing the pause button on nonrenewals, we will give breathing room to wildfire-scarred communities and homeowners as we all adapt, take steps to mitigate risks and find further solutions to help stabilize the insurance market.”
Advertisement
The Bobcat fire started Sept. 6 and burned about 116,000 acres of forest between the San Gabriel and Antelope valleys and destroyed 160 homes and buildings. It was one of many wildfires that broke out in August and September — blazes that made 2020 the state’s worst fire year on record. More than 4 million acres have burned and dozens of people have been killed.
Thursday’s announcement expands on a moratorium Lara announced in November, bringing the total number of policies impacted to 2.4 million statewide. It includes the foothill communities of Azusa, Monrovia, Arcadia, La Cañada, Flintridge, Pasadena, Altadena, Glendale, Covina, Baldwin Park, Claremont, La Crescenta, Upland, Sierra Madre, Glendora, Lancaster and Palmdale.
“After such a challenging year for so many of our Los Angeles County communities, this resource is deeply needed and appreciated,” L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said.
In the last few years, repeated, destructive wind-driven fires in forest and foothill communities have bled billions of dollars of insurance provider profits, leading them to raise premiums or flee the marketplace altogether.
Lara’s order includes homeowners in the following counties: Butte, Fresno, Lake, Los Angeles, Madera, Mariposa, Mendocino, Napa, Nevada, Monterey, Plumas, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Siskiyou, Solano, Stanislaus, Yolo and Yuba.
It’s the second moratorium Lara has issued since taking office in 2019. About 36,000 Los Angeles County policyholders who were protected under that order for the Saddleridge, Hillside and Tick fires will remain protected for another year.
Beyond the moratorium, the Department of Insurance is also working with insurance providers and consumer advocates and others to find agreement on how to stabilize the state’s insurance market, which is the fourth largest in the world.
Over the last three years, a number of issues, from climate change to California’s housing costs and availability, have met head-on in the state’s wildland-urban interface where the suburbs blend into rugged mountain terrain.
Residents are seeing policy premiums jump by hundreds of percent a year while others are opting to quietly forgo coverage altogether. Still others have turned to the secondary market, which has fewer consumer protections, or to the state’s plan for high-risk policies, which is more expensive and offers less coverage.
Advertisement
Between 2018 and 2019, there was a 31% increase in homeowner policy nonrenewals statewide and a 61% increase in areas deemed at moderate or very high risk of fire, according to state data. The worst-hit counties watched insurers refuse to renew policies at an even greater clip while those that remained jacked up their policy premiums.
To stem the rising tide against homeowners, Lara’s office announced earlier this year that changes were coming for insurers, including a requirement that they offer an incentive for homeowners who reduce fire risks on their property and greater transparency in how insurers calculate their risks and justify their premiums.
A second hearing on the possible changes is scheduled for Dec. 10.


latimes--2020-12-03--CHP motorcycle officer dies week after on-duty crash

A California Highway Patrol officer has died more than a week after suffering critical injuries in a motorcycle crash while on duty , authorities said .
Andy Ornelas , 27 , was struck while riding his motorcycle on patrol around 7 p.m. Nov. 23 in Palmdale , according to a news release .
A driver swung from the right shoulder to make a U-turn and ended up directly in Ornelas ’ path , according to CHP officials from the Truckee station .
He was thrown from his vehicle on impact .
Ornelas was taken to Antelope Valley Hospital in Lancaster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injuries .
He died Wednesday , authorities said .
“ We will never forget his service and the ultimate sacrifice he made on behalf of all Californians , ” CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray said in a statement .
Flags at the State Capitol will be flown at half-staff in honor of Ornelas , Gov .
Gavin Newsom said in a statement .
Newsom said he and his wife , Jennifer Siebel Newsom , extended their “ heartfelt condolences ” to the Ornelas ’ friends , family and fellow officers .
Ornelas followed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parents as well as other family members , the CHP said .
His mother , Kellie Ornelas , is a retired CHP officer from the same Antelope Valley office her son worked in .
His father , Arturo Ornelas , is a motorcycle officer with the Los Angeles Police Department .
His brother , Andreas Ornelas , is a CHP officer , and his uncle is a retired CHP captain .
“ California is grateful for Officer Ornelas ’ s dedication to carrying on his family ’ s tradition of public service and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe , ” Newsom said .
In addition to his parents , brother and uncle , Ornelas is survived by his wife , Taylor , and sister , Nikki Ornelas .

CHP Officer Andy Ornelas, 27, was struck while riding his motorcycle on patrol on Nov. 23 in Palmdale. Ornelas died Wednesday.
A California Highway Patrol officer has died more than a week after suffering critical injuries in a motorcycle crash while on duty, authorities said.
Andy Ornelas, 27, was struck while riding his motorcycle on patrol around 7 p.m. Nov. 23 in Palmdale, according to a news release.
A driver swung from the right shoulder to make a U-turn and ended up directly in Ornelas’ path, according to CHP officials from the Truckee station. He was thrown from his vehicle on impact.
Advertisement
Ornelas was taken to Antelope Valley Hospital in Lancaster, where he was treated for multiple injuries. He died Wednesday, authorities said.
“We will never forget his service and the ultimate sacrifice he made on behalf of all Californians,” CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray said in a statement.
With heavy hearts we announce the End of Watch for Antelope Valley CHP Officer Andy Ornelas, ID 21685.
On November 23, 2020, at approximately 7:05 pm, Officer Ornelas was riding his departmental motorcycle when a motorist pulled from the right shoulder to make a U-turn pic.twitter.com/ySToglKk92 — CHP-Truckee (@CHP_Truckee) December 2, 2020
Flags at the state Capitol will be flown at half-staff in honor of Ornelas, Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement.
Newsom said he and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, extended their “heartfelt condolences” to the Ornelas’ friends, family and fellow officers.
Ornelas followed in the law enforcement footsteps of both his parents as well as other family members, the CHP said. His mother, Kellie Ornelas, is a retired CHP officer from the same Antelope Valley office her son worked in. His father, Arturo Ornelas, is a motorcycle officer with the Los Angeles Police Department. His brother, Andreas Ornelas, is a CHP officer, and his uncle is a retired CHP captain.
“California is grateful for Officer Ornelas’s dedication to carrying on his family’s tradition of public service and honors his work to keep our communities safe,” Newsom said.
Advertisement
In addition to his parents, brother and uncle, Ornelas is survived by his wife, Taylor, and sister, Nikki Ornelas.


latimes--2020-12-03--Weary Orange County residents face another round of wildfire evacuations

For the second time in five weeks , Patrick Day packed up his photo albums , clothing and important documents and prepared to evacuate his Orange County home .
Nearby , the Bond fire was rapidly chewing through canyon country .
The 51-year-old ’ s Lake Forest neighborhood of two-story stucco homes was littered with deflated Christmas blowups and tinsel and lights hung from balcony railings Friday morning as ash fell like snow from the December sky .
“ It ’ s shocking that fire season is still going on into December , ” Day said .
“ It seems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a fire breaks out.
” The latest blaze , the Bond fire , erupted Wednesday night .
By midday Thursday , it had exploded to more than 7,000 acres with 0 % containment .
In late October , the fast-moving Silverado fire burned through roughly the same area , searing 13,400 acres and forcing tens of thousands of evacuations before firefighters got the blaze under control .
“ So much of the hillside burned in the last fire and there ’ s so little left to burn , so I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk there is to my home , ” Day said of the current fire .
Still , his wife , who awoke to a voluntary evacuation notice around 2 a.m. , started packing in the middle of the night .
Day and his family were ready to leave by 10 a.m. and planned to stay at a friend ’ s hotel in Anaheim .
Sepehr Roshan of Pomona was also awoken early Thursday , with a notice that his aunt ’ s home was in an evacuation zone .
She has abdominal cancer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago during the Silverado fire .
The air quality did not help her health , so the 53-year-old drove to Orange County to help his family find accommodations and prepare to leave if needed .
Air quality near the fire took a nosedive Thursday .
The Environmental Protection Agency monitoring site Air Now showed Orange , Irvine , Tustin and other areas near the Bond fire hovering in the and advised people to reduce time outdoors and avoid strenuous activities .
“ She ’ s bed-resting right now , but it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She doesn ’ t really want to leave her house because it ’ s her comfort zone , ” Roshan said .
“ We made sure all the windows and doors are closed and the air purifier is on at all times.
” Up the street , Donna Budman was monitoring the smoke outside her home of 28 years .
The faint sound of sirens and loudspeakers from sheriff ’ s vehicles echoed as they patrolled the area .
Her neighborhood has been threatened by wildfire three times since she moved in — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ This neighborhood is full of original homeowners , ” she said , “ and for my kids , this is their home .
This is all they know .
We all have that sense of home , I think.
” Budman said she and her family weren ’ t planning to evacuate .
She is watching the pine trees north of her home .
If the threat level rises , her family is ready to evacuate , but they plan to bunker down in the meantime .
Her main worry was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to finish a college exam .
“ Maybe we have a false sense of security because of last month ’ s fire burning a lot of the vegetation already , ” she said , “ but it ’ s a good reminder that we need to be ready , and we are.
” Mandatory evacuation orders were in effect for Silverado , Modjeska , Williams , Black Star and Baker canyons and portions of Portola Hills and Foothill Ranch , according to the Orange County Sheriff ’ s Department .
Voluntary evacuation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Trabuco Canyon to north Tustin .
The latest map of evacuation areas is available here .
A temporary Red Cross evacuation point has been set up in Lot 2 of Santiago Canyon College , 8045 E. Chapman Ave. , Orange .
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic , authorities said no congregate shelter was available , and they urged evacuees “ to seek safety with family/friends or in a hotel.
” Judy Smith , a 48-year-old from Lake Forest , stood by her car outside the Red Cross area Thursday afternoon .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home after developing a mild cold and showing pre-COVID-19 symptoms .
Instead , she spent hours in her car trying to find hotel accommodations with a separate room for her daughter , who was perched in an adjacent car .
“ We ’ ll be OK.
It ’ s an unfortunate timing , ” Smith said .
“ I ’ m going to see what I can do to isolate from my daughter.
” Around 70 cars had come for assistance by 1 p.m. , said Red Cross officials , who were prepping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evacuation zone was encroaching on their locale .

For the second time in five weeks, Patrick Day packed up his photo albums, clothing and important documents and prepared to evacuate his Orange County home. Nearby, the Bond fire was rapidly chewing through canyon country.
The 51-year-old’s Lake Forest neighborhood of two-story stucco homes was littered with deflated Christmas blowups and tinsel and lights hung from balcony railings Friday morning as ash fell like snow from the December sky.
“It’s shocking that fire season is still going on into December,” Day said. “It seems like every time there’s winds, a fire breaks out.”
Advertisement
The latest blaze, the Bond fire, erupted Wednesday night. By midday Thursday, it had exploded to more than 7,000 acres with 0% containment.
In late October, the fast-moving Silverado fire burned through roughly the same area, searing 13,400 acres and forcing tens of thousands of evacuations before firefighters got the blaze under control.
“So much of the hillside burned in the last fire and there’s so little left to burn, so I’m not so sure how big of a risk there is to my home,” Day said of the current fire.
Still, his wife, who awoke to a voluntary evacuation notice around 2 a.m., started packing in the middle of the night. Day and his family were ready to leave by 10 a.m. and planned to stay at a friend’s hotel in Anaheim.
Sepehr Roshan of Pomona was also awoken early Thursday, with a notice that his aunt’s home was in an evacuation zone. She has abdominal cancer, and evacuation proved difficult five weeks ago during the Silverado fire. The air quality did not help her health, so the 53-year-old drove to Orange County to help his family find accommodations and prepare to leave if needed.
Advertisement
Air quality near the fire took a nosedive Thursday. The Environmental Protection Agency monitoring site Air Now showed Orange, Irvine, Tustin and other areas near the Bond fire hovering in the unhealthy air quality range and advised people to reduce time outdoors and avoid strenuous activities.
“She’s bed-resting right now, but it’s tough,” Roshan said. “She doesn’t really want to leave her house because it’s her comfort zone,” Roshan said. “We made sure all the windows and doors are closed and the air purifier is on at all times.”
California Bond fire: Evacuations, road closures, shelters The Bond fire, which began Wednesday night in Orange County, has exploded to more than 7,000 acres and is threatening several canyon communities.
Up the street, Donna Budman was monitoring the smoke outside her home of 28 years. The faint sound of sirens and loudspeakers from sheriff’s vehicles echoed as they patrolled the area.
Her neighborhood has been threatened by wildfire three times since she moved in — twice in the last several weeks.
“This neighborhood is full of original homeowners,” she said, “and for my kids, this is their home. This is all they know. We all have that sense of home, I think.”
Budman said she and her family weren’t planning to evacuate. She is watching the pine trees north of her home. If the threat level rises, her family is ready to evacuate, but they plan to bunker down in the meantime.
California Photos: Bond fire in Orange County prompts evacuations The Bond fire erupted overnight in Orange County in dry brush and prompted evacuations in mountain communities amid high winds.
Her main worry was the Wi-Fi cutting out while her daughter was trying to finish a college exam.
“Maybe we have a false sense of security because of last month’s fire burning a lot of the vegetation already,” she said, “but it’s a good reminder that we need to be ready, and we are.”
Mandatory evacuation orders were in effect for Silverado, Modjeska, Williams, Black Star and Baker canyons and portions of Portola Hills and Foothill Ranch, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Voluntary evacuation warnings have been issued for areas spanning from Trabuco Canyon to north Tustin. The latest map of evacuation areas is available here.
A temporary Red Cross evacuation point has been set up in Lot 2 of Santiago Canyon College, 8045 E. Chapman Ave., Orange. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, authorities said no congregate shelter was available, and they urged evacuees “to seek safety with family/friends or in a hotel.”
Judy Smith, a 48-year-old from Lake Forest, stood by her car outside the Red Cross area Thursday afternoon. She had anticipated spending the week isolating at home after developing a mild cold and showing pre-COVID-19 symptoms. Instead, she spent hours in her car trying to find hotel accommodations with a separate room for her daughter, who was perched in an adjacent car.
“We’ll be OK. It’s an unfortunate timing,” Smith said. “I’m going to see what I can do to isolate from my daughter.”
Around 70 cars had come for assistance by 1 p.m., said Red Cross officials, who were prepping to find a new location as the evacuation zone was encroaching on their locale.